The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1900-04-25
1.-THE LONG ARM. F"
A Case of Plagiarism.

%3~s>9~a%.~3~%a%a~@%9~9%9S
1t was o'clock in the evening, and
the editor of The Monthly Record sat
alone In his room at large desk
strewn with papers and cuttings, gaz
ing thoughtfully at the sheets of man.
uscrlpt which he had taken from a pile
before him.
Il can't understand 1t ut all" he was
thinking. Except for the change oil
scene and the matter of turning col
llsion into a fire the two stories are
practically identical. At any rate
they're rather too similar for me to
pass the matter over. The extra chap
ter is original enough, though, and
really well written, III admit. But
what on earth possessed the fellow to
send 1t here, out of all the offices In
town where II might have gone In
stead? Tie whole thing Is quite be-
yond me.
II don't know quite what to say at
this early stage in the proceedings" he
said slowly. "But, let me see, first OF
all, what's the sender's name and ad-
dress? All! Claude Nottingham, II
Cadogan street, W."
He paused irresolutely for second
and then wrote on the sheet In front of
him:
Dear Sir-lf the author of the short
story, The Solitary SOUL will call at
this office at o'clock on Thursday aft
ernoon, or my representative will be
glad to see him."
There, that ought to fetch him.
said the man, with peculiar smile, as
he signed the letter Douglas Baird,
Editor Then, directing the envelope
to the address given on the manuscript,
he posted II at the corner of the street
on his way home.
On the afternoon of the following
Thursday Douglas Baird sat in his
office again. He was obviously not
quite at his ease, and from time to
time he would open one of the drawers
Of his desk and examine the papers II
contained as If to assure himself that
none of them were missing. Present
ly he looked at his watch,
"I'ml A quarter past 3 already"
he unused. 81 wonder IL my CORE.
spondent is going to fight shy after
all"
A tap at the door interrupted his So
liloquy. In answer to his somewhat
surly Come in," the visitor entered.
The editor of The Monthly Rocket
slightly raised his eyebro.s3 Accus,
toned as he was to all sol ard condi.
tlons of visitors. 1t was ~; ten that
such q pretty girl as thi- Invaded his
office. His surliness vanished instant.
ly. He could be charming to ladies
when he chose. This was one of these
occasions. Accordingly, he set chair
for the visitor and returned her timid
greeting with geniality calculated
to dlspel her very obvious nervousness.
1t was young but sad and troubled
face that looked Mt him across the
desk. The soft, fair hair might have
adorned the sunny head of child, but
the girlish mouth had assumed a curve
OF unnatural determination, and the
blue eyes were full of that awful fear
which Is to be seen only In the eyes of
the refined poor,
II have letter from Mr.. Baird, the
editor-l don't know If you are he
asking me TO call at 3 today" said the
girl.
Il am the editor, certainly, but |
can't recollect writing toAIlss-Chester.
In fact ! expect some one else at this
hour"
Mr.. Claude Nottingham, perhaps?"
"Ycs. Do you know him, thenY' ask.
cd the man eagerly.
'Ol, yes. | think ! may say do, q
little" she replied, smiling again. "In
fact. IL am the Individual himselfr'
Il don't quite understand" returned
Baird wonderingly rs there such a
person at all. then"
''Oh. yes, very much so. I'm he, or,
rather, he's my nom de guerre," she
answered quietly, seeming to enjoy his
evident mystIfication.
your lie replied. "You? What on
earth made you take such a pseudo.
nymT' he demanded wonderingiy.
"oh. because thought a mans
name would give my story better
chance OF acceptance. But why did
you write TO mcY' she continued anx-
icusly. Il was so glad TO get your let
teri | thought you had accepted the
tale. You are going to publish 1t, aren't
your she added. all her smiles vanish.
Ing.
NO" said Baird. looking at her
steadily. Il don't think l shall"
The girls eyes filed at the answer,
and. as he saw the bitter disappoint.
ment In her face. the editor began to
feel quite remorseful. 1t was dcuced
awkward business, he told himself.
Il am sorry, Miss Chester" he said,
pulling himself together with an effort,
shat you should have thought my let
ter meant acceptance OF your contribu-
tion. Before we go any further, how
ever, let me nsk you one question. Did