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

6beNese,! q
:. T. Arabian y:
Nights
II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II

Looking up he beheld man, still
young, Of an urbane and tranquil pres.
ence and dressed with rich simplicity.
This parsonage had risen from a neigh
boring table and, bringing his glass with
him.. had taken seat beside Francis.
"Close the casket," repeated the stran-
ger, land put it quietly back into your
pocket. where feel persuaded it should
never have been. Try, it you please, to
throw off your l~swildered air and act
as though were one of your acquaint-
ances whom you had met by chance.
So! Touch glasses with me. That is
better. fear, sir, you must be an am
ateur."
And the stranger pronounced these
last words with smile of peculiar
meaning, leaned back in his seat and
enjoyed deep inhalation Of tobacco.
For Gods sake" said Francis, tell
me who you are and what this means?
Why l should obey your most unusual
suggestions l am sure know not, but
the truth is have fallen this evening
into SO many perplexing adventures,
and all I meet conduct themselves SO
strangely, that I 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 a
fashion,"
"All in due time,'' replied the stran-
ger. But have the first hand, and
you must begin by telling me how the
rajah's diamond is in your possession
The rajah's diamond'' echoed Fran
cis
Il would not speak SO loud if were
you," returned the other. But most
certainly you have the rajah's diamond
in your pocket. l have seen and han
died it a score of times in Sir Thomas
Vandeleur's collection"
"Sir Thomas Vandeleur! The gen.
eral. My fatherr' 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. It
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 cut upon
your temple. You will perhaps pardon
my curiosity when ask you to explain
how you came by these injuries and
how you happen to have stolen proper
ty to an enormous value in your peck.
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'
picv' 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.. VandeleuT
! take an article from the breast Of his
drugged visitor, and that article, he
was now persuaded. was morocco
case.
"You have a light?' inquired the
stranger.
"Listen," replied Francis. II know
not what you are, but believe you to
he worthy Of confidence and helpful.
/ find myself in strange waters. l
must have counsel and support, and
since you invite me shall tell you all. -
And he briefly recounted his expert
| Iences 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 to
seek out your father and give the dia-
mond, to him, but l have other views.
Waiter" he cried. - 81, ...
The waiter drew near, II .>:..,,: ~,
.'Win you ask the manager to speak
with me moment?' said he. And
Francis observed once more, both In
his tone and manner, the evidence Of q
habit of command. 49,. i .<sa'.i
The waiter withdrew and returned II
"a moment with the manager, who
bowed with obseQuious respect:
, What" said he, ''can lido to serve
+ your" f., ...,.... ..-..,.. 49,,
Il '"Have the goodness. replied th'
stranger, indicating Francis, 10: tel
this gentleman my name."> ,..,:..",.
"You have the honor, SIR" said tn
functionary. addressing young Scrym
occur, ::to occupy the same table witt
his highness Prince Florizel Of Bohe
mia" . .s:.,., -, g.,
. Francis arose with precipitation an