The Osceola times., 1885-03-21

sun-browned, long-bearded. middle-agcd
gentleman, clothed more in accordance
with ideas of comfort than of fashion,
and who sat there SO quietly every
evening, could, had it SO
pleased him, have bought up
half the gay loungers who passed
and repassed him with many a quizzical
glance at the loose attire in such strik-
ing contrast to the British fashion Of the
day.
Truth TO tell. Leslie, was beginning
to long for the far-spreading plains Of
his Australian home once more; his was
a quiet, thoughtful nature, untitled for
the gay scenes in which he had lately
found himself a passive actor, and he
was-save one sister, married years ago.
and now with her husband in Bermuda
alone in the world; and he thinks
rather sadly, perhaps, as he walks
slowly back through the crowd of
fashionables to the Imperial, where he
is staying: ''And alone most likely to
the end"
lie had not been in his room many
minutes before there came a knock at
the door; and, scarcely waiting for an
swer, in darted very red-faced, very
stout and apparently very Hurried old
gentleman, who, setting his gold eye
glasses firmly on his nose. at once be-
gan: "Er-ah, Mr.. Leslie, believe?
Got your number from the porter, you
see-great rascal, by the way, that por-
ter; always looks as if he wanted
something, you know-then the visitors
book, and So Yes; it's all right so
far. There's the thing now!' glancing
at the old Quandong stone which still
hung at Leslie's watch-chain. 'T'-
he went on-''that is, my name is
Raby, Colonel Raby, and Dear me,
yes; must apologize, ought to have
done that at first, for intrusion, and all
that kind of thing but really, you
see"-- And here the old gentleman
paused, fairly for want of breath, his
purple cheeks expanding and contract
ing whilst, instead of words, he
emitted series of little pufls; and
John, whilst asking him to take seat,
entertained rather strong doubts of his
visitors sanity.
Now" said he at length, when he
perceived signs that the Colonel was
about to recommence, "kindly let me
know in what way | can be of use to
YOU
Bother take the women!" ejacu-
lated the visitor. as he recovered his
breath again. but you see, Mr.. Les
lie, it was all through my niece. She
caught sight of that thing-funny-
looking thing, too-on your chain
whilst we were on the Parade this even
ing, and nearly tainted away-she did,
sir, | do assure you, in Mrs. Raby's
arms, too, sir; and if | had not got
cup of water from the drinking foun-
tain, and poured it over her head, there
would most likely have been bit of a
scene, sir, and then We are stay
ing in this house, you know. We saw
YOU come in Just behind us; and so-of
course it's all nonsense, but the fact
is -
Excuse me-" interrupted Leslie,
who was growing impatient; "but may
| ask the name of the lady-your niece,
l mean?"
"My niece, sir, replied the Colonel,
rather ruttled at being cut short, g is
known as Miss Margaret Drury; and if
you will only have the kindness to con-
vince her as to the utter absurdity of an
idea which she somehow entertains that
that affair, charm, trinket, or whatever
you may call it, once belonged to a
brother of hers. shall be extremely
obliged to you, for really "-relapsing
In
hold Of fad of the kind, a man 5
peace is clean gone, sir, | do assure
you"
II am not quite sure" remarked
Leslie. smiling, that in this case at
least it will turn out to be fad How
| became possessed of this stone, which
| have every reason to believe once be-
longed to her brother, and which,
through long years, have held in trust
for her and her mother, is quite capable
of explanation, sad though the story
may be. So, sir. | shall be very pleased
to wait on Miss Drury as soon as may
be convenient to her.
A tall, dark-robed figure. beyond the
first bloom of madenhood. but still
passing fair to look upon, rose on
Leslie's entrance; and he recognised at
a glance the long golden hair, and calm
eyes of deepest blue, of poor Drury's
oft-repeatcd description.
Many sob escaped his auditor as he
feelingly related his sad story.
Poor Francie," she said at last
''poor, dear Francie! And this is the
old Quandong locket gave him as a
parting gift, when he left for those ter
rible diamond fields! A lock of my hair
was in it. But how strange il seems
that through all these years you have
never discovered the secret of opening
it. Seer' and with push on one of
the stud-heads and twist on another,
short. stont silver pin drew out, and
one half of the nut slipped of, disclos-
ing TO the astonished gaze of the pair,
nesting in thick lock of golden
threads finer than the finest silk. a
beautiful diamond, uncut, but still,
even to the unpracticed eyes of Leslie,
of great value.
This, then, was the secret of the
Quandong stone, kept so faithfully for
so long time. This was what that
dying friend and brother had tried, but
tried in vain, with his last breath to dis
close.
1t was little wonder that Leslie's in
quiries and advertisements had been in
eflectual for about the time Drury had
received his last letter from home, the
bank in which was the widows mod
est capital failed. and mother and
daughter were suddenly plunged into
poverty dire and complete. In this
strait they wrote to Colonel Raby, Mrs.
Drury's brother, who, to do him justice,
behaved nobly, bringing them from
Australia to England, and accepting