Anyway, the
affair puts money into my pocket, and does credit to my
penetration as an uncommonly sharp man.
I have only one word more to add, and it is this: If any
individual ventures to assert that Mr. Jay and his confederates
are innocent o f all share in the stealing of the cash-box, I, in
return, defy that individual--though he may even be Chief
Inspector Theakstone himself--to tell me who has committed the
robbery at Rutherford Street, Soho.
Strong in that conviction, I have the honor to be your very
obedient servant,
MATTHEW SHARPIN.
FROM CHIEF INSPECTOR THEAKSTONE TO SERGEANT BULMER.
Birmingham, July 9th.
SERGEANT BULMER--That empty-headed puppy, Mr. Matthew Sharpin,
has made a mess of the case at Rutherford Street, exactly as I
expected he would. Business keeps me in this town, so I write to
you to set the matter straight. I inclose with this the pages of
feeble scribble-scrabble which the creature Sharpin calls a
report. Look them over; and when you have made your way through
all the gabble, I think you will agree with me that the conceited
booby has looked for the thief in every direction but the right
one. You can lay your hand on the guilty person in five minutes,
now. Settle the case at once; forward your report to me at this
place, and tell Mr.
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