“What on earth is the matter, Davila?” Elaine exclaimed.

“I have it!—it’s the thieves!”

“Have you suddenly lost your mind?”

“No! I’ve found it! I’ve come out of my trance. It’s Parmenter’s chest.”

“Parmenter’s chest?” echoed Elaine. “I reckon I must be in a trance, also.”

“Hasn’t Mr. Croyden told you—or Mr. Macloud?”

“No!”

“Then maybe I shouldn’t—but I will. Parmenter’s chest is a fortune in jewels.” 293

“A what?”

“A fortune in jewels, which Mr. Croyden has searched for and not found—and the thieves think——”