CHAPTER IX.
The two pairs of steel eyes met, and looked fixedly at each other.
A tap came to the door.
Sir George winced, and made a sign to Ralph, who rushed to it and bolted it.
"I am coming in, George," said Lady Mary's voice.
"Send her away," came a whisper from the bed.
This was easier said than done.

But it _was_ done after a sufficiently long parley; and Lady Mary retired under the impression that Ralph was sitting alone with his father, who thought he might get a little sleep.
"Now," whispered Sir George, motioning to Ralph.
"The fact is," said Ralph, "the jewels are gone! They have been stolen in the night." He bolted out with this one sentence, and then was silent.

Marston and I stared at him aghast.
"Is there no mistake ?" said Marston at last.
"None," replied Ralph.

"I put them in a drawer in the great inlaid writing-table in the library last night, before everybody.

I went for them this morning, half an hour ago, at father's request.