The daily morning Alaskan., 1902-03-04
THE LOST JEWEL

T nAAAU AfNAAs a INNNANA oa1 o workman In gold and silver. It hap pened that one day young country man camc to his house with a stone which he had found In the nelghborlng mountains and had brought to Philip as an honest man and one whom he could trust. The Jeweler took the stone and after examining it atten- lively said with a careless air that II was of small value. but that he would give him 70 thaiers for lt. The coun- tryman. who knew nothing of the val uc of precious stones, instantly agreed. and Philip paid him the money. As soon as he was gone our jeweler took the gem. which was a Jaclnth of great value. and regarded It with a well sat lsfied smile.
 In a short time another visitor came Co Philip. He was a little man of well fed appearance. with enormous green spcctaclcs. a high crowned hat and high heeled shoes. This person de handed a stone proper for ring. such as diamond or an amethyst. Philip took down the case in which he had deposited his precious jaclnth and ex- hlhlted It's contents to the stranger. who selected a fine diamond. for which Philip took care to ask double what it was worth. but the stranger paid him his demand without grudging and went away. saving that he would soon see him again.
 Soon after Philip took down the case to feast his eyes upon his jewel. when, on opening it. to his consternation, no jaclnth was to be found. In vain he searched every corner. The gem was flown.
 In great distress of mind Philip went out and was pondering an apology for the morrow when. on turning a corner, he felt some one tap him on the shoul- der and. turning round. saw the gen tleman In the green spectacles. who, with knowing wink. asked him what had become of his Jaclnth. The jew clcr was rather surprised. as he did not remember having seen the stranger examine it. SO he very naturally asked hlm lf he knew anything about it. That do. Herr Philip"
 The stranger informed Philip that he could not tell him at present. but that if he came that evening to the forest ut the foot of the Schneeberg noun tain he would see and perhaps regain hlS jaclnth. Philip promised to be punctual. on which the gentleman said udicu. telling him that he had gone business to transact. but would be back In time.
 He waited with the utmost impa- tlence for the appointed time, and when at length it began to grow dark he sst out with a beating heart for the rendezvous Soon he approached the forest and saw the clouds eddylng around the summit of the Schneeberg. He went on hls way rejoicing, and. al- though at the first step In the wood he plunged up to the neck ln a morass, SO immersed was he in his delight at the prospect Of rcgalnlng his jaclnth that he scarcely noticed his immersion In the water. On he passed through bush. through brake. frequently coming In contact with the trunks of trees, to the utter discontinue of his sedate and sober wig. The bushes seemed to get thicker and the pools deeper the farther he proceeded. and at length he was fairly brought to stand by a broad sheet Of water. the leaping of which was out of the question even tc a much better leaper than our friend Philip.
 While he was standing considering what was to be done he heard voice crying: Here comes my worthy friend. Philip Dorm, Prepare ye the way for him." And shouts of laughter rang through the forest. At this Philip was amazed: but. seeing the pool dis appear. he stepped boldly forward and found himself at the rock appointed as the place of meeting.
 The gentleman In the green Spccta- cles made his appearance on the top of t and greeted Philip with great p)- likeness. and. although the rock was very preclpitous. he walked down lt with the greatest ease and stood at Philips side. Now" said he. Herr Doru. you will be good enough to fol- low me a little farther" to which Phil. lp bowed assent. though he would rath- CT have been excused. On they went for a considerable time through a part of the forest that Philip had never seen before till at length they reached a wilderness of rocks which appeared broken from the mountain. They still proceeded between two high walls of rock till they came to a wide cavern. brilliantly lighted. in which Philip saw his jacinth suspended by a gold chain. which seemed to ascend to an immense height. as It's other end was lost in the darkness. Now" said his compan- lon. there Is your jaclnth. You have but to stretch out youH>hand. and lt Is yours" Philip stepped forward and laid hold tt the jewel and attempted Co takc it from the chain, when sudden ly he felt the ,G=th sink beneath his feet and. attempting to pull the jewel awcy. found 1t firmly bound to the wall. He turned round in agony to his com pauiop and saw him standing. laugh ing lmmoderately. with his spectacles in one hand and his eyes flaming like burning coalS. Hold fast. friend Phll. lp." he cried. Hold fast" and ln- stantly vanished in the darkness. The cavern closed with n fearful crash. and