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14 des Invalides, standing back in a garden which surrounds it on all sides, the whole enclosed by a high wall. The occupants," he smiled, "are your compatriots, M. Clamart, an American gentleman and his wife. She has very fine jewels. When I dined there not long ag I estimated her pearls at fifty thousand francs, while her rings and tiara should double that amount in value. When I admired the pearls she told me that she was fond of jewels and had some very fine ones. No doubt these jewels, together with the gold and silver table-service, which is very good, are kept in an old-fashioned safe built into the wall of the dining-room and rather clumsily concealed by a portière. I have here a map of the house and grounds and a plan of the entresol. For the rings, it will be necessary to enter the room of madame. No doubt they will be found on the dressing-table; but they are of lesser importance. If you wish to undertake the work, then go ahead. Whatever you may be so fortunate as to find you may bring to my office, and we will settle the matter according to the usual terms."

Léontine looked at me with eyes like brilliants. "Let me go with you!" says she.

"Ah, no!" says the Pole. "That would not do!"

"Ivan," cries Léontine, "I insist. I want the experience! The excitement!" She turned to me. "You will let me go, will you not?" she begged, for all the world like a child that wants to be taken on a picnic.

Everybody laughed, and I glanced at my watch. It was just two o clock. "