“If the diamond is not produced before the day after to-morrow,” said Stolburst bitterly, “I am to lose my remaining ear.” “The brutes!” “Speak low. Deth is drinking in every word we say.” “What do I care?” “There may be a worse fate in store for you than I have undergone.” “I don’t think Ajeeb bears me any ill-will,” said Enoch. “Don’t flatter yourself with that idea,” remarked Stolburst. “You will never escape from this place unharmed. You’ll be lucky if you escape with your life.” “You are a poor consoler.” “I know the men we have to deal with better than you. I wish it had been Dick Kidd they captured. But for that thief, I could have made things square with the high priest.” “Kidd fears Ajeeb.” “Does Ajeeb believe Kidd stole the Eye of Jobu from me?” “Yes; I am sure he did.” “Then,” said Stolburst, with a grim smile, “the high priest will punish him with death.” CHAPTER XXI. FRANK HARE’S MISSION. After leaving Cook, the detective went to his office. There he met his assistant, Frank Hare, whom he had not seen in several days. “Well, old man,” said the latter, “did you find Enoch Cook at Mike Quick’s?” “Yes.” “Learn anything from him?” “Not much; I want to find Mike Quick now,” said Burt. “What’s he been doing?” “He murdered Monte Murphy.” “The deuce!” exclaimed Hare. “How did that come about?” Burt told him. “Burt,” said Frank, “that beastly diamond seems unlucky.” “I don’t doubt but it has cost Stolburst his life.” “Have you no clue to his fate?” “I am quite sure he fell into the hands of this Ajeeb; I know nothing more.” Then Burt informed his assistant of his interview with the beautiful Zulima. “Say, old man,” remarked Hare, “the murder of Monte Murphy is none of your funeral.” “What do you mean?” “Let the chaps at police headquarters find his murderer.” “They could not possibly succeed unless Tony Riley, Enoch Cook, or myself give them a pointer,” said Burt. “Burt, I don’t like that idea of yours in trusting Cook.” “Why not?” “That fellow could not act square, no matter how hard he might try.” Burt laughed. “You don’t seem to have a very high opinion of the gentleman.” “No; and I’ll bet you’ll find that I’ve made no mistake in my estimate of him.” “He’ll turn out all right, see if he don’t,” remarked Burt. “You say you are going to scoop Mike Quick in?” “Yes.” “I’ll take hold of the other end, then,” said Frank. “What do you mean?” “I’ll make Bull Blair disgorge.” “Can you find him?” “I’m sure to.” “I had intended to take that matter in charge myself.” “Leave it to me.” “You know what kind of a man you have to deal with?” Hare laughed lightly. “Did you ever know me to show fear?” he inquired. “No; but you cannot take too many precautions in dealing with Bull Blair.” “I shall capture him easy as a wink.” “Frank, you are, without exception, the most sanguine person I know.”