Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1866-04-26
A Private Inquiry.

One evening, some months ago, L was
seated before the fire waiting for my wife,
whom had promised to take to the theatre,
when the servant brought in card, saying
that gentleman particularly desired to see
me. | looked at the card 1t bore the name
of "Chr. Wailzen," with an address, and Ia
the corner, g Private Inquiry Office" The
name was known to me merely, from my
having remarked it at the foot Of mysterious
advertisements; of the bearer of 1t knew
no more than the card told me.
"Did he say what ne wanted, Jane I'm
just going out"
"No, sir; but he wishes to see you most
particular Mssus won't be ready for
quarter Of an hour" she added.
"Show him in," l said. "What the
deuce can he mt with me ?" / muttered
to myself, as [ looked at the clock.
The servant returned in few moments,
ushering in tall man, to whom offered
seat. Mr.. Waitzen, who, | afterwards
learned, had formerly been in /" the force,
had still about him marks Of the policeman,
In spite of his evident attempts to repress
them | have observed about detectives
that they never appear quite at home IN
their clothes; | suppose that, from con-
stantly assuming all kinds OF garments as
DISCUSSES, they never become thoroughly
used to one style Of dress. From this cause,
or from some other with which | am not
acquainted, it results that detectives dress
never has the individuality which in some
degree, however faint, marks that Of the
rest of men, Chr. Waitzen had deserted
"the force for some years, but his old
trade was discernible at times. The official
boots, to which, in spite of the fact that they
hn nr6ln
detective clings as drowning man to 2 hen
coop,-these this gentleman had forever dis
carded.
"Mr. Waitzen ?"
"That is my name, SIR"
$40 what--to what fortunate occurrence,
sir, am indebted for this visit =? " / asked,
with slight irony in my manner; for, to
tell the truth, did not feel very well dis
posed towards the race of "Private In
quirers." "May | ask whether | am the
bject of some delicate inquiry"
Not at all, sir. | have come to beg your
assistance in matter of business; may |
reckon on your aid :"
"That depends entirely on what you re-
quire. | must know first what is the assist
ance you desire, and for what purpose"
"Of course, should not for one moment
think of asking you for any aid without CIV
ing you every assurance you could require
that the information is sought for proper
purpose" He took little notebook from
his pocket. You are skilful in reading
ciphers? ;" he asked.
"Wen," | said, "Pve amused myself
sometimes in that way; but how did you
know it?
Excuse me; it is my business to know
everything by myself or through others
You sent to the Times last autumn solution
Of an advertisement in cipher
al did; but
81 made note of the initials (you did
not sign your nancy and of the address
thought it might be useful some day. Your
letter was dated from C, q small water
ing place in Dunshire. intended, when
might be that way, to see whether you
lived there (highly -nprobable), or if not,
to get your address. | had no difficulty in
finding the house at which you had lodged !;
but they had forgotten your place of abode
in London. Very awkward But you had
had check sent down to you, and that
check you changed. The bank had not
kept the name of the drawer, but the check
was drawn on Coutts's. found the name
Of the drswer-"
"My aunt" l interposed.
Exactly" continued Waitzen; "got
your address, and here | Gu"
"Well," said, " this is nice specimen
of the way in which you look into people
private affairs!"
"What could do, sir2 If you had
signed your name, should have been saved
a journey. And now, sir, before asking
your assistance, you, gentleman of honor
able and delicate feeling, will, of course,
Al
assistance is required. You're quite right,
sir; this system of private inquiries is very
low and dirty. but what can do? It's my
trade. VIII you aid me, if l convince YOU
that all is straightforward %
Let me hear" | said.
He again looked at his notebook. "Last
settling-day on the Stock Exchange, ]. c..
disappeared, carrying with him, fraudu-
lently, an immense number of bonds and
other securities, which he can easily nego-
tate on any Bourse. The police are after
him; but several members of the Stock TX
change, acting in concert, have, in addition,
authorized me to make inquiry. | have
reason to believe that he is in England, and
also believe, from the active pursuit set
on foot Immediately, and from other circum-
stances, that it is not likely he can have got
off with all the securities in his actual nos
session. | have also reason TO believe-I
need not explain why, but partly from the
word at the ad,-that this advertisement
in cipher is either from him. or addressed
TO him Now, sir, that | have told you my
story, viii you undertake 10 help me? Here
he handed to me an advertisement, cut from
newspaper. 1t ran thus
PRED. Ql2lS) 286,49) (2O7-76, (1S2 81
(27 6D (i42 5D Q2l.32) Q282J az 6)
(202 30) (Ss 1907 (262 81 (7S22) (63 ga
(ll0-6) (362.5D Q9.3S) 100000 (230.92)
Isl 5) l2l0 29) (20479l Q567) (l48 Gil
(l2l.S3y 1886 54) (37 l0D (21'l7) (2S6 81
(23s7S) (5.D Q75.75) (43 6D (l37)
i20479) Q14) (l0.102l 12l.52) Q3215l
(7sll2) (l57 62) (l0o So Q34 49, f264'S0)
(26s 66) (5I) Q877D $50 45) QI7-75)
(265'62) (9l0l) (245e2) (l5455) (l5S,46)
(2564l)
"Well," said, after looking at it for a
few moments, this cipher does not seem to
be of the simplest kind Before undertak-
ing the task, | should like to know the
terms" He mentioned them, and | am
bound TO say that they were very liberal.
"But, after ALL" I said "this may not be
I C,s advertisement Yet shall have the