The Brownsville daily herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1897-1910, 1909-10-01

give the proceeds to Lady Maud for
her good work. and taking his hat and
gloves he went out Immediately, with
out even telling StemP that he was
going
He walked up at a leisurely pace
from his hotel by the river to Piccadil-
ly and Bond street, and entered a jew
elers shop of modest appearance but
ancient reputation, which had been in
the same place for nearly a century.
and had previously been on the other
side OF the street
Outside, two weIl-dressed men we're
locking al the things in the window:
wirhiG. a broad shouldered, smart
look ran with black hair and
dressed in perfectly new blue serge
Uas sitting by the counter with his
hack to the door. talking with the old
ieUeier himself. He turned on the
chair when he heard the newcomers
sfap and Mr.. Van Torp found himself
face 10 face with Konstantin Logo
theti whom he had supposed to be in
Paris.
We'll he said, without betraying
Inc surprise ne felt, this is what I
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 a 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, q don't mind waiting
in the least Mr Pinney and I are
in the midst of discussion that may
never end, and believe neither Of US
has anything in the world to do"
Mr.. Pinney smiled benignIy and put
in a word in the mercantile plural.
which differs from that Of royalty il
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, lIr. Logo
theft" said Van Torp. answering the
latter. cut I'm not really in hurry,
thank you"
The stress he laid on the word real
"" might have led one 10 the conclu-
sion that he was pretending to be. but
was not He sat down deliberately at
4 little distance, took off his hat. and
looked at the gem on the counter.
81 don't know anything about such
Kings, OF course" he said in tone of
'efectiOn, but I should think that
vas quite a nice ruby"
Again Mr.. Pinney smiled benignly.
or Mr. Van ToEp had dealt with him
or years
It's very fine stone, indeed. sir"
lie said, and then turned to Logo
heti again. I think we can under
axe to cut it for you in London" he
aid 7 will weigh it and give you
careful estimate"
As a matter of fact. before Van Torp
inferred, LOgotheti had got so far as
he question of setting the gem for a /
ady's ring, but Mr. Pinney. like all T
he great jewelers., was as discreet T
nd tactful as a professional dipIo-
latist. How could he be sure that
ne customer might like another to
now about ring ordered for lady? (
Logotheti preferred secrecy, he
Tould only have to assent and 20
way, as if leaving the ruby 10 be cut.
nd he could look in again when it
as convenient; and this was what
e at once decided to do.
81 think you're right, Mr. Pinney."
e said. 4 shall leave it in your
ands. That's really all" he added.
lrning to Mr.. Van Trop.
Really? My business won't take
ing either, and Wen go together. if
GU like, and have little cha I
My came to get another of those ex-
"a large cOllarstuds you make fo1 me.
If. Pinney. Have you got anotber?"
I'VE always keep them in stock for
our convenience, sir" answered the
amous jeweler, opening a special lit
e drawer behind the counter and
reducing a very small morocco case.
Mr.. Van Torp did not even open it,
nd had already laid down the money,
n he knew precisely what it cost.
Thanks" he said You're always
} obliging about little things, Mr..
inney"
Thank you, sir We do our best
ood-morning. sir, good-morning.
The two millionaires went out to-
ether. Two welldressed men stood
side to let them pass and then en-
red the shop.
Which way?" asked Logotheti
Your way" answered the Amer
an. I've nothing to do"
Nor have l." laughed the Greek.
Nothing in the world, What can
lybody find to do in London at this
me of year?"
I'm sure I don't know" echoed Van
orp, pleasantly I supposed you
ere on the continent somewhere"
And l thought you were in Amer
nd Of