Page:Burton Stevenson--The marathon mystery.djvu/191

Rh “So it seems that the only thing to be done is to immerse them in their native element for a few days,” he continued; “and the sooner it’s done the better, Contiani says. That’s what I brought this cage for. We’ll put the necklace in it and let it down into the water at the end of the pier.”

“It seems a rather dangerous thing to do,” objected Drysdale. “Why not have a lot of water brought up to the house and immerse them here?”

“Because only living sea water will do; it seems to have no efficacy shut up in a vessel of any kind. I asked about that particularly. Besides, I don’t see that there’ll be any danger—we’re the only ones who know. Still, if Edith objects”

“Oh, not at all,” said Mrs. Delroy instantly. “I only hope the stones will be restored; I think they’re horrid now,” and she shivered a little as she looked at them.

“I would suggest, nevertheless,” put in Tremaine, “that a guard be stationed at the pier, to prevent any possibility of danger. If you haven’t any servants you can fully trust, we might ourselves take turn about.”

“Nonsense!” protested Delroy quickly. “Do you think I’d impose on you like that?”

“I think Mr. Tremaine’s suggestion a good one, nevertheless,” said Miss Croydon. “A guard could stay in the boathouse for a few days without any great discomfort.”

“Perhaps you’re right,” and Delroy nodded. “Graham and his boy will be just the ones. They can relieve each other, so that the time won’t seem so long.”