Hewenthome，andwashedhimself，andtoldBulteelhehadhadgoodnews，andshouldleavethediggingsatonce。Hegavehimuptheclaim，andtoldhimtosellitbyauction。Itwasworthtwohundredpoundsstill。Thegoodpeoplesympathizedwithhim，andhestartedwithinanhour。Helefthispickaxeandshovel，andtookonlyhisdoublerifle，anadmirableone，someammunition，includingconicalbulletsandprojectileshellsgivenhimbyFalcon，abagfullofcarbunclesandgarnetshehadcollectedforUcatella，afewsmalldiamonds，andonehundredpounds，——allthatremainedtohim，sincehehadbeenpayingwagesandotherthingsformonths，andhadgivenFalcontwentyforhisjourney。
　　Herodeawayandsoonputtwentymilesbetweenhimandthediggings。
　　Hecametoalittlestorethatboughtdiamondsandsoldgroceriesandtobacco。Hehalteredhishorsetoahook，andwentin。Heofferedasmalldiamondforsale。Themasterwasout，andtheassistantsaidtherewasaglutofthesesmallstones，hedidnotcaretogivemoneyforit。
　　"Well，givemethreedozencigars。"
　　Whiletheywerechaffering，inwalkedaHottentot，andsaid，"Willyoubuythis?"andlaidaclear，glitteringstoneonthecounter，aslargeasawalnut。
　　"Yes，"saidtheyoungman。"Howmuch?"
　　"Twohundredpounds。"
　　"Twohundredpounds!Letuslookatit；"heexaminedit，andsaidhethoughtitwasadiamond，buttheselargestonesweresodeceitful，hedarednotgivetwohundredpounds。"Comeagaininanhour，"saidhe，"thenthemasterwillbein。"
　　"No，"saidtheHottentotquietly，andwalkedout。
　　Staines，whohadbeenliterallyperspiringatthesightofthisstone，mountedhishorseandfollowedtheman。Whenhecameuptohim，heaskedleavetoexaminethegem。TheHottentotquietlyassented。
　　Staineslookedatitallover。Ithadaroughsideandapolishedside，andthelatterwasofamazingsoftnessandlustre。Itmadehimtremble。Hesaid，"Lookhere，Ihaveonlyonehundredpoundsinmypocket。"
　　TheHottentotshookhishead。
　　"ButifyouwillgobackwithmetoBulteel'sfarm，I'llborrowtheotherhundred。"
　　TheHottentotdeclined，andtoldhimhecouldgetfourhundredpoundsforitbygoingbacktoPniel。"But，"saidhe，"myfaceisturnedso；andwhenSquatturnhisfaceso，hegoinghome。Notcanbeargotheotherwaythen，"andheheldouthishandforthediamond。
　　Stainesgaveithim，andwasindespairatseeingsuchaprizesonear，yetleavinghim。
　　Hemadeonemoreeffort。"Well，but，"saidhe，"howfarareyougoingthisway?"
　　"Tendays。"
　　"Why，soamI。ComewithmetoDale'sKloof，andIwillgivetheotherhundred。See，Iaminearnest，forhereisonehundred，atallevents。"
　　Stainesmadethisproposal，tremblingwithexcitement。Tohissurpriseandjoy，theHottentotassented，thoughwithanairofindifference；andonthesetermstheybecamefellow-travellers，andStainesgavehimacigar。Theywentonsidebyside，andhaltedforthenightfortymilesfromBulteel'sfarm。
　　TheysleptinaBoer'sout-house，andthevrowwascivil，andlentStainesajackal'sskin。Inthemorningheboughtitforadiamond，acarbuncle，andascoreofgarnets；forahorriblethoughthadoccurredtohim，iftheystoppedatanyplacewhereminerswere，somebodymightbuythegreatdiamondoverhishead。
　　Thisfear，andothers，grewonhim，andwithallhisphilosophyhewentonthorns，andwastheslaveofthediamond。
　　HeresolvedtokeephisHottentotalltohimselfifpossible。Heshotaspringbokthatcrossedtheroad，andtheyroastedaportionoftheanimal，andtheHottentotcarriedsomeonwithhim。
　　Seeingheadmiredtherifle，Stainesofferedithimfortheoddhundredpounds；butthoughSquat'seyeglitteredamoment，hedeclined。
　　Findingthattheymettoomanydiggersandcarts，StainesaskedhisHottentotwastherenonearerwaytoreachthatstar，pointingtooneheknewwasjustoverDale'sKloof。
　　Oh，yes，heknewanearerway，wherethereweretrees，andshade，andgrass，andmanybeaststoshoot。
　　"Letustakethatway，"saidStaines。
　　TheHottentot，ductileaswax，exceptaboutthepriceofthediamond，assentedcalmly；andnextdaytheydiverged，andgotintoforestscenery，andtheireyesweresoothedwithgreengladeshereandthere，wherevertheclumpsoftreesshelteredthegrassfromthepantingsun。Animalsabounded，andweretame。Staines，anexcellentmarksman，shottheHottentothissupperwithoutanytrouble。
　　Sleepinginthewood，withnotacreaturenearbutSquat，asombrethoughtstruckStaines。SupposethisHottentotshouldassassinatehimforhismoney，whowouldeverknow?Thethoughtwashorrible，andheawokewithastarttentimesthatnight。TheHottentotsleptlikeastone，andneverfearedforhisownlifeandpreciousbooty。Staineswascompelledtoowntohimselfhehadlessfaithinhumangoodnessthanthesavagehad。Hesaidtohimself，"Heismysuperior。Heisthemasterofthisdreadfuldiamond，andIamitsslave。"
　　Nextdaytheywentontillnoon，andthentheyhaltedatareallydelightfulspot；asilverkloofranalongabottom，andtherewasalittleclumpofthreeacacia-treesthatloweredtheirlongtresses，piningforthestream，andsometimesgettingacoolgratefulkissfromitwhenthewaterwashigh。
　　Theyhaltedthehorse，bathedinthestream，andlayluxuriousundertheacacias。Allwasdeliciouslanguorandenjoymentoflife。
　　TheHottentotmadeafire，andburnttheremainsofalittlesortofkangarooStaineshadshothimtheeveningbefore；butitdidnotsufficehismaw，andlookingabouthim，hesawthreeelandsleisurelyfeedingaboutthreehundredyardsoff。Theywerecroppingtherichherbageclosetotheshelterofawood。
　　TheHottentotsuggestedthatthiswasanexcellentopportunity。HewouldborrowStaines'srifle，stealintothewood，crawlonhisbellycloseuptothem，andsendabulletthroughone。
　　Stainesdidnotrelishtheproposal。Hehadseenthesavage'seyerepeatedlygloatontherifle，andwasnotwithouthopeshemightevenyetrelent，andgivethegreatdiamondforthehundredpoundsandthisrifle；andhewassodemoralizedbythediamond，andfilledwithsuspicion，thathefearedthesavage，ifheoncehadtherifleinhispossession，mightlevant，andbeseennomore，inwhichcasehe，Staines，stilltheslaveofthediamond，mighthanghimselfonthenearesttree，andsosecurehisRosatheinsurancemoney，atallevents。Inshort，hehadreallydiamondonthebrain。
　　Hehem'dandhaw'dalittleatSquat'sproposal，andthengotoutofitbysaying，"Thatisnotnecessary。Icanshootitfromhere。"
　　"Itistoofar，"objectedBlacky。
　　"Toofar!ThisisanEnfieldrifle。Icouldkillthepoorbeastatthreetimesthatdistance。"
　　Blackywasamazed。"AnEnfieldrifle，"saidhe，inthesoftmusicalmurmurofhistribe，whichistheonecharmofthepoorHottentot；"andshootthreetimesSOfar。"
　　"Yes，"saidChristopher。Then，seeinghiscompanion'shesitation，heconceivedahope。"IfIkillthatelandfromhere，willyougivemethediamondformyhorseandthewonderfulrifle?——noHottentothassucharifle。"
　　Squatbecamecolddirectly。"Thepriceofthediamondistwohundredpounds。"
　　Stainesgroanedwithdisappointment，andthoughttohimselfwithrage，"Anybodybutmewouldclubtherifle，givetheobstinateblackbruteastunner，andtakethediamond——Godforgiveme!"
　　SaystheHottentotcunningly，"Ican'tthinksofaraswhiteman。
　　Letmeseetheelanddead，andthenIshallknowhowfartherifleshoot。"
　　"Verywell，"saidStaines。Buthefeltsurethesavageonlywantedhismeal，andwouldneverpartwiththediamond，exceptfortheoddmoney。
　　However，heloadedhisleftbarrelwithoneoftheexplosiveprojectilesFalconhadgivenhim；itwasalittlefulminatingshellwithasteelpoint。Itwaswiththisbarrelhehadshotthemurcatovernight，andhehadfoundheshotbetterwiththisbarrelthantheother。Heloadedhisleftbarrelthen，sawthepowderwellup，cappeditandcutawayastripoftheacaciawithhisknifetoseeclear，andlyingdowninvolunteerfashion，elbowonground，drewhisbeadsteadilyonanelandwhopresentedhimherbroadside，herbackbeingturnedtothewood。Thesunshoneonhersoftcoat，andneverwasafairermark，thesportsman'sdeadlyeyebeinginthecoolshade，theanimalinthesun。
　　Heaimedlongandsteadily。Butjustashewasabouttopullthetrigger，Mindinterposed，andheloweredthedeadlyweapon。"Poorcreature!"hesaid，"Iamgoingtotakeherlife——forwhat?forasinglemeal。Sheisasbigasapony；andIamtolayhercarcassontheplain，thatwemayeattwopoundsofit。Thisishowtheweaselkillstherabbit；sucksanounceofbloodforhisfood，andwastestherest。Sothedemoralizedsheep-dogtearsoutthepoorcreature'skidneys，andwastestherest。Man，armedbysciencewithsuchpowersofslaying，shouldbelessegotisticalthanweaselsandpervertedsheep-dogs。Iwillnotkillher。Iwillnotlaythatbeautifulbodyofherslow，andglazethosetender，lovingeyesthatnevergleamedwithhateorrageatman，andfixthoseinnocentjawsthatneverbitthelifeoutofanything，notevenofthegrassshefeedson，anddoesitmoregoodthanharm。Feedon，poorinnocent。Andyoubeblanked；youandyourdiamond，thatI
　　begintowishIhadneverseen；foritwouldcorruptanangel。"
　　Squatunderstoodonewordinten，buthemanagedtoreply。"Thisisnonsense-talk，"saidhe，gravely。"Thelifeisnobiggerinthatthaninthemurcatyoushotlastshoot。"
　　"Nomoreitis，"saidStaines。"Iamafool。Itiscometothis，then；Kafirsteachustheology，andHottentotsmorality。Ibowtomyintellectualsuperior。I'llshoottheeland。"Heraisedhisrifleagain。
　　"No，no，no，no，no，no，"murmuredtheHottentot，inasweetvoicescarcelyaudible，yetsokeeninitsentreaty，thatStainesturnedhastilyroundtolookathim。Hisfacewasashy，histeethchattering，hislimbsshaking。BeforeStainescouldaskhimwhatwasthematter，hepointedthroughanapertureoftheacaciasintothewoodhardbytheelands。Staineslooked，andsawwhatseemedtohimlikeaverylongdog，orsomesuchanimal，crawlingfromtreetotree。Hedidnotatallsharetheterrorofhiscompanion，norunderstandit。Butaterribleexplanationfollowed。Thiscreature，havinggottotheskirtofthewood，expanded，bysomestrangemagic，toanincrediblesize，andsprangintotheopen，withagrowl，amightylion；heseemedtoricochetfromtheground，soimmensewashissecondbound，thatcarriedhimtotheeland，andhestruckheroneblowontheheadwithhisterriblepaw，andfelledherasifwithathunderbolt:downwentherbody，withallthelegsdoubled，andherpoorheadturnedover，andthenosekissedtheground。Thelionstoodmotionless。Presentlytheeland，whowasnotdead，butstunned，begantorecoverandstrugglefeeblyup。Thenthelionsprangonherwitharoar，androlledherover，andwithtwotremendousbitesandashake，toreherentrailsoutandlaidherdying。Hesatcomposedlydown，andcontemplatedherlastconvulsions，withouttouchingheragain。
　　Atthisroar，thoughnotloud，thehorse，thoughhehadneverheardorseenalion，trembled，andpulledathishalter。
　　Blackycreptintothewater；andStaineswasstruckwithsuchanaweashehadneverfelt。Nevertheless，thekingofbeastsbeingatadistance，andoccupied，andStainesabraveman，andoutofsight，hekepthisgroundandwatched，andbythosemeanssawasightnevertobeforgotten。Thelionroseup，andstoodinthesunincrediblybeautifulaswellasterrible。Hewasnotthemangyhueofthecagedlion，butaskintawny，golden，glossyasarace-
　　horse，andofexquisitetintthatshonelikepuregoldinthesun；
　　hiseyealustrousjewelofrichesthue，andhismanesublime。Helookedtowardsthewood，andutteredafullroar。Thiswassotremendousthatthehorseshookalloverasifinanague，andbegantolather。Stainesrecoiled，andhisfleshcrept，andtheHottentotwentunderwater，anddidnotemergeforeversolong。
　　Afterapause，thelionroaredagain，andallthebeastsandbirdsofpreyseemedtoknowthemeaningofthatterribleroar。Tillthentheplacehadbeenasolitude，butnowitbegantofillinthestrangestway，asifthelordoftheforestcouldcallallhissubjectstogetherwithatrumpetroar:firstcametwolioncubs，towhom，infact，theroarhadbeenaddressed。Thelionrubbedhimselfseveraltimesagainsttheeland，butdidnoteatamorsel，andthecubswentinandfeastedontheprey。Thelionpolitelyandpaternallydrewback，andwatchedtheyoungpeopleenjoyingthemselves。
　　Meantimeapproached，ontiptoe，jackalsandhyenas，butdarednotcometoonear。Slate-coloredvulturessettledatalittledistance，butnotasouldaredinterferewiththecubs；theysawthelionwasactingsentinel，andtheyknewbetterthancomenear。
　　Afteratime，papafearedforthedigestionofthosebrats，orelsehisownmouthwatered；forhecameup，knockedthemheadoverheelswithhisvelvetpaw，andtheytookthegentlehint，andranintothewooddoublequick。
　　Thenthelionbegantearingawayattheeland，andboltinghugemorselsgreedily。Thismadetherabble'smouthwater。Thehyenas，andjackals，andvulturesformedacircleludicroustobehold，andthatcirclekeptnarrowingastheliontoreawayathisprey。Theyincreasedinnumber，andatlasthungerovercameprudence；therearrankshovedonthefront，asamongstmen，andageneralattackseemedimminent。
　　Thenthelionlookedupattheseinvaders，utteredareproachfulgrowl，andwentatthem，pattingthemrightandleft，andknockingthemover。Henevertouchedavulture，norindeeddidhekillananimal。Hewasalion，andonlykilledtoeat；yethesoonclearedtheplace，becauseheknockedoverafewhyenasandjackals，andtherest，beingactive，tumbledoverthevulturesbeforetheycouldspreadtheirheavywings。Afterthiswarning，theymadearespectfulcircleagain，throughwhich，induecourse，thegorgedlionstalkedintothewood。
　　Asavage'ssentimentschangequickly，andtheHottentot，fearinglittlefromafulllion，wasnowgigglingatStaines'sside。
　　Stainesaskedhimwhichhethoughtwasthelordofallcreatures，amanoralion。
　　"Alion，"saidBlacky，amazedatsuchashallowquestion。
　　Stainesnowgotup，andproposedtocontinuetheirjourney。ButBlackywasforwaitingtillthelionwasgonetosleepafterhismeal。
　　Whiletheydiscussedthequestion，thelionburstoutofthewoodwithinhearingoftheirvoices，ashispricked-upearsshowed，andmadestraightforthematadistanceofscarcelythirtyyards。
　　Now，thechancesare，thelionknewnothingaboutthem，andonlycametodrinkatthekloof，afterhismeal，andperhapslieundertheacacias:butwhocanthinkcalmly，whenhisfirstlionburstsoutonhimafewpacesoff?Stainesshoulderedhisrifle，tookahasty，flurriedaim，andsentabulletathim。
　　Ifhehadmissedhim，perhapsthereportmighthaveturnedthelion；buthewoundedhim，andnotmortally。Instantlytheenragedbeastutteredaterrificroar，andcameathimwithhismanedistendedwithrage，hiseyesglaring，hismouthopen，andhiswholebodydilatedwithfury。
　　Atthatterriblemoment，Stainesrecoveredhiswitsenoughtoseethatwhatlittlechancehehadwastofireintothedestroyer，notathim。Hekneeled，andlevelledatthecentreofthelion'schest，andnottillhewaswithinfiveyardsdidhefire。Throughthesmokehesawthelionintheairabovehim，androlledshriekingintothestreamandcrawledlikeawormunderthebank，byonemotion，andtherelaytrembling。Afewsecondsofsickstuporpassed:allwassilent。Hadthelionlosthim?Wasitpossiblehemightyetescape?
　　Allwassilent。
　　Helistened，inagony，forthesniffingofthelion，puzzlinghimoutbyscent。
　　No:allwassilent。
　　Staineslookedround，andsawawoollyhead，andtwosaucereyesandopennostrilsclosebyhim。ItwastheHottentot，moredeadthanalive。
　　Staineswhisperedhim，"Ithinkheisgone。"
　　TheHottentotwhispered，"Gonealittlewaytowatch。Heiswiseaswellasstrong。"Withthishedisappearedbeneaththewater。
　　Stillnosoundbutthescreamingofthevultures，andsnarlingofthehyenasandjackalsovertheeland。
　　"Takealook，"saidStaines。
　　"Yes，"saidSquat；"butnotto-day。Waithereadayortwo。Denheforgetandforgive。"
　　NowStaines，havingseenthelionliedownandwatchthedyingeland，wasagreatdealimpressedbythis；andashehadnowgoodhopesofsavinghislife，hewouldnotthrowawayachance。Hekepthisheadjustabovewater，andnevermoved。
　　Inthisfreezingsituationtheyremained。
　　Presentlytherewasarustlingthatmadebothcrouch。
　　Itwasfollowedbyacroakingnoise。
　　Christophermadehimselfsmall。
　　TheHottentot，onthecontrary，raisedhishead，andventuredalittlewayintothestream。
　　Bythesemeanshesawitwassomethingveryfoul，butnotterrible。
　　Itwasalargevulturethathadsettledontheverytopofthenearestacacia。
　　AtthistheHottentotgotbolderstill，andtothegreatsurpriseofStainesbegantocrawlcautiouslyintosomerushes，andthroughthemupthebank。
　　Thenextmomentheburstintoamixtureofyellingandchirpingandsinging，andothersoundssomanifestlyjubilant，thatthevultureflappedheavilyaway，andStainesemergedinturn，butverycautiously。
　　Couldhebelievehiseyes?Therelaythelion，deadasastone，onhisback，withhisfourlegsintheair，likewoodenlegs，theyweresoverydead:andthevaliantSquat，dancingabouthim，andonhim，andoverhim。
　　Staines，unabletochangehissentimentssoquickly，eyedeventhedeadbodyoftheroyalbeastwithaweandwonder。What!hadhealreadylaidthatterriblemonarchlow，andwithatubemadeinaLondonshopbymenwhoneversawalionspring，norheardhisawfulroarshaketheair?Hestoodwithhisheartstillbeating，andsaidnotaword。TheshallowHottentotwhippedoutalargeknife，andbegantoskinthekingofbeasts。Staineswonderedhecouldsoprofanethatmasterpieceofnature。HefeltmoreinclinedtothankGodforsogreatapreservation，andthenpassreverentlyon，andleavethedeadkingundesecrated。
　　Hewasrousedfromhissolemnthoughtsbythereflectionthattheremightbealionessabout，sincetherewerecubs:hetookapieceofpaper，emptiedhisremainingpowderintoit，andproceededtodryitinthesun。Thiswassoondone，andthenheloadedbothbarrels。
　　BythistimetheadroitHottentothadflayedthecarcasssufficientlytorevealthemortalinjury。Theprojectilehadenteredthechest，andslantingupwards，hadburstamongthevitals，reducingthemtoagorypulp。Thelionmusthavediedintheair，whenheboundedonreceivingthefatalshot。
　　TheHottentotutteredacryofadmiration。"Notthelionkingofall，noreventhewhiteman，"hesaid；"butEnfeelrifle!"
　　Staines'seyesglittered。"Youshallhaveit，andthehorse，foryourdiamond，"saidheeagerly。
　　Theblackseemedalittleshaken；butdidnotreply。Hegotoutofitbygoingonwithhislion；andStaineseyedhim，andwasbitterlydisappointedatnotgettingthediamondevenontheseterms。Hebegantofeelheshouldnevergetit:theywerenearthehigh-road；hecouldnotkeeptheHottentottohimselfmuchlonger。
　　Hefeltsickatheart。Hehadwildandwickedthoughts；halfhopedthelionesswouldcomeandkilltheHottentot，andliberatethejewelthatpossessedhissoul。
　　Atlasttheskinwasoff，andtheHottentotsaid，"Metakethistomykraal，anddeyallsay，'Squatagreatshooter；killumlion。'"
　　ThenStainessawanotherchanceforhim，andsummonedallhisaddressforalasteffort。"No，Squat，"saidhe，"thatskinbelongstome。Ishotthelion，withtheonlyriflethatcankillalionlikeacat。Yetyouwouldnotgivemeadiamond——apaltrystoneforit。No，Squat，ifyouweretogointoyourvillagewiththatlion'sskin，whytheoldmenwouldbendtheirheadstoyou，andsay，'GreatisSquat!Hekilledthelion，andwearshisskin。'
　　TheyoungwomenwouldallfightwhichshouldbethewifeofSquat。
　　Squatwouldbekingofthevillage。"
　　Squat'seyesbegantoroll。
　　"AndshallIgivetheskin，andtheglorythatismydue，toanill-naturedfellow，whorefusesmehispaltrydiamondforagoodhorse——lookathim——andfortheriflethatkillslionslikerabbits——beholdit；andahundredpoundsingoodgoldandDutchnotes——see；andforthelion'sskin，andglory，andhonor，andarichwife，andtobekingofAfrica?Never!"
　　TheHottentot'shandsandtoesbegantoworkconvulsively。"Goodmaster，Squataskpardon。Squatwasblind。Squatwillgivethediamond，thegreatdiamondofAfrica，forthelion'sskin，andthekingrifle，andthelittlehorse，andthegold，andDutchnoteseveryoneofthem。Datmakejusttwohundredpounds。"
　　"Morelikefourhundred，"criedStainesveryloud。"AndhowdoI
　　knowitisadiamond?Theselargestonesarethemostdeceitful。
　　Showitme，thisinstant，"saidheimperiously。
　　"Iss，master，"saidthecrushedHottentot，withthevoiceofamouse，andputthestoneintohishandwithachild-likefaiththatalmostmeltedStaines；buthesawhemustbefirm。"Wheredidyoufindit?"hebawled。
　　"Master，"saidpoorSquat，indeprecatingtones，"mylittlemasteratthefarmwantedplaster。HesendtoBulteel'span；derewaslargelumps。Squatsaytominers，'Maywetakedelargelumps?
　　Deysay，'Yes；takedecursedlumpswenocanbreak。'Wetookdecursedlumps。Weride'emindecarttofarmtwentymilses。I
　　beat'emwithmyhammer。Deyisveryhard。MoredeybreakmyheartdanIbreaktheircursedheads。OnedayIusestrongwords，likewhiteman，andIhitonelargelumptoohard；hebreak，andoutcomedewhiteclearstone。Iss，himdiamond。Longtimeweknowhiminourkraal，becausehehard。Longtimebeforeeverwhitemanknowhim，tousandyearsago，wefindhim，andhemakeuslillyholeinbigstoneformakewheatdust。Himadiamond，blankmyeyes!"
　　Thiswasintendedasasolemnformofasseverationadaptedtothewhiteman'shabits。
　　Yes，reader，hetoldthetruth；andstrangetosay，theminersknewthelargeststoneswereinthesegreatlumpsofcarbonate，butthenthelumpsweresocruellyhard，theylostallpatiencewiththem，andso，findingitwasnousetobreaksomeofthem，andnotall，theyrejectedthemall，withcurses；andthusthisgreatstonewascartedawayasrubbishfromthemine，andfound，likeatoadinahole，bySquat。
　　"Well，"saidChristopher，"afterall，youareanhonestfellow，andIthinkIwillbuyit；butfirstyoumustshowmeoutofthiswood；
　　Iamnotgoingtobeeatenaliveinitforwantofthekingofrifles。"
　　Squatassentedeagerly，andtheystartedatonce。Theypassedtheskeletonoftheeland；itsveryboneswerepolished，anditsheadcarriedintothewood；andlookingbacktheysawvulturesbusyonthelion。Theysoonclearedthewood。
　　SquathandedStainesthediamond——whenittouchedhishand，ashisown，aboltoficeseemedtorundownhisback，andhotwatertofollowit——andthemoney，horse，rifle，andskinweremadeovertoSquat。
　　"Shakehandsoverit，Squat，"saidStaines；"youarehard，butyouarehonest。"
　　"Iss，master，Iagoodmuchhardandhonest，"saidSquat。
　　"Good-by，oldfellow。"
　　"Good-by，master。"
　　AndSquatstruttedaway，withthehalterinhishand，horsefollowinghim，rifleunderhisarm，andthelion'sskinoverhisshoulders，andthetailtrailing，afiguresublimeinhisowneyes，ridiculousincreation's。Sovanitytriumphed，eveninthewildsofAfrica。
　　Staineshurriedforwardonfoot，loadinghisrevolverashewent，fortheveryvicinityofthewoodalarmedhimnowthathehadpartedwithhistrustyrifle。
　　Thatnighthelaydownontheopenveldt，inhisjackal'sskin，withnoweaponbuthisrevolver，andwokewithastartadozentimes。Justbeforedaybreakhescannedthestarscarefully，andnotingexactlywherethesunrose，madearoughguessathiscourse，andfollowedittillthesunwastoohot；thenhecreptunderaraggedbush，hunguphisjackal'sskin，andsweatedthere，parchedwiththirst，andgnawedwithhunger。Whenitwascooler，hecrepton，andfoundwater，butnofood。Hewasintorture，andbegantobefrightened，forhewasinadesert。Hefoundanostricheggandateitravenously。
　　Nextday，hungertookanewform，faintness。Hecouldnotwalkforit；hisjackal'sskinoppressedhim；helaydownexhausted。A
　　horrorseizedhisdejectedsoul。Thediamond!Itwouldbehisdeath。Nomanmustsolongforanyearthlythingashehadforthisglitteringtraitor。"Oh!mygoodhorse!mytrustyrifle!"hecried。"ForwhathaveIthrownyouaway?Forstarvation。Misershavebeenfoundstretchedovertheirgold；andsomedaymyskeletonwillbefound，andnothingtotellthebasedeathIdiedofanddeserved；nothingbutthecurseddiamond。Ay，fiend，glareinmyeyes，do!"Hefeltdeliriumcreepingoverhim；andatthatanewterrorfrozehim。Hisreason，thathehadlostonce，washetoloseitagain?Heprayed；hewept；hedozed，andforgotall。Whenhewokeagain，acoolairwasfanninghischeeks；itrevivedhimalittle；itbecamealmostabreeze。
　　Andthisbreeze，asithappened，carriedonitswingsthecurseofAfrica。Thereloomedinthenorth-westacloudofsingulardensity，thatseemedtoexpandinsizeasitdrewnearer，yettobestillmoresolid，anddarkentheair。Itseemedadust-storm。
　　Stainestookouthishandkerchief，preparedtowraphisfaceinit，nottobestifled。
　　Butsoontherewasawhirringandawhizzing，andhundredsoflocustsflewoverhishead；theywerefollowedbythousands，theswiftestofthemightyhost。Theythickenedandthickened，tilltheairlookedsolid，andeventhatglaringsunwasblackenedbytherushingmass。Birdsofallsortswhirledabove，andswoopedamongthem。TheypepperedStainesalloverlikeshot。Theystuckinhisbeard，andalloverhim；theycloggedthebushes，carpetedtheground，whilethedarkenedairsangaswiththewhirlofmachinery。Everybirdintheair，andbeastofthefield，granivorousorcarnivorous，wasgorgedwiththem；andtotheseanimalswasaddedman，forStaines，beingfamished，andrememberingthevrowBulteel，lightedafire，androastedahandfulortwoonaflatstone；theyweredelicious。Thefireoncelighted，theycookedthemselves，fortheykeptflyingintoit。Threehours，withoutinterruption，didtheydarkennature，and，beforethecolumnceased，allthebeastsofthefieldcameafter，gorgingthemsorecklessly，thatStainescouldhaveshotanantelopedeadwithhispistolwithinayardofhim。
　　Buttotellthehorribletruth，thecookedlocustsweresonicethathepreferredtogorgeonthemalongwiththeotheranimals。
　　Heroastedanotherlot，forfutureuse，andmarchedonwithagoodheart。
　　Butnowhegotonsomerough，scrubbyground，anddamagedhisshoes，andtorehistrousers。
　　Thislastedaterribledistance；butattheendofitcametheusualaridground；andatlasthecameuponthetrackofwheelsandhoofs。Hestruckitatanacuteangle，andthatshowedhimhehadmadeagoodline。Helimpedalongitalittleway，slowly，beingfootsore。
　　Byandby，lookingback，hesawalotofroughfellowsswaggeringalongbehindhim。Thenhewasalarmed，terriblyalarmed，forhisdiamond；hetoreastripofhishandkerchief，andtiedthestonecunninglyunderhisarmpitashehobbledon。
　　Themencameupwithhim。
　　"Hallo，mate!Comefromthediggings?"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Whatluck?"
　　"Verygood。"
　　"Haw!haw!What!foundafifty-carat?Showitus。"
　　"Wefoundfivebigstones，mymateandme。HeisgonetoCapeTowntosellthem。Ihadnoluckwhenhehadleftme，soIhavecutit；
　　goingtoturnfarmer。CanyoutellmehowfaritistoDale'sKloof?"
　　No，theycouldnottellhimthat。Theyswungon；and，toStaines，theirbackswereacordial，aswesayinScotland。
　　However，histravelswerenearanend。NextmorninghesawDale'sKloofinthedistance；andassoonastheheatmoderated，hepushedon，withoneshoeandtatteredtrousers；andhalfanhourbeforesunsethehobbleduptotheplace。
　　Itwasallbustle。Travellersatthedoor；theirwagonsandcartsunderalongshed。
　　Ucatellawasthefirsttoseehimcoming，andcameandfawnedonhimwithdelight。Hereyesglistened，herteethgleamed。Shepattedbothhischeeks，andthenhisshoulders，andevenhisknees，andthenflewin-doorscrying，"Mydoctorchildiscomehome!"
　　Thisamusedthreetravellers，andbroughtoutDick，withaheartywelcome。
　　"ButLordsake，sir，whyhaveyoucomeafoot；andaroughroadtoo?
　　Lookatyourshoes。Hallo!Whatiscomeofthehorse?"
　　"Iexchangedhimforadiamond。"
　　"Thedeuceyoudid!Andtherifle?"
　　"Exchangedthatforthesamediamond。"
　　"Itoughttobeabig'un。"
　　"Itis。"
　　Dickmadeawryface。"Well，sir，youknowbest。Youarewelcome，onhorseorafoot。Youarejustintime；Phoebeandmearejustsittingdowntodinner。"
　　Hetookhimintoalittleroomtheyhadbuiltfortheirownprivacy，fortheylikedtobequietnowandthen，beingcountrybred；andPhoebewasputtingtheirdinneronthetable，whenStaineslimpedin。
　　Shegaveajoyfulcry，andturnedredallover。"Oh，doctor!"
　　Thenhistravel-tornappearancestruckher。"But，dearheart!whatafigure!Where'sReginald?Oh，he'snotfaroff，Iknow。"
　　Andsheflungopenthewindow，andalmostflewthroughitinamoment，tolookforherhusband。
　　"Reginald?"saidStaines。ThenturningtoDickDale，"Why，heishere——isn'the?"
　　"No，sir:notwithoutheisjustcomewithyou。"
　　"Withme?——no。Youknowwepartedatthediggings。Come，Mr。
　　Dale，hemaynotbeherenow；buthehasbeenhere。Hemusthavebeenhere。"
　　Phoebe，whohadnotlostaword，turnedround，withallherhighcolorgone，andhercheeksgettingpalerandpaler。"Oh，Dick!
　　whatisthis?"
　　"Idon'tunderstandit，"saidDick。"Whatevermadeyouthinkhewashere，sir?"
　　"Why，Itellyouheleftmetocomehere。"
　　"Leftyou，sir!"falteredPhoebe。"Why，when?——where?"
　　"Atthediggings——eversolongago。"
　　"Blankhim!thatisjustlikehim；theuneasyfool!"roaredDick。
　　"No，Mr。Dale，youshouldnotsaythat；heleftme，withmyconsent，tocometoMrs。Falconhere，andconsultheraboutdisposingofourdiamonds。"
　　"Diamonds!——diamonds!"criedPhoebe。"Oh，theymakemetremble。
　　HowCOULDyoulethimgoalone!Youdidn'tletHIMgoonfoot，I
　　hope?"
　　"Oh，no，Mrs。Falcon；hehadhishorse，andhisrifle，andmoneytospendontheroad。"
　　"Howlongagodidheleaveyou，sir?"
　　"I——Iamsorrytosayitwasfiveweeksago。"
　　"Fiveweeks!andnotcomeyet。Ah!thewildbeasts!——thediggers!——
　　themurderers!Heisdead!"
　　"Godforbid!"falteredStaines；buthisownbloodbegantoruncold。
　　"Heisdead。Hehasdiedbetweenthisandthedreadfuldiamonds。
　　Ishallneverseemydarlingagain:heisdead。Heisdead。"
　　Sherushedoutoftheroom，andoutofthehouse，throwingherarmsaboveherheadindespair，andutteringthosewordsofagonyagainandagainineveryvarietyofanguish。
　　Atsuchhorriblemomentswomenalwaysswoon——ifwearetobelievethedramatists。Idoubtifthereisonegrainoftruthinthis。
　　Womenseldomswoonatall，unlesstheirbodiesareunhealthy，orweakenedbythereactionthatfollowssoterribleashockasthis。
　　Atallevents，Phoebe，atfirst，wasstrongandwildasalion，andwenttoandfrooutsidethehouse，unconsciousofherbody'smotion，frenziedwithagony，andbutonewordonherlips，"Heisdead!——heisdead!"
　　Dickfollowedher，cryinglikeachild，butmasterofhimself；hegothispeopleabouther，andhalfcarriedherinagain；thenshutthedoorinalltheirfaces。
　　Hegotthepoorcreaturetositdown，andshebegantorockandmoan，withherapronoverherhead，andherbrownhairlooseabouther。
　　"Whyshouldhebedead?"saidDick。"Don'tgiveamanuplikethat，Phoebe。Doctor，tellusmoreaboutit。Oh，man，howcouldyoulethimoutofyoursight?Youknewhowfondthepoorcreaturewasofhim。"
　　"Butthatwasit，Mr。Dale，"saidStaines。"Iknewhiswifemustpineforhim；andwehadfoundsixlargediamonds，andahandfulofsmallones；butthemarketwasglutted；andtogetabetterprice，hewantedtogostraighttoCapeTown。ButIsaid，'No；goandshowthemtoyourwife，andseewhethershewillgotoCapeTown。'"
　　Phoebebegantolisten，aswasevidentbyhermoaningmoresoftly。
　　"MighthenothavegonestraighttoCapeTown?"Staineshazardedthistimidly。
　　"Whyshouldhedothat，sir?Dale'sKloofisontheroad。"
　　"Onlyononeroad。Mr。Dale，hewaswellarmed，withrifleandrevolver；andIcautionedhimnottoshowadiamondontheroad。
　　Whowouldmolesthim?Diamondsdon'tshow，likegold。Whowastoknowhehadthreethousandpoundshiddenunderhisarmpits，andintwobarrelsofhisrevolver?"
　　"Threethousandpounds!"criedDale。"YoutrustedHIMwiththreethousandpounds?"
　　"Certainly。TheywereworthaboutthreethousandpoundsinCapeTown，andhalfasmuchagainin"——
　　Phoebestartedupinamoment。"ThankGod!"shecried。"There'shopeforme。Oh，Dick，heisnotdead:HEHASONLYDESERTEDME。"
　　Andwiththesestrangeandpitiablewords，shefelltosobbingasifhergreatheartwouldburstatlast。