Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1902-09-18

sullcn lnurmur. Here the lieutenant Of
the Tower stood ready to conduct them
to the separate apartments which had
been prepared for them.
This Is the chamber assigned to you"
said he, addressing Falkland, his voice
half lost in the harsh grating Of the bolt
as 1t showed back
81 should like to have Redding, my
valet, sent me early in the morning."
said Falkland as he entered the apart
ment.
"He shall be sent you" was the an.
swer.
The room to which Harlcigh was con.
Quoted differed little from Falkland's. 1t
was, perhaps a little larger and little
gloomier. while the walls were inscribed
with the names Of many an unhappy
prisoner whose last and only egress from
the dark prison-house was to the scat
fold.
Falkland had just risen the next morn
fng when the warden admitted his valet.
"Ned Redding," said he. step this
way"
The valet obeyed, though without mani
Testing any great alacrity.
"YOu are surprised to see me here,
suppose"
Judging by Readings looks, he was not
in the least surprised. His answer, how
ever, was sufficiently courteous.
ut u.s." said he, "where many of the
first gentlemen in the land have been be-
fore you"
''True, and with little or no expectation
of ever reganing their liberty, while l
shall be free again in n few days. Did
you ever notice the little shop kept by
Jeduthun, the JewW
II have l remember of going there
for you once, before you went to Amer
lea"
Yes; you went to hire me a masque'
rade dress. Look ut this"
1T appears to me to be piece Of green
glass. Can it be worth anythingW
Yes, more than thousand times it's
weight in gold" and he held it in the
sunshine that came into one Of the win
dows, to bring into play it's rich and vivid
colors.
at must be as you say never saw
so magnificent a jewel"
you must take it to the Jew, and with
it, hand him this piece of paper, on which
I have written the sum L expect him to
give me for it,"
What if he should refuseW
'"rtere will be little danger Of that. A
| single glance at the gem will show him
that what | demand is only two-thirds its
real value
In a few minutes, the warden entered
with the prisoners morning meal, and the
| valet, having been instructed by Falkland
| to make what haste he could, withdrew,
and bent his steps towards the shop of
Jeduthun, the Jew. 1t was in narrow,
dirty street, occupying the front portion
OF mean-looking building.
AS Redding entered the shop, he caught
glimpse of young and beautiful WON
an, as she disappeared through an oppo-
| site door He handed the Jew the opal
who started little at sight of it, and
eyed him rather keenly.
| "Who sent this?" he asked.
"That will tell YOU" replied Redding
and he put the piece Of paper into Jedu
thun's hand, given him by Falkland.
1T is WE'LL" said he, when he had read
it. 'The gentleman spoke to me about
gem he wished to dispose Of, but gave
no description Of it."
my master told me he had writer
the price he demanded on the piece Of
paper | gave you"
ale has, and | will give it,"
/ Without saying more, the Jew counted
the money and handed 1t to Redding
Having secured it about his person. h'
fingered minute as if he wished to sa!
something more, but finally turning alb
ruptly away, left the shop. He had M
sooner gone than the jew took the opa
from the drawer where he had deposited
1t and carefully examined it once more
at is the same | gave to Abb, as
birthday gift, three years ago, whicl
soon afterward she lost" said he. speak
ing to himself.
He then carefully enclosed it in cas-
ket, which he put in his pocket.
ITO be continued.J