Smyrna times., 1900-05-23
1.-THE LONG ARM" "
A Case of Plagiarism.
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II was clOck IN tne evening, and
the editor of The Monthly Record sat
alone in his room at a large desk
strewn with papers and cuttings, gaz-
ing thoughtfully at the sheets of man.
uscript which he had taken from a pile
before him.
81 can't understand it at ALL" he was
thinking. Except for the change of
scene and the matter of turning a col
lision 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, N.l admit. But
what on earth possessed the fellow to
send it here, out of all the offices in
town where it might have gone in
stead? The whole thing is quite be-
yOnd me.
Il 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 Hellingham, II
Cadogan street, W."
He paused irresolutely for a second
and then wrote on the sheet in frcnt of
him:
Dear Sir-If the author of the short
story, The Solitary Soul,' will call at
this office at 3 O'clock on Thur3day 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 it 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 it
contained as if to assure himself that
none of them were missing. Present
ly he looked at his watch.
"Hmi quarter past 3 already"
he mused. 81 wonder if 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 eyebrows. Accus-
toned as he was to ali sorts and condi-
tions of visitors. it was not often that
such a pretty girl as this 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 a chair
for the visitor and returned her timid
greeting with a geniality calculated
to dispel her very obvious nervousness.
1t was a young but sad and troubled
face that looked at him across the
desk The soft. fair hair might have
adorned the sunny head of child, but
the girlish mouth had assumed n 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.
81 have a letter from Mr.. Baird. the
edtOr-I don't know if you are he
asking me to call at today" said the
girl.
Il am the editor. certainly, but
can't recollect writing to OMiss-Chester.
In fact expect some one else at this
hour"
'Mr. Claude Hellingham. perhapsT
'Yes. Do you know him, then" ask
ed the man eagerly.
"Oh. yes. think ! may say | do, 6
lttle," she replied, smiling again. III
fact. IL am the individual himself"
81 don't quite understand" returned
Baird wOnderingly. ''Is there such
person at all. thenY
"Oh, yes, very much so. I'm he. or
rather, he's my nom de guerre," sh'
answered quietly. seeming to enjoy hi
evident mystification.
Your he replied. You? What ol
earth made you take such a pseudo
nym" he demanded wonderingly.
"Oh, because / thought q man
name would give my story a bette
chance of acceptance. But why di'
you write to meY' she continued anx
iously. 81 was so glad to get your LET
ter! l thought you had accepted tn
tale. You are going to publish 1t, aren'
YOU? she added. all her smiles vanish
ing.
No" said Baird, looking at ne
steadily. 81 don't think / shall"
The girls eyes filed at the answer
and, as he saw the bitter disappoin'
ment in her face, the editor began
feel quite remorseful. 1t was deuce
awkward business, he told himself.
Il am sorry, Miss Chester" he sai'
pulling himself together with an effor
that you should have thought my le
Ter meant acceptance Of your contrip'
uon. Before we go any further, nov
ever, let me ask you one question. III