"'Yes,' the jeweler continued, 'but someone else won't be as easy as I am or content with the same story. It's not natural for a man like you to possess such a diamond. They'll report you to the authorities. You'll have to find Father Busoni, and priests who give away diamonds worth two thousand gold coins are rare. The law would seize it and put you in prison. If you're released after three or four months, the ring will be lost, or you'll receive a fake stone worth three francs instead of a diamond worth 50,000 or maybe 55,000 francs. You must admit one runs considerable risk in purchasing such items.'
Caderousse and his wife looked eagerly at each other.
'No,' Caderousse said, 'we're not rich enough to lose 5,000 francs.'
'As you wish, my dear sir,' the jeweler said. 'However, as you see, I brought you the money in bright coins.'
