And he suddenly leaped from his chair as if shot from it by some powerful but concealed spring, his face as pale as his shirt bosom, great drops of cold perspiration breaking out upon his forehead.
He had put his hand in his pocket as he spoke, to take from it the package of diamonds, but—it was gone!
"Pray do not be so excited, my young friend," calmly observed his companion, "but sit down again and tell me your errand."
But Ray Palmer did not hear or heed him. He had rushed to the window, where, with a trembling hand, he swept aside the heavy draperies and looked out upon the street for the coupé in which he had been brought to that house.
It was not in sight, and the fearful truth burst upon him—he had been the victim of an accomplished sharper.
He had been robbed, and the clever thief had suddenly vanished, leaving no trace behind her.
CHAPTER VII.
A DESPERATE SITUATION.
For a moment all Raymond Palmer's strength fled, leaving him almost as helpless as a child, while he gazed wildly up and down the street, vainly searching for the woman who had so cunningly duped him, for he knew, if his suspicions were correct, the firm of Amos Palmer & Co. would lose thousands of dollars by that day's operations.
But the young man was no irresolute character. He knew that he must act, and promptly, if he would regain the treasure he had lost, and this thought soon restored strength and energy to both heart and limb.