THE BABYLOIAN DIAMOND

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 445, 27 October 1904, Page 2

THE BABYLOIAN DIAMOND

CHAPTEE I. IN the heart of the great city of London, not very many yards from the weather-beaten walls of the Bank of England, are grouped a great number of banks of old-established reputation and stability. Out of these, the oldest is undoubtedly the firm of Douglass, Pim, and Douglass, they having been in existence for over two hundred years. It was in the private sitting-room of Albert Douglass—the head of the firm and cole remaining partner—that the action of this story commenced. Three men, all fashionably attired, were seated at a round table, upon which were scattered necklaces, rings, bracelets, plate, ornaments and jewels, all of great value. The centre of the three was Albert Douglass. He was thirty-five, five feet ten inches in height, and strikingly handsome; his fine frank face, with its dark, curly hair, dark eyes, smart moustache, and close-cut beard, making up a picture that was singularly attractive. On his right hand was seated his closest friend, his manager, Raven Ferrett. Ferrett was a man of singular personality; a man who created an extraordinary impression upon .ill the people he met. He was thirtythree years of age, nearly six feet in height, but with a slight tendency to stoop, a clean-shaven face, with eyes of great brightness, and lips that were full and red, but with a strong, square chin, that counteracted any weakness which the lips might denote. It was the face of a man with enormous strength of will, and also with strong human feelings and passions. When he was pleased, his voice was soft and caressing; when angry, it became hard, cold, and merciless; and there were many who had shrunk beneath its biting scorn more than they would have done beneath the lush of a whip. To his friends he was a devoted slave : to his enemies, a man to be feared. The third member of the trio was a fine specimen of an officer in the army. Colonel Gardner had lived nearly fifty years, had served with'distinction through several campaigns, and, having jast retired, was commencing to spend the remainder of his life in enjoying its pleasures in a rational manner. His chief hobby was yachting ; and in a few hours he was about to start on a cruise through the Southern Seas, which would keep him away from Englaad for fully twelve months.

The banker, Albert Douglass, was talking. ' Then I am to understand. Colonel, that you wish to entrust your collection to my care until you return ?' 'Exactly. They only came into my actual possession yesterday, and the first thing I did this morning was to bring them here, knowing that if there was one man in London who could be trusted to take care of them, that man was Albert Douglass.'

The banker smiled. 'That's very nice of you; but tell me, Colonel, how did you manage to get hold of such a magnificent collection ? I had no idea you were a rich man; I always thought you were one of the younger sons of the family?* The Colonel complacently stretched his limbs.

* Quite right, my boy: I'm four removes from the title. No; the manner in which I became the owner of such a mine of wealth is that I had a cousin who managed to tumble over a bridge, and strike his head against the buttress as he went down, thus giving me—who was walking with him at the time—the opportunity of saving his life. The dear old chap was so grateful for the trifling service which I rendered him that when he died some six week 3 ago he bequeathed me the whole of his property, which principally consists of this collection. Where on earth he picked them up I haven't the ghost of an idea. His career was a most strange one. He was a parfecfc cosmopolitan; a scholar,

BY AUSTIN FRYERS. COPYEIGHT

a traveller, and a man of the world ; he was one of those strange combinations which are sometimes heard of, but are rarely seen. And now poor old Harry is dead; and here am I, a bachelor, burdened with a lot of wealth which I don't know what to do with.'

' So you hand it over to me, Colonel, in the hope that in a year's time you may have found a solution to the great puzzle—« What to do with our riches ?'' • I am afraid you are chaffing me,' laughed the old soldier, goodhumouredly. 'Not at all; nothing further from my mind. However, I'll ring for one of my clerks, and then w&'ll take an inventory of the property, and give you a receipt.' One of the clerks of the bank appeared in answer to the summons, and the work of compiling the inventory commenced. There were articles of every description, hailing from all parts of the world. Bracelets from India, necklaces from Smyrna,, rings from Bond Street, jewels from Africa, gold stilettos from the Rue de la Paix, gold drinking cups of a strange fashion from Ancient Egypt, ornaments from Rome, and two beautiful tiaras said to be from barbarous Carthage. But the thing which stirred them most, and roused them to enthusiasm, was the contents of a gold box, about six inches square, and of great thickness; for when the banker opened it a cry of astonishment burst from his lips that made his companions look nip involuntarily. It was only natural that the object exposed should arouse the exclamation ; and, although the Colonel had seen it before, he again felt the same extraordinary admiration as at first; while as for the banker and Eaven Ferrett, they were swept beyond themselves, and could only stand silently lost in wonderment.

It was of singular purity, and in its weird flashings a strange gleam of blue, as from the very heart of the stone, seemed to be the preponderating tint.

* I have never seen such a remarkable stone as this in all my life,' said Kaven Ferrett, a little awed by the sight. And it was remarkable, for there was something weird about this strange jewel that ghstened and flashed with its unearthly light. It was set in a gold claw of perfect workmanship; but the most peculiar thing about the setting was that its outer rim was after the shape of a human eyelid, thus imparting an uncanny appearance to the stone—an appearance that was almost devilish—and it had a grim effect upon them, as though the thing possessed unnatural life. Albert Douglas pushed the gem away from him. ° Where did your cousin get this, Colonel ?' he asked, quietly. % I haven't the faintest knowledge, my dear fellow,' was the Colonel's reply. 'But I found a small piece of a very thin substance like papyrus in the box, under the stone, which might enlighten us on the subject.' ' Was there anything on the substance, Colonel ?' asked Ferrett. 'Oh, yes. Hieroglyphics, or something like it.' Ferrett carefully took the jewel out of the case, and saw the thin substance which the Colonel had just mentioned, and it was with the feeling that he was about to make a discovery that he unrolled it, and saw the delicate signs traced upon its surfare. ' Not understandable, eh old fellow V asked the banker. Ferrett remained silent for some minutes, absorbed in thought, as he endeavoured to decipher the mystic tracing?. Suddenly he looked up. • Can you translate it ?' asked the banker, excitedly. ' I am afraid not. But if the Colonel will permit me, I should like to copy a few of these signs into my pocket-book. When I have a dull

hour at home I may be able to make it pass quicker in endeavcuring to discover the language of the scroll.' The Colonel laughed. «Do as you like, my dear sir. Only don't keep me too long. ' A few moments.'

Raven deftly copied a few of the lines. In the course of the operation he easually asked what part of the world his cousin had chiefly frequented. The Colonel answered, quickly, •Southern Asia was a favourite hunting-ground of his. He used to make a study of the many dead religions that in ages past prevailed there. In fact, he was always writing home saying that he had found traces of another religion, and that he should write a book on it. It ended by his raking up such a lot of forgotten creeds that he never had time to write his book, it would have been so volumi nous.'

•In which be showed his wisdom,' said Ferreit, quietly. 'By the way, you're certain it was Southern Asia r' 'Certain. Why?' ' Nothing. Mere curiosity.' The Colonel started as he heard the clock strike the hour.

'My dear Douglass, if you don't hurry up with the receipt I shall lose my boat at Tilbury.' Within a quarter of an hour the jewels and ornamsnts had been returned to their cases, and the receipt was in the Colonel's pocket-book, together with an inventry of everything. Then he rose from his seat, and shook hands wormly with both his companions.

' Take care of the property, Douglass, especially the diamond. I may get married when I return, you know, and it would make a good present to my wife. Au revoir, both of you ; shall see you again this time next year.' A hearty hand-shake, a few warm words, and he was gone, thinking only of his boat, and the delightful trip that was in store for him.

CHAPTER 11. ' How about taking these things down to the strong room?' asked Eaven Ferrett.

' We'll take them down at once,' replied Douglass. ' I shall feel easier when they are securely locked in the safe.'

Ferrett and Douglass lifted the precious collection, and made their way to a door communicating with a private staircase leading direct to the vaults. At the bottom of the staircase was an iron door, which opened into a concrete corridor, along which perpetually paced a stalwart commissionaire; the further end was blocked by another massive door. On opening this, one found one's self in the strong room; and if ever a room deserved the title, this one did, for the walls, ceiling, and floor were constructed of solid concrete, thus defying the attacks of either burglars or fire. But even this did not suffice to attain the feeling of complete security which the firm desired, so a smaller room of even greater strength than the one just described was built within this at the farther end; and to make it even more impregnable, a special lock had been invented, the mechanism of which was only known to Albert Douglass, who possessed the master keys. It will thus be seen that with precautions such as these the inner room' was as strong as human ingenuity could make it.

On their way from the private room where the conference had taken place to the strong room, the banker and Ferrett passed the commissionaire, who touched his cap in military style io salute them.

* Will you dine with me to-night ?' said Albert, later in the day, just as both men were putting on their gloves prior to leaving the office. Raven Ferrett's pale face slightly flushed as he answered, ' I would with pleasure, old chap, only I promised to dine with Mrs Stanhope and her daughter, for the purpose of chatting ov&r that matter about the bonds. But there I It's only, an informal little dinner, so come with me ; . they will be delighted, and will thank me for bringing you.' The eldest man shook his head. ' I may look you up later in the evening. So until then, old man, au'voir.' 'Au'voir. Any message ?' 'Only my kind wishes.'

Lighting a cigar, Eaven Ferrett sauntered downstairs, through the open door, into the street, and walked gently in the direction of the Adelphi, where his rooms were situated. A smile—softer than any seen on his face during the day—was playing on his features, whilst his brain was throbbing the echo of one word—- ' Maud.' For the midsummer madness that comes to nearly all men had come' to the hard-headed, studious Raven Ferrett, and an extra gentleness reigned within him. He had not yet spoken of his love as a living soul, and his heart throbbed faster when he thought of the time when he would have to tell his beloved of the power that enslaved him. When he reached his chambers he went into his sitting-room previous to dressing for dinner. A rose-coloured envelope was lying upon the table, and he opened it eagerly, and then did a most extraordinary thing for a man of his cold temperament, for he lifted it, quickly to his lips and pressed it against them passionately. Then he passed his hand across his eyes, and read it again—- ' My dear Mr Ferrett -Just a little note to say that the dinner hour tonight is seven o'clock. Knowing how busy you City men usually are, both mamma and I thought it advisable to send you this little reminder. —Very sincerely yours,

' Maud Stanhope.'

That was all: nothing much to produce such behaviour in an ordinary man; but to a lover this courteous little note seemed very affectionate. He put the letter in his pocket, and, with a soft light shining in his eyes, passed into the dressing-room.

When he came out he was in full evening dress, and well did the uniform of the British gentleman become him. The pallor of his face was accentuated by the severity of his clothes, and displayed unmistakably the studiousness and intellectuality of his disposition. Fastening a rose into hie coat, he stepped downstairs into the cab which his man had fetched for him, and drove off to the house that held the—to him—dearest woman in the world.

The dinner was a delightful one. Mrs Stanhope, a handsome woman of fifty, presided at the head of the table, Raven sat at the side, whilst Maud faced her mother at her foot. Maud Stanhope was a delightful specimen of a healthy, pretty English girl; she was about five feet four inches in height, with a well-shaped figure, dark hair, slightly oval face, beauti-fully-rounded chin, full red lips, and dark eyes that were charged with mischief, one moment intense, the next sleepy and languorous. During dinner Raven chatted over the market price of some bonds in which Mrs Stanhope was interested. Such conversation was not of the kind to amuse Maud; consequently at every opportunity she tried to change the subject. At last the meal was finished, and she asked Raven to go with her into the garden to see some of her favourite flowers. He was naturally only too willing, and as Mrs Stanhope "expressed her intention of writing a letter which she had forgotten, he had the additional satisfaction of being with her alone. As he went through the door a sudden determination gripped him—the determination to tell her of his love and discover his fate.

' Perhaps you do not like flowers, Mr Ferrett?' she asked, roguishly, looking up into his- face. 'lf so, I must apologise for having brought you here against your will. Are you cross ?'

Raven smiled. •It is impossible to be cross with you, Miss Stanhope; but as it so happens I am very fond of them. What are you going to show me?' ' Roses; do you like them ?' 'lmmensely.' 'There I What do you think of those ? Every one of them is a rich red.' ' They are delightful! Perfect!' 'lam so glad you like them. Let me give you one.' He spoke quickly; his voice trembled. ' But will you not let me give you one?'" 'Why?' ' Because I love you, Maud ! 1 love you!'

She lifted her face to his. All the laughter had died out of.it; only pity gleamed in her eyes. 'Don't! Don't 1 It cannot be! I cannot! I cannot!'

A great fear crept into his heart. 1 What do you mean ?' he asked. ' You shouldn't have spoken to me like this! It is impossible!' she cried, passionately. * You don't love me, then ?' 'I like you very much.' ' But you cannot love me?' She placed her hand on his arm tenderly, «I'm so sorry to give you this pain.'

He deprecatingly held up his hand. ' The fault is mine. Forgive me for having spoken.'

There is nothing to forgive. A woman is never angry with a man for loving her.' Raven Ferrett pulled himself together. 'Let me- take you indoors. I am afraid it is getting cold out here.'

(To be continued.)