to you Messrs. Winslow's and Vassall's
further anxieties with regard to the missing young man. Suffice it to
say that on reaching his private house Mr. Winslow found that his godson
had neither returned nor sent any telegraphic message of any kind.

"Not wishing to needlessly alarm his wife, Mr. Winslow made an attempt
at eating his dinner, but directly after that he hurried back to the
North-Western Hotel, and asked to see Prince Semionicz. The Prince was
at the theatre with his secretary, and probably would not be home until
nearly midnight.

"Mr. Winslow, then, not knowing what to think, nor yet what to fear, and
in spite of the horror he felt of giving publicity to his nephew's
disappearance, thought it his duty to go round to the police-station and
interview the inspector. It is wonderful how quickly news of that type
travels in a large city like Liverpool. Already the morning papers of
the following day were full of the latest sensation: 'Mysterious
disappearance of a well-known tradesman.'

"Mr. Winslow found a copy of the paper containing the sensational
announcement on his breakfast-table. It lay side by side with a letter
addressed to him in his nephew's handwriting, which had been posted in
Liverpool.

"Mr. Winslow placed that letter, written to him by his nephew, into the
hands of the police. Its contents, therefore, quickly became public
property. The astounding statements made therein by Mr. Schwarz created,
in quiet, businesslike Liverpool, a sensation which has seldom been
equalled.

"It appears that the young fellow did call on Prince Semionicz at a
quarter past three on Wednesday, December 10th, with a bag full of
jewels, amounting in value to some L16,000. The Prince duly admired, and
finally selected from among the ornaments a necklace, pendant, and
bracelet, the whole being priced by Mr. Schwarz, according to his
instructions, at L10,500. Prince Semionicz was most prompt and
businesslike in his dealings.

"'You will require immediate payment for these, of course,' he said in
perfect English, 'and I know you business men prefer solid cash to
cheques, especially when dealing with foreigners. I always provide
myself with plenty of Bank of England notes in consequence,' he added
with a pleasant smile, 'as L10,500 in gold would perhaps be a little
inconvenient to carry. If you will kindly make out the receipt, my
secretary, M. Lambert, will settle all business matters with you.'

"He thereupon