during which La Croix's three spies returned to
Canada, as they were then of no further service.

The day after they had gone, the fourth spy, who had got married, suddenly
came over from Canada with his bride, and the detectives saw them go to the
hotel where the La Croix party was stopping.

With their suspicions aroused, the Bradys watched them.

They went up to the clerk, sent their card to La Croix's room, and Clara
presently came down and greeted them warmly.

"Papa is shaving," she remarked. "Can't you come to my room? I'll try to
entertain you until he is disengaged."

She had abandoned her widow's weeds and resumed her wonted attire in which
she looked very young and charming.

The bride smiled, patted her on the head and said:

"I like you. Nothing would please me better."

The moment she assented, the Bradys hastened upstairs.

Clara's room was open and they entered and glanced around.

It was a magnificently-furnished apartment and the trunk she brought over
from France stood in the middle of the room.

At one side was a closet.

The Bradys dodged into it and closed the door.

No sooner were they concealed when Clara and her two guests came in and at
her invitation, seated themselves.

"Well?" said the girl smuggler, in eager tones, "how did you make out?"

"Fine," laughed the spy, producing a package from his pocket. "We kept the
diamonds and remained in Canada, spending our honeymoon. When we started
for the American side, my wife had the package of diamonds fastened under
the lining of her skirt. No one suspected us, of course. The officers only
made a careless examination of our satchel and valise. We had no trouble
whatever."

"How lucky!"

"Is there any use for us to remain here to see your father? We are in a
hurry, and can come back in the course of an hour."

"That will do."

"We will go, then."

And they left the room.

A few moments later there came a knock at the door.

"Come in," cried the girl.

Her mother entered the room.

"Where are the bridal couple, Clara?" she asked, glancing around.

"Just gone. They'll return in an hour."

"Did they leave the package of diamonds?"

"Yes. And here it is."

Another knock came at the door.

"Hide the parcel!" gasped Mrs. La Croix, nervously.

The girl thrust it in her pocket.

"Enter!" she cried.

The door opened and a hall-boy came in.

"Did you ring, Miss La Croix?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied. "I want you t