The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1888-01-26

tation which he had reserved for his
special use; but urgent business calling
him to Europe, and not caring to leave
them in hired hands necessitated his
selling.
81 bought the pair for $4,000. and
have many times been offered more
than double that money. tut $4,000
would not tempt me. They have beauty
and speed, and are to-day the fastest
double team in the State
Gould you describe the man from
whom you bought them?" asked.
Yes" said he, 1.-THE man from whom
! I purchased was medium sized. appar-
emily forty years of age, with hair
| quite gray prematurely, l should
think-and his general appearance
clerical. One would not have taken
him for a stockman. He was well in
formed and ono of the most agreeable
conversationalists l ever met"
1 explained my part in the history of
the horses and how 1 lost them. He
ignored my belief that they were the
same horses. but l brought forward
such overwhelming evidence in proof
of my ownership that he agreed to sur
render.
l paid him 81, 900, the amount which
l received from the rogue, feeling that
he was the more injured of the two.
and received back my team, mutually
agreeing to spend another thousand, if
necessary, in bringing to justice our
thief; for we were persuaded that the
hunch- back, the twin brother and the
clerical-looking person were one and
the same individual.
A minute description was gwen to
detectives in the various large cities of
our country; police reports were care
fully read, but nothing from our man
could be discovered. Finally. believing
that he had been picked up under some
assumed name and imprisoned. had
almost allowed the matter to fade
from my mind, when one winter. my
health failing me, needed the advice
of my physician and went to Florida.
In st. Augustine took board at sort
of select hotel. patronized principally
by Northern families wintering there
for health and pleasure, and all of them
representatives. of wealth. Among the
guests at the dinner table my first
evening there, was a young lady OF
rare beauty and engaging manners to
whom was introduced as Miss Effie
Mcknight. the only daughter of
widow from Baltimore.
Our landlady turned to the daughter
and said: Miss Effie, l have pleasing
news for you. Count Van Earl has
written. engaging rooms, saying we
may expect him in day or two"
At this announcement the count be-
came the topic of conversation. and ]
saw in the pleased smile which fitted
across Miss Effie's face that the counts
coming interested her particularly; and
in the two days preceding his arrival.
l noted the eager interest she took in
every thing pertaining 10 him.
l have often thought that the pursuit
of any coveted object up TO the very
eve of its possession is the most bliss
full state of human existence; there is
nothing in the possessing of that object
that even approaches the dreamy, hope
full. happy longing for the time to come
when the cherished idol of our hearts
will be ours to hold in contentment
But this aside. Count Van Earl.
learned, had not only an immense for
tune, but was heir prospective to an
extensive landed estate in England and
Wales. He was an Oxford graduate
and had taken an extra course in Edin-
burgh. His travels had taken in every
point of the compass, and he talked
like book about the beauties of Sibe-
rian wilds and the splendor of Oriental
skies; he had touched the mold and
must of ancient tombs, and walked
with the Turk among his modern
graves; in fact, this titled scion of no.
bility was so promising an acquisition
to our select circle that it was not sur
prising to see an extra display of silver
On the table for the greeting of the
count.
l remember well the morning of his |
arrival. My room opened fronting the
hall, and as he assembled tho broad |
stairway in company with his valet, l |
had fair view of his face. 1t was the |
lace OF my notorious swindler and thief;
face that once seen could hardly be |
.orgotten, especially when the force of
circumstances had photographed it on
he memory, as in my case.
Now here was dilemma. This man
vas society's pet and the affianced
of beautiful and aristocratic
ady. and l a stranger. But resolved
o act, and act at once. So leaving the
house l sought and obtained an inter-
Tiew with 4 well-known detective who
'arrled tho seal of authority, and ac-
Iuainted him of the facts Together
We returned to the house. and walked
boldly to the counts" door. The
'fficer introduced himself by giving his
lame. but not his business, and said:
Here is an old acquaintance who
Iesires an interview"
How do you do. Mr.. Albaugh," said
GLAD to see you"
What do you mean, SIR" said he,
coming into gentleman's room in
his rude way? l am Count Van Earl.
ir; here is my card"
"And here is mine" I answered.
You remember that team you hired
t my stable for a three days drive. 1