The emerald of Catherine the Great

by Hilaire Belloc

And that was the end of the judgment passed by one select—and small—section of the governing classes upon a problem so closely concerning them all.

* * * * * * *

But the moment of revelation had come. Mr. Collop dared not stay, lest sure steps should obliterate the unwilling traces of Attaboy across the snow.

"None of 'em going to church, I hopes?" said he to his host after breakfast.

"Surely! Surely some one," was all the Victorian could say.

"Well," brutally, "none of 'em can. They've all got to be here together. We want every witness, sir; every one.... I've found the emerald!"

"What? Eh! What!" staggered Humphrey de Bohun.

"I've found the emerald!" repeated the policeman enormously. "... Leastways, I've found where it is."

"What am I to do?" begged the statesman, all of a flutter. "What are your plans? It's urgent! Innocent men must be cleared!"

"Orl in good time!" pronounced the majestic Collop. "Orl in good time! First tell 'em there's no church this morning. Go and tell 'em that. Soak into 'em all. I've got to 'ave my witnesses—and you'll be glad, too, when it's over."