HERE
are few great secrets kept from the ken of the modern historian, who
writes down the events of the time for the newspaper Press. A precious
stone of more than usual importance sees the light today, and
tomorrow its advent is proclaimed to all the world. Thereafter due
chronicles are kept of its travels and adventures. Its comings and
goings are noted as matter of universal interest. We may not be
informed of the varied intrigues in which it is a factor, but it is on
record, it is catalogued in the world's museum of treasures ; the "
bull's-eye of the Press" has been turned upon it ; the opinions of
Queens and Emperors in regard to it are registered, as well as the
judgment of experts and scientists; in short it belongs to history.
In
singularcontrast to all this are the hazy accounts which have come down
to us concerning the first appearance, and the subsequent vicissitudes
of the great
