The story:
Sam and Shorty, two petty thieves, rob a holidaying couple and make off with all their valuables, including a mysterious ring with four crossed swords. The perpetrators do not know that the mark on the ring was once given as protection to one of the victim's ancestors by a grateful 18th Phantom.

Shortly thereafter Sam is caught by the police, leaving Shorty the sole occupier of the ring. Dejected and disillusioned, he has still no idea what opportunities await him...