All three were good judges of stones, and a very brief examination was sufficient, even in the feeble evening light, to enable them to see that they were not only gems of the first water, but also stones of such a size as is seldom seen in these unregenerate days.
"It's the biggest scoop on earth," said Hayle, unconsciously echoing the expression Kitwater had used to him in Singapore.

"What's better, there are hundreds more like them down below.

I'll tell you what it is, my friends, we're just the richest men on this earth at the present moment, and don't you forget it!" In his excitement he shook hands wildly with his companions.

His ill-humour had vanished like breath off a razor, and now he was on the best of terms not only with himself, but also with the world in general.
"If I know anything about stones there are at least one hundred thousand pounds worth in this little parcel," he said enthusiastically, "and what is more, there is a million or perhaps two millions to be had for the trouble of looking for them.

What do you say if we go below again ?" "No! no!" said Kitwater, "it's too late.