Since, however, I presented myself every morning at
eleven o'clock she was forced to tell me. You understand as much as that?"
"Perfectly."
"You see where we are then," Mr. Bundercombe continued. "Has any reason
occurred to you for the young lady's unalterable decision that no other
spot in the whole of London would do for her manicure parlor?"
I looked out the window.
"We are next door to Tarteran's," I observed.
Mr. Bundercombe smiled approvingly.
"We are within a few yards," he said, "of the jeweler's shop that contains
more valuable gems than any other establishment in the world. We are at
the present moment within forty yards of a million pounds' worth of
jewels. When you come to reflect upon the character and the past of our
friend Dagger Rodwell, you will understand the significance of that fact."
I was beginning to share Mr. Bundercombe's obvious excitement. I, too, had
the feeling that we were on the brink of an adventure. He made me stand up
against the wall, by the side of the window, so that I could see down into
the street. He himself was farther back in the room.
"Follow my lead closely in everything, Paul!" he directed. "Meantime keep
your eye glued on the pavement.
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