Page:Rowland--The closing net.djvu/170

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154
THE CLOSING NET

"In that case," said the dealer, eagerly, "you may count upon me to forego my own profit in the transaction."

"That is all that one could ask," I answered, "and your offer is accepted in the same spirit as are your apologies. We will inform you later as to the upshot of the affair."

I arose. The Baron followed my example, and with M. Delmas still pattering his apologies behind us, we went out and got into our taxi. I told the chauffeur to go first to my office.

As soon as we were seated, Rosenthal broke into his harsh, discordant laugh.

"Herr Gott!" he rumbled, "I am not a fool, but belief me, I can make neither head nor tail of this affair."

"It will become more clear," said I, "when I tell you that Mr. Cuttynge is my half-brother, and that we are almost as alike, outwardly, as a pair of twins."

For a moment he stared. Then I saw the light of understanding glow out of his mottled eyes. He burst again into his great, harsh laugh.

"Py Chingo," says he, "Vat a business—vat a business. It vas this man Cuttynge that stole his vife's pearls. Himmel."

For a while he chewed on this idea in silence. Presently he said:

"Fere ve going now?"

"We will pass my office," said I, "and then return to the Club. There is a lot I want to say to you, and a taxi is no place to talk. Can you give me an interview, my dear Baron?"