The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-01-28
THE GLADSTONE BAG.

had breakfasted with tho colonel at
his club. one Of those dreary, large es-
adjustments which remind you Of an
overcrowded cemetery, where the lown-
err Of the land get rich on their diyi-
dendk Outside II was rainy, damp and
misty; inside the members were regard
ing each other with disdain and calcu-
lating what effect the humidity Of the
atmosphere would have on the varnish
Of their patent leather boota
Suppose we get out Of this. said the
Colonel briefly as he regarded the street
from the broad club window
Where tor said L
Paris he said laconically.
"Done,r said l.
And then the bag was ordered to be
packed and the journey began.
We left Waterloo station and we were
trying, like old sailors, to transform a
railroad compartment into q comforta-
BILE smoking divan. It was then | first
noticed the colonel's Gladstone bag. It
had been reposing peacefully in. the rack
above my head, and | threw it down in
hopes Of using 1t for pillow. Some
how it slipped and fell to the door.
Look outl" said the colonel. IF
you dropped that bag q year ago that
way | wouldn't have given much for
your chances Of living: no. nor mine
either
saw then there was history in the
bag, and said, 'sWhy?r
1T isn't long story. but may keep
you awake. I'll tell you about it. When
left the army and returned homo from
India | was not very well OF. / had
studied explosives In the east and some
one at the club recommended me to q
French company which had been formed
about the same time toperfect new ex-
plosive which. they were assured, would
BE- favorably considered by the war
Office The salary was good and the
subject interesting. 20 ] accepted their
offer.
Il established my laboratory outside
Of Versailles and went to work with
Will In my experiments. however,
found myself all at once out Of nitro
glycerin, which needed absolutely.
wrote toathe company. No dynamite to
be had. Then Iwent up to the French
war Office and saw tho secretary. He
was sorry, 20 very sorry. but at the
present time, In the disturbed state OF
the country, ETC.. he regretted that 1t
would not be IN his power to furnish
nitroglycerin to private persons. How
ever, he would do what he could, and he
gave me letter to Colonel Maiendie,
chief of explosives in London, who, he
said, would surely honor my request.
''That night / took the club train to
London. and next morning at 10 o'clock
found me at the chiefs Office. pre-
scented my letter and stated what |
wanted. The chief regarded mo with
suspicion (you must remember it was
during the dynamite scare in England),
and the more explained the less he be-
heved me. Various officers were intro
duced. one after the other, for no other
purpose, believe, than to take down
my personal characteristics as profess
Sional dynamiter.
AT last the chief said that, In accord
Ance with articles so and so. sections
this and that Of the office rules. he would
be reluctantly compelled to refuse my
request.
'sThen got tired.
81 told the chief wanted the explo-
sive and meant to get it. But you
can't, said he. / will, said |. and
carry it through London too. whether
you like it or no. Well see. said Ma
jendie. "You will see. said |. and left
him.
THAT night when | walked home to
my chambers | felt rather discouraged.
There was ten pounds Of nitroglycerin
which must have. and Lord only knows
how many people Majendie might put
in the way Of my securing it. wan
dered about London aimlessly for
week. and at last. when just about to
despair. luck turned. Near Birmingham
! heard company had been formed to-
work a mine and used explosives
took the next train from London and
went there. There was "a little village
near the place, and from it drove out
to the works. | shall never forget it.
When got to the mine Wet a. hungry
looking man. who asked "ma roughly
what ! wanted saw he was the per-
son.l was after.
Come one side, said.
You use dynamite here2 Z
Yes, for explosives
DO you want eco?
".Yea.
Then get me ten pounds of nitro
glycerin if you can
= gave him the money and he put it
In his pocket
Wait here, was all he said.
That evening drove back to the lit
tie country h$tel with my treasure in
the Gladstone bag. put it in the room.
locked the door and slept outside. for
knew the fumes Of the nitric acid
would escape through the bag. In the
morning got up early and took the
train for London with my precious
cargo At London it took but short
time to rush into compartment OF the
Paris express. which was just departing
Here my real trouble ha,yaY, / ,,,st