“That’s queer.” “Not at all. I already know.” Blair’s countenance fell. He had played his last card and lost. “It is all up with me,” he said. “Give me that greenish stone and I will set you at liberty.” “Do you mean it?” “Yes.” “You will find it in the water-pitcher.” Frank darted for the utensil named. He had hardly turned his back, as he was obliged to do, when he was startled by a crash of wood and glass. Bull Blair had leaped through the window to the street below. CHAPTER XXVII. BILLY BARRY, OF LONDON. Before Barry could draw his revolver he was downed by a blow from the detective’s fist. Before the man could rise Burt was upon him. Burt disarmed the fellow, and then allowed him to get up. “My friend,” said the detective, “you see you are not so smart as you think.” A bump arose on Barry’s forehead where he had been struck. The English crook fairly boiled over with wrath. “You shall pay dearly for that blow,” he said. Burt laughed. “I am quite accustomed to being threatened,” he remarked. “I never make idle threats.” “Don’t talk like that.” “I will if I feel so disposed.” “Then you better not feel so disposed, unless you want more of the same treatment,” said the detective. Barry glared at his companion, who had leisurely seated himself. Billy also dropped into a chair, but he did not know why he did so. Flight was out of the question. Had it been night it would have been very different. Now Sixth Avenue was crowded with shoppers, and he could not go very far without being stopped with a short turn. “I can’t see,” remarked Billy, “why you should choose to make me a prisoner. It is possible that this Abyssinian may have some nefarious scheme afloat, but I am not a party to it.” “Why did you draw a revolver on me if you did not fear arrest?” “I did not draw one.” “It amounts to the same thing. You tried to do so.” “I certainly do not want to be arrested. I am told that the chief of police here has all crooks, who appear in public places, gathered in and sent to prison.” “You admit being a crook?” “I was one in England up until about a year ago.” “Is it not possible the English authorities are searching for you now?” “There is no charge hanging over me, my friend.” “I only have your word for that,” remarked Burt. “This time my word goes.” “Where did you become acquainted with the Abyssinian?” “In London.” “How long ago?” “About five years.” “You are old friends, eh?” “I never considered him anything more than an acquaintance.” “Now, Barry,” said the detective, “I know you were concerned in kidnaping Henry Stolburst.” “I have never even seen the man,” returned Billy. “You know such a person exists?” “Yes; I’ve heard Ajeeb say Henry Stolburst stole a great diamond from a temple near Gondar,” said Barry. “Have you ever been in Abyssinia?” inquired Burt. “No, and I don’t want to go there.” “What have you against the country?”