Page:Knaves of Diamonds.pdf/195

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"As he said this, he covered me with one revolver, and put the muzzle of the other into his mouth. With an ungovernable impulse I sprang to my feet. He pulled both triggers at once. One bullet passed between my arm and my body, ripping a piece out of my coat sleeve; the other—well, I can spare you the details. He dropped dead instantly."

"And the diamond?" I said.

"The reward is £20,000, and it is at your service," replied the inspector, in his suavest manner, "provided that you can find the stone—or Mr. Lomas and his plans."