, six magnificent diamonds,
precisely alike in weight, purity and cutting. They cannot be equaled in
New York City, if in the entire country."

"Are they fit for an empress?"

"They are fit for a goddess."

"Ah! that will please Pandu Singe."

"Tell him, also, that he can purchase them at a marvelously low price,"
cried Venner. "Now, if Pandu Singe will come to my house, say early this
evening, he may see the diamonds and examine them at his leisure. Tell
him that, Mr. Interpreter, and say that I will send my carriage for him
immediately after dinner. Say, too, that he may then see the diamonds
both by daylight and lamplight, and so observe all the variety of their
magnificent fire. Really, this will be greatly to the advantage of Pandu
Singe."

Nick gravely heard him to a finish, and with never a change of
countenance.

Yet, like a flash, one of those marvelous intuitions characteristic of
this great detective, Nick Carter had suddenly grasped the whole truth.

That conflict of the previous night, the flight of three of the diamond
gang, Pylotte left comparatively uninjured in the road, his subsequent
disclosures, his extensive knowledge of the diamond-making art, the
hints he had imparted, and now this manifest eagerness of Venner to lure
his ostensible customers to his suburban house--all combined to reveal
to Nick's keen mind the shrewd game by which Kilgore was hoping to
entrap him.

Nick now knew that Venner recognized both Chick and himself, and was
serving only the Kilgore gang.

Yet Nick bowed without the slightest self-betrayal, and said, gravely:

"I will explain the situation to Pandu Singe."

For several minutes the two detectives maintained their curious game of
talk.

Then Nick, who had speedily planned his own counter-move, again turned
to Rufus Venner.

"The great Pandu Singe will do what you suggest," said he. "He wishes to
see the diamonds, and will be pleased to come to your house."

Venner had felt sure of this to start with, though he little dreamed
that Nick had guessed the truth, and knew that he was recognized.

"Let it be to-day, then," said he, quickly.

"At your own pleasure," bowed Nick.

"I will send my carriage far you at seven this evening," cried Venner,
with secret exultation.

Nick gravely tendered one of the snake charmer's cards.

"The great Pandu Singe will not keep your carriage waiting!" said he,
with a dryness to which Venner then was blind.

"Well, Chi