d Mrs. Hamilton, "to see if you
can help me in a matter I will explain to you," and then she gave him
all the information she possessed about the loss of the opera glass.

"How valuable was the glass?" inquired Mr. Lynx.

"It cost fifty dollars in Paris," said Mrs. Hamilton.

"But you set a higher value upon it for other reasons? Just so."

"You are right."

"Will you favor me with an exact description of the article?" said the
detective, producing his notebook.

Mrs. Hamilton did so, and the detective made an entry.

"Have you ever had anything taken out of your house by outside
parties?" he asked.

"On one occasion, when my brother was visiting me, his overcoat was
taken from the hatstand in the hall."

"A sneak thief, of course. The glass, however, was not so exposed?"

"No; it was not on the lower floor at all."

"It looks, then, as if it was taken by someone in the house."

"It looks so," said Mrs. Hamilton gravely.

"Have you confidence in your servants? Or, rather, have you reason to
suspect any of them?"

"I believe they are honest. I don't believe they would be tempted by
such an article."

"Not, perhaps, for their own use, but a glass like this may be pawned
for a considerable sum. Being of peculiar appearance, the thief would
be hardly likely to use it himself or herself. Detection would be too
sure."

"No doubt you are right."

"How long has the glass been missing?" resumed the detective.

"Three days."

"No doubt it has been pawned by this time. Your course is clear."

"And what is that?"

"To make a tour of the pawnshops, and ascertain whether such an
article has been brought to any one of them."

"Very well, Mr. Lynx. I leave the matter in your hands. I trust
everything to your judgment."

"Thank you. I will try to deserve your confidence. And now,
good-day. I may call upon you to-morrow."

"Mr. Lynx left the presence of the lady, and went downstairs. He had
just reached the bottom of the staircase, when a thin lady glided from
the rear of the hall, and spoke to him.

"Are you the detective summoned by Mrs. Hamilton?" she asked.

"Yes, madam," answered Mr. Lynx, surveying housekeeper attentively.

"I am Mrs. Hill, the housekeper," said she. "I may add that I am a
cousin of Mrs. Hamilton's."

Mr. Lynx bowed, and waited for further information. He knew who was
addressing him, for he had questioned Mrs. Hamilton as to the
different inmates of the house.