Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1874-02-13
3fliscellamu.
The. BOX of Diamonds.


Journey he arrived at Warsaw. Being
furnished with letter Of introduction
he repaired TO the house of one of the
chief citizens there. and was most cour-
teously received. He stayed at Warsaw
for week, and his host spared no pains
to make the visit agreeable, and showed
him everything worth seeing in the town.
Indeed the visitor was quite overwhelm-
ed by an amount of kindness rarely
shown to any friend of long standing.
AT length the pleasant visit drew to
its close, and after breakfast the guest
expressed his wish to see some poor parts
of the town, of which he had heard.
But" said he, / have with me a
small box of great value that | do not
like to risk in such places. If it were
my own l should not be so particular,
but it was entrusted to me to deliver to
person in another town. Would you
do me the great favor of taking charge
of it for me to-day <"
The host, with his usual urbanity,
willingly agreed to this proposal, and
the merchant departed with light
heart on his tour to-I forget the name
but let US say the Seven Dials or the
Five Points " of Warsaw.
Next morning, after breakfast, he
cordially thanked his kind entertainers
for their Jealous hospitality, and added
that as he was about to depart, he would
now resume his charge of the box, which
had never before quilted his presence
since he had received it from its owner.
The host and hostess stared at him in
amazement.
What box" asked the host. "I re-
member no box-do you my dear?
turning to his wife.
No" she said, 81 have no recollec-
ton of any box whatever"
"Wbat was it like?" inquired the
host perhaps you left it in your room"
But on the merchant persisting that it
was with the host himself it had been
left, on turning to his hostess, and trying
to make her recollect the circumstances,
both (after appealing to each other sew
eral times, and fortifying each other in
their denial, became cold and distant,
and began limiting that something must
have happened to the merchant to in
duce him to persist in so strange delu-
sion. AS the host touched his forehead
with significant glance, the poor man
remembered that he was in a strange
city the ground seemed to be slipping
from under his feet danger to himself
loomed in the distance, and he hastened
from the house in alarm. Straight to
the police he went, and stated his case.
The officer listened imperturbably to
the whole story and then said, +" You
gave up this valuable box to an acquain-
tance of a weeks standing without any
witness or written acknowledgement"
He had been so very kind man
in his position"
Bah you mean man of business ;
but you have no proof that the box
belongs to you? T"
None whatever-except the key
here it is, and he produced small key
from his pocket.
The official remained lost in thought
for some time, and then said, "Well, l
will do the only thing l can for you.
The Archduke Constantine, the Govern
or of Poland, is stern harsh man, but
he is known for his rigorous justice, ana
if he believes your story, he will do his
best for you. will take you to him at
once"
No time was lost, and the merchant
soon found himself in the Archduke's
presence, and was desired o tell his sto-
ry.
When it was concluded the Archduke
after a few moments reflection, rang a
bell. An official appeared.
"Send for M" naming the treach-
erous host.
1t was quickly done, and the Arch
duke, without preamble or question,
said to this guilty man, )" Sit down at
this writing table and write as l shall
dictate to you.
The man took his seat, and took up
the pen, the Archduke began debating,
"My dear wife, all is found out
No" said the man, springing from
his seat, 81 won't write that"
Then you are guilty" was the
prompt answer.
Puzzled and foiled, ne resumed his
seat and wrote as was desired.
"My dear wife, all ia found out. Send
the box by the bearer
Then he signed it with his name, by
the Archduke's order, and a messenger
was dispatched with it.
The messenger found the lady at her