Hello again, everyone.
Whilst barely believing my good fortune in somehow finding the missing king from such a rare and desirable set of billiard balls, the manner in which it came about is nothing short of extraordinary. A veritable miracle in my view. It sure feels like a million-to-one shot anyway.
After pasting up my wanted poster on every single cyber billboard one could possibly imagine during these past six months, my diligent efforts eventually paid dividends this afternoon when one kind stranger sent word that a full set of these precious Poker Balls had just been listed on eBay for the princely sum of $295 plus $35 shipping.
Fantastic, I thought. It would mean paying out strong money for another full set, of course, but at least a complete example would at last find a home in my treasured collection. An opportunity I wasn't about to pass over for sure.
Upon clicking on the link and viewing the item up for sale, it took me a moment or two to register the astonishing sight before my eyes. It was indeed a full, pristine box of Hyatt's elegant Poker Balls in all their glory, but nestling in the corner alongside the cueball was a spare doubleton that the seller had acquired somewhere on his travels and was including here as an extra 23rd ball bonus.
Take a wild guess at the identity of that extra ball, ladies and gentlemen. Yep, got it in one... His Majesty, The King of Diamonds! The odds must be truly astronomical. I now have two full sets, so will be able to sell one to a fellow enthusiast and recoup a good slice of my costs.
I have some screenshots here on my mobile phone, but can't see the necessary icon to upload them at present.
Best wishes, everyone.
Ruperman.