The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1907-04-14

lns years anu ItStTNlub Splht NA-
tremely thrilling experiences OF Col
Cheney for future telling, we come to
'95, sc and 81, the period just ante
dating the Spanish-American war.
Some OF Cheney's cases had been
for the state department and he stood
very high In the estimation OF the
federal government. He was a man
mature in years. rich in experience
and as evenly balanced as a perfectly
made machine. lie was close and
intense student of current events and
while he was an ardent partisan In
politics he never intruded his beliefs
to the detriment Of his work His de
tective service company was all pow.
erful and potent factor for good Its
ramifications were world wide and Its
workings we're under the guidance OF
the master mind OF Cheney. In 1897
he was 81 years old. Few grey hairs
had made their appearance and he
really looked like a man OF 40. He
was as forceful and virile as he
always had been. Guthrie, Loner-
gan and others had grown up in
the business and in 1898 he incor-
porated his company and made
these two equal partners with
him. As he expressed It when he pre-
sented them their stock. You see, fel-
lows. haven't kth or kin to leave
anything to when I'm gone and I'd
hate to think OF this company busting
up, so I've made you both equal part
ners with me. You've both been my
standbys and-why. hang It, I'm near
to tears" Which was true. So we're
the other men.
Cheney's vision of his younger days
whereby he saw a home had faded
away as years passed on. They were
Just dimly apparent now. Somehow
visions OF men at 30 are more roseate
than those of 81.
Keeping in close touch with affairs
national and otherwise Cheney knew
that sooner or later the United States
was going to invite Spain to leave
the western hemisphere. The invita-
ton would be declined and Spain
would be driven out. As early as '96
the Irnited States began active,
though unknown to the public, prep
arations to do her part Several dell
cate governmental missions were en-
trusted to Cheney Trips to Cuba.
conferences with the members OF the
! junta. inspections OF certain persons
and firms. Cheney was aware what
was going on at all times and when
war did come he knew he would be
appointed chief OF the secret service
OF the army.
The government awoke to the fact
that IL had been standing still fol-
years so far as information as to wha,
the other powers were doing was con
cerned. II began to send army and
navy men to foreign countries to gath
er and collate matters military, but
there were n number OF things civil
ians could get as we'll as soldermer
and sailormen.
Cheney received a note from the
secretary of states private secretary
early in 90 asking him TO come tC
Washington. Two days later Col
Cheney walked into the stately ole
nile known as the state, war and navy
department. The secretary of STATE
received him as cordially as his diplo
matte and official nature would ad
NIT.
Col. Cheney" he said, I've sen
for you because a man is wanted t.
do some very delicate work for thu
government"
"Abroad?" asked Cheney.
"You anticipate me; yes, abroad,
replied the secretary. There was
slight touch OF asperlty in his tone
Secretaries OF state do not like to b
anticipated. Cheney merely smile,
, and murmured. pardon me-" He wa
. not awed one bit by the greatness O
the parsonage In whose presence h
was standing.
The president wants to see you
two O'Clock today. Two o'clock, Co
Cheney-sharp!"
"The sharp was unnecessary, Nj