Alpena argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1893-1909, 1893-06-28
DETECTION OF A MURDERER.

ary size and is remarkable for hav-
ing cut upon it strange antique
female head. This ring had an UNI
usually interesting history. Never
heard it? Then I'll tell it to you.
Tommy, pass the matches.)
At the time when many adven-
turers were hocking to Brazil, hop
ing to grow rich quickly, Toby's
brother Sam, whom some of you
old-timers will recall as a high
roller in those days, packed his
grip and joined the procession. He
had been black sheep, had run
through his portion of the estate
and left not as much with the vague
hope of retrieving his fallen for
tupes as because he was unable to
resist the inclination which led him
to seek adventures in strange lands.
At first he did not find the Ell Do
RADIO for which he was seeking, but
finally came the announcement that
fate had been kind to him. He
wrote to his brother that five years
in Brazil had melted him fortune
of over 100000. He had been
fortunate in the mines and in a
number of investments. Among
his gems, he wrote about remark
able ruby, which he had purchased
from native, and which had been
cut centuries, or even ages, ago by
the natives. While the cutting
had marred the gem so far as val
ue was concerned, it was one of
tbs most unique jewels in the
world. As it was, the gem was
worth about $1,000. The color
was perfect, beautiful pigeon
blood hue.
1t was mounted in mass of gold,
containing mystic symbol of the
Aztec race, and was rather large
and startling for ring. The same
letter that told the brother about
these gems, announced the fact
that he expected to return home
soon. The week after came the
sad announcement of tragedy.
Sam had been murdered, his jewels
stolen and no traces found of the
person who had committed the
deed
The brother at once went south
on his mission Of vengeance. He
remained in the country over
two years but found no trace of
the murderer and finally departed
in sorrow, with the determination,
however, of some day finding the
person he wanted. His mission
south attracted his attention to
Mexico as country which afforded
opportunities for investments, and
for seven years he remained there,
amassing = great deal of wealth in
various enterprises. One day a
meeting was called of the board of
directors of proposed new railroad
of which he was one of the original
promoters. Among those present
was Spaniard, Balasco by name,
who was said to be worth vast
amount of money. This man
asked the American to his home.
where he dined him and wined him
and treated him with extravagant
hospitality. The Spaniard was IA
clever man, and yet there was
something about him which the
American did not like; he seemed
too INSCRIPTIONS even for Next
can speculator. He impressed the
American as one of those daring
financial robbers who was cut out
to rob, not individuals, but nations.
As they seated themselves in the
court, smoking fragrant Havanas
and talking about the new railroad
the Spaniard abiding to the con-
cessions that the government
would surely make if the stock
were promptly distributed-the
American observed young girl, or
father young woman, so well de-
veloped was she, who was playing a
guitar in one of the windows. She
seemed to be unconscious Of their
presence, and as they talked stocks,
engineering and surveying plans,
she murmured lightly the words of
a sentimental song.
my daughter" said the Spaniard.
At lunch the American had bet
ter opportunity to look at her.
She was alike charming i'll fea-
ture and person, her eyes being
dark and glowing. They were the
most changeful eyes in the world.
Although her lips were silent her
eyes held pleasant communication
with all persons upon whom they
were turned. She looked at the
American and he forgot all about
spurs, inclines, ascents and noun
tains that would have to be tun-
neled. While the girl was seated
near them he made the best listen
er in the world. Even when the
Spaniard remarked cautiously: 1T
would take about $4,000 worth of
stock, or about one-tenth that sum
to satisfy certain officials" the
American unconsciously said Yes"
and the Spaniard rejoiced in having
found someone as INSCRIPTIONS as
himself.
So he rubbed his hands and call
ed his daughter to him, bidding