Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1889-02-13
THE PHONOGRAPH.
Strong Ciroum stsntial Evidence
Removed by It's Aid.
The Inventor's Little Machine Discovers
tho identity of tho wouid-B he MUIR
derer-.An Innocent Son Cleared
OF a Terrible Charge.

In the vicinity OF Manchester, a
stately old mansion, half hidden be-
tween tho dense foliage OF clustering
and lofty trees. has been for years the
residence OF Mr.. Stuart Cunliffe. Al
though a millionaire, that gentleman
devoted so much of his timo to electrical
and other scientific experiments In
which he was so deeply interest, that
no not untrequently spent days and
nights in his laboratory, barely intcr-
rupting his labors 10 steal few hours
OF sleep or take u hasty meal.
According 10 his most intimate ac-
quaintances, come OF his discoveries
would not be disownod by Edison. and
since the death of his vile, which oc-
CURED threo years ago. no had given
his entire attention to tho completion Of
an invention, the nature of which was a
profound mystery even TO his nearest
relatives.
Howovor. continued close confinement
In the laboratory lately began TO tell on
his constitution TO such an alarming
extent that n trusted old servant named
Watkins, who Ind spent the greater
part Of his life in tho employ of tho Cum
liffc family, wrote secretly TO his son
and brother, informing them Of the
scientists condition, and suggesting
that their presence in Manchester might
be necessary.
Laurence Cunliffe. Stuart's junior
brother, lived in the neighborhood Of
London, but WAS not on speaking terms
with his nephow.
After receiving Watkins letter, how
ever, he re ,olved to visit the scientist
who had so neglected his religious
duties. hoping that he might possibly
find an opportunity during his illness
to convert him.
BY most IL tho members OF tho con-
gregation Laurence Cunlifre was con-
sidcged n religious enthusiast But OF
late he had become so intolerant in his
views, and ut times upheld such ex
travagant theories. that some OF his
more discriminating friends began to
suspect that his mind had been af-
fected.
Meanwhile Reginald had reached his
fathers mansion. With the exception
OF Watkins. the servants had retired 10
their rooms, situated In an adjoining
building next to the stables.
Although very feeble. Mr.. Stewart
Cunliffe had disobeyed his DOCTORS
strict injunctions, and was closeted in
his laboratory. situated on the ground
floor.
After dismissing the faithful old nt-
tendant, who was worn out with fatigue
and with watching over his obstinate
master. Reginald FASTENED TO meet his
father. He received. as usual. n cor
dial greeting; bai tho old nun was ner-
vous, agitatcd. and his whole franc
trembled with excitement,
In answer 10 his sons cntreatics 70
retire 10 his room ard take much
needed rest, he exclaimed:
Yes! Yes. will; promise you
will. Bu, latcr--not now? | wish 10
see II, bear il. Oh. Reginald! this is
the hsppicst day Of my life. have
succeeded ut last! 1t is such an i'm
provemcnt on Edis0n's system. Look!
there it stands! ready 10 speak and re-
pcat clearly every word we utter!
Come, my boy! you shall be the first TO
witneSe your fathers victory"
As he spoke these words the inventor
staggered across the room. then fell
heavily to tho ground.
Reginald had never taken tho slight
est interest in his fathers or other
mons inventions; his Indifference on
tho subject now positively turned to
hatred, when nc raised tho cmaciated
form which lay scnselcss at his feet.
Had his hands boon free he would have
pitched out of tho window that mysteri-
GUS little box, over which his father had
! sacrificed his heath. IL not his life.
Luckily. he had some brandy in flask
which he had p;;rchascd at the railway
station before he left London. Under
the effect of the stirnu'ant Mr.. Cunlifre
| gradually revived. He tried To reas-
sure his son by informing him that he
had been subject to- iainiing fits for some
time ana that thetc need be no cause
for nlurm. Reginald insisted that he
retire ~ his rom: but the old man was
obtluraie, aud preferred sitting an hour
or two in his laboratory.
Seeing that on rca,ies as we'll rs ex.
postuaiiOns were Of no avail. Reginald
decided 10 scid for the family physi.
clan. He called fer Watkins. but |,
would have a. an more than the human
voice a. arouse The old attendant from
! his sltmbers. 80. selling his hat, HI
rushed out Ol the house ard started nj 8
rapid pace in search %, the doctor, for
getting ia his oxci emeni that he would
have L. VII -cvopai mics before rcacl
inc a.. Dwelling.
NJ soou', l.. q - d.ls I'D than Tn,
Inventor ia - - seli toeasd til,
hos Which Lal prau.,i Ecginald'- an
ge', Afic' ,arci''iy opening it IA
bowed Lis Lend aud bent his lips town,
1t.
No lover ever srolc ~ nri' q a.'a"
IN. ;,rn,- "a : ~ ~ 4. ;,p 'l u's
mt tired 'uii' NY ~ IA