"Impossible. The case is also gone besides, I locked the case on Saturday night, and had the key with me. No other key could have opened it, and had the case been forced, I would have seen it at once. See," lifting up her arm, "I always wear this bracelet, and the key is attached to it by a chain." Naball glanced carelessly at it, and went on with his questions. "You generally kept the diamonds in the safe?" "Yes." "And it was quite an oversight not placing them in there on Saturday?" "Quite." "No one knew they were in the drawer of your looking-glass on that particular night?" "No one." Here Fenton interposed. "You get along too fast," he said quickly. "Everyone at the supper-table knew you kept them there; you said it to them yourself." Naball glanced sharply at Kitty. "I know I did," she replied quietly; "but I spoke as if the diamonds were always kept there, which they were not. I did not say they were in the drawer on that particular night." "You mentioned it generally?" said Naball tranquilly. "Yes. All the people present were my guests, and I hardly think any of them would rob me of my diamonds." "Were any of the servants in the room when you made the remark?" said the detective slowly. "No, none; and the door was closed." Naball paused a moment. "I tell you what," he said slowly, "the diamonds were stolen between six o'clock and the time you went to bed." "About three o'clock," said Kitty. "Precisely. You saw the diamonds last at six; they were gone by three; you mentioned where you kept them at the supper-table; now, the thief must have overheard you." "You--you suspect my guests, sir," cried Kitty angrily. "Certainly not," said the detective quietly; "but I suspect Villiers." "Villiers!" "Yes. Mr. Fenton tells me you saw him on that night." Kitty flashed a look of anger on the American, who bore it unmoved. "Yes, he was outside, and wanted to see me. I saw him, gave him some money, and he left." "Then I tell you he overheard you say where you kept the diamonds, because he was hiding outside the window; so, after seeing you, he committed the robbery." "That's what I think," said Fenton. "You!" cried Kitty. "What have you got to do with it? I don't believe he stole them, and, whether he did or not, I'm not going to continue this case." "You'll lose your diamonds," cried Fenton. "That's my business," she returned, rising haughtily; "at all events, I have decided to let the matter rest, so Mr. Naball will have all his trouble for nothing. Should I desire to reopen the affair, I will let you both know. At present, good morning," and, with a sweeping bow, she turned and left the room. Fenton stared after her in blank amazement. "Good God! what a fool!" he cried, rising. "What's to be done now?" Naball shrugged his shoulders.