136 JRaeo800N<mJ of Adventures 



of whom added to their legitimate business, that of 

 Illicit Diamond Buying, and encouraged natives and 

 low whites to do the stealing, and take the risks, 

 while they piled up wealth in safety. Sunday was 

 a great day among the kaffirs, troops of them went 

 a short distance from De Beers and fastened the 

 Birmingham cheap ("gaspipes") they had bought 

 to the large thorn trees which then covered the 

 ground, tied long strings to the triggers and fired 

 them off to see if they were safe to use, as many had 

 burst and injured the owners. 



I probably missed a great fortune by selling out 

 when I did, but anyhow, mother and Arthur and I 

 still have sunshine, health, friends and families, 

 which are of better value than six feet of diamond - 

 iferous soil in Griqualand West. How many poor 

 fellows who went there full of hope and energy 

 failed to get their "castle in Spain" but left their 

 bones there, while some amassed wealth, but did not 

 appear much the happier. I for one am truly grate- 

 ful that all happened for the best. 



