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 identity 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.
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