I found her husband awaiting me with ill-concealed anxiety.
“Well?” he asked, at my reappearance.
“I have come to a conclusion,” said I.
He drew me into a remote corner of the room, where, without our conversation being overheard, he could still keep his eye on the staircase, visible through the half-open door.
“Let me hear,” said he.
I at once spoke my mind.
“The thief was no chance one; he not only knew that your house contained diamonds, but he knew where to find them and when. Either a signal was given him when to enter or the diamonds were thrown into his hand out of the window. Does my conviction coincide with yours?”
He smiled a grim smile and waived the question.
“And who do you think gave the signal or threw the diamonds? Do not be afraid to speak names; the case is too serious for paltering.”