I instantly recognized the gems as pieces from the old Mainwaring collection of jewels.

Simultaneously there occurred to my mind the report of the murder of Hugh Mainwaring, which I had heard but a short time before, although then I knew nothing of the robbery.

Naturally, my suspicions were awakened.

I questioned the young man closely, however, and he stated that his home was at Fair Oaks, and that his mother was a distant relative of Mr.Mainwaring's; that the jewels were hers, and she wished to dispose of them for ready cash to meet an emergency.

His story was so plausible that I thought possibly my suspicions had been somewhat hasty and premature.