The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1910-01-23
STAR OF THE SOUTH.
BY harold Carter.

the natives returning home from then
service in the diamond mines. The
proprietor, tat, middle-agad man OF
unetuous appearance, rose np and
greeted him effusiyeiY
Sit down, Mr., Narnanson,' said
Mr.. Byrnes. I'm mere To make q
straight proposition to you.
I'm always ready to do business,
my friend" Nathanson replied. run
bling his hands.
Now, MIR. Nathanson, it amounts
to this. The famous rose diamond,
The Star of the South is TO leave
Kimberley tonight by the coach. as of
course, you know 1t Will be accom-
panied by an armed guard. OF whom
four men will ride constantly armed
until the stone is handed over to the
authorities at the railway terminal for
transshipment To Amsterdam, for cut.
ting"
Well, WELL that's common talk,
nay friend said Williamson.
You are aware Byrnes went on,
that this stone has been sold to the
raiah of Caliput, to be placed In the
crown jewels. ana that Is my business
as chief detective for the diamond
company, to see that notn,ng niscar-
ries, Now, Nathanson, I've never
been able to prove anything against
you yet, but we both know that you're
at the head of the stolen diamond
syndicate. +
well. we'll, WE'LL" said Nathanson,
mockingly.
The raiah OF Ferozepore has re-
Of the Star of the South, through
some superstition connected with his
empire, which is believed To be
bound up with the possession of a
credItably informed that you are in
charge OF the gang who will attempt
to steal It,"
What. me?" said Williamson.
"Come, Mr.. Byrnes, produce your evi-
dence for such charge. I'm j re-
spectacle citizen; I'm known all over
the country"
But not as the escaped convict
Moskowitz,' said Byrnes, bringing
down his fist with thud
Williamson turned white, and
clutched at the table. He began
stammering.
tutp s3ty,t U
reputation Is at stake and can't at
ford to take chances You guarantee
that that stone viii pass safely to the
railway and I'll make no use OF my
knowledge. You know keep my
word"
Nathanson stretched out his fat
hand with much emotion.
Done" he said. But, Mr.. Byrncs,
everybody knows the night coach will
take the diamond to the terminal, II.
it should be attacked by highwaymen
don't yon blame me"
IF that stone doesn't reach the ter
minal tomorrow evening youth stand
no show with me-" he said, sternly,
rising to leave.
The following evening Ryrnes
strobe into Nathansnns room, An un.
folded paper in his hand,
Have you seen th:s?" he shouted
Williamson spread our his hands In
depreciation.
THE stage coach was held Mp by a
body Of armed bandits and the guards
shot down. The Star Of the South Is
said to have been stolen. No details
available the dispatch ran. Now,
Williamson, before ! hand Won over to
the authorities III just tell you of the
trick / played on you, you fox. Did
you think | would be so foolish as &c
trust you further than could seei
The armed guard was blind, and
they carried sealed package contain.
ing coal The real diamond left In
charge of a single man. a passenger
from Capetown, who rode out on
horseback dressed as a farmer with
the diamond in his trousers pocket.
BY this time he has handed II over to
the authorities at the railroad termi
nal and obtained his receipt"
"One moment said Williamson,
drawing crumpled piece Of paper
from his pocket and unfolding it, He
handed 1t to the detective. who took
it In amazement and stated back.
staring at Nathansou in dismay. 1t
was a receipt for the diamond signed
by the inland revenue inspector.
What does this mean?' he cried.
"Your trusted messenger who went
az a farmer was -
"My confidential clerk.
my son-in-law,' said Williamson.
you see, MIR Byrnes, | had given my
word that the diamond would get
through, and 1 can't afford to take
chances. SO gave Abraham the
sswiftest mare in Kimberley and told
him to ride az hard as she could go
and bring back the receipt with him.
You'll find your letter OF acknowledge
inent In the mail tomorrow morning"
WOMEN IN FIELD or SCIENCE.