"Harry," she asked, "how long is it to continue?"

So that was it. Merely an envoy to accept surrender. I was worn
utterly, weary of the world, lonely. But I hadn't given up. I had
strength still, and will enough to hold out to the end. Perhaps I
was wrong. If I gave her the ring? what then?

"I am afraid," I answered, "that I must go on. I have given my
word. It has been much harder than I expected. This jewel? What
has it to do with the Blind Spot?"

"It controls it."

"Does the Rhamda desire it?"

"He does."

"Why doesn't he call for it personally? Why doesn't he make a
clean breast of it? It would be much easier. He knows and you know
that I am after Dr. Holcomb and Watson. I might even forego the
secret. Would he release the doctor?"

"No, Harry, he would not."

"I see. If I gave up the ring it would be merely for my personal
safety. I am a coward--"

"Oh," she said, "don't say that. You must give the ring to me--not
to the Rhamda. He must not control the Blind Spot."