But when I pressed again on the eyes of the
elephant head, there came once more the clicking of wheels, followed by
the clangor of the gong. This I succeeded in muffling somewhat by
throwing a thick cotton quilt, which I had brought for the purpose, over
the figure of the god.

"A minute later I held the necklace of flashing blue diamonds in my
trembling hand. I lingered just long enough to satisfy myself of the
reality of the jewels, of their flawless quality and their matchless
lustre. Then, replacing everything as before, I left the chamber with
the usual precautions, and gained the divan in the vestibule of the
outer courtyard, where I was accustomed to sit and receive my friends.
There I meditated for several hours, and at last had formed a definite
plan.

"Well I knew that to disclose the treasure would mean its instant
surrender to the Nawab, most probably my own doing to death, so that the
new owner of the gems might feel more secure in their possession. To
realize the value of those blue diamonds they must be sold one by one,
or, at most, in separate pairs, and this with infinite care, so as not
to arouse suspicion among the banians who are the traders in precious
stones, and are ever on the outlook to screw the last copper paisa out
of the seller unlawfully trafficking in them. And first of all it would
be necessary for me to gain some true idea as to the value of brilliants
of so rare a hue.

"Three days later I rode into the city of Lahore, and, after seeing to
the wants of my horse, repaired to the bazaar of the Hindu shroffs and
banians. All my actions having been carefully thought out and decided
upon beforehand, I approached with a bold swagger the shop of a
reputable-looking banian, and, in the usual manner of business, took my
seat cross-legged before him. Two other merchants were seated near by,
but to them I gave no heed.

"After some desultory conversation with the owner of the shop, I
unloosed my waistband, and drew therefrom a tiny piece of silk stuff, in
whose folds were wrapped two of the smallest of the blue diamonds, a
pair, which I had carefully detached from the necklace before setting
forth on my journey. These I placed in the banian's hand, and I waited,
with all proper patience, while he carefully examined them. His face
gave no sign as at last he laid the gems on the lap of his robe. With
this I extended my right hand, and thrust it into his right hand,
covering both with the loosen