Connecticut western news., 1878-08-29
The Lost Diamonds.

It was the time of the Crimea war, It was about, as near as I can remem. Der. eleven o'clock in the morning of { bitterly cold day in December. haG drawn near my counting fire, anG was looking into the glowing coals, my thoughts very far away from Barbican E. 0. My imagination wandered to the seat of war, where such terrible priva. tion and ood-freezing cold and acute suffering ng-rendered all the more so by shocking mismanagement- -encompassed our poor brave fellows round about and just as deep sigh came from my lips, my shop door opened and there entered fine, tall, handsome looking gentleman, who, by his dress and bear, ing, was evidently clergyman. At least 1 thought so at the time, as would anybody else, for that matter. His at- tire was of the best material and make, and scrupulously neat; and his neck band was as white as driven snow. Moreover, gold-r1mmed spectacles and heavy seals depending from his watch fob gave him not only highly respecta- ble appearance, but stamped him as wealthy withal. That's to say, thought 30. We'll, up he marched to my counte, with tolerably long strides, removed his hat (of the first quality), and placed il uponmy counter (his well arranged sil. yer hair became him immensely, and gave me good-morning,' and smile which was incidentally pleasing and good to see. This man is a Christian goodness and gentleness beam on every feature, I mentally told myself. I put on my best manner and politely asked him his pleasure. "'I have been recon mended to you, sir Che mentioned firm with which ] dealt largely in the way of bar silver). sI am given to understand, he contin. ued, that you have varied and very valuable selection of ladies' diamond or. naments.'
 '"I signifed that such was really the case. H .a.z
 "s We'll, he proceeded, am some: what anxious, sir, to see and examine some of your possessions. The fact is my daughter-my only daughter, sir, g pure, sweet-tempered child-is on the eve of marriage, and (naturally, you will say), am desirous of giving her g substantial wedding present. Very good. Mind Iwant nothing gaudy no1 pardon me, MT. Filby-nor do desire any artfully contrived specimen of the jewellers art of deception. l want some. thing solid and substantial articles that look what they literally are-and do not mind how high go as to price.
 "Iplaced before him several trays oi gems of exquisite workmanship, upor which I looked with pride.
 After careful examination, he select. ed a pair of diamond earrings (eSO), g diamond bracelet (e2OO), butterfly brooch-one mass of glitter and dazzle and half-hoop diamond ring (the two e152 10s). A tolerably good morn. ing's work, you will say. We shall see We'll, after I had fitted the trinkets te superior cases, and when I had packed them in as small compass as I vel could, the reverend gentleman felt 1T bis pockets for the money wherewith tc pay me. He drew out from his breas pocket 8 goodly -sized Russia leather case, and tenderly singling out some bank notes and check, proceeded tc settle for his purchase.
 s'The check is good, you will per ceive he began.
 My dear sir,' I interrupted (tht check was perfectly genuine, I was con vinced. seeing that it bore the sigma ture of the firm that had mentioned m, name).
 "'I know what you would say, sir, he said, holding up his hand, while look of extreme shrewdness covered hi face; you would say that you hay implicit faith in me. That is wrong utterly wrong As a business man, yo1 should be ever careful. It behooves u all to be so at times. Clearly, you knov me not and deception abounds. Flo instance, I may not be clergyman a aH. l may, in fine, be none other thai z k9qave-a wolf in sheep's clothing ssSaying which, he laughed laugh whicl somehow or other seemed to grate upo my ear. id s.s''i taia al slqa" However, he proceed to pay me tn amount due, as I have said.
 Let me see, he continued. musina ly !; it will be in all, four-three-tw
 Zen Gnndi If uo1, nil L;nalu 1a.