“Why, there must be a million pounds’ worth,” muttered Moon, astonished. He might well say so, for the sight was enough to bewilder a miser. No pearls were visible, as they would have lost their color in the long darkness to which the gems had been submitted. But there were emeralds, rubies, sapphires and opals of many hues. Some of the precious stones were loose and polished, while others, also loose, were uncut. Still many jewels were set in various golden and silver ornaments, such as nose-rings, bangles, anklets, brooches, belts, and adornments for the head. Four trays piled with these treasures were lifted from the box, and at the very bottom, lying on a pad of rose-colored silk, were many loose diamonds glittering with multi-hued fires like the suns of innumerable solar systems. It was a royal heritage that Marie had entered into possession of, and worthy of a princess. “And all for you and me, Alan,” she whispered, joyously slipping her hand into that of her lover. “No more trouble now, dear.” “Well,” said Moon, reflectively. “I don’t wonder that Sorley risked his neck for an Arabian Nights’ heap of jewels of this sort.” “He did not,” cried Miss Inderwick, who could not be restrained this time; “my uncle is perfectly innocent.” “For your sake I sincerely trust that he is, Miss Inderwick,” said Moon in grave tones; “and I hope he will prove your trust in him by giving himself up to the law. But this is not the time or place to talk of these things, and I do not wish to spoil your pleasure in inheriting a fortune of gems sufficiently beautiful to make a queen envious.” “I shall devote the fortune to proving my uncle’s innocence,” said Marie haughtily and stubbornly. “In the meanwhile, Mr. Berwick, put the box back in your strong-room along with tile peacock.” “Don’t you wish to take it away with you?” asked Alan quickly. “No. I don’t like those noises in The Monastery, and I am sure that Miss Grison and that horrid Indian have something to do with them. If I took the gems down she and he would steal them.” “Noises,” repeated Inspector Moon reflectively, “and in Mr. Sorley’s house?” “It is my house,” said Marie quickly, “and if Miss Grison is down there, I shall order her out.” “You will be quite right in doing so, Miss Inderwick,” said Inspector Moon with a bow, “and now I shall take my leave with renewed congratulations.” He went out repeating under his breath the word “Noises!” and Alan overhearing guessed that Marie’s statement had aroused his suspicions as to the whereabouts of the much-wanted Sorley. He hoped that, after all, these same noises were due to Miss Grison, and felt anxious to call at Thimble Square after the box of gems and the peacock had been carried back to the strong-room of Yarbury’s Bank. “Let us visit Miss Grison now, Marie,” he said when they were in Monks Lane again, with Dick beside them. “You won’t find her at home,” said Latimer. “I called, but she has gone away.”