Then, quite unexpectedly, the Prince veered completely round, and proclaimed that he would engage the best detectives in Europe.

Strange to say, when he announced this decision to his wife, she had veered round also, and opposed the calling in of the detectives as strenuously as he had done heretofore." "What reason did she give for her change of front ?" asked Miss Jennie.
"She said, I believe, that it was now too late; that the thieves, whoever they were, had had time to make away with their plunder, and there would merely be a fuss and worry for nothing." "Do you know, I am inclined to agree with her," asserted the girl.
"Are you?
Then tell me what you think of the case as far as you have got." "What do _you_ think ?" "I sha'n't tell you at this stage, because I know of further particulars which I will give you later on.

I merely want your opinion now, so that I may see whether what I have to tell you afterwards modifies it in any way." "Well, to me the case looks decidedly dark against the Prince." "That is what Mr.Briggs thinks.

He imagines his Highness has the jewels." "Where did you get all these particulars ?" "From Mr.Briggs, who, of course, got them by letter from his daughter." "Then we have, as it were, a one-sided statement." "Oh, quite so; but still you must remember the Princess does not in the least suspect her husband of the theft." "Well, please go on.

What are the further particulars ?" "The further particulars are that the Prince made some quiet investigations among the servants, and he found that there was a man who, although he was a friend of his own, was much more the friend of the Princess, and this man had, on the day the ball was given, the entire freedom of the castle.