San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1882-11-02
THE LOST DIAMOND.
BY o. A. W.

Some years ago, knew lapluafy
who gained considerable fortune by
great misfortune. An excellent work
man honest as the day, Montin, had
but one fault; he was too fond of good
wine, which caused him to neglect his
work sometimes for days together, to
the great dissatisfaction of his employ
er, who in all other respects valued,
and esteemed him highly, both for
his skill and probity.
One day Montin received from his
employer diamond of the first water
to cut and polish, with strict recon-
mendations to keep sober until the
work was finished.
81 rely on your activity, said the
ieweler on giving him the stone. 81
must have it, without fail, on the 18th
instant; and if you disappoint me this
time, it will be the last you will have
from me-.
Motin promised exactitude, asked,
as was usual with him, part of his pay
in advance, and set himself courage
ously to work. Under his skillful
hand, the diamond soon began to show
forth it's beauty; in few more hours
it would have been finished, when I'M
fortunately for Months resolutions, a
friend called on him, an old comrade,
who had been long absent from Paris;
what could they do, but take a glass
together? Arrived at the babaret, the
time passed quickly away, and Motin
thought no more of the unfinished
work.
During the morning his employer
came to see how the polishing of the
diamond proceeded. The concierge
assured him that Motin had only just
gone out, and would not fail to return
directly, as he had for some days been
working steadily and unremittingly.
Only half satisfied the jeweler went
away to return in two hours, and to
find Motin still absent. Convinced he
was at the tavern, the employer
charged one of his men to seek him
and induce him to return to his work.
This was done, and Motin, grumbling
between his teeth, quilted his comrade
and ascended to his workshop; but his
head was no longer clear, nor his hand
steady. TO add to his trouble, the
diamond became unfxed; he siezed it
hastily to replace it; his trembling
fingers gave jerk-and, by strange
fatality, the precious stone flew out OF
the window. Sobered in moment
by this terrible accident, Montin con-
tinued gazing out of the easement as
if petrifed, his pale lips murmuring
the words Lost! lost! lost!"
For more than an hour he remained
almost motionless, and was only
aroused from his lethargy by the en-
trance of his employer.
Is it thus you work, Montin?" ex-
claimed he; "three times have l called
for the diamond, and you spend your
time at the tavern. Give me the stone;
Unjust have it, finished or unfinished.
The lapidary tried in vain to speak.
His tongue seemed paralyzed. At last
he rose, and hiding his face In his
hands, murmured
It's lost!"
Explain yourself. What has hap
pened?"
"Out of the window"
What! whenl"
THE stone"
well, well, well; tell me what has
occurred"
THE stone few out.
1t is now the turn of the employer
to become silent with establishment
then, furious with rage, he cried:
Il don't believe a word of your storvi
you have sold my diamond to pay fol
your dissipation."
This accusation was the coup de
grace for poor Montin. he fell FAINT,
ing at the feet of his employer; and II
was not without difficulty that he was
recalled to life, or rather to despair
which amounted almost to madness
The jeweler, who understood wha'
was passing in his mind, tined to con
sole him, and at last succeeded IN rem
denng him more calm
1t is a most unfortunate accident
no doubt, said he, ~but It Is not ire
parable"