Since Harker's bust was one in three the
chances were exactly as I told you, two to one against the 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 handle a good many cases,
Mr. Holmes, but I don't know that I ever knew a more workmanlike
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 to-morrow
there's not a man, from the oldest inspector to the youngest
constable, who wouldn't be glad to shake you by the hand."
"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 than I had ever seen him.
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