CHAPTER VI. THE SCARAB RING
THE next morning Doctor George Lukens went to his home. Upon leaving Marchand’s house, he called Harvey Willis and told the young secretary that he intended to return and stay in the old brownstone mansion.
The physician explained that he was about to take a vacation, and that he would like to be present to go over Marchand’s effects — a duty which Willis had expected to perform.
When he reached his own residence, the doctor called the offices of the telephone company. He brought out the card that the stranger had given him and requested that the number be traced. He was told to await a report.
During the interim, Doctor Lukens packed his suitcase. In going through a bureau drawer, he came upon an object that brought back unhappy memories.
It was a gold ring upon which was mounted an Egyptian scarab. It was not an article of great value, and Doctor Lukens had almost forgotten it. The ring had been given to him several months before by Henry Marchand.
“This ring,” the old man had said, “is the only article of jewelry that I have ever worn. I do not want to wear it now. I do not want to deposit it with the gems that belonged to my wife, for it is not a part of that collection.
“Somehow I value this odd ring, and I am afraid to keep it because I might lose it. You never lose anything, George.
“Fear of losing this ring has become a mania with me. If you have it, I know it will be safe. If I never ask for it again, keep it as a memento.”
Doctor Lukens had been well acquainted with his patient’s mental quirks. He had taken the ring and had placed it in this drawer, which he always kept locked.