Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-03-02
Even;ng Story
THE JADE BRACELET.
by Philip Kean.

(Copyright, 1911, by Associated Liter
airy Press.)
They were looking for teapotS when
they came upon circle Of dull green
laid out on square of black satin.
Good luck" said the fat. sleek
oriental behind the counter.
Phyllis coveted 1t from the moment
her eyes rested upon it. Nothing else
in the store had any charm for her.
Even the teapots, fat little silver
things with iris for decoration, had
no charm.
Marion tried to interest her in
trays, in embroideries, and In the
ivory carvings, but Phyllis would
wander back from these things to the
little corner where the strange jewel
ry of the East was laid out.
"You see, need something to
bring me good luck" Phyllis said to
Marion. "Everthing has gone wrong
with me for months" But the price
was prohibitive. When Phyllis heard
it she sighed and pushed the bracelet
away. "That settles It, she said,
"but it is beauty"
The big Chinaman tried to make
bargain. He came down one dollar
and then two, but Phyllis shook her
head.
1T would take the price Of a
story,'' she said, and, not compre-
hending, he shrugged his shoulders,
and laid the bracelet back in the
square Of black satin.
"If / only were sure of selling
story" Phyllis said to Marion when
they came out of the incense-scented
shop, "I might venture some extrava-
gance, but | have lost my grip,
can't think Of a, plot, and my style
is atrocious."
\, hen they reached home the two
girls had a frugal supper, and then
Phyllis began to write. After an hour
or so she tore up all that she had
written and began afresh. At the top
of the sheet she wrote "The Jade
Bracelet" The warm, fragrant, dim
fascination Of the little shop was upon
her, and she wove tale OF mystery
and OF vivid interest.
IF sell it, she said, I'll buy the
bracelet"
IF you sell it," Marion told her,
you'd better buy. wedding outnt
and marry Dick Kenton.'
Phyllis looked at her, speculativey
Il can't imagine worse rate tnan
marrying Dick Kenton; that is why
want the jade bracelet. It may ward
off a day when I shall get desperate
and tired Of working hard, and agree
to marry man for his money.
1T is pity that John Hughes isn't
rich. said Marion.
Phyllis looked at her reproacnfuily.
IF John Hughes would ask me to
marry him. she said solemnly, ne
wouldn't have to have money.
she loves you," Marion told her.
.Then, why. doesn't he tell me So"
Phyllis demanded. M
Hes too proud"
."Oh, PRIDE" Phyllis said. why
should that stand in the way, hash
he brains and energy? And we could
both write, and II my stories didn't
sell. his would, or when he failed In
inspiration perhaps that would be the
moment Of my triumphs.
.He feels that you are going to
succeed" Marion said, "and he is not
sure of himself He doesn't want to
drag you down, he says"
"Men are queer creatures, said
PHI, Ills. as she began to copy her
story. She was interrupted by the
ringing of the telephone.
Over the wire John Hughes asked
if he might come and have a talk
with her.
"I've written story" he explained,
"and it is a corker. l want your
opinion on it. 1t is called 'The Jade
Bracelet"
Phyllis uttered sharp exclama-
ton. Called what?" she demanded.
He repeated the name, and after
moments silence she said, Bring
it over"
She hung up the receiver and
turned to Marion. 1T Is the strang-
est coincidence"
"What are you going to do about It q
Marion asked when she heard the
story!
"There ism ! any other name that
will do for my story" Phyllis said,
"but I'll let him read his, and per-
haps I can suggest some title that he
can use. | hate to spoil my story.
at is a bit weird" Marion stated,
"to have you both choose the same
title"
Il wonder where he found his"
was Phyllis response
WHoH JOull S0iAS " 49,
read story to them that made Ayllis
gasp with wonder.
1T is masterpiece she said.
"Where did you get your idea?"
He stammered and stopped. Il
cant tell YOU" he said, mot to-
night. Wait until next week."
,'"But why next week." Phyllis de.
He laughed. There is reason,
Phyllis he said. Don't let your
curiosity overpower YOU"
She opened her desk and took out
her own story. Read that she
said.
He looked at the title in wonder.
"Why-how " he demanded. A
al had written it before you told
me of yours Phyllis explained: is
it telepathy or what, John Hughes!
at is the strangest thing" John
told her. "See here, Phyllis, might
as we'll tell you. was In little
Chinese shop this morning. and on.
square Of black satin there was
Jade bracelet. No matter what part
Of the store was in l was drawn