One thing John’s keen eye did catch. From time to time his gaze wandered to the beginning of that winding drive leading to the house.
At last, with a low exclamation he whispered, “That’s all. And just in time. A high-powered car just drove into the place. It will be here in about sixty seconds. Mary, fold that paper carefully and bring it along. Both of you come on. I know a way out.”
The way they followed was narrow and winding. It led to servant’s quarters and a back door.
One moment more and they stood shaking in a dark corner.
“John,” Jimmie whispered hoarsely, “the trap is set.”
CHAPTER XVI
THE TRAP IS SPRUNG
“The trap is set.” John repeated the words after Jimmie without realizing their full meaning. The truth is he had all but forgotten that Jimmie had laid plans to take a flashlight picture of the mysterious persons using this old house as a hideout. Even now he had only a vague impression of batteries, wires, a camera and flash bulbs.
“The trap is set,” he repeated slowly. “But to spring it now might be dangerous.”
“Come on,” said Jimmie. “We’ve got to get their picture.”
“A picture taken in that room might go far toward convicting them,” John said slowly. “If these diamonds really were stolen they can be identified and if the men are photographed in the place the diamonds were found——”