"Yes, sir."
Isaacstein yielded to amazed curiosity.
"Step in here," he said, and led the way to his private office, surprising himself as well as his assistants by this concession.
Philip closed the door, and Isaacstein turned sharply at the sound, but the boy gave him no time to frame a question.
"I want you to buy this," he said, handing over the diamond.
Isaacstein took it, and gave it one critical glance. He began to wobble again.
"Do you mean to say Mr. Wilson sent you to dispose of this stone to me?" he demanded.
"Not exactly, sir. I showed it to him, and he recommended me to come to you."
"Ah, I see. Sit down, there——" indicating a chair near the door. The diamond merchant himself sat at his desk, but they were both in full view of each other.
"Where did you get it?" he asked.