Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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i CHAPTER XH. TIIK HISTORY OF THE RUBY. During the next two weeks there were nmnerous references to the rnby robbery in the daily papers. Interviews were published purporting to have been held with every one of note who had been present. The police were twitted with their inability to discover the thief. The detectives from the central office came and wont mysteriously, and were silent to all qncstiouers, the while maintain ing an expression which plainly said, "We conld and we would.” One or two persons were even arrested, only to be promptly discharged when brought before the committing magistrates. So that interest in the affair soon died out Another crime occurred, and all New York had something else to talk of. The Remsen ruby was forgotten by the masses. Mr. Barnes, however, thought of little elsa He racked his brain for a promis ing starting point, and the more he thought the more bo was tempted to made a trip to New Orleans to unravel this, as he had many other mysteries, "from the other end. ” Yet he hated to leave the scene where were the chief ac tors in the drama, and ns he felt certain the principal iu one or all of the crimes. At last he resolved to make a move, hoping little from it, yet unwilling longer to rest nctnnlly idle iu this case. He wrote the following letter: Mr. Arthur Randolph: Dear Him—Since you have cnvr.R ft me to undertake to prove that Mr. Mttchcl himself stole the ruby on the night of the festival, 1 presume that you will consent to give me Dome assistance in the matter. In the first Interview that I had with you you mny recall that you stated that your friend. In your opin ion, is somewhat insane on the subject of cel ebrated jewels. You said, in ellret. that If ho were pressed a little on this line he would drift off into the narration of tc.lea of gems and crimes committed to obtain them. I would much like to hear Mr. Mitrhel talk up on his hobby, but, as you know, ho is on the defensive with me. Can you in some wsy ar range to have a talk with him yourself and draw him out, while 1 should he secreted where I could overhear the conversation I I should wish you to mention the loss of the ruby—to suggest, tf not charge outright that he himself has taken the gem, and when he denies it, aa ho surely will, ask him whether there Is any p< culiar story connected with it —that is, whether it has ever been ijjoicn l>c- fore. From such a conversation 1 might get a hint which, seeming as nothing to you, might be valuable to mo. Will you do this? Remem ber you yourself said that “all is fair," eto Yours truly, J. Bahkm. - Iu reply to this he received a note asking him to meet Mr. Randolph at his club nn the following evening. 1 The nest afternoon Mr. Mitchel call ed at the Hoffman ITonse and went up to the room occupied by Mr. Tinnrct, find ing that gentleman at home Mr. Thau- ret advanced to meet him, and the two shook hands cordially "Tliauret,” began Mr Mitchel, “I want to talk to you seriously about that jewel robbery. ” “I am all attention,” said Mr. Than- ret, lighting a cigarette and dropping in to a comfortable rocking chair. “To begin with, let mo recapitulate. I will go hack to our partnership ar rangement. Yon and I became in a way secret partners, or perhaps ‘gambling pals’ would be more accurate. At that time I agreed to famish the capital for our operations up to a certain point I believe I have done so, iu spite of the fact that onr losses have been rather heavy and the farther fact that youcon- tidentially told me that yon had a meth od or a system by which losses conld be avoided, or at least controlled. Am I aoenrater” “Quite so, my friend. Yon have proved yourself an admirable si lent part ner, since you have allowed me to have my own way, paying the bills and ask ing no questions till now. Am I to un derstand that the losses annoy yon, and that yon wish an explanation?’’ “You may give me one in a moment. There is another point. Yon‘promised to drop Adrian Fisher. ” “Well?” “Yon have not done so. I requested yon to wear the Ali Baba costume the other night, and yet yon chose to give it to Fisher. Why was that?” “It will be more simple to explain abont the losses first and come to Fisher later. As you perhaps know, that de tective Barnes has chosen to place a spy at my heels. Under the circumstances I thought it wise to play the spy upon my spy. Several times I have gone to the clnb and then placed myself where I could watch my man. In this way I soon discovered that he had become inti mate with one of the clnb servants. One day l called this fellow, and partly by threatening to have him discharged, but mainly by using money, I got out of him what the detective was asking abont me. This was chiefly whether I lose or win when I play cards. I found that the resnlt of every game that I played was being reported. Consequent ly after that I made it a rule to lose." “To lose my money 1” “To lose our money, since we are part- uers. You are simply advancing the fnnds till I get remittances from Paris. Yon have my I O U’s. If you are tired of the arrangement, I will pay yon at once, though itwonld be inconvenient. ” “No. The money is of no conse quence. But toll me why did you think it best to lo*i?” 1 “It is very simple. From the fact that the detectives are investigating this point it is evident that they have beard of the winnings which I made when Fisher played with mo. They may have couuludcd that I am a card sharper. I Wish to dispel that idea. ” “Naturally. Bnt now toll me abont Fisher. What has this to do with him?” “As you know, I did not design to attend the festival You went to Phila delphia, were taken ill and scut me a letter asking me to take yonr place and wear yonr dress, which I'was to obtain by presenting your note to the eostmner. I did this, fully intending to carry ont yonr wishes.” i “Then how was it that Fisher wore my costume?” I “I was coming to that Jnst before leaving for the affair who should cull there bnt the costumer, who informed Iwa that a wan had been to hi* place and nati catecnisea mm aount me, --j. ing that he was a detective banting down a celebrated criminal. He showed the fellow yonr note. Afterward he re gretted having done so and came to notify me, as be expressed it, ‘so that I might not. get into any trouble. ’ I saw at once that this meant that Barnea would be at the festival, or at any rata one of his men. ” "Ton were right in that He was there. ” "Yes, bnt I was not snre of it till after the robbery, when all unmasked. He wore one of the Forty Thieves dom inos, and I failed to see tbrongh the dis guise. VTith the knowledge thus obtain ed I determined to have some amuse ment at the expense of the great detect ive, and decided to wear one of the dominos instead of yonr dress. It was essential, however, that some one should impersonate Ali Baba in order that the tableaus might not be interrupted. Fisher was the only man I conld ask to assume the role. He acquiesced, and that is all there was to that. I have not taken him np again, I assure yon. ” “Very goal. That is satisfactory. Yon must pardon my questioning; bnt, after all, I did not understand and had a right to do so. Tell me, were yon near when the robbery occurred? Did yon see it dene?” “I must have been near, bnt I did not see it I was awaiting to kiss the band of the Scheherazade when Mr. Barnes sud denly cried ont that a robbery had been committed and ordered masks off. I slipped ont of my domino and went to him as soon as the lights were on. ” "Yon might have suggested to him to search everybody, as he did on the train.” "By George, that is jnst what I did, bnt he declined. I gness that train ex perience made him dubious as to the valne of that sort of thing. ” At this both men langhed heartily, as thongh enjoying the discomfiture of the detective. "It seems,” said Mr. Mitchel, "that Barnes suspected that the ruby was to be stolen and informed Mr. Rawlston early in tbe evening that there wqnld be thieves iu tbe andieuce." “Did he indeed? Too bad that, with all his shrewdness, he was not able to catch the thief or thieves rather, eh?” Once more they both langhed. Then Mr. Mitchel suggested that they should go to the clnb, and thither they went. Upon entering the doorkepeer informed Mr. Mitchel that Mr. Randolph waa in the parlor and desired to see him. He and Mr. Thauret therefore went into tbe great reception room. Mr. Randolph arose as they appeared. “Good evening, Randolph,” said Mr. Mitchel. “Yon wish to see me?” “Oh, nothing special I came in to dine hero and told tbe doorman to send yon to me iu cose yon should turn np. I wanted company, that is all ” “Don’t like to eat alone, eh?” “That is it Eating is a nnisance, made tolerable only by good companion ship. Mr. Thauret, shall I have a place set for yon also?” “If yon desire, I shall be most happy,” said Mr. Thanret “Very well,” said Mr. Randolph. “I will attend to it I have some letters to write now, if yon will exense me. Meet me promptly at 7 in the private dining room. ” Mr. Randolph left the apartment and went to tbe floor above. Here ho joined Mr. Barnes, who was awaiting him. “Well," said the detective, “can yon manage it?” “Everything is arranged. Mitchel la here, and he has bronght Thanret with him. I don't understand tbe intimacy that has sprang np between those two, bnt that is not to tbe point They will dine with me in onr private dining room. I shall arrange that onr meal shall be served at a table immediately next to the large portiere that separates the private dining room from the main saloon. I shall also order a dinner for yon at a table jnst on the other side of the certain. If yon have good ears, yon shonld hear all that passes with little difficulty. ” “I am satisfied with yonr arrange ment and shall andonbtedly be able to hear at least the greater part of what occnrs. ’’ "Very well Now go to the library, and at the farther end, bidden behind a newspaper file, yon will be safe from the observation of prying eyes. Prompt ly at 7 I and my gnests will take onr seats. Five minutes later yonr own place will be in readiness, and yon can take it in safety." Mr. Barnes followed these instrac- tious, and Mr. Randolph went to tbe dining room to perfect his arrangements. At 7, on the ininnte, be wss joined by his invited gnests, and the three sat at table. Shortly after tbe noise of dishes on the other side of the portiere indi cated that Mr. Barnes was being served. Abont the third coarse Mr. Randolph endeavored to lead tbe conversation in the desired direction. “I trust, “ said he. addreesing Mitchel, “that yon have entirely recovered from that unfortunate illness that prevented yon from attending the affair at Rawla- ton’s?” “Oh, yes!” said Mitchel. "It waa but a temporary matter. The only seri- ons resnlt was that 1 was kept from the festival I think I might have saved Miss Remsen from the annoyance of los ing her rnby. ” “Bnt, Mitchel,” said Mr. Randolph, “while of course one does not like to lose so valuable a gem, at tbe same time you can safely replace it" “What makes yon think so?" “Why, yon have so many jewel*. Do you know I was saying only recently that any one who, like yon, would board up rare gems, keeping them locked in a vault whore no one can see them, is in a way insane. I was glad when yon gave that rnby to Miss Remsen, and took it as a symptom of retaining lucid ity that yon should unearth one of yonr hidden treasures. I have no dunbt that yon have others like it buried in aome corner of yonr safe. Why not get one and nmsent it to the lady?” _ “Touueinttttten, Aanooqm. BOt so easily produce a mate to that rnby. ” • “Why not? Was there anything pe culiar aboat it?” ” Yea, hot we will not talk of it ” This curt way of dismissing tbe shk- ject was a surprise to Mr. Randolph, for however little Mr. Mitchel eared to show his gems he bad never before been unwilling to embrace any opportunity to talk abont them. Mr. Randolph start ed in a new diration, remembering the hiuta of the detective. "Mitchel,” aaid be, “I would almost bo willing to wager that yon not only can give Miss Remsen as good a rnby, bnt that yon conld actually give her tbe same one. ” "I hope to do ao,” was the quiet re ply. “Yon don’t nnderstnnd me. I mean that I half believe that yonr sickness in Philadelphia was all a farce; that yon came over and yourself stole the gem. ” “Indeed? And what leads yon to such a preposterous deduction ?” “I think that this is yonr way of en deavoring to win yonr wager. I think that no one hot yourself conld have taken the pin from Misa Remsen’■ hair, as for no one else would she have sub mitted. ” “Randolph, yonr repeated allusions to Miss Remsen in this connection, and especially yonr insinuation that I would ask her to be an accomplice in loch a piece of duplicity, and that she would consent, are distasteful to me in the ex treme. If yon will pardon my saying so, it is a poor entertainment to offer a guest ” "Oh, I meant no offense, old man, I assure yon 1 We will drop the snbjeot, of course. ” This was followed by a silence. Mr. Randolph was at his wits’ end to find a way to force Mr. Mitchel to talk. He felt that nothing had been accomplish- ed. Mr. Barnes, however, thought dif ferently, for he had at last come to a positive conclusion. From Mr. Mitchel'a tone of voice and tbe words of bis last speech tbe detective felt certain that whatever part Mr. Mitchel himself may have played in the robbery Min Rem sen was Innocent He also wondered whether the conversation would now drift back to the rnby. Perhaps it would not have done so had not Mr. Thanret, who, np to thia point, had scarcely spoken dnring the progress of the meal, once more broaohef! the subject “I beg pardon, Mr. Mitchel,” said he, “bnt yonr remark jnst now, that there is something special abont the lost rnby, has greatly excited my curiosity. Unless yon have some private reason for not doing so, I beg that yon will tell ns the history of the gem, if it has one ” There was a pause, dnring which Mr. Mitchel looked at his plate and seemed as thongh studying a problem. Mr. Randolph waa delighted that Mr. Thanret had come to his assistance in this unexpected way, and as he observed The etory. Mr. Mitcbel’s hesitation it seemed to him that there waa a contest going on in his mind between a powerful desire to talk on his hobby and some pruden tial whisper that silence would be bet ter. The detective also waited with some anxiety, a piece of a sweetbread on his fork, carried bnt half wgy to his month. “Well, gentlemen,” at last said Mr. Mitchel, “I will tell yon the story.” Mr. Barnes took tbe tidbit from his fork with a smile that showed bis teeth as they hit it incisively. “First join me in a glass,” continued Mr. Mitchel “Drink this rnby colored wine and pledge me that yon will not repeat what I say. This only becanse I do not wish to attain tbe unenviable reputation of being a romancer, as I certainly shonld if soom reporter shonld bear and publish the story now while the loss of the gem is fresh in tbs memory of all. ” The pledge was given, and Mr. Mitch el con tinned: “That yon might better appreciate thia stone, I might begin with a disser tation on rubies, explaining to yon the difference between tbe true oriental gem, which is rare of any magnitude, and the poorer specimens, known as spinels. However, yon would only accuse me of ventilating knowledge which has come to me through the study of my hobby. I will come at ones to the story of tbe lost jewel. Jnst where it was first found is not accurately known, and of its earlier history I can only tell yon what has been told me. Yon may believe as mnch or as little a* you like. Tbe history then begins with the finding of Moees in the bulrushes and tbe subsequent gift to him of this rnby by the daughter of Pharaoh. Tbns we bear of it first in the royal house of the Egyptians. There was another gem, the exact counterpart to it Thia Pharaoh bad among his treasures and wore npon state occasions. With tbs exodus of Moses and the Israelites the rnby passed ont of Egypt From that time for many centuries its history is not marked by any great event, save that we learn that it was kept by the high priests of the synagogue and so passed down from generation to genera tion. One odd fact I most not forget The deep red color, as yon know, is tbe most prized. The color of this rnby at the present time is the most perfect in existence. Yeti so the story goes, at first the matched pair of gems were of a pale rose color.” “Do yon mean ns to believe,” inter rupted Mr. Randolph, “that the oolor has deepened with time?” “I do not ask yon to believe anything. But it U not time that is supposed to have improved the oolor. With the oat- quest of Jerusalem this Jewel fell into the hands of the Romans, and ao in time came into the possession of Cesar. In his courtship of Cleopatra be soon discovered that extraordinary woman’s passion for resplendent jewels, and ha was andaolon* enough to present it to her. Feering that thia might be readily tzizi to him when the jpwsl was min ed, as it wooM surely be, m t W M •ecretly of bis purpose sad then tied ft abont tbe neck of a pigeon, which flew with it directly to the palace of Cleo patra. who awaited Hie arrival of tbe bird on tbe rooftops. Tbe pigeon, when nearly home, was attacked by • hawk, and Cleopatra ordered one of her archers to slay the larger bird with hie arrow. This the man attempted, hot struck tbs pigeon, which fell, bleeding and dead, at the queen’s feet. She at once remov ed the gem, which was covered with blood and dyed with it a rich red. ” “But, Mr. Mitchel,” aaid Mr. Than ret, “surely a rnby conld not absorb blood?” “It Is tbs history of tbe gem.” Mr. Mitchel spoke in so odd a tone that one almost thought that, carried away by bis love of precious stones, he bad im bibed some of thesnperstitionconnected with them. He spoke as thongh be be lieved the tale. Mr. Barnes began to understand what Mr. Randolph had meant when be said that perhaps tbe desire to possess a rare stone might tempt this gentleman to commit a crime. Mr. Mitchel continned: “I need not follow the story of Cleo patra. It is too well known. Bnt there is an incident that has not been written in the general history of her career. There was an Egyptian priest who was madly in love with her, and in a mo ment of Impulse he dared to tell bar of his attachment one day when alooewith her. She seemed slightly amnaed at his ardor, and asked what lie, a poor priest, conld offer her, who bad rich rulers at her feet In desperation be answered that he conld give bis life. The qneen langhed and said: ‘That is mine already. Bnt yon priests claim to be all wise. Find me tbs mate to my great rnby and perhaps I will listen to yonr love plead- 1 ings. ’ To her intense surprise the man replied: ’That I conld do if I dared. Tbe gem which yon have has bnt return ed to its proper place. It was once Pha raoh’s He also had the mate to it, which from him descended through kings to Bameses tbe Great It is bnried in his coffin.’ ’Get it for me,’ was tbe terse reply of Cleopatra, given now as a oommaud rather than a request "In fear the priest went into the pyr amid and stole the jewel. When be presented it to Cleopatra, she cried ont at him: ‘What fool’s trick is this? Do yon think this pale atone a match to mine?’ The priest explained that hers bad been dyed red in tbe blood of the pigeon. ’Ah, sol’ she replied. ‘Then this one shall be also a richer red. Yon promised me yonr life once. 1 claim it, and in yonr blood this stone shall be steeped till it matches the other in col or. ’ She carried ont her threat, and tbe two stones were once more mates.” “What an absurdity I” exclaimed Mr. Randolph. “Do not say so,” said Mr. Thanret “We cannot tell what may happen in this world.’’ “The next change of owners was when Cleopatra killed herself. One of her handmaidens stole tbe two rabies, bnt she herself was taken, a slave, to Rome and sold. Her purchaser discov ered the rabies, took them from her, and then secretly murdered her, lest she might tell that he bad them. From this time on they have gone by tbe name of the ‘Egyptian gems.’ I need not give yon the whole list of robberies and mur ders that have been connected with the two stones, thongh I have the written record complete, with names of all the victims. Sofflce it to say that for years no one was the gainer by getting pos session of them. They have always been impossible to sell until I bought this one, which is the first time either ever was offered honestly in tbe market Be fore this each new owner bad obtained tbe jewels either by theft or murder and dared not admit that he bad them. An other curious thing ia that no one has ever succeeded in hiding the jewels so that they conld nut be found. They have been secreted between the stones of a wall, they have been sewed under tbe hide of an ass and bidden in other equally obscure places, yet always the next thief has found and taken them. ” “Ah, that is interesting!” said Mr. Thanret “Bnt tell ns frankly, since we are pledged not to repeat what we hear, do yon suppose there is any power inherent in the stone which.attracts persons to their discovery?” “I cannot say, bnt that is one of the claims This seems to be susbtantiated by recent events toa ” “How so?” “Well, my tuna! interest in large gems led me to police headquarters when that woman Rose Mitchel waa killed, after having been robbed. The jewels, yon remember, had been quickly recovered and are still in the hands at the police. I was allowed to see them, and tbe rnby in that lot is undoubtedly the mate to mine. ” “Yon think that it was the presence of that stone which led to the discovery by the police of the satchel containing the jewels?" Mr. Thanret seemed much interested, bnt Mr. Mitchel merely shrugged his ■honklers for answer, though it seemed plain that be did hold that opinion. Mr. Barnes wondered whether Mr. Tbunret’s interest was dne to the fact that, having stolen the jewels, he was astonished to hear of ao strange an explanation of their recovery from the hotel where he had hidden them. Yet the man’s next words seemed to dispel such an idea. He said: “Yon may. believe in that tort of thing, Mr. Mitchel, bnt I, who have only modern ideas, cannot accept any such theory. Tbe fact that tbe stones have always been discovered when hid den has led those who know the history to mistake a chain of coincidences for evidence of supernal oral power within the stones themselves. I think I can teudily account for the series of hidings and findings.'' "I should be pleased to have yon do to,” said Mr. Mitchel "Have yon never read Edgar Poe’s tale, the one where a letter is stolen and hidden? The detectives failed to find it, thongh it was in plain sight all tbe time, bnt another man did trad it He went npon the correct theory that the thief, knowing that a search would be Blade, and guessing that all obscure places would be explored first, would aide it in some commonplace manner. He visited the apartments, and tonnd tbe letter in the letter rack. Now thia is ingenions, bnt Mr. Poe here gives us a hit of special pleading and a enriona anomaly at the same time. He wished to show that an obsenre corner would he a had hiding place, and so worked ont his resnlt. At the same time he draws a skillful thief who baffled expert police, and yet who hid his letter where the first man with brains easily found it Thia is the anomaly. Where the article Mlki rnby, than is bat one thief to hide bis stolen “Andtbat plan tat” el, himself betraying “Dpon his own times he conld be on tbe alert to tbs searching committee." “Ah, yon aw forgetting," arid Mr. Mitchel, “that idea was not ovsrloohsd by Edgar Poe. In the tale the nut waylaid by officers is disrate* aha bound him and then ssarohsd hiss. If the letter bad been abont him, ft woald have been found. ” Hot at all The letter Was in an envelops, which had bean and then mailed so that on the mans it received the postal imprint. This foiled the detectives when they exam toed the letter rack. It world have fooled them in exploring his pocksts if found with other letters similarly ad dressed. On the other hand, hod it boon in his pocket tbe man who finally ob tained it could have dons so by creating a confusion in tbe street which attracted the man to tbe window. It would have been difficult for him even to it waa in the pocket Besides with tbs toby it would be simple, since it to an article that can be disposed of at a mo ment's notice.” “Very true." mid Mr. Mitchel, “bnt”— Here be paused for a and seemed abstracted. Qnickly •ring, he mid: “What was I saying? I have lost tbe thread of onr ooovsrm- tion.” “Mr. Thanret suggested thafitbs thief conld keep the rnby about him,'* replied Mr. Randolph. “Ah, exactly! Now I remember. Well, 1 shonld soy that it would be a hazardous undertaking. I believe, had I stolen the gem—as, by tbe wsy, Ran dolph, you suggested—I oould do better than that ’’ mid Mr. Randolph, “this to getting interesting. Come, tell ns. How shonld you hide tbe jewel, supposing that yon had taken it?" “That is a leading question," said Mr. Mitchel “I prefer not to answer it Walls have ears, yon know. ” He said this in a significant way that made Mr. Randolph uncomfortable for a mo ment Mr. Mitchel at once con tinned, “I will say this, however, that the thief, whoever be ia, cannot profit by hia theft ” “Why not?” asked Mr. Thanret “Becanse there ia not another gem in existence mve those two which are ao absolutely perfect in oolor. In faot,-they are the standards by which rabies are valued. It is claimed that the expression ‘pigeon blood rnby’ owes its eztatsnoe to the staining of one of them gema in tbe manner described. Dealers soma- times cut a pigeon’s throat to compare tbe blood with the oolor of a gem being appraised. Tbe significance of this is that the stolen gem cannot be sold as ft is becanse it would be recognised, and I have notified all the great dealers in the world that my 'Egyptian gem’ has been stolen. If it were attempted to have it cut up, the lapidary would at once re port the matter, aa the reward offered by me is greater than could be earned by reentting the stone.’’ “Suppose that the thief bimeelf to • gem cutter?” asked Thanret “Even then the perfect color would at once tell the first dealer to whom be ap plied that the ‘Egyptian gem* had been roent” “The thief might be a patient man, and all things come to him who waits,” replied Mr. Thanret "True,” mid Mr. Mitchel "But mark my words, tbe ‘Egyptian gem* will not be sold by the penon who has it now. ” “Especially if that penon to self,” said Mr. Randolph. “Jnst so,” answered Mr. Mitchel , The conversation now drifted to other things, and shortly after, the dinner be ing over, the three men eeparated. As Mr. Barnes was about to leave the main dining room one of the servants handed him a note. Supposing ft to be from Mr. Randolph, be opened ft at once and was surprised and ch^rined to read: , , When Mr. Banes next plays the eavesdrop per, he ehonld be careful to obeorve whether a mirfor reflects both sidee at a portiere which he might suppoes would eoaeeal him. A Wat Month. Hicks says that May wilt be the wetteta month o( the spring—that too mash water will fall in that for many lowlands, and •oough to thoroughly mitotan Marly all sect ions of the country. Tbs Soktaes raias in Jum wtU aot ba sx- esstovs, hut wfil sleut inparU to nour ish well cultivated crop* In loeal- ittos hare and there some heavy down pours will oeeur The last half of Augnst and tot* another period efnrin* to esntral aad northerly portions of ths country. Why Colds and LaOriMM whoa Lax ative Bromo Quinine will euro you in one day. Does not pro duce the rinpng in the head like Sulphate of Quinine. Put . in tablets convenient for tak ing. Guaranteed to cure, or money refunded. ■ Price, 25 cents. For sale by 0. B. Davis. “The devil taka it!” mattered Ms Barnea "I wander at what point ha discovered my preeenc* Was that last part—about his having warned sQ ths dealers—thrown in gratuitously for my benefit and to lead ms to suppose that some one else stole the stone? If ao, why does he now let me know that he saw mot’’ ( [ID BE OONTOTOED.] Trouble Among the Lloyds. [The State.] The fact was discovered yesterday that last week several attachment suits were begun against tbe Lloyds, represented by Mr. W. 8. Mouteith, and an inspection of the court house showed that papers had bean filed to the following eases and attachments had been served: Mrs. L. B. Williams, J. E. W. Halle, L. B. McLanrin and J. 8. Moore. Suit Baa also been brought by Ixar & Fairy, of Orange burg. Mr. W. 8. Mostefth ties milled npon to explain, and he was very unwill ing to (peak on the subject. Restat ed, however, that towards the close of the last month he was summoned to' New York and there informed that the South and North American Lloyds, of which he has had the southern management, had decided to go out of business and woald at once reorganize, and he was directed to return home and after a certain day to write no more for theai, but to send in all ilie policies he had and new policies of the reorganised Lloyds woald be supplied. Mr. Mont.-ith sj id that if this had been done he could have continued business without iuterro^tioo. The reorganisation, however, did not take place until about the 8th or 9th Inst, and then it was decided to write all policies In New York OB ap plications to be sent In from this and other points. Meantime several loaree had readi ed a period of maturity and as Mr. Monteith had up to that time paid all lueses promptly, and as the inter ruption above stated had stopped his collection*, he went back to Now Dore’s™ Society HOI dash’s WILL J. m, I. II., DARLINGTON, 8. C. Office over Boyd?» Drug Store, Office Hours: 11 a m to 1 p m; 4:10 p m to 7 p m. LAW CARDS. J. J.WARD,, Attorney* at Lav, DARLINGTON, 8. C. wm Practice ta dM.Cmrts of the ' Ffifirtk Ctrcnit. MehFM—lyr. E. O. Woods. Robert Mac far lan. WOODS & lAGFAKLAI. (Sueeeaaoca to Woods 8 Spain.) - ATTOUriTB AT LAW. Darlington, 8. C. Offices over The Rank of Darlington. JanlO’W—lyr. R. W. Boyd. G. W. Brown BOYD k BROWN- ittfiKRfiff 88< OfifiSSfilfin fit LfiW Office in 8. Karoo building, op posite Coart Hoose. DARLINGTON, 8. C. Jan DM—lyr. T. H. Spain, H. T. SPAIN A THOMPSON, Attomegs at Lav, Darlington, - - - 8. C. Offices'In Darlington Guards’ Armory building, first door. Special attention given to practice to ths Probate Ceart. MehtTW—yr. Ex-Judge J. H. Hatoou. Attormys & CoMStltfs it Lin DARLINGTON, 8. C. Real Estate, Arrive Wadesboro~... TRAIN NO I Leave Wedsubcrw—......... (Mato Bcp nett’e ■................. 8 fit n to Morven’s AlfiJt to flili son’s Breenh Train No. to—Daily Leave Sum ter-.~~..- Oswego Bt. Charles KHiott... Mont Robto’s Neek Mandevilie Bennettavflle. Breeden's Alice— Newtonville.. Arrive Gibson. Train No. 67—Daily Leave Gibson. Newtonville... Breeden's.. Bsnfietteviite, Mandevilie ... Robin’s Neck Mont Clare... Arrive NOTR.—Train Nek «8 connect ioo for Colombia via ton and Sumter; and far via Florence; Train No. ttmakeet aitpotote North and at yymnBOTON.