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Updated: June 7, 2025
First, Kilgore had shrewdly reasoned that Nick's first move, after the disclosures made by Pylotte, would be that of thus getting positive evidence against Venner; and the crafty diamond swindler had warned Venner to be on the watch for the detective, and to handle him in a way to serve their own designs.
"I am compelled to think so, Mr. Carter," cried Pylotte, pointing to the two diamonds on the table. "You purchased them at a price compelling that belief?" "Exactly." "Then you think the man of whom you got them has discovered a way to make such perfect artificial diamonds at a low price?" "I certainly do, Mr. Carter."
"Where Cervera gets her diamonds, and of what they consist." "True. She certainly is one of the gang." "With such counterfeits as those worked upon Pylotte, and one big jewelry concern to help market the goods, they could clean up millions in a very short time." "No doubt of it. And they have their jewelry concern, all right." "Venner & Co.?" "Surely." "We must get absolute proof of it."
The ingredients used would depend upon the process he has discovered, probably coal or charcoal, and possibly some quantities of iron salts and sulphur." "In brief, then, Mr. Pylotte," said Nick, pointing to the diamonds on the table, "if those stones were made as cheaply as you think, the diamond market offers the manufacturers of them a field for a most gigantic swindle, does it not?"
Pylotte already had opened it, and Nick was quickly forced through a dark cellar. "All right," cried Kilgore. "Let us in." Instantly the secret stone door was thrown open, and Nick was nearly blinded by the flood of light in the room into which he was abruptly thrust. He stood in the subterranean chamber of the diamond plant.
"I require no more of you at present, Mr. Pylotte," said he, with courteous firmness. "I shall do all in my power to remedy your loss by this swindle, and to secure the perpetrators of it." "Thank you, Detective Carter," bowed Pylotte, with a crafty display of appreciation and humility. "Meantime," added Nick, "you will please take no action in the case, but leave it entirely to me."
At all events, in the stock of Venner & Co. were found numerous stones which only the most proficient experts could prove to be artificial; and even to this day it is intimated that, among the bejeweled women of New York there are some unconsciously wearing the manufactured diamonds of Jean Pylotte. What matters, however, since where ignorance is bliss it is folly to be wise?
At the same moment Kilgore and Matt Stall leaped upon Nick from the kitchen and hall doors, bearing him heavily to the floor, while Venner ran to clap a revolver to the detective's head. "Hang to his feet, Pylotte," cried Kilgore, fiercely. "I've got 'em fast," shouted the diamond maker, from under the table.
Carter, is pure carbon, crystallized under enormous heat and pressure in the bowels of the earth." "I am aware of that." "Charcoal and graphite are also pure carbon, but not in a crystallized condition," continued Pylotte. "If that condition could be imparted to the substances mentioned, we should have the artificial diamond." "How may that be done?" inquired Nick.
He turned sharply about in his chair, and cried: "Here you, Pylotte! Come and give us your ear! I have work for you to-night!" Both Pylotte and Cervera quickly turned and hastened to join the gang at the table. For twenty minutes Kilgore's project for outwitting and securing Nick Carter was earnestly discussed, and every detail of the plan carefully laid.
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