VI

THE GOLD BAG


"Is this yours?" asked Mr. Monroe, suddenly whisking into sight
the gold-mesh bag.

Probably his intent had been to startle her, and thus catch her
off her guard. If so, he succeeded, for the girl was certainly
startled, if only at the suddenness of the query.

"N-no," she stammered; "it's--it's not mine."

"Are you sure?" the coroner went on, a little more gently,
doubtless moved by her agitation.

"I'm--I'm quite sure. Where did you find it?"

"What size gloves do you wear, Miss Lloyd?"

"Number six." She said this mechanically, as if thinking of
something else, and her face was white.

"These are number six," said the coroner, as he took a pair of
gloves from the bag. "Think again, Miss Lloyd. Do you not own a
gold-chain bag, such as this?"