When he had gone he asked gently: "His father was an American, Duke ?" "Yes, signore." "And wealthy, you say ?" "Exceedingly wealthy, signore." "What was his name ?" "Ah; about that ring, my dear guest.

Do you think a hundred and fifty thousand lira too much for it ?" "You said a hundred thousand." "That was this morning, signore.

The ring has increased in value since.
To-morrow, without doubt, it will be worth two hundred thousand." Tato laughed at the rueful expression on the victim's face, and, a moment after, Uncle John joined in his laughter.
"Very good, duke," he said.

"I don't wish to rob you.

Let us wait until to-morrow." The brigand seemed puzzled.
"May I ask why, Signor Merreek--since you are warned ?" he enquired.
"Why, it's this way, Duke.