Part 9 (1/2)

Extravagant though this may appear, it would not indeed, at this time, have surprised the world at large to learn _anything_--however amazing in an ordinary man--respecting Severac Bablon. The real facts of his most recent exploit were known only to a select few; but it was universal property how, at about half-past eleven one morning shortly after the theft from the British Museum, and whilst all London, together with a great part of the Empire, was discussing the incredibly mysterious robbery, a cab drove up to the main entrance of that inst.i.tution, containing a District Messenger and a large box.

The box was consigned to the trustees of the Museum, and the boy, being questioned, described the consigner as ”a very old gentleman, with long, white hair.”

It contained, carefully and scientifically packed, the Hamilton Vase and the Head of Caesar!

Furthermore, it contained the following note:

”GENTLEMEN,--

”I beg to return, per messenger, the Head of Caesar and the Hamilton Vase. My reason for taking the liberty of borrowing them was that I desired to convince a wealthy friend that a rare curio is a powerful instrument for good, and that to allow of great wealth lying idle when thousands sicken and die in poverty is a misuse of a power conferred by Heaven.

”I trust that you will forgive my having unavoidably occasioned you so much anxiety.

”SeVERAC BABLON.”

The contents of the note were made public with the appearance of the 3.30 editions; nor was there a news-sheet of them all that failed to reprint, from the _Gleaner_, a paragraph announcing that Sir Leopold Jesson had made the magnificent donation of 10,000 to the Sladen Hospital. But the link that bound these items together was invisible to the eyes of the world. Two persons at Rohscheimer's table, however, were aware of all the facts; and although Sheard often glanced at Jesson, he studiously avoided meeting his eyes.

Severac Bablon's activities had not failed to react upon the temperature of the Stock Exchange. Loudly it was whispered that influential and highly-placed persons were concerned with him. No capitalist felt safe.

No man trusted his staff, his solicitor, his broker. It was felt that minions of Severac Bablon were everywhere; that Severac Bablon was omnipresent.

”You've gone pretty deep into the case, Sheard,” said Rohscheimer. ”What do you know about these cards he sends to people he's goin' to rob?”

Sheard cleared his throat somewhat nervously. All eyes sought him.

”The authorities have established the fact,” he replied, ”that all those whom Severac Bablon has victimised have received--due warning.”

Sir Leopold Jesson was watching him covertly.

”What do you mean by 'due warning'?” he snapped.

”They have been requested, anonymously,” Sheard explained, ”to subscribe to some worthy object. When they have failed voluntarily to comply they have been _compelled_, forcibly, to do so!”

Julius Rohscheimer began to turn purple. He spluttered furiously, ere gaining command of speech.

”Is this a free country?” came in a hoa.r.s.e roar. ”If a man ain't out buildin' hospitals for beggars does he have to be held up----”

He caught Mrs. Rohscheimer's glance, laden with entreaty.

”Good Lord!” he concluded, weakly. ”Isn't it funny!”

Baron Hague was understood to growl that he should no longer feel safe until back to Berlin he had gone.

”I am told,” said Mr. Antony Elschild, ”that a new Severac Bablon outrage is antic.i.p.ated by the authorities.”

That loosed the flood-gates. A dozen voices were asking at once: ”Have _you_ received a card?”

It seemed that this was a matter which had lain at the back of each mind; that each had feared to broach; that each, now, was glad to discuss. An extraordinary and ominous circ.u.mstance, then, was now brought to light.

A note had been received by each of the capitalists present, stating that 1,000,000 was urgently needed by the British Government for the establishment of an aerial fleet. That was all. But the notes all bore a certain seal.