Tomorrow's Treasure by Linda Lee Chaikin

in his dry throat.
    When his foot touched something among the scattered straw, he stooped down, wincing as the blood surged to his skull. He snatched up a heavy wooden mallet, glaring at it in the dimness. She might have cracked his skull open! He flung it aside, then started at an outside sound. He looked toward the stable doors. Someone was coming with a lantern—
    He felt his trouser pockets for the three pouches of whites, amazedthey were still there. The snit must have been in a hurry. He took out the pouches and stooped toward a corner, covering them over with hay. He straightened up as Julien Bley’s voice split the night.
    â€œI suspected you would return to do your thieving business. You thought you could get by with it, did you? Then you’re a bigger fool than I thought, Henry!”
    Someone else was with him. Anthony Brewster held a sjambok, a flexible, rounded whip a little over three feet long, usually made of rhino hide, and first used by the Dutch settlers to drive their oxen.
    Was this why Katie involved me? She needed a handy culprit while she escaped?
She was far more devious than he had thought.
    â€œWhere is the Black Diamond?”
    Henry met Julien’s angry glare. “I don’t have it.” He turned to Anthony. “When did you arrive?”
    â€œThat’s none of your concern!” Julien snapped the words out. “Take that jacket off, then empty your pockets. Anthony, search him, and check for his pistol.”
    â€œDon’t be a fool, Julien.” Henry leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. “Someone clobbered me from behind. While we talk and delay, the real thief is getting away.”
    Anthony, a broad-shouldered young man with a strong jaw and platinum hair, came toward Henry, frowning. Henry made no resistance as Anthony searched him. He knew there was naught to find but his pistol, which Anthony threw across the stable into the hay. Henry watched Anthony, who seemed to have other concerns on his mind.
    â€œWhere is Katie?”
    Henry met Anthony’s clear suspicion. “Why ask me? You spent enough time with her this past winter.”
    At least the knave had the grace to redden. “I’ve not seen Katie for—for months. I’ve been at Lady Brewster’s in Pietermaritzburg with my fiancée until this evening. Julien had just discovered the theft of the Black Diamond when Camilla and I arrived.” He turned his troubled gaze to Julien. “Isn’t that so, Uncle?”
    â€œNever mind that now, my boy. Search him again. He must have it. Inga says she saw him prowling about the library earlier.”
    â€œAnd knocked myself on the back of the head with that mallet too, I suppose?” Henry didn’t even try to conceal his disdain. “Don’t be ridiculous, Julien. I don’t have the Black Diamond and don’t know where it is. And don’t forget, I’m an heir of Sir Ebenezer too. I’m just as concerned over its loss as you.”
    â€œYou’ll not convince me of that. And if this were not a family matter I’d contact the authorities at once.”
    â€œWould you? I wonder. You and I both know about the diamond smuggling going on recently.”
    â€œSo what are you getting at?”
    â€œI think you know a little too much about it.”
    The speculative gleam came cold and hard. “It’s your word against mine. But I don’t need the authorities to make you talk.” Anger burned in Julien’s eyes. “Hand me that whip, Anthony.”
    Henry straightened. “Try that approach, and I will live to kill you, Julien.”
    â€œCareful, Uncle Julien,” Anthony said. “We must keep these squabbles to ourselves. We’ll get to the truth.” He turned to Henry. “You still have not told me where Katie is.”
    Henry smirked. “Dear little Katie has run away with the prize.”
    â€œThe Black Diamond—? That’s