Bisbee daily review., 1914-12-04

But could Tom nave been present while the importer was entertaining 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 jewell CTS 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 harll- 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- pOsit box in a nearby bank, bearing beneath his arm a small leather case. After this had been deposited at Brownlows elbow and the bent figure had retired to re-attach himself to his own particular ponderous ledger, the case would have been opened and it's glittering contents poured out upon the velvet pads Then the little mans garruhty would have ceased and he would have uncovered a minute knowl- edge of gems and values against which the sharpest bargainer knew that it vas useless Co contend. Unnumbered millions of dollars worth of precious stones had passed through his claw Ike fingers, each adding it's 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 MT. Phinney!" cried the little man. beaming the while he viz orously pumped Toms unresponsive right hand My dear Mir Phinneyi Almost literally you have arrived at the eleventh hour. It is impossible for me to express my graufcation at see ing you. So you didn't forget the re- quest l made so bold as to proffer at Mrs Payne-French's!" He stopped with surprising abruptness, then went on in a tone expressive of consterna- ton; Don't rly that you have failed Don't tell me you have come here only to bring disappointment It would be a cruel act of kindness on your part, but Q. Ahem! Sit down!"
 Tom dropped into the chair which the other thrust at him as if he meant to knock his legs from under him.
 HH tidings, Mr. Phinney, for this is my last day of grace; if ! don't get a skipper and mates for the Kohinur by six this evening, I stand to lose"-he raised bis hands in a despairing ges. ture-"I cant bear to hear myself say it. I cant bear to think of how much 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. igible to Tom; but he had succeeded in pulling himself together, and al 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 taining an interested scrutiny upoT the young man "Why, should you bt looking for such a billet?'
 Because l want the money" was the blunt response. And take my word for it, Mr. Brownlow, I'm ir earnest If you doubt my qualified tions-"
 The other raised a silencing hand.
 CT konw all about them," said he crisply. "else l shouldn't hay, broached the matter to you in the frs place. l supposed your interest ana activity fin yachts and yachting woul' enable you 10 put me in the way O finding what l wanted; l didn't eXpec that you would-er-aheml-
 Tom took the words out of hi mouth
 Strike you for the job myself. eh Well, l have"
 Brownlow seated himself at hi desk, upon which he thoughttull drummed with his fingers, every nov and then directing a sharp glance a his caller Tom was beginning to real ize that the employment of captain for the Kohinur, for some occult cause was not to be SO simply arranged a such matters generally are; the pre- liminaries were unusual and-to him unnecessary; he was becoming nor and more puzzled, for he believed tha Brownlow was needlesely investinl the proceedings with an air of myi tery, and this made him restiye.
 By and by Brownlow drew a lon breath and once more gloomily shoo his head.
 I'm fearful that it's not to be. aighed he. heavily. When you hea