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"It's a long price," said King, looking serious. "A man must cut a hole in pigs to buy his diamonds at that figure."

"He can buy them for half the sum, if he cares nothing for their history," cried Sir Nicolas quickly. "This stone has no second, but the great Sancy diamond, in all Europe. It has helped to make history; in one way it is priceless."

"Then show it and have done with it," says King, in a mighty proud way.

"There is nothing easier," says my master, "though it is too valuable to carry like a watch in the pocket. My friend Comte de Laon, here, has it at his bankers'. His man is coming up to the hotel at eight o'clock. It should be that and more, now."

With this he turned and said something in rapid French. While I did not understand him, I bowed and smiled as I had been doing all dinner-time; and at that very moment a waiter announced that a gentleman wished to see the Comte de Laon.

We rose together, Sir Nicolas and I; and one quick glance passed between us. Then he turned to King—

"If ye'll sit here for the half of a minute," says he, "you shall hold the stone in your fingers."

"There's no hurry," says King, leaning back in his chair, "though I'd be glad of a green cigar, I guess."

"The waiter shall bring you one," says Sir Nicolas at the door; and with that he pulled me into the passage.