“Yes, I undervalued it £100. What he really wanted to know was whether the stones were genuine, and, of course, I could tell him that. I don’t think he would have worried about the wrong valuation, and I should not have spoken about it, but I wanted a sort of introduction to the young lady--you are a man of the world, Mr. Reeder----” “What time did he come into the shop?” Benny, his mouth full of seed cake, looked thoughtful. “About five o’clock in the evening.” “And when you valued the clasp, what happened?” “He wrapped it up and took it away with him. I asked him if he wanted to sell it, and he said no.” “You never saw him again?” Benny shook his head. “That was last Wednesday week?” “Tuesday,” said Benny promptly. “I happen to know that, because I had a date--an engagement to take a certain party to the pictures, and I was anxious to shut up the shop and get away.” Mr. Reeder jotted down a few notes on his blotting pad. “Have you ever valued that clasp before?” Benny Edelsheim looked at him with an open mouth. “It’s a curious thing that you should ask that, Mr. Reeder. I haven’t, but my father has. I was describing the piece to him, and he said he was certain he had valued the same piece six months ago. Of course, he may have made a mistake, but he has got a marvellous memory.” He enlarged upon the memory of his parent, but Mr. Reeder was not listening. “Why Clerkenwell,” murmured Mr. Reeder. “Do you advertise?” “We are the best advertised valuers in London,” said Benny proudly. “That’s our speciality. I can’t tell you how upset the governor was when I made a mistake. It sort of reflected on the firm. Oh, yes, we carry big ads. in all papers. Valuation of jewellery. You must have seen our name.” Mr. Reeder nodded. “That accounts for it,” he said. He looked at the clock. The minute hand pointed to half past two. Picking up the telephone, he called the nearest cab rank and gave his address. “I am going to take you home,” he said. “You’d better make a bundle of your wet clothes while I dress.” By the time the cab arrived, Mr. Reeder, feeling very much awake, was ready. He went out first, but there was no need of his caution, less need for the Colt automatic that he held in his pocket. The journey to Pepys Road was uneventful. He waited until the young man had entered his house, then he drove to the nearest police station and had a consultation with the night officer. When Benny Edelsheim looked out of his window the next morning he found a uniformed policeman standing stolidly before the house, and felt that for the first time his rates and his taxes were justified. CHAPTER V