Then Nick, who had speedily planned his own counter-move, again turned
to Rufus Venner.
"The great Pandu Singe will do what you suggest," said he. "He wishes to
see the diamonds, and will be pleased to come to your house."
Venner had felt sure of this to start with, though he little dreamed
that Nick had guessed the truth, and knew that he was recognized.
"Let it be to-day, then," said he, quickly.
"At your own pleasure," bowed Nick.
"I will send my carriage far you at seven this evening," cried Venner,
with secret exultation.
Nick gravely tendered one of the snake charmer's cards.
"The great Pandu Singe will not keep your carriage waiting!" said he,
with a dryness to which Venner then was blind.
"Well, Chick, what say you to that?" demanded Nick, as they were
returning to the house of the snake charmer.
Chick laughed grimly.
"I say that we are now up against it."
"Right! There's a mighty wicked crisis near at hand."
"No doubt of it, Nick. Venner knew us all right."
"But he does not suspect that we are aware that he knew us, and in that
at least we have the best of him."
"We'll turn it to a good account, too."
"Do you see the game this Kilgore gang is playing?"
"Plainly, Nick.
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