"You held the Koh-i-noor in your hand, and you would be able to
identify it?"

"_I_ would be able to identify it," said Mr. Cawthorne positively.

He had turned at the window quickly; it was the first time he had
spoken. Mr. Wynne walked around the table to Mr. Czenki, and Mr.
Cawthorne approached them.

"Suppose, then, you gentlemen examine this together," suggested Mr.
Wynne.

He lifted a great glittering jewel from the leather packet and held
it aloft that all might see. Then he carefully placed it on the
table in front of the experts; the others came to their feet and
stood gazing as if fascinated.

"By Jove!" exclaimed Mr. Cawthorne.

For a minute or more the two experts studied the huge diamond--one
hundred and six carats and a fraction--beneath their glasses, and
finally Mr. Cawthorne picked it up and led the way toward the window.
Mr. Czenki and the German followed him.

"Gentlemen," and Mr. Cawthorne now turned sharply to face the others,
"this _is_ the Koh-i-noor! Mr. Czenki didn't mention it, but I was
one of the three experts who had opportunity to examine the
Koh-i-noor. This _is_ the Koh-i-noor!"