West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1888-06-28
THE MAN In BLACK.

Major Daltcn was in trouble. He had
been detailed and sent to one of the
largest inland cities in the Coniederacy
to superinteud the manufacture of bombs
and torpedoes.
Everything moved along satisfactorily
until the chemist connected with tho
works made reckless experiment one
day, and blew himself up. The force of
tne explosion was so great that not
piece OF the unfortunate man could be
found.
II wouldn't have minded it so much. -
said the Major to his friend, the provost
marshal, 'if the fellow hadn't carried
OIL lot Of valuable papers with him.
lie knew lots OF chemical secrets, and he
had his formulas written out. and they
were in his pocket when he left.n
"fou might advertise, " suggested the
provost marshal
do it.n
The next morning the city papers con-
tanned short advertisements stating
thata fst-class chemist could secure EN-.
ployment, with 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 10
think that he would have TO send to
Richmond for n man.
One night, when he was alone i'm his
office, he commenced letter to the Sec
rotary Of War lie had lust 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 / 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 the
door. The stranger was tall and thin
and his black suit contrasted strangely
with his pa'e 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
cha n, pair Of black rimmed eyeglasses
and black seal ring.
The officer gave sharp look at his
visitor s face, but its dead whiteness was
as exp c.sionless alta mask
"Aheml' G .aculated the Major.
II must introduce myself" said the
stranger stepping forward. 'My name
is Pellico. / sm chemist, and / am
familiar with the manufacture Of OK.
plosiycs l saw your advertisement and
decided to ofIermy services"
lle spoke rapidly, in a musical voice,
with slight foreign accent.
Ma or
'lta ian, briefly responded The other
~ belong 10 family Of famoas chem
lists, and We have served nearly every
government in Europe
Ju then the Major remembered that
he had a sentry stationed in front of the
Office
But sirw he broke out. augrily;
"how did you get inW
~ beg your pardon, answered Pclli.
60, courteously. when your Office was
pointed out to me / walked inn
But the sentry, the guardw
''Ohi the soldier simply passed him
by
you ran the risk Of getting shot,
growled the Ma or.
''Not at al there was no danger"
was the quiet reply
Pellico's manner impressed the officer,
and he asked his visitor for his credcn.
tals
Tho man in black produced o letter Of
recommendation from a Spanish officer
Of high rank in Cuba.
$50 you have not been long in this
country remarked The Confederate.
Ten days J slipped through Che
b'ockadcrg, landed in Florida and then
came here
Further conversation dil not cause
u. 90. @ l. 4
eut with his first account of himself
In the course OF hall nn hour Major
Dalton was ready TO admit he was in the
presence Of g man Of superior intellect,
end one who doubtless was master OF his
profession