 CHAPTER 7 THE CASE AGAINST BANNERD It's just this way, said Lucille Daryl positively. This house is mine and I want it to myself. Ursula Pell is dead and buried and she can't play any more tricks on anybody. I admit that was a hard joke on you, Iris, to get a dime and pin when for years you've been expecting a diamond pin. I can't help laughing every time I think of it. But all the same that's your business, not mine. And of course you and Mr. Bannerd will get your jewels yet somehow. That woman left some explanation or directions how to find her horde of gems. You need to read and tell me she didn't. That's just it, Miss Daryl, and Iris looked deeply perplexed. I've never known Anna Ursula to play one of her foolish tricks but what she made it up as she called it to her victim. Why, her diary is full of planned jokes and played jokes but always it records the immense she made. I think yet that somewhere in that diary we'll find the record of where her jewels are. I don't, declared Bannerd. I've read the thing through twice and it does seem to have vague hints but nothing of real importance. I've read it too, at least some of it, and Miss Daryl looked thoughtful, and I think the reference to the crypt is of importance. Also I think her idea of having a jewel chalice made is in keeping with the idea of a crypt as a hiding place. What more like Ursula Pell than to manage to hide her gems in the crypt of a church and then desire to leave a chalice to that church. There's no crypt in the Episcopal Church here, objected Iris. I didn't say here. The church I take it is in some other place. She had no notion of giving a chalice to Mr. Bowen, she just teased him about that, but she meant it for some church in Chicago where she used to live or up in that little main town where she was brought up and where her father was a minister. This may all be so, Bannerd admitted, but it's pure supposition on your part. Have you any better supposition? Any other theory? Any clear direction in which to look? No, and the young man frowned. I haven't. I think that diamond pin business unspeakably small and mean. I put up with those tricks as long as I could stand them, but to have them pursue me after Mrs. Pell is dead is a little too much. It's none of it her family's fortune anyway. My uncle Mr. Pell owned the jewels and left them to her. She did quite right in dividing them between her own niece and myself, but far from right in so secreting them that they can't be found. And they never will be found. Of that I'm certain. The will itself said they would doubtless be discovered. What a way to put it. That's all so when, Iris spoke wearily, but we must try to find them. Couldn't that crypt be in this house not in any church? Bannerd looked at the girl curiously. Do you think so? He said briefly. You mean a concealed place, I suppose, put in Miss Darrell. Well, remember this house is mine now, and I don't want any digging into its foundations promiscuously. If you can prove to me by some good architect's investigation that there is such a place or any chance of such a place you may open it up. But I won't have the foundations undermined and the sellers dug into hunting for a crypt that isn't there. Of course we can't prove it here until we find it or find some indications of it, Iris agreed. But you've invited us both to stay here for a week or two. I know I did, but I wish I hadn't if you're going to tear down my house. Now, now, Miss Darrell. Bannerd couldn't help laughing at her angry face. We're not going to pull the house down about your ears. And if you don't want Iris and me to visit you as you asked us to, just say so and we'll mighty soon make ourselves scarce. We'll go to the village in today if you like. No, no, don't be so hasty. Take a week, Iris, to get your things together, and you stay that long too, Mr. Bannerd. But, of course, it isn't strange that I should want my house to myself after a time. Not at all, Miss Lucille. Iris smiled pleasantly. You are quite justified. I will stay a few days, and then I shall go to New York and live with a girlfriend of mine who will be very glad to have me. And I will remain but a day or two here, said Bannerd, and though I may be back and forth a few times, I'll stay mostly in my New York rooms. I admit I rather want to look around here, for it seems to me that, as heirs to a large fortune of jewels, it's up to Iris and myself to look first in the most likely hiding places for them, and where more probable than the testator's own house. Also, Miss Daryl, there will yet be much investigation here in an endeavour to find the murderer. You will have to submit to that. Of course, I shall put no obstacles in the way of the law. That detective Hughes is a most determined man. He said yesterday, just before the funeral, that today he should begin his real investigations. And the detective made good his promise. He arrived at Pellbrook and announced his determination to make a thorough search of the place, house, and grounds. The crypt business, he declared, for he had read the diary, means a whole lot. It's no church vault, my way of thinking. It's a crypt in this here house, and the jewels are there. Mark that. Also, the concealed crypt is part of or connected with the secret passage that leads into that room, where the windows are barred and that's how the murderer got in, or at least how he got out. But, but there isn't any such crypt, and Iris looked at him imploringly. If there were, don't you suppose I'd know it? You might, and then again you mightn't, returned Hughes, then he and then again maybe you do. A painful silence followed for the detective's tone and glance even more than his words hinted an implication. And I wish you'd tell me, he went on to Iris, just what that funny business about the ten cent piece means. Did your aunt tell you she was going to leave you a real diamond? Yes. For years Mrs. Pell has repeatedly told me that in her will she had directed that I was to receive a small box from her lawyer, which contained a diamond pin. That is, I thought she said a diamond pin, but of course I know now that she really said a dime and pin. That is not at all surprising, for it was the delight of her life to tease people in some such way. But she knew you thought she meant a diamond pin. Of course she did. She never put it in writing. No, then she would have had to spell it and spoil the joke. I don't resent that little trick it was part of her nature to do those things. Did she never refer to its value? Not definitely. She sometimes spoke of the valuable pin that would someday be mine or the important legacy I should receive or the great treasure she had bequeathed to me, but I never remember appearing her say it was a costly gem or a valuable stone. She was always particular to tell the literal truth while intentionally misleading her hearer. You see, I am so familiar with her jest that I know all these details. It seems to me now that I ought to have realized from the way she said dime and pin that she was tricking me. But few people pronounce diamond with punctilious care. Nearly everybody says diamond. Not in New England, observed Lucille Darrell positively. Perhaps not, agreed Iris. But anyway it never occurred to me that she meant anything else than a diamond pin and one of her finest diamonds at that. However, as I said, it isn't that joke of hers that troubles me so much as the thought that she left her entire collection of jewels to Mr. Banner than myself and gave us no instructions where to find them. It isn't like her to do that. Either she has left directions which we must find or she fully intended to do so and her sudden death prevented it. That's what I'm afraid of. She was of a rather procrastinating nature and also greatly given to changing her mind. Now she distinctly states in her diary that the jewels are all in the crypt and I am firmly convinced that she intended to or did tell where that crypt is. If we can't find any letter or other revelation we must look for the crypt itself. But I confess I think that would be hunting a needle in a haystack. For Aunt Ursula had a varied life and before she settled down here she lived in a dozen different cities in many parts of the world. You're right, Miss Clyde, and you's nodded. She probably left some paper telling where that crypt is situated. Me, I believe it's in this house but all the same we've got to look mighty sharp. I don't want to miss it, I can tell you. Sorry, Miss Daryl, but we'll have to go through your cellar with a keen search. That's all right, Miss Daryl acquiesced. I'm more than willing to allow a police hunt but I don't want every Tom, Dick, and Harry pulling my house to pieces. Lucky my name's Winston, said Bannerd good-naturedly. Do you mind if I go with the strong arm of the law? No, said his hostess, and don't misunderstand me, young man. I have nothing against you personally, but I don't admit your rights as I do those of the police. I know, I understand, and Bannerd followed the detective down the cellar stairs. All this occurred the day after Ursula Pell's funeral. In the four days that had elapsed since her inexplicable death, no progress had been made toward solving the mystery. The coroner's inquest had brought out no important evidence. There were no clues that promised help, and though the police were determined and energetic, they had so little to work on that it was discouraging. But Hughes was a man of bulldog grit and perseverance. He argued that a mysterious murder had been committed and the mystery had to be solved and the murder were punished. That was all there was about it. So to work, and his work began in accordance with the dictates of his judgment in the cellar of Ursula Pell's house. And it ended there for that day. No amount of scrutiny of sounding walls or measuring dimensions brought forth the slightest suspicion, hope, or even possibility of a secret vault or crypt within the four walls. Hughes had two assistants, skilled builders both. Bannerd added his efforts, but no stone or board was there that hadn't its own honest use and place. Coal bins, ash pits, wood boxes, cupboards, and portable receptacles were investigated with meticulous care, and the result was absolutely nothing to bear out the theory of a crypt of any sort or size concealed or otherwise. And that settles that notion, summed up Hughes as he made his report to the two interested women. Of course you must see there's two ways to approach this case. One being from the question of how the murderer got in and out of that room, and the other being who the murderer was. Of course if we find out either of those things were a heap forwarder toward finding out the other, see? I see, said Miss Darrell, but I should think you'd find it easier to work on your first question, for here's the room, the door, the lock, and all those things, but as to the murderer, he's gone. Clearly put, ma'am, and quite true, but the room and lock, in plain sight though they are, don't seem to be of any help, whereas the murderer, though he's gone, may not be able to take on. Just what do you mean by that? Asked Bannard. Two things, sir. One is that they do say a murderer always returns to the scene of his crime. Harubish, I've heard that before. It doesn't mean a thing any more than the old saw that murder will out is true. All right, sir, that's one. Then again there's a chance that said murderer may not be able to stay away because we may catch him. That's the talk, said Bannard. Now you've said something worthwhile. Get your man and then find out from him how he accomplished the impossible, or rather the seemingly impossible. For since somebody did enter that room there was a way to enter it. It isn't the entering, you know, Mr. Bannard. Everybody was out of the living room at the time, and the intruder could have walked right in the side door of that room and threw into Mrs. Bell's sitting room. The question is, how did he get out, after ransacking the room and killing the lady and then leave the door locked after him? All right, that's your problem, then. But as I said, if he did do it, or since he did do it, somebody ought to be able to find out how. I'll subscribe to that. Somebody ought to be able to, but who is the somebody? Don't ask me, I'm no detective. No, sir. Now, Mr. Bannard, what about this? Do you think that Florentine pocketbook that was found emptied as if by the robber is the one that your aunt left you and her will? I think it is, Mr. Hughes, but I am by no means certain. Indeed I suppose it only because it looks as if it had held something of value which the intruder cared enough for to carry off with him. You think it looks that way? I don't, interposed Iris. I think there was nothing in it and that's why it was flung down. If it had had contents, the thief would have taken pocketbook and all. Not necessarily, said Bannard, but it's all supposition. If that's the pocketbook my aunt will to me it's worthless now. If there is another Florentine pocketbook I hope I can find it. You see, Miss Daryl, we'll have to make a search of my aunt's belongings. Why, all the jewels may be hidden in among her clothing. No, and Iris shook her head decidedly. Aunt Ursula never would have done that. Oh, I don't think so either, but we must hunt up things. She may have had a dozen Florentine pocketbooks for all I know. But the will said in the desk, Iris reminded him. Aunt, there's no other in the desk and that one has been there for a long time. I've often seen it there. You have, said Hughes, a little surprised. What was in it? I never noticed. I never thought anything about it any more than I thought of any other book or paper in Mrs. Pell's desk. She didn't keep money in it, that I know. But she did keep money in that little handbag, quite large sums at times. Well, Hughes said at last by way of a general summing up, I've searched the cellar and I've long since searched the room where the lady died and now I must ask permission to search the room above that one. Of course, agreed Miss Daryl. That's your room, Iris. Yes, the detective is quite at liberty to go up there at once so far as I am concerned. The others remained below while Hughes and Iris went upstairs. But after a few minutes they returned and Hughes declared that all thought of any secret passage from Iris's room down to her aunt's sitting-room was absolutely out of the question. This house is built about as complicatedly as a packing-box, he laughed. There's no cubby or corner unaccounted for. There are no thickened walls or unexplained bulges or measurements that don't gee. No, sir E. However that wretch got out of that locked room it was not by means of a secret exit. I'll stake my reputation on that. Now, having for a moment dismissed the question of means or method from my mind, I want to ask a few questions of one concerning whom I frankly admit I am in doubt. Mr. Bannard, you've no objection, of course, to replying. Of course not, returned Bannard, but he suddenly paled. Iris too turned white and caught her breath quickly. Don't you answer, Wynn, she cried, don't you say a word without counsel. Why, Iris, nonsense, Mr. Hughes isn't, isn't accusing me? I'll put the questions and you can do as you like about answering. Hughes spoke a little more gruffly than he had been doing and looked sternly at his man. Were you up in this locality on Sunday afternoon, Mr. Bannard? I was not, I've told you so before. That doesn't make it true. How do you explain the fact that Mrs. Pell made out to you a check dated last Sunday? I have already discussed that. Bannard spoke slowly and even hesitatingly, but he looked Hughes in the eye and his glance didn't falter. My aunt drew that check and sent it to me by mail. We've proved she sent no letter to you on Sunday. Oh, no, you haven't. You've only proved that Campbell didn't mail a letter from her to me. Hughes pause, then went on slowly. All right, when did you get that letter? How do you know I got it at all? Because you've deposited the check in your bank in New York. And how did I deposit it? By mail from here, day before yesterday. Certainly I did, well. But Bannard's jauntiness was forced. His voice shook and his fingers were nervously twisting. Hughes continued sternly. I ask you again, Mr. Bannard, how did you receive that check? How did it come into your possession? Easily enough, I wrote to my hotel to forward my mail and they did so. There were two or three checks, the one in question among them, and I endorsed them and sent them to the bank by mail. I frequently make my deposits that way. But, Mr. Bannard, I have been to your hotel. I have interviewed the clerk who attended to forwarding your mail and he told me there was no letter from Barion. He overlooked it. You can't expect him to be sure about such a minor detail. He was sure. If Mrs. Bell did mail you that check in a letter on Sunday it would have reached New York on Monday. By that time the papers had published accounts of the mysterious tragedy up here and any letter from this town would attract attention, especially when addressed to the nephew of the victim of the crime. That's what happened, however, and Bannard succeeded in forcing a smile. If you don't believe it, the burden of proof rests with you. No, sir, we don't believe it. We believe that you were up here on Sunday, that you received that check from the lady's own hand, that the half-burned cigarette was left in that room by you and the New York paper also. In addition to this, we believe that you abstracted the paper of value from the Florentine pocketbook in that you were the means of Mrs. Bell's death, whether by actual murder or by attacking her in a fit of anger and cruelly maltreating her, finally flinging her to the floor with murderous intent. You were seen hanging around the nearby woods about noon and concealed yourself somewhere in the house while the family were at dinner. These things are enough to warrant us in charging you with this crime and you are under arrest. A shrill whistle brought two men in from outside and Winston Bannard was marched to jail. End of Chapter 7 Chapter 8 of the Diamond Pin by Carolyn Wells This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. 8. Rod Nepolik Appears The shock of Bannard's arrest caused the complete collapse of Iris. Miss Daryl put the girl to bed and sent for Dr. Little. He prescribed only rest and quiet and ordinary care, saying that a nurse was unnecessary as Iris's physical health was unaffected and he knew her well enough to feel sure that she would recuperate quickly. And she did. A day or two later she was herself again and ready to follow up her determination to avenge the death of Ursula Pell. It's too absurd to suspect win, she said to the Bowens who called often. That boy is no more guilty than I am. Of course he wasn't up here last Sunday. But no one will believe in his innocence until the real murderer is found. And I'm going to find him and find the jewels and solve the whole mystery. There, there, Iris, Miss Daryl said soothingly, for she thought the girl still hysterical. Don't think about those things now. Not think about them, cried Iris. Why, what else can I think of? I've thought of nothing else for the whole week. It's Saturday now and in six days we've done nothing positively nothing toward finding the criminal. Perhaps it would be better not to try, suggested Mr. Bowen gently. You say that because you believe win guilty, Iris shot at him. I know he wasn't. You don't think he was, do you, Mrs. Bowen? I scarcely know what to think, Iris. It is all so mysterious. Even if Winston did commit the crime, how did he get out of the room? That's a secondary consideration. I don't think so, put in the rector. I think that's the first thing to be decided, knowing that one could speculate. Iris turned away wearily. Though fond of the gentle little Mrs. Bowen, she had never liked the pompous and self-important clergyman, and she rose now to greet someone who appeared at the outer door. Downing, who always devoted to Iris, was now striving to earn her gratitude by showing his willingness to be of help in any way he might. He came every day, and though Iris was careful not to encourage him, she eagerly wanted to know just what he knew about Bannerit's presence at Pellbrook on the day of the tragedy. It's this way, Downing expressed it. Win was certainly up here last Sunday for I saw him. Now, Iris, if you want me to say I was mistaken as to his identity I'll say it, but I wasn't. You mean, sir, you would tell an untruth, said Mr. Bowen severely. I mean just that, avert Downing. I care far more for Miss Clyde and her wishes than I do for the goddess of truth. I'm sorry if I shock you, sir, but that is the fact. Mr. Bowen indeed looked shocked, but Iris said emphatically. You were mistaken, Roger, you must have been. Very well then I was. He returned, but everyone knew he was purposely making a misstatement. Where was he? said Iris altogether illogically. In the woods near the orchard fence. Sunday afternoon? No, not afternoon. I'm not just sure of the time, but it was about noon. I was taking a long walk. I'd been nearly to Felton Falls and was coming home for dinner. I only caught a glimpse of him and I didn't think anything about it until until he said he hadn't been out of New York City on Sunday. Then if you only caught a glimpse, Iris said quickly, it may easily have been someone else, and it doubtless was. Shall I say so, or do you want the truth? Iris dropped her eyes and said nothing, but Mr. Bowen spoke up severely. Seize that nonsense, Roger. Tell what you saw and tell it frankly. The truth must be told. It's better to tell it anyway, declared Lucille Daryl. Truth can't harm the innocent, but it seems to me Mr. Downing may be mistaken. No, I'm not mistaken. Why, he wore that grey suit with a Norfolk jacket that I've seen him wear before this summer. And he had on a light grey tie with a ruby stick pin. The sun happened to hit the stone You know that pin, Iris. Iris knew it only too well, and she knew moreover that when wind came up Sunday evening he wore that same suit and the same scarf and pin. He had gone back to town the next day for other clothing, but when he had rushed to Baryon in response to Iris's summons he had not stopped to change. And yet she was not ready quite to believe Downing's story. Suppose in enmity to win he had made all this up. He might easily describe clothing that he knew Winston possessed without having seen him as he said he had. Iris looked down at Downing so earnestly that he quailed before her glance. I don't believe your story at all, she said. You are making it up because you hate win and it's absurd on the face of it. If wind came up here on Sunday at noon he would come in for dinner, of course. Then he went interrupted Downing. I don't believe it. You have made up that whole yarn and let me tell you you didn't do it very cleverly either. Why didn't you say you saw him in the afternoon? It would have been more convincing and quite as true. I wasn't near here myself in the afternoon, but I did pass here just before twelve and I did see him. Downing's voice had a ring of truth. However after this I shall say I did not see him. I know you prefer that I should. He looked straight at Iris and ignored Mr. Bowen's pained exclamation. Say whatever you like it doesn't matter to me. The girl returned hotly. It does matter to you and to win. So I shall say I was mistaken and I did not see Winston Banner down Sunday. I shall expect you, Mr. Bowen and you, ladies, not to report this conversation to the police. If you are questioned concerning it you must say what you choose. But you will not be questioned unless someone now present tattles. Later that day Iris had another caller. He sent up no card but Agnes told her that a Mr. Pollock wished to see her. Don't go down if you don't want to, urged Lucille. I'll see what he wants. But Miss Daryl's presence was not satisfactory to the stranger. He insisted on seeing Miss Clyde. So Iris came down to find a man of pleasant manner and correct demeanor who greeted her with dignity. I ask but a few moments of your time, Miss Clyde. I am Rodney Pollock, home Chicago, business hardware, but as a recreation I am a collector. And you are interested in my Lady Ant's Curios, suggested Iris. I am sorry to disappoint you, but they are not available for sale yet and indeed I doubt if they ever will be. In the past Mr. Pollock smiled a little. My collection is not of rare beblows or valuable curios. Perhaps I'd better confide that I'm an eccentric. I gather things that, while of no real use to others, interest me. Now what I want from you and I am willing to pay a price for it is the ten cent piece and the pin your aunt left to you in her will. What? She was eccentric, he said quietly, more I am a monomaniac perhaps, but also I am a philosopher and know that as old Dr. Coat said, if you want to be happy, make a collection. So I collect trifles that valueless in themselves have a dramatic or historic interest. And I wish, he beamed with pride, you could see my treasures. In fact Garfield carried in his pocket the day he was shot, and I have a shoelace that belonged to Charlie Ross and what very strange things to collect. Yes they are, but they interest me. My business hardware is prosaic and having an imaginative nature I let my fancy stray to these tragic mementos of crime or disaster. I have a menu card from the Lusitania and a piece of big Tom explosion. I look reverently upon the relics of sad disasters, and I value my collection as a numismatist his coins or an art collector his pictures. But it seems so absurd to ask for a common pin. It may, but I would greatly like to have it. You see it was an unusual gift. You didn't care for it, in fact I have heard you I did. They say you expected a diamond pin and your aunt left you a dime and pin, is that so? That is so. Pardon my smiling, but I think it's the funniest thing I ever heard, and I would greatly like to have that pin and that dime. I'm sorry to say it's impossible as I flung them away and I have no idea where they landed. I'd give them to you if I had them, why it was merely an ordinary dime, not an old or rare coin, and the pin was a common one. Yes, I know that, but the idea you see, the strange bequest. Oh, I greatly desire to have one or the other of those two things. Can't we find them? Where did you throw them? The dime I remember throwing the pin I tossed on the floor, I think. Has the room been swept since? No, it has not. It should have been, but we have been so upset in the house. I quite understand. I have a home and family, and I know what housekeeping means. However, since the room has not been swept, may I look around a bit in it? It is this room, the room we are in. I sat right here in the window, and I flung the pin over that way. I confessed to a quick temper, and I was decidedly indignant. Let us look for the pin, and if we find it you may have it. Iris was pleasantly impressed by Mr. Pollock's manner and set him down in her mind as a ridiculous but good-natured lunatic. Not really insane, of course, but a little hip on the subject of mementos. At her room, Iris with difficulty restrained her laughter at the nimble figure hopping about like a frog and peering into corners and under the furniture. She looked about also, but from the more dignified position of standing or sitting on a chair or footstool. The search grew interesting and at last they considered it completed. Their joint result was four pins and a needle. Mr. Pollock presented a question. It may be any one of these, he said ruefully looking at the four pins. That's true, Iris agreed, but you may have them all if you wish. Can't you judge which it is? See, this one is extra large. Then that's not it. I know it was of ordinary size. I scarcely looked at it, but I know that, nor was it this crooked one. It was straight, I'm sure. But it may easily have been different. Suppose I take these two then and put them in my collection, with the surety that one or other is the identical pin. Do so if you like, and Iris gave him a humoring smile. Now do you care to hunt for the dime? If you do, there's the lawn. But I won't help you, the sun is too warm. I think I won't hunt or if I do it will be only a little. I have this spin on my way to a house in Vermont, where I hope to get a button that figured in a sensational tragedy up there. I thank you for being so kind, and I would greatly prefer to pay you for this spin. I am not a poor man. Nonsense, I couldn't take money for a pin. You're more than welcome to it. And one of those two must be the one, for I'm sure there's no other pin on my side, Miss Clyde, and accept the gratitude of a man who has a foolish but innocent fad. Iris bowed farewell at the front door and returned to the living room smiling at the funny adventure. Almost involuntarily she began to look over the floor again, searching for pins. Have you lost anything? Asked Agnes coming by. No, I've been looking for a pin. I mean, I don't want a pin. Iris concluded her sentence rather lamely, for she had been half inclined to tell Agnes the story of her visitor when something restrained her. Perhaps it was Agnes's expression, for the maid said, were you looking for the pin Mrs. Pell left you? Yes, I was, said Iris, astonished at the query. I have it, Agnes went on, it's just sake, why did you do that? Because that's a lucky pin. Miss Iris, your aunt had that pin for years. I know it, it's been years in that box Mr. Chapin held for me. But before that, when I first came to live with Mrs. Pell she always wore a pin stuck in the front of her dress. Once I took it out it looked so silly, you know? She blew me up again she'd discharge me. And I gave it back to her, I had stuck it in my own dress and she wore it for a short time more and then she didn't wear it. Even then I wouldn't have thought anything much about it, but a maid who lived here before I did said she lost a pin once that had been in the waste of Mrs. Pell's gown and they had an awful time about it. Did they find it? She took another pin for a luck. Why Polly knew about it she said when she heard what Mrs. Pell had left to you that it might be the lucky pin. Oh, what foolishness! Well, Agnes, have you really got the pin that Aunt Ursula left to me? Yes, ma'am, as soon as I saw you throw it away I watched my chance to go and pick it up before Polly could get it. Do you want to keep it? Not if I'd like to have it. I suppose it's superstitious but it seems lucky to me. Go and get it Agnes and let me see it. But the maid returned without the pin. I can't find it, Miss Iris. I put it on the underside of my own pin-cushion and there's none there now. I asked Polly and she said she didn't touch it. Where could it have gone? You used it unthinkingly. It doesn't seem like a lucky pin, Agnes. You can just as well take any other pin out of Aunt Ursula's cushion. Take one if you like and call that your luck. Don't be a silly. Iris smiled to think that neither of the pins her strange visitor carried off with him was the right one after all. But, she thought, it makes no difference anyway as he thinks he has it. He sure is one of the two he had the poor man rest satisfied. I wonder if he found the dime. But looking from the window she could see no sign of her late caller and she dismissed the subject from her mind at once. Yet she had not heard the last of it. In the evening mail a letter came for her. It was in an unfamiliar handwriting and was written on a single plain sheet of paper. The letter said, I will pay you $100 for the pin left to you by your aunt. Please make every effort to find it and lay it on the south gate post tonight at ten o'clock. Don't let anybody see you. You will receive the money tomorrow by registered mail. No harm is meant, but I want to get ahead of that other man who is making a collection. Put it in a box and be sly about it. Ashton. That evening Iris told Lucille about it. What awful rubbish! commented that lady. But I know people who make just such foolish collections. One friend of mine collects buttons from her friend's dresses. Why, I'm afraid to go there with a gown trimmed with fancy buttons. She rips them off when you're not looking. Have you got it? I'd sell it for $100 if I were you. And that man will pay. Those collectors are generally honest. No, I haven't it, and Iris proceeded to tell a vagueness's connection with the matter. Hmm, a luck. I've heard of them too. Sometimes they're worth keeping. Oh, no, I'm not really superstitious, but an old luck is greatly advanced, if nothing more. If that pin was Iris' luck, you ought to keep it, my dear. But I haven't it. If it is a luck, and if its possession would help me to free win, I'd like to see the collector that could get it away from me. Oh, it mightn't be so potent as all that, but after all, a luck is a luck, and I'd be careful how I let one and two I let friend Pollock go off with the idea that he had it. Now, if I were to let somebody else take it, Mr. Pollock would have good reason to chide me. But how did this other man know about it? I have no idea, unless he and Pollock are friends and compare notes. But how did what's his name? Ashton know it was lost. That's so. How did he? Nothing at all. You can't put it on the gate post if you don't know where it is, but I'd certainly try to find it. Ask Polly what she knows about it. I will tomorrow. She's gone to bed by now. Poor old thing, she works pretty hard. I know it. I'll be glad when I get a whole staff of new servants. But I'll wait till this excitement is over. That was Ms. Darrell's life. She had received her inheritance and selfishly took little interest in that of the other heirs. End of Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Of the Diamond Pin by Carolyn Wells. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. 9. Iris in danger. Wearily Iris went without turning on a light she went and sat by an open window leaning her arms on the sill and staring with unseeing gaze out into the night. She was thinking about Bannerd and her thoughts were in a chaos. Not for a moment did she believe him guilty of his aunt's death, but she could not help a conviction that he had been at Pell Brook that Sunday afternoon. So that point had no bearing on Winston's connection with the crime. Moreover she knew as she feared the police also knew that Bannerd was deeply in debt and as he had received the substantial check from his aunt and had backed the same it was all in a way circumstantial evidence that was strongly indicative. Roger Downing had seen when around Pell Brook about noon or he thought he had lost his mind. Her rest wasn't conviction to be sure but Iris resolutely put away her own growing suspicions of Bannerd. She would stand by him even in the face of evidence or testimony. She would and then she began to speculate as to the fortune. Those gems were hidden somewhere and without Winston to help her how was she to look for them. Knowing Ursula Pell's tricky spirit where was any crypt? She inclined a little to the idea of its being in some church not in Barion for with all Mrs. Pell's foolishness Iris didn't think she would hide the treasure in any but a safe place. And too the crypt might well be merely the vaults of some safe deposit company in Chicago perhaps or New York. It was maddening. Iris thought over the event since the day of her aunt's death. The mystery of the unknown assailant and his manner of escape, the fearful scenes of the inquest, the funeral and the police searching since and finally the arrest of Bannerd. It seemed to Iris she couldn't stand anything more and yet she realized it had but begun. The mystery was as deep as ever the jewels were missing perhaps would never be found and Winston's case looked as she had done a hundred times before. And I must do it by my wits. They are somewhere in safety of that I'm sure and too and Ursula has left some hint, some clue to their hiding place. If I'm to be of any help to win, the first thing to do is to ferret out this matter. Then we may be better able to trace the... Her thoughts were interrupted by the sight of what seemed to her to be a ghost dance and the night dark but she discerned a faint semblance of a person skulking among the trees. She sat motionless but the shadow faded and she could see nothing more of it. Concluding she had been mistaken she sighed and was about to draw the blinds and make a light when she was seized with a sudden spirit of nervous energy that impelled her to do something anything rather than go to her room. Ursula then went downstairs. With only a vague notion of looking around she went into her aunt's sitting room and flashed on a light. It was the table lamp that had been found broken on the floor at the time of the tragedy but that now replaced by a new electrolyer gave a pleasant soft light. Coiling up the long green cord lest she trip on it Iris sank into an easy chair near the table. She opened the wall safe and stared into its emptiness. She pulled open some drawers of a cabinet, looked into a few boxes and with no definite purpose sat down at her aunt's desk. Disinterestedly she looked over some books and papers but she knew them all by heart. She ran over some bundles of letters hoping to find a penciled memorandum on the backs that had been hitherto unnoticed. Nothing seemed important and she turned from the desk her glance falling on the curtain window curtains that overhung the lighter lace ones. Come out! she cried and then quickly. No, don't come out, stay where you are. Who are you? The curtain moved very slightly and Iris rose and stood holding the back of her chair. Her heart was beating wildly for though possessed of average courage to be alone at all, so little is, to say the least, disturbing. Who are you, I say? She repeated angrily but there was no response and the curtain hung still. A terror passed through her and left her shivering with a nice grip at her heart. Though not at all inclined toward a belief in the supernatural there was an uncanny feeling in the atmosphere and Iris trembled with a strange weird feeling which flung aside and a man stood disclosed, a tall figure with strong muscular frame and arms extended in a threatening gesture. Not a word, he whispered, not a sound, and the glint of a small revolver flashed toward her, but she was too petrified with fear to speak for the man was masked and the effect of the black advised apparition took her breath away. Only for a moment as a human intruder may be he is less frightful than a supernatural visitant. The color came back to her white cheeks and she said scornfully, I am not afraid of you. You'd better be then. And the man moved nearer to her. I've no wish to harm you but if you raise an alarm I shall consider my own safety first. Coward. Nonsense. I don't mean before yours, you've nothing to fear. The voice was that of an educated man but entirely unfamiliar to Iris. Her terror left her as she realized that at least she hadn't to deal with a low class uncouth ruffian. Why should I call help since you say I've nothing to fear? She said trying to speak coolly but still watching the carefully held pistol. Nothing to fear if you do as I say. And what do you say? But Iris interrupted. Stay where you are. I am not afraid of your pistol. Your voice tells me you would not shoot a defenseless woman but I command you to keep your distance. My voice belies me then. He returned coolly. I'd shoot you quicker in a wink were it necessary to make my getaway. But listen, you will be immediately unmolested if you give me what I have come here to get. I advise you to give it willingly and try it as best I can. Take off your mask, won't you? And Iris's tone was almost formal. I know you, don't I? You do not. And something tells me you never will. Pardon me if I retain my protecting decoration. Scarcely a decoration, murmured Iris, who was striving to think quickly what to do. Thank you. That implies your belief in a fair share of good looks on my part. But that's a matter of no moment. And time passes. I am here to ask you for a matter of no great moment after all. I want the bin that your late aunt left you in her will. Oh, then you are William Ashton. Careful! Not so loud. Yes, I am none other than he. A mock dramatic gesture accompanied the phrase and Iris involuntarily smiled. You are charming when you smile. The visitor went on. I may say that since I'm not making a social call. You seem to be, I think. Iris interrupted him. Far from it. You are under a distinct misapprehension. But alas, your smiles and charms are not the prize I'm seeking. I want that bin. For the first time he spoke a little roughly, and I'm going to have it. What under the heavens do you want of that bin? exclaimed Iris, surprised beyond all thought of fear. She had at first supposed he was after the trifles or money at least. Never mind what for, are you going to hand it over? I suppose you are making a collection of dramatic trifles like Mr. Pollock. It seems to be a popular pursuit this gathering material for a miniature junk shop. So, well, are you going to give it to me? Why didn't you put it on the gatepost tonight? For the very good reason that I haven't got it. Don't talk that useless chatter. Where is it? But I haven't. I threw it away when the lawyer gave it to me and... No, you didn't. You only pretended to. Come now. Where is it? Will you go away if I give it to you? Iris was struck with an idea. If you give me your word of honour that you're giving me the right one. This dissuaded her, for she had intended to give him one from her belt-ribbon. I tell you I don't know where it is. And leave me. I'll do nothing of the sort. You know where that pin is and I am sure it's hidden in this room. How utterly absurd you are. Why, why do you want it? I believe you're crazy. I'm not, as you'll find out. But I intend to have the pin so make up your mind to that. He sprang toward her laying his automatic on a table and with a single gesture it seemed to Iris, he had a soft handkerchief tied over her mouth and around her head in such a fashion that she couldn't utter a sound. I'm sorry, as I told you. He went on in a business-like voice but I must obtain that little piece of property. Will you change your mind and tell me where it is? Iris shook her head vigorously meaning that she did not know where it was but he chose to think she meant a mere negative. Then I'll make you and he took hold of her arm and twisted it. She moaned with pain but he picked up the revolver and threatened her. Iris was now really frightened and realized that his gentler mood had passed and she was in desperate danger. She cast appealing glances at him but he was oblivious to her piteous eyes and demanded the pin. Suddenly the thought came to her that the man was crazy, really a maniac and in view of this she determined to use her wits to extricate herself from this dangerous situation. If demented, he might shoot her likely as not and she thought deeply and carefully what it was best to do. He was distinctly clever as she had heard maniacs often are so she dared not fool him too openly. Therefore she acted rather defiantly until as she had hoped this attitude on her part brought a rough, hard twist of her slender arm that really brought the tears to her eyes. With a limp gesture of surrender she nodded her head at him while pain contorted her face. Sorry, he said again but there's no other way. Does that mean you're going to give me the pin? Iris nodded acquiescence and he stipulated, the real one. Again she nodded salving her conscience by the thought that her falsehood was told in self-defense. Where is it? No you needn't speak yet indicate where it is and I'll get it. Iris nodded her head toward the desk and the man went to it. He ran his fingers lightly over the various compartments watching her the while and as he touched one she nodded. She had remembered a small packet of papers pinned with an old and somewhat rusty pin and she determined to pass this pin off on him if she could make herself dramatically convincing. I've always thought I could be an actress, the poor child said to herself, now is my time to make good. So by dint of indicative nods and glances she easily made her visitor discover the packet and the pin. The papers were valueless and the pin which held a paper band around them was an ordinary dull old looking one. It was Iris's clever play of her eyes and her hands that betokened a great unwillingness to part with it but did so under duress that succeeded in making the thief believe it was the pin he was after. He scrutinized the papers and threw them aside. A good hiding place, he said putting the papers back where they had been as obvious as pose perloined letter. I don't ask you if this is THE pin for your speaking countenance has told me it is. I only bid you a very good evening. He rose quickly and without a further glance at Iris he turned off the electric light on the table and she heard him step softly through the living room and out of one of the low windows that gave on to the veranda. She sat where he had left her not really in pain but in some discomfort. Then lifting her hands she managed to untie the handkerchief gag. It wasn't difficult though the tight knot took a few moments to loosen. She was tempted to turn on the light and look at the silk handkerchief still in her hand but she feared her visitor might discover the fraud and return. She crept softly into the living room closed and locked the window through which she had heard him go and wondered whether it had been left unfastened or he had forced the catch. But that could wait till morning. She locked the living room door on the hall side for further safety and returned to her room determined to have additional bolts and bars attached here and there the next day. Then she remembered the house was not hers and though she might suggest she could not dictate. Hours she lay thinking it all over. In the security of her own room she felt no fear and the dawn had begun to show before she slept. He's a crazy man. She told herself finally just as at last slumber came to her. But it's queer that the same mania attacked two people at the same time. Next day she told Lucille Daryl the story. No, I don't think he was crazy, Miss Daryl said. I think he's an agent of that other man and they wanted to find out if you had given the first man the right bin. You see, when you made the second man, what's his name? Ashton? Yes, and the first was Pollock. Well, when Pollock doubted that you'd given him the right bin, he sent Ashton to find out and then when you were so clever as to fool Ashton so fully he thought you had been frightened into it at last. But what do they want the bin for? Just as Pollock said to add to a collection of such things you know that diamond pin-joke is in all the papers. Everybody knows about it. But why so desperately anxious to get the very one? If they did have another nobody would ever be the wiser. Not unless you withheld the real one and then gave it or sold it to somebody else later. That would make Pollock spin a fraud. Now he's sure he has the very pin. Well, of all rubbish. But you're right. I suppose friend Ashton went to the gatepost and not finding it there. He hovered around the house hoping to get in and hunt for himself. Just that. And he did get in. I'm not sure he wouldn't have taken something more valuable than the pin if you hadn't caught him. I don't know. He didn't seem at all like an ordinary thief. Now I'm going to see if Polly knows anything about the real pin. It was nearly time for the Sunday dinner and Iris, going to the kitchen found the old cook busy with her preparations. Oh, don't bother me about that now, Miss Iris, Polly said. I've got her set this custard. Behave yourself, Polly. It won't hurt your old custer to take one minute to answer my question. Did you take a pin out of the underside of Agnes's pin cushion? Come outside here and the cook drew Iris out to the kitchen porch. Now, she whispered, don't you talk so free about that pin? Yes, Miss Iris, I got it and you can be mighty glad. That's a valuable pin that is and don't you forget it. Valuable how? And where is it? Well, you know, Mrs. Pell, she set great store by that pin. Many's the time when she's been going to New York or somewhere she's said to me, Polly, you keep this safe till I get home, and she'd hand me that self-same pin. And would I guard it? Well, wouldn't I? But why, why, Polly, did she set such store by it? It was her luck, Miss Iris. Luck, fiddlesticks. At Ursula wasn't a fool. If she'd kept that pin for luck she'd have stuck it away and left it alone. Now you know there's no telling what Mrs. Pell would do. Anybody else might have done this or that, but there's no use saying she would. She was a law unto herself. But anyway, that pin's valuable and it don't matter for what reason. So I got it away from Agnes who hasn't a might of right to it and saved it for you. Why, Miss Iris, didn't your aunt time and again say she was going to leave you a valuable pin? Her little joke was neither here nor there. She said she'd leave you a valuable pin and she did. You're crazy too, Polly. Well, give me the pin. Let me see if I can discover its great value. Perhaps if I rub it, a save of the pin will appear to grant my wishes. Here it is, Miss Iris, and Polly drew a pin from her bodice. But for the land's sake be careful of it. Do now. I will, honest I will. And Iris smiled as she took the common pin from the trembling fingers of the old woman. Let me keep it for you, Miss Iris, dear. Won't you? Maybe I will later, Polly. I'll enjoy my valuable possession while myself first. Iris went around the lawn toward the side door of the house. As she went, she looked curiously at the pin and then stuck it carefully in her shirt-waste frill. As she neared the side door, she noticed a small motor car standing there. It was empty and even as she looked, someone came up stealthily behind her, threw a thick, dark cloth over her head, picked her up and lifted her into the little car and drove rapidly away. She tried to scream but a hand was held tightly over her mouth and try as she would she could make no sound. She felt the familiar curve as they drove through the gateway and turned off on the road that led away from the village and Iris realized she was being kidnapped. End of Chapter 9 Chapter 10 of the Diamond Pin by Carolyn Wells This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. 10. Flossy When Iris failed to respond to the summons for dinner, Miss Daryl waited a few moments and then took her own place at the table. Go and find Miss Clyde, she said to Agnes, I do wish people would be prompt at meals, especially when they're guests. Lucille never allowed anyone of her household to forget that she was now mistress of Fellbrook and she longed for the time when the mystery would be cleared up and she might be left to the possession of her new home. Being Sunday it was a case of midday dinner and as Iris was usually prompt, Lucille was surprised at the length of time Agnes remained out of the room. At last she returned with the word that she could not find Miss Clyde anywhere in the house. But, she added, maybe she went away in the little car that was here a while ago. What little car? Demanded Lucille. I don't know whose it was and I don't know that Miss Iris was in it but I just got sight of it as it whizzed when? About an hour ago I didn't think much about it I saw a man driving it and I think there was a lady on the back seat. Agnes you're crazy Miss Clyde wouldn't go out anywhere on Sunday morning without telling me she didn't go to church Oh no ma'am it was much too late for that. Well that was some stranger's car you didn't see Iris in it no ma'am I didn't however as there was no Iris on the premises Lucille Darrell concluded she had gone off on some sudden and unexpected errand perhaps to see Winston Bannert. So Miss Darrell ate her dinner alone with no feeling of alarm but a slight annoyance at the episode. She thought over the story Iris had told her of the intruder of the night before and slowly a vague suggestion of something wrong shaped itself in her brain. She realized that if Iris had gone on an errand or had gone for a ride with Roger Downing or any other friend or caller she would certainly have told Lucille she was going, for Iris was punctilious in her courtesy and the two women really got along very well together. She called old Polly in and asked her what she thought about it. I don't know and the cook shook her head I'd just been talking to her about that pin Mrs. Pell left to her. Good heavens Polly that pin again Why, what is there about that pin? What do you know of it? Well and the old face was very serious I've been equated with that pin for years. Is it a special pin? Very special Why, what's its value? That I don't know ma'am except I'm thinking it's a lucky pin. Oh, how ridiculous Why, you're not even sure the pin is in existence I mean that anybody knows of. Oh yes ma'am I just gave that pin to Miss Iris this morning You did? Where did you get it? Well I hooked it off an Agnes What does this all mean? Why did you take it from Agnes and where did she get it? Well Miss Daryl ma'am it's all mighty queer I don't say there's any such thing as luck and then I don't say as there isn't. Anyway Mrs. Pell guarded that pin like everything while she was alive and she left it to Miss Iris when she died. Don't that look like it was a luck? Oh, that bequest business was a joke. Surely you know that. Not all together it wasn't the dime part was maybe but that pin? Why I know that pin I tell you Do you mean you'd know that pin apart from a lot of other common pins? No I'm I don't know as I can say that but well maybe I could tell it. Polly you're out of your head but never mind all that now tell me what you think of Miss Iris's absence. You know her. Would she run off anywhere just before dinner on Sunday without telling anyone? That she would not Miss Iris is most considerate and thoughtful. She'd never go away without seeing you first. That's what I think. Then where is she? I don't know ma'am but I'm awful scared. And flinging her apron over her face as she burst into sobs Polly ran out of the room. Thoroughly alarmed Lucille spoke again to Agnes. You're not sure you saw Miss Clyde in that car. Oh no ma'am. I didn't see her at all. Only I didn't know the car and I thought she might be in it. I know Mr. Downing's car and Mr. Chapin's and I think I'll telephone Mr. Chapin. What with murderings and maraudings this house is a frightful place. I almost wish it wasn't mine. She called Mr. Chapin on the telephone and he came over as quickly as he could. Then she told him of the intruder of the night before and of the other efforts that had been made to get the pin. The lawyer smiled. Nonsense, he said. They're not after that pin, they're after something else. What? I don't know, but probably the jewels or memoranda or information as to where the jewels are. Where can they be? I'm not the slightest idea. I wish now I'd insisted more strongly on having Mrs. Pell's confidence, but she told me that her whole fortune was left to Iris and Wynn Bannert and that it was all disclosed in the Wynn's directions. She gave me to understand that the box for Iris and the pocket book for Wynn held directions for the possessing of her fortune. Was her money all in the jewels? All but a few shares of stock and a little real estate. Those, however, will help along for they belong to Iris and young Bannert as her immediate heirs aside from her Wynn. Well, I should think you would have insisted on knowing a little more about things than that. Why should I? I drew her will, I attended to such matters as she asked me to and it was not my affair where she chose to conceal her wealth, especially as she had given me a sealed box to hand over to the Iris at her death. And too, Miss Daryl, you didn't know my late client as well as I did. Indeed, I doubt if many people did. A lawyer often has queer clients, but I'm sure she set a record for eccentricities. I suppose I drew up a score of wills for her and Lord knows how many codices were added. Then, too, I never knew when she would perpetrate one of her silly jokes on me. I've been called over here late at night to take her dying testamentary directions only to arrive and find her perfectly well and laughing at me. I've been given an extra fee for some trifling service only to find that payment had been stopped at the bank before I could present the check and you stood for such treatment. What could I do? She was an old and valued client. She paid well and the checks were always honoured later after she had had her fun out of me and, of course, her tricks were merely tricks. She never did anything dishonest or dishonourable. Then, too, I liked the old lady. Aside from her one foolish fad she was intelligent and interesting. Oh, Ursula Pell was all right except for that 1B in her bonnet. Now, I am perfectly certain her Horde of Jewels is safely secreted and I think, I hope, she has left directions telling where they are. But if she hasn't, if dying so unexpectedly she has neglected to leave the secret then I fear Iris will never get her inheritance. Why, they may be within a few feet of us even now and yet be so slyly hidden as to be irrecoverable. I think that's what the man was after last night. I dare say, but who was the man? Not an ordinary burglar for Iris declared he was a gentleman. Gentlemen don't conduct themselves as you know what I mean. She said he was educated and cultured of speech and manner. Of course he was a thief. He pretended he wanted the pin but that was a blind. He was hunting the Jewels. Well, we'd better hunt Iris. I don't like her unexplained disappearance. Suppose we telephone to all the people we can think of at whose home she might be. But this procedure though including the Bowens and many other of Iris's intimate acquaintances brought forth positively no results. Nobody had seen or heard from Iris that day. At last they telephoned to Hughes and the detective said he would come to Pellbrook at once. When Iris realized that she had been actually kidnapped her feelings were of anger rather than of fright. The indignity of the thing loomed above her sense of danger or fear of personal injury. The little car, a landalette, ran smoothly and rapidly and as soon as they were well away from Pellbrook the stifling cloth was partially removed from her head and Iris discovered that beside her was a young woman and her temperament was not at all awe inspiring. She even smiled at Iris's furious expression and said now now what's the use you may as well take it quietly take kidnapping quietly blazed Iris would you if I couldn't help myself any more than you can yes keep still too much chattering back there came a voice from the driver's seat and a scowling face turned round for a moment all right retorted Iris's cheerful companion you mind your business and I'll mind mine then she took the covering entirely off Iris's head but at the same time she drew down the silk shades to the windows of the car sorry she said blithely but it must be dead where am I where am I going and Iris frowned at her you don't know where you're going but you're on your way sang the strange girl for she was little more than a girl let's take it pleasant like and it will be lots better for you I don't care for your advice thank you I ask you what it means that I am forcibly carried off in this way it means we wanted you see now miss Clyde or may I call you Iris you may not oh very well very well but you call me flossy won't you I have no desire to call you anything Phi Phi what a temper or doesn't your common sense tell you that it would be better for you to make friends with me than not I reserve the privilege of choosing my own friends oh oh of course you do usually but this is an unusual incident and out of the way occurrence if I may say so Iris preserved a stony silence alright miss Clyde here's your last chance be a little more friendly with me and I assure you you'll get off much more easily do to rebuff me with these cruel cruel glances and take the consequences the last three words were said in such a menacing tone that Iris jumped it seemed this laughing young woman could turn decidedly threatening Iris capitulated in view of what you imply I'll be as friendly as I can but I confess I don't feel really sisterly toward you that's better that line of talk is most certainly better now maybe we can hit it off what do you want to know why I was carried off in this manner who did it were my being taken why? the questions put by the dear heart are as a string of pearls to me the lilting voice was true and the soft tones very sweet Iris was attracted in spite of herself to this strange person I'll answer separately every one apart she twittered on first you were accumulated for a good and wise purpose the principal actor who could be said to answer your question of who did it is not in our midst at present you are being taken to a house why? if I tell you you will know won't you flossy looked provoking but good-natured and Iris deemed it wiser not to rouse her ire again you haven't really answered but I suppose you won't well when can I go back home if you're a goody girl you can return in say a couple of hours if not ah, if not suddenly a light broke upon Iris it was that pin the strange people were after the pin and it was sticking in her shirt waist frail just where she had put it when Polly gave it to her they must not get it now if ever she must use her wits for if anybody wanted that pin so desperately it was it must be valuable also if Ursula Pell had cherished that pin as old Polly described it surely was valuable Iris thought quickly this sharp-eyed girl would be difficult to hoodwink yet it must be done had she seen the pin a furtive glance at the full ruffle of lawn and lace showed Iris that the pin was not prominently visible though she could see it she didn't want it but that didn't matter now now she must hide it would she be searched she wondered surely she would not be submitted to such an insult yet it might be at any rate it must be hidden this was the real pin and the others had not been and these people who were after it knew that what the pin meant or why they wanted it must be left undecided but the pin must be made safe dropping it out of the window which was open though the shade was down but concluded that her ever finding it again would be too doubtful she thought of concealing it in her abundant hair but suppose she were made to take down her hair a sort of intuition told her that she would be searched and she must be ready at last she thought of a hiding place and as a start she drew Flossie's attention to a slightly loose shade tassel while with a gesture as of straightening a tiny velvet bow at her throat she drew her hand down the frill and brought the pin with it concealed in her left hand and stealthily watching her companion's eyes she waited for her chance and then unnoticed she thrust it head-end first into the hem of her white surged skirt the loose weave of the material made this possible and the pin disappeared into the inch-wide hem it might be safe there and it might not Iris thought it would and at any rate she could think of no better place to conceal it also getting another pin from her belt she placed it where the valuable pin had been for further precaution nor did she accomplish her work much too soon for very shortly they drove in at a gate and stopped at the door of a small house there was no attempt at hiding now and Iris was handed out of the car by the man who had driven them with no appearance of stealth Flossie ushered her into the house which proved to be an ordinary the sitting-room they went into had a table with a red cover some books of no interest and an old-fashioned lamp on a wool-work mat the patent rocker and a few other worn chairs betokened family furnishings bought in the 80s and not renewed since Flossie closed the door and spoke to Iris in a new and very decided tone Miss Clyde she said with respect and politeness I'm truly sorry but you are here and I am here in order that I may take from you a pin which you have somewhere in your clothing I deeply regret the necessity but it is imperative that I make sure of getting every pin that is on your person please do not make it harder for me for both of us than is necessary for I assure you I shall do my duty a pin said Iris innocently here is one she took one from her belt in which there chance to be several and thanked her lucky stars that she had hidden the real one it might be found for this girl was surely energetic but Iris trusted much to her own dramatic ability now not one but all said Flossie gravely I'm afraid you don't understand I'm sure I don't interrupted Iris what about a pin I won't waste words with you if you please I am here to take from you every pin you have in your clothing you will please undress slowly get them all here is a paper of new ones to replace them will you please take off your shirt waist or shall I Iris looked aghast then she concluded it would be best to submit will you lock the door she said haughtily it is locked we are quite safe from intrusion or interruption please proceed Iris proceeded but as she removed her shirt waist she furtively yet careful that Flossie should see her glanced at the pin in its frill she laid the garment on a chair and went on to disrobe with the cold dignity of a queen on the scaffold Flossie was kind and delicately courteous not your underclothing of course she said I have reason to think you secreted the pin I want in your clothes a few moments before you before you left home and I think it must be in your frog or petticoats or perhaps in your camisole she examined the dating lingerie with scrutinizing care and extracted every pin of which she found several each one she carefully laid aside and gravely offered Iris a new pin in its place pretty sure now that her pin would not be found Iris let herself be amused at the whole performance do you do this as a profession she asked or are you an amateur both was the unsmiling answer will you give me your word there are no more pins on you I will give you my word there is only this one and you are welcome to it Iris took a pin from a loop of ribbon that adorned her petticoat ruffle but I must ask for one to replace it I miss shockingly careless mortal and I fully meant to sew that bow on but I didn't Flossie stared at her hard but Iris didn't quiver an eyelash of fear or apprehension and the other allowed her to dress herself again that is all shortly as once more Iris was in full costume we will go now they re-entered the car which was still at the door and started back the way they had come end of chapter 10 chapter 11 of the diamond pin by Carolyn Wells this LibriVox recording is in the public domain 11 gone again the murder mystery is bad enough said Hughes but this disappearance of Miss Clyde is also alarming there is deep devilry going on and since Winston Bannard is in custody it can't be assumed that he had any hand in the matter unless Iris is doing something for win suggested Miss Darrell they may be working in collusion began Hughes but Mr. Chapin interrupted don't use such an expression working in collusion implies wrongdoing if those two or either of them should be hunting the hidden jewels they have a perfect right to do so the jewels belong to them if they can find them Iris Clyde isn't on any jewel hunt declared Hughes when at that very moment in at the door came Iris herself her hair was decidedly tumbled and her pretty lingerie waist was rumbled but otherwise she looked trim and tidy but angry her eyes blazed as she cried oh I am so glad you men are here I've had such an experience Mr. Hughes you must look up the people who kidnapped me kidnapped me in broad daylight at my own side door it seems to me as incredible as it must seem to you there there said Lucille trying to calm the excited girl have you had your dinner no and I don't want any listen everybody while I tell you about it they listened breathlessly and absorbedly while Iris told every detail of her adventure and then she wound up after Flossie had searched me as thoroughly as a police matron might have done she allowed me to put on my things again and we came back just as we went I mean I was put into the car with her it was a little coupé affair you know and the same man drove it we had the shades up part of the time but as we made a turn she pulled them down and as we neared this house again it was a nice white woolly shawl and smelled faintly a violet well when we got to the bend of the road below here they asked me to get out and walk the rest of the way I did so gladly enough I was so relieved to see the house again that I just ran to it they scooted of course and that's all now Mr. Hughes catch him not so easy Miss Clyde the thing was carefully planned and carried out with equal care did they get the pin they did not now Mr. Hughes Mr. Chapin that pin must have some value what can it be to say it's a lucky pin is silly I think but what else could be its value said Chapin wonderingly let me see it I won't let anybody see it unless we draw the blinds and lock the doors said Iris decidedly I tell you there is some value to this pin did we made a veradium or something like that let's see it demanded Hughes all right I will and Iris locked the doors herself and drew down the window shades then turning on an electric light she turned up the hem of her white surge skirt and began feeling for the pin and she found it though the point had come through the material but the head held it in and Iris easily extricated it there she said holding it up there is the valuable pin Aunt Ursula bequeathed to me what do you make of it Hughes took it first and looked at it curiously just a common ordinary pin he said no radium about that did you ever see any radium asked Iris no but I've seen common pins all my life and that's one of course it is and Lucille Daryl's positive statement rather settled the matter Mr. Chapin looked at it but could see nothing unusual about it it was not bright like a new pin yet it was not yellowed with age it was merely a pin and nothing more could be made of it it's a blind said Hughes with conviction those people whoever they may be pretend they're after this pin but really they think you have a real diamond pin left you by your aunt and they're after that that might be agreed Chapin did you ever see anything of that sort Iris I can't say if so at least that girl made a big bluff of hunting an ordinary pin I tried to fool her I had put a pin of hers in the frill of my blouse and I kept looking toward it but furtively as if eluding her attention she caught on and she examined that frill in every plate she found the pin I had put there of course and she took special care of it though pretending it was of no particular importance I put one as if hidden in my petticoat ruffle too and she fairly pounced on that which she gave me a glance to see if I noticed her satisfaction oh we played our parts and it was diamond cut diamond I can tell you I couldn't help liking her she's really a nice girl and she must have been made or hired to do what she did she made me take down my hair and she brushed it herself in hope of finding a pin in it and I did think of hiding it there at first but I thought it's safer you see it couldn't lose out and there was little likelihood of her thinking to feel in the hem of my skirt very well done you're a heroine Ms. Clyde indeed you are but I fear the end is not yet when they find they haven't the right pin how can they possibly know exclaimed Ms. Darrell how can they tell that they haven't they must be able to tell because they were not satisfied with the pins Mr. Pollock took from here Pollock, cried Iris it wasn't Pollock who ran that car today no but it's his affair he sent the little car for you how did he know I'd be out there and with the pin in my possession he's been on the watch all day likely oh you don't know the cleverness of a really clever villain but give me an idea which way you went I have no idea you see all the time the shades were up the shawl was over my head and when she took the shawl off I couldn't see out at all you've known notion what road you traveled not a bit after we left this place I think they made unnecessary turns for the car turned round often you see what clever rascals we have to deal with grumbled hues and you recognized no landmarks not one what was the house like fairly nice, old-fashioned but not antique at all but no taste and nothing of real value common place all through the hardest kind of a house to trace yes there was nothing distinctive at all no people in it not that I know of I heard no sound flossy took me into a little sitting room to undress not a bedroom everything was clean but ordinary of course I'd know the room if I saw it again but I've no glimmering of an idea where it was strangest case I ever heard of mused Mr. Chapin I think the pin has some special value maybe it is of gold inside nonsense said Lucille scornfully that amount of gold wouldn't be worth anything I'm inclined to the radium theory though I don't know a thing about the stuff well I'm going to hide this pin right now said Iris and I want you all to see where I put it I'm afraid to put it in the bank Mr. Chapin's safe for those people would get it somehow but here are only Mr. Chapin and Mr. Hughes and Ms. Darrell and myself we are all trustworthy and I'll hide it then I shall devote my life to the solving of the mystery of the pin and and Ursula's death for I think they are very closely connected I believe you cried Hughes and I agree that the best place to hide the thing is in this house where now in auntie's room said Iris solemnly and she led the way to Ursula Pell's sitting room this place is barred and we can lock the door to the other room and keep it locked see I shall put it in this big easy chair that auntie loved to sit in I'll tuck it well down in between the back and the seat upholstery and no one can find it then if we ever discover where in its value lies we know where the pin is and can get it I suppose that's all right Ms. Chapin a little dubiously but in a safe no Ms. Clyde's idea is best asserted Hughes how cleverly she hid the thing in her skirt hem didn't she let her alone for the right dope about this as she says we fore know where it is and that's all that's necessary I believe the people who want this pin will stick at nothing and if it's in an ordinary safe they'll get it but what could they want of it repeated Lucille plaintively just as a surmise what could they want of it I'll tell you cried Iris with a flash of inspiration it's a clue or a key to where the jewels are hidden oh it must be that's why they want it clue how said Lucille in bewilderment I don't know but say the pin is the length of of I don't know what you're getting at said Chapin but all pins are the same length what? cried Hughes indeed they're not oh well I mean there are only a few lengths the pins that girl took from Iris today are just the same as this one aren't they about said Iris of course pins differ but the ones we use are generally of nearly the same length but I'm sure the length or weight of this pin wait exclaimed Hughes suppose a certain weight Goldsmith's scales you know would open a delicately adjusted load on a safe your romantic man and Mr. Chapin smiled but it does seem that the pin must have some significance it would be just like Ursula Pell to call it a valuable pin when it really was a valuable pin in some such sense as a key to a hiding place but how repeated Lucille I don't see how its weight or length could be a key nor I agreed Hughes but I believe it is all the same I have a lot of confidence in Miss Clyde's intuition or insight or whatever you choose to call it and I believe she's on the right track I confess I can't see how but I do think there may be some connection between this pin and the hidden jewels but what good does it do if we can't find it objected Lucille we will find it declaimed Iris her eyes shining with strong purpose we must find it and if we do we'll be indebted to these people for putting us on the right track they'll probably turn up again pin hunting used Mr. Chapin let him said Iris scornfully I'm not afraid of them they're determined Lord knows but they're not dangerous they gagged you but not in a rough and lay manner no I am not afraid if Miss Daryl will let me stay here a while longer I believe I can fair it out stay as long as you like dear child and Lucille smiled kindly on her and I'll help you I'm fond of puzzles myself and maybe I can help you more than you'd think now I want to go and see when and tell him all about it Iris announced may I I think I can arrange that began Hughes but Lucille said not now Iris you must have some food first why you've had no dinner at all it's after four o'clock I'm not hungry Iris insisted but Miss Daryl carried her off to the dining room might be queer mix up Hughes said to the lawyer it is so but I can't think there's any importance to that pin these theories don't hold water I don't know as they do but they've got to be looked into that pin's safe for the present I think safer than it'd be in a bank that is unless somebody was looking in the window Miss Clyde was mighty careful to draw the shades in the other room but she forgot it in here and so did I oh there's nobody to look in the house is so far back from the road and none of the servants are of the prying sort that's all very well but I believe in taking every precaution say Mr. Chapin has it ever struck you that when bannered might be in cahoots with these pin people Winston good heavens know what do you mean well nothing in particular but you know I arrested bannered because I thought he killed his aunt and I've had no reason to change my mind how don't say how did he get out just remember that the murderer did get out and we must find him first and then he'll tell us how oh not win bannered then who who else had motive opportunity and well you know his finances are in a bad way no I didn't know it well they are and he told some of his pals in New York on Saturday night that he touches aunt for five thousand on Sunday how's that did he really he really did and we've more accounts against him too oh Winston bannered has a lot to explain but I don't want to talk here these are state secrets but tell me how did you find out so much about bannered my inquiries I got a foot and they fanned out pretty good why I've got a witness to prove that he stopped at the Red Fox in that Sunday just as he said he did but it was on his way up here not on his way back as he declares hughes that's bad bad you bet it is I'm sorry for bannered but I've got to track him down I'll be going now I have a heap to see to tell the ladies goodbye for me the detective went off and lawyer Chapin with the privilege of a family friend went into the dining room where Iris was trying to eat all the while excitedly telling Lucille further details of the kidnapping affair I'm terribly interested Miss Daryl was saying and I want you to stay here Iris till it's all cleared up and I want to get a big detective up from the city I don't think very much of hughes do you Mr. Chapin not much no but big detectives are very expensive to find Iris's inheritance she won't mind the cost and if he doesn't succeed then I'll pay for it Lucille spoke positively and with a determined shake of her head I have money of my own and I'll pay if he doesn't find the jewels and if he does Iris can reward me a girly of course I will oh Lucille do you mean it I'm so glad you know when isn't guilty and a fine detective could find out who is and how he did the murder and then he can find the jewels and everything will be cleared up don't go too fast caution Chapin even a great detective would find this a hard case I'm sure but if he fails Miss Daryl will pay his fee and if he succeeds I will end gladly and I'll give you a big present too she added glancing brightly at Lucille now I'm going to see when Iris went on pushing back from the table but first let's talk over this detective matter she led the way back to the sitting room which had become the general rendezvous for discussions she looked around the room thoughtfully if we have a detective she said he'll ask first of all if anything has been touched the place hasn't been much disturbed has it very little agreed Lucille and we can be careful that nothing else is touched but I'm going to pick up and put away anything that can be considered a clue Iris took up the old pocketbook as she spoke we've all looked on this as no account because the contents are missing perhaps the detective will be interested in the empty pocketbook then there's the New York paper suggested Lucille Iris winced they think that implicates win she said slowly but I don't so I'm going to take that too the cigarette stub Mr Hughes took away with him but everybody smokes that brand now what else the checkbook said Chapin gravely be careful Iris everything does seem to point to win you know it seems to yes but does it you know yourself Mr Chapin anybody might have a New York Sunday paper oh well I'm going ahead because I know win is innocent and these seeming clues may help to find the real villain good stuff you are Iris declared the lawyer looking at her admiringly go in and win win for win and Iris smiled brightly are you in love with him cried Lucille who had not thought of such a thing yes said Iris simply now Mr Chapin are you going to help me certainly I am if I can how well first of all I've changed my mind about that pin I don't think I'll leave it where it is I did think it wise but it seems to me that anyone searching thoroughly desperately would look in the chair cushions and so I think I'll ask you to put it in your safe but don't tell Mr Hughes we've changed its hiding place very well Iris the pin is certainly yours and if you give it to me for safekeeping I'll do my best to protect it and don't tell Mr Hughes for he's liable to want to see what it's made of I'll give it to you now draw the shades first don't fail to use every precaution that's right I'll switch on a light why do you have this table light on this long cord it was put in lately and it was less trouble to do it that way now I'll get the pin it does seem ridiculous to make such a fuss over a pin here's a little box said Mr Chapin taking an empty one from the desk we can put it in this why where is it said Iris looking black I stuck it right in this corner but the pin was gone search as they would in the soft cushions there was no pin there nor had it sunk through the upholstery material the closely woven brocade would not permit of that they faced the astounding fact the pin was gone end of chapter 11 chapter 12 I meant pin by Carolyn Wells this LibreVox recording is in the public domain 12 in Chicago the three looked at one another in consternation Hughes said it was unsafe Chapin remarked he said you didn't remember to pull down the shades in this room when you hid the pin Iris no I didn't but who could get in the windows are barred but the door to the living room was open and we were all in the dining room anyone could have come in at the front door and walked in here very silently then or we could have heard footsteps from the dining room but it must have been done that way someone looking in at these windows saw you put the pin in the chair and a few moments later watching his chance sneaked in and stole it then it was Pollock or some messenger of his but what can he want of it the whole thing is too mysterious exclaimed Lucille let's send for a city detective at once but objected Iris what could he do do he could do everything find the murderer find the jewels find the pin good gracious cried Iris I don't want the pin in fact I'm glad it's gone now they won't be kidnapping me to get it but I'm going to find the jewels and I'm going to start on a new tack I'm no good at solving mysteries but I can investigate I'm going to Chicago whatever for exclaimed Lucille I'll go with you no I'm going alone and I'm going because I feel sure I can find out something there I'll see the minister of the church auntie attended and see if she promised him a chalice or if his church has a crypt or if those people she spoke of in her will that firm you know can tell me anything about the receipt that was in the pocketbook she left to win but it wasn't in the pocketbook reminded Chapin it was when Aunt Ursula made that will the murderer took it and Mr. Chapin that lets win out why should he steal a paper that was meant for him anyway he didn't know then that it was left to him did he I don't know that I'm sure but I know when didn't kill Aunt Ursula and it's awful to keep him shut up I think myself they hardly had enough evidence to arrest him on views thought they did and the district attorney is hard at work on the case now yes hard at work Iris spoke scornfully what's he doing I'd like to know these things move slowly Iris well I'll do a little quick work then and show them how I'm going to Chicago tomorrow and I'll be gone several days but I'll be back as soon as possible and they'll be something doing or I'll know why your energy is all right Iris Mr. Chapin but a bit misdirected nothing of this sort snapped Iris who considered the lawyer an old foggy it's time somebody got busy and I don't take much stock in the local police but about the pin pursued Lucille I think you ought to find out who's told it just now Iris maybe it was somebody in the house where is Purdy Purdy cried Iris don't suspect him Lucille why he is as faithful and honest as I am myself but where was he I don't know and I don't care he wasn't in here stealing the pin perhaps it's still in the chair suggested Chapin but it wasn't a careful search showed that and as inquiries proved that Purdy and his wife were in the kitchen and Agnes had been waiting on Iris at her belated dinner there was really no reason to suspect the servants Campbell the chauffeur was in the garage and there were no other servants about on Sunday the disappearance of the pin was as inexplicable as the murder and Iris decided to give up the house mysteries and look in Chicago for new light she started the next day Lucille and Agnes hovering over her in a solicitude of final preparations I'll take only a suitcase Iris declared for I can't be bothered with a trunk I wish you'd let Agnes go with you urged Lucille who hated to have the girl go alone but Iris didn't want to take a mate along and too Agnes didn't want to go I'll go if you say so Agnes demured but I'd hate to leave here just now Sam is in one of his spells and I ought to look after him oh yes and Iris smiled at her that's one word for Sam and two for yourself I think that good-looking young man who calls on you has more power to keep you invariant than poor Sam Agnes blushed but didn't deny it so Iris went to Chicago alone she went to a woman's hotel and established herself there then she set out in search of the church that Mrs. Pell used to attend the rector Dr. Stevenson was a kindly courteous old man who received her with a pleasant welcome he well remembered Ursula Pell and was deeply interested in the mystery of her tragic death it was many years since she had lived in Chicago and his definite memories of her were largely concerning the prank she used to play for even the minister had not been spared her annoying foolries but he knew nothing of any gift of a jeweled chalice and said he really had no desire for such a thing it would only be a temptation to thieves he asserted and the price of it could be much better expended in some more useful way is there a crypt in your church? asked Iris abruptly no nothing of the sort or well that is there is a room below the main floor that could be called a crypt I suppose but it is never used as a chapel or for mortuary purposes why? Iris told him of the entry in her aunt's diary stating that the collection of jewels was an a crypt and Dr. Stevenson smiled not in my church he said of that I'm positive the basement I speak of has no hidden places nor has anybody filled anything there you may search there if you choose but it is useless to my mind it sounds more like a bank vault that might be called a crypt if one chose so to speak of it perhaps said Iris disappointed at this fruitless effort I will go to the industrial bank and inquire that is the bank where my aunt kept her money when she lived here the people at the bank were also kind and courteous but not so much at leisure as the director had been they gave Iris no encouraging information they looked up their records and found that Mrs. Pell had had an account with them some years ago but that it had been closed out when she left the city there were no properties of hers of any sort in their custody and no one of their vaults was rented in her name they seemed uninterested in Iris's story and after their assurances the girl went away next she went to the firm of Craig Marston to see if she could trace the receipt that was mentioned in Mrs. Pell's will as being of importance to Winston Bannerd a Mr. Reed attended to her errand a vague description he said smiling as she told him of the will to be sure our books will show the name but it will take some time to look it up however he agreed to investigate the records and Iris was told to return the next day to learn results it was a mere chance that the record of sale however it might be would be of any definite importance but Iris was determined to try every possible way of finding out anything concerning the matter the firm of Craig Marston and Company was a large jewelry concern and probably the receipt in question was for some precious stones or their settings Iris boarded a streetcar to return to her hotel she sat deeply and grossed in thought over the various difficulties that beset her path when the man who sat next to her drew a handkerchief from his pocket abstractedly she noticed the handkerchief it was of silk and had a few lines of blue as a border then suddenly she realized that it was the exact counterpart of the one with which the midnight marauder had tied up her mouth the time he came to get the pin furtively she glanced at the man the burglar had been masked but the size and general appearance of this man were not unlike him then another surreptitious look and to her surprise she recognized her collar named Pollock quickly she turned her own face aside the man had not noticed her and wondered what to do without a doubt it was Pollock she was sure of that and the peculiar handkerchief gave her an idea it was the midnight intruder also that they were one and the same she had surmised this before and she now began to join the threads of the story she felt sure Pollock and the burglar and the kidnapper were all one and that Pollock was determined to get the pin at any cost and she couldn't believe it was for the reason he had asserted merely as a memento of the dramatic tragedy it had not been this man who drove the little car that carried her away on Sunday but the driver as well as the girl called Flossie were probably Pollock's tools at any rate she concluded to trace Pollock and find out something about him when he left the car as he did shortly she rose and followed him he had not glanced at her and was apparently absorbed in thought so she had no difficulty in walking unnoticed behind him she smiled at herself as she realised she was really shadowing and felt quite like a detective Pollock went into a small restaurant and Iris through the wide window saw him take a seat at a table the deliberation with which he unfolded his napkin and looked over the menu made her assume that he would be there some time acting on the impulse of the moment Iris ran to the nearest telephone she could find and called up a detective agency over the wire she stated her desire to employ a detective at once and asked to have him sent to her where she was which was in a drug shop there was a maddening delay and as Iris waited she began to fear she had done a foolish thing she suddenly realised that she had acted too quickly and perhaps unadvisedly but she must stand by it now it was half an hour before a man arrived and met her at the door of the drug shop I am Mr. Dayton he said from the agency is this Miss Clyde? yes, said Iris and please hurry I've just got on the track of a man who is a... a burglar ma'am and the detective looked sharply at this young girl who had called him to her yes and Iris grew impatient at his doubtful interest he won't stop to parley but catch him where is he? he's in a restaurant half a block away I don't mean for you to arrest him but trail him, shadow him or whatever you call it and find out who he is and what sort of a character he bears if he's a correct and decent citizen all right if he's a man who might be a burglar I want to know it now fly wait a minute Miss Clyde tell me more how shall I know him? oh, he's at the table by the first front window as you go from here he's a tall man and a strong-looking one come on, I'll point him out they went toward the restaurant and cautiously Iris looked in at the window but her quarry had fled there was no one at the table at all come on in she cried to the bewildered Dayton no, that won't do, he mustn't see me you go in and get the waiter who served him or the proprietor or somebody and find out who the man was who ate at that table just now maybe he's still in the coat room Iris stepped around a corner and Dayton went in on his errand but the waiter had no knowledge of the patron's name he said he had never seen him before to his knowledge but he was a new waiter there and the captain might know however, neither the head waiter nor the cashier nor indeed anyone about the place knew the man a few remembered seeing him but the waiters at nearby tables if they had noticed him didn't know his name one waiter said he thought he had seen him before but wasn't sure the man was gone and no one knew which direction he had taken from the restaurant Iris was disheartened at the report of her emissary if you'd only got here sooner she reproached the detective did my best he assured her describe your man more accurately but Iris couldn't seem to think of any very distinguishing characteristics that fitted him his name is Pollock, she said and he's a collector oh wait, I do know something more he's in the hardware business for himself or with a firm I don't know then I fear Miss Clyde were wasting time in looking for a person so vaguely identified if you say so I can go over the hardware people for a Pollock but it will be an unsatisfactory and expensive process I don't want that and Iris looked perplexed oh I don't know what I do want but it's maddening to see him and then have him get away he's also a collector ah that helps a collector of what? of mementos, of crimes of what? it sounds silly I know but he told me so not exactly crimes more of prominent people like a pencil that belonged to President Carfield and such things oh a freak I hoped you meant a prominent collector of things then we might trace him no he collects queer things it is a sort of harmless mania I think well if we can't find him we can't how much do I owe you this matter was adjusted and Iris turned disconsolately back to her hotel she had accomplished nothing on her Chicago trip and unless the Craig people could give her information of importance there was no use prolonging her visit the rest of that day the morning of the next she spent in the vicinity of the restaurant hoping Pollock would return but she didn't see him and in the afternoon she went back to Craig Marsden and company Mr. Reed greeted her pleasantly but he had no important information we've many records of sales to Mrs. Bell he related and if you desire I can give you a memorandum of them presumably she had receipts in every case but as I do not know the particular receipt you want do you any data concerning it what are the transactions as Tyrus jewels she bought yes and setting and engraving Mrs. Bell had a great deal of engraving done what sort of engraving on silver or gold trinkets and ornaments oh yes I know all her silver has not only initials but names and dates and sometimes quotations or lines of poetry yes and she was most particular about her work it was always done by our best engraver and unless it just suited her we were treated to her finest sarcasm Mrs. Bell was a wealthy and extravagant patron but not affable or easy to please I know that but she was a remarkable woman and a strong character often has peculiar ways I am heir to have her fortune and that gives me a sense of obligation that will never be cancelled until I have avenged my aunt's death I am a man about the missing jewels for it seemed of no use but they discussed at length the jewels that he knew that Mrs. Bell had possessed and Iris was amazed at the size and value of the amount really she exclaimed do you know that my aunt had such an enormous fortune as that in gems I know that she had at the time of her dealings with us that was ten years ago or so but then we had the handling of more than a million dollars worth after that oh where are they cried Iris for getting her determination not to discuss this matter here do you mean to say you don't know exclaimed Mr. Reed astounded so Iris told him about the will what an extraordinary tale he commented as she finished I wish I could help you out I'm sure now no receipt of Iris would be of importance in and of itself it must have had a memorandum scribbled on it or something of that sort yes agreed Iris thoughtfully that must be it in that case the murderer wanted it because it told where the jewels are hidden and he has already secured them oh no Mr. Reed's interest was so sincere that Iris told him a little more she told him of the pin and of her being kidnapped in an attempt to get it you are in danger, Reed said until they get what they want you will continue to be molested it isn't the pin that's too absurd but there after something that has to do with the secret of the hiding place of those jewels on that you may depend but couldn't the pin have some bearing on that I can't imagine any way that it could the idea of it's being made of radium is ridiculous the idea of it's being a weight or a measure is silly too no, the pin part of the performance is a ruse the thieves are after something else if they stole the receipt in question it was as I said because there were instructions on it your man Pollock is doubtless the head of the gang he's no important collector or I should know of him and probably his whole collection story was of all sort he read of the pin in the paper and used that to distract your mind after very likely and I reside what would you advise me to do it's too big a case for a layman's advice and pardon me too big a case for a young girl to manage oh I know that I have a very good lawyer and the police are at work but nobody seems able to accomplish anything I hope and trust somebody will said read heartily that lot of jewels is too big a loot for crooks I'd be sorry indeed to learn they have done so Iris went away and as her work in Chicago was done she decided to start at once for home entering the hotel she found a telegram from Lucille Darrell it read come home at once I've engaged FS and he will arrive tomorrow now FS meant the great detective Fleming Stone End of chapter 12