Waterbury evening Democrat., 1895-05-14


 Howard this afternoon
 Who's Mrs. Eoward:"
 That East Indian woman stopping at this hotel.
 II have seen her. She is rich enough to buy a dozen of them at that price"
 My friend seemed to think he had made a slip, and with just the faintest trace of confusion corrected himself:
 II should say from her dress, looks and manner that sho was overburdened with wealth, but then one can't know. Why didn't she buy it?''
 "She said she was too poor. 1 have offered it tO no one else besides yourself and will not do so until you have made up your mind"
 II have made up my mind, confound it! That fellow may change his and take the thing away. That's what I want to guard against. The only way to prevent it is to close the bargain now, and that's what I will do"
 Well. it would seem that am not the one to find fault; but. Sandhuscn, 1 am convinced that there is crooked busi- ness in this thing. The man can give no reasonable pretext for passing Flu rope and bringing that ruby to this country to sell. ''
 "Who wants him to give reasona- ble pretext? l am willing to take the chances. I'll pay you now.
 said no more. He walked over to his desk, for his rooms were befittingly furnished, drew out his checkbook, wrote me an order for $50, coo, handed it to me and said:
 Now, old fellow, give me the quid p-o quo"
 There! That's mine" he added, with glowing face, ''and it will take a writ of certiorari from the supreme court to draw it from me. "
 Where will you keep it?'
 II would let you have it until moved into the house, but for fear that Mir. Howard may come back and change his mind. l may put it i'll the safe down stairs or take it to the bank or the trust company, but since no one besides yourself knows that havo it will re- tain it in my room for day or two, so as to have all the enjoyment with it can.
 shook my head . who may know or suspect the truth. Remember that the man who put it in my hands and n certain woman stop ping nt this house bear the same name. |" "Nonsense!" exclaimed my friend. There are 500 John Smiths in this city, and yet not a tenth of them arc aware of the others existence. Simply coin cidenoe, that's all. It signifies nothing. " It was a waste of time to discuss the matter. and bidding my friend good day went down town to my store. MT. Darius c. Howard was there. He was the same we'll dressed gentleman as before and as smiling and suave in his manner.
 II thought would not wait quite as long as intended" he explained, ''and dropped in to hear whether you had any news for mo.
 ''The ruby has been sold for tho price you ask. and have the check with me -
 He did not show tho pleasure 1 o1 pected, but acted as if he regretted what had been done. He sighed and said, still smiling:
 ''I thought of recalling my offer. the | pAASo 10 eO AbSulNIg lNN' puI 'Hc IIIHS having been done it must go at that. will call tomorrow and settle with you
 ''I can give you check now.
 It is not worth while, Suppose drop in at 10 Will that suit you:"
 Perfectly, How do you prefer your money-in bills or a check?' 1t will perhaps be better ill money have few acQuaintances, and there might be delay ill obtaining the funds. '
 ''lt shall be aS you wish. :" | Thanks. Good day.
 determined to have Carl Wittncr il the vicinity next day, for 1 was sure l fhnrn WAS norH ,nf hiS scrNi,.,s Frn m \