Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1869-12-24
MIS- cJ,E IL ANY /.
LUCKY AT LAST.

fortune. An excellent workman, honest as
the day, Montin, had but ono fault; he was
too fond of goc' zine, which causdd him to
neglect his worK- sometimes for days togeth-
%er, to the great dissatisfaction Of his employ
or, who in all other respects valued and es.
teemed him highly, both for his skill and pro.
bity. A
Que day Montin received from his master
diamond of tho finest water to cut and pol
ish, with strict Recommendations to keep sober
until the work was finished.
ri rely on your activity" said tho jewcller
on giving him the stono. III must have it
without fail on tho 18th instant aud if you
disappoint me this time, it will bo tho lust
you will have from mo-
Montin promised exaotitudo, asked, as was
usual with him, part of his pay in advance,
and set himself couragcousy to work, I'm
der his skillful hand the diamond soon began
to show forth its beauty in few hours it
would have been finished, when unfortunate
ly for Montin's resolutions, friend called on
him, an old comradc who had been long alb
sent from Paris, what could they do but take
a glass together? Arrived at the cabaret,
the time passed quickly away, and NIonton
thought no more Of his unfinished work.
During the morning his employer came to
see how tho polishing of the diamond proceed
ed The concierge assured him that Mon.
tin 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 jeweller went away, to
return in two hours, and TO find Montn still
absent. Convinced he was at the tavern, the
master charged ono of his mon to seek him,
aud induce him to return to his work. This
was done, and Montin, grumbling between
his teeth, quilted his comrade, and ascended
oshis work shop but his head was no longer
clear, nor his hand steady. 10 add to his
trouble, the diamond became unfixcd; he
seized it hastily to replace it; his trembling
fingers gave jork-and, by strange fatali-
ty the precious stone flew out of the window
Sobered in moment by this terrible acci.
dent, Montn continued gazing out of tho
easement as if pctrifcd, his pale lips murmur-
ing tho words 'lost lost lost !"
For more than al hour lie remained ~almo4' q
motionlcss and was only reused !
ethargy by the entrance of his my!sromm lis lis
els it thus you work ,NIontin ?Hstar
ho; three times have called for oSo,, i, .,
and you spend your time at fbo diamond
Give me the stone; must haW .Lo tanorn
or unfinished" i Gnishod
Monton looked widIs ,ss ,Ssnor
ques, Esq. Editor. Walker MIN without ut
s What IS the mattSfq s#tah you ?" asked the
jewelcr. "Why don't you >Nswer? Have
you drank all your senses awayX"
The lapidary tried in vain toSpcak His
tongue seemed paralyzcd. At laAt he rose,
and hiding his face in his hands, murmcred,
"It-is-lost y
.sExplain yourself. What has happened p
y"Out of tho window"
"What when p y-
"The stone"
"Wcll, we'll, we'll tell me what has occur
ed"
''The stone few out"
1t was now the turn of the master to be-
come silent with astonishment then, furious
with rage he cried, @"I d6n't believe a word
of your story you havo sold my diamond to
pay foryour dissipation"
r. This accusation was the coup dc grace for
Montin He fell fainting at the feet of his
master; and it was not without difficulty that
he was recalled to life, or rather to despair
which amounted almost to madness The
jewcller who understood what was passing in
his mind, tried to console him, and at last
succeeded in rendering him moro calm.
cit is d most unfortunate accident, no
doubt" said he, "but it is not irrepable."
"You do not, then, believe that sold
your diamond for drink ?" said Montin, eager
ly., =
"No, no, Nontin, you must forget what
said in the first moment of anger, and let US
try to find a remedy for the misfortune. The
diamond was worth e2C0 !; you must cndcuv-
or to repay me the half Of that sum out of
your wages, which when you work regularly,
amount to G3 or G4 a week With industry
and sobricty you will soon get out of debtl"
''From this time 1 will work stoadiy,"
said Montin, with tears in his eyes "You
shs!! sec. sir, that though have been
gdrunkard am not thief"
"I bolievo you," replied the jcwcllcr
have evory confidence in you; you arc good
workman; will furnish you with plenty Of
work, and in few years you will be right
again. Well will that suit you p
80 yes, sir only tell mo onoo more, that
4 you do not think sold the diamond"
II repeat, on my honor, that I only said
SO in tho first moment of anger. / am con.
1t by trusting you with moro work."
Eyes, sir, that is true, and promise you |
will not disappoint you. | will repair my
fault; the lesson has beon severe, but it will
not bo without fruit.
Montn kept his word--ho rose early and
worked indefatigably; the lost sto no was re
placed by another, which was polished as il
by onohantmont. Faithful to his promise, he
went no moro to tho tavern, and became q
model Of stcadincss and industry. At the