Middletown transcript., 1898-11-05
A COMPLETE SMASH
Ell Dorado Stocks Take a Terrible
Tumble.

Some of Our Citizens Said to Be Sc
riously Injured.
Larry had for some time suspected
that Wilkins was specializing; now he
considered his suspicious confirmed.
Next morning there was great stir.
Neither Wilkins nor Peters could be
found, aud the bank vault being exam
ined, it was discovered that nearly $780,
600 in gold and notes had departed in
their company. The matter was kept
as quiet as possible, discreet detectives
we're employed to capture the abscon-
ders, and kilograms Immediately dis
patched to all the principal cities and
seaports.
About 10 O'Clock as Larry sat at his
desk, his excited brain was struck by
sudden thought. Throwing down his
pen, he hastened to the presidents pri-
vate Office. Mr.. Grey was busy writing.
Though haggared and worried-looking
he was still the kindly employer.
81 would like a word with you. sir,
concerning the robbery" said Larry.
swell, my lad, what is it2"
"Just moment ago, SIR" began the
clerk, ''there flashed across my mind a
remark made by Mr.. Wilkins at the
time of the big robbery here about two
years ago. The absconder had been
arrested in Baltimore, and we were
talking together about his capture,
when our cashier said, Have you ever
noticed how little sense, not to say in
venlion those fellows exercise iE their
methoCs of escape. Now if the fellow
had simply gone down to Westport or
some such sleepy little place, and bought
a yacht, he might have sailed quietly
off to the Bermudas and been perfectly
safe.' The idea seemed a novel one,
sir, and somehow it tucked itself away
in my memory"
"Ah, and you think Wilkins himself
might adopt this course. 1t is worth
considering,n said Mr.. Grey with inter-
est. "But would he be likely to pur-
sue plan he talked about so freely"
81 think, sir, the chances are that be
has forgotten ever having mentioned
il" answered Larry.
Possibly! At any rate the idea is
worth acting upon. What do you say
to running down to Westport and
working the clew up yourself?"
"I'll do it, sir, gladly"
"Thank you, my lad. You will Of
course be as secret as possible about
this wretched affair. l may tell you
that it has occurred at a very unfor-
tunate moment, and should it leak out
before we can get accommodation, we
may be ruined. Have you any idea
about the Westport trainsP"
Zone starts in twenty minutes, sir.'
Then GO, my lad, without delay.
Wait just one moment though-now
that l think of it, Westport is where
my old friend Morton lives. I'll give
you line to him. He may be able to
assist you."
Larry caught the train and 10 due
time reached his destination. A few
inquiries among the fsherfolk proved
that his surprise had been correct. Two
gentleman had come down the evening
before, purchased the "Vixen," a
thirty ton yacht, hired crew post haste
spent the night in getting her ready
ostensibly for a three weeks autumn
cruise, and at in the morning sailed
away. Larry learned all this at precise
ly at quarter past IL.
SIT II too badl" said he to his inform
ant. II have very important mes
sage for them; would it be impossible
to hire fast steamer here and overtake
them2n
.'Fraid not, my bcy," replied The
fisherman, ''you see they're got a good
four hours start of you. Mebbe though
If you could borry that little craft out
yonder you might do IL"
| He pointed as be spoke to- a handsome
steam yacht, whose spotless sides and
elegant brass fittings bespoke private
ownership.
"Who owns herP,' asked Larry.
"She belongs to DR.. Norton >
s'Goodp p'exclaimed Larry. remember.