Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1884-07-05

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"The upshot of the matter was, |
fell in love with Florence Burton. I
found myself penning sonnets to her
beautiful eyes, peachy cheeks, swan
like neck, and all that, when should
be busy with my books in the count
ing-room. My cousin Tom saw how
deeply l was smitten, and he warned
me. He told me that had no earth
ly show; that Reginald Lisle, one Of
the most fashionable men in the city,
was suitor for Florence Burton's
hand. All this only added fuel to
the flame, however, and determined
to win her ifpossible.
q had met Reginald Lisle once Or
twice at the Burtons, and, | must al
low, he always treated me very gen.
tlemanly. He was several years older
than I, and perhaps he could afford
to treat me nicely because-such
mere boy as l was could not possibly
dream of aspiring to the fair hand of
Florence.
"One morning while waiting for
my breakfast l picked up the paper,
which mad just been thrown in. The
first thing my eyes fell upon was an
account of the great diamond rob-
berry at the Gresham ball the evening
previous. l rapidly glanced over
description of the jewels, and then
the breakfast bell rang and the af-
fair passed from my mind.
"That evening | attended the
Bowery theater, where the great star
of the day, Edwin Forrest, was play
ing. / thought I recognized the
form of the gentleman in front of me,
and, when he turned to glance over
the crowd behind, saw that it was
Reginald Llsle. He did not recog-
nize me. He was dressed in a care
less, slouchy manner, which impress
ed me strangely. / knew that Reg
inald was one of the most fastidious
of men concerning 6 dress, and l Won
dered at his changed appearance.
CATER the play was over, I passed
out with the crowd. Upon reaching
the walk l found myself behind Mr..
Lisle. He walked rapidly up the
Bowery, and upon reaching an oyster
saloon, passed in. I don't know
what it was that impelled me to fol-
low him; but go in after him | did.
I saw him enter small booth off the
main room. And | entered the one
adjoining and called for an oyster
stew. While l was eating l heard
footsteps approaching, and glanced
out just in time to catch a glimpse of
a man as he entered the booth already
occupied by Reginald Lisle. I heard
the sound of the chair-legs rasping
on the sanded floor as the newcomer
seated himself. Then | heard low
tones, as of two persons whispering.
An occasional word fell upon my
ears: Diamonds; destroy setting;
five hundred; Gresham" These were
the whispered words l caught.
''Like flash the affair of the dia-
mond robbery at the Gresham ball
came back to me. saw through it
all now. Reginald Lisle is thief.
He stole the jewels. He is now ne
gotiating a sale with some fence Or
receiver of stolen property. Now is
the opportunity for me to prove my
keenness. Lisle is a scoundrel in
disguise. He is Florence Burton's
suitor; so am /. l will unmask this
Reginald Lisle, wolf in sleeps
clothing, and the Burtons will thank
me for it and Florence will look with
favor upon me.
81 arose, paid my bill and went
out. l told a policeman what | had
overheard, and he, calling two of his
fellows to assist him, arrested the
pair as they emerged from the en-
trance. | followed the officers and
their prisoners to the station-house,
where l told all / had overheard. A
reporter was on hand and when ac-
cused Reginald Lisle of the robbery,
the knight of the pencil hesitated
ere jotting the item down. He ask
the prisoner if that was his name.
Good as any name, guess was the
fellows response. -
81 went to bed that night with a
light heart. Reginald Lisle was out
of my way, and the fair Florence
would smile kindly upon me for I'M
masking him. -... .
81 called at the Burton house that