eting. "I have frequently seen Pandu Singe at the
theater, where I am admitted to the stage with Senora Cervera, the
famous Spanish dancer. Perhaps Pandu Singe may have seen me there."

Nick gravely bowed, then pretended to interpret the remarks to Chick;
who immediately began to bow and smile, at the same time glibly
responding in a jargon that would have staggered a Chinese laundryman,
yet which sounded as much like Hindoo as anything.

Had his own situation been less serious, and the entire outlook less
desperate, Venner would have laughed at the consummate dignity and
soberness with which the two detectives co-operated in their exchange of
unintelligible talk.

"My employer, the great Pandu Singe," bowed Nick, "says he remembers the
friend of the great Cervera."

"Ah! I am glad to hear it," cried Venner, shaking hands with Chick.

"He has seen the splendid diamonds of the great senora, and has heard
that they came from your magnificent store," Nick then went on to
explain.

"That is quite right," bowed Venner. "Many of them did come from here.
Is Pandu Singe looking for some diamonds?"

Nick promptly bowed, and noted a gleam of satisfaction in the depths of
Venner's eyes.

"The great Pandu Singe soon returns to his own country," replied Nick.
"He wishes to take with him, as a gift to her august excellency, the
Empress of all the Indies, six fine jewels of equal weight and value. He
calls here to learn if you can provide him with them."

Venner plainly saw the game that was being attempted, and it suited him
to the very letter.

"Does the great Pandu Singe wish to purchase diamonds?" he asked,
bowing.

"Diamonds, yes! Are they not for the empress?"

"I should have thought of that, certainly."

"Only diamonds will answer."

"Of large size and the first water?"

"The great Pandu Singe would consider no other."

"Alas, then, this is most unfortunate!" Venner now exclaimed, glancing
about the store. "You see that we are making some repairs here, in the
walls of our store and vault."

"That is plain," bowed Nick. "But what has that to do with the
diamonds?"

"Only this," replied Venner, with feigned regret. "During these repairs
I have removed all of my most valuable diamonds to a vault in my private
residence."

"For safer keeping?"

"Exactly."

"I will explain to Pandu Singe."

"Wait a moment," Venner quickly interposed. "Tell him, also, that I have
at my residence the very gems he desires