[Gutenberg 10410] • The Powers and Maxine

"Yes, I think it does," I answered, doubtfully. "I'm afraid I shouldn't know the difference. This may be a little thicker than the other, but--I can't be sure. And, you see, I never once had a chance to unbutton my coat and look at the thing I had in this inner pocket. It would have attracted too much attention to risk that; and as a matter of fact, I was especially warned not to do it. I could trust only to the touch. But even granting that, by a skill almost clever enough for sleight of hand--a skill which only the smartest pickpocket in Europe could possess--why should a thief who had stolen my letter-case give me instead a string of diamonds worth many thousands of pounds?