Upon the top were several valuable statuettes, but
the most noticeable object was a rosy-cheeked apple. It was not
really an apple--only an imitation of one--made of brass. Using the
stem as a handle, the upper portion of the apple could be lifted off,
forming a cover. The apple was fastened firmly to the top of the
bookcase.
While talking over the case in hand with her employer, Miss Dana
chanced to fix her eyes upon the brass apple.
"Mr. Isburn, why do you keep that peculiar ornament on the top of
your bookcase?"
"Oh, you mean the apple. It contains something that is very valuable.
The method of opening it is a secret, but as somebody may succeed in
doing so some day I will show you its contents, for otherwise I might
be unable to prove that it contained anything."
He opened a secret drawer in his desk, inserted his forefinger and,
apparently, pressed a button. The doors of the bookcase flew open as
if by magic, and, at the same time, a bell inside the bookcase rang
sharply. Miss Dana watched each motion of her employer intently.
"That is all done by electricity," said he. "But it does something
else--opens the apple."
He reached up and lifted the cover. Then he removed something from
the apple and placed it in Miss Dana's hand.
"Oh, how lovely!" she exclaimed.
It was a ring made of the finest gold and containing an immense ruby.
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