him, and get
proof of his co-operation with Kilgore and his gang."

"By getting him to sell us some diamonds?"

"Exactly."

"And then proving them to be artificial?"

"That's the idea."

"Can you get at him in a way to trap him?"

"What do you mean?"

"He may fight shy of us," suggested Chick, "in case he knows of
Pylotte's scrap with the gang last night. He may fear that Pylotte has
discovered the fraud, and reported it to the police."

"There's not much danger of that," replied Nick. "So stupendous a fraud
would at once be given publicity through the press."

"That's true."

"In either case," added Nick, abruptly, "there's a way by which we can
fool him. I'll explain it on the way. Get your make-up box and prepare
to go with me. Since we have the game uncovered, we'll lose no time in
rounding up these accomplished rascals."

"Good enough!" exclaimed Chick, as he hurriedly arose. "The sooner the
better."

"We may have ragged work before the job is completed," added Nick. "So
provide yourself with a brace of guns. I'll be ready when you are."

"Where first?"

"To the house of Pandu Singe, the snake charmer."

CHAPTER XVIII.

AT CROSS-PURPOSES.

It was not quite noon when Nick Carter and Chick arrived at the house of
the Hindoo snake charmer.

They found Pandu Singe at home with his interpreter, and the two
detectives were very cordially received.

Nick quickly disclosed his business.

"We wish to borrow your personalities for a short time, also some of
your curious garments," he explained to Pandu Singe, through his
interpreter, who also was a Hindoo of superior education.

The snake charmer appeared greatly surprised at such a request, but Nick
readily invented a very plausible story to serve his purpose, without
disclosing the true occasion.

He soon persuaded the foreigner to grant his request, moreover, and the
amazement of Pandu Singe and the interpreter were redoubled when they
beheld what followed.

This was the extraordinary transformation of their visitors.

Nick had already outlined his plans to Chick, and they at once began
operations.

First they placed the two Hindoos in chairs near the windows, where the
light revealed every peculiarity of their swarthy features.

Nick next adjusted a large mirror upon the table, and placed his make-up
box near by.

Using the interpreter for his pattern, Nick then set to work with
grease paints, powders, false hair, and the lik