He appeared to be wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength.

At my cry he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death.

I snatched it up and examined it.

One of the gold corners, with three of the beryls in it, was missing.
"'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage.

'You have destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the jewels which you have stolen ?' "'Stolen!' he cried.
"'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder.
"'There are none missing.