"And never came across the slightest clew?"
"Never!"
"Why was it she did not make a confidant of you?"
"Well, I was a pretty wild sort of man in those days, and it's my idea that many precious jewels are hidden in that box."
The eyes of the man Garcia glistened as he asked:
"What makes you think so?"
"Well, my old woman let fall many strange hints now and then, and always said that Renie would be rich some day—immensely rich."
"She meant when claimed by her friends?"
"Yes; but she once said that Renie would be rich whether her friends claimed her or not; and what is more, money was always ready when anything was needed for the girl."
"But the girl has been allowed to run loose."