The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1914-03-27

outer ofIice-for all the world like the
husk OF frost-bitten nut of which
Brownlow was the wrinkled kernel.
But could Tom have been present
while the importer Was entertaining a
prospective customer, he would have
obtained an insight into Brownlow's
methods. In front OF the only window
that was scrupulously clean stood a
wide table Across the polished top
two comfortable leathern chairs faced
each other. Two or three dark pur-
pie velvet pads and a couple of jewel
er's lenses lay here and there upon
the top itself. At these two places the
importer and the customer would have
been sitting tete-a-tete, the latter bark
ening while the former discoursed at
length upon any subject save the one
that had brought them together, until
one of the bent figures in the outer Of
fee returned from Brownlow's safe-de-
post box In a nearby bank, bearing
beneath his arm a small leather case.
After this had been deposited at
Brownlow's elbow and the bent figure
had retired to re-attach himself to his
own particular ponderous ledger, the
case would have been opened and its
glittering contents poured out upon
the velvet pads. Then the little mans
garrulity would have ceased, and he
would have uncovered a minute knowl-
edge of gems and values against which
the sharpest bargainer knew that it
hor
millions OF dollars worth OF precious
stones had passed through his claw
like fingers, each adding its quota to
his wealth; and thus it was that he
could indulge in a luxury like the
Kohinur.
The importer was alone, however,
when Tom entered. He rose nimbly
from his desk and greeted his caller
with an effusiveness that left the lat
ter tongue-tied.
my dear Mr.. Phinney!" cried the
little man, beaming. the while he Wig
orously pumped Toms unresponsive
right hand. my dear Mr.. Phinney!
Almost literally you have arrived at
the eleventh hour. 1t is impossible for
me to express my qualification at see
ing you. So you didn't forget the re-
quest l made 80 bold as to prefer at
Mrs. Payne-Frenchs!" He stopped
with surprising abruptness, then went
on in a tone expressive OF consterna-
ton: Don't say that you have
failed! Don't tell me you have come
here only to bring disappointment! 1t
would be cruel act of kindness on
your part, but Ahem! Sit
down."
Tom dropped into the chair which
the other thrust at him as il he meant
to knock his legs from under him.
Pray don't give me any such i'll
tidings, Mr.. Phinney, for this is my
last day of grace; il don't get a
skipper and mates for the Kohinur by
six this evening, / stand to lose''-he
raised his hands in a despairing ges-
ture-"I can't bear to hear myself say
it! l can't bear to think OF how much
l shall lose-more than any man can
afford-good, honest money, just wait
ing to be picked up"
This was all more or less unintel-
ligible to Tom; but he had succeeded
in pulling himself together. and as
soon as he could wedge in a word he
tried to impress upon the excitable
merchant that he was offering himself
for the opening. When at last Brown
low comprehended, he suddenly
checked himself and stared at Tom in
silent surprise: but in a moment he
drew long face, which put the finish
ing touch to his callers discourage
ment.
You're not In earnest" Brownlow
voiced his misgivings, solemnly wag-
ging his head, but nevertheless main
tanning an interested scrutiny upon
the young man. why, should you be
looking for such billetT'
Because want tho money" was
the blunt response. "And take my
word for It, Mr.. Brownlow, I'm in
earnest. II you doubt my qualifica.
| tons"
The other raised a silencing hand.
II konw all about them" said he
crisply, "else shouldn't have
preached the matter to you in the first
place. / supposed your interest and
activity in yachts and yachting would
enable you to put me In the way OF
finding what wanted; didn't expect
that you would-er-ahem!-"
Tom took the words out of his
mouth.
Strike you for the job myself, Ell !
Well, I have"
Brownlow seated himself at his