South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1920-06-06

puest the MOon-god. IN his Brah-
min shrine. wore upon his forehead
Dne OF the most beautiful diamonds
ln creation. Partly from its pc
uuliar color. partly from a super
sutton which represented 10 as par
taking OF the nature OF the deity
whom II adorned, and growing and
lessenlng IN lustre with the waxing
and waning OF the moon II first
gained the name by which 10 con-
tinues 20 be known in India 10 this
uay-the name OF The Moon
stone After passing from one
lawless hand to another. in 1850,
after the lapse OF eight centuries
the Moonstone looks forth over the
walls Of the sacred city in which its
story first began
Throughout this long period the
bIOOnstone had been sought dill
gently by three Brahmins and their
successors. Their vigilance was. in
1S48. rewarded by the sight of the
Je8plendent gem cleaning on the
bosom Of light-hearted girl
Rachel Verinder had received the
-fOonstone as a legacy from an un-
Bcrupulous uncle who was in high
disfavor with the family. Knowing
that the MOOnstone brought ill-luck,
The gift was made in revenge.
Although thoroughly admired at
bliss Verinders birthday dinner, the
7lncanny influence OF the stone made
itself felt in the atmosphere Of the
party. Two rival suitOrs were pres
ent-both cousins OF Rachel Nerin
der. One. Godfrey Ablewhite, per-
Euasive In manner and eloquent as
chairman Of many charitable organ
6zatiOns. lived in the neighborhOOd
and had hitherto gained the advan-
tage which propinquity gave him
over Franklin Blake, lately return
ed to England. bringing the Moon
stone, after several years spent on
the continent. The latter was a
guest OF Mrs. Verinder three weeks
before the birtrdly, where his g-uci-
business and congeniality 10 Miss
NeTirder made him most welcome.
Hence IL was not surprising that
Rachel fell in love with him and re-
fused the opportunities of Godfrey
Ablewhite just before the birthday
dinner. This major tension accom-
panied by various misunderstood
ings on the part Of other guests
ended in a dispute between the fam
lily physician and Franklin Blake
over the latter's sleeplessness in
which the doctor failed 10 convince
him that medicine could triumph
over his nerves.
on hearing a drum the guests
rushed to the terrace to be con-
frOnted by three Indian iugglers.
At a word from one OF the diners.
a celebrated Indian traveller, the in
truders hurriedly retreated This
surprising turn Of events argued for
putting the Moonstone into especial
" safe keeping. but Miss Rachel.
with ideas of her own. insisted on
placing IL In an unlocked Indian
cabinet in her dressing room. The
company then dispersed. leaving
Franklin Blake. who looked wretch
eddy, and Alr. Ablewhite together.
After much urging Mr.. Blake de-
cided TO take brandy and water TO
help combat his sleeplessnes s.
The household was startled next
morning at the disappearance Of
the Moonstone. Franklin Blake,
always alert, was instrumental in
bringing IN the nearest police.
Rachel became exceedingly angry
at their intrusion and was deeply Of
Tended with Franklin Blake for Sc
curing them. The chief of police
succeeded in making a mess of af-
fairs and was superseded by the IA
nous detective. Sergt. Cuff.
The chief of police had aroused
the resentment Of the servants by
examining their boxes; Sergt. Gun
wished 20 begin with the personal
effects OF the family, not looking
for the MoOnstone but rather for an
article OF clothing bearing a paint
stain from the door OF RachCps
boudOir. Everyone acceded but Miss
Nerinder who gave a most decided
refusal. The only servant suspect
ed by the sergeant was Rosanna
Spearman who had been rescued
from misfortune by Lady Verinder.
She was discovered by Sergt. Cuff
TO have bought a quantity OF plain
white cloth and made and launder-
ed a new garment in her room when
supposed 10 be Ill with a headache.
Miss Rachers point-blank refusal
TO have her possessions search ed
and her decision TO leave her home
ended in gaining her point and the
dismissal OF the detective, who left
the Verinder home convinced that
Miss Rachel had disposed Of the
diamond through the cOnnivance OF
Rosanna Spearman in order to pay