Page:Rowland--The closing net.djvu/171

Rh "Sure," said he, and lighted a big cigar. When we reached the office I scribbled a brief note to John, saying that I was engaged but would get in to see him at three. Then, going to our little safe, I got Rosenthal's gems and dropped them into my pocket.

We spun back to the Club, neither of us saying more than commonplaces on the way. I paid off the cab and sent the note to John by one of the Club's chasseurs. It was then about one o clock, and Rosenthal asked me to lunch with him, suggesting that we have our talk afterward. Knowing him for a man who took the care of his body as seriously in civilisation as he did lightly when on the trail, I agreed, and we spent a pleasant hour over our déjeuner, talking of various unimportant things. The repast over, the Baron said:

"I am putting up in this place. Come up to my r'rooms. There ve may talk in no danger of disturbance."

So up we went, and when we had settled ourselves and Rosenthal had set fire to the end of one of his mainyard cigars, I said:

"Now, my dear Baron, you are going to get the surprise of your life. So prepare yourself for a jolt."

His eyes flashed at mine and I saw the big muscles of jaw and temple harden. "Vell?" says he, harshly, and rolled his huge cigar between his lips.

I reached in my pocket, drew out the packet which contained his gems, unfolded the paper and held out