Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-06-12
S 1he KING Qf <
 DIAMONDS.
By Louis Tracy,
COPYRIGHT. 1904. By EDWARD J. cLoDB.
Author of ''Wings of the Morning." 1.-The Pillar O < Light" Etc.


 You are right, sir. am only boy, and the thing is beyond my powers. l ran see quite clearly that while ought to be at college obtaining proper edu- cation I will be worrying about the care of great sums of money. I do not know anything about investments. How should I? Isaacstein will proba- bly, endeavor very soon to get the bet ter of me in the necessary business transactions. How can I stop him? I have no older relatives, no friends whom can trust. For some reason I do feel that I can have faith in you. Will you take charge of my affairs, ad- wise me during the next few years, tell me how to act as my mother would have told me-in word, become my guardian?''
 For little while Mir. Abingdon was silent. When words came he could only gasp:
 You certainly are the most extraor- dinary boy I have ever encountered"
 Then Philip laughed merrily.
 T don't think, sir, that I am SO much an extraordinary boy as boy who has been pitchforked into an extraordinary position. I hope most sincerely that you will do what ask. If I may say so without presumption, it will be a good thing for you. suppose a man who looks after millions of money is entitled to vastly bigger income than one who sits hours in police court dealing with offenses against the law"
 Such has certainly been my experl- ence," said the magistrate, who appre- ciated the nice manner in which Philip hinted at good fat salary for con trolling the estate of the King of Dia- monds.
 '"Then you agreew cried Philip joy pusly.
 Not so fast, my youthful friend. Even police magistrate must bow to his wife. Mrs. Abingdon would never forgive me if took such an important step without consulting her. Will you remain to dinner?' ] Then Philip knew that he had gained his point. Nothing was said before the servants, but when they were cozily ensconced in the library before a pleas ant fire he was asked to relate again his entrancing history for Mrs. Abing- don's benefit.
 That good lady was overwhelmed. She, like everybody else, had read the newspapers and, of course, had the ad- ditional benefit of her husbands views on the subject of the unkempt boy with his small parcel of valuable gems.
 But the presence of Philip under their roof, the glamour of the tale as 1t fell from his lips, cast a spell over herr She was kindly soul, too, and tears gathered in her eyes at some DOT tions of the recital.
 ''What a pity it is that your mother died" she murmured when he had ended.
 The words endeared her to Philip in stantly. A worldly. grasping woman would have thought of nothing save the vista of wealth opened up for her husband and herself. Not so Mrs. Abingdon. If anything, she was some what afraid of the responsibilities pro- posed to be undertaken by her spouse. to whom she was devoted.
 The magistrate did not promise definitely that night to accept the posi- tion offered to him. He would think over the matter. He could retire on a pension at any time. This he would now do without delay, and Philip could certainly count on his friendship and advice, while his house would always be open to him.
 Meanwhile he would give one word of advice-intrust no human being with the power to sign any binding document without his (Philip's) con sent. Then it would be difficult for any one to deal unscrupulously with him.
 The boy went away at late hour. He left behind him an exceedingly per plexed couple, but he felt that when MT. Abingdon had time to assimilate the facts and realize the great scope of the work before him there was little doubt he would gladly associate him. self with 1t.
 At the hotel telegram awaited him: Have realized for nfty-two thousand. Monday. IsAAcSTEIN.
 Here was the final proof. if proof were wanting. Philip was millionaire many times over.