“Yes, I hear,” said Ingleborough sourly, as he thrust the gems back in his pocket. “So do you, and you know now what it is my duty to do.”
West was silent.
“Oh, do speak and help me!” cried Anson. “Don’t stand by and see me ruined, West! You know how he has taken up lately with the new superintendent of police, and been always with him, and watching the poor natives till he is half a detective himself, and goes about suspecting innocent people. I am innocent, West, and it’s all a horrible mistake of his, or a cruel trick to ruin me; and I’m afraid I’ve been mistaken in him altogether, and that it is a wicked conspiracy.”
“Ingleborough wouldn’t do a mean thing!” said West warmly.
“That’s what I want to believe,” whined Anson; “but he’s got hold of two diamonds, and he’s going to charge me with buying them, and he’ll get me sent to Cape Town breakwater.”
“Not if you are innocent!” said West.
“Well, that’s what I am, and he can’t prove that I’ve any of the precious stones about me. Come and search me if you like!”
“You will be searched by the police authorities,” said Ingleborough sternly.
“What!—Oh, it’s abominable!” cried Anson. “Here, West, aren’t you going to do anything to help an innocent man?”
“What can I do,” said West, “but look on? I’ll tell you this, though: I don’t believe it possible of you! There must be some mistake!”