"Well, was all of it stolen, or only a part of it?" Mr. Grimm went on.

The minister gazed into the listless eyes for a time, then, apparently
bewildered, walked forth and back across the room again. Finally he sat
down.

"All of it," he admitted. "I can't understand it. No one, not a soul in
this house, except myself, knew it was here."

"In addition to this weight of, say two hundred pounds, fifty thousand
dollars would make considerable bulk," mused Mr. Grimm. "Very well!
Therefore it would appear that the person, or persons, who got it must
have gone away from here heavily laden?"

Señor Rodriguez nodded.

"And now, Señor," Mr. Grimm continued, "if you will kindly state the
circumstances immediately preceding and following the theft?"

A slight frown which had been growing upon the smooth brow of the
diplomatist was instantly dissipated.

"The money--fifty thousand dollars in gold coin--was paid to me
yesterday afternoon about four o'clock," he began slowly, in
explanation.

"By Mr. Cressy of the International Investment Company," supplemented
Mr. Grimm. "Yes. Go on."