Explore "The Purple Fern" by Fergus Hume on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
Ackworth and Clarice looked at one another dumfounded, and Dr. Jerce, with considerable amazement, looked at them. Finally, the eyes of all three rested on the object picked up by the girl. It outwardly appeared to be a snuffbox, and, with its surface of dull gold, wherein the amethystine fern was delicately set, looked an exquisite specimen of the jeweller's art. But to Jerce there seemed nothing about it to startle the young people. Yet Anthony appeared grave and Clarice even frightened.
"One would think you had picked up a serpent," said Jerce, jestingly; "what is there about that snuffbox which frightens you?"