! man, you talk as if you were leading a forlorn hope. Do
you _expect_ a refusal?"

"I don't know _what_ to expect," flinging away his segar, angrily, "I
can't understand Constance; I wish that cursed Heath were safely out of
my path."

"Can't you trust him to Belknap?"

"There we are again! what is that confounded detective doing? He has
been here five days, or nearly that; four days ago, Constance asked
three days to consider upon the case. What did that mean? Belknap should
have been here with his report long ago. Why don't he come?"

"That I can't tell you; he has his own way of doing things; his absence
does not alter the fact, that I must use this opportunity for getting to
the city; and you must press this business with Constance, and bring it
to a settlement. I don't think there is much doubt as to her answer."

"Well, I wish I could feel as sanguine, that's all."

At this moment there came the sound of wheels on the gravel outside, and
glancing toward the window, Frank sprang up exclaiming:

"There's Belknap, and not a minute to lose. I'll go meet him," and he
hurried out, wearing a look of relief, mingled with expectancy.

In a moment he returned, closely followed by the smiling detective.

"Quick, Belknap," said Frank, closing the door, carefully, "give us the
important points. The carriage will be here in a short time, to take the
old man to town, and he must be on time, for trains won't wait."

"True," said Mr. Belknap, seating himself near the table. "I should have
reported to you last evening, but thought it best to remain about town,
and let myself be seen by the hotel loungers; people, in a place like
this, are curious about a man who keeps too much to himself, and one
must always conciliate suspicion."

"True," from Mr. Lamotte.

"I saw Miss Wardour yesterday, gentlemen; she entirely withdraws the
case."

"What! entirely?" asked Frank.

"Entirely; she asked for my account, paid it, and dismissed me, saying,
that she should not resume the search, but should double the reward."

"Double the reward!" repeated Frank.

"Yes, _provided_ both the diamonds and the thieves were found."

A moment's silence and then the elder Lamotte emptied his glass and set
it down, saying as he did so:

"Well, but the point is not yet reached. Did you explain the necessity
you were under if the case left your hands?"

"I did. She was surprised, of course, and incredulous, but she made no
remarks, and see