Venner," Nick now declared, with emphasis. "Without a
shadow of doubt, sir, you have been victimized by the notorious Kilgore
diamond gang, a trio of the shrewdest and most daring scoundrels that
ever stood in leather."
"You amaze me."
"Do I?" inquired Nick, smiling softly. "Well, sir, if I were to tell you
the history of these rascals, you would be more than amazed--you would
be astounded. No crime is too desperate, no knavery too hazardous, no
villainy too despicable, for them to attempt, and too often successfully
execute. They have perpetrated their crimes over two continents, and are
known to the police the world over."
"That is not very complimentary to the police," said Venner, dryly. "I
marvel that such distinguished scoundrels are still at large."
"A fact which stamps them no ordinary criminals," replied Nick,
pointedly. "Nor are they, sir."
"What do you know of them, Detective Carter?"
"David Kilgore, the chief of the gang, is one of the shrewdest and most
daring of knaves, a man of splendid education, polished manners and
broad experience. He possesses nerves of steel, the cunning of a fox,
and would not shrink even from murder, if his designs required it.
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