Evening star., 1922-04-23

you willing to sell? Also how did the
violin come into your possession
x x x x
"Ir belonged to my father, God rest
his soul" Pardus made the sign
of the cross. In his youth he looked
to have a career. but it was not to
be. A noble lord in our country, who
thought he would be a great artist
treasured it as if it was of gold. He
had much trouble, drink ruined him;
but he would never part with his
Stradivari. He tried to make a
musician Of me. hut 1 had no gift
and had seen enough of that life.
But this drop in prices" He shook
his head plaintively. would you
believe me, mister. take a loss on
my stock of over 50 per cent: and my
creditors, they got no mercy. Tn
less sell the Stradivari. 1 go under"
Him. Ramsey tried to appear in
different "How much do you want
for it?'
Pardus' greedy, furtive eyes read
his questionsr in one swift glance and
then swept of toward the window.
well, III tell you; for cash. let
it go for nothing" He spread out
his hands. Absolutely nothing! 1
have no time to run here, there. and
wait days, maybe months. Unless l
got the money by tomorrow my store
viii close. So I give you a grand
bargain. 1t 10 a tragedy, but what
can do? Take the violin he thrust
it into Ramseys hands. for $4,000.
cash down"
Wallace gave an involuntary start.
II the instrument really was a genu-
inc Stradivarius. it was q bargain in
deed. He forced himself to temporize.
How did you know that I wanted
violin?"
,
who works for one Of the big deal
ers, told me that you had been look
ing for one, and gave me your ad-
dress. I suppose."-sishing heavily
"he will want commission out Of
me for doing it."
NO need to worry about that until
the sale Is settled" advised Ramsey.
"Of course. before I say that I'll take
it, shall have to have it's authenti-
city verified. I mean"-seeing that
the other looked bewildsred-'I shall
have to make certain that it is senu-
Inc, a real Stradivarius.'
"Oh, sure" agreed Pardus; then
suddenly beaming: at is already sold.
and my business is saved"
There is a violinist hero In the
house." he suggested. whose juds-
ment 1 am willing to trust. He viii
probably be at homo now. and If you
will bring the violin we can go right
up and see him.
Pardus hesitated. II should not
leave my store for SO long; there is
no one to wait on customers but the
little boy. Why not leave the violin
with you? He shrugged his shoul-
ders. "I am not afraid. Then you
can bring the money down to my
place. Here. give you the address" /"
He drew . dirty card out Of his
pocket, and, handing it over. backed.
bobbing aud Srinnins. out Of the room
Left alone. Ramsey lost no time
In placing his treasure trove into its
case and hurrying with it to the
apartment Of the violinist, two floors
above.
The latter was at hrst inclined to
be skeptical, even facetious, but his
manner abruptly changed at the ffrst
sight Of the instrument itself.
Good heavens!' he exclaimed. TITS
incredible; and yet, by Jove, it's
true!"
He went over the violin carefully,
scrutinizing every inch Of 1t, his com
ments becoming more and more vol
uhle and ecstatic.
THE label, Of course. might be a
clever piece Of forgery" he muttered,
n he carried 1t over. to the light.
"Bnt-looks' ..-..-
The morning sun pouring Through
the windows brought out the mellow,
nery glow Of that magical varnish
whose composition is lost secret.
The musician pointed out, too, the
peculiarities Of shape, the marvellous.
unduplicated Stradivarius bridge.
'4There il no question about it," he
declared finally. '"Ths gods have sent
you a gift straight from heaven"
"You are sure it is the real thinE?"
insisted Ramsey. ~
4 ~ X
uDosITIvELY. I have made q study
: Of good violins, and would
stake my life on the Senuineness Of
this one. See, here Is q crest painted
on 1t. probably that Of some former
owner It would be tntersstiag to
4s.s1 Ii 81 ID