Something nearly akin to a pained expression appeared on Snell’s countenance. He was not afraid of Cook, but he did not like the hint Quick threw out regarding Kidd.
“Dick Kidd is no stranger in New York. You should know him.”
“Didn’t he operate in Philadelphia some two or three years ago?”
“Then you must have heard that a tougher man never cracked a safe.”
“You’ll see that I’ll steer clear of him.”
“He swears to kill you and Brady on sight, and Dick Kidd generally carries out such little programs after making them.”
“Kidd will take care of him, too, if the facts are as you state.”
“If I had known I was risking my life,” said Snell, “you can bet I would not let Monte off so light. I’d have made him give us a thousand apiece at the very least.”
“Well,” muttered Joe, “to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Have another drink, then I’ll go around and see Brady.”
When Monte Murphy found himself, after the departure of Brady and Snell, alone with the “Eye of Jobu,” he could hardly contain himself from very joy. Time and time again he gazed fondly upon the wondrous gem.
It was a diamond. Who ever before had seen a green diamond?
Monte tested the stone over and over again. There could be no doubt of its being genuine. He had in his possession the most wonderful diamond in existence.
A thought struck him; he would take it to Europe and there look for a purchaser. Monte ascended to his bedroom, which was under the eaves.
The room was lighted by a single lamp. In a corner stood a small safe, which the “fence” opened. Wrapping a piece of newspaper about the Eye of Jobu, he placed it within the safe, and locked the iron door behind it.
Monte neither knew nor cared anything about the history of the stone. Would it bring bad luck to him?
He would have laughed in the face of any one who might have told him it would. Monte placed a revolver under his pillow and went to bed. It may be taken for granted that the “fence” dreamed of his new possession.
He did not fear reprisal from Cook or Kidd. In fact the matter of their seeking revenge had hardly occurred to him.
Murphy was awakened from a pleasant dream by a hand being placed upon his breast. He awoke with a start and sat bolt upright in the bed, at the side of which stood a human figure.