A minute later the party below heard a scream.
Then Mrs. Stevens appeared. She was very pale.
In her hand she held a small object wrapped in paper.
"I have just found this upon my daughter's pillow," she said. "I have not removed the paper, but I know instinctively what is within. It is another jewel."
"I am equally sure of it," cried the colonel. "Open the package, Mrs. Stevens."
"My hand trembles so," the lady began.
"Don't open it now," said Nick, "wait a moment. I have a suggestion to make. And, at any rate, we all know what is within.
"Colonel Richmond. I suppose it is useless to plead with you further?"
"Quite useless," said the colonel. "Millie shall have all the jewels. I am determined to buy them of my daughter, and make the transfer at once."
"Well, I am beaten," said the detective. "The case has gone against me. But I will still try to help you. I wish to call your attention to the legal aspects of this case.