Jacob and Bulenthall had told me had proved to be correct, and there could be no sort of doubt that Hayle had realized a very large sum of money by the transaction.

What was more, I discovered that he had been seen in London within the previous twenty-four hours.

This was a most important point, and it encouraged me to persevere in my search.

One thing, however, was remarkable.

One or two of the merchants to whom Hayle had disposed of his stones, had seen more of him than Messrs.