“I am not quite certain about that; but I think he said it was _infra dig._ for the Steinheimers to call in the police. Anyhow, it was an excuse which did not satisfy the Princess; but as guests were arriving, and as it was desirable that there should be no commotion to mar the occasion, the Princess temporarily yielded to the wish of her husband, and nothing was said publicly about the robbery. The great ball was the talk of Meran for several days, and no one suspected the private trouble that was going on underneath this notable event. During these several days the Princess insisted that the aid of the police should be invoked, and the Prince was equally strenuous that nothing should be said or done about the matter. Then, quite unexpectedly, the Prince veered completely round, and proclaimed that he would engage the best detectives in Europe. Strange to say, when he announced this decision to his wife, she had veered round also, and opposed the calling in of the detectives as strenuously as he had done heretofore.” “What reason did she give for her change of front?” asked Miss Jennie. “She said, I believe, that it was now too late; that the thieves, whoever they were, had had time to make away with their plunder, and there would merely be a fuss and worry for nothing.” “Do you know, I am inclined to agree with her,” asserted the girl. “Are you? Then tell me what you think of the case as far as you have got.” “What do _you_ think?” “I sha’n’t tell you at this stage, because I know of further particulars which I will give you later on. I merely want your opinion now, so that I may see whether what I have to tell you afterwards modifies it in any way.” “Well, to me the case looks decidedly dark against the Prince.” “That is what Mr. Briggs thinks. He imagines his Highness has the jewels.” “Where did you get all these particulars?” “From Mr. Briggs, who, of course, got them by letter from his daughter.” “Then we have, as it were, a one-sided statement.” “Oh, quite so; but still you must remember the Princess does not in the least suspect her husband of the theft.” “Well, please go on. What are the further particulars?”