d.

"Keep it for evidence," he explained. "And this revolver as well,
although now that I've used it, all fingermarks probably have been
obliterated."

The women were clamoring for their lost jewelry, so with Penny's
assistance, the detective distributed the articles.

"I feel just like Santa Claus taking presents out of my pack," he
declared jokingly. "Here's your brooch, Penny. Did you think you were
going to lose it?"

"Yes, I did, Dad. I saw red when that man tore it off my dress."

"So did I."

"You certainly didn't show it. You advised me to make no resistance."

"That was because I didn't want you to be shot."

"Then you turned right around a second later and took a big chance
yourself. You might have been killed."

"I knew what I was about," the detective returned quietly.

Mrs. Dillon came up to Mr. Nichols, gripping his hand. Her own was
trembling.

"You were marvelous, simply marvelous!" she said tremulously. "Never
before in my life have I witnessed such a display of courage."

Others joined in the praise until Mr. Nichols was embarrassed. He
hurriedly began to distribute the remainder of the stolen jewelry.

"Your necklace," he said to Mrs. Dillon, presenting it to her.

"Thank you, thank you," the woman murmured gratefully. "How can I ever
repay you for saving my pearls?"

"By taking better care of them in the future," he responded grimly.

Mrs. Dillon looked slightly offended. "I have always taken excellent
care of my pearls, Mr. Nichols," she replied.

"Perhaps your idea of excellent care does not agree with mine. The
necklace is insured?"

"No, it isn't," Mrs. Dillon admitted reluctantly. "My husband spoke of
attending to it several times but never did."

"You took a great risk wearing the pearls at a function such as this
without even the precaution of having detectives on the premises to
watch for gem thieves."

"You were here," Mrs. Dillon smiled. "I shall have my husband send you
a check in the morning."

"Then I shall be compelled to return it," the detective replied. "May
I ask if you have been in the habit of keeping the necklace in the
house, Mrs. Dillon?"

"Why, yes, but I assure you I have an excellent hiding place."

Mr. Nichols could not restrain an amused smile.

"An experienced gem thief could probably find it in ten minutes' time.
But that's neither here nor there. The point is, you should not keep
the necklace in the house at all unless you