The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1892-10-11
MY ODD EXPERIENCE.

travelling long distances time hangs very
heavily on my hands for want OF some
thing to do few days ago, while tray
cling from Newcastle to White IIaven,
was pcrusing my favorite paper when my
eyes fell on tho following: ITO Authors
Ono guinea column is paid for original
contributions.
had seen this notice every week dating
from the first fow weeks this noted Jour
nal OF "fact fun and fiction" entered on
its remarkable career, but now it suggest
ed to np an idea. Why not, when travel
ing, dovoto my time to contributing to this
paper?
No sooner thought of than out camo my
notebook, and travelled some miles further
In doep thought, endeavorng to find n sub
ject on which to base my story. At length
camo to tho conclusion that hnd got
column or two OF interesting matter SO
commenced writing. After having half
filled my notebook and concluded tho last
chapter OF tho talo l closed my book lust
AZ tho train began to come to stnndstin,
and heard tho porters' voices crying out
"Whitohnven.
This being my destination for tho pres
cnt, emerged from the CON artment, put
my luggage two sample bags) in the left
luggage Office and went of in search of
diggings. had not proceeded far when
noticed card In a window on which was
printed apartments. | made inquiries
about the rooms and was shown over them
by the landlady. Tho price being favor
able and her rooms comfortable. engaged
thom for fortnight. She seemed to look
on mo with suspicion, SO tried TO assure
her of my integrity and responsibility by
remarlinG that WINS n commercial travel
mr. I'm gt a IL;
marked alphabetically:
you haven't much luggage, sir"
What llttlo l carry have left ut the
station; and now, II you please, will take
some tea, Mrs. Smith," replied.
Whilo sho was preparing this meal took
out my book, and began to go over my lit.
erary effort, when tho landlady entered to
spread tho table.
by tho bye. sir, may make bold to ask
your namcs"
Oh" / replied half jokingly, assuming
the nnrno had given to n character In my
story; Edwards Is my name" little
thought how much trouble should pass
through US tho result OF an assumed coy
nomen.
Having finished preparing tea she with
drew and once more was alone. Presently
went for II stroll round the town and then
OH TO tho pier There l saw bill an
nouncing that tho steamer Lady Find ran
twice weekly to Belfast. had often
thought l should like to SEQ Belfast, So
not being overburlened with business.
determined to 90 with the steamer ON the
Thursday.
In tho meantime l did my business
during tho day and spent my evenings In
writing ont my tale on several shoots Of
note paper preparatory to forwarding 1t to
the editor.
Thursday, the day fixed for my trip to
tho Emerald Isle, arrived. got til rough
my business in good time, and az tho boat
did not leave until D. M thought
would have a game Of billiards at the
station hotel, SO thither made my way.
While watching game remembered that
| had not told my lAndlady Of my inten-
tons, and looking Mt my watch found
had ten minutes in which to 20 TO nv
rooms. gather my papers and inform Mrs
Smith Of my excursion. | rushed to my
rooms, and while l hastily gathered my
scattered sheets of the manuscript ex-
planned to Mrs. Smith:
Going to Bolfast-must run-back on
Monday. Good day"
When arrived ut tho pier the vessel was
already in motion, but got on board, and
soon tho town of Whitohaven grew less
pcarcd from sight
Having settled down in the saloon, be-
gan to wonder whatever my landlady
would think, for I hnd not paid her q
farthing In my hurry and excitement, bu.
| had promised myself would make 1t nil
right on my return.
We landed at Belfast ut 2 o'clock on
Friday morning | took room ut tenn
perance hotel and prepared myself for n
look around the city. I had returned to
my rooms to tea in the evening when q
knock came at the door
The waiter informed me that two gen
tlemen wished to see me- so told him to
show them in. Presently two tall gentle
men entered. Not recognizing them, how
ever, babe them be seated, when one of
them remarked:
~ think you're Mr. Edwards"
was puzzled for moment
"Wcll, yes" l replied, remembering my
tale; 81 am known by that name but you
have the advantage Of me. To what, may
ask, do | owe the honor Of this visit?"
In reply one of them handed me his card
on which was printed, "F. P. b, de-
tective, Belfast city police. Ireland"
"Well, 1 fail to understand the nature of
your visit even now.''
"Oh, yes, OF course, we expected that:
but It is no good beating around the bush,
Mr. Edwards. wish to ask you a few,
questions"
Proceed, them" replied.
"Your name is Edwards. you admits"
"Wcll-or-that is a name used on one
occasion"
ION Thursday evening you left White
haven't"
yes"
"Were you, when in that town. lodging
at the house Of Mrs. SMITH"
Certainly was''
s.frhen Won are tho man wa want and