The Chanute times., 1909-12-31

chair when he heard the newcomer
step, and Mr. Van Torp found himself
face to face with Konstantin Logo
theti, whom he had supposed to be in
Paris
Well he said without betraying
the surprise he felt, this is what |
call very pleasant accident, Mr.. Lo-
gotheti.'
The Greek rose and shook hands,
and the American did not fail to OBJ
serve on the counter small piece of
tissue paper on which lay an uncut
stone, much larger than the one he
had in his pocket.
IF you are in any hurry" said Lo-
gotheti politely, 81 don't mind waiting
in the least. Mr.. Pinney and | are
in the midst of a discussion that may
never end and believe neither of us
has anything in the world to do"
Mr.. Pinney smiled benignly and put
in word in the mercantile plural,
which differs from that of royalty in
being used every day.
"The truth is, we are not very busy
just at this time of the year." he
said
That's very kind of you, Mr.. Logo
theti," said Van Torp, answering the
latter, but I'm not really in a hurry,
thank you
The stress he laid on the word real
ly' might have led one to the conclu-
sion that he was pretending to be, but
was not. He sat down deliberately at
little distance, took off his hat, and
looked at the gem on the counter.
81 don't know anything about such
things, of course he said in tone Of
reflection, but | should think that
was quite nice ruby
Again Mr. Pinney smiled benignly,
for Mr.. Van Torp had dealt with him
for years.
It's very fine stone, indeed, sir, y
he said, ana then turned to Logo
theft again. Il think we can under
take to cut it for you in London he
said. 81 will weigh it and give you
a careful estimate
AS matter of fact, before Van Torp
entered, Logotheti had got so far as
the question of setting the gem for a
lady's ring, but Mr.. Pinney, like all
the great jewelers., was as discreet
and tactful as professional diplo-
matist. How could he be sure that
one customer might like another to
know about ring ordered for lady?
If Logotheti preferred secrecy, he
Nn1xr fA ont nd
away, as if leaving the ruby to be cut,
and he could look in again when it
was convenient; and this was what
ne at once decided to do.
!. 81 think you're fright, Mr.. Pinney,"
he said. Il shall leave it in your
hands. That's really ALL he added,
turning to Mr.. Van Trop.
Really? My business won't take
long either, and Wen go together, if
you like, and have a little chat. I
only came to get another of those ex-
ira large collarstuds you make for me,
Mr.. Pinney. Have you got another?"
1--WE always keep them in stock for
your convenience, sir" answered the
famous jeweler. opening a special lit
tie drawer behind the counter and
producing a very small morocco case.
Mr.. Van Torp did not even open it,
and had already laid down the money,
for he knew precisely what it cost.
Thanks" he said. You're always
so obliging about little things, Mr..
Pinney."
ola IN ID tn.
Good-morning sir. good-morning.
The two millionaires went out to-
gether. Two welldressed men stood
aside to let them pass and then en-
tered the shop.
(Which way?" asked Logotheti
"Your way" answered the Amer
lean. I've nothing to do"
Nor have l." laughed the Greek.
Nothing in the world! What can
anybody find to do in London at this
time of year?"
I'm sure | don't know" echoed Van
Torp, pleasantly. 81 supposed you
were on the continent somewhere"
And l thought you were in Amer
lea, and so, of course, we meet at old
Pinney's in London!"
Really! Did you think | was in
America? Your friend, the heather
girl in boys clothes. brought me your
card this morning. l supposed you
knew | was here
mo, but | thought you might be,
within six months. and | gave her sew
eral cards for people l know. So she
found you out! She's born ferret
she would find anything. Did you buy
anything of her?"
"No. I'm not buying rubies to-day
Much obliged for sending her, all the
same. You take an interest in her, 1
suppose. Mr.. Logotheti? Is that so?''
~" Logotheti laughed a little.
NO, indeed. Those days were long
ago. I'm engaged to be married.
by the bye, yes. I'd heard that,