Greene County herald. (Leakesville, Miss.) 1898-current, 1907-02-15


found her fingers overloaded with
rings, had removed them, and among
them the famous Sylvester diamond,
that was supposed, at a moderate es-
innate, to represent something over
100000. When she wished to re-
place her rings, this famous gem had
been missing. 1t had happened at
their house party in Scotland, and
had provided an unpleasant excite
ment. Every one lived in terrified
expectation of finding it cleaning
among their tooth powder, as had
happened to the unfortunate count
abroad. The guests who had been
sitting at some distance from the
piano congratulated themselves,
while those who had been sitting
near regretted their unfortunate
choice of locality, and every one
pitied poor Tommy Curtis, who had,
as usual, been as close to lovely Mary
sylvester as he could manage to be-
Hanging over her-hanging over
her-positively touching her, said
one old lady to another. 81 don't
want to insinuate anything, but he
is, every one knows, fearfully in debt,
and temptation is temptation
with this obvious platitude she cast
the first stone at Tommy Curtis.
At first hope was prevalent that
the ring would be found. Although
it was practically impossible that it
should have fallen into the piano, it
was opened, and a thorough search
Instituted. Although people were
positive that she had worn the ring
that evening, her maid was ques-
toned, but she remembered perfectly
that her mistress had put it on when
dressing for dinner. She remem-
bered unlocking her jewel case and
giving it to her. The mystery offered
no solution. Three days elapsed and
then rumor began to circulate
among the guests that private detec-
tives were in the house and that all
were subject to supervision. Old
Mrs. Clancy, the lady who had de-
clared that temptation was tempta-
ton, went straight to her host and
declared that if this was the case, she
would Immediately leave the house,
and that she would take it as a per-
sonal favor, before doing so, if he
would allow her boxes to be searched.
Sylvester demurred He admitted
that detectives were in the house dis
guised as servants, but he explained
that, apart from her character, it
was impossible that she should be
connected with the robbery, as she
had been sitting at the farthest end
or the room at the time it occurred.
Sylvester brought out the word
robbery" with a certain hesitation.
and regretted it when he saw the tide
of angry red that flooded the old
lady's face. 81 must insist on having
my box and my maids searched" she
said, firmly, ''before l leave this
house" Sylvester had no choice but
to acquiesce. Several people, who
had lacked the courage to take the
Initiative. followed her heroic prece-
lent, and the house rapidly emptied.
Sylvester was in despair He was a
Fery rich man, but he worked very
hard, and he was accustomed to re-
gard his annual shooting as the most
delightful time in the year. Now.
everything was marred No one
cared a straw who had made the
biggest bag; even the high stakes
played at bridge failed to awaken
much interest, while before the disap-
pearance of the diamond much ex-
citeMent had centred round Mary
5ylvester's table, who was reported to
play good deal higher than her hus-
band approved, and to be consistently
unlucky.
81 wish you'd lower your points
bit, Molly" he said, one evening.
What a curse this diamond business
ts-but can't let the matter Drop"
Mary Sylvester, who was standing
before her mirror, endeavoring to
make up her mind as to whether en-
eralds or pearls best became her,
sighed YEARLY. II will play lower
when I get my money back" she said,
slowly, 'but I don't want to leave
of so much to the bad" She looked
at him as she spoke, and he was
struck by the haggard misery of her
face. you've aged ten years in the
last fortnight" he said, sharply.
"How much are you to the bad?"
"Oh, don't know without look
Ing" she said, quickly.
But about about ap-
proximately, he insisted, irritably.
"Oh, few hundred or So" she an
swered, lightly.
"a few hundred or So" he repeat
ed, angrily; "well, you'll have to pay
It out of your allowance. I told YOU
last time I'd pay no more of your
gambling debts. You understand
he added, as he flung himself out of
the room. His wife watched him
with fascinated eyes, and drew long
breath of relief when he banged the
door behind him. Men, she re-
fiected, are wonderfully stupid.
Fancy believing that a few hundreds
represented about-about-a approx
mately." She laughed outright.
q
A week had passed since the dia-
mond had been stolen, and the party
had dwinlled down to three people.
Unpleasant things were beginning to
be whispered about Curtis. 1t was
remembered that he was the only per-
son who had been standing over Mrs.
Sylvester while she played, and was
consequently nearest to the rings
when she placed them on the piano.
He was also well known to be in
money difficulties. The other two
who still remained of the party-a
Mr.. AMI Mrs. Archer-had been in
the garden at the time. and were
comfortably aware that no suspicion
could be attached to them. and
showed mo desire to curtaiI their
visit. Tommy Curtis was a young
man who was popularity supposed to
live by his wits, and Mrs. Archer, who
enjoyed a large and assured income.