"I will explain that to you by and by; but first let me show you these."
She uncovered the box which contained the crescents and cross, and held the gleaming diamonds before his astonished eyes.
The man was so utterly confounded by the unexpected sight that for a moment he gazed at them with a look of wonder on his face.
"Zounds! where did you get them?" he cried, breathlessly.
Mona briefly explained regarding the accident to the table, which had resulted in her discovering the secret compartment with its treasures.
"Clever! clever!" the man muttered, as his eyes fastened upon the table and he comprehended the truth. "Well, well, young lady, you've done a fine stroke of business this day, and no mistake! These are the real articles, no paste or sham to fool me this time," he added, as he lifted the crescents from the box. "But—when—Mrs. Richmond Montague!—who'd have thought it?"
"This isn't all, Mr. Rider," Mona continued, in a whisper, for she feared
Mrs. Montague might catch the sound of their voices.
"What! more discoveries!" the man exclaimed, all alert again, as he shut the box and slipped it into his pocket.
"Yes, step this way, if you please," and leading him to the door of Mrs.
Montague's chamber, she pointed at the costume lying upon the bed.
The quick eyes took it all in at a glance, and his face lighted with a swift flash of triumph.