“Enoch!” exclaimed Kidd excitedly; “the Abyssinian has recovered the stone!” “How could he possibly know where to find it?” remarked Cook. “He is a professor of witchcraft,” replied Dick. “Did we not see him make fire come out of the ground at our very feet?” “That affair was prearranged.” “No,” returned Kidd; “that man is in league with Satan.” “At any rate, whether by supernatural means or not, Ajeeb has captured our old boss.” “Did Stolburst fall into his clutches?” “Yes.” “Who told you this?” “Burt Cromwell.” “What!” exclaimed Dick, in surprise; “have you and the detective become friends?” “I wish such was the case.” “When did Burt Cromwell tell you?” “When he arrested me at Quick’s.” “Well, if Stolburst told the Abyssinian of me having stolen the stone, I may find myself in a pretty pickle.” “You may be sure he told him.” “Then I guess the best thing I can do is to skip out of New York.” “Are you so very afraid of Ajeeb?” “You can just bet I am afraid of him!” replied Kidd. “I’ve heard you boast more than once you did not fear any man living.” “I meant no ordinary man; this Ajeeb is a demon.” “Don’t you think that, instead of leaving New York, you could occupy yourself better in hunting for the green diamond?” “But, according to your statement, there is no possible chance of recovering it,” said Dick. “How much money have you?” “About a hundred dollars.” “I have even less than that, and we must bestir ourselves and make a raise. Suppose we take a trip to Philadelphia?” “New York is good enough for me.” “What do you intend to do here?” “Spy out some crib, and then crack it,” replied Cook. “The police here are too fly for my taste. If we go into business here, we’ll soon find ourselves wearing stripes.” “I’m going to try and find the diamond.” “But you have no clew to work upon.” “I’ll discover one--leave me alone for that,” said Enoch confidently. “By the way,” said Kidd, “have you heard anything about your friend Pierre Jacquet?” “Your friend, you mean,” laughed Cook. “I believe he is not expected to live.” “I hope that is true.” “You are exceedingly kind. Consider that, if the Frenchman dies, I shall be guilty of murder.” “That’s so. I killed the wife, and now you have attended to the husband’s case.” “Well,” remarked Enoch, “I guess I’ll ramble over to Mike Quick’s.” “I’ll join you there bimeby.” Instead of going to Quick’s, Cook went up-town. For hours he loitered about Union Square. It was there he had met Ajeeb. He hoped to meet him again. Nor was he disappointed. At about ten o’clock, the Abyssinian passed him in Fourteenth Street. Ajeeb did not seem to recognize him. Then Enoch started in to do some shadowing. He followed the high priest to the latter’s house, and saw him ascend the stoop. At that moment a heavy hand was laid upon Enoch’s shoulder. He turned, and found himself face to face with Ashah. The executioner’s features wore a grim smile. CHAPTER XX.