Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1907-10-17
An Experiment in
Mental Telepathy
By KNOX KALDWELL
Copyright. by Daily Story Pub. Coz

Copyright. by Daily Story Pub. Coz
Mr.. Joseph Kelly, vaudeville artist
and monologist." as he modestly an
nounced himself in the theatrical Jour
nails, tilted back his chair, elevated his
feet to q comfortable position upon
the office desk and complacently lit a
huge cigar. Mr.. Kelly's self-satisfac-
ton, however, was only superficial in
asmuch as no thermometer was neces-
sary to prove to him that his land
lords cordially had dropped several
degrees since his advent upon the
scene. several weeks before. This
sliding scale of affection was due to
the fact that Mr.. Kelly had apparent
ly overlooked his bill for board and
lodging, not to mention cigars and
similar Injuries.
To tell the truth, Mr.. Kelly's finan-
ces were in a sadly demoralized condi.
ton. and his apparent forgetfulness
was rational IL not excusable. Three
weeks previously Mr.. Kelly and his
little band of transformers" had sud
denly found themselves stranded and
without funds in an unsympathetic
village. After telling Mr.. Kelly few
pertinent facts concerning his past,
his present, and especially his future,
the troupe, having disposed of sundry
personal effects, departed singly and
Ia pairs to take up other and less haz-
ardous occupations.
Mr.. Kelly, however, who abhorred
work in any guise, had, after due con-
sideration, descended upon the hostel
ry In an adjacent village owned and
conducted by Silas Matthews. Now.
Silas bad, in by-gone days. known the
cider Mr.. Kelly. and upon this tenu-
Gus fact our friend based his hopes
and expectations. Nor was he disap-
pointed, for Silas had received him
with open-ermed hospitality, where
upon Mr.. Kelly proceeded to make
himself thoroughly at home.
However, after a time, even the
most honeyed words begin to pail and,
as Silas watched the gradual demon
alization Of his stock Of choice cigars
and mellow Pickwick, chilling polite
ness began to replace his former ef-
fusiveness.
Mr.. Kelly, therefore, as he breathed
out huge clouds Of fragrant smoke,
perceived that the time had at last ar
rived when he must be up and doing
Il am going to give little enter
tainment this evening in the town hall.
Silas." remarked Mr.. Kelly, affably,
"and 1 want you to help me-"
Coin tew charge admission?" quer-
jed Silas eagerly, perceiving a possible
remuneration for past favors in the
occasion.
Sure, sure" responded our friend,
perceiving at once the bent of his
hosts mind. Fifty cents straight,
and YOU and I''-here he slapped MT
Matthews affectionately upon the
shoulder-"are going to divide the
piunderi that is, of course, If you
promise to help"
Anyone observing the genial glow
that overspread Silas' face at these
words would not have doubted his
willingness.
Now, my little scheme runs like
this" said Mr.. Kelly, accepting with
dignity the cigar Silas rendered him:
= AOW CAOS0SAOAdly "
break the Ice, ! will give the crowd a
song and dance about mind reading.
Now. Of course, this mind reading
business Is pure rot and blum, and
that is the reason 1 need you, see?
Now l want you to" Here Mr. Kelly
leaned over and whispered earnestly
IN Stlas' ear for a moment, whereat
that worthy turned pale and sat down
Imply in q chair. Gradually, how
ever, as Mr.. Kelly unfolded his plan,
the color returned to his face and,
when he had finished, even Silas
seemed to have acquired some of his
enthusiasm, albeit 1t was somewhat
sickly and weakened.
Don't forget to get the numbers
correctly" cautioned Silas as the con-
spirators parted. "and be sure to let
me know what they are before night"
Silas promised and Mr.. Kelly saun-
tered nonchalantly away to indulge in
anticipatory dreams. Evidently the
visions were extremely pleasurable,
for he might have been observed to
pause at frequent intervals and In
dulge in long-drawn chuckles of de-
light.