Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-02-15
The Three Greens.

splints and hung in sling, entered mag
nifcent jewelry shop, the proprietor OF
which was Mr.. James Green. The stran-
ger had that in his appearance generally
styled distingue; his carriage and garb re-
vealed the military veteran.
He soon stated that he was DESTROYS
of procuring complete silver table service,
rich, solid and elegant, with but little orna-
mentation. Could Mr.. Green prepare such
one for him2 The goldsmith answered, of
course, in the affirmative, and showed several
patterns to his visitor, who then described
very infinitely the style in which he wished
the articles to be made, and asked by what
time they could be ready. At the same time
he insisted on punctuality, saying he must
use the set at a reception he would soon
give at his new residence at Leicester square.
Green promised it to him in three weeks.
The ieweler very carefully made all his
calculations and demanded $1,000. The
stranger reflected few moments, then said
he had determined upon getting service at
a cost of $500, and requested MIR. Green to
add as many more pieces to the set as would
fix the price at that sum. Mr. Green thanked
the gentleman for this mark of confidence,
and inquired of him to whose recommends
ton he owed his patronage.
"No one has recommended you to me"
replied the stranger.
The ieweler looked up in surprise. The
stranger, who had hitherto worn an air of
dignity almost amounting to austerity, now
became more friendly, and continued:
al am a soldier. | have served for years
in India, and more recently in the Crimea
At Balaklava received severe wound in
my right arm and hand, which will perhaps
disable the member for life. My patronage
you owe to your parents, grandparents, and
in fact, to the whole line of your ancestors
The ieweler was amazed and bewildered
His parents and other ancestors had long
been dead, and could not have referred the
soldier to him. The latter smilingy con-
tinued:
al will make myself clearer. When in
consequence of this unfortunate wound y
here sudden twinge in his arm made him
start painfully-"I was compelled to leave
the service, resolved to settle down in Lon
don. While riding out the other day L was
attracted by the appearance OF your splen-
didly furnished shop, but more so by the
name of your sign, for mine is precisely the
same. To this simple reason you owe the
present visit of Colonel James Green, of the
Grenadier guards"
The ieweler expressed his delight at the
honor of being the namesake of so distin-
guished warrior.
"May now inform you" said the jeweler,
with some hesitation, "of the conditions
which must generally be complied with pre-
vious to making a sale ?"
ono" said the colonel sharply. al have
my own way of doing business. You and |
do not know each other, and although my
order is not an uncommonly large one, yet it
amounts to sum with which you cannot
credit stranger | will therefore pay you
800 cash down for surety, the remaining
Sl400 when | call for the service"
Mr.. Green accepted the proffer with pro-
fuse thanks.
9" You need not thank me" the officer in
terrupted. AS | remarked, | always have
way of my own, from which | never like
to deviate. Now, do me the favor to take
my portemonnaie from my coat-pocket my
unfortunate Balaklava wound has famed my
right arm and hand completely"
Mr.. Green carefully pulled the porte
monnaie from the veterans coat pocket
opened it at the latter's desire, and from -four
or five new notes took one, which the colonel
requested him to keep. Mr.. Green wrote of
receipt and placed it in the old pocket.
book, which he then carefully restored to its
resting place. He then assisted the colonel
to enter the carriage, and the groom-Colonel
injured arm-rapidy drove off in the di
rection of Leicester square. The jeweler
though much overjoyed, was a cautious
business man, and proceeded to make his
safety certain.
In the War List" he readily found the
name and rank of his customer, Just as hi
had been given, and from the estate agen
who rented out the splendid mansion il
Leicester square he had ascertained that i
had recently been occupied by Colonel Jane
Green, of the guards, and that the latter hat
brought the most excellent Recommendations
In the course of the three weeks, tn
colonel often came into the shop to see hov
the work was going on, and always dis
coursed 80 affably with the goldsmith tina
the latter could not find sufficient words o
praise for his genial customer when speak
ing to others about him. At last the servic
was completed. 1t was placed upon larg
table in the counting room, and covered wit
cloth of blue velvet. Punctual at tn
stipulated time in the afternoon, Colone
Green entered the shop.
The officer stepped into the countin
room, and Mr.. Green, swelling with pride
removed the velvet cloth from the service
The colonel, though usually a quiet man, d,
clared that it surpassed his most sanguin
entire { 800, and also upon the ieweler r,
tanning the deposit OF 500.
"Iou owe me no thanks, my dear M
Green" said the colonel to the delighte
goldsmith. "Give me your hand, and agai
receive my heartfelt acknowledgment fl
this superb masterpiece"
The jewelers. beaming countenance {
grasping his namesake's hand can bett
be imagined than described"
snow to business" said the colonel al
so kind as to take out my pocket-book an
count off your 81, 800, for do not wish
tsrry moment before showing your oh
fGuUre to my wife"
The jeweler fastened to comply. He TOT
from the officers breast-coat pocket a ca
case, set of ivory tablets, and silk purs
through whose meshes glittered some five
six soyereigns-but no pocket book. UpC
the colonel's request he then examined all
his pockets. The search was futile.
"Strangel Incomprehensible Could
have lost it or been robbed ?" muttered ii
colonel audibly, perplexed and provoke
"What o'clock is II !" he suddenly asked.
"Twenty minutes to FIVE"
"Good it is time enough. You mt
make yourself serviceable to me on
more, my dear Mr.. Green, and act as
secretary. You know | cannot use my rig
hand. Win you have the goodness to VIZ
few lines for me TO my wife Z"
With these words the colonel stepped
the jewelers. desk on which lay some WI
ing paper printed with the name Of
firm. Taking a sheet he placed it befl
the jeweler, saying This will do;
wife knows that | am here" He then q
tated, and the jeweler wrote
Ny Dear VIC Have the goodness to send
at once e1 900 through the bearer You kr
where the money is kept | am in immedi
need of 1t; therefore do not detain the messene
who is a trustworthy person. Your affection
husband, JAMES GREEN
"Thank YOU" said the colonel, after
rusing the epistle. "Michael," he cri
stepping to the door and calling the groC
"take this letter, ride home as fast as
can, and return to this place with {
which my wife will give you"
The groom took the letter, bowed
quickly rode off.
Fifteen minutes, a half hour, nearly
hour passed away, and Michael did not
turn. The colonel waxed impatient
wished that he had gone in person for
money. The jeweler essayed to Tranquil
him, but Intellectually.
Z" have always regarded the fellow
honest and trustworthy" said the colo
"and have on several occasions intrus
him with large sums of money, though
true never with as much as this time.
taan hun6rad pnunba NAV haua t,royad