"If I were a detective I should say that that is a point to be remembered," said Carne with a smile. "Pray, where did she find her keys?"
"Upon her dressing-table," said Amberley. "Though she has not the slightest recollection of leaving them there."
"Well, when she had procured the keys, what happened?"
"Why, they opened the box, and, to their astonishment and dismay, found it empty. The jewels were gone!"
"Good gracious! What a terrible loss! It seems almost impossible that it can be true. And pray, what did they do?"
"At first they stood staring into the empty box, hardly believing the evidence of their own eyes. Stare how they would, however, they could not bring them back. The jewels had, without doubt, disappeared, but when and where the robbery had taken place it was impossible to say. After that they had up all the servants and questioned them, but the result was what they might have foreseen, no one from the butler to the kitchen-maid could throw any light upon the subject. To this minute it remains as great a mystery as when they first discovered it."
"I am more concerned than I can tell you," said Carne. "How thankful I ought to be that I returned the case to Her Grace last night. But in thinking of myself I am forgetting to ask what has brought you to me. If I can be of any assistance I hope you will command me."
"Well, I'll tell you why I have come," replied Lord Amberley. "Naturally, they are most anxious to have the mystery solved and the jewels recovered as soon as possible. Wiltshire wanted to send to Scotland Yard there and then, but his wife and I eventually persuaded him to consult Klimo. As you know if the police authorities are called in first, he refuses the business altogether. Now, we thought, as you are his next-door neighbor, you might possibly be able to assist us."
"You may be very sure, my lord, I will do everything that lies in my power. Let us go and see him at once."
As he spoke he rose and threw what remained of his cigarette into the fireplace. His visitor having imitated his example, they procured their hats and walked round from Park Lane into Belverton Street to bring up at No. 1. After they had rung the bell and the door was opened to them by the old woman who invariably received the detective's clients.