d your silence. I think you acted wisely. We
had better keep the loss to ourselves as long as we can. No one can
attach any blame to you. It is a terrible loss, but we must face it
like men."

The gambler looked up quickly, and eyed his guest narrowly. Seeing
nothing on the latter's face to arouse his suspicions, he grew more
cheerful. Less sullen and defiant, he extended his hand.

"Thanks, old man!" he exclaimed heartily. "I expected no less from
you. I can't tell you how badly I feel about the loss. No doubt my
manner has seemed strange since my return. I have been irritable with
everybody--even my dear wife has noticed it. It was only because I did
not know how to make a clear breast of it. Since you take it so
sensibly, I'll cheer up. I declare I feel like a new man already."

Mr. Parker lit another cigar. Calmly, he said:

"That's right, Kenneth my boy. Keep a stiff upper lip. All's for the
best. We'll have better luck next time."

As he spoke, Wilbur Steell passed on his way to join the ladies in the
drawing-room. The president called out to him:

"Hello, Steell. What are you so busy about? Entertaining the women,
eh? Always thought you were a lady killer. Suppose you come and smoke
a cigar with me and let our friend here go and have a chat with his
wife. You've no right to monopolize the fair sex in that fashion, even
if you are a trust lawyer. Anyhow, I want to talk to you--just a
little matter of business--that's all!"

Steell laughed, and, dropping into a chair, took the cigar which Mr.
Parker held out. Turning to his host, and clapping him genially on the
back the president exclaimed:

"Go and talk to your wife, old man. You've left her alone long enough."

"All right--I will," replied the gambler, not sorry of any excuse to
get away.

Mr. Parker waited till he was out of hearing, then, leaning quickly
over to his companion, he exclaimed in a tense whisper:

"Steell, I need your help."

The lawyer looked at him in surprise. Removing his cigar from his
mouth he said:

"My help? By all means. What can I do for you?"

Mr. Parker gave a quick glance behind him to see if they were observed,
and then he said:

"My God, Steell, something terrible has happened! At any cost, we
mustn't let the wife know----"

The lawyer stared at his companion in amazement.

"What is it, for Heaven's sake?" he demanded, looking anxiously at his
_vis-a-vis_.

"The diamonds are lost