What was
he to say? What was he to do? The Rajah's Diamond was indeed an
accursed stone; and it seemed as if he were to be the last victim
to its influence.
One thing was certain. He could not give the required assurance to
the detective. He must gain time.
His hesitation had not lasted a second.
"Be it so," said he, "let us walk together to the Prefecture."
The man once more bowed, and proceeded to follow Florizel at a
respectful distance in the rear.
"Approach," said the Prince. "I am in a humour to talk, and, if I
mistake not, now I look at you again, this is not the first time
that we have met."
"I count it an honour," replied the officer, "that your Highness
should recollect my face. It is eight years since I had the
pleasure of an interview."
"To remember faces," returned Florizel, "is as much a part of my
profession as it is of yours. Indeed, rightly looked upon, a
Prince and a detective serve in the same corps. We are both
combatants against crime; only mine is the more lucrative and yours
the more dangerous rank, and there is a sense in which both may be
made equally honourable to a good man. I had rather, strange as
you may think it, be a detective of character and parts than a weak
and ignoble sovereign."
The officer was overwhelmed.
"Your Highness returns good for evil," said he. "To an act of
presumption he replies by the most amiable condescension.
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