"I was aware that that pin had been taken. It was done while I was in your room, Mrs. Pond. The circumstances were exactly the same as those attending the other robberies."
"But I did not put it in the box," exclaimed Mrs. Stevens. "It was not among the jewels which I found."
She turned to Colonel Richmond. Her face was ghastly pale.
"I have scorned your belief," she said; "but now I am convinced. No mortal being could have done this thing."
"What do you say to that, Mr. Carter?" cried the colonel, with flashing eyes.
"I would like to ask a few questions," rejoined Nick. "Were you alone when you put those jewels into the box?"
"I was."
"Has it been in your possession ever since?"
"It has not been out of my care."
"Did you tell anybody about the finding of the jewels?"