Frederic Vernon conducted the examination.
He searched every other place first. Finally he opened a small drawer of the bureau, and uttered an exclamation.
"What is this?" he asked, as he drew out the ring and held it up. "Is this your ring, aunt?"
"Yes," she answered calmly.
"Mrs. Vernon," said Robert, in an agitated tone, "I hope you don't think I had anything to do with taking the ring."
"The case is plain," said Frederic Vernon severely. "You may as well confess, and I will ask my aunt to let you off. Of course she cannot retain you in her employ, but I will ask her not to prosecute you."
Robert looked anxiously yet proudly into the face of his employer.
"Don't feel anxious, Robert," she said, "I haven't the slightest suspicion of you."
"Then, aunt, how do you account for the ring being found in the room of your secretary?"
"Because," said Mrs. Vernon, "it was placed there."