evening when I am less lazy than I am now, you shall see the stone and
examine it for yourself."

"I take it as a great proof of your friendship for me, monsieur," said
Ducie warmly, "that you have chosen to make me the recipient of such a
confidence."

"It _is_ a proof of my friendship," said the Russian. "No one of my
political friends--and I have many that are dear to me, both in England
and abroad--is aware that I have in my possession so inestimable a gem.
But you, sir, are an English gentleman, and my friend for reasons
unconnected with politics; I know that my secret will be safe in your
keeping."

Ducie winced inwardly, but he answered with grave cordiality, "The
event, my dear Platzoff, will prove that your confidence has not been
misplaced."

After this, the Russian went on to tell Ducie that the MS. lost at the
time of the railway accident had reference to the great Diamond; that it
contained secret instructions, addressed to a very dear friend of the
writer, as to the disposal of the Diamond after his, Platzoff's, death;
all of which was quite as well known to Ducie as to the Russian himself;
but the Captain sat with his pipe between his lips, and listened with an
appearance of quiet interest that impressed his host greatly.

That night Ducie's mind was too excited to allow of sleep. He was about
to be shown the great Diamond; but would the mere fact of seeing it
advance him one step towards obtaining possession of it? Would Platzoff,
when showing him the stone, show him also the place where it was