ched forward to handle it, but the
sailor thrust him back.

"Hands off," he said grimly. "None of your ringing the changes on me."

He tipped it over with his finger-nail on the table from side to side,
the other, with his head bent down, closely inspecting it. Then, as a
great indulgence, he laid it on the Jew's open palm for a few seconds.

"Five hundred pounds," he said, taking it in his own hands again.

The pawnbroker laughed. It was a laugh which he kept for business
purposes, and would have formed a valuable addition to the goodwill of
the shop.

"I'll give you fifty," he said, after he had regained his composure.

The seaman replaced the gem in its wrapper again.

"Well, I'll give you seventy, and risk whether I lose over it,"
continued the pawnbroker.

"Five hundred's my price," said the seaman calmly, as he placed the belt
about his waist and began to buckle it up.

"Seventy-five," said the pawnbroker persuasively.

"Look here," said the seaman, regarding him sternly, "you drop it. I'm
not going to haggle with you. I'm not going to haggle with any man.
I ain't no judge o' diamonds, but I've 'ad cause to know as this is
something special. See here."

He rolled back the coat sleeve from his brawny arm, and revealed a long,
newly healed scar.

"I risked my life for that stone," he said slowly. "I value my life at
five hundred pounds. It's likely worth more than as many thousands, and
you know it. However, good-night to you, mate. How much for the tea?"

He put his hand contemptuously in his trouser pocket, and pulled out
some small change.

"There's the risk of getting rid of the stone," said the pawnbroker,
pushing aside the proffered coin. "Where did it come from? Has it got a
history?"

"Not in Europe it ain't," said the seaman. "So far as I know, you an' me
an' one other are the only white men as know of it. That's all I'm going
to tell you."

"Do you mind waiting while I go and fetch a friend of mine to see it?"
inquired the pawnbroker. "You needn't be afraid," he added hastily.
"He's a respectable man and as close as the grave."

"I'm not afraid," said the seaman quietly. "But no larks, mind. I'm not
a nice man to play them on. I'm pretty strong, an' I've got something
else besides."

He settled himself in the armchair again, and accepting another cigar,
watched his host as he took his hat from the sideboard.

"I'll be back as soon as I can," said the latter somewhat anxiously.
"You