meteoric substance some place in this country? A meteor may have
fallen anywhere, of course, and it may have been only two months
ago, or it may have been two thousand years ago. It may even be
buried in his cellar."

The huge German nodded his head vigorously, with sparkling eyes.

"It seems extremely probable that if diamond fields had been
discovered in the Appalachian Range," Mr. Czenki went on, "it would
have become public in spite of every effort to prevent it; whereas,
it is possible that a meteor containing diamonds might have been
hidden away easily; and, also, the production of diamonds from such
a source in this country would not make it necessary for the diamonds
to pass through the Custom House. Is it clear, sir?"

"Why, it's absurd, fantastic, chimerical!" Mr. Latham burst out
irritably. "It's ridiculous to consider such a thing."

"I beg your pardon," Mr. Czenki apologized. "It is only a
conjecture, of course. I may add that I don't believe that three
stones of the size of the replicas which Mr. Wynne produced here
could have been found anywhere in the world and brought in here--
smuggled in or in the usual way--and the secret held against the
thousands of men who daily watch the diamond fields and market. It
would not be difficult, however, if one man alone knew the source of
the stones, to keep it from the world at large. I beg your pardon,"
he added.

He arose as if to go. Mr. Schultze brought a heavy hand down on the
slim shoulder of the expert, and turned to Mr. Latham.