“Blase and sophisticated,” said Patsy.

“Thank you, my dear; I am no dictionary, and if those are real words they may convey my meaning.  I feel quite sure, Mr. Le Drieux, that the story of Andrews can not be the story of young Jones.”

Le Drieux took the picture and replaced it in his pocket.

“To err is human,” said he, “and I will admit the possibility of my being mistaken in my man.  But you will admit the resemblance?”

“Yes.  They might be brothers.  But young Jones has said he has no brothers, and I believe him.”

Le Drieux sat in silence for a few minutes.  Then he said: 

“I appealed to you, Mr. Merrick, because I was not thoroughly satisfied, in my own mind, of my conclusions.  You have added to my doubts, I must confess, yet I cannot abandon the idea that the two men are one and the same.  As my suspicion is only shared by you and your niece, in confidence, I shall devote myself for a few days to studying young Jones and observing his actions.  In that way I may get a clue that will set all doubt at rest.”

“We will introduce you to him,” said Patsy. “and then you may question him as much as you like.”

“Oh, no; I prefer not to make his acquaintance until I am quite sure,” was the reply.  “If he is not Jack Andrews he would be likely to resent the insinuation that he is here trading under a false name.  Good night, Mr. Merrick.  Good night, Miss Doyle.  I thank you for your courteous consideration.”

He had risen, and now bowed and walked away.

“Well,” said Patsy. “what was he after?  And did he learn anything from us?”

“He did most of the talking himself,” replied Uncle John, looking after Le Drieux with a puzzled expression.  “Of course he is not a jewel merchant.”

“No,” said Patsy, “he’s a detective, and I’ll bet a toothpick to a match that he’s on the wrong scent.”

“He surely is.  Unfortunately, we cannot warn Ajo against him.”

“It isn’t necessary, Uncle.  Why, the whole thing is absurd.  Our boy is not a gambler or roysterer, nor do I think he has ever been in Europe.  Mr. Le Drieux will have to guess again!”

CHAPTER XV

A FEW PEARLS

The next morning Patsy, Beth and Louise met in earnest conference over the important proposition made them by young Jones, and although Uncle John and Arthur Weldon were both present the men took no part in the discussion.

“Some doubt has been expressed,” said Beth judicially, “that Ajo is really able to finance this big venture.  But he says he is, and that he will carry it through to the end, so I propose we let him do it.”

“Why not?” asked Louise.  “If he succeeds, it will be glorious.  If he fails, we will suffer in no way except through disappointment.”

“Well, shall we accept this offer, girls?”

“First,” said Louise, “let us consider what we will have to do, on our part, when the twenty theatres are built and the film factory is in operation.”