Perhaps there may be after all some curse that hangs about this stone, and leads to ruin those that handle it.

I cannot say, for I am not a Parson Glennie in these things; but Blackbeard in an evil mood may have tied the treasure up to be a curse to any that use it for themselves.

What do we want with this thing at all?
I have got money to be touched at need; we may lie quiet this side the Channel, where thou shalt learn an honest trade, and when the mischief has blown over we will go back to Moonfleet.

So let the jewel be, John; shall we not let the jewel be ?' He spoke earnestly, and most earnestly at the end, taking me by the hand and looking me full in the face.

But I could not look him back again, and turned my eyes away, for I was wilful, and would not bring myself to let the diamond go.