s diamond, they declare, is in your hands. A word from you in
denial will most amply satisfy the Prefect; nay, I go further: if your
Highness would so far honour a subaltern as to declare his ignorance of
the matter even to myself, I should ask permission to retire upon the
spot."

Florizel, up to the last moment, had regarded his adventure in the light
of a trifle, only serious upon international considerations. At the name
of Vandeleur the horrible truth broke upon him in a moment; he was not
only arrested, but he was guilty. This was not only an annoying
incident--it was a peril to his honour. What was he to say? What was he
to do? The Rajah's Diamond was indeed an accursed stone; and it seemed
as if he were to be the last victim to its influence.

One thing was certain. He could not give the required assurance to the
detective. He must gain time.

His hesitation had not lasted a second.

"Be it so," said he, "let us walk together to the Prefecture."

The man once more bowed, and proceeded to follow Florizel at a
respectful distance in the rear.

"Approach," said the Prince. "I am in a humour to talk, and, if I
mistake not, now I look at you again, this is not the first time that we
have met."

"I count it an honour," replied the officer, "that your Highness should
recollect my face. It is eight years since I had the pleasure of an
interview."

"To remember faces," returned Florizel, "is as much a part of my
profession as it is of yours. Indeed, rightly looked upon, a Prince and
a detective serve in the same corps. We are both combatants against
crime; only mine is the more lucrative and yours the more dangerous
rank, and there is a sense in which both may be made equally honourable
to a good man. I had rather, strange as you may think it, be a detective
of character and parts than a weak and ignoble sovereign."

The officer was overwhelmed.

"Your Highness returns good for evil," said he. "To an act of
presumption he replies by the most amiable condescension."

"How do you know," replied Florizel, "that I am not seeking to corrupt
you?"

"Heaven preserve me from the temptation!" cried the detective.

"I applaud your answer," returned the Prince. "It is that of a wise and
honest man. The world is a great place, and stocked with wealth and
beauty, and there is no limit to the rewards that may be offered. Such
an one who would refuse a million of money may sell his honour for an
empire or the love of a