He seized his overcoat, which lay across the back of a chair. Battle went round to the front of the house, and a few minutes later Anthony and Virginia heard the sound of a car driving away. Battle rejoined them, carrying in his hand the half-sheet of paper which the Professor had given him. “He’s always like that,” said Battle, referring to the departed Professor. “In the very deuce of a hurry. Clever man, though. Well, here’s the kernel of Her Majesty’s letter. Care to have a look at it?” Virginia stretched out a hand, and Anthony read it over her shoulder. It had been, he remembered, a long epistle, breathing mingled passion and despair. The genius of Professor Wynward had transformed it into an essentially business-like communication. _Operations carried out successfully, but S. double crossed us. Has removed stone from hiding-place. Not in his room. I have searched. Found following memorandum which I think refers to it_: “RICHMOND SEVEN STRAIGHT EIGHT LEFT THREE RIGHT.” “S.?” said Anthony. “Stylptitch, of course. Cunning old dog. He changed the hiding-place.” “Richmond,” said Virginia thoughtfully. “Is the diamond concealed somewhere at Richmond, I wonder?” “It’s a favourite spot for Royalties,” agreed Anthony. Battle shook his head. “I still think it’s a reference to something in this house.” “I know,” cried Virginia suddenly. Both men turned to look at her. “The Holbein portrait in the Council Chamber. They were tapping on the wall just below it. And it’s a portrait of the Earl of Richmond!” “You’ve got it,” said Battle, and slapped his leg. He spoke with an animation quite unwonted. “That’s the starting-point, the picture, and the crooks know no more than we do what the figures refer to. Those two men in armour stand directly underneath the picture, and their first idea was that the diamond was hidden in one of them. The measurements might have been inches. That failed, and their next idea was a secret passage or stairway, or a sliding panel. Do you know of any such thing, Mrs. Revel?” Virginia shook her head. “There’s a Priest’s Hole, and at least one secret passage, I know,” she said. “I believe I’ve been shown them once, but I can’t remember much about them now. Here’s Bundle, she’ll know.” Bundle was coming quickly along the terrace towards them. “I’m taking the Panhard up to town after lunch,” she remarked. “Anyone want a lift? Wouldn’t you like to come, Mr. Cade? We’ll be back by dinner-time.” “No, thanks,” said Anthony. “I’m quite happy and busy down here.” “The man fears me,” said Bundle. “Either my driving or my fatal fascination! Which is it?” “The latter,” said Anthony. “Every time.” “Bundle, dear,” said Virginia, “is there any secret passage leading out of the Council Chamber?”