“Ah! the clock was a more difficult matter, as my feet were tied, but the sailor, who guarded me during the captain’s absence, was kind enough to turn the hands for me.”
“He? Nonsense! He wouldn’t do it.”
“Oh! but he didn’t know the importance of his act. I told him I must catch the first train for London, at any price, and ... he allowed himself to be persuaded——”
“By means of——”
“By means of a slight gift, which the excellent fellow, loyal and true to his master, intends to send to you.”
“What was it?”
“A mere trifle.”
“But what?”
“The blue diamond.”
“The blue diamond!”