The Wenatchee daily world. [volume] (Wenatchee, Wash.) 1905-1971, 1908-08-08
CHAPTER II.

The next morning the great Drouze
doors Of the library had scarcely
swung open for the admission Of the
public when my friend began the as
cent Of the stairs. his golden noble in
his pocket and his heart full OF
, hope. Why is it that we SO often per-
ceive intuitively or instinctively the
approach Of physical peril and yet
have no premonition Of the coming Of
| the moral cataclysm?
Scarborough was on friendly terms
with the librarian whom he had
known for several years. As an habi-
tue Of the place he also had speak
ing acquaintance with several Of the
assistants, custodians and other en-
ployees; hence when he requested
permission to examine the particular
tray In which reposed the coin OF
which he was In quest it was readily
granted. Retiring to an alcove In
which there was a strong light he
eagerly commenced the comparison OF
his treasure with the piece whose gen.
uineness was unquestioned. He had
powerful magnifying glass and made
copious notes. In about an hour he
had satisfied himself that he had not
been mistaken and prepared to leave
the building. No one had come into
the alcove while he had been there
with the exception of the attendant,
who had, as required by regulation,
loitered about within sight. Elated
at the success attending his investiga-
ton, Jack was. perhaps, trifie care
less in his handling of the coin en-
trusted to him. At all events. he
dropped 1t on the floor. He at once
called the assistant and, telling him
what he had done, asked him to aid
him in his search. The man, whose
name was Golson, readily assented.
and for half an hour both men care
fully sought for the missing coin.
Creeping about on their hands and
knees. they explored every square inch
of the floor raising the edges Of the
cocoa mating wherever practicable.
but all in vain. Had the noble been
absorbed into the atmosphere like an
Odorless, colorless gas it could not have
disappeared more completely. At
length they abandoned the quest and,
rising to their feet. looked at each
other, Jack with an expression Of
dazed despair. Golson with look of
keen, cold distrust.
''AIr. Scarborough" said he, this
Is very unpleasant affair"
Decidedly so.'' assented Jack.
nrscf0 n
GoIson went on. that under the cir
cumstances I have no alternative. A
valuable coin has disappeared from a
tray which was under your sole con-
troll at the time. You must pardon
me, but am forced to summon the
officer on guard to take you to the IL
brarian."
My friend stared at him in a help
lessly bewifdered sort Of way. To de-
muir would have been worse than use
less; to submit to the disgrace was the
only course open to him.
On reaching the Office Of The libro-
rian, that functfonary, after listening
to GoIsOn's report, conducted Jack In
to small inner room, requesting the
representative Of the law to remain
outside the door, which he closed.
"Mr. Scarborough" said he, Il am
hexpressibly panied. I make no in
sinua tons, but you can readily see that
a personal search must be made. Prob
ably you would prefer to empty your
pockets voluntarily in my presence to
submitting to the indignity at the
hands of the officer. If, as fully ex-
pect, the noble does not appear any
where about your clothing, you leave
this building without the shadow of
stain"
Unhappy Scarborough! AT this sug-
gestion, made in the kindliest manner,
he could feel the clammy perspiration
standing on his brow in great beads,
for, in fear that his coin might not be
genuine. he hsd said nothing as to his
motive for examining the specimen in
the library Had he explained his OBJ
ject at the outset and exhibited his
pseudo duplicate to Mr. Pope. the Ii
brarian, its presence in his pocket
would be clearly enough explained.
What a gauZy story the truth would
appear to be. But there was noses
cape.
Mr. Pope" land he spoke slowly and
with evident agitationl, Il have in my
pocket almost precise copy OF the
coin which | have unfortunately, but
innocently, lost. l came here this
morning merely to compare my coin
with yours. My noble is in my pocket.
] will produce it. and from the bottom
of my heart I wish that l could pro-
duee yours as easily
I Mr.. Pope's face afforded rare study
Of conflicting emotions. Pity and in
dignation seemed to be struggling for
| ascendency In his soul. He finally
compromised on doubt, yet the mental
] tension to which he was subjected waa
shown In his voice when he said: "Mr.
Scarborough, your statement II, to say
| the least, remarkable. On its face Il
! \ incredible. win you kindly show
ne this duplicate1s