On this point the Flyman, from his manner, seemed to have his doubts; but he continued his researches. Mr Cox observed that they were strictly confined to what Mr Burton had called the 'right direction.' Mr Burton, returning to the locked door, pursued his meditations as he listened at the panel. 'It's odd that they're so quiet, and suggests mischief. In such a case, surely women are not quiet. Unless--unless what? That's what I should like to know.' 'Burton, is this the ruby?' The words came sharply from Mr Cox, with a sudden interposition from the Flyman. 'You give me that! Don't you lay your fingers on the thing!' 'I'm only looking at it.' 'You give it me, I say.' 'Burton!' The cry was almost an appeal for help. Mr Burton arrived to find something very like a tussle taking place. The Flyman was endeavouring to obtain possession of something which Mr Cox was holding, and which that gentleman was doing his best to keep. 'I found it!' he cried. 'Hand it over!' 'Burton! Quick! Catch!' Mr Cox tossed something through the air which Mr Burton caught. He had just time to see that it was a ring, set with a gleaming red stone, when the Flyman was upon him with an emphatic repetition of the demand he had made on Mr Cox. 'You hand it over before I down you.' Mr Cox explained. 'I found it; he didn't. I opened the box, and it was the first thing I saw. It had nothing to do with him.' The Flyman paid no attention to the statement. He merely reiterated his request. 'Now, Mr Burton, I don't want no patter. You fork up before there's trouble.' The young gentleman, holding his hand behind his back, was smiling in the other's face. 'Gently, Flyman. Let's know exactly where we are before we come to business.' The Flyman flung himself upon him without another word. Mr Burton never for a moment seemed to lose his self-possession. 'You ass! what do you suppose you're going to gain by this?' While they struggled, the bedroom door was suddenly slammed to. There was a clicking sound. The continuation of the argument was instantly deferred. Mr Burton hurried to the door. 'They've caught us napping; it's locked. Well, Flyman, I hope you're satisfied. Owing to your "handiness," of which we have heard so much, in our turn we are trapped.' CHAPTER XVII THE FIGURES ON THE BED 'At anyrate,' remarked Miss Bewicke, as, turning the key in the lock, she shut herself and Miss Broad inside the dining-room, 'you can't get at us for a time.' The two girls stood and listened. They heard the handle tried; the rapping at the panel. 'You may knock, and knock, but it won't be opened. He's gone. That was Horace, dear. How beautifully you knocked him down!' 'What does he want?' 'It's pretty plain. Uncle George's ruby has the attractiveness of the Holy Grail. This is another quest for it.' 'But they'll find it if we stop here.'