The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1869-10-22
The stone flew OUT

The stone flew out" 4
1t was now the turn of the master to be-
come silent with establishment; then furious
with rage, he cried, l don't believe word
OF your story; you have sold the diamond to
pay tor your designations"
This accusation was the coup de grace for
Montin. He tell tain ing at the feet of his
master; and it was not without difficulty that
he was recalled to life, or rather to despair
when amounted almost to madness. The
Jeweller, who understood what was passing in
his mind, tried to console him, and at last
succeeded in rendering him more calm.
1t is most unfortunate accident, no
dou6t said be, but it is not irreparable."
You do not believe, then, that sold vour
diamond for drink ?" said Montin. eagerly.
mo, no, Montin; you must forget what i
said In the first moment Of anger, and let us
try remedy for the misfortune. The dia
mond was worth 5000 francs: You must en-
deavor to repay me half of that sum out of
your wages, which, when You work regularly.
amounts to 90 OF 70 tlancs week. With in
dustry and sobriety You will soon get out of
debt"
"From this time will work steadily" sail,
MONTH, with tears in his eyes, "You shall
see sir, that though have been drunkard
am not a thief" n4 lf...rE
Il believe you" replied the jeweller, have
every confidence in you you are a good work
man; will furnish you with plenty of work,
and 10 few years you will be right again.
Well will that suit you?"
80 yes, sir. only tell me once more, that
you do not think sold the diamond"
y! repeat, on my honor, that only said so
IN The first moment ofanger. 1 am convinced
you are an honest man-n TACT prove it by
trusting you with more work."
yes, sir, that is true, and promise will
not disappoint YOU l will repay my fault;
the lesson has been severe, but it will not be
without its fruits" !.
Month kept his word; he rose early, and
worked indefatigably-t lost stone was re-
placed by another, which was polished as if
by enchantment. Faithful to his promise, he
went no more to the tavern, and became
model of steadiness and industry. At the end
OF tue year he had paid considerable part of
his DEBT. Sixteen months passed thus, when 4
one tine morning in May, having finished his
work, he placed himself at the window and
watched the boats passing and repassing on
the river, which flowed close to the walls of
the house. Suddenly his eve was attracted
by something gittering on the extreme edge
OF an old chimney. What was his surprise to
discover his half polished diamond 1t seemed
as If breath would precipitate it into the
water beneath ; and yet there it had been so
manv months suspended between heaven and
elrth!
at ms SlSnC his em0tlOn became almost as |
great as on the day when he had seen it dis
appear out OF the window; he dared not re-
move bis eyes, fearing to lose sight of the al
most recovered treasure.
ut is-it is my diamond which has cost me
so many tears" said he; "but how shall
reach it; ii it were to fall! But no, l will
take every precaution; not too fast l--let me
consider well!' -.r~
at this moment his employer entered the
room. H0
20, sir cried Montin, it is therew
"What%' said the jeweller.
my diamond, or rather yours. All. do not |
touch it, we shall lose it forever"
Tits true; it is certainly the diamond that
has SO tormented us; but the difficulty is how
to get it. Wait a moment, 1 know how to do |
it." So saying he lett the room, but quick
ly returned, bearing in his tand a net |
prepared for catching butterflies. With |
Its aid and that of long stick, he pro- |
ceeded carefully to try and get the precious |
stone - MONTH, hardly daring to breathe, |
Watchlng all his movements with the greatest |
anxiety. at last his efforts were crowned
with success, and he cried: Here it is, Mon
IN congratulate you on its recovery. /
am now your debtor to the amount of near
~ I,oOo francs. What do you intend to do
with the amount?"
Leave it in your hands, sir, if YOU will be |
klnd enough to keep it for me.'
Most willingly; l will pay you the interest.
and If you continue to add to it YOU will soon
have nice little sum-" replied the jeweller
Inns was the beginning of Montin's for |
tune. In few years he became a partner
with bis master, whose daughter he married. |
Paris