Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-04-30
T suppose he didn't say nothing about
 paying up. or even giving us 2 pres.

 ticular to tell you to go down to the Dragon as soon as you'd done your supper, as he'd something to say"
 I'll go." said Bert. pushing his empty plate away. But if he thinks he'll get anything out of me he's mis- took. He's had nine-and-six already, and if he don't offer to return it I'll show him up afore em sll"
 The bar parlor was full when Bert entered it, but he found chair had been kept for him. He had hardly seated himself before his uncle rose and. having secured attention by or. dering drinks round, addressed the company.
 My friends" he began, when I made up my mind to return to dear old England I said to myself will not write to the old folks at home and say I'm coming; I'll just drop in and see how they will receive the prodigal. Gentlemen, the welcome my nephew gave me to his home came from his kind heart. He did not know whether was rich or poor, pauper or million aire. was his uncle, that was enough"
 Everyone turned and stared at Bert, who shifted uneasily in his seat.
 T have here," continued Uncle Henry, producing from his pocket four small yellow Jumps, some nuggets from the celebrated Doemall mine. which I discovered, and should like. in this room in which l first met him. to present to my dear nephew, Bert. one of these nuggets in remembrance of my homecoming"
 He held up one of the Jumps for all to see.
 Tt is only worth about f100, but as he wears it on his watch chain it will at least remind him of his poor old uncle."
 The rest of the evening was a con- fused dream to Bert, and it was not until he awoke the next morning and drew the nugget from under his pillow that he was fully assured 1t was really a fact.
 Shall you wear 1t on your chain. Bert?" asked Mrs. Packman as they gazed at it in the cold morning light.
 No fear. I'll take it round to a goldsmith's know in Cheapside first thing when get there, and sell it, and I'll telegraph to you what he gives"
 As Bert prepared to start for the city his uncle drew him aside.
 T find have no ready left" he said, "and as l have to meet my part. ner in the mine today, if you could let me have couple of quid should be obliged. I could raise money on these other nuggets. of course. but I don't want to payt with them. Thanks, Bert, you won't regret 1t, for you haven't heard the last of your old uncle yet. Good-by. my boy"
 Some three hours later, in a back room in Bloomsbury. Uncle Henry was shaking hands with his partner, a sharp-featured, clean-shaven man with shifty eyes.
 Well. old pard," said Uncle Henry, ''and how's the show going? Is cur mug hooked?"
 Not quite; but I think he'll bite all right. I've had lot of trouble with him though. 1 pitched him the usual yarn about our having to keep the mine a secret. and of course he thought we'd pinched the Jumps and that he's got fancy strike. as we couldn't make fuss if he paid us half value."
 That's good" chuckled Uncle Henry.
 Yes, but I had to part with that small specimen for flyer. which meant a clear ten for him. d-n him. However. I reckon it's all right now. He's to be here at two o'clock to meet my partner and make bid for the rest of our specimens. He insisted on selecting one to be tested by pal of his. who is a jeweler in Oxford street, but I'll see to 1t that it's the real one he chooses and then we'll just bang the duffers into him and clear"
 I've giyen one of 'em away" said Uncle Henry. with grin.
 Given 1t away. Joe?" said his part ner sharply. What's your little gamer"
 Couldn't help it." said Uncle Henry. exploding into roar of laugh. ter. Best joke I've had for years and besides I lived on it for fortnight and drew two quid this morning to finish up with. Not a bad return on a tuppeny ha'penny lump of gilded lead eh? It was this way" and the of Bert and his wife was soon described.
 Here are the lumps." said uncle when he had recovered sufficiently to speak. and he threw parcel across the table. The partner undid the par eel and picked out the nuggets. but his smile died away as he examined them.
 That's a fine yarn of yours," he said slowly. but 1t won't wash. my boy. You'll just shell out at once"
 Shell out? What do you mean?" asked uncle checking himself in the midst of guffaw.
 T mean said the other grimly, ~that these are all dufers and that you'll have to produce the real one be- fore you leave this room"
 What gasped uncle. hastily grab ping at the nuggets One glance was sufficient and he dropped them with .