The Italian girl had a fit of uncontrollable laughter.
“Have you forgotten the old adage, Mr. Isburn, that it is a good plan to set a thief to catch a thief?”
Isburn sank into a chair. “Can I believe my ears? Miss Dana?”
“Exactly,” said the young woman. “This is one of my make-ups. This is what I wore when I discovered the clue that led to the arrest of Corona in that Italian murder case.”
“But I don't understand yet,” cried Isburn. “How could you be here as an Italian flower girl when you telephoned me from a place more than fifty miles away?”
“Money will do a great deal,” replied Miss Dana, “but you must tell your subordinates what to do for the money. I induced the operator in that little country town to give you to understand that I was still there. The fact was, I left the noon before, located young Tarleton, turned him over to the police, and was in the city by 8 o'clock. I told the operator to keep on ringing until you came for you were very deaf. Pardon me for that, but I was afraid you would hear the bell when the bookcase doors opened. Now, you know all, and I await my discharge.”
Mr. Isburn looked serious. “Miss Dana, I see but one matter to be arranged now, and that is your half-interest in the business. You know I told you that if you found the ruby I would take you as a partner.”
“Oh, that's all a joke,” cried Miss Dana. “What I did was for fun. I only wished to show you how the thing could be done, and I beg your pardon for causing you so many hours of uneasiness on account of the supposed loss of your valuable ring.”
“Yes,” said Mr. Isburn, “I feel as though you should make some atonement for the disquietude you have caused me. I shall insist upon going to Europe with Rose, and you must manage the business while we are gone, as full partner.”
“The staff won't take orders from a woman.”