"Well, yes, it was," admitted Pylotte, with feigned reluctance.
"Do you know any process for manufacturing diamonds?" Nick next demanded.
"I am pretty well informed on the subject."
"Quite an art, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is."
"And one that could be made very profitable, perhaps?"
"I judge so."
"Put up your revolver," said Nick, abruptly. "What's that black object you dropped just now?"
Pylotte glanced down at his feet, then laughed faintly.
"That's odd," said he. "It's a piece of coal. I must have seized it from the road, thinking to defend myself with it."