"I have little idea of the value of such rings," said the Persian, "but
I have a friend who, I am convinced, would appreciate that one. I should
like to present it to him. Will you take this for it?"

He drew forth a coin worth three times the value of the ring. The
peddler immediately closed the bargain and handed the ring over, then
devoted his attention again to the table.

The priest went to the window. He drew the little stone from his bosom
and slipped it into the cavity. It fitted exactly. He then walked back
to the table, and held it before the astonished Jew.

"How now, Jew?" he said with a smile. "Saw you such a gem before?"

"My very own carnelian!" exclaimed the peddler. "Where did you find it?"

"You are sure it is yours?"

"Sure! On my oath, it is mine. There is not another such stone in
Arabia, with that streak across the top."

The priest laid his hand on the Jew's shoulder and bent close to him.
"That stone," he said, "was found in the house of Nathan the Jew, beside
the stolen cup. How came it there?"

The little Jew turned pale. His guilt showed in his face. He knew that
he was undone.

With a quick, serpent-like movement, he attempted to escape, but the
priest's grasp was firm as a vise.