Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-07-25
wit when he said:
III AL LIZ o.,

wit when he said:
as this a joker
All the clerks grffawed in chorus.
Fortunately Isaacstein was in good
humor. He had just purchased pearl
for 1850 which he would sell to Lady
Somebody for $500 to match another in
an earring.
at appears to be-" said Philip when
the merriment had subsidized.
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.
81 have told you, sir. 7 wish to have
q few minutes conversation with you
with regard to business of an impor-
tant nature"
lyon say Mr.. Wilson sent you-Mr.
Wilson Of Grant & Sons?'
eyes. sir"
Isaacsteln yielded to amazed curt
osity
"Step in here" he said ana led the
way to his private Office, surprising
himself as well as HIS dSSlStdItS ny
this concession.
Philip closed the door, and Isaacstein
turned sharply at the sound, but the
boy gave him no time to frame ques-
ton.
II want YOU to buy this" he said,
handing over the diamond.
Isaacstein took II and gave it one
AZ. IL TT ~ IL.
again.
"Do you mean to say Mr. Wilson
sent you to dispose of this stone to
me-" he demanded.
"Not exactly. sir. | showed 1t to
him. and he recommended me to come
TO YOU"
"Ah. see. Sit down there" indi-
mond merchant himself sat at his
desk. hut they were both In full view
OF each other.
"Whcre did you get III" he asked
az found It,"
"Qutc so. Put where?"
AT this moment do not wish TO 60
into details but it Is mine. mine only
make every inquiry to satisfy yourself
that ii was not stolen. l suppose that
Is what YOU fear"
Sheer wonder kept the man silent
for n space
"Do you know its valuc?" he said,
with sudden snap.
"Mr. Wilson told me it was worth
several hundreds of pounds"
Did he really?"
Eyes. He said you would treat me
| quite fairly. so | 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-
pearance creates an unfavorable i'm
| preston. Still, I 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 we'll. Isaacsteins large eyes
bulgcd at him, and speech came but
slowly. He leaned forward and rum
mayed among some papers Then he
opened n drawer and produced n mag
nifying glass, with which he focused
the diamond.
Eyes 1t is worth 1900 or fT0O." he
announced, "but 1t will be some time
before I can speak accurately "a to its
value think it may be nawlcss. but
that can only be determined when it is
cut"
Philips heart throbbed when lie
heard tho estimate.
Then I can have a few pounds
he commenced
STEADY. You are not in such 8
hurry Ell? You won't tell me where
you got IT,
Al may later If you continue to dea
with me as honestly as you have don,
already"
Isaacstcln moved on his scat. Ever
in chair he wanted to wabble. There
was a slight pause.
"Havc you any more like this stone
I suppose not eh?'
eyes; have many more"
"Eh? What? Boy, do you know
what you are sayingT
"No doubt you are surprised, sir, bu
not more than l am myself Yet, it Il
true. have some--as big again"
Philip, in his eagerness, nearly for
got his resolution to advance slowly