The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-08-14
The Professors Daughter.
PRIZE DETECTIVE STORIES. No. ie.
BY n lYN DE.
Copyrighted. 1885.

Hilgerd found the note upon his table
unon his return from the Century Club.
Picking it carelessly up, he read as ioi-
lows: .
"My Dear Paul: / have not forgotten
my promise. Am just finishing up
case that think viii suit you exactly:
] will confess that, In many respects, II
is the most singular OF any in my exper-
fence. You know what this means. Are
you free? IL SO, meet me at Central
depot tomorrow morning gws.nSos." az :, s'srp'
Hilgerd's face wore satisfied smile as
he threw off his coat. "Phil is just in
the nick OF time, as usual" he said to
himself. ~ have not heard from him
since the affair OF the Left-hahded
Num- and Mr.. Crane was after me today
for another sketch. Wonder WHATS up
now." He sat down before the nre ana
gave way TO memories which the familiar
writing awakened. Wharton was the
most remarkable man in all his acquaint-
ance. He had known him for ten years,
but was still unable to definitely CLASSIFY
him. His individuality was striking.
Over six feet in height, he possessed the
strength OF giant. His accoinpiisn
nomenal. and he measured him only by
the highest standards.
Chopin he interpreted with the finished
touch and delicate sympathy OF the
artist, and his treatment OF the vioiin
showed great power and rare quaiity Oh
tone. On the evening OF the day tnat ne
figured as a mining expert in an impor-
tant case, he delivered profound address
on the "Physical Basis of Mind" before
the graduating class of the Cosmic School
of Philosophy, which was afterward
widely quoted. In some OF the science
his knowledge was that of specialist
An expert mathematician, he was also
of aH Hatra at time 6ery-
ing as bank examiner in the State oil New
York. His intellectual energy was mar
velous. and there was no self-consclous-
ness. IL all seemed merely play OF un-
restrained force. At one time he drifted
Westward and there came vague rumors
OF episodes in which his peculiar aptituoe
| for accommodating men with wllu eyes
and huge revolvers figured prominently.
| In his singular fondness for metaphysics
| Hilgerc discovered a weakness, Tor ne
| had no conception of the universal truths
which constitute true philosophy. lie
was a walking cyclopedia OF details, lack
J ing the power OF higher deouetion:
| IL was not a surprise to his friends
| when he turned his attention exclusively
| to the profession of his choice The ex-
planation was clear. In it he found a
| field for the exercise of all his wonderful
| faculties and the employment OF his
varied, practical knowledge. Here he
| WOulQ DTlnK his DOlu tApci ~
| chemistry to the solution OF perplexing
| problem. and at another time his clear
| insight into the intricate affairs OF de-
faulting accountant would be called into
play.
Ii was after his remarkable and sue
| cessful investigation OF the SANFORD
Hypnotic Case that the public first gave
him fame. His brilliant work since then
| in many other cases, notably that OF the
Anchortown Balloon Mystery, justified
this high recognition and confirmed the
| general opinion that he was the foremost
| man of the day in his line.
AS city editor of large daily, Hilgerd
frequently came in contact with wharton,
and the acquaintance soon developed into
a warm friendship. He had made public
a few OF his most striking successes and
when chance offered, he followed MIN II
his work with absorbed interest. 1t wa,
lust two months ago, he rememb bered
when Wharton promised him the mex
unusual cise, and he felt glad that th'
time was at hand.
The next morning found them fyint
through the crisp September air on tn
c. NJ a. X. limited, and between hi
glances out at the red and brown land
scape Hilgerd blew little clouds OF smok
up into the lazy interior OF the car
Wharton lay back In his seat with half
closed eyes. They We're deep, black eyes
|
penetrate. His face was thin, wit
straight nose, the chin showing grea
firmness and decision. Hilgerd thirste
for information. Commonplace ey
changes had been made, but not hin
had his friend dropped relating to tn
subject uppermost in his mind. lie grey
restless and twisted in his seat. He neve
liked to question Wharton, but he coul
stand IL no longer.
"Could you give me a short synopsis c
of your-ot this case?'' he ventured
hesitatingly. Wharton smiled in hi
peculiar indefinite way. "Of course
could, Paul, but Is 1t best? Ism.
that interests the most? IL i anticipat
will il not detract from your artist
Appreciation | would prefer to rendt
the explanation after the fact, as in tn
case Of the nun, with your kind col
sent" He laughed again, and Hilger
looked ruefully out OF the window.
"It's uncomfortable-thisf feeling In II
dark, said the latter, "but it certainl
allows the imagination full swing. Whf
a good stage manager you'd make, Phil.
HYou are flattering," said Wharton
lighting fresh cigar and extinguishin
the flame in burst OF smoke. I'D
| you know Jack Newell?'' he asked.
"Only by reputation" answered HI
gerd. "Wasn't he one OF those brav
trusted?' Wharton nodded.
"The best man in Munn's agency. v
have worked together and i know hin
1 may tell you this much he has eth
lost his lifs or his liberty in this affair,
am not sure which" Hilgerd locke
shocked. sis it so serious, then?'
asked. "It is likely to be. !" answered u
other gravely. Hilgerd thoughtful
thumped the ashes from his cigar.
"Where do we get Off" he final
asked. Again Wharton smiled meaningl
"We don't get off," he said. Hilse
stared at him incredulously. ''Do W
mean to say that there Is somebody
| this
"Not yet," said Wharton. Then
rose abruptly and handed Hilgerd
paper. "Paul, l must have some slee
TRY and amuse yourself. Remember, Il
curtain rises at 7:30, and he laughing
retreated.
IL was dark when he came in agai
He motioned with his head, and Hilge
following found himself in the heavi
built express car.
he looked around curiously, but notic'
nothing unusual. The messenger was
his desk in the corner, apparently too bu
TO notice them. His eye fell upon 9