Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1905-10-28

ponderous, what would be the weight OF
the meteor itself? How could lie hope 10
hit 1t from the hole in which it lay
how convey it from Johnson's News to
a new and safer habitation? He might
as well endeavor to move an unwilling
elephant.
The thought chilled him. For the first
time since his parting interview with Mr..
Abingdon. Philip experienced dread of
failure. With something of panic in his
blood he snatched the candle and ran
hastily into the yard. He knelt and held
the light low in the excavation. Then he
cried aloud:
What! Am l SO ready to lose faith
in MOTHER"
For the huge metallic mass-so big
that it would not enter the bore of the
largest cannon known to modern gun
nery-was split asunder in all directions
Its assures gaped widely as if to mock
at him. The rain and steam had done
their work we'll. 1t was even possible
that he would not need the spade, but
would be able to pick out each separate
chunk with his hand.
Instantly he put the thought into exc
cution, and succeeded in lifting several
pieces to the yard level He noted that
they were gorged with the dull white
pebbles. some being the size of pigeons
eggs. He could not help comparing them
in his minds eye with the collection now
lodged in lsaacstein's safe. If those were
worth 100000 these must be of fabulous
value.
Any other person in the wide world
MIGHT haH~a bant, N~rtNSNl - L., Ill
himself. or winked fnriouslv, or took out
the gold filled tobacco pouch for careful
inspection, to assure himself that he was
not dreaming, Not so, Philip. The only
dominant feeling in his brain was one of
annoyance that he should have doubted.
for one single instant that means would
be given him to secure absolute and I'M
disputed control of his treasure.
But there remained the problem of
weight His original idea was to wrap
the actual body of the meteor in the
stout sack he obtained from O'Brien. and
then inclose all his valuables in a tin
trunk which he would purchase next
morning Any ordinary trunk would
certainly be spacious enough. but its
phenomenal weight would unquestionably
evoke more comment than he desired and
1t would need two strong men to lift it.
This portion of his plan needed to be
entirely remodeled, and he was now more
than ever thankful that the Jews $50.
save one expended, reposed in his pocket
With money, all things, or nearly all
things, were possible
Owing to the crampcd space in which
tue meteor lay it was no small task to
bring it TO the surface in sections. But
he persevered. BY strenuous endeavor
he accumulated an astonishing pile of
iron ore studded with diamonds. looking
not unlike almonds in a brown cake. and
the guttering candle held low down failed
to reveal anything else in the hole There
was a good deal of debris at the bottom,
and the depth was now over four feet.
TO reach to its full extent he was com
PEELED to jam his head and shoulders into
the excavation and feel bindv with one
band. so he rightly concluded that final
examination might be left until daylight.
BY this time he was hot and covered
with dirt. He stripped, washed himself
in front of the fire. and changed into his
new clothes
He did not possess a looking glass, but
he felt sure that he presented a remark
ably different appearance when attired in
a neat serge suit. a clean shirt and
reputable boots. His first impulse was
to thrust his discarded garments into
the fire, but sentiment prevailed, and he
folded them into IA parcel.
Then he extinguished his candle and
went out. TO his exceeding surprise he
discovered that it was nearly 9 o'clock
time had indeed flown.
The shops in the Mile End road open
early and close late He entered res
taurant where he was unknown, passing
as matter of policy. the coffee stall
of his kindly helper of thocs former DAYS
now so remote in his crowded memories
After eating a hearty meal, for which he
was thoroughly prepared, he rendered
sovereign in payment.
The proprietor barely glanced at him.
Philip was now well dressed. according
to local ideas, and his strong. erect figure,
his resolute face, added two or three
years to his age when contracted with
the puny standard of Is as set by the
poverty stricken East End
He had forgotten to buy a necktie and
a new pair of stockings These omissions
he now rectified, and he also purchased
a warm. dark gray travelling rug, several
yards OF drugget, ball of Irvine and
pair of scissors. 4 couple of stout but
worn leather portmanteaux caught his
eye.
Those are cheap" said the salesman.
quickly. only fifteen shillings each
I'm not sure | can afford so much"
said Philip. hesitatingly. for the rug alone
cost one pound six shillings.
They're rare bargain-real leather
they were never made under e3 each"
"Oh. very we'll | will take them"
He produced G3. got his change, and
walked away with his goods without
causing any wonderment. The shopman
was only too glad to have such a Gus
toner at that late hour.
Philip now knew that he was fairly
safe. but he decided that billy cock hat
gave him more mature appearance than
cap. This alteration being effected, he
hurried off to Johnson's News and re-