I am afraid--I am afraid." And the word startled his hearers like a thunderclap, though it was breathed no louder than a whisper, "Yes, my friends," he repeated, nodding his head, "terribly afraid." And upon the others fell a discomfort, an awe, as though something sinister and dangerous were present in the room and close to them.

So vivid was the feeling, instinctively they drew nearer together.

"Now, I warn you solemnly.
There must be no whisper that these jewels have been discovered; no newspaper must publish a hint of it; no one must suspect that here in this room we have found them.

Is that understood ?" "Certainly," said the Commissaire.
"Yes," said Mr.Ricardo.
"To be sure, monsieur," said Perrichet.
As for Harry Wethermill, he made no reply.

His burning eyes were fixed upon Hanaud's face, and that was all.