Garside, the senior member of the firm came hurrying into
the store.
"Oh, I say, Venner!" exclaimed his partner, stopping him near the office
door. "What diamonds are you thinking of buying of Hafferman?"
"Of Hafferman?" echoed Venner, with a look of surprise.
"Weren't you looking at some stones there yesterday?"
"Yes, certainly. Some very choice diamonds. I want ten of the first
water, a little larger and more perfectly matched than any we have in
stock at present. But how did you learn that I had called there?"
Mr. Garside quickly informed him of the several incidents of the past
half hour, when, to his consternation and dismay a look of sudden
apprehension swept over Venner's face.
"Raymond--the name of Hafferman's cashier!" he cried. "Nothing of the
sort, Philip. Their cashier is named Briggs. I know him well."
"Briggs! Briggs!"
"Briggs--yes, Briggs!" reiterated Mr. Venner, excitedly. "By Heaven,
there must be something wrong here!"
"Dear me! If this Raymond was an impostor, we are done out of--"
"Wait--wait!"
Checking his partner with an impulsive gesture, Venner rushed into his
private office and seized his desk telephone, quickly calling up the
firm by which the diamonds had been sent.
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