That diamond would be better in the sea," observed Prince Florizel.

"As a Vandeleur," replied the Dictator, "your Highness may imagine my
dissent."

"I speak on grounds of public policy," pursued the Prince. "Jewels so
valuable should be reserved for the collection of a Prince or the
treasury of a great nation. To hand them about among the common sort of
men is to set a price on Virtue's head; and if the Rajah of Kashgar--a
Prince, I understand, of great enlightenment--desired vengeance upon the
men of Europe, he could hardly have gone more efficaciously about his
purpose than by sending us this apple of discord. There is no honesty
too robust for such a trial. I myself, who have many duties and many
privileges of my own--I myself, Mr. Vandeleur, could scarce handle the
intoxicating crystal and be safe. As for you, who are a diamond-hunter
by taste and profession, I do not believe there is a crime in the
calendar you would not perpetrate--I do not believe you have a friend in
the world whom you would not eagerly betray--I do not know if you have a
family, but if you have I declare you would sacrifice your children--and
all this for what? Not to be richer, nor to have more comforts or more
respect, but simply to call this diamond yours for a year or two until
you die, and now and again to open a safe and look at it as one looks at
a picture."

"It is true," replied Vandeleur. "I have hunted most things, from men
and women down to mosquitoes; I have dived for coral; I have followed
both whales and tigers; and a diamond is the tallest quarry of the lot.
It has beauty and worth; it alone can properly reward the ardours of the
chase. At this moment, as your Highness may fancy, I am upon the trail;
I have a sure knack, a wide experience; I know every stone of price in
my brother's collection as a shepherd knows his sheep; and I wish I may
die if I do not recover them every one."

"Sir Thomas Vandeleur will have great cause to thank you," said the
Prince.

"I am not so sure," returned the Dictator, with a laugh. "One of the
Vandeleurs will. Thomas or John--Peter or Paul--we are all apostles."

"I did not catch your observation," said the Prince, with some disgust.

And at the same moment the waiter informed Mr. Vandeleur that his cab
was at the door.

Mr. Rolles glanced at the clock, and saw that he also must be moving;
and the coincidence struck him sharply and unpleasantly, for he desired
to see no more of the diam