Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-10-23
IN SEARCH OF ROGER HALE.

In the month of June, 1884, the law
Office of Milikin, Frost & Co.. situated on
a noisy thoroughfare Of the city of New
York, presented its usual aspect. Three
heads bent over three desks, while three
pens scratched diligently at the respective
tasks.
Mr.. Hiram Miliken emerged from She
private rooms of the firm, paused in the
middle space of the office, twlrling the
gold seals which depended over his white
waistcoat, and looked at the owners Of the
heads rumlnatingly.
The pens paused, and three pair of eyes
regarded the great man in respectful in
terrogation, for Mr.. Milliken, a lawyer of
fine reputation, large connection, and am
pie fortune, was very great parsonage,
indeed. in the estimation of his clerks.
some communication of Importance was
about to be made, for the stranger, who
had been received an hour before, was WIS.,
ible through the open door engaged in
earnest conversation with Mr.. Frost and
Mr.. Whitney.
|. LAS sure as you are alive something is
up with old Fudge" whispered Harry
Fayall to his comrades of the desk.
Old Fudge was the nickname bestowed by
the facetious youth on his senior, who, I'M
conscious of the impertinence, continued
to scan the group before him.
"Would either of you like to search for
missing mann" inquired Mr.. MiIliken.
eyes, sill, !" replied John Leggat, prompt
ly,
Expenses paid?" echoed Richard Mar
shall, a prudent and dry young man, whose
sandy hair hung straight and limp about
his face, and whose thin lips closed like
the valves of certain sea shells.
6 Expenses paid, and one thousand dol
lars for your trouble, if you find him, - con-
tinued Mr.. Milliken.
II will find him." said John Leggat,
wiping his pen and returning it to the
rack. who is he? Why is he wantedY"
The lawyer regarded him with marked
satisfaction. Courage and energy of pur-
puse was perceptible in the youth with the
keen gray eye, handsome features aud curl
ing, black hair. John possessed the true
legal passion for tracing results to causes.
Here was an opening. One of three. Pru-
dent Richard Marshall bethought him of
resort, and hesitated between the bird in
the hand and one on the wing. Harry
Fayall was reluctant to give up a fortnight
of camping IN the Adirondack mountains.
John Leggat must go. He received his in
structions in the private room. The miss
ing man was an artist-Roger Hale by
name. His brother had recently died in
his native town in Central New York,
leaving considerable property to be divid-
ed between two sisters and the absent
Roger. No settlement could be made of
sales until the artist gave his consent. He
had last been seen at Nice, but as a
correspondent, Mr.. Hale left much to be
desired.
81 will find him." reiterated John Leg.
gat. Il shall sail on the next steamer, if
they put me in the coal bunk. 1 wonder
what Katy will think of it,, he added, as
he sought the abode of his iance, on the
very wings of hope.
The search for Roger Hale, if successful,
meant such start in life as the
marriage of these young people,
otherwise definitely deferred. Katy
White lived with her brother on
the fifth floor of an apartment building,
where the increasing heat and the improb-
ability of country holiday had aroused
the imagination of the children. Tommy
had made train of cars of chairs in one
corner, while Molly, seated majestically on
table, announced she was on board q
steamboat bound for Newport, and Bob
imagined himself to oe on the Long Branch
shore, with the aid of a wooden shovel and
toy pail full of shells.
Il mean to live III the country when
am married. announced Katy, who was
as sensible as she was pretty, dimpled and
rosy.
II hate the country" retorted her sis
term law, pale blonde, with fashion
magazine open on her knee.
John Leggat entered, was welcomed
shrilly by the children, and impaired the
! news that he was to seek Roger Hale. Katy
wept and trembled, and then became sufd-
GENTLY calm to listen to his projects.
make your wedding dress, darling" he
whispered joyfully.
Next day he sailed for Europe.
When John Leggat reached Nice. trav
cling from Paris without stopping, he
learned that Roger Hale had been in thai
brilliant city, but had gone on toward
Italy. sketching the shore. The informa
ton cleaned was somewhat vague wher
analysed. Everybody knew Roger Hale
but no one was precise as to dates respect
ing his movements. The term used wa
The was generally around somewhere and
very good fellow.'i