He had been invited to be a guest at a reception tendered to an
Indian Maharajah. He knew that the East Indian princes were profuse
in their use of gems and he decided to wear the ruby, for it was a
beautiful stone and would be sure to attract the Maharajah's
attention. On opening the brass apple he found, to his astonishment,
that the ring was gone. Three days later Miss Dana returned and made
her report on the Tarleton case. The young man had stolen the
platinum, sold it, and lost the money in speculation. His rich father
had made good the company's loss, and there would be no prosecution.
"He'll be a bigger criminal some day," remarked Mr. Isburn.
"Money saved him," said Miss Dana. "While I was in the town a workman
stole a pound of brass screws--he is a poor inventor and needed them
to complete a model, and he got six months in jail."
"Miss Dana, what punishment would be adequate for the thief who stole
my ruby?"
She laughed, and said: "Anybody smart enough to do it, should have a
reward."
"The reward," said he, "will go to the one who finds and returns it."
"You are joking, Mr. Isburn."
"I wish I were. No, it is gone. I cannot imagine how it was possible
for any one to get possession of that ring. Only you and I knew how
to open the bookcase doors, and I would as soon suspect myself as
you."
"I am glad that you have that opinion," said Miss Dana.
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