"Anything I can do for you, McKenna, glad to do it," said Mapleson.
"You may remember a ring that was sold by your firm a few months ago to Mr. John G. Slade," said McKenna directly; "a single ruby, valued, I believe, around thirty thousand dollars."
Mapleson did not avert his eyes from the glance of the detective, yet without a movement of his body an instant change came in his manner. He drew in a puff of smoke, let it out, nodded carefully and said:
"Yes, known as the Bogota ruby. I remember perfectly."
"I understand that that ring was brought back within the last ten days and pledged for a considerable amount."
"Indeed?" said Mapleson. He flung away the half smoked cigarette, and busied himself with selecting another. "Well, what do you want to know?"
"I want to know the name of the person—man or woman—who pledged it."
Mapleson changed his mind, shut the cigarette-case with a snap, clasped his hands in front of him, thumbs up and pressed against his teeth.
"Can you tell me a little more?" he said at last.
"No, I cannot," McKenna said frankly.