“I asked you where they were.” “A friend is minding them for me,” replied Blair. “Do you think I am such a gawk as to swallow that story?” “I can’t help it.” “Those diamonds you stole from Monte Murphy.” “I stole nothing from him.” “Is there among the gems one large one of a greenish tint?” “I have no such stone.” “Of course the ones you have were not stolen?” “I bought them on speculation,” replied the prisoner. “Well, Bull,” said Hare, “you are, without any exception, the best single-handed liar I ever encountered.” “I’m telling a straight story.” Hare locked the door and put the key in his pocket. Then he began a search for the burglar’s plunder. Almost all Bull’s earthly possessions were contained in a cedar box. Frank ransacked this without finding that of which he was in search. He turned everything in the room upside down. It began to appear that Blair had for once been truthful. “You will find no diamonds or jewelry here,” said the latter. “In whose keeping is the swag?” asked the detective. “I have no diamonds here or anywhere else,” replied Bull. “I know that you have at least the one I spoke of.” “Frank, I was only joking when I spoke to you of having diamonds for sale.” “Were you also joking a moment ago when you said the jewels were in the keeping of a friend?” “Of course. Do you suppose I’d trust any of my acquaintances with articles of value?” remarked Bull. “Come,” said Hare sternly, “I have put up with quite enough of your nonsense.” “I’m treating you on the square.” “Where are those diamonds?” Frank’s blue eyes flashed angrily. “Again I tell you I have no diamonds,” said Blair, “but if you give me freedom, I can tell you something that will interest you, or I am mistaken.” “What is it?” “Mind you, I only accidentally learned this thing.” “Speak out.” “I can tell you,” said Bull, with a sneaking smile, “who inflicted Monte Murphy’s death-wound.” The villain’s promise to Quick did not weigh as a feather with him. Blair would willingly sacrifice Mike, or any one else, for that matter, to achieve his own ends. Better, he argued, that the dive-keeper should be hanged than he should end his days within prison walls. The brute was thoroughly selfish to the last degree. “How did you learn who the murderer is?” inquired Frank. “Quite accidentally, as I before remarked.” “Didn’t Monte Murphy tell you?” “No.” “How then did you learn?” “From the party himself.” “Men who commit murder do not go around bragging about it.” “The man is a close friend of mine,” said Bull. “And you are quite willing to sacrifice him, eh?” “He’d do the same on me,” growled the prisoner. “Blair, you are even a blacker rascal than I thought.” “Every one should look out for himself, that’s the way I look at it.” “You certainly take an elevated view of what one friend owes another.” “Give me freedom, and I will tell you who killed Monte Murphy.” “I refuse.” “Don’t you want to know?” cried Bull, in surprise. “No.”