J. J. Bell

“ As recollected by Grant, the floor was of cement, an unbroken expanse—not the faintest hint anywhere of a flagstone lurking underneath. The laboratory itself was a spacious high-roofed building with numerous tall, narrow windows of dullish but not altogether opaque glass, barred on the outside ”

“ Joan had determined that the paper should never leave her person until the treasure was either in Douglas Grant's possession or proved to be a myth. Not again would she risk failing in her trust.
AN early train next day carried Lottie back to Atlantic City—richer by one hundred dollars, a little wiser in the ways of men, but certainly no happier, for her adventure. And she had allowed herself to be put off with a hundred dollars! It was disgusting! Accordingly it was scarcely as a bringer of cheer that she reached the rooms wherein her mother had spent a lonely, anxious night and morning. ”

“ At this Joan demurred. “I do think,” she said, “we ought to avoid rousing not only the servants but their curiosity. You see, I might have to ask for keys and so on. In the morning I can easily make an excuse for an underground excursion. And I shall arrange that we have proper lights.”
So it was finally agreed that further search be deferred till next day. Then Grant spoke: “I must go, Joan. What hour will suit you to-morrow, and may I bring my friend Fairthorn?”
Once more Miss Gosling put in her word. “Please make it after lunch. I've just remembered I must be out in the morning. ”