I left the camp and tramped south.

Before a month had passed, the money had gone; if I had had any doubts of your death, it was too late to enquire; it would have been useless; as I tell you, the money was gone.

But I hadn't any doubts; in simple truth, I thought you were dead." Falconer looked round the luxurious room.
"You lost the money?
But you appear to have picked it up again; you seem to be pretty flourishing, my friend; when you got on your feet again and made your pile, why didn't you find out whether your old pal was alive or dead ?" Sir Stephen was silent for a space, then he raised his head and met the other's accusing gaze unflinchingly.
"I'll tell you--I'll tell you the whole truth, Falconer; and if you can make excuse for me, if you can put yourself in my place--" He drew his hand across his brow as if the sweat had broken out upon it.

"The luck was dead against me for a time, the old luck that had haunted you and me; then it swung round completely--as it generally does when it changes at all.

I was out in Africa, on the tramp, picking up a day's work now and again at the farms--you know the life! One day I saw a Kaffir boy playing with some rough stones--" Falconer nodded.
"Diamonds.