The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Part 46 (1/2)

”'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur

”'In oodness the house won't be burgled during the night' said he

”'It is locked up,' I answered

”'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau When I was a youngster I have opened it myself with the key of the box-roo, so that I thought little of what he said He followed rave face

”'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let me have 200 pounds?'

”'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply 'I have been far too generous with you in money matters'

”'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this ain'

”'And a very good thing, too!' I cried

”'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured race I must raise the money in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I ry, for this was the third de from me,' I cried, on which he bowed and left the rooone I unlocked my bureau, ain Then I started to go round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perforht As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself at the sideof the hall, which she closed and fastened as I approached

”'Tell ht, a little disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the ht?'

”'Certainly not'

”'She came in just now by the back door I have no doubt that she has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that it is hardly safe and should be stopped'

”'You , or I will if you prefer it Are you sure that everything is fastened?'

”'Quite sure, dad'

”'Then, good-night' I kissed her and went up to ain, where I was soon asleep

”I a, Mr Hol that you will question me upon any point which I do not ularly lucid”

”I come to a part of my story nohich I should wish to be particularly so I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety in my mind tended, no doubt, to make , then, I akened by some sound in the house It had ceased ere I ide awake, but it had left an iently closed so with all my ears Suddenly, tosoftly in the next roo with fear, and peeped round the corner of -room door

”'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you touch that coronet?'

”The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, dressed only in his shi+rt and trousers, was standing beside the light, holding the coronet in his hands He appeared to be wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength At rasp and turned as pale as death I snatched it up and exaold corners, with three of the beryls in it, was uard!' I shouted, beside e 'You have destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the jehich you have stolen?'

”'Stolen!' he cried