Something of this regret probably shadowed his brow, for the inspector added: "They would have managed their get-away even had you given the alarm, son. Both were doubtless well armed and prepared to make their escape. Taken by surprise, as you clerks all were, no one could have stopped them. They would have shot any person who obstructed their dash for liberty." "Do you think so?" Poor Hollings drew a breath of relief. "I know it. They've done it before. They had their pistols and a waiting motor car, and had no mind to be caught." "Then if I'd yelled from the balcony--" "It would have done no good and would, perhaps, have done much harm instead. You would merely have furnished an alarm on which they would instantly have acted. As it is, we know them, and our nets are out. I would, however, like to take your son down to headquarters, Mr. Burton, and let him look over our photographs just to see if he can pick these winners from the bunch." "Certainly, sir. Certainly! Get your hat and coat, Christopher. I believe I'll go along too, Mr. Inspector, if you are willing. My son and I were just starting out to lunch." "By all means; I have a car here." "I don't suppose I could persuade you to--" "No, thank you, Mr. Burton. I'm up to my ears in business, sir. However, you are very kind. I must get right back to headquarters as fast as I can." "I see." "This is a detailed description of the ring, is it?" continued he, tapping an envelope he held in his hand. "Size of the diamonds, their weight, the complete record?" "Yes." "Good. I guess that's all we need." "Do you think you will be able to--" "To land the jewels, you mean? I can't tell you that, sir. It's too early in the game." "I suppose so. It was a foolish question." Evidently the inspector was of the same opinion, for he made no answer. "Well, that's all, Hollings," announced the great man, turning to his clerk. "You may go now." "I hope and pray the ring may be recovered, sir. I shall not have a happy moment until it is." "All that must rest with the police. The case is in their keeping now," was his employer's terse reply. In the meantime, Mr. Norcross had not said anything at all. He seldom did say anything. But as the group rose to depart, he dragged himself up out of his chair and, as if giving his blessing to the enterprise, remarked: "Good luck to you, Inspector!" "Thank you, sir." Then Christopher, his father and the Chief entered the elevator and afterward the car that took them to headquarters. Here the boy had displayed before him an array of photographs from which he had not the slightest trouble in picking that of the man with the scar; but his sharp-nosed companion he was unable to identify. "I thought I'd recognize him anywhere," lamented Christopher. "His hair was so black and thick that--" At the words, the inspector jumped a little. "Ha!" exclaimed he. "Tony wore a wig, did he?" He opened a drawer. "Any of these look like him?"