"'Course I couldn't," and Natalie smiled at the perplexed Roberts. "And if, to clear myself, I must tell all I know, then I'll tell you that Mrs. Stannard has those emeralds in her possession now."
"I passed her room this morning. The door was ajar, and I was about to enter, when I saw her, at her dressing-table, looking over the case of emeralds. I recognised it at once. I've often seen them. I didn't like to intrude, then, so I went on. I thought I wouldn't say anything about it, unless it was necessary."
"It is necessary. Has she had them all the time?"
"Let's ask her," said Barry. "I believe Joyce can explain it."
They sent for Mrs. Stannard, and she came, Mrs. Faulkner accompanying her.
"I found these on my dressing-table this morning," Joyce said, simply, holding out the case of emeralds to the view of all.
"Found them! Where did they come from?" asked Roberts.
"I don't know," and then, seeing the dark looks on the Detective's face, Joyce exclaimed, "You tell about it, Beatrice. I--I can't talk."
"This is the story," said Mrs. Faulkner. "About an hour ago, Mrs. Stannard sent for me to come to her room. I went, and she showed me the case of gems, saying she had found it on her dressing-table when she awoke this morning. It was not there when she retired last night. Further than that, she knows nothing about it."
"You mean, the jewels appeared there mysteriously?"
"Yes. She cannot account for it, herself. We have been talking it over, and it seems to me the only explanation is that one of the servants took them, and then decided to return them. Of course it would be practically impossible for a servant to sell or dispose of them after the publicity that has been given to the matter."
"Of course. But why a servant? Why not a guest--or a member of the household,--or--or Mrs. Stannard, herself?"
"I!" exclaimed Joyce. "Why I've just found them!"
"Of course not! How dare you imply such a thing? This morning they were in my room, last night they were not there. They were brought there during the night. It is for you to find out who brought them."
"No. It is not our habit to lock our doors,--any of us. The outer doors and windows are securely fastened, and we have no reason to distrust any of the servants."