"Nothing else?" Scott asked.

The man said there was nothing, and when he went away Scott smiled.

"Well, that's a relief! I had expected a reminder that we hadn't paid
our last bill for tools. But I guess you want to read your letter."

Thirlwell felt a thrill of satisfaction as he recognized the hand, for
it was some time since Agatha had written to him. He got thoughtful as
he read the letter, and when he had finished put it down and lighted his
pipe.

"I'd like you to listen to this and tell me what you think," he said.

Scott make a sign of agreement, and when Thirlwell had read Agatha's
account of her meeting with the burglar and Stormont, he remarked: "It's
a nice frank letter, and Miss Strange has some talent for dramatic
narrative."

"That's not what I meant," said Thirlwell, with an impatient frown.
"What d'you think about Stormont's visit?"

"On the whole, I imagine Miss Strange ran less risk of being robbed when
she met the burglar."

"So I think. But why did the fellow go?"

Scott looked thoughtful. "Though Stormont's said to be a rogue, he's
certainly not a fool. You seem to take it for granted that Strange never
found the lode, but I'm not sure. Anyhow, it looks as if Stormont didn't