The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1886-08-06
SELECT STORY.
A JEWELLERS BANKRUPTCY.

| uhShiPioycu' iliS tIdOt WAS DuTBldTy,
but times were bad and he was TEN.
porarily under cloud To be explicit,
he had just come out of prison, and a
prolonged period of penal servitude
had somewhat affected his health. lie
needed rest and good living, but un-
fortunately the companion and partner
OF his-most recent escapade had dis
appeared with the whole proceeds of
their joint adventure. To make mat
ters worse, nearly all of his most trust
ed colleagues were at the moment, in
enforced seclusion and those who re-
mained at large found business so dull
that they could render him no assis.
tance. He did not feel equal, Just at
present,to resuming the arduous duties
OF his profession, the more especially
as the police were keeping very
strict eye upon him. In fact, until the
vigIlence OF his enemies relaxed little,
he had no alternative but to remain
comparatively honest.
Under these sad circumstances Mr.
MlIlicent was naturally very much de-
pressed, and it grieved his proud spirit
to find him 'elf driven to the unworthy
expedient of begging letter writing
However. the necessity of obtaining
the means of existence overcame his
scruples, and his touching appeals pro-
duced some stray contributions.
Among other persons he addressed
himself to was Mr. Hiram Facet, a
wealthy West End jeweler. In ap-
preaching this gentleman, Mr.. Milii-
cent did not represent himself in Meth
er OF his favorite characters of widow
with six children, or a consumptlve
engineer lately blessed with tripets.
He signed his own name, and, remind.
ing MIR. Facet that they had been class
mates In the same charity school,
frankly asked for trifing loan for the
sake of old acquaintanceship.
IL was perfectly y true that the wealthy
leweler and the despised burglar had
lmbibed the rudiments of education at
the same institution, but Mr.. Millicept's
scholastic career had teen cut short by
some act of depravity beyond his years,
which led to his adopting predatory
mode of life. Mr.. Facet, on the other
hand, had profited by his opportunities,
and had risen in the world. They had
never met since their youthful days,
but Mr.. Millicent had kept a watchful
eye upon his successful friend, and had
long meditated making a raid Upon his
valuable stock in trade.
The burglar was not very sanguine
that his application would meet with
favorable responce but he neverthe-
less waited the result with a certain
amount OF curiosity. Rather to his
surprise, he received letter from Mr.
Facet couched in fri, ndly terms, en-
closing postal order for sovereign.
and requesting him to arrar ge a pri-
vate and confidential interview.
MIR. Millicent's disposition was natur
ally suspicious, and he was inclined to
be shy of making appointments with
strangers, but, as his old schoolfellow
left the details entirely to him, he
selected a quiet public house where he
would feel perfectly at home, and ex-
pressed his willingness to meet Mr..
Facet there on certain day and hour,
which he named. Mr.. Facet agreed
to the suggestion, and, punctually at
the time indicated, he presented him.
sell at the bar of the snug hostelry,
where Mr.. Milllcent was awaiting him.
The burglar perceived at a glance
that his visitor had taken the precau-
ton to disguise himself. He wore his
hat over his eyes, his coat collar was
turned up, and his features were con-
cealed as much as possible by a muffler.
Nevertheless. Mr. Millicent recognized
him instantly, and felt slightly awed |
by his air of respectabiity and author
ity. After vouchsafng the briefest of
greetings, Mr.. Facet inquired whether
there was a private room where they
could talk without being overheard
Having toreseen this request, Mr..
Miillcent had engaged the bar parlor,
whittier he conducted his visitor with |
Difference. Mr.. Facet ordered spirits
aud water, and when they were alone
together he Immediately proceeded to
business.
so you're Bob Millicent, are you 2"
he remarked, looking at him keenly.
"Yes, sill" said the burglar modestly.
~ remember you at school very
well, continued Mr.. Facet, "and I've
heard of you since from time to time.
You We're concerned in that business
at Tricketts. | saw your name in the
papers"
That was ever so long ago." said
Mr.. Millicent, little uneasily.
"Iou haven't turned honest, | Cup
pose 2 said Mr. Facet, sharply.
Something in his patrons tone caus-
ed Mr.. Millicent to check the canting
reply which rose to his lips, and he
responded silently, ats bad times for
honesty"
"1ou want a job, no doubt" said
Mr.. Facent
"lt depends what kind it is. want
money answered Mr.. Millcent.
"A job in your own line of business"
continued Mr.. Facet.
Mr.. MilIicent could hardly believe
his ears, and he stared at his old school |
fellow in amazement.
Are you going to put me up to
something ?" he inquired, recovering
his assurance.
"Yes if you will promise me, by
everything you hold sacred, never to
breathe word to any one of this con-
versation,' said Mr., Facet, impressive
ly.
"All right, guy'nor I'm straight"
you'll swear it ?"
''By the holy poker-yes !"
Mr. Facet fixed his eyes upon him
until he had stared him out of counter,
ance, and then he said contemptuously:
"Well, it is to your own interest to
keep your word, and you've nothing to
gain by breaking it, so | suppose | can
trust you. Now listen. Do you know
my premises ir Long street, st. James9"
"Yes, I've seen 'em."
"And admired the pretty things in
the window, dare say1" said Mr..
Facet, meaningly,
"There's pretty things there, GER
tainly,' responded Mr., Millicent, de.
L