"Is that necessary?" inquired the lad. "I came by them in a
legitimate manner, if that's what you mean, and I can satisfy you
on that point. I am willing to pay for any information you may
give me as to their value."
"Oh, it isn't that," the proprietor hastened to assure him.
"But these are diamonds of such a peculiar kind, so perfect and
without a flaw, that I wondered from what part of the world they
came."
"Then they are diamonds?" asked Tom, eagerly.
"The finest I have ever tested!" declared the other man,
evidently Mr. Porter, the gem expert. "They are a joy to look at,
Mr. Roberts," he went on, turning to the proprietor. "If it is
possible to get a supply of them you would be justified in asking
half as much again as we charge for African or Indian diamonds.
The Kimberly products are not to be compared to these," and he
looked at the two stones in his hand--the one cut, and sparkling
brilliantly, the other in a rough state.
"Do you care to state where these diamonds came from?" asked
Mr. Roberts, looking critically at Tom.
"I had rather not," answered the lad. "It is enough for me to
know that they are diamonds. How much is your charge?"
"Nothing," was the unexpected answer. "We are very glad to have
had the opportunity of seeing such stones. Is there any chance of
getting any more?"
"Perhaps," answered Tom, as he accepted the gems which the
expert held out to him.
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