The Argosy — page 47: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

34 The Night Boat from Boulogne. judge; I know that the ‘Kenite’ is safe with you, my dear fellow. I think M. Durand has made us a little over-anxious about this stone. However, no one knows its value better than you do, and I shall dismiss all anxiety from my mind. ‘Telegraph directly you have handed over the stones into M. Durand’s hands. Richards shall meet you at the station to-night with the jewels. ‘They will all be carefully packed into an ordinary black hand-bag which will attract no special notice. You will of course not let it out of your sight. This is on the whole the safest course ; luggage is sometimes tampered with. You know how to pass the Custom House officers. A handsome douceur makes them very civil in France. Good-bye, and mind you enjoy yourself. You deserve your holiday.” When Frank Hulse reached his lodgings no happier or prouder man could have been found in London; and when Janet, his wife, came eagerly to meet him, and, when the door was shut, helped to pull off his great coat, it was no wonder that he would not have changed places with the Prince of Wales or the Emperor of all the Russias. ‘Are we reaimne vos On, Frank v” “Ves, Janet; and that excellent Mr. Harris has been kindness itself. Have you all the things packed? Remember, we are going in erand style ; this is a real honeymoon.” “Tt’s always a honeymoon, Frank; it always will be; but now, no more talking. ‘There’s dinner waiting, and the last touches to your portmanteau ; and Oh, I forgot ! have you that precious ‘Kenite ?’” and Janet laughed in her clear silvery voice. Frank was grave all at once. “Janet, you know you must never even mention the word. Richards will bring the diamonds to meet us this evening. I told Mr. Harris I should tell you everything. Imagine his thinking you couldn’t keep a secret ! ” “IT suppose Mrs. Harris can’t,” said Janet laughing. ‘‘She does not look as if she could.” After this remark, Mrs. Hulse, who looked almost too young to be a wife, went about her business with an air of importance suitable to the occasion of a first visit to the Continent. Life seemed almost too delightful, and Janet Hulse felt deeply grateful to the valuable diamond (known in the firm as the “ Kenite,” from the name of the | mine where it was found), for being the cause of her and her | husband’s trip to Paris. | And so, the pair, having finished their preparations, started off to Charing Cross, and everything but the present enjoyment was put away from the young wife’s mind as they steamed away towards Dover. Frank Hulse, however, was a little anxious about the Kenite. The | stone alone was worth £30,000 ; whilst the whole value of the stones committed to his charge was 4,95,000 : a terrible responsibility! Not that fora moment he doubted his own cleverness, or had a shadow | of fear that the precious black bag would cause him real anxiety ; | ECORNIEIOOKS (eon al