75 лучших рассказов / 75 Best Short Stories

But at the first glance towards his visitor the excess of deference melted out of his bearing, leaving the urbane, self-possessed shopman in the presence of the casual customer.

�Mr. Baxter, I think?’ said the latter. He had laid aside his dripping umbrella and was unbuttoning overcoat and coat to reach an inner pocket. �You hardly remember me, I suppose? Mr. Carlyle – two years ago – I took up a case for you—’ The Coin of Dionysius

�To be sure, Mr. Carlyle, the private detective—’

�Inquiry agent,’ corrected Mr.

�Well,’ smiled Mr. Baxter, �for that matter I am a coin dealer and not an antiquarian or a numismatist. Is there anything in that way that I can do for you?’

�Yes,’ replied his visitor; �it is my turn to consult you.’ He had taken a small wash-leather bag from the inner pocket and now turned something carefully out upon the counter. �What can you tell me about that?’

The dealer gave the coin a moment’s scrutiny.

�There is no question about this,’ he replied. �It is a Sicilian tetradrachm[72 - tetradrachm – an ancient Greek coin used for trade with the Scythians and the Celts] of Dionysius.’

�Yes, I know that – I have it on the label out of the cabinet. I can tell you further that it’s supposed to be one that Lord Seastoke gave two hundred and fifty pounds for at the Brice sale in ’94.’

�It seems to me that you can tell me more about it than I can tell you,’ remarked Mr.

�I want to know,’ replied Mr. Carlyle, �whether it is genuine or not.’

�Has any doubt been cast upon it?’

�Certain circumstances raised a suspicion – that is all.’

The dealer took another look at the tetradrachm through his magnifying glass, holding it by the edge with the careful touch of an expert. Then he shook his head slowly in a confession of ignorance.

�Of course I could make a guess—’

�No, don’t,’ interrupted Mr.

�Is that so, Mr. Carlyle?’ said Mr. Baxter, with increased interest.

�Well, to be quite candid, the thing is out of my line. Now if it was a rare Saxon penny or a doubtful noble I’d stake my reputation on my opinion, but I do very little in the classical series.’

Mr.