The morning call., 1894-12-01
A DIAMOND TRICK.
An Imitation Substituted Before the
jewelers. Ewes.

JOWOACA
One of the foreign travellers o. famous lew
elry-house in this city has just returned from
his annual trip abroad, and upon reading of a
clever shOpliiter's trick executed here told of a
bold and clever diamond robbery In Paris that
borders on high art.
The swinde was perpetrated in diamond
shop on the Rue de la Paix, one Of the busiest
centers of the trade in Paris. A stranger came
in and told the proprietor that he had found
stone among his family effects which had been
there a great many years. and the value of
which he was anxious to know. He said he
didn't suppose 1t could be worth very much, as
otherwise 1t would not be found among bis
mond out OF the soled paper In which the
stranger brought it, and. examining It closely
with strong glass, seemed surprised Hest
tatlng moment, he stepped Into his private
ONCE to show IL 10 another expert Returning
he SAID:
rem arkably clear one and very valuable"
The stranger laughed incredulously, remark
Ing lightly, Nonsense; il may be a fine lmita-
ton, but certainly not real diamond, for how
would IL get into the possession OF my family,
who were always poor? And how could it lie
among our effects undisturbed for so many
years?"
The jeweler assured him that 1t certainly was
diamond and gem of the first water. and
added that II the owner would leave 1t for
day or two be would show the stone 10 other
jewelers. and get their opinion. The owner
The diamond merchant promptly repeated his
assertion as to the purity Of the stone. and
added that it was worth at least IS, 900 francs.
"Well," the owner replied, "I can't believe
you yet, for am certain it must be an imita-
tion, no matter how good it looks; but want
to sc IL II, and II you are willing 70 buy 1t how
much Will yom pay for it and take your chances
on the stone?''
"Well. under the circumstances will give
1900 francs for the stone." the merchant re-
piled.
And when can get the money or your
check for t?"
lyon may cali IL a day or two.'
The Jeweler was not a novice IN business;
moreover, he was a Partisan Of the purest type,
and In matters Of business was as shrewd as any
OF his brother merchants In tbst busy city. He
took no chances. and TO make doubly sure OF
his bargain, he put the stranger of again, and
In the Interval not only removed all possible
doubt as to the genuineness Of the stone but also
found at least two very willing purchasers at
handsome advance over what he had offered.
Therefore, when the stranger paid his final visit
the Jeweler had the stone in his safe, and with
it check all filled out. As the 1eweler turned
to hand the check over TO the stranger, the lat
ter said with half sigh:
well, If must part with it, let me have one
last look at IT."
The check still lay on the counter as the
stranger picked up the paper containing the
gem and slowly opened its folds. Then, after
long look. with heavy sigh. he folded the
eier. ~
AS the jeweler started to make out a receipt
for the money the stranger seid: "NOw il is
not very clear In my mind that this can be
genuine stone. and as am very peculiar about
some things please make your receipt read Re
ceived for one imitation stone 1000 trancs,'
for can never believe that our family ever
possessed anything else"
THAT is a strange popularity of yours" the
jeweler replied. "Dut L don't know that it
makes much difference"
The receipt was made out as the stranger de-
sired. who signed IL, and the jeweler deposited
the paper containing the stone with the receipt
once more In the drawer of his sale.
The following day friend called the recent
purchase was spoken of, and the paper con-
tanning the stone was brought out. As the Jew
eler took out the stone his face grew pale.
Mon DieuP' ne cried. " My money! my
money /"
The closer he now examined the stone the
more evident it grew that the stone was really
an imitation after all. and he sank down In his
chair and read The wording of his receipt and
then recalled all the circumstances and how
the stranger took one last long look at the
treasure it became clear 10 him that in that
moment he was robbed and an Imitation sub
stiuted for the good stone before his very eyes.
New York Sun.