There was something about this person's dark face and sinister aspect that was extremely repulsive to the lad.
Once more the man smiled, as if making a desperate attempt to thaw the cool reserve of the boy; but he had begun in a very poor way, for Frank remained cold and distant.
"Some of my rings," went on the man in black, "have tales of bloodshed and murder connected with them, and these are interesting in their way.
Some recall romances of blighted love or sundered hearts, and these tales are always interesting to the ladies who look over the collection.

Some have been worn by great men or great ladies, and some have encircled the fingers of great villains or great criminals.

You should understand why I desire to know the history of every ring that comes into my possession." "Well," said Frank, quietly, "as there is not the slightest possibility that you will ever possess this ring, you can have very little interest in its history." The stranger fell back a step, and then, with one hand eagerly outstretched, he exclaimed: "You will sell it for a good price--of course you will ?" "No." "Why, its real value is insignificant!" "It is valuable to me." "No jeweler will give you more than three or four dollars for it--possibly five." "Well ?" "I will give you ten dollars for that ring." "It is useless for you to offer me money for it, as I do not intend to sell it." Frank turned as if he would move away, but he felt a hand clutch his shoulder with a grasp of iron, while the voice of the stranger almost snarled: "Don't be a fool, boy! I want that ring, and I mean to have it at some price.

I will give you twenty-five dollars for it." "Take your hand off my shoulder, sir!" "I'll give you thirty dollars." "Take your hand off my shoulder, sir!" "Forty dollars!" "I have warned you twice to take your hand off my shoulder," came coldly from the lips of the boy, on whose face there was now a dangerous look.

"I am going to warn you again, and if you do not obey, it will be the worse for you.