Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-08-13

in my mind and trying to strike out
a theory, 1 found myself in fash
ionable thoroughfare, and as l raised
nay eyes they rested on this name In
gold letters on a black background:
Max Moore, M. D.
III pay him a visit, since l have
nothing better to do l thought TO my
self. and few moments later l was
standing in the presence OF one or
-the most remarkable men in this or
any other city. Max Moore was a man
at that time some 80 years OF age
over six feet in height, of commanding
presence. His hair and beard were
curly, light brown, shot with gray.
His eyes were large, electric blue
and shown with the light Of the VOL
derful intelligence behind them, for
even in the dark they were brilliant.
His face was lined with care and
sorrow. The shadow Of his own and
other Lives rested forever upon itA
The face Of a martyr, but martyr TO
what? No man knew. The secret
Of the ages, the tragedy Of humanity
seemed to dwell in his eyes, his smile,
and 10 render him living sphinx.
I'VE were not unknown TO each 9TH
er; he had been the expert In several
of my cases in former times and that
was by no means my first call.
Glad to see you, Hunter, was his
cordial greeting. Is this visit neigh
bOrly or professional? Somebody been
botching a post norton for you and
you want my opinion, or have l, p2r-
haps, fallen personally under the eye
Of the law
Just dropped in for a chat, doc
tor
That's right; have cigar. Any
thing new on hand?
&c Not the ghost of thing l al
ways make it point to deny cases ex-
cept TO the parties directly interested.
'By-the-by, doctor, noticed your
name in the paper as looking after Mrs
Darlington.
He glanced at me keenly, 1 might
even say suspiciously, and TO my
amazement seemed to put himself on
the defensive. Yes, he said.
is she doing we'll?
eyes.
'''He was so excessively monosyllabic
that left the subject, and in few
moments made ready TO so, for l saw
his turnout waiting for him at the door.
Stay a second and III drive you
downtown he said.
When he turned he had on his driv-
ing cloak ana HEAVIER and there was
a letter in his hand.
BE careful Of the ratings, ne
said. as we passed out They have
lust been painted. A little Of that fresh
green color might improve US IL
we could absorb it physically; but II
is not recommended for ornamental
use.
In waving me away from the danger
he had brought the letter in such close
proximity to the rails that he almost
stained it-almost, not quite, thought,
so said nothing about II.
do YOU wish TO post it, l inquired
pointing to the mail box on the corner
What's the use Of walking half a
block: there is a box right in 'front.' OF
the bank where l am going.
Before 9 o'clock the lext day the
agents l had employed all reported.
From each department came the SAME
announcement: No trace or such party
as described staying in city either IN
the past or at the present time. rms
did not disappOint me, for II was Just
what l had expected. AS soon as the
information was received l started out
10 look up Dettinger, because L intend
ed to begin on a new line and wanted
his sanction. was surprised, as L
reached the pavement, to see DR.. Moore
driving by.
what's brought you to this part
of the city?' -,
Patient he retorted; Jump in!
where tog he inquired when
was seated beside him.
Wizards; lucky for me you were
driving yourself and happened to be
in my neighborhood; I'm in hurry to
see man.
eve met him before We reached the
hotel. He was charging up FourteehIn
street in an excited manner. Pun up
please / said There's my man.
Seems hilarious remarked my
companion, cycling him calmly.
'Dettingerl' / called out then;
What's the matter, doctor? Did l
startle you-you must be nervousE
No: but what lungs you naVe'
You made the horse jump.
land you, too, doctor. What DO
Won say Dettinger? Everything all
right? Why, what the deuce-how all
right@
Got this letter from her this morn
inc II explains everything, he said
delightedly, handing me the mlssiye IN
question.
"Nov YOU will remember that he
ba6 broueht me a sample Of her hand
writing with her photograph. l nave
not told you, however, that con-
slider myself something OF an expert
in the line Of chirogrsphy, that being
one Of nv hobbies. / had studied the
handwriting of the missing girl care
fullv with reference to future contin-
gencies. and therefore felt no hesita-
ton in making the following an
nouncement:
"sThis is a forgery
My GOil' cried Dittinger, stag
gering back. 'Then-then---
Don't leap 10 conclusions, You
NAV be better satisfied il We go TO
2 professional expert l urged, spring
down beside him. 'Good-by, doctor
no time for inrodretions- Come on
Mr.. Dettinger. We viii walk-only
about three blocks.
I'VE had not made half the dis
lance when we almost ran into a
young gentleman coming in the oppo-
site direction. Bless my soul! It's
Dettinger, he cried.