The age-herald., 1897-08-03
A GREAT DISCOVERY.

uable secret desires to meet party of means possessing some astronomical knowledge and willing to spe s5, GOO in carrying out new and valuable experi- ment. Address Murray. care Clark 6 Co.,, bankers, from q. m. to 12 m"
 As I ate my breakfast found I was mentally comparing myself with the quail iflcations in Tho Times, and with the gratifying (f) result that I found I filled the description. 48
 Gratifying? Yes, very. Hore I was, an even 30 yenrs old, with an abundance of wealth and a dlreful dearth of means of amusement Do you wonder, then, that this strange adyeTtisenent should have fascination for ne?
 As wendcd my way to the office of Clark 6 Go. thoughts of possible gold bricks and bnncofabo games fitted idly through my head, but I was endowed with liberal supply of egotism, and I hardly gave them consideration. ..f As inquired of a clerk at Clark G Go. s for Murray funoicd detected fleeting smile of curiosity cross his face, but 1 was quietly ushered into an inner office, where I found myself confronted by 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, Mir. Hoffman = Gordon Murray - and I pre- sume you desired to soc me regarding my advertisement in The TimesY'
 I assentcd.
 ''I thought as much. But first, Mir Hoffman, I presume you are willing to sink 5000 in an experiment. that will not yield any cash dividends? Good Mir. Hoffman, before we proceed further I must enjoin on you promise of the strict est confidence in case you decide against me. If you decide for mo my secret be. comes yours, and your discretion must bo your dictator"
 "Mr. Murray, yon have my word of honor as gentleman, I replied
 "Thank you, MI. Hoffman. am phy- sician of moderate practice and more mod crate income and with strong inclina- tion for the study of astronomy and chem istry. In my study of the former I have had great and prevailing desire to inyes- tigate the sun, and toward that end all my energies have been directed, with the re- suit that I have discovered a 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 6 neutralize tho brillianoy of the sun S rays as to make it perfectly easy to search the surface of the planet. --is sar tta "Now, MT. Hoffman, this appears as wild and fantastical assertion but know this from experience with small hand - telescope, and I am only prevented from putting my theory moro strongly to the test by lack of funds to obtain such an in- strument as I wish, and it is for this de- sire to meet man willing to fund the ex- pertinent" o
 For several minutes after Dr. Murray ceased speaking I sat astounded at the boldness of the assertion and yet con. vinced that the man before me spoke the truth.
 looked again, rather anxiously, will admit, at the dark, thoughtful face to see if 1 could detect any signs of insanity Far from it. Never was there a more sane looking individual. Absurd as the idea ap. peared, yet it fascinated me, and tho more thought tho more enthusiastic became.
 Well, MT. Hoffman, do you consider mo a fool or crank or both?"
 started at the words, to find Dr. Mur- ray gazing at Ire with quiet look of amusement in his eyes,
 Neither, doctor, neither. But I pre- sume you arc prepared to furnish me some proof of your sincerityP" queried
 Certainly sir. Would Mir. Clark of this firm suffice?''
 His word would be satisfactory, i" re- piled.
 "Then, MT. Hoffman, beg to refer you to him. And, pardon me, but when may I expect an answer? I. should desire to ho ntt pt nj ,n1.lx1 tkas hot the apparatus could be ready by the 22d of -, on which day, you know. the sun makes its nearest approach to tho earth.'
 "You may have my answer in ten min utes if Mir. Clark is in," 1 replied.
 "Ho is at present in his private office. Allow me to show you the way. MT. Clark, may l present Mir. Hoffman, who desires to question you regarding myself? Mir. Hoffman, will await you in the out CT office." And Dr. Murray silently left me with MT. Clark.
 MT. Clark, began, "hem-Aer-er- you-er-undoubtedl know something of the nature of my business with Dr. Mur- ray"
 ''I do, Mr. Hoffman,"
 "Do you consider Dr. Murray honest in his character and conviotions?'' I asked.
 "Mr. Hoffman, have known Dr. Mur- ray all his life, and consider him man above board in his character and views.''
 Thank you, MT. Clark. I believe that is. all care to know.' And I bowed my self from tho office, to find myself face to face with Dr. Murray, who was neryously pacing tho outer office As approached he gazed anxiously into my face.
 ''Dr. Murray,'' 1 said, .swhile your scheme appears very chimericai, yet I am disposed to believe in it. What do you propose to dof"
 ''To obtain as large telescope as prac- tical and have the necessary changes made in it, then take it to R. and set it up ready for the 22d, he answered.
 ''Can such an instrument as you desire be obtained soon enough?' I asked.
 ''I know of an excellent instrument that 4 can be purchased for s3, 900, and the neces- , sary changes can be made in about week."
 z. ssq'hen foctor I am prenared to hack