Some one had entered the bedroom, overpowered the guard, and looted the
bag containing the emeralds. The prince, the lightest of sleepers, had
slept through it all. He had awakened with a violent headache, as had
four of his servants. The big Rajput who had stood watch was in the
hospital, still unconscious.
All the way from San Francisco the police had been waiting for such a
catastrophe. The newspapers had taken up and published broadcast the
story of the prince's pastime. Naturally enough, there was not a crook
in all America who was not waiting for a possible chance. Ten
emeralds, weighing from six to ten carats each; a fortune, even if
broken up.
Haggerty laid aside the newspaper and gravely finished his ham and eggs.
"I'll take a peek int' this, Milly," he said to his wife. "We've been
waiting for this t' happen. A million dollars in jools in a chest y'
could open with a can-opener. Queer ginks, these Hindus. We see lots
o' fakers, but this one is the real article. Mebbe a reward. All
right; little ol' Haggerty can use th' money. I may not be home t'
supper."
"Anything more about Mr. Crawford's valet?"
Haggerty scowled. "Not a line. I've been living in gambling joints,
but no sign of him. He gambled in th' ol' days; some time 'r other
he'll wander in somewhere an' try t' copper th' king. No sign of him
round Crawford's ol' place. But I'll get him; it's a hunch. By-by!"
Later, the detective was conducted into the Maharajah's reception-room.
The prince, in his soft drawling English (far more erudite and polished
than Haggerty's, if not so direct), explained the situation, omitting
no detail. He would give two thousand five hundred for the recovery of
the stones.
"At what are they valued?"
"By your customs appraisers, forty thousand. To me they are priceless."
"Six t' ten carats? Why, they're worth more than that."
The prince smiled. "That was for the public."
"I'll take a look int' your bedroom," said Haggerty, rising.
"Oh, no; that is not at all necessary," protested the prince.
"How d' you suppose I'm going t' find out who done it, or how it was
done, then?" demanded Haggerty, bewildered.
A swift oriental gesture.
The hotel manager soothed Haggerty by explaining that the prince's
caste would not permit an alien to touch anything in the bedroom while
it contained the prince's belongings.
"Well, wouldn't that get your goat!" exploded Haggerty. "That lets me
out. You'll have to get a clairyvoint."
The prince suggested that he be given another suite. His servants
would remove his belongings. He promised that nothing else should be
touched.