The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1904-01-12

n
Y " | want you to give
our guests here a lit
tie exhibition of hypnotism; will you?"
Why, how did you know I could?"
asked the soldier
All, catch me not knowing what you
young handles in the regiment are up
to" And the Major laughed, looked
very knowing, and gave Cummings a
playful tap on the shoulder.
But, Major, if gave it here,
should monopolize-"
Tut, tut, young man! No apologies.
It's all right, and the girls viii be de-
lighted. Come
Cummings smiled. then consented,
though with evident reluctance.
While Major Onderdork was inform
ing his guests that Adjutant Cummings
would favor them with little enter
tainment, Cummings looked about the
salon in quest of suitable subject.
His eye fel! upon young man near
him. After the quick breath of de-
lighted applause which the Majors an
ncuncement had elected had subsidized.
Cummings, in a low but clear voice,
told the company that at their hosts
urgent request he would show them
a few effects of the hypnotic influence,
provided he could obtain one or more
persons as subjects. Here he looked at
the young man he had already chosen,
who, after a moments hesitation,
arose, bowed, and declared that he
would allow Mr. Cummings to try him,
but he feared he should prove unim-
questionable. Then two or three others
offered themselves, whereupon Cum
mings briefly thanked them all, but
signified his choice of the first volun-
teer. 1t is not necessary to enter into
the details of what followed. Suffice
it to say that the Adjutant, dashing,
handsome and popular proved himself
perfect master of his art, and held
the Majors guests entranced for over
two hours. He influenced his subject
so thoroughly. despite the unbelief the
latter had expressed, that the company
was at times hushed into positive awe.
At the close of the evening Cum
mings sought the Major and asked
whether he had satisfied him.
Perfectly, my dear fellow, per-
fectlyp
"who is the young fellow I hypno-
tized?"
"That? Why to be sure-that is
Hargrove-Robert Hargrove-fine fell
low, and first assistant cashier for the
great L. Trust Company, on Beaver
street"
A little later. the company broke
up.
The son of a wealthy but eccentric
father, Stanton Cummings had chosen
to enter military life. In consequence.
his enraged and disappointed parent
had cut him off with dollar. Amid
circumscribed surroundings, on a linn
tied salary. the disinherited man saved
nothing, and spent more than he
earned. Naturally, after few years,
he was largely in debt, but how he was
to meet his obligations, ever growing,
never troubled him.
Recently, however, his superior Off
Ger had limited at the possibility of his
dismissal from the army if he. did not
pay his debts. At the present time,
therefore, his mind was greatly per
picked.
AS succeeding days went by, Cum
mings was frequently seen in and
about the offices of the L. Trust
Company.
Strange how that quiet Hargrove
has frozen to that military chapr re-
marked one acquaintance at the club
to another.
One morning the dailies announced
the startling news that the L. Trust
Company had been robbed in broad
daylight of fifty thousand dollarsl No
one could understand how the robbery
had been so successfully perpetrated.
But that the strong steel doors had
been passed, the cashiers private vault
entered, and the money taken, was Ger.
tain. No clue to the thief could be
discovered, and the police We're con
fronted with mystery.
SITS not the amount" remarked
Cummings among his messmates, 'but
the way the thing was done that
startles."
You know Hargrove, don't you?''
asked brother officer
Cummings regarded his questioner
with a quick, inquiring glance.
81 do" replied he. "What of him?'
"Oh, nothing. only the Trust Com.
pany, 1 hear. are inclined to blame him
somewhat in the matter"
SIN what way?p
"Not in any particular way. But