tive
Carter, your questions?"

"To begin with," asked Nick, with a steadfast scrutiny of Venner's
darkly attractive face, "what is the value of the stolen diamonds?"

"About four thousand dollars."

"Ten in number, I was told."

"Precisely."

"Are they of uniform value?"

"Nearly so. They are splendid gems, and perfectly matched, and are worth
about four hundred dollars each. I wanted them for a special purpose,
which--"

"Which I will presently arrive at," Nick courteously interposed. "I
understand, Mr. Venner, that you called yesterday at the store of Thomas
Hafferman and made some inquiries about these stones?"

"I did, and also examined them."

"In what part of Hafferman's store were you at the time?"

"In his private office."

"Were any of the clerks present?"

"Not any--Stay! One of the clerks brought in the diamonds to Mr.
Hafferman, but he did not remain. Only Mr. Hafferman himself remained
with me while we discussed the matter."

"Do you know the clerk's name?"

"Boyden, I think, he was called."

"The same who brought the diamonds here this morning," put in Mr.
Garside. "His name is Harry Boyden."

Nick made a note of it in a small book which he drew from his pocket.

"Did you make any deal at that time regarding the diamonds?" he
inquired.

"I only had them reserved for me a day or two, stating that I would
either call again or send an order for them, if I decided to purchase
them," replied Venner.

"Are you quite sure that only Mr. Hafferman heard you make that
statement?"

"Sure only in that the office door was closed, and that he alone was
with me. If there were any eavesdroppers about I did not suspect it."

"Naturally not," smiled Nick. "Now, then, for what special purpose did
you want those particular diamonds? I think you referred to one."

A slight tinge of red appeared in Venner's cheeks when he replied, a
change which by no means escaped Nick's observation.

"I wanted the stones, or then thought I might, for a customer who
contemplated giving me an order for a valuable diamond cross, to be worn
upon the stage. We happen to have in stock no diamonds perfectly adapted
to her requirements, and so I called upon Hafferman to learn if he could
supply me."

"Who is the customer, Mr. Venner?"

"I do not see how her identity can be at all essential to the
investigation of this affair, yet I have no objection to disclosing it,"
said Venner, frowning slightly.

"Why demur ov