The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-05-18
his GUARDIAN
ANGEL
Her fnteaest In Him Was Mani.
tested to the Last Moment
By Allen G. Lamond
Copyright by American Press Assoc
citation, 1871.

When | left Rose Seaton to go TO
South Africa to seek my fortune my
heart seemed to be settling right down,
Town like a doomed ship. We had
promised to be true to each other and
all that, but somehow my common
sense told me that fate was against US
We would be separated by an ocean.
had only the prospect of spending a
lifetime In the service Of q diamond
mining company, where an uncle Of
mine had secured me an inferior posi-
ton. Neither Rose nor had any
means or we would not have parted.
and. having parted, saw no prospect
Of ever getting together again.
| was an accountant for three years
during which | hoped that some day
fortune would favor my returning TO
my sweetheart; then suddenly my
ireams were realized. Mr. Oldershaw,
the head of one Of the departments,
sent for me one day and said to me:
How would you like to make trip
to American"
frightened up at once as l replied
In the affirmative.
"One OF your American millionaires
has visited our mines and has pur-
chased one Of our largest diamonds.
He is on a trip around the world and
desires the stone delivered to his wife
In New York, where 1t Will be paid for,
the responsibility for its safety resting
Oh US until 1t is turned over There are
reasons why 1t can't very well be sent
by the ordinary method, one of which
will tell you. 1t has got out that q
diamond worth hundred thousand
dollars Is to go to New York. This fact
has led to so high a charge for Its
transportation that l am determined to
send 1t by a special messenger. A false
stone will be sent by express to mis-
lead those who may try to capture the
real one on the way. We have spies
right here among us who know every
thing OF Importance that goes on. 1t is
our purpose to outwit them. Let it be
known that you have determined to re
sign your position and 80 home, per
hitting a month to intervene before
your departure. Your expenses Will be
paid, and If you succeed In making a
delivery you will receive thousand
dollars and an agency to attend to our
business in New York"
The day sailed middle aged wo-
man. we'll dressed and OF ladylike ap-
pearance. drove up to the steamer.
She looked up as she alighted and saw
me leaning over the rail on deck An
expression OF satisfaction that | could
not account for passed over her face
1t surprised me, for | did not remem-
Der ever TO have seen her before. She
came aboard, and | did not see her
again till the next day. when we were
out on the ocean. was pacing the
deck when l passed her sitting in a
steamer chair. She called me to her
and said to me-
Bring chair and be seated |
nave something of importance to say
to you"
Astonished, | did as WIS hidden.
The lady cast glances in every direc-
ton and, seeing no one within ear
shot. said to me in n low tone.
II am an American and a friend of
Mr.. Oldershaw. Learning that | WIS
about to sail for home on this ship, he
called on me and told me that young
man. whose photograph he showed me-
would be aboard. going on an impor-
mt mission to New York. Mr. Older
shaw asked me to keep watch over
you and If | saw any suspicious per
son attempting to gain your confidence
Or In any way cOnspiring against you
to warn you. There; | have told you
what | have to say. You don't need to
place any faith In 1t; all You need do
Is. If warn you against any one dur
ing the voyage. to beware"
"One question | would ask you
said. why did not Mr. Oldershaw
advise me OF his request to you"
Mr. Oldershaw's plan was for me
to keep a watch over you without your
knowing it. He did not think 1t would
De necessary for me to make myself
known to you. But already have OBJ
served two men talking together, both
looking directly at you, and | need to
warn you at once. Later | will point
Them out to you"
did Mr.. Oldershaw inform you as
to the nature of my mission"
He did not. That was not neces-
sary."
Her story appeared very plausible,
md confess l felt disposed to trust
her, but / did not care to show too
much alacrity in doing so, and rising,
babe her good morning, thanking her
for her interest In me.
"You are under no obligation to me, .
she said What | do is In repayment
Of kindness once done me by MIR
Oldershaw. He has perfect confidence
In you, but has strengthened you by
living you an assistant"
That afternoon while taking my
usual exercise, walking the deck back
and forth. met the lady.
Come with me-" she said. land l
will show you the men who were talk
ing about you. They have statcroom
next mine. and l overheard one of
them say. AS soon as 1t is dark III
try and inviegle him on some pretexi
to the stern"
went with her to the forward deck
and she pointed to two men standing
lust above the cutwater looking out a.