"I recognize their work."
"And the men?"
"I've them in mind from the outset."
"Impossible!"
"Not so, Mr. Venner," Nick now declared, with emphasis. "Without a shadow of doubt, sir, you have been victimized by the notorious Kilgore diamond gang, a trio of the shrewdest and most daring scoundrels that ever stood in leather."
"You amaze me."
"Do I?" inquired Nick, smiling softly. "Well, sir, if I were to tell you the history of these rascals, you would be more than amazed—you would be astounded. No crime is too desperate, no knavery too hazardous, no villainy too despicable, for them to attempt, and too often successfully execute. They have perpetrated their crimes over two continents, and are known to the police the world over."
"That is not very complimentary to the police," said Venner, dryly. "I marvel that such distinguished scoundrels are still at large."
"A fact which stamps them no ordinary criminals," replied Nick, pointedly. "Nor are they, sir."
"What do you know of them, Detective Carter?"