"But you left them in my care. It was I who suggested where to hide them," she moaned.
"I know. And it was a splendid idea, too. Besides, we had no time to hunt hiding-places. We were forced to act right away. I could not let that sheriff of yours peel off my clothes and find the diamonds on me. He isn't a man of sufficient imagination—or perhaps he is one of far too much. I am not blaming you,—not in the least. We did the best we could in the emergency. If things have gone wrong, it is no fault of yours."
"But you trusted me. I ought to have watched. I should not have left the kitchen day or night," declared Marcia, lifting her tear-stained face to his.
"You have been there most of the time, haven't you?"
"I went to see them get the boat off yesterday."
"Still, someone was here. Sylvia was in the house."
"Yes, but she knew nothing about the jewels and therefore may not have realized the importance of staying on deck. How could she, unless she had been warned? All I asked her to do was to remain within call. She may have gone upstairs, or into another room."
"When she comes back, you can ask her."
It was he who now soothed and cheered, his caressing hand moving from her shoulder down her arm until her fingers lay in his.