Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-03-25

endeavoring to arrive at an UNDER
standing of it; but, try how l would,
could not hit upon satisfactory
solution, Upon one thing, however,
had quite made up my mind. AS
soon as the city offices were open, l
would call at that of the Santa Cruz
Mining company, and put few ques-
tions to Mr.. Bayley which I fancied
that individual would find difficult
and rather unpleasant to answer.
This plan I carried out, and at ten
o'clock l stood in the handsome
outer office of the company.
II should be glad to see the man
aging director, if he could spare me
few moments" l said to the youth
who waited upon me in answer to
his question.
Hes engaged, sir, at present" the
lad replied. IF you will take seat,
however, don't fancy he will be very
long"
I did as he directed, and in the in
terval amused myself by studying
large map of the Argentine Repub-
lie. which hung upon the wall. l rad
practically exhausted its capabilities
when the door opened, and tall.
military-looking man emerged and
passed out into the street.
what name shall 1 say, sir?" in
quired the clerk, as he descended
from his high stool and approached
me.
Fairfax I replied, giving him my
card 81 think the manager will
know my name"
The clerk disappeared to return
few moments later with the request
that l would follow him. Preparing
myself for what l fully expected
would be scene, 1 entered the di-
rector's sanctum. 1t was a hand
some room, and was evidently used
as board-room as well as an office,
for there was long table in the
middle. surrounded by at least q
dozen chairs. At the furthest end a
gentleman of venerable appearance
was seated. He rose as / entered,
and bowed to me.
in what way can I be of service
to you, Mr.. Fairfax?" he inquired,
after l had seated myself.
81 am afraid there has been a mis-
take" l answered, looking about me
for Mr.. Bayley. Il told the clerk
| that l desired to see the managing
Director
You are seeing him." he returned
with smile, "for I am he
''In that case / must have misun-
derstood the gentleman who called
upon me two days ago." l replied
with some surprise.
do I understand you to say that
a gentleman from this office called
upon you?"
yes, Mr.. Bayley, tall, good
looking man, of between SO and 4(
years of age"
The old gentleman stared, as wei
he might.
"But there is no Mr.. Bayley here
he said. I'VE have no one of thai
name in our employ. l fear the man
whoever he was, must have beer
playing trick upon you. I sincere
ly trust he has done no damage
Might l ask what he called upon vol
about?"
"He called on me on behalf of you
company" I answered He informed
me that for some time past you hav,
ascertained the gravest suspicion
concerning the manager of you
mines in the Argentine. He said tina
information had reached your ear
to the effect that the man in ques
ton was in league with notoriou
swindler in New York, and, thoug
you could not bring any prove
charge against him, you were equal
, ly certain that he was robbing yo
in order to fill his own pockets. Fl
, appeared to be most anxious to pei
suade me to go to the republic a
; once in order that 1 might inquir
into matters and report to you.
was to be away three months, an
, was to be paid 5000 and my e,
J penses for my trouble"
"My good sir, this is really pre-
posterous," the old gentleman II
l turned. II can positively assure yo
l that there is not a word of truth
/. his assertion. Our manager in tn
8 Argentine is an old and value
9 friend, and ! would stake my life O
!, his fidelity. Nothing would Undue
4 us to think even of sending dete
: tive out to spy upon him."
Il am beginning to believe that
t should like to meet Mr.. Bayle
again." remarked. "He has a fir
imagination, and, from what you tie
me, it seems that l should ha,
y looked a fool had 1 gone out
8 South America on such an errand
. sit would have been exceeding
4 inconvenient not only for you, bl
!. also for u.s." said the manager.
q shall report this matter at the boar
/? meeting to-day. We must endeayt
n to discover who this man is, and ais
e his reasons for acting as he has don
" Should we hear anything furth'