Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-20
THEKING'SRUBIES
A STORY FOR BOYS AND GIRLS.
By Adelaide Fuller Bell
Copyright by Henry T. Coates & Coz
CHAPTER VIII.
Bernard Charles Dupre.

We must go back a little IN our story.
The day on which Cover was given his
freedom. and with Phil planned the ghost
with which they. some little time after
ward, attempted to brighten the tutor,
Nose made a trip to Easton.
He had reached the outskirts of the town
when he met DR.. Blackhart.
why, my old friend, 1 was Just on my
way out to see you,'' said Blackhart, and
so far he spoke the truth. I've been
thinking about you. and even a-dreamin'
about you; and 1 says to myself, there's
somethn' the matter with Nose an he's
no one to look after him. Blackhart it's
your duty to see to this old friend; and here
l was on my way to tend you. What is
itf What's the matter? l can see there's
something"
Use in trouble sho' 'nough doctah, but
I can't 'splaln 1t heah in de road. Let's git
1ntah yo office, whah no one kin heah u.s."
That's just what we'll do" agreed the
other, and he turned toward the town Nose
limping slowly by his side.
Il see your rheumatic gets worse every
day Poor old man! L fear it will carry
you Off soon II We can't cure it." and the
doctor shook his head mournfully as they
reached the office and went in.
'Oh, for de Ian sakes dom say dat! It
am jest what's de mattah wild me, an 'tant
no use maxim me wose talkin' dat-a-way.
You pretended to be a fren' o. mine an den
go on talkin cold as Ice bout me bein'
kerried off, and the old man sobbed from
self-pity, and the prospect of an early de-
mise.
He was a very miserable man. in mind and
body. He suffered greatly from disease but
less from that than from the fear tina it would
soon end his life. This fear was always
strongest after seeing DR.. Blackhart, as the
latter took care that 1t should be-
When the man was left alone in his office,
after urging Nose to try again for the ruby,
ne teil into his favorite attitude when
thinking. He sat there for an hour, but
when he raised his head no triumph could
be discovered in his face; he had reached
no solution of the difficult question-how to
secure the Montjoy ruby. mo more work,
N no more peddlin pills, an no more starva-
ton If could get hold Of that" he thought
This one idea had complete possession of
him. He had scarcely eaten or slept since
1t entered his mind.
He rose early the next morning, tired of
tossing sleeplessly on his narrow cot, and
stood gazing modify out of the office win
dow. The rain was falling steadily, and
that, and the eaEliness of the hour, &C
counted for the deserted streets.
There was one pedestrian, however walk
Ing down the silent thoroughfare with care
less lfghtness, although to a close observer
his alertness was evident. He was about
beauty was wonderful. He had almost
reached the office window before he dis
covered the sign, John Blackhart, NJ. D."
swinging above the door. He started in
SlduliS " CTOSS lUS street. II Inere was
one man in the world whom he did not wish
to see 1t was he whose name was on that
sign. He was not quick enough to escape
the eyes Of the watcher. The doctor had
caught a glimpse Of him and darted out of
the Office. He laid a OBTAINING hand on
Bernard Leman'S shoulder.
"Ah, my boy, you've come back at last
but not to see me, 1t seems! Well, the best
laid plans, you know. Come in, come in"
THAT you, Blackhart? I suppose might
as well talk to you know. 1 intended COM
ing to see you later. Didn't suppose you
were up yet"
your talk. After my experience with you,
I prefer to talk with you when I can hold
you. Now, what have you to say for your
self. why 1 shouldn't send for the officers
and deliver you over to them and to your
just deserts, eh?'
well, good deal, doctor. When you
come to think of 1t there are several rea-
sons," Bernard answered, carelessly, cross
ing his hands behind his head. Think of
1t. now. When 1 jumped that bail you had
put up for me, even you must admit that
there were extenuating circumstances" He
stopped and laughed. merrily. after all,
the money you lost was no more than you
owed me. although, perhaps. you did not
want to pay me in that way. sometimes
think you didn't want to pay me at all,
ha! ha! How did you come out In that lit
tie scheme helped you to work--and got
nabbed for?'
flush, hush! Bernard. The walls have
ears. You cheated me, cruelty, and must
have that money back. or to Jail you go.
And you know what else that means for
you. If ever I go bail for any young
scamp again.
you certainly have me there. BIackhart.
Is there no other way can repay you, ex-
cept in hard CASH."
what brought you here? How dared
you Gomez" the other asked suddenly.
mo difference about that. All that can
be said is, that l did not intend to be seen
much less caught. But since l am here and
can be of service to you, let me hear in
what way"
"The truth Is Bernard"
1.-THE truth This grows interesting!"
DIR. Blackhart glared at the speaker
1.-The truth is" he repeated, Il am in a
quanGary, and need some little assistance.
If you will agree to help me. 1 will forgive