The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-08
Subsequently Bonds Were Re.
turned to Him in a Pc.
culiar Manner.
AN INVESTIGATION IN PROGRESS
Those Who Had a Hand in the Daring
Theft Suspected of Plotting
Murder.

WICHITA, KANs., Dec. THE mystery
surrounding the death of W. Fl. Orvis, a
Canadian capitalist who was found dead
in his room at the hotel in Severy, Kans.,
November Is, deepens as the investigation
into the case progresses. The theory of
foul play is advanced by the majority of
those who are familiar with the circum-
stances.
About six months ago, as Mr.. Orvis was
about to board the train on his way to
attend the National conclave of the
Knights Templar, he was sandbagged by
unknown parties and robbed of $4,000 in
Government bonds and $500 in money.
Subsequently he recovered the bonds
through the agency of some unknown
party. Some one gained access to his
room at night and left note telling him
to come to Kansas City, bringing $3.50 with
him, and that his bonds would be returned
to him on tine payment of that amount,
provided no attempt was made to appre-
bend the parties to the transaction.
''Should you bring officers or detectives
with you," the letter read, II will not
make myself known. If you come unac-
companied you will be treated on the
square," Mr.. Orvis decided to accept the
terms offered by the anonymous CORE
spondent. He took the first train for Kan
sas City, and shortly after he disembarked
some one tapped him lightly on the shout
der and whispered. Follow me-" Turn
ing he faced a stranger who beckoned him
to follow and walked rapidly around the
depot, up the stairway of the Union Depot
al 4
length they came to little room in which
light was burning.
Both placed their pistols on table in
the center of the room, and the stranger
drew from his pocket a package and
handed it to Mr.. Orvis. 1t contained the
missing bonds. 'Count them," said the
robber, land see if they are all there" Mr..
Orvis fingered them over nervously and
overlooked one in his haste. Count them
again." said the stranger. 'You will find
them all there" Again Mr.. Orvis counted
them, and this time he found the missing
bond.
He drew from his pocket a roll of bills
and laid it on the table. Count the bills"
Der did so, and found just $3.50. "You are
d BeutleIndu, Sdtu 10 W MI. OTNIS. L
wish you well. Good-day, sir"
"Just one question:" said Mr.. Orvis,
land then l am ready to adjourn. want
to know how it comes that you let me off
with such small payment in return for
the $4,000 in bonds?"
II will tell you, my friend" explained
the robber. 1--WE do not like to handle
Government paper. It is too risky; and
now want to explain further. Mr.. Orvis,
that am not the man who robbed you; I
am simply commission man."
With his bonds slowed snugly away in
his inside pocket Mr.. Orvis hurried down
just in time to catch the train for Severy.
1t is now believed by many that Mr..
Orvis was murdered to prevent the ex-
posure of the parties who robbed him.
Mr.. Orvis had large landed interests in
Kansas and was retired merchant. His
home was in New Market, Ontario, and
his death occurred just one day before the
time he had set to return home.