Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-11-26


, any method by which l could obtain I
clue was TO be sought for. Did he under
stand the art Ut photograPhingP 1t b
did, one good point was made. lhst
failed in every attempt 10 find bis occu
patton until the following opportunity
occurred, 10 avaiing myself OF which
claim some sagscity.
Ross came limping to me one evening
bearing an expression OF pain. i iuquir'
ed what the matter was, at which he
cropped into seat beside me, and in 8
coarse manner began cursing his corns,
which appeared TO be the cause oil his
lameuess. While he was lamenting his
misfortune. an idea had occurred TO me.
had been troubled with corns myself,
and had eradica.ed them with nitrate oil
silver. u chemical much used in photo
graphing. "Mr. Ross, !" said |, "you can
DO effec.ually relieved by an article you
have probably used, and quite likely you
have with YOU"
What is it ?" inquired he snxiously.
at is q chemical that stains the skin
and hair black" said |.
Indeed" said Ross, with forced sur.
prise, aud apparently very uneasy.
Il, 10 an article quite indispensable in
the art OF taking pictures by the solar
light said l. gazing directly into his
eyes.
Yes ?" replied Ross. with inquiry.
Nitrate OF silver. Did you ever use
it?' inquired.
NO" he said curtly, and dropping his
eyes before my gaze, ne arose and lett
me. Enthusiastically embarrassed and an
noyed.
This interview nearly settled the quos-
iion in my mind in regard to his criminal
ity, and the prospect OF bringing him to
justice pleased me. observed him
closer than ever. lie appeared less lame
the morning alter | had suggested the
remedy, and on the second day his lame
ness had entirely disappeared. VEN
tured to ask, alter ongratulating him on
his improvement, whether bo had OBJ
tanned the chemical aboard, and although
he denied it, had bu. little doubt he had
availed himself Of my remedy. ForIu-
nately, to discover whether he had, Was
completely within my power. II Ross
had applied the chemical to his corns.
blackened indelible stain remained, which
important tact was determined TO lind
out. Slouch and I met frequently 20
compare notes, and our interviews were
generally late at night. He always came
TO me upon the quarterback. and as i'll
luck would have il. had been observed by
Ross trespassing upon the quarter Tor
bidden TO the occupants OF the storage.
The extent of my perplexi,y can be
imagined when, while waiting anxiously
to have an interview with my partner for
the purpose of devising method 10 have
peep at Ross toe, Ross himself came
to mo In o confidential way. aud whis-
pered that be was keeping close watch
upon that thievish looking fellow (des-
cribing my partner), that his scarf-pin
had been stolen. and that he was suspicious
i. had been taken by Slouch. managed
With some difficulty and risk TO whisper a
lew words 10 my partner shortly after.
requesting him TO keep away from me
until the next day Meanwhile. | set my
wits to work 10 get a look at Ross' foot.
We were then sailing 10 a low latitude.
The nights were sultry and warm. and
all the windows and doors that decency
would ALLOW open during sleeping hours,
were LETT so. Ross apartment being near
mine, arose late in the night, and tsking
lamp, held il concealed beneath my
/ nat, and stole noiseleSsly within his cham
! ber Nothing but asheet covered him,
and gently aised its corner, and thus
exposing his foot. set the rays OF the
lamp upon it. A pretty large spot. as
black as ink, disigured one of his toes.
His deep and measured respiration en-
boldened me 10 remain louger, and
gave a good look at his face in a state of
repose~ The conviction again, and with
more force, presented itself that had
known him before. returned TO my
berth puzzling my brain TO replace him
in my recolections, but without success.
Having proceeded thus lar, contrived
on the following morningto see my part
ner, when / laid the whole matter before
him. had no doubt OF his approval OF
my slratagem TO implicate Ross; but he
surprised and mortified me by shaking
his head in dubious way. My nitrate
of-silver test evidently went tor nothing
with him. The physiognomy of Ross had
already been submitted TO his wonder
fully scrulinizing examination. and hi:
Judgment had pronounced him innocent
of the crime. argued and endesvored
10 reason with him upon the suspicious
manner OF Ross, when had mentioned
the remedy tor his corns, and his inexpli'
cable concealmenL of the chemical which
there could be no doubt he carried with
him; TO all of which SLOUGH scarcely
deigued a reply. While was urgina
him to carry the matter further, he in