Mr. Garside was standing about in the middle of the store when the young
man entered and inquired for Mr. Venner. As he turned from the clerk who
had informed him of Venner's absence, he added, half in apology, to his
visitor:
"I was mistaken, young man. My clerk tells me that Mr. Venner is out
just now. Do you know where he has gone, Joseph?"
"No, sir, I do not."
"I think he will presently return," said Garside, again reverting to the
caller. "Is there anything that I can do for you? Or will you wait
until Mr. Venner comes in?"
"I will not wait, Mr. Garside, since you are one of the firm, and
probably know about this matter," replied the young man, drawing a small
cloth-covered package from his breast pocket. "Here are the ten diamonds
for which Mr. Venner sent us an order this morning. I come from Thomas
Hafferman, sir, and will leave the stones with you."
The man mentioned was also a jeweler, and a large importer of diamonds
and costly gems.
Mr. Garside's countenance took on an expression of mild surprise.
"From Hafferman? An order from Venner?" he murmured, inquiringly. "I was
not aware that Venner sent out any order for diamonds this morning."
"One of your clerks brought the order, sir, and requested Mr.
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