The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1909-01-28

plies to last over Sunday, the glitter of
three golden balls, the pawnbroker's
emblem, caught Ter eye AMI the
thought came, why not pawn the ring ?
She had had some experience in the
past with the pawnbrok ers. Many
times when her father had cen with
out employment, Oh account of sick
ness or labor troubles, and the house
holI funds give n out she had been
sent to secure small loans on the clock
and other more necessary articles.
Yes, she would pawn the ring, she
could pawn it for thirty dollars, the
amount she Lad lost, or obtain the
largest amount the paWnbrOker would
loan, and as balm for her conscience
she would give all over the amount ste
had lost to the Salvati n Army or
some other charity. AS Marit n started
to enter tie loan office this thought
ran quick aud sharp thru her mind: If
tie man who lost this ring, stole your
money, it is reasonable to suppos e that
he did not acquire the ring in legiti-
mate manner. She stood in the door
way and again her now fully awakened
conscience spoke: What right did she
have to this ring, she who not an hour
ago had been praising and compli-
menting hers elf on her goodness.
Turning and walking away from the
pawnbrOkers. with determined set to
her pretty chin, Marion opened the
handbag, at the same time mentally
registering VOW to carry her money
in the future in a safer, if not SO con-
venient place, she found she had
enough m, ney to pay her car fare to
the police headquarters. AS Marion
told of the robl Cry to the police SER
ge INT, his eyes widened, and as she,
with last longing look handed him
tie diamond ring. he wh,stled softly:
"Say, Jim," called tie sergeant to a
man in civilians clothes who was pass
ing thru the room, "cOme Lere a min
ute. Here is young lady who was
robbed of thirty dollars on street car
this afternoon, but the gun who turned
the trick lost this" an he held up tie
diamond ring.
AS Marion retold her story, Jim, who
was as size La l conjectured, detective,
examined the ring with a critical eye.
Worth two hundred dollars if it's
worth a bean," he exclaimed a, she
finished describing the robbery, and he
gaZed at Marion with curious but ad-
miring look.
"Will you please step into the next
room moment, Missl" requested the
detective
Marion followed him into a room in
which stood huge glass cabine fill ed
with photographs.
"Do you think you could recognize a
picture of that man who blocked the
pass a seway n the car 7" asked the de-
tective.
81 think, l COULD" answered Marion.
He disappeared for moment around
the tack OF one of the largest cabinets
and returned with several photographs.
Handing Marion picture he asked:
"DOes that look like him I" With neg.
ative shake Of her head she replied:
mo, sir"
With the exception of one, the rest
of the lot met with tie same fate
This picture lie held for moment in
his hand, and as he busted off some
imaginary dirt with his handkerchief
he spoke: "Here's chap tnat would
turn just such a trick" AS Marion
looked at this picture she recognized
the man who had stood III the doorway
1t was good likeness of him, -the
same little engaging smile lingering
around his mouth, the same bold laugh
ing eyes, was evidently portrayed.
SIS that him I" asked the detective
just as Marion was going to make ar
affirmative reply, the thought of hel
own temptation came to he, she hat
learned lesson, perhaps it was best t.
go no farther in this matter. Without
replying to the detectives question sh,
handed him the picture aud hurriedi,
left the building. r. r.
y