“You have no grudge against his pal?” said Quick.

“No; I felt a bit sorry for that chap,” answered Joe.

“What did Monte do with the stone?”

“How can I tell? That old thief don’t take any one very deep into his confidence.”

“I’ve seen Cook.”

Snell started.

“The devil!” he exclaimed; “why didn’t you tell me that at first?”

“I didn’t think it necessary.”

“Did he tell you all about it?”

“No; he merely said he and his pal had a bad run-in with you and Brady.”