The valet laughed as he replied:

"All Americans rich—très riches. Did you ever hear of poor Americans?"

Hickey took another drink and snickered. Handsome looked thoughtful. After a pause, he said:

"What your boss' name?"

"Monsieur Traynor of the Americo-African Mining Co."

Handsome started.

"What? Kenneth Traynor, of the Americo-African Mining Company—the people who made those sensational finds."

"Yes—he's vice-president of the company."

Handsome gave a low, expressive whistle.

"He's rich—all right! Do you know what those stones are worth?"