years ago by a Mr. Kennedy. He had been a pupil of father's when
father taught at a local school. He came here often to talk over
old times. Father had the jewel set in a ring; but he never wore
it."

"Why?"

"I do not know."

"How did Watson come to link it up with the Blind Spot?"

"That, I think, was an accident. He was in college, you know, at
the time of father's disappearance. In fact, he was in the Ethics
class. He came here often, and during one of his visits I showed
him the ring. That was several years ago."

"I see."

"Well, about a year ago he was here again, and asked to see the
jewel. We were to be married, you understand; but I had always put
it off because of father. Somehow I felt that he would return. It
was in late summer, about September; it was in the evening; it was
getting dark. I gave Chick the ring, and stepped into the garden
to cut some flowers. I remember that Chick struck a match in the
parlour. When I came back he seemed to be excited."

"Did he ask you for the ring?"

"Yes. He wanted to wear it. And he suddenly began to talk of
father. It was that night that he took it upon himself to find