“Of course,” was the reply. “Do you think I would talk so freely with a man who was to be permitted to live?”
“Then, if I am to die, anyway, why should I comply with your wishes in the matter of the diamonds?”
CHAPTER XV.
A DESPERATE GAME.
A sinister smile flashed over the white face of the man at the desk.
“There are many methods of executing the orders of the Great Diamond Syndicate,” he said, “and there are forms of death calculated to break the most obstinate will. Besides, the safety of your beloved Chick ought to count for something with you.”
The detective strained at his bonds and ground his teeth in impotent rage.
“I’d like to have half an hour with you with bare knuckles,” he said, as the man at the desk gazed upon him in triumph. “I think I could teach you a few points in humanity. Let me tell you now that the American head of the Great Diamond Syndicate is not equal to his job. In short, is a very cheap fool.”