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got it. She came back from the South Seas in her usual state—more or less broke. Every one was always cheating her, stealing from her———”

“Every one?” Chan repeated. “You mean her servants, perhaps?”

“Some of them, yes—when they had a chance. But that doesn’t matter. Shelah arrived here in need of money, as always. She’d drawn all the advance she could get from the company—they haven’t been as generous of late as they used to be. To-day, just after she reached the house, she sent for me and said she must have ready money at once. She gave me this ring and told me to sell it for her, if I could. I was to make a round of the jewelers immediately—this afternoon. But I put it off. I wasn’t keen for the job. However, I fully intended to go in the morning—if this thing hadn’t happened to-night. That’s how I chanced to have the ring.”

Chan considered. “She gave it to you just after she reached house. At what time, precisely?”

“At eight o'clock this morning.”

“You have had it ever since?”

“Yes, of course. I put it in that drawer—I thought it would be safe there.”

“That is all you wish to tell me?”

“That is all.” The girl seemed on the point of tears.

Charlie turned to the maid. “You may go, Anna,” he said.

“Very good, sir.” Anna glanced at the girl, and then went out.

Charlie sighed heavily. Even though he came of a nocturnal race, the night was beginning to wear on him.