Simpkins went down the room and threw the door open. “Welcome, Silver,” he said in a voice which slightly shook. Rowton nodded to him and entered. Without looking to right or left he came straight up the room. It was not his way to be ungracious, and the men resented what they termed his haughty bearing. “You received my letter?” he said in a curt voice, looking full at Long John. “I did, my fine fellow. You crow loud and fierce, my fighting cock. How dare you address your boss in that tone?” “What I dare to do is my own affair,” answered Rowton. “Your part of the business is this; you keep your faith with me; if you break it, I’ll stick to my word. Unless the boy is given back to me in two hours, I break with the Silver School.” “There are two words to that,” said Long John; “and as to my breaking faith with you, wait a while—we may equalise the balance. Give me that case here, Scrivener. Ha! what do you say to this, Rowton? How did this come into your possession?” “That is the black diamond,” said Rowton in a cool voice. “I bought it for my wife. I forgot that it was stolen with the other things.” He took up the gem as he spoke, looked at it with a peculiar expression, and then laid it back on the table. “My wife wore it the night of the ball,” he said. His tone was thoughtful. For a moment he ceased to see the scene which surrounded him; a fair vision rose before his mental eyes—he felt clinging arms round his neck. The next, the vision had faded and the black present was alone with him. He started from his reverie and spoke abruptly. “That robbery was very well planned, Piper,” he said. “I must congratulate you on the whole way the thing was executed. But for the one step too far—but for the kidnapping of my lad—I could admire the pluck and courage of my confederates.” He looked round the room at the men, whose eyes glowed with delight at his words of praise. “Hold your tongue and listen,” said Long John, interlarding his words with a terrific oath. “How did that diamond get into your possession?” “I bought it,” answered Rowton. “I gave you fifteen hundred pounds for it.” “Then, do you know what you have done? By this act alone you have sold us. There are ugly stories known to the police in connection with this black diamond. I could lay my hands at the present moment on three men in this room whom this precious gem of infernal night might bring to the gallows.” “Hush, for Heaven’s sake!” said Scrivener, “walls have ears.” “There are moments when one must speak out, danger or not,” said Long John. “The fact is plainly this. By your action, Rowton, you have imperilled us all. You broke faith with us when you appropriated this diamond for your own purposes. It is a lucky chance which brings it again into our possession. Understand, now, that this matter makes us quits, and that you have nothing whatever to do with the child.” “Then my letter to you holds good,” said Rowton. “My men, I must wish you good evening.”