telephone, and there seems a
suspicion because at Grantham--the last stopping-place before
London--a ticket-collector boarded the train. He was a stranger to the
others, but they believed that he had been transferred from one or
other of the branches to the main line, and being in the company's
uniform they, of course, accepted him. He collected the tickets _en
route_, as is sometimes done, and at Finsbury Park descended, and was
lost sight of. Here again the busy collectors came and demanded
tickets, much to the surprise of the passengers, and the curious
incident was much commented upon."

"Then the bogus collector was the thief, I suppose?"

"No doubt. He somehow secured the dressing-bag and dropped it out at a
point between Grantham and Essendine--a spot where he knew his
accomplices would be waiting--a very neatly-planned robbery."

"And by persons who are evidently experts," I said.

"Of course," replied the grey-haired superintendent. "The manner in
which the diamonds have been quickly transferred from hand to hand and
carried out of the country is sufficient evidence of that. The gang
have now scattered, and, for aught we know, have all crossed the
Channel by this time."

"Well," I assured him; "I know nothing more of the affair than what I
have told you. If I were an accomplice I should hardly be here--making
inquiries concerning them."

"I don't know so much about that," he replied, rather incredulously.
"Such an action has been known before, in order to place the police
upon a wrong scent. I fear I must ask you to remain here, in Stamford,
until this evening, while I make some inquiry into your _bona fides_,
sir."

"What!" I cried. "You intend to detain me!"

"There is no indignity," he declared. "You may go about the town where
you will--providing you do not attempt to leave it. I regret, but it
is my duty to ascertain who and what you are, Mr. Biddulph."

I had given him my card, and he, seeing the look of annoyance upon my
face, added--

"I can only express apologies, sir. But you will see it is my duty.
You have admitted knowledge of at least one of the mysterious gang."

"Very well," I replied reluctantly; "make what inquiries you will."
And I gave him the address of my solicitors and my bankers.

Then, walking out of the office, I strolled down the quiet old High
Street into the market place, full of evil forebodings.

Who was this man Lewis--or Louis--with whom my wife had escaped?

H