in the street with it boldly stuck
in his turban."

"The stone he was wearing was his own, and he had every right, to wear
it where and how he liked," I replied steadily.

"His own! Pooh! a likely story. Where is the missing jewel then? Can you
tell me that?"

"Yes," I replied, to their great astonishment.

"And the thief?" they questioned eagerly.

"I know who he is too. Take me before the Magistrate at once, and I will
soon restore the lost jewel."

My assured tone of voice seemed somewhat to impress the officials, and
they left me for a few moments to consult amongst themselves as to what
was best to be done.

Presently they returned and told me to follow them.

[Illustration]

I found myself conducted to a plainly-furnished room where a
dignified-looking gentleman was seated at a table strewn with papers. He
looked up at me sharply as we entered the room, and addressing me in
excellent English, said--

"What is this extraordinary story I hear about the escape of the
prisoner Shin Shira, and that you are prepared to inform us of another
person who has, as you say, the crown jewel in his possession?"

"It is true," said I, "and if you will allow some of your officers to
accompany me into the Bazaar I will point out the thief at once, and
show you where he has hidden the stone."

The Magistrate thought for a moment. "I will come with you myself," he
said at last. "Have ready six men to accompany us," he commanded; and a
few minutes later we were on our way to Mustapha's shop.

The wretched man gave a start and turned very pale when he saw us, but
endeavouring to put a bold face upon it, he came bowing and cringing
towards us, smiling and wringing his hands.

"What an honour to my poor house!" he exclaimed. "How unworthy am I to
receive such august guests!"

"We've come to see if you have any more crystals like the one I bought
of you to-day, Mustapha," I said.

"Alas! honoured patron, none!" cried Mustapha in a relieved voice,
thinking that he now knew the object of our visit.

"Think--think, Mustapha," said I. "Have you no piece of clear glass
that could be used in its place?"

[Illustration: "I took up the stone."]

"Alas, none!" he replied, shaking his head.

"Look about," said I. "Here in the shop--and down in the cellar."

The little man's face turned green.

"The cellar? Noble patron, how should I find such a thing there?"

"Lead the way and I will try to show you," said I; and desp