"It certainly looks like our property," declared the more cautious clerk. "If it is, the identification letters BNC will be found scratched inside the band of the ring. Have you a glass there?"
"Mr. Rhinehart isn't going to commit himself without a microscope," chuckled the inspector. "He is dead right too."
"I wish to verify the stones as well as the setting," replied the expert.
"I guess in this case your stones are genuine enough. Stuart hadn't much chance to tamper with them. Nevertheless, it can do no harm to make sure," Corrigan said.
Opening a drawer Mr. Burton produced a powerful glass which he handed to Rhinehart who went to the light and carefully scanned the scintillating gems.
"Flawless and of the first water!" exclaimed he, after a tense pause. "The setting hasn't been touched, so there is practically no danger of substitution."
"You mean we have actually got the ring back—diamonds and all?" put in Hollings, as if unable to make real the miracle.
"We have—thanks to Mr. Corrigan," was Mr. Burton's reply.
"Thanks to young Christopher, you mean, sir," smiled the chief protestingly.
"What can I do to thank you?" cried Hollings. "I said I would give anything I possessed if those diamonds could be reclaimed and I'm ready to live up to my promise."