Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-10-22

GARY VINO Ralueo cOusluerhDie tortuut
by great misfortune. An excellent
work man honest as the day, Month had
one fault; he was too fond of good wine,
which caused him to neglect his work
sometimes for days together-to the
great dissatisfaction of his employer,
who in all other respects valued and es-
teemsd him highly, both for his skill and
probity. -. ....... 4
One day Montin received from bis mas
ter diamond of the finest water to cut
and polish, with strict recommendations
to kesp sober until the work was fin-
ishcd. ..,s - 81 i s
NJ rely on your activity said the
jeweler, on giving him the stone. II
must have it without fail on the 18th in
slant, and If you disappoint me this
time it will be the last you will have from
me-" -
Month promised exactitude, asked, as
was usual with him, part of his pay in
advance, and set himself courageously
to work. Under his skillful hand the dia-
mond soon began to show forth its beau
vi; In few hours il would have been
finished, when, unfortunately for Mon
tins resolutions, friend called on him
an old comrade, who had been long alb
sent from Paris. What could they do
but take glass together 2 Arrived at
the cabaret, the time passed away, and
Montin thought no more of his unfinished
work y 9 'st' ssee
Daring the morning bis employer came
to see how the polishing of the diamond
proceeded. The concierge assured him
that Montin had only just gone out, and
would not fail TO return directly, as he
had for some days been working steadily
and unremittingly. Only half satisfied
the jeweler went away, to return in two
hours, and to fad Montin still absent
Convinced he was at the tavern, the mas
ter charged one Of his men to seek him,
and induce him to return to his work.
This was done. and MONTH, grumbling
between bis teeth, quilted bis comrade,
and ascended to his workshop; but his
head was no longer clear, nor his hand
steady. To add to his trouble, the dia-
mond became Ut fixed; he seized it hast.
lily to replace il his trembling fingers
gave Auckland, by q strange fatality
the precious stone few out of the window
Sobered in moment by this terrible ac-
cident, Montin confined gazing out of the
easement as, if petriiisd, his pale lips
murmuripg the words ''iost lost lost"
For more than an hour he remained al
most motionless, and was only reused
from his lethargy by the entrance of his
master.
as this your work, Montin?" ex-
claimed he; three times have called
for the diamond, and you spend your
time at the tavern. must have it, fin
ished or unfinished"
Montin looked wildly at him without
uttering word.
What is the matter with you ?" asked
the jeweler..x HWby don't you answer
Have you drank ali your senses away 2"
The lapidary tried in vain to speak.
His tongue seemed paralyzed. At last he
rose, and hiding bis face 10 his hands,
murmured, "It-is-lostl"
Explain yourself. What has hap
pened p"
"Oat of the window" -
"Whatl when
1.-THE stone"
"Well, well. well |; tell me what has
occurred" 81 e
''The stone few out"
Itwas now the turn OF the master to
become silent With sstonishmeht; then fu-
rious with rage, be cried: Il don't be-
leive q word of your story you have
sold my diamond to pay for dissipations."
This accusation was the coup de grace
for Montin. He fell fainting at the feet
Of his master. andit was not without diff
Guilty that he was recalled to life, or
rather to, despair which amounted al /
most to madness. Thei eweler, who un-
derstood what was passing in his mind,
tried to console him, and at last succeeded
in rendering him more calm.
at is an unfortunate accident, no
Doubt" said be, but it is not irtepar-
BILE. "oai .sI aUn9
"You do not believe then, that / sold
your diamond for drink 2" said Montin,
eagerly.
NO, DO, Moniin you must forget
what said in the frst moment Of anger,
and let us try a remedy for the misfor-
tune. The diamond was worth five thou
sand francs you must endesvor to re-
pay me half of that sum out of your
wages. which. when you work regularly,
smounts TO fifty or seveniy-ive francs g
week With industry and sobriety you
will soon get cut Of debt
"Brom this time will work steadily"
said Montin, with tears in his eyes. "You
shall see, sir, that though have been q
irunkard am not thief.
II believe you replied the jeweler.
l have every cor 4 lenee 10 you; you
are a good workmas | viii furnish you
with -pleriyrof work, and ina few years
Tou viii BE- fight again. Well viii that
'uit you9
. 20 yes. sir, only tell me once more, ,
hat you do not think sold the dia-
noud."
81 repeat on my honor. that only
aid so in the fret moment Of anger.
I'm convinced yoa are sn honest nan (
n fact | prove il By trusting you with I
Dore work"
Yes. sir that is true, and promise I
vii not disappoint you. / will repair
ny fault; the lesson has been severe, but (
, will.noi be without lie frniis.s .s -