"But I have the first
hand, and you must begin by telling me how the Rajah's Diamond is
in your possession."
"The Rajah's Diamond!" echoed Francis.
"I would not speak so loud, if I were you," returned the other.
"But most certainly you have the Rajah's Diamond in your pocket. I
have seen and handled it a score of times in Sir Thomas Vandeleur's
collection."
"Sir Thomas Vandeleur! The General! My father!" cried Francis.
"Your father?" repeated the stranger. "I was not aware the General
had any family."
"I am illegitimate, sir," replied Francis, with a flush.
The other bowed with gravity. It was a respectful bow, as of a man
silently apologising to his equal; and Francis felt relieved and
comforted, he scarce knew why. The society of this person did him
good; he seemed to touch firm ground; a strong feeling of respect
grew up in his bosom, and mechanically he removed his wideawake as
though in the presence of a superior.
"I perceive," said the stranger, "that your adventures have not all
been peaceful. Your collar is torn, your face is scratched, you
have a cut upon your temple; you will, perhaps, pardon my curiosity
when I ask you to explain how you came by these injuries, and how
you happen to have stolen property to an enormous value in your
pocket."
"I must differ from you!" returned Francis hotly. "I possess no
stolen property. And if you refer to the diamond, it was given to
me not an hour ago by Miss Vandeleur in the Rue Lepic.
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