The Philipsburg mail., 1895-12-12


spiratlon, but all to no purpose. The
key wouldn't perform its office. 1t was
either too big Or too little, albeit it had
always hitherto fitted easily enough
examined the bag. Yes, that seemed
all right, although it certainly did look
a trifle more shabby than imagined it
to be.
'There must be some dust in the
l1ey!' | said, after several futile at
tcmpts to turn it. My wife immedi-
atcly produced a pin, and we picked
both lock and key, but with no better
result.
This was annoying, to say the least
OF it, Already my little surprise was
robbed of half it's fleet, and the eager
look on my wife's face was getting
tinge( with disappointment. But the
thing should not be wholly spoiled by
such d trihing occurrence. The pres
cnt was in the bag, and Bubby must
have it at once. 1t would lose half its
value by waiting. The only course
open under the circumstances was to
burst the bag open, and this l at once
proceeded to do. Grasping it firmly in
both hands gave two or three sharp
wrenches, and with jerk it came
asunder. I saw in moment it was
not mine. My railway companion had
evidently taken my bag in mistake for
his own, and l. of course, had got his.
1t was an unfortunate error, anyhow,
and might take days to rectify.
OF course, had to tell my wife all
about my companion of the railway
carriage, in order that she might un-
derstand how the mistake occurred,
and as | recounted to her what could
at the moment remember of the con-
versa tion which had SO fascinated me
and won my attachment to the enter
tanning stranger, Bubby's face lit up.
with unwonte interest, and | more
than ever regretted not carrying out
my half-formed intention of asking
him home.
AS l spoke l recollected about the
jewels, and wondered what the owners
feelings would be on discovering his
loss The awkward part Of the affair
was that, although had told the gen
tleman a good deal OF my private af-
fairs had not disclosed to him either
my name or address, nor had he i'm
parted his to me; therefore the idea of
direct communication could not be en-
tertained. What would be best to do
l hardly knew.
Bubby's womanly interest in the
jewels was naturally great, and as my
curiosity was also consielera bly, aroused,
we decided that we would empty the
bag in order to have a look at them.
We began to do SO at once. At the
top was a quantity of paper, which we
carefully removed ana untolded, fear
full lest valuable diamond should roll
out unheeded. Nothing OF this kind,
however, occurred, and we went on
eagerly searching until, right at the
bottom of the bag, we came upon the
valuablcs. They consisted of small
hand-chisel, coil of stout rope, sew
cral skeleton keys and box of silent
matches.
l will not attempt to describe my
tell me that | had been nicely robbed,
and that my entertaining lellow-trav-
elcr was a beastly fraud, and his ten
thou sand pounds worth Of jewelry was
detcstable myth am afraid l
looked as small as felt.
Bubby could not resist smile at nv
detected appearance.
This is indeed q surprise" she said,
trying to put a cheerful aspect on the
affair. But never mind, dearest" /"
she added, kindly, 'try to forget all
about it, and | will promise not to be
disappointed. I need no present save
yourself"
kissed her for her goodness of
heart, but felt that could never for
give myself for being taken in so
easily.-Tit-Bits