“To tell the truth,” he said, “they were too avaricious. One of the men was, I think, a ship’s captain. The other was a landsman, and I think he must be in the trade, for he knows as much about precious stones as I do. He knew the exact value of the things he had to offer me, and he wouldn’t take the highest offer I was prepared to make. But he promised to call back again, and as I think he was very anxious in reality to turn his stones into cash, I have been expecting him to come and close with my offer. If, as I gather from your inquiries, the diamonds have been stolen, I am very glad I did not buy them, for the affair might have ruined me.” “And I am very sorry you did not get them,” said Annie, eagerly. “If he comes back, secure the diamonds at his price. We will buy them from you, and will give you a liberal commission for your trouble. The man who has been here was the principal witness against an innocent man, who is now in prison. It is our mission to bring the guilt home to the right party, in the person of the son of the diamond merchant, who professed to have been robbed by a Mr. Riddell. If we can prove him to be possessed of the property, we can prove the innocence of Mr. Riddell. You will help us, will you not?” “I will do my best, madam. You will find me discreet and silent, and I hope to be able to help in the good work.” “And, meanwhile, here is a banker’s reference,” said Mr. Cory. “And you may rely upon finding us profoundly grateful if you help us to solve this painful mystery.” “Is the accused gentleman a relative of yours?” asked the jeweller, hesitatingly, as if afraid that he was taking too much liberty. “He is my daughter’s fiancé.” “Ah, now I understand your earnestness in the matter. But how about the seafaring man?” “I expect it is the captain of the ‘Merry Maid,’ the steamer in which Hugh Stavanger sailed. If he also had diamonds to dispose of, we may conclude that they are part of the stolen property, and that it is as important to find him as it is to find the original thief.” “He said the ship was sailing next day, so you won’t find him in Malta.” “No; but we can follow. But, in any case, don’t let Stavanger slip through your fingers if he turns up here again.”