“Have you nothing to say?” remarked the Abyssinian, after a pause. “Only this--I haven’t that which you seek,” replied Stolburst. “Dog of a liar, did you not carry it away with you?” Stolburst hesitated. What answer should he make? That was, just then, a momentous question with him. “Yes,” he finally said. Ajeeb’s diabolical features lit up with unholy joy. “So,” he said, “I made no mistake? The spirit of Jobu directed me.” “Would that I had the green diamond, that I might return it.” The Abyssinian started. After the admission made by his prisoner, he considered the jewel within reach. “You sold it--to whom?” “I did not sell the diamond,” answered Stolburst. “Nor give it away?” “No.” “Then what became of it?” “It was stolen from me.” The expression on Ajeeb’s features increased in ferocity. He half raised his simitar. Every moment the helpless prisoner expected to be his last. He gave up all hope when Ajeeb moved a few steps nearer. “Who stole it?” “I suspect it was taken by one of my servants, both of whom deserted me.” “I don’t believe you.” “Nor did I expect you would, but I have not uttered an untruth.” Stolburst spoke with the calmness born of desperation. “Which of your servants do you suspect of the theft? I know them both.” “Kidd.” “Why did you not tell me all this when I visited you at the hotel? Then I might have believed you. Ashah!” The giant could not have been far away, for he almost instantly appeared. Ajeeb made a sign. Ashah’s simitar described a circle in the air. Stolburst’s torture had begun! CHAPTER VIII. AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. We left Enoch Cook and Dick Kidd in the latter’s room. “So,” said Cook, “that nigger high priest is in New York?” “Haven’t I just said so?” “You can bet I wouldn’t want to be in Stolburst’s shoes.” “Why not?” “Ajeeb will kill him for taking the diamond,” said Enoch. “Suppose Stolburst tells the pagan we have the stone?” “Then I guess we’ll want to keep our weather eye skinned.” “You say you’ll see that party about buying the jewel to-night?” “Yes.” “I’ll meet you at Mike Quick’s at ten,” said Kidd. “Oh, no!” “Why not?” “I guess it would be dangerous for me to show up there.” “This detective chap will reason that you won’t dare return.” “Well?” “Then he won’t look for you.” “He may have had Quick arrested.” “Well, I’ll take a walk around there and see.” “Don’t.” “I have nothing to fear. This Burt Cromwell don’t know me.” “You’re bound to have your way, no matter what I say,” remarked Enoch. “Yes, my lad; and I’ll start for Mike’s this very moment.” Dick went across town to Quick’s. The latter gentleman was fuming with rage. Both his eyes were blackened and his nose was cut. “Well, I swear!” said Kidd, upon entering. “But you have got a pretty pair of bungers, and no mistake!” “Did you come here to have a laugh at me?” growled Mike. “Can’t a man laugh?”