But when the bucket came in sight there was only Elzevir in it, so I knew the turnkey had never come to the top of the water again, and, indeed, there was but little chance he should after that first knock.

Elzevir said nothing to me, till I spoke: 'Let us fling the jewel down the well after him, Master Block; it was evilly come by, and will bring a curse with it.' He hesitated for a moment while I half-hoped yet half-feared he was going to do as I asked, but then said: 'No, no; thou art not fit to keep so precious a thing.

Give it me.

It is thy treasure, and I will never touch penny of it; but fling it down the well thou shalt not; for this man has lost his life for it, and we have risked ours for it--ay, and may lose them for it too, perhaps.' So I gave him the jewel..