“I am not so sure of that, Annie. I can recall many instances in which I have been unaccountably induced to act contrary to my original intention, and have been glad afterwards that I yielded to an apparently freakish impulse of the moment. Here is a case in point: About twelve months ago certain shares were being boomed sky-high, and so much percentage was being derived from them that I, in common with many other people, decided to share in the general prosperity. As, perhaps, you know, both your aunt and I lost a great deal of money through buying some shares in a big brewery company, which, though about two millions were foolishly paid for it by the dupes who formed the limited liability company which took it over, turned out to be simply an unlimited fraud. The original proprietors had, by dint of advertisements and paragraphs, increased the public confidence in their concern at the very time when it was tottering for support. It was by way of retrieving our losses in connection with the brewery shares that I wanted to profit by buying rising mining shares, and I proceeded to the office of a well-known stockbroker, in order to negotiate without delay. I found Mr. ---- engaged six deep, and sat down to await my turn to go into his inner sanctum, but had not been seated there three minutes when a strange thing happened. It was as if someone had suddenly whispered to me, saying, ‘Get out of this office while you are still well off. Don’t trust to this boom.’ I gave myself no time to think, either one way or the other, but at once took my departure, saying to the clerk that I would call another time. I have so far not called to see Mr. ----, and the much-boomed shares are just worth so much waste paper.” “Then you don’t think my fancy to see the balloon ascent an absurd one?” “By no means. There may be something in it. Anyhow, we will go. But there is plenty of time to spare.” “Then what do you say to going first to such shops as there are, and trying to find out if Hugh Stavanger has been raising money on any of his plunder?” “A capital idea! I should not have thought of it. I’m afraid you will have to depend more upon yourself than upon me for inspiration. What do you say, Briny?” Briny was fast getting into condition now, and a great affection had sprung up between him and his new owners, who were bent upon always taking him out with them whenever it was practicable, as he was likely to prove a good protector. An hour was now devoted to doing as Annie had suggested, but without getting any idea of Hugh Stavanger’s present whereabouts. One thing, however, they did learn. There was one man to whom two men had offered some diamonds for sale a week ago. The dealer, not being in a large way of business, had not come to terms with the strangers.