The excitement in her lover's manner came to a head. "That proves
exactly what I've contended right along," he said, thudding one
fist softly in the palm of the other. "Through some underneath
channel old Fleming has been selling those securities for months,
turning them into cash. And somebody knows about it, and knows
that that money is hidden here. Don't you see? Your Aunt Cornelia
has crabbed the game by coming here."

"Why didn't you tell the police that? Now they think, because you
ran away--"

"Ran away! The only chance I had was a few hours to myself to try
to prove what actually happened."

"Why don't you tell the detective what you think?" said Dale at her
wits' end. "That Courtleigh Fleming took the money and that it is
still here?"

Her lover's face grew somber.

"He'd take me into custody at once and I'd have no chance to search."

He was searching now--his eyes roved about the living-room--walls--
ceiling--hopefully--desperately--looking for a clue--the tiniest
clue to support his theory.

"Why are you so sure it is here?" queried Dale.

Brooks explained. "You must remember Fleming was no ordinary