The Revenge of Moriarty by John E. Gardner Page A

since their last meeting, Labrosse’s instability was even more pronounced, the delusions of grandeur even more marked, as though the poison of the absinth was daily biting more deeply into his brain.
    â€˜You see, my friend,’ Labrosse continued, ‘my talent is unique.’
    â€˜I would not have sent for you if that were not so,’ remarked Moriarty quietly. Lying in his teeth.
    â€˜It is truly a gift from God.’ Labrosse fingered the flamboyant silk cravat at his throat. You did not have to be a detective to tell that the man was an artist. ‘A gift from God,’ he repeated. ‘If God had been a painter, then he would have given the world his truth through me. I would surely have been Christ the artist.’
    â€˜I’m certain you are right.’
    â€˜My gift is that when I copy a painting I do it with the greatest attention to detail. It is as though the original artist had painted two at the same moment. This is something I find difficult to explain, for to me it is as though I become the original artist. If I copy a Titian, then I am Titian; if I do a Vermeer, I think in Dutch. Only a few weeks ago I did a remarkable modern canvas. The Impressionist Van Gogh. My ear hurt the whole time. This power is frightening.’
    â€˜I can see that you are in awe of yourself. Yet you are not above performing this great work for money.’
    â€˜Man cannot live by bread alone.’
    Moriarty frowned, trying hard to follow the Frenchman’s reasoning.
    â€˜How much did you say you would pay for a copy of La Joconde?’
    â€˜We did not speak of money, but now that you ask, I will provide you with food, a man to assist you during the work, and a final sum of five hundred pounds.’
    Labrosse made a noise like a cat whose tail had been trodden upon. ‘I need no assistant. Five hundred pounds? I would not copy a Turner for five hundred pounds. We are talking of a Leonardo.’
    â€˜You will have the assistant. He will cook for you and report to me on the progress. Five hundred pounds. And for this I demand quality. You understand that this is for an elaborate hoax. It must be convincing.’
    â€˜My work is always convincing. If I do La Joconde , then it will be La Joconde . The experts will not be able to tell the difference.’
    â€˜In this case, they will,’ said Moriarty firmly. There will be a hidden flaw.’
    â€˜Never. And never for a paltry five hundred pounds.’
    â€˜Then I must go elsewhere.’
    It was doubtful whether Labrosse took heed of the icy edge which had entered into the Professor’s tone.
    â€˜At least one thousand pounds.’
    Moriarty rose and walked to the bell pull. ‘I shall ring for the maid who will bring one of my more muscular male servants. They will then eject you, bag and baggage. It is a cold night, Monsieur Labrosse.’
    â€˜Maybe I would do it for eight hundred pounds. Maybe.’
    â€˜Then I’ll have no more of it.’ He tugged at the bell pull.
    â€˜You drive a hard bargain. Five hundred.’
    â€˜Five hundred and the few little extras. Including the scratching of a word on the wood – I have a piece of old poplar which I have acquired for the purpose. One word will be scratched before you begin, in the right hand bottom corner.’
    â€˜Only one thing I will not agree. I must be alone. No assistant.’
    â€˜No assistant, no money. No commission.’
    The Frenchman shrugged. ‘It will take a long time. To produce the exact cracks there has to be much baking during the painting.’
    â€˜It will take no more than six weeks.’
    This time Labrosse caught the menace, even through the mist of his delusions. Polly Pearson was at the door and Moriarty ordered her to send up William Jacobs and then seek out Harry Allen and have him come to the drawing-room. Polly, already filling out with the food and regular, though hard, hours of work, blushed crimson