48 THE GREAT DIAMONDS OF THE WORLD.
his
secretaries. Having my letters in his hand, he entered into some
conversation with me relative to the subject. I was then shown through
other grand apartments hung with scarlet and gold, and ornamented with
figures as large as life representing justice holding the balance. In
the inner room, to which we were conducted, there were several strong
chests with three locks each, the keys of which were kept by three
different officers, who were all required to be present at the opening.
One of these chests being unlocked, an elegant little cabinet was taken
out, from which the treasurer took the gem, and in great form presented
it to me. Its value sunk at the first sight, for before I touched it I
was convinced that it was a rounded piece of crystal. It was about an
inch and a half in diameter. On examining it, I told the governor it
was not a diamond, and to convince him I took a diamond of five or six
carats, and with it cut a very deep nick in the stone. This was proof
positive. A certificate was accordingly made out, stating that it was
an inferior substance, of little
or no value, which I signed.....The poor
negro,
who had presented it, was, of course, deeply afflicted by this
unwelcome news. Instead of being accompanied home by an escort, he had
to find his way thither as he could, and would, no doubt, have to
encounter the ridicule and contempt of those, who had of late
congratulated him on his good fortune,"
