“Where did you get this?” he inquired.
“Why, I—that is, a friend gave it to me,” Madge stammered. “It was found.”
Again the clerk bestowed upon her a searching glance. She had not counted upon answering questions and realized that her answers were not very satisfactory. It flashed through her mind that the jade pin might have been stolen. In a panic, she pictured herself occupying a jail cell.
Perhaps her expression reassured the clerk, for he smiled as he returned the pin.
“I’m sorry I can’t tell you the value of this stone. Our expert, Mr. Dewitt is out of the city today. However, I do know that this pin is an unusual piece of jewelry. The carving is unique.”
“Is it valuable, do you think?”
“I would judge so, but for any definite estimate, you must see Mr. Dewitt.”
“When will he be in?”
“Tomorrow. Why not leave the pin here until then? Mr. Dewitt has made a special study of jade and I think he may have something interesting to tell you about your stone.”
Madge debated for a minute and finally decided to leave the pin. It would be safer in the hands of the jeweler than in her pocketbook, she reasoned, and until she had definite information concerning the stone, she did not wish to risk losing it.