CHAPTER SIX.
A VAIN SEARCH.
West saw at once upon entering the presence of the principals that things appeared bad for Anson, who stood facing a table at which three of the directors of the great company were seated, all looking very stern.

They signed to Ingleborough and West to stand upon their right-- Anson was facing them to the left.
Then there was a brief colloquy in a low tone between the three directors, ending in one of them saying aloud: "You speak." The gentleman thus addressed turned to Ingleborough.
"Mr Anson has sought this interview with the directors, Mr Ingleborough, to inform us that you have made up a malicious tale about his having been engaged in illicit-diamond-buying.

Of course, if you could prove such a charge, it was your duty to inform us." "Of course, sir," replied Ingleborough; "but, though I have for some time suspected him, this affair only occurred during our tiffin-time this morning, and as soon as we returned to the office I felt bound to accuse him as my fellow-clerk, and tell him what I intended to do." "So as to give him, if guilty, a good chance to conceal the diamonds or escape ?" "Oh no, sir," said Ingleborough quietly.

"I took proper precautions against that." "Indeed ?" said the director.

"What did you do ?" "Mr Superintendent Norton is a friend of mine, sir, and I went to him at once.