"
"It is true," replied Vandeleur. "I have hunted most things, from
men and women down to mosquitos; I have dived for coral; I have
followed both whales and tigers; and a diamond is the tallest
quarry of the lot. It has beauty and worth; it alone can properly
reward the ardours of the chase. At this moment, as your Highness
may fancy, I am upon the trail; I have a sure knack, a wide
experience; I know every stone of price in my brother's collection
as a shepherd knows his sheep; and I wish I may die if I do not
recover them every one!"
"Sir Thomas Vandeleur will have great cause to thank you," said the
Prince.
"I am not so sure," returned the Dictator, with a laugh. "One of
the Vandeleurs will. Thomas or John - Peter or Paul - we are all
apostles."
"I did not catch your observation," said the Prince with some
disgust.
And at the same moment the waiter informed Mr. Vandeleur that his
cab was at the door.
Mr. Rolles glanced at the clock, and saw that he also must be
moving; and the coincidence struck him sharply and unpleasantly,
for he desired to see no more of the diamond hunter.
Much study having somewhat shaken the young man's nerves, he was in
the habit of travelling in the most luxurious manner; and for the
present journey he had taken a sofa in the sleeping carriage.
"You will be very comfortable," said the guard; "there is no one in
your compartment, and only one old gentleman in the other end.
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