Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-03-08

Somewhat mystified and with
strange, sweet content in her heart,
Madeline avoided his eyes and went
below
After dinner when they had gather
ed about FELTON, on the moonlit deck,
where they sat apart, they demanded
that he show them his treasure from
Persia. For answer he drew from his
pocket n thick. square packet which
unfolded into rather large silky rug.
which he threw on the deck between
them.
"a Persian prayer rugr' cried Miss
Gray eagerly. How perfectly lovely!
II we had known you were going you
might have fetched one for each of us
If you would have been so kind"
II would gladly have fulfilled such
commission" said FELTON, gravely.
But there happens TO be no other I'm
the>WOrld just like this one"
Not in the world!' echoed Made
line dreamiIy. She leaned over and
touched the silky surface, eSclaiming
at the silvery sheen melting into rose
and pale blue and green. II almost
seemed as if the rug palpitated with
life, so changeable were its coiors, so
wonderful its intricate weaving and
delicate harmony or pattern.
Tell us about it. FELTON,. II you don't
mind suggested the professor after
little pause.
at can be told in a few words.
heard Of it's presence In an obscure vii
Iage in Mazandaran."
HAS it a history" asked Mrs. Han
ford
~ is called the carpe. Nf truth
It is said to have belonged to one OF
the favorites of an ancient ruler, and
its principal virtue is that whoever
sits upon it Is compelled to tell the
truth while he sits thereon"
That would prove invaluable when
examining Witnesses" observed Mr..
Hanford, with twinkling eyes.
al have thought of that" said FELTON,
quietly Now that 1 have told you
about my end suppose some of the
rest of you relate what is the greatest
treasure you have discovered in your
travels"
And be sure to sit on the carpet OF
truth while you're telling it," advised
Clayton. with a laugh
I'm willing to. for one agreed his
aunt. Il want to test the verify Of Mr..
Felton's tradition. May II"
Certainly, Miss Gray" returned Eel
ton courteously. although apparently
somewhat surprised by the request
There; / Will place this chair over the
carpet, and you may sit there with
your feet well within its border"
NO. no. 1 wish TO sit directly on the
carpet, Just like an eastern story tell
er," cried Miss Gray. and so she dis
posed herself amid much merriment.
"Of course my story is about ring"
she began. This Is the one. ! picked
it up in Constantinople only yesterday.
and It involved an adventure" She
gave the ring 10 Mrs. Hanford, and
that lady passed II around the group
with an exclamation of delight
When ii came to Professor Trayle
he studied it long time with pecul-
far smile on his kindly face.
What is the inscription ?" asked the
professor quietly as he dropped 1t In
Hiss Gray's outstTetched hand
"Chaldean SO he told me-" replied
that lady. dreamiIy regarding the ring.
"He? Now for the adventure" teas
ed Clayton.
'T had forgotten that must tell it."
said Miss Gray, slipping the ring on
her finger. "WelA yesterday as / was
strolling among the bazaars / came to
the street of the sflversmiths. l was
looking at the wares Of one merchant
and trying to select ring for my col
lection that might be very unique
when a brown hand was thrust into
my own and left behind 1t this tur-
quoise ring"
How romantfcF breathed Mrs. Han
ford softly