The man doubly locked the door and hurried off to inform his superior officers, and I was left alone once more.

My eyes fell upon the crystal, and I suddenly thought of what Shin Shira had said.  Holding it carefully in my hands, I wished to see the real thief who had stolen the crown jewel.

A vague mist spread over the crystal, which gradually cleared away, and I distinctly saw revealed the features of—­Mustapha.  Then I wished to see what he had done with the stone, and after gazing a moment or two longer, I saw him take it down to a cellar under his shop and bury it in a tin box under a stone, which he lifted up from the floor.

That was enough for me.  When the jailer and the other officers came hurrying back I was ready for them.

“Where is the prisoner?” they demanded.

“He has escaped,” I replied coolly.

“What!” they exclaimed.  “You dare to admit this, and that you assisted him to do so?  You shall take his place here, and will no doubt receive the punishment which was intended for him.”

“He is an innocent man,” said I calmly, “and ought never to have been imprisoned.  He did not steal the diamond.”

“How can you say that when we found it upon him?  Why, he was actually impudent enough to go walking about in the street with it boldly stuck in his turban.”

“The stone he was wearing was his own, and he had every right, to wear it where and how he liked,” I replied steadily.

“His own!  Pooh! a likely story.  Where is the missing jewel then?  Can you tell me that?”

“Yes,” I replied, to their great astonishment.

“And the thief?” they questioned eagerly.

“I know who he is too.  Take me before the Magistrate at once, and I will soon restore the lost jewel.”

My assured tone of voice seemed somewhat to impress the officials, and they left me for a few moments to consult amongst themselves as to what was best to be done.

Presently they returned and told me to follow them.

[Illustration]

I found myself conducted to a plainly-furnished room where a dignified-looking gentleman was seated at a table strewn with papers.  He looked up at me sharply as we entered the room, and addressing me in excellent English, said—­

“What is this extraordinary story I hear about the escape of the prisoner Shin Shira, and that you are prepared to inform us of another person who has, as you say, the crown jewel in his possession?”

“It is true,” said I, “and if you will allow some of your officers to accompany me into the Bazaar I will point out the thief at once, and show you where he has hidden the stone.”

The Magistrate thought for a moment.  “I will come with you myself,” he said at last.  “Have ready six men to accompany us,” he commanded; and a few minutes later we were on our way to Mustapha’s shop.

The wretched man gave a start and turned very pale when he saw us, but endeavouring to put a bold face upon it, he came bowing and cringing towards us, smiling and wringing his hands.