Part 5 (2/2)
Chittenden took their departure, with the usual expressions of condolence and regret, followed a few moments later by Dr. Hobart, who was accompanied downstairs by young Mainwaring.
Meanwhile, Mr. Merrick, having made a close scrutiny of the lifeless form, had been slowly walking back and forth in the tower-room and library, his hands in the pockets of his short sacque coat and his eyes apparently riveted on the floor. Several times in the library he paused and, bending downward, seemed to be intently studying the carpet; then, after two or three turns about the room, he sauntered towards the windows and doors, examining the fastenings of each in turn, and, on reaching the door opening into the southern hall, suddenly disappeared.
”A very mysterious case!” commented the coroner, when he had finished his interview with the valet. ”Thus far nothing can be learned which throws much actual light on the subject one way or another, but if anybody can unravel the mystery, Merrick can.”
”Merrick!” repeated Mr. Thornton, turning to Mr. Whitney in surprise.
”Is Mr. Merrick a detective?”
”He is. I did not introduce him as such, for the reason that in a case of this kind he usually prefers to make his first visit incognito if possible.”
”Very well; you have taken the responsibility in this matter. You understand, of course, Mr. Whitney, that we want no amateur work in a case like this.”
”Mr. Merrick is no amateur,” said the attorney, quietly; ”he is one of the most trusted and one of the surest men on the force.”
”Before we go any farther,” interposed Ralph Mainwaring, ”I suggest that we ascertain whether or not there has been a robbery. We can at least satisfy ourselves on that point.”
”Acting on your suggestion, we will examine the safe,” said Mr.
Whitney; ”though I, for one, am not inclined to think there has been any robbery. Without a knowledge of the combination, the safe could not be opened unless force were employed; and it certainly bears no evidence of having been tampered with.”
”Proceed with your investigation, Mr. Whitney,” said the quiet voice of the detective, who had entered un.o.bserved from the smoking-room; ”unless I am greatly mistaken, the person we are after is some one pretty familiar with various 'combinations' in these apartments.”
There was a general expression of surprise, and all turned towards Mr. Merrick for an explanation, but a glance at his impa.s.sive face convinced them that questions would be useless.
With a few swift turns the secretary unlocked the safe and the ponderous doors swung open, showing books and papers in their accustomed places. Everything appeared in perfect order; but as the attorney began a rapid examination of the interior, he suddenly uttered a sharp exclamation, while, as he continued his search, his manner betrayed considerable excitement.
”Anything wrong, Mr. Whitney? anything missing?” queried Ralph Mainwaring.
”Everything is missing!” the other exclaimed, after a moment's pause, turning around with a pale face and holding in his hand an empty cash box; ”there is absolutely nothing left but an old cheque-book, a few drafts, and some other papers of no value whatever except to Hugh Mainwaring himself!”
Half a score of questions were instantly raised: ”Was there a large amount of money in the safe?” ”Did it contain anything of great value?”
Scott, standing silently in the background, seemed to see again the brilliant gems flas.h.i.+ng in the sunlight, as he had seen them in his search on the preceding day, but he said nothing.
”There was a considerable amount of cash,” the attorney was saying.
”Mr. Mainwaring deposited a large sum there when he last came out from the city, and,” he added more slowly, ”the old family jewels were kept in the safe.”
”The Mainwaring jewels!” echoed both the Englishmen. ”Impossible!
incredible!” While Ralph Mainwaring exclaimed, ”Why, they were worth a fortune several times over in themselves!”
”I am aware of that,” answered the attorney. ”I often remonstrated with Mr. Mainwaring, but to no purpose; for some reason which he never explained he always kept them there.”
”I would never have believed him capable of such recklessness,” said Mr. Thornton.
”Recklessness!” exclaimed Ralph Mainwaring; ”it was the biggest piece of imbecility I ever heard of! What is your opinion now, Mr.
Whitney, regarding a robbery in connection with this case?”
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