e taken one of
those diamond pins; he would have taken all three.

It was impossible to lose sight of the fact that the Stevenses would be
the real gainers, if this ghost business led Colonel Richmond to insist
that his daughter should give up the jewels.

Mrs. Stevens and her daughter could not be doing the job personally, but
they might have a secret agent among the servants, or more probably
concealed in some secret recess of the strange old house.

Nick resolved to go to see Mrs. and Miss Stevens without delay. He hoped
to judge by their conduct whether they knew anything about the
robberies.

These thoughts passed through his mind in a flash.

He quickly searched the room to be sure that the thief was not concealed
in it, and then descended to the main hall. The outer door was open, and
Colonel Richmond and his daughter were standing on the steps.

Just as Nick joined them Horace Richmond strolled up. They all stood
looking at a carriage which was coming up the driveway.

"Why, it's Mrs. Stevens," exclaimed Mrs. Pond. "I thought you said she
did not come here any more."

"She hasn't been here in some time," responded the colonel. "I have
thought that she avoided us because of this matter of the jewels."

Nothing more could be said on the subject, for at that moment the
carriage drew up before the door.

Colonel Richmond advanced courteously and assisted Mrs. Stevens to
alight.

Nick noticed at once that she was much agitated.

Colonel Richmond asked her into the house, but she said that she
preferred to sit on the veranda. She had come on business, and would
stay but a moment.

She evidently wished to speak to the colonel privately, and so the
others stepped aside; but Nick's eye was upon the woman every moment.

Very few words had passed between them, when the colonel uttered a cry
and called to Nick.

The detective instantly advanced. He made a sign to Richmond, but it was
not understood, and the colonel introduced Nick by his right name.

"Here is an extraordinary thing, Mr. Carter," he said. "We now have
proof positive that this affair is not the work of mortal hands."

"What is that?" asked Nick.

"The jewels have appeared!"

"Where?"

"In Mrs. Stevens' house. They have been mysteriously transported there
without human aid."

"I should be glad to have that proven," said Nick.

"It shall be," said the colonel. "Tell your story, Mrs. Stevens, if you
please."

"It is very simple," s