'Oh, do let me have a peep at these wonderful papers,' I pleaded with him.

Before coming I had planned what to do.

Round my throat I wore a string of imitation pearls, which I'd put on for a special purpose.

But they were pretty, and so well made that only an expert would know they weren't real.

Raoul isn't an expert; so at the moment he fitted the key into the lock of the safe to open the door, I gave a sly little pull, and broke the thread, making the pearls roll everywhere about the floor.