“Which means, in plain language,” smiled Michael, “that you surprised her in the act of examining some of your private documents and that whilst you were getting the water and calling assistance, she was replacing whatever she was looking at where she had found it. Did she on any other occasion draw your attention, on your entering the room, to some peculiar circumstance, such as one of the pictures not hanging straight or a broken vase?” Again Lord Flanborough looked astounded. “Yes, once she pointed to the china cupboard and asked me who cracked the glass. As a matter of fact, the glass was not cracked at all,” he explained. “But you went over and examined it?” “Naturally,” said his lordship. “That was exactly the same trick,” said Michael; “whilst you were making your inspection she was able to replace any documents she had been examining and close the drawer--if they were in a drawer. Now, I wonder what her game is?” “You don’t suggest,” began his lordship in alarm, “that she is scheming to rob me?” “I hope not,” said Michael gravely; “from the idea of your being robbed, the imagination reels.” “I wish you wouldn’t be so sarcastic. I am afraid you have never quite forgiven Moya--” “I bless Moya every time I think of her,” said Michael quickly; “she rendered me the greatest service that one human being can render to another, when she refused me. I hope to do better than Moya. As Moya’s father, you utter a pained protest. I know, I know,” said Michael, and he waved his hand cheerfully from the door. CHAPTER III. OTHER EYES WATCHED MICHAEL Michael Pretherston was back at the Yard in time to catch his chief before he departed for the day. Commissioner T.B. Smith, to whose recommendation this young scion of the aristocracy owed his promotion, was not helpful. “If we took Kate on any charge it would not prevent the swindle going forward,” he said; “you may be sure she has mobilized all her resources and her little army is ready to the last button of the last gaiter. There is supposed to be a fellow watching her all the time, but he seems to have missed her rather cleverly. Anyway, I don’t think there is much to be gained from shadowing her, because she knows she is under observation and acts accordingly. But I have a word of advice to you, my young Hibernian friend, and that is to keep a sharp eye on your own precious life. Kate is afraid of you.” “She didn’t give me that impression this afternoon,” said Michael sadly. “Kate is a bluff; you mustn’t take any notice of what she says. You accept a friend’s advice and go very carefully to work. I am not so sure that you didn’t behave indiscreetly this afternoon.” “That is impossible!” said Michael stoutly, and T.B. Smith laughed. “The thing to have done was not to have recognized her and to have kept her under observation, pursuing your enquiries in the usual way.”