"Aren't you going to thank me?" he asked. "You know, I saved you—"
"Thank you! Hell!" said Huntley, and disappeared into the dark.
When Minot returned he found Harrowby standing facing the Meyricks, and holding the necklace in his hand as though it were a bomb on the point of exploding.
"I say, I feel rather low," he was saying, "when I remember that I made you a present of this thing, Cynthia. But on my honor, I didn't know. And I can scarcely believe it now. I know the governor has been financially embarrassed—but I never suspected him of this—the associations were so dear—really—"
"It may not have been your father who duplicated Chain Lightning's Collar with a fake," Minot suggested.
"My word, old boy, who then?"
"You remember," said Minot, addressing the Meyricks, "that the necklace was stolen recently. Well—it was returned to Lord Harrowby under unusual circumstances. At least, this collection of glass was returned. My theory is that the thief had a duplicate made—an old trick."
"The very idea," Harrowby cried. "I say, Minot, you are clever. I should never have thought of that."
"Thanks," said Minot dryly. He sought to avoid Miss Cynthia Meyrick's eyes.
"Er—by the way," said Harrowby, looking at Spencer Meyrick. "There is nothing to prevent the wedding now."