"I am afraid," she sighed, "that grandfather is almost past realising what money means. In any case, we must consult my brother."
Then there came without warning an interruption which seemed equally startling to all of them. Without any preliminary summons, the door of the office was thrown open. The detective, Brodie, followed by a man in plain clothes out with an unmistakably professional appearance, entered the room. The latter closed the door behind him. Brodie approached the little group. The girl's eyes were lit with terror. Harvey Grimm dropped his handkerchief over the jewels, whilst his partner stepped forward. Aaron Rodd's tone was harsh with anxiety, his face seemed more drawn than ever.
"What do you want here?" he demanded.
Mr. Brodie smiled tolerantly. His eyes were fixed upon the table. He pushed the questioner on one side and lifted the handkerchief which Harvey Grimm had thrown over the diamonds. Then he turned towards his companion with a little cry of triumph.
"That," he declared, pointing to the jewel upon the table, "is one of the Van Hutten diamonds."
"I do not understand," the girl said quietly enough, although she was shaking from head to foot. "It belongs to us. It is the property of——"
"Cut it out," Brodie interrupted brusquely. "We'll talk to you, young lady, at police head-quarters."
The girl turned to Aaron Rodd.
"Who is this man, and what does he want?" she cried. "Is this a trap into which you have drawn us? Is it a crime, here in England, then, to offer jewels for sale?"
"We'll talk this all out at the police station," Brodie intervened curtly. "Inspector?"