Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-06-05
The King ef
 Diamonds.
By LOUIS TRACY. Author of Wings of the Morning. :. The Pillar of Light" Etc.

Philips emotions were no more capa- ble of analysis than display of rock cts. Immured in this cage, rattling over the pavements, he seemed to be advancing through tunnel into an un- known world.
 At last the van stopped, and he was led forth into the yard of the police Court. 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 at liberty. The police withdraw the charge against you"
 Philips eyes sparkled, and his breast heaved tumultuously. For the life of him he could utter no word, but Mir. Abingdon helped him by quietly direct ing the usher to permit the lad to leave the dock and take a seat at the so- licitors' table.
 Then. speaking slowly and with some gravity, he said:
 Philip Morland-that is the only name by which I know you-the au- thorities have come to the conclusion that your story is right. You have un- questionably found a deposit of dia- monds, and, although this necessarily exists on some persons property, there is no evidence to show whose property 1t is. It may be your own. It may be situated beyond the confines of this kingdom. There are many hypotheses, each of which may be true; but, in any event, if others lay claim to this treas ure trove-and I warn you that the crown has right in such a natter the issue Is civil and not a criminal one. Therefore you are discharged and your property is now handed back to you intact"
 A clerk placed before Philip bis par eel 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 uemulous as he asked:
 May go now, sir?"
 MT. Abingdon leaned back in his chair and passed his hand over his face to conceal a smile.
 I have something more 10 say to you," he answered. Tt is an offense against the law to withhold your name and address. I admit the powerful motives which actuated you, so I make the very great concession that your. earlier refusal will be overlooked if you privately tell me that which you were unwilling to state publicly"
 Philip instantly decided that 1t would be foolish in the extreme to refuse this offer. He pocketed his diamonds, look ed the magistrate straight in the face
 T will do that slr. As the informa- ton is to be given to you alone, may I write itY'
 The policemen and other officials sniggered at this display of caution, but the magistrate nodded, and Philip wrote his name and address on a sheet of foolscap. which he folded before handing 1t to the usher.
 To his great surprise, Mir. Abingdon placed the paper in pocketbook with put opening 1t.
 \ will make no use of this document unlass the matter comes before me II again officially. wish to point out to yer that l have brought you from pris- on at the earliest possible moment and have spared you the publicity which your movements would attract were your case settled in open court. You nre not aware perhaps that you figure largely in the eyes of the public at this moment. There are newspapers which would give a hundred pounds to get hold of you. There are thieves who would shadow your every movement, waiting for chance to waylay and | lob you-murder you if necessary. I have taken precautions, therefore, to | 'afeguard you. at least within the pre- ,incts of this court, but I cannot be re- i Iponsible beyond its limits. May I lsk what you intend to doy' Philip. proud in the knowledge that | ie was cleared of all dishonor, was at 10 loss for words now.
 First wish to thank you, sir" he aid. "You have acted most kindly oward me. and when I am older ,ope to be permitted to acknowledge Tour thoughtfulness better than is pos ible today. I will endeavor to take are of myself. I am going now to see dr. Isaacstein. I do not expect that le will send for a policeman again. If le does. ' will bring him before you" The magistrate himself laughed at his sally.
 You are a strange boy" be said. T hink you are acting wisely. But-er- 'ou lave no money--that is. in a ense. Hatton Garden Is some dis ancs from here. Let me-er-lend you cail fare"
 ''TEank you. sir" said Philip. And IT, Abingdon. unable to account for he interest he felt in the boy. quite parf from his ineXplicable story, gave i'm 5 shiIlings and shook hands with i'm.
 CHAPTER VII the police court Philip
 drew as invigorating a breath