Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-02-29


I fully realized my position said to the
clerk, why do you call me henington'
and he replied, Because you registered
under that name / tried to pass 1t OF,
but am sure that the clerk looks upon
me as suspicious character
"What baggage have you with you at
the hotel?"
"None. Not even satchel.'
"May there not be something IN your
pockets that would help us-letters, for
example?"
II am sorry to say that l have made
a search in that direction, but found
nothing. Luckily did have pocket
book though"
"Much money in it?''
"In the ncighborhood OF $500"
Mr. Barnes turned to his table and
made a few notes on pad of paper.
While so engaged his visitor took out a
fine gold watch, and after glancing at
the face was about to return it to his
pocket when Mr.. Barnes wheeled around
in his chair and said:
'"That is handsome watch you have
there. OF curious pattern, too. l am
rather interested in old watches.
The stranger seemed confused for an
instant and quickly put up his watch,
saying:
There is nothing remarkable about
it. Merely an old family relic. value
it more for that than anything else. But
about my case, Mr.. Barnes-how long
do you think it will take to restore my
identity to me? 1t is rather awkward to
go about under false name.
II should think So, said the detect
i've II will do my best for you, but
you have given me absolutely no clew
to work upon, so that it is impossible
to say what my success will be. Still |
think As hours should suffice. At least
in that time ought to make some dis
coveries for you. Suppose you call again
on the day after tomorrow Mt noon pre-
cisely. Will that suit you:"
Very well indeed If you can tell
me who am at that time, | shall be
moro than convinced that you are a
great detective, as / have been told. "
He arose and prepared to go, and upon
the instant Mr.. Barnes touched "a but
ton under his table with his foot, which
caused a tiny bell to ring in a distant
part of the building, no sound of which
penetrated the private Office. Thus any
one could visit Mr.. Barnes in his den
and might leave unsuspicious of the fact
that spy would be awaiting him out
| ba no. Ia Sha11xx- Ia
sistently day and night until recalled
by his chief. After giving tho signal
Mr.. Barnes held his strange visitor in
| conversation a few moments longer to
allow his spy opportunity to get to his
post.
How will you pass the time away,
Mr.. Remington" said he "We may
az well call You by that name until
find your true one.
"Yes, l suppose SO. As what shall
do during the next IS hours, why,
think | may as well devote myself tc
seeing the sights. 1t is remarkably
pleasant day for a stroll, and think
will visit your beautiful Central park -
"A capital idea. BY all means
would advise occupation of that kind.
1t would be best not to do any business
until your memory is restored to you.
Business? Why, of course l can dc
no business. -
mo; If you were to order any goods,
for example, under the name of Reming
ton, later on, when you resume youl
proper identity, you might be arrested
as an impostor. "
by George, I had not thought Of
that! My position is more serious thar
l had realized. l thank you for the
warning. Sightseeing will assuredly be
my safest plan for the next two days. "
Il think So Call at the time agreed
upon and hope for the best. If | should
need you before then, | will send tc
your hotel"
Then saying Good morning." Mr..
Barnes turned to his desk again,
and as the stranger looked at him
before stepping ont of the room the de.
tective seemed engrossed with some pa
pers before him. Yet scarcely had the
door closed upon the retreating form of
his recent visitor when Mr. Barnes
looked up with an air of expectancy. A
moment later very tiny bell in a draw
er of his desk rang, indicating that the
man had left tho building, the signal
| having been sent to him by one of his
employees, whose business it was to
watch all departures and notify his
chief. A few moments later Mr.. Barnes
himself emerged, clad in an entirely
different suit Of clothing and with such
alteration in the color of his hair and
beard that more than casual glance
would have been required to recognize
| him.
When he reached the street. the
stranger was nowhere in sight, but Mr..
Barnes went to doorway opposite, and
there he found written in blue pencil
the word up" whereupon he walked
rapidly up town as far as the next cor
ner, where once more he examined q
doorpost, upon which he found the
word right, which indicated which
way the men ahead of him had turned.
Beyond this he could expect no sig
mails. for the spy shadowing the stran-