Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1912-08-28
cHAPTER IX.-tcontInued.l

CHAPTER lN.-(contnued.)
Billings gulped again. Il suppose
not; don't blame you. Way you're
fixed, you don't have to-" He walked
slowly to the window and back. Take
my advice, Dieky, and get those fire
Goals into your safe deposit vault first
thing in the morning Hello, you're
counting them on That's wise"
For with the knife he had left on
the table | was cutting away the
tough threads that held the rubies.
cut on the second and fourth, leav-
ing the first ruby at the collar and
the other two alternates.
GO on, said Billings as laid down
the knife You've only removed
two"
Don't believe I'll cut on any more"
said. Want you to help me tie up
the others just as they were"
What"
insisted. And though Billings pro
tested and argued and even called me
names, we did as | said.
For, by Jove, you know 1t was per
fectly clear that If they had been safe
so long under the little covers, the
jewels couldn't find any better place
Singular thing Billings couldn't see 1t.
Besides, the pajamas had to have fast
enings, you know.
held one of the two rubies under
the light. and, by Jove, almost drop
ped ibid drop my glass. Seeing a
red-hot poker-point in your fingers
would give you the same turn.
"Rippers, Billings! Simply rippers!"
exclaimed.
held the other ruby beside its fell
low. Then | waited, listening, and
heard Billings hand strike down on
the back of chair.
81 guess I'll be going old chap" he
said grufly. Think I'd better, after
ALL" He cleared his throat. Sure
you can't sell me one, Dicky?" Dashed
II his voice didn't tremble.
quite sure, dear boy" / murmured,
without turning around. mot mine,
you know-these two"
Billings exploded then. 1t seemed
an opportunity to relieve himself.
mot yours! Why, you dodgasted idiot,
you nincompoop, you cuckoo, you
chicken head! What notion have you
got in that fools noddle now? If those
rubies are not yours, whose do you
think they aTe?"
| whirled about quickly. Yours"
said, and laid them in his hand.
MY compliments, old chap add,
ed, smiling BY Jove! One time, al
least, | put it all over old Billings!
mol" he gasped, crouching over
and gripping my shoulder.
! grinned cheerfully.
He fell into a chair and Just sal
there mounting at me and then at the
Jewels in his hand. Old boy looked
devilish silly Really acted like he
had some sort of stroke-that sort Of
thing.
| laughed at him.
Don't you see?" l said, trying tc
explain Wouldn't have known &
dashed thing about the buttons be
ing rubies but for you. So lucky they
came to me so l can get chance t
help out your collection. Awfully glad
old chap"
He clenched the jewels, and looked
down.
'Dicl1y-" He coughed little hus
kly as he paused. "Dicky" His voic,
was so low l could hardly hear him
"Dicky, you're off your trolley, an,
Pm a damned"
He raised his arm and dropped 1t.
well never mind what" he fin
ished with a lift of the shoulders
'But want to say something. It.
about what / offered you for thos
stones. The price-the amount
named-wasn't even decent gamble
but it was all could go, and oh,
wanted one so badly, Dicky! An
now you've made me feel like dos
And | can't take your gift, old char
any more than could afford to ofTe
you the real value of one Of thes
beautiful stones. Here" And h
passed them back to me.
Il know each OF them to be wort
anywhere from forty to fifty thousan
dollars" he said quietly They're tn
kind the crowned heads scoop &c
Jewels of state"
l nodded, and, getting up carelessl,
strolled to a window.
"Devihsh lovely night" | said, po
ing my head out And it was Stal
overhead and all that sort of thin
and lots Of them below, tool coU
hear them singing over on Broadwa
IAN right, old chap; then here the
go into the street" / said IF n
friend can't have EN-, then no jol
crowned heads shall. That's tat!"
Billings started forward with re
uIar scream.
waved him back Don't con
any nearer. old chap" said, holdt