It was then he noticed for the first time an edge of linen projecting above the masonry.
"Marcia must 'a' stuffed a rag in there to keep the thing from wobblin'," he mused. "Ain't that like a woman? She ain't helped matters none, neither. It wobbles just the same. I can fix it better'n that."
Producing his knife, Elisha pried the brick from its place.
As he lifted it out, a handkerchief came with it disgorging at his feet a flat, blue leather case.
If the sheriff's eyes bulged when he caught sight of it, they all but popped from his head when, egged on by curiosity, he pressed the catch on the box.
Quick as a flash the whole situation clarified in his mind.
These were the widely heralded Long Island jewels; and the thief who had stolen them was here beneath this roof!
It was plain as a pikestaff. Hidden by fog he had escaped in his boat and inadvertently run aground at the mouth of Wilton Harbor.
Of course Marcia did not know. Even though a friendship existed between herself and Heath, she was unquestionably ignorant of the nefarious means by which he earned his living.
Far from cherishing anger or resentment toward the person who exposed his villainy and prevented her from sacrificing herself to such an unprincipled adventurer, would she not regard her rescuer with deepest gratitude? Elisha's head whirled.
Nevertheless, confused though he was, it was clear to him he must not make a misstep and neglect to perform his official duty with dignity.
Heath was ill. There would be no danger of his leaving the Homestead at present, especially as he had no suspicion the jewels had been discovered.
The best plan was for him to return to the mainland; get his badge and handcuffs; find out what formalities such a momentous event as an arrest demanded; and return later and round up the criminal.
He did not dally. Carefully putting the gems back where he had found them, he placed the telegram upon the table and went out, softly closing the door behind him.
It flashed into his mind that as the tide was coming in it might be well to borrow Marcia's boat and row back to shore.
This would serve two purposes. He would reach home sooner; and Heath, cut off by the sweep of the channel, would in the meantime be unable to escape.