Frank Thomas - Sherlock Holmes and the Golden Bird

Streeter almost bounced up and down in his chair. Obviously, Holmes had touched a nerve.

"That information is printed in several authoritative texts, but is incorrect. The confusion is due to names. Mr. Holmes. I might better say: titles. The Pasha of Egypt Diamond was, indeed, sold to Ibrahim, Viceroy of Egypt. He held the title of Ali Pasha. But the Pigott— that is another matter. Fortunately, sir, I happen to be the leading authority in the world on that stone."

"And many others as well," said Holmes, diplomatically. "But do tell us about the Pigott and the confusion in recognized texts on famous stones."

Streeter was delighted to comply. "The stone got its name from Lord George Pigott, twice Governor of Madras. Though his name has a single t, the diamond is known as the Pigott with a double t. But that is of scant interest. Lord Pigot received it as a gift from an Indian ruler in 1763. They did things rather in the grand manner in those days. The diamond has been described as anywhere from forty-five to eighty-five carats. In any case, Lord Pigot brought it to England and undoubtedly regretted it since he was plagued by ill fortune and died in prison. Later, his family put the diamond up as a prize in a lottery and it is sometimes referred to as the 'lottery diamond.' It was sold for a mere fraction of its worth—six thousand pounds—to Rundell and Bridge, the London Jewelers. They turned a nice profit by selling the diamond to Ali Pasha of Albania for one hundred and fifty thousand pounds."

"I see," said Holmes, "where the confusion lies. The title of Ali Pasha has thrown researchers off the track."

"Exactly," agreed Streeter. "The Albanian Ali Pasha was a ruler of some historical significance. Known as the tyrannical 'Lion of Janina,' he wielded such power that the Sultan of Turkey sent an emissary to bring him back to Constantinople to curb his excessive ambition. Ali Pasha resisted and there was an exchange and he was fatally wounded. The Lion of Janina requested permission to die in his own throne room, in his own fashion, and this wish was granted."

At this point in his narration, Streeter almost preened himself. "Now, Mr. Holmes, I can give you information that is not common knowledge at all. As the eighty-year-old Pasha lay dying, he summoned a trusted soldier of fortune, Captain D'Anglas . . ."

"D'Anglas?" I asked. Holmes looked at me with irritation and I subsided.

Streeter continued as though he had not heard me. "The Pasha ordered his aide to destroy his two most precious possessions: the Pigott Diamond and his wife, Vasilikee. Captain D'Anglas crushed the diamond before the Pasha's eyes and he died. According to legend, his wife was not killed by the French mercenary."

"You say 'according to legend,' " . said Holmes, thoughtfully. "If the Pasha's wife survived, might not the diamond have as well?"

"This was in 1822, Mr. Holmes. Since that time there has been no trace of the Pigott."

At Streeter's mention of 1822, Holmes threw me a knowing glance. His eyes then returned to the crown jeweler.

"How is so much known about the stone?"

Streeter was amused by Holmes's question. "Man's obsession with great diamonds is nothing new, Mr. Holmes. The Pigott was well-known. Lord Pigot acquired it in 1763. He died in 1777 and his family disposed of it via the lottery in 1801. At one tune it was owned by Madame Bonaparte, the mother of Napoleon. There is a model of the stone which was made here in England and still exists. It was an oval-shaped gem of the finest quality."

As he had been recounting the history of this famous gem, Streeter had been observing Holmes's manner.

"Do I sense that this is the information you are searching for?" he asked.

"You have certainly opened up avenues of thought," replied the sleuth. "Let us pose a hypothetical situation. Let us say the Pigott still exists. Who would it belong to?"

"To whomever holds it in his hand, Mr. Holmes."

"But it would be recognized?"

"A stone of that quality could not be ignored. We are speaking of one of the great diamonds of the world. An expert would immediately identify it by its shape and size. But proving it is another thing. Why, sir, if you had it, you could wear it on your watch fob and no one could say you nay."

Holmes had secured the information he wished. Soon thereafter, the crown jeweler took his leave. Of course, I was bursting with ideas.

"I say, Holmes, you struck a rich vein there! And the name of the French mercenary in the employ of the Ali Pasha ..."

"D'Anglas—the same name as our client." Holmes had the satisfied look of a cat who had consumed cream. "D'Anglas's grandfather served the Albanian but did not follow his dying orders. The Frenchman had the Pigott and the ruler's wife, Vasilikee, as well. They had to be in it together. Note our client's first name—Vasil, in memory of his grandmother. The conspirators secreted the diamond in the Golden Bird and gave out the word of its destruction. They planned to secure the statue later and retrieve the prize within, but the Bird eluded them. Somehow the story got out, for Jonathan Wild heard of it. Through him, Harry Hawker, as well. Since 1822, the Golden Bird has had a value far in excess of its original worth. It has been a loadstone, a magnet for all who knew its secret. Barker left us the clues, ol' chap. First the year—1822. Then, recall that in the book on Jonathan Wild's career, Barker ran a line through the reference to the Pasha of Egypt diamond. I mistook it as underlining, but he meant that the mention of this famous gem was incorrect."

"How did Chu San Fu learn the secret of the diamond?"

"We may never know the answer to that. But observe that Basil Selkirk seized on the clue I gave him, the year of Ali Pasha's death and solved the mystery."

Holmes's recreation of events covering more than half a century was interrupted by Billy, who informed us that an Oriental gentleman requested a few moments of Mr. Holmes time.

My friend cocked an eye in my direction. "My letter to Chu San Fu has prompted a rapid response. Show the man up, Billy, by all means."

When the page boy ushered a squat Chinaman into our chambers, my manner was frigid indeed. Nor was my friend a model of hospitality.

"Ah, Mr. Holmes—my name is Loo Chang. I am a solicitor."

He passed the sleuth a business card, which Holmes dropped on the desk without looking at it. Chang bowed in my direction. He was quite short and somewhat overweight, which may have contributed to the perpetual sheen on his face. His mouth was drawn in a constant smile and I wondered, for no particular reason, if it was present when he slept.

"I am here, Mr. Holmes, representing a client."

"We can," said Holmes severely, "dispense with evasions. You have been instructed by Chu San Fu to contact me relative to a certain piece of property, which he is interested in."

The Oriental's hands were spread, palms up, as though to indicate that he carried no weapons. "I do not know the object involved but I am empowered to negotiate a fee for its recovery. My client is a most generous man and will pay one thousand pounds for its return."

Holmes sighed as though his patience was being sorely tried. "You client's generosity is imaginary. Ten percent is a standard fee for lesser talents than mine. The price is fifteen thousand pounds based on the last valuation of the object. The thousand pounds you mention is to be paid in advance to cover possible expenses."

Chang looked shocked. "My client did not anticipate . . ."

He was allowed to go no further. "I do not haggle in matters of this kind." Holmes's right hand indicated the door. "Begone!"

"But, Mr. Holmes."

"Out!"

The sheen on Chang's face was more evident. He fumbled in his coat pocket, extracting a bulky envelope, "I will leave this thousand pounds as a retainer, Mr. Holmes. If my client agrees to your terms, he will notify you."