The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1922-01-19

I'D EFORE the Mohammedan con-
quest the Moon-god, in his
Brahmin shrine, wore upon his
forehead one of the most beautiful dia-
monds in creation. Partly from its
peculiar color, partly from a supersti-
ton which represented it as partaking
of the nature of the deity whom il
adorned, and growing and lessening in
luster with the waxing and waning Of
the moon it first gained the name by
which Ii continues to be known i'm In
dia to this day--the name of 1.-THE
Moonstone." After passing from one
lawless hand TO another, in 1850, after
the lapse of eight centuries the Moon
stone looks forth over the walls of the
sacred city in which its story first be-
gan"
Throughout this long period the
MOOnstone had been sought diligently
by three Brahmins and their success
ors. Their vigilance was, in 1S4S, re-
warded by the sight of the resplendent
gem cleaning on the bosom of a light
hearted girl. Rachel Verinder had re-
ceived the Moonstone as legacy from
an INSCRIPTIONS 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
Miss YeEiEdeF's birthday dinner, the
uncanny influence of the stone made
Itself felt in the atmosphere of the
party. Two rival suitors were present
both cousins of Rachel Verinder.
One, Godfrey Ablewhite, persuasive in
manner and eloquent as chairman Of
many charitable organizations, lived in
the neighborhood and had hitherto
gained the advantage which propinqui-
ly returned to England bringing the
Moonstone, after several years spent
on the continent. The latter was a
guest of Mrs. Verinder three weeks be-
fore the birthday, where his gracious
ness and congenialty to Miss Verinder
made him most welcome. Hence it
was not surprising that Rachel fell in
love with him and refused the impor-
tunities of Godfrey Ablewhite just be-
fore the birthday dinner. This major
tension, accompanied by various mis-
understandings on the part of other
guests, ended in q dispute between the
family physician and Franklin Blake
over the latter's sleeplessness in which
the doctor failed to convince him that
medicine could triumph over his
nerves.
On hearing drum the guests rushed
to the terrace to be confronted by
three Indian jugglers. At word from
one of the diners, celebrated Indian
traveller, the intruders hurriedly re-
treated. This surprising turn of events
argued for putting the Moonstone into
especially safe keeping, but Miss Ra-
chel, with ideas of her own, insisted
on placing it in an unlocked Indian
cabinet In her dressing-room. The COM
pany then dispersed, leaving Franklin
Blake, who looked wretched, and
Mr.. Ablewhite together. After much
urging Mr.. Blake decided to take
brandy and water to help combat his
sleeplessness.
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 ex-
ceedingly angry at their intrusion and
was deeply offended with Franklin
Blake for securing them. The chief of
police succeeded in making a mess of
affairs and was superseded by the ia
nous detective Sergeant Gun.
The chief of police had aroused the
resentment of the servants by examin-
ing their boxes; Sergeant Cuff wished
to begir with the personal effects OF
the family, not looking for the Moon
stone but rather for an article OF
clothing bearing paint stain from the
door of Rachers boudoir. Everyone
acceded but Miss Verinder, who gave
a most decided refusal. The only SER
want suspected by the sergeant was
Rosanna Spearman, who had been res
cued from misfortune by Lady Verin-
der. She was discovered by Sergeant
Cuff to have bought quantity of plain
white cloth and made and laundered
new garment in her room when sup
posed to be III with headache. Miss
Rachel's point-blank refusal to have
her possessions searched and her deci-