"Not a word!" he whispered, "not a sound!" and the glint of a small revolver flashed toward her. But she was too petrified with fear to speak, for the man was masked, and the effect of the blackavised apparition took her breath away. Only for a moment, however, and then a wave of relief surged over her. For, alarming as a human intruder may be, he is less frightful than a supernatural visitant. The color came back to her white cheeks, and she said scornfully, "I am not afraid of you----" "You'd better be, then," and the man moved nearer to her. "I've no wish to harm you, but if you raise an alarm, I shall consider my own safety first!" "Coward!" "Nonsense! I don't mean before yours, you've nothing to fear. But if you're inclined to call help, I'll have to make it impossible for you to do so." The voice was that of an educated man, but entirely unfamiliar to Iris. Her terror left her, as she realized that at least she hadn't to deal with a low-class, uncouth ruffian. "Why should I call help, since you say I've nothing to fear?" she said, trying to speak coolly, but still watching the carefully held pistol. "Nothing to fear if you do as I say." "And what do you say?" The masked figure came a little nearer. "I say----" he began, but Iris interrupted. "Stay where you are! I am not afraid of your pistol; your voice tells me you would not shoot a defenceless woman, but I command you to keep your distance." "My voice belies me, then," he returned coolly. "I'd shoot you quicker'n a wink, were it necessary to make my getaway. But, listen; you will be immediately unmolested, if you give me what I have come here to get. I advise you to give it willingly, but if not--then I must get it as best I can." "Take off your mask, won't you?" and Iris' tone was almost formal. "I know you, don't I?" "You do not, and something tells me you never will. Pardon me, if I retain my protecting decoration----" "Scarcely a decoration," murmured Iris, who was striving to think quickly what to do. "Thank you; that implies your belief in a fair share of good looks on my part. But that's a matter of no moment. And time passes. I am here to ask you for a matter of no great moment after all. I want the pin that your late aunt left you in her will." "Oh, then you are William Ashton?" "Careful! Not so loud. Yes--I am none other than he." A mock dramatic gesture accompanied the phrase, and Iris involuntarily smiled. "You are charming when you smile," the visitor went on. "I may say that, since I am not making a social call----" "You seem to be, I think," Iris interrupted him. "Far from it! You are under a distinct misapprehension. But, alas! your smiles and charms are not the prize I'm seeking. I want that pin," for the first time he spoke a little roughly, "and I'm going to have it!" "What under the heavens do you want of that pin?" exclaimed Iris, surprised beyond all thought of fear. She had at first supposed he was after the jewels, or money, at least.