"It is as safe, sahib, in my turban as anywhere. It can only be taken with my life, and then what difference?"
"How did it come into your possession?"
"That I cannot tell you, sahib, but it is mine alone."
This assertion, it will be observed, contradicted what the native said when he first showed the diamond to Dr. Avery. Then he distinctly declared that it was the property of Marian Hildreth. The Englishman did not think it best to remark upon the inconsistency.
"Suppose that it should become known that you possess the Star of India?"
"It is known, sahib."
"Not generally."
"The bitterest enemy I have in the world, sahib, knows it, and he would sacrifice my life ten thousand times over for the sake of the diamond."
"Who is he?"
"Wana Affghar of Puneput."