56088 Mr. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at present.'
56089 'It is our French gold,' whispered the director.
56090 'We have had several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it.'
56091 'Your French gold?'
56092 'Yes.
56093 We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources, and borrowed, for that purpose, thirty thousand napoleons from the Bank of France.
56094 It has become known that we have never had occasion to unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar.
56095 The crate upon which I sit contains two thousand napoleons packed between layers of lead foil.
56096 Our reserve of bullion is much larger at present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the directors have had misgivings upon the subject.'
56097 'Which were very well justified,' observed Holmes.
56098 'And now it is time that we arranged our little plans.
56099 I expect that within an hour matters will come to a head.
56100 In the meantime, Mr. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern.'