“I”vehalfamindtogetahammer，andtry，astheysayinthecookerybooks，anotherway。”
　　UnfortunatelyIhadpromisedPughtoabstainfromusingforce。I
　　mighthaveshiveredtheboxopenwithmyhammer，andthenexplainedthatithadfallen，orgottrodupon，orsatupon，orsomething，andsogotshattered，onlyIwasafraidthatPughwouldnotbelieveme。Themanishimselfsuchanuntruthfulmanthatheisinachronicstateofsuspicionaboutthetruthfulnessofothers。
　　“Well，ifyou”renotgoingtoblowup，oropen，orsomething，I”llsaygoodnight。”
　　Igavetheboxafinalrapwithmyknucklesandafinalshake，replaceditonthetable，putoutthegas，andreturnedtobed。
　　Iwasjustsinkingagainintoslumber，whenthatboxbeganagain。
　　ItwastruethatPughhadpurchasedthepuzzle，butitwasevidentthatthewholeenjoymentofthepurchasewasdestinedtobemine。
　　Itwasuselesstothinkofsleepwhilethatperformancewasgoingon。Isatupinbedoncemore。
　　“ItstrikesmethatthepuzzleconsistsinfindingouthowitispossibletogotosleepwithPugh”spurchaseinyourbedroom。Thisisfarbetterthantheold-fashionedprescriptionofcatsonthetiles。”
　　Itstruckmethenoisewasdistinctlylouderthanbefore；thisappliedbothtothetick，tick，tick，andthescreeching。
　　“Possibly，“Itoldmyself，asIrelightedthegas，“theexplosionistocomeoffthistime。”
　　Iturnedtolookatthebox。Therecouldbenodoubtaboutit；thenoisewaslouder。And，ifIcouldtrustmyeyes，theboxwasmoving——givingaseriesoflittlejumps。Thismighthavebeenanopticaldelusion，butitseemedtomethatateachticktheboxgavealittlebound。Duringthescreeches——whichsoundedmorelikethecriesofananimalinanagonyofpaineventhanbefore——ifitdidnottiltitselffirstononeend，andthenonanother，Ishallneverbewillingtotrusttheevidenceofmyowneyesagain。Andsurelytheboxhadincreasedinsize；Icouldhaveswornnotonlythatithadincreased，butthatitwasincreasing，evenasIstoodtherelookingon。Ithadgrown，andstillwasgrowing，bothbroader，andlonger，anddeeper。Pugh，ofcourse，wouldhaveattributedittosupernaturalagency；thereneverwasamanwithsuchanoseforaghost。Icouldpicturehimoccupyingmyposition，shiveringinhisnightshirt，ashebeheldthatmiracletakingplacebeforehiseyes。Thesolutionwhichatoncesuggesteditselftome——andwhichwouldNEVERhavesuggesteditselftoPugh！——
　　wasthattheboxwasfashioned，asitwere，inlayers，andthattheingeniousmechanismitcontainedwasforcingthesidesatoncebothupwardandoutward。Itookitinmyhand。Icouldfeelsomethingstrikingagainstthebottomofthebox，likethetap，tap，tappingofatinyhammer。
　　“ThisisaprettypuzzleofPugh”s。Hewouldsaythatthatisthetappingofadeathwatch。FormypartIhavenotmuchfaithindeathwatches，ethocgenusomne，butitcertainlyisacurioustapping；Iwonderwhatisgoingtohappennext？“
　　Apparentlynothing，exceptacontinuationofthosemysterioussounds。ThattheboxhadincreasedinsizeIhad，andhave，nodoubtwhatever。Ishouldsaythatithadincreasedagoodinchineverydirection，atleasthalfaninchwhileIhadbeenlookingon。
　　ButwhileIstoodlookingitsgrowthwassuddenlyandperceptiblystayed；itceasedtomove。Onlythenoisecontinued。
　　“Iwonderhowlongitwillbebeforeanythingworthhappeningdoeshappen！Isupposesomethingisgoingtohappen；therecan”tbeallthisto-dofornothing。Ifitisanythingintheinfernalmachineline，andthereisgoingtobeanexplosion，Imightaswellbeheretoseeit。IthinkI”llhaveapipe。”
　　Iputonmydressing-gown。Ilitmypipe。Isatandstaredatthebox。IdaresayIsatthereforquitetwentyminuteswhen，asbefore，withoutanysortofwarning，thesoundwasstilled。Itssuddencessationratherstartledme。
　　“Hasthemechanismagainhungfire？Or，thistime，istheexplosioncomingoff？“Itdidnotcomeoff；nothingcameoff。
　　“Isn”ttheboxevengoingtoopen？“
　　Itdidnotopen。Therewassimplysilenceallatonce，andthatwasall。Isatthereinexpectationforsomemomentslonger。ButIsatfornothing。Irose。Itooktheboxinmyhand。Ishookit。
　　“ThispuzzleISapuzzle。”Iheldtheboxfirsttooneear，thentotheother。Igaveitseveralsharprapswithmyknuckles。
　　Therewasnotanansweringsound，noteventhesortofreverberationwhichPughandIhadnoticedatfirst。Itseemedhollowerthanever。Itwasasthoughthesouloftheboxwasdead。
　　“IsupposeifIputyoudown，andextinguishthegasandreturntobed，inabouthalfanhourorso，justasIamdroppingofftosleep，theperformancewillberecommenced。Perhapsthethirdtimewillbelucky。”
　　ButIwasmistaken——therewasnothirdtime。WhenIreturnedtobedthattimeIreturnedtosleep，andIwasallowedtosleep；
　　therewasnocontinuationoftheperformance，atleastsofarasI
　　know。FornosoonerwasIoncemorebetweenthesheetsthanIwasseizedwithanirresistibledrowsiness，adrowsinesswhichsomasteredmethatI——Iimagineitmusthavebeeninstantly——sankintoslumberwhichlastedtilllongafterdayhaddawned。WhetherornotanymoremysterioussoundsissuedfromthebowelsofPugh”spuzzleismorethanIcantell。Iftheydid，theydidnotsucceedinrousingme。
　　Andyet，whenatlastIdidawake，Ihadasortofconsciousnessthatmywakinghadbeencausedbysomethingstrange。WhatitwasI
　　couldnotsurmise。MyownimpressionwasthatIhadbeenawakenedbythetouchofaperson”shand。Butthatimpressionmusthavebeenamistakenone，because，asIcouldeasilyseebylookingroundtheroom，therewasnooneintheroomtotouchme。
　　Itwasbroaddaylight。Ilookedatmywatch；itwasnearlyeleveno”clock。Iamaprettylatesleeperasarule，butIdonotusuallysleepaslateasthat。ThatscoundrelBobwouldletmesleepalldaywithoutthinkingitnecessarytocallme。IwasjustabouttospringoutofbedwiththeintentionofringingthebellsothatImightgiveBobapieceofmymindforallowingmetosleepsolate，whenmyglancefellonthedressing-tableonwhich，thenightbefore，IhadplacedPugh”spuzzle。Ithadgone！
　　ItsabsencesotookmebysurprisethatIrantothetable。ItHAD
　　gone。Butithadnotgonefar；ithadgonetopieces！Therewerethepieceslyingwheretheboxhadbeen。Thepuzzlehadsolveditself。Theboxwasopen，openwithavengeance，onemightsay。
　　LikethatunfortunateHumptyDumpty，who，sothechroniclerstellus，satonawall，surely“alltheking”shorsesandalltheking”smen“nevercouldputPugh”spuzzletogetheragain！
　　Themarquetryhadresolveditselfintoitscomponentparts。Howthosepartshadeverbeenjoinedwasamystery。Theyhadbeenlaiduponnofoundation，asisthecasewithordinaryinlaidwork。Theseveralpiecesofwoodwerenotonlyofdifferentshapesandsizes，buttheywereasthinasthethinnestveneer；yettheboxhadbeenformedbysimplyjoiningthemtogether。Themanwhomadethatboxmusthavebeenpossessedofingenuityworthyofabettercause。
　　Iperceivedhowthepuzzlehadbeenworked。Theboxhadcontainedanarrangementofsprings，which，onbeingreleased，hadexpandedthemselvesindifferentdirectionsuntiltheirmereexpansionhadrenttheboxtopieces。Therewerethesprings，lyingamidtheruintheyhadcaused。
　　Therewassomethingelseamidthatruinbesidesthosesprings；
　　therewasasmallpieceofwritingpaper。Itookitup。Onthereversesideofitwaswritteninaminute，crabbedhand：“A
　　PresentForYou。”Whatwasapresentforme？Ilooked，and，notforthefirsttimesinceIhadcaughtsightofPugh”spreciouspuzzle，couldscarcelybelievemyeyes。
　　There，poisedbetweentwouprightwires，thebentendsofwhichhelditaloftintheair，waseitherapieceofglassor——acrystal。Thescrapofwritingpaperhadexactlycoveredit。I
　　understoodwhatitwas，whenPughandIhadtappedwiththehammer，hadcausedtheansweringtapstoproceedfromwithin。Ourtapscausedthewirestooscillate，andintheseoscillationsthecrystal，whichtheyheldsuspended，hadtouchedthesideofthebox。
　　Ilookedagainatthepieceofpaper。“APresentForYou。”WasTHISthepresent——thiscrystal？Iregardeditintently。
　　“ItCAN”Tbeadiamond。”
　　Theideawasridiculous，absurd。Nomaninhissenseswouldplaceadiamondinsideatwopenny-halfpennypuzzlebox。Thethingwasasbigasawalnut！Andyet——Iamaprettygoodjudgeofpreciousstones——ifitwasnotanuncutdiamonditwasthebestimitationI
　　hadseen。Itookitup。Iexamineditclosely。ThemorecloselyIexaminedit，themoremywondergrew。
　　“ItISadiamond！“
　　Andyettheideawastoopreposterousforcredence。Whowouldpresentadiamondasbigasawalnutwithatrumperypuzzle？
　　Besides，allthediamondswhichtheworldcontainsofthatsizearealmostaswellknownastheKoh-i-noor。
　　“Ifitisadiamond，itisworth——itisworth——Heavenonlyknowswhatitisn”tworthifit”sadiamond。”
　　Iregardeditthroughastrongpocketlens。AsIdidsoIcouldnotrestrainanexclamation。
　　“TheworldtoaChinaorange，itISadiamond！“
　　Thewordshadscarcelyescapedmylipsthantherecameatappingatthedoor。
　　“Comein！“Icried，supposingitwasBob。ItwasnotBob，itwasPugh。InstinctivelyIputthelensandthecrystalbehindmyback。
　　AtsightofmeinmynightshirtPughbegantoshakehishead。
　　“Whathours，Tress，whathours！Why，mydearTress，I”vebreakfasted，readthepapersandmyletters，cameallthewayfrommyhousehere，andyou”renotup！“
　　“Don”tIlookasthoughIwereup？“
　　“Ah，Tress！Tress！“Heapproachedthedressing-table。Hiseyefellupontheruins。“What”sthis？“
　　“That”sthesolutiontothepuzzle。”
　　“Haveyou——haveyousolveditfairly，Tress？“
　　“Ithassolveditself。Ourhandling，andtapping，andhammeringmusthavefreedthespringswhichtheboxcontained，andduringthenight，whileIslept，theyhavecausedittocomeopen。”
　　“Whileyouslept？Dearme！Howstrange！And——whatarethese？“
　　Hehaddiscoveredthetwouprightwiresonwhichthecrystalhadbeenpoised。
　　“Isupposethey”repartofthepuzzle。”
　　“Andwasthereanythinginthebox？What”sthis？“hepickedupthescrapofpaper；Ihadleftitonthetable。Hereadwhatwaswrittenonit：“”APresentForYou。”What”sitmean？Tress，wasthisinthebox？“
　　“Itwas。”
　　“What”sitmeanaboutapresent？Wasthereanythingintheboxbesides？“
　　“Pugh，ifyouwillleavetheroomIshallbeabletodress；Iamnotinthehabitofreceivingquitesuchearlycalls，orIshouldhavebeenpreparedtoreceiveyou。Ifyouwillwaitinthenextroom，IwillbewithyouassoonasI”mdressed。ThereisalittlesubjectinconnectionwiththeboxwhichIwishtodiscusswithyou。”
　　“Asubjectinconnectionwiththebox？Whatisthesubject？“
　　“Iwilltellyou，Pugh，whenIhaveperformedmytoilet。”
　　“Whycan”tyoutellmenow？“
　　“Doyoupropose，then，thatIshouldstandhereshiveringinmyshirtwhileyouareprosingatyourease？Thankyou；Iamobliged，butIdecline。MayIaskyouoncemore，Pugh，towaitformeintheadjoiningapartment？“
　　Hemovedtowardthedoor。Whenhehadtakenacoupleofsteps，hehalted。
　　“I——Ihope，Tress，thatyou”re——you”regoingtoplaynotricksonme？“
　　“Tricksonyou！IsitlikelythatIamgoingtoplaytricksuponmyoldestfriend？“
　　Whenhehadgone——hevanished，itseemedtome，withasomewhatdoubtfulvisage——Itookthecrystaltothewindow。Idrewtheblind。Iletthesunshinefallonit。Iexamineditagain，closelyandminutely，withtheaidofmypocketlens。ItWASadiamond；therecouldnotbeadoubtofit。If，withmyknowledgeofstones，Iwasdeceived，thenIwasdeceivedasnevermanhadbeendeceivedbefore。MyheartbeatfasterasIrecognizedthefactthatIwasholdinginmyhandwhatwas，inallprobability，afortuneforamanofmoderatedesires。Ofcourse，PughknewnothingofwhatIhaddiscovered，andtherewasnoreasonwhyheshouldknow。Nottheleast！TheonlydifficultywasthatifI
　　keptmyowncounsel，andsoldthestoneandutilizedtheproceedsofthesale，Ishouldhavetoinventastorywhichwouldaccountformysuddenaccessiontofortune。PughknowsalmostasmuchofmyaffairsasIdomyself。Thatistheworstoftheseoldfriends！
　　WhenIjoinedPughIfoundhimdancingupanddownthefloorlikeabearuponhotplates。Hescarcelyallowedmetoputmynoseinsidethedoorbeforeattackingme。
　　“Tress，givemewhatwasinthebox。”
　　“MydearPugh，howdoyouknowthattherewassomethingintheboxtogiveyou？“
　　“Iknowtherewas！“
　　“Indeed！Ifyouknowthattherewassomethinginthebox，perhapsyouwilltellmewhatthatsomethingwas。”
　　Heeyedmedoubtfully。Then，advancing，helaiduponmyarmahandwhichpositivelytrembled。
　　“Tress，you——youwouldn”tplaytricksonanoldfriend。”
　　“Youareright，Pugh，Iwouldn”t，thoughIbelievetherehavebeenoccasionsonwhichyouhavehaddoubtsuponthesubject。Bytheway，Pugh，IbelievethatIamtheoldestfriendyouhave。”
　　“I——Idon”tknowaboutthat。There”s——there”sBrasher。”
　　“Brasher！Who”sBrasher？Youwouldn”tcomparemyfriendshiptothefriendshipofsuchamanasBrasher？Thinkofthetasteswehaveincommon，youandI。We”rebothcollectors。”
　　“Ye-es，we”rebothcollectors。”
　　“Imakemyinterestsyours，andyoumakeyourinterestsmine。
　　Isn”tthatso，Pugh？“
　　“Tress，what——whatwasinthebox？“
　　“Iwillbefrankwithyou，Pugh。Iftherehadbeensomethinginthebox，wouldyouhavebeenwillingtogohalveswithmeinmydiscovery？“
　　“Gohalves！Inyourdiscovery，Tress！Givemewhatismine！“
　　“Withpleasure，Pugh，ifyouwilltellmewhatisyours。”
　　“If——ifyoudon”tgivemewhatwasintheboxI”ll——I”llsendforthepolice。”
　　“Do！ThenIshallbeabletohandtothemwhatwasintheboxinorderthatitmayberestoredtoitsproperowner。”
　　“Itsproperowner！I”mitsproperowner！“
　　“Excuseme，butIdon”tunderstandhowthatcanbe；atleast，untilthepolicehavemadeinquiries。Ishouldsaythattheproperownerwasthepersonfromwhomyoupurchasedthebox，or，moreprobably，thepersonfromwhomhepurchasedit，andbywhom，doubtless，itwassoldinignorance，orbymistake。Thus，Pugh，ifyouwillonlysendforthepolice，weshallearnthegratitudeofapersonofwhomweneverheardinourlives——Ifordiscoveringthecontentsofthebox，andyouforreturningthem。”
　　AsIsaidthis，Pugh”sfacewasastudy。Hegaspedforbreath。Heactuallytookouthishandkerchieftowipehisbrow。
　　“Tress，I——Idon”tthinkyouneedtouseatonelikethattome。
　　Itisn”tfriendly。What——whatwasinthebox？“
　　“Letusunderstandeachother，Pugh。Ifyoudon”thandoverwhatwasintheboxtothepolice，Igohalves。”
　　Pughbegantodanceaboutthefloor。
　　“WhatafoolIwastotrustyouwiththebox！IknewIcouldn”ttrustyou。”Isaidnothing。Iturnedandrangthebell。“What”sthatfor？“
　　“That，mydearPugh，isforbreakfast，and，ifyoudesireit，forthepolice。Youknow，althoughyouhavebreakfasted，Ihaven”t。
　　PerhapswhileIambreakingmyfast，youwouldliketosummontherepresentativesoflawandorder。”Bobcamein。Iorderedbreakfast。ThenIturnedtoPugh。“Isthereanythingyouwouldlike？“
　　“No，I——I”vebreakfasted。”
　　“Itwasn”tofbreakfastIwasthinking。Itwasof——somethingelse。
　　Bobisatyourservice，if，forinstance，youwishtosendhimonanerrand。”
　　“No，Iwantnothing。Bobcango。”Bobwent。Directlyhewasgone，Pughturnedtome。“Youshallhavehalf。Whatwasinthebox？“
　　“Ishallhavehalf？“
　　“Youshall！“
　　“Idon”tthinkitisnecessarythatthetermsofourlittleunderstandingshouldbeexpresslyembodiedinblackandwhite。I
　　fancythat，underthecircumstance，Icantrustyou，Pugh。I
　　believethatIamcapableofseeingthat，inthismatter，youdon”tdome。Thatwasinthebox。”
　　Iheldoutthecrystalbetweenmyfingerandthumb。
　　“Whatisit？“
　　“ThatiswhatIdesiretolearn。”
　　“Letmelookatit。”
　　“Youarewelcometolookatitwhereitis。Lookatitaslongasyoulike，andasclosely。”
　　Pughleanedovermyhand。Hiseyesbegantogleam。Heishimselfnotabadjudgeofpreciousstones，isPugh。
　　“It”s——it”s——Tress！——isitadiamond？“
　　“ThatquestionIhavealreadyaskedmyself。”
　　“Letmelookatit！Itwillbesafewithme！It”smine！“
　　Iimmediatelyputthethingbehindmyback。
　　“Pardonme，itbelongsneithertoyounortome。Itbelongs，inallprobability，tothepersonwhosoldthatpuzzletothemanfromwhomyouboughtit——perhapssomeweepingwidow，Pugh，orhopelessorphan——thinkofit。Letushavenofurthermisunderstandinguponthatpoint，mydearoldfriend。Still，becauseyouaremydearoldfriend，Iamwillingtotrustyouwiththisdiscoveryofmine，onconditionthatyoudon”tattempttoremoveitfrommysight，andthatyoureturnittomethemomentIrequireyou。”
　　“You”re——you”reveryhardonme。”Imadeamovementtowardmywaistcoatpocket。“I”llreturnittoyou！“
　　Ihandedhimthecrystal，andwithitIhandedhimmypocketlens。
　　“WiththeaidofthatglassIimaginethatyouwillbeabletosubjectittoamoreacuteexamination，Pugh。”
　　Hebegantoexamineitthroughthelens。Directlyhedidso，hegaveanexclamation。Inafewmomentshelookedupatme。Hiseyeswereglisteningbehindhisspectacles。Icouldseehetrembled。
　　“Tress，it”s——it”sadiamond，aBrazildiamond。It”sworthafortune！“
　　“I”mgladyouthinkso。”
　　“GladIthinkso！Don”tyouthinkthatit”sadiamond？“
　　“Itappearstobeadiamond。UnderordinaryconditionsIshouldsay，withouthesitation，thatitwasadiamond。ButwhenI
　　considerthecircumstancesofitsdiscovery，Iamdriventodoubts。
　　Howmuchdidyougiveforthatpuzzle，Pugh？“
　　“Ninepence；thefellowwantedashilling，butIgavehimninepence。
　　Heseemedcontent。”
　　“Ninepence！Doesitseemreasonablethatweshouldfindadiamond，which，ifitisadiamond，isthefineststoneIeversawandhandled，inaninepennypuzzle？Itisnotasthoughithadgotintothethingbyaccident，ithadevidentlybeenplacedtheretobefound，and，apparently，byanyonewhochancedtosolvethepuzzle；witnessthewritingonthescrapofpaper。”
　　Pughre-examinedthecrystal。
　　“Itisadiamond！I”llstakemylifethatit”sadiamond！“
　　“Still，thoughitbeadiamond，Ismellarat！“
　　“Whatdoyoumean？“
　　“Istronglysuspectthatthepersonwhoplacedthatdiamondinsidethatpuzzleintendedtohaveajokeattheexpenseofthepersonwhodiscoveredit。WhatwastobethenatureofthejokeismorethanIcansayatpresent，butIshouldliketohaveabetwithyouthatthemanwhocompoundedthatpuzzlewasaningeniouspracticaljoker。Imaybewrong，Pugh；weshallsee。But，untilIhaveprovedthecontrary，Idon”tbelievethatthemaddestmanthateverlivedwouldthrowawayadiamondworth，apparently，shallwesayathousandpounds？“
　　“Athousandpounds！Thisdiamondisworthagooddealmorethanathousandpounds。”
　　“Well，thatonlymakesmycasethestronger；Idon”tbelievethatthemaddestmanthateverlivedwouldthrowawayadiamondworthmorethanathousandpoundswithsuchutterwantonnessasseemstohavecharacterizedtheactionoftheoriginalownerofthestonewhichIfoundinyourninepennypuzzle，Pugh。”
　　“Therehavebeensomeeccentriccharactersintheworld，someveryeccentriccharacters。However，asyousay，weshallsee。IfancythatIknowsomebodywhowouldbequitewillingtohavesuchadiamondasthis，andwho，moreover，wouldbewillingtopayafairpriceforitspossession；Iwilltakeittohimandseewhathesays。”
　　“Pugh，handmebackthatdiamond。”
　　“MydearTress，Iwasonlygoing”
　　Bobcameinwiththebreakfasttray。
　　“Pugh，youwilleitherhandmethatatonce，orBobshallsummontherepresentativesoflawandorder。”
　　Hehandedmethediamond。Isatdowntobreakfastwithaheartyappetite。Pughstoodandscowledatme。
　　“JosephTress，itismysolemnconviction，andIhavenohesitationinsayingsoinplainEnglish，thatyou”reathief。”
　　“MydearPugh，itseemstomethatweshoweverypromiseofbecomingacoupleofthieves。”
　　“Don”tbracketmewithyou！“
　　“Notatall，youareworsethanI。Itisyouwhodeclinetoreturnthecontentsoftheboxtoitsproperowner。Putittoyourself，youhaveSOMEcommonsense，mydearoldfriendI——doyousupposethatadiamondworthmorethanathousandpoundsistobeHONESTLY
　　boughtforninepence？“
　　Heresumedhisoldtrickofdancingabouttheroom。
　　“Iwasafoolevertoletyouhavethebox！Ioughttohaveknownbetterthantohavetrustedyou；goodnessknowsyouhavegivenmesufficientcausetomistrustyou！Overandoveragain！Yourcharacterisonlytoonotorious！Youhaveplunderedfriendandfoealike——friendandfoealike！Asfortherubbishwhichyoucallyourcollection，ninetenthsofit，Iknowasapositivefact，youhavestolenoutandout。”
　　“WhostolemySirWalterRaleighpipe？Wasn”titamannamedPugh？“
　　“Lookhere，JosephTress！“
　　“I”mlooking。”
　　“Oh，it”snogoodtalkingtoyou，nottheleast！You”re——you”redeadtoallthepromptingsofconscience！MayIinquire，Mr。
　　Tress，whatitisyouproposetodo？“
　　“IPROPOSEtodonothing，exceptsummontherepresentativesoflawandorder。Failingthat，mydearPugh，Ihadsomefaint，vague，veryvagueideaoftakingthecontentsofyourninepennypuzzletoacertainfirminHattonGarden，whoaredealersinpreciousstones，andtolearnfromthemiftheyaredisposedtogiveanythingforit，andifso，what。”
　　“Ishallcomewithyou。”
　　“Withpleasure，onconditionthatyoupaythecab。”
　　“Ipaythecab！Iwillpayhalf。”
　　“Notatall。Youwilleitherpaythewholefare，orelseIwillhaveonecabandyoushallhaveanother。Itisathree-shillingcabfarefromheretoHattonGarden。Ifyouproposetosharemycab，youwillbesogoodastohandoverthatthreeshillingsbeforewestart。”
　　Hegasped，buthehandedoverthethreeshillings。TherearefewthingsIenjoysomuchasgettingmoneyoutofPugh！
　　OntheroadtoHattonGardenwewranglednearlyalltheway。IownthatIfeelacertainsatisfactioninirritatingPugh，heissuchanirritableman。HewantedtoknowwhatIthoughtweshouldgetforthediamond。
　　“Youcan”texpecttogetmuchforthecontentsofaninepennypuzzle，noteventhepriceofacabfare，Pugh。”
　　Heeyedme，butforsomeminuteshewassilent。Thenhebeganagain。
　　“Tress，Idon”tthinkweoughttoletitgoforlessthan——thanfivethousandpounds。”
　　“Seriously，Pugh，Idoubtwhether，whenthewholeaffairisended，weshallgetfivethousandpenceforit，or，forthematterofthat，fivethousandfarthings。”
　　“Butwhynot？Whynot？It”samagnificentstone——magnificent！
　　I”llstakemylifeonit。”
　　Itappedmybreastwiththetipsofmyfingers。
　　“There”sawarningvoicewithinmybreastthatoughttobeinyours，Pugh！Somethingtellsme，perhapsitistheunusuallystrongveinofcommonsensewhichIpossess，thatthecontentsofyourninepennypuzzlewillbefoundtobeamagnificentdo——aningeniouspracticaljoke，myfriend。”
　　“Idon”tbelieveit。”
　　ButIthinkhedid；atanyrate，Ihadunsettledthefoundationsofhisfaith。
　　WeenteredtheHattonGardenofficesidebyside；inhisanxietynottoletmegetbeforehim，Pughactuallyclungtomyarm。Theofficewasdividedintotwopartsbyacounterwhichranfromwalltowall。Iadvancedtoamanwhostoodontheothersideofthiscounter。
　　“Iwanttosellyouadiamond。”
　　“WEwanttosellyouadiamond，“interpolatedPugh。
　　IturnedtoPugh。I“fixed“himwithmyglance。
　　“Iwanttosellyouadiamond。Hereitis。Whatwillyougivemeforit？“
　　TakingthecrystalfrommywaistcoatpocketIhandedittothemanontheothersideofthecounter。Directlyhegotitbetweenhisfingers，andsawthatitwasthathehadgot，Inoticedasuddengleamcomeintohiseyes。
　　“Thisis——thisisratherafinestone。”
　　Pughnudgedmyarm。
　　“Itoldyouso。”IpaidnoattentiontoPugh。“Whatwillyougivemeforit？“
　　“Doyoumean，whatwillIgiveyouforitcashdownuponthenail？“
　　“Justso——whatwillyougivemeforitcashdownuponthenail？“
　　Themanturnedthecrystaloverandoverinhisfingers。“Well，that”sratheralargeorder。Wedon”toftengetachanceofbuyingsuchastoneasthisacrossthecounter。Whatdoyousayto——well——
　　totenthousandpounds？“
　　Tenthousandpounds！Itwasbeyondmywildestimaginings。Pughgasped。Helurchedagainstthecounter。
　　“Tenthousandpounds！“heechoed。
　　Themanontheothersideglancedathim，Ithought，alittlecuriously。
　　“Ifyoucangivemereferences，orsatisfymeinanywayastoyourbonafides，Iampreparedtogiveyouforthisdiamondanopencheckfortenthousandpounds，orifyoupreferit，thecashinstead。”
　　Istared；Iwasnotaccustomedtoseebusinesstransactedonquitesuchlinesasthose。
　　“We”lltakeit，“murmuredPugh；Ibelievehewastoomuchovercomebyhisfeelingstodomorethanmurmur。Iinterposed。
　　“Mydearsir，youwillexcusemysayingthatyouarriveveryrapidlyatyourconclusions。Inthefirstplace，howcanyoumakesurethatitisadiamond？“
　　Themanbehindthecountersmiled。
　　“Ishouldbeveryill-fittedforthepositionwhichIholdifI
　　couldnottelladiamonddirectlyIgetasightofit，especiallysuchastoneasthis。”
　　“Buthaveyounotestsyoucanapply？“
　　“Wehavetestswhichweapplyincasesinwhichdoubtexists，butinthiscasethereisnodoubtwhatever。IamassurethatthisisadiamondasIamsurethatitisairIbreathe。However，hereisatest。”
　　Therewasawheelclosebythespeaker。Itwasworkedbyatreadle。Itwasmorelikeasuperiorsortoftraveling-tinker”sgrindstonethananythingelse。Themanbehindthecounterputhisfootuponthetreadle。Thewheelbegantorevolve。Hebroughtthecrystalintocontactwiththeswiftlyrevolvingwheel。Therewasas——s——sh！And，inaninstant，hishandwasempty；thecrystalhadvanishedintoair。
　　“Goodheavens！“hegasped。Ineversawsuchalookofamazementonahumancountenancebefore。“It”ssplintered！“
　　POSTSCRIPT
　　ItWASadiamond，althoughitHADsplintered。Inthatfactlaythepointofthejoke。Themanbehindthecounterhadnotbeenwrong；
　　examinationofsuchdustascouldbecollectedprovedthatfactbeyondadoubt。Itwasdeclaredbyexpertsthatthediamond，atsomeperiodofitshistory，hadbeensubjectedtointenseandcontinuingheat。Theresulthadbeentomakeitasbrittleasglass。
　　Therecouldbenodoubtthatitsoriginalownerhadbeenanexperttoo。Heknewwherehegotitfrom，andheprobablyknewwhatithadendured。Hewasawarethat，fromamercantilepointofview，itwasworthless；itcouldneverhavebeencut。So，havingaturnforhumorofapeculiarkind，hehaddevoteddays，andweeks，andpossiblymonths，totheconstructionofthatpuzzle。Hehadplacedthediamondinside，andhehadenjoyed，inanticipationandinimagination，theAlnascharvisionsoftheluckyfinder。
　　Pughblamedmeforthecatastrophe。Hesaid，andstillsays，thatifIhadnot，inameasure，andquitegratuitously，insistedonatest，themanbehindthecounterwouldhavebeensatisfiedwiththeevidenceofhisorgansofvision，andweshouldhavebeenricherbytenthousandpounds。ButIsatisfymyconsciencewiththereflectionthatwhatIdidatanyratewashonest，though，atthesametime，IamperfectlywellawarethatsuchareflectiongivesPughnosortofsatisfaction。
　　TheGreatValdezSapphireIknowmoreaboutitthananyoneelseintheworld，itspresentownernotexcepted。Icangiveitswholehistory，fromtheCingalesewhofoundit，theSpanishadventurerwhostoleit，thecardinalwhoboughtit，thePopewhograciouslyacceptedit，thefavoredsonoftheChurchwhoreceivedit，thegayandgiddyduchesswhopawnedit，downtotheeminentprelatewhonowholdsitintrustasafamilyheirloom。
　　Itwilloccupyachaptertoitselfinmyforthcomingworkon“HistoricStones，“wherefulldetailsofitsweight，size，color，andvaluemaybefound。AtpresentIamgoingtorelateanincidentinitshistorywhich，forobviousreasons，willnotbepublished——which，infact，Itrustthereaderwillconsiderrelatedinstrictconfidence。
　　IhadneverseenthestoneitselfwhenIbegantowriteaboutit，anditwasnottilloneeveninglastspring，whilestayingwithmynephew，SirThomasActon，thatIcamewithinmeasurabledistanceofit。Adinnerpartywasimpending，and，atmyinstigation，theBishopofNorthchurchandMissPanton，hisdaughterandheiress，wereamongtheinvitedguests。
　　Thedinnerwasaparticularlygoodone，Irememberthatdistinctly。
　　Infact，Ifeltmyselfpartlyresponsibleforit，havingengagedthenewcook——atalentedyoungItalian，pupiloftheadmirableoldchefatmyclub。Wehadgoneoverthemenucarefullytogether，witharesultrefreshinginitsnovelty，butnotsodaringastodisturbthemindsoftheinnocentcountryguestswhowerebiddenthereto。
　　Thefirstspoonfulofsoupwasreassuring，andIlookedtotheendofthetabletoexchangeacongratulatoryglancewithLeta。Whatwasamiss？Noresponse。Herprettyfacewasflushed，hersmileconstrained，shewastalkingwithquiteunnecessaryempressementtoherneighbor，SirHarryLandor，thoughLetaisoneofthosefewwomenwhounderstandtheimportanceoflettingamansettledowntranquillyandwithanundisturbedmindtothebusinessofdining，allowingnotopicofseriousinteresttocomeonbeforethereleves，andreservingmereconversationalbrilliancyfortheentremets。
　　Guestsallright？Nodisappointments？Ihadgonethroughthelistwithher，selectingjusttherightpeopletobeaskedtomeettheLandors，ournewneighbors。Notamerecumbrouscountygathering，noryetashowyimportedpartyfromtown，butaskillfulblendingofboth。Hadanythinghappenedalready？Ihadbeenlatefordinnerandmissedthearrivalsinthedrawing-room。ItwasLeta”sfault。Shehasgotintoawayofcomingintomyroomandputtingthelasttouchestomytoilet。Ilether，forIamdoubtfulofmyselfnowadaysaftermanyyears”dependenceonthebestofvalets。
　　Hertasteisgenerallybeyonddispute，butto-dayshehadindulgedinafemininevagarythatprovokedmeandmademelatefordinner。
　　“Areyougoingtowearyoursapphire，UnclePaul！“shecriedinatoneofdismay。“Oh，whynottheruby？“
　　“YouWOULDhaveyourwayaboutthetabledecorations，“Igentlyremindedher。“withthatserviceofCrownDerbyrepousseandorchids，therubywouldlookabsolutelybarbaric。NowifyouwouldhavehadtheLimogesset，whitecandles，andayellowsilkcenter”
　　“Oh，but——I”mSOdisappointed——Iwantedthebishoptoseeyourruby——oroneofyourengravedgems”
　　“Mydear，itisonthebishop”saccountIputthison。YouknowhisdaughterisheiressofthegreatValdezsapphire”
　　“Ofcoursesheis，andwhenhehasthechargeofastonethreetimesasbigasyours，what”stheuseofwearingit？Theruby，dearUnclePaul，PLEASE！“
　　ShewasdesperatelyinearnestIcouldsee，andconsideringtheobligationswhichIamsupposedtobeundertoherandTom，itwasbutalittlemattertoyield，butitinvolvedagooddealofextratrouble。Studs，sleeve-links，watch-guard，allcarefullyselectedtogowiththesapphire，hadtobechanged，theemeraldwhichI
　　choseasacompromiserequiringmorefloridaccompanimentsofadeepertoneofgold；andthedinnerhourstruckasIreplacedmyjewelcase，theonerelicleftmeofaoncehandsomefortune，inmyfireproofsafe。
　　Theemeraldlookedverywellthatevening，however。IkeptmyeyesuponitforcomfortwhenMissPantonprovedtrying。
　　Shewasalean，yellow，dictatorialyoungpersonwithnoconversation。Ispokeofherfather”scelebratedsapphires。“MY
　　sapphires，“sheamendedsourly；“thoughIamlegallydebarredfrommakinganyprofitableuseofthem。”Shefurthermoreinformedmethatsheviewedthemasuselessgauds，whichoughttobedisposedofforthebenefitoftheheathen。Igavethesubjectup，andwhileshediscoursedoftheworkoftheBlueRibbonArmyamongtheBosjesmansItriedtounderstandacertaindislocationinthearrangementofthetable。Surelyweweremoreorlessinnumberthanweshouldbe？Oppositesideallright。Whowasextraonours？Ileanedforward。LadyLandorononesideofTom，ontheotherwho？Icaughtglimpsesofplumespinkandgreennoddingoveradinnerplate，andbeneaththemapinknoseinagreenvisagewithanutcrackerchinaltogetherunknowntome。Asharpgrayeyeshotasidewayglancedownthetableandcaughtmepeeping，andI
　　retreated，havingonlymarkedinadditiontwoclawlikehands，withpointedrufflesandamassofbrilliantrings，makinggoodplaywithaknifeandfork。Whowasshe？AtintervalsahighacidvoicecouldbeheardaddressingTom，andalaughthatmademeshudder；ithadthequalityofthescreamofabirdofpreyortheyellofajackal。Ihadheardthatsortoflaughbefore，anditalwaysmademefeellikeadefenselessrabbit。
　　EverytimeitsoundedIsawLeta”sfanfluttermorefuriouslyandhermannergrowmorenervouslyanimated。Poordeargirl！Ineverinallmyrecollectionwishedadinneratanendsoearnestlysoastoassureherofmysupportandsympathy，thoughwithoutthefaintestconceptionwhyeithershouldberequired。
　　Theicesatlast。Amenucardfoldedintwowaslaidbesideme。I
　　readitunobserved。“KeeptheB。fromjoiningusinthedrawing-
　　room。”TheB。？Thebishop，ofcourse。Withpleasure。Butwhy？
　　Andhow？THAT”Sthequestion，nevermind“why。”CouldIlurehimintothelibrary——thebilliardroom——theconservatory？Idoubtedit，andIdoubtedstillmorewhatIshoulddowithhimwhenIgothimthere。
　　Thebishopisagrandandstatelyecclesiasticofthemediaevaltype，broad-chested，deep-voiced，martialofbearing。Icouldpicturehimchargingmaceinhandattheheadofhisvassals，ordeliveringoveradissenteroftheperiodtotherackandthumbscrew，butnotpotteringamongrareeditions，tallcopiesandGrolierbindings，norcondescendingtoaquietcigaramongthetreefernsandorchids。Letamustandshouldbeobeyed，Iswore，nevertheless，evenifIweredriventolockthedoorinthefearlessoldfashionofabygoneday，anddeclareI”dshootanymanwholeftwhileadropremainedinthebottles。
　　Theladieswererising。TheladyattheheadofthelinesmirkedandnoddedherpinkplumescoquettishlyatTom，whileherhawk”seyesrovedkeenandpredatoryoverusall。Shestoppedsuddenly，creatingablockandconfusion。
　　“Ah，thedearbishop！YOUthere，andIneversawyou！Youmustcomeandhaveanicelongchatpresently。By-by——！“Sheshookherfanathimovermyshoulderandtrippedoff。Leta，passingmelast，gavemealookofprofounddespair。
　　“LadyCarwitchet！“somebodyexclaimed。“Icouldn”tbelievemyeyes。”
　　“Thoughtshewasdeadorinpenalservitude。NevershouldhaveexpectedtoseeherHERE，“saidsomeoneelsebehindmeconfidentially。
　　“WhatCarwitchet？NotthemotheroftheCarwitchetwho”
　　“Justso。TheCarwitchetwho-”Tomassentedwithashrug。“Weneedn”tgofarther，asshe”smyguest。Justmyluck。ImetthematBuxton，thoughtthemuncommonlygoodcompany——infact，CarwitchetlaidmeunderagreatobligationaboutahorseIwasnearlyletinforbuying——andgavethemageneralinvitationhere，asonedoes，youknow。Neverexpectedhertoturnupwithherluggagethisafternoonjustbeforedinner，tostayaweek，orafortnightifCarwitchetcanjoinher。”Agroanofsympathyranroundthetable。“Itcan”tbehelped。I”vetoldyouthisjusttoshowthatIshouldn”thaveaskedyouheretomeetthissortofpeopleofmyownfreewill；but，asitis，pleasesaynomoreaboutthem。”Thesubjectwasnotdroppedbyanymeans，andItookcarethatitshouldnotbe。Atourendofthetableonestoryafteranotherwentbuzzinground——sottovoce，outofdeferencetoTom——
　　butperfectlyaudible。
　　“Carwitchet？Ah，yes。MixedupinthatRawlingsdivorcecase，wasn”the？Abadlot。TurnedoutoftheDragoonGuardsforcheatingatcards，orpickingpockets，orsomething——remembertherowattheCeruleanClub？Scandalousexposure——andthatforgedletterbusiness——oh，thatwasthemother——prosecutionhushedupsomehow。Oughttobeservingherfourteenyears——andthatbusinessofpoorFarrars，thebanker——gotholdofsomeofhissecretsandblackmailedhimtillheblewhisbrainsout”
　　ItwassoexcitingthatIcleanforgotthebishop，tillalowgaspatmyelbowstartledme。Hewaslyingbackinhischair，hismightyshavenjowlaghastlywhite，hisfierceimperiouseyebrowsdroopinglimpoverhisfishlikeeyes，hissplendidfigureshrunkandcontracted。Hewastryingwithashakenhandtopouroutwine。
　　Thedecanterclatteredagainsttheglassandthewinespilledonthecloth。
　　“I”mafraidyoufindtheroomtoowarm。Shallwegointothelibrary？“
　　Herosehastilyandfollowedmelikealamb。
　　Herecoveredhimselfoncewegotintothehall，andaffablyrejectedallmyproffersofbrandyandsoda——medicaladvice——
　　everythingelsemylimitedexperiencecouldsuggest。Heonlydemandedhiscarriage“directly“andthatMissPantonshouldbesummonedforthwith。
　　ImadethebestuseIcouldofthetimeleftme。
　　“I”muncommonlysorryyoudonotfeelequaltostayingalittlelonger，mylord。Icountedonshowingyoumyfewtriflesofpreciousstones，thesalvagefromthewreckofmypossessions。
　　Nothingincomparisonwithyourowncollection。”
　　Thebishopclaspedhishandoverhisheart。Hisbreathcameshortandquick。
　　“Areturnofthatdizziness，“heexplainedwithafaintsmile。
　　“YouarethinkingoftheValdezsapphire，areyounot？Someday，“
　　hewentonwithforcedcomposure，“Imayhavethepleasureofshowingittoyou。Itisatmybanker”sjustnow。”
　　MissPanton”sstepswereheardintheball。“Youarewellknownasaconnoisseur，Mr。Acton，“hewentonhurriedly。“Isyourcollectionvaluable？Ifso，keepitsafe；don”ttrustaringoffyourhand，orthekeyofyourjewelcaseoutofyourpockettillthehouseisclearagain。”Thewordsrushedfromhislipsinanimpetuouswhisper，hegavemeameaningglance，anddepartedwithhisdaughter。Iwentbacktothedrawing-room，myheadswimmingwithbewilderment。
　　“What！Thedearbishopgone！“screamedLadyCarwitchetfromthecentralottomanwhereshesat，surroundedbymostofthegentlemen，allapparentlywellentertainedbyherconversation。“AndIwantedtotalkoveroldtimeswithhimsobadly。Hispoorwifewasmygreatestfriend。MiraMontanaro，daughterofthegreatbanker，youknow。It”snotpossiblethatthatmiserablelittleprigismypoorMira”sgirl。TheheiressofalltheMontanarosinablacklacegownworthtwopence！WhenIthinkofhermother”sbeautyandhertoilets！Doessheeverwearthesapphires？Hasanyoneeverseenherinthem？Elevenlargestonesinalovelyantiquesetting，andthegreatValdezsapphire——worththousandsandthousands——forthependant。”Noonereplied。“Iwantedtogetariseoutofthebishopto-night。ItusedtomakehimsomadwhenIworethis。”
　　Shefumbledamongthelacesatherthroat，andclawedoutapendantthathungtoavelvetbandaroundherneck。Ifairlygaspedwhensheremovedherhand。Asapphireofirregularshapeflashedoutitsbluelightningonus。Suchastone！Atrue，rich，cornflowerblueevenbythatwretchedartificiallight，withsoftvelvetydepthsofcoloranddazzlingclearnessoftintinitslightsandshades——astonetoremember！Istretchedoutmyhandinvoluntarily，butLadyCarwitchetdrewbackwithacoquettishsqueal。“No！no！Youmustn”tlookanycloser。Tellmewhatyouthinkofitnow。Isn”titpretty？“
　　“Superb！“wasallIcouldejaculate，staringattheazuresplendorofthatmiraculousjewelinasortoftrance。
　　Shegaveashrillcacklinglaughofmockery。
　　“ThegreatMr。ActontakeninbyabitofPalaisRoyalgimcrackery！
　　WhatanadvertisementforBogaertsetCie！Theyareperfectartistsinfrauds。Don”tyouremembertheirstandatthefirstParisExhibition？Theyhadimitationsthereofeverycelebratedstone；butIneverexpectedanythingmadebymancoulddeludeMr。
　　Acton，never！“Andshewentoffintoanothermockingcackle，andalltheidiotsroundherhaw-hawedknowingly，asiftheyhadseenthejokeallalong。Iwastoobewilderedtoreply，whichwasonthewholelucky。“IsupposeImustn”ttellwhyIcametogivequiteabigsuminfrancsforthis？“shewenton，tappingherclosedlipswithherclosedfan，andcockinghereyeatusalllikeaparrotwantingtobecoaxedtotalk。“It”saqueerstory。”
　　Ididn”twanttohearheranecdote，especiallyasIsawshewantedtotellit。WhatIDIDwantwastoseethatpendantagain。Shehadthrustitbackamongherlaces，onlytheloopwhichheldittothevelvetbeingvisible。Itwassetwiththreesmallsapphires，andevenfromadistanceIclearlymadethemouttobeimitations，andpoorones。Ifeltaqueerthrillofself-mistrust。Wasthelargestonenobetter？CouldI，evenforaninstant，havebeendazzledbyasham，andashamofthatquality？Theeventsoftheeveninghadflurriedandconfusedme。Iwishedtothinkthemoverinquiet。Iwouldgotobed。
　　MyroomsattheManorarethebestinthehouse。Letawillhaveitso。Imustexplaintheirpositionforareasontobeunderstoodlater。Mybedroomisinthesoutheastangleofthehouse；itopensononesideintoasitting-roomintheeastcorridor，therestofwhichistakenupbythesuiteofroomsoccupiedbyTomandLeta；
　　andontheothersideintomybathroom，thefirstroominthesouthcorridor，wheretheprincipalguestchambersare，tooneofwhichitwasoriginallythedressing-room。PassingthisroomInoticedacoupleofhousemaidspreparingitforthenight，anddiscoveredwithashiverthatLadyCarwitchetwastobemynext-doorneighbor。
　　Itgavemeaturn。
　　Thebishop”sstrangewarningmusthaveunnervedme。Iwasperfectlysafefromherladyship。Thedisuseddoorintoherroomwaslocked，andthekeysafeonthehousekeeper”sbunch。Itwasalsoundiscoverableonherside，therecessinwhichitstoodbeingcompletelyfilledbyalargewardrobe。Onmysidehungathicksound-proofportiere。Nevertheless，Iresolvednottousethatroomwhilesheinhabitedthenextone。Iremovedmypossessions，fastenedthedoorofcommunicationwithmybedroom，anddraggedaheavyottomanacrossit。
　　ThenIstowedawaymyemeraldinmystrong-box。Itisbuiltintothewallofmysitting-room，andmaskedbythelowerpartofanoldcarvedoakbureau。IputawayeventheringsIworehabitually，keepingoutonlyaninferiorcat”s-eyeforworkadaywear。IhadjustmadeallsafewhenLetatappedatthedoorandcameintowishmegoodnight。Shelookedflushedandharassedandreadytocry。
　　“UnclePaul，“shebegan，“Iwantyoutogouptotownatonce，andstayawaytillIsendforyou。”
　　“Mydear——！“Iwastooamazedtoexpostulate。
　　“We”vegota——apestilenceamongus，“shedeclared，herfoottappingthegroundangrily，“andtheleastwecandoistogointoquarantine。Oh，I”msosorryandsoashamed！Thepoorbishop！
　　I”lltakegoodcarethatnooneelseshallmeetthatwomanhere。
　　Youdidyourbestforme，UnclePaul，andmanagedadmirably，butitwasallnouse。Ihopedagainsthopethatwhatbetweentheduskofthedrawing-roombeforedinner，andbeingputatoppositeendsofthetable，wemightgetthroughwithoutameeting”
　　“But，mydear，explain。Whyshouldn”tthebishopandLadyCarwitchetmeet？Whyisitworseforhimthananyoneelse？“
　　“Why？Ithoughteverybodyhadheardofthatdreadfulwifeofhiswhonearlybrokehisheart。Ifhemarriedherforhermoneyitservedhimright，butLadyLandorsaysshewasveryhandsomeandreallyinlovewithhimatfirst。ThenLadyCarwitchetgotholdofherandledherintoallsortsofmischief。Sheleftherhusband——
　　hewasonlyarectorwithacountrylivinginthosedays——andwenttoliveintown，gotintoahorridfastset，andmadeherselfnotorious。YouMUSThaveheardofher。”
　　“Iheardofhersapphires，mydear。ButIwasinBrazilatthetime。”
　　“Iwishyouhadbeenathome。Youmighthavefoundherout。ShewasfuriousbecauseherhusbandrefusedtoletherwearthegreatValdezsapphire。IthadbeenintheMontanarofamilyforsomegenerations，andherfathersettleditfirstonherandthenonherlittlegirl——thebishopbeingtrustee。Hefeltobligedtotakeawaythelittlegirl，andsendherofftobebroughtupbysomeoldauntsinthecountry，andhelockedupthesapphire。LadyCarwitchettellsasasplendidjokehowtheygotthecopymadeinParis，anditdidjustaswellforthepeopletostareat。Nowonderthebishophatestheverynameofthestone。”
　　“Howlongwillshestayhere？“Iaskeddismally。
　　“TillLordCarwitchetcancomeandescorthertoParistovisitsomeAmericanfriends。Goodnessknowswhenthatwillbe！Dogouptotown，UnclePaul！“
　　Irefusedindignantly。TheveryleastIcoulddowastostandbymypooryoungrelativesintheirtroublesandhelpthemthrough。I
　　didso。Iworethatinferiorcat”seyeforsixweeks！
　　ItisatimeIcannotthinkofevennowwithoutashudder。ThemoreIsawofthatterribleoldwomanthemoreIdetestedher，andwesawaverygreatdealofher。Letakeptherword，andneitheracceptednorgaveinvitationsallthattime。WewerecutofffromallsocietybutthatofoldGeneralFairford，whowouldgoanywhereandmeetanyonetogetarubberafterdinner；thedoctor，asportingwidower；andtheDuberlys，agiddy，ratherracketyyoungcouplewhohadtakentheDowerHouseforayear。LadyCarwitchetseemedperfectlycontent。ShereveledinthesoftlivingandgoodfareoftheManorHouse，thedrivesinLeta”sbigbarouche，andDomenico”sdinners，asonetowhomshortcommonswerenotunknown。
　　Shehadahungrywayofgrabbingandgraspingateverythingshecould——theshillingsshewonatwhist，thebestfruitatdessert，thepostagestampsinthelibraryinkstand——thatwasinfinitelysuggestive。SometimesIcouldhavepitiedher，shewassogreedy，sospiteful，sofriendless。Shealwaysmademethinkofsomewickedoldpirateputtingintoapeacefulporttoprovisionandrepairhisbatteredoldhulk，obligedtoliveonfriendlytermswiththenatives，buthispiraticaloldnostrilsasniffforplunderandhispiraticaloldsoullongingtobeoffmaraudingoncemore。
　　Whenwouldthatbe？NottillthearrivalinParisofherdistinguishedAmericanfriends，ofwhomweheardagreatdeal。
　　“Charmingpeople，theBokumsofChicago，theAmericanbranchoftheEnglishBeauchamps，youknow！“Theyseemedtobetakinganunconscionabletimetogetthere。ShewouldhaveinsistedonbeingdrivenovertoNorthchurchtocallatthepalace，butthatthebishopwasunderstoodtobeholdingconfirmationsattheotherendofthediocese。
　　Iwasaloneinthehouseoneafternoonsittingbymywindow，toyingwiththekeyofmysafe，andwonderingwhetherIdaretreatmyselftoapeepatmytreasures，whenasuspiciousmovementintheparkbelowcaughtmyattention。Ablackfigurecertainlydodgedfrombehindonetreetothenext，andthenintotheshadowoftheparkpalinginsteadofkeepingtothefootpath。Itlookedqueer。I
　　caughtupmyfieldglassandmarkedhimatonepointwherehewasboundtocomeintotheopenforafewsteps。Hecrossedthestripofturfwithgiantstridesandgotintocoveragain，butnotquickenoughtopreventmerecognizinghim。Itwas——greatheavens！——thebishop！Inasofthatpulledoverhisforehead，withalongcloakandabigstick，helookedlikeapoacher。
　　GuidedbysomemysteriousinstinctIhurriedtomeethim。Iopenedtheconservatorydoor，andinherushedlikeahuntedrabbit。
　　WithoutexplanationIledhimupthewidestaircasetomyroom，wherehedroppedintoachairandwipedhisface。
　　“Youareastonished，Mr。Acton，“hepanted。“Iwillexplaindirectly。Thanks。”HetossedofftheglassofbrandyIhadpouredoutwithoutwaitingforthequalifyingsoda，andlookedbetter。
　　“Iaminserioustrouble。Youcanhelpme。I”vehadashockto-
　　day——agrievousshock。”Hestoppedandtriedtopullhimselftogether。“Imusttrustyouimplicitly，Mr。Acton，Ihavenochoice。Tellmewhatyouthinkofthis。”Hedrewacasefromhisbreastpocketandopenedit。“IpromisedyoushouldseetheValdezsapphire。Lookthere！“
　　TheValdezsapphire！Agreatbigshininglumpofbluecrystal——
　　flawlessandofperfectcolor——thatwasall。Itookitup，breathedonit，drewoutmymagnifier，lookedatitinonelightandanother。Whatwaswrongwithit？Icouldnotsay。Nineexpertsoutoftenwouldundoubtedlyhavepronouncedthestonegenuine。I，byvirtueofsomemysteriousinstinctthathashithertoalwaysguidedmearight，wastheunluckytenth。Ilookedatthebishop。Hiseyesmetmine。Therewasnoneedofspokenwordbetweenus。
　　“HasLadyCarwitchetshownyouhersapphire？“washismostunexpectedquestion。“Shehas？Now，Mr。Acton，onyourhonorasaconnoisseurandagentleman，whichofthetwoistheValdez？“
　　“Notthisone。”Icouldsaynaughtelse。
　　“Youweremylasthope。”Hebrokeoff，anddroppedhisfaceonhisfoldedarmswithagroanthatshookthetableonwhichherested，whileIstooddismayedatmyselfforhavingletsohastyajudgmentescapeme。Heliftedaghastlycountenancetome。“Shevowedshewouldseemeruinedanddisgraced。Imadehermyenemybycrossingsomeofherschemesonce，andsheneverforgives。Shewillkeepherword。Ishallappearbeforetheworldasafraudulenttrustee。
　　Icanneitherproducethevaluableconfidedtomychargenormakethelossgood。Ihaveonlyanincrediblestorytotell，“bedroppedhisheadandgroanedagain。“Whowillbelieveme？“
　　“Iwill，forone。”
　　“Ah，you？Yes，youknowher。Shetookmywifefromme，Mr。Acton。
　　HeavenonlyknowswhattheholdwasthatshehadoverpoorMira。
　　Sheencouragedhertosetmeatdefianceandeventuallytoleaveme。ShewasanswerableforallthescandalousfollyandextravaganceofpoorMira”slifeinParis——sparemethetellingofthestory。Sheleftheratlasttodiealoneanduncaredfor。I
　　reachedmywifetofindherdyingofafeverfromwhichLadyCarwitchetandhercrewhadfled。Shewasravingindelirium，anddiedwithoutrecognizingme。SometroubleshehadbeeninwhichI
　　mustneverknowoppressedher。Attheverylastsherousedfromalongstuporandspoketothenurse。”Tellhimtogetthesapphireback——shestoleit。Shehasrobbedmychild。”Thosewereherlastwords。ThenurseunderstoodnoEnglish，andtreatedthemaswandering；butIheardthem，andknewshewassanewhenshespoke。”
　　“Whatdidyoudo？“
　　“WhatcouldI？IsawLadyCarwitchet，wholaughedatme，anddefiedmetomakeherconfessordisgorge。Itookthependanttomorethanoneeminentjeweleronpretenseofhavingthesettingseento，andallhaveexaminedandadmiredwithoutgivingahintoftherebeinganythingwrong。Iallowedacelebratedmineralogisttoseeit；hegavenosign”
　　“Perhapstheyarerightandwearewrong。”
　　“No，no。Listen。IheardofanoldDutchmancelebratedforhisimitations。Iwenttohim，andhetoldmeatoncethathehadbeenallowedbyMontanarotocopytheValdez——settingandall——fortheParisExhibition。Ishowedhimthis，andheclaimeditforhisownworkatonce，andpointedouthisprivatemarkuponit。Youmusttakeyourmagnifiertofindit；aGreekBeta。HealsotoldmethathehadsoldittoLadyCarwitchetmorethanayearago。
　　“Itisaterribleposition。”
　　“Itis。Myco-trusteediedlately。Ihaveneverdaredtohaveanotherappointed。Iamboundtohandoverthesapphiretomydaughteronhermarriage，ifherhusbandconsentstotakethenameofMontanaro。”
　　Thebishop”sfacewasghastlypale，andthemoisturestartedonhisbrow。Irackedmybrainforsomewordofcomfort。
　　“MissPantonmaynevermarry。”
　　“Butshewill！“heshouted。“Thatistheblowthathasbeendealtmeto-day。Mychaplain——actually，mychaplain——tellsmethatheisgoingoutasatemperancemissionarytoequatorialAfrica，andhastheassurancetoaddthathebelievesmydaughterisnotindisposedtoaccompanyhim！“Hisconsummatingwrathactedasamomentarystimulant。Hesatupright，hiseyesflashingandhisbrowthunderous。Ifeltforthatchaplain。Thenhecollapsedmiserably。“Thesapphireswillhavetobeproduced，identified，revalued。HowshallIcomeoutofit？Thinkofthedisgrace，therippingupofoldscandals！EvenifIweretocompoundwithLadyCarwitchet，thesumshehintedatwastoomonstrous。Shewantsmorethanmymoney。Helpme，Mr。Acton！Forthesakeofyourownfamilyinterests，helpme！“
　　“Ibegyourpardon——familyinterests？Idon”tunderstand。”
　　“Ifmydaughterischildless，hernextofkinispoorMarmadukePanton，whoisdyingatCannes，notmarried，orlikelytomarry；
　　andfailinghim，yournephew，SirThomasActon，succeeds。”
　　MynephewTom！Leta，orLeta”sbaby，mightcometobethepossibleinheritorofthegreatValdezsapphire！ThebloodrushedtomyheadasIlookedatthegreatshiningswindlebeforeme。“Whatdiabolicjugglerywasatworkwhentheexchangewasmade？“I
　　demandedfiercely。
　　“ItmusthavebeenonthelastoccasionofherwearingthesapphiresinLondon。Ioughtnevertohaveletheroutofmysight“
　　“YoumustputastoptoMissPanton”smarriageinthefirstplace，“
　　Ipronouncedasautocraticallyashecouldhavedonehimself。
　　“Nottobethoughtof，“headmittedhelplessly。“Mirahasmyforceofcharacter。Sheknowsherrights，andshewillhaveherjewels。
　　Iwantyoutotakechargeofthe——thingforme。Ifit”sinthehouseshe”llmakemeproduceit。She”llinquireatthebanker”s。
　　IfYOUhaveitwecangaintime，ifbutforadayortwo。”Hebrokeoff。Carriagewheelswerecrashingonthegraveloutside。
　　Welookedatoneanotherinconsternation。Flightwasimperative。
　　Ihurriedhimdownstairsandoutoftheconservatoryjustasthedoorbellrang。Ithinkwebothlostourheadsintheconfusion。
　　Heshovedthecaseintomyhands，andIpocketedit，withoutathoughtoftheawfulresponsibilityIwasincurring，andsawhimdisappearintotheshelterofthefriendlynight。
　　WhenIthinkofwhatmyfeelingswerethatevening——ofmymurderoushatredofthatsmirking，jestingJezebelwhosatoppositemeatdinner，mywrathfulindignationatthethoughtofthepoorlittleexpectedheirdefraudederehisbirth；ofthecrushingcontemptI
　　feltformyselfandthebishopasapairofwitlessidiotsunabletoseeourwayoutofthedilemma；allthisboilingandsurgingthroughmysoul，Icanonlywonder——Domenicohavinggivenhimselfaholiday，andthekitchenmaiddoingherworstandwickedest——thatgoutorjaundicedidnotputanendtothisstoryatonce。
　　“UnclePaul！“Letawaslookinghersweetestwhenshetrippedintomyroomnextmorning。“I”venewsforyou。She，“pointingadelicateforefingerinthedirectionofthecorridor，“isgoing！
　　HerBokumshavereachedParisatlast，andsentforhertojointhemattheGrandHotel。”
　　Iwasthunderstruck。Thelonged-fordeliverancehadbutcometoremovehopelesslyandforeveroutofmyreachLadyCarwitchetandthegreatValdezsapphire。
　　“Why，aren”tyouoverjoyed？Iam。Wearegoingtocelebratetheeventbyadinnerparty。Tom”shospitablesoulisvexedbythelackofentertainmentwehadprovidedher。WemustasktheBrownleyssomedayorother，andtheywillbedelightedtomeetanythinginthewayofaladyship，orsuchsmartfolksastheDuberly-Parkers。ThenwemayaswellhavetheBlomfields，andairthatawfulmodernSevresdessertserviceshegaveuswhenweweremarried。”Ihadnoobjectiontomake，andshewenton，rubbinghersoftcheekagainstmyshoulderlikethepurringlittlecatshewas：
　　“NowIwantyoutodosomethingtopleaseme——andMrs。Blomfield。
　　Shehassetherheartonseeingyourrubies，andthoughIknowyouhateheraboutasmuchasyoudothatSevreschina”
　　“What！Wearmyrubieswiththat！Iwon”t。I”lltellyouwhatI
　　willdo，though。I”vegotsomecarbunclesasbigasprizegooseberries，awholeset。ThenyouhaveonlytoputthoseBohemianglassvasesandcandelabraonthetable，andletyourgardenerdohisworstwithhisgreatforced，scentless，vulgarblooms，andweshallallbeinkeeping。”Letapouted。Anideastruckme。“OrI”lldoasyouwish，ononecondition。YougetLadyCarwitchettowearherbigsapphire，anddon”ttellherIwishit。”
　　Ilivedthroughthenextfewdaysasoneinsomeevildream。Thesapphires，liketwinspecters，hauntedmedayandnight。Wasevermansotantalized？Toholdtheshadowandseethesubstancedangledtemptinglywithinreach。Thebishopmadenosignofriddingmeofmyunwelcomecharge，andthethoughtofwhatmighthappeninacaseofburglary——fire——earthquake——mademestartandtrembleatallsortsofinopportunemoments。
　　IkeptfaithwithLeta，andreluctantlyproducedmybeautifulrubiesonthenightofherdinnerparty。EmergingfrommyroomI
　　camefulluponLadyCarwitchetinthecorridor。Shewasdressedfordinner，andatherthroatIcaughtthebluegleamofthegreatsapphire。Letahadkeptfaithwithme。Idon”tknowwhatI
　　stammeredinreplytoherladyship”sremarks；mywholesoulwasabsorbedinthecontemplationoftheintoxicatinglovelinessofthegem。THATaPalaisRoyaldeception！Incredible！Myfingerstwitched，mybreathcameshortandfiercewiththelustofpossession。Shemusthaveseenthecovetousglareinmyeyes。A
　　lookofgratifiedspitefulcomplacencyoverspreadherfeatures，asshesweptonaheadanddescendedthestairsbeforeme。Ifollowedhertothedrawing-roomdoor。Shestoppedsuddenly，andmurmuringsomethingunintelligiblehurriedbackagain。
　　EverybodywasassembledtherethatIexpectedtosee，withanaddition。NotawelcomeonebythelookonTom”sface。Hestoodonthehearthrugconversingwithagreathulking，high-shoulderedfellow，sallow-faced，withaheavymustacheanddroopingeyelids，fromthecornersofwhichflashedoutasuddensuspiciouslookasI
　　approached，whichlightedupintoagreedyoneasitrestedonmyrubies，andseemedunaccountablyfamiliartome，tillLadyCarwitchettrippingpastmeexclaimed：
　　“Hehascomeatlast！Mynaughty，naughtyboy！Mr。Acton，thisismyson，LordCarwitchet！“
　　Ibrokeoffshortinthemidstofmypoliteacknowledgmentstostareblanklyather。Thesapphirewasgone！Agreatgiltcross，withaScotchpebblelikeanaciddrop，washersoledecoration。
　　“Ihadtoputmypendantaway，“sheexplainedconfidentially；“theclasphadgotbrokensomehow。”Ididn”tbelieveaword。
　　LordCarwitchetcontributedlittletothegeneralentertainmentatdinner，butfellintoconfidentialtalkwithMrs。Duberly-Parker。
　　Icaughtafewunintelligibleremarksacrossthetable。Theyreferred，Isubsequentlydiscovered，tothelady”slittlebookonNorthchurchraces，andIrecollectedthattheSpringMeetingwason，andto-morrow“CupDay。”AfterdinnertherewasgreattalkaboutgettingupapartytogoonGeneralFairford”sdrag。LadyCarwitchetwasinecstasiesandtriedtocoaxmeintojoining。
　　Letadeclinedpositively。Tomacceptedsulkily。
　　ThelookinLordCarwitchet”seyereturnedtomymindasIlockedupmyrubiesthatnight。Itmadehimlooksolikehismother！I
　　wentroundmyfasteningswithunusualcare。Safeandclosetsanddeskanddoors，Itriedthemall。Comingatlasttothebathroom，itopenedatonce。Itwasthehousemaid”sdoing。Shehadevidentlytakenadvantageofmyhavingabandonedtheroomtogiveit“athoroughspringcleaning，“andIanathematizedher。Thefurniturewasallpiledtogetherandveiledwithsheets，thecarpetandfeltcurtainweregone，therewerenewbroomsabout。AsI
　　peeredaround，avoicecloseatmyearmademejump——LadyCarwitchet”s！
　　“ItellyouIhavenothing，notapenny！IshallhavetoborrowmytrainfarebeforeIcanleavethis。They”llbegladenoughtolendit。”
　　Notonlyhadtheportierebeenremoved，butthedoorbehindithadbeenunlockedandleftopenforconvenienceofdustingbehindthewardrobe。Imightaswellhavebeeninthebedroom。
　　“Don”ttellme，“IrecognizedCarwitchet”sgrowl。“You”venotbeenhereallthistimefornothing。You”vebeencollectingforaKilburncotorgettingsubscriptionsforthedistressedIrishlandlords。Iknowyou。NowI”mnotgoingtoseemyselfruinedforthewantofapaltryhundredorso。Itellyouthecoltisadeadcertainty。IfIcouldhavegotathousandortwoonhimlastweek，wemighthaveendedourdogdaysmillionaires。Handoverwhatyoucan。You”vemoney”sworth，ifnotmoney。Where”sthatsapphireyoustole？“
　　“Ididn”t。Icanshowyouthereceiptedbill。AllIpossessishonestlycomeby。Whatcouldyoudowithit，evenifIgaveityou？Youcouldn”tsellitastheValdez，andyoucan”tgetitcutupasyoumightifitwerereal。”
　　“Ifit”sonlybogus，whyareyoualwaysinsuchaflutteraboutit？
　　I”lldosomethingwithit，neverfear。Handover。”
　　“Ican”t。Ihaven”tgotit。IhadtoraisesomethingonitbeforeIlefttown。”
　　“Willyouswearit”snotinthatwardrobe？Idaresayyouwill。I
　　meantosee。Givemethosekeys。”
　　Iheardastruggleandajingle，thenthewardrobedoormusthavebeenflungopen，forastreakoflightstruckthroughacrackinthewoodoftheback。Creepingcloseandpeepingthrough，Icouldseeanawfulsight。LadyCarwitchetinaflannelwrapper，minushair，teeth，complexion，pointingaskinnyforefingerthatquiveredwithrageatherson，whowasoutoftherangeofmyvision。
　　“Stopthat，andthrowthosekeysdownheredirectly，orI”llrousethehouse。SirThomasisamagistrate，andwilllockyouupassoonaslookatyou。”Sheclutchedatthebellropeasshespoke。
　　“I”llswearI”mindangerofmylifefromyouandgiveyouincharge。Yes，andwhenyou”reinprisonI”llkeepyoutheretillyoudie。I”veoftenthoughtI”ddoit。HowaboutthehotelrobberieslastsummeratCowes，eh？Mightn”tthepolicebegratefulforahintortwo？Andhowabout”
　　Thekeysfellwithacrashonthebed，accompaniedbysomebadlanguageinanapologetictone，andthedoorslammedto。Icrepttremblingtobed。
　　Thisnewandhorriblecomplicationofthesituationfilledmewithdismay。LordCarwitchet”swolfishglanceatmyrubiestookanewmeaning。Theyweresafeenough，Ibelieved——butthesapphire！Ifhedisbelievedhismother，howlongwouldshebeabletokeepitfromhisclutches？ThatshehadsomeplotofherownofwhichthebishopwouldeventuallybethevictimIdidnotdoubt，orwhyhadshenotmadeherbargainwithhimlongago？Butsupposingshetookfright，lostherhead，allowedhersontowrestthejewelfromher，orgaveconsenttoitsbeingmutilated，divided！Ilayinacoldperspirationtillmorning。
　　Myterrorshauntedmeallday。TheywerewithmeatbreakfasttimewhenLadyCarwitchet，trippinginsmiling，madealastattempttoinducemetoaccompanyherandkeepher“bad，badboy“fromgettingamong“thosehorridbettingmen。”
　　TheyhauntedmethroughthelongpeacefuldaywithLetaandthetete-a-tetedinner，buttheyswarmedaroundandbesetmesorestwhen，sittingaloneovermysitting-roomfire，Ilistenedforthereturnofthedragparty。Ireadmynewspaperandbrewedmyselfsomehotstrongdrink，buttherecomesatimeofnightwhennofirecanwarmandnodrinkcancheer。Thebishop”sdespairingfacekeptmecompany，andhistroublesandthewrongsofthefutureheirtookpossessionofme。Thentheuncannynoisesthatmakealloldhousesghostlyduringthesmallhoursbegantomakethemselvesheard。
　　Muffledfootstepstrodthecorridor，stoppingtolistenateverydoor，doorlatchesgentlyclicked，boardscreakedunreasonably，soundsofstealthymovementscamefromthelocked-upbathroom。Thewelcomecrashofwheelsatlast，andthesoundofthefront-doorbell。IcouldhearLadyCarwitchetmakinghershrilladieuxtoherfriendsandherstepsinthecorridor。Shewassoftlyhummingalittlesongassheapproached。Iheardherunlockherbedroomdoorbeforesheentered——anoddthingtodo。Tomcamesleepilystumblingtohisroomlater。Iputmyheadout。“WhereisLordCarwitchet？“
　　“Haven”tyouseenhim？Heleftushoursago。Notcomehome，eh？
　　Well，he”swelcometostayaway。Idon”twanttoseemoreofhim。”
　　Tom”sbrowwasdarkandhisvoicesurly。“Igavehimtounderstandasmuch。”Whateverhadhappened，Tomwasevidentlytoodisgustedtoexplainjustthen。
　　Iwentbacktomyfireunaccountablyrelieved，andbrewedmyselfanotherandastrongerbrew。Itwarmedmethistime，butexcitedmefoolishly。Theremustbesomewayoutofthedifficulty。I
　　feltnowasifIcouldalmostseeitifIgavemymindtoit。Why——
　　suppose——theremightbenodifficultyafterall！Thebishopwasanervousoldgentleman。Hemighthavebeenmistakenallthrough，Bogaertsmighthavebeenmistaken，Imight——no。Icouldnothavebeenmistaken——orIthoughtnot。IfidgetedandfumedandarguedwithmyselftillIfoundIshouldhavenopeaceofmindwithoutalookatthestoneinmypossession，andIactuallywenttothesafeandtookthecaseout。
　　Thesapphirecertainlylookeddifferentbylamplight。Isatandstared，andallbutover-persuadedmybetterjudgmentintogivingitaverdict。Bogaerts”smark——Isuddenlyrememberedit。Itookmymagnifierandheldthependanttothelight。There，scratcheduponthestone，wastheGreekBeta！Therecameataponmydoor，andbeforeIcouldanswer，thehandleturnedsoftlyandLordCarwitchetstoodbeforeme。Iwhippedthecaseintomydressing-
　　gownpocketandstaredathim。Hewasnotpleasanttolookat，especiallyatthattimeofnight。Hehadadisheveled，desperateair，hisvoicewashoarse，hisred-rimmedeyeswild。
　　“Ibegyourpardon，“hebegancivillyenough。“Isawyourlightburning，andthought，aswegobytheearlytrainto-morrow，youmightallowmetoconsultyounowonalittlebusinessofmymother”s。”Hiseyesrovedabouttheroom。Washetryingtofindthewhereaboutsofmysafe？“Youknowalotaboutpreciousstones，don”tyou？“
　　“Somyfriendsarekindenoughtosay。Won”tyousitdown？Ihaveunluckilylittlechanceofindulgingthetasteonmyownaccount，“
　　wasmycautiousreply。
　　“Butyou”vewrittenabookaboutthem，andknowthemwhenyouseethem，don”tyou？Nowmymotherhasgivenmesomething，andwouldlikeyoutogiveaguessatitsvalue。Perhapsyoucanputmeinthewayofdisposingofit？“
　　“Icertainlycandosoifitisworthanything。Isthatit？“I
　　wasinafeverofexcitement，forIguessedwhatwasclutchedinhispalm。HeheldouttometheValdezsapphire。
　　Howitshoneandsparkledlikeagreatbluestar！ImademyselfadeprecatingsmileasItookitfromhim，buthowdareIcallitfalsetoitsface？Aswellaccusethesuninheavenofbeingacheapimitation。Ifalteredandprevaricatedfeebly。Wherewasmymoralcourage，andwherewasthegood，honest，thumpingliethatshouldhaveaidedme？“IhavethebestauthorityforrecognizingthisasaverygoodcopyofafamousstoneinthepossessionoftheBishopofNorthchurch。”HisscowlgrewsoblackthatIsawhebelievedme，andIwentonmorecheerily：“ThiswasmanufacturedbyJohannesBogaerts——Icangiveyouhisaddress，andyoucanmakeinquiriesyourself——byspecialpermissionofthethenowner，thelateLeoneMontanaro。”
　　“Handitback！“heinterruptedhisotherremarkswereoutrageous，butsatisfactorytohear；butIwavedhimoff。Icouldn”tgiveitup。Itfascinatedme。Itoyedwithit，Icaressedit。Imadeitdisplayitsdifferenttonesofcolor。Imustseethetwostonestogether。Imustseeitoutshineitspaltryrival。Itwasawhimsicalfrenzythatseizedme——Icancallitbynoothername。
　　“Wouldyouliketoseetheoriginal？Curiouslyenough，Ihaveithere。Thebishophasleftitinmycharge。”
　　ThewolfishlightflamedupinCarwitchet”seyesasIdrewforththecase。HelaidtheValdezdownonasheetofpaper，andI
　　placedtheother，stillinitscase，besideit。Inthatmomenttheylookedidentical，exceptforthelittleloopofshamstones，replacedbyaplaingoldbandinthebishop”sjewel。Carwitchetleanedacrossthetableeagerly，thetablegavealurch，thelamptottered，crashedover，andwewereleftinsemidarkness。
　　“Don”tstir！“Carwitchetshouted。“Theparaffinisallovertheplace！“Heseizedmysofablanket，andflungitoverthetablewhileIstoodhelpless。“There，that”ssafenow。Haveyoucandlesonthechimney-piece？I”vegotmatches。”
　　Helookedverywhiteandexcitedashelitup。“Mighthavebeenanawkwardjobwithallthatburningparaffinrunningabout，“hesaidquitepleasantly。“Ihopenorealharmisdone。”Iwasliftingtherugwithshakinghands。ThetwostoneslayasIhadplacedthem。No！Inearlydroppeditbackagain。Itwasthestoneinthecasethathadtheloopwiththethreeshamsapphires！
　　Carwitchetpickedtheotheruphastily。“Soyousaythisisrubbish？“heasked，hiseyessparklingwickedly，andanattemptatmortificationinhistone。
　　“Utterrubbish！“Ipronounced，withtruthanddecision，snappingupthecaseandpocketingit。“LadyCarwitchetmusthaveknownit。”
　　“Ah，well，it”sdisappointing，isn”tit？Good-by，weshallnotmeetagain。”
　　Ishookhandswithhimmostcordially。“Good-by，LordCarwitchet。
　　SOgladtohavemetyouandyourmother。IthasbeenasourceoftheGREATESTpleasure，Iassureyou。”
　　IhaveneverseentheCarwitchetssince。Thebishopdroveovernextdayinratherbetterspirits。MissPantonhadrefusedthechaplain。
　　“Itdoesn”tmatter，mylord，“Isaidtohimheartily。“We”veallbeenundersomestrangemisconception。Thestoneinyourpossessionistheveritableone。Icouldsweartothatanywhere。
　　ThesapphireLadyCarwitchetwearsisonlyanexcellentimitation，and——Ihaveseenitwithmyowneyes——istheonebearingBogaerts”smark，theGreekBeta。”
　　End