Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1896-03-12

"a CONFUSION III the street which attracted
the man TO the window 1t would have
been difficult for him even to guess that
it was in the pocket. Besides with the
ruby it would be simple, since it is an
article that can be disposed of at mo-
ment's notice. -
Very true,'' said Mr.. Mitchell,
but - Here he paused for a moment
and seemed distracted. Quickly recov-
ering, he said: "What was saying?
have lost the thread of our conversa-
ton"
Mr.. Thauret suggested that the thief
could keep the ruby about him, - replied
Mr.. Randolph.
'Ah, exactly Now 1 remember.
Well, L should say that it would be
hazardous undertaking. Ibelieve, had
stolen the gem-as, by the way, Ran
dolph, You suggested-I could do better
than that. -
"Ah," said Mr.. Randolph, "this is
getting interesting Come, tell us. How
should you hide the jewell supposing
that you had taken it?''
"That is a leading question, said
Mr.. Mitchell. 81 prefer not to answer
it. Walls have ears, you know" He
said this in significant way that made
Mr.. Randolph uncomfortable for q mo-
ment. Mr. Mitchell at once continued,
81 will say this, however, that the
thief, whoever be is, cannot profit by
his theft. +"
why not?" asked Mr.. Tiauret
Because there is not anoti CT gem in
I. H.. 60
absolutely perfect in color LII fact, they
are the standards by which rubies are
valued. 1t is claimed that the expression
pigeon blood ruby owes its existence
to the staining of one of these gems in
the manner described. Dealers some
times cut a pigeons throat to compare
the blood with the color of gem being
appraised. The significance of this is
that the stolen gem cannot be sold as it
is because it would be recognized, and I
have notified all the great dealers in the
world that my Egyptian gem has been
stolen. If it were attempted to have it
cut up, the lapidary would at once re-
port the matter, as the reward offered by
me is greater than could be earned by
recutting the stone.
Suppose that the thief himself is
gem cutter?" asked Thauret.
Even then the perfect color would at
once tell the first dealer to whom he ap-
piled that tho Egyptian gem had been
recut.
1.-THE thief might be patient man,
replied Mr.. Thaurea
True" said Mr. Mitchell. but
mark my words, the Egyptian gem
will not be sold by the person who has
it now"
Especially if that person is your
self" said Mr.. Randolph.
"Just So" answered Mr.. Mitchell
The conversation now drifted to other
things, and shortly after, the dinner be-
ing over, the three men separated.
AS Mr.. Barnes was about to leave the
main dining room one of the servants
handed him note. Supposing 1t to be
from Mr.. Randolph, he opened it at
once and was surprised and chagrined to
read:
When Mr.. Barnes next plays the eavesdrop-
per, he should be careful to observe whether
mirror reflects both sides Of a portiere which
he might suppose would conceal him.
mitchell.
1.-THE devil take itp' nutte.ed Mr..
Barnes. II wonder at what point he
discovered my presence Was that last
part-about his having warned all the
dealers-thrown in gratuitously for my
benefit and to lead me to suppose that
some one else stole the stone? II SO, why
does he now let me know that he saw
meYn