Summary

One day, Joe Clarke asked Uncle Monday if he was ever scared to go off on his own, for whenever Monday wanders off, he goes by himself. Clarke added that Monday could potentially become ill and die if unattended. Monday replied that he died many years ago and then returned from the afterlife. The narration notes that many villagers believe Monday to be in possession of a magical diamond known as the singing stone. The stone is said to come from the mouth of a magical serpent. Its abilities include lighting one’s home and warning its owner whenever other people are approaching. The stone is said to be produced by snakes that live in Lake Maitland. The snakes eat a rare plant that grows on an island there. The stone is very dangerous to acquire. The snake has one stone in its head...