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friend, now what do you think of that? Just before John came into my office I doubt if there was a happier man in Paris than I. The minute after, I don't believe there was a more miserable one, or a madder. For quick as a flash I guessed at what had happened, and I cursed myself for a fool not to have thought of it before.

As soon as I could speak I asked:

"When did you find this out?"

"This morning," said John, in a dull voice. "Edith opened the safe to get some money and found that the pearls were gone."

"Where were you both last night?" I asked.

"I was at the Automobile Club and didn't get in until late. Edith and Mary spent the evening in the studio and didn't go to bed until about midnight." "Were any of the servants about?"

"No. When she went out to the studio after dinner Edith told them they might turn in as soon as they had finished their work."

I ripped out a savage curse. It was as plain to me as a pock-marked Hottentot. That accursed Chu-Chu had gone back the second night on his own account and opened the safe. A little box like that would be a nursery puzzle to an expert like Chu-Chu. No doubt he considered this job his own 94