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