"Do you mean the diamonds—there, in that box, sir?"
"Just so."
"They are of great value, no doubt."
"My diamonds are worth over half a million sterling."
Caw drew a long breath. "That box would be safer in the bank, sir," he said respectfully, at last.
"I daresay. But it is going to remain in this drawer." Christopher reached out, closed the lid, locked it, and handed the key to Caw. "Listen! Immediately you have set the clock going, you will go down to the shore and throw that key far into the loch. A duplicate key will be available when the clock stops. Now place the box in the drawer and shut the drawer, and then sit down again."
With a resigned expression Caw obeyed.
"Burglars," he muttered, as if to himself, resuming his seat.
"Yes; they may try it—after I am gone. But mark this, Caw, you are not responsible in this particular matter, and even should you be aware that the persons whom I have named are attempting burglary, you must not violently interfere in any way."
"Not interfere! Good God, sir, half a million and not interfere!" Caw peered at his master in the firelight "Why, Mr. Craig, you could not trust me to obey that order!"