"Why, my dear boy, it's much worse than regicide.

The authorities in Kimberley look upon diamond-smuggling or stealing as the blackest crime in the calendar." "Hallo!" cried West just then.

"So soon ?" For there was a sharp rap at the door, and a man entered to announce that the principals of the great company desired the presence of Ingleborough and West directly.
"I don't see why they want me!" said West.

"I know nothing about the matter." "You'll have to go all the same," said Ingleborough.

"He has dragged your name into the case, and he trusts to you to speak in his behalf." "And of course I shall," said West; "for I'm horribly sorry for the poor fellow.