“Yes, those Italian girls look very much alike. She was one of medium height, as a great many women are. You are of medium height, Miss Dana, so that is a very poor clue to work upon. She had dark hair.” “Mine is light,” remarked Miss Dana. “I did not notice the colour of her eyes--probably black.” “Mine are blue.” “Her complexion was dark.” “Well, I surely have not a dark complexion.” “What do you mean?” asked Mr. Isburn. “You talk as though you were, in some way, connected with this affair.” “But I am.” “How so?” and Mr. Isburn's voice betrayed his astonishment. “Don't you remember saying if the ring was lost or stolen that you should call upon me to recover it?” “Why, yes, I do remember. If you find it, you shall have a big reward. If found, I am going to give the ring to a young lady.” “Who is she? Pardon my hasty inquisitiveness.” “My niece, Rose Isburn. She is my only brother's daughter. He has just died and left her in my charge. Nothing has happened since I began my professional career that has so puzzled and disgusted me as the loss of that ring. I thought myself acute, and I am outwitted by a chit of a girl. I think I'll sell out, take my niece to Europe and marry her off to a Prince or a Duke.” “Don't do it!” laughed Miss Dana. “Leave her your money, and let her choose some honest, clean, young American.” “Well, I think you are right,” answered Mr. Isburn, laughing at Mary's half serious, half comic air, “but I must first sell my business. Will you find me a purchaser? I want to travel, and loaf the rest of my life. I've had my fill of adventure and excitement.” “Perhaps you can find a purchaser while I'm finding the ring. As you say, your description of her is very meagre. But she was a flower girl and that is one point gained.” “But she may be selling oranges or dragging a hand-organ to-day.” “True,” replied Miss Dana, “and she may be selling flowers again to-morrow,” and the conversation dropped. About a week later, Miss Dana entered Mr. Isburn's private office. There was a smile upon her face, as she cried: “I have been successful!” “You usually are,” Mr. Isburn remarked, not comprehending to what she alluded. “You will be somewhat surprised, no doubt, when I tell you--that I have recovered the ruby!” Mr. Isburn sprang to his feet. “I know that you are a truthful young woman, Miss Dana, but, pardon me, I shall disbelieve your statement, until the ruby is once more in my hands.” “I have not only recovered the ruby, but I have induced the Italian girl who took it--” “By George!” cried Isburn, “I always suspected her.” “I have induced the culprit, Mr. Isburn, to come here and place it in your hands.” “Well, you're a wonder, Miss Dana. You should give up being a detective and become a teacher of morals.” Miss Dana ignored his suggestion. “I have her in my office and the door is locked. You see, I have the key here,” and she held it up for his inspection.