Little held it to the light. “It contains ninety per cent of silver.”

Hardin embraced him. “Can I do anything for you, and why are you here?”

Little told his story. Hardin asked to see the rope. Then he examined it carefully.

“Ah, this was cut, not broken!”

“With a knife?” asked Little.

“No. Observe both sides are equally indented. It was done with a scissors!”

“Just Heaven!” gasped Little. “Therese!”

[ [!-- H2 anchor --] ]

CHAPTER XI

Little returned to London. Passing through London one day he met a dog-fancier.