or the _coupe_ in which he had been brought
to that house.

It was not in sight, and the fearful truth burst upon him--he had been
the victim of an accomplished sharper.

He had been robbed, and the clever thief had suddenly vanished, leaving
no trace behind her.

CHAPTER VII.

A DESPERATE SITUATION.

For a moment all Raymond Palmer's strength fled, leaving him almost as
helpless as a child, while he gazed wildly up and down the street, vainly
searching for the woman who had so cunningly duped him, for he knew, if
his suspicions were correct, the firm of Amos Palmer & Co. would lose
thousands of dollars by that day's operations.

But the young man was no irresolute character. He knew that he must act,
and promptly, if he would regain the treasure he had lost, and this
thought soon restored strength and energy to both heart and limb.

"I have been robbed!" he cried hoarsely, as he rushed back to the table
and seized his hat and gloves, intent only upon getting out upon the
street to trace the clever woman who had so outwitted him.
Doctor Wesselhoff was also a victim of the sharpers; for, of course, it
will be readily understood that the whole matter was only a deeply laid
and cunningly executed scheme to rob the wealthy jewelers of diamonds to
a large amount. He was watching Ray's every movement with keenest
interest, and with a resolute purpose written upon his intelligent face.
He quietly approached him, laid his hand gently upon his arm, and his
magnetic power was so strong that Ray was instantly calmed, to a certain
extent, in spite of his exceeding dismay at the terrible and unexpected
calamity that had overtaken him.

"My young friend," he said soothingly, "you say you have been robbed.
Please explain yourself. There is no one in this house who would rob
you."

Ray searched the man's face with eager, curious eyes. Then he shook off
his hand with an impatient movement.

"Explain myself!" he repeated hotly. "I have had a small fortune stolen
from me, and I believe that _you_ are an accomplice in the transaction."

"No, no; I assure you I am not," returned the gentleman gravely, and
exactly as he would have addressed a person whom he believed to be
perfectly sane. "I was told that a caller wished to see me, and I find
a man claiming that he has been robbed in my house. What do you mean?
Tell me, and perhaps I can help you in your emergency."

The young man was impressed by his courteous manner,