Santa Fe daily New Mexican., 1897-09-23
A GREAT DISCOVERY

"Wanted-A gentleman possessing val
liable secret desires to meet party of
means possessing some astronomical
and willing to spend S., 900 in
out new and valuable expert
ment. Address Murray, care Clark &
Co., bankers, from 8 a. III. to 12 M"
AS I ate my breakfast found 1 was
mentally comparing myself with the quail
gratifying (?) result that found filled
the description.
GratifyingP Yes, very. Here was,
an even 80 years old, with an abundance
of wealth and direful dearth of means of
amusement. Do you wonder, then, that
this strange advertisement should have
fascination for me?
AS wended my way to the office Of
Clark & Go. thoughts of possible gold
bricks and buncombe games fitted idly
through my head, but 1 was endowed
with liberal supply of egotism, and l
hardly gave them consideration.
AS inquired of clerk at Clark & Co. S
for Murray fancied detected fleeting
smile of curiosity CROSS his face, but was
quietly ushered into an inner office, where
l found myself confronted by a finely built
young man of about 35, who cordially ex-
tended his hand as he read my card.
Mr.. Hoffman, am pleased to meet you,
for have known you long by reputation
Be seated. My name is Murray, Mr.
Hoffman - Gordon Murray and 1 pre-
sumo you desired to soc me regarding my
advertisement in The TimesP"
l assented.
II thought as much. But first, Mr..
Hoffman, l presume you are willing to
sink IS, 900 in an experiment that will not
yield any cash dividends? Good! Mr.
Hoffman, before we proceed further I
must enjoin on you a promise of the strict
est confidence in case you decide against
me. If you decide for me my secret be
comes yours, and your discretion must be
your dictator"
"Mr. Murray, you have my word of
honor as gentleman" replied.
"Thank you, Mr. Hoffman. am ply
sician of moderate practice and more mod
crate income and with strong molina
tion for the study of astronomy and chem
istry. In my study of the former I have
had great and pervading desire to inves-
tigate the sun, and toward that end all my
energies have been directed, with the re-
suit that have discovered chemical
preparation which, inserted between the
glasses of an ordinary astronomical tele-
scope, will increase it's power more than
ten times and at the same time will so
neutralize the brilliancy of the sum- s rays
%, ol-o 4 70 cooroh the
surface of the planet.
CHOW, Mr.. Hoffman, this appears as a
wild and fantastical assertion, but know
this from experience with small hand
telescope, and am only prevented from
putting my theory more strongly to the
test by lack of funds to obtain such an in
strument as / wish, and it is for this de.
sire to meet man willing to fund the ex.
pertinent
For several minutes after DR.. Murray
ceased speaking I sat astounded at the
boldness of the assertion and yet con.
WINGED that the man before me spoke the
truth.
looked again, rather anxiously, will
admit, at the dark, thoughtful face to see
II could detect any signs Of insanity.
Far from 1t. Never was there more sane
looking individual. Absurd as the idea ap
peared, yet it fascinated me, and the more
thought the more enthusiastic became.
"Well, Mr.. Hoffman, do you consider
me a fool or crank or both9"
I started at the words, to find DR.. Muir
ray gazing at me with quiet look ot
amusement in his eyes.
"Neither, doctor, neither. But l pre-
sumo you are prepared to furnish me some
proof Of your sincerityp' I queried.
"Certainly, sir. Would Mr.. Clark Of
this firm suffice?"
''Iis word would be satisfactory" re-
piled.
"Then, Mr.. Hoffman, beg to refer you
to him. And, pardon me, but when may
expect an answer I should desire tc
settle the matter at an early date, SO that
the apparatus could be ready by the 22d oi
--, on which day, you know, the sur
makes it's nearest approach to the earth. :
"You may have my answer in ten min
utes If Mr.. Clark Is in," replied.
"He is at present In his private office
Allow me to show you the way. Mr.
Clark, may l present Mr.. Hoffman, who
desires to question you regarding myself
Mr.. Hoffman, will await you in the out
or office. And DR.. Murray silently left Inc
with Mr.. Clark.
"Mr. Clark, began, "hem-er-er-
you-er-undoubte know something Of
the nature of my business with DR.. Muir
ray"
II do, Mr.. Hoffman"
.sDo you consider DR.. Murray honest In
his character and convictionsf" asked.
''Mr. Hoffman, have known DR.. Muir
ray all his life, and consider him a man
above board in his character and views. I"
''Thank you, Mr. Clark. I believe thai
is all care to know" And bowed my
self from the office, to find myself face to
face with DR.. Murray, who was nervously
pacing the outer Office. As approached
he gazed anxiously into my face.
'sDr. Murray" said, "while your
scheme appears very chimerical, yet ! an
disposed to believe in 1t. What do you
propose to do?'
ITO obtain as large telescope as prac-
tical and have the necessary changes made
in 1t, then take 1t 10 R. and set 1t up
ready for the 2ad, he answered.
"Can such an instrument as you desire
be obtained soon enoughs" asked.
"Iknow of an excellent instrument that
can be purchased for %, 900, and the neces-
sary changes can be made In about a
week.
"Then, doctor, I am prepared to back
the enterprise. win arrange with my
bankers, Hicks, Baker & Co., to honop