The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1893-11-25
WHERE WAS PASKIN.

WHtRt WAS PhoklNr
My friend Pdskin was mildly
eccentric individual, who, although
never outrag,ng any OF the larger
prophecies of life, was a source OF
continual anxiety TO his family
through his little whims and lntirml-
ties.
Nearly every one Of Paskin's it,
hrmities was directly traceable to
Paskin's custom of dining not wisely
but too well For years l-more as
his friend than as his medical adviser
had counseIed him against gout
and other kindred ailments, but
Paskin had laughed at my torebodin2s
He took no exercise, yet | could
not deny what he triumphantly
pointed at upon every occasl"n- i.
e the perfectly healthy condition OF
his organs ard his lack OF excessive
adipose tissue.
| connot deny there were many
traits in Paskin's character that
commanded affection and respect.
Generally he was beloved by his
neighbors and esteemed by his
fellow townsmen. While confessing
that | should have loved him more
had any OF my professional propecies
come 10 pass, was at leastas shocked
as any when the news reached me
one morning that Paskin had dis
appeared. Moreover, his disappear
ance was enshrouded in the deepest
mystery.
In an incredibly short space OF
time the news mad spread like Wild
hre through the town, Paskln, said
the inhabitants, had been captured
at midnight by bandits. One OF the
female servants in the household ct
the missing mar had distinctly over
heard their tramp In the hall but
was too frightened to make outcry.
Paskin. l learned, must have been
taken from the side of his sleeping
spouse at some hour beteen II at
night and 5 in the morning, TOR his
clothing was on chair at the bed
side, moi in precisely the same poslt-
ion, however, as when he had retired
because Mrs. Paskin had, in the
ecstasy Of her bereavemenl, shaken
the trousers and examined the dress
ing gown to make sure her spouse,
or at least some portion of him, was
not therein concealed Careful
inquiries merely elected the fact that
everything had been found-furniture
doors, windows etc.-just as the head
OF the household had left it.
Summoned early to the scene, |
could perceive nothing as l ap-
preached Paskin's dwelling to
suggest the gIiefand agitation which
were progressing within. On the
contrary, a chambermaid was clean
ing the shutters, sweep was making
preparations to descend the chimney
and my path to the doorstep was
intercepted by the operations cf a
coal HEAVIER busily depositing his
mountain of sable wares on the side
walk.
But then l reflected as | rang the
bell that these were the orders of the
previous day which were being
carried out, and that since the blow
which had just fallen on the family
there was no one left with sufficient
spirit to cancel them. As for my
friends wife, she was plunged into
the depths OF despair, and, clingine
round the red stuffed sofa where her
lord was wont to recline after his
abominable practice OF dining. wrung
her hands and wept piteously,
Having essayed in vain to comfort
her, Lat once began my inquiries
The servants were all summoned.
Ellen the cook, finally remembered
closing a window looking ont upon
the garden on her way to light the
kitchen fire. The time was abou
halt past five The circumstance
had been temporarily driven out o
her head by the excitement causec
by her masters disappearance.
Immediately fastened to the window
in question, followed by the various
members OF the family.
1t commanded view OF the bacl
garden, and its sill was five feet ant
fraction from the ground. a
once concluded that it was through
this window that Paskin, in a gagged
AMI bound condition, had been force'
by the supposed bandits Having
now discovered in all probability tn
egress and exit of the ruffins,
became necessary to trace their de
parture step by step from the house
| should mention that, while all thi
was transpiring the police, alread
apprised Of events, were scourin!
the country round about and busil
engaged in following up clewS c
their own. therefore determ ne,