I have traveled the world over in search of the quaint and curious, and I have a collection of nearly five hundred rings of all patterns, makes and values.

This collecting of rings has become a fad, or mania, with me.

Whenever I see an odd or peculiar ring, I am immediately seized by a great desire to possess it; but I always want to know its history.

It enhances the value of a ring to know its history.

I assure you that some rings have very queer histories, indeed." Frank watched the man closely as he was speaking, and, although it was plain that the stranger was trying to secure the boy's confidence, Merriwell continued to regard him with suspicion and aversion.