had a great fact. He had made a great discovery. It is a terrible
thing." He turned the ring so we could all see it--beyond all
doubt it was the doctor. "There he is--the professor. If he could
only speak. The secret of the ages. Just think what it means.
Where is he? I have taken that jewel to the greatest lapidaries
and they have one and all been startled. Then they all come to the
same conclusion--trickery--Chinese or Hindu work, they say; most
of them want to cut."

"Have you taken it to the police?"

"No."

"Why?"

"I would simply be laughed at."

"Have you ever reported this Rhamda?"

"A score of times. They have come and sought; but every time he
has gone out--like a shadow. It's got to be an old story now. If
you call them up and tell them they laugh."

"How do you account for it?"

"I don't. I--I--I'm just dying."

"And not one member of the force--surely?"

"Oh, yes. There's one. You have heard of Jerome. Jerome followed