”Neville is my brother,” Sir Henry continued, ”about five years ago, my brother and I quarreled, Soon after this, our father died. I am the elder son, and I got everything. I wanted my brother to apologize to me. He didn't, and so I gave him nothing. With the little money he had, he left England for South Africa. I wrote to him several times, but I received no replies. Perhaps, he never got my letters. I don't know. But as time passed, I worried more and more about him.”
“Mr. Quatemain, will you please tell me everything you know about him?”
“Very well,” I said, “but you will be the first person to whom I have told what I know.” Your brother wanted to find King Solomon's Mine. That is why he lelt for Inyati”
“King Solomon's Mines!” Sir Henry screamed. ”I have never heard of it.where are they?”
“There is a tale about them.” I will tell you what I know if you promise to keep it secret,” I said.
“You have our promise.” Sir Henry said.
“An elephant hunter. Evans, told me the tale.” I said, “he told me there was a destroyed city northwest of the Solomon Mountain, and Solomon had his diamond mines there”
“Then one evening a Portuguese(葡萄牙人)。Jose Silvester came to my camp and asked to stay the night. The next day he said. “When we meet again. I shall be the richest man in the world.”
“A week or more passed, Jose Silvester came back but he was ill badly. I took him into my tent. The next morning when I was awoke. He was looking at the mountains. 'There it is!' he cried, 'but I shall never get there. I am dying'”.
“He took out an old map to me,' This map has been in my family for hundreds of years,' he said,' it will make you the richest in the world.' Then he died.”
I took the map out of my pocket and passed to Sir Henry. Sir Henry read the writing:”I am Silvester. I am in a cave north of the mountain. I am dying of hunger. With my own eyes I have seen the diamonds in Solomon's treasure cave behind the white Death. If you do find it, you will be a rich man!”
I took back the map and put it in my pocket.
“It is an amazing story.” Sir Henry said.
“Yes.” I said.” But I have not invented it.” I stood up and left angrily. I thought they were doubting my story.
