The Mellette County pioneer. [volume] (Wood, Mellette County, S.D.) 19??-1971, 1912-08-16
CHAPTER ix.-(continued.)


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, Dicky, and get those fre
Goals into your safe deposit vault first
thing In the morning. Hello. you're
counting them OF, That's wise"
For with the knife he had left on
the table | was cutting away the
tough threads that held the rubies.
cut of the second and fourth, leav'
ing the first ruby at the collar and
the other two ~alternates.
Go on" said Billings, as l laid down
the knife. You've only removed
two"
Don't believe I'll cut of any more"
I said. Want you TO help me tie up
the others just as they were"
WHAT"
/ insisted. And though Billings pro-
tested and argued and eve called me
names. We did as ! said.
For, by Jove. you know II was per-
fectly clear that il they had been safe
so long under the little covers. the
jewels couldn't find any better place.
Singular thing Billings couldn't see II.
Besides, the pajamas had to have fast
enings. you know.
! held n of the two rubies under
the light. aad. ~ Jove, | almost drop
ped it-ti1 Up my glass. Seeing a
r1A hAt Y.Lnr naint tn ntr HnOnra
would give you the same turn.
"Rippers, Billings! Simply rippers!"
I exclaimed.
I held the other ruby beside its fel.
low. Then I waited, listening, and /
heard Billings hand strike down on
the back OF a chair.
Il guess I'll be going, old chap he
said grufiy. 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. Not mine,
you know-these two"
Billings exploded then. II seemed
an opportunity to relieve himself.
Not yours. Why, you dodgasted idiot,
you nincompoop. you cuckoo, you
chicken head. What notion have you
got in that fools noddle now? II those
ruhiey are not yours, whose do you
think they are?"
whirled about quickly. Yours"
said, and laid them in his hand.
MY compliments, old chap" ] add
ed. smiling. BY Jove! One time. at
least, ] put IT all owe old Billinga!
"No!" he gasped. crouching over
and gripping my shoulder.
I grlnned cheerfully.
He fell into a chair and just sat
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 or
thing.
laughed at him.
Don't you see?" ! said, trying to
explain. Wouldn't have known a
dashed thing about the buttons be-
ing rubies but for you. so lucky they
came to me so ! can get a chance to
help out your collection. Awfully glad,
old chap"
He clenched the jewels, and looked
down.
"Dicky-" He coughed a little hus-
kily as he paused. "Dicky." His voice
was 10 low I could hardly hear him.
''Dicky. you're OF your trolley, and
I'm a damned"
He raised his arm and dropped 1t.
We'll, never mind what" he fin
lshed with n lift OF the shoulders.
"But ! want to say something. It's
about what ] offered you for those
stones. The price-the amount I
named-wasn't even a decent gamble:
but II was all ! could go. and oh, I
wanted one 10 badly. Dicky! And
now you've made me feel ike q dog.
Ard ! can't take your gift, old chap.
any more than I could AFFORD TO offer
you the real value Of one Of these
beautiful stones. Here" And he
,zsscd them back TO me.
Il know each Of them to be worth
anywhere from forty to nifty thousand
--i'.-~" he said quietly. They're ths