Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1903-09-10
CHAPTER |.

aged man and successful lawyer in deep
thought In his hand he held letter
which, after a few moments, he again
carefully read AS it refers to people
and events to he mentioned often in the
remarkable story about to be related, we
give the contents entire:
Yonkers, April 10, IS.
Mr.. Lemucl Gray:
Dear Sr--It is with great difficulty
that | pen the following, being very i'll,
but as the object | have in view by thus
addressing you is of great Importance, |
will write in as few words as possible.
You are aware, being my confidential
adviser, that expected to sail for En-
rope shortly, in order to attempt to un-
rayel the mystery surrounding the death
of Sir Arthur Glendenning, in whose fate
am so deeply interested.
/ wished to visit, in some disguise. the
town where Glcndcnning Hall is stuot-
ed, to become acquainted with the pres
ent baronet and Lady Constance, his
wife, with the nephew and niece rcsid-
ing with them and to learn something,
IL possible about the only sister who
married without the consent of her fam
lily, and who therefore, was dsowned by
her relatives as well rs young girl
| desired, also, to make inquiries in
regard to the private character Of An
tome Duval, the valet of the present Sir
Reginald Glcndenning, and to study cv-
erything that might bear upon the mys-
terry of the case.
| regret to say that my physician de
clares it impossible for me to undertake,
with safety, this journey. What do you
thing of my sending thither 4 substitute?
have in mind n young physician, DR..
Earle ElGenstein, who resides in your
city. | write TO ask you to hunt him up
Tor me. Please make a few inquiries
as to his circumstances disposition and
above all, whether he is nm energetic and
conscientious man.
Inform me in regard to these matters
at an early date. If favorable, set
time when you can meet him at my resi-
dence and explain to him the peculiar
mission | wish him to undertake in my
behalf. Your presence will be absolutely
necessary, as the disease with which |
am afflicted forbids my entering into the
long explanations that must be given, in
order to instruct him in the performance
of the work.
Yours etc,
LEON RAPPELYE.
10 this, few hours later, the follow
Ing reply was penned;
~ Y, April 1G, 1S--.
Mr.. Leon Rappelye:
Dear Sir-Upon the receipt of yours
OF the 10Th, examined the city directory
without delay. find DR.. Elfensteins ad-
dress to be Al Exton street.
Going ut once to the neighborhood, |
learned from reliable source that the
young man has very small practice
therefore, finds it difficult to support his
widowed mother and himself in comfort
This state of his finances is not due
to lack of energy, for he is interchangeable
in his efforts to benefit his patients but
those who apply to him for advice are,
unfortunately, the very poor in the region
of his home
lie is an exceedingly conscientious and
good man, and from all can learn, lust
the one to undertake the important bust
ness winch you propose and which
fully approve.
VIII meet him ut your residence. on
the evening of the 18th. 1t would he
wen to send him telegram to that eff
rect as soon as you receive this. Yours
sincerely,
IEMUEL GRAY.
1t was dull and dreary picture tha
the eyes of DIR. Earle Elfenstein rester
upon ms he drew back the lace curtain,
that draped the parlor window of hi
coZy home.
His practice was not large and IA
from lucrative. Times were unusuall,
hard, and his bills for services rendered
poorly paid, so that he had, indeed,
hard struggle to live.
This afternoon he was peculiarly cas-
down, for his mother had reminded hin
that the months rent for the fat i
which they resided would be due in thre
days, and he knew he had not one oual
ter of the amount required.
1t was no wonder, then, that sig
escaped him as he turned to greet IN
sweet looking lady about fifty years G
age, who entered the room, holding n
envelope in her hand
Here is "A telegram for you, Earl
What can it be?"
IL cannot say, as | expected none" |
replied, opening the missive. This
singular. | am requested to leave II
city by the p, m. train for Yonker
30 see Il gentleman, who is an nyali
on matter of business. His name
Leon Rappelye, n strange name TO me
the mother, anxiousy.
Il shall go, of course. The MESA
says, you will be met at the station
have just about time to answer ca
and meet the train"
What time shall YOU return?"
1T will be- late, know, perhaps II
until morning. Good by. little moth,
Who knows but this will bring belt
things for us?'
Later, closely protected by comic
able ulster from the heavy rain that W
falling, with train of serious though
in his mind occasionod by his power
DIR. Elfenstein wended his way to (
Grand Central Depot and entered (
cars that would bear him to his destir
tion.
The rain was falling in torrents as
train came laundering to the station
Yonkers, and upon stopping, the us,
crowd hurried out, and passing throu
the waiting room to the street beyol
were soon lost in the gloom. The d
/. 4 al.