The millionaire made a gesture of dissent. “I am not so big a fool as that,” he retorted.

Now the head of the Criminal Investigation Department could see as far through a brick wall as most people. He would always assert that he was not a detective⁠—that he had men on his staff who knew the game, and he was content to leave detective work to them. But he did know men. It was said that he could charm a bird from a tree.

He linked his arm through Gertstein’s and drew him aside. “I would like to have a little talk with you alone. Perhaps I can straighten out things. You people go and have a look round.”

As Labar led the other two away Winter turned fiercely upon him. “What have you said to the old boy?” he demanded.

“He got it pretty nearly straight, sir,” admitted the inspector. “I told him that it was long odds against getting the stuff back.”