Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1879-01-30

~ had succeeded TO my 1aCneI :
~~ business, and no name was
more esteemed and trusted in all Run
ington, and it was rich and import
ant place. My brothers Offices were
in the town, two miles distant, but
he did almost as much business among
the gentry at his own private house
Most Of the great folks employed
him, but his best client was Sir Etch-
in Eckford, ci-devant Indian Judge,
very wealthy, and the posssssor of
some rare and costly Jewels, known
in this country as the Etchin dia-
monds. Their name makes me shud-
der now.
One evening as Arthur was pre-.
pairing to return to his office, where
important business would detain him
all night, Sir Etchins groom left a
parcel, with a note. The latter sta
ted that the former contained the IA
nous Etchin Diamonds, which their
owner thought safest to entrust to
Arthurs care as he had been unex-
pectedly called to London. 1 don't
care what deeds they leave with me,
said my brother but don't like such
trusts as these. Still l suppose |
must keep them
OF course he could not send them
back so taking the parcel he at orce
proceeded to his study to lock it IN
the iron safe. | went with him, and
with woman s curiosity and love for
jewelry, besought peep at the gems
before they we're put away.
Arthur, the best brother in the
world, instantly removed the paper
cover, discovering square morocco
box, brass bound, with the key tied
to the handle. Openinsit he showed
NE the gems. They were indeed
magnificent, set in massive Indian
fashion, while many Of the diamonds
were yet uncut. One by one, brace.
lets, bangles, necklets Arthur lifted
out, and flashed in the lamp-Iight be.
fore my dazzled vision.
He was holding a superb emerald
and diamond neck lace in his hand,
for my admiration, when happening
to raise my eyes, cry Of alarm burst
from my lips.
What i. it, Nell ? asked Arthur
The man l replied. See, the
window is uncurtained and am sure
| saw a nan looking in from the tree
outside.
Nonsense / cried Arthur.
Nevertheless, he flung up the win
dow, called, and gazed in every direc,
ton. There was nothing-not a sigl
rot sound; aud assured as | was
that I had been mistaken, he fastened
the latch, and dropped the curtain.
AS, however, he was about to put
away the diamonds, l said, Arthur
would it not be better to place them
in the safe in your bedroom a.?
He agreed in the advissbility, and
locked them up; then having eau
toned Inc to see we'll to the house
fsstenings, and asked again if Twas
not really frightened to remain alone
all night with only the servant-Jane
and Jenkins, he left for town. | saw
everything secure and went to bed
early, locking Arthur's bedroom, aud
taking the key with me.
1t was long before l slept. When
| did, l was almost Immediately
aroused by a slight sound at my door
| asked who was there. James voice
answered in cautious whisper. See.
ing something was wrong, rising ad-
mitted her. No sooner had she en-
tered than, quickly closing the door,
she fastened it and exclaimed in ac-
cents Of terror
oh, miss What shall we DO? For
msrcys sake make no noise-don' t
get light. Burglars are breaking in
to the house and | am sure jenkins is
their accomplics.