Merry felt convinced that he had seen this man before—that he knew the man. In vain, however, he tried to remember when and where they had met. “Don’t bother about it,” said the other, as if he surmised that Frank was trying to recall him. “It’s of no consequence, and you may be mistaken.” Merry shook his head. “I know I have seen you some time,” he said unswervingly. A faint smile seemed to hide itself in the stranger’s beard. “Still I assure you it is of no consequence.” “But it’s very perplexing. I have a way of remembering faces perfectly.” “But you cannot see much of my face.” “That’s so! The beard hides it! If it were not for that beard I might recognize you.” “Possibly. If I shave the beard, I may come round to see you. Just now I have to leave you, for I have an appointment that must be kept. This night the little stick may pass from my hands forever.” “You—you will get rid of it?” “If I get my price.” “Who wants it?” “A certain half-crazy doctor who dabbles in things occult and investigates everything mysterious. He is believed to be a wizard and sorcerer by many who have seen him work his strange incantations. But the man has located diamond-mines, found buried treasure, and is wonderfully wealthy. Thus his black art has paid him in a certain way, though some claim he has sold himself to the devil to obtain his ends. He wants this stick. He found out about it a number of years ago, and once he nearly lost his life in an attempt to steal it from the temple where it was kept. It is possible the thing was stolen afterward at his instigation, but failed to reach his hands.” “He knows you have it?” “I have communicated with him, making the claim. He has promised to investigate. If I can convince him that I speak the truth, he will pay me liberally for it. Liberally means that he will give up a fortune just to get the stick into his hands, for he fancies it will enable him to explore all the dark things he has hitherto found impregnable.” “Well, if I were you,” said Frank, “I should lose no time in getting to him and making a trade.” “I think I shall not. It is most fortunate for me that you found the stick to-night. I am indebted to you, and if I can pay the——” Merry cut him short with a gesture. “Don’t speak of pay! I’m glad to get rid of the thing!” The stranger laughed and retreated toward the door. “Perhaps I shall be,” he said. “Good night.” He opened the door and turned to go out. Then he leaped backward, for just outside the door stood a tall Chinaman! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER XIX FRANK’S FAITH UNSHAKEN. Before Merriwell or Starbright could make a move, the stranger leaped forward again, his hand having plunged into a pocket and come out. He gave it a flirt, and something struck the Chinaman fairly in the eyes.