Mr. Rosenbaum shook his head with a slight shrug.

“Nothing so far to make it worth my while to stay.  You see, sir, for such a trade as ours we want only the finest gems that can be bought; we have no use for ordinary stones, and that is all I have seen here so far;” and, having thrown out his bait, he awaited results.

A long pause followed, while Mr. Mannering toyed with his fork, drawing numerous diagrams on the table-cloth.

“I think,” he said at last, slowly, “that I could get you one or two fine diamonds if you cared to buy and would give anything like their true valuation.”

“That would depend, of course, upon the quality of the diamonds; really fine gems we are always ready to buy and to pay a good price for.”

“If I am any judge of diamonds, these are valuable stones,” said Mr. Mannering, “and the owner of them, who is a friend of mine, being himself a connoisseur in that line, would not be likely to entertain any false ideas regarding their value.”

“And your friend wishes to sell them?”

“I am inclined to think that he might dispose of one or two for a sufficient consideration, subject, however, to one condition, — that no questions will be asked.”

“That goes without saying, my dear sir; asking questions is not our business.  We are simply looking for the finest stones that money can buy, without regard to anything else.  Perhaps,” added Mr. Rosenbaum, tentatively, “we might arrange with your friend for a meeting between the three of us.”

“That would be impracticable,” Mr. Mannering replied; “he is out of the city; and furthermore I know he would not care to appear in the transaction, but would prefer to have me conduct the negotiations.  I was going to suggest that if you were to remain here a few days, I shall see my friend in a day or so, as I am going out to look over some mining properties in which we are both interested, and I could bring in some of the gems with me, and we might then see what terms we could make.”

“I can remain over, sir, if you can make it an object for me, and if the stones prove satisfactory I have no doubt we can make terms.  Why, sir,” Mr. Rosenbaum leaned across the table and his voice assumed a confidential tone, “money would be no object with me if I could get one or two particular gems that I want.  For instance, I have one diamond that I would go to the ends of the earth and pay a small fortune when I got there, if I could only find a perfect match for it!” and he launched forth upon an enthusiastic description of the stone, expatiating upon its enormous size, its wonderful brilliancy and perfection, adding in conclusion, “and its workmanship shows it to be at least two hundred years old!  Think of that, sir!  What would I not give to be able to match it!”

A peculiar expression flitted over his listener’s face, not unobserved by Mr. Rosenbaum.  He made no immediate response, however, but when at last the two men separated, it was with the agreement that they should dine together at the same café three days later, when Mr. Mannering would have returned from his conference with his friend, at which time, if the latter cared to dispose of his jewels, they would be submitted for inspection.