The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-10-27
BOUGHT A GOLD BRICK.
Rich Englishman Lured Across the
Water by Bold SwindIer.

w aLer Dy 6Olo 0WlnQ4er.
New York. Oct. 27.-Algernon Wood, a
rich young Englishman. nearly lost 1900
Saturday.
Con Cadigan," the cleverest gold brick
artist in the United States, nearly got it.
Captain MeCluskey saved it.
viii be unable to work the most up-to-
date gold brick sWindle that ever had
birth in the busy brains of those active
Cadigan evolved new methods. He sue
cessfully lured the son of a rich, recently
deceased Englishman to this country by
a charm1ngly romantic tale Of rich gold
share with the dead gentleman, to whom
he was indebted for his marvellous success
This information was all contained in. a
letter which Con" wrote to the English
man and which was naturally opened by
his son. Only a chance visit to a lawyer
and Captain McCluskey saved that $4,000
This Is The story of the very latest and
Major Alexander Wood, distinguished
servant of Queen Victoria, died last
his SON AIger6on. month or two later
the son. idling about his country home at
No. Raglan road. Belvidere Kent, re-
ceived a letter addressed to his father.
1t was pOstmarked Astoria, oregon, U.
This is how it ran:
Dear Major: I have arrived here this
0TPPRg fbo the ef min mes IN BfS f1ie G9
who is very well and prosperous. He re-
the first opportunitV. as YOU would prob
ably be anxious to hear from him. He
intended coming on himself this winter,
rasta, which is nearly A No. l. and which
He feels his success and present pros
poets are entirely due to your kindness
and pecuniary assistance. He is to my
mind a noble man, and his gratitude to
you speaks louder than words.
Our claim is situated at the headwaters
of the Peace river. The walls are granite
and porphyry, and the ore is free milling.
Last season we cleaned up nearly $4,000,
which sending
bank or mint and realize. Half of this is
yours to do with you please. The other
half you are to return to me, that may
coming out in order to try and persuade
my brother, who lives in France. to re-
turn to the mines with me, as 1 feel this
is the opportunity of his life.
1--WE have deferred recording our claims
or mining certificates until we have claim
ed as much of the land around the
laws of British Columbia permit. He
wishes you to send back with me some
trustworthy representative to look after
your interests. But in selecting him,
caution him about the Importance of keep
ing the matter secret for the present as
we have not yet registered our claims. l
to examine the mills, as I intend to take
one back with me. kindly write me to
ranging to receive my mail. Let me know
the place of assignment, where can meet
AFTER securing more perfect machinery
we can get four times more gold out of
the mines than with the old fashioned i'm
edward MARTINI
A1gernon Wood had vague recollection
of his father having. befriended a man
who had gone somewhere abroad, but this
tale of a gold mine in British Columbia
was entirely new to him. He confded in
his neighbor and chum, Reginald Baiss
of The Manor" nearby, and three weeks
ago u. Algernon Wood, London" appear
ed on the register Of the Windsor hotel in
this city.
There was telegram waiting for him
It read: Meet me at once. Temperance
hotel Niagara Fail. Edward Martin
Young Mr.. Wood lost no time in travelling
to Niagara Falls. At the Temperance
hotel he met Edward Martin, who grasp
ed his hand and exclaimed at his likeness
MY father is dead.'' said Algernon
Wood.
ed in grief.
In two days it was settled that the gold
should be turned over to Algernon as his
fathers heir and a trip to the mines was
arranged, Wood cabling to his friends,
Reginald Baiss of Kent, to join him.
Eager for adventure. young BaiSS step
ped ashore from the Umbria on October
Is He was just as fascinated by the
bearded man as his chum had been.
I'D like you two gentlemen to test this