Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1900-03-16
THE DIAMOND,

OF the diamond excitement with Hot
tentot for a guide Swinging along I'M
der that southern sky, he caught up with
two men tramping in the same direction.
"Shipmates ahoy!' roared Ned in his
jollicst sea voice, which he could raise
above the sound Of the tempest. "Whith-
or boundY
"For the mines and be blowed to you"
growled one Of the men.
bet you a plug of navy you cut adrlit
from your ship without asking leave OF
the old man.
whats that to you, you lubbcrY" was
the reply Of the man, a sulky, dark
browed fellow, evidently a sailor, but
far from a pleasant looking one. My
name is Matt Fralick. | deserted from
the bark Assumption, bound to Ceylon.
This man is n lascar named Joe. who cut
away with me. Now, who are youT
Ned Cummings, able seaman; left the
steamer Rajah at Cape Town because |
wanted to make a strike for these new
diamond fields, FOR, you see, I've mined
in Californy. Peru and Australy, and
don't want it said there's any new places,
whether gold or diamonds that | amt
had hand in"
Days passed, and they were yet upon
the way, holding a course by the skillful
guidance of the Hottentot, who knew the
way well.
They came down into the camp amid
the barking of dogs but scarcely noticed
by the miners, who expected to see new
men come into the fields day after day.
Ned was m active man, and before night
he had learned all the rules OF the camp
and had marked off claim for himself
and his two companions. Kanadu, his
Hottentot, looked on in supreme disgust
as he saw his friends mark out the
ground and fall to work
That's so foolish" he said, touching
Ned on the shoulder. you come hunt
Ned showed him a small diamond, not
larger than a common shot, which had
been given him in Cape Town.
Kanadu uttered a snort Of disgust.
"You come huntw he insisted.
But Ned refused, and Kanadu left the
camp, and the men washed on under the
burning sun. There was not much work
in Matt Fralick or the lascar. and the
burden fell on Ned's shoulders.
Lets quit without any hard words.
Matt" he said. II want a man with me
that can take fair share of the work,
and you and the lascar are just about
equal You see. I'll strike new claim
or buy you out"
They chose to go out, thinking be
could do nothing alone; but Ned had
made his plans, and, after the two left
him, he hired a half breed Hottentot to
sort. From that time he did better and
found several stones Of fair value. Two
weeks OF this work, and the two came
back and wanted to join him again. Of
fcring TO let their united labor go against
his. But Ned would not do il.
a month later Kanadu sauntered lazily
into the camp looking for Ned He grin
ned widely as he saw the sailor at work
Find him, master?" he asked.
Some of en-" said Ned. How are
you, old chap"
"Me we'll" replied Kanadu. grinning
again. ME always well. S'pose you let
me see what you find"
Ned produced the bag and showed the
diamonds, and Kanadu gave a snort Of
disdaiu.
Look dis" he said, opening his hand.
In the center OF his brown palm glowed
a diamond Of great size and brilliancy.
the largest Ned had ever seen.
You take him. Ned" he said. Den
you come out dat hole and hunt good
deal"
you give it TO me?" cried Ned
gun; dat all right" said Kanadu.
Ned eagerly accepted the offer and
quickly hid the jewel, fearing that other
eyes might see il. Other eyes had seen
it-thosc Of lascar Joe, and he was lit
orally stricken dumb at the sight OF the
wonderful diamond. Ned was busy all
that day, and in the night. with only
kanadu for a companion. he slipped
away, and before morning was far away
from the camp. He had bought another
revolver AT the mines. and kanadu had a
beautiful rifle, the price of the big da-
mond That night they camped beside
a shining river. and the IIottentot kept
watch while Ned lay down TO sleep lie
was tired and awoke after some hours
as a cry of agony rang through his ears
and started up with his revolver ready,
to see Kauadu lying on his face, his
blood soaking the earth and two men
sprnging NJ him with knives and pistols
cleaning in the moonlight-mcn whom
he knew-LaScar Joe and Matt Fralick.
Give up the diamond and you shah
go free'' Kissed Matt as he leveed his
pistol
Never" cried Ned.
The pistols cracked together, and Matt
fell dead, and Ned staggered back with
arm. He fell over the PROSTATE form of
the Hottcntot, and before he could rise
the foot Of the lascar was on his breast.
Ned was weaponless, for his pistol had
fallen from his hand as he received the
bullet.
Fire" cried Ned I'm never beg for
life from such as you; don't think it,"
At this moment came n loud roar and
a great, hairy body passed over the pros.
trate man, sending the lascar to dis
lance of 20 feet, Ned staggered up and
ran into the woods, leaving his enemy a
prey to the lion which had come to his
aid so opportunely. Five minutes later
he was joined by the Hottentot, who had
been stunned by the bullet which grazed
his skull, and the two kept on their way
all night and finally reached the settle.
ments. Here Ned babe the Hottentot
farewell and reached Cape Town. The
diamond sold for $4,000 and Ned owns
a ship which runs from New York to
San Francisco. But he never saw the
African coast again, and probably never
will Exchange,
Wonderful Woman.