"Oh, you have been listening to Akira," said the Squire crossly. "He declared that probably the power had been changed. How he could know when he never set eyes on the jewel I can't imagine. I admit that it is very strange that it should have been sent to me, and I can't conceive how the thief either obtained my address, or how he knew that I wanted his plunder."
"He might read in the papers----" began Theodore, only to be stopped by his uncle, who looked at him sharply.
"You talk rubbish, my boy. I said nothing at the inquest about my interest in the jewel, and no one outside our own family knew that I desired it.
"I shouldn't wonder if Akira knew," said Theodore quickly.
"Impossible. You have heard all he had to tell. All the same, it will be as well to say nothing about our recovery of the gem while he is in the house. I have your promise, Miss Carrol?"
"Yes. I shall say nothing."
"And you, Theodore? Good. Don't even tell Mara or Basil, else they may let out something to that infernal Japanese. I shall lock the jewel in my safe yonder," and he pointed to a green-painted safe, standing in an alcove of the room. "Now we shall see the luck returning! I shall win that lawsuit; I shall sell that ruined hay to advantage; I shall----"
Patricia stopped him. "I believe everything will go wrong with you."
"How dare you say that, girl!" exclaimed Colpster furiously.
"Because I feel that I must. That jewel has been sent to you for no good purpose, I am convinced."