“Supported by your aunt?” “I think so.” “Has she an income of her own?” “A very small one. She lost most of it when she remarried.” “I see. Is Anton to remain here? What I mean is, was it his purpose on coming here to remain in this country?” Charley laughed uneasily. “There was nothing else for him to do,” he said. “He could no longer live on the money he was receiving, and so he had to go to work or come here.” “Ah! And he did not like the idea?” “He did not.” “And the maid? She also longs for Paris?” “Oh, you are off the track,” said Charley. “They do not get on well when together, and the girl would not leave aunt. There is nothing in that line.” “You think they have a mutual dislike for each other?” asked Nick, with a smile. “I am certain of it.” “How long since this began to show?” “Well, they were shy of each other from the first. Lately they have quarreled in the presence of the servants.” “Only lately?” “Only lately,” repeated Charley. “They knew each other in Paris?” “Yes, I think so, when they were children.” “Now, how has Anton been supplied with money since he came here?” “By my aunt.” “Has he ever complained of the size of the allowance?” “Not that I am aware of, but he has borrowed of me.” “And repaid?” “Never.” There was silence for a moment, and then Nick asked: “Was it generally known in the house that the diamonds were coming?” “Yes. The matter was often talked of.” Again there was a long pause. “Oh, say,” said Charley presently, “you may as well give up that line of inquiry. We know well enough how the thieves got into the house, and how they got the gems. You see, they left plenty of clues behind. The sheriff thinks he has them located already. What have you discovered?” The detective had no idea of reporting progress at that time, so he ignored the question and asked for Mrs. Maynard. “She is too ill to be seen,” said Charley. “And the maid is with her? By the way, what is the name of the maid?” “Her name is Bernice. Yes, she is with my aunt.” “Is Mrs. Maynard still unconscious?” asked Chick. “Only partially so,” was the reply. “She is in a low condition, physically, and the shock of last night has affected her seriously.” “You have called a physician?” “Of course.” As the question was answered the physician made his appearance in the parlor. He was old and gray, and had long been in attendance on the family. “How are your patients?” asked Charley. “Mr. Sawtelle is so far improved as to be able to take the air in the orchard,” was the reply, “but Mrs. Maynard is not satisfactorily recovering from the shock.” “Is she suffering pain?” asked Charley. “I think not. The trouble seems to be a mental one. I fear for her reason if there is not a change almost immediately.” “Bernice is with her?” asked Charley. “She was until a moment ago,” was the reply. “Then she called one of the servants and left the house.”