San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1892-05-09


leaked out during our subsequent ac-
quaintance, which was destined to be-
come more intimate and prolonged than
had any idea of then. AS have init
mated, Mr. Birchmore was quite frank
and open in his talk, except upon one
topic-himself.
OF his inner life and circumstances
could learn nothing. Though he never
was obtusely reticent, yet he con-
trived never to refer to his own private
affairs. could not satisfy myself
whether he were married or single,
whether he were Catholic or atheist
hardly whether he were rich or poor.
Some shadow of grief, some incubus Of
fear or calamity seemed to overwhelm
him and impose silence. The most |
could do was to draw differences, and
my inference was that he was bach
slor, millionaire, a skeptic and man
who at some period of his life had COM
mitted, either deliberately or by force
of circumstances, terrible crimel You
will see presently how far my estimate
was from the truth, or how near to it.
However, am anticipating, as it is.
We arrived in due time at Rudolph's
little shop and | introduced him to
Birchmore. | had previously told the
latter about my diamonds and now
made Rudolph produce them. The man
Of the world examined the gems with
evident interest and with a knowledge
of their value and qualities which sur
prised me and caused the little jeweler
to eye my friend with a keenness that
took to indicate jealousy
"These are all Indian stones" was
Birchmore's first remark. "There is not
an American among them-or, stay!
What is this? neither an American nor an
Indian! An African, declare. and one
of the finest have seen!'
der Herr hat Rechtr' muttered Ru-
dolph, with glance at me. SER versteht
ia allies"
"You know German? He says what
you don't know about diamonds isn't
worth knowing put in. Birchmore
nodded with half smile.
IL ought to know something about
precious stones" he said. 81 spent three
years in diamond mine for one thing"
He seemed on the point of saying more,
but checked himself, and went on scruti.
nizing the stones, most of which were
already in their new setting. "A costly
parure, that" he remarked at length.
1T wouldn't sell for penny under
thirty thousand pounds" h
Five hundred and eighty-fve thou
sand francs, with the setting" replied
Rudolph, to whom the words had been
addressed. "Monsieur's estimate would
have been correct but that this stone
here is little off color and this one has
a slight flaw. which isnow in part con-
cealed by the setting"
'You travel under proper precautions,
| trust? said Birchmore after pause,
turning gravely to me. 81 know the
confidence you young fellows have in
your courage and cleverness, but dozen
or score of thieves might conspire to-
gether for such prize as this, and
against their skill and address no single
man would stand chance. All! know
something of it. was robbed once"
. "Do tell me about it," exclaimed,
with an impulsive betrayal of interest
that made me smile the next moment
Another time" said he, shaking his
head; and presently he added, "You will
pardon me for presuming to counsel
your
my dear sir, am much obliged to
you. My idea is that the simplest pre-
cautions are the best. shall carry the
stones in an inner pocket and shall &C
armed. No one will suspect me, and if
| am attacked | shall make a good de
Tense at all events"
Mr.. Birchmore said nothing more, and
indeed seemed scarcely to listen to my
/ remarks. now suggested to him that
he might show Rudolph his ring. He
put his hand to his waistcoat pocketand
gave Il half suppressed ejaculation of dis
appointment and annoyance He had
left the ring at home!
|, mo matter; will call tomorrow.
Herr Rudolph" he observed. I've no
doubt shall find what | want here, If
anywhere Good morning-that is. if
you are ready, Mr.. Gainsborough? By
the way, Rudolph. | suppose you put
your treasures in a safe at night?'
oh, by all means, Herr" replied the
little Saxon And have a watchman
also. who guards all night long"
"A prudent fellow; yes, that will do. "
murinured Mr.. Birchmore in an under
tone to himself. Then, with parting
nod and smile, to which the jeweler did
not respond. he sauntered out, follow
ing him. We walked back to the hotel
did not see him again until after din
ner, when he offered me cigar, and
when we had smoked together awhile in