Within was a fleece of raw silk containing an object which she
presently displayed before the astonished gaze of our hero. It
was a red stone of about the bigness of a plover's egg, and which
glowed and flamed with such an exquisite and ruddy brilliancy as
to dazzle even Jonathan's inexperienced eyes. Indeed, he did not
need to be informed of the priceless value of the treasure, which
he beheld in the rosy palm extended toward him. How long he gazed
at this extraordinary jewel he knew not, but he was aroused from
his contemplation by the sound of the lady's voice addressing
him. "The three villains," said she, "who have this day met their
deserts in a violent and bloody death, had by an accident
obtained knowledge that this jewel was in my possession. Since
then my life has hung upon a thread, and every step that I have
taken has been watched by these enemies, the most cruel and
relentless that it was ever the lot of any unfortunate to
possess. From the mortal dangers of their machinations you have
saved me, exhibiting a courage and a determination that cannot be
sufficiently applauded. In this you have earned my deepest
admiration and regard. I would rather," she cried, "intrust my
life and my happiness to you than into the keeping of any man
whom I have ever known! I cannot hope to reward you in such a way
as to recompense you for the perils into which my necessities
have thrust you; but yet"--and here she hesitated, as though
seeking for words in which to express herself--"but yet if you
are willing to accept of this jewel, and all of the fortune that
belongs to me, together with the person of poor Evaline Keitt
herself, not only the stone and the wealth, but the woman also,
are yours to dispose of as you see fit!"

Our hero was so struck aback at this unexpected turn that he knew