The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1912-07-18

iANciuptSu HeT NE.
me strange happenings in the Farrsn
home. There was no way in which
you could have positive knowledge,
nor could l. You were only guessing"
Indeed, wasn't" l exclaimed in
dignantly. What drew my attention
10 1t was General Farrish's exclama-
ton Of terror at the sight Of it just be-
fore he fell, paralyZed."
Davis shook his head determinedly.
That meant much-or nothing. 1t
may have been mere senile hysteria
superinduced by the great shock. At
some time in his life he may have had
some unpleasant experience which
was associated in his subconscious
memory with a yellow document.
Wrought up as he was by the news Of
his daughters attempt to kill herself,
the brain cells called into action We're
those that had recorded other disturb
ing experiences, perhaps month ago,
perhaps forty years ago. No impress
sions in the brain records are ever
lost. The sight Of the yellow paper
probably recalled some other yellow
paper. There was then no evidence
whatever that it was this particular
piece Of paper that so agitated him"
But you think so now" suggested.
The situation has entirely changed.
There was nothing TO show that this
piece Of paper had ever come through
the mail. There was nothing TO con-
meet it with suicide. Dowd comes in
here with similar piece Of paper that
plainly has been mailed. We now
have not one footprint, but two-the
beginning of path. Once started on
the path, we can solve the mystery"
Then you think there is some con.
nection between the two bits of pa
peri"
Il know there is" said Davis.
These bits of yellow paper are Of the
same quality and texture-to all ap-
pearances the same paper. Two per-
sons in whose possession they were,
attempt suicide on the same day. The
L
writer, wrote both the address on the
envelope and the contents of the let
ter. This envelope came from coun-
try post-oftice in either New York or
New Jersey within a month-some
post-office the name of which begins
with Ar or An There are not many
rural Offices that will fit in all par
ticulars. In two days or sooner, | can
tell you exactly from what office they
We're mailed"
'Letters-you think there were two?
Might not this be the envelope in
which this paper came?"
That presupposes an acquaintance
between Elser and Miss Parrish, at
least a connection OF some sort. Did
she know him."
Il don't think so. Her sister and
were talking of the Elser suicide last
night after We saw the evening papers.
Louise surely would have known it if
her sister was acquainted with him"
Perhaps" said Davis doubtfully.
There isn't human being over ten
from some one. 1t looks to me, though,
as if in all probability there were two
distinct letters. That is what makes
me suspect a plot. 1t conyinces me
that the mails are being used for an
improper and more than likely a Grim
inal purpose. This brings the case or
both cases properly in my domain as
a post-oftice inspector"
And | can count on your assistance,
after ALL" said ioyfully. When can
you begin work."
Il have begun" he said tersely,
pushing over for my inspection some
thing he had hastily scrawled on a pad
lying on his desk. 1t was an order ad-
dressed to the superintendent Of the
railway mails, which read:
Have all railway clerks on New
York and New Jersey routes report
from what rural office within the last
month they have received large guam
titles of letters in yellow envelopes.
If letters have been discontinued,
when? DAVIS"
Large quantities." | gasped. Were
there more than two?"
"Of course" he snapped, in a way
that showed me he did not wish to be
questioned further. Then he reached
for his hat and coat, and with an alb
rupt Come along!" led the way to
the elevator.
Where axe you going?" ! asked as
he rushed me hurriedly through Park
place to the Sixth Avenue Elevated.
ITO Twenty-third street." he replied,
TO And out what the police have not p"
In the 81" train told him in low
tones Of Crandall's apparent connec-
lion with the case and of his sudden
disappearance. He sat silent, his
whole bearing indicating such abstrao.