The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1909-12-17
81 IL DINAS7 PIJBYE|I

OdCA 10 the door, taking Win the Old
jeweler himself. He turned on the
chair when he heard the newcomers
step. and Mr.. Van Torp found himself
face to face with Konstantin Logo
theft, whom he had supposed to be in
Paris.
WELL" he said. without betraying
the surprise he felt, this is what I
call a 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.
III you are In any hurry" said Lo-
gotheti politely, Il don't mind waiting
In the least. Mr.. Pinney and l 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 benignly and put
in a 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
a little distance. took on his hat, and
looked at the gem on the counter.
II 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. ana then turned to Logo.
theft again. Il think we can under.
take to cut 1t for you in London" he
said. Il will weigh It and give you
q careful estimate"
Az matter Of fact, before Van Torp
entered, Logotheti had got SO far as
the question of setting the gem for n
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 ring ordered for lady?
II Logotheti preferred secrecy, he
would only have to assent and go
away, as II leaving the ruby to be cut,
and he could look in again when 1t
was convenient; and this was what
he at once decided to do.
II think you're right, Mr.. Pinney,"
he said. II 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, II
you like, and have little chat. 4
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 for
your convenience. sir" answered the
famous jeweler, opening a special lit.
tie drawer behind the counter and
producing very small morocco case.
Mr.. Van Torp did not even open II,
and had already laid down the money,
for he knew precisely what 1t cost.
Thanks" he said. you're always
SO obliging about little things. Mr..
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.
lean. I've nothing to do"
Nor have J." laughed the Greek.
Nothing in the world! What can
anybody ind to do in London at this
time Of Year,"
I'm sure don't know" echoed Van
Torp. pleasantly. Il supposed you
we're on the continent somewhere"
And l thought you were in Amer.
Ca. and so. of course. we meet at old
In London!"
Really! Did you think l was In
America? Your friend. the heather
GIRL In boys clothes, brought me your
card this morning. supposed you
Knew / was here"
NO. but / thought you might be, |
within six months. and l gave her sew
'ral cards for people know. So she
ound you out. She's a born ferret
she would find anything. Did you buy
lnything of herr?
NO.. I'm not buying rubies to-day. |
Much obliged for sending her. all the |
same. You take an interest In her, I |
Mr.. Logotheti? Is that so?"
IL" Logotheu laughed a little.
No. indeed. Those days were long
lgo. I'm engaged to be married"
by the bye. yes. I'd heard that,
md meant to congratulate you. l do
low, anyway. When is it to be? Set.
led that vet 30