1880 Facts about Port and Madeira by Henry Vizetelly

Hie Voyage to Madeira.

153"-

Our main anxiety for the future was bounded by the time for , meals, which, although these were frequent as well as excellent,, were invariably awaited with all but ignoble impatience. One of the passengers told a very good story of an incident that transpired on a former voyage of his to the Cape at a period when the diamond fever wasatits height. ChiefEngineer Jones tumed up on the quarter-deck one afternoon,andtouching hiscap to Mr.VerdantPox—aCape-bound passenger,who prided himself u23on his sharpness,though his simplicity was at times painful to witness—placidly inquired,"Please, sir, can you tell me what this 'ere is?" ChiefEngineer Jones's eyes twinkled as he held out for inspection a small rough translucent stone,, which Mr. Verdant Pox nervously seized hold of,and held up to the light. He seemed amazed for a time,and turned the object over and over again in his hand,then assuming a knowing look demanded where the stone came from. "Just foimd it down stairs, sir, among the coals. Thought it looked a prettyish bit of a pebble,and brought it to show you. Think it's worth any thing?" "Well,I don't mind giving you five pounds for it,"' exclaimed Mr. Fox rather inconsiderately. "Five pounds 1. ah, you're joking; still I daresay it's worth summut,so I'll give it to my old woman when I get back." Mr.Fox looked disap pointed. "Hut how came you to find it?" asked he. "WhyI saw something whitish like among the coals,and stooped down and picked this'ere stone up." "Well, Jones,my boy,all I can say is thatit's a real diamond." Naturally Jones appeared elated, and went on his way rejoicing; while Mr. Fox commenced spreading the news of the" find" about the quarter-deck. Ofcoursethe statement wasreceived with generalincredulity; but two or three days afterwards another find occurred—two- stones being discovered close together by a stoker in the same heap of coals—and quite a sensation was created on board. One ortwo enterprising membersof society privately determined upon buying up the mine where the coals camefrom,and Mr.Verdant Fox with a few friends spent their days below in the coal- bunker and engine-room sifting coals and prying into cinders..