“It may then be too late.”
Mike called one of his cronies to take his place behind the bar. Then he conducted his visitor to a room on the floor above the store.
“Now, spit out this precious business of yours, and be quick about it.”
“You remember the diamond I spoke to you about?”
“Yes; you said Kidd had a stone worth a few thousands.”
“It is worth half a million dollars, if it is worth a cent.”
“Oh, come off! You don’t expect me to swallow any such yarn?”
“Mike,” said Cook solemnly, “I swear I only speak the truth!”
“Well, what about the stone?”
“Kidd and I have talked the matter over, and we have concluded to give you a third share in it,” replied Enoch.