loose glittering diamonds of various
sizes.

The merchant could hardly repress a cry of astonishment, for they were
remarkable for their purity and brilliancy, while there were two among
the collection of unusual size.

He examined them critically, and took plenty of time about it, while the
miner leaned indifferently against the counter, his hands in his pockets,
and gazed absently out of the window.

"What do you value these stones at?" the merchant finally inquired, as he
removed the glass from his eye and turned to the man.

"Wall, I don't suppose it would make much difference what my price might
be," he drawled; "I know they're about as good ones as anybody would care
to see, and you know about what you'd be willin' to give."

"Yes; but I would like to know what value you put upon them before I make
an offer," responded Mr. Cohen, shrewdly.

"Wall, before I found out about the gal, I wouldn't a' sold 'em at any
price," was the rather gloomy response, "fur I'd promised 'em to her, ye
know; but now--so's I get what's reasonable, I don't care much what
becomes on 'em. What'll ye give? I'll trust to yer honor in the matter."

The jeweler had been watching the man closely while he was speaking,
although he appeared to be thinking deeply of the purchase of the gems.

"I--do not think that I am prepared to set a price on them just at this
moment," he at length thoughtfully remarked. "As far as I can judge, they
are very fine stones and well cut; still, I am not an expert, although
a dealer in such things, and I should like to submit them to one before
making you an offer."

"All right," was the hearty and unhesitating reply, "that's fair, and I'm
agreeable. Bring on your expert."

"Are you going to be in the city long?" asked the merchant.

"Wall, no; I didn't calkerlate on staying any longer'n I could turn the
stones into money," the man said. "My old mother lives up to Brownsville,
and I thought of goin' up to make her a little visit--han't seen her fur
ten years. Then I'm going back to the mines, since I han't no reason to
hang around these parts _now_," with a bitter emphasis on the last word.

"This is Tuesday," said Mr. Cohen, reflectively; "the expert to whom I
wish to subject the stones is out of town, but will be here to-morrow
evening; suppose you come in again on Thursday morning."

"All right," responded the miner, as he began to gather up his glittering
pebbles, though there was a look of disapp