“My hand trembles so,” the lady began.

“Don’t open it now,” said Nick, “wait a moment.  I have a suggestion to make.  And, at any rate, we all know what is within.

“Colonel Richmond.  I suppose it is useless to plead with you further?”

“Quite useless,” said the colonel.  “Millie shall have all the jewels.  I am determined to buy them of my daughter, and make the transfer at once.”

“Well, I am beaten,” said the detective.  “The case has gone against me.  But I will still try to help you.  I wish to call your attention to the legal aspects of this case.

“They may surprise you, but, before, going further, I think you should know them.  You will not accept my authority, if I state the facts as they are.

“Mrs. Stevens, is it not true that you have one of the judges of the Supreme Court as your neighbor?”

“Yes; Judge Lorrimer is our next neighbor on the south.”

“Will you kindly send your servant to his house, or perhaps—­”

He glanced at Horace.

“All right, I’ll go,” said Horace.  “I know the judge.  But I don’t see what you are driving at, Mr. Carter.”

“I want to persuade Colonel Richmond to get the law in the case before he goes further.  He should consult an authority about this transfer before he makes any more promises which may or may not be legally good.”

“I think it a good idea,” said Colonel Richmond.  “Horace, go over to the judge’s house.”

During the interval while he was gone very little was done.  Mrs. Stevens sat holding the package, and apparently deeply moved.

She several times declared to Colonel Richmond that she did not wish her daughter to get the jewels in such a way, and that she was still convinced that human beings had planned and executed the whole strange series of robberies and surprises.

“If it should prove,” said Nick, “that this is a conspiracy, do you wish any arrests?”

He turned toward the colonel as he spoke.

“If it does,” said the colonel, with a smile, “you can arrest me.  It won’t.”

“But I am serious.”

“So am I. Of course, if there had been a crime I would not shield the guilty parties, whoever they might be.”

At that moment Horace returned with Judge Lorrimer, whom he had met walking just beyond Mrs. Stevens’ grounds.

“I have tried to explain the case to him,” said Horace; “but he says he doesn’t understand how any legal complications can arise.”

“We will try to make that clear presently,” said Nick.  “Mrs. Stevens, open that package.  No; wait a moment.  You are agitated.  You should have a glass of water.  Permit me to ring.”

He put his hand upon the bell-cord.

As he did so, Mrs. Stevens opened the package.  The article within rolled out upon her lap.

It was not the diamond clasp, but an ordinary pocket-knife of large size.