“Somewhat,” answered Gratz; “I have seen a few in my time.”
“Well,” continued the Sepoy, “kindly put your hand in my right vest pocket and withdraw a small case of shagreen which you will find there.”
Gratz obeyed.
“Now,” continued the Sepoy, “press the spring.”
As Gratz complied with this instruction, the lid of the shagreen case flew open and revealed the superb sapphire which had radiated such insidious depravity into the mind of the miser.
“What do you think of that?” inquired the Sepoy.
For a moment or so Gratz did not reply. The mastery of its cutting, its magnificent bulk, its unrivaled purity overwhelmed him. “I have never seen one like it,” he said finally, “if it is genuine.”
“Oh, you need not doubt it!” exclaimed the Sepoy, “or, if you do, you can assure yourself on that point. Now follow me. Six bags of Raikes’ coin could not buy that.”
“You set its value high,” suggested Gratz.
“Naturally; its like does not exist. Money has never been able to purchase it. There is just one consideration I can accept for it.”