Holmes, what a terrific shock—pleasant but terrific—it was forme when I heard of this unparalleled good fortune. It only needsone more Garrideb to complete the matter, and surely we canfind one. I had a brother, but he is dead, and female relatives aredisqualified. But there must surely be others in the world. I hadheard that you handled strange cases, and that was why I sentto you. Of course, this American gentleman is quite right, and Ishould have taken his advice first, but I acted for the best.”
“I think you acted very wisely indeed,” said Holmes. “But areyou really anxious to acquire an estate in America?”
1318 The Complete Sherlock Holmes
“Certainly not, sir. Nothing would induce me to leave mycollection. But this gentleman has assured me that he will buy meout as soon as we have established our claim. Five million dollarswas the sum named. There are a dozen specimens in the marketat the present moment which fill gaps in my collection, and whicham unable to purchase for want of a few hundred pounds. Justthink what I could do with five million dollars. Why, I have thenucleus of a national collection. I shall be the Hans Sloane of myage.”
His eyes gleamed behind his great spectacles. It was very clearthat no pains would be spared by Mr. Nathan Garrideb in findingnamesake.
“I merely called to make your acquaintance, and there is noreason why I should interrupt your studies,” said Holmes. “Iprefer to establish personal touch with those with whom I dobusiness. There are few questions I need ask, for I have your veryclear narrative in my pocket, and I filled up the blanks when thisAmerican gentleman called. I understand that up to this week youwere unaware of his existence.”
“That is so. He called last Tuesday.”
“Did he tell you of our interview to-day?”
“Yes, he came straight back to me. He had been very angry.”
“Why should he be angry?”
“He seemed to think it was some reflection on his honour. Buthe was quite cheerful again when he returned.”
“Did he suggest any course of action?”
“No, sir, he did not.”
“Has he had, or asked for, any money from you?”
“No, sir, never!”
“You see no possible object he has in view?”
“None, except what he states.”
“Did you tell him of our telephone appointment?”
“Yes, sir, I did.”
Holmes was lost in thought. I could see that he was puzzled.
“Have you any articles of great value in your collection?”
“No, sir. I am not a rich man. It is a good collection, but not avery valuable one.”
“You have no fear of burglars?”
“Not the least.”
“How long have you been in these rooms?”
“Nearly five years.”
Holmes’s cross-examination was interrupted by an imperativeknocking at the door. No sooner had our client unlatched it thanthe American lawyer burst excitedly into the room.
“Here you are!” he cried, waving a paper over his head. “IThe Case Book of Sherlock Holmes 1319
thought I should be in time to get you. Mr. Nathan Garrideb, mycongratulations! You are a rich man, sir. Our business is happilyfinished and all is well. As to you, Mr. Holmes, we can only say weare sorry if we have given you any useless trouble.”
He handed over the paper to our client, who stood staring at amarked advertisement. Holmes and I leaned forward and read itover his shoulder. This is how it ran:
“Glorious!” gasped our host. “That makes our third man.”
“I had opened up inquiries in Birmingham,” said the American,“and my agent there has sent me this advertisement from a localpaper. We must hustle and put the thing through. I have writtento this man and told him that you will see him in his office tomorrowafternoon at four o’clock.”
“You want me to see him?”
“What do you say, Mr. Holmes? Don’t you think it would bewiser? Here am I, a wandering American with a wonderful tale.
Why should he believe what I tell him? But you are a Britisherwith solid references, and he is bound to take notice of what yousay. I would go with you if you wished, but I have a very busyday to-morrow, and I could always follow you if you are in anytrouble.”
“Well, I have not made such a journey for years.”
“It is nothing, Mr. Garrideb. I have figured out our connections.
You leave at twelve and should be there soon after two. Then youcan be back the same night. All you have to do is to see this man,explain the matter, and get an affidavit of his existence. By theLord!” he added hotly, “considering I’ve come all the way from thecentre of America, it is surely little enough if you go a hundredmiles in order to put this matter through.”
“Quite so,” said Holmes. “I think what this gentleman says isvery true.”
Mr. Nathan Garrideb shrugged his shoulders with a disconsolateair. “Well, if you insist I shall go,” said he. “It is certainly hard forme to refuse you anything, considering the glory of hope that youhave brought into my life.”
“Then that is agreed,” said Holmes, “and no doubt you will letme have a report as soon as you can.”
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“I’ll see to that,” said the American. “Well,” he added looking at hiswatch, “I’ll have to get on. I’ll call to-morrow, Mr. Nathan, and seeyou off to Birmingham. Coming my way, Mr. Holmes? Well, then,good-bye, and we may have good news for you to-morrow night.”
I noticed that my friend’s face cleared when the American leftthe room, and the look of thoughtful perplexity had vanished.
“I wish I could look over your collection, Mr. Garrideb,” saidhe. “In my profession all sorts of odd knowledge comes useful, andthis room of yours is a storehouse of it.”
Our client shone with pleasure and his eyes gleamed frombehind his big glasses.
“I had always heard, sir, that you were a very intelligent man,”
said he. “I could take you round now if you have the time.”