Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1907-08-20

Ibis meteor. Such few Sensational ro-
finances rs he had read credited detec-
|tives with superhuman sagacity. In
his mind, Johnson's News was tie
center Of the world. 1t enshrined the
Imartelous-how could 1t escape the
thousands Of prying eyes that daily
passed through the great thorough
fare of the East End but a few yards
away? Judging from the remark
dropped by the warder, all London
was talking about him. A puzzllns
feature was the abundant supply Of
good food sent to him in prison. Who
was his unknown friend-and what
Iexplanation was attached to the In
cident?
Philips emotions were no more capa-
BILE Of analysis than display Of rock
cts. Immured in this cage, rafting
over the pavements, he seemed to bc
advancing through tunnel into an un-
known world.
At last the van stopped. and he was
led forth into the yard Of the police
lcourt He followed the same route as
on the previous Saturday, but when
he ascended into the court itself he
discovered a change. The magistrate,
a couple Of clerks and some policemen
alone were present. The general pub
lie and the representatives OF the press
were not visible.
He had scarcely faced the bench
when the magistrate said:
"YOu are set Mt liberty. The police
withdraw the charge against YOU"
Philips eyes sparkled, and his breast
heaved tumutuously. For the life Of
lin he cOu.d utter no word, but Mr..
Abingdon helped him by quietly direct
ng the usher to permit the lad to leave
the dock and take seat at the So
icitOrs' table.
Then, speaking slowly and with
come gravity. he said:
"Philip Morland-that is the only
name by which l know you-the au-
thorIties have come to the conclusion
that your story is right. You have IN
quest,Onably found deposit Of dia
mond5, and, although this necessarily
exists on some persons property, there
is no evidence to show whose property
1t is. 1t may be your own. 1t may be
situated beyond the confines Of this
kingdom. There are many hypothesis,
each of which may be true; but, in any
event, IL others lay claim to this treas
ure trove-and l warn you that the
crown has right In such matter
the issue Is a civil and not criminal
one. Therefore you are discharged
and your property is now handed back
to you intact"
A clerk placed before Philip his par
Gel Of diamonds, his key, the rusty
knife, the pieces Of string and the two
buttons-truly motley collection. The
boy was pale and his voice somewhat
tremulous as he asked:
MAY go now, sir?'
Mr.. Abingdon leaned back In his
chair and passed his hand over his
face to conceal smile.
II have something more to say to
you," he answered. "It Is an offenss
against the law to withhold your name
and address. | admit the powerful
motives which aetuated you, so make
the very great concession that your
earlier refusal will be overlooked II
you privately tell me that which you
were unwilling to state publicly"
Philip instantly decided that it would
be foolish In the extreme to refuse this
offer. He pocketed his diamonds, look
ed the magistrate straight in the face
and said:
81 will do that, SIR AS the informa-
ton Is to be given to you alone, may
write It"
The policemen and other officials
sniggered at this display Of caution,
but the magistrate nodded, and Philip
wrote his name and ldress on sheet
of foolscap. which he folded before
handing 1t to the usher.
To his great surpri L, SIR. Abingdon
placed the paper I'm pocketbook with
out opening 1t.
81 will make no use OF this document
unless the matter comes be-ore me
again officially. wish TO point out to
| you that have brought you from pris-
on ut the earliest possible moment and
have spared you the publicity which
your movements would attract were
your case settled in open court. You
are not aware perhaps that you figure
largely In the eyes Of the public at this
moment There are newspapers which
| would give hundred pounds to get
hold Of you. There are thieves who
| would shadow your every movement,
| waiting for Il chance to wnylay and
rob you-murder you II necessary.
have taken precautions. therefore, to
safeguard you, at least within the pre-
cincts OF this court, but cannot be re-
sponsIble beyond its limits. May I
ask what you intend to do"
Philip, proud in the knowledge that
he was cleared Of all dishonor, was at
no loss for words now.
"First wish to thank you, sir" he
said. "You have acted most kindly
toward me, and when am older l
hope to be permitted to acknowledge
your thoughtfulness better than Is pos
sible today. l will endeavor to take
care of myself. lam going now to see
Mr.. Isaacstein. I do not expect that
he will send for policeman again. II
he does, will bring him before you"
The magistrate himself laughed at
this sally.
"You are strange boy" he said. II
think you are acting wisely. Butter
you have no money-that is, In a
sense. HattOn Garden Is some dis
tance from here. Let me-er-lend you
a cab fare"
THANK you, SIR" said Philip. And
Mr.. Abingdon, unable to account for
the interest he felt in the boy, quite
apart from his inexplicable story, gave
him s shlllings and shook hands with
him.
fro BE Continued
Hard on 6ohooIr asters.