The wind that was moaning over the sea swept up the road and caused something to flap around the shoulders of this figure like a great pair of wings.
For all of the darkness, Frank recognized this figure, and he was seized with an indefinable feeling of fear such as he had never felt before.
With an effort, Frank steadied his quivering nerves, remaining quiet to watch and listen.
The person who had appeared in answer to Snell's signal was the man in black, and he quickly pounced upon the boy, like a huge hawk upon its prey.
"The ring!" he cried, hoarsely. "Where is it?"
Wat gave a low cry of fear.
"Don't!" he gasped. "You're hurting me! Your fingers are hard as iron, and they crush right into a fellow!"
"The ring!" repeated the man, fiercely. "Produce it!"
"I haven't got it."
"What?" snarled the mysterious stranger. "You have not kept your word! What do you mean?"