Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1903-04-10

~ Looking up, he beheld a man, still
I young, ofgan urbane and tranquil pres
ence and dressed with: rich simplicity.
This parsonage had risen from a neigh
boring able and, bringing his glass with
him. had taken a seat beside; Francis,
"Close the casket,' repeated the stran-s
ger, ''and put it quietly back, into your
pocket where feel persuaded it should
never have been. Try, 1T you please, to
throw off your l~wildered air and act
as though l were one of your acquaint-
.ances whom you had met by chance,
Sol, Touch glasses with me. That is
better. fear, sir, you must be an am
ateur." = " ~.
And the stranger pronounced these
last words with a smile Of peculiar
meaning. leaned back in his seat and
enjoyed, a deep Inhalation of tobacco.
'For Gods sake said Francis, 'teil
me. who you are and what this means?
Why l should obey your most unusual
suggestions am sure know not, but
the truth is have fallen this evening
into so many perplexing adventures,
anu GA ACCl NOA1OONI lACAASNAN CO az
strangely, that think l must either
have gone mad OF wandered into anoth-
er planet. Your face inspires me with
confidence. You seem wise, good and
experienced Tell me, for heavens
sake, why you accost me in so odd
fashion,"
| "All in due time replied the stran-
P111 1,ox f1,a frc.f 11or md
you must begin by telling me how the
rajah's diamond is in your possession"
THE rajah's diamond" echoed Fran
els.
II would not speak SO loud if were
you," returned the other. 'sBut most
certainly you have the rajah's diamond
in your pocket. l have seen and han
died it score of times in Sir Thomas
Vandeleur's collection"
"Sir Thomas Vandeleur! The gen.
eral! My father!' cried Francis.
"Your father?" repeated the stranger.
II was not aware the general had any
family
II am illegitimate, SIR replied Fran.
els, with flush.
The other bowed with gravity. 1t
was a respectful bow, as Of a man
silently apologizing to his equal. and
Francis felt relieved and comforted,
he scarce knew why. The society of
this person did him good. He seemed to
touch fun ground A strong feeling
Of respect grew up in his bosom and
mechanically he removed his wide
awake as though in the presence of a
superior.
II perceive" said the stranger, that
your adventures have not all been
peaceful. Your collar is torn. your face
is scratched and you have a cut upon
your temple. You will perhaps pardon
my curiosity when l ask you to explain
bow you came by these injuries and
how you happen to have stolen proper.
ty to an enormous value in your pock-
et.''
Il must differ from you," returned
Francis hotly. II possess no stolen
property, and if you refer to the dia.
mond it was given to me not an hour
ago by Miss Vandeleur in the Rue
,Lepic'
by Miss Vandeleur of the Rue Le-
pier repeated the>other. "You interest
me more than you suppose. Pray con.
tinue.'
"Heavens!"' cried Francis.
His memory had made sudden
bound. He had seen Mr.. Vandeleu7
take an article from the breast of his
drugged visitor, and that article, he
was now persuaded, was a morocco
case.
"You have a light?' inquired the
stranger.
LISTEN" replied Francis. II know
not what you are, but believe you to
!be worthy Of confidence and helpful.
i find myself in strange waters. l
must have counsel and support, and
since you invite me shall tell you all. y
And he briefly recounted his expert
!ences since the day when he was sum-
| moned from the bank by his lawyer.
yours is indeed remarkable his.
tory" said the stranger after the young
man had made an end Of his narrative,
land your position is full Of difficulty
and peril. Many would counsel you ia
seek out your father and give the dia.
,mond- to- him, but I, have other vtews
/ Waiter" he cried. ~ f3<,ss9,s,.3,
/ The waiter drew near, ,Iiirt, es: SiIy
.....Will you ask the manager, TO speak
with me a moment?'' said be. And
Francis observed once more, both Il
| his tone and manner, the evidence Of .
habit of command. i2-l3''| .~&&1i
Il The waiter withdrew and returned II
, pa . moment. with, the manager, VIII
4 bowed with tobsequioqs respect a7545.
Ht;tWhat," said he, "ean 10 [@1l' to ser7'
\ your. ..,,. y,s.,,,.,-. ' 49,.
stranger, indicating Francis, ITO tel
, this gentleman my name.'',y 5tns|aa
, GU have the honor, sir,'' said; tn
functionary. addressing young Scrym
geour,; $40 occupy the same table wit
his highness Prince Floriz|el, Of Bo u /.
m1a.,,1 44q .+I@1t ~ *: : s,.$,r<,.s., ,.,.
Francis arose with precipitation an