Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1897-08-12

| Why not Give up These Resenrches.
sized morocco bag, which she handed
to Ernest, together with the key.
| "What have we here?" he asked
playfully. 1.-The spoils Of Ormus and
of Ind'?"
"Some money" answered Zana, SIM
| ply, land my mothers jewels, which
my father gave me a year ago. Should
they not be placed somewhere for
safety?"
Norton opened the bag and exam.
ined the contents, which caused him
to indulge in a low whistle Of surprise.
Rivieres necklets, rings, bracelets and
other ornaments lay in confusion just
as they had been thrown in in the
hurry of departure; and from the size
and quality of the stones-especially
the diamonds and rubies-he knew
them at once to be Of very great value.
A thick roll Of ESQ Bank Of England
notes completed the collection.
"Have you any idea of the value of
these stones" he asked presently.
NO." replied Zana; II do not under
stand much about values. I had some
of them sold in the bazaars at Bombay
and they realized nearly $4,000, which
you will find in the bag. The others
must be worth great deal more"
"Yes," assented Norton, ''they are. I
am something Of a judge. and 1 esti-
mate them at from f25,OO0 to 100000.
1t is sheer folly to keep such valuables
by you dearest, especially in a hotel.
They should be lodged in a bank"
"Then you had better take this bag
with you, just as it u.s." said Zana
quietly, land lodge it with your Lon
don bankers"
Norton reflected gravely over this
suggestion for some moments.
81 think it will be the wisest course ~
he rejoned, ''for the present at all
events. OF course I shall lodge the
jewels in your name, and open credit
account for you with the notes."
"No," protested Zana. "Put every
thing in your own name. am sorry
my dowry is no larger, but have
brought you everything I could fairly
call my own, and dared not ask my
father for more"
Nonsense, child" retorted her lover.
81 am already quite rich enough to
keep us both in comfort land shall in
sist upon your property being settled
on yourself. 1t shall never be said that
Ernest Norton eloped with his hosts
daughter for the sake Of her wealth.
Come, shall carry this precious bag
myself, and We'll make move toward
the station. Waiter, put that
portmanteau in a cab"
Zana bore up bravely enough until
Norton had secured his seat in the Lon
don express; but, as the moment of
separation drew nigh, she fairly broke
down.
II don't like your going alone, Ern-
est" she almost walled. "See, the ruby
in this ring wear looks pale! 1t is a
charm-stone and bodies misfortune
when it changes color /. =. I have a
presentiment of evil! i. -. Let me go
with your
Impossible, Zana," replied Norton,
firmly. what should do with you in
London? Come, be brave, dearest. 1
shall be back the day after tomorrow,
or, at the latest, on Friday :. Now,
goodbye, darling!'
"Good-bye!' echoed Zana, tearfully,
as the engine whistled and the train
moved. Then, obeying some sudden
impulse, she tore the ruby ring from
her finger and threw it through the
window into the carriage. Norton
picked it up and slipped it upon his lit
tie finger as he leaned out to get last
look at his sweetheart.
"Poor child" he muttered, settling
down into corner seat when bend
in the line hid her from his view.
'"rhere is nothing half-hearted in her
love. 1 pray heaven l may prove
worthy Of it."