"I want you to take the case. You must help me recover my pearls."
"I am afraid I can't take the case, Mrs. Dillon."
"But why not? You've helped others. Everyone says you are the best detective in the city. And I'll pay you well."
"It isn't a matter of money, Mrs. Dillon. To tell you the truth, the Reliance Insurance Company also requested me to work on the case."
"The Reliance Insurance Company? I don't understand. What have they to do with it?"
"Your necklace was insured with them, I believe," Mr. Nichols said evenly.
"Oh, no!"
"For fifteen thousand dollars."
"Certainly not," Mrs. Dillon replied indignantly. "Are you suggesting that I would lie about the matter?"
"I thought you might have forgotten."