I can see my way upon that hypothesis."

"There was something as she had to conceal, Gager. I've said that all
through. I knew it in a moment when I see'd her faint."

"She's had a deal to conceal, I don't doubt. Well, there they
are,--with her still,--and the box is gone, and the people as is
bringing the lawsuit, Mr. Camperdown and the rest of 'em, is off
their tack. What's she to do with 'em?"

"Take 'em to Benjamin," said Bunfit, with confidence.

"That's all very well, Mr. Bunfit. But there's a quarrel up already
with Benjamin. Benjamin was to have had 'em before. Benjamin has
spent a goodish bit of money, and has been thrown over rather. I
daresay Benjamin was as bad as Smiler, or worse. No doubt Benjamin
let on to Smiler, and thought as Smiler was too many for him. I
daresay there was a few words between him and Smiler. I wouldn't
wonder if Smiler didn't threaten to punch Benjamin's head,--which
well he could do it,--and if there wasn't a few playful remarks
between 'em about penal servitude for life. You see, Mr. Bunfit, it
couldn't have been pleasant for any of 'em."

"They'd've split," said Bunfit.

"But they didn't,--not downright. Well,--there we are. The diamonds
is with the lady. Lord George has done it all. Lord George and Lady
Eustace,--they're keeping company, no doubt, after their own fashion.
He's a-robbing of her, and she has to do pretty much as she's bid.
The diamonds is with the lady, and Lord George is pretty well afraid
to look at 'em. After all that's being done, there isn't much to
wonder at in that. Then comes the second robbery."

"And Lord George planned that too?" asked Bunfit.

"I don't pretend to say I know, but just put it this way, Mr. Bunfit.
Of course the thieves were let in by the woman Crabstick."

"Not a doubt."

"Of course they was Smiler and Billy Cann."

"I suppose they was."

"She was always about the lady,--a-doing for her in everything. Say
she goes to Benjamin and tells him as how her lady still has the
necklace,--and then he puts up the second robbery. Then you'd have it
all round."

"And Lord George would have lost 'em. It can't be. Lord George and he
are thick as thieves up to this day."

"Very well. I don't say anything against that. Lord George knows as
she has 'em;--indeed he'd given 'em back to her to keep. We've got as
far as that, Mr. Bunfit."

"I think she did 'ave 'em."

"Very well. What does Lord George do then? He can't make money of
'em.