657ページ中558ページ

"'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you

have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position

in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only

my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at

stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would

convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell

me what he had done with the three missing stones.

"'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught

in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous.

If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling

us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.'