"Yes, I know something about the name Amalie Stevens."
"What do you know?"
"Answer me first: Have you any reason to believe that you know anything about a person named Amalie Stevens?"
"I may."
The woman meditated a long time and said:
"Wait a moment; I have perfect confidence in you; I will show you something."
Mrs. Speir left the room, but in a few minutes returned, bringing with her a little garment, age stained, but otherwise perfect. She held the garment up to the light and pointed to a letter mark. The marks were fine—very fine—but the detective had his glass with him. He subjected the letters to inspection and plainly made out the two letters A. S., and there shot a thrill through his frame, while the woman watched him with eager eyes, and she said:
"I never heard the name Stevens, but when you mentioned the combination Amalie Stevens, I remembered the letters on this little garment. I have often studied over them; for, sir, since matters have gone so far, I will say that I have always felt that there was a mystery in my life which would never be cleared up."
"Who wore this garment?" asked Jack.
"I did."