Its size made it a phenomenon in the diamond market; its colour placed it in a category by itself; and, to add to these elements of uncertainty, there was a defect, in the shape of a flaw, in the very heart of the stone.

Even with this last serious draw-back, however, the lowest of the various estimates given was twenty thousand pounds.

Conceive my father's astonishment! He had been within a hair's-breadth of refusing to act as executor, and of allowing this magnificent jewel to be lost to the family.

The interest he took in the matter now, induced him to open the sealed instructions which had been deposited with the Diamond.

Mr.Bruff showed this document to me, with the other papers; and it suggests (to my mind) a clue to the nature of the conspiracy which threatened the Colonel's life." "Then you do believe, sir," I said, "that there was a conspiracy ?" "Not possessing my father's excellent common sense," answered Mr.
Franklin, "I believe the Colonel's life was threatened, exactly as the Colonel said.