Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-07-28

resolved to find, at whatever cost, the
strange man whom he believed to be the
most muIderpus of scoundrels.
The unknown drover had been describ-
ed to him as being rather tai, with a
body and limbs as why and muscular as
those of gladiator: and having the look
and accent Of a Spaniard, being very
dark with long black hair and frey
black eyes, and almost violently impet-
uousness of manner.
And this was the sort of man he was
looking for in the low slums and gilded
saloons OF New York, when his chief
sent him on search after very differ
ent kind of parsonage. This man whom
he was expected to find and decoy into
the charge Of the police and whose pho
tograph he consulted from time, had
complexion as fair and rosy as that of
girl, and had also blonde curls and an
elegantly dressed blonde beard. He was
described as a seeming gentleman of
leisure in his manner, his associations
and his extravaganza. But his offence
was a heinous one. He had robbed a
wealthy old man of an immense sum of
money and then immured his victim in
an asylum for the insane, from which
liberation had been effected unsupported
by the gentlemanly sinner with the ele-
giant blonde beard, and who it was hoped
would be speedily captured.
Rut 6av fn1louad dow hriprriner RI %bo
young detective not the slightest hint of
success.
He was heartily discouraged when one
day be left the Office, leaving the chief
more than usually disappointed and dis
satisfied
"Fair and rosy as a girl! curling blonde
hair and full beard,' he repeated as he
walked slowly down the street, his head
bent on his breast, and mis- hands locked
on his back.
"If you are speaking Of man answer
ing that DESCRIPTION, you have just passed
him." said brisk voice in his ear,
Oscar Tolles looked up and around
quickly, in establishment, but he did not
see the polished rascal of whom he was
thinking.
The stranger who had spoken to him
laughed lightly.
Oscar glanced at MIN curiously. The
intrusive stranger was more, tout ensena-
bic, like priest OF clergyman than an or
binary mortal. His dress was of the finest
black broadcloth, and scrupulously IN
assuming in cut and fit. A snowy ''chok-
err the closely cropped gray hair, and
smoothly shaver face, the grave eyes and
stern lips, and pleasant voice all com.
pleted the sanctimonious semblancc.
'sYou are novice in the detective bust
ness. l infer" observed the strang r.
blandly
Somewhat acknowledged the young
fellow, and instantly wroth at his stup;di-
ty in making the confession.
Swell, it is an art to be learned, as
sure you. / have been detective my
self, and know all about it. I have seer
you several times, young man, and have
taken considerable interest in you.
can give you some profitable advice il
YOU will find it worth your while to &C
cept the acquaintance Of an old man like
me. That is my house around the corner
you see the Mansard, do you not? Here
is my ca1d. If you will pardon the pre-.
sumption Of a garrulous old chap as
am, l will gladly invite you to lunch
with me-"
The young detective glanced at the
neat card. 1t was plainly engraved with
the name of "Abner Davidson"
Even the most experienced detective
would hesitate to refuse SO fair seem
ing invitation; the fraternity are too ca
ger for adventure, and, beside, have ar
irresistible desire to know everybody
and all about them. Their brain is
sort Of store-room where they store face.
and incidents for possible emergency il
the future.
But in this instance Oscar Tolles, les
discreet than his professional brethren
made confident of his new friend
whose appearance indicated his station o
Hon. Retired Prosperity, as he modestl,
assured his visitor, was indeed hi
worldly position.
$50 the poor gentleman has escaped
from the asylnm?" he observed, in unc
tuous tones. "Wnat mercy Ant
how fortunate that the vile scoundre
who caused his incarceration, carelessl,
lost the picture and packet of papers
The VILLAIN will be drought to justice
for it is impossible Tor him to escape
You say the original portrait is rainte,
on porcelain plate that is set on the in
ner case Of an old and valuable chron
ometer; and that it and the papers ar
still in the possession of the unfortunat
man who so happily escaped from tn
home for lunaticS? When will Won sc
, 4hima'
Tonight" answered the young detee
tive, mentioning the time and plac
where his chief requested him to NEE
the man in whose service he had bee
employed.
After another pleasant half-hour Osca
Tolles left the palatial homo of his hos
pitable and new friend, and some tim
later he started for the steamboat land
r ing.
/ 1t was sultry, thickly-clouded sprin
night, and, either because oppressed b
4 the heat o. the fumes of Mr.. Abne
$ Davidson's excellent old port, he wa
very long upon the way, and when he 9
last arrived at his destination he foun
$ the steamer gone and the passengers du
lol Id