Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1907-01-12

lily and began turning the leaves fever
ishiy. The fifteenth of June was
| reached at last. He turned to the
| fourth column OF tho fourth page and
| compared 1t line by line with the
| clipped copy in his possession. His
search was rewarded. This Is what he
| read:
! Personal-Money advanced and high
| est prices paid for silver and gold and
| for diamonds, set or unset; transact
lions conducted in the strictest conf
dence. Apply to w. Wicker, 1887 Hi.
| bert St. city.
| Copy it, he shouted to Clancy In OK
ultant tones. hurried word of thanks
TO the astonished clerk, and they were
IN the cab, scurrying post haste toward
| 1887 Hilbert street.
The driver dashed his horses, but even
that did not satisfy the two men. burn.
! ing with impatiencd. Not word passed
between them until they came In sight
OF their goal, and then Barnes said sim
ply:
Il hope we're not too late"
hllDert street was u curious little
thoroughfare, where great deal of
unique business was transacted with
very little ostentation. jewelers.. op-
tiolans, money lenders and lapidarics
We're most conspicuous. Many OF them
occupied but one apartment; indeed
some were content with desk room No
1897 was store and dwelling combin-
ed, and 1t was evident that the entire
building was occupied by wv. Wicker''
Tor business and domestic purposes.
Beyond the name the only thing TO dis
tinguish II from its neighbors was a
small rusty tin sign. which notified tho
passerby that We buy, sell and ex-
ehange Jewelry OF all descriptions"
The windows were dirty and the in
lerio i, quite dim A dull gas jet threw
yenoWIsh lBht over showcase con-
tanning watches and diamonds. A tall =
thin man, with parched skin and a fad,
ed brown wig, stood behind the coun
ter AZ Barnes and Clancy entered the
shop they heard the scuffllng of feet.
ana some on" disappeared In the little
nving room behind the showcase. THE
lall man leaned over the showcase, and
blandly:
What can I do for you, gentlemen?r
w. Wicker II | mistake not?" in
terrogated Barnes.
AT your service was the smiling re-
ply s 10
What are you paying for diamonds
That depends entirely upon the size
and quality OF the stones" was the
professional reply.
But You buy emp"
"Oh, yes"
your tfanaactions are perfectly con-
hdentlal?' quoting the advertisement.
"Oh, perfectly"
Have you bought any this morn
ing2"
NO" with a curious stare.
Have any been offered TO you?"
The man drew himself UP TO his fun
height and frowned- did not add
to his style OF beauty.
Sir he said. angrily, 81 have no
time To trine with YOU"
He was walking away when moves
ment on the part " the chief caused
MN 10 halt. Barnes opened his ulster
ana nnbuttoning his inside coat threw
back the lapels and disclosed 10 the
antonished dealer glistenlng badge.
The man peered AT Il closely, noted the
gold eagle ana the monogram OF the
government.
From the customs?' he whispered In
a husky voice.
Barnes nodded.
beg your pardon" said the other.
ab1ectly and his lips trembled as he
spoke, I'm give You any Information
AS he spoke the scared. white face
OF q woman peered from between the
dark curtains behind the counter. The