The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1877-02-03
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and moreover, wishing to find stray
silver spoon or two. dropped by some
careless hOusemaid, which could be con.
verted into cash and comfort for the
invalid.
The clouds were lowering, and soon
a light rain began to fall, but still the
seeker plOdded on for many a weary
mile, until at last returning weary and
discouraged, she sat down upon the
curbstone for moment, STOPPING TO tic
her shoe.
As she did so, something bright and
sparkling caught her eye, lying half
hidden in mass of autumn leaves.
Picking it up hastily, and looking
around to see il there were any to
snatch away the prize, she found it was
white stone of great brilIiancy.
Ignorant as she was, she yet knew
that it was of value, and quickly hasten
ing home, after cnrefully drawing
down the window curtain, she laid 1t in
Benita's hand.
- diamond, as l live /" she ex-
claimed excitedly; "see how it sparkles
as the light strikes t-beautifuI, beauti-
ANei HNNf "iiOlO Nlu JOu R6b ~
The history of the stone was related,
and many and various were the coniec-
lures they formed In regard to it, how
it came in the gutter, and why it had
been overlooked.
LEFT there on purpose for u.s." said
the elder Bonita. "God is good l told
you that we should be rich, and now
see this gen."
but 1t may be worthless after all,
nothing but mere imitation, -" said her
grandehild; "oh, If it should be a real
diamond, we could sell it for ever so
much money, and you could buy nice
warm dress and shawl"
"And you could have your story pa
per for whole year, darling"
"And read aloud for you in the even
ings, grandma"
After much consultation, which
reached far into the night, they resolved
to visit leading clergyman in Btook>>
lyn, and ask his advice as to its value,
and the best disposal of it.
Accordingly, the next day, with
many injunctions and instructions from
her granddaughter, Bonita, dressed as
neatly as possible, sought an interview
with the good minister, who was sur
prlsed at the appearance of his visitor,
2s'l am not much of a Judge of dia-
monds," he said, "but should say this
Is very fine specimen. 1t certainly is
no common gem. You must try at once
10 hnd Its owner, my good woman"
1T is mine" said Bonita simply, her
ideas OF ownership being limited.
lie then explained to her the necessi-
ty and benefit of advertising, assuring
her that if after q certain time, no one
appeared to claim the lost jewel, it
would be fairly her own to sell if posi-.
BILE.
Giving a reluctant consent, she re.
turned home, but not without the stone
that she cautiously concealed.
The clergyman made, minute inuuir-
les concerning her, fearing that she
might have stolen it, and was conyinc.
ed that her simple story was true one.
In a few weeks, according to his di-
rections, she called upon him, and
learned that there had been no response
to repeated advertisementss and now
said he, 81 will see that You get its
value" at his request, she accompani-
ed him to a celebrated jewelers. on
Broadway.
There he ascertsined that the precl-
GUS stone was of the purest water, and
that its value could be estimated bv
thousands; and being match for one
they already possessed, it was accord
ingly purchased by the firm.
Farewell forever to ragpicking. A
more comfortable home was sought and
soon found, the invalid was given an
impetus toward health and happiness,
both were increased by added comforts,
and it was not long before she gained
the use of her limbs, and WAS able to
help herself.
As for old grandmother, the good
clergyman found she was rough dia.
mond, only needing beautiful setting
and polish.
She fairly sparkled and shone with
excess of happiness, all on account of
her darling, and he told his wife, that
'in spite OF surroundings he thought
she was lady,"
Hermann Ulrich never knew how or
where he lost his ring. The supersti,
tion of his family preylng upon his
mind, combined with poverty and i'll
health, caused brain fever of which he
died, his wife following him soon after.
That diamond was the heirloom
which brought good luck to its next
pOssessOr.
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