The Gem worker and the Idaho labor herald. (Boise, Idaho) 1914-1917, 1914-12-24

HISS presume you fedliHe some
thing Of its vaiue?"
I'll really don't know exactly
where. 1t was ON a savage island,
where was cast away--an island just
eight days out of Manila"
"A savage island-from Manila'- A
bit of the incredulity had left his man
ner already. Once more he stopped to
examine the necklace. Yes" he NUT
tered: 1.-THE. cutting of the stones is
different from any | have ever en-
countered-old Asiatic undoubtedly"
Again he turned to her. How long
ago was this, miss? What is this
story of being cast away? do not
recollect any wrecks
THE Empress" Lucille quickly ex-
planned.
well. well. well'-he rubbed his
hands together in frank amazement-
Ito think that any one escaped from
the wreck OF the Empressr' Once more
his lips pursed But why have you
not reached friends?"
II am Lucille Love-" she said quiet
~. 81 cannot go back
Lucille Love. daughter of General
Lover" He studied her keenly. nod
ding his head from side to side. Eyes,
yes; your father and | were quite well
acquainted when he was stationed at
the Preside here. and you will not go
back because Of the disgrace that
caused you to leave when the orders
from Washington were stoIen?"
There was no disgrace" Lucille
said. her tones fairly chilling. THE
papers were stolen by an outsider, sir.
That was why ! boarded the Empress.
l seek money; why | am still search
ing"
But my dear Miss Love-" he smil-
/ ed. you must realize that there Is not
money enough in the establishment to
purchase such wonderful necklace as
the one you own. A few stones. pos
sibly, or" he added as an afterthought.
Il might purchase an option ON the
necklace for. say. as much of a rea-
sonable sum MS you desire at present
and will then look about for a pur-
chaser"
Lucille's face showed her relief.
Il will give you $4,000 for an OPP
ton TO sell the necklace within six
months" the man continued quickly
Meanwhile | will keep It here and
/ give you receipt for it In order that
| may show it to possible customers"
Ten thousand dollars Lucilles
eyes were wide in wonderment. 1t
was not ten minutes later. with a mu-
tual promise TO say nothing of the
transaction. that she left the shop with
a certified check for the sum mention
ed in her tightly clinched fist. accom-
panied by a clerk.
A strange shadow seemed TO have
fallen upon her. one which took large
part Of the amusement she anticipated
getting from her shopping away. She
could only ascribe 1t to meeting with
one who had known her father. who
unwittingly showed her what the
judgment OF the world had been in
regard to the missing orders. the me-
cessity for Immediately foiling Hugo
Loubeque.
AS she left the bank with the roll OF
banlnotes in her hand and a warning
from the clerk still ringing in her ears
she thought no longer of adjoining her
self. had forgotten her shabbiness and
her fear of meeting her sweetheart
4 Her thoughts We're still upon clothes.
the most gorgeous clothes. And her
thoughts were also upon Hugo Lou
beque. the international spy, the man
who stood between her and the fru-
ition Of all her hopes. the man-and
warm flush suffused her cheeks. which
she fought down swiftly-who was
constantly proving himself but mere
man. after all; man susceptible to
woman's charms.
Her head was high. her cheeks
sparkling as she entered the first fash
ionabe shop she came to; her manner
such that the crowding. jostling wo-
men made way for her as for queen
In regal attire instead of young CIR;
with habilIments torn and disheyeled
And always. alongside the doors OF
all the establishments she entered.
waiting-patiently waiting. furtively
waiting-a rather servlle appearing
man stood. respectful. quiet. contained
Lucille's return to her apartment at
the hotel was greeted with an appar-
ent respect that spoke plainly OF the
arrival Of the food Of packages she
had ordered sent immediately that she
might prepare herself for the conquest
Of Loubeque.
II WIS several hours Inter that she
looked at herself ii the long cheval
glass frank admiration and wonder
tingling within her. mantling her
cheeks With roses that no ruby neck.
laees could have purchased For the
irst time she realized that she was
wonderfully beautiful And even as
she stood there come clear tapping
upon the door. With smile upon
her lips she moved toward It. allow.