The Iowa transcript. (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1858-1866, 1866-04-25

One evening, some months ago, 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 q gentleman particularly desired to see
me. looked at the card It bore the name
of "Chr Wailzen," with an address, aud in
the corner, " 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 it knew
no more than the card told me.
"Did he say what he wanted, Jane? I'm
just going out"
"No, sir; but he wishes to see you most
particular. Missus won't be ready for
quarter Of On hour" she added.
"Show him in." said. "What the
deuce can he " Mt with me?" l 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. l afterwards
learned, had formerly been in "the force"
had still about him marks Of the policeman,
in spite Of his evident attempts 10 repress
them. l have observed about detectives
that they never appear quite at home in
their clothes; l 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 l 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 dscernible at times. The official
boots, to which. in spite Of the fact that they
at once be,ray any disguise, the ordinary
detective clings as a drowning man to hen
coop,-these this gentleman had forever dis
carded
"Mr. Waitzen."
That is my name, SIR"
ITO 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" INLAY | ask whether | am the
bject Of some delicate inquiry?''
.Not at all, sir. have come to beg your
assistance in q matter Of business; may l
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
cipherss +" he asked.
WELL" said, 1--WE amused myself
sometimes in that way; but how did you
know il !"
"Excuse me; it Is my business to know
everything BY myself or through others
You sent to the Times last autumn y solution
Of On advertisement in ciphers
~ did: but
~ made q note Of tho initials (you did
not sign your nancy and of the address:
thought it might be useful some day. Your
letter was dated from c., a small water
ing place in Dunshire. intended, when |
might be that way, to see whether you
lived there (highl- .nprobablc). 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 Gouttss. found the name
Of the drawer"
"My aunt" interposed.
"Eaactly," continued Waitzen; "got
your address, and here I am"
SWELL" said, "this 10 nice specimen
Of the way in which you look into peoples
private affairs!
"What could do, sir ? If you had
. journey. And now, sir, before asking
your assistance, you, a gentleman Of honor,
able and delicate feeling, will, Of course,
insist on knowing the object for which that
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. Will you aid me, If convince you
that ell is straightforward"
Let mo hear" said.
He again looked at his notch book. "Last
settling day on the Stock Exchange, J. C.
disappeared, carrying with him, fraudu-
lently, an immense number of bonds and
other securities, which he can easily nego-
tiate on any Boursc. 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 circnm-
stances, that it is not likely he can have got
off with all the securities in his actual pos
session. have also reason to believe
need not explain why, but partly from the
word at the head,-that this advertisement
in cipher is either from him, or addressed
to him Now, sir, that have told you my
story, will you undertake to help me? Here
he handed to me an advertisement, cut from
= newspaper. 1t ran thus:-
FREp. Ql21s) 2se.49) COZ &c, Os2 81
(27 6l) (l4254) u2l32) (l2,32y az 81
(202 BOY Gas 1867 (262 sly (78.22) 1894
Isl 81 (2lo 2e) (ao4Ss) u5e7 ((i4s 81
(l2l.32) (2S6 GAY (S7 1Oi) elm 1896 54j
(23S.78) (6.D Q7575) Gas ely u37j
178l12) (l57 62) (1OC,68) ll34 10y 1894 80
(26S 66j (61) (l877l) (8O45) ill7.75
(2e5.62) (9.l0i) CASEY (l5465) (l5s 40
(256.4l.)
"Well," said, after looking at il for {
few moments, "this cipher does not seem K
be Of the simplest kind! Before undertak
ing the task, should like to know tn,
terms" He mentioned them, aud | nm
bound TO say that they were very liberal
" But, after ALL" said, "this may not b,
J. C's advertisement Yet shall have tn,
u