The attempted theft of Princess Promila’s jewels in Paris

The attempted theft of Princess Promila’s jewels in Paris is an earlier, unsuccessful burglary that later gives Darcy O’Mara a crucial point of comparison as he considers a string of jewel thefts. Its interruption left no confirmed view of the intruder, but the forced window and likely approach over a ledge suggested a burglar capable of an unusually athletic entry.

Circumstances and Attempt

During a visit to Princess Promila, a guest had brought a small dog. The dog began yapping, and those inside discovered that the bathroom window had been forced open. Darcy inferred that the burglar had come around the side of the building along a ledge. The attempt therefore ended without the jewels being stolen, but its physical traces indicated a deliberate entry rather than an ordinary visit.

Interruption and Evidence

No one saw the burglar. The dog’s barking alerted the occupants before the intruder could complete the theft, while the forced window and ledge offered clues to how the attempt had been made. Darcy later described the unknown burglar as exceptionally daring; the evidence supports that impression of the approach, but does not establish the thief’s identity.

Later Significance

When considering whether the jewel thief might be aboard the Berengaria, Darcy cited the Paris attempt alongside Stella Brightwell’s presence on the ship. He said that Stella’s presence at the gatherings where burglaries occurred was the only link between those crimes. That connection made the earlier Paris incident relevant to the shipboard investigation, but did not prove Stella’s involvement or show that the same person had carried out every theft.