Part 26 (1/2)
”I will disclose the particulars only on the condition that you pledge yourself never to reveal my agency in the matter; for it would compromise my character.”
”Very well. I pledge you my honor,” replied Jaspar, impatiently. ”You took it from the corpse of the lady in black.”
”I did, and you must be aware that such an act would subject me to inconvenience, if known.”
”Don't be alarmed; your secret is safe.”
”But are you sure this is the ring worn by your niece?”
”It looks like it;” but Jaspar was perplexed with a doubt. He bethought himself that it was only in a casual glance he had observed Emily's ring. He had never examined it, and, after all, this might not be the one. There was certainly nothing strange in any lady dressed in black wearing a mourning ring. Again he turned the ring over and over, and scrutinized it closely. His finger touched a spring, and the plate flew up, disclosing a small lock of gray hair, twined around the single letter D.
”I will swear to it now,” exclaimed Jaspar, in a tone which betrayed the malicious joy he felt at the discovery. He was perfectly satisfied now of the ident.i.ty of the ring. It never occurred to him that D stood for any other name than Dumont.
”This appears to be decisive evidence,” replied Dalhousie. ”Your _niece_, then, must be the person brought down by the Dragon.”
”Without doubt.”
”As this matter, then, is settled to your satisfaction--”
”Sir!” exclaimed Jaspar.
”I beg your pardon,” resumed Dalhousie, with a supercilious air; ”I only meant that your mind was satisfied--relieved from a painful anxiety.”
”A very painful anxiety,” replied Jaspar.
”I understand, sir, you own a large plantation.”
”Well.”
”Perhaps you need an overseer?”
Jaspar acknowledged that he did need an overseer.
”I should be happy to make an engagement with you,” said the other, in complaisant tones.
”I don't think you would suit me. You are too genteel, by half,”
returned Jaspar, bluntly.
”I have been in a better position, it is true. I was born in France, but I understand the business.”
”Did you ever manage a gang of n.i.g.g.e.rs?”
After a little hesitation, Dalhousie replied that he had.
”We will talk of it some other time,” said Jaspar, satisfied, from the air and manner of the other, that his statement was false.
Dalhousie put on his hat, and, taking the mourning ring from the table, was about to enfold it in a bit of paper.
”What are you about, sir?” exclaimed Jaspar, as he witnessed the act.