They will kill you in that far land, these powerful enemies.

That mysterious devil woman who bends all to her will will ruin you." And then, really touched at heart, the desperate trickster drew off his finger a superb diamond, the nonpareil, the choicest stone of Ram Lal's unwilling tribute.

"Wear this always, and think of me, Justine," he said.

"You are the only woman who ever loved me, and, if I succeed, I swear you shall share my better fortunes--if not, then--" he crushed her to his breast and ran out of the room, before she could drag him back.

"Go in, Francois, quickly to Miss Justine," cried Hawke, thrusting a hundred-franc note in the butler's open hand.