"I warn't," hissed Elisha, stung to the quick. "I warn't dreamin'. Them jewels was there. I saw 'em with my own eyes. I swear to heaven I did." Then as if a new idea flashed into his mind, he confronted Sylvia. "They was there, young lady, warn't they? You know they was. That's why you was so scairt for me to look. You've seen 'em, too."
"Humph! But Marcia won't. You can lie if you want to to save the skin of that good-for-nothin' critter upstairs--though what purpose is served by your doin' it I can't see. But Marcia won't. She'll speak the truth same's she always has an' always will. No lie will cross her lips. If she says them jewels warn't here I'll believe it. Come now, Marcia. Mebbe you've evidence that'll hist me out of the idiot class. Was there ever diamonds an' things under this brick or warn't there?"
As if the admission was dragged from her, Marcia formed, but did not utter, the word:
"They was under this brick, warn't they?"
"There! Then I ain't gone daffy! What I said was true," Elisha acclaimed, rising in triumph and snapping his finger at Eleazer.
"The jewels were Mr. Heath's. He hid them for safe keeping."
"A likely story! He stole 'em--that's what he did."
"Prove it then," challenged Marcia, with sudden spirit, a spot of crimson burning on either cheek.
"Prove it?" Elisha was taken aback. "Wal, I can't at the moment do that. I can't prove it. But even if I can't, I can make out a good enough case against him to arrest him on suspicion. That's what I mean to do--that's what I come for an' what I'll do 'fore I leave this house."
Once again she was poised, back against the door leading to the stairs.
"I guess he ain't so sick but what I can go up an' cross-examine him."
"I forbid it," repeated the woman. "Drop this matter for a day or two, Elisha. Mr. Heath shall not leave the house. I promise you that. I will give you my bond. Leave him here in peace until he is well again. When he is able to--to--go with you I will telephone. You can trust me. When have I ever been false to my word?"
"Never, Marcia! Never in all the years I've known you."
"Then go and leave the affair in my hands."
"I don't know--mebbe--I wonder if I'd oughter," ruminated Elisha. "'Tain't legal."