Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-07-25
CHATTER ".

soon blew the clouds from his
brain He did not hurry toward
HattOn Garden. lie sauntered,
rather, with his right hand clinched
on the tiny parcel in his pocket, tho
parcel which had suddenly been en-
dowed with such magic personalities
1t was the instinct to guard n treasure
of great value that led TO this involun-
tary action. lie was preoccupied. dis
turbcd vaguely striving 10 grasp
vision that seemed to elude his exact
comprehension
What did it all mean? Was It really
possible that he, Philip Arson, or
phaned, beggared. practically Il starv-
ing tramp, should have the riches Of
Golconda showcred upon him in this
mad fashion: If the small stone he
mad shown to the teYclcr were worth
hundreds then some Of those in the
paper were worth thousands. while as
fer the stone in the back yard of his
house-well Imagination bogglcd at
the effort TO appraise it. The thought
bngot a sense Of caution. of reserve,
OF we'll reasoned determination not to
reveal his secret TO anybody Perhaps
HI would he best not 10 take Ntessrs.
Igaacstein & Co. wholly into his conf
u 2nce. lie would simply show thels
lte stone he had exhibited to Mr.. vii
Run and take the best price they Of
fcred. Then, with the money in his
h secession. he could effect n much
,Hceded change in his appearance. visit
,fEem again. and gradually increase his
lHupply of diamonds until he had OBJ
gained more money than he could
POSSIBLY spend during many years.
Above all else was it necessary that
his meteor should he removed TO a
Bafer place than Johnson's News
Phillip had scruples about appropriate
Ing II. Lords OF the manor and crown
rights he had never heard of.
His mother watching his every
action from some Elysian height had
sent the diamond loaded messenger
As a token of her love and care. 1t
was his and no man should rob him of
It, 1t behooved him 10 be sparing of
explanations and sturdy in defense Of
his property
A good deal depended on the forth
coming interview, and he wished he
wealth in his pocket into a few honest
pennies with the kings head on them.
Nhe excitement and exercise had made
him hungry again. His breakfast was
not of ample proportions. and his
meals of yesterday had been Of the
Ecantiest. 1t would be well to face
the diamond merchants with the easy
confidencc that springs from satisfied
appetite Yet how 10 manage it? He
WAS sorry now he had not borrowed Il
Gixpencc from O'Brieu. The old sol
Her would certainly have lent it to
him. He even Thought of returning to
The Mile End road to secure the loan.
but he happened TO remember that the
day was Saturday, and it was probable
khat the Hatton Garden Offices would
close early. 1t was then nearly II
O'Clock, aud he could not risk the de
Jay of the hng, double journey.
At that instant q SavOry smell was
waited to him. He was passing Il
small restaurant where Sausages and
onions sizzed gratefully in large tin
Trays and pork chops lay in inviting
prodigality amid rich, brown gravy.
Nhe proprietor, portly and greasy
man with bald head and side whiskers,
was standing at the door exchanging
views as to business with his next door
peighbor, a grcengrocer, Philip, bold
In the knowledge of his wealth, re-
solved to try what he could achieve on
Eredit.
He walked up to the pair.
Il have not got any money just
how" be said to the restaurant keep
er, "but II You will let me have some
khing to eat I will gladly come back
khis afternoon and pay you double"
| Neither man spoke at first. Phliil
WAS always unconscious Of the quaint
discrepancy between his style OF
speech and his attire. He used to re
sent bitterly the astonshment exhibit
ed by strangers. but today he was fal
Temoved above these considerations
and he backed his request with pleas
IAnt smile.
The fat man grew apoplectic an(
turned his eyes to the sky.
well. I'm he spluttnred.
The greengrocer laughed, and PhliI
FLUSHED
"Do you refusof" he said, with hi
downright manner and direct stare.
"Well Of al the cool check TIL
stout persons feelings We're too mucl
for him. lie could find no other words
at Is n fair offer" persisted the boy
pYou don't think I mean to swindl
you, surely?'
"Wcll, there, never did,
But the greengrocer intervened.
you're a sharp Ind he guffawed
"D'ye want jobt'
mo" was the short reply. II wan
something to eat
"Dash bly, buttons, an you're a like
" sort Of kid to get it too. IN you 81
VII pay the bill. Lord lumme, it'll d
one good to see you"
"Mr. Judd, are you madT' demande
his nelghbor, whose breath had re
turned TO him.
mot a bit Of It. The bloOmin' XII
can't get through a bob's worth IL h
bursts himself Ere, III bet you tw
bob e pays up
'Done! Walk in. sir. Wot'll you b
pleased TO ave. STRIP
Philips indignation at the restauran
keepers sarcasm yielded to his wish
see him annihilnted later in the day