The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-07-23

Mary woke up to consciousness in the railway car shortly after kis- met had departed, Her head felt light and queer
 But immediately she recollected all the circumstances of the encounter. The fake diamond Had he taken it? And-where had Kismet gone to?
 Sbuddering a little. she glanced below the seats. He was not therel She opened her small hand bag and hunted through it. Yes; the fake diamond had departed, Mary smiled. But 1t was pale-faced, rather, shaky girl who alighted from the train at the New York terminus.
 She waited by the gates to watch each passenger pass through. And there it was that she heard an elder ly gentleman tell the guard of llis- nets leap from the train into a stream!
 Chap looked like Hindu. and was evidently trying to commit suicidev' the old gentleman was saying. T pulled the cord twice, but the con- founded thing wouldn't work
 Mary waited to hear no more. Temporarily, anyhow, she was safe from Kismet!
 She took taxi to her former lodgings. Thank heaven the register ed packet was awaiting her arrivall
 She took it from her landlady with eager fingers, feeling though the thickness of the envelope for a small, hard body--Ahl There it wasl Dicks diamond-her own liamond. now,
 Returning to her taxi she gave the man the address of famous firn, of jewellers and told him to drive there.
 Mary was lucky. She found the celebrated diamond expert man. and ready to see her and her offering.'' At the end of half an hour, after several members of the firm had viewed tho diamond, they proceeded to catechise the girl as to the ieweis history.
 She told them the whole tale. How Dick had received it from the Kim berley millionaire, how it's robbery had been attempted more than once, how Dick had given it to her and how she wanted to get rid of it-for a big price.
 For we need money" she said frankly. But her astonishment was great when the senior partner of the firm. after a consultation with the other. remarked: "We're prepared to offer you s25,ooo for the diamond.
 Mary stared Twenty thou sand dollars,
 "Of course. we'll have to investi gate the matter. One of us must go and see your husband. You'll need to give us references. too But, if we hurry things. the deal ought to be finished in three days added the jeweler.
 He gave Mary receipt for the stone. and she returned to the Bar ley Mow to confde the whole affair to Dick. She told him of her inter view with Darlington Bellaires
 The wretch has involved you to the extent of s5.O00, but we'll pay him back at once" she said. "Oh. Dick dear. the diamond that you gave me is worth s25,o0o It will put us on our feet"
 Sweetheart. You little brick" Dick kissed her fondly.
 Within three days the deal was carried through. Twenty-Five thou sand dollars was deposited in New York bank in Mary's name. And' armed with brand new check DOCK, Mary proceeded towards the office or her former employer, Darlington Bel lairs.
 Dick didn't know of this proposed visit.
 I've come to pay my husband obligation" she said, her levei gaze upon the counterance of Carrlngton Bellairs. Five thousand dollars, l think you said it was. Please let me read the note again"
 Bel1airs hunted through some doc, uments until he found the note, He handed it to Mary
 '.Yes. it's in order" Mary sald ae last. ..I'll write you out check now for s5,000, and the debt is paid one handed back the note to Carrlngton Bellairs.
 He took it. and. to her astonisn- ment. slowly tore it into httie iras ments.
 Mary. the debt is cancelled ] nave been a cad. but not so great a cad as to accept this money from giri like you. Go back and tell your nus, band that I refuse to swindie nm He owes me nothing"
 Darlington Bellairs held out ms hand to Mary, Mechanically she took it.
 You're a good woman l-I m better man for having known you Mary, I want to tell you sos He cleared his throat. Believe me.