will rejoice to see their property coming
back," mused he. "I wonder who these other things belong to. That
pendant is a very fine one."

"Without looking up the description I am fairly certain the pendant is
one lost by a guest at the Biltmore. We have been on the hunt for it
some time. The other jewels may also belong to the same party. Quite a
list of missing articles was given us. I have it down at headquarters."

"Well, if the owners are as much gratified to see their diamonds
returning as we are--"

The opening of the door cut short further comment and Hollings and Mr.
Rhinehart came into the room. It was evident from their manner they had
no inkling as to why they had been summoned and the former employee,
fearful of another disaster, was pallid with apprehension.

"Ever see this ring before, Hollings?" questioned Mr. Burton, whirling
round in his swivel chair and extending the jewel.

"My soul, sir! You don't mean--" He stopped, speechless.

"What do you say, Mr. Rhinehart?"

"It certainly looks like our property," declared the more cautious
clerk. "If it is, the identification letters BNC will be found scratched
inside the band of the ring. Have you a glass there?"

"Mr. Rhinehart isn't going to commit himself without a microscope,"
chuckled the inspector. "He is dead right too."

"I wish to verify the stones as well as the setting," replied the
expert.

"I guess in this case your stones are genuine enough. Stuart hadn't much
chance to tamper with them. Nevertheless, it can do no harm to make
sure," Corrigan said.

Opening a drawer Mr. Burton produced a powerful glass which he handed to
Rhinehart who went to the light and carefully scanned the scintillating
gems.

"Flawless and of the first water!" exclaimed he, after a tense pause.
"The setting hasn't been touched, so there is practically no danger of
substitution."

"You mean we have actually got the ring back--diamonds and all?" put in
Hollings, as if unable to make real the miracle.

"We have--thanks to Mr. Corrigan," was Mr. Burton's reply.

"Thanks to young Christopher, you mean, sir," smiled the chief
protestingly.

"What can I do to thank you?" cried Hollings. "I said I would give
anything I possessed if those diamonds could be reclaimed and I'm ready
to live up to my promise."

"Pooh, pooh!" laughed Corrigan. "I've no wish for payment, man. To win
out in this game is payment enough for me. Besides, the police are not
allowed to a