Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1904-12-02

| man hunts, drives and drinks and that
my income permitted any extrava-
gance
There was high play at houses I'm
town and country as well as at the
clubs. and took care that | must be
urged before taking hand. At hint
from Charles. | invariably refused my
winnings from women and never left
the table without making n handsome
donation 10 some private charity.
had been pursuing this policy for Il
year or so, and our bank account had
waxed fat when $4,000 worth Of dia-
mondS were stolen from n house In
which ! was guest. Charles was
with me In his proper position. but
had no suspicious OF him until our re
turn home Then IL was certainty In
stead OF suspicious. He had cribbed
the diamonds and disposed OF them for
one-third OF their value, and he divided
fairly with me. | felt II my duty TO
warn him from his evil ways, and
when l had ceased lecturing l hoped |
had made deep impression. | was
disappointed in this, however. 1t
wasn't a fortnight before he plundered
n second house and handed me nearly
fl 900 az my share OF the swag See
ing that he was bent on following his
own way. had no more to say, nor
when he handed me bag OF gold or
roll OF notes did l express curiosity.
must except two or three special
occasions, however. One night after
my return from a club and while / sat
waiting for my valet to put me to bed
he came running upstairs in vulgar
haste, tossed a package under the sofa
with careless hand and was out Of his
street and into his house clothes and
pulling of my CATERS before my sur
prise would permit me TO speak. l had
opened my lips 10 reprove him for what
considered his loss OF dignity when |
there came an imperative knock at the !
door, and Charles promptly opened 1t
to admit a brace OF detectives. They !
glanced from him to me and around the |
Dom and seemed not little astonlshed. !
Gentlemen. | am honored by your
'all. whoever you are" | said as |
pointed TO the decanters and cigars on
he sideboard.
I've were pursuing a thief. and we
we're sure he entered here" one OF
hem explained
"A thief In the rooms OF Sir James
Burden" cried my valet I'm astonish-
nent and Indignation.
"Oh-ah-a thousand pardons. Sir
lanes"
But we must search the rooms" In
listed Charles.
by no means. We must be mis-
aiken. We beg. thousand pardons.
'ir James, and trust you will have no
omplaint 10 make against us"
When Charles had bowed them out
nd returned 10 my undressing look
d at him in all sternness and said
Us II possible that / am mistaken IN
ouY
"Not at all, Sir James," he calmly
eplled. II lifted a box out OF a cab.
ut couple OF detectives saw me and
ave me a close run for it. When you
re in bed we will see what is in the
OK"
The contents consisted OF bonds and
'welry, and | remember my share
as n generous one. warned Charles
lat / coulG not keep n dishonest valet
bout me under any circumstances.
ut as he appeared contrite | did not
-ess the nntter further just then {
gain / gee a delicious little dinner
party OF six friends. Charles was |
cry much 10 the front In that little |
fair. and | must say that his selcc .
ons OF wine and game were most ad- I
irable. | do not think could have 4
'ttercd them myself He also served q
with such care and style that every 4
'-ueman present complimented me a
my possession OF such a jewel No b
Tie dinner ever passed of in better b
yle. but at midday next day no less d
an three OF my guests called to com v
ain OF the loss Of watches and n