As the Sepoy pocketed the gem he looked at Raikes with a glance at once searching and derisive as he asked:
“Was I not right in calling it a marvel?”
“Aye!” returned Raikes sourly, “marvel, indeed; but the miracle of it is that you have it back again. Your trust in human nature would be sublime were it not so unsupported; it needs the tonic of loss. I hope this is not habitual?”
“I will pay you the tribute of assuring you that it is not,” replied the Sepoy.
“Ah, ha!” returned Raikes with a mirthless grin. “I am to accept the brief custody of this gem as a recognition of my personal integrity. I see, I see. Well, I would appreciate the courtesy more if I could indorse its incaution. However,” he added abruptly, “why did you end that extraordinary tale so inconclusively? I could almost suspect you of a design to arouse my curiosity as to what is to follow.”
“Ah, you remember, then?”
“Why not?” asked Raikes. “The narrative is singular enough, God knows, to make an impression, and sufficiently recent to be definite. I would not like to think that I could forget things so easily.”
“Very well,” said the Sepoy. “Come to my room at ten o’clock to-night; I am due elsewhere until then.”
With a promptness that attested his interest, Raikes presented himself at the hour appointed, and his singular host again permitted him to enjoy a delegate smoke.
“Here!” he exclaimed abruptly, producing a strong magnifying glass, “here’s a connoisseur whose revelations you may trust. Examine these facets with its help,” and again the Sepoy placed the sapphire within reach of the covetous Raikes, who promptly availed himself of the tantalizing privilege.