"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 202 - Gems of Doom" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

best jewelry manufacturers and merchants of high repute. We can market your gems."

Kreld smiled.

"Then why are you overstocked?" he queried. "I happen to know that you have the largest supply of
diamonds in years."

"Because the market is on the rise," insisted Blendon. "This is the time to buy."

"And there will be a time to sell. What then?"

Blendon hesitated at Kreld's question. Kreld smiled again at his visitor's dilemma.

"I am looking forward to that time," declared Kreld. "I intend to establish chain stores throughout the
country, to sell diamonds in the fashion of gilt-edged securities. How does that impress you, Blendon?"

"It is perfect!" enthused Blendon. "Buy all the stones you want from Traal, and take ours, too. We are
wholesalers, as well as retailers. I assure you, Kreld, that we can supply any market that you create."

Kreld stroked his long chin and gave Blendon a steady glance. Coolly, he questioned:

"Why should I create the market? Since it will mean profit to your manufacturers and wholesalers, would
I be unfair in expecting you to do your share?"

"We are ready," returned Blendon. "Our association has already agreed to create public interest in
diamonds, by displaying them at fashion shows and other events. With our present stock"—Blendon
spoke with emphasis—"we shall be able to begin at once. Something which you are not yet prepared to
do, Kreld."

Leaning forward, Kreld buried his chin in his hand and gave a smile which both Blendon and Traal
appreciated.

"I think that we three can do business," affirmed Kreld. "In fact, I have felt so all along. Something was
needed to start it, so I purchased these uncut stones from Traal. That is why I invited some investors to
come here later. Suppose we have our whole plan outlined by the time they arrive."

The plan was simple. Traal was to produce raw diamonds, through the South African syndicate, and
supply the expert diamond cutters. Blendon's association would handle the manufacture of the jewelry
and wholesale the gems to Kreld for his chain-store system.

But the crux, as Kreld emphasized and Blendon agreed, was to place diamonds before the public eye.
Again, Blendon declared that his association was equipped to go the limit in putting diamonds on display.

"We have millions in diamonds," assured Blendon. "Not uncut stones, like these, but magnificent finished
gems. We can arrange shows that will have all New York agog, merely through the value of the
diamonds that we display. We shall -"

Kreld interrupted. He rose from the desk and stepped to the window. Spreading the heavy curtains, he
looked out to the street, then returned, rubbing his chin.