Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1902-07-11


the lad. Look here!"
He dragged the case from his picket
and tore IL open and. in spite OF he
darkness of the landing. the Jewels
cleaned and flashed.
Jenny drew back with a cry.
John. John, where did you get
them" she cried.
He looked around nervously,
Hush" he said in whisper. BE
quiet about il. They were left in the
cab. and there's a man downstairs VINO
can sell them for me. Only nobody
must know. I'll 20 with him now, and
when | come back"
Jenny caught his arm.
John, John no." she cried vch..
mently. You mustn't do It. Oh. John!
oh, john"
She dropped her head on his shout.
ders, sobbing cOnyulsvely. John stood
motionless. suddenly dazed and struck
with horror and terror. with the case
still open in his outstrctched hand.
Ten thousand pounds. he repeated,
mechanically. They're worth CO.
0OO."
Jenny held him little tighter.
John. you mustn't" she cried. "Oh,
take them back at once. Get I'D Of
them. John. We're not thieves We've
been unfortunate. but we've never done
any wrong and God help us. John. we
won't be thieves
John shut the case with a snap and
thrust II back into his pocket.
We won't. we won't" he cried. "and
God will look after the little lad"
He pushed the half crown into her
hand and turned
I'll see If can give them back" he
said. land I'll come back again as soon
as | can and see what the doctor says,
and perhaps-perhaps by then there
will be change
John turned away and vent down
stairs. He would he all right: Yes: but
If afterwards they couldn't provide
him with necessary nourishment, what
then?
He drove back to the chambers
where he had left his fare and rang
the bell. Before anyone had time ~
answer 1t the door was opened ny the
man himself. with the diamond still
flashing in his shrt-front and his face
still white and set.
John touched his cap. AMI the man
drew back into the hall.
"You-you want to see me-" he ask
ed, hurriedly.
John put his hand in his pocket.
About something you left in my
cab, If you please. sir" he said; ard the
gentleman looked round with a sudden,
sharp movement. as II he was afraid.
"All right" he said quickly. Come
upstairs"
John followed him, and IT. a sitting.
room they faced each other.
Il know what 1t is, the man said. in
a quick, nervous way. II know exact
ly why you've come and what you've
brought. and | want you to help me to
do something. I'm dishonest coward.
You can help me 10 be brave and homes:
tonight. Don't give me the case. Keep
II in your pocket. and drive me TO Lord
Ricas house in Piccadilly. am Lord
Gerald, his eldest son. Go along, and
don't give me time TO alter my mind"
John stared at him for moment.
Then something strange in Lord Ge".
aids face made him obey, and he drove
as sharply as he could to Lord 3icas
house.
When he stopped Lord Gerald got out
and beckoned him down.
You're to come in, toe" he said. BE
quick. If ! go in by myself may"
He broke off and John got down. He
saw that he was trembling as they
stood on the steps together, and when
the butler opened the door he half hest
tated.
Am | to come in, SIR" said John,
and Lord Gerald went forward.
John was told to wait in the hall. and |
ten minutes later he was summoned to
one of the rooms which led away from
IT, II was a long room-evidently u I
library, and an old man. with gray
face stood by the mantelpiece. and seat
ed at the center table, with his face in |
his hands, was Lord Gerald.
He turned as John entered.
"Will you please give Lord Rica the
case you found in your cab?" he said;
and John held 1t out in a shaking hand, /
Lord Rica looked at him keenly and |
opened the case. The jewels flashed |
md cleaned once more-shone far
brighter than they shone in his dismal
'oom-and he breathed sigh of relief.
lie was freed from the temptation now.
You found these in your cab?" Lord
RiCa asked.
John touched his cap.
Il did sir-my lord, mean" he said.
"Left-left by one OF your fares,
uppose?" he added.
John hesitated moment.
Yes, sir" he said.
II suppose you-you would not re-
member the man If you saw him
gain?"
John looked doubtfully at Lord Ger
Id. He did not move, and John grew
ed and hot.
"I-I-don't know, my lord" he
The old mans brows came down
harply upon his gray eyes, and then
Ook step forward.
We'll you look honest, and I'll trust
GU" he said Perhaps you know what
is to face trouble YOURSELF"