And they strode into the room where Clara La Croix sat.
CHAPTER XIII.
A HUMAN SHIELD.
It was a beautifully furnished bedroom and the girl smuggler sat by the window reading a novel when the detectives rushed in at her.
She was a cool, level-headed girl, and seemed to possess a remarkable set of nerves for she did not look at all startled by their entrance.
Meeting the detectives' look with a cool stare, she asked, quietly:
"Well, gentlemen, what can I do for you?"
Then seeing the astonished servant lingering at the door, she added:
"You may go, Hattie."