"But what is it you must do there?" "That is my business. I do my business in my own way. Still I will give you a hint. Where is it that diamonds are sold? In Hatton Garden, as you so well know--as I expect your cousin knows if he has been watching you. Then where will your cousin go to sell it? Hatton Garden, of course. Never mind what I shall do there to intercept it. I am to be your new partner, you understand, bringing money into the business. You must be ill and stay at home till you hear from me. Go now and write me a letter of introduction to the man who shares the office with you. Or I will write it if you like, and you shall sign it. What sort of a man is he?" "Very quiet--a tall man, perhaps English, but perhaps not." "Ever buy or sell diamonds with him?" "Once only. It was the first time. That is how I learned of the half-office to let." The letter was written, and Dorrington stuffed it carelessly into his pocket. "Mr. Hamer is the name, is it?" he said. "I fancy I have met him somewhere. He is short-sighted, isn't he?" "Oh yes, he is short-sighted. With _pince-nez_." "Not very well lately?" "No--I think not. He takes medicine in the office. But you will be careful, eh? He must not know." "Do you think so? Perhaps I may tell him, though." "Tell him? _Ciel_--no! You must not tell people! No!" "Shall I throw the whole case over, and keep your deposit fee?" "No--no, not that. But it is foolish to tell to people!" "I am to judge what is foolish and what wise, M. Bouvier. Good evening!" "Good evening, M. Dorrington; good evening." Bouvier followed him out to the gate. "And will you tell me--do you think there is a way to get the diamond? Have you any plan?" "Oh yes, M. Bouvier, I have a plan. But, as I have said, that is my business. It may be a successful plan, or it may not; that we shall see." "And--and the _dossier_. The notes that you so marvellously have, written out in the book you read. When this business is over you will destroy them, eh? You will not leave a clue?" "The notes that I have in my books," answered Dorrington, without relaxing a muscle of his face, "are my property, for my own purposes, and were mine before you came to me. Those relating to you are a mere item in thousands. So long as you behave well, M. Bouvier, they will not harm you, and, as I said, the confidences of a client are sacred to Dorrington & Hicks. But as to keeping them--certainly I shall. Once more--good evening!"