“I surmise that their own falling sales had warned Reinhardt and Wilson that the future of art did not lie with their style of painting. That fact was driven home the night of the Muchthaler reception, when Mrs. Muchthaler’s enthusiasm for Vincent Bergstrom’s Impressionistic painting proved their suspicions. When they found that their own art dealer, Mr. Sheppard, was seriously considering carrying more Impressionistic paintings, thereby changing the direction of the gallery and squeezing out their own works, the two men became vengeful. They plotted to discredit and embarrass Mr. Sheppard by preventing the “Beau Peaks with Sheep” sale, thus giving the impression to others in the art world that Mr. Sheppard was unreliable and possibly even crooked.”
“Oh, the devils! They would have ruined my business, after I have worked on their behalf for years!” Mr. Sheppard poured out another drink with shaking hands.
“Why not destroy the painting, or take it out of the gallery, away from all detection?” I asked.
Sherlock Holmes smiled. “Unwillingly, both men recognized the worth of the Bergstrom. It was valuable and might be sold privately at a later date. They did not trust each other. Neither man could be allowed to hold the treasure for fear the other might be cut out of any future profit. To leave it in a neutral but accessible place was the best solution.
“Reinhardt painted the covering and held the door key. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson might manage the ladder together, but they couldn’t enter the gallery without Reinhardt’s help. It was a stand-off.”
Mr. Sheppard stood up. “I will not turn them in to the police because the scandal would ruin me. But I will return all their paintings at once and never handle them again. From now on I will concentrate on these new artists, these Impressionists like Bergstrom, Monet and Robinson. With a connection like Mrs. Muchthaler in America, I think I can tap into an entire new clientele. That reminds me, Mr. and Mrs. Muchthaler are due here at two. I must rehang “Beau Peak with Sheep” before they arrive.”
Sherlock Holmes smiled. “I suggest that you tell them the entire story but omit Reinhardt and Wilson’s names. Americans love things like this. The story Mrs. Muchthaler will tell at dinner parties will bring you a flood of future sales.”
“I’ll do as you suggest, Mr. Holmes. Thank you for everything you have done today. Please tell me how I can repay you.”
Holmes glanced at me. “I could ask for a small example by one of your new discoveries, Mr. Sheppard, but hanging it in the sitting room at Baker Street might affect Dr. Watson’s digestion. I ask instead that you add my name to your guest list for future exhibitions. As for Dr. Watson, might I suggest that you make him a gift of the trompe l’oeil after it has been framed. It is much to his taste. I doubt the artist will be asking for it back.”
“It really is a fine example of trompe l’oeil,” Mr. Sheppard responded. “I think it might be Oscar’s masterpiece. I will be glad to give it to Dr. Watson. If Oscar Reinhardt puts up a fuss, I’ll offer to send it to Scotland Yard instead.”
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Sherlock Holmes and The Folk Tale Mysteries Page 22
