save for the study,
the curtains of which were only half-closed. Therefore, as he approached
the house, he saw Lady Bracondale alone, speaking into the telephone.

Suddenly, with an agile movement, he scaled the verandah, and a few
seconds later, without making a sound, he stood before the window
against the entrance porch--the window of the little _salon_ which Jean
had indicated where the pearls would be. His movements betrayed that he
was an expert at moving without making a sound.

Bending, the dark figure, still moving stealthily, crept up to the long
window upon which there suddenly flashed a small zone of white light
from an electric pocket-lamp, revealing the fact that, though the heavy
curtain was drawn, the window was ajar.

For a few seconds the man listened. Then, having reassured himself that
there was no one in the room, he slowly pushed back the curtain and
peered into the darkness.

Suddenly he heard a footstep and, dropping the curtain instantly, stood
in the darkness, quite motionless.

Somebody entered the room, switched on the light, crossed to the centre
of the apartment, stood there for a few seconds, and then, receding,
switched off the light again and closed the door.

The intruder stood in the room behind the curtain without moving a
muscle.

He could hear sounds of footsteps within the house.

He had closed the long glass door when he had entered, and now stood
concealed behind the yellow plush curtain.

Suddenly he heard the piano being played--a song from "La Boheme." He
stood listening, for he was always fond of music. As he halted there the
sweet perfume of the flowers greeted his nostrils, and he murmured some
low words beneath his breath.

His hand sought his jacket pocket, and when he withdrew it he had in his
grasp a serviceable-looking revolver. He inhaled a long deep breath, for
he was desperate.

At last he summoned courage, and again drew back the curtain very
slowly. All was darkness within until he switched on his pocket-lamp and
slowly examined the place.

The light fell upon the table whereon stood the jewel-case, and he
walked straight to it and opened it.

The moment his eyes fell upon the magnificent string of pearls he stood
for a second as though in hesitation.

Then swiftly he took them up, and with a glance at them thrust his prize
into his jacket pocket.

It was the work of an instant.

He reclosed the lid. It snapped and startled him.

Next moment