"Don't trouble yourself. They were brought to me. I have them locked up."
Faversham's expression relaxed. He let himself slide down upon his pillows.
"By George!—if I'd lost them."
Melrose studied him closely.
"They're all right. What do you know about gems?"
"Only what Uncle Mackworth taught me. We were great pals. He was my guardian. I lived with him in the holidays after my parents died. I knew all his gems. And now he's left them to me."
"Where are the rest?"
"I left the cabinet in charge of a man I know at the British Museum. He promised to lock it up in one of their strong rooms. But those six I always carry with me."
Melrose laughed.
"But those are just the six that should have been locked up. They are worth all the rest."