The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1899-01-12

later not only an investigation was
made, but the model was tested.
l was absorbed in other matters and |
also greatly disturbed by my wife's
illness, 30 only from time to time did
see my American friend, whose choi-
eric propensities had changed into
bland amiability and high spirits.
Seated at dinner one evening, my
quiet was disturbed by the excitement
of Col. Holden, who grasped me by the
hand and, seating himself by my side,
exclaimed
"My dear Mr.. Thompson, how can I
ever thank you? My fortune is made.
The government is going TO cut all Of
their old guns in two and introduce
my loading apparatus. l shall order
myself a yacht at once and arm her
with small guns. all on my model"
"Not so fast--not SO fast" said
But" he ratified on, ~ have farm
in Illinois overlooking the lake, a stun
ming sight! shall build me house
and surround it by q fort mounted
with these guns" And on he ratified,
with plans equally wild. Then he sub
sided and ate his dinner like hungry
man.
Eleven O'Clock Thursday morning
was set for the great test Of the new
gun. The war officials, at their own
expense, had cut down one of their
large guns and altered 1t with the cor
onel's new loading apparatus.
Wednesday evening, in greater ex-
citement than ever, he sent for me and
asked me to accompany him to the
testing grounds the next day. which
consented to Go.
/ was somewhat detained on Thurs
day morning, for my wife had grown
worse, but arranging for her comfort,
hastened to the colonel's room, hop
ing to catch him there and rush with
him in a carriage, which had ordered.
to the testing grounds. knocked at
No. 179, but no answer came, and after
several knocks made my way quickly
to the Office.
where is Col. Holden ~ asked the
clerk
"ln his room. sir, suppose" an
swered he.
"Then he must be asleep, for have
knocked loudly and received no reply.
would you like me to 60 to his yoon
with you? Perhaps your wife Is Ill
and Col. Holden could be Of service 10
you," he ventured, in surmise to ex-
plain my haste and excitement.
"No," said l, as we hurried up the
stairs, I'VE had an official appointment
and have scarcely time to get to the
testing grounds now"
We reached the door and knocked
even louder than before. No answer
came, and the clerk turned the knob
Of the door, which Offered no resist
ance. But where was the colonel?
Gone, the model gun-bag and bag
gage, the inmate had departed. Icould
not understand. but leaving the stupe-
fed clerk staring blankly, l rushed
down and jumped into tho cassiage
which was waiting.
"War Office" said.
At the Office was admitted without
ceremony to the secretary's presence
"Have the officers gone to the test.
ing ground?" / asked, quite breath.
lessly.
l
piled the secretary, 'but if you drive
rapidly you will overtake them"
"Then you have heard no news of oul
inventory" l returned.
"Only that he is to meet our officers
for the test trial"
81 beg your pardon for my precipi
tate visit, and will hurry as you s,g
gested. fear there is some mystery
for which I hope you will not hold me
responsible"
| l was gone before Herr Won Staet
could ask an explanation. and drove
madly to the testing grounds. die
not overtake the officers, but found
them already giving their orders il
preparation for the trial.
HAS Col. Holden arrived?" asked
Immediately.
mo. we are waiting for him. Blu
what could detain him? We had wa
gered he would be ordering the gun
ners about before we could get here.
"Well, gentlemen" said, reluct
antly. 'you might proceed with th'
trial. Col. Holden has left his hotel
bag, baggage and gun"
"By jove, that's like the mighty in
ventor." said young Lieut.. Stein
"Kind of disappearing gun carriage
eh, fellows?"
Hell come around later to claim tn
boodle," said another officer, "for h
has mighty plans for yachts an
castles on an American lake."
swell, gentlemen" said l. "repor
upon this trial as favorably as possible
and I will try and find the colonel
Au revoir," and l drove back to m,
hotel.
The clerk stood at the door waitinI
for me.
"A messenger from the railroad sta
ton brought this. sir, after you left
"Well, in the name Of all that
queer! The colonel is honest. If es
centric"
The envelope contained q check TO
the hotel bill. With neither word no