The Kennewick courier. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1905-1914, 1908-05-08

possession Of the emerald-possibly It
was once his-and ] know that some
day he will wear me out and He
threw ont his hands with a hopeless
gesture and sat down in the chair and
stared into the fire
Il shouldn't think he'd want it now"
remarked Coleman grimly. with side
glance at the dull . cen stone in the
case. Il can't imagine any one es-
pecially clever chaps like those Indians.
bothering over worthless glass"
Lamson sighed impatiently. II
thought you would understand" he
whispered. Its vanished. l hoped to
throw them of the track-to make
them believe that had disposed Of it.
had an imitation made in Paris and
gave them every chance to steal that.
but they would have none Of it. They
know ! have the stone. and they are
determined to have it. They are get
ting impatient now"
But do you mean they are herein
New York;" gasped Coleman.
Il found this on the table when
came in after dinner. The chances are
that you might have found me done
for when you dropped in half hour
later"
As he spoke he lifted q small round
basket woven of wicker and with lid
curiously fastened He lifted the lid
and beckoned the other man to look.
''Heavens!' Coleman stared at the
gray, lifeless coils of a tiny snake.
There was an odor Of chloroform about
the basket
ed the contents OF the basket. l have
seen such things in India. took pre-
caution to stupefy the inmate-it is
deadly horned viper-before ! investi-
gated"
How did it get in here:" muttered
Coleman.
Lamson shrugged his shoulders and
looked again toward the window dra-
pcries, which stirred slightly as by
sudden draft. Give it up" he said
YEARLY. He was silent and thought
full for moment and then added SLOW
ly: II believe I will let them have it
after all. am tired Of the chase. It's
wearing on me. Come. let us 80 into
the library" He placed the basket on
the table and led the way to door in
a corner of the room.
Coleman followed him with all anx-
ious CLEAN in his eyes. and as they en-
tered the library and the door closed
behind them he grasped Lamson by the
arm and began. with affectionate con-
Germ in his voice: Say. old fellow.
don't you think that you've sort of got
the emerald on your mind? Let it prey
upon you. you know. and that you i'm
agine you are being pursued"
"LOOk!' Lamson interrupted him
shortly. He had dra VII aside a heavy
curtain and disclosed carved panel
through the interstices Of which the
interior of the studio was plainly visi-
BILE. There was the table beside the
fire. On it were the gem cabinet un-
locked. the emerald in its case and
the wicker snake basket. Suddenly the
window draperies 6uttered. and q long.
1.-THE. black CARRIED figure glided for
"dIu.. "A "Hlc tuTUdu uuSueU III IQr
lamplight. and beneath it was a dark
skinned face and fercely brilliant green
eyes. The man lowered over the table
for brief instant and then turned and
glided back to the window. Again the
draperies stirred and were still.
Coleman rubbed bis startled eyes
The wicker basket was gone. The His
sar emerald was gone. He followed
Lamson back to the studio and watch
ed his friend as he closed and locked
the open window. The artist then STEP
ped to the hearth rug and lighted q
cigarette.
And the Hissar emerald began
Coleman modify. when Lamson stop.
ped him with gesture.
els here" he said coolly. swapping
open his silver matchbox and display
ing within its lid the rich green sparkle
and royal splendor Of the Hissar en-
erald.