ons
of an unusual acumen for analysis along abstract lines."

Gratz bowed his acknowledgments.

"That is simple," he said, "when there is such a liberal supply of
data."

"True," responded the Sepoy. "That was an oversight on my part. Still,
your constructive application, too, is no less convincing."

"But to what does all this lead?" inquired Gratz with a degree of
impatience. "Suppose we admit that there is an exquisite balance
maintained between my analysis and my synthesis, and have done with it.
You have some appeal to make to one or both of these faculties."

"Your penetration is the peer of your reasoning. Listen: Will you do me
the favor of assuming that your comprehensive resume of a few moments
ago is all I care to hear on the subject?" asked the Sepoy.

"I understand," replied Gratz.

"Very well, then," continued the Sepoy. "I will extend to you the
courtesy of offering no denial to anything you have said."

"That," laughed Gratz, "is the height of affability, under the
circumstances; but proceed."

"Good!" responded the Sepoy. "I have a suggestion to make. It is
understood, in the first place, that Raikes is to recover his coin; on
that point he will be fully satisfied. But there still remains the
recognition of your services to him; you will have more difficulty in
convincing him of his obligation than you had in persuading me of your
acumen."

"Ah!" murmured Gratz; "it is coming."

"Are you any judge of brilliants?" inquired the Sepoy abruptly.

"Somewhat," answered Gratz; "I have seen a few in my time."

"Well," continued the Sepoy, "kindly put your hand in my right vest
pocket and withdraw a small case of shagreen which you will find there."

Gratz obeyed.

"Now," continued the Sepoy, "press the spring."

As Gratz complied with this instruction, the lid of the shagreen case
flew open and revealed the superb sapphire which had radiated such
insidious depravity into the mind of the miser.

"What do you think of that?" inquired the Sepoy.

For a moment or so Gratz did not reply. The mastery of its cutting, its
magnificent bulk, its unrivaled purity overwhelmed him. "I have never
seen one like it," he said finally, "if it is genuine."

"Oh, you need not doubt it!" exclaimed the Sepoy, "or, if you do, you
can assure yourself on that point. Now follow me. Six bags of Raikes'
coin could not buy that."

"You set its value high," suggested Gratz.

"Naturally; its like does not exist. Mo