The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1894-07-01
MAJOR HOFFMAN.

am taking rest after round of
gayety and social activity which new
er equaled before and doubt my going
into the swim" again next winter, or
for some winters to come, for that mat
ter. l am DESTROYS to explain my rea-
sons for this withdrawal from society,
and in order to do so shall be obliged
to tell you of my relations with Major
Hoffman.
You see, have always felt that it
was, in a sense, my duty to move in
good society, and have been at some
pains SO to arrange my affairs and social
relations as to be able to attend most of
tho better class of private entertain
ments given in the city during the past
two or three winters. 1t not only gave
me no small enjoyment, but it also as
sisted me materially i'll my business.
1t was matter Of considerable diff
Guilty to secure an invitation to the Van
Schoonhoven reception, but 1 managed
it--no matter how-and it was at this
reception that made the acquaintance
Of Major Hoffman.
I had strolled into Dr. Van Schoon-
hoven's office to get out of the hot and
crowded reception room, and in the dim
light was leaning against the window
casing, idly tapping ON the glass with
my nails, when noticed at the top of
the window sash bit of metal gleam-
ing in the semidarkness. l touched it
and found that it was part of burglar
alarm, moving when the window was
opened upor another bit of metal two
inches above, AID by contact completing
an electric circuit of some sort.
I am somewhat OF an electrician, and
my interest and curiosity were at once
unscrewed the upper bit of metal with
my knife, and after twisting off the
wine which led from it into the wood
work was examining it when I heard
light step at the door, and looking round
found standing by the table tall, dark
skinned man in evening dress, with
black mustache and imperial, and long,
rather curly black hair-in all suggest
ing at once the popular idea of his sa-
tanic majesty.
By one Of those impulses which over
come us all at times 1 slipped the bit
of metal into my pocket and turned to-
ward the stranger, whom from his dress
and manner ! assumed to be one of the
guests at tie reception.
81 hope 1 do not intrude," he said
politely.
''Oh, no" hastened to reply. 81
am glad some one else can enjoy the
GOODNESS here"
81 think I have not the pleasure of
your acquaintance, thestranger queried
smiling, and with slight foreign ac-
cent. GAS guests in this house trust
we need no formal introduction-my
name is Hoffman, Major Franz Hoff-
man.
''And am William B. Vance, very
much at your SERVICE sir, !" I returned,
decidedly pleased with my new friends
voice and manner. II am indeed glad
to make your acquaintance, major. -
found Major Hoffman q very agree
able follow, a gentleman of refinement
and culture, polished, well informed,
ready conversational, though decidedly
reserved as to himself, and smoker of
excellent cigars. We discussed books,
yachting, horses, politics, ETC., the major
showing himself a man of wide reading
and depth of thought along many lines.
could learn nothing, however, as
to his own ocoupation-he was especial
ly reticent on that point. Major Hoff-
man casually let slip that he had been
in Europe until recently. His business
had taken him there on two days warn
ing and had brought him back as sud-
denly He could not toll how soon the
present matter would be disposed of or
where he would go next
81 am an uncertain fellow" he
said, laughing, land never know my
own plans two weeks in advance. In
deed my plans are largely made for
me, and l go and come usually at the
bidding of others. -
While we were talking DR.. Van
Schoonhoven entered, and l did not see
the major again that evening, as pres
emily returned to tho reception room,
the major remaining for a chat with his
host.
I was decidedly i'll at ease, for had
that piece Of burglar alarm in my peck
ct and could find no opportunity to put
it back. I was fully aware that my |
hasty action might be misconstrued by
one who did not know me, and was
anxious lest the major had seen me take
it down, though not in the most remote
way had either of us referred to the sub
ject. IL was no business Of his, though,
in any case, and l deemed myself in no
way bound to consult him about so triv-
lal an affair. Besides I was inclined |
to think he had not seen me take the |
piece of metssl 1t subsequently APP
peared, however, that he did sec me
take it, and that his actions were strong
ly influenced by the ideas this trifing
incident suggested to him.
As it happened, found no opportu-
nifty to approach the window again, and
/ went home with the bit of metal still
In my waistcoat pocket.
That right an attempt vas made to