Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1869-10-20
SsieCtell MisceIlanu.
THE LOST DIAMOND;
Ailwen That Ends wen.

An well That Ends Well
Some yeacs ago, [ knew lapidary who
gained d considerable fortune by great
misfortune. An excellent workman, hon
est as the day, Montin had but one fault;
he was too fond of good wine, which caused
him to neglect his sometimes for
DAYS together, to the great dissatisfaction
Of his employer who in all other respects
valued and esteemed him highly, both for
his skill and probity.
One day Montin received from his mas
ter diamond of the finest water to cut
and polish, with strict recommendations
to keep sober until the work was finished.
II rely on your activity said the jewel
Ter, on giving him the stone. II must
have it without fail on the 18th instant;
and if you disappoint me this time, it will
be the last you will have from me.
Montin promised exactitude, asked, as
was usual with him, part OF his pay in ad-
vance, and set himself courageously to
work Under his skillful hand, the dia-
mond soon began to show forth its beauty
in q few more hours it would have been fin
ished, when, uufortQnately for Montin's
resolutions, frienS cafled on him, an old
coomrade, who had been long absent from
Paris; what could they do but take glass
together? Arrived at the cabaret, the time
passed quickly away, and Montin thought
no more of his unfinished work.
During the morning his 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
unremittinglv. Only half satisfied, the
ieweller went away, to return in two hours,
and to find Montin still absent. Convinced
he was at tie tavern, the master charged
one of his men to seek him, and induce
him TO return to his work. This was done,
and Montin, grumbling between his teeth,
quilted his comrade, and ascended to his
workshop; but his head was no longer clear,
nor his hand steady. To addt his trouble,
the diamond became pnfxed; he seized it
hastily to replace it; his trembling fingers
gave ierk-and by a strange fatality, the
precious stone few out of the window
55oherad in q moment by this terrible aeci-
dent, Montin continued gazing out of the
easement as if petrifed, his pale lips MUIR
nuring the words '1ost! lostl lostP'
For more than an hour he remained al
most motionless, and was only reused
from his lethargy by the entrance OF his
master.
els it thus you work, Montin? exclaim-
ed he; sthree times have | called for the
diamond, and you spend your time at the
tavern Give me the stone: [ must have
it, finished or unfinished"
Montin looked wildly at him without
uttering word. -e--
eWhat is the matter with your asked
the jewe Iar ''Why don't you answer?-
Have yol, drunk all your senses away"
The lalldary tried in vain to speak. His
tongue seemed paralyzed. At last he rose,
and hiding his face in his hands, murmur-
ed, 'sIt-is -lostr
Explain yourself. What has happen
ed?" ..r-
''Out of the window"
.'What when?"
'sThe stone"
''Well, well. well; tell me what has occur
red"
''The stone flew out.'
1t wasnow the turn of the master to be-
come silent with astOnishment: then, fur
ious with rage, he cried, 81 don't believe a
word of your story; you have sold my dia-
mond to pay for your dissipation.
This accusation was the coup de 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 mad
ness The jeweller, who understood what
was passing in his mind tried to console
him, and at last succeeded in rendering
Kim more calm.
1T is a most unfortunate accident, no
doubt. said he, "but it is not irreparable.
''You do not, then, believe that sold
your diamond for drink?" said Montin, Gag
erly.
mo, no. Montin, you must forget what
/ said in the first moment of anger, and let
as try to find a remedy for the misfortune.
The diamond was worth G200; you must
endeavour to repay me the half of that sum
out of your wages, which, when you work
regularly, amount to G3 or "a a-week.-
With industry and sobriety you will soon
get out of debt.
From this time | will work steadily, "
ssid Montin, with tears in his eyes. ''You
shall see, sir that though | have been a
drunkard | am not a thief.
Il believe you, replied the jeweller, 81
have every confidence in you; you are a
good workman; [ will furnish you with
plenty Of work, and i'll few years you will
Fne night again. Well! will that suit you. "
oh YES, siri only tell me once more, that
you &c not think | sold the diamond"
'I repeat, on my honor, that | only said
so in tie first moment OF anger. L am
convinced you are an honest man-ln fact
tproveit it by trusting you with more work. "
"Yes, sir, that is true, and promise you
/ will not disappoint you. | will repair my
fault, the lesson has been severe, but it
will not be without its fruits
Montin kept his word-he rose early,
and worked indefatigably; the lost stone
was replaced by another, which was polish
ed as If by enchantment. Faithful to his
promise, he went no more to the tavern,
and became "a model of steadiness and in
dustry. At the end of the year he had
paid a considerable part of his debt. Six
teen months passed thus, when one fine
morning IN May, having finished his work,
he placed himself ut the window. and
watched the boats passing and repassing
on the river. which flowed close to the walls
.of the house. Suddenly, his eye was at
tracted by something bright glittering on
the extreme edge OF an old chimney. What
was his surprise to discover his half-polish-
.ad diamond 1t seemed as if breath would
nreciDitate il into the water beneath; and
rat there il had been for so many months
.g1snended between heaven and earthi
Al tbis sight his emotion became almost
as GREAT as on the day when he had seen 1t
.disappear out Of the window; he dared not
remove his ewes, fearing to lose sight OF the
almost recovered treasure.
'It is it is my diamond, which has cost
me so many tears said he; .'but how shall
| reach it! fit were to fall But no,
viii take every precautiOn, not too fast!-
let me consider Well!'
Al this moment his employer entered the
room
"0h, sir. cried Montin, sit is there"
WHAT? said the jeweller.
My diamond, or rather yours. All, do
not touch it. shall lose it for ever"
II Is true; We it Is certainly the diamond
that has so tormented us; but the difficulty
- no" 70 get 1t. Wait moment, | know