The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1878-04-25
The Etchin Diamonds

Arthur Stangate, attorney-at-law,
was my brother. He had succeeded to
my fathers business, and no name was
more esteemed and trusted in all Run
nington, and Huntington was a rich
and important place. My brothers
offices were in the town, two miles dis
tant; but he did almost as much busi-
ness among the gentry at his own pri-
vate house.
Most of the great folks employed
him; but his best client was Sir Atchin
Eckford, a ci-deUdnt Indian judge very
wealthy and the possessor of some rare
and costly jewels, known in the coun-
try as the Etchin Diamonds. Their
name even makes me shudder now.
One evening, as Arthur was prepar-
ing to return to his office, where impor-
tant business would detain him all
night, Sir Etchin's groom left a parcel,
with note. The latter stated that the
former contained the famous Etchin
diamonds, which their owner thought
safest to intrust to Arthur's care, as he
had been unexpectedly called to Lon
don.
81 don't care what deeds they leave
with me-" said my brother; "but l
don't like such trusts as these. Still, l
suppose / must keen them"
OF course he could not send them
back; so taking the parcel, he at once
proceeded to Ills study to lock it in the
iron safe. went with him, and with
woman's curiosity and love of jew
elry, besought peep at the gems before
they were put away.
Arthur, the best brother in the world,
instantly removed the paper covering,
disclosing square morocco box, brass
bound, with the key tied to the bundle.
Opening it, he showed me the gems.
They were indeed, magnificent, set in
the massive Indian fashion, while many
of the diamonds were yet uncut. One
by one, bracelets, bangles, neckIets,
Arthur lifted, and flashed in the lamp
light before my dazzled vision.
lie was holding superb emerald
and diamond necklet in his hand, for
my admiration, when happening to
raise my head, a cry ofalarm burst from
my lips.
"What is it, Nell ?" asked Arthur,
"The man ~ | replied. "See! the
window is uncurtained, and | am sure
| saw a man looking in from the tree
outside"
Nonsense :" cried Arthur.
Nevertheless, he flung up the win
dow, called, and gazed in every dircc-
ton. There was nothing-not a sign,
not a sound; and assured as | was that
had been mistaken, he fastened the
latch, and dropped the curtain.
As, however he was about to put
away the diamonds, | said, "Arthur,
would it not be better to place them in
the safe in your bedroom ?"
He agreed in the advisability, and
locked them up; then, having cautioned
me to see well to the house fastenings
and asked again if / was really not
frightened to remain alonea night with
only the servants Jane and jenkins, he
left for town. l saw everything secure
and went to bed early, locking Arthur's
bedroom, and taking the key with me
1t was long beforeI slept. When
did, was almost Immediately aroused
by slight sound at my door. | asked
who was there. James voice answered
in cautious whisper, Seeing some
thing was wrong, rising, l admitted
her. No sooner had she entered than
quickly closing, she fastened the door
and exclaimed, in accents of terror
"Oh, miss what shall we do9 Fol
mcrcy's sake, make no noise-don't sc
light. Burglars are breaking into th'
house, and Pm sure jenkins is theil
accomplce,"
"Burglarsv l cried. Then thu
thought of the face flashed across me
"Gracious powersW | exclaimed
"they are after the Etchin diamonds! !
saw it all. The groom's errand ha'
been OWNED, my brothers. absence wa
known, and, by jenkins treacherou
aid, the place was being attacked.
dropped stunned on the bed. Then
started up.
Atany cost-even life-the diamond
intrusted to Arthur must be saved
Hurriedly dressed, and while doini
so, heard the soft sound of person
moving in the house.
"Jane," sand, having explained al
to the faithful girl, 81 must get 81
Etchin's diamonds.
GLOW, missY If you go in the pas
sage thcy'lf murder you.'
"True; therefore must get out b.