"There's Belknap, and not a minute to lose. I'll go meet him," and he hurried out, wearing a look of relief, mingled with expectancy.
In a moment he returned, closely followed by the smiling detective.
"Quick, Belknap," said Frank, closing the door, carefully, "give us the important points. The carriage will be here in a short time, to take the old man to town, and he must be on time, for trains won't wait."
"True," said Mr. Belknap, seating himself near the table. "I should have reported to you last evening, but thought it best to remain about town, and let myself be seen by the hotel loungers; people, in a place like this, are curious about a man who keeps too much to himself, and one must always conciliate suspicion."
"True," from Mr. Lamotte.
"I saw Miss Wardour yesterday, gentlemen; she entirely withdraws the case."
"What! entirely?" asked Frank.
"Entirely; she asked for my account, paid it, and dismissed me, saying, that she should not resume the search, but should double the reward."
"Double the reward!" repeated Frank.
"Yes, provided both the diamonds and the thieves were found."