The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1911-04-07
Mr. . Van
RoCkagan
A Story of 1870
By F. a. Mitchell
Copyright by American Press Asso-
citation, 1911.
A Story of 1870
BY F. a. mitchell

Nt0hSAf AStNs "
A>~~A~~~
Mr.. Van Rockagan alighted from his
carriage, went into his $50 story build
ing and assembled in his private eleva-
tor to his summer office on the roof
Divans, Persian rugs, rosewood cabi-
nets inlaid with gold and jewels i'm
parted luxurious comfort, while the
air was redolent of tropical plants.
Mr.. Van Rockagan's name would
seem to denote a mingling of Dutch
and German origin. 1t is combina-
ton of several names. In the early
part of the present century nearly all
the colossal fortunes held by individu-
ais were united by death, marriage
and other causes in one man, who,
when the union was consummated,
took the name of Van Rockagan. I'm
fortunately for the blessings that were
to be derived from placing all the
wealth in the United States In one
mans hands, the railroad interests had
been combined by similar process in
another person. This person always
wrote his name G. Harrihill.
Mr.. Van Rockagan put his finger on
million dollar diamond which formed
the button of an electric bell, and a
page, whose triple rows of buttons
were blood red rubies, appeared.
Colonel Whisteton," said Mr.. Van
Rockagan.
The page made the eastern salaam
recently introduced into this country
by our wealthy classes for their serv-
ants and withdrew, and Colonel Whis-
tleton entered. He was in multi.
Colonel said Mr.. Van Rockagan,
II hear that young Harrlhill is about
to be married. Should he marry and
have children grave complication
would arise in the financial interests
of the United States.''
Indeed" observed the colonel.
''What we have been working for for
more than half century-viz, to unite
all the property In the country under
one head-might be thwarted."
What does your commercial high
ness propose?"
ITO get hold of the person of young
Harrihill"
1.-THE courts, Mr.. Van Rockagan'--
"Never mind the courts. That is a
department of my operations In which
you have no concern. My chief at
torney will see that the courts do not
interfere. He will have an ample
fund for that purpose. What wish
you to do is to seize the person of
young Harrihill-in other words, kid
nap him and take him to my place In
the great Dismal swamp"
rs he forewarned?'
mo. He has but a beggarly old
in plain clothes. These he keeps con.
stantly about him."
Colonel Whistleton smiled. "Fortu
nately the world Is ignorant of ouI
legion of thousand men that | can
call up III this building alone for your
commercial highness' protection"
you will find Mr.. Harrihill on his
estate in the mountains Of east Ten
nessee. Go and capture him. Take
him to the swamp and report to me-"
Colonel whistleton bowed low anS
backed out of Mr.. Van Rockagan'
presence.
Young IIarrlhill was playing at gol
and just about to make a strike will
his ivory golf stick studded with jew
els when he suddenly caught sight OF
a man emerging from n wood; ther
another, then another, till men were
coming from every direction. His
bodyguard, who were scattered about
rallied on him and fought nobly, but
without avail They were surrounded
by ten times their number and were
put to flight Mr., Harrihill was seized,
carried to the road where an auto train
stood waiting. and carried away.
Within twelve hours he was prisoner
in Mr. Van Rockagan's stronghold in
the great Dismal swamp.
The next morning Colonel Whistleton
appeared at his employers Office and,
having been admitted, reported that
his commercial highness' orders had
been carried out
every nice" said Mr. Van Rocka-
gan. "Now starve him"
OldiNt HIM. fJhtutuANh INV NoApiN's
ayes, starve him. Did you not hearf"
'But, your commercial highness, that
would be murder
"Colonel," said Mr.. Van Rockagan,
"are you not aware that our ancestors
were merely robbers and murderers?
They not only robbed the Indians of
their lands, but killed so many of
them that they are now practically ex-
tinct. But what splendid result!
I am following our forefathers' exam.
pie. Think of the blessings l can be-
stow upon our people when l shall
have become possessed of all the
wealth in It! What is one life com
pared with this desirable outcomeT
"But do you not fear punishment"
by whom?'
1.-THE law"
II have become the law"
1.-THE people win demand
Nonsense! Do you suppose would
do what have done before had en-
bodied the political machinery Of the
United States in myself"
a month passed. One day Colonel
whistleton was called for by his en-
ployer
81 thought" said Mr.. Van Rocka-
gan, chat some time ago I gave you
an orderf"
"You did, your commercial highness,
and / have endeavored to carry It out,
but something. ] know not what.