A few moments later an interesting group assembled in the great parlor of the Maynard country house. Mrs. Maynard, Bernice, the small servant girl, Charley Maynard, and Anton, with the detective, constituted the party.
Bernice was deadly pale. Her eyes glared strangely about the room, and her hands trembled violently. Anton took a chair at her side, and seemed anxious to restore her self-command.
Mrs. Maynard looked with averted eyes at the couple. Charley was cool, as usual, but his eyes were fixed reprovingly on the maid.
“You stated that the diamonds had been found,” he said, turning to Nick. “I have suspected all along that they never left the house.”
“Is that the reason why you watched Anton’s door to-night?” asked Nick.
“It is,” was the reply.
Anton sprang excitedly to his feet.
“Remain quiet,” said Nick. “There is no need of temper here.”
“The coward!” cried Anton. “To insult me here in the presence of my mother!”
“You were wrong in supposing that the diamonds were in the house,” said Nick to Charley. “They were removed by two burglars last night, and are now in New York.”