“Oh; you mean that she was bought off?�

“That is the possibility.�

“Then,� said Chick, “I would suggest that Miss Hunt be found without delay.�

“That is a duty that I have reserved for myself,� replied the detective.

“But what would be the object of it all?�

“To have a competent spy in the office of the man who must decide upon the credentials of the claimant, for one thing; to arrange for an easy method of getting a person into the Tombs and to the prisoner at the opportune moment for sending out an important message, for another.�

“I see. What are your conclusions, Nick?� It was Chick who asked the question.

“I don’t know that I have arrived at any conclusions; at least, definite ones.�

“What then?�

“I am only convinced of the determination of Madge Babbington to possess herself of those millions, and that she will stop at nothing to attain her ends.�