Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1878-09-04

the time first noticed him. I knew
1t from the little start of surprise he
gave as his eyes met mine.
He was all over his surprise in min
ute, for he drew his face down to an ex-
preston OF the utmost unconcern. and
came boldly forward to the windows of
the office through which the agent al
ways transacted any business he might
have with persons without.
He was very fair appearing man,
apparently about 40, though he might
have been little older. He was dress
ed IN black, and wearing high hat, he
might have passed very well for one OF
the cloth if his nose hadn't been lust a
trifie luminous. The other popularity
!! noticed about the man was that he
had queer sort of a red-looking eve.
1t appeared fixed and staring, and as
he came nearer concluded it was glass.
1t was so strange and unnatural in its
expression that I thought should know
it if should see it peering at me over
the wall of China.
Is there small package here for
Isaac G. Van Scoter," he asked in a bust
ness-llke way, in answer to the inuuir-
ing glance of the agent.
The agent referred to one of the big
registers on the desk, and answered in
the negative.
Queer" said the man with the red
eye. 1t ought to have come yester-
day. Have you read the Euening Ch,on-
icle?"
And after this abrupt interrogation
the stranger stood quite motionless,
cycling the agent intently for as much
as a minute
We both answered "No."
The man took paper out of his
pocket, and Spreading it open before
rs, put one of his slender ,forefngers
upon the following paragraph:
FATAL AccIDENT.-Thls afternoon as two men,
named respectfully Henry Van Scooter and &. H.
Griggs, were at work chopping timber in The pine
Van Scooter instantly, and INJECTING injuries upon
the person OF Griggs from which he died in less
than an hour. They are residents of C., and
1t Is understood their remains will be taken Ia
that place for burial
" Henry Van Sector was my only
brother-my twin brother-who resem-
bles me very much, and Charley Griggs
was my sisters husband. It's a very
sad blow! q sad blow! l don't know
how my poor sister will bear it. It's
about this sad affair that l came here
chiefly. want to send the two bodies
through to G--by express Thursday.
by the 40 train. What will be the
charges?'
"Ihe charge will be twenty-five dol
lars" answered the agent.
The stranger only bowed solemnly in
recognition of the reply. Then he was
silent for minute or two, during which
time he appeared to be struggling with
his grief.
"The bodies will be here Thursday
morning." he said, II hope you will
make all arrangements to prevent any
delay. | guess my package won't come
this week"
The agent assured him that there
would be no delay, and he might depend
on having the bodies go through to G.
with the greatest possible expedition.
The man bowed again politely, then
he said:
Is the telegraph Office near? l must
break the sorrowful news to my poor
sister, l suppose, though its anything
but a pleasant duty"
l told him how to reach the place he
sought, and with a polite "thank you,"
the sad man with the red eye walked
out of the Office, and in a couple of
minutes the sound of his footsteps died
away in the distance.
"A queer sort of chap" said l.
" A little odd," answered the agent.
81 wonder If ne heard us talking
about the specie?" l queried.
"He seems honest enough"
Eyes" said /; but Pm sure he was
listening to our talk when l first saw
him."
Are you certain of it?" the agent
asked eagerly.
"Well-no," replied; not altogether
certain beyond all mistake, but it looked
nightly like it, l can tell you"
" Suppose you 60 to the telegraph Of
fee and see what kind of message he
sends" suggested the agent.
No sooner said than done. l hasten
ed around to the telegraph office, and as
| went in the man came out. He didn't
seem to recognize meat least he didn't
look at me-and l thought it prudent
not to notice him.
did that preacher-looking fellow
send a message to CO" | asked of
the operator, when I had gone in and
closed the door after me.
eyes. Why do you ask?"
cob, only out of curiosity" l replied.
"Was it anything of importance? The
man Sai id that his brother and hrotbor -;
law were both killed this afternoon"
The operator took the copy of the
message from the file on the table and