At last his quest was to be crowned with results.
What diamonds could be meant save the ones stolen from the Maynard home?
“Hi gave them to the bloomin’ toff you sent hup there,” was the angry reply.
“That is not true,” said the merchant. “You gave him a counterfeit package, and stood by while he packed it in the trunk and checked the trunk. From the moment the trunk was closed in your presence it was never opened again until it was brought here. You stole the diamonds, and now you try to blackmail me.”
“This is something like!” thought Nick. “The diamonds were placed in the trunk, as I supposed, and shipped here. Hartley says he never received them. Sailor says he delivered them to the agent. Now, which one lies, and where are the diamonds?”
“Hit’s a lie!” shouted the sailor. “Your bloomin’ pirate got the gems.”
“You talk of splitting on the game,” continued the merchant. “What do you know of the murder which took place at the Maynard house on the night of your visit there?”
“That’s gaff!”
“Gaff, is it?” demanded Hartley. “Read the newspapers when you go out and see if I speak the truth. Maynard was murdered in his bed on the night you secured the diamonds. You’ll both find yourselves in the electric chair if you say too much about the affair.”
“S’lp me!” cried the sailor, “Hi don’t know of any murder. Hi——”