"I will not wait, Mr. Garside, since you are one of the firm, and
probably know about this matter," replied the young man, drawing a small
cloth-covered package from his breast pocket. "Here are the ten diamonds
for which Mr. Venner sent us an order this morning. I come from Thomas
Hafferman, sir, and will leave the stones with you."

The man mentioned was also a jeweler, and a large importer of diamonds
and costly gems.

Mr. Garside's countenance took on an expression of mild surprise.

"From Hafferman? An order from Venner?" he murmured, inquiringly. "I was
not aware that Venner sent out any order for diamonds this morning."

"One of your clerks brought the order, sir, and requested Mr. Hafferman
to send the stones here as soon as convenient," replied the messenger.
"Mr. Hafferman did not know your clerk personally, so I was sent here to
deliver the stones."

"What is your name, young man?"

"Harry Boyden, sir. I have worked for Mr. Hafferman for nearly five
years. I think you will find that the order was properly sent."

"Wait just a moment, Mr. Boyden," suggested Garside, smiling.

Then he hastened to the rear of the store, and spoke through the open
window near the cashier's desk.