"Ah! I see."
"In 1872 a chemist named Rose converted graphite into diamonds by a similar process, but with the same result."
"The cost of production being too great?" observed Nick.
"Precisely."
"Do you think that difficulty has now been overcome?"
"I am compelled to think so, Mr. Carter," cried Pylotte, pointing to the two diamonds on the table.
"You purchased them at a price compelling that belief?"
"Exactly."
"Then you think the man of whom you got them has discovered a way to make such perfect artificial diamonds at a low price?"
"I certainly do, Mr. Carter."