Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-02-15
A strange Infataa.ie..

ST LOUIS, February 14-The Post Dispatch
publishes the following: Ga last Satur-
day Mrs. DIR. Sargent, Of 1903 Olive street,
reported at police headquarters the mysteri-
Gus disappearance of her cousin, Mrs. Mat
tie Smith, OF San Antonio, Tex, with
minute description of the absent lady and
all the facts that. might lead 10 her dis
covery, together with the ugly suspicion that
Mrs. Smith had been drugged and abducted
from the house at the above number, as il
was supposed she had diamonds and large
amount of money. She stated that on last
Wednesday Mrs. Smith arrived in this city
from San Antonio, intending to remain here
during the remainder of the winter.
Her husband was a. prominent cit-
zen OF that place, and only
short time ago had closed out his livery
business, selling ct a very advantageous
price. 1t was arranged that his wife should
come to this city. Mrs. Sargent went to the
Union depot on Wednesday evening, accom-
panied by some of the members of her
family, and there met Mrs. Smith, who was
accompanied BY dark-eyed gentleman, who
said that he was prepared 10 accompany her
to her destination in case her friends were
not in waiting at the depot. He took his
leave of the party, and the ladies went to
Mrs. Sargenps house. On Thursday Mrs.
Smith said she was going to the depot to
meet lady friend from Texas She was &C.
companied by one Of Mrs. Sargeni's daughters,
but failed 10 meet the person. She did, how
ever, meet The gentleman above named and he
accompanied her to her temporary residence
on Olive street. About 4 o'clock Friday
morning Mrs. Smith disapp AIRED from the
house. She could not have been abducted
without the use of chloroform, as the family
could easily hear the slightest outcry. The
thought of willful departure did not enter
the minds Of the family, who were greatly
alarmed and reported the facts to the chief
OF police. The matter was referred to Capt.
Fruchte with all the ugly suspicious OF the
friends. On making inquiry he learned that
the lady had never taken her baggage from
the Union depot, and this was apparently
the only clew on which TO work. Sergt.
Burke was detailed to keep a close
watch on the baggage, which he
did all day Saturday and up TO yes
terday afternoon, when a well dressed M an
called at the baggage-room and presented
the check calling for Mrs. Smiths trunk. He
was Immediately placed under arrest and
taken TO the Four Courts. There Fruchte
questioned him as to how he oh: aimed the
check, and he refused to say anything He
was ordered 10 the hold-over, and there said
that if he must tell he was willing TO give
the police all the facts. When informed that
this was the only alternative lett him he
volunteered TO take Sergt. Burke to the
house where Mrs. Smith could be seen her.
self. They went to Ne. 11s North Thir-
tenth street and there found the lady, who
was indignant at police interference, and
said that she deemed it sufficient to say that
neither the police nor public need interest
themselves in her affairs, as she was not abb
Quoted, and was acting of her own free will.
This ended the duty OF the officers, who
dropped the queer case at this point.
At No. 119 North Thirteenth street the lady
of the house was found seated in the front
room down stairs with young man. She
said: "Mr. Harris, whom have known for
some time, came here on Friday and rented
and paid for a room for one week. About
break of day on Saturday morning somebody
came TO the door and rang the bell.
looked out of the window and asked
who was there and saw a lady carrying a
valise. She asked il Mr.. Harris lad room
here, and l said yes, and she asked me to
open the door, stating that she was his wife.
l said that was queer time TO come, but she
said she had just come of the train and
could not get there any sooner. This was
just before day dawned. / showed her up to
Mr.. Harris's room and she remained there
until yesterday. / don't know where they
went. / have seen Mr.. Harris before"