“Yeah, that sounds like him,” the woman muttered.

Officer Kelly asked a few additional questions before leaving, but he could not get an admission from her that either the husband or the cousin had been there a few minutes before.

“I’ll check up on her,” the policeman promised as he said good-by to Nancy and her friends. “We’ll watch this building and try to catch that pickpocket.”

Shortly afterward, Nancy left Bess and George at the library, then decided to stop at Mr. Faber’s shop. She was nearly there when she met her father.

“Fancy meeting you here!” she said, grinning.

“I’ve been interviewing a client in this neighborhood,” Mr. Drew told her.

“Have you a free moment, Dad?” Nancy asked.

“Sure do. I’m between appointments.” He smiled affectionately.

“Then I have an idea!” Nancy cried, her gaze roving to the creaking business sign which bore Faber’s name. “You must see this shop.” To herself she added, “Maybe I can find out what Dad would like for a birthday present.”

“I’m not going to buy anything!” insisted the lawyer.

Giving Mr. Drew no opportunity to protest further, his daughter steered him inside. Mr. Faber seemed genuinely pleased to meet the lawyer, and at a wink from Nancy immediately asked about his likes and dislikes in art objects.

“Oh, anything goes with me,” Mr. Drew replied pleasantly. “But I’d like to look around.”

The little man beamed. As Mr. Drew moved off to view the collection in the cluttered shop, Mr. Faber whispered to Nancy, “A gentleman’s box would be exactly right for your distinguished-looking father.

“In ancient times a gentleman was known by the personal chest he carried when traveling,” the dealer went on, warming to his subject. “A lady was judged by her jewel box. Jewels always have been a convenient kind of wealth to carry-far easier than money. Rulers forced to flee from their countries in time of war usually saved part of their fortunes that way.”