In return the colonel confessed the facts of his visit to the medium. He said that he had done it secretly, because Horace and his daughter so strongly objected to his seeing those who held communion with the other world.
As to the woman who had met the colonel, he said that he did not know her name. She was veiled all the time, and did not speak to him.
After the disturbance—he was careful not to call it an expose—this woman had led him to the carriage, and they had hastened away.
Such was the strength of his delusion that he still believed that the manifestations he had seen at that house were genuine. He would not accept Nick's version of the affair.
"I have made up my mind what to do," he said. "My decision is unalterable. I shall buy the jewels and give them to Millie Stevens. I believe that in so doing I shall carry out my aunt's wishes."
It was a queer case for Nick. He had followed up many crimes, and had recovered a hundred fortunes in stolen property, but this was the first time that he had seen a robbery going on before his eyes and been unable to prevent it.
His pride was aroused. There was no use in combating the colonel's delusion. Of that he felt sure.
The man must be humored in order to secure delay.
"Colonel Richmond," said Nick, "I wish to suggest to you a final test in this matter. It will settle all doubt and satisfy me thoroughly.
"If you can convert me to your views, I should think the achievement might be worth the trouble."