Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 April 1892 — The Jewel in the Soup. [ARTICLE]

The Jewel in the Soup.

“See what I’ve found in my soup,” remarked a guest at a Woodward avenue restaurant to her friend. “ Oh, isn’t it rich? What will you do with it?” “Keep it. It’s mine. Didn’t I pay for the soup?” “Yes, but you didn’t expect such a find as that. How much do you think it’s worth? ” The other rolled her treasure between her thumb and finger, then held it up critically to the light. “A hundred dollars, perhaps. If it is, dear, I’ll divide with you. Don’t let’s tell a soul about it.” “You will have a lawsuit with the restaurant keeper; he will claim it for sure.” “ How is he to know where I found it? It was in the soup. Let us go and see how much it is worth. ” As the two ladies arose from their untasted meal, the waiter inquired: “Any thing wrong with your stews, ladies?” “No,” they answered in concert, and then they went out and at once proceeded to a jeweler’s store.” “I have a valuable pearl I would like to dispose of,” said the finder. “This way, ladies;” and the jeweler led them into a little private office, gaslighted. Then he produced a pad of jeweler’s cotton, and the pearl was deposited carefully thereon. The jeweler looked at it a moment as if overcome by its size and weight, then he burst into an eclamation: “Why, it’s been cooked!” he said. “How much is it worth?” asked the two ladles anxiously. “About the value of a shoe button.” As the two went out slowly and sorrowfully, the same thought found expression with each: “We lost our oysters. Wish we’d swallowed the old thing!”—Free Press.