"After the rites were concluded the Thugs slipped away into the forest as silently as they had come.The priest stood for a few minutes in the door of the temple enjoying the cool of the night before closing his rather warm quarters.Suddenly a dark, lithe shadow slipped down into the hollow, leaped upon the priest; and struck him down with a glittering knife.Then the murderer sprang at the image of the goddess like a cat and pried out the glowing central eye of Kali with his weapon.Straight toward me he ran with his royal prize.When he was within two paces Irose to my feet and struck him with all my force between the eyes.He rolled over senseless and the magnificent jewel fell from his hand.That is the splendid blue diamond you have just seen -- a stone worthy of a monarch's crown.""That's a corking story," said the reporter."That decanter is exactly like the one that John W.Gates always sets out during an interview.""Pardon me," said General Ludlow, "for forgetting hospitality in the excitement of my narrative.Help yourself.""Here's looking at you," said the reporter.
"What I am afraid of now," said the General, lowering his voice, "is that I may be robbed of the diamond.The jewel that formed an eye of their goddess is their most sacred symbol.Somehow the tribe suspected me of having it; and members of the band have followed me half around the earth.They are the most cunning and cruel fanatics in the world, and their religious vows would compel them to assassinate the unbeliever who has desecrated their sacred treasure.
"Once in Lucknow three of their agents, disguised as servants in a hotel, endeavoured to strangle me with a twisted cloth.Again, in London, two Thugs, made up as street musicians, climbed into my window at night and attacked me.They have even tracked me to this country.My life is never safe.A month ago, while I was at a hotel in the Berkshires, three of them sprang upon me from the roadside weeds.I saved myself then by my knowledge of their customs.""How was that, General?" asked the reporter.
"There was a cow grazing near by," said General Ludlow, "a gentle Jersey cow.I ran to her side and stood.The three Thugs ceased their attack, knelt and struck the ground thrice with their foreheads.Then, after many respectful salaams, they departed.""Afraid the cow would hook?" asked the reporter.