"The what, sir?" asked Jaggard, doubtfully.

"The green stick with the gold handle which was placed among the weapons here. It is gone. What has become of it?"

Jaggard advanced to the trophy of weapons, and examined them with some deliberation, after which he turned to face the irate major.

"It's gone sure enough, sir, but I don't know where."

"Find out if any of the servants have taken it."

Jaggard saluted and vanished, while his master walked up and down the room, fuming at the loss of the curiosity. He had all the talk to himself, for Maurice, whose mind was busy with conjectures as to Dido or Dr. Etwald being the thief, did not think it necessary to speak. In a few minutes Jaggard returned with the news that none of the servants had been in the smoking-room that evening.

"Who lighted the lamp?" demanded Jen, sharply.

"I did, sir."

"We found the window open when we came in," said Maurice. "Did you open it?"

"Yes, sir. The major told me to always air the room during dinner."

"Do you think that someone has stolen the stick, Maurice?" said the major. "Someone from outside, I mean."

"I am sure of it," replied Alymer, with decision.

"Jaggard, did you notice that negress of Mrs. Dallas' about the grounds, since five o'clock?"

"Why no, Mr. Maurice, I can't say as I did."

"The tramp then; Battersea?"

"No, sir. Haven't set eyes on him for a week."

"When you lighted the lamp it was eight o'clock?"

"About that, sir. I lighted it just after dinner, while you and the major were over your wine, so to speak, sir."

"And the room was in darkness--that is, comparative darkness--before then," mused Maurice. "I don't think anyone could have seen the devil-stick unless the lamp was lighted. Was it gone when you lighted up?"

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