Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-06-03

 the potentate's office with such a re- quest.
 Kimberley, Amsterdam and London combined to lend effect to Isaacstein's wit when he said:
 ''Is this joke?"
 All the clerks guffawed in chorus. Fortunately Isaacstein was in good humor. He had just purchased pearl for f250 which he would sell to Lady Somebody for $500 to match another in an earring
 Tt appears to be-" said Philip when the merriment had subsided.
 For some reason the boys grave, earnest eyes conquered the big little mans amused scrutiny.
 "Now, boy, be quick. What is it?" he said testify. And every clerk bent to his task.
 T have told you. sir. I wish to have few minutes conversation with you with regard to business of an impor- tant nature"
 "You say Mir. Wilson sent you-Mr. Wilson of Grant & Sonsg'
 "Yes, sir" Isaacstein yielded to amazed curi- osity.
 "Step in here" he said and led the way to his private office, surprising himself as we'll as his assistants by this concession. Philip closed the door, and Isaacstein turned sharply at the sound, but the boy gave him no time to frame ques- | ton.
 q want you to buy this," he said, handing over the diamond. l Isaacstein took it and gave it one , critical glance. He began to wabble | again.
 Do you mean to say Mir. Wilson sent you to dispose of this stone to me?" he demanded.
 Not exactly, sir. I showed it to him, and he recommended me to come to you"
 "Ah, I see. Sit down there." indi- eating a chair near the door. The dia- mond merchant himself sat at his desk, but they were both in full view | of each other.
 "Where did you get itY' he asked.
 "I found it." | "Quite so. But where"
 At this moment I do not wish to go into details, but it is mine, mine only, and I am quite willing that you should make every inquiry to satisfy yourself that it was not stolen. suppose that is what you fear"
 Sheer wonder kept the man silent for a space. ..,
 Do you know its valueT he said, with sudden snap.
 MT. Wilson told me it was worth several hundreds of pounds"
 Did he really?"
 "Yes. He said you would treat me quite fairly, so I wish you to advance me a few pounds until you have de- cided upon its real price. You see, sir, I am very poor, and my present ap- 1 pearance creates an unfavorable i'm pression. Still, am telling you the absolute truth, and I show my confi- dence in you and in my own case by offering toeeave the diamond with you on your receipt, together with small sum of money" - -
 Philip thought he was getting on very we'll. Isaacstein's large eyes bulged at him, and speech came but slowly. He leaned forward and rum- maged among some papers. Then he opened drawer and produced mag | nifying glass, with which he focused the diamond. *~
 'Yes; it is worth f600 or f700," he lannounced, but 1t will be some time before can speak accurately as to its value. I think 1t may be flawless, but that can only be determined when 1t is cut"
 Philips heart throbbed when he heard the estimate.
 ''Then I can have a few pounds"- he commenced. ,..
 .'Steady, You are not in such a hurry, eh? You won't tell me where you got it?'
 "I may later if you continue to deal with me as honestly as you have done already"
 Isaacstcin moved on his ~aat. Even in chair he wanted to wabble. There was a slight pause.
 Have you any more like this stonef I suppose not, ehT'
 "Yes; I have many more."
 "Ehl What? Boy, do you know what you are saying?'
 "No doubt you are surprised, sir, but not more than I am myself. Yet, 1t is true. I have some-as big again" Philip, in his eagerness, nearly for got his resolution to advance slowly.