offer them to any big dealer in this city, Boston, Philadelphia, or
Chicago, but what we will be informed of the fact."

"He hasn't made any effort to dispose of them yet, then."

"No. We would have heard of it, if he had."

"There are plenty of unscrupulous people who would buy them in small lots,
and thus he'd gradually get rid of the whole lot."

"That ain't La Croix's game. He expects to save $35,000 duty on those
gems, besides about $15,000 profit which he expects to make. He's got to do
his work quick to gain his money. With a stake of $50,000 to work for, he's
going to give us a hard fight."

"Of course. Can't you put the screws on the prisoners?"

"Make them confess?"

"One of the bunch might squeal."

"Perhaps, if we give them the Third Degree."

"Try it. They must know where the Frenchman and his daughter are."

"I shall. It's our only chance to locate the diamonds."

They went home and laid out a plan.

Before the prisoners were brought to court next morning, the Bradys