“On the contrary, if that fellow had kept it, he might have got from five to ten years in jail for illegal possession.”
“And for being honest—what will he get?” inquired Mrs Cork.
“Nothing. He is a company’s man. De Beers employés are not expected to pick up seven-carat diamonds in the street. If encouraged such accidents might develop into habits.”
“And if I had found it?” she pursued.
“Ah! You, as an innocent stranger, would be paid a reward of twenty per cent on its value.”
“It seems worth while to keep one’s eyes open,” she laughed, and began to shuffle with the toe of her shoe in the dusty street.
“I should hardly advise that course,” smiled Quelch. “There are detectives all about us, as well as in the office. The innocence of strangers is only presumed as long as they keep a roving look out of their eyes and do not stoop down to pick interesting things from the dust.”
Both women looked startled. Mrs Cork, indeed, was rather indignant.
“How horrible! Do you mean to say that even we might be suspected? That we were being watched in there?”
“I’m afraid so,” admitted Quelch apologetically. “As you said yourself, this is a wicked place.”