A Prince of Swindlers by Guy Boothby Read Free Book Online Page B

Remember, you told me you were coming.”
    â€œI was prevented,” said Carne. “And the business upon which I desired to see you was not fully matured.”
    â€œSo there is business then?” she answered with a pretty petulance. “I thought as much. I might know by this time that you do not come to see me for anything else. But there, do not let us talk in this fashion when I have not had you with me for nearly a year. Tell me of yourself, and what you have been doing since last we met.”
    As she spoke she was occupied preparing a
huqa
for him. When it was ready she fitted a tiny amber mouthpiece to the tube, and presented it to him with a compliment as delicate as her own rose-leaf hands. Then, seating herself on a pile of cushions beside him, she bade him proceed with his narrative.
    â€œAnd now,” she said, when he had finished, “what is this business that brings you to me?”
    A few moments elapsed before he began his explanation, and during that time he studied her face closely.
    â€œI have a scheme in my head,” he said, laying the
huqa
stick carefully upon the floor, “that, properly carried out, should make us both rich beyond all telling, but to carry it out properly I must have your co-operation.”
    She laughed softly, and nodded her head.
    â€œYou mean that you want money,” she answered. “Ah, Simon, you always want money.”
    â€œI
do
want money,” he replied without hesitation. “I want it badly. Listen to what I have to say, and then tell me if you can give it to me. You know what year this is in England?”
    She nodded her head. There were few things with which she had not some sort of acquaintance.
    â€œIt will be a time of great rejoicing,” he continued. “Half the princes of the earth will be assembled in London. There will be wealth untold there, to be had for the mere gathering in; and who is so well able to gather it as I? I tell you, Liz, I have made up my mind to make the journey and try my luck, and, if you will help me with the money, you shall have it back with such jewels, for interest, as no woman ever wore yet. To begin with, there is the Duchess of Wiltshire’s necklace. Ah, your eyes light up; you have heard of it?”
    â€œI have,” she answered, her voice trembling with excitement. “Who has not?”
    â€œIt is the finest thing of its kind in Europe, if not in the world,” he went on slowly, as if to allow time for his words to sink in. “It consists of three hundred stones, and is worth, apart from its historic value, at least fifty thousand pounds.”
    He saw her hands tighten on the cushions upon which she sat.
    â€œFifty thousand pounds! That is five lacs of rupees?”
    â€œExactly! Five lacs of rupees, a king’s ransom,” he answered. “But that is not all. There will be twice as much to be had for the taking when once I get there. Find me the money I want, and those stones shall be your property.”
    â€œHow much
do
you want?”
    â€œThe value of the necklace,” he answered. “Fifty thousand pounds.”
    â€œIt is a large sum,” she said, “and it will be difficult to find.”
    He smiled, as if her words were a joke and should be treated as such.
    â€œThe interest will be good,” he answered.
    â€œBut are you certain of obtaining it?” she asked.
    â€œHave I ever failed yet?” he replied.
    â€œYou have done wonderful things, certainly. But this time you are attempting so much.”
    â€œThe greater the glory!” he answered. “I have prepared my plans, and I shall not fail. This is going to be the greatest undertaking of my life. If it comes off successfully, I shall retire upon my laurels. Come, for the sake of—well, you know for the sake of what—will you let me have the money? It is not the first time you have done it, and on each occasion you have not only been repaid, but