'Catherine Cusack, her maid, told me,' said Ryder.
'I see,' Holmes went on. 'So you and Cusack wanted to
get the diamond and sell it for lots of money. You asked
John Homer to come and repair the window in the room
because you knew of his time in prison. When he left, you
took the diamond from the Countess's jewel box. Then you
called the police. They came at once. Because of Homer's
time in prison they believed he was the thief. It was all very
easy. Then .. .'
'Oh, please, please!' cried Ryder, now on the floor at
Holmes's feet. 'Think of my father! Think of my mother! 1
never did anything wrong before. I'm never going to do it
again. Please don't tell the police. 1 don't want to go to
prison.'
'Sit down in your chair!' said Holmes coldly. 'You're
crying now, but did you feel sorry for young Homer? He
knew nothing of this crime. But the police believed he was
a diamond thief, and so he went to court and he is now
going to prison - all because of you.'
'I can leave the country, Mr Holmes. Then, when I don't
go to court, Homer can leave prison.'