"Yes, it was a diamond robbery. A dress worn by one of the persons connected with it was torn; a small piece was entirely cut out of it. I have found the dress; I have fitted the piece into the rent, and now I want the woman who owns it to be arrested and examined," Mona explained, in low, excited tones, but very comprehensively.
"Ah!" said the detective again, in the same quiet tone; "you have reference to the Palmer robbery."
Mona lifted a pair of very astonished eyes to his face.
"Yes," she responded, breathlessly; "but how did you know?"
"Because I am looking after that case. I am in St. Louis upon that very business," replied the man, with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Are you Detective Rider?" questioned the young girl, wonderingly, and trembling with excitement.
Her companion smiled.
"What do you know about Detective Rider?" he inquired. Then, as she flushed and seemed somewhat embarrassed, he continued: "And who are you, if you please?"
"I am—I am acquainted with Raymond Palmer," Mona answered, evasively; "he has told me about the robbery and—"
"Ah! yes. I understand," interposed the quick-witted officer, as he comprehended the situation. "But sit down and tell me the whole story as briefly as possible, and I can then judge what will be best to do."