“There was one chance left, but under the circumstances a very slight one indeed.  The Winslows’ private house was up the Birkenhead end of the town.  Young Schwarz had been living with them ever since his arrival in Liverpool, and he may have—­either not feeling well or for some other reason—­gone straight home without calling at the shop.  It was unlikely, as valuable jewellery was never kept at the private house, but—­it just might have happened.

“It would be useless,” continued the man in the corner, “and decidedly uninteresting, were I to relate 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.’