The Sauk Centre herald., 1909-09-23

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 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
a little distance, took off his hat, and
looked at the gem on the counter.
Il don't know anything about such
things, of course" he said in a tone Of
reflection, "but I should think that
was quite nice ruby"
Again Mr.. Pinney smiled benignly,
for Mr.. Van Torp had dealt with him
for years.
Its very fine stone, indeed, SIR"
he said, and then turned to Logo
theft again. Il think we can under
take to cut it for you in London" he
said. Il 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 q
lady's ring, but Mr.. Pinney, like all
the great jewellers, was as discreet
and tactful as professional diplo-
matist. How could he be sure that
one customer might like another to
know about a ring ordered for lady?
If Logotheti preferred secrecy, he
would only have to assent and 60
away, as if leaving the ruby to be cut,
and he could look in again when it
was convenient; and this was what
he at once decided to do.
II think you're right, 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 we'll 60 together, II
you like, and have a little chat.
only came to get another of those ex'
ira large collarstuds you make for me,
Mr.. Pinney. Have you got another?''
I'VE always keep them in stock fol-
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."
Thank you, sir. We do our best
Good-morning, sir, good-morning."
The two millionaires went out to
gether. Two well-dressed men stood
aside to let them pass and then en-
tered the shop.
Which way?" asked Logotheti
your way" answered the Amer
ican. 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?"
'Tm sure don't know" echoed Van
Torp, pleasantly. "I supposed you
were on the continent somewhere"
"And I thought you were in Amer
lea, and so, of course, we meet at old
Pinney's in London!"
Really! Did you think I was in
America? Your friend, the heather
girl in boys clothes, brought me your
card this morning. supposed you
knew l was here"
mo, but 1 thought you might be-
within six months, and gave her sew
eral cards for people I know. So she
found you out! She's born ferret
she would find anything. Did you buy
anything of herr"
mo. I'm not buying rubies to-day
Much obliged for sending her, all the
same. You take an interest in her,
suppose, Mr.. Logotheti? Is that SOP
'1?" Logotheti laughed a little
mo, indeed! Those days were long
ago. I'm engaged to be married"
by the bye, yes. I'd heard that
and l meant to congratulate you. do
now, anyway. When is it to be? Set
tied that yet?"
Some time in October, think. Sc
you guessed that Barak is a girl"
'Yes, that's right. I guessed she
was. Do you know anything about
her"
Logotheti told his companion the
story of the ruby mine, substantially