The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1894-11-14

fortune Clyde was ordered to New York
on special duty. The ring which he
had never worn while in the land OF
the cholla and mesquit now graced his
finger. He was fastening to restau-
rant to dine, and we find him there a
moment later busily studying the men.
The room was well filled, and at Clyde's
small round table another man was sit
ting. As the young cavalryman wrote
his order the eyes of his vis-a-vis fell
upon the Arizona jewel and became
riveted thereon. The man flushed and
and paled; glanced from the ring to
Clyde, and from Clyde back to the ring.
But this passing pontomime was unob-
served by the officer who did not how
ever, fail to remark the mans agitation
and nervousness.
The latter was a well-made, fashion,
ably dressed man Of about forty. His
face was not a pleasant one. The small,
keen gray eyes were rather too close
together, and about the thin, colOrless
lips there lurked an expression 50 sim
lister rs to suggest viciousness. At the
same time his nose was of the shape
that has influenced great commanders
when choosing their generals. As he
arose TO leave the table he hesitated a
moment rs if about to address Clyde,
then, apparently forced against his de
sire To do so, suddenly turned about
and left the room.
''These New Workers lived to fast, he
mused." "a little of our Arizona pro-
gramme would steady their nerves
amazingly" With this reflection the
stranger passed out Of mind and the
young mans attention was given to
his dinner.
The following day he chanced to
pass his friend, Major Glitten, Of the
artillery, in company with the same
man. The two officers made the con-
ventional military recognition, but the
eyes of the civilian were fixed steadily
upon Clyde, who did not fail to observe
the scrutiny.
"Who was that man | saw you with
this morning?' asked Clyde of the
major, as later in the day Glitten stroll
ed into his office.
'He asked me the same question
respecting yourself the moment you
had passed" answered the elder officer
pleasantly. as it a case Of mutual
love at sight? He Is the great stock
broker, Holmes You have some cap
ital and he is just the fellow to help you
or ruin you"
son the contrary, did not like his
face" responded Clyde. 'He sat oppo-
site me at dinner yesterday, and he
eyed me in such a peculiar manner
that | fancied he was either little off
or else that he thought me suspicious
character
al know little about him personal
ly," replied the major, beyond the
fact that he is power on the street
and that ne has lovely wife. BY the
way, if you care for society let me in
troduce you to Swinton. He is Il MEM
ber of all the best clubs and an fait
with everybody and everything"
A few days later Mr.. Swinton, and
Clyde were enjoying tete-a tete din
ner ut one of the formers clubs in the
city. The dinner was in every way
agreeable and entertaining to the two
men, who already 10y that indescrib-
able intuition which one cannot readi-
ly define felt themselves friends. As
they arose to go into an adjoining room
for their coffee and cigars Clyde 10 his
astonishment, saw Holmes in evening
dress enter the dining room- Turning
to his friend and making slight motion
in the direction of Holmes, Clyde said
'Pray tell me who that man is and
what you know about him ,"
:
the stockbroker. | do not fancy him
myself, though his wealth and ability
command almost universal admiration.
| have always felt that he was in some
underhand way implicated in poor
Clayton's misfortune, which led to the
latter's disappearance and probably to
his death. However this may he,
Clayton's whereabouts have been un-
known to his friends ever since the
beautiful Miss Thorpe, to whom it was
understood he was engaged, gave him
his congo"
"Do give me the particulars or the
specifications, n We say in the army"
responded Clyde, showing much inter
est.
Swinton assumed Il more easeful posi-
ton and then turning to Clyde he said:
"You surely must have heard of the
great belle of few years ago. Augusta
Thorpe? ~
Clyde bowed his head and the other
continued
''She was possessed of every grace
and charm and naturally had hosts of
admirers and numberless suitors.
Among the latter it is only necessary
to speak of Clayton and Holmes. These
two men, though the antitheses of one
another, seemed to be her favoT.tes
from the first. Holmes in two things
only wsts the superior of Clayton
wealth and sophistry. Clayton was
by far the better man in every way,
and, in time, though il had not been
so announced, il was very generally
that he and Miss Thorpe
were engaged. Holmes did not dis
continue his visits, however. On the
he became even more attent-
i've than formerly. Strange a it may
appear the rivals continued to be
friends.
ssThis was about the situation when
one evening, as the story goes, Clayton
and Holmes met at late hour in this
very room. / can give you the story,
h-lt a. \ ras nof nrasant at tho time