“But can we trust them?” Croyden asked, doubtfully.
“It’s the lesser of two evils.”
“We will have to explain the letter, its reference to the Parmenter jewels, and all that it contains.”
“I can see no objection. We didn’t find the treasure, and, I reckon, they’re welcome to search, if they think there is a chance.”
“Well, let it be exactly as you wish—you’re quite as much concerned for success as I am,” said Croyden.
“Possibly, more so,” returned Macloud, seriously.
And Croyden understood.
Then, they went into the library. The two detectives arose at their entrance. The one, Rebbert, was a Pinkerton man, the other, Sanders, was from the Bureau at City Hall. Both were small men, with clean shaven faces, steady, searching eyes, and an especially quiet manner. 308
“Mr. Croyden,” said Rebbert, “we have been questioning the servants, but have obtained nothing of importance, except that the ladies wore their hats and coats (at least, they have disappeared). This, with the fact that you found Miss Cavendish’s glove and handkerchief, on a road without the limits of Hampton, leads to the conclusion that they have been abducted. But why? Miss Carrington, we are informed, has no great wealth—how as to Miss Cavendish?”
“She has more than sufficient—in fact, she is very rich——”