“Are there any jewelers in Philadelphia that have big capital, and would be willing to handle any stuff that might be brought to them?” “I know one who has paid out as much as fifty thousand dollars for a single lot of diamonds,” said Hare. Bull Blair’s eyes brightened. “That is the very chap I want to deal with,” he said. “Have you diamonds?” “Yes; and some watches.” “I don’t think the party I allude to will touch the watches.” “That don’t matter; I can easily dispose of them here in New York.” “I’ll go with you to Philadelphia to-night, if you choose?” “What’s the matter with waiting until to-morrow, eh?” “As you say.” “There’s your friend.” Hare turned and looked toward the door. He gave a little start. Mike Quick had entered the place. CHAPTER XXII. DETH KILLED BY ENOCH. “Barry,” said Ajeeb, after Enoch Cook was carried from the parlor, “do you believe that fellow?” “Why not?” “I think he is a lying rascal.” “It seems to me,” remarked Billy, “that you are suspicious of every one with whom you come in contact.” “I’ve never been suspicious of you,” said Ajeeb snappishly. “Then I am a bright and shining exception to your general rule.” “It does not seem probable Kidd and Cook would allow themselves to be robbed.” “Enoch told you that the others had the drop on him and his pal.” “Even so, they would not give up such a precious treasure without a struggle.” “They wouldn’t fight against such terrible odds,” said Barry. “I would.” “Those rascals are not so brave as you.” “At any rate, Cook has put his head in the lion’s jaw.” “What do you propose to do with him?” asked Billy. “That is a strange question.” “Why strange?” “Have you not heard me affirm, over and over again, that I would punish with death those who, with sacrilegious hand, handled the Eye of Jobu?” asked the heathen priest. “Then you mean to have Cook killed?” “Most certainly.” Barry appeared disgusted. “Ajeeb,” he said, “don’t you think you are going too far?” The Abyssinian laughed, and his cruel eyes grew brighter. “I but intend to do my duty, as I understand it,” he replied. “You are not required by any law, human or divine, to kill this man.” “I will not argue the matter.” “Then you will rue the act, if you put this man to death.” “Hundreds have been killed because I willed it.” “Yes: but that was in your own country,” remarked Barry. “The victims had friends.” “And they were probably afraid to make an effort to revenge themselves upon you.” “I shall never die by violence.” “No man can tell what is to be the method of his death.” “I who have the power to read the future, can, my friend.” “You can’t make me believe that you, or any one living, can penetrate the mystery of that which is to come.” “Why should I not kill both Cook and Stolburst?” “Go ahead; just count me out from this time forth.” “What do you mean?” “I intend to look out for my own safety, that’s all.”