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THE KOH-I-NUR. 103
On
the appointed day (namely, June 1, 1813) the Rajah accompanied by
several experts — he was determined there should be no mistake this
time — proceeded to Shadera where Shuja was residing. The two
potentates sat in profound silence for one whole hour, neither being
disposed to speak first. Runjeet Singh was consumed with impatient
desire to see the Koh-i-nur, so at length he hinted to an attendant,
who in turn hinted to Shah Shuja the purpose for which they were all
thus solemnly assembled. Shuja, silent still, nodded to a servant, who
speedily placed upon the carpet a small casket. Then again a tremendous
silence ensued which Runjeet bore as long as he could, and at last he
nodded to a servant to open the casket. The Koh-i-nur lay revealed, and
was recognized by the experts as the true gem. Runjeet, for the first
time speaking, asked, "At what price do you value it ? "
Shuja, answering from out of his woeful knowledge, said : " At good luck ; for it has
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