Chick had been watching her intently, and he was sure that she had told the truth. It was a strange story, nevertheless, a remarkable experience, and he began to rack his brain for an explanation.
“I believe all you have said, Miss Fielding,” he assured her. “Have you any idea what overcame you?”
“No, sir,” said she earnestly. “Not the slightest idea. It is terribly mysterious.”
“Did it occur immediately after you opened the bag?”
“Yes, sir, almost immediately; surely within two or three seconds.”
“When you bent nearer to look into the bag?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Had you removed the handkerchief?”
“No, sir. The gold coins and ring were on top of it.”
“Had you detected any odor from it, that of perfumery or——”