ffect
that "Tom Rider, the detective, and a diamond expert, would arrive on
an early train of that day."
They did so, and presented themselves at Ezra Cohen's establishment soon
after the store was opened for business that morning.
The merchant was already there, awaiting them, and received the two
gentlemen in his private office, where they held a confidential
conversation regarding the matter in hand.
The expert was quite confident, after listening to Mr. Cohen's
description of the diamonds, that they would prove to be the ones they
were seeking, but the detective was not quite so hopeful; he had been
disappointed so many times of late that he looked upon the dark side,
while he was somewhat skeptical about the supposed miner making his
appearance again.
About nine o'clock, however, the man swaggered into the store, an
enormous quid of tobacco inside his cheek.
"_He_ has never been in Australia," said Detective Rider, in a low tone,
but with sudden energy, as he and his companion watched him approach the
counter, where Mr. Cohen was quietly examining a case of watches.
"Wall," he remarked, in his broad, drawling tone, "got yer expert on hand
this mornin'? I'd like to close up this 'ere business before I go up to
Brownsville."
"Yes, I think I can settle about the diamonds to-day," Mr. Cohen politely
remarked. "James," to a clerk, "please ask Mr. Knowlton to step this
way."
James disappeared, and presently an elderly gentleman in spectacles
issued from the private office.
"Mr. Knowlton," said the merchant, "this is the man who wished to dispose
of some diamonds. Will you examine them, and give your opinion of their
value?"
The miner darted a quick, searching look at the new-comer; but apparently
the man was intent only upon the business in hand.
Drawing forth his leather pouch, the miner untied it and emptied its
contents upon the square of black velvet which had been laid upon the
show-case to receive them.
Mr. Knowlton examined each stone with careful scrutiny through a powerful
glass, never once speaking until he had looked the collection through.
"They are quite valuable," he remarked, as he laid the last one down.
"These," indicating the two large ones, "are especially so; you have been
very fortunate, sir, to make such a collection, for there is not one poor
one in the lot."
The miner gave a slight start at this observation, and the color deepened
on his face; but he replied, with
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