Hewenthome，andwashedhimself，andtoldBulteelhehadhadgoodnews，andshouldleavethediggingsatonce。Hegavehimuptheclaim，andtoldhimtosellitbyauction。Itwasworthtwohundredpoundsstill。Thegoodpeoplesympathizedwithhim，andhestartedwithinanhour。Helefthispickaxeandshovel，andtookonlyhisdoublerifle，anadmirableone，someammunition，includingconicalbulletsandprojectileshellsgivenhimbyFalcon，abagfullofcarbunclesandgarnetshehadcollectedforUcatella，afewsmalldiamonds，andonehundredpounds，——allthatremainedtohim，sincehehadbeenpayingwagesandotherthingsformonths，andhadgivenFalcontwentyforhisjourney。
Herodeawayandsoonputtwentymilesbetweenhimandthediggings。
Hecametoalittlestorethatboughtdiamondsandsoldgroceriesandtobacco。Hehalteredhishorsetoahook，andwentin。Heofferedasmalldiamondforsale。Themasterwasout，andtheassistantsaidtherewasaglutofthesesmallstones，hedidnotcaretogivemoneyforit。
\"Well，givemethreedozencigars。\"
Whiletheywerechaffering，inwalkedaHottentot，andsaid，\"Willyoubuythis?\"andlaidaclear，glitteringstoneonthecounter，aslargeasawalnut。
\"Yes，\"saidtheyoungman。\"Howmuch?\"
\"Twohundredpounds。\"
\"Twohundredpounds!Letuslookatit；\"heexaminedit，andsaidhethoughtitwasadiamond，buttheselargestonesweresodeceitful，hedarednotgivetwohundredpounds。\"Comeagaininanhour，\"saidhe，\"thenthemasterwillbein。\"
\"No，\"saidtheHottentotquietly，andwalkedout。
Staines，whohadbeenliterallyperspiringatthesightofthisstone，mountedhishorseandfollowedtheman。Whenhecameuptohim，heaskedleavetoexaminethegem。TheHottentotquietlyassented。
Staineslookedatitallover。Ithadaroughsideandapolishedside，andthelatterwasofamazingsoftnessandlustre。Itmadehimtremble。Hesaid，\"Lookhere，Ihaveonlyonehundredpoundsinmypocket。\"
TheHottentotshookhishead。
\"ButifyouwillgobackwithmetoBulteel\'sfarm，I\'llborrowtheotherhundred。\"
TheHottentotdeclined，andtoldhimhecouldgetfourhundredpoundsforitbygoingbacktoPniel。\"But，\"saidhe，\"myfaceisturnedso；andwhenSquatturnhisfaceso，hegoinghome。Notcanbeargotheotherwaythen，\"andheheldouthishandforthediamond。
Stainesgaveithim，andwasindespairatseeingsuchaprizesonear，yetleavinghim。
Hemadeonemoreeffort。\"Well，but，\"saidhe，\"howfarareyougoingthisway?\"
\"Tendays。\"
\"Why，soamI。ComewithmetoDale\'sKloof，andIwillgivetheotherhundred。See，Iaminearnest，forhereisonehundred，atallevents。\"
Stainesmadethisproposal，tremblingwithexcitement。Tohissurpriseandjoy，theHottentotassented，thoughwithanairofindifference；andonthesetermstheybecamefellow-travellers，andStainesgavehimacigar。Theywentonsidebyside，andhaltedforthenightfortymilesfromBulteel\'sfarm。
TheysleptinaBoer\'sout-house，andthevrowwascivil，andlentStainesajackal\'sskin。Inthemorningheboughtitforadiamond，acarbuncle，andascoreofgarnets；forahorriblethoughthadoccurredtohim，iftheystoppedatanyplacewhereminerswere，somebodymightbuythegreatdiamondoverhishead。
Thisfear，andothers，grewonhim，andwithallhisphilosophyhewentonthorns，andwastheslaveofthediamond。
HeresolvedtokeephisHottentotalltohimselfifpossible。Heshotaspringbokthatcrossedtheroad，andtheyroastedaportionoftheanimal，andtheHottentotcarriedsomeonwithhim。
Seeingheadmiredtherifle，Stainesofferedithimfortheoddhundredpounds；butthoughSquat\'seyeglitteredamoment，hedeclined。
Findingthattheymettoomanydiggersandcarts，StainesaskedhisHottentotwastherenonearerwaytoreachthatstar，pointingtooneheknewwasjustoverDale\'sKloof。
Oh，yes，heknewanearerway，wherethereweretrees，andshade，andgrass，andmanybeaststoshoot。
\"Letustakethatway，\"saidStaines。
TheHottentot，ductileaswax，exceptaboutthepriceofthediamond，assentedcalmly；andnextdaytheydiverged，andgotintoforestscenery，andtheireyesweresoothedwithgreengladeshereandthere，wherevertheclumpsoftreesshelteredthegrassfromthepantingsun。Animalsabounded，andweretame。Staines，anexcellentmarksman，shottheHottentothissupperwithoutanytrouble。
Sleepinginthewood，withnotacreaturenearbutSquat，asombrethoughtstruckStaines。SupposethisHottentotshouldassassinatehimforhismoney，whowouldeverknow?Thethoughtwashorrible，andheawokewithastarttentimesthatnight。TheHottentotsleptlikeastone，andneverfearedforhisownlifeandpreciousbooty。Staineswascompelledtoowntohimselfhehadlessfaithinhumangoodnessthanthesavagehad。Hesaidtohimself，\"Heismysuperior。Heisthemasterofthisdreadfuldiamond，andIamitsslave。\"
Nextdaytheywentontillnoon，andthentheyhaltedatareallydelightfulspot；asilverkloofranalongabottom，andtherewasalittleclumpofthreeacacia-treesthatloweredtheirlongtresses，piningforthestream，andsometimesgettingacoolgratefulkissfromitwhenthewaterwashigh。
Theyhaltedthehorse，bathedinthestream，andlayluxuriousundertheacacias。Allwasdeliciouslanguorandenjoymentoflife。
TheHottentotmadeafire，andburnttheremainsofalittlesortofkangarooStaineshadshothimtheeveningbefore；butitdidnotsufficehismaw，andlookingabouthim，hesawthreeelandsleisurelyfeedingaboutthreehundredyardsoff。Theywerecroppingtherichherbageclosetotheshelterofawood。
TheHottentotsuggestedthatthiswasanexcellentopportunity。HewouldborrowStaines\'srifle，stealintothewood，crawlonhisbellycloseuptothem，andsendabulletthroughone。
Stainesdidnotrelishtheproposal。Hehadseenthesavage\'seyerepeatedlygloatontherifle，andwasnotwithouthopeshemightevenyetrelent，andgivethegreatdiamondforthehundredpoundsandthisrifle；andhewassodemoralizedbythediamond，andfilledwithsuspicion，thathefearedthesavage，ifheoncehadtherifleinhispossession，mightlevant，andbeseennomore，inwhichcasehe，Staines，stilltheslaveofthediamond，mighthanghimselfonthenearesttree，andsosecurehisRosatheinsurancemoney，atallevents。Inshort，hehadreallydiamondonthebrain。
Hehem\'dandhaw\'dalittleatSquat\'sproposal，andthengotoutofitbysaying，\"Thatisnotnecessary。Icanshootitfromhere。\"
\"Itistoofar，\"objectedBlacky。
\"Toofar!ThisisanEnfieldrifle。Icouldkillthepoorbeastatthreetimesthatdistance。\"
Blackywasamazed。\"AnEnfieldrifle，\"saidhe，inthesoftmusicalmurmurofhistribe，whichistheonecharmofthepoorHottentot；\"andshootthreetimesSOfar。\"
\"Yes，\"saidChristopher。Then，seeinghiscompanion\'shesitation，heconceivedahope。\"IfIkillthatelandfromhere，willyougivemethediamondformyhorseandthewonderfulrifle?——noHottentothassucharifle。\"
Squatbecamecolddirectly。\"Thepriceofthediamondistwohundredpounds。\"
Stainesgroanedwithdisappointment，andthoughttohimselfwithrage，\"Anybodybutmewouldclubtherifle，givetheobstinateblackbruteastunner，andtakethediamond——Godforgiveme!\"
SaystheHottentotcunningly，\"Ican\'tthinksofaraswhiteman。
Letmeseetheelanddead，andthenIshallknowhowfartherifleshoot。\"
\"Verywell，\"saidStaines。Buthefeltsurethesavageonlywantedhismeal，andwouldneverpartwiththediamond，exceptfortheoddmoney。
However，heloadedhisleftbarrelwithoneoftheexplosiveprojectilesFalconhadgivenhim；itwasalittlefulminatingshellwithasteelpoint。Itwaswiththisbarrelhehadshotthemurcatovernight，andhehadfoundheshotbetterwiththisbarrelthantheother。Heloadedhisleftbarrelthen，sawthepowderwellup，cappeditandcutawayastripoftheacaciawithhisknifetoseeclear，andlyingdowninvolunteerfashion，elbowonground，drewhisbeadsteadilyonanelandwhopresentedhimherbroadside，herbackbeingturnedtothewood。Thesunshoneonhersoftcoat，andneverwasafairermark，thesportsman\'sdeadlyeyebeinginthecoolshade，theanimalinthesun。
Heaimedlongandsteadily。Butjustashewasabouttopullthetrigger，Mindinterposed，andheloweredthedeadlyweapon。\"Poorcreature!\"hesaid，\"Iamgoingtotakeherlife——forwhat?forasinglemeal。Sheisasbigasapony；andIamtolayhercarcassontheplain，thatwemayeattwopoundsofit。Thisishowtheweaselkillstherabbit；sucksanounceofbloodforhisfood，andwastestherest。Sothedemoralizedsheep-dogtearsoutthepoorcreature\'skidneys，andwastestherest。Man，armedbysciencewithsuchpowersofslaying，shouldbelessegotisticalthanweaselsandpervertedsheep-dogs。Iwillnotkillher。Iwillnotlaythatbeautifulbodyofherslow，andglazethosetender，lovingeyesthatnevergleamedwithhateorrageatman，andfixthoseinnocentjawsthatneverbitthelifeoutofanything，notevenofthegrassshefeedson，anddoesitmoregoodthanharm。Feedon，poorinnocent。Andyoubeblanked；youandyourdiamond，thatI
begintowishIhadneverseen；foritwouldcorruptanangel。\"
Squatunderstoodonewordinten，buthemanagedtoreply。\"Thisisnonsense-talk，\"saidhe，gravely。\"Thelifeisnobiggerinthatthaninthemurcatyoushotlastshoot。\"
\"Nomoreitis，\"saidStaines。\"Iamafool。Itiscometothis，then；Kafirsteachustheology，andHottentotsmorality。Ibowtomyintellectualsuperior。I\'llshoottheeland。\"Heraisedhisrifleagain。
\"No，no，no，no，no，no，\"murmuredtheHottentot，inasweetvoicescarcelyaudible，yetsokeeninitsentreaty，thatStainesturnedhastilyroundtolookathim。Hisfacewasashy，histeethchattering，hislimbsshaking。BeforeStainescouldaskhimwhatwasthematter，hepointedthroughanapertureoftheacaciasintothewoodhardbytheelands。Staineslooked，andsawwhatseemedtohimlikeaverylongdog，orsomesuchanimal，crawlingfromtreetotree。Hedidnotatallsharetheterrorofhiscompanion，norunderstandit。Butaterribleexplanationfollowed。Thiscreature，havinggottotheskirtofthewood，expanded，bysomestrangemagic，toanincrediblesize，andsprangintotheopen，withagrowl，amightylion；heseemedtoricochetfromtheground，soimmensewashissecondbound，thatcarriedhimtotheeland，andhestruckheroneblowontheheadwithhisterriblepaw，andfelledherasifwithathunderbolt:downwentherbody，withallthelegsdoubled，andherpoorheadturnedover，andthenosekissedtheground。Thelionstoodmotionless。Presentlytheeland，whowasnotdead，butstunned，begantorecoverandstrugglefeeblyup。Thenthelionsprangonherwitharoar，androlledherover，andwithtwotremendousbitesandashake，toreherentrailsoutandlaidherdying。Hesatcomposedlydown，andcontemplatedherlastconvulsions，withouttouchingheragain。
Atthisroar，thoughnotloud，thehorse，thoughhehadneverheardorseenalion，trembled，andpulledathishalter。
Blackycreptintothewater；andStaineswasstruckwithsuchanaweashehadneverfelt。Nevertheless，thekingofbeastsbeingatadistance，andoccupied，andStainesabraveman，andoutofsight，hekepthisgroundandwatched，andbythosemeanssawasightnevertobeforgotten。Thelionroseup，andstoodinthesunincrediblybeautifulaswellasterrible。Hewasnotthemangyhueofthecagedlion，butaskintawny，golden，glossyasarace-
horse，andofexquisitetintthatshonelikepuregoldinthesun；
hiseyealustrousjewelofrichesthue，andhismanesublime。Helookedtowardsthewood，andutteredafullroar。Thiswassotremendousthatthehorseshookalloverasifinanague，andbegantolather。Stainesrecoiled，andhisfleshcrept，andtheHottentotwentunderwater，anddidnotemergeforeversolong。
Afterapause，thelionroaredagain，andallthebeastsandbirdsofpreyseemedtoknowthemeaningofthatterribleroar。Tillthentheplacehadbeenasolitude，butnowitbegantofillinthestrangestway，asifthelordoftheforestcouldcallallhissubjectstogetherwithatrumpetroar:firstcametwolioncubs，towhom，infact，theroarhadbeenaddressed。Thelionrubbedhimselfseveraltimesagainsttheeland，butdidnoteatamorsel，andthecubswentinandfeastedontheprey。Thelionpolitelyandpaternallydrewback，andwatchedtheyoungpeopleenjoyingthemselves。
Meantimeapproached，ontiptoe，jackalsandhyenas，butdarednotcometoonear。Slate-coloredvulturessettledatalittledistance，butnotasouldaredinterferewiththecubs；theysawthelionwasactingsentinel，andtheyknewbetterthancomenear。
Afteratime，papafearedforthedigestionofthosebrats，orelsehisownmouthwatered；forhecameup，knockedthemheadoverheelswithhisvelvetpaw，andtheytookthegentlehint，andranintothewooddoublequick。
Thenthelionbegantearingawayattheeland，andboltinghugemorselsgreedily。Thismadetherabble\'smouthwater。Thehyenas，andjackals，andvulturesformedacircleludicroustobehold，andthatcirclekeptnarrowingastheliontoreawayathisprey。Theyincreasedinnumber，andatlasthungerovercameprudence；therearrankshovedonthefront，asamongstmen，andageneralattackseemedimminent。
Thenthelionlookedupattheseinvaders，utteredareproachfulgrowl，andwentatthem，pattingthemrightandleft，andknockingthemover。Henevertouchedavulture，norindeeddidhekillananimal。Hewasalion，andonlykilledtoeat；yethesoonclearedtheplace，becauseheknockedoverafewhyenasandjackals，andtherest，beingactive，tumbledoverthevulturesbeforetheycouldspreadtheirheavywings。Afterthiswarning，theymadearespectfulcircleagain，throughwhich，induecourse，thegorgedlionstalkedintothewood。
Asavage\'ssentimentschangequickly，andtheHottentot，fearinglittlefromafulllion，wasnowgigglingatStaines\'sside。
Stainesaskedhimwhichhethoughtwasthelordofallcreatures，amanoralion。
\"Alion，\"saidBlacky，amazedatsuchashallowquestion。
Stainesnowgotup，andproposedtocontinuetheirjourney。ButBlackywasforwaitingtillthelionwasgonetosleepafterhismeal。
Whiletheydiscussedthequestion，thelionburstoutofthewoodwithinhearingoftheirvoices，ashispricked-upearsshowed，andmadestraightforthematadistanceofscarcelythirtyyards。
Now，thechancesare，thelionknewnothingaboutthem，andonlycametodrinkatthekloof，afterhismeal，andperhapslieundertheacacias:butwhocanthinkcalmly，whenhisfirstlionburstsoutonhimafewpacesoff?Stainesshoulderedhisrifle，tookahasty，flurriedaim，andsentabulletathim。
Ifhehadmissedhim，perhapsthereportmighthaveturnedthelion；buthewoundedhim，andnotmortally。Instantlytheenragedbeastutteredaterrificroar，andcameathimwithhismanedistendedwithrage，hiseyesglaring，hismouthopen，andhiswholebodydilatedwithfury。
Atthatterriblemoment，Stainesrecoveredhiswitsenoughtoseethatwhatlittlechancehehadwastofireintothedestroyer，notathim。Hekneeled，andlevelledatthecentreofthelion\'schest，andnottillhewaswithinfiveyardsdidhefire。Throughthesmokehesawthelionintheairabovehim，androlledshriekingintothestreamandcrawledlikeawormunderthebank，byonemotion，andtherelaytrembling。Afewsecondsofsickstuporpassed:allwassilent。Hadthelionlosthim?Wasitpossiblehemightyetescape?
Allwassilent。
Helistened，inagony，forthesniffingofthelion，puzzlinghimoutbyscent。
No:allwassilent。
Staineslookedround，andsawawoollyhead，andtwosaucereyesandopennostrilsclosebyhim。ItwastheHottentot，moredeadthanalive。
Staineswhisperedhim，\"Ithinkheisgone。\"
TheHottentotwhispered，\"Gonealittlewaytowatch。Heiswiseaswellasstrong。\"Withthishedisappearedbeneaththewater。
Stillnosoundbutthescreamingofthevultures，andsnarlingofthehyenasandjackalsovertheeland。
\"Takealook，\"saidStaines。
\"Yes，\"saidSquat；\"butnotto-day。Waithereadayortwo。Denheforgetandforgive。\"
NowStaines，havingseenthelionliedownandwatchthedyingeland，wasagreatdealimpressedbythis；andashehadnowgoodhopesofsavinghislife，hewouldnotthrowawayachance。Hekepthisheadjustabovewater，andnevermoved。
Inthisfreezingsituationtheyremained。
Presentlytherewasarustlingthatmadebothcrouch。
Itwasfollowedbyacroakingnoise。
Christophermadehimselfsmall。
TheHottentot，onthecontrary，raisedhishead，andventuredalittlewayintothestream。
Bythesemeanshesawitwassomethingveryfoul，butnotterrible。
Itwasalargevulturethathadsettledontheverytopofthenearestacacia。
AtthistheHottentotgotbolderstill，andtothegreatsurpriseofStainesbegantocrawlcautiouslyintosomerushes，andthroughthemupthebank。
Thenextmomentheburstintoamixtureofyellingandchirpingandsinging，andothersoundssomanifestlyjubilant，thatthevultureflappedheavilyaway，andStainesemergedinturn，butverycautiously。
Couldhebelievehiseyes?Therelaythelion，deadasastone，onhisback，withhisfourlegsintheair，likewoodenlegs，theyweresoverydead:andthevaliantSquat，dancingabouthim，andonhim，andoverhim。
Staines，unabletochangehissentimentssoquickly，eyedeventhedeadbodyoftheroyalbeastwithaweandwonder。What!hadhealreadylaidthatterriblemonarchlow，andwithatubemadeinaLondonshopbymenwhoneversawalionspring，norheardhisawfulroarshaketheair?Hestoodwithhisheartstillbeating，andsaidnotaword。TheshallowHottentotwhippedoutalargeknife，andbegantoskinthekingofbeasts。Staineswonderedhecouldsoprofanethatmasterpieceofnature。HefeltmoreinclinedtothankGodforsogreatapreservation，andthenpassreverentlyon，andleavethedeadkingundesecrated。
Hewasrousedfromhissolemnthoughtsbythereflectionthattheremightbealionessabout，sincetherewerecubs:hetookapieceofpaper，emptiedhisremainingpowderintoit，andproceededtodryitinthesun。Thiswassoondone，andthenheloadedbothbarrels。
BythistimetheadroitHottentothadflayedthecarcasssufficientlytorevealthemortalinjury。Theprojectilehadenteredthechest，andslantingupwards，hadburstamongthevitals，reducingthemtoagorypulp。Thelionmusthavediedintheair，whenheboundedonreceivingthefatalshot。
TheHottentotutteredacryofadmiration。\"Notthelionkingofall，noreventhewhiteman，\"hesaid；\"butEnfeelrifle!\"
Staines\'seyesglittered。\"Youshallhaveit，andthehorse，foryourdiamond，\"saidheeagerly。
Theblackseemedalittleshaken；butdidnotreply。Hegotoutofitbygoingonwithhislion；andStaineseyedhim，andwasbitterlydisappointedatnotgettingthediamondevenontheseterms。Hebegantofeelheshouldnevergetit:theywerenearthehigh-road；hecouldnotkeeptheHottentottohimselfmuchlonger。
Hefeltsickatheart。Hehadwildandwickedthoughts；halfhopedthelionesswouldcomeandkilltheHottentot，andliberatethejewelthatpossessedhissoul。
Atlasttheskinwasoff，andtheHottentotsaid，\"Metakethistomykraal，anddeyallsay，\'Squatagreatshooter；killumlion。\'\"
ThenStainessawanotherchanceforhim，andsummonedallhisaddressforalasteffort。\"No，Squat，\"saidhe，\"thatskinbelongstome。Ishotthelion，withtheonlyriflethatcankillalionlikeacat。Yetyouwouldnotgivemeadiamond——apaltrystoneforit。No，Squat，ifyouweretogointoyourvillagewiththatlion\'sskin，whytheoldmenwouldbendtheirheadstoyou，andsay，\'GreatisSquat!Hekilledthelion，andwearshisskin。\'
TheyoungwomenwouldallfightwhichshouldbethewifeofSquat。
Squatwouldbekingofthevillage。\"
Squat\'seyesbegantoroll。
\"AndshallIgivetheskin，andtheglorythatismydue，toanill-naturedfellow，whorefusesmehispaltrydiamondforagoodhorse——lookathim——andfortheriflethatkillslionslikerabbits——beholdit；andahundredpoundsingoodgoldandDutchnotes——see；andforthelion\'sskin，andglory，andhonor，andarichwife，andtobekingofAfrica?Never!\"
TheHottentot\'shandsandtoesbegantoworkconvulsively。\"Goodmaster，Squataskpardon。Squatwasblind。Squatwillgivethediamond，thegreatdiamondofAfrica，forthelion\'sskin，andthekingrifle，andthelittlehorse，andthegold，andDutchnoteseveryoneofthem。Datmakejusttwohundredpounds。\"
\"Morelikefourhundred，\"criedStainesveryloud。\"AndhowdoI
knowitisadiamond?Theselargestonesarethemostdeceitful。
Showitme，thisinstant，\"saidheimperiously。
\"Iss，master，\"saidthecrushedHottentot，withthevoiceofamouse，andputthestoneintohishandwithachild-likefaiththatalmostmeltedStaines；buthesawhemustbefirm。\"Wheredidyoufindit?\"hebawled。
\"Master，\"saidpoorSquat，indeprecatingtones，\"mylittlemasteratthefarmwantedplaster。HesendtoBulteel\'span；derewaslargelumps。Squatsaytominers，\'Maywetakedelargelumps?
Deysay，\'Yes；takedecursedlumpswenocanbreak。\'Wetookdecursedlumps。Weride\'emindecarttofarmtwentymilses。I
beat\'emwithmyhammer。Deyisveryhard。MoredeybreakmyheartdanIbreaktheircursedheads。OnedayIusestrongwords，likewhiteman，andIhitonelargelumptoohard；hebreak，andoutcomedewhiteclearstone。Iss，himdiamond。Longtimeweknowhiminourkraal，becausehehard。Longtimebeforeeverwhitemanknowhim，tousandyearsago，wefindhim，andhemakeuslillyholeinbigstoneformakewheatdust。Himadiamond，blankmyeyes!\"
Thiswasintendedasasolemnformofasseverationadaptedtothewhiteman\'shabits。
Yes，reader，hetoldthetruth；andstrangetosay，theminersknewthelargeststoneswereinthesegreatlumpsofcarbonate，butthenthelumpsweresocruellyhard，theylostallpatiencewiththem，andso，findingitwasnousetobreaksomeofthem，andnotall，theyrejectedthemall，withcurses；andthusthisgreatstonewascartedawayasrubbishfromthemine，andfound，likeatoadinahole，bySquat。
\"Well，\"saidChristopher，\"afterall，youareanhonestfellow，andIthinkIwillbuyit；butfirstyoumustshowmeoutofthiswood；
Iamnotgoingtobeeatenaliveinitforwantofthekingofrifles。\"
Squatassentedeagerly，andtheystartedatonce。Theypassedtheskeletonoftheeland；itsveryboneswerepolished，anditsheadcarriedintothewood；andlookingbacktheysawvulturesbusyonthelion。Theysoonclearedthewood。
SquathandedStainesthediamond——whenittouchedhishand，ashisown，aboltoficeseemedtorundownhisback，andhotwatertofollowit——andthemoney，horse，rifle，andskinweremadeovertoSquat。
\"Shakehandsoverit，Squat，\"saidStaines；\"youarehard，butyouarehonest。\"
\"Iss，master，Iagoodmuchhardandhonest，\"saidSquat。
\"Good-by，oldfellow。\"
\"Good-by，master。\"
AndSquatstruttedaway，withthehalterinhishand，horsefollowinghim，rifleunderhisarm，andthelion\'sskinoverhisshoulders，andthetailtrailing，afiguresublimeinhisowneyes，ridiculousincreation\'s。Sovanitytriumphed，eveninthewildsofAfrica。
Staineshurriedforwardonfoot，loadinghisrevolverashewent，fortheveryvicinityofthewoodalarmedhimnowthathehadpartedwithhistrustyrifle。
Thatnighthelaydownontheopenveldt，inhisjackal\'sskin，withnoweaponbuthisrevolver，andwokewithastartadozentimes。Justbeforedaybreakhescannedthestarscarefully，andnotingexactlywherethesunrose，madearoughguessathiscourse，andfollowedittillthesunwastoohot；thenhecreptunderaraggedbush，hunguphisjackal\'sskin，andsweatedthere，parchedwiththirst，andgnawedwithhunger。Whenitwascooler，hecrepton，andfoundwater，butnofood。Hewasintorture，andbegantobefrightened，forhewasinadesert。Hefoundanostricheggandateitravenously。
Nextday，hungertookanewform，faintness。Hecouldnotwalkforit；hisjackal\'sskinoppressedhim；helaydownexhausted。A
horrorseizedhisdejectedsoul。Thediamond!Itwouldbehisdeath。Nomanmustsolongforanyearthlythingashehadforthisglitteringtraitor。\"Oh!mygoodhorse!mytrustyrifle!\"hecried。\"ForwhathaveIthrownyouaway?Forstarvation。Misershavebeenfoundstretchedovertheirgold；andsomedaymyskeletonwillbefound，andnothingtotellthebasedeathIdiedofanddeserved；nothingbutthecurseddiamond。Ay，fiend，glareinmyeyes，do!\"Hefeltdeliriumcreepingoverhim；andatthatanewterrorfrozehim。Hisreason，thathehadlostonce，washetoloseitagain?Heprayed；hewept；hedozed，andforgotall。Whenhewokeagain，acoolairwasfanninghischeeks；itrevivedhimalittle；itbecamealmostabreeze。
Andthisbreeze，asithappened，carriedonitswingsthecurseofAfrica。Thereloomedinthenorth-westacloudofsingulardensity，thatseemedtoexpandinsizeasitdrewnearer，yettobestillmoresolid，anddarkentheair。Itseemedadust-storm。
Stainestookouthishandkerchief，preparedtowraphisfaceinit，nottobestifled。
Butsoontherewasawhirringandawhizzing，andhundredsoflocustsflewoverhishead；theywerefollowedbythousands，theswiftestofthemightyhost。Theythickenedandthickened，tilltheairlookedsolid，andeventhatglaringsunwasblackenedbytherushingmass。Birdsofallsortswhirledabove，andswoopedamongthem。TheypepperedStainesalloverlikeshot。Theystuckinhisbeard，andalloverhim；theycloggedthebushes，carpetedtheground，whilethedarkenedairsangaswiththewhirlofmachinery。Everybirdintheair，andbeastofthefield，granivorousorcarnivorous，wasgorgedwiththem；andtotheseanimalswasaddedman，forStaines，beingfamished，andrememberingthevrowBulteel，lightedafire，androastedahandfulortwoonaflatstone；theyweredelicious。Thefireoncelighted，theycookedthemselves，fortheykeptflyingintoit。Threehours，withoutinterruption，didtheydarkennature，and，beforethecolumnceased，allthebeastsofthefieldcameafter，gorgingthemsorecklessly，thatStainescouldhaveshotanantelopedeadwithhispistolwithinayardofhim。
Buttotellthehorribletruth，thecookedlocustsweresonicethathepreferredtogorgeonthemalongwiththeotheranimals。
Heroastedanotherlot，forfutureuse，andmarchedonwithagoodheart。
Butnowhegotonsomerough，scrubbyground，anddamagedhisshoes，andtorehistrousers。
Thislastedaterribledistance；butattheendofitcametheusualaridground；andatlasthecameuponthetrackofwheelsandhoofs。Hestruckitatanacuteangle，andthatshowedhimhehadmadeagoodline。Helimpedalongitalittleway，slowly，beingfootsore。
Byandby，lookingback，hesawalotofroughfellowsswaggeringalongbehindhim。Thenhewasalarmed，terriblyalarmed，forhisdiamond；hetoreastripofhishandkerchief，andtiedthestonecunninglyunderhisarmpitashehobbledon。
Themencameupwithhim。
\"Hallo，mate!Comefromthediggings?\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Whatluck?\"
\"Verygood。\"
\"Haw!haw!What!foundafifty-carat?Showitus。\"
\"Wefoundfivebigstones，mymateandme。HeisgonetoCapeTowntosellthem。Ihadnoluckwhenhehadleftme，soIhavecutit；
goingtoturnfarmer。CanyoutellmehowfaritistoDale\'sKloof?\"
No，theycouldnottellhimthat。Theyswungon；and，toStaines，theirbackswereacordial，aswesayinScotland。
However，histravelswerenearanend。NextmorninghesawDale\'sKloofinthedistance；andassoonastheheatmoderated，hepushedon，withoneshoeandtatteredtrousers；andhalfanhourbeforesunsethehobbleduptotheplace。
Itwasallbustle。Travellersatthedoor；theirwagonsandcartsunderalongshed。
Ucatellawasthefirsttoseehimcoming，andcameandfawnedonhimwithdelight。Hereyesglistened，herteethgleamed。Shepattedbothhischeeks，andthenhisshoulders，andevenhisknees，andthenflewin-doorscrying，\"Mydoctorchildiscomehome!\"
Thisamusedthreetravellers，andbroughtoutDick，withaheartywelcome。
\"ButLordsake，sir，whyhaveyoucomeafoot；andaroughroadtoo?
Lookatyourshoes。Hallo!Whatiscomeofthehorse?\"
\"Iexchangedhimforadiamond。\"
\"Thedeuceyoudid!Andtherifle?\"
\"Exchangedthatforthesamediamond。\"
\"Itoughttobeabig\'un。\"
\"Itis。\"
Dickmadeawryface。\"Well，sir，youknowbest。Youarewelcome，onhorseorafoot。Youarejustintime；Phoebeandmearejustsittingdowntodinner。\"
Hetookhimintoalittleroomtheyhadbuiltfortheirownprivacy，fortheylikedtobequietnowandthen，beingcountrybred；andPhoebewasputtingtheirdinneronthetable，whenStaineslimpedin。
Shegaveajoyfulcry，andturnedredallover。\"Oh，doctor!\"
Thenhistravel-tornappearancestruckher。\"But，dearheart!whatafigure!Where\'sReginald?Oh，he\'snotfaroff，Iknow。\"
Andsheflungopenthewindow，andalmostflewthroughitinamoment，tolookforherhusband。
\"Reginald?\"saidStaines。ThenturningtoDickDale，\"Why，heishere——isn\'the?\"
\"No，sir:notwithoutheisjustcomewithyou。\"
\"Withme?——no。Youknowwepartedatthediggings。Come，Mr。
Dale，hemaynotbeherenow；buthehasbeenhere。Hemusthavebeenhere。\"
Phoebe，whohadnotlostaword，turnedround，withallherhighcolorgone，andhercheeksgettingpalerandpaler。\"Oh，Dick!
whatisthis?\"
\"Idon\'tunderstandit，\"saidDick。\"Whatevermadeyouthinkhewashere，sir?\"
\"Why，Itellyouheleftmetocomehere。\"
\"Leftyou，sir!\"falteredPhoebe。\"Why，when?——where?\"
\"Atthediggings——eversolongago。\"
\"Blankhim!thatisjustlikehim；theuneasyfool!\"roaredDick。
\"No，Mr。Dale，youshouldnotsaythat；heleftme，withmyconsent，tocometoMrs。Falconhere，andconsultheraboutdisposingofourdiamonds。\"
\"Diamonds!——diamonds!\"criedPhoebe。\"Oh，theymakemetremble。
HowCOULDyoulethimgoalone!Youdidn\'tletHIMgoonfoot，I
hope?\"
\"Oh，no，Mrs。Falcon；hehadhishorse，andhisrifle，andmoneytospendontheroad。\"
\"Howlongagodidheleaveyou，sir?\"
\"I——Iamsorrytosayitwasfiveweeksago。\"
\"Fiveweeks!andnotcomeyet。Ah!thewildbeasts!——thediggers!——
themurderers!Heisdead!\"
\"Godforbid!\"falteredStaines；buthisownbloodbegantoruncold。
\"Heisdead。Hehasdiedbetweenthisandthedreadfuldiamonds。
Ishallneverseemydarlingagain:heisdead。Heisdead。\"
Sherushedoutoftheroom，andoutofthehouse，throwingherarmsaboveherheadindespair，andutteringthosewordsofagonyagainandagainineveryvarietyofanguish。
Atsuchhorriblemomentswomenalwaysswoon——ifwearetobelievethedramatists。Idoubtifthereisonegrainoftruthinthis。
Womenseldomswoonatall，unlesstheirbodiesareunhealthy，orweakenedbythereactionthatfollowssoterribleashockasthis。
Atallevents，Phoebe，atfirst，wasstrongandwildasalion，andwenttoandfrooutsidethehouse，unconsciousofherbody\'smotion，frenziedwithagony，andbutonewordonherlips，\"Heisdead!——heisdead!\"
Dickfollowedher，cryinglikeachild，butmasterofhimself；hegothispeopleabouther，andhalfcarriedherinagain；thenshutthedoorinalltheirfaces。
Hegotthepoorcreaturetositdown，andshebegantorockandmoan，withherapronoverherhead，andherbrownhairlooseabouther。
\"Whyshouldhebedead?\"saidDick。\"Don\'tgiveamanuplikethat，Phoebe。Doctor，tellusmoreaboutit。Oh，man，howcouldyoulethimoutofyoursight?Youknewhowfondthepoorcreaturewasofhim。\"
\"Butthatwasit，Mr。Dale，\"saidStaines。\"Iknewhiswifemustpineforhim；andwehadfoundsixlargediamonds，andahandfulofsmallones；butthemarketwasglutted；andtogetabetterprice，hewantedtogostraighttoCapeTown。ButIsaid，\'No；goandshowthemtoyourwife，andseewhethershewillgotoCapeTown。\'\"
Phoebebegantolisten，aswasevidentbyhermoaningmoresoftly。
\"MighthenothavegonestraighttoCapeTown?\"Staineshazardedthistimidly。
\"Whyshouldhedothat，sir?Dale\'sKloofisontheroad。\"
\"Onlyononeroad。Mr。Dale，hewaswellarmed，withrifleandrevolver；andIcautionedhimnottoshowadiamondontheroad。
Whowouldmolesthim?Diamondsdon\'tshow，likegold。Whowastoknowhehadthreethousandpoundshiddenunderhisarmpits，andintwobarrelsofhisrevolver?\"
\"Threethousandpounds!\"criedDale。\"YoutrustedHIMwiththreethousandpounds?\"
\"Certainly。TheywereworthaboutthreethousandpoundsinCapeTown，andhalfasmuchagainin\"——
Phoebestartedupinamoment。\"ThankGod!\"shecried。\"There\'shopeforme。Oh，Dick，heisnotdead:HEHASONLYDESERTEDME。\"
Andwiththesestrangeandpitiablewords，shefelltosobbingasifhergreatheartwouldburstatlast。