davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1928-11-25
Men Who Sell Diamonds

THE detectives in the employ of the
jewelers. Association have on their
list two sets of names which by no
stretch of the imagination could be
classified as sharing any similarity of
qualities. One is made up entirely of
diamond thieves big and little men in
the profession, with minute descriptions
OF their faces and figures. The other
list is composed of the names of
travelling representatives of the big
diamond and jewelry houses. The
query naturally arises, why associate
these two together. eminently honest
men with recognized thieves and
burglars?
The reasons are not far to seek If
one considers the hazards the big dia-
mond houses and their representatives
are exposed to nearly every day and
night of the year. A diamond sales
man when he starts out on the road
may carry with him a quarter of a mil
lion dollars worth of precious stones
tucked away about his persona small
or large fortune occupying no space
larger than that of the ordinary wallet
No bodyguard of detectives accompanies
him, and he must sleep in hotels and
on railway trains with his precious bur-
den always with him.
1t is this daily risk of carrying around
such portable valuableS that makes the
detectives employed by the jewelers.
Association so anxious to keep per-
sonal record of the travelling represent
atives as well as of the notorious sharps
and diamond thieves. A diamond
house must trust a good deal to the
honesty of its representatives and
usually the men have been long in the
employ of the firm.
Very few diamond representatives
have every run away and none who be-
long to the first-clasS trade within the
recollection of men in the business.
But nearly all of them have been fol-
lowed by thieves and a few of them
have been robbed. Today, If a diamond
man has reasons to believe that he is
being shadowed by thief, he generally
steps into the nearest telegraph Office
and wires a description of the suspect
to the home house, which in turn i'm
mediately conSultS the officials of the
jewelers. Association. Within half an
hour, If the description fits some motor
ious diamond thief, a detective Is on
his track.
A diamond representative knows that
every possible safeguard is thrown
about him. He never knows when de-
tectiveS are watching him. The shadow
he may have mistaken for a thief on
his track may be a detective. Every
night he must telegraph or write to his
employers, reporting where he is stay
ing and where he expects to be the
following day. The diamond house thus
knows ngetty accurately the location OF
Evening star., 1928-11-25
Informal Celebrations in Early New
England History Followed by
Gradual Establishment of
Holiday.

hard and frozen. The increasing cold
caused scarcity of game, and the snow
on the ground hid nuts and acorns.
Their supply of corn was almost ex-
hausted. 1t was at this time, 1t is
said, that five kernels of corn we're
handed out to each person as his or
her daily ration
A day of prayer as we'll as of fast
ing, although under the circumstances
the latter was hardly necessary, was
set aside. To their joy, as was the
case with the Plymouth Colony ship
sailed into the harbor filled with pro-
visions. The appointed fast day was
turned into one of thanksgiving and
rejoicing.
Thus, on February 90. 1851. Thanks
giving day was again celebrated in Bos-
ton among the colonists.
The first record of joint celebra-
ton is in the following year. Gov. Win
appointed day of thanksgiving and
Colony to unite with them.
In the next so years as many as
% public Thanksgiving days were cele-
brated, usually in October or Novem-
Der, but it did not become a regular
holiday until some time later.
On November IS, 1886, law was
framed to the effect that the governor
and his assistant had the power to
command dates of fasting as well as
of thanksgiving.
In 1877 in Massachusetts, was pub
lished the first Thanksgiving proclama-
ton. Other New England Colonies fol-
lowed the lead of Massachusetts,.
In Connecticut, the observance of this
custom was more regular than in the
Massachusetts, Bay or Plymouth circles.
With one exception, records are eX-
tant for every season from 1647. The
missing celebration was in the year
1875, when, on account of Indian mas
sacres, no celebration was held. Thus,
although to the Pilgrims of Plymouth,
or the Puritans of Boston, may be traced
the origin of Thanksgiving day in
America, the constancy of the people
in Connecticut has brought it down to
US as an annual celebration.
Evening star., 1928-11-25

heart. He lifted the rope of pearls and
fastened it about Mrs. MorSe'S throat.
She was almost fearful with excitement.
Edgar Morse produced checkbook.
And now, if you will permit me, Mr..
Braden-I-er-belie $4,000 is the
amount you mentioned"
Tommy nodded.
Edgar Morse hemmed and hawed for
a moment and then: Il hope you'll
pardon me-but how shall make this
check out?"
Tommy frowned. Whats that?"
How shall 1 make it out-that is, er
to whose order?"
I'm afraid don't understand"
well. mean-you know there's the
idea around the hotel-that is, about
Jared Mallory, and"
Tommy'S voice was crisp. "JuSt make
the check out to Thomas M. Braden."
Morse nodded and wrote swiftly. He
extended to Tommy check for $4,000,
payable to Thomas M. Braden and
drawn upon the Loop National Bank of
Chicago. "I didn't mean to give any
offenSe, Braden. OF course, you under
stand what I thought-that Is, other
folks were saying"
"Quite all right, Morse; that's per-
fectly all right
Alone in hi. room again, Tommy in
spected the check Veteran though he
was, his heart was pounding. There re-
manned nothing for him to do but pack
up and get away; then to convert
Morse's check into cash and disappear
He decided upon Paris. That city had
not known him for several years.
The important task was to place a
maximum of distance between himself
q fiHnp
He worked feverishly at his packing.
He scarcely heard the light rap on
the door. Only when the rapping be-
came insistent did he open. Jim Han
vey walked into the room. He blinked
slowly. Gosh, Tommy, you amt going
away, are you?"
Mr. Braden had a premonition of dis
aster. If only he could hold Jim off for
a time! Just running up to Chicago
for few days, jim"
mo special business or nothing like
that, is there, Tommy?"
Tommy had preSentiment that there
was a menace beneath JimS words
Nothing wrong, if that's what you
mean, jim"
Good boy 1t wouldn't be wise for
a guy that's as well fixed as you to take
another flyer"
Braden was i'll at ease. wish you'd
come with me, jim"
Sorry, Tommy"
You'll be here when get back, won't
you?"
Nope Don't reckon / will. Got to
hike back and turn in a report. I've
been lucky recently, son; right lucky"
Braden was relieved. Landed your
man?"
Moo. Not exactly. I wasn't partic-
tt1o I'll int in fhof in
surance company that sent me down
here, and all they wanted was the stuff.
Interesting case, Tommy"
IN wager it was"
You know"-Jims voice was easily
conversational-"we'd almost given up
hope of getting them Vanduyn pearls
back"
Tommy Braden sat down suddenly.
"The-the what?"
THE Vanduyn pearls Remember the
case? Mickey Donley pulled it,"
Evening star., 1928-11-25

its high-priced men at all times. II
salesman did not report each night
steps would be taken Immediately TO
find him. This is done as much to
protect the representative as for any
other reason.
The detectives know all the diamond
representatives as well as all the thieves
and suspects. This information is an
invaluable aid In times of emergencies.
1t helps them to hunt down their man
quickly, whether he be a thief or a
diamond representative.
There is another sort Of Shadowing
and espionage carried on as a direct
result of this work. If diamond rep
reSentative becomes a habitue of gam
bling houses and race tracks or appears
to be living loose life, far beyond the
means his salary affords, his employers
soon learn of the matter through the
detectives.
The jewelers. Association has de-
tectives In nearly all large cities, and
1t Is kept pretty well informed of the
movements of diamond representatives
who carry unusually valuable samples
of precious stones A Maiden Lane dia-
mond representative will sometimes
start out with half a million dollars
worth of stones. His movements are
important 10 otnerS tnan the house that
employs him. Many diamond thieves
will dog the footsteps of such a man
for weeks. waiting for the favorable
opportunity to relieve him of his treas
ures. Some night in the sleeping car
or on a dark road or in a narrow alley
the chance may come for a knockout
blow and quick getaway"
Contrary to the descriptions of fic-
ton writer's, the diamond representative
rarely carries his stones in the lining
of his coat or hat or concealS them in
false SoleS of his shoes. They are in
variably wrapped in tissue paper and
slowed away In long, leather wallets
that fit deep in vest pockets. They
are always where they can be easily
reached, and 1t may be assumed that
when in crowd the representative hes
them in mind. But diamond men aVuad
crowds and dark. lonely roads at niRcs.
They prefer to ride in special conyey-
anceS at such times and at night the
little packet of diamonds always re-
poses In the hotels safe. But on the
road the diamonds must be kept under
the pillow at night and many times
the salesman spends sleepless nights
just on this account.
Evening star., 1928-11-25

Gently sailed for France. Tommy
Praden knew it, but that was only be-
cause Tommy happened to have an in
terest in Mr.. Mallory. And now Tommy
planned to cash in on his observation
of the millionaire.
Tommy's decision to visit the Indiana
resort was the result of deliberation.
He knew that this was the last place
Mr. Mallory would visit.
Tommy arrived at the hotel one
evening. He registered in cramped
scrawl that bore a startling similarity
to the labored chirography of Jared
Mallory. But Tommy was nothing if
not honest. The clerk glimpsed the
signature
Thomas M. Braden, New York
4 x = !;
THE dinner hour approached. Mr..
Braden dressed in a conservative
dinner jacket. He knew that more than
one person commented upon him during
the course Of the meal More than one
consulted the clerk after dinner for in
formation as to the identity of the
stranger.
Among those who had noticed Tommy
was couple from the Middle West; a
gentleman of some SIS years. and his
wife. Mr.. and Mrs. Edgar H. Morse
had, for the past five years, been fran
tically attempting to create the impress
sion Mr.. Braden was now registering SO
profoundly. Wealth had come to them
in an unexpected flood They were not
crude persons, but they did lack the
background believed essential to true
culture.
Mr.. and Mrs. Morse made inquiry OF
the clerk.
"Oh. him? That's Thomas NJ.
Braden"
His manner indicated that any one
VINO was any one would know Mr..
Thomas M. Braden.
They managed to seat themselves near
Tommy. He appraised them scientific
ally. He was apparently oblivious to
their proximity until Mr.. Morse apollo
getically borrowed a match. He did 50
: 2pprehensively. and was put instantly at
case by Tommy's manner. But Mr..
Braden Immediately appeared to lose in
tcrest in them. And just when the
Norses had become discouraged Tommy
turned to them with question: How
far is the golf links from the hotel?'
Edgar H. Morse expanded instantly
and wound up with the inevitable ques-
ton: What do you shoot?"
Tommy shrugged. I'm not very
Evening star., 1928-11-25

the matter-he been trying to date you
up?"
mo. But he ordered a corsage sent
up to some female, an first he slipped
me the wrong card, an then, when I
reads the name, he like to of bit my
head off He tears it up an slips me this
one-Mr Thomas Matlock Braden-I
don't see nothing to get excited about.
What difference does it make If his
names Thomas NJ Braden or Jared
Mallory or what it is?"
It took the assistant manager but a
few seconds to recover the bits OF paste
board and arrange them in order.
We'll. I'll be darned-Jared Mallory is
right"
1t required just five minutes to trans
nit the findings to the manager. "Of
course" counseled that dignitary, you
lory. If he desires to visit us incog-
And within 10 minutes the manager
had informed two of his friends that
Jared Mallory, the millionaire. was reg
istered under the name of Thomas M
Braden. BY dinner-time dozen per-
sons knew it. and Tommy was marked
man--at which Tommy merely smiled.
In the privacy of the Morse suite the
news received q most thorough thresh-
ing "Golly!" breathed Edgar. Think
of me with Jared Mallory. I thought
there was something funny about those
cigarettes. And he's a gentleman, so
much of a one he don't have to be
watching his step all the time. Funny
he should like me-er-a-that is, If
he really does
Within five days. Tommy Braden
knew that Mr.. Morse had been ten
thousand-a-year man with an aptitude
for saving until certain venture had
catapulted him into the multi-million-
aire class; so suddenly in fact, that
neither the excitable little man nor his
wife had yet become adjusted to their
new position in life. Tommy rather liked
them; there was nothing aggressive or
vulgar about either And, according to
Tommy's way of figuring, the detectives
would never suspect that handsome
Jewels in the possession of Edgar H.
Morse had been come by illicitly, SO
that. under the deal he contemplated
no one would be the loser. mo one,
except Vanduyn," he mused, land that
baby is stung, anyway"
There was an avalanche of attention
showered upon the supposed Jared
Mallory, to all of which he was mag
Evening star., 1928-11-25

II don't quite make you, Jim. Do YOU
mean to tell me that you've recovered
the Vanduyn pearls?"
"Surest thing. We knew Mickey
couldn't get rid of 'em, so we watched
the boys he was calling on. And the
sucker that bought 'em off Mickey found
a goat and sold em-and got 'em that
way. I'm right lucky about things ike
that"
RRADEN was dazed. He knew jim
Hanvey was speaking the truth.
And yet He gave ear to the even
monotone of the detective.
And, say, Tommy, next time we meet
I'll take you on in golf match. I'm
getting my first lesson this afternoon.
run across a swell feller last night.
Guy named Morse-Edgar H. Morse.
Know him?"
Tommy stared.
We'll, Eddie Morse is taking me out
on the links this afternoon. He's in
terested in joolry. too, Tommy. Me and
him had a long talk about pearls and
things. He knew all about the Vanduyn
robbery; remembered the whole thing
the minute reminded him Of it."
Tommy Braden sought to readjust his
battered scheme of things. A thin, twist
ed smile appeared on his lips. I'm a
fool, jim"
How so, son?"
For thinking that you are the idiot
you appear to be-"
Gosh! couldn't be that, could II"
Hardly. I take it, Jim, that you
knew the person to whom Mickey Dom
ley sold the Vanduyn pearls. You locat-
ed him at this place and followed him
here. You discovered that there was
considerable mystery about him, and
also that Edgar Morse was his only
intimate acquaintance. You presumed,
of course, that Morse was the goat---and
so you went straight to that gentleman
and warned him against buying any
pearls that might be offered. Is that
correct?"
Jim grinned.
"Golly, son. you're clever. How'd
you know all that?"
"Just guessing jim" Braden rose.
I'D better travel along, I suppose. I'm
glad you're not going to nab the poor
fish who tried to pull the deal''
"Shuh! We don't care nothing for
that feller. It was just bit Of busi-
ness deal with him. Hmm! So you're
running up to Chicago, eh?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Oh, noth1n' special. Except that,
you should happen to be thinking
cashing a check, somebody might hs'
given you on-well, say, the Loop N
.ional Bank, think you'd better chang
your mind. You see. the feller whc
gave you that check happens to be
friend of mine, and, just to avoid en-
barrassment, I suggested to him last
right that he should make out the
check on a bank where he hasn't any
money. And he kind of seemed to think
1t was a good idea."
Tommy Braden had the grace to
laugh. He clasped Jim Hanvey's hand.
Thanks for the tip, Jim. You're
surely a thoughtful chap. One Of these
days We'll try some golf. What do you
say?"
I'VE sure will, Tommy unless It turns
out that I amt got sense enough to
learn the darn game"
(Copyrisht, 1927
Evening star., 1928-11-25
PINK BAIT y y

| HERE was nothing about Mr.
Thomas Matlock Braden tc
mark him as being other thar
i a gentleman. From the mo-
ment of his transformations ar.
9ival he blended perfectly into the
background of the fashionable In
diana hotel. He was tall and lean and
quietly purposeful. He presented pic
ture that impelled spectators to turn
and murmur: What a distinguished
looking gentleman!"
In cultivating this external aspect OF
severe probity, Tommy assumed vir-
tue that he had not. Morally. Tommy
was a total loss. He was courteous anG
SuaVe and cosmopolitan. And un-
scrupulous He had long since gradu-
ated from the ranks of ordinary crooks.
He handled only tasks that required
extraordinary. f1nesse, infinite patience.
and an all-embracing knowledge OF
human nature. He selected his clients
with as great care as he chose his VIC
TINS, and the former, at least, had
small cause to protest his treatment
Certainly MIR. Michael Donley fancied
himself extremely fortunate in having
secured the cooperation OF so eminent
q parsonage in the criminal world.
The deal between MesSrs. Donley and
Braden was consummated in few
moments.
You know them vanduetaoin
Tommy"
"Yes." said Mr. Braden curtly.
"I got 'em"
ST know it." snapped Mr.. Braden.
"How'dja get wise?" asked Donley.
Mr.. Braden's thing, ascetic lips ex-
panded into a tolerant smile. you
bungled that job. Mickey Every dick
knows who pulled it. They'll nab you,
the first time you turn around"
Mr.. Donley made grimace. You
said it. bo. There amt a fence will
touch EN- How about sellin' 'em for
map"
IT won't do business with YOU in that
way, Mickey. You're common crook.
and I don't care to enter into part
nerShip with you. However. I'll buy
the pearls from you for $4,000"
"Aw. Tomny!"
VERY we'll. Sell them elsewhere.
Am rather busy these days"
Mickey studied the countenance OF
his companion. In it he read subtle
enjoyment of the situation. Mickey
was annoyed-chiefly because he was
helpless.
"Awright, Tommy. Where's the five
Erand?"
Evening star., 1928-11-25

for any gentleman who was upon trans
greSSion bent.
Certainly there was no safety in pro-
! crastination. He had the Morses where
| he wanted them, and the best thing he
could do was to sell them the pearls
and make his getaway. He knew
there'd be no trouble.
There wasn't. They dined with him
that night, only Tommy being aware of
the bulky figure in corner of the
dining room. Tommy warmed up con-
siderably. He even went SO far as to
say that Edgar was the first congenial
person he had met in years. He hoped
that the acquaintanceShip might not
perish when they parted, and Oh.
yes. he was leaving in few days. He
wished that there was something he
might do to indicate to Mr. and Mrs.
Morse the depth of his appreciation for
the pleasure their society had afforded.
He correctly interpreted the glance
between husband and wife. There is"
burst out Edgar, then bit his lip in en-
barrasSment. "Er-a-that is, I was
thinking-I'm crazy, I guess, and"
What is it, Morse? Anything in my
power"
wall. it's this" exploded Morse "If
you wouldn't get sore-that is, if you
understood-but, of course. I can't ask
you, because they mean more to you
than just what they mean. and-that
is. 1t isn't like you just had them and
oh, darn it! I've got myself all
balled up!"
Tommy frowned. IT Judge you have
reference to my pearls?"
Mrs. Morse leaned across the table.
Yes, Mr.. Braden. he does mean your
pearls. He's embarrassed because we
realize that 1t Is out of the question to
suggest that you part with them,
TOMMY lay back in his chair. $50
= that's it eh? Well well, well!
What should cause you embarrassment
about wanting my pearls? OF course
you want to own them. I'd be rather
hurt, If they didn't impress you with a
desire for ownership. Why, I'm COM
plimentedl"
Morse was beaming. you see, pearls
like those are something that can't be
bought from a jeweler And we both
love EN-. From the first minute we saw
them, we got to thinking how swell it
would be If Ella could own them-that
Is, some just like EN-"
There aren't any just like them"
Sure! We know that Now, if you
were broke or something, I'd have offer
ed to buy them-but money doesn't
mean anything to you, and"
Tommys face had grown serious
you really want them that much?"
Want them Holy smokes, man.
| you don't know!"
Very well. hope you'll permit me
to present them to Mrs. Morse
For a moment there was silence.
Morse and his wife stared.
Give em--"
"Mr. Braden! I couldn't!"
Certainly, you could, Mrs. Morse.
! You and your husband have afforded
me an extremely delightful vacation.
| 1t would be pleasure to present those
| pearls to you. After all, their intrinsic
worth is not to be measured against
friendship"
Edgar Morse was overwhelmed by
his friends generosity, but, of course,
it was out of the question for him to
| accept such a gift. On the other
Evening star., 1928-11-25

coloniSts, but no provisions or supplies
Later more ships with more coloniStS
arrived. There was not food enough to
go around So they had neither food
nor heart for feasting and celebrating.
Among the late comerS were many
undesirables, who soon caused un-
friendly feelings among the Indians
The colonistS longed for Spring to come
again-planting time.
But disappointment was In store for
them. May brought drought which
lasted until July. A day was appointed
for fasting and prayer. After nine
hours of prayer the Pilgrims, with
great joy, saw dark clouds spread over
gentle rain which revived the crops
and brought hope to their saddened
hearts.
The Pilgrims learned at that time
that there was a ship bearing in their
direction. Because of the blessings
which they had received and the
further blessing to which they looked
forward in the arrival of the ship, they
felt 1t only right to hold a public Serv-
ice Of prayer and thanksgiving. This
service was held July 80. 1923, and the
next day the ship anchored. bringing
many friends who. because OF the lack
OF room on the Mayhower'S first trip
had been obliged to remain behind in
Holland.
While these observances may be
looked upon as merely local, they are
without doubt the origin Of our national
Thanksgiving.
They were also forerunners Of other
more or less local celebrations in Mas
sachusetts, and gradually In other col
onies.
In 1880 a public Thanksgiving day
was observed In Boston.
In the year 1881 there were great re-
verses in the bay colony. Crops failed
and they were reduced to the same
state which had befallen the Plymouth
colony. There was suffering and star
vation.
The women learned, probably from
the indians, how to make kind of
-four from acorns. The children dug
clans and mussels. The ground was