"I'm to wait for the answer," he said, and took up his position beside his wares.
Constance opened the letter, with a hand trembling with eagerness. It ran:
Miss Wardour:—By all means keep the secret of the diamonds, and trust all to me. I think it best not to come to you, as Belknap keeps a constant watch upon your movements; dismiss him as soon as you like. Have no fears regarding Heath, I have his enemies well roped; be assured that I shall be on hand when needed, and when you see me expect to have the question of the diamond mystery forever set at rest. If you have anything to say, send verbal instructions by boy; he is to be trusted.
Yours sincerely,
Neil J. Bathurst.
Constance heaved a sigh of relief, as she finished the perusal of this note, and after a moment's reflection, she said:
"Tell Mr. Bathurst that I will obey his instructions, and that Mr. Belknap will be dismissed from my service to-day."
"Yes, madam. Now if you will please to select some of these things for the sake of appearance."
"Of course. You are very thoughtful. Are you a young detective too?"
The boy looked up with a gleam of pride in his eyes.
"I have been in Mr. Bathurst's service two years, madam."