"Ask Mr. Livingstone to come up here to the library," said Mr. Mitchel, and a little later he greeted his guest.
"Ah, glad to see you, Mr. Livingstone. Take a seat here by my desk, and we can get right to business. First, though, let me offer you a cigar."
Mr. Livingstone chose one from the box which Mr. Mitchel offered to him, and lighted it as he sat down.
"What a companionable feeling steals over one as he puffs a fine cigar, Mr. Mitchel! Who would accept such an offering as this and betray the confidence of his host?"
"Who, indeed?" said Mr. Mitchel. "But why do you say that?"
"Why, I am not entirely a fool. You do not trust me. You are not sure in your own mind whether or not I committed a theft on board of the yacht."
"Am I not?" Mr. Mitchel asked this in a tone that made Mr. Livingstone look upon it in the light of a question, whereas Mr. Barnes, behind the bookcase, considered it as an answer.
"Why, no," said Mr. Livingstone, replying. "Had you believed that the opal changed hands honorably, even though secretly, under cover of the darkness, you would not have asked me to explain my allusion to 'conspirators.' I trust, however, that my letter made it all clear to you."
"Quite clear."
"Then you are still willing to make the purchase?"