The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1877-10-12
THOSE DIAMONDS

$1,000 Dy my side on tne pIatiorm
the village depot, from which the trail
for New York was about so start, ere
member the diamonds are worth ten
thousand dollarsl"
20, bother, yesl" ! exclaimed, i'm
patiently; "Pm not likely to forget il
! guess you've reminded me Of the fac
often enough. Don't you suppose
know enough to take care Of themS'
you're inexperienced, and I'm
afraid you'll be imposed upon"
"Don't you worry. But here's the
train; good-byel' and I leaped upon
the platform and entered car with a
sense of wounded dignity. My sister
Alice was to be married two days Ia
ter at our county seat in the village
ofB--, and /. then young man Of
about twenty, had been deputed to
visit New York City, and withdraw
the family diamonds from their place
of deposit in the safe Of certain bank.
These jewels had been in the pos
session of my mothers family for
centuries, and were only used on
grand occasions. During the greater
portion of the year they remained
safely locked up in the bank vaults.
They had not been used for nearly a
twelve-month now, but were on the
following Wednesday to adorn the
person Of my sister at the wedding.
So many cautions had been given
me, and so much doubt expressed of
my ability to bring the diamonds safe
home to B, that realized the re-
sponsibility Of my position fully. and
determined to use the utmost care to
insure the safety Of the valuable heir
looms. If,after all that had been said.
they should be lost, should not dare
to show my face in B again, ]
thought.
walked almost the entire length Of
the car in my search for a seat, but
every one was occupied, either by pas
sengers or their baggage. / was about
leaving for the forward car, when a
soft hand tapped me upon the shout
der, and turning, / found myself face
to face with one Of the prettiest girls !
had ever seen. She was blonde, with
sparkling, piquant face, wealth Of
golden hair, and a 1.-THE, perfectly roun-
ded form. Raising her eyes to mine,
she said, with bewildered smile:
"Here is seat. sir. See, i have
removed my valise."
She reseated herself, and motioned
me to take my place by her side, which
l did with alacrity, saying to myself:
Jack Bascomb, my boy, you are
in luckl"
l will confess that at that time my
one weakness was a fondness for
the society of pretty girls; therefore,
l mentally congratulated myself on
my good fortune in securing this fair
stranger as a travelling companion. l
was conceited enough to fancy myself
almost irresistible, and / at once be-
gan to exercise my imaginary powers
of fascination upon the young lady.
At first she was very reserved, and
replied to my remarks on the weather
and kindred subjects in monosyllables;
but she gradually grew more laxative
and when we had been on our way an
hour we were engaged in an animated
and interesting conversation. My
companion was very communicative,
and in short time had informed me
that her name was Laura Gardner;
that she lived in Hartford, and that
she was now on her way to the home
of her aunt in New York City. where
she expected to spend fortnight. She
was evidently person of refinement
and culture, and | was quite fascins-
ted by her. When / told her my
name, a cry of surprise escaped her
lips.
"Why, is it possible that you are
Alice Bascomb's brotheri" she asked.
81 am" replied, "are you ac-
quainted with my sister,"
"Oh. yes; she and l attended the
N boarding school at the same
time. You must have heard her
mention me-"
Twas certain that / never had, but
/ mentally resolved that this young
lady's acquaintance should be cultiva-
ted by the family in future.
"Do you remain long in New York;"
asked my companion.
ono, ] return by the s p. NJ. train |
this evening"
"Ahl I'm sorry; l was in hopes |
Tour stay would be long enough to
permit of your calling at my aunt's
house." and she smiled another of
those dazzling, bewildering smiles, as
her eyes sought mine.
al only wish l could Miss Gard
,sr." l said, "but l trust We shall
meet again ere long"
"Oh, l hope so." she exclaimed.