"Do you want to hear my
story?"
"I have no objections."
"Then let me warn you," went on Mr. Jenks, "that if you do hear
it, you will be so fascinated by it that I am sure you will want
to cast your lot in with mine, and aid me to get my rights, and
solve the mystery. And I also want to warn you that if you do,
there is a certain amount of danger connected with it."
"I'm used to danger," answered Tom, quietly. "Let me hear your
story. But first explain how you came to come here, and why you
acted so strangely at the jewelry store."
"Willingly. I tried to attract your attention at the store,
because I saw that you were going to buy a diamond, and I didn't
want you to."
"Why not?"
"Because I want to present you with a beautiful stone, that
will answer your purpose as well or better, than any one you
could buy. That will prove my story better than any amount of
words or argument. But I could not attract your attention without
also attracting that of the jeweler. He became suspicious, gave
chase, and I thought it best to vanish. I hope no one was made to
suffer for what may have been my imprudence."
"No, the lad whom Mr. Track caught was let go. But how did you
happen to come to Shopton?"
"To see you. I got your address from the owner of the yacht
Resolute.
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