When it came into his possession he was in Southern California or Mexico, and he sent it home to my mother at the earliest opportunity, writing her to be very choice of it, and not to lose it on her life, as it was very valuable.

Now, my father never revealed the secret of this ring to my mother, if the ring has a secret; but I am sure that mother believed there was something mysterious about it, for, when she was dying, she gave it to me, telling me never to part with it.

Of course I will not sell it." "Of course not," nodded Inza; "but the horrid old thing may bring you trouble, instead of good." "Oh, I don't think there is much danger of that." "The man in black----" "Will give over his attempt to obtain it when he really knows I will not part with it on any condition." "He may; but his words, which you have repeated for me, make me believe he will do something desperate in order to get possession of it.

You must look out for him--you must be on your guard constantly." "Why, Inza!" laughed Frank, in astonishment; "I never heard you speak like this before.

You really appear as if you felt a foreboding of some terrible thing." "Perhaps I do," she said, very gravely, for a light-hearted girl.
Frank looked down at the ring on his hand.