“Jacquet may be here, but I never stabbed him,” said Cook. “Perhaps it was your friend Kidd who did that,” remarked Burt. “Possibly.” “Well, at any rate, you will have to stand trial.” Cook looked glum. He had no thought of resisting the detective. Enoch knew that if he made a dash for liberty, Burt would shoot him down. He very meekly allowed Burt to slip handcuffs on his wrists. “I hope for your sake,” said the detective, “that this man may recover. Bad as you are, I should not like to have you die on the gallows.” “We used to be friends.” “Yes, that was long ago. Do not recall the past; it will not help your case any.” “Suppose I was to put you in the way of this famous green diamond, of which you are in search?” remarked Enoch. “So, you rascal, you do know where that precious gem is?” “I haven’t said that.” “Then what do you mean?” “I might be able to put you on the track of it,” replied Enoch. The villain was willing to pay any price for his liberty. At any rate, he argued, it was better for Burt to recover the great diamond than Monte Murphy should have it. He felt confident Mike Quick had not recovered the stone from the old “fence.” “Have you seen Stolburst since you came to New York?” “Yes--once.” “When was that?” “Over two weeks ago.” “You are quite sure you have not seen him within the past four days?” “I am positive I have not.” “Do you know an Abyssinian priest who calls himself Ajeeb?” “Yes; he is in New York.” “How do you know?” “I’ve seen him.” “Did you talk with him?” The prisoner smiled. “Catch me doing that!” he said. “Why not?” “I was with Stolburst when the eye of the idol was stolen, and that may be known to Ajeeb.” “Well?” “Ajeeb might feel bound to kill me. See? He and his crew think nothing of taking human life. Often have they offered up one hundred persons as sacrifice in their temple.” “Stolburst is in this man’s power now,” remarked the detective. Cook became a shade paler. “God help him, then!” “Do you suppose this Ajeeb would kill the explorer?” “I am sure of it,” replied Enoch. “If Stolburst could return the green diamond, he might escape with his life. Even then his chances would be doubtful; the heathen never forgives one who desecrates his temples of idols.” “Stolburst could not return the Eye of Jobu. Your friend Kidd has it, I suppose.” “He did have it.” “Hasn’t he got it now?” “No.” “Sold it, eh?” “It was stolen from him.” Burt smiled. “I’m not going to believe that story,” he said. “Do you know Monte Murphy?” “The ‘fence’?” “Yes; he’s got the diamond.” “Then he purchased it?” “No.” “Explain.” Enoch told how Monte had captured the Eye of Jobu. He took particular care not to mention anything concerning his last interview with Mike Quick. “So,” remarked Burt, “you let old Monte Murphy do you?” “Joe Snell and Pat Brady had the drop on us.” “Come!” “Where?” “We will pay Murphy a visit.” “Don’t ask me to walk through the streets with these on, please.”