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Main > Fairy tale > All authors > Frank Baum > Fairy tale "Aunt Jane's Nieces Out West "

Aunt Jane's Nieces Out West

Arthur, admiring his ring in spite of his chagrin at receiving such a

gift from a comparative stranger, placed the token on his finger.

"It is a beauty, indeed," said he, "but I don't think we ought to accept

such valuable gifts from this boy."

"I do not see why," returned his wife Louise. "I think these pretty

tributes for saving Mr. Jones' life are very appropriate. Of course

neither Beth nor I had anything to do with that affair, but we are

included in the distribution because it would be more embarrassing to

leave us out of it."

"And the pearls came from Sangoa," added Beth, "so all these precious

gifts have cost Ajo nothing, except for their settings."

"If Sangoa can furnish many such pearls as these," remarked Arthur,

reflectively, "the island ought to be famous, instead of unknown. Their

size and beauty render the gems priceless."

"Well," said Patsy soberly, "we know now where A. Jones got his money,

which is so plentiful that he can build any number of film factories and

picture theatres. Sangoa must have wonderful pearl fisheries--don't you

remember, girls, that he told us his people were fishermen?--for each of

these specimens is worth a small fortune. Mine, especially, is the

largest and finest pearl I have ever seen."

"I beg your pardon!" sternly exclaimed Uncle John, as he whirled swiftly

around. "Can I do anything for you, sir?"

For Mr. Le Drieux had stealthily advanced to the alcove and was glaring

at the display of pearls and making notes in a small book.

He bowed, without apparent resentment, as he answered Mr. Merrick: "Thank

you, sir; you have already served me admirably. Pardon my intrusion."

Then he closed the book, slipped it into his pocket and with another low

bow walked away.

"What rank impertinence!" cried Arthur, staring after him. "Some

newspaper reporter, I suppose. Do you know him, Uncle John?"

"He forced an introduction, a few evenings ago. It is a pearl

merchant from New York, named Le Drieux, so I suppose his curiosity

is but natural.

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