Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1893-01-25
STOLEN DIAMONDS,
By MARLTON DOWNING.

"Ah, Damon, old boy! Glad you've
dropped in. I've got something that
think will interest YOU, seeing you
are Il newspaper man. What Ito YOU
think of this? and Mr., Warlsworth,
OF the firm of Wordsworth Il Blank
manufacturing jewellers of Boston,
placed PAPER in the hand of the
young journalist.
"Ah ha! goodly find for some
one" replied tho reporter as lie read:
"E5,N0 REWARD.
For the apprehension Of the criminals or
the recovery of the diamonds taken from the
safe of Jaspar, Stursis 4 Jaspar, London,
on or about December lst. II l.; thought
that the gems have been smugslcd to America
rs no attempts have been made to dispose of
them either in Great Britain or upon tue
Continent. Dealers and officers of the law
are cautioned TO be on The alert. The Jewels
stolen are Of the first water, large stones,
and the who'c amount valued at O,OO0.
(SignedD JAspAR, SrURGGs e JASPAR,
London"
at would be like looking for
needle in the hay-mow, | should saw"
commented Damon, rs he finished the
pcrusal Of the notification.
every much" replied Mr.. Wards
worth as he folded the paper and re-
placed it in hs pocket. "Yet it
would be difficult matter for any
one to dispose of such quantity of
diamond, even though they succeed in
getting them into the country. Never
thcIcss, it behoovcs IL in the business
to keep a sharp lookout, and to in
quirc closely where Il stone comes
from, that is brought us TO mount. If
the rosucs attempt to place their plum
der on the market within six months
or a year, they will stand very good
chance of being apprehendcd; but if
they can afford TO wait, and have
nerve enough to retain the diamonds
in their possession until the excitement
has died away, the thieves may be cn-
ab!ed to get rid of the gems in small
lois without causing suspicion"
"Well, | hope it may be your good
fortune to run across some of tho
sparklcrs, for would like to sec you
capture the reward" replied the re.
porter, with a smile.
"Who knows but what it mly
come your way ?" returned tho Jewel.
er, laughinyly. "You board most Of
the incoming vessels, and should
think might stand a pretty fair chance
to hear Of any smuggling game, and
by working up your information be
able to claim some of the Englishman'S
five thousand pounds"
"Not SO much Of chance as you
might imagine, my FRIEND" replied
Damon. "Truc, might have to re-
port the arrival of vessels, and of
course visit many of them. but if
there was any smuggling detected, it
would only be my duty TO write the
story for the paper, and | could not
expect to receive any credit from the
authorities for the apprehension of
the guilty parties. But it was not to
talk shop with You that brought me
in. DO you see ths?' and DamoL
held up package, neatly wrapped in
paper, yet not so disguised but what
anyone could SEQ that it was quart
bottle. "That is some rare, old Bur.
gundy. At least the steward of a
British steamer afiirms that it is. Now
l want you to come 10 my apartments
tonight and take hand at game OF
whist, and you will have an opportu-
nifty 10 sample the wine. What say
you?"
81 would be only TOO pleased tc
make one Of the party, not wholly oil
account of the contents of the bottle,
for you know | am somewhat ab'
stemious, but to enjoy quiet game
of whist"
"Very well, / will look for you a,
eight o'clock, sharp. Good-by," and
with little ceremony the hustling jour.
nalist turned on his heel and left hi;
friends place of business to complet,
the arduous labors Of the day.
At the hour of eight two reporter,
and two jewellers, oil old acquain.
taocoo uara caoto1 ohnni n tnhlo /,