Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1907-08-13

make every inquiry to satisfy yourself
that 1t was not stolen. | suppose that
Is what you fear"
Sheer wonder kept the man silent
Tor space.
"Do you know liz value:" he said
with a sudden snap.
"Mr. Wilson told me it was worth
several hundreds Of pounds"
did he really?"
"Yes. He said you would treat me
quite fairly, SO l wish you to advance
me a few pounds until you have de-
cided upon its real price. You see, sir
am very poor, and my present ap'
pearance creates an unfavorable i'm
preston. Still, am telling you the
absolute truth, and l show my conf
dence in you and In my own case by
Offering to leave the diamond with you
on your receipt, together with small
sum of money"
Philip thought he was getting on
very well. Isaacstein's large eyes
bulged at him, and speech came but
slowly. He leaned forward and rum
mayed among some papers. Then he
opened drawer and produced mag
nifying glass, with which he focused
the diamond.
"Yes; 1t is worth 1900 or f700" he
announced, "but 1t will be some time
before | can speak accurately as to Its
value. think 1t may be tlawess. but
that can only be determined when 1t Is
cut"
Philips heart throbBed when he
heard the estimate.
"Then / can have a few pounds
he commenced.
STEADY! You are not In such
hurry, eh? You won't tell me where
you got itT'
81 may later If you continue to dea
with me as honestly as you have done
already"
Isaacstein moved on his seat. Even
in chair he wanted to wabble. There
was slight pause.
"Have you any more like this stonei
I suppose not, eh?'
"Yes; have many more"
"Eh? What? Boy, do you know
what you are saying"
"No doubt you are surprised. sir, bu'
not more than am myself. Yet, 1t Is
true. have some-as big again"
Philip, in his eagerness, nearly for
got his resolution to advance slowly
How the diamond merchant would
shake II only he could see some OF tho
white pebbles in the meteor.
"As big again! Where are they"
The chair was creaking now witt
the rhythmic swaying Of its occupant.
"Where this one came from. Mr.
Isaacstein."
Philip smiled. He could not tell how
It happened. but he felt that he wa
the intellectual superior Of the maj
who sat there glowerlng at him SO IN
tently. Already the boy began to grasl
dimly the reality Of the power whicl
enormous wealth would give him., Sucl
people as this man and his satellites
would be mere automata In the Affairs
of his life, important enough In sense
with the Importance Of u stamp for
letter or a railway ticket for a jour
ney, but governed and controlled utter
" by the greater parsonage who coul'
unlock the door of the treasure house
For the first time Philip wished HI
was older, bigger, more experienced
He e-en found himself beginning +
wonder what he should do until h
reached mans estate. He sighed.
Isaacstein was watching him closely
trying to solve the puzzle by the aid o
each trick and dodge known in trad
which lends itself to acute roguery o
every description. The look Of uncon
scIous anxiety, Of mental WEAKNESS OF
Philips face seemed to clear away hi
doubts. He chuckled thickly. =
"How many, now" he murmured
"Ten, twenty-of assorted sizes. eh!"
"Far more! Far more. Be cOntcn
with what tell you today. Mr.. Isaac
stein. said my business was impor
tant. When you are better acquainted
with me think you will find 1t suit
ciently valuable to occupy the whole o
your time"
Philip was ever on the verge o
bursting out into condolences. His sc
cret was too vast. too Oyerpowerin:'
for boy Of fifteen. He wanted tn
knowledge and the trust Of III olde
man. He did not realize that the mer
chant, beginning by regarding him u
ia thief, was now veering round to tn