“Now,” said the Abyssinian, turning to Enoch, “what did Kidd do with his treasure?” “It was, in turn, stolen from him.” Ajeeb gave a great start. He was as far from recovering the Eye of Jobu as ever. But did this fellow speak the truth? He doubted it. “You can’t make me believe that story,” said the high priest. “I saw it stolen.” “Then why did you not prevent the theft?” “Had I attempted to do so, I should have been killed.” “It was taken by force, eh?” “Certainly.” “Do you know the party who took it?” “Yes; the man is dead.” “And the diamond?” “It was stolen by the murderer.” “You cannot impose such a fiction upon me!” said Ajeeb, greatly excited. “I am stating facts.” “Then be more explicit.” Cook then told all he knew about the robbery and murder, with the exception that he did not mention Mike Quick. “So this detective is greatly interested in finding the diamond?” “Yes.” “Why?” “That he may have it returned to you.” “I did not engage him in the case,” remarked Ajeeb. “No, but Stolburst did.” “Then, if the detective found the stone, he would give it to his employer?” “It amounts to the same thing. Stolburst would turn it over to you.” “Has the detective an idea who has the diamond?” “I believe he has.” “You did not hear him mention the party’s name?” said Ajeeb. “No.” “You seem to be very intimate with this detective?” “We were once schoolmates.” “Did you tell him Kidd had the diamond when the latter did have it?” “No.” “Why not?” “I did not then know that Burt Cromwell was interested in recovering the stone.” “Would you have told him if you did know?” asked Ajeeb. “I certainly should.” “So I would judge; you have the appearance of an informer!” “I am anxious to save Stolburst from the consequences of his act.” “What has happened to him?” “You should be able to answer that question,” replied Enoch. “I?” “Is he not in your power?” “Who told you that story?” “Stolburst has disappeared, and the detective believes you have either murdered the man, or that he is a prisoner in your keeping.” “Cromwell possesses a wonderful faculty as a guesser,” smiled Ajeeb. “Is not his surmise correct?” “I do not choose to answer such questions as you may choose to put to me.” “I answered you quite willingly.” “Yes; but I am master here.” “You are not my master.” Cook was rather surprised at his own boldness. “I suppose,” said the Abyssinian, “this detective has vowed to find Stolburst, or learn what has become of him?” “Yes.” “Do you think he will succeed?” “I am sure of it.” “Your confidence in your friend is quite charming,” remarked Ajeeb. “Burt Cromwell does not know what it is to fail,” said Enoch. “I should like to become acquainted with this wonderful man.” “Perhaps you may, one of these days,” remarked Cook. “Am I to regard your last speech in the form of a threat?” “Have you harmed Henry Stolburst?” “No.” “Then you have nothing to fear from this detective.”