Untitled story (“A man”, said my friend Larry Aloysius O’Leary . . .)

Introduction

In this untitled and unfinished story, the narrator recounts a conversation with his friend Larry Aloysius O’Leary, who tells the tale of Orloff Zaranoff, a Russian man involved in scientific research, diamond dealing, and intrigue. O’Leary, with his distinct Irish flair, reveals how his association with Zaranoff led to adventure, wealth, and misfortune. About 275 words.

Summary

The story begins with the narrator’s friend, Larry Aloysius O’Leary, making a philosophical statement: a man can succeed at anything, provided he avoids women. He supports this with the example of Orloff Zaranoff, a Russian scientific researcher and diamond trader. According to O’Leary, Zaranoff was devilishly handsome and notorious for his dealings with women, which ultimately led to his downfall. Had Zaranoff not been distracted by women, O’Leary suggests, he would have been a millionaire.

Intrigued, the narrator asks O’Leary to elaborate. O’Leary begins to recount how, in his own life, he had been a millionaire twice. The first time was when he won big at the races in Tijuana and broke the bank at Monte Carlo. However, the story focuses on the second instance, which involved Zaranoff.

Zaranoff, O’Leary explains, possessed a map that purportedly led to a massive treasure of diamonds hidden in the Himalayas, in Tibet. The diamonds were of such immense value that they would make the famous Kimberly mines pale in comparison. O’Leary, though vague on how Zaranoff acquired the map, hints at the significant danger and adventure associated with the quest for this treasure.

The narrative, unfortunately, cuts off before O’Leary can fully detail the events that followed, leaving the reader with an unfinished but intriguing glimpse into a potential adventure involving treasure hunting in remote and dangerous lands.

Characters

  • Larry Aloysius O’Leary: The narrator’s friend and primary storyteller. He is an Irishman with a colorful personality, recounting his own adventures and involvement with Orloff Zaranoff. He claims to have been a millionaire twice in his life and narrates the tale of Zaranoff’s pursuit of diamonds.
  • Orloff Zaranoff: A Russian scientific researcher and diamond trader, described as tall, handsome, and dangerous, particularly where women are concerned. He is central to the story, possessing a map leading to a vast diamond treasure hidden in the Himalayas. His downfall is attributed to his weakness for women.
  • The Narrator: The unnamed listener and questioner, who is intrigued by O’Leary’s story and prompts him to share the details about Zaranoff. The narrator plays a passive role in the story, primarily guiding the flow of O’Leary’s recounting.

Published in: