Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1912-07-19
The anWhoD Disappeared
Strange Experiences IN the Life
of q Doctor.
Copyright. by w. G.. Chapman.)
BY A. T. MEAD


of the occurrence. It seemed to me
that the girl must be temporarily in
sane, but nevertheless was haunted
and disturbed by her mysterious eau
ton. And when on the next day Dig
by, whom l had not seen for years,
called unexpectedly, l recalled Miss
Scaiffe's visit with feelings of decided
apprehension. Before Digby went
away he and 1 had been very close
friends, and l was delighted to see
him again. His broad forehead, his
keen blue eyes. his strong, muscular
hands, all denoted strength Of mind
and body.
We'll, Halifax" he said, II have
a good deal to tell you. l have made
an amazing discovery. do not know
whether you are sufficiently CONVEX
SAINT with out-of-the-way places on the
globe. But, anyhow, l want to In
form you that there Is a wonderful re-
gion, little known, which lies on the
watershed of the E%ssequibo and ANA
zon rivers. And there l have discov-
cred a spot close to Lake AJnacu that
is simply laden with gold. The esti-
mates computed on my specimens and
reports make it out to be the richest
place In the world. The whole thing
is as yet a close secret, and I have
come to New York to put it into the
hands Of a big %financier. A company
must be formed with a capital Of $780,
000, 900 to work it."
Have you charts of the location?"
I asked.
Yes, but those l would rather not
disclose, even to you, old man, just
yet"
well, Oscar" said, "the man you
require is Horace Lancaster, the big
gest f1nancier in New York today. He
is a good friend and patient of mine,
and if you a satisfy him with your
charts and specimens he will undoubt-
edly float the company. Unfortunate
ly, l happen to know that he is at
present in Paris, and won't be back
for a week. You are prepared to
await his RETURN"
Yes, If you think it best" he re-
%sponded. will you dine with me at
my club tonight, and talk things
over?"
With pleasure" I responded.
"By the way" continued Digby.
some friends of mine, Brazilians,
ought to be in New York now; a lady
of the name of Seattle, with her pretty
little ~step-daughter, an English girl.
l should like to introduce you to them.
l had a letter from Mrs. Seattle as I
was leaving Brazil, telling me that
they were en- route for New York inc
asking me to look them up in town.
Her brother, Senior Merello, is a most
charming man"
IF l were you," I said, gravely, II
would have nothing to do with those
people. I happen to know there where
abouts, and the little girl does not
want you to call on them. Better
take her advice. Digby; she looked
good and rue."
He gazed at me in evident surprise,
and seemed a trife put out. True"
he repeated. "Of course she is true.
l tell you, Halifax. 1 am quite fond
of her. The mother mean the step
mothers a magnificent woman. I
was staying at their Quinta last win
ter. But I don't understand your
warning. Has little Muriel lost her
head?"
She is anxious and frightened.
The whole thing seems absurd. But
she certainly was in earnest when she
begged me to keep you away from her
step-mother, and l half promised to
respect her secret, and not reveal to
you where they are at present"
Digby did not seem pleased at this
candid avowal, but he made no COM
ment, and took his departure. That
evening we dined together, and went
into the subject Of his great discovery.
He showed me his specimens and re-
ports and interested me so much that
l, too. began to long for Lancaster's
speedy return. Three or four days
passed and the fnancier was still de-
tanned in Paris. One afternoon Digby
rushed excitedly into my room.
We'll, Halifax" he cried, you can't
fight against fate. The little girl has
discovered herself. She came to see
me at my hotel and declared that she
just couldn't keep away. I took her
into my arms and Rugged her. We
will have a wedding when the COM
pduy - llOoCCop anu Ills StCAAuS, Olu
chap, I dine at The Rosary. You see,
l know all about the secret retreat OF
the Scaifes by this time. l dine there
tonight, and they want you to come.
too"
l was about to refuse, when some
impulse Influenced me to see the affair
through, and I consented to accom-
pany my friend. We arrived at The
Rosary between seven and eight
o'clock. Mrs. Seattle received us.
Diamonds flashed in her raven black
hair and glittered around her shapely
neck. The pale little Muriel looked
quite Insignificant beside this gor-
geous creature. Senior Merello was
a masculine edition of his handsome
sister. At dinner we were served by
! Spanish servants, and a repulsive look
ing negro of the name of Samson
stood behind Mrs. Scaiffe's chair. She
was in high spirits, and openly alluded
to the great discovery.
you must show us the charts, my
friend" she said to Digby.
"As regards anything else, command
me-" was his reply. but not the
chart"
Mrs. Seattle did not press him fur
49,