“This dramatic club was formed, and a play which called for the display of a large number of diamonds was selected. The conspirators, through Mantelle, induced people of wealth to join, Maynard and Townsend among others. Maynard foolishly promised the use of his diamonds, and other members agreed to bring minor collections. “At the dress rehearsal last night Maynard produced his gems. Then the game seemed ready to work. Mantelle made an appointment at the African fortune teller’s. By the way, Stella, the fortune teller is at present in the Tombs, charged with murder. While Mantelle and the gang were making things ready, Maynard and Townsend waited at a café. One member of the syndicate overheard what they said about getting rid of the diamonds. Bernice, having more nerve than the others, was appointed to get the stones. She was dressed in man’s clothes, because that disguise was believed to be perfect. While the officers were looking for a man who had committed the crime, the guilty one would be back in her own habiliments. “You all know how Townsend was followed and murdered. The chief undoubtedly told the truth. Townsend recognized Bernice, even under her disguise, and so was killed. Then the syndicate, terribly frightened, turned its energies toward defense. It was thought best to watch and destroy the detective who took the case in hand. But they did not expect that work would begin so soon. They were expecting a police detective. I was led to the headquarters of the syndicate, you all know how, and escaped. “When the headquarters were burned for the purpose of destroying the records, Bernice was at the Wisconsin with Mantelle, trying to find a ring she had lost in the room where the murder was committed. She did not find it, because I picked it up on my first visit to the place. I knew then whose ring it was. I had seen her wear it at the Maynard home when she was a maid there. “On their way out of the hotel, the elevator boy gave them the suit of clothes she had worn and which I had committed to the charge of the clerk.” The girl opened her eyes and arose slowly to her feet. “You are telling a mess of lies!” she said. “The suit you wore when you murdered Townsend,” said Nick, “is now at my office. I found it in the closet off Stella’s room on Houston Street. Anton bought it in Paris, and it was made over to fit you. The suit of Townsend’s, which you wore away, was found in the same place.” “If they were in Stella’s room, why don’t you accuse her of the murder?” demanded Anton. “Because the chief admits that Bernice committed the crime,” was the reply. “If she goes to the electric chair, he shall go with her,” said the young man significantly. “He is as guilty as any one.” The chief of the syndicate sprang forward. “You traitor!” he shouted. “You are telling lies!”