, that
you were admitted by Ivan Abramovitch, Grell's valet, and taken to his
study?"

"Of course I do," she retorted laughingly. "If that's all you've got to
go upon you may as well let me go now."

"Very well. We shall see," he answered.

The cab stopped at Malchester Row Police Station.

CHAPTER XXI

To the constable who opened the cab door Foyle gave quick instructions
in a low voice. The Princess Petrovska found herself ushered into a
plainly furnished waiting room, decorated with half-a-dozen photographic
enlargements of the portraits of high police officials and a
photogravure of "Her Majesty the Baby." There the policeman left her.

Foyle came to her a moment later. His couple of questions to the cabman
as he paid him had not been fruitful. He had been ordered by the lady to
drive to Waterloo Station. It was a fairly obvious ruse, which would
have had the effect of effectually confusing her trail, for from there
she might have taken train, tube, omnibus, tram, or cab again to about
any point in London.

"I am sorry," he apologised. "We shall have to keep you here for an hour
or two while your statements are verified."

"I don't mind," she countered lightly. "It will be an amusing
experience. I have never seen a police station before. Perhaps you would
like to show me over while we're waiting, Mr. Foyle."

The superintendent was admiring her confidence a little ruefully. A
pleasant-faced, buxom woman tapped at the door, and Lola eyed her with
misgivings. Foyle's blue eyes were fixed on her face.

"I am afraid I must deny myself that pleasure," he said suavely. "There
are other matters which will take up our time. First, I shall be obliged
if you will let the matron here search you."

The nonchalance of the Princess Petrovska had disappeared in a flash,
and Foyle noted her quick change of countenance. She had recollected she
was carrying Lady Eileen Meredith's jewels. They would inevitably be
found, if she were searched. She was not so much worried by what
explanation she could give as to what would be the result of a
questioning of Eileen. Angrily defiant, she was on her feet in a flash.

"You have no right to search me. I am not under arrest," she declared.

Foyle knew she was right. What he was doing was flagrantly unlawful
unless he charged her with some offence. Yet there are times when it is
necessary for a police officer to put a blind eye to the telescope and
to do technically illeg