Montgomery County sentinel., 1891-07-24
MiscellamenMs.
THE STORY OF A RING.


rings in the possession of friend who
has great fondness for such ornaments
| came across most unique character
1t was heavy band of gold, set with
a cameo cut to represent snake that
lay coiled with head erect Its eyes of
emerald seemed to snap at tiny bird,
also cut in stone.
''There is a singular incident con-
nected with that ring, which, ;" my friend
remarked, as | picked it up and care
fully examined it, perhaps you would
like to hear =
II should" was my reply, and he
narrated story which | will tell as
nearly as | can in his own words
"Three years ago went to pass a
few days in Clifton-as you may know,
noted summer residence, but better
resting place than most resorts.
81 had been there only few hours
when saw on the hand of lady who
lodged at the same hotel ring which
greatly excited my curiosity. for rea-
cons that will appear later in my story
81 easily secured an introduction to
her, and in the course Of our first con-
versaton referred to this ring, no longer
on her hand, as having attracted my
especial attention.
:" 1T is very curious, she said.
" Does it belong to you 2 inquired.
"It does not, but was lent by q
friend
"'May inquire the name of the
owner? ?
"'She requested me not to mention
her in connection with the ring so you
will please excuse me from telling you
her name
az should like to purchase it, il she
would dispose of it for reasonable
sum, | remarked, intcrrogatively.
"I will learn whether she is willing
to sell it, and let you know SON.
Before my arrival in Clifton there
had been many cases Of pocket-picking
and petty theft in the place, and on the
fifth night after | came the village bank
was burglarized.
"Though the minor ofienses had
caused no particular excitement. the
burglary did, for the temporary as well
as the permanent residents of Clifton
would lose considerable sums if the
stolen funds were net recovered.
Every possible effort was made to
ferret the crime to its source, but SC
shrewdly had it been planned and exc.
cuted that no clew to its perpetrator OF
perpetrators seemed likely to be discov.
cred.
1.-The detective-of wide renown-
employed upon the case after thorough
investigation said
"It battles my skill as nothing in my
previous experience.
"He had labored indefatigably but in
vain for several days, when | requested
him one morning to accompany me tt
nv room. After | had locked the dool
and we we're seated | observed
, "'Straws show which way the wint
blows, and may be able to toll yot
something that will aid you in you
present work.
az shall be pleased to receive assist
ancc,' he replied.
1.-Two years ago the 18th of las
April | began, i was on my way from
Eikhart to Chicago, when, at SoutI
, Bend, lady entered the closely -packc'
car in which was seated and aske
= me: Is this seat occupied ?
"It is not, | answered, rising tha
!. sbe might pass to the place next tn
window.
"If you please, she said, 81 vii
e. take the outer seat, as | shall only 8
to the next station, if my brother meet
} me there
"She was dressed in deep mourDin
and wore heavy veil, which she keE
drawn over her face, rendering it i'm
possible for me to get glimpse at he
face
II endeavored, without success,
engage her in conversation. She az
peared willing to talk, but her sentence
were interrupted quite frequently b
sobs, and she would raise her handkel
chief to her face. evidently to wipe th
tears from her eyes.
IL was very tired, and fell aslee
Q soon after the train pulled out Of Ca
y y Isle. The stranger had not left the cal
"When | awoke, just before react
IF ing Otis, she was gone, as were my gol
70 watch and chain and my pocket-bool
i containing several hundred dollars ar
numerous valuable papers.
IL learned that she got of the ira
- at Laporte, and had no doubt she W
- the one who had picked my pockets.