Just then John, the footman, entered the room with some letters.
“Well, what am I to do about it?” she said to Stapleton, controlling her voice.
“We can’t do better than consult the Metropolitan Secret Agency,” he answered. “If they can’t help us I don’t believe anybody can. Have you the numbers of the notes?”
“No.”
“The Agency may be able to trace the pearls, anyhow. There are only a few places in England and on the Continent where stolen pearls of that sort can be disposed of, and Stothert was telling me only the other day that he knows the whereabouts of every receiver of stolen goods in this country, and on the Continent, too.”
The footman, having delivered the letters, retired, closing the door behind him.
Stapleton and Jessica looked at each other oddly.
“Let us go and find Archie,” she said, preparing to rise. “You say he told you he might remain at home?”
But at that moment the door opened, and the footman, entering again, announced:
“Captain Preston and Mr. Blenkiron.”