Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1889-08-02
MisCellaMenMs.
THE ROMANCE OF A RING.

A few months ago trave ling sales
man named Woods, who was u guest at
the Body House, in Toledo, was sitting
upon the sofa in his room, absorbed in
reflection. While carelessly running his
hand behind the upholstery in the sofa
he felt small finger ring, which he
drew forth aud discovered to be IL gold
finger ring with diamond setting. He
knew enough about diamonds to observe
that the stone was gem, cxquisitely
cut and perfect.
He naturally began wondering how
the little treasure found its way into NO
remote place, and after considerable
thinking, came to the conclusion that it
had either been hidden Intentionally, or
that it had slipped from the finger of
tho owncr-evidently lady, for it was
lady's ring-while she had thought
lessly been playing with the upholstery
in the same manner. He looked for
initials or name in tho ring, but found
nothing that would lead to the identity
of the owner. He went to the office
and inquired if ring had been lost,
but the clerk had heard of none. and
upon inquiry no one else was found who
knew anything of it.
The next morning Mr.. Woods was
preparing his toilet before the dresser
when he noticed the letters IN 9. f."
and the date "Sept. II" dclicately cut
in the level of the mirror. lie thought
nothing of it at the time, but shortly
afterward the idea entered his mind that
the initials might possibly be those of
the owner of the ring he had found.
They were certainly cut by diamond,
and it was reasonable to suppose that
they were carved with the very ring he
had found. Anyhow il was interesting +,
and he determined to investigate tho
romance.
From the clerk he obtained the reg
lister for last September, and looked
through the list of names for one the
initials Of which were M. q. II. Moth
ing satisfactory was found Tic asked
for the register for the September pre-
vious, and after little search it was pro-
cured Under the date Of Sept. 10 he
saw the name, in lady's handwriting.
miss May G. Fowler. Madison, Wis"
and she was assigned to room 45, the
very one he had occupied.
Then he was certain that this young
lady was the same who had engraved
her initials on the mirror. The doubt
still remained, if she was the owner Of
the ring no had found.
His first intention was to address a
letter to the lady named, but as he was
going to Chicago and Milwaukee he con-
cluded to run over to Madison and in
vestigate in person.
He did SO. From the directory he
found several addresses of Fowlers and
noted them in his order book. He So
lccted the address of Russell M. Fowler,
attorney-at-law, judging that attorneys,
as II rule, being men of wealth, their
daughters would more likely wear dia-
monds than those whose parents were
newspaper men or followers Of other
callings.
He presented himself at tho residence,
and asked if Miss May Fowler was at
home. He received an affirmative re-
ply, and was ushered into room where
tho young lady was sitting with her
father, who was reading paper.
Woods introduced himself, and asked
Miss Fowler if she had ever lost dia-
miond ring. After hesitating moment
she said
Eyes, sir. lost one two years ago
on visit East. | don't know where,
though"
"Were you ever in Toledo. Ohio 2"
ayes. stopped there over night
while on my trip and waited until the
next evening for papa. You remem-
Der, don't you father r
Quite well, the lawyer replied
where did you stop" asked Woods.
II don't remember the name Of the
hotel but it was in the centre Of the
city, and was the loading house in town.
It was about two blocks from the river"
Mr.. Fowler then eyed Woods suspi-
ciously, and asked why he was so in
quisitive.
The drummer replied by handing the
young lady the ring and asking if it was
hers.
"Oh, the very same" was the reply
"Where did you get it. Mr. Woods 2"
Woods related the circumstances as
recorded above, and concluded with the
remark that he hoped Miss Fowler found
as much pleasure in obtaining the ring
| aa he had derived in following the little
mystery.
Mr.. Fowler gave himself up TO a
hearty laugh, at the same time thanking
Woods for his kindness. and remarking
that it was one Of the best pieces of detec-
tive work he had seen. As criminal
lawyer be had observed many Of them.
too.
Woods was invited TO remain for din
ner, and he did so. He made himself
very agreeable and succeeded in Great.
ing favorable impression. He val