Rock Island Argus., 1911-04-07

Mr.. Van Rockagan alighted from his
carriage, went into his $50 story build
ing and ascended 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 a luxurious comfort, while the
air was redelent of tropical plants.
Mr.. Van Rockagan's name would
seem to denote mingling of Dutch
and German origin. 1t is a 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 a similar process in
another person. This person always
wrote his name G. Harrihill.
Mr.. Van Rockagan put his finger on
a 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 Whistleton," 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 mufti
Colonel" said Mr.. Van Rockagan,
hof A.. q
to be married. Should he marry and
have children a 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"
The courts, Mr.. Van Rockagan"-
Never mind the courts. That is
department Of my operations in which
you have no concern. My chief at
torney will see that the courts do not
interfere. He viii have an ample
fund for that purpose. What I 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" A
rs he forewarnedY
mo. He has but q beggarly old
fashioned guard Of twenty detectives
in plain clothes These he keeps con-
stantly about him"
Colonel Whisleton smiled. ''Fortu- |
nately the world is ignorant of our
legion of a thousand men that l can
call mp in this building alone for your /
commercial highness' protection"
You will find Mr.. Harrihill ON his 4
estate in the mountains Of east Ten {.
nessee. Go and capture him. Take 1
him TO the swamp and report to me-"
Colonel whistleton bowed low and .
backed out OF Mr. Van Roekagan's .
presence.
Young Harrfhill was playing at golf 4
and Just about to make strike With !
his ivory golf stick studded with jew
els when he suddenly caught sight of 1
q man emerging from a wood; then /
another, then another, I'LL men were /
coming from every direction. Eis .
who were scattered about, 1
rallied on him and fought nobly. but
without avail They were surroupded I
by ten times their number and were
put TO fight Mr.. Harr1hI1 was seized.
carried 70 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 Whistieton