He paused and looked at Lynde, but the latter did not speak, returning the glance in interested silence.
"For some time past," he continued, "I have been missing large sums of money from my desk. I can't understand how it can be, unless some of the servants have a duplicate key; but though I have set every sort of trap, it is utterly impossible for me to catch the thief. Last night the climax was reached! I concluded that as the thief knew so well the place where I kept my money, that I would put it out of the house. Well, Pyne, it seems that the scoundrel was compelled to have money, for my wife's diamond bracelet was taken. Strangely enough there were other jewels there of much greater value, but they were left and the bracelet taken. Mrs. Chandler placed it in the casket with her own hands last night after her maid had left the room, so that we cannot think Nichette the guilty one; but who is it? I want you to advise me what to do!"
"It is a strange thing," said Pyne, musingly; "there seems to be but one course—put a detective to work on it."
"Oh, hang a detective! Do you suppose I want my whole house carried off? That would be the result if I put a detective on it. They are constitutional liars, Pyne. If one of them told me that one of the servants was guilty, I would suspect any one in the house sooner than the one he named. You must suggest something different from that, or I shall have to let them rob me in silence."
"But suppose I could get a woman——"
"That makes no difference. I don't believe in professional detectives, male or female."
"Then I am afraid that I see no way——"
"Pardon me, Mr. Pyne, but this gentleman has expressed a dislike only for professional detectives. If I can be of any assistance to you in that way or any other, I shall be only too pleased."
The words were spoken by Leonie Cuyler, and Lynde turned and looked at her in surprise.
"You!" he exclaimed. "What could you do?"