He was up to no good, and I thought it my business to wait.
The low tones went on for a little, both men talking in Kaffir, and then Japp lifted up one of the little objects between finger and thumb.
It was a small roundish stone about the size of a bean, but even in that half light there was a dull lustre in it.
At that I shoved the door open and went in.

Both men started as if they had been shot.

Japp went as white as his mottled face permitted.
'What the--' he gasped, and he dropped the thing he was holding.
I picked it up, and laid it on the counter.

'So,' I said, 'diamonds, Mr Japp.

You have found the pipe I was looking for.