Somebody entered the room, switched on the light, crossed to the centre of the apartment, stood there for a few seconds, and then, receding, switched off the light again and closed the door.
The intruder stood in the room behind the curtain without moving a muscle.
He could hear sounds of footsteps within the house.
He had closed the long glass door when he had entered, and now stood concealed behind the yellow plush curtain.
Suddenly he heard the piano being played—a song from “La Bohême.” He stood listening, for he was always fond of music. As he halted there the sweet perfume of the flowers greeted his nostrils, and he murmured some low words beneath his breath.
His hand sought his jacket pocket, and when he withdrew it he had in his grasp a serviceable-looking revolver. He inhaled a long deep breath, for he was desperate.
At last he summoned courage, and again drew back the curtain very slowly. All was darkness within until he switched on his pocket-lamp and slowly examined the place.
The light fell upon the table whereon stood the jewel-case, and he walked straight to it and opened it.
The moment his eyes fell upon the magnificent string of pearls he stood for a second as though in hesitation.
Then swiftly he took them up, and with a glance at them thrust his prize into his jacket pocket.