"Not a sign of it. Evidently she jabbed the pin through the paper only in idleness."
"She is lying on a box of some kind, from which she probably had taken this wrapping paper."
"So I see," nodded Nick. "Lend me a hand, Chick, and we'll have a look at the box."
With gentle hands the two detectives moved the girl's lifeless form, and Nick then took up the box mentioned.
It was about four inches square, and was made of silver, with an open work design of vines and leaves, which displayed a blue silk lining through the metal apertures. Plainly enough it was a lady's jewel casket, and one of considerable value; but it was entirely empty, and it bore no name or inscription.
For several moments Nick Carter examined it very intently, with his brows gradually knitting closer and closer; and all the while Officer Fogarty, and the group of men in the gravel walk a few yards distant, mutely gazed and wondered.
Chick Carter, however, who could read Nick's every change of expression, saw at once that the great detective not only was making some startling discoveries, but also was arriving at deductions far too subtle and significant to have been reached by any less keen and practiced observer.
"What do you make of it, Nick?" whispered Chick, dropping to his knee beside his companion.
Nick also lowered his voice, and for several minutes the two conversed in rapid whispers.
"It is a jewel case, Chick; and quite a valuable one."