Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-03-02
fortune that keeps you on this divan is
my gain, for it compels you to stay with

fortune that keeps you ON this divan is
my gain, for 1t compels you to stay with
You must thank Chase" replied Meryon,
with a moody grin; "he won't treat it as
l advise
The man imagines that the bullet is
still In the wound" Chase explained. His
real trouble is the block of wood in his
head which will come away only with the
head itself"
II wish I were as sure Of the where
abouts OF the hollow ruby as of that bull
let" Meryon observed; and, having said
this, he shut his eyes as II intending q
nap.
In fact. he remained motionless and
during which the prince and the surgeon
conversed In low tones and smoked their
nargilehs.
Then Meryon opened his eyes and fixed
them upon Chase, with a strange express
sion.
Horace" said he, in a husky voice.
something queer has happened. I've been
back in that cell in the big rock and saw
myself there as 1 was when those fellows
threw me in. I saw all did while / was
in there-and know what became Of the
ruby!'
"Oh! that's it. is it?" returned Chase,
and winking to the prince to humor the
sick mans fancy. I'VE were just wonder
ing what had become of YOU"
You think I'm cracked, but the story
speaking with emphasis. but not wildly
Il lay stunned for awhile; when I came to
l was delirious-and that's the reason I
wasn't able till now to remember what
and the first thing 1 did was to hunt in my
pocket for 1t, and there it. was all safe.
tried to get 1t in nv mouth, but for some
reason I couldn't underestimate was the
gag, of course-it wouldn't go in"
"Well?" said the surgeon, regarding him
with mingled perpleXity and interest.
Then I thought l was standing In front
of a safe in vault" Meryon went on,
wanted to get the ruby from me. The safe
wouldn't open. I felt all over 1t in the
dark to find an opening; at last found
one-a small hole in the upper part-but,
through and gave me jab SO that yell
ed with pain. But the thieves were clost
up by that time, and my only chance was
to get the ruby through that hole, If 1
made a desperate effort and crammed 1t
in: and got Jab that sent me off uncon-
scious again. The next thing I knew
however, that's no matter. The ruby is in
What does the boy mean?' said Chase.
impressed by the force and vfvidness with
which the tale was told
prince sFaysy h stone g the
shoulder. Allah is great!'
"I wish some Of your brains would get
into Horace's SKULL" sighed Meryon, re-
lapsing on his cushions. 'If he'd followed
my directions in the first place, the thing
would have been cleared up and I should
have been cleared up and I should have
been a well man by this time. I knew
there was something there. and naturally
supposed 1t was bullet; but there's no
arguing with man who can't see farther
than his nose. Get your instruments. now"
he added. testify. "and have the job over.
If 1t hadn't been for my vision 1 should
have gone to my grave with that con-
founded talisman in my body and a cloud
on my reputation. Let this be a lesson to
your
It is not necessary for US to assist at
surgical operation. In ten minutes it was
over. The hollow ruby, cleaTsed from it's
CORY stains, was lying upon white satin
cushion, upon which 1t shed its glorious
light Meryon was reclining on the divan
with an expression of pardoaable self-sat-
isfaction on his pallid features. Chase was
looking subdued and thoughtful, and the
prince said:
"Meryon, my friend, the Jewel is yours.
My only sorrow at it's loss was that was
thus prevented from giving it to you. No
less precious a keepsake would be worthy
of our friendship. If it bring you no good
fortune, may 1t at least remind you Of the