“What is it, then?” asked Merton anxiously, as his companion turned to him. “Does he know about the stone?” “He knows a damned sight too much about it. I’m not sure that he doesn’t know all about it.” “Good Lord!” The boxer’s sallow face turned a shade whiter. “Ikey Sanders has split on us.” “He has, has he? I’ll do him down a thick ’un for that if I swing for it.” “That won’t help us much. We’ve got to make up our minds what to do.” “Half a mo’,” said the boxer, looking suspiciously at the bedroom door. “He’s a leary cove that wants watching. I suppose he’s not listening?” “How can he be listening with that music going?” “That’s right. Maybe somebody’s behind a curtain. Too many curtains in this room.” As he looked round he suddenly saw for the first time the effigy in the window,

