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"'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest

about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely

certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a

pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?'

"'Ample.'

"'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof

of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I

have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to

refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to

preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I

need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any

harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as

serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the

world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them.

I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall

call for it in person on Monday morning.'