THE GREAT GREEN DIAMOND BY INSPECTOR STARK

Book excerpt: THE GREAT GREEN DIAMOND BY INSPECTOR STARK “Let me tell you there is in Abyssinia an order known as that of the Blue Nile. It is secretly abetted by the priests, and even the king, who fears it, is a member. This society is ruled by religious fanatics, to whom murder is simply a pastime. The Order of the Blue Nile has command of almost untold riches. “I incurred the anger of these men, and they have sent right here to this country some of their members, I know not how many, to strike me down.” “You have not said a single word about this Ajeeb,” remarked the detective. “He is in New York.” THE GREAT GREEN DIAMOND BY INSPECTOR STARK “Is he any more to be feared than the others?” asked Burt. “Ajeeb is the head of the society,” replied the traveler. “You have seen him?” “How else would I know that he is in this city? He visited me this morning.” “Did he threaten you?” A sad smile passed over the face of the man who had so often faced death in many forms. “No,” he replied, “it was not necessary to threaten me; I know what his pursuit of me means.” “Tell me all about it, and then I may discover a way to circumvent your enemies.” “First, I wish you to promise not to disclose any revelations I shall make now or at any other time.” THE GREAT GREEN DIAMOND BY INSPECTOR STARK