Page:The Surakarta (1913).djvu/94

Rh "He says he is the first person—and the only one—to whom the secret has been confided; and it was taught to him only just before he set out for this country. He was chosen by the Soesoehoenan as his envoy, I understand, because his estate in Java is so large that the value even of the Surakarta itself is not sufficient to pay him to make away with it; and his father, mother, wives and children, as well as his estate, are hostages with the Soesoehoenan for the safe delivery of the stone."

"I see."

"Baraka came here alone, except for one attendant. He was quite beside himself with anxiety, terror and bewilderment; for, besides the amazing manner in which the emerald disappeared, Baraka, though he speaks excellent English, has never before visited