He tried to turn his head away, but the terrible eyes held him.

His fat, greasy, olive face grew grey and dry, and his head shook from side to side.
"What is the matter, my dear Mr Josephus ?" asked Phadrig, in slow, stern tones.

"The mention of the Prince seems to have affected your nerves.
Are you acquainted with His Highness ?" "Me?
I?
Why, how should I know a great man like the noble Prince?
No, no; of course I know him as a very grand and great gentleman, but that is all, really all, my dear Phadrig." "Yes, yes, of course," said the Egyptian, once more in his gentle voice; "would not be likely, would it?
Now, if you would like to look at the gem more closely, go and sit down there by the light and take it in your hand.

You will see that it is engraved with hieroglyphics.

They say that this jewel was once the property of Rameses the Great of Egypt, and was given by him to his daughter Nitocris." This information did not interest the Jew in the slightest, since he had never heard the names in his life; but the delight and honour of holding such a glorious gem in his hand even for a few minutes was ecstasy to him.