The burden clamped down on the table. Uhler, stooping low because of his great height, inserted a key.
Casper, looking beyond, could see other metal boxes within the opened safe. He was sure, however, that this one was large enough to contain the entire lot of Spanish gems.
The key twisted. The lid of the box came up. A glittering array of sparkling gems showed in the light as Uhler stepped back from the table. With a rumbled chuckle as he displayed the hoard of wealth, Uhler straightened and stared toward Casper, to see the effect upon his guest.
It was then that Hampton Uhler paused dumbfounded. Rodney Casper was not looking at the galaxy of jewels. Instead, his eyes were focused along the barrel of a revolver. The muzzle of the gun was aimed at Uhler’s breast.
Rodney Casper had found the Spanish gems. His craft had deluded Hampton Uhler. With threatening weapon, Casper was here to wrest the wealth from its present owner’s hands!
CHAPTER XIX. CASPER TALKS TERMS
A PURPLISH tinge came over Hampton Uhler’s face as the big man stared into the muzzle of Rodney Casper’s gun. Uhler’s half-raised hands were closing; then unclenching. Then came his glance at Casper’s face. Uhler knew that an attack would be useless. He was in Casper’s power.
Nevertheless, the bulky man retained defiance. His eyes were fierce; his big mustache seemed to bristle as he rumbled the accusing words:
“You crook!”
Rodney Casper smiled shrewdly. The epithet did not disturb him. Trigger under finger, he moved the gun with a sweeping wave.
“Sit down,” he ordered.
Uhler obeyed. Casper, sidling toward the corner of the desk, shot a glimpse toward the door. He noticed that it was ajar. No sound, however, came from the other side. Another glance assured him that all was well. Still covering Uhler, he spoke in an easy tone.
“You call me a crook?” questioned Casper. “Very well. You will admit, however, that my methods are most unusual. Some crooks are murderers; others are mere thieves. I, however, am a man of a different sort. I have terms to offer.”
“Concerning these jewels?” sneered Uhler. “What right have you to make terms when they belong to me?”
“Belong to you?” Casper laughed. “Not exactly, Uhler. Those gems are the actual property of the Duke of Almanza. I am acquainted with their history.”
“They did belong to a Spanish duke,” admitted Uhler. “But now they are mine.”
“By what right?”
“Possession.”
“They were yours by that right,” nodded Casper, “so long as they remained within your safe. Now they are mine — by the same right. This revolver, Uhler, is my certificate of claim.”
“I bought those gems—”
“From a thief.”
“What are you? Another thief—”
“No. I, Uhler, am a man like yourself. One who is willing to pay a fair price for what he gains.”
Uhler blinked. His bushy eyebrows raised. There has something in Casper’s tone that smacked of the unusual. Uhler listened, silent.
“THESE gems” — Casper’s free hand moved above the opened coffer — “were hidden in the castle of the Duke of Almanza, near Seville. They represent the total wealth of the Almanzas, now that the noble family has lost its Spanish possessions.
“The claim for the jewels was open to dispute. The Republican government of Spain, had it known where the gems were concealed, might have appropriated them. The Duke of Almanza, a fugitive, could not return to uncover the gems.
“The duke, however, was not the only man who knew the hiding place. A servant — Mandrez — knew where the gems were located. Inasmuch as the claim between duke and government could not be settled” — Casper smiled ironically — “Mandrez was open to an offer.
“I met Mandrez in Buenos Aires. I knew that he could find the gems. I offered him the sum of fifty thousand dollars to bring me the entire collection. Mandrez gave me his word that he would do so.
“Instead, he brought them to New York. He sold them to you — obviously for a higher price than the one I offered. New wealth, apparently, was not healthy for Mandrez. He met with unknown companions who anchored him, pockets empty, in the Hudson River.”
Hampton Uhler was sitting back in his chair. His eyes still watched Rodney Casper’s face. Uhler noted an odd smile that indicated a coming statement.
“Let us forget the Duke of Almanza,” reasoned Casper. “Let us forget the Republican government in Spain. Let us remember only that the jewels lie between us; that I, the man who offered an acceptable sum did not receive them; that you, to whom Mandrez had no right to come, are the one who paid for them.”
“Which makes you a crook,” growled Uhler. “I bought those gems from Mandrez.”
“But Mandrez had no right to sell them,” retorted Casper. “He was my agent — he was not the owner of the gems.”
“I paid for them!”
“How much?”
“Sixty-five thousand dollars.”
“I thought so.” Casper nodded slowly. Mandrez would have asked for fifteen thousand more. Very well, Uhler. I shall make my terms profitable to you. We will forget the gems that you have already sold. I am prepared to pay your price — sixty-five thousand dollars — for the gems.”
From his pocket, Casper drew a sheaf of bills. All were of high denomination. He placed the packet on the table. He pointed to the money.
“An agreement between gentlemen, Uhler,” stated Casper. “Count off your amount. I shall take the gems.”
“Sixty-five thousand!” Uhler’s rumble was contemptuous. “Those gems are worth millions. The tiara, alone is—”
“You have heard my terms.” Casper’s tone was hard. “Come, Uhler. I am waiting your answer.”
“Suppose I don’t accept?” challenged Uhler. “What happens then?”
“I shall take the gems. You will not receive the payment, if you have refused it.”
UHLER leaned back in his chair. His guffaw came in hearty snorts. Rising, Uhler stared directly at the man before him. Casper did not budge.
“You are helpless, Casper,” jeered the big man. “To murder me would be suicide. I have six servants in this house. All are armed. They would shoot you down before you could leave the building.”
“And I,” returned Casper, quietly, “have twenty gypsies waiting beside your veranda. If I am forced to kill you, Uhler, that shot will bring them in upon your servants. My band will overrun this house. I shall be free to leave, with the gems in my possession.”
Uhler slumped in his chair. He knew that Casper’s words were true. They had the ring of authenticity.
“Do you accept?” questioned Casper.
Uhler nodded, slowly.
“That is well.” Casper spoke in a confident tone. “I am glad that bloodshed can be avoided. I thought that you would come to terms. I have more to tell you, Uhler — when I am ready to depart.”
Calmly, Casper placed his revolver in his pocket. The weapon was in readiness, however, a fact that Uhler recognized. Casper pointed to the coffer on the table.
“This metal box is heavy,” he remarked. “I would prefer to place the jewels in a bag. I shall leave you here while I carry the gems to the gypsies. Or better still” — Casper paused and pressed his hand to his pocket — “you can accompany me downstairs, walking close beside me.”
“You don’t trust me, eh?” grumbled Uhler. “Well — it does not matter. However, I have no wish to make you further trouble.”
“You have other jewels in your safe,” reminded Casper. “I am not taking any of them, Uhler. My terms are fair.”
The big man nodded, sulkily. His last opposition seemed finished. Standing, he rested one hand on the table. With the other, he pointed to a corner of the room.