"Indeed," said the detective, carelessly--"to lend money?"
"What's that to you?" growled Villiers, with a snarl. "I s'pose I can borrow money if I like."
"Certainly, if you've got good security to give."
Villiers glared angrily at the young man.
"Don't know what you're talking about," he said sulkily.
"Security," explained Naball smoothly; means "borrowing money on land, clothes, or--or diamonds."
Villiers gave a sudden start, and was about to reply, when the door opened violently, and a bold, handsome woman, dressed in a bright green silk, dashed into the room and swooped down on Ah Goon.
"Well, my dear," she said effusively, "'ere I am; bin to the theatre, and 'ere you are preparing that pisin of yours. Oh, I must 'ave one pipe to-night, just one, and--Who the blazes are you?" catching sight of the two strangers.
"Shut up," said Villiers, and made a step towards her, for just on the bosom of her dress sparkled a small crescent of diamonds set in silver. The woman's eyes caught his covetous glance, and she put her hand over the ornament.
"No, you don't," she said scowling. "Lay a finger on me and I'll--ah!"