“By daylight it’s even more beautiful,” Rhoda explained. “It looks sky blue then.”
“Never have I seen anything so gorgeous,” Penny murmured in awe. “And to think Jay Highland nearly made off with it! How clever of you to let him believe it was hidden in the suitcase!”
“I was desperate,” Rhoda chuckled. “Grandfather willed the sapphire to me, and I intend to keep it always.”
“Then you’re not afraid of the old superstition, that harm will befall the owner?”
“I should say not!” grinned Rhoda. “That was only Grandmother’s idea. If ordinary precautions are taken, the gem always will be safe. After all, it’s highly insured.”
“As Mr. Ayling now realizes to his sorrow,” added Penny. “Let’s see if he and Mr. Merkill are out of the crypt.”
Before the girls could find the stairway leading down, policemen appeared, assisting the two men to the first floor of the monastery. Mr. Ayling, who had been imprisoned only a short time, was able to walk. However, it was necessary for officers to carry Mr. Merkill.
“Save my wife,” he pleaded. “She is here somewhere. That crook stole a diamond necklace from her too!”
“Your wife is safe and in good health,” the officer assured him. “We’ve found no jewelry though. Describe the necklace.”
While he was being carried outside on an improvised stretcher, Mr. Merkill gave police a detailed description of the missing jewelry.