possible that
a man can be so base?"

He took out his handkerchief and applied it to his eyes, uttering a low
piteous groan the while.

"You hear this, Ingleborough?" said West.

"Yes, I hear," said Ingleborough sourly, as he thrust the gems back in
his pocket. "So do you, and you know now what it is my duty to do."

West was silent.

"Oh, do speak and help me!" cried Anson. "Don't stand by and see me
ruined, West! You know how he has taken up lately with the new
superintendent of police, and been always with him, and watching the
poor natives till he is half a detective himself, and goes about
suspecting innocent people. I am innocent, West, and it's all a
horrible mistake of his, or a cruel trick to ruin me; and I'm afraid
I've been mistaken in him altogether, and that it is a wicked
conspiracy."

"Ingleborough wouldn't do a mean thing!" said West warmly.

"That's what I want to believe," whined Anson; "but he's got hold of two
diamonds, and he's going to charge me with buying them, and he'll get me
sent to Cape Town breakwater."

"Not if you are innocent!" said West.

"Well, that's what I am, and he can't prove that I've any of the
precious stones about me. Come and search me if you like!"

"You will be searched by the police authorities," said Ingleborough
sternly.

"What!--Oh, it's abominable!" cried Anson. "Here, West, aren't you
going to do anything to help an innocent man?"

"What can I do," said West, "but look on? I'll tell you this, though: I
don't believe it possible of you! There must be some mistake!"

"Thank you for nothing," cried Anson bitterly. "It's the old story--and
you call yourself a friend! Well, I'm not going to be bullied. I've
given you both a chance to own that you are all wrong; but you always
were both of you dead against me. I'll do now what I ought to have done
at once--go to the principals. I shall get justice there."

Saying this, he clapped on his hat, giving it a fierce cock on one side,
passed out, and banged the door after him.

Ingleborough paid no heed to his companion's enquiring look, but crossed
quickly to the window and looked out.

"Anson thinks he is going to make a bolt," said Ingleborough, half to
himself; "but he'll soon find out his mistake."

"How?" said West eagerly.

"Norton is outside with a couple of the police," Ingleborough replied.

"But this is very horrible!" cried West. "Once more, are you quite sure
that you have not mad