The basement was used for storing, and packing and unpacking, goods of many kinds. At the back, where Nick stood, it was well-nigh filled with boxes of various sizes. At the right of the basement, facing from the front, was a stairway running to the store floor above. This, the detective thought, might lead to the rear room where the talk between the diamond merchant and the sailor was in progress. He mounted the steps halfway and paused, listening for the sound of voices. As he waited, he thought with wonder at the position in which he found himself. That a New York merchant of the apparent respectability of Hartley should occupy a place of business set with a man trap of the character which had caught him was incredible enough, but that he should actually bring it into use was almost beyond belief. It meant much to the detective. It showed him that the establishment was one in which such devices were considered necessary to the business of the proprietor, and therefore one which should be broken up by the police. It was almost incredible that such a den should exist within a few blocks of Broadway. Presently the sound of voices came to the ears of the listening detective. First he heard the smooth tones of the merchant saying: “You have betrayed me, and you cannot deceive me again. The best thing you can do is to leave the country, and leave it at once.” “’Ow can we get hoff without th’ coin? Tell me that!” answered the voice of the sailor. “Hi’ll split on the game if we don’t get hour hown.” “What have you done with the diamonds?” demanded the merchant. Nick bent forward eagerly. At last his quest was to be crowned with results. What diamonds could be meant save the ones stolen from the Maynard home? “Hi gave them to the bloomin’ toff you sent hup there,” was the angry reply. “That is not true,” said the merchant. “You gave him a counterfeit package, and stood by while he packed it in the trunk and checked the trunk. From the moment the trunk was closed in your presence it was never opened again until it was brought here. You stole the diamonds, and now you try to blackmail me.” “This is something like!” thought Nick. “The diamonds were placed in the trunk, as I supposed, and shipped here. Hartley says he never received them. Sailor says he delivered them to the agent. Now, which one lies, and where are the diamonds?” “Hit’s a lie!” shouted the sailor. “Your bloomin’ pirate got the gems.” “You talk of splitting on the game,” continued the merchant. “What do you know of the murder which took place at the Maynard house on the night of your visit there?” “That’s gaff!” “Gaff, is it?” demanded Hartley. “Read the newspapers when you go out and see if I speak the truth. Maynard was murdered in his bed on the night you secured the diamonds. You’ll both find yourselves in the electric chair if you say too much about the affair.” “S’lp me!” cried the sailor, “Hi don’t know of any murder. Hi——” The merchant interrupted him.