shaven man of clerical appearance. His name and address were
demonstrably false. The ear had escaped notice, but the
description was surely that of Shlessinger.

Three times had our bearded friend from the Langham called for
news--the third time within an hour of this fresh development.
His clothes were getting looser on his great body. He seemed to
be wilting away in his anxiety. "If you will only give me
something to do!" was his constant wail. At last Holmes could
oblige him.

"He has begun to pawn the jewels. We should get him now."

"But does this mean that any harm has befallen the Lady Frances?"

Holmes shook his head very gravely.

"Supposing that they have held her prisoner up to now, it is
clear that they cannot let her loose without their own
destruction. We must prepare for the worst."

"What can I do?"

"These people do not know you by sight?"

"No."

"It is possible that he will go to some other pawnbroker in the
future. in that case, we must begin again. On the other hand,
he has had a fair price and no questions asked, so if he is in