Among other things he proceeded to qualify himself as a dealer in diamonds.  It happened that he was acquainted with one of the partners of the firm of Fugger & Stoltz, who did the largest import trade in precious stones.  Through his kindness he received practical instructions in the variety and value of diamonds, and learned to detect all those little flaws and peculiarities which are only visible to the eye of an expert, and yet are of the highest importance in determinating the price of a stone.  With such opportunities Ezra made rapid progress, and within a few weeks there were not many dealers in the trade who had a better grasp of the subject.

Both the Girdlestones recognized that the success of their plan depended very largely upon their choice of an agent, and both were of the opinion that in Major Tobias Clutterbuck they had just the man that they were in want of.  The younger merchant had long felt vaguely that the major’s social position, combined with his impecuniosity and the looseness of his morality, as inferred from his mode of life, might some day make him a valuable agent under delicate circumstances.  As to the old soldier’s own inclinations, Ezra flattered himself that he knew the man’s nature to a nicety.  It was simply a question of the price to be paid.  No doubt the figure would be substantial, but he recognized with a trader’s instinct that the article was a superior one, and he was content to allow for the quality in estimating the value.

Early one April afternoon the major was strutting down St. James’s Street, frock-coated and kid-gloved, with protuberant chest and glittering shoes which peeped out from beneath the daintiest of gaiters.  Young Girdlestone, who had been on the look-out from a club window, ran across and intercepted him.

“How are you, my dear major?” he cried, advancing upon him with outstretched hand and as much show of geniality as his nature permitted.

“How d’ye do?  How d’ye do?” said the other somewhat pompously.  He had made up his mind that nothing was to be done with the young man, and yet he was reluctant to break entirely with one whose purse was well lined and who had sporting proclivities.

“I’ve been wishing to speak with you for some days, major,” said Ezra.  “When could I see you?”

“You’ll niver see me any plainer than you do at this very moment,” the old soldier answered, taking a sidelong glance of suspicion at his companion.

“Ah, but I wish to speak to you quietly on a matter of business,” the young merchant persisted.  “It’s a delicate matter which may need some talking over, and, above all, it is a private matter.”

“Ged!” said the major, with a wheezy laugh, “you’d have thought I wanted to borrow money if I had said as much.  Look here now, we’ll go into White’s private billiard-room, and I’ll let you have two hunthred out of five for a tinner—­though it’s as good as handing you the money to offer you such odds.  You can talk this over while we play.”