The Sunday herald. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1866-1887, 1883-01-28
A REPORTERS ADVENTURE.
ny EDWARD II. CRosBY


Many people look upon the newspape
as the most favored class OF moras: this
the chief duties Of the profession are receiving favor
and roaming aimlessly wherever fancy calls. FeS
know the steady, grinding toll the labor that rack
the brain and saps tho vitality OF tho strongest
constant wear and tear the neryou
system which belong TO this singular vocation.
aught to know all about II, for am journalist my
SELF The incidents In tile lives OF these men ar
frequently very exciting, and the following crcum
stance, that happened In my own career some tim
ago, may serve rs An example Of the work roporte
Is now aud then called upon To perform But frs
let me present my card which bears the name
Thomas Harris, Morning TrdUeiier,'' In small
neat type. | am commonly known among III,
boys, however, rs " Tom, " aud am head reporte
Of the above named Journal.
Oneevening, rs was returning to the office ate
a serious uptown FIRE, and passing through tn,
part OF the city, l was rudely josed by Coarsely
dressed man who was bllndly hurrylng along 1t IL
great haste.
Perhaps you require tho whole sidewalk, m,
friend, " l said. In the gentlemany way usual,
adopted by reporters under such circumstances
you seem to appropriate 1t, any way.'
The man did not venture reply. but gave me on,
glance, and proceeded on his Journey. III,
collision had occurred beneath lamppost and In thu
light obtained . full view OF his face, which wa
covered with q three weeks growth OF black beard
lie wore adlrty brown coat and SLOUGH hat, and wa
lshy pale the pallid hue being heightened by tn,
lark, scraggly hair, while In his eyes there was
Wild, bewlldered look, as though he was badl,
frightened. lie soon out OF sight, and brushing
my clothes | proceeded to the Office, wrote up my
hre and then, when my duties were completed, re.
turned tony apartments, aud slept as only tired re-
poriers can.
Next morning, about 10 O'Clock, as entered al,
Dce, the city editor called me to hlsrOom remarkng
90 Here's q queer case that happened early TIL,
and showed me telegram he had lust re.
reIved; 'Col. Elwell. down in =, has com.
nitted suicide. lie OF all men should be the last I,
resort to such measured why he received legacy oil
200, 900 only last week, Is young, without family.
and every prospect bright before him. No cause as
signed for the desperate deed, cts. Take 1t. You
Will want half u column or so.''
'All right. replied, and gathering up few
things In my ONCE was soon on my way to j.,
which was thriving suburb of the city.
busicd myself looking over the morning paper
until the car arrived at my destination when hasten
Ing up shaded, pleasant street, inquired for Col.
lIlwel' house, was directed to q handsome resi-
ience near by, situated somewhat back from the
street and approached by gravel walk lined with
flowers and shrubs Everything around the premises
Indicated refinement and wealth, and as looked al
the comfortable dwelling and thought OF the sad end
Of Its late occupant, said to myself: "Verily the
rich have their trials as well as we poor devils.
little knot of curious spectators had gathered III
front of the gate but were prevented from entering
the grounds by burly policeman, who seemed to feel
the full Importance of his duty. Making myself
known, l was at once granted admission, and soon
was In the darkened where the coroner who had
charge Of the case, was bustng around, giving In
Structions to several OF the servants and preparing
hold an Inquest. From him, the servants, and other
sources. Cleaned the following information
ing the case:
Col Elwcll, u young lawyer OF good standing, had
been resident In the neighborhoOd for about two
years. He had made few friends, aud having no
family he arduousy devoted himself to his profess
'ion Some eight days previous to the sad his
uncle died, leaving him his sole heir to an estate
roughly valued at $780, 00o and with this comfortable
fortune, profitable practice, and with the world
bright before him. there seemed to be no cause for
him TO put an end TO his earthly career.
On the evening OF the tragic affair, August %, he
Informed the servants that be had some important
papers to look over and business that required his
N Ia la lt
hour, requesting that lie should not be disturbed At
o. clock the next morning. the time he was usually
aroused, the servant received no answer to his
1eaed Knocking and after another hour had elapsed
ladder was procured and an outside window opened
There at his desk sat Col. Elwe, the gas-jet still
Jurnng his papers scattered about the room I'm con
uslon and tightly held la his rigid grasp the weapon
With which he had committed the fatal deed. The
Were Immediately summoned and a
thorough search OF the premises made, but nothing
suspicious could be discovered. A large of money
II one of the drawers undisurbed, and there was
rot the slightest Indication of any foul play.
While gathering my notes the coroner came 10
he and said In a whisper:
"There is the dead mans brother; perhaps lie can
five you some points,
With dark hair and eyes sad, careworn expression
IN his features, and his face smoothly shaven except
leavy black mustache. Approaching him said:
'This is Mr.. Elwell, | believe, and a brother to
he late Coonel?''
Yes he replied, Iaconically. giving me Il
earching glance.
licensed, ~ continued, ''that would he of public
nterest2i'
- know but little, myself replied MI Elwell.
: l have lust returned from the West where have
een for years, and only learned of poor Frank sad
ate early this morning. stopped last evening at
he Franklin House out in S, and on learning the
''Did your brother have any family? Did he leave
ny will?n continued.
'Frank unmarried and he and myself were
he only remaining children As to the will, do
lot think he made any, for he was peculiar in such
matters. See, here is d letter he was writing to
ne, ~ ana he picked up haf-inished note begin
ling Dear Harry. ~ ''That is my first name, ~
aid Mr.. Elwell.
There is no doubt but that 1t a case of
The man gave slight start and aquick, anxious
xpression passed over his face, which, however,
Don disappeared as he replied, hastily:
''Nono whatever: IL his own revolver that
vas found Ia his hand. The doors were all locked
n the inside and no one could have entered. Be-
ides, there was considerable property In the room
7hich was untouched, and Frank was so kind
earted that he could have had no enemies -
Thanking Mr.. Ewell withdrew, bnt not without
feeling that somewhere l had seen this man. In
eed, his face was strangely familiar, yet for the
fe of me could not remember where had met
Cleaning few important facts, hurried from the
Gene OF death, and was soon on board horse-car
ursling my way back to the city. As | was glanc-
lg over my notes my attention was attracted by
he conversation OF two gentlemen beside me. had
Drmed habit OF listening whenever | heard two
eope talking In public place. and not unfrequently
clue to a valuable Item had thus been obtained.
''There Is one thing said one OF the gentlemen,
that they had not found up to the last accounts,
hOugh nothing else was missing. That was da-
lond bracelet. lie bought IL OF me, ana last night
Q called 10 take II home. IL was most peculiar
haped piece Of 1eweiry, he designed himself and
Onssted of two serpents twisted together with heads
rect facing each other. Their backs were studded
18th diamonds, and flor the eyes there were four
auable 6rilllants. The whole affair cost some i've
undred dollars.
"where do you suppose 1t disappeared to?'' asked
40 second
~ don't know, I'm sure; guess the Colonel gave
away. Here's my street; good morning; drop In
nd see me; there my card
And he handed his friend slip of pastebOard. AS
Q left the another card dropped TO the floor and
coping down picked II up aud read the name
Samuel sylvester, Jewelsr No.-BrOadway. -
attached no Importance to the incident, but care
ssly pOCketed the card and reached the Office
Time went on, and the suicide was forgotten beiug
widowed up In the maelstrOm OF events that are con-
anty occurring In this busy, high pressure world
nee the case was brought to my notice when learned
nat Col. Elwell had died ntestate, and his entire
rOperty had gone to his brother Henry Elwel who,
40 article stated, had recently returned from long
Ijourn In the West, and who WAS his only living
slatiye
some six months after tho affair mentioned above
WAS called upon TO 'dO' fashionable social
altering In one OF the weallhest sections of the city
IRVING al palatial mansion, was soon mngllng
ith the gay company, Watching the dancers, u am
OF dancing man myself llstining to the fine music.
repairing for the bounteOns collation. which l knew
oud soon be served and taking notes here and there.
Some one grasped my arm, and turning, saw the
enial owner of the establishment, Mr. Langdon, who
lid pleasantly
'Ihls is MIR. Harris is II not Glad to see You. 1
now You by reputation and should like presen; you
my wife and daughter. -
Thanking him for his Kind attention, proceeded
ward one end OF the room where Mrs. Langdon aud
pr daughter Helen were entertaining few special
lends.
"AIy DEAR said Mr.. Langdon, ''ihis is Mr..
arris, OF the Traveller my daughter Helen, AIr.
arris -
Mrs. Langdon bowed In stately manner, while
ss Helen, perhaps from natural c0rdiaity, possibly
At OF curiosity Tor strange IL may SEEM there Is
faint halo OF mystery surrounding newspaper men,
.me forward and extended her hand uf course /
'tuTped the greeting, making some commonplace
mark, Whelenpon she motlOned me to a seat beside
en- and seemed Inclined 10 engage In conversation.
0 she pointed toward the chair the light from the
landeller was caught ana reflected back Ia a thou
Ind prlsmatic hues by u flashing Jewel she wore on
81 wrist. After few moments passed ia pleasant
'cleiy talk her father came to speak with her on
me topic, and Ia that Interval 1 yentured TO take a
lsty survey. She was beautiful girl, with clear
that betokened health, features that were
most faultless In their regularity, and which needed
accessories OF art TO add to their beauty Ierdeep
stIous eyes were full OF expression aud her dark
lburn hair, flowing In natural waves over her dell
Itey poised head, gave her the air and dignity of a
'incess. Beside her prepOssessng face there was "A
ok OF Refinement purity and intelligence that would
ave made countenance far less favored by nature
,Sltiyely beautiful. Her costume was rich and eab-
ate; here and there was the fash OF diamond not
orn In vulgar display, but with excellent taste and
feot Her round, white arms were barred TO the
oulder aud the tiny hands enGased In long gloves
lille on her wrist waSI rubbed my eyes for aseeOnd
ok yes, pair OF golden serpents curously [
Visited together with heads erect: on their sealy /
Lcks number OF brilliant diamonds, and for eyes