"Diamonds, yes! Are they not for the empress?"
"I should have thought of that, certainly."
"Only diamonds will answer."
"Of large size and the first water?"
"The great Pandu Singe would consider no other."
"Alas, then, this is most unfortunate!" Venner now exclaimed, glancing about the store. "You see that we are making some repairs here, in the walls of our store and vault."
"That is plain," bowed Nick. "But what has that to do with the diamonds?"
"Only this," replied Venner, with feigned regret. "During these repairs I have removed all of my most valuable diamonds to a vault in my private residence."
"For safer keeping?"
"Exactly."