"Break it," I exclaimed, "you'll never be able to untangle it."
"Oh that mysterious bracelet!" cried Grace. "You'd never tell me where it came from."
"It is a perfect torment," I exclaimed, trying to wrench the long silk fringe from the links in which it had become hopelessly twisted. "It catches in everything."
"Then why do you wear it, may I ask?" said Mr. Rutledge, coolly.
"Only because I cannot help myself."
"Can't I assist you?" asked Victor, who had followed me.
"Very possibly," said Mr. Rutledge. "It is rather a delicate affair and requires patience, more, I confess, than I have at command."
"And some strength. Can't you break this thing, Mr. Viennet? I cannot unclasp it, and it annoys me beyond endurance."
"I have no doubt that Mr. Viennet can," said Mr. Rutledge, laying the arm, bracelet, and entangled fringe in Victor's hand.
He tried in vain for a moment to disengage the fringe or unclasp the bracelet, while Grace drawled,