He strolled towards the door which was on the opposite side of the room, the one through which the ladies had vanished. He softly tried the handle; it still was locked. Taking the cigarette from between his lips, he inclined his ear towards the panel and listened. 'They're quiet. I suppose they're in her room. I wonder what they're doing? Problem for the papers which give prizes for puzzles. Under the circumstances, what might they be expected to be doing? Odds on that they're doing something else. One might easily see. It wouldn't take long to cut a piece out of this panel, or, for the matter of that, to take the lock itself clean off. But would it be worth one's while? They've seen enough. Ye whales and little fishes, they've seen too much! Better carry the thing to a conclusion without unnecessary witnesses. If they're content, we are. What's up now?' The question was prompted by an exclamation which came from Miss Bewicke's bedroom. Mr Cox appeared at the entrance. 'Burton, you said that all we wanted was the ruby; that the rest of her things should go untouched.' 'Well?' 'The Flyman's pocketing her jewels.' Mr Burton crossed the floor. 'That won't do, Flyman. We're here on an expedition of right. We're not thieves.' 'You said yourself we might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb.' 'I did; and you are aware that that is not the kind of sheep I meant. On this occasion I really must ask you to be honest.' 'But I never saw such shiners. Who could resist them, guv'nor? She's got enough to stock a shop. Why, if we take 'em away with us, we sha'n't be far out, even if we don't get that blessed ruby.' 'It's the ruby or nothing; also, and nothing. Put those things back.' 'I've only nobbled one or two. I've got to look after myself.' 'I, too, have to look after you. You know what was agreed; keep to the terms of the agreement, or, though you "nobble" every "shiner" the lady owns, you'll be a loser. Put those things back.' There was something about Mr Burton just then which compelled respect, of a kind, which fact the Flyman recognised. His face darkened and, in audible tones, he grumbled. But he produced the trinkets, as requested, and replaced them, one by one, on their velvet beds. 'Is that all?' 'Every blooming one.' 'Cox, is that all?' 'Yes, I believe it is.' He glanced at the open jewel-case. 'No, there's a ring still missing.' The Flyman cursed. 'Can't a bloke have one?' 'Not unless he wishes to pay for it more than it's worth. Come, man, look pleasant.' The Flyman did not 'look pleasant;' but he restored the ring. Mr Burton expressed approval. 'That's better. Now, show yourself as keen in the right direction. Give us a proof of the "handiness" you talked about, and find that ruby. It'll be worth to you more than all those other things.'