“That’s the man,” the proprietor replied, amid a general laugh.  “Why?” He’s all right, isn’t he?”

“All right for aught that I know, sir; I haven’t the pleasure of the gentleman’s acquaintance, though possibly I may have if we both remain here long enough,” and he carelessly turned the subject of conversation.

A little later, as Mr. Johnson left the Clifton, he soliloquized, “Well, if I haven’t exactly killed two birds with one stone, I think I’ve snared two birds in one trap.  Since coming West I haven’t located one without seeing or hearing of the other; it’s my belief they’re ‘pals,’ and if I can pull in the pair, so much the better.”

The following evening found Mr. Johnson in the vicinity of the Royal Café; having discovered a small newsstand opposite, he strolled in thither, and, buying a couple of papers, seated himself in a quiet corner, prepared to take observations.  He had not waited long when Mr. Mannering made his appearance, and, after pausing a moment to look up and down the street, entered the restaurant.  He had been seated but a moment when Mr. Rosenbaum appeared, crossing the street, having evidently left the jeweller’s store, and also entered the café.  The two men shook hands and immediately withdrew to one of the private boxes.  Mr. Johnson had visited the Royal Café earlier in the day and made himself familiar with its interior arrangement.  Knowing the box just taken to be No. 3, and that No. 4 directly opposite was unoccupied, he at once proceeded across the street to the restaurant.  Stopping at the cashier’s desk, he said in a low tone, “I expect some friends later, and don’t wish to be disturbed till they come; understand?”

The man nodded, and Mr. Johnson passed on noiselessly into No. 4.  Meanwhile, the occupants of No. 3 having received their orders, dismissed the waiter, with the information that when they needed his services they would ring for him.  Mr. Mannering was visibly excited, so much so that his dinner remained almost untasted, and the other, observing his evident agitation, pushed aside his own plate and, folding his arms upon the table, inquired indifferently,-

“Well, my dear sir, what was your friend’s decision?”

For reply, the other drew from his pocket a small case, which he silently handed across the table.  Mr. Rosenbaum opened it, disclosing, as he did so, a pair of diamonds of moderate size, but of unusual brilliancy and perfectly matched.  He examined them silently, scrutinizing them closely, while his face indicated considerable dissatisfaction.

“What does your friend expect for these?” he asked at length.

“What will you give for them?” was the counter-question.

“I do not care to set a price on them, for I do not want them,” he replied, rather shortly.

“I think,” said Mr. Mannering, “that my friend would dispose of them at a reasonable figure, as he is at present in need of ready cash with which to consummate an important mining negotiation.”