Gen.Marcellus B.Ludlow lives in one of those decaying but venerated old red-brick mansions in the West Twenties.The General is a member of an old New York family that does not advertise.He is a globe-trotter by birth, a gentleman by predilection, a millionaire by the mercy of Heaven, and a connoisseur of precious stones by occupation.
The reporter was admitted promptly when he made himself known at the General's residence at about eight thirty on the evening that he received the assignment.In the magnificent library he was greeted by the distinguished traveller and connoisseur, a tall, erect gentleman in the early fifties, with a nearly white moustache, and a bearing so soldierly that one perceived in him scarcely a trace of the National Guardsman.His weather-beaten countenance lit up with a charming smile of interest when the reporter made known his errand.
"Ah, you have heard of my latest find.I shall be glad to show you what Iconceive to be one of the six most valuable blue diamonds in existence."The General opened a small safe in a corner of the library and brought forth a plush-covered box.Opening this, he exposed to the reporter's bewildered gaze a huge and brilliant diamond -- nearly as large as a hailstone.
"This stone," said the General, "is something more than a mere jewel.It once formed the central eye of the three-eyed goddess Kali, who is worshipped by one of the fiercest and most fanatical tribes of India.If you will arrange yourself comfortably I will give you a brief history of it for your paper.
General Ludlow brought a decanter of whiskey and glasses from a cabinet, and set a comfortable armchair for the lucky scribe.