The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1893-05-17
CHAPTER ".
81 SEE pMLY A DARKER MYSTERY. p"

In nothing did Folsom Simpson show
his wonderful readiness more markedly
than in his action on finding himself
alone in the office of DR.. Maidhoff. The
most that he had hoped for on his way
thither was the opportunity of look at
the interior and of making the acquaint-
ance of the physician. In general way
he intended to play the part of patient
of his as long as it could be made to serve
his purpose, but here he was with the
chance which he had not looked for un-
der week at the least.
Springing lightly to his feet, he first
made for the drawers, numbering about
q dozen, beneath the cases in which the
physician kept his jars, bottles and va
rious compounds. He drew out one after
the other, bestowing only momentary
glance on each. They were half filled
with what might be classified under the
head of rubbish, such as wrapping pa
per, Irvine, empty bottles, scraps of let
tiers and tidbits. The fact that none was
locked was prima facie evidence that
they contained nothing worthy of his
attention, and he gave precious little at
tentiOn to them.
The receptacle for which am look.
ing is locked" was his conclusion as he
turned his efforts to the large writing
desk, whose top was thrown back Here
it is" he added a moment later when
one of the small drawers resisted his
efforts.
In a twinkling he had out his bunch of
skeleton keys, and in less time than
would be supposed the receptacle was
exposed TO his view.
1t contained nothing but letters flung
loosely together.
Doubtless there are some missives
here which would interest Mrs. Maid
hoff, but which it would be as well that
she should not see" reflected the jovial
detective, who fingered over the differ
ent letters with the skill of postoffice
clerk. II haven't struck anything in
the nature of casket, and it is too
much to hope that will find the Won
derful ruby, but-hello!'
His eye caught an envelope with a
foreign stamp. A glance at it showed
that the postmark was Calcutta.
That is worth looking into" he NUT
tered. unhesitatingly showing the en-
velope, whose plumpness showed that it
contained a letter, into his pocket.
There may be more of them"
Possibly there was, but the oppor-
tunity to search further was denied him.
More than 20 minutes had passed since
he began his illegal work, and he was
getting along famously when cough
and the sound of footsteps on the side
porch warned him of the doctors APP
proach. With inimitable dexterity
Simpson slid the drawer back in its place
and locked it, slipped to his seat on the
lounge and looked like man suffering
from a severe attack of colo.
Mrs Maidhoff had informed her hus-
band that patient awaited him in the
office, so that he was prepared for his
visitor.
Assuredly the physician was deceived
by the action and appearance of his
strange caller, for nothing is easier than
TO assume the looks and manner Of a
desperately ailing man. Simpson I'M
blushingly admitted that he had been
overwhelming in a series of fruit, topped
off with wine, whisky and couple of
swallows of brandy whose quality ex-
cited his suspicion.
Il s'pose it's my own fault" he
groaned, but that doesn't help these
COMPOUNDED cramps Oh-ah-oh, doc
tor, can't you give me something quick
before diey"
The physician lost no time in prepar-
ing fiery compound, which was admin
iStered to the sufferer on the spot. After
a few minutes appropriate delay the
sick man announced that he felt much
better, and in his gratitude handed the
physician double his fee and took hic de-
parture before the doctor coul' make
some inquiries he had in mir regarding
his identity, for. knowir every che rs
he did in Ellenvillc, little natural curl.
Osity on his part was perhaps eXcusable
under tho circumstances.
Fifteen minutes later Simpson was
back again in the room of Max Manson,
to whom he recounted his experience.
There may be something and there
may be nothing in this letter" he re-
marked as he drew it forth from the en-
velope. I'VE shall soon find out-con-
found itr
The last exclamation was caused by
the discovery that about one-third of the
sheet containing writing had been torn
off and was missing. The penmanship
was excellent, so that without difficulty
the two detectives read the following
broken communication:
CALCUTTA, June -.
Two natives, Wickman and Lu---- some
time during the present month by steam
they will sail for the United States, their nj
-boing the town of Ellenyille, in the state
of--They are both desperate villains, who
and, have good reason 10 he
the organization OF assassins known
Thugs, and which was suppressed by Eng
They have been sent by the rajah of-an-
cestors once owned the wonderful gem KIN
ruby. This fanatical potentate has been eng
to trace this Jewel and has ascer-
Il is now in the possession
-LiyermOre OF Ellenyille, Conn, u. s. A.
An immense reward 20 bring II back,
within the compass Of human abil-
lty-nO crimes or means 10 secure their
pur-
! write hastily In order 10 warn you-may
not start for several weeks or mOnths--the
steamer which carries this letter Be
may lose the rajah's ruby, and probably your
-assuredly be the case II Il is necessary
them 10 accomplish their purpose. Very
respect How
Both Manson and Simpson were skilled
In cipher writing and in the study of
Ii was no difficult matter