Adventure number 8 in the return of Sherlock, Holmes by Sir,
Arthur Conan Doyle. This LibriVox recording is in
the public domain. Adventure 8, the adventure of
the six Napoleon's. It was no very unusual thing for
mr. Lestrade of Scotland Yard to
look in Upon Us of an evening. And his visits were welcome to
Sherlock Holmes. For they enabled him to keep in
touch with all that was going on at the police headquarters in
return. For the news which lestrade
would bring Holmes was always ready to listen with attention
to the details of any case upon which the detective was engaged
and was able occasionally without any active interference
to give some hint or suggestion drawn from his In vast knowledge
and experience on this particular evening lestrade, had
spoken of the weather, and the newspapers.
Then he had fallen silent puffing thoughtfully at his
cigar Holmes, looked keenly at him.
Anything remarkable on hand. He asked.
Oh no, mr. Holmes.
Nothing. Very particular then tell me
about it. Lestrade laughed.
Well, mr. Holmes.
There's no use denying that there is something on my mind
and yet, it is such an absurd business, but I hesitated to
bother you about it on the other hand.
Although it is Trivial. It is undoubtedly, queer.
And I know that you have a taste for all that is out of the
common, but in my opinion, it comes more in.
Dr. Watson's line than ours disease said, I Madness anyhow,
and acquia Madness. To you wouldn't think there was
anyone living at this time of day.
It was such a hatred of Napoleon.
The first that he would break any image of him that he could
see. Holmes sank, back in his chair.
that's no business of mine said, he, Exactly.
That's what I said. But then when the man commits
burglary in order to break images, which are not his own
brings, it away from the doctor and onto the policeman Holmes,
sat up again. Burglary.
This is more interesting. Let me hear the details lestrade
took out his official notebook and refreshed his memory from
its pages. The first case reported was four
days ago said he it was a shop of Morse Hudson.
It was a place for the sale of pictures and statues in the
Kennington Road. The assistant had left the front
shot for an instant when he heard a crash and hurrying any
found, a plaster, bust of Napoleon, which stud with
several other works of art on the counter lying shivered into
fragments. He rushed out into the road, but
although several Passes by re Claire that they had noticed a
man run out of the shop. He could neither see anyone nor
could he find any means of identifying?
The Rascal it seemed to be one of those senseless acts of
hooliganism, which occur from time to time and it was reported
to the Constable on the beat as such, the plaster cast was not
worth more than a few Shillings and they all the fair appear to
be too childish for any particular investigation.
The second case, however, was more serious and also more
singular. It occurred only last night in
Kennington Road and within a few hundred yards of Morse Hudson
shop. Their lives, a well-known
medical practitioner named dr. Barnak.
Oh, who is one of the largest practices upon the south side of
the stems, his residence. And principal Consulting room is
at Kennington Road. But he has a branch surgery in
dispensary at lower Brixton. Road, two miles away, this dr.
Barnak are is an enthusiastic admirer of Napoleon.
And his house is full of books, pictures, and Relics of the
French Emperor. Some little time ago.
He purchased from Morse Hudson to duplicate plaster.
Casts of the famous Ed of Napoleon by the French sculptor
Devine. One of these he placed in his
all in the house at Kennington Road and the other on the
mantelpiece of the surgery at lower Brixton.
Well, when dr. Barnett got came down this
morning, he was astonished to find that his house had been
burgled during the night, but the nothing had been taken.
Say the plaster head from the hall.
It had been carried out and have been dashed savagely against the
Garden Wall under which it splintered fragments were
discovered. Holmes rubbed his hands.
This is certainly very novel. Said he I thought it would
please you but I've not got to the end yet.
Dr. Barnak awaz do is surgery at 12 o'clock.
And you can imagine his amazement went on arriving
there. He found that the window had
been opened in the night and that the broken pieces of his
second bust was strewn all over the room.
It had been smashed to atoms where it stood.
In either case, were there any signs which could give us a clue
as to the criminal or lunatic who done the Mischief now?
Mr. Holmes. You've got the facts.
They are singular not to say grotesque said, Holmes.
May I ask whether the to bust smashed in?
Dr. Barnak its rooms, were the exact duplicates of the one,
which was destroyed in Morse Hudson's shop.
They were taken from the same mold.
Such a fact must tell against the theory that the man who
breaks them is influenced by any general, hatred of Napoleon,
considering how many hundreds of statues of the great emperor
must exist in London. It is too much to suppose such a
coincidence as that a promiscuous iconoclast, should
chance to begin upon three specimens of the same bust.
Well, I thought as you do, said lestrade on the other end, this
Morse Hudson is a purveyor of busts in that part of London.
And these three were the only ones which have been in his shop
for years. So although as you say, there
are many hundreds of statues in London.
It is very probable that these three were the only ones in that
District, therefore a local fanatic would begin with them.
What do you think? Dr. Watson?
There are no limits to the possibilities of monomania.
I answered. There is the condition which the
modern French psychologist of called the idee fixe, which may
be trifling in character. And the company had my complete
sanity in every other way. A man, who'd read deeply about
Napoleon or who had possibly received some hereditary family
injury through the Great War. Might conceivably form such an
idée fixe and under Influence. Be capable of any fantastic
outrage. That won't do.
My dear Watson said, Holmes shaking his head for no amount
of idee fixe would enable your interesting monomaniac to find
out where these busts were situated.
Well, how do you explain it? I don't attempt to do so, I
would only observe that there is a certain method in the
gentleman's eccentric, proceedings.
For example in dr. Barnak arts hall where a sound
might arouse the family. The bust was taken outside
before being broken. Whereas in the surgery where
there are less danger of an alarm.
It was smashed where it stood. The affair seems absurdly
trifling and yet I dare call nothing trivial.
When I reflect that. Some of my most classic cases
have had the least promising commencement.
You will remember Watson how the Dreadful business of the a
bonetti family was first brought to my notice by the depth to
which the parsley had sunk into the butter upon a hot day.
And I cannot afford therefore to smile at your three, broken
busts lestrade and I shall be very much obliged to you.
If you will. Let me hear of any fresh
developments of so singular a chain of events.
The development for which my friend had asked came in a
quicker and an infinitely more tragic form than he could have
imagined. I was still dressing in my
bedroom. Next morning.
When there was a tap at the door and Holmes entered a telegram in
his hand. He read it aloud.
Come instantly 131 Pitt Street, Kensington lestrade.
What is it? Then I asked don't know.
Maybe anything, but I suspect it is.
The sequel of the story of the statues.
In that case, our friend, the image breaker has begun
operations in another quarter of London.
There's coffee on the table Watson and I have a cab at the
door in. Half an hour.
We had reached Pitt Street a quiet little Backwater just
beside one of the riskiest currents of London.
Life number 131, was one of a row all flat-chested respect.
All and most unromantic dwellings as we drove up.
We found the railings in front of the house lined by a curious
crowd Holmes, whistled by George.
It's attempted murder at the least.
Nothing less will hold the London message, boy, there's a
deed of violence indicated in that fellow's round, shoulders.
And outstretched neck. What's this Watson?
The top steps swill down in the other ones dry.
Footsteps enough. Anyhow, well, well there's
lestrade at the front window and we shall soon know all about it.
The official received us with a very grave face and showed us
into a sitting room where an exceedingly, unkempt?
And agitated elderly, man, clad in a flannel dressing gown was
pacing up and down. He was introduced to us as the
owner of the house. Mr. Horace, Harker of the
central press syndicate. It's a Napoleon busts business.
Again said lestrade you seem interested.
Last night. Mr. Holmes.
So I thought perhaps you would be glad to be present.
Now that the affair has taken a very much Graver turn.
What has it turned to then. To murder.
Mr. ARCA, will you tell these gentlemen, exactly what has
occurred? The man in the dressing gown
turned upon us with a most Melancholy face.
It's an extraordinary thing said he, but all my life.
I've been collecting other people's news.
And now that a real piece of news has come my own way.
I am so confused and bothered that I can't put two words
together if I'd come in here as a journalist.
I should have interviewed myself and had two columns in every
evening paper. As it is, I'm giving away
valuable copy by telling my story over and over to a string
of different people and I can make no use of it myself.
However, I've heard your name, mr.
Sherlock Holmes. And if you'll only explain this
queer business, and I shall be paid for my trouble in telling
you, the story. Holmes sat down and listened, it
all seems to center around that bust of Napoleon, which I bought
for This Very Room about four months ago.
I picked it up cheap from Harding Brothers, two doors from
The High Street Station. A great deal of my journalistic.
Work is done at night and I often write until the early
morning. So it was today.
I was sitting in my Den which is at the back of the top of the
house about 3:00. Talk when I was convinced that I
heard some sounds down stairs, I listened, but they were not
repeated and I concluded that they came from outside then
suddenly about five minutes later.
They came a most horrible. Yell the most Dreadful sound.
Mr. Holmes that ever, I heard it will ring in my ears.
As long as I live. I sat Frozen with horror for a
minute or two. Then I seized the poker and went
downstairs when I Had this room. I found the window wide open and
I at once observed that the bust was gone from the mantelpiece.
Why? Any burglar should take such a
thing passes? My understanding for it was only
a plaster cast and of the no real value, whatever.
You can see for yourself that anyone going out through that
open window could reach the front doorstep by taking a long
stride. This was clearly what?
The burglar had done. So I went round and opened the
door stepping out into the dark. I nearly fell over a dead man
who was lying there. I ran back for a light and there
was a poor fellow a great gash in his throat and the whole
place swimming in blood he lay on his back.
With his knees drawn up and his mouth horribly open.
I shall see him in my dreams. I had just time to blow on my
police whistle. And then I must have fainted
for. I knew nothing more.
Until I found the policeman standing over me in the hall.
Well, who was the mud man asked Holmes?
There's nothing to show who he was said, lestrade You shall see
the body at the mortuary, but we've made nothing of it up to
now he is a tall man. Sam burn very powerful.
Not more than three. He's poorly dressed and yet does
not appear to be a laborer, a horn handle clasp-knife was
lying in a pool of blood beside him, whether it was The weapon
which did the deed and whether it belonged to the dead man, I
do not know. There was no name on his
clothing and nothing in his pockets over an apple.
Some string, a shilling map of London and a photograph here.
It is. It was evidently taken by a
snapshot from a small camera. It represented an alert sharp
featured Simeon, man with thick eyebrows and a very peculiar
projection of the lower part of the face.
Like the muzzle of a baboon. And what became of the bust and
asked Holmes. After a careful study of this
picture, we add news of it. Just before you came is been
found in the front garden of an empty house in Camden House
Road. It was broken into fragments.
I'm going around now to see it. Will you come certainly?
I must just take one look around.
He examined the carpet and the window.
Fellow had either very long legs or was a most active man said he
with an area beneath. It was no mean feat to reach
that window ledge and open that window getting back was
comparatively simple. Are you coming with us to see
the remains of your bust? Mr. Harker?
The disconsolate journalist had seated himself at a writing
table. I must try and make something of
it said he though I have no doubt that the first editions of
the evening papers are out already with full details.
It's like my luck. You remember, when the stand
felid Doncaster? Well, I was the only journalist
in the stand and my journal. The only one that had no account
of it for. I was too shaken to write it and
now I'll be too late with a murder done on my own doorstep.
As we left the room, we heard His Pain traveling shrilly over
the foolscap. The spot where the fragments of
the bust had been found was only a few hundred yards away for the
first time. Our eyes rested upon this
presentiment of the great emperor, which seemed to raise
such frantic and destructive hatred in the mind of the
unknown. It lay scattered in splintered
shards upon the grass, Holmes picked up several of them and
examined them carefully. I was convinced from his intent
face and is purposeful manner that at last he was upon her.
Lou. Well asked lestrade Holmes
Shrugged his shoulders. We have a long way to go yet,
said he and yet and yet well, we have some suggestive facts to
act upon the possession of this trifling.
Bust was worth more in the eyes of this strange criminal and a
human life. That is one point.
Then there is a singular fact that he did not break.
It in the house or immediately outside the house.
If to break it was his soul object.
He was rattled and bustled by meeting this other fellow.
You hardly knew what he was doing.
Well, that's likely enough. But I wish to call your
attention, very particularly to the position of this house in
the garden of which the bust was destroyed.
Lestrade looked about him. He was an empty house.
And so he knew that he would not be disturbed in the garden.
Yes, but there is another empty house, farther up the street,
which he must have passed before he came to this one.
Why did he not break it there? Since it is evident that every
yard that he carried it. Increased the risk of someone
meeting him. Our give it up said, lestrade
Holmes pointed to the Street Lamp above our heads.
He could see what he was doing here and he could not there.
That was his reason. By jove, that's true, said the
detective now that I come to think of it.
Dr. Barney Cuts bust was broken. Not far from his red lamp.
Well, mr. Holmes.
What are we to do with that fact?
To remember it to dock it. It we may come upon something
later, which will bear upon it. What steps do you propose to
take now lestrade? The most practical way of
getting at it. In my opinion is to identify the
dead man, there should be no difficulty about that when we
found out who he is, and who his associates are, we should have a
good start in learning, what he was doing in Pitt Street last
night and who it was? Who met him and killed him on
the doorstep of mr. Horace Harker, don't you think
so? No doubt and yet it is not quite
the way in which I should approach the case.
What would you do then? Oh, you must not.
Let me influence you in any way. I suggest that you go on your
line and I on mine, we can compare notes afterwards.
And each will supplement the other.
Very good said lestrade, if you are going back to Pitt Street.
You might see. Mr. Horace Harker, tell him from
me that I have quite made up my mind and that it is certain that
a dangerous homicidal lunatic. With a Napoleonic delusions was
in his house last night. It will be useful for his
article lestrade stared. You don't seriously believe that
Holmes smiled, don't I, well perhaps I don't but I'm sure
that it will interest. Mr. Horace Harker, and the
subscribers of the central press Syndicate.
Now Watson, I think that we shall find that we have a long
and rather complex day's work before us.
I should be glad lestrade. If you could make it convenient
to meet us at Baker Street at 6:00 this evening until then I
should like to keep this Photograph found in the Dead
Man's. Get.
It is possible that I may have to ask your company and
assistance upon a small Expedition, which will have be
undertaken to night. If my chain of reasoning, should
prove to be correct, until then. Goodbye and good luck.
Sherlock, Holmes, and I walk together to the High Street
where we stopped the shop of Harding Brothers, whence, the
bust had been purchased a young assistant, informed us, that mr.
Harding would be absent until afternoon and that he was
himself a newcomer who could give us no information Holmes's
face showed his disappointment and annoyance.
Well, well, we can't expect to have it all our own way Watson.
He said, at last we must come back in the afternoon.
If mr. Harding will not be here until
then. I am as you have, no doubt
surmised endeavouring to trace these busts to their Source in
order to find. If there is not something
peculiar, which may account for their remarkable fate.
Let us make for mr. Morse, Hudson of the Kennington
Road and see if he can throw any light upon the problem.
A drive of an hour. Brought us to the picture
dealers establishment. He was a small Stout man with a
red face and a peppery manner. Yes, sir, or more?
Very counter sir said he what we pay rates and taxes for, I don't
know when any Ruffian can come in and break ones Goods.
Yes, sir. It was.
I Who Sold? Dr. Barnak 'it is two statues.
Disgraceful, sir a nihilist plot.
That's what I make it. No one but an anarchist could go
about Making statues. Red Republicans.
That's what I call him. Who did I get the statues from?
I don't see what that's Got to Do With It.
Well, if you really want to know, I got them from Gilder and
Company in Church, Street Stepney.
They're well-known house in the trade and have been this 20
years. How many had I 3 2?
And 1 or 3 to have dr. Barnak?
'It's and one smashed in broad daylight on my own counter.
Do I know that photograph? No, I Don't.
Yes, I do though why it's better Poe.
He was a kind of Italian piecework, man who made himself
useful in the shop. You could carve a bit and Guild
and frame and do odd jobs. The fellow left me last week and
I've heard nothing of him since no, I don't know where he came
from nor where he went to. I had nothing against him.
While he was here. He was gone.
Two days before the bust was smashed.
Well, that's all we could reasonably expect from Morse
Hudson. Said, Holmes as we emerge from
the shop. We have this Beppo as a common
factor both in Kennington and in Kensington, so that is worth a
10 mile drive. Now.
Watson, let us make the gelder and Company of Stepney, the
source and origin of the busts. I shall be surprised if we don't
get some help down there. In Rapid succession, we pass
through the Fringe of fashionable.
London Hotel London. See a trickle London literary,
London, commercial London. And finally Maritime London, to
we came to a Riverside City of a hundred thousand Souls where the
tenement houses swelter and reeked with the outcasts of
Europe here in a broad thoroughfare.
Once the Abode of wealthy City Merchants.
We found the sculpture works for which we searched.
Outside was a considerable yard full of monumental.
Masonry inside was a large room in which 50 workers were carving
or molding the manager, a big blond German received a civilly
and gave a clear answer to all homes is questions a reference
to his books. Showed that hundreds of caste
have been taken from a marble Copy of davines Head of
Napoleon, but that the three which have been sent to Morse
Hudson a year or so before. Had been half of a batch of six,
the other three being sent to Harding Brothers of Kensington.
There was no reason why those six should be different from any
of the other castes. He could suggest no possible.
Cause why anyone should wish to destroy them?
In fact, he laughed at the idea. Their wholesale price was six
shillings, but the retailer would get 12 or more.
The cast was taken into molds from each side of the face.
And then these two profiles of plaster of Paris, would join
together to make the complete bust.
The work was usually done by Italians in the room.
We were in when finished the busts were put on a table in the
passage to dry and afterwards, stored that was all he could
tell us. But the production of the
photograph had a remarkable effect upon the manager, his
face flushed with anger and his brows.
Not it over his blue. Teutonic eyes has a rascal he
cried. Yes, indeed.
I know him very well. This has been also a respectable
establishment and the only times that we have ever had.
The police in it was overseas, very fellow.
It was more than a year ago. Now he knifed another Italian in
the street. Then he came to the works with
the police on his heels. And he was taken here.
Beppo was his name. His second name.
I never knew serves me, right? For engaging, a man with such a
face, but he was a good Workman. One of the best.
What did he get? The man lived.
And he got off with the year. I have no doubt.
He's out now, but he's not there to show his nose.
Here. We have a cousin of his here.
And I daresay. He could tell you where he is.
He is no. No cried Holmes.
Not a word to the cousin. Not a word, I beg of you.
The matter is very important and the father I go with it.
The more important. It seems to grow when you
referred in your ledger to the sale of those.
Casts. I observe that the date was June
3rd of last year. Could you give me the date?
When Beppo was arrested? I could tell you roughly by zap.
A least the manager answered. Yes.
He continued after some turning over of the pages.
He was paid last on May 20th. Thank you said Holmes.
I don't think that I need intrude upon your time and
patience anymore with a last word of caution that he should
say nothing. As to our researches.
We turned our faces Westward. Once more, the afternoon was Far
Advanced before we were able to snatch a hasty luncheon.
At a restaurant. A news bill at the entrance
announced Kensington outrage, Murder by a madman and the
contents of the paper showed that mr.
Horace Harker. Had got his accounted of print
after all two columns were occupied with a highly
Sensational and Flowery rendering of the whole incident
homes, propped against the cruet stand and read it while he ate
once. Or twice.
He chuckled, this is all right. Watson said he listen to this.
It is satisfactory to know that they can be no difference of
opinion upon this case since mr. Lestrade one of the most
experienced members of the official force and mr.
Sherlock Holmes, The well-known Consulting expert have each come
to the conclusion that the grotesque series of incidents,
which have ended in. So, tragic a fashion arise from
lunacy rather than from deliberate crime.
No explanation. Save mental.
Aberration can cover the facts. The Press Watson is a most
valuable institution if you only know how to use it.
And now, if you have quite finished, we will hark back to
Kensington and see what the manager of Harding Brothers.
Has to say, on the matter. The founder of that great
Emporium proved to be a Brisk. Crisp little person.
Very Dapper and quick with a clear head and a ready tongue.
Yes, sir. I have already read the account
in the evening papers. Mr. Horace Harker is a customer
of ours. We supplied him with the bust.
Some months ago. We ordered three busts of that
sword from gelderland company of Stepney.
They're all sold now to whom. Oh my dear Say by Consulting our
sales book we could Easily. Tell you.
Yes, we have the entries here, 12.
Mr. Harker. You see and want to mr.
Josiah, Brown of Laburnum Lodge. Laburnum Veil, chizik and 12.
Mr. Sandiford of lower Grove Road Reading.
Now. I have never seen this face,
which you show me in the photograph.
You would hardly forget it. Would you sir?
For I've seldom seen an uglier. Have we any Italians on the
staff? Yes, sir.
We have several among our work people and the cleaners.
I daresay they might get a peep at that sales book, if they
wanted to there is no particular reason for keeping a watch upon
that book. Well.
Well, it's a very strange business and I hope that you
will. Let me know if anything comes of
your inquiries. Holmes, it taken several notes
during mr. Harding's evidence.
And I could see that he was thoroughly Satisfied by the turn
which Affairs were taking, he made no remark.
However, say that, unless we hurried, we should be late for
our appointment with the strawed sure, enough.
When we reached Baker Street, the detective was already there
and we found him pacing up and down in a fever of impatience.
This look of importance showed that his days work had not been
in vain. Well, he asked what luck.
Mr. Holmes. We had a very busy day and not
entirely a wasted one. My friend explained.
We have seen both the retailers and also the wholesale
manufacturers, I can trace each of the busts now from the
beginning. The busts cried lestrade.
Well, well, you have your own methods, mr.
Sherlock Holmes. And it's not for me to say a
word against them. But I think I've done a better
days work than you. I have identified the dead man.
You don't say so and found a cause for the crime Splendid.
We have an inspector who makes a specialty of saffron Hill and
the Italian quarter. Well, this dead man.
At some Catholic emblem, round his neck and that along with his
color made me think he was from the south inspector ill.
Knew him, the moment. He caught sight of him.
His name is Pietro venucci from Naples.
And he's one of the greatest Cutthroats in London.
He is connected with the mafia, which is, you know, is a secret
political Society enforcing its decrees by murder.
Now, you see how the affair begins to clear up.
The other fellow is probably an Italian also and a member of the
mafia. He's broken the rules in some
fashion. Pietro is set upon his track.
Probably the photograph, we found in his pocket is the man
himself so that he may not knife the wrong person.
A dog's the fella. He sees him, enter our house.
He waits outside for him and in the scuffle, he receives his own
death wound. How's that?
Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Holmes clapped his hands
approvingly. Excellent lestrade.
Excellent. He cried but I didn't quite
follow your Mission of the destruction of the busts, the
busts. You never can get those busts
out of your head after all. That's nothing.
Petty larceny. Six months at the most, is the
murder that we're really investigating and I tell you
that I'm gathering all the threads into my hands.
And the next stage is a very simple.
One. I shall go down with eel to the
Italian quarter, find the man whose photograph.
We've got an arrest him on the Charge of murder.
Will you come with us? I think not.
Now, I fancy we can attain our end in a simpler way.
I can't say for certain because it all depends.
Well, it all depends upon a factor which is completely
outside our control, but I have Great Hopes.
In fact, the betting is exactly two to one that if you will come
with us tonight. I shall be able to help you to
lay him by the heels. In the Italian core know I fancy
chizik is an address, which is more likely to find him.
If you will come with me to chizik tonight lestrade.
I'll promise to go to the Italian quarter with you
tomorrow and no harm will be done by the delay.
And now I think that a few hours sleep would do us all good for I
do not propose to leave before 11:00 and it is unlikely that we
shall be back before morning. You'll dine with us lestrade and
then you're welcome to the sofa until it's time for us to start.
In the meantime Watson. I should be glad if you would
ring for an Express messenger. For I have a letter to send and
it is important that it should go at once.
Home, spend the evening in rummaging among the files of the
old daily papers with which one of our lumber rooms was packed.
When at last he descended it was with Triumph in his eyes, but he
said nothing to either of us as to the result of his researches,
for my own part. I had followed step by step the
methods by which he had traced to various windings of this
complex case and though I could not yet perceive the goal, which
we would reach I Stood clearly that Holmes expected, this
grotesque criminal to make an attempt upon the two remaining
busts. One of which I remembered was at
chizik. No doubt.
The object of our journey was to catch him in the very act and I
could not. But admire, the cunning with
which my friend had inserted a wrong clue in the evening paper.
So as to give the fellow, the idea that he could continue his
scheme with impunity. I was not surprised when home
suggested that I should take my revolver with me.
He had himself, picked up, the loaded hunting crop, which was
his favorite weapon. A four-wheeler was at the door
at 11:00 and in it, we drove to a spot at the other side of
Hammersmith Bridge here. The cabmen was directed to wait
a short walk. Brought us to a secluded Road
fringed with Pleasant houses. Each standing in its own
grounds, in the light of a Street Lamp.
We read Laburnum Villa upon the gatepost of one of them.
The occupants had evidently retired to rest for all was dark
safe for a fan light, over the hall door.
Which shed a little single blurred Circle onto the Garden
Path. The wooden fence which separated
the grounds from the road through a dense, black shadow
upon that inner side. And here it was that we
crouched. I fear that you'll have a long.
Wait Holmes whispered. We may thank Our Stars at it is
not raining. I don't think we can even
venture to smoke to pass the time.
However, it's a two to one chance that we get something to
pay us for our trouble. It's proved.
However that our vigil was not to be so long as Holmes had led
us to fear and it ended in a very sudden and singular
fashion. In an instant without the least
sound to warn us of his coming, the garden gate, swung open and
allies, dark figure, as Swift and active, as an ape rushed up
the Garden Path. We saw it whisk past the light
thrown from over the door and disappear against the black
shadow of the house. There was a long, pause during
which we held our breath. And then a very gentle creaking
sound came to our ears. The window was being opened the
noise ceased. And again, there was a long
silence. The fellow was making his way
into the house. We saw the sudden flash of a
dart Lantern inside the room. What he sought was evidently not
there. For again.
We saw the flash through another blind and then through another
Let us go to the open window will NAB him as he climbs out
Astrid whispered. But before we could move the man
had emerged again as he came out into the glimmering patch of
light. We saw that.
He carried something white under his arm.
He looked stealthily all around him.
The Silence of the deserted Street, reassured him turning
his back upon us. He laid down his burden and the
next instant. There was the sound of a Sharp
tap followed by a Platter and rattle.
The man was so intent upon what he was doing, but he never heard
our steps as we stole across the grass.
Plot with the bound of a tiger, Holmes was on his back and an
instant later. The strata and I had him by the
wrist and the hand cuffs had been fastened.
As we turned him over. I saw a hideous sallow face with
writhing Furious features glaring up at us.
And I knew that it was indeed the man of the photograph whom
we had secured but it was not our prisoner to whom Holmes was
giving his attention squatted on the doorstep.
He was engaged in most carefully examining that, which the man
had brought from the house. It was a bust of Napoleon.
Like the one which we had seen that morning and I've been
broken too similar. Fragments carefully Holmes, held
each separate Shard to the light, but in no way did it
differ from any other shattered piece of plaster?
He had just completed his examination when the whole
lights flew up the door opened and the owner of the house.
A jovial rotund figure in shirt and trousers.
Presented himself. Mr. Josiah Brown.
I suppose said Holmes. Yes, sir.
And you no doubt. Ah, mr.
Sherlock Holmes. I had the note which you sent by
the express messenger and I did exactly what you told me.
We looked every door on the inside and awaited developments.
Well, I'm very glad to see that you've got the Rascal.
I hope gentleman that you'll come in and have some
refreshment. However, lestrade was anxious to
get his man into safe quarters. So within a few minutes, our cab
had been summoned and we were all for upon our way to London.
Not a word, would our captive say?
But he glared at us from the shadow of his matted hair.
And once when my hand seemed within his reach he snapped at
it like a Hungry Wolf. We stayed long enough at the
police station to learn that. A search of his clothing
revealed. Nothing save a few Shillings and
along sheath-knife, the handle of which bore copious traces of
recent blood. That's all right, said lestrade
as we parted, he'll knows all these Gentry and will give a
name to him. You'll find that my theory of
the mafia will work out. All right, but I'm sure I'm
exceedingly obliged to you. Mr. Holmes for the Workman like
way in which you've Laid hands upon him.
I don't quite understand it all yet.
I fear it is rather too late an hour for explanations said
Holmes besides, there are one or two details which are not
finished off and it is one of those cases which are worth
working out to the very end. If you will come around.
Once more to my rooms at 6:00 tomorrow.
I think I shall be able to show you that even now you have not
grasped the entire meaning of this business which presents
some features which make it absolutely original in.
History of crime. If Ever, I permit you to
Chronicle anymore of my little problems Watson, I foresee that
you will enliven your pages by an account of the single
adventure of the Napoleonic busts.
When we met again next evening, the strad was furnished with
much information concerning our prisoner, his name.
It appeared was Beppo, second name unknown.
He was a well-known ne'er-do-well among the Italian
colony had once been a skillful sculptor and earned an honest
living. But he had taken to evil
courses, and a twice. Already been in jail once for a
petty theft and once as we had already heard for stabbing a
fellow Countryman, He could talk English perfectly.
Well, his reasons for destroying the bus was still unknown and
you refuse to answer any questions upon the subject.
But the police had discovered that these same busts might very
well have been made by his own hands.
Since he was engaged in this class of work at the
establishment of gelder and Company, to all this
information, much of which we already knew Holmes listened
with polite attention, but I who knew him so well could clearly
see that his thoughts were elsewhere.
And I detected a mixture of mingled, uneasiness and
expectation beneath that mask. Which he was wont to assume at
last he started in his chair and his eyes brightened.
There had been a ring at the Bell.
A minute later. We heard steps upon the stairs
and an elderly red-faced man with grizzled side-whiskers was
ushered in in his right hand. He carried an old-fashioned
carpet bag, which he placed upon the table.
Is mr. Sherlock Holmes here, my friend
bowed and smiled. Mr. Sandiford of reading.
I suppose said he yes, sir. I fear that I'm a little late
but the trains were awkward. You wrote to me about a bus that
is in my possession. Exactly.
I have your letter here. You said, I desire to possess a
copy of davines Napoleon and and prepared to pay.
You 10 pounds for the one which is in Position.
Is that right? Certainly.
Now, I was very much surprised at your letter for I could not
imagine how you knew that I own such a thing.
Of course, you must have been surprised but the explanation is
very simple. Mr. Harding of Harding Brothers.
Said that they had sold you their last copy and he gave me
your address. Oh, that was it.
Was it, did he tell you what? I paid for it?
No, he did not well, I am an honest man, though.
Not a very rich one. I only gave 15 Shillings for the
bust and I think you ought to know that before I take 10
pounds from you. I am sure the scrupled as you
honor, mr. Sandeford, but I have named that
price. So I intend to stick to it.
Well, it's very handsome of you. Mr. Holmes.
I bought the bust up with me, as you asked me to do.
Here it is. He opened his bag.
And at last, we saw placed upon our table a complete specimen of
that bust which we had already seen more than once in fragments
Holmes. Took a paper from his pocket and
laid a ten pound note upon the table.
You will kindly sign that paper. Mr. Sandiford in the presence of
these Witnesses. It is simply to say that you
transfer every possible, right? That you ever had in the bust to
me. I am a methodical man.
You see? And you never know what turn
events might take afterwards. Thank you.
Mr. Sanford. Here is your money and I wish
you a very good evening. When our visitor had
disappeared, Sherlock Holmes is movements with such as to rivet
our attention. He began by taking a clean white
cloth from a drawer and laying it over the table.
Then he placed his newly acquired bust in the center of
the cloth. Finally.
He picked up his hunting-crop and struck Napoleon a sharp.
Blow on the top of the head, the figure broke into fragments and
homes bent eagerly over the shattered remains.
Next, instant with a loud. Shout of Triumph.
He held up one splinter in which a round, dark object was fixed.
Like a plum in a pudding, gentleman.
He cried. Let me introduce you to the
famous black pearl of The Borgias.
Estrada. And I sat silent for a moment
and then with a spontaneous impulse, we both broke a
clapping as at the well-wrought crisis of a play, a flush of
color sprang to Holmes's pale cheeks.
And he bowed to us, like the master dramatist, who receives
the homage of his audience. It was at such moments that for
an instant. He ceased to be a reasoning
machine and betrayed his human love for admiration and
Applause. The same singularly, proud and
reserved nature, which turned away with disdain from popular.
Notoriety was capable of being moved to its depths by
spontaneous wonder and praise from a friend.
Yes, gentlemen said he it is the most famous Pearl.
Now, existing in the world and it has been my good fortune by a
connected chain of inductive reasoning to trace it from the
prince of colonna's bedroom at the duck of hotel, where it was
lost to the interior of this. The last of the six busts of
Napoleon, which were manufactured by gelder and
Company of Stepney. You will remember lestrade the
sensation caused by The Disappearance.
Aaron's of this valuable jewel and the vain efforts of the
London, Police to recover it. I was myself consulted upon the
case, but I was unable to throw any light upon it.
Suspicion fell upon the made of the princess who was an Italian
and it was proved that she had a brother in London, but we failed
to trace any connection between them.
The maid's name was Lucretia venucci and there is no doubt in
my mind that this Pietro Row who was murdered two nights ago was
the brother. I have been looking at the dates
in the old files of the paper. And I find that The
Disappearance of the Pearl was exactly, two days before the
arrest of Beppo, for some Crime Of Violence, an event which took
place in the factory of gelda and Company at the very moment
when these busts were being made.
Now, you clearly see the sequence of events, though.
You see them. Of course in the inverse order
to the way in which they presented themselves to me.
Beppo had the Pearl in his possession.
He may have stolen it from Pietro.
He may have been Pietro's Confederate.
He may have been the go-between of Pietro and his sister.
It is of no consequence to us, which is the correct solution.
The main fact, is that he had the Pearl And at that moment,
when it was on his person, he was pursued by the police he
made for the factory in which he worked, and he knew that he had
only a few minutes in which to conceal, this enormously
valuable prize, which would otherwise be found on him when
he was searched. Six plaster, casts of Napoleon,
were drying in the passage. One of them was still soft in an
instant Beppo. A skilful Workman made a small
hole in the wet plaster Dropped In.
The Pearl. And with a few touches covered
over the aperture once more, it was an admirable hiding place.
No one could possibly find it. But Beppo was condemned to a
years imprisonment. And in the meanwhile, his six
busts were scattered over London, he could not tell which
contained his treasure only by breaking them.
Could he see even shaking would tell him nothing for.
As the plaster was wet? It was probable that the Pearl
would adhere to it. I was in fact, it is done.
Beppo. Did not Despair and he conducted
his search with considerable Ingenuity and perseverance
through a cousin who works with gelder.
He found out the retail firms who had bought the busts.
He managed to find employment with Morse Hudson.
And in that way track down three of them.
The Pearl was not there then with the help of some Italian
employee. He succeeded in finding out
where the other three busts had gone.
The first was at Hawkers there. He was dogged by his Confederate
who held Beppo responsible for the loss of the Pearl.
And he stabbed him in the scuffle, which followed, if you
was his Confederate. Why should he carries
photograph? I asked as a means of tracing
him if he wished to inquire about him from any third person.
And that was the obvious reason. Well, after the murder, I
calculated. That Beppo would probably hurry
rather than delay his movements he would Fear that the police
would read his secret. And so he hastened on before
they could get ahead of him. Of course.
I could not say that he had not found the Pearl in Harker's
bust. I'd not even concluded for
certain that it was the Pearl but it was evident to me that he
was looking for something. Since he carried the bust, pass
the other houses in order to break it in the garden which had
a lamp. Overlooking it.
Since Harker's bust was one in three.
The chances were exactly. As I told you two to one against
a pearl being inside it there remained two busts and it was
obvious that he would go for the London one.
First. I warned the inmates of the
house. So as to avoid a second tragedy
and we went down with the happiest results by that time,
of course, I knew for certain that it was the Borgia Pearl
that we were after The name of the murdered man, linked the one
event with the other there only remained a single bust the
reading one and the Pearl must be there.
I bought it in your presence from the owner and there it
lies. We sat in silence for a moment.
Well said lestrade I've seen you and low good many cases.
Mr. Holmes, but I don't know that I've ever know more Workman
like one than that. We're not jealous of you at
Scotland Yard. No, sir.
We are very proud of you. And if you come down tomorrow,
there's not a man from the oldest inspector to the youngest
Constable, who wouldn't be glad to shake you, by the end.
Thank you, said Holmes. Thank you.
And as he turned away, it seemed to me that he was more nearly
moved by the softer, human emotions, and I had ever seen
him. A moment later.
He was the cold and practical thinker once more put the Pearl
in the safe. Watson said he and get out the
papers of The Conch Singleton, forgery case.
Goodbye lestrade. If any little problem comes your
way. I shall be happy.
If I can to give you a hint or two as to its solution.
End of the adventure of the six Napoleon's.