Tombstone epitaph., 1915-10-03

llue OH HTeNOThs, indhlng SpeeCHeS, singing and doing a hundred mad pranks that shocked the staid respect able Venetians plying back and forth in their somber gondolas. and made matter for ambitious reporters and cor respondents.
 The canal rang with uncorked pa triotism, and those who had been long est from home were widest in their demonstrations.
 AS the gay ride drew to an end, De lasco Bowen gathered up the remain ing Roman candles, and. picking his way to the bow, steadied himself in the rocking boat, grasped a stick Of punk from NJ. Van Wendts hand, md touched off all the candles in a bunch. He lurChed awkwardly with a dip of the boat. and shower of sparks scat tered over Constance Van Wendt.
 My dress," she cried, frantlcally fighting of the sparks. A dozen hands flew to her aid. and the sparks were instantly extin- guished. BeIasco Bowen apologized sincerely. and no harm being done. re turned to waving his candles over the water out of harms way. Constance Van Wendt was excited ly arranging her attire with the help of her sOlicitous mother. Your diamond? The Duchess Dia- mond," cried Mrs. Van Wendt sudden ly. Where is it?"
 Miss Van Wendt's hand went to her throat, groping for the chain on which the famous stone had swung. Why, it's gone!" She felt among the frills of her dress. her face anXiously lined | and ghastly white in the glare of Bow ems falling rockets.
 The deck was searched. Miss Van | Wendts clothes were shaken out, and when the launch was finally rnoored at | San Marco the whole party fell to ex- amining the fioor-planks for crevices. l But nothing came to light, until Belas- co Bowen. beside himself with anx- | iety for having indirectly caused the | loss. caught a glint of gold on the gun vale, and found the chain hanging down. on the outside. almost touching ! the water
 Van Wendt grasped the thin chain and jerked it of
 The stone slid into the water, Con stance" he cried. holding up the finely linked chain. It's gone down to the bottom Of the Grand canal"
 T must replace it" cried Belasco Bowen anxiously Tt was my stupid awkwardness that caused it all In | fighting the fire some one must have ] accidentally torn it from her throat"
 The chain was specially made there is a platinum wire running | through it" explained Van Wendt, [ holding it up. T thought it was safe" ! lie passed il into the hand Of Chris. ! topher Poe. See, it must have caught on something. An awful wrench. Didn't you feel it, Constance In the excitement and everything" she murmured. T don't know what felt"
 The party. already having dwin1led to dozen. filed sadly into cafe for supper
 I've heard of the stone" whispered one Of the college youths, as the pa triotic party took seats. Its worth ! cool hundred thousand. Van Wendt is the Chicago grain operator, you know"
 All the madness of celebration had fiickered out, and the remaining tour ists sat lowering over ices, hushed, hanging on the words of Van Wendt.
 There is just a chance that some. body might have picked up the stone suggested Bowen. glancing about the table thOughtfully.
 No. there is no chance, the chain was trailing in the water; I should have had the stone fastened to il, but the jeweler said it must slide, and let him have his way But, come, don't let this put damper on us. Let's all have nightcap and break up" Van Wendt's forced cheerfulness chilled them all. and the nightcap was me chemically drunk in silence.
 Half an hour later there remained at the table only Belasco Bowen and Christopher Poe.
 MT Hardy, what would you do in position like miner" asked Bowen. earnestly addressing the New York banker. whose affected simplicity and sincerity had won his confidence. You see, I am morally to blame for the less. but the stone could not be duplicated. might send them another anonymously to make up for it''
 'Mr. Van Wendt seemed satisfied that it was only an unavoidable acci- dent: am sure he can stand the loss," replied Christopher Poe.
 You don't think he'll harbor any resentment toward me-"
 Why, no. It was all in the game. He came along with US, and the acci- dent happened. that's all You are no more responsible than I am"
 But urged the Van Wendts to join us" said Bowen ruefully.
 its mighty unfortunate, but I'd for get 1t if I were you. You started good time. and We all enjoyed it; let's think of that instead of the unfortu- nate climax"
 T guess you're right. but do feel guilty. I suppose there's no chance to dredge the Canal?" "Of course no. The diamonds