left hand--an
extra fine one, too, it was."

"Ah!" said Mr. Tertius. "A very fine diamond ring on his left hand? Now,
how did you come to see that?"

"He rested that hand on the side of the door as he was getting in, sir,
and I noticed how it flashed," answered the driver. "There was a lamp
right against us, you see, sir."

"I see," said Mr. Tertius. "He wasn't wearing gloves, then?"

"He hadn't a glove on that hand, sir. He was carrying some papers in
it--a sort of little roll of papers."

"Ah!" murmured Mr. Tertius. "A diamond ring--and a little roll of
papers." He got up from his chair and put a hand in his pocket. "Now, my
friend," he went on, chinking some coins as he withdrew it, "you haven't
told this to any one else, I suppose?"

"No, sir," answered the driver. "Came straight here, sir."

"There's a couple of sovereigns for your trouble," said Mr. Tertius,
"and there'll be more for you if you do what I tell you to do. At
present--that is, until I give you leave--don't say a word of this to a
soul. Not even to the police--yet. In fact, not a word to them until I
say you may. Keep your mouth shut until I tell you to open it--I shall
know where to find you. If you want me, keep an eye open for me in the
square outside, or in the street. When the young lady comes back with
the photographs, don't mention the ring to her. This is a very queer
business, and I don't want too much said just yet. Do as I tell you, and
I'll see you're all right. Understand?"

The driver pocketed his sovereigns, and touched his forehead with a
knowing look.

"All right, sir," he said. "I understand. Depend on me, sir--I shan't
say a word without your leave."

Peggie came in just then with a half a dozen cabinet photographs in her
hand. One by one she exhibited them to the driver.

"Do you recognize any of these?" she asked.

The driver shook his head doubtingly until Peggie showed him a
half-length of her uncle in outdoor costume. Then his eyes lighted up.

"Couldn't swear as to the features, miss," he exclaimed. "But I'd take
my 'davy about the coat and the hat! That's what the gentleman was
wearing as I drove this morning--take my Gospel oath on it."

"He recognizes the furred overcoat and the soft hat," murmured Mr.
Tertius. "Very good--very good! All right, my man--we are much obliged
to you."

He went out into the hall with the driver, and had another word in
secret with him before the footman opened the door. As th