He seemed to have visited every part of the known globe; had been a sailor, a revolutionist in South America, a blackbirder in the Pacific, had seen something of what he called the "Pig-tail trade" to Borneo, some very queer life in India, that is to say, in the comparatively unknown native states and had come within an ace of having been shot by the French during the war in Madagascar.
"In point of fact," he said, "I may say that I have travelled from Dan to Beersheba, and, until I struck this present vein of good fortune, had found all barren.

Some day, if I can summon up sufficient courage, I shall fit out an expedition and return to the place whence the stones came, and get some more, but not just at present.

Events have been a little too exciting there of late to let us consider it a healthy country.

By the way, have you heard from our friend, Kitwater, yet ?" "I have," I answered, "and his reply is by no means satisfactory." "I understand you to mean that he will not entertain my offer ?" I nodded my head.
"He must have 'all or nothing,' he declares.

That is the wording of the telegram I received." "Well, he knows his own affairs best.