Furthermore, when visiting the theater with Cervera, Venner frequently had heard Pandu Singe talking with his interpreter; and before Nick fairly had begun speaking, Venner penetrated his disguise and saw that he was up against the two detectives.

Yet, despite the unexpected characters in which he now beheld them, the nerve of the polished knave did not weaken, nor his countenance in any way betray him.  He at once proceeded to follow Kilgore’s instructions.

“Ah! yes, I recognize both you and your interpreter,” said he, in reply to Nick’s dignified greeting.  “I have frequently seen Pandu Singe at the theater, where I am admitted to the stage with Senora Cervera, the famous Spanish dancer.  Perhaps Pandu Singe may have seen me there.”

Nick gravely bowed, then pretended to interpret the remarks to Chick; who immediately began to bow and smile, at the same time glibly responding in a jargon that would have staggered a Chinese laundryman, yet which sounded as much like Hindoo as anything.

Had his own situation been less serious, and the entire outlook less desperate, Venner would have laughed at the consummate dignity and soberness with which the two detectives co-operated in their exchange of unintelligible talk.

“My employer, the great Pandu Singe,” bowed Nick, “says he remembers the friend of the great Cervera.”

“Ah!  I am glad to hear it,” cried Venner, shaking hands with Chick.

“He has seen the splendid diamonds of the great senora, and has heard that they came from your magnificent store,” Nick then went on to explain.

“That is quite right,” bowed Venner.  “Many of them did come from here.  Is Pandu Singe looking for some diamonds?”

Nick promptly bowed, and noted a gleam of satisfaction in the depths of Venner’s eyes.

“The great Pandu Singe soon returns to his own country,” replied Nick.  “He wishes to take with him, as a gift to her august excellency, the Empress of all the Indies, six fine jewels of equal weight and value.  He calls here to learn if you can provide him with them.”

Venner plainly saw the game that was being attempted, and it suited him to the very letter.

“Does the great Pandu Singe wish to purchase diamonds?” he asked, bowing.

“Diamonds, yes!  Are they not for the empress?”

“I should have thought of that, certainly.”

“Only diamonds will answer.”

“Of large size and the first water?”

“The great Pandu Singe would consider no other.”

“Alas, then, this is most unfortunate!” Venner now exclaimed, glancing about the store.  “You see that we are making some repairs here, in the walls of our store and vault.”

“That is plain,” bowed Nick.  “But what has that to do with the diamonds?”

“Only this,” replied Venner, with feigned regret.  “During these repairs I have removed all of my most valuable diamonds to a vault in my private residence.”