The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-02-15

IN, f HSs'R ss'
some ing
that think will interest you, seeing you
are newspaper man. What do you
think of this?" and Mr.. Wordsworth, of
the firm of Wardsw orth & Blank, man.
ufacturing jewellers of Boston, placed
paper in the hand of the young jour
ualist.
"Ah ha! n goodly find for some one"
replied the reporter as he read:
"e5, 900 REWARD,
For the apprehension of the criminals,
or the recovery of the diamonds taken
from the safe of Jaspar, Sturgis & Jas
par. London, on or about December /.
1t is thought that the gems have been
Struggled to America, as no attempts
have been made to dispose of them
either in Great Britain or upon the con-
tinent. Dealers and officers of the law
nre cautioned to be on the alert. The
jewels stolen are of the first water,
large stones, and the whole amount
valued at G30,O0D.
"Signed, JASPER SrURGIs 6 JASPER,
London"
ut would be like looking for nee
die in the hay-ihow, l should say"
commented Damon, as he finished the
perusal of the notification.
Every much," replied MIR. Wards
worth, as he folded the paper and re-
placed it in his pocket. Yet it would
be u difficult matter for anyone to dis
pose of such quantity of diamonds
even though they succeed i'll getting
them into the country. Nevertheless,
no in, IN
sharp lookout and inquire closely
where a stone comes from that is
brought us to mount. If the rogues
attempt to place their plumber on the
market within six months or year
they will stand n very good chance of
being apprchended, but if they can af-
ford to wait and have nerve enough to
retain the diamonds in their possession
until the excitement has died away the
thieves may be enabled to get rid OF
the gems in small lots without causing
suspicion"
well, / hope it may be your good
fortune to run across some of the
sparlSlers, for 1 would like to see you
capture the reward" replied the re-
porter, with smile.
"Who knows but what it may come
your way?" returned the jeweler,
laughingly. you board most of the
incoming vessels, and I should think
might stand pretty fair chance to
hear of any smuggling game, and by
working up your information be able
to claim some of the Englishmen's five
thousand pounds"
Not so much of n chance as you
might imagine, my friend" replied
Damon. True, l have to report 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 pa
per and 1 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 thisp"
and Damon held up package. neatly
wrapped in paper, yet not so disguised
but what anyone could see that it was
quart bottle. THAT is some rare,
old Burgundy AT least the steward of
n British steamer aflirms that it is.
Now / want you to come to my apart
ments tonight and take hand at
game of whist. and you will have an
opportunity to sample the wine. What
say you?"
II would be only too pleased to make
one of the party, not wholly on account
of the contents OF the bottle, for you
know am somewhat abstemious, but
to enjoy quiet game of whist"
Very we'll, 1 will look for you NJ
eight O'Clock, sharp. Good-by," and
with little ceremony the hustling Jour
nalist turned on his heel and left his
friends place of business to complete
the arduous labors of the day.
At the hour of eight two reporters
and two jewelers., all old acquaint-
ances, were seated about q table in
Damon's room, enjoying themselves
hugely as they laughed and chattcd
over the topics of the day.
AT length the host arose and said:
"Now, boys, supposing we try the
quality of the stewards present.
don't suppose that any of us are
connoisseurs of wines, although we
might be able to know what would
make good newspaper story when
we ran against it, or tell the quality of
piece of gold when taking it in hand.
However, we all have tastes, and, in
this free country, are at liberty to ex-
press our opinions. So, Mr. Wards
worth, yours, first" and the reporter
essayed to fill the glass of his friend.
Although Mr.. Damon had carefully
removed the cork, yet to his surprise
only n feeble stream of liquid issued
forth.
"Ah," he remarked, something has
fouled up the neck of the bottle. Never
mind, we'll soon fix it," and taking a
long lead pencil from the breast pocket