Pagina 580 van 657

"No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible

solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of

your troubles."

"Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have

learned something! Where are the gems?"

"You would not think £ 1000 apiece an excessive sum for them?"

"I would pay ten."

"That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter.

And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your cheque-book?

Here is a pen. Better make it out for £ 4000."

With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes

walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of

gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table.

With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up.

"You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!"

The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and

he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom.

"There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock

Holmes rather sternly.