her you are not the worst of
fools. Perhaps," he continued, leaning back upon his seat, "perhaps you
would oblige me with a few particulars. I must suppose you had some
object in the stupefying impudence of your proceedings, and I confess I
have a curiosity to know it."

"It is very simple," replied the clergyman; "it proceeds from my great
inexperience of life."

"I shall be glad to be persuaded," answered Vandeleur.

Whereupon Mr. Rolles told him the whole story of his connection with the
Rajah's Diamond, from the time he found it in Raeburn's garden to the
time when he left London in the Flying Scotchman. He added a brief
sketch of his feelings and thoughts during the journey, and concluded in
these words:--

"When I recognised the tiara I knew we were in the same attitude towards
Society, and this inspired me with a hope, which I trust you will not
say was ill-founded, that you might become in some sense my partner in
the difficulties and, of course, the profits of my situation. To one of
your special knowledge and obviously great experience the negotiation of
the diamond would give but little trouble, while to me it was a matter
of impossibility. On the other part, I judged that I might lose nearly
as much by cutting the diamond, and that not improbably with an
unskilful hand, as might enable me to pay you with proper generosity for
your assistance. The subject was a delicate one to broach; and perhaps I
fell short in delicacy. But I must ask you to remember that for me the
situation was a new one, and I was entirely unacquainted with the
etiquette in use. I believe without vanity that I could have married or
baptised you in a very acceptable manner; but every man has his own
aptitudes, and this sort of bargain was not among the lists of my
accomplishments."

"I do not wish to flatter you," replied Vandeleur; "but upon my word,
you have an unusual disposition for a life of crime. You have more
accomplishments than you imagine; and though I have encountered a number
of rogues in different quarters of the world, I never met with one so
unblushing as yourself. Cheer up, Mr. Rolles, you are in the right
profession at last! As for helping you, you may command me as you will.
I have only a day's business in Edinburgh on a little matter for my
brother; and once that is concluded, I return to Paris, where I usually
reside. If you please, you may accompany me thither. And before the end
of a month I believe I shall ha