waiting instructions."

The other still looked dissatisfied. "They are either clumsier
villains than I take them to be, or there is something deeper in the
business than we understand. These jewels--are they here?"

His tone was so sharp that she looked startled--almost suspicious.
Then she saw that in his face which reassured her. "I have them
hidden here. I have grown very skilful in hiding things."

"Have they searched for them?"

"The first day they demanded them of me. I denied all knowledge.
Then they ransacked this house--I think they ransack it daily, but I
am too clever for them. I am not allowed to go beyond the verandah,
and when at first I disobeyed there was always one of them in wait to
force me back with a pistol behind my head. Every morning Leon
brings us food for the day--good food, but not enough, so that
Cousin Eugenie is always hungry, and each day he and Spidel question
and threaten me. This afternoon Spidel has told me that their
patience is at an end. He has given me till tomorrow at noon to
produce the jewels. If not, he says I will die."

"Mercy on us!" Dickson exclaimed.

"There will be no mercy for us," she said solemnly. "He and his
kind think as little of shedding blood as of spilling water. But I
do not think he will kill me. I think I will kill him first,
but after that I shall surely die. As for Cousin Eugenie,
I do not know."