"Then, he knows that you came direct from Annapolis to Hampton--I mean, you didn't visit a bank nor other place where you could have deposited the jewels. Ergo, the jewels are still in your possession, according to his theory, and he is going to make a try for them while they are within reach. Informing the Government is a bluff. He hoped, by that means, to induce you to keep the jewels on the premises--not to make evidence against yourself, which could be traced by the United States, by depositing them in any bank."
"Why shouldn't I have taken them to a dealer in precious stones?" said Croyden.
"Because that would make the best sort of evidence against you. You must remember, he thinks you have the jewels, and that you will try to conceal it, pending a Government investigation."
"No--I make him only a clever rogue, which, by your own account, he is."
"And the more clever he is, the more he will have his wits' work for naught. There's some compensation in everything--even in failure!"
"It would be a bit annoying," observed Macloud, "to be visited by burglars, who are obsessed with the idea that you have a fortune concealed on the premises, and are bent on obtaining it."
"Annoying?--not a bit!" smiled Croyden. "I should rather enjoy the sport of putting them to flight."
"Or of being bound, and gagged, and ill-treated."
"Bosh! you've transferred your robber-barons from Northumberland to the Eastern Shore."
"No, I haven't!" laughed Macloud. "The robber-barons were still on the job in Northumberland. These are banditti, disguised as burglars, about to hold you up for ransom."
"I wish I had your fine imagination," scoffed Croyden. "I could make a fortune writing fiction."
"Oh, you're not so bad yourself!" Macloud retorted. Then he smiled. "Apropos of fortunes!" and nodded toward the envelope on the table. "It's bully good to think you're coming back to us!"
At that moment Moses passed along the hall.
"Here, Moses," said Croyden, "take this letter down to the post office--I want it to catch the first mail."
"I fancy you haven't heard of the stranger since last evening?" Macloud asked.
"And of course you haven't told any one?"
"How strange!" commented Macloud, mockingly. "I suppose you even told her the entire story--from the finding of the letter down to date."