money continues to flow in, they pay off the mortgage and buy a
bank--or an interest in one."

"In Heaven's name, introduce me to the opulent Gus Briskow."

"I wish I might. But I don't expect to make his acquaintance.
The head of our firm is away and I haven't a man I'd dare trust to
send out into the field. Usually I handle these inquiries myself
when the victim can't tear himself away from contemplating the
miraculous flow of liquid gold long enough to come here. I take an
assortment of gems with me and beard the _nouveau riche_ right on
his derrick floor. Why, I've carried as much as a hundred thousand
dollars' worth of merchandise on some of my trips." Coverly sighed
regretfully. "Tough luck! Too bad you're not a good jewelry
salesman?"

"I am," Gray declared. "I can sell anything. As for diamonds--I've
bought enough in my time to know their value."

Coverly laughed in ready agreement with this statement. "Gad! I'm
sore at missing this sale."

"You needn't miss it. I'll go."

"Don't kid an unfortunate--"

"I'm not joking. If it's worth while, pack up your saffron
solitaires--all that you dare trust me with--and I'll be your
gentlemanly representative."