The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1888-07-18
THE MAN In BLACK.

Major Dalton was in trouble. He had
been detailed and sent to one of the
largest inland cities in the Confederacy
to superintend the manufacture of bombs
and torpedoes.
Everything moved along satisfactorily
until the chemist connected with the
works made reckless experiment one
day, and blew himself up. The force of
the explosion was so great that not
piece of the unfortunate man could be
found.
Il wouldn't have minded it so much. -
said the Major to his friend, the provost
marshal, 'if the fellow hadn't carried
of lot of valuable papers with him.
lie knew lots of chemical secrets, and he
had ms formulas written out, and they
were in his pocket when he left"
"lou might advertise" suggested the
provost marshal.
Good idea, " replied the Mayor; 'I'll
do it."
The next morning the city papers con-
tanned a short advertisement stating
thata tiIst-class chemist could secure EN-.
ploymcnt, with a good salary, at the
Government works.
At that time there were very few idle
chemists in the Confederacy, and after
waiting several days the Major began to
think that he would have to send to
Richmond for a man.
One night, when he was alone in his
office, he commenced letter to the Sec
retary of War. He had just penned
request for the immediate detail of an
experienced expert, when he became
conscious of the presence of another per-
son in the room.
81 didn't see him, and l didn't hear
hear him." said the Ma or afterwards,
'but could feel my flesh crawl. and /
knew that something was up"
The Ma, or wheeled around in his chair
and saw 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.
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 expre>sionless at mask.
"Ahem!' CALCULATED the Major.
81 must introduce myself" said the
stranger stepping forward. 'My name
is Pellico. Am chemist, and | am
familiar with the manufacture of ex-
plosves. saw your advertisement and
decided to offer my services"
lie spoke rapidly, in a musical voice,
with slight foreign accent.
You are not an American, " said the
MAJOR
'lta ian, . briefly responded the other;
81 belong TO a family of famous chem
lists, and we have served nearly every
government in Europe
Ju,t then the Major remembered that
he had sentry stationed in front of the
office.
but, sirw he broke out, angrily;
show did you get I'M"
81 beg your pardon, answered Pelli-
co, eourteously. "When your office was
pointed out to me / walked in."
But the sentry, the guardy"
'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.
Ielllco 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
couutryW remarked the Confederate.
'Ien days l slipped through the
blockaders, landed in Florida and then
came here"
Further conversation did not cause
him to say anything that was inconsist-
ent with his first account of himself.
In the course of half an hour Major
Dalton was ready to admit he was in the
presence of man Of superior intellect,
and one who doubtless was master of his
profession.