We must have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem he laid it upon the table.

It was a magnificent specimen of the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I have ever seen.

At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, where a corner holding three gems had been torn away.
"Now, Mr.Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost.

Might I beg that you will break it off." The banker recoiled in horror.

"I should not dream of trying," said he.
"Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but without result.