Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1862-11-06
WHOLE NO. 313

( Moon Of the Mountains," on his own
terms. Disposing of his camel, Disgusting
himself. and putting on the garb OF men
dcant, he slowly made his way to Con-
istantinoplc. whence he sailed in Dutch
, ship for Holland, where, having arrived in
safety and good health. and feeling himself
secure against arrest for the crimes COM
mitted in his own country, be boldly made
known his possessions and designs to the
court, and through the different embassa-
| idors to all the other courts of Europe,
/ The "Mocn of the Mountains" and the
Eye of Allah.'' were not unknown to the
crowned heads and nobility of Europe
They had for long time been in the pos
session of the royal line of Persia, and it
was rumored that after the assassination of
Nadir Shah, they, with many other rre-
cioas stones. had been carried off by the
comm on soldiers, who. not knowing their
great value. had probably lost them on the
desert march. or, it might be, still retained
| them in obscurity, as so many pretty gew-
gaws. 1t was therefore only necessary for
Shafras to state what he possessed. to be
clearly understood by those whom he wish
ed to interest in the purchase Of his gems.
For some considerable time, however,
no one seemed inclined to bargain for his
great diamond, or wonderous sapphire; but
as he still had plenty of money. and small
er stones that he knew he could readily dis
pose of in case of need, this gave the
Moslem no trouble, he believing the right
person would come at the right time
The first serious inquiry concerning the
price asked for The 'Moon of the Noun
tains,' came from Catharine III. of Russia.
''Tell her Majesty will accept letters
of mob ility, life annuity Of ten thousand
rubles. and five hundred thonsand rubles,
in ten equal yearly instalmens," was the
proud answer of The vile robber and mur-
derer.
"Invite him to Russia, introduce him 10
our court jeweller, and let the best terms
possible be made with himl' were the SUBJ
sequent orders Of Catharine H. to Count
Pannin, her minister.
''Hold ont strong hopes Of early pur-
chase, and, if possible let him be drawn
into every manner Of extravaganza and dis
sipationl" was the further orders of the
prime minister to the court jeweller.
Shafras went to Russia and fell into the
trap set for him. In short time he spent
all his own money, and finding his credit
good everywhere. and every one will
ling to trust and lend him, and the con-
tract of his great sale always going to be
signed on the morrow, he soon got over
whelmingly in debt. This was exactly
what Count Pannin wanted and had plan
ned. BY law Of Russia, no foreigner
could leave the country while in debt; and
with his money all gone, how was the Ar
menian to pay what he owed, except by
selling the great diamond at whatever price
the royal purchasers might choose to set
upon it? ..s- 49,.
Tell him her Majesty has finally on
cluded not to accept his ex.ravagant and
insoent termsl-and then, as necessity
will COMPEL him to sell. you msy offer
him. as if on your own account, about one
fourth of its real value!'' were at last the
orders OF the Count to the jeweller.
This message and offer opened the eyes
of Shafras.
"God is God! Mahomet is his Proph-
et!'' muttered the Moslem. These dogs
Of Christians think to cheat and swindle
me out of what have perilled my soul to
geti The foolish knaves have lured mo
into debt. and think now have no means
20 save myself but to accept whatever they.
choose to offer. They shall find. however,
that one believer in the Holy Prophet is
more than match for whole nation of
such scoundrels!'
: Watching his opportunity. Shafras very
quietly slipped around to some money
brokers and jewelers., and disposed of sew
eral o { his smaller gems at fair valuation.
With this money in his possession, he as
quietly paid his debts. got aboard an En-
glish vessel, and secretly sailed from st.
Petersburg, the magnificent and intriguing
City OF Palaces When the minister sub
sequently sent his agent to see il he was a.
bout to accept OF his paltry oller, the cum,
ming Mohammedan was not to be found,
nor could the swiitest minions OF the disap-
pointed Count again lay hand upon him
within Russian dominions. The proud
Queen was deeply chagrined at her loss of
the royal prize. and administered severe
reproof to her mortified agent for his un-,
skillful engagement
For ten years after his snIden fligbs
from St. Petersburg. Shafras was lost sight
of, and the "Moon of the Mountains re-
mained in obscurity. Then he was dlscov-
cred at Astrachan, and again invited to
visit Russia.
"Ask the Royal Majesty Of Russia If she
expects 10 catch an old fox twice in the
came trap?"was the insulting answer of
the murderer Of his kinsman ITO maks
a short end of long controversy, listen to
my ultimatan, Twill 60 to Smyrna, and
there accept of letters of nobility, and eight
hundred thousand rubles in hand paid. If
these terms and conditions are rejected, /
swear. by the beard of the Prophet, that
Cstharine the second Of Russia shall never
be possessor of the sMoca of the Moun-
tains!" Ht l s tef1 rd
The result was that royalty finally hum
bled itself sufficiently to accept the insult
ing terms OF wandering homicide and
fratricide. and all for little stone that
child might swallow i',ss - eet
Shafras, the Armenian robber and MUIR
derer--now changed. by royal letters, toe
Russian nobleman-returned with his great
wa.1tb ~ Aetrooboc ,rbo.. T. ~..I.