Arrived at his room, Raikes was elated to discover that he was not due at the Sepoy's apartment until twenty minutes later. "What a providence!" he murmured. He would arrive late; he would make his approach as ostensible as possible; he would apologize for his tardiness. His alibi would be perfect. During these proposed depravities Raikes had closed and fastened the door, seated himself at the table, and pressed the spring which detained the lid of the shagreen case. In a dazzling instant it flew open. "Ah!" A very riot of irradiation and gleam met his eyes. Here was rehabilitation! Here was amendment! The diamond was a liberal equivalent for his losses. Another glance at the clock revealed to him that he had exhausted ten minutes in his exultation. This left a balance of ten minutes for a compunction or two. Apparently he did not realize his opportunity, for half of the remaining time was consumed in the intoxication of the facets and the glamor, the thrill of intelligent valuation; and the other half to a grim calculation as to the usury that might accrue after the account with his losses was balanced. These perjured figures were scarcely arranged to his satisfaction when the clock struck ten. The strokes seemed like as many separate accusations. "Bah! what are they to me?" he asked himself. He had been robbed; he had found a way to restitution; a man's providence must measure to his necessities. To arrive at these conclusions put him five minutes in arrears. Five more for a leisurely arrival would be ten; enough to apologize for; sufficient for his purposes. He consumed as much time as possible secreting the stone in the recess. That accomplished, Raikes emerged from his room and proceeded down the hallway. When he reached the apartment occupied by the Sepoy he breathed a sigh of relief. The door was closed. In response to his rap upon the panel, a voice which he recognized as that of the Sepoy cried: "Come in!" With a sinking sensation in the pit of his stomach, where, with him, the only conscience he had was located, Raikes complied with these instructions, and, closing the door softly, established himself, in his customary expectant attitude, in the chair indicated by his host. "I have been told," began the latter abruptly, "that there is a flaw in the sapphire." "What!" exclaimed Raikes with genuine concern. Two things he could comprehend: a loss and the abuse of property. The announcement of the Sepoy awakened the same misgiving which commonly affected his mind at a suggestion of defective title. "Yes," continued the Sepoy; "it was pointed out to me. But I am not convinced, or it may be that I refuse to be. A man often elects to be blind when confronted with a suggestion of disaster. I want to be candid with myself. I require your assistance. While I continue the narrative, kindly see if you can discover any sign of blemish."