The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-07-15
ri Problem
Tm Psgebjes.

w T. Pierson in Washington Post.
During the political campaign of 1882,
in the Second congressional district OF
Florida, the speaking appointments were
all scheduled for from one to two months
ahead, and published in the Jacksonville
Times-Union. Among them was an AD-
pointment for Kings Ferry, down in
Nassau county, on the 18th day Of Oc-
tober. On the afternoon of the 18th, ac-
companied by Mr.. A. r. Meek, then Unit
ed States commissioner, left Jackson
Vile, going by rail to Hilyers Station,
from which place we finished our journey
on a logging road, to the house of Harry
Baker the Republican candidate for state
senator from Nassau county, where We
were billeted to stay that night.
Harry had married the daughter of Mr..
Linville, then lumber dealer in Wash
ington. and was managing a mill down
near Kings Ferry. He was most ex-
cellent host, and the three of us sat until
very late at night, smoking and dis
cussing the probable result at the
roundup" on election day. 1 had never
seen Harry Baker before, although
knew who he was; but we quickly found
enough mutual friends in Washington to
During cur conversation in the evening
Harry told me that the eXaetions of the
campaign, and the demands of his busi-
ness had so absorbed his time that he
had become derelict correspondent, and
his wife was beset with apprehenslons
for his safety.
when you return to Washington" he
said, II would like to have you call on
my wife and tell her how 1 am liked
here. and quiet her anXieties." This
readily agreed to do.
you have many things to remember"
he said, 80 I'll Just write down the ad-
dress for you"
Drawing an envelope from his pocket
he turned It face downward, and wrote
on the diverse side the address. 1 casu-
ally examined it. The envelope was a
plain one bearing the address, Mrs.
Henry c. Baker" On the other side was
written Mrs Helen Baker, care OF Mr.
I.inyile, No. - street northeast WASH
ington, d. c..
NV pocketbook was one Of the kind IN
tended for carrying bank notes Of full
Ienoth deposited the envelope therein,
where I also had printed list of speak
ing appointments, and thought no more
of it. Ill,
At breakfast next morning several mill
hands came to the table Among lneH
was a man of singularly repulslve race
and manners. He hurriedly gulped Gown
bis breakfast and departed, leaving Har-
~ Mr. Meek and myself behind. In an
ewer to our questions, Harry stated that
tha man was his best" man, adding
chat he doubted him, and would nave
discharped him long since but for the
Fear that he might burn the mill.
Bo+b in approaching and leaving the
house we passed through piece OF WOOD
cd land so dense and gloomy that, as
I,,,tb one impulse, 1T led Mr.. Meek and
rnvseIf to exciaffn, 'sWhat an ideal place
for a murder" Harry replied that ne
often trembled as he passed through lts
lonely depths, lest some outlaw should
fall upon him.
We made our speeches and went our
way. and the incident was forgotten Oy
me.
After the campaign ended and had re-
turned to Washington, 1 was seated in a
dark circle with my friends referred
to in the True Ghost Story" recently
published in the Post, and lady from
neighboring house. No particular results
were obtained at first Suddenly the pen
ell. resting between the thumb and fore
finger of my friends wife began to write
and then fell from her hand. We turned
up the light, and on the sheet was written
these words: ''Why did you not keep
your promise. to me?'
OF course 1t was perfect enigma. None
knew for whom the message was intend
ed I asked, For whom IS the message
meant?" The pencil again In place wrote
without hesitation, wv. T. Pferson."
Being thorough skeptic- in the matter,
I asked, "Who is it sends the messenger
Without an instant's delay the pencil
wrote, Henry c. Baker" 1 must confess
that was puzzled.
what message did I agree to take?" L
said And the answer came, "You prom
Used to call and see my wife" The mat
ter had SO completely vanished from my
mind that I was really curious to know
the outcome. when and where did I
make you that promise?' I inquired. The
pencil wrote, Kings Ferry, Nassau
county Fla. Oct. IS, 1882"
By this time 1 was thoroughly aroused,
it seemed so strange. Where was t.
unused, ION Oct 1872" And then l happen
ed to remember the printed list of speak
ing appoin tments, which yet lay within
my long pocketbook 1 took 1t out and
EXAMINED it.
why" I said to my friends, 1T spoke
at Kings Ferry on the 18th Of October.
But where was on the 1Sth?"
And then 1t all came back to me- I re-
menibered the night at Harry Bakers
house and mentioned my recollection to
my friends. All at once I remembered
the address and spoke of that. and reach
ing into my pocketbook, drew forth the
envelope, which, forgotten by me, had
rested there ever since he gave it to me.
L was profoundly moved. The whole in
oident, like shifting panorama. passed
before me
"If this message is from Henry c.
Baker, 1 said, then Henry c. Baker