"I only had them reserved for me a day or two, stating that I would either call again or send an order for them, if I decided to purchase them," replied Venner.
"Are you quite sure that only Mr. Hafferman heard you make that statement?"
"Sure only in that the office door was closed, and that he alone was with me. If there were any eavesdroppers about I did not suspect it."
"Naturally not," smiled Nick. "Now, then, for what special purpose did you want those particular diamonds? I think you referred to one."
A slight tinge of red appeared in Venner's cheeks when he replied, a change which by no means escaped Nick's observation.
"I wanted the stones, or then thought I might, for a customer who contemplated giving me an order for a valuable diamond cross, to be worn upon the stage. We happen to have in stock no diamonds perfectly adapted to her requirements, and so I called upon Hafferman to learn if he could supply me."
"Who is the customer, Mr. Venner?"
"I do not see how her identity can be at all essential to the investigation of this affair, yet I have no objection to disclosing it," said Venner, frowning slightly.
"Why demur over it, then?" demanded Nick, bluntly.
"Only because of an aversion to bringing the lady into the case, of which she, of course, knows nothing," retorted Venner. "I expected the order from Señora Cervera, the Spanish dancer."