The Washington times., 1912-08-15
THE TIMES DAILY SERIAL STORY
THE DIAMONDS"
By J. S. FLETCHER
Copyright. 1919. Frank A. Munsey Co.,
By J. S. FLETCHER

we'll bolted and barred. 1t must be some
foolish person who had lost his way
and had strayed into the wrong yard.
a these h. ninth thoughts bs flash ssses rnpd E
the door. Suddenly the tap was repeat
ed. There was something in II this time
which suggested even more resolve on
Josephs dIwavered-and finally
went across the room and opened the
door.
There was still some daylight, faded
closing walls Of the yard, and by its
light and that of the lamp on the table
Mr. Josephs found himself staring at a
man.
At first sight he thought this must be
the sailor, but the mistake was immedi-
ately rectihed in his mind by the per-
eeption Of the fact that the stranger on
the threshold was small and slight and
clad In light clothes of Eastern make
and texture; Mr.. Josephs eyes ran
from feet to head, and rested on a color
ed turban. and at. sight of that he NUT
tered an angry exclamation.
What do you want here?" he asked,
jmpat!ently.
The Hindu answered in placatory
tones.
ITO sell you something" he said.
II closed my shop an hour ago." re-
piled the pawnbroker. II don't do busi-
ness after business hours; go away and
come in, the morning."
But in the morning I shall not be
here. l shall be out in the Channel,
miles away from this country. Besides,
we have traded together before; sure
ly you'll not refuse an old customer"
Mr.. Josephs drew nearer and peered
closer into the mans face. He stepped
back into the room, inviting the other
why couldn't you come sooner?'
he asked, still ungracious and out OF
temper. Cant you let a man rest him.
~ n and NJ his dayfS la hnrc What
Two or three small stones" an
swered the Hindu, who had closed the
door after him and % now ,aav advanSed h, to sht
from me little time ago, Mr.. Josephs
"Humph!" said Mr.. Josephs. 7 did
badly with them. I did, indeed;
made little profit on that matter. How
The Hindu produced a small canyas
bag from some secret recess of his
clothing. He united the strings with
deliberate fingers, looking, steadily thu
Of the loose folds of the bag three small
diamonds. which glittered brightly al
the rays of the lamp caught them. The
dealer went down to the table to exam
inc the wares at closer quarters.
Lal Dass remained in his erect posi-
ton imperturbable and watchful. His
keen, stealthy eyes turned from the
brass bound box to the foot rule, anC
from the 1OOI rule 10 lHe SIlttl VI UopCl
on which Mr.. Josephs had jotted dowr
his figures. When the Hindu's eyes
| rested on the latter, he smiled a little
but his face was grave and lnscrutable
| as ever when Josephs loked UP from
| the diamonds.
well" said Mr.. Josephs, how much
| this time It's out of my regular hours
and j ought not to do business at al
in this way-shall we say the same pric'
as last timer"
"These stones are better than those
| I brought you last time" said Lal Dass
gently Il must nave more-mucf
| more"
Mr.. Josephs waved his hands with ar
But ] do not keep so much money
] in the house!' he exclaimed.
1 And besides, the stones are no
worth more than those you last sanr
night. ] have not the money In tn'
house. I will give you what l gave be,
fore, and half the amount in cash anc
half In a promissory note 10 De p1e re-
mouth"
very WE'LL" answered the Hindu
| ''if it must be So"
II will fetch the money from m,
| safe" said Mr.. Josephs. His good tenn
| per had returned with the delight Of
! the bargaining. and he had got gooc
value for the money he was about tt
! lay out.
| Sit down Il moment, ne duu.u' Soth
| ering up the diamonds. II shall not o.
gone five minutes; my safe Is IN th'
shop"
! Lal Dass sat down and looked abou
him. His eyes finally rested on IN
brass bound box. He was still regard
| ing II when Mr.. Josephs re-entered th'
parlor. The Hindu nodded at the box.
That is a pretty piece of work whlcf
| you have there" he said. 1T Is, think
! the workmanship OF some one or my
countrymen: If 1t Is Tor SAFE; Mr' DO
! sephs, I will buy 1t from you. -,
| Josephs looked at Lal Dass witt
| something like suspicion.
| You are the second that has want
| ed to buy today he said. mo. no;
am not selling that box. 1t Is magi
box: there's something mysteriou
"Ah! a secret drawer or receptacle
no doubt" said the Hindu unconcerned
| ly. They all have
do you think SO? But. on! ! nav
| been much concerned ABOUT that pox
| II seemed to me that there might be
| secret drawer, and tried TO ma IL. bu
l could find nothing
''It had been strange II you could.
| answered Lal Dass. "Is that the none!
| Won hold in your hand. Mr.. Jesephs?
And the note payable on demand
| answered the pawnbroker, handing I
roll Of notes and slip of blue paper u
the Hindu. II will trade with you
any time. I hope you will bring m
| back something good next trip: Bu
this box. You think 1t likely that ther
is a secret receptacle in it?'
A Continuation of This story vii