Mrs. McNab went white to the lips.
“Dr. Firth!” she breathed. “Have you—did you lose much?”
“More than I care about. The thieves were discriminating: they didn’t bother about anything bulky. They must have known a good deal about the place. All the unset jewels have gone, and most of the smaller and more valuable ornaments—some very valuable as rare specimens. I wish I had done six months ago what I intended to do next week—sent the lot to a museum. You were right in your warnings after all, Mrs. McNab.” He smiled grimly.
“And you heard nothing?”
“Not a thing. I was writing until very late, and when I turned in I slept like a top. My housekeeper is a light sleeper, but she heard nothing. I am almost inclined to think that there was only one burglar. The police believe more than one had a hand in it. But I think that if a gang had been at work more would have been taken; to me, the small bulk of what has gone points to a man working single-handed. And I wouldn’t be surprised if both thief and booty are in the neighbourhood yet.”
If Mrs. McNab had been pale before, she was ghastly now.
“Why—why do you think so?”
“Because every one takes it for granted that he would get away. The Wootong police—not that they’re especially intelligent—are quite certain on the point: they have been keeping the telegraph-wires busy with messages to Melbourne. I wish they’d show more anxiety to hunt the neighbourhood. How easy it would be for a man to hide his plunder somewhere in the bush and remain quietly here until the hue and cry died away! In the cities the detectives have a fair working knowledge of likely criminals. But a man could stay in the country, perhaps as a farm-labourer, without suspicion ever being drawn to him.”
Judy and Jack had been listening open-mouthed. Now Judy burst forth.
“I say, I’ve a gorgeous idea! You and I’ll be detectives, Jack, and we’ll hunt round everywhere! We’ll find out if there are any strangers about, and do some scouting. I’m jolly glad they wouldn’t take us for their beastly old picnic, aren’t you?”