Mr Cox dug him with his elbow in the ribs, by way of a hint to him to hold his tongue. Miss Casata went contemptuously on,--
'I perceive now that she laughed because she knew that he had not taken with him what he supposed; but what I do not understand is, where, then, is the ring? I know she kept it in this box.'
She examined minutely the one she held. Mr Cox put a question to Mr Burton.
'For the last time, Burton, I suppose you're quite sure that it's not your uncle's ring? Nice we should look if it was afterwards discovered that you had made a mistake.'
'Don't be a silly ass! How many more times do you want to hear me swear? I say, Cox, have you two legs, or four, and which end of you are they? I might just as reasonably put such questions to you. I tell you, I know.'
Miss Casata was still continuing her scrutiny.
'It is not the ring; you are right. It is not the ring which she used to keep in the box. The stone in that, I think, was larger. It had a crest on it, I remember. And inside there was a name engraved, "George Burton." She showed it me one day, and she said, "I shall have to have this stone remounted. I cannot wear a man's name upon my finger, especially that man's name." I remember very well. Oh, no, this is not the ring at all.'
Mr Burton turned in triumph to Mr Cox. 'You hear? Now, who's right?'
'You have seen the ring which you describe?'
'It is certain; more than once. When was the last time? Not many days ago. It was in this box. She took it out of this box, she put it back into the box, and the box she put into the little bottom drawer. I remember it very well. When I heard of Mr Burton's will, I thought of it at once.'
'She must have taken it out of the box and put it somewhere else.'
'How do I know? how can I think? She must have put it with some of her other jewels. They are everywhere--all over the place.'
Mr Cox and Mr Burton exchanged glances. The young gentleman took up the running.
'In that case, we'll look for it all over the place.'
'My dear Lou, I'm going to have that ruby, and before I leave these premises. So, now, you've got it.'
'I've no desire to do anything so indelicate. You tell us where it is, or give us a hint.'
'Lou, you gave Guy Holland the tip. You helped him to commit a burglary. Why should you be squeamish now?'