The same day there arrived through
the post a small card-board box addressed to me, which I found to
contain a very large and lustrous pearl. No word of writing was
enclosed. Since then every year upon the same date there has
always appeared a similar box, containing a similar pearl,
without any clue as to the sender. They have been pronounced by
an expert to be of a rare variety and of considerable value. You
can see for yourselves that they are very handsome." She opened
a flat box as she spoke, and showed me six of the finest pearls
that I had ever seen.
"Your statement is most interesting," said Sherlock Holmes. "Has
anything else occurred to you?"
"Yes, and no later than to-day. That is why I have come to you.
This morning I received this letter, which you will perhaps read
for yourself."
"Thank you," said Holmes. "The envelope too, please. Postmark,
London, S.W. Date, July 7. Hum! Man's thumb-mark on corner,--
probably postman. Best quality paper. Envelopes at sixpence a
packet. Particular man in his stationery. No address. 'Be at
the third pillar from the left outside the Lyceum Theatre to-
night at seven o'clock. If you are distrustful, bring two
friends.
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