Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1888-08-03
THE MAN In BLACK.

Major Dalton was in trouble. He had
been detailed and sent TO one of tht
largeit inland cities in the Confedcracv
to supcrintcnd the manufacture of bombs
and torpedocs.
everything moved along satisfactorily
until the chemist connected with the
works made reckless experiment one
Gay, and blew himself up. The force OF
the explosion was SO great that not Il
piece OF the unfortunate man could bc
found.
~ wouldn't have minded it so much. .
said the Major to his friend the provost
marshal, ''if the fellow hadn't carried
OH lot of valuable papers with him.
ne knew lots of chemical secrets, and he
had his formulas written out. and they
were III his pocket when he left"
"1 GU might advertise" suggested the
provost marshal.
Good idea" replied the Mayor; "rll
The next morning the city papers con-
taincd short advertisements stating
thata first-class chemist could secure en-
nloyment, with good salary, at the
Government works.
At that time there were very few idle
chemists in the Confcdcracy, and after
waiting several days the Major began TO
think that lie would have to send to
Richmond for man.
One night, when he was alone in his
Office, he commenced letter to the Sec
rotary of War. He had Just pcnncd n
request for the immediate detail of an
experienced expert, when he became
conscious of the presence of another Der
son in the room.
81 didn't see him, and I didn't hear
hear him." said the Major afterwards
"but could feel my flesh crawl. and /
knew that something was up"
The Major wheeled around in his chair
and saw man standing just inside tho
door. The stranger was tall aud thin
and his black suit contrasted strangely
with his pale face and white hands.
Major Dalton noted these points. In
addition to his black attire the mans
hair and eyes were of the same sombre
shade. lie even wore black watch
chain, pair of black trimmed eyeglasses
and black seal ring.
The officer gave sharp look at his
visitors face, but its dead whiteness was
as exprcssionless at Il mask.
II must introduce myself" said tho
stranger stepping forward. "NIy name
is Pellico. | Am chemist, and am
familiar with the manufacture of ex
plosives. saw your advertisement and
decided to offer my services"
He spoke rapidly, in musical voice
With n slight foreign accent.
You are not an American said thu
Ma or
'.lta ian, briefly responded the other
Il belong to family of famous chem
sts, and we have served nearly ever,
government in Europe"
Just then the Major remembered tina
he had a sentry stationed in front of III,
>ffice.
''But, sir!" he broke out, anerilv
show did you get ina"
II beg your pardon" answered Pclli
20, courtcously. "When your office wa
pointed out to me walked in"
"But the sentry, the guarda'
,oh, the soldier-1 simply passed hin
"You ran the risk of getting shot,
growled the Major
mot at all; there was no danger,
was the quiet reply.
Peliico's manner impressed the officer
and he asked his visitor for his credcn
tinls.
The man in black produced a letter O
recommendation from Spanish Office
of high rank in Cuba.
$50 you have not been long in thi
countryl" remarked the Confederate.
"Ten days. l slipped through tn
blockaders, landed in Florida and the
came here"
Further conversation did not caus
him to say anything that was inconsis
ent with his first account of himself.
In the course of half an hour Ma;c
Dalton was ready to admit he was in til
presence of man of superior intellect
and one who doubtless was master of h
profession.
The interview resulted in The engap
mcnt of Pellico, and on the followin
morning he went to work.
From the very outset the man in blac
gave perfect satisfaction, but he made r
friends. The men called him "Mr. Mic
night" and the officers quietly agree
among themselves that he was myster,
very useful, no doubt, but disagreeab
companion.
1t did not take long to make the di
covery that the Italians bombs and to
pedoes were the best that had ever bee
made.
One night Pellico paid another visit
the Office of Major Dalton.
Major" said he, after some talk abo,
powder, gun cotton, Greek fire apd 9th