"Ah! Magnificent!"

"Look them over," cried Venner, with a swift scrutiny of Nick's swarthy
features. "You'll excuse me for a minute or two. I wish to make sure
that my rear windows and doors are locked. Such gems are a terrible
temptation to thieves."

"True, sir," bowed Nick. "Take your time. Meanwhile I'll examine the
diamonds. They are splendid! magnificent!"

Nick rightly guessed that Venner wished to consult some of the gang. He
saw that his entering the house without Chick had thrown their plans
badly out of gear, as he had designed for it to do.

Venner went into the dark kitchen, rattled a doorknob merely for a
bluff, then crossed the hall and entered the library, closing the door
behind him.

The room was but dimly lighted, and on the floor stood Dave Kilgore and
Matthew Stall, each with a drawn revolver.

"What's the meaning of this, Rufe?" Kilgore instantly demanded, in
passionate whispers.

"How do I know?" Venner hurriedly rejoined, scarce above his breath.
"You heard what he said?"

"Yes, curse him, but I don't swallow it."

"Nor I."

"I can't see into his game."

"That's just my trouble," cried Venner. "Can he have discovered that we
recognize him?"

"Impossible! Pylotte is too cunning to have betrayed us in any way."

This was very true, in fact; but Venner himself had blindly done the
betraying.

"It doesn't matter, Rufe," Kilgore fiercely added. "We must get them
both."

"That's my idea."

"And it's all the easier to get them one at a time."

"Right you are, Dave."

"Has he discovered Pylotte?"

"Surely not!"

"Go back there, then," hissed Kilgore. "Learn what his game is, if you
can. Force him to show his hand."

"Leave that to me."

"Waste no time, however, and on no pretext let him leave the house to
return to the carriage."

"Not on our lives."

"A warning whistle will start Pylotte, and we'll be on hand to do our
part," added Kilgore, hurriedly. "Go back at once, and waste not a
moment in getting at his game."

"Trust me, Dave."

"We must land Nick Carter and get him away from here before that
running mate of his can make any move against us."

"That's the stuff."

"And then we'll plan to get the other. Away with you!"

These forcible measures were precisely what Nick had felt sure would be
adopted by the gang, and were the very steps to which he had so shrewdly
planned to force them.

Venner darted softly across the hall and returned to the dining roo