“Not so mysterious if I may be permitted to look inside that ornament over there—the heirloom of the Romanelli—the Silver Spider,” I said calmly.
“What do you mean?” she cried resentfully. “I don’t understand you.”
I smiled.
“Then let me be a little more explicit,” I said. “Have you heard of a man named Hauser? Well, he made an attempt upon my life. Hence I am here this afternoon to see you. May I lift the body of the Silver Spider and look inside?”
“Certainly not!” she cried, facing me boldly.
“Then you fear me—eh?”
“I do not fear you. I don’t know you!” she cried.
I laughed, and said:
“Then if not, why may I not be permitted to look inside your husband’s family heirloom?”