“We do not consider the means,” was the reply. “We look only to results. We are organized in the regular way and pay very large dividends. Men organize to secure lands and other things without paying for them. Why shouldn’t we organize to acquire diamonds? We don’t aim to commit violence. In fact, we are a very respectable institution. You will find us rated in the commercial agencies.” “The fellow intends to murder me,” thought Nick, “else he would not be so free with the affairs of the concern.” “We have offices and agents in all the large cities,” continued the fellow, “and are doing a fine business. Whenever a rare collection of gems is made, we list it. From that time we are on the lookout to acquire it. Let me give you an illustration of our methods. The diamonds which you call the Maynard diamonds were collected in South Africa. The collection was reported at our London office. We sent two men out to Cape Town to get them, but they did not succeed. “The diamonds were sold to a man who shipped them to this country. Our men followed on the same ship, and reported to our agent here. They got them in New York, but lost them again. One of these men was killed, the other is serving time, as you know. Then this young man Maynard got the diamonds back through your efforts. He has been followed by two of our best men for a year, so you see that the collection has cost us quite a tidy sum of money.” “Quite enterprising, I’m sure,” said Nick. “How many people have you put out of the way in your quest for the Maynard diamonds?” “I don’t confess to any crime,” was the reply. “I think, on the whole, that we are very considerate in our methods. Why, we acquire plenty of collections without wasting a drop of blood. There was the Harvard collection, two millions; the Gould lot, one million; the Montreville collection, half a million; the Burns lot, one million. Not a drop of blood shed, no one arrested, and the diamonds shipped away. You can see for yourself that we are doing the best we can with a peculiar business. We have our agents in all grades of society.” “Even in dramatic clubs,” said Nick. “Even in dramatic clubs,” repeated the other, with a smile. “We really enjoyed the chase after the Maynard diamonds.” “You seem to be enjoying the present situation,” said Nick. “How long are you to keep me in this uncomfortable position?”