The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-04-17
THE MAN IN BLACK.


been detailed and sent to ono OF the largest
inland cities in the cCufedcracy 20 super
intend the manufacture Of bombs aud tor
pedoes.
Everything moved along satisfactorily
until the chemist connected with the
works made a reckless experiment, one
day. and blew himself up. TIE force of
the explosion was so great that not a
piece of the unfortunate man could be
found.
III wouldn't have minded it SO much, "
said the major 10 his friend, the provost
marshal, III the fellow hadn't carried oil
10. Of valuable papers with him. He
knew lots If chemical secrets, and he had
bis lorfuulas written out, and they were
in his pocket when he left"
"You might advertise" suggested the
provost marshal
Good idea" replied the major; I'm
do IT,"
The next morning tie city papers con-
tanned a short advertisement. stating That
first class chemist could secure employ
ment, with good salary, ut the govern
menS works.
At that time there were very few idle
chemists in the cOnte0eracy, and alter
waiting several days, the major began TO
think that lie would nave 10 send to Rich
mond for u man
One nipht, when he w0s alone in his Of
fee. he commenced a letter 10 the secre-
tary Of war lie had Just penned re-
quest for the immediate detail Of an ex
perlencod expert, when he became con-
scious Of the presence OF another person IN
the room.
Il didn't see hin, aud | didn't hear
him" said the major ntterward but
could feel my flesh crawl, and knew that
something wa, up"
The major wheeled around in his chair
and saw u man standing just inside the
door The stranger was tall and thin,
and his black suit contrasted strangely
with his pale face and white hands.
Mai Dalton noted these points. In
addition 10 his black attire, the mans
hair and eyes were of the same somber
shade He even wore black watch
chain, pair OF black trimmed eyeglasses,
and black seal ring.
The officer gave sharp look at his
visitor face. but its dead wilderness was
as express iOnless as II mask.
"Ahemr calculated the major
II must introduce myself said the
stranger stepping forward. My name is
Pellico. | am chemist, and / am IA
miliar with the manufacture OF explosives.
saw your advertisement and decided TO
offer my services.
He spoke rapidly, in musical voice
with slight foreign accent.
you are not an American, " said the
major
italian briefly responded the other;
81 belong 70 a family Of famous chemists,
and we have served nearly every govern
ment in Europe
Just then the major remembered that
he had a sentry stationed in front Of the
office
"Confound it, STR" he broke out
angrlly; "how did you get imp
~ beg your pardon, answered Pellico,
courteously When your Office was
pointed ont TO me walked in
But the sentry, the guard''
"Oh the soldier-I simply passed him
by"
"You ran the risk of getting shot, "
growled the major.
Not at all; there was no danger, " was
the quiet reply
Pellico's manner impressed the officer,
and he asked his visitor for his creden-
tials.
The man in black produced letter Of
recommendation from a Spanish officer Of
high rank in Cuba.
$50 You have not been long in this coun-
try" remarked the Confederate.
Ten days. | slipped through the
blockaders. landed in Florida and then
came here.
Further conversation did not cause him
10 say anything that was inconsistent with
his first account Of himself.
In the course Of half an hour Maj. Dial
ton was ready 10 admit that he was in the
presence Of a man of superior intellect,
and one who doubtless was master of his
profession.
The interview resulted in the engage.
ment Of Pellico, and on the following
morning he went to work.
From the very outset the man In black
gave perfect satisfaction, but he made no
friends The men called him "Mr. Mid
night" and the officers quietly agreed
among themselves that he was mystery,
very useful, no doubt, but disagreesble
companion.
II did not take long 10 make the dis.
covery that the Italians bombs and tor
pedoes were the best that had ever been
made
One night Pellico paid another visit 10
tho Office Of Maj Dalton.
Major, said he, after some talk about
powder, gun cotton. Greek fire and other
matters. 1.-THE main object OF our eXplo
sives - TO destroy the enemy
"Um, well yes, 10 certain extent" re-
piled the gallant Confederate.
What do you think, then, of Il bomb
that is capable OF doing a hundred fold
more damage than any now in use''
at would be u big thing"
well" continued Pellico, Il have in
vented il. l have chemical compound
that can be projected into the enemy g
lines through the medium Of Il shell, aud
when the shell bursts deadly vapor
spreads over an area Of 100 yards, killing
every living thing One shell is capable
Of killing an entire regiment"
"Why, my God, man," exclaimed the
major, that would he MURDER
Sand what is war; asked Pellico in
his low, soft voice.
The subject did not drop there. The
man in black had so much 10 say about
his invention that the major found him.
self deeply interested.
This little thing" said Pellico, ex-