owed
through the slightly flushed countenance, and the next instant it
returned to its customary apathy, from which it was not again disturbed
during the bitter ordeal to which the helpless Gratz was subjected.

"And now," exclaimed the Sepoy with a frightful grin of malice, "I trust
that your senses are sufficiently restored to receive a farewell
suggestion or two. You will notice," he went on with evil emphasis,
"that I say 'farewell suggestions,' for I assure you that you will never
set eyes on me again.

"A little previous to the change which resulted in your present
predicament, I extended to you the courtesy of all sorts of tribute to
your acumen.

"Now--note my liberality--I do not insist upon a reciprocal indorsement
of my dexterity, since I see"--pointing to the gag which he had inserted
in the mouth of the detective--"since I see, with deep regret, that you
have an impediment in your speech.

"I excuse you in advance.

"Still, I cannot resist the temptation of chiding your indifference to
such a brilliant argument as this," and the Sepoy caused the sapphire
to scintillate its mocking rebuke into the eyes of the wretched Gratz.

"I must also improve the occasion by calling your attention to the
reprimand offered by your plight to your curiosity, for you see to what
a pass it has brought you.

"However, since it would be a malice of which I am incapable not to
gratify it, I will show you what it was I had in reserve," and the Sepoy
produced the small shagreen case with which Raikes had been on such
questionable terms of familiarity, and pressing back the lid revealed
the splendid diamond to the still impassive Gratz.

With a continuation of his elaborate courtesy and his purposely stilted
phrasing, the Sepoy said: "If the sapphire was argument, this was
certainly conviction. The moral barrier which could withstand the
assault of the first, must, unquestionably, have yielded to the
insidious attack of the second.

"But since you have managed to place yourself beyond the reach of such
considerations, I will be compelled to discontinue my futile eloquence
and leave you to your more mature reflections.

"Observe!" he continued, as he replaced the sapphire in the case and
restored the latter to the right-hand pocket of his waistcoat, "I place
the argument in this repository"; and treating the diamond in like
manner, he deposited that in the left-hand pocket and added: "And place
the conviction on this si