Sleuth Page #5

given her any jewelry.

- Oh, nor did I, of course.

It's still mine, as well she knows.

We just thought it would be more amusing

for her to wear it than for me to bank it.

After all, it's fully insured.

I see what you mean by the plot thickening.

I'm glad you follow me so readily. You

see, I want you to steal that jewelry.

Tonight, for choice. With Marguerite

away, it's an admirable opportunity.

- What about the servants ?

- I've sent Mr. And Mrs. Hawkins

away to the seaside...

for a 48-hour paddle-- they won't

be back till Sunday night.

So, you see, the house is empty.

Cheers.

- Well, what do you say ?

- It sounds distinctly criminal.

Well, of course it's criminal !

All good moneymaking schemes in

England have to be these days.

Now, the jewelry, when it's not in the bank,

lives in an ingeniously hidden safe

somewhere here in the study.

Where, for instance, would you look for it ?

Good likeness, would you say ?

Of course, it's 17--

no, 18 years ago.

I don't think you'd hide your safe behind

it. I've seen that in too many movies.

Good thinking ! All right then, where ?

Are you up to finding it ?

There are certain skills best acquired

in public bars, I suppose,

but whatever made you think, hmm ?

- You and your games.

That is the only game in this room.

Hmm. Very clever.

Anyway, the jewels are in there.

All you have to do is steal them,

Sell them abroad and live happily

ever after with Marguerite.

All I have to do is claim the insurance

and live happily ever after with Tea.

Is that what you asked me over to hear--

A grotty little plot to defraud

the insurance company ?

I'm sorry you find the plot grotty.

Personally, I thought it was all

rather nicely clear and simple.

Look, supposing I do as you say

and nick-- uh, steal the jewels.

If I sell them under my own name, I'll get

picked up the moment you report the loss.

If I sell them to a fence, always

presuming I could find one,

He'd carve me up, I'd get a

fraction of their value.

- Not with the fences I know.

- What fences would you know ?

The finest in Europe--

Prudent, yet prodigal.

I first met them while I was researching for

the deadly affair of the Druce Diamond.

Surely you've read it.

Pity. An absolute corker.

In any case, on your behalf,

I have already contacted a certain

gentleman in Amsterdam.

He'll treat you very well. You won't get

the full amount for the jewels, of course,

but you'll get about two thirds, say,

170,000 pounds.

- You'll get it in cash.

- 170,000 quid ?

Cash.

Why should this fellow pay so much ?

Because he will get what no fence

ever gets-- the title to the jewels.

You see, in addition to stealing the jewels,

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