Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-10-23
By MEREDITH WICHOLSC

"Do you think you could find that place"
 The man breathed hard over 1t for several minutes.
 "Yes. It would be easy" And he nodded his head several times as he named the railroad stations nearest the point indicated by Armitage. The place was in one of the mountainous counties of Virginia, fifteen miles from an east and west railway line. Armi- tage opened duly recorded deed which conveyed to himself the title to 2,0O0 acres of land; also a curiously complicated abstract of title showing the successive transfers of ownership from colonial days down through the years of vlrginia's splendor to the dread time when battle shook the world. The title had passed from the receiver of defunct shooting club to Armitage, who had been charmed by the description of the property as set forth in an advertisement and lured, moreover, by the amazingly small price at which the preserve was of fered. ..
 Tt is farm-yes"
 'It is wilderness, fancy" said Armitage. q have never seen it. may never see 1t, for that matter. But you will find your way there, going first to this town, Lamar, studying the country, keeping your mouth shut and seeing what the improvements on the ground amount to. There's some sort of bungalow there. built by the shooting club. Here's description of the place, on the strength. of which bought it. You may take these papers along to judge the size of the swim dle."
 "Yes, sir"
 "And couple of good horses, plenty of commissary stores-plain military necessities, you understand-and some bedding should be provided. I want you to take full charge of this matter and get to work as quickly as possible. It may be trifle lonesome down there among the hills, but if you serve me we'll you shall not regret it."
 ''Yes, I am quite satisfied with the job," said Oscar.
 And after you have reached the place and settled yourself you will tell the postmaster and telegraph operator who you are and where you may be found, so that messages may reach you promptly. If you get an unsigned mes- sage advising you of-let me consider "a shipment of steers, you may expect me any hour. On the other hand, you may not see me at all. We'll consider that our agreement lasts until the first snow flies next winter. You are a sol dier, There need be no further discus sion of this matter, Oscar"
 The man nodded gravely.
 And 1t is well for you not to reap pear in this hotel. If you should be questioned on leaving here''-
 T have not been here-is it not?'
 ''It is," replied Armitage. smiling "You read and write English?"
 "Yes; one must to serve in the army"
 eff you should see big Servian with a neck like bull and head the size of pea, who speaks very bad Ger man, you will do we'll to keep out of his way unless you find a good place to tie him up. advise you not to con- init murder without special orders. Do you understand"
 'tIt is the custom of the country" assented Oscar in tone of deep regret.
 ITO be sure," laughed Armitage, land now am going to give you mon- ey enough to carry out the project have indicated"
 He took from his trunk a long bill hook. counted out twenty new one hundred dollar bills and threw them on the table.
 Tt is much money" observed Oscar, counting the bills laboriously.
 Tt will be enough for your purposes. You can't spend much money up thers if you try. Bacon, perhaps eggs; COW may be necessary-who can tell with out trying it? Don't write me any let ters or telegrams and forget that you have seen me if you don't hear from me again"
 He went to the elevator and rode down to the office with Oscar and dis missed him carelessly. Then John Ar mitage bought an armful of magazines and newspapers and returned to his room quite like any traveller taking the fa,. .of hici i'm