"Yes."
"You intend to keep me a prisoner?"
"Yes, for the present, and for your own safety. Some very startling events are transpiring, and it is necessary for your own safety that you should be in a safe place."
The detective led the girl to the home of a woman who had once been a prison matron. She was a very able woman. He placed the girl Caroline in this woman's charge with full instructions how to act. He had permitted the girl to take what she desired from the house, but to his surprise she took but very little—none of the elegant clothes—-none of the gems; even the ring she wore on her finger she cast upon the bureau. Our hero did not urge her to take anything, but he did secure these gems, holding them for future identification.
On the day following the incidents we have described, Oscar visited headquarters and learned that the chief had received a telegram stating that a representative of the illustrious Roman family was already on his way to New York and would probably arrive almost any day.
"He must have started for New York immediately following the sending of the cablegram."
"Yes."
"You telegraphed no particulars."
"No, I suppose they believe we have certain clews, and instead of writing they have determined to come direct to New York."
"So much the better. I believe we will have some very startling news for this representative when he arrives."