She spoke with such vehemence and scorn that Claude quailed before her.
“I am not a petty thief,” he pleaded indignantly, “whatever else I may be.”
“You are a murderer!” Tina retorted. “Only you didn’t succeed. If you are not stealing, what are you doing here, creeping into the house at dead of night?”
She glanced towards the window as she spoke and saw that one of the shutters was pushed back and the window behind it was open.
“If you want to know the truth,” Claude said with an attempt at dignity, “I am looking for the treasure.”
“Treasure, what treasure!” Tina asked.
“The family treasure,” he answered. “That is about the only thing that can save me now. If I find it, I shall take it. I shall not say a word to Stern either. Finders are keepers and if he cannot find it, why shouldn’
