Our host took gracious leave of us. Rose watched him curiously.
"Maurice," she observed, as the door closed, "there's something queer about this place."
"I suppose there must be," I admitted, "or we shouldn't be here."
"Exactly what are our instructions?" Leonard enquired.
"Vague," I replied. "The only letter I received from our chief told me to accept the offer through Keith Prowse, to come here, to sit tight and study conditions."
"What did he mean by 'conditions'?" Rose asked.
"Just get in touch with our environment, I suppose. For instance, here we are with half a dozen others, brought up to Westmoreland to amuse the Duke's house party. We are being treated royally, the house party seems to comprise some of the best-known names in England, and the whole thing seems to be marvellously done."
"But so far no glimmering as to how or where we may come in?" Leonard persisted.
"Not the slightest," I admitted. "Of course, this place is a perfect treasure house. They say that the jewels alone are insured for more than two millions. There may be some robbery scheme on."
"Perhaps," Rose suggested, "we are to be the thieves. In that case, I'll keep one of the famous pink pearls if I have to swallow it."