Maitland Leroy Osborne
“Lady Honiton’s Diamonds” appeared in the October 1898 issue of National magazine. Maitland Leroy Osborne (1846-1918) was a prolific short-story writer who also wrote historical articles under the penname O.S. Borne. He was also editor of the New Bostonian and supported with his work Colored American magazine, the first general-circulation publication aimed at African-Americans.
“I have been robbed,” shrieked Lady Honiton calmly, as her eyes fell upon the open jewel casket. Picking them up, she decided that under such trying circumstances she was called upon to faint, but was restrained from doing so by the opportune appearance of Hemlock Holmes, the great detective, who emerged from the upper bureau drawer with kodak and notebook in hand.
Gliding stealthily to the thermometer, he carefully noted the temperature, took a snap-shot of the wallpaper, and then removing a false impression carelessly deposited two footprints and the lower portion of a wineglass upon the dressing table.
After smoking in contemplative silence for thirteen minutes he rested his tired glance upon Lady Honiton’s face and thoughtfully remarked, “I am here, my Lady.” Closely observing the effect of this startling announcement, he continued, “There is a clue connected with this affair, and my name shall go down in obloquy to oblivion if I do not unravel it.”
“There is my French maid—” suggested Lady Honiton wildly.
“No,” replied the daring detective, “you are wrong in your surmise. The simple process of deduction proves conclusively that an analysis of your face powder will reveal the truth.”
“Then you do not think—” began Lady Honiton.
“No, Madam, in my profession that is diametrically opposed to all precedent. I am even now engaged upon a monograph showing how numberless desperate criminals have by mental telepathy fathomed the plans of their pursuers and thus escaped punishment for their misdeeds.”
At this thrilling moment the intense silence was fractured by the monotonous ticking of the ormulu clock.
“Ha!” exclaimed the detective, “someone has tampered with the fire-escape. All that is now lacking is the name and description of the thief. The appearance of the window curtains convinces me that the culprit is either a man or a woman.”
“What wonderful insight,” murmured Lady Honiton.
“Do you use Apple’s soap?” the detective suddenly inquired, intently watching her countenance.
“Always,” replied Lady Honiton firmly. Hemlock Holmes leaned back in his chair with a relieved expression. “That,” said he, “was the only missing link in the chain which I am about to coil round the dastardly disturber of your peace.”
“Then you are sure—” began Lady Honiton, as she lifted a handkerchief from the stand at her side, and sank back with a cry of surprise. The missing jewels lay revealed where she had placed and forgotten them.
“I am sure,” answered Hemlock Holmes with conviction, “that the correctness of my theory is incontrovertible.”