The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-01-13

oh, that has always been mine.
There was time."-blowing rings at
the candelabrum,- when l was re.
spected like yourself, rich, sought
after. A woman and trusted friend:
how these often tumble down our
beautiful edifices. Yes, I am a scamp.
a thief, rogue; but not because I
need the money. No,"-with retro
spective eyes-"T need excitement.
tremendous and continuous, us,-excite.
ment to keep my vigilance and inven-
ton active day and night, excitement
10 obliterate memory.
But we can't do it, my friend. we
can't do it. Memory is always with
us. She is an impartial Nemesis: she
dogs the steps of the righteous and
the unrighteous. To obliterate men,
ory. that is it, And where might I
find this obliteration, save in this
life? Drugs? Pah! Oh, have given
Haggerty royal chase. 1t has been
meat and drink to me to fool the
cleverest policeman in New York. Till
yesterday my face, as a criminal, was
unknown TO any man or woman, save
William here, who was my valet in the
old days. | have gone to my clubs,
dined, played billiards; fine comedy,
fine comedy! Tomorrow William
and | sail for Europe Miss Haw-
thorne, you wear one of the most ex-
quisite rubies | have ever seen. Per-
nit me to examine it."
The girl tore the ring from her fin.
ger and flung it on the table. | made
move as though to push back my
chair.
Il wouldn't do it. sir" warned Will
liam quietly.
My muscles relaxed
do not commit any rash action, Mr..
Comstalk,' said the girl, smiling
bravely into my eyes. The gentle
man would not appreciate it,"
The master rogue picked up the
ring and rolled it lovingly about his
palms.
Beautiful beautiful" he MUIR
INJURED. Finest pigeon-blood, too. 1t
is easy worth thousand. Shall |
give you my note of exchange for it?"
-humorousy. The girl scorned to re-
ply. He took out little chamois bag
and emptied its contents on the table
How t-:ey sparkled, scintillated, glow
ed; thousands in the whitest of
stonesi How he ever had got his
fingers on them is something | shall
never learn, Aren't they just beauti-
ful?' he asked naively. Can you
blame me for coveting them" He set
the ruby on top of the glittering heap.
1t lay there like drop of blood Pres
emily he caught it up and-presented
1t to she girl, who eyed him in aston
ishment. q only wanted to look at
it," he said courteously. Il like your
grit as much as | admire your beauty.
Keep the ring
She slipped it mechanically over her
finger
But you, my dear Mr. Comstalk!"
he cried, turning his shining eyes
upon me, while his fingers deftly re-
placed the gems in the bag.
Il have no jewelry," | replied, toss
ing aside the cigarette.
But you have something infinitely
better. ] am rather observart. In
Friard's curio-shop you carelessly ex-
hibited a wallet that was simply chok-
ing to death with long yellow-b boys.
You have it STILL Will you do me
the honor?"-stretchin out his slim
' lite hand.
/ locked at william: he nodded.
There wasn't the slightest chance for
me to argue. So l drew out my wal
let. | extracted the gold-bills and
made neat little packet of them. 1t
hurt hurt like the deuce, to part with
them. But!
Game, William, isn't he? Most
men would have fiung the wallet at
my head"
"Os. - is game. sir; never you
doubt il, sir" s-:ij tbs amiable Will
liar.
Il have sorn- 1.l'er in change" I
suggested with some bitterness.
Far be it that should touch sill
ver," he said generously, did this
rogue. Besides, you will need some
thing to pay for this little supper and
the fare back TO New York" My bills
disappeared into his pocket. You
will observe that trust you implicitly
| haven't even counted the money"
William sniggered.
And Is there anything further?" I
inquired, The comedy was beginning
to weary me, it was so one-sided.
Il am. in no particular hurry" the
rogue answered. his sardonis smile
returning. 1T is so long since | have
chatted with people of my kind"
/ scowled.
Pardon me, ! meant from a social
point OF view only. | admit we would
not be equals in the eye of the Pres.
byter."
And then followed a scene that re-
minds me to this day of some broken.
fantastic dream, a fragment from
some bewildering nightmare.