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 His glance fell admiringly upon the three women, of whom only Victoria was unveiled.

The detectives advanced to the captain, and a low-voiced conversation ensued, in which the words "small book," and "French consul" were repeated at intervals.

Philippa shivered as with cold, and leaned against the desk helplessly. Victoria bent toward her, touched by her misery. "Ask for a lawyer," she suggested, softly. "You have a right to that, I know."

"Here, you!" interrupted the captain, "no whispering with the prisoner. Say, Pollock, who's that?"

"Miss Claudel, who gave the information to the consul—so she said. It seems she knows the other lady who brought the box."

"Hum," said the captain, "I suppose we had better do a bit of telephoning here. Mulligan, ring up the consulate."

"I want a lawyer," begged Philippa, timidly.

"Do, eh? Well, I suppose you can have one. Who?"

She hesitated a moment, vainly trying to col- 228