The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1904-06-25
CHAPTER |.

thought. In MS manu- ne hciu "''0i'
which, after few moments, he again
carefully read. AS it refers to people
and events to be mentioned often in the
remarkable story about to be related, we
give the contents entire:
YOnkers. April Is. 1S-.
Mr.. Lemuel Gray:
Dear Sir--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 Eu-
cope shortly. in order 10 attempt to I'M
ravel the mystery surrounding the death
of Sir Arthur Gleudenning, in whose tate
| am so deeply interested.
[ wished TO visit. in some disguise, the
town where Glcndenning Hall is situat-
ed, to become acquainted with the pres
ent baronet and Lady Constance. his
wife. with the nephew and niece reSid-
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 as young girl
| desired also to make inquiries in
regard to the private character of An
tome Duval. the valet of the present Sir
Reginald Glendenning. and 10 study ev-
erything that might bear upon the mys-
terry of the case.
| regret to say that my physician de
clares it impossible for me no undertake,
with safety, this journey. What do you
thing of my sending thither n substitute?
have In mind young physician. DIR.
Earle Elfenstein. who resides in your
city. | write to ask you to hunt him up
for me. Please make few inquiries
as to his circumstances. disposition and
above ALL whether he is All energetic and
conscientious man.
Inform me in regard to these matters
at an early date. Ii 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.
To this, few hours later the follow
lag reply WAS penned:
n. Y. April IL, is.
Mr.. Leon Rappelye:
Dear Sir-Upon the receipt of yours
or the 18th, examined the city directory
without delay. find DIR. Elfenstein's adj
dress to be II Exton street
Going at once to the neighborhood, |
learned from reliable source that the
young man has n 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, just
the one to undertake the important bust
ness which You propose, and which
fully approve.
l will meet him ut your residence. on
che evening Of the 18th. 1t would be
well to send him a telegram to that eff
feet AZ soon as you receive this. Yours
dncerely.
LEMUEI. GRAY.
1t was a dull and dreary picture that
the eyes of DR. Earle Elfenstcin rested
upon as he drew back the lace curtains
that draped the parlor window of his
coy home.
Ills practice was not large and far
FROM lucrative. Times We're unusually
hard. and his bills for services rendered.
poorly paid, so that he had. indeed. Il
hard struggle to live.
This afternoon he %as peculiarly cast
down, for his mother had reminded him
that the months rent for the flat in
which they resided would be due in three
days, and he knew he had not one quar-
ter of the amount required.
Ii was no wonder, then that sigh
escaped him as he turned to greet the
sweet looking lady about fifty years of
age, who entered the room. holding an
envelope in her hand
Here Is telegram for you. Earle.
What can it be2''
i cannot say, as | expected none" he
replied, opening the missive. This is
singular. am requested to leave the
fity by the p. III. train for Yonkers
80 see gentleman. who is an invalid,
an matter of business. His name is
Leon Rappelye, a strange name to me. "
What shall you do about it?" asked
the mother, anxiously.
Il shall go, of course. The message
says, you will be met at the station
have just about time to answer call
and meet the train"
What time shall you returnY'
II VIII be late, know, perhaps not
gnul morning. Good by, little mother
who knows but this will bring better
things fer usf"
Later. closely protected by a comfort
able ulster from the heavy rain that wa.