Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-02-22

lemOn-waS IN charge. wan asked 10 be
shown the stock of unset diamonds.
The trays that the man set before him
caused the eyes of Wall to brighten still
more With manner almost reverent he
stopped, and passed his fingers lovingly
over the stones. For an instant the tall
man glanced outside, and smiled a sal
low smile. A little girl in pink dress was
crossing the street, and it was at her that he
smiled
aTheres flaw in that stone," said Wall
in voice of sorrow. See
From outside came the shrill scream of a
child, interrupting. The tall man turned
quickly to the window.
@My Cod" he moaned.
aWhat is it?n Wall sought to look over
his shoulder Automobile"
any little girl!' cried the clerk in agony.
He turned to Martin Wall, hesitating. His
sallow face was white now, his lips trembled.
Doubtfully he gazed into the frank, open
countenance of Martin Wall. And then
Il leave you in charged he shouted, and
fed past Wall to the street.
For moment Martin Wall stood, frozen
to the spot. His eyes were unbelieving; his
little cupid's bow mouth was wide open.
3Here! Come back" he shouted when he
could find his voice.
MO one needed. No one heard. Outside
- in the street a crowd had gathered.
Martin Wall wet his dry lips with his tongue.
An unaccountable shudder swept his huge
frame.
3My God!" he cried in voice of terror.
am alone!"
For the first time he dared to move. His
elbow bumped hundred thousand dollars
worth of unset diamonds. Frightened, he
drew back He collided with showcase
,ot 80, md
He put out plump hand to steady himself.
1t rested on display case of French, Rus
sian, and Dutch silver.
Walls knees grew weak. He felt a strange
prickling sensation all over him. He took
step-and was staring at the finest display
of black pearls south of Maiden Lane, New
York
Quickly he turned away. His eyes fell
upon the door of a huge safety vault. 1t
was swinging open.
Little beads of perspiration began to pop
out on the forehead Of Martin Wall. His
heart was hammering like that of a youth
who sees his ladylove after long separa-
ton. His eyes grew CLASSY. He took out a
silk handkerchief and passed it slowly
across his damp forehead.
Staggering slightly, he stepped again to
the trays of unset stones. The CLASSY eyes
had grown greedy now. He put out one
huge hand as the lover aforesaid might
reach toward his ladys hair.
Then Wall shut his lips firmly, and thrust
both of his hands deep into his trousers
pockets. He stood there in the middle of
that gorgeous room-a fat figure of man
suffering cruel, inhuman agony.
He was still standing thus when the tall
man came running back. Apprehension
clouded that sallow face.
at was very kind of you" The small
eyes of the clerk darted everywhere, then
came back to Martin Wall. sim obliged
why, what's the matter, Sir?'
Martin Wall passed his hand across his
eyes, as man banishing terrible dream.
3The little gir1?" he asked.
Hardly scratch said the clerk, point
ing to the smiling child at his side ut was
lucky, wasn't it?' He was behind the coun-
ter now, studying the trays unprotected on
the showcase.
steady himself. 4Perhaps you'd like to look
about bit before l go"
4Oh, no, Sir. Everything's all right, I'm
sure You were looking at these stones"
@Some other time" said Wall weakly.
Il only wanted an idea of what you had"
@Good day, Sir. And thank you very
much"
3Not at ALL" And the limp ex-guardian
passed unsteadily from the store into the