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.' "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 pound notes.

When I was alone once more, however, with the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility which it entailed upon me.

There could be no doubt that, as it was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any misfortune should occur to it.