The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1886-06-26
Select Storg.
ROMA
From TfnSley's Magazine.
CHAPTER L.

1t was certainly veritable antique, not
absolutely perfect, still more valuable.
Professor Buchanan contemplated it with
all the satisfaction of an antiquary confirm
ed in an original opinion.
1t was, after all, poor thing at first
sight-only dilapidated-looking ornament,
an old bracelet spoiled by seasand and sea-
water.
But in the eye of an antiquarian the
Disbursements of age are so many signs OF
beauty. That the bracelet was bent, that
its gold was tarnished and the mosaics with
which it was inlaid were partly wanting,
was nothing; its antique shape and the
magic word "Roma," with which its an
cient maker had cunningly engraved 1t,
were quite enough for the Professor.
Moreover, had he not always maintained
that the remains on that part of the coast
were Roman? His brother professor,
McNaughton, had constantly endeavored
to prove that that mighty nation had never
penetrated so far north.
The ocean itself was to witness for the
truth, and only ten days ago this precious
relic had been offered to him by fisher
man who had brought it to shore In his
net.
1t was with some difficulty that the
Professor could conceal his sense of the
value of the bracelet sufficiently to drive
a reasonable bargain; but his Scotch pru-
dence prevailed, and in his heart he con-
graduated himself.
For some years he had spent part of his
holiday on this coast, where far-famed
river widened to the sea, and the passing
to and fro of the little steamer across Its
mouth was one of the great events OF the
day. To-day was stormy, and the waves
ran high, and even now the Professor had
been watching the somewhat rough pas
sage of the boat.
"Overdue," he had said, and then he
had turned again to inspect his treasure.
II only regret" so ran his PROFESSIONAL
thoughts, ''that that paragraph got into the
Modern Atienian of yesterday; that boy
Andrew was just premature in sending 1t.
1t will anticipate what l was writing to the
Antiquary." =,
"Heres gentleman speering for ye,
said his rough Scotch domestic at this mo-
ment, recalling him rudely to everyday
life
The Professor ipstlnctively replaced the
bracelet in an open drawer, and closed the
latter quickly before he turned to receive
his guest, who proved to be a young man
about twenty, short, fair, and frank-look-
ing.
"Professor Buchanan, l think?" said
this young man, with bow. IL must
apologize, sir, for intruding on you. |
have called upon you in consequence of a
paragraph in the Modern Attenian."
"'Deed," said the Professor, II am glad
to hear it, sir. At your age lads are not
always so much interested as all that in
antiquities. And what will your name
be ?''
"My name r'-there was, perhaps, a
moments hesitation on the part of the Wis
itor; his color deepened-"Oh, my name is
Henderson, and I"
"Sit down, Mr.. Henderson, sit down.
And so you saw the pit passage in the
paper; put in with no leave of mine, must
tell you"
"Well, am very glad it was put in"
was the reply, afor it has led to the dis
covery-"
"a discovery you may well call it. Mr..
Henderson" said the Professor, rising, and
holding the lappels of his ceat with both
hands. "a discovery confirming that which
have for years maintained, and that is
that the remains hereabout are Roman, and
that if we could get leave to excavate we
should find"
''Nay, sir, interrupted Mr.. Henderson,
with smile intended to disarm and pro-
pitiate; 81 am afraid l am not here to con-
firm your antiquarian theories. am here
in fact, / am come to tell you that the
bracelet described in the Modern Athenidn
belonged to lady who wishes to claim
it."
"To leddyr calculated the Professor,
becoming more Scotch in his surprise.
''To a Teddy Ma, ma, Mr.. Henderson. The
Teddy that wore that bracelet is away to her
grave, and will ma claim it.
"But, sir" was the rejoinder, II assure
you have often seen this lady wear the
bracelet described in the paragraph; and
she herself has no doubt it is hers. 1t was
brought to her some years ago from Rome.
You know they make them on the antique
model still. The lady is very anxious to
have the bracelet restored to her; and Pro-
fessor Buchanan is SO well known in the
antiquarian world that felt sure he would
wish to be undeceived as to the value of an
ornament which has no claim to antiquity. y
| This last sentiment was certainly deli
cate piece of fattery. The Professor ae-
cepted it as literal statement of the
truth"
"'Deed, Mr.. Henderson, said he 'and
that's fact. But how will / know" con-
tinued the cautious Scotchman, athat the
Teddy has sent you after it I? And how
will she have dropped it into the sea p
'Well, sir" said Mr.. Henderson, "I