"After I had searched him he picked your pocket and got the clasp. Then he wrapped it in paper.
"I picked his pocket to make matters even, and substituted my knife similarly wrapped up.
"When we got to this house he gave the knife to Annie O'Neil, who put it on Miss Stevens' pillow when she went upstairs to call Mrs. Stevens."
"You have not explained the robberies at my house," said Colonel Richmond.
"I'll do that over there. Is the rest of it clear? Has anybody a question to ask?"
Nobody spoke.
"Annie O'Neil," said Nick, "I'll leave here in Patsy's charge. Horace Richmond, come with us."
Horace looked ugly for a moment, and then he calmed down and sullenly complied with Nick's order.
Judge Lorrimer begged to be of the party in order to see the explanation of the mysterious robberies of which he had heard.
Two hours later they all stood in Mrs. Pond's room.