“In jeopardy?” Mrs. Thurlow questioned, turning pale. “What do you mean, Mr. Carter?”
“I mean, Mrs. Thurlow, that an attempt will be made to steal them.”
“Good heavens!” gasped Edna. “How shocking, mamma!”
“Steal them?” Mrs. Thurlow smiled expressively. “Well, well, that can be easily prevented. I will not wear them.”
“I thought you would say so,” Nick replied. “On the contrary, however, I want you to wear them and to conduct yourself precisely as if you knew nothing about the danger, which I felt constrained to disclose. Let me tell you the circumstances.”
He then proceeded to do so, showing her the anonymous letter, and then interrogating her about nearly every feature of the complicated case. His inquiries proved vain, however, for both Mrs. Thurlow and her daughter were entirely in the dark as to the identity and motives of the criminals involved.
“But why, Mr. Carter, having informed me of the danger, do you want me to wear the pearls?” Mrs. Thurlow inquired. “That will be indiscreet, at least.”
“Less so than you suppose,” the detective assured her. “I will take every possible precaution to protect them and prevent the theft. Your wearing them, however, will give me an opportunity to identify and capture these miscreants.”
“Ah, I see!” Mrs. Thurlow exclaimed. “But do you think you can accomplish it?”
“I am very sure of it.”