Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1895-01-31
NEVER AGAIN.

eensc business, do I appear again be-
fore the public? ''Conccit," think 1
henr YOU say; mere vanity and a NOR
bid thirst after notoriety." 1t may be
so. but lust at present am con-
strained to admit that these are not
the feelings which predominant in my
Bosom. On the contrary, I feel suitl-
.ciently humble, to apologize for my
very existence, and am only driven to
my present course Ey the feeling that
n recital OF my last experience may
prove a warming to those OF my fellow
creatures who. by persisting in Il
reckless waste of ink hope to attain to
fame.
How was to know there was real
inspector Belville at Scotland Yard?
And-but there, had better begin at
the beginning. 1t was about a week
after the appearance in a prominent
journal of my tale. describing our at
tempt u refer to brother George. and
MYSELF to personate couple OF de-
signing anarchists, and the subsequent
recoil Of the scheme on our own heads,
that 1 sat meditating i'll my rooms.
George and the terrier. the cause of all
the trouble were out for stroll; was
revolving in my mind the CHASTITY fail
ure Of that silly enterprise. and Won
dering whether 1 should ever meet that
inspector of dog licenses again, when
I heard knock at the door.
My worthy landlady soon appeared
with nearly engraved card, bearing
the following legend:
JOHN BELVILLE,
Inspector,
H. NJ Criminal Investigation Dept,
Scotland Yard, S. w.
"Jehosophat!" 1 family murmured,
~'here's a nice affair. This is the genu-
inc article. and am 4 lost man. You
will observe my nerves had not yet re-
covered from the great shock they had
sustained: therefore, when the owner
of the card entered the room. must,
to put in mildly, have looked discon-
certed.
"Er-sit own, inspector: glad to see
you, I'm sure-unexpected honorary
thing can do for you?" 1 concluded.
with 4 miserable attempt at light
heartedness.
Memories Of the asparsions had. in
my story. cast upon the officer of this
name (then only existing in my mag
ination) crowded in upon me, and felt
exceedingly low as the representative
d. lQc INV LOOA tllc Clldll L lAuiSilcu.
You were. perhaps. not altogether
unprepared for my visit, Mr.. limbs
Mr.. Reginald Timbs?" Qunried the in
spector, impressively; and I felt his
eyes licking through me.
WELL" l replied somewhat nervous
iy, II can't say that I expected you.
because-no ofTense intended, inspec-
tori had no idea that Scotland Yard
was happy in the possession Of the pro-
fessional services of gentleman of
your name.'
Then how came you, sir may ask.
to make mention in this widely-read
periodical land here he held out the
familiar green cover Of my name?"
That's easily explained" said. II
invented it."
DO you seriously expect me to be-
fieve that?" rejoined the august official.
''Haye 1 been connected with the
yard for fye-and-twenty years, and
well before the public nearly the whole
of that time, and then to be told that
John Belville is not known?' and the
worthy inspector began to get warm.
'Well, can only assure you I re-
piled.
Assurance" interrupted the little
man. for he was not Of an imposing
height. Il daresay you have plenty Of
that; but 1t won't do for me. No, sir,
1T spells damages in my case.''
Yes. but look here, you know" re-
turning to the charge, Its no affair of
3lne. had no idea you existed in tie
flesh; but in any case it seems to me
your remedy is against the publisher
: of the paper. I don't pretend TO be
we'll up in the law of libel" I contin-
'ued, but l have always understood
the paper responsible. Hadn't you bet
ter see Tit-ahem! the propdietors of
the weekly which has TAX your name
IN vain? [ understand they keep Il
lighting editor on the premises for such
Eases"
Here I smiled wintry smile and
felt rather better
II don't want to be instructed in the
law, thank you," was the lofty reply.
X know what 1 am about. 1t is quite
"a different matter when your name ap-
pears as the author. and that you will
find presently. However, that matter
may keep. l have another and much
more important reason for calling"
and here the inspector coughed omin-
ously.
My spirits dropped again. and ex-
perienced a slight return Of the Sibe-
alan chain.gang feeling.
1.-THE department considers" resumed
the inspector. ''that man who seems
to be so we'll posted in the ways and
doings Of the anarchists ought not to
be lost sight of, and have been de-
puted to report on the matter. Now,
might easily have come while you
were at business in the city and, armed
with search warrant, have turned the
house upside down: but the authorities.
in such cases. prefer to work quietly;
so. in spite Of the liberties you have
taken with the department in general
and myself in particular, tell you ou1
suspicious candidly, and look to you tc
refute them to my satisfaction.
''If you prefer any other course. re
turn for warrant, but warn you tina
you will not be allowed to leave thu
house. and public examination will
be the result At present all wisl
YOU to do is to let me have good lool
round your rooms. If you object. yo1
will find I have the orthodox -four
wheeler and assistance at my call,
and the inspector smil' d grimly.