The servant gave her the letters just as Nick came in sight. He not only gave her those he had been carrying in his hand, but he drew one from his pocket with a motion that suggested secrecy.
Nick rode up to the veranda, introduced himself, and asked to see Mrs. Stevens.
"Let James take your horse," said the girl. "Come into the house, if you please. I will speak to my mother."
Nick went into the cool and pretty parlor. Miss Stevens left the room for a moment, and then returned with her mother.
The detective spoke of the occurrences of the day before, and requested permission to see the room in which the jewelry had so mysteriously appeared.
While they were talking thus, it happened that Miss Stevens drew her handkerchief from her pocket, and as she did so two little pieces of paper fell to the floor.
"So she's read that letter, and torn it up so soon," was Nick's silent comment.
Almost immediately Miss Stevens said:
"There's the mail on the table, mother. I forgot to give it to you. There are several letters."
Mrs. Stevens glanced at the addresses.