The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1908-09-18
8 The KING of =
DIAMONDS.
By Louis Tracy,

Author of wings Of the Morning. 1.-THE Pillar c
Light Etc.


But the boys ready yell brought two
clerks running, and a 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.. Will
son's name procured him a hearing.
Moreover, he had previous experience
Of the youthful janitor's methods.
With a cuff on the ear, this injured
parsonage was hidden to go upstairs
and say that Mr.. Wilson had sent a
boy to see Mr.. Isaacstein. The added
insult came when he was compelled
to usher Philip to a waiting
Soon a 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
filled with glass cases and tables, at
which several assistants were seated.
What the deuce he began, but
checked himself. "What does Mr.. Will
son want?" he went on. Evidently his
Ludgate Hill acquaintance vas useful
to Philip.
HE wants nothing, sir" said Philip.
HE sen me to see you on a matter Of
business. 1t is OF a private nature.
Can you give me a few minutes alone?"
Isaacstein was a big headed, big
shouldered man, tapering to a small
point at his feet. He looked absurdly
like a 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 on
to the urchin with the refined utter
ance who had dared penetrate into
the potentate's Office with such a re-
quest.
Kimberley, Amsterdam and London
combined to lend effect to Isaacstein's
wit when he said:
SIS this a joker
All the clerks gunawed in chorus.
Fortunately Isaacstein was In a good
humor. He had Just purchased a pearl
for ESQ which he would sell to Lady
Somebody for $500 to match another in
an earring.
"It appears to be-" said Philip when
the merriment had subsidized.
For some reason the boys grave,
earnest eyes conquered the big little
mans amused scrutiny.
Nov, boy, be quick. What is tit"
he said testify. And every clerk bent
to his task.
II have told you, sir. I 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"
Eyes, sir"
Isaacstein yielded to amazed curl
osity.
Step in here" he said and led the
way to his private ONCE, surprising
himself as well as bis assistants by
this concession.
turned sharply at b sound. but the
boy gave him no time to frame a ques-
ton.
II want you to buy this" he said,
handing over the diamond.
Isaacstein took it and gave It one
critical glance. He began to wabble
again.
do you mean to say MI. Wilson
SEN you to dispose Of this stone to
me?" he demanded.
"Not exactly, sir. I showed It to
him, and he recommended me to come
to you"
"Ah. I see. Sit down there" indi-
eating a chair hear the door. The dia-
mond merchant himself sat at his
desk, but they were both in full view
Of each other.
"Where did you get it9'' he asked.
II found It,"
"Quite SO. But where?"
AT this moment I do not wish to go
into details, but 1t is mine, mine only,
and I am quite willing that you should
make every inquiry to satisfy yourself
that it was not stolen. I suppose that
is what you fear"
Sheer wonder kept the man silent
for q space.
do you know its value? he said,
with a sudden snap.
"Mr. Wilson told me 1t was worth
several hundreds Of pounds"
Did he reallyT"
Eyes. He said you would treat me
quite fairly. SO I wish you to advance
me a few pounds until you have de-
cided upon its real price. You see, sir,
I am very poor, and my present ap-
pearance creates an unfavorable i'm
preston. Still, I am telling you the
absolute truth, and I show my conf
dence in you and in my w case by
Offering to leave the diamond with you
on your receipt, together with a small
sum of money"
Philip thought he was getting On
very well. Isaacstein's large eyes
bulged at him. and speech came but
slowly. He leaned forward and rum
mayed among some papers. Then he
opened a drawer and produced a mag
nifying glass, with which he focused
the diamond.
Yes; 1t is worth 5000 or fToo," he
announced, but It will be some time
before can speak accurately as to Its
value. l think it may be fawless, but