vinced
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."
Then
the geologist went home and wrote a letter setting forth this unwelcome
fact as delicately as he could, for he knew that his letter would be
shown to His Highness, and it is at all times an uncomfortable task to
tell disagreeable news to a king. However the Prince Regent was
high-minded enough not to be angry with him. But great was the
disappointment of the unlucky negro. For years he had been building
hopes upon that round diamond, and now to see them vanish before the
geologist's" deep nick" was trying indeed. Instead of being feted and
feasted and loaded with rewards, he returned home unescorted and
empty-handed to be possibly laughed at by those very persons who had
formerly envied him.
