I worried a little as I went out onto the deck. I worried whether she’d spill the beans, or whether she might get hurt. But first I had to do my part and spread the word about my valuable jewel. It seemed that the ship was buzzing with rumor. I saw Algie Broxley-Foggett with Tubby Halliday and a group of young men. Algie waved. “Did you hear there has been a daring robbery?” he asked.

“I heard there had been several. All jewels,” a young American said. “Rather stupid not to keep the good stuff in the ship’s safe, I’d say.”

“But such a bore if you want to wear it in the evening,” I said. “I’m borrowing a divine bracelet from my cousin Queen Mary and I’m not keeping it in the safe. She said to me, ‘My dear, jewels are to be worn and enjoyed, not locked away,’ so I’m obeying. But my cabin is locked and my maid keeps an eye on it, so why worry.”

“Presumably this woman who had the diamond ring stolen has a maid and a locked cabin,” Tubby Halliday said. “I do hope they catch the blighter.”

My opinion of him rose a little until he added, “It will make a terrific scoop for me. Burglar caught red-handed on luxury liner. Your correspondent witnesses arrest—or better still aids in the capture.”

“Then you’d better start prowling the halls to see if the thief strikes again,” Algie said, “not wasting your time playing quoits with us loafers.”

DARCY DID NOT show his face all day. Nothing untoward happened and the only visitor at the cabin was a stewardess who knocked on the door with a pile of clean towels, asking if I had telephoned to request extras. I said I hadn’t and she went again. Evening came, my last evening on the ship. It should have been a romantic occasion—a final ball at sea and my beloved on board to dance with me. But my beloved and I were both occupied with trying to catch a thief and this would be a last chance for that thief to strike. I had butterflies in my stomach as I told Queenie to lay out my white silk evening pajamas. There was to be a black-and-white ball after dinner and for once I’d be dressed in something fashionable. I put them on and added a jet ornament to my hair and a jet bangle. Then I went the whole hog and put on a touch of bright red lipstick and a little rouge.