The Nevada County picayune. (Prescott, Ark.) 190?-current, 1912-05-24
CHAPTER lx.-(Continued.)


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
ny advice, Dicky, and get those fire
poals into your safe deposit vault first
thing In the morning. Hello, you're
counting them off, That's wise"
For with the knife he had left on
he table was cutting away the
tough threads that held the rubies. |
cut off the second and fourth, leay-
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 of any more.
| said. Want you to help me tie up
the others just as they We're"
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-
| tectly clear that if they had been safe
70 long under the little covers. the
evels couldn't find any better place.
Singular thing Billings couldn't see It.
Besides, the paJamas had to have fast
aings, you know.
held one of the two rubies under
he light. and. by Jove. | almost drop
ped ibid drop my glass. Seeing
isd-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.
a guess I'll be going. old chap" he
said gruffly. Think I'd better, after
all" He cleared his throat Sure
ycu can't sell me one. Dieky?" Dashed
his voice didn't tremble.
Quite sure, dear boy" l murmured.
. Without turning around. Not mine.
. lou know-these two"
Billings exploded then. 1t 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 NOODLE now? II those
nbies are not yours. whose do you
mink they are?"'
whired about quickly. Yours, /
nid, and laid them in his hand.
MY compliments, old chap" | add
ID, smiling By Jove! One time, at
least, put 1t all over old Billings
NO" he gasped. crouching over
and gripping my shoulder.
grinned cheerfully.
He fell into a chair and just sat
aere mounting at me and then at the
levels In his hand Old boy looked
deyilish silly. Really acted like he
mad some sort of stroke-that sort oil
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
cane to me so | can get chance to
nep out your collection. Awfully glad
old chap"
he clenched the jewels. and looked
down.
'Dcky-" He coughed a little nus
ally as he paused, "Dicky." His voice
was so low | could hardly hear him
lucky, you're off your trolley, anf
I'm a damned"
he raised his arm and dropped IT.
Well, never mind what" he nm
sned with a lift of the shoulders
nut | want to say something It's
aoout what | offered you for those
''ohes. The price-the amount
wasn't even a decent gamble
Out 1t was all | could go, and oh,
wanted one so badly, Dicky! Ant
aow you've made me feel like dog
ano can't take your gift, old chap
any more than | could afford to one
,ou the real value of one OF these
Seautlful stones. Here" And III
passed them back to me.
! Know each OF them to be worti
sy"here from forty to fifty Thousand
ss4afs. he said quietly. They're thu