Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1907-08-21
.rolks llke a little gentleman.

4OudlOCSy
Yes'm. Fresh in this mornin'."
After crossing Holborn viaduct Philip
stood for II little while gazing into the
showroom Of q motor agency. 1t was
not that he was interested In Panhard
or De Dion cars, then but little known
to the general public in England, but
rather that he wished to rehearse care
fully the programme to be followed
with Mr.. lsaacstein. With a sagacity
unlocked for in one of his years, he de-
cided that the meteor should not be
mentioned at ALL OF course the dia.
mond merchant would instantly recog-
nize the stone as a meteoric diamond
and would demand It's earthly pedigree.
Philip resolved to adhere to the simple
statement that it was his own proper
ty and that any reasonable inquiry
might lie made in all quarters where
meteoric diamonds were obtainable as
to whether or not such stone was
missing. Meanwhile he could obtain
from Mr.. Isaacstein receipt acknowl-
edging its custody and small advance
of money far below its real worth,
leaving the completion of the transac-
ton until later date. The question
Of giving or Withholding his address
If 1t We're asked for was a difficult one
to settle offhand. Perhaps the course
of events would permit him to keep
Johns0n's News altogether out of the
record, and a more reputable habita.
ton would be provided once he had the
requisite funds.
Thinking he had successfully tackled
all the problems that would demand
solution, Philip wasted no more time.
He entered Hatton Garden and had
not gone past many of its dingy houses
until he saw large brass plate bear
ing the legend, "Isaacsteiii Il Co., Dia-
mond Merchants, Kimberley, Amstcr-
dam and London"
He entered the office and was in
stantly confronted by big nosed
youth who surveyed him through q
grille with an arched opening in it to
admit letters and small parcels.
rs Mr.. Isaacstein in?' said Philip.
"Oah, yess," grinned the other
"Will you kindly tell him l wish to
see him?'
"Oah, yess." There was a joke LUX
ing somewhere IN the atmosphere, but
the young man had not caught It's drift
yet. The gaunt and unkempt visitor
was evidently burlesquing the accent
of such gentle people us came to the
office on business
Philip waited few seconds. The
boy behind the grille filled in the In
terval by copying an address into the
stamp book.
"Why do you not tell Mr.. Isaacstein
am here?" he said at last.
.Oah, yess. You vii be funny, chi"
The other smirked over the hidden
humor Of the situation, and Philip
understood that If he would see the
great man of the firm he must adopt Il
more emphatic tone.
II had better warn you that Mr.. Will
son of Messrs Grant & Sons, Ludgate
Hill, sent me here to see Mr.. Isaac-
stein. Am to go back to Mr.. Wilson
aud say that the office boy refuses to
admit meT
There was a sting in the description,
coming from such speaker.
"I.ook ERE" was the. angry retort.
go away -und .blay, vii you? I'm
pizzy."
Then Philip reached quickly: through
the little arch, grabbed a handful of
shirt, tie and waistcoat and dragged
the big nose and thick lips violently
against the wires of the grille.
Twill you do what ask or shall l
try and pull you through?' he said
quietly.
But the boys ready yell brought two
clerks running, and door was thrown
open. Phil released his opponent and
instantly explained his action. One of
the clerks, an elderly man, looked a
little deeper than the boys ragged gar.
ments, and the mention of Mr.. Viii
sons name procured him hearing.
Moreover, he had previous experience
of the youthful janitor's methods.
With cuff ON the ear, this injured
parsonage was hidden to so upstairs
and say that Mr.. Wilson had sent /,
boy to see Mr. Isaacstein. The added
insult came when he was compelled
to usher Philip to waiting room.
Soon clerk entered. He was visi
bly, astonished by the appearance OF
Mr.. Wilson's messenger. and so was
Mr.. Isaacstein when Philip was parad.
ed before him In a spacious apartment
filed with glass eases and tables, at
which several assistants were seated.
What the deuce lie began, but
checked himself. what does Mr.. VIII.
son WANT he went on. Evidently his
I.udgate Hill acquaintance was usefu
to Philip.
"He wants nothing, sir" said Philip
"He sent me to see you OH n matter OF
business. 1t Is of Il private nature
Can you give me few minutes aloneT
Isaacstein was a big headed, big
shouldered man, tapering TO u small
point ut his feet. He looked absurdly
like n top, and surprise or emotion OF
any sort caused him to sway gently
He swayed now, and every clerk look
ed up, expecting him to fall bodily OF
to the urchin with the refined litter
ance who had dared penetrate into
the potentate's Office with such re
quest.
combined to lend effect to Isaacsteiu's
wit when he said:
SIS this a joke?"
All the clerks guffawed in chorus
Fortunately Isaacstein was In goot
humor. He had just purchased pear
for $3.50 which he would sell to Lady
Somebody for $500 to match another ii
an earring.
ut appears to be- said Philip wlic,
the mcrriment had subsidized.
For some reason the boys grave
earnest eyes conquered tile big littls
mans amused scrutiny.
"Now, boy, be quick. What is it:'
he said testify. And every clerk bent
to his task.
st have told you, sir. ! wish to have
a few minutes conversation with you
with regard to business of an impor
tant nature"
"You say Mr.. Wilson sent you-Mr
Wilson of Grant & Sons?"
'..Yes. sir"
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