The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1910-03-01
The Glass Diamond

II felt the challenge Of his nockng and words.
The man bad superior personality and knew in
stinctively that he was planning no heacbcry. With
out answering i handed back the diamond. He
shifted his position little.
"'Watch me; watch close, my frien's,' he said. In
the breath he brought his right band holding the
jewel in the palm. down sharply upon the iron ring
where the mast passed through the deck. Then, with
broader grin, be held out his hand and sprlnkled
from it four sparkling fragments aud some dust.
~ scream broke from the japanese and he hurled
himself the space at the SpanIard grabbed
him by the shoulder and thrust him back though for
"a instant my own impulse was akin to his. Then
j understood.
go said, helping the elarng Japanese to his
feet and restraining him IN bis feeble claTlne at the
bound man, It not n diamond at all2
Even So chimed the genial Alfredo, steadily, 1T
wns glass, dust like many another thing that men
seek. He laughed softly, but had no opportunity
TO follow bis philosophy. Alfredos gaze was a trlde
too fixed. / cast glance my shoulder In time
warks at the bow. pulled the japanese aside just
something swept by us with whistle and struck.
tanging In the mast few inches above the Spaniords
head. II a wavy bladed criss; so much saw as
l rushed forward.
"a form rose to meet me- stood second and
plunged over before could grasp st. The Japanese
stood at my shoulder. breathing hard who watched
for the swimmers head
"'Wahlo, he sald, in explanation HIS man. and
he pointed to the SpaplaFd. returned TO Alfredo.
who had not even WINGED at the impact OF the weapon
&c laughed
az congratulate you, senor. Yon were not born to
be sliced bavc that follow miss before.
He was a-seeping, drunk, when you came shall
beat him.
II wasted TO words The man had outpoInted ME
at every Turn aud was TOO angry for bandying I
turned TO the japanese. You like TO come with me:'
j asked.
Eyes with you, lie hooded But FIRST kilI
that man. aud lie Jabbcd expressive finger at
Alfredo
Il held hin, roughly You'll do nothing of the
"He very bad man Bent me- insisted the Japa-
nese with gterIng eyes.
Look here 1 said. Il saved your life twice.
didn't II We'll count that of against his
HE considered tho matter moment, just MS coip
nercial proposition, and then gave III.
"'Thank YOU and good night, scnory said Alfredo,
gracefully, passed from sight along the deck
We had reached the side and started to climb over
when the absurdity OF the whole thing struck me-
The wedding gift bit of glass. Impossble! Tho
strong fascination OF the Spanard bad blinded me
tho logic of the He had played with me.
walked back quickly.
"'What, SO soon: hailed Alfredo, with unwearied
polltencss
Yes, said Il Just happened to remember that
that cord passed around Your neck TWICE
Ills face mpassIyc as granite. but he made
an Involuntary movement with his Tree hnnd as |
eraspcd his neck. My japanese had been waiting
for just such chance aud there was no moro resist
ance rs bent over him. -tr..
"The second thong as had suspected, held an
other bag Mt tho back similar TO the one in front.
Aud inside was little knob OF crystal fire that made
The other seem as glow worm. The Spaniards face
as L motIoncd the japanese 10 let him up Is my
pleasantest recollection of the whole adventure.
'sELikc many another thing men seek, Alfredo !
said ns left him. the dust turns TO diamonds again.
irAnd that was how gathered in 0ta"
'But the other. the imitation" said Laxton. where
did he get thaty'
Il never knew" said the master, whether Grenp3
or the miner or Alfredo thought Of thI But Drefe
TO believe 1t was the last" -A