"Provided they're here," he added doubtfully.
Miss Cornelia resolved upon comparative frankness.
"I see," she said.

"Well, I'll tell you this much, Mr.Anderson, and I'll ask you to believe me as a lady.

Granting that at one time my niece knew something of that blue-print--at this moment we do not know where it is or who has it." Her words had the unmistakable ring of truth.

The very oath from the detective that succeeded them showed his recognition of the fact.
"Damnation," he muttered.

"That's true, is it ?" "That's true," said Miss Cornelia firmly.