Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-04-30
had the pleasure or an 1nterv1ew. 1.


 more lucrative and yours the more dan- gerous rank, and there is a sense in which both may be made equally hon. orable to a good man. I had rather, strange as you may think it, be a de- tective of character and parts than 8 weak and ignoble sovereign"
 The officer was overwhelmed
 "Your highness returns good for evil,' said he ITO an act of presumption he replies by the most amlable condescen- sion." =:
 How do you know." replied Florizel, 'that I am not seeking to corrupt you?'
 Heaven preserve me from the temp tation"' cried the detective.
 q applaud your answer" returned the prince. Tt is that of wise and honest man. The world is q great place and stocked with wealth and beauty, and there is no limit to the rewards that may be offered. Such a one who would refuse a million of money may sell his honor for an empire or the love of woman, and I myself who speak to you, have seen occasions so tempt ing, provocations so irresistible to the strength of human virtue, that 1 have been glad to tread in your steps and recommend myself to the grace of God. It is thus, thanks to that modest and becoming habit alone" he added, that you and can walk this town together with untarnished hearts"
 T had always heard that you were brave" replied the officer, "but I was not aware that you were wise and VoYr +rYIth speak it with an accent that moves me to the heart This world is indeed place of trial"
 s'We are now,'' said Florizel "in the n1l&dle of the bridge. Lean your el- bows on the parapet and look over. AS the water rushing below, so the pas sions and complications of life carry away the honesty of weak nien. Let me tell you a story.'a
 I ''I receive your highness' commands" replied the man.
 And. initiating the prince, ke leaned # against the parapet and disposed him. self to listen. The city was already sunk in slumber Had 1t not been for the inf1nity of lights and the outline of buildings on the starry sky they might
 
 river.
 "An officer began Prince Florizel, "a man of courage and conduct, who had already risen by merit to an em1- nent rank and won not only admira- ton, but respect, visited in an unfortu- nate hour for his peace of mind the collections of an Indian prince. Here he beheld a diamond so extraordinary for size and beauty that from that in stant by had only one desire in life. Honor, reputation, friendship, the love or counury-ne was ready to sacrifice all for this lump of sparkling crystal For three years he served this semi barbarian potentate as Jacob served Laban. He falsifed frontiers, he con nived at murders, he funjustly con, l demned and executed brother officer who had the misfortune to dispieasa l the rajah by some honest freedoms. l Lastly, at a time of great danger to his l native land, he betrayed body of his l fellow soldiers and suffered them to be defeated and massacred by thousands. 1 Tn the end he had amassed q magnif- cent fortune and brought home with him the coveted diamond.
 1 'rYeass passed" continued the prince, "and at length the diamond is acciden- tally lost. It falls into the hands of a simple and laborious youth, a student, minister of God, just entering on a career of usefulness and even distinc- ton. Upon him also the spell is cast. He deserts everything, his holy calling, his studies, and fees with the gem into foreign country. The officer has a brother, an astute, daring. unscrupu. lous man, who learns the clergyman secret. What does he do? Tell his I brother? Inform the police? No. Upon this man also the Satanic charm has fallen. He must have the stone for himself. At the risk of murder he drugs the young priest and seizes the prey. And now, by an accident which is not important to my moral, the jewel is passed out of his custody into that of another, who, terrified at what he sees, gives it into the keeping of g man in high station and above re proach.
 tThe officers name is Thomas Van deleur," continued Florizel ''The stone is called the rajah's diamond, and"- suddenly opening his hand-"you be hold it here before your eyes" f The officer started back, with cry.
 We have spoken of corruption,' sait the prince. 'To me this nugget O bright crystal is as loathsome as thougl it were crawling with the worms O death; 1t is as shocking as though i were compacted out of innocent blood I see it here in my hand, and I know i is shining with hell fire. I have tolt you but hundredth part of it's story
 What passed in former ages. to wha crimes and treacheries it melted men o
 yore, the imagination trembles to con ceive. For years and years it has faith fully served the power of hell. Enough I say, of blood, enough of disgrace
 enough of broken lives and friend
 ships. All things come to an end, tn evil like the good, pestilence as well a
 beautiful music, and as for this dia mond, God forgive me if do wrong l but it's empire ends tonight : The prince made sudden movemen $ with his hand. and the jewel, descrit s ing an arc of light, dived with splas