The Mystery of Sasassa Valley. a South African S

Name: The Mystery of Sasassa Valley. a South African Story
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

In a remote part of South Africa, two young men, Tom Donahue and Jack Turnbull, find themselves struggling to make a living after emigrating from England. After three years of hardship, they are disheartened and contemplating returning home. One stormy night, their friend Dick Wharton visits and shares a local legend about Sasassa Valley, rumored to be haunted by a malevolent spirit that brings misfortune to those who encounter it. Intrigued, Tom becomes obsessed with the idea of exploring the valley, especially after Dick describes seeing a strange glowing light there. Tom devises a plan to locate the source of the light, believing it may lead to a significant discovery. He constructs a makeshift sighting device to mark the spot where the light appears. The two men set out for Sasassa Valley, filled with excitement and trepidation. Upon reaching the valley, they find the eerie glow and manage to mark its location. They camp nearby, determined to investigate further at dawn. The next morning, they discover a rough, brownish mass embedded in the cliff, which Tom believes to be a diamond. However, when they present it to a local farmer, Madison, they learn it is merely rock salt, leading to disappointment. Tom, however, remains convinced that they missed the real diamond, which he believes is still hidden nearby. Driven by renewed hope, they return to the cliff, where they find a small, brilliant gem that confirms their suspicions. With their fortunes changed, they leave the valley, ready to sell the diamond and secure their future. The story concludes with the two men prospering from their find, establishing themselves in the community, and reflecting on their adventurous past.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1893 · Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Fantasy · 6,653 words

First lines

Do I know why Tom Donahue is called "Lucky Tom? " Yes; I do; and that is more than one in ten of those who call him so can say. I have knocked about a deal in my time, and seen some strange sights, but none stranger than the way in which Tom gained that sobriquet, and his fortune with it. For I was with him at the time. -- Tell it? Oh, certainly; but it is a longish story and a very strange one; so fill up your glass again, and light another cigar while I try to reel it off. Yes, a very strange one; beats some fairy stories I have heard; but it's true, sir, every word of it. There are men alive at Cape Colony now who'll remember it and confirm what I say. Many a time has the tale been told round the fire in Boers' cabins from Orange State to Griqualand; yes, and out in the Bush and at the Diamond Fields too.

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The Mystery of Sasassa Valley. a South African Story is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1893 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Date: 1893 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, Mystery, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Thriller
Length: 6,653 words
Structure: 1 section, 83 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Adventure — The plot revolves around the journey and exploration of the Sasassa Valley, highlighting the characters' quest for fortune and the unknown.
Mystery — The story centers on the mysterious occurrences in Sasassa Valley, including the supernatural elements and the search for the source of the glowing light.
Fantasy — The presence of a supernatural fiend and the legends surrounding it introduce fantastical elements to the narrative.
Historical Fiction — Set in South Africa during a time of emigration and exploration, the story reflects historical contexts and cultural elements of the period.