Better take it quietly."

The handcuffs were upon him before he could move. He was trying to speak,
but the words somehow choked in his mouth.

"You can send a wireless to Lord Ashleigh," Quest continued, turning to
French. "Tell him that the diamonds have been recovered and that his
daughter's murderer is arrested."

"What about the young woman?" the Inspector asked.

Lenora stood in an attitude of despair, her head downcast. She had turned
a little away from Macdougal. Her hands were outstretched. It was as
though she were expecting the handcuffs.

"You can let her alone," Sanford Quest said quietly. "A wife cannot give
evidence against her husband, and besides, I need her. She is going to
work for me."

Macdougal was already at the door, between the two detectives. He swung
around. His voice was calm, almost clear--calm with the concentration of
hatred.

"You are a wonderful man, Mr. Sanford Quest," he said. "Make the most of
your triumph. Your time is nearly up."

"Keep him for a moment," Sanford Quest ordered. "You have friends, then,
Macdougal, who will avenge you, eh?"

"I have no friends," Macdougal replied, "but there is one coming whose wit