Part 11 (2/2)
”We are to have new ones in about sixty days. I wanted them at once, but the safe company was too busy to rush the order. I wish now that I had those safes,” went on the manufacturer, in a lower voice, so that even the clerks near by might not hear.
”Why, anything unusual?” questioned Dunston Porter, curiously.
”I took that order to reset the Carwith diamonds, that's all.”
”Oh, then you got it, didn't you?” went on Dave's uncle. ”Were they willing to pay the price?”
”I told them they would have to or I wouldn't touch the job.”
”What do you suppose the diamonds are worth?”
”They were bought for sixty thousand dollars. At the present value of such gems, I should say at least seventy-five thousand dollars.”
”Phew! And the settings are to cost eight thousand dollars. That makes a pretty valuable lot of jewelry, I'm thinking,” was Dunston Porter's comment.
”You are right, and that is why I wish I had those new safes,” added Oliver Wadsworth.
”Can't you keep the diamonds in some safe deposit vault?”
”There is no very good safe deposit place in Crumville. Besides, I must have the gems here, if my workmen are to set them properly. Of course, I'll keep them in the old safes when they are not in the workshop.”
”I should think you'd want a watchman around with such diamonds in the place,” remarked Dave.
”I have a watchman-old Tony Wells, who is as honest as they make 'em.
But, Dave, I don't want you to mention the diamonds to anybody. The fact that I have this order is being kept a secret,” went on Mr. Wadsworth, anxiously.
”I'll not say a word to anybody,” answered our hero.
”Don't do it-for I am anxious enough about the jewels as it is. I shall be glad when the order is finished and the gems are out of my keeping. I don't want any outsider to know I have them.”
CHAPTER IX-NAT POOLE GETS CAUGHT
In the middle of the week came Phil and Roger, in the midst of another snowstorm that was so heavy it threatened to stall the train in which they arrived. Dave went to the station to meet them.
”Say, what do you think?” burst out Phil, while shaking hands.
”We saw Jasniff and Merwell!” finished the senator's son.
”You did!” e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed Dave. ”Where?”
”On our train. We walked through the cars at Melton, to see if we knew anybody aboard, and there were the pair in the smoker, smoking cigarettes, as big as life.”
”Did you speak to them?”
”Didn't get the chance. The car was crowded, and before we could get to Jasniff and Merwell they saw us, ran down the aisle the other way, and got off.”
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