The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1904-10-14

6be Nede, 81
Arabian x
: : ~: ss;;.. Nights


young, OF III ufDaIlc anu Tranquil pres
encc 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, and put 1t quietly back into your
pocket. where feel persuaded it should
never have been. Try, Ii you please, 10
throw Off your l~wildered air and act
as thought were one Of your acquaint-
ances whom you had met by chance.
So. Touch glasses with me. That Is
better. l 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 iphalation of tobacco.
For Gods sake" said Francis. tell
me who you are and what this means?
Why should obey your most unusual
suggestions am sure know not. but
the truth is have fallen this evening
into so many perplexing adventures
and all meet conduct themselves SO
strangely, that think must either
have gone mad or wandered into anoth-
or 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 IL in your possession"
The rajahs diamond" echoed Fran
els.
II would not speak SO loud If were
you" returned the other. But most
certainly you have the rajah's diamond
In your pocket. | have seen and han
died 1t score of times In Sir Thomas
Vandeleur's collection"
"Sir Thomas Vandeeur, The gen.
eral. My fatherl" cried Francis.
"Your father" repeated the stranger
Il was not aware the general had any
family
Il am illegitimate, sir" replied Fran.
els, with flush.
The other bowed with gravity 1t
was a respectful bow, as of man
silently apologizing to his equal, and
Francis felt relieved and comforted,
lie scarce knew why. The society of
this person did him good. He seemed to
touch Arm ground A strong feeling
of respect grew up In his bosom and
mechanically he removed his wide
awake as though in the presence OF
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
my curiosity when asl: you to explain
how you came by these Injuries and
how you happen TO have stolen proper
~ to an enormous value in your peck
ct"
II must differ from you" returned
Francis holly. Il possess no stolen |
ard II you refer TO the dia
mOnd 1t was given to me not an hour
ago by Miss vandeleur in the Rue
LEIPZIG"
by Miss Yandeleur of the Rue Le-
pic" 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.. yandeleur
take an article from the breast OF his |
drugged visitor, and that article, lac
was now persuaded, was morocco
case
"You have a lighty' inquired the
stranger.
Listen" replied Francis. Il know
not what you are, but | believe you to
be worthy of confidence and helpful.
find myself in strange waters.
must have counsel and support and
since you invite me shall tell you all. I"
And he briefly recounted his expert.
ences since the day when he was sum
moned from the bank by his sawyer.
Yours is indeed remarkable his
tory" said the stranger after the young
man had made an end. of his narrative.
"and your position is full of hiiiicclty
and peril. Many would counsel you TO
seek out your father and give the dia. !
mond TO him. but | have other views.
Waiter he cried.
The waiter drew near.
..Wil you ask the manager TO speak
with me a momentr" said ne. And
Francis observed once more. both In
his tone and manner, the evidence of a
habit of command.
The waiter Withdrew and returned in
a moment with the manager, who
bowed with obsequious respect.
what" said lac. "can do TO serve
your"
Have the goodness" replied the
stranger. indicating Francis. ITO tell
this. gentleman my mime"
You have the honor. sir" said the
addressing young Serym-
occur. TO occupy the same table with
his highness Prince Florizel of Bohc-
mia"
Francis arose with precipitation and
made grateful reverence to the prince,
who babe him resume his seat.
Il thank you." said Florizel. once
more addressing the functionary. Il
AMI sorry to have deranged you for so
small q matter"