Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1904-05-27
CHAPTER I.

Il
thought. In his hand he held a letter, |
which, after a few moments, he again |
read. As it refers to people
and events to be mentioned often in the
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 1 pen the following, being very ill.
but as the object have in view by thus
addressing you is of great Importance, L
will write in as few words as possible.
You are aware, being my confidential
adviser, that 1 expected to sail for Eu-
lope shortly. in order to attempt to un-
ravel the mystery surrounding the death
of Sir Arthur Glendenning, in whose fate
am so deeply interested.
I wished to visit, in some disguise, the
town where GIendenning 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.
If possible, about the only sister who
married without the consent of her fam
lily, and who; therefore, was disowned by
her relatives as well as a young girl
whom it was said they had adopted.
regard to the private character of An
toine Duval, the valet of the present Sir
Reginald Glendenning, and to study ev-
erything that might bear upon the mys-
terry of the case.
l 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 a substitute?
] have in mind a young physician, DR..
Earle ElfenStein, who resides in your
city. l 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 an energetic and
conscientious man.
Inform me in regard to these matters
at an early date. If favorable, set a
time when you can meet him at my resi-
dence and explain to him the peculiar
mission I 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
Ing reply was penned:
N. Y, April 16, 1S-.
Mr.. Leon Rappelye:
Dear Sir-Upon the receipt of yours
of the 18th, 1 examined the city directory
without delay. l find DR.. Elfenstein's ad-
dress to be Al Exton street.
Going at once to the neighborhood, 1
learned from a reliable source that the
young man has a 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 indefatigabie
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. +...
He is an exceedingly conscientious and
good man, and from all l can learn, just
the one to undertake the important busi
ness which you propose, and which l
fully approve.
l will meet him at your residence, on
the evening of the 18th. 1t would be
well to send him a telegram to that eff
feet as soon as you receive this. Yours
sincerely,
LEMUEL GRAY.
1t was a dull and dreary picture that
the eyes of DR.. Earle Elfenstein rested
upon as he drew back the lace curtains
that draped the parlor window of his
cozy home.
His practice was not large and far
from lucrative. Times were unusually
hard, and his bills for services rendered,
poorly paid, so that he had, indeed. a
hard struggle to live.
This afternoon he was peculiarly cast
c.
that the months rent for the fiat in
which they resided would be due in three
days, and he knew he had not one quar-
ter of the amount required.
1t was no wonder, then, that sigh
escaped him as he turned to greet the
sweetlooking lady about fifty years of
age, who entered the room, holding an
envelope in her hand.
Here is a telegram for you, Earle.
What can it beT'
Il cannot say, as I expected none," he
replied. opening the missive. ''This is
singular. l am requested to leave the
city by the 8 p. m. train for YoRkers,
to see d gentleman, who Is an invalid,
on a matter of business. His name is
Leon Rappelye, a strange name to me-"
"What shall you do about it?' asked
the mother, anxiously.
II shall go, of course. The message
says, you will be met at the station ]
have just about time to answer a call
and meet the train"
what time shall you returnY'
'It will be late, l know, perhaps not
until morning. Good by, little mother
Who knows but this will bring better
things for us?''
Later. closely protected by comfort
able ulster from the heavy rain that was
falling. with train of serious thoughts
in his mind, occasioned by his poverty
DIR. Elfenstein wended his way to the
Grand Central Depot and entered the
cars that would bear him to his destina
ton.
The rain was falling in torrents as tn,
train came laundering to the station a
Yonkers, and upon stopping, the usua
crowd hurried out, and passing through
the waiting room to the street beyond
were soon lost in the gloom. The doc
tor had scarcely a moment to wait. whel