Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-04-24

| Mr.. Jones, jumping up. There were
three there just now. Look under the
tray, Look on the counter"
But the most thorough search re-
yealed no glittering cross, outlined
with purple fire. Mr.. Jones and Fer
guson eyed one another.
It's gone" said the former.
Stolen, most likely" said the
latter.
THAT young woman with the old
fashioned ring" said Mr.. Jones.
"It's her, you may depend on It,"
nodded the shopman. II thought
when she came in, she had sly. un-
derhanded way with her. Here's her
name and address or at least what
she gave as such"
Call q policeman at once" cried
Mr.. Jones, bustling frantically about.
''Why. that cross was worth ten
guineas, at the least! And 10 think
that il has been distracted right be-
fore our very face and eyes! RUM
What are you standing staring there
FOR? A policeman, at once!"
"I shall be very glad OF the situa-
ton, ma'am, IL you think will suit"
said Jessie, meekly.
Mrs. Hornblende (who had called at
the humble lodging) sat in the little
room, whirlpool Of silks. satins, and
fur-trimmed cloaks. For Jessie had
advertised for a situation as nursery
governess, and Mrs. Hornblende, who
was always In hot water with servants
and dependents, had answered it.
"At least you may come and try"
said Mrs. Hornblende. Tomorrow,
at - Dear me? what does this police
man want?"
The official walked in, without even
the preliminary ceremonial OF a
knock, followed by Mr.. Jones, and
Ferguson, the shopman.
I'VE are here" said the jeweller,
with a certain assumption OF pomp,
''to arrest Jessie Walters for the theft
OF an amethyst crossp"
Jessie started with ashy face and
clasped hands.
What does he mean?" she asked.
looking wildly around. "Is he talk
Ing about p,ey"
"Humphl" said the policeman.
''Good acting, but II won't so down.
You've took the cross, miss, and it'll
be altogether the cheapest thing
for you TO fork it over and confess at
once"
Il do not know anything about the
cross. have not seen the cross,
said Jessie, turning alternately white
and red, and shrinking back into the
corner OF the room.
"Oh, come ont" said the policeman
impatiently. 1--WE hain't no time 70
stand fooling here, me and these ere
gentlemen. l."
Has she been - stealing?" Mrs.
Hornblende demanded under her
breath. And was just going TO en-
gage her as governess TO my three
dear little children! Good gracious! |!
what lucky escape have hadl"
And Mrs. Hornblende disappeared,
apparently anxious to get out OF the
atmosphere OF arrest as quickly as
possible.
'Jessiel Jessie!" gasped the poor
widowed mother, who had not walked
for five years, but always sat in the
one-arm chair by the one window,
meek and patient as saint; what
does this mean? How have they got
such thing into their heads?"
Mother, dear, il will all be right, !"
said Jessie, resolutely checking the
sobs that rose TO her throat ~ have
done nothing wrong. They cannot
put me in Jail
II rather think that's matter for
the magistrate TO decide" said Mr..
Jones, loftily.
And so poor Jessie was taken on in
charge OF the policeman, like any
wretched culprit OF the street
She pleaded "Not guilty." but Of
what use was her simple plea? The
evidence WAS strong, and she was
committed for trial, and ordered to
prison, in default OF bail.
And so the case was dismissed, to
make room for the trial of drunken
brute, who was accused Of pounding
his much-enduring wife into jelly.
Am dreaming?" sobbed poor Jes-
sic. "Oh, why-'why can't die, be-
fore this disgrace comes on my poor
mother!"
"Mr. Jones returned, we'll satisfied,
to his shop, in front Of which stood
the Million carriage, with its olive
green hammer cloth and gilded coat
OF arms. He hurried in. Miss Mil.
lion sat in front of the counter.
ooh, here is Mr.. Jones HIMSELF"
said Miss Million, in that high pitch
OF self-asserting voice Of hers. "Ths
funniest thing. Mr.. Jones? Positive
ly. I almost expected to be arrested
ha! ha! ha! When reached home,
my maid found this hanging to the
: lace OF my sleeve"
And she held up the amethyst
cross.
Mr.. Jones and Ferguson, the shop
man stared at each other guiltily. The
purple flush OF the amethyst seemed
70 glare at them like reproachful
eyes.
I've were too hasty," said Mr. Fer
OucOD.