Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1891-04-25
THE ETCHIN DIAMONDS.

THE ETCIIN Ola MONDS.
Arthur Stangate, attorney-at-law, was
my brother. He had succeeded, to my
fathers business, and no name was more
esteemed and trusted in all Huntington,
and Huntington was a rich. and important
place.
My brothers offices were in the town,
two miles distant; but he did almost as
much business among the gentry 1T has
own privato house.
Most of the great folks employed him;
but his best client as Sir Etchin Eckford,
a ci devant Indian Judge, very wealthy,
and the possessor of some rare costly
jewels, known in the country as the Etchin
diamonds. Their name makes me shud
der now.
One evening as Arthur was preparing to
return to his office, where important busi-
ness would deem him all night, Sir Etchin' s
groom left parcel, with a note. The lat.
| ter stated that the former contained the
| famous Etchi diamonds, which the
! owner thought tafest to entrust in Arthur
care, as he had been Unexpectedly called
to London.
II dou't care what deeds they leave
with me, said my brother; but don t
like such trusts as these. Still ! suppose
| must keep them.
| OF course he could not send them back;
so, taking the parcel, he at once proceeded
to his duty TO lock it in the iron safe.
went with him, and with a woman
curiosity and love for jewelry, besought
a peep at the gems before they were put
away.
Arthur, the best brother in the world,
instantly removed the paper covering, dis
closing square morocco box being
bound with key tied to the bundle. They
were indeed, magnificent, set in the mas
siye Indian fashion: while many of the
diamonds were vet uncut.
One by one bracelets, bangles, necklets,
Arthur lifted and flashed in the lampight
before my dazzled vision.
He was L)ldinz superb emerald and
| 1iamond necket in his hand FOR my adj
miration when happening.to raise my head,
a cry of alarm burst from my lips.
What is it. Nell?" asked Arthur.
''The man. replied See! the win
dow is uncurtained, and | am sure saw
a man looking in from the tree outside, :"
''Nonsense!' cried Arthur
Nevertheless he flung up the window,
called and gazsd in every direction. There
was nothing-not sigh, not sound;
and he fastened the catch and dropped the
curtain.
As. however, he was about t. put away
the diamonds | said, Arthur, would it
not be better to place tkem in the safe in
your bedroom2"
He agreed in the advisability, and
locked them up then having cautioned me
to see well to the house fastening and
asked again if was really not frightened
to remain alone a night with only the
servants Jane and Jenkins, he left for
town. saw everything secure and went
early to bed locking Arthur's bedroom,
and taking the key with me-
1t was long before | slept When did
was almost Immediately aroused by
slight sound at the door. | asked who
was there. James voice answered in
cautious whisper. Seeing something was
wrong, rising, admitted her No sooner
had she entered than quickly closing, she
refastened the door, and exclaimed in
accents of terror, 20 miss what shall we
do? For mercy's sake make no noise
don't get light Burglars are breaking
into the house. and am sure Jenkins is
their accompIice.
Burglars | cried Then the thought
of the face flashed across me. Gracious
powers! - | exclaimed; they are after the
Etchin diamonds
saw it all. The groom's errand had
been OWNED my brothers absence was
known. and, by Jenkins treacheroUs aid. |
the place was being attacked dropped, |
stunned, on the bed Then ! started up |
At any cost-eveD llfe-the diamonds en- |
trusted to Arthur must be saved Hur- |
riedY dressed. and while doing so. heard |
the soft sound Of persons moving in the |
house
Jane | said. having explained all 70
the faithful girl 81 must get Sir Etcbin's
How, miss? If you 20 into tie passage
they'll kill you. -
True; therefore must get out by the
window They viii not hear, for they be-
lieye the box is In the study, and it
will take them long to discover their mis-
take
Opening the window | got out on to the
yeranda How fearfully 1t sloped Gould I
do ity Yes by pressing my feet against
the gutter. Slowly ! went, foot by foot,
until reached Arthur's window My
heart leaped as | found 1t unfastened
Quickly / entered. opened and re!ocked
the iron safe, and, with the diamonds,
more slowly. and with greater difficulty,
Reaching my own room, ! did not enter;
for what could two helpless women do
against strong. evil men, bent on plum Ter
Instead. ordered Jane to tear a sheet
into shreds. having attached which to
the box, babe her lower it to me. after
descended by the trellis.
She did al directed; then joining me-
We, carrying the box between US, ran from
the house.
We had not gone dozen yards before
dread Of pursuit, and having the diamonds
wrested from Us. possessed me.