Page:Knaves of Diamonds.pdf/246

Rh Inspector," said the lady, as she turned back to lead the way upstairs. "You are alvays a jentleman, though you sometimes do put ladies into awkward positions like dis. Dis way, please."

Then she turned somewhat deliberately and went upstairs again. The bulging table-cloth stuck out in white billowy folds between her left arm and her side, and Mr. Lipinzki's keen, professional nose was within six inches of between ten and twelve thousand pounds' worth of illicit diamonds, mixed up with crumbs and bits of bread and cheese, for the space of about three minutes. But not even his eyes could see through the thick, starched linen any more than those of his companions could, and so Mrs. Engstroem's little ruse succeeded as completely as its boldness and simplicity deserved to do.

Mrs. Engstroem knocked at the door, and, receiving no answer, went in, followed by the