"And my name's Morgan, Henry Morgan," Henry met him warmly, like a drowning man clutching at a life preserver. "And this is Miss Solano the Senorita Solano, Mr. Tippery. In fact, Miss Solano is my sister."
"I came on the same errand," Charley Tippery announced, introductions over. "The saving of Francis, as I understand it, must consist of hard cash or of securities indisputably negotiable. I have brought with me what I have hustled all night to get, and what I am confident is not sufficient-"
"How much have you brought?" Henry asked bluntly.
"Eighteen hundred thousand — what have you brought?"
"Piffle," said Henry, pointing to the open suit-case, unaware that he talked to a three-generations' gem expert.
A quick examination of a dozen of the gems picked at random, and an even quicker eye-estimate of the quantity, put wonder and excitement into Charley Tippery's face.
"They're worth millions! millions!" he exclaimed. "What are you going to do with them?"
"Negotiate them, so as to help Francis out," Henry answered. "They're security for any amount, aren't they?"
"Close up the suit-case," Charley Tippery cried, "while I telephone! I want to catch my father before he leaves the house," he explained over his shoulder, while waiting for his switch. "It's only five minutes' run from here."
Just as he concluded the brief words with his father, Parker, followed by a police lieutenant and two policemen, entered.