"Not the least in the world," replied May. "He might have it in his bed-room or dressing-room--or it might be here."
"Here!" echoed both the men, rising.
"Well, Sir Rupert was always in this room," said May. "He mostly sat at this desk, so perhaps he placed it in one of the drawers thinking no one would ransack his private papers."
The desk she alluded to was a massive piece of furniture, beautifully carved. There were innumerable drawers down each side--a morocco covered writing-board, and at the back of this, more drawers--while the centre was a fantastic piece of carving, representing the head of Shakespeare with characters from his dramas all round him. Owing to the elaborate carving the wood was wonderfully massive and thick, so that the whole desk looked a remarkably handsome piece of furniture.
"It belonged to Lady Balscombe's father, Captain Dicksfall," said May as they looked at it, "and he gave it to Sir Rupert as a wedding present."
Dowker bent down and pulled at the drawers, but they were all locked, whereupon he straightened himself and looked somewhat disconsolate.
"Not much chance of getting in there," he said in an annoyed tone, "and we cannot break open the drawers as we have no authority to do so."
May Penfold laughed a little maliciously.
"In spite of your being a detective," she said lightly, "I am able to help you--the mouse will gnaw the net and release the lion--if Sir Rupert has hidden the locket anywhere, it will be in the secret hiding-place of this desk."
"Is there one?" asked Norwood, looking at it.