Page 559 of 657

"'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered,

turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened

for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for

it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search

was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of

every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed

the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the

wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our

threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after

going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to

you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter.

The police have openly confessed that they can at present make

nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think

necessary. I have already offered a reward of £ 1000. My God,

what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son in

one night. Oh, what shall I do!"