In either case, however, enormously valuable." He examined it a moment or two longer, noting with care the gashes and deep cuts made by the frantic strokes of Dr.Lombardo's pick-axe.

What his thoughts might have been regarding the doctor's tragic death, none could have told.

For with a face quite unmoved, he turned now to the examination of the world-famous Black Stone.
This object, he saw, possessed no value whatever, _per se_.

Aside from its golden encircling band studded with silver nails, its worth seemed practically nothing.

As it lay on the table before him, he realized that it was nothing but a common aerolite, with the appearance of black slag.