"That settles the question," remarked the chief of detectives. "I
may say finally that I have this cable from the Minister of Police
at St. Petersburg, communicated to me through the Russian Consul-
General:

"'Lely portrait recovered and replaced in the gallery at the
Hermitage. Withdraw published reward.

"'(Signed) SOBRIESKA.'

A queer piece of business; but this appears to be the end of it,"
commented the chief. "Needless to say, gentlemen, that you are at
liberty to depart. My apologies for the annoyance to which you have
been subjected."

We all bowed and withdrew to the anteroom. Blake, blushing redly,
came up to Indiman; he began to apologize, stuttering pitiably, but
Indiman cut him short.

"Call up the coach and offer the driver extra fare for the best
time his horses can make to this address." He scribbled the name of
the street and the house number on a leaf torn from his note-book
and handed it to Blake. "Yes, you can come along if you like; it
may be the big thing yet."

As the carriage rolled along Indiman vouchsafed certain
explanations.

"As I have already told you," he began, "I bought the picture from
a small dealer in the Bowery. I happened to notice it in his