One day about two weeks after the unravelling of the mystery of the opal
lost on board the yacht _Idler_, Mr. Barnes called upon Mr. Mitchel and
was cordially received.
"Glad to see you, Mr. Barnes. Anything stirring in the realm of crime?"
"'Stirring' would be a fitting adjective, I think, Mr. Mitchel. Ever
since the _Idler_ affair I have occupied myself with a study of the
problem, which I am convinced we have but partially solved. You may
recall that you gave me a clue."
"You mean that Livingstone, when he gave me the opal, remarked, 'Women
are poor conspirators.' Yes, I remember calling your attention to that.
Has your clue led to any solution?"
"Oh, I am not out of the maze yet; more likely just entering the most
intricate depths. Still, I flatter myself that I have accomplished
something; enough to satisfy me that 'mischief is brewing,' and that the
conspirators are still conspiring. Moreover, there is little doubt that
you are deeply concerned in the new plot."
"What! You insinuate that I am in this conspiracy?"
"Only as a possible victim. You are the object of the plot."
"Perhaps you think that I am in danger?" Mr. Mitchel smiled as though
the idea of danger were a pleasurable one.
"Were you any other man than yourself, I should say most decidedly that
you are in danger."
"But, being myself, you fancy that the danger will pass from me?"
"Being yourself, I anticipate that you will compel the danger to pass
from you."
"Mr. Barnes, you flatter me. Perhaps I may be able to thwart the
conspirators, now that you warn me; if I do, however, I must admit my
great indebtedness to you. To be forewarned is to have the fight half
won, and I candidly say that I was entirely unsuspicious of any lurking
danger."
"Exactly. With all your acumen, I was sure that your suspicions had not
been aroused. The conspirators are wary, and, I assure you, unusually
skilful. So, under all the circumstances, I felt it my duty to be on the
alert."
"Ah, I see," said Mr. Mitchel, in that tone peculiar to him, which made
it doubtful whether he spoke in earnest, or whether his words hid keen
satire. "The old cat being asleep, the kitten watches. That is very nice
of you. Really, it is quite a comforting thought that so skilful a
detective is ever guarding my person. Especially as I am the owner of
so many gems to which the covetous must ever look longingly."
"That is just how I reasoned it," said Mr. Barnes, eagerly, wishing to
justify his actions, which he began to suspect Mr. Mitchel might resent.
"You explained to me your reasons why you have purchased so many
valuable jewels. You claimed that almost every large gem has been the
cause, or rather the object, of crime. The Aztec Opal came into your
possession under most peculiar circumstances. In fact, you thwarted a
criminal just as he had come into possession of it. But this criminal is
a wealthy man. Not perhaps as rich as yourself, but rich enough to be
above stealing even such a valuable bauble. It could not have been the
intrinsic value of the opal which tempted him; it must have been that
some special reason existed; some reason, I mean, for his acquiring
possession of this particular opal. All this being true, it would be a
natural sequence that his efforts to get the opal would not cease merely
because it had changed hands."
"Your argument is most interesting, Mr. Barnes, especially as it is
without a flaw. As you say, from all this reasoning it was a natural
sequence that Mr. Livingstone would continue his quest for the opal.
This being so obvious, did you imagine that it had escaped me?"
Mr. Barnes was confused by the question. He really admired Mr. Mitchel
very much, and though he considered him quite conceited, he also
admitted that he had great analytical powers and remarkable acumen. He
also, more than anything else, desired a perpetuation of his friendship;
indeed, it had been with an idea of increasing the bond between them
that he had called. He had spent much of his time, time which could have
been occupied with other matters to better financial advantage, and all
with the purpose of warding off from his friend a danger which he had at
first considered as a distant possibility, but which later he looked
upon as certain, if nothing intervened to hinder the plot, which he knew
was rapidly approaching the moment of execution. He therefore hastened
to make further explanation:
"Not at all--not at all. I am merely indicating the steps by which I
reached my conclusions. I am giving you my reasons for what I fear you
now may consider my interference in your affairs. Yet I assure you I
meant it all----"
"For the best. Why, of course, my friend; did you suppose that I doubted
your good intent, merely because I spoke brusquely?" Mr. Mitchel held
out his hand cordially, and Mr. Barnes grasped it, glad to note the
altered demeanor of his companion. Mr. Mitchel continued: "Will you
never learn that my weakness is for antagonizing detectives? When you
come here to tell me that you have been 'investigating' my private
affairs, how could I resist telling you that I knew all about it, or
that I could take care of myself? I would not be Leroy Mitchel were it
otherwise."
"How do you mean that you know all about it?"
"Well, perhaps not all. I am not exactly omniscient. Still, I know
something. Let me see, now. How much do I know? First, then, you have
had this Livingstone watched. Second, you have introduced one of your
spies, a young woman, into the home of Mrs. Gray. In spite of your
alleged faith in Dennett Moore, you had him watched also, though for
only two or three days. Lastly, you have discovered Pedro Domingo,
and----"
"In Heaven's name, Mr. Mitchel, how do you know all this?" Mr. Barnes
was utterly dumbfounded by what he had heard.
"All this?" said Mr. Mitchel, with a suave smile; "why, I have mentioned
only four small facts."
"Small facts?"
"Yes, quite small. Let us run them over again. First, I stated that you
had Mr. Livingstone watched. That was not hard to know, because I also
had a spy upon his track."
"You?"
"Yes, I. Why not? Did you not just now agree that it was obvious that he
would continue his efforts to get the opal? Being determined that I
should never part with it whilst alive, it likewise followed that he
must kill me, or have me killed, in order to obtain it. Under these
circumstances it was only common caution to have the man watched.
Indeed, the method was altogether too common. It was _bizarre_. Still,
my spy was no common spy. In that, at least, my method was unique.
Secondly, I claimed that you had introduced a woman spy into the home of
Mrs. Gray. To learn this was even easier. I deduced it from what I know
of your methods. You played the same trick on my wife once, I think you
will recall. Supposing Mrs. Gray to be a conspirator (that was your
clue, I think), you would hardly watch Livingstone and neglect the
woman. Yet the actual knowledge came to me in a very simple manner."
"How was that?"
"Why, Mr. Gray told me."
"Mr. Gray told you?"
"Mr. Gray himself. You see, your assistants are not all so clever as
yourself, though I doubt not this girl may think that she is a genius.
You told her to seek a position in the house, and what does she do? She
goes straight to Mr. Gray and tells him her purpose; hints that it might
be well for him to know just what really actuated Mrs. Gray in the
curious affair on the yacht, and agrees to 'discover everything'--those
were her words--if he would give her the opportunity. Poor man, she
filled his mind with dire suspicions and he managed it so that she was
taken into service. Up to the present time she has discovered nothing.
At least, so she tells him."
"The little she-devil! You said that she explained her whole purpose. Do
you mean----"
"Oh, no. She did not implicate you, nor divulge her true mission. The
fun of the thing is that she claimed to be a 'private detective' and
that this venture was entirely her own idea. In fact, she is working
for Mr. Gray. Is not that droll?" Mr. Mitchel threw back his head and
laughed heartily. Mr. Barnes did not quite see the fun, and looked grim.
All he said was:
"She acted beyond her instructions, yet it seems that she has not done
any harm; and though she is like an untamed colt, apt to take the bit
between her teeth, still she is shrewd. But I'll curb her yet. Now as to
your third fact. How did you know that I had Mr. Moore watched, and only
for two or three days?"
"Why, I recognized one of your spies following him one day down
Broadway, and as Moore sailed for Europe two days after, I made the
deduction that you had withdrawn your watch-dog."
"Well, then," said Mr. Barnes, testily, "how did you know that I had, as
you declare, 'discovered Pedro Domingo'?"
"How did I know that? Why--but that can wait. You certainly did not call
this morning to ask me all these questions. You came, as I presume, to
convey information."
"Oh, you know so much, it is evidently unnecessary for me to tell you of
my trifling discoveries." Mr. Barnes was suffering from wounded pride.
"Come, come," exclaimed Mr. Mitchel, cheerily, "be a man; don't be
downcast and fall into the dumps merely because I surprised a few
trifling facts in your game, and could not resist the fun of guying you
a little. You see, I still admit that what I know are but trifling
facts; what you know, on the contrary, is perhaps of great importance.
Indeed, I am assured that without your information, without a full
knowledge of all that you have discovered, my own plans may go awry, and
then the danger at which you hint might be all too real. Do you not see
that, knowing that you are interested in this case, I have been only too
willing to let half the burden of the investigation fall upon you? That
to your skill I have intrusted all of that work which I knew you could
do so well? That in the most literal sense we have been silent partners,
and that I depended upon your friendship to bring you to me with your
news, just as it has brought you?"
This speech entirely mollified Mr. Barnes, and, with a brightening
countenance, he exclaimed:
"Mr. Mitchel, I'm an ass. You are right to laugh at me."
"Nonsense! I defy all other detectives, because Mr. Barnes works with
me."
"Bosh!" said the detective, deprecatingly, but pleased nevertheless by
the words of flattery. "Well, then, suppose I tell you my story from the
beginning?"
"From the beginning, by all means."
"In speaking of the woman whom I set to spy upon Mrs. Gray, you just now
mentioned that I had once played the same trick upon your wife. Very
true, and not only is this the same trick, but it is the same girl."
"What! Lucette?"
"The same. This is not the first time that she has chosen to resort to
her own devices rather than to follow strictly the orders given to her.
In this case, however, as I said before, she has done no harm, and on
the contrary, I think you would find her report, which I received an
hour ago, quite interesting."
"Ah, you have brought it with you?"
"Yes. I will read it to you. Of course it is not addressed to me,
neither is there any signature. No names are mentioned except by
initial. All this is the girl's own devising, so you see she is not
entirely stupid. She writes:
"'At last I have discovered everything.' You observe that she is not
unappreciative of her own ability. 'Mr. L. was right. Women are bad
conspirators. At least he is right as to Mrs. G. She has dropped the
conspiracy entirely, if she ever was a real conspirator, which I doubt,
for, though you may not suspect it, she loves her husband. How do I
know? Well, a woman has instincts about love. A man may swear eternal
devotion to a woman eight hours a day for a year, without convincing
her, when she would detect the true lover by the way he ties her
shoe-string, unasked. So here. I have not heard madame talking in her
sleep, neither has she taken her maid for a confidante, though I think
she might find a worse adviser. Still I say she loves her husband. How
do I know? When a woman is constantly doing things which add to the
comfort of a man, and for which she never receives thanks, because they
are such trifles, you may be sure the woman loves the man, and by
hundreds of such tokens I know that Mrs. G. is in love with her husband.
To reach the next point I must give you an axiom. A woman never loves
more than one man at a time. She may have many lovers in the course of a
lifetime, but in each instance she imagines that all previous affairs
were delusions, and that at last the divine fire consumes her. To this
last love she is constant until he proves unworthy, and ofttimes even
after. No, a man may be able to love two persons, but a woman's
affections are ever centred in a single idol. From which it is a logical
deduction that Mrs. G. does not and did not love Mr. L. Then why did she
give him the opal? A question which will puzzle you, and for which you
are at a loss for an answer.'"
"She is not complimentary," interrupted Mr. Mitchel.
"Not very," said Mr. Barnes, and then he continued reading:
"'This is a question at which I arrived, as you see, by logical mental
stages. This is the question to which I have found the reply. This is
what I mean when I say I have discovered all: Yesterday afternoon Mr. L.
called. Madame hesitated, but finally decided to see him. From her
glances in my direction, I was sure she feared I might accidentally find
it convenient to be near enough to a keyhole to overhear the
conversation which was about to ensue, and, as I did not wish her to
make such an "accident" impossible, I innocently suggested that if she
intended to receive a visitor, I should be glad to have permission to
leave the house for an hour. The trick worked to a charm. Madame seemed
only too glad to get rid of me. I hurried downstairs into the back
parlor, where, by secreting myself between the heavy portieres and the
closed folding-doors, my sharp ears readily followed the conversation,
except such few passages as were spoken in very low tones, but which I
am sure were unimportant. The details I will give you when I see you.
Suffice it to say that I discovered that madame's reason for refusing to
let her husband sell the jewel to that crank Mr. M. ----'"
"Ah; I see she remembers me," said Mr. Mitchel, with a smile.
"How could she forget your locking her in a room when she was most
anxious to be elsewhere? But let me finish this:
"'--to that crank Mr. M. was because Mr. L. was telling her how to make
a deal more money out of the jewel. It seems that he has the mate to it,
and that the two were stolen from an idol somewhere in Mexico, and that
a fabulous sum could be obtained by returning the two gems to the native
priests. Just how, I do not know.'"
"So she did not discover everything, after all," said Mr. Mitchel.
"No; but she is right in the main. Her report continues:
"'Madame, however, hesitated to go into the venture, partly because Mr.
L. insisted that the matter be kept secret from her husband, and more
particularly because the money in exchange was not to be forthcoming
immediately. On the yacht she changed her mind impulsively. The result
of that you know.'
"That is all," said Mr. Barnes, folding the paper and returning it to
his pocket.
"That is all you know?" asked Mr. Mitchel.
"No; that is all that Lucette knows. I know how the fabulous sum of
money was to be had in exchange for the two opals."
"Ah; that is more to our immediate purpose. How have you made this
discovery?"
"My spies learned practically nothing by shadowing Livingstone, except
that he has had several meetings with a half-breed Mexican who calls
himself Pedro Domingo. I decided that it would be best for me to
interview Senor Domingo myself, rather than to entrust him to a second
man."
"What a compliment to our friend Livingstone!" said Mr. Mitchel, with a
laugh.
"I found the Mexican suspicious and difficult to approach at first. So I
quickly decided that only a bold play would be successful. I told him
that I was a detective, and related the incident of the stealing of the
opal. At this his eyes glistened, but when I told him that the gem had
been sold to a man of enormous wealth who would never again part with
it, his eyes glared."
"Yes, Domingo's eyes are glary at times. Go on."
"I explained to him that by this I meant that it would now be impossible
for Mr. Livingstone to get the opal, and then I boldly asked him what
reward I might expect if I could get it."
"How much did he offer?"
"At first he merely laughed at me, but then I explained that you are my
friend, and that you merely buy such things to satisfy a hobby, and
that, having no especial desire for this particular jewel, I had little
doubt that I could obtain it, provided it would be of great financial
advantage to myself. In short, that you would sell to a friend what none
other could buy."
"Not bad, Mr. Barnes. What did Domingo say to that?"
"He asked for a day to think it over."
"Which, of course, you granted. What, then, is his final answer?"
"He told me to get the opal first, and then he would talk business."
"Bravo! Domingo is becoming quite a Yankee."
"Of course I watched the man during the interval, in order to learn
whether or not he would consult with Mr. L., or any other adviser."
"What did this lead to?"
"It led to Pasquale Sanchez."
"What! More Mexicans?"
"One more only. Sanchez lives in a house near where Domingo has his
room. He tells me that he comes from the same district as Domingo.
Although Domingo did not make a confidant of him, or even ask his
advice, his visit to his friend cleared up some things for me, for by
following Domingo I came upon Sanchez."
"What could he know, if, as you say, he was not in the confidence of
Domingo?"
"He knew some things which seem to be common knowledge in his native
land. He is even more Americanized than his friend, for he fully
appreciates a glass of whiskey, though I doubt not the habit was first
acquired at home. I should think it would take many years to acquire
such a--let me call it--capacity. I never saw a man who could swallow
such powerful doses without a change of expression. The only effect
seemed to be to loosen his tongue. It is needless to repeat all the
stages by which I approached my subject. He knew all about the Aztec
opals,--for really there are two of them,--except of course their
present whereabouts. I asked him if they would be valuable, supposing
that I could get possession of them. He was interested at once. 'You get
them, and I show you million dollars.' I explained to him that I might
see a million dollars any day by visiting the United States Treasury,
upon which, with many imprecations and useless interpolations of bad
Spanish, he finally made it clear to me that the priests who have the
idol from which the opals were obtained, have practically little power
over their tribe while the 'god is in heaven,' as has been explained to
the faithful, the priests not caring to exhibit the image without its
glowing eyes. These priests, it seems, know where the mine is from which
these opals were taken, and they would reveal this secret in exchange
for the lost opals, because, though this mine is said to be very rich,
they have been unable themselves to find any pieces sufficiently large
and brilliant from which to duplicate the lost gems."
"Then you think it was to obtain possession of this opal mine that Mr.
Livingstone sought to obtain Mrs. Gray's opal?"
"Undoubtedly. So certain am I of this that I would wager that he will
endeavor to get the opal from you."
"Let me read a letter to you, Mr. Barnes."
Mr. Mitchel took out a letter and read as follows:
"'LEROY MITCHEL, Esq.:--
"'Dear Sir--In my letter of recent date I offered to you the
duplicate of the Aztec Opal which you recently purchased
from Mr. Gray. You paid Gray twenty thousand dollars, and I
expressed my willingness to sell you mine for five thousand
dollars in advance of this sum. In your letter just
received, you agree to pay this amount, naming two
conditions. First, you ask why I consider my opal worth more
than the other, if it is an exact duplicate. Secondly, you
wish me to explain what I meant by saying on the yacht that
"women are poor conspirators."
"'In reply to your first question, my answer is, that
however wealthy I may be I usually do business strictly on
business principles. These opals separately are worth in the
open market twenty thousand dollars each, which sum you paid
to Gray. But considering the history of the gems, and the
fact that they are absolute duplicates the one of the other,
it is not too much to declare that as soon as one person
owns both gems, the value is enhanced twofold. That is to
say, that the pair of opals together would be worth seventy
or eighty thousand dollars. This being true, I consider it
fair to argue that whilst I should not expect more than
twenty thousand dollars from any other person in the world,
twenty-five thousand is a low sum for me to ask of the man
who has the duplicate of this magnificent harlequin opal.
"'In regard to my remark about the "conspirators," the
conspiracy in which I had induced Mrs. Gray to take part was
entirely honorable, I assure you. I knew of Gray's financial
embarrassments and wished to aid him, without, however,
permitting him to suspect my hand in the affair. He is so
sensitive, you know. I therefore suggested to Mrs. Gray that
she entrust her jewel to me, and promised to dispose of the
two jewels together, thus realizing the enhanced value. I
pointed out that in this manner she would be able to give
her husband much more than he could possibly secure by the
sale of the one stone.
"'Trusting that I have fully complied with your conditions,
I will call upon you at noon to-day, and will bring the opal
with me. We can then complete the transaction, unless you
change your mind in the interval. Cordially yours, etc.'
"So you see," said Mr. Mitchel, "he offers to sell me his opal, rather
than to purchase mine."
"It is strange," said Mr. Barnes, musingly. "Why should he relinquish
his hope of getting possession of that mine? I do not believe it. There
is some devilish trickery at work. But let me tell you the rest of my
story."
"Oh, is there more?"
"Why, certainly. I have not yet explained my reason for thinking you
might be in danger."
"Ah, to be sure. My danger. I had forgotten all about it. Pardon my
stupidity."
"In further conversation with this Sanchez I put this proposition to
him. 'Suppose,' said I, 'that your friend Domingo had one of these
opals, and knew the man who had the other. What would he do?' His answer
was short, but to the point. 'He get it, even if he kill.'"
"So you think that Domingo might try murder?"
"It is not impossible."
"But, Mr. Barnes, he does not want my life. He wants the opal, and as
that is, or rather has been until to-day, in the safety-vaults, how
could he get it, even by killing me?"
"You have just admitted that it is not in the vaults at present."
"But it is quite as much out of his reach in my safe here in this
room."
"But you might take it out of the safe. You might, in some manner, be
persuaded to do so, to show it to some one."
"Very true. In fact, that is why it is here. I must compare my opal with
the one which Mr. Livingstone offers for sale, before I part with
twenty-five thousand dollars. For you must remember that such a sum is a
fabulous price for an opal, even though, as you know, these are the
largest in the world."
"From a money standpoint, of course, your precaution is proper. But do
you not see that you are really making possible the very danger of which
I came to warn you?"
"You mean----"
"Murder in order to get possession of that accursed ill-luck stone. But
I fear my warning is not appreciated."
"Indeed, my friend, it is, and I am glad that you have come in person to
acquaint me with your anxiety in my behalf. This I will more thoroughly
explain to you later. For the present, I may say that I am glad to have
you here as a possible witness, in case murder, or any other crime,
should be attempted."
"What other crime do you anticipate as possible? Surely not theft?"
"Why not?"
"What! Steal that opal from you, while you are present to see the deed
committed? That is a joke." Mr. Barnes laughed heartily.
"Your laugh is a compliment," said Mr. Mitchel. "Yet that is exactly
what I most anticipate--theft. I am not sure that it may not be
undertaken before my very eyes. Especially as the thief did not hesitate
at a table filled with men and women. Sh! He is here."
The electric street-door bell had sounded. Mr. Mitchel arose, and spoke
hurriedly in a low tone.
"That is probably Mr. Livingstone come to sell his opal, or to steal
mine. We shall see. Especially I desire that you should see.
Consequently I have arranged matters in advance. Slip behind this
bookcase, which I have placed across the corner that you may have room
to breathe. The books on the top shelf have been removed, and the tinted
glass of the doors will not obstruct your view. From behind you will be
able to see through quite readily."
"Why, you seem to have expected me," said Mr. Barnes, getting into the
hiding-place.
"Yes, I expected you," said Mr. Mitchel, vouchsafing no further
explanation. "Remember now, Mr. Barnes, you are not to interfere,
whatever happens, unless I call you. All I ask is that you use your
eyes, and that good eyes will be required be sure, or I never should
have arranged to have an extra pair to aid me on this occasion."
A moment later Williams announced Mr. Livingstone.
"Ask Mr. Livingstone to come up here to the library," said Mr. Mitchel,
and a little later he greeted his guest.
"Ah, glad to see you, Mr. Livingstone. Take a seat here by my desk, and
we can get right to business. First, though, let me offer you a cigar."
Mr. Livingstone chose one from the box which Mr. Mitchel offered to him,
and lighted it as he sat down.
"What a companionable feeling steals over one as he puffs a fine cigar,
Mr. Mitchel! Who would accept such an offering as this and betray the
confidence of his host?"
"Who, indeed?" said Mr. Mitchel. "But why do you say that?"
"Why, I am not entirely a fool. You do not trust me. You are not sure in
your own mind whether or not I committed a theft on board of the yacht."
"Am I not?" Mr. Mitchel asked this in a tone that made Mr. Livingstone
look upon it in the light of a question, whereas Mr. Barnes, behind the
bookcase, considered it as an answer.
"Why, no," said Mr. Livingstone, replying. "Had you believed that the
opal changed hands honorably, even though secretly, under cover of the
darkness, you would not have asked me to explain my allusion to
'conspirators.' I trust, however, that my letter made it all clear to
you."
"Quite clear."
"Then you are still willing to make the purchase?"
"If you still desire to sell. A certified check for the amount is ready
for you. Have you brought the opal?"
"Yes. Have you the duplicate? It would be well to compare them before
you purchase."
"If you do not mind, I will do so."
Mr. Mitchel turned to his safe and brought out a box which Mr. Barnes
thought he recognized. Opening it he drew out a marvellous string of
pearls, which he laid aside, while he took from beneath, a velvet case
which contained the opal. Returning the pearls to the box he restored
that to the safe, which he locked.
"Now, if you will let me see your opal," said Mr. Mitchel, "I will
compare the gems."
"Here it is," said Mr. Livingstone, handing Mr. Mitchel his opal.
Mr. Mitchel took the two opals in his hand, and, as they lay side by
side, he examined them closely, observing the play of light as he turned
them in various positions. To his critical eye they were marvellously
beautiful; matchless, though matched. None could see these two and
wonder that the old priests in Mexico had searched in vain for a second
pair like them.
"Do you know why these opals are so exactly alike?" asked Mr.
Livingstone.
"I am not sure," said Mr. Mitchel, apparently absorbed in his scrutiny
of the opals. "I have heard many reasons suggested. If you know the true
explanation, suppose you tell me."
"Willingly. You will observe that in each opal red lights seem to
predominate on one side, while the blue and green are reflected from the
other. Originally, this was one great egg-shaped opal, and it was cut
in that shape, and then poised in the forehead of a single-eyed idol by
the priests of a thousand years ago. By an ingenious mechanism the eye
could be made to revolve in its socket, so that either the red or the
blue-green side would be visible, as it suited the purpose of the
priests, when overawing the tribesmen by pretended prophecies and other
miraculous performances. In more recent times, since the advent of the
Christians, one-eyed idols are not so plausible, and the priests cut the
opal in half, thus making it serve in what may be termed a modernized
idol."
"Yes, I have heard that tale before. In fact, I have a metal ring which
I was told would exactly encircle the two opals, if placed together to
form an egg."
"How could you have such a thing?" asked Mr. Livingstone, with genuine
surprise.
"The man who stole the jewels, so the story goes, wishing to enhance
their value as much as possible, arranged this as a scheme by which the
genuineness of the opals could be tested. He placed the opals together,
as before they were cut, and had a silver band made which would exactly
clasp them in that position. This band opens and shuts with a spring
catch, like a bracelet, and as, when closed, it exactly fits the opals,
holding the two firmly together, the owner of the band could easily tell
whether the true opals were before him, or not. In some way the opals
were next stolen without the band, and their whereabouts was unknown
when a dealer in Naples told me the story of the silver band, which he
offered to sell me. I scarcely credited his tale, but as all large
jewels might in time be offered to me, I thought it well to purchase the
band."
"Why, then, if you still have it, it would be interesting to make the
test, would it not?"
"Yes, I think so. I will get the band."
Mr. Mitchel placed the two opals on the desk before him and went over to
the safe, where he was occupied some time opening the combination lock.
While he was thus busy a strange thing seemed to occur. At least it
seemed strange to Mr. Barnes. He had marvelled to see Mr. Mitchel place
the two opals within easy reach of Mr. Livingstone, and then
deliberately turn his back while he opened the safe. But what seemed
more mysterious was Mr. Livingstone's action. Mr. Mitchel had scarcely
stooped before the safe when his guest leaned forward, with both arms
outstretched simultaneously; his two hands grasped the opals, the hands
then swiftly sought his vest pockets, after which he calmly puffed his
cigar. Thus he seemed to have taken the opals from the table and to have
placed them in his pockets. Yet how could he hope to explain their
absence to Mr. Mitchel? This thought flashed through Mr. Barnes's mind
as his eyes instinctively turned again to the desk, when, to his utter
astonishment, he saw the opals exactly where Mr. Mitchel had placed
them. Had the thought that he could not explain away the disappearance
caused the man to change his mind at the very moment when he had
impulsively clutched the treasures? Mr. Barnes was puzzled, and somewhat
worried too, for he began to fear that more had happened, or was
happening, than he comprehended.
"Here is the band," said Mr. Mitchel, returning to the desk, and
resuming his seat. "Let us see how it fits the opals. First, let me ask
you, are you confident that you are selling me one of the genuine Aztec
opals?"
"I am. I have a history which makes its authenticity indubitable."
"Then we will try our little test. There; the band clamps the two
perfectly. Look for yourself."
"Certainly; the test is complete. These are undoubtedly the Aztec opals.
Mr. Mitchel, you are to be congratulated upon gaining possession of such
unique gems."
Mr. Livingstone arose as though about to leave.
"One moment, Mr. Livingstone; the jewels are not mine, yet. I have not
paid you for yours."
"Oh, between gentlemen there is no hurry about such matters."
"Between gentlemen it may be as you say. But you said this was to be
strictly in accordance with business methods. I prefer to pay at once.
Here is my certified check. I will also ask you to sign this receipt."
Mr. Livingstone seemed to hesitate for a moment. Mr. Barnes wondered
why? He sat at the desk, however, and, after reading the receipt, he
signed it, and took the check, which he placed in his pocketbook,
saying:
"Of course we will be businesslike, if you insist, though I did not
anticipate that you would take me so literally. That being over, Mr.
Mitchel, I will bid you good morning."
"You may go, Mr. Livingstone, when the transaction is over, but not
before."
"What do you mean?" demanded Mr. Livingstone aggressively, as he turned
and faced Mr. Mitchel, who now stood close beside him.
"I mean that you have accepted my money. Now I wish you to give me the
opal."
"I do not understand. There are your opals, just where you placed them
on the table."
"We will have no quibbling, Mr. Livingstone. You have taken twenty-five
thousand dollars of my money, and you have given me in exchange a
worthless imitation. Not satisfied with that, you have stolen my genuine
opal."
"Damn you----"
Mr. Livingstone made a movement as though to strike, but Mr. Mitchel
stepped quickly back, and, quietly bringing forward his right arm, which
had been held behind his back, it became evident that he held in his
hand a revolver of large calibre. He did not raise the weapon, however,
but merely remarked:
"I am armed. Think before you act."
"Your infernal accusation astounds me," growled Mr. Livingstone. "I
hardly know what to say to you."
"There is nothing to say, sir. You have no alternative but to give me my
property. Yes, you have an alternative,--you may go to prison."
"To prison!" The man laughed, but it was not a hearty laugh.
"Yes, to prison. I believe that is the proper lodging-place for a
thief."
"Take care!" cried Mr. Livingstone, advancing upon Mr. Mitchel.
"Mr. Barnes," said Mr. Mitchel, still without raising his weapon. At
this the man stopped as quickly as he had when the weapon was first
shown. He seemed confounded when the detective stepped into view.
"Ah," he sneered; "so you have spies upon your guests?"
"Always, when my guests are thieves."
Again the words enraged him, and, starting forward, Mr. Livingstone
exclaimed:
"If you repeat those words, I'll strangle you in spite of your weapon
and your spy."
"I have no wish to use harsh language, Mr. Livingstone. All I want is my
property. Give me the two opals."
"Again I tell you they are on your desk."
"Where are the genuine opals, Mr. Barnes? Of course you saw him commit
the--that is, you saw the act."
"They are in his vest pocket, one in each," said the detective.
"Since you will not give them to me, I must take them," said Mr.
Mitchel, advancing towards Mr. Livingstone. That gentleman stood
transfixed, livid with rage. As his antagonist was about to touch his
vest pocket, his hand arose swiftly and he aimed a deadly blow at Mr.
Mitchel, but not only did Mr. Mitchel as swiftly lower his head, thus
avoiding the blow, but before another could be struck, Mr. Barnes had
jumped forward and grasped Mr. Livingstone from behind, pinioning his
arms and holding him fast by placing his own knee in his adversary's
back. Mr. Livingstone struggled fiercely, but almost instantly Mr.
Mitchel took the opals from his pockets, and then quietly remarked:
"Release him, Mr. Barnes. I have my property."
Mr. Barnes obeyed, and for an instant Mr. Livingstone seemed weighing
his chances, but evidently deciding that the odds were in all ways
against him, he rushed from the apartment and out of the house.
"Well, Mr. Mitchel," said Mr. Barnes, "now that the danger has passed,
an explanation seems to be in order. You seem to have four opals."
"Yes; but that is merely seeming. You will readily understand why I
wished your eyes, for without them I could not have taken my own off of
the opals even for an instant."
"Then you purposely turned your back when you went to get the silver
band?"
"Assuredly. Why could I not have taken out the band in the first
instance, and why did I lock the safe, making it necessary for me to
take time with the combination? Simply to give my man the opportunity
to do his trick. You see, I knew before he came here exactly what he
would do."
"How did you know?"
"You will recall that in his letter he offers to sell me the duplicate
opal. That made me smile when I read it, for I already had been notified
that he had had duplicates of his opal made."
"You had been notified?"
"Yes. This whole affair flatters my vanity, for I anticipated the event
in its minutest detail, and all by analytical deduction. You quite
correctly argued that Livingstone would not abandon his quest of the
opal. I also reached that point, and then I asked myself, 'How will he
get it, knowing that I would not sell?' I could find but one way. He
would offer to sell his, and during the transaction try to steal mine.
As he would need both opals in his Mexican mining venture, his only
chance of carrying both away with him would be to have two others to
leave in their stead. Thus I argued that he would endeavor to have two
duplicates of his opal made. Ordinarily, opals are not sufficiently
expensive to make it pay to produce spurious specimens. Consequently, it
has been little done; indeed, I doubt that the members of the trade in
this city have any idea that doublet opals have been made and sold in
this city. But I know it, and I know the man who made the doublets.
These were common opals, faced with thin layers of a fine quality of
'harlequin' which often comes in such thin layers that it is
practically useless for cutting into stones, though it has been utilized
for cameos and intaglios. This lapidary does his work admirably, and his
cement is practically invisible. I went to this man and warned him that
he might be called upon to duplicate a large and valuable opal, and I
arranged that he should fill the order, but that he should notify me of
the fact."
"Ah, now I understand. The genuine opals lay on the desk, and when you
turned to the safe Livingstone merely exchanged them for the spurious
doublets. But tell me why did he risk bringing the real opal here at
all? Why not offer you one of the doublets, and then merely have one
exchange to make?"
"He was too shrewd to risk that. In the first place, he knows I am an
expert, and that I would compare the two jewels before making the
purchase; he feared that under such close scrutiny I would discover the
deception. Secondly, the two genuine opals absolutely match each other.
So also the two doublets are actual mates. But the doublets only
approximately resemble the real opals."
"Mr. Mitchel, you have managed Livingstone admirably, but there still
remains the man Domingo. Until he is disposed of I still think there is
danger. Pardon my pertinacity."
"I told you at the beginning of this incident that I had a spy upon
Livingstone, but that though the method was commonplace, my choice of a
spy was unique. My spy was Livingstone's partner, Domingo."
"What! You were on intimate terms with Domingo?"
"Was not that my best course? I found the man, and at once explained to
him that as Livingstone never could get my opal, it would be best to
shift the partnership and aid me to get Livingstone's. Thus you see,
having, as it were, conceived the logical course for Livingstone to
pursue, I had his partner Domingo suggest it to him."
"Even the idea of the doublets?"
"Certainly. I gave Domingo the address of the lapidary, and Domingo
supplied it to Livingstone."
"Mr. Mitchel, you are a wonder as a schemer. But now you have Domingo on
your hands?"
"Only for a short time. Domingo is not such a bloodthirsty cutthroat as
your friend Sanchez made you believe. He readily admitted that the game
was up when I explained to him that I had one of the opals, a fact which
Livingstone had not communicated to him. I had little difficulty in
persuading him to become my assistant; money liberally applied often
proving a salve for blasted hopes. Besides, I have raised his hopes
again, and in a way by which he may yet become possessed of that opal
mine, and without a partner."
"Why, how do you mean?"
"I shall give him the doublets, and I have no doubt he can palm them off
on the old priests, who will not examine too closely, so anxious are
they to see the eyes of the idol restored."
"There is yet one thing that I do not fully understand. Sanchez told
me----"
"Sanchez told you nothing, except what he was instructed to tell you."
"Do you mean to say----"
"I mean that Sanchez's story of my danger was told to you so that you
would come here this morning. You noted yourself that I must have
expected you, when you found the bookcase arranged for you. I had an
idea that I might need a strong and faithful arm, and I had both. Mr.
Barnes, without your assistance, I must have failed."