Daily camera., 1901-03-25

spiration, 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
trifle more shabby than imagined it
to be-
There must be some dust in The
KEY" l said, after several futile at
tempts to turn it. My wife immedi-
ately produced 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 its feet, and the eager
look on my wifes face was getting
tinged with disappointment But the
thing should not be wholly spoiled by
such a tritling occurrence. The pres
ent was in the bag, and Bubby must
have it at oxce. 1t would lose half its
value by waiting. The only course
open under the circumstances was to
burst the bag open, and this at once
proceeded to do. Grasping it firmly in
both hands gave two or three sharp
wrenches, and with jerk it came
asunder. l saw in a moment it was
not mine. My railway companion had
evidently taken my bag in mistake for
his own, and /, of course, had got his
II was an unfortunate error, anyhow,
and might take days to rectify.
OF course, l 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-
versation which had so fascinated me
and won my attachment to the enter
tanning stranger, Bubby's face lit up
with unwonted interest, and l more
than ever regretted not carrying out
my half-formed inteutiop 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 good de;.l of my private at.
fairs, I 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
! hardly knew,
Bubby's womanly interest in the
Jewels was naturally great, and as my
curiosity was also considerably aroused,
we decided that we would empty the
bag in order to have look at them.
We began to do SO at once. At the
top was a quantity of paper, Which we
carefully removed and unfolded, 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
valuables. They consisted of small
hand-chisel, coil of stout rope, sew
eral skeleton keys and box of silent
matches.
{ will not attempt to describe my
feelings. 1t was quite unnecessary to
tell me that had been nicely robbed,
and that my entertaining fellow-trav-
'eler was beastly fraud. and his ten
thousand pounds worth of jewelry was
a detestable myth. am afraid I
looked as small as felt.
Bubby could not resist smile at my
detected appearance.
:'This is indeed surprise" she said,
trying to put 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. l need no present save
yourself"
l kissed her for her goodness at
heart, but felt that l could never for
give myself for being taken in so
easily. Tit-Bits.