The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-28
rr.nfed b. speeia, Arrangement copyrighted lsss.
COLONEL PIKE, OF ST. JOE.
A Genuine Ghost Story, by b. b. valentine.

Genuine Ghost Story, by B ID. valentine.
The day express of the Missouri Pacific rail-
road was bowling smoothly and merrily along,
westward bound, as I stepped into the smoking
EAR to enjoy quiet pipe. I am not an inveterate
smoker yet few days pass without my eonsum-
ing two or three cigars and filling my pipe as
many times like pipe and think there is
no form of smoking out Of which so much solid
comfort can be extracted Travelling about as
much as / do, it is almost Indispensable am
the agent for one of the largest manufacturing
concerns in the East Our speciality is tho con-
struction of car-wheels We own several valua-
BILE patents and supply railroad companies in all
parts of the Union. l have been many years
with the firm; my position is a most responsible
one, fairly lucrative; the sole objection to the
occupation is the constant necessity for moving
from place to place. I look forward 10 the
day, however. when I shall have saved suffi-
Gent to enable me to settle down in one spot
AS walked towards the forward end of the
smokingcar somebody brushed by me. So
trivial matter should not have noticed, did
not this story turn on the fact did not see
the mans face; simply have vague impress
sion and nothing more. That one passenger
should passing into ear, and another one be
passing out at the came time, is certainly not a
remarkable coincidence. The car was just about
as dirty car as smoking-cars usually are.
There we're fixed tables for ardplaying, and
well-worn and shabby seats, covered with imita-
ton leather on each side of them. l sat at the
furthest table, with my back to the door, loaded
and lit my pipe, pulled out St Louis paper
and began to read; but my mind refused to allow
itself to be concentrated on the news, SO let my
hand fall lazily by my side and looked in a pur-
poseless way out of the window. Then turned
and raised the paper again, and in doing so my
eye fell on something that glittered at nv
feet I stopped and picked it up. 1t was
large and very curious diamond ring-an antique.
There was one large stone of fine water, sur
rounded by star shaped clusters of brilliants, the
general effect being extremely rich and fine. In
stead of massive hoop of gold to support so
handsome a setting there was nothing but two
pieces of thin gold-wire to encircle the finger of
the wearer. How so valuable an article had
been dropped was very clear. One of the gold
wires had piece apparently cut out of 1.-THE
other was worn almost through. The ring had
evidently not fitted the owners finger, and had
slipped off without his knowing of the loss.
At this moment there was hurried footstep
behind me, and sharp -featured, black mustached
man came and stood opposite me- His face wore
rather an anxious look; he was well-dressed, and
had winning, pleasant, off-hand manner.
excuse me- sir" he said in low but very
distinct voice, bringing his head close TO mine;
Il have just lost something of great value. 1t
Is a ring-a diamond ring Have you seen any
thing of itl l wouldn't part with that ring for
81, 000."
rs this yoursp I asked as / held out the
gIittering Jewell the blaze from the stones almost
making him wink
''VThy, certainly" he replied, taking it from
me gently and transferring the frail wire hoops
to his finger. A great weight seemed to be lifted
from his mind and his countenance beamed
with gratitude II am Colonel Pike, of St Joe, !"
he continues; everybody knows me. My Office
is in the Monroe Block. Now, don't fail to look
me up whenever you're down my way. I'll give
you frst-rate time. Come out and have
drink with me when we stop at Knobnoster.
III just run back to the parlorcar and tell Mrs.
Pike I've found it. You never saw woman so
scared in your life about thing, and" he added,
looking at his ring with puzzled air, II must
have lost bit of the wire."
He knelt but failed to find the missing piece
on the floor of the car, and while hastily brush
ing off the dust from his kne es said:
II guess Ia better put it in my pocket for fear
/ might lose it again I'm ever 30 much obliged
to YOU"
Then he hurried away to inform Mrs. Pike Of
the good news
A few minutes afterward the train stopped at
Knobnoster had my drink with Colonel Pike.
who quickly left me to rejoin Mrs. Pike, who, he
said was not we'll / went back to the smoker,
resumed my seat, relit my pipe and, while lazily
watching the sluggish clouds of smoke as the
trgin continued its journey, | heard voice ask
ing if anybody had found diamond ring. I
was not the person addressed, but, after the
pleasant little episode with Colonel Pike, / nat
urally took some interest in the matter
whats all this about q diamond ringY" /
surned and inquired.
''Yes I've lost one" said shabby dressed
young man in a state of breathless excitement
sPm sure dropped it in this smoking-car," he
gasped, lust where you're sitting"
"Well. I wonder how many people on this train
are going to lose diamond rings" / said, with
pronounced sarcasm. i've already found one,
and now"
"Its mine, it's mine, tell you," shouted the
new claimant.
'If it is yours" answered cooly, you'd bet
ter go back in the parlor and see Colonel
Pike, of St Joe. You'll find him next to his
wife Settle the matter between yourselves
He's the rightful owner of the ring, and he's got
it. He identified his property, and handed 1T
over"
The excited, shabby young man rushed out of
the car, slamming the door after him. and in two
or three minutes returned to my table palld
I with rage
II knew you were lying" he Kissed NY tenn
per is considered good, but there are few men
who can call me liar with impunity. My first
impulse was to knock the man down, but
thought better of it, and said to him:
II would advise you to moderate your Ian
guage. I'll go with you to Colonel Pike and in
vestigate the matter
We went into the parlor-car together. 1t was
but half full but there was no Colonel Pike
there, nor any one answering to his description
] called the Pullman conductor, and asked him
if Colonel and Mrs Pike had occupied chairs in
the car. There were no such names on his list
Then we passed into the next car, and so on to
the end of the train; but could see no Pike
All this time the shabby young man was follow
ing me about like a cat after mouse.
II hope you are satisfied now" he muttered
with sheer. His manner was very offensive,
but was calm. At this moment the conductor
of the train came along. Look here" said the
young man, pointing to me; 'this fellow is a
thief The situation was getting interesting
TO the other passengers. He found my dia-
mond ring in the smoking-car, and he won't
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