“Why, the fact is,” said the other, “that we are waiting for a report from a man who was sent to your residence two hours ago. You see, you have a collection of gems which is listed at half a million in the office of the Great Diamond Syndicate in London. You have put us to so much trouble and expense that we thought best to acquire this collection, and a man has gone up after it. He is to search the steel vault off your sleeping room and all available parts of the house. If he can do so, he will accomplish his work without bloodshed, but you have trained your people to resist coercion, and there may be a fight. I sincerely hope that no member of your family will be injured. “We are doing this thing for two reasons,” continued the other. “In the first place, you were sentenced to death in London not long ago, and cannot long enjoy the possession of the diamonds. In the second place, we thought best to demonstrate to you, previous to your death, that you detectives are, on the whole, rather cheap people. You go about with your picklock and your electric torch, and think you are the whole thing. Now you see how hopeless you are in the hands of a syndicate of brainy and determined men.” “And if the man at my house does not find the diamonds?” asked Nick dryly. “Then you will be required to write an order for their delivery to this place.” Nick shut his teeth with a snap. “You won’t, eh?” said the other. “Pardon me, but I think you will. We have means of persuasion here. What do you think of our methods by this time?” “Of course you have planned my death?” asked Nick. “Of course,” was the reply. “Do you think I would talk so freely with a man who was to be permitted to live?” “Then, if I am to die, anyway, why should I comply with your wishes in the matter of the diamonds?” CHAPTER XV. A DESPERATE GAME. A sinister smile flashed over the white face of the man at the desk. “There are many methods of executing the orders of the Great Diamond Syndicate,” he said, “and there are forms of death calculated to break the most obstinate will. Besides, the safety of your beloved Chick ought to count for something with you.” The detective strained at his bonds and ground his teeth in impotent rage. “I’d like to have half an hour with you with bare knuckles,” he said, as the man at the desk gazed upon him in triumph. “I think I could teach you a few points in humanity. Let me tell you now that the American head of the Great Diamond Syndicate is not equal to his job. In short, is a very cheap fool.” “I am not a passionate person,” said the other. “Proceed.” “If you were fit for the position,” continued Nick, “you would never have permitted me to regain consciousness.” “We are looking to you for help in securing your diamonds,” was the cool reply. “Then, having made this mistake, you should never have confided the secrets of your syndicate to me.”