The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-06-28
Those Diamonds.

"Now, Jack, be worry CAREFUL" said my
sister for the tiftieth time, as she stood by
my side on the platform of the village de-
pot, from which the train was about to start
for New York remember the diamonds
are worth ten thousand dollars,
ooh, bother, ycsl' exclaimed, impa-
tiently; 81 am not liltaly to forget it. I
guess you've reminded ME Of the fact often
enough. Don't you suppose know en-
ough to take care of them z"
you're inexperienced, and I'm afraid
you'll be imposed upon"
sDon't you worry. But here's the train;
goodbye |" and 1 leaped upon the platform
and entered car with sense of wounded
dignity. My sister Alice was to be married
two Gays later at our country seat in the
of about twenty, had been deputcd to visit
New York city, and withdraw the family
diamonds from their place of deposit in the
safe of certain bank. These jewels had
been in the possession of my mothers fam
lily for centuries, and were only used on
grand occasions. During the greater por-
tior of the year they remained safely locked
up in the bank vaults. They had not been
used for nearly twelyemonth now, but
were, on the following Wednesday, to adorn
the person of my sister at the wedding.
So many cautions had been given me,
and so much doubt expressed of my ability
to bring the DIAMONDS safe homo to b,
that realized the responsibility of my posi-
tion fully, and determined to use the utmost
care to insure the safety Of the valuable
heirlooms. If, after all that had been said,
they should be lost, should not dare to
show my face in B. again, thought.
walked almost tho entire length Of the
car in my search for scat, but every one
was occupied either passengers or their bag
gage. was about leaving for tho forward
car, whom soft hand tapped me on my
shoulder, and turning, found myself face to
face with one of the prettiest girls l had
ling, piquant face, wealth Of golden hair,
ing her eyes to mine, she said with be-
wildering smile:
''Here is seat, sir. See have removed
my valise." It0fI
She rescated herself, and motioned mo to
take my place by her side, which did
with the greatest alacrity, saying to my
self:
slack Rascomb, my boy, you are in
luck ~
will confess that ut that time my one
weakness was fondneas for the aociety of
pretty girls; therefore mentally congratu-
lated myself on my good fortune In sccur-
ing this fair stranger as a travelling compan-
ion. Twas conceitcd enough to fancy my
self almost irresistible, and began to .exer-
else my Imaginary powers OF fascination
upon the young lady. AT frat she was very
reserved and replied to my remarks on the
weather and kindred subjects in monosyl-
tables; but she gradually grow more talka-
tive, and when we had been on our way an
hour we had been engaged in an animated
and interesting conversation. My compan-
ion was very communicative, and in a short
time had informed me that her name was
Laura Gardner; that she lived In Hartford,
and that she was now on her way to the
home of her aunt In New York city, where
che expected to spend fort night. She was
evidently person ofreflnement and culture,
and was quite fascinated by her. When |
told her my name, q cry OF surprise escaped
her lips.
'sWhy, Is 1t possible that you arc Alice
Bascomb's brotherY"', she asked.
~ am" i replied; ''you are acquainted
withmy sister9n
ooh, yes, she aid i attended the NJ
boarding. school at the same time. You,
must have heard her mention me-
was certain that never had, but mem
tally resolved that this young lady's ac-
quaintance should bo cultivated by the fam
lily In future,
"Do you remaiu long in New York 2"
asked my companion.
a'No, return by eight p. N. train this
evening", 5
'AlIl I'm sorry !; I was III hopes your
stay would be long enough to permit Of
your calling at my aunt house" and she
smiled another of those dazzling, bowilder-
ing smiles, as her eyes sought mine. 81
II only wish / coill, Miss Gardner" J" I
said, s'but trust we shall meet again ere
long. a ~, : .,s., Il .,3i,
.Oh, hope 30 Y che exclaimed. 1
DO you, indeed, liss Laura2p y / asked,
becoming ,bolder al Aeizinp the little hand