and diamonds.

These immense treasures dazzled Dakianos. From that moment he was
sorry that he had a witness of his good fortune.

"Do you consider," said he to the old man, "of what consequence
secrecy will be upon this occasion?"

"Doubtless," replied he.

"But," resumed Dakianos, "if the King has the least knowledge of this
treasure, his first act will be to confiscate it. Are you sure of
yourself? Do you fear nothing from your own indiscretion?"

"The desire of possessing the half of those riches," replied the old
man, "ought to be a pledge that will satisfy you."

"The half of these riches!" interrupted Dakianos, with an alteration
visible in his countenance, "but that half surpasses the treasures of
the greatest kings."

The old man perceived this alteration, and said to him, "If you think
the half too much for me, you may give me only a quarter of it."

"Most willingly," returned Dakianos. "But what precaution will you
take to remove them with safety? You will cause us to be discovered,
and be the occasion of our ruin."

"Well, then," replied the old man, "though you have promised me much
more, give me only one of the apartments--I shall be fully satisfied.
You do not answer my question."

"We will examine at leisure what you have proposed to me," returned
Dakianos. "I am glad, however, that you are more reasonable, and that
you begin to understand yourself."

Dakianos again examined these riches with more avidity, and his eyes
were still further dazzled by them. After having thoroughly considered
the magnificent apartment of the diamonds, in which they then were,
"You are sensible," said he to the old man, "that this is, without
contradiction, the most valuable, and that it is not natural I should
yield up to you the lawful right I have over it?"

"You have reason for what you say," returned the old man, "and I do
not demand it of you."

They passed afterwards into the apartment which was filled with gold
coin.

"This treasure," said Dakianos, after having looked upon it for some
time, "is certainly what would cause the least trouble, and be the
most easily disposed of; it may be useful also towards preserving all
the rest, either by establishing a guard or raising walls; therefore I
believe you too reasonable," continued he, "not to agree to the
necessity that obliges me to keep it."

"I agree to it," replied the old man; "let us pass on to another.
These piles of ingots of silver and gold