Frank’s first impulse was to follow the murderer. By doing so he would lose the grip he had obtained on Blair. He had been assigned to capture the latter, and Frank decided to live up to his instructions. It was not his purpose to make an early arrest, however. He believed that if he played his cards sharp he stood a good chance of locating the great diamond of which Burt was in search. There was an old head on Frank Hare’s young shoulders. “I gave that chap a fine scare,” said Bull, with a coarse laugh. “Who?” “Who? Why, that fellow Mike Quick,” was the reply. “How did you do it?” “Now, my boy, you are asking entirely too much.” “I thought you intended to tell me all about it.” “But, you see, I don’t.” “Then my curiosity must remain unsatisfied,” remarked Frank. “Just about.” “You were saying you would introduce me to a chap who would put me in the way of making some ducats.” “Curse that Tony Riley!” exclaimed Bull; “he should have been here an hour ago.” Mr. Blair would have been perturbed if he had known his friend languished in a station-house cell. “Is Tony Riley your friend’s name?” “Yes. Do you know him?” “No, but I’d like to.” “Why would you?” “Because he must be away up, or you would not travel with him.” Again the ruffian’s vanity was tickled. “How much money have you got?” inquired Bull. “Enough to keep me for a few days,” replied Hare. “Come and bunk with me.” Hare was delighted. “You are very kind.” “Not to everybody.” “You’ve treated me to-night as if I was a dear friend.” “That’s because I’ve taken quite a shine to you.” “Then I’m in luck.” “You’d be in better luck if you had got acquainted with me about twenty-four hours earlier.” “Do you intend to take your diamonds to Philadelphia for sale?” Blair’s brow grew dark, and he glanced suspiciously at his companion. “Who said anything about having diamonds for sale?” “You did.” “I’ll take my oath I didn’t.” “You forget.” “I ain’t one of that kind.” “Let it go at that.” “Suppose I have got some diamonds?” said Blair. “As I told you before, I can introduce you to a man who will pay you more than you can get here in New York.” “We’ll talk about that in the morning, young fellow.” “As you choose.” “You can bet it is as I choose. Let us have another drink.” “Haven’t we had enough?” “One more, and then we will go home. You’ll bunk with me?” “I’m glad to get the chance.” “I’ll stake you in grub and liquor until you make a strike.” “You won’t find me ungrateful,” returned Hare. “I hope not.” They drank their liquor and left the dive together. Bull conducted his new-found friend to a small lodginghouse, a few blocks distant from Shaw’s. Frank found the rascal’s room neatly furnished, and it contained two cots. He was glad of this latter, as he would not be obliged to rest at the side of Blair.