The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1885-10-28
IN SEARCH OF ROGER HALE.


In the month of June 1884, the law
office of Milliken, Frost q Co., situated
on 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 Mlhken emerged from the
private rooms of the firm, paused in the
middle space of the office, twirling the
gold seals which depended over his white
waistcoat, and looked at the owners of
the heads ruminatingly.
The pens paused, and three pair Of
eyes regarded the great man in respectful
interrogation, for Mr.. Milliken, lawyer
of fine reputation, large connection, and
ample fortune, was very great person
age, indeed, in the estimation of his
clerks. Some communication of import
ance was about to be made, for the
stranger, who had been received an hour
before, was visible through the open
door engaged in earnest conversation
with Mr.. Frost and Mr.. Whitney.
'As 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,
unconscious of the impertnencc, con
tinued to scan the group before him.
Would either of you like to search
for missing manW inquired Mr.. Mill
ken.
Eyes, SIR" replied John Leggat,
promptly.
Expenses paid2" echoed Richard
Marshall, prudent and dry
young man, whose sandy hair hung
straight and limp about his face, and
whose thin Inns closed like the valves of
certain sea-shells.
Expenses paid, and one thousand dol
lars for your trouble, if you find him"
continued Mr.. Miliken.
81 will find him." said John Leggat,
wiping his pen and restoring it TO the
rack. "Who is hel Why is he wanted !"
The lawyer regarded him with marked
satisfaction. Courage and energy of
purpose were perceptible in the youth
with the keen, gray eye, handsome fea.
lures and curling, black hair. John
possessed the true legal passion for
tracing results TO causes, Here was an
opening. One of three. Prudent Rich
ard Marshall bethought him of the
heiress he was wooing at suburban re-
sort, and hesitated between the bird in
the hand and one on the wing. Harry
Fayall was reluctant to give up fort
night of camping in the Adirondack
mountains. John Leggat must 90. He re-
ceived his instructions in the private
room. The missing 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 divided between two sis
ters and the absent Roger. No settle
ment could be made of sales until the
artist gave his consent. He had been
last seen at Nice, but as a correspondent
Mr.. Hale left much to be desired
81 will find him." reiterated John Leg.
gat. 81 shall sail on the next steamer, if
they put me in the coal bunk. | wonder
what Katy will think of it, he added,
as he sought the abode of his fiance, OH
the very wings Of hope.
The search for Roger Hale meant such
start in life as the marriage of these
young peop.e, otherwise definitely de-
ferred. Katy White lived with her
brother on the fifth floor of an apart
ment building, where the increasing heat
and the improbability of country holi-
day had aroused the Imagination of the
children. Tommy had made train of
cars of chairs in one corner, while Molly,
seated majestieally on table, announced
she was on board the steamboat, bound
for Newport and Bob imagined himself
to be on the Long Branch shore, with
the aid of a wooden shovel and toy
pail full of Shells
81 mean to live in the country when
am married, announced Katy, who was
as sensible as she was pretty, dimpled
and rosy.
81 hate the country" retorted her sis
ter-in.law, pale blonde, with fashion
magazine open on her knee.
John Leggat entered, was welcomed
Ihrilly by the children, and impaired
the news that he was to seek Roger
Hale. Katy wept and trembled. and be-
came sufficiently calm to listen to his
projects.
"Make your wedding dress, darling"
he whispered joyfully.
Next day he sailed for Europe.