The Chesterfield advertiser. [volume] (Chesterfield C.H., S.C.) 1884-1978, 1922-10-19
CHAPTER I

but wearing the red chevron of hon
orable discharge on his left sleeve,
SAT In the club writing room, his feet
comfortably elevated, .endeavoring to
extract some entertainment from the
evening paper. The news was not
particularly interesting, however, and
finally. obsessed with the feeling that
1t would soon be time for him to serI-
ously contemplate the procuring of
suitable employment the young man
turned the sheet about rather idly, and
ran his eyes down the columns devoted
to classified advertising.
Half way down the first column, un-
der the head Of miscellaneous" he
paused and read a paragraph with
some interest; then read 1t over again,
emitting a soft whistle between his
teeth.
"Well, by Jove I" he said to himself
slowly, 'That doesn't sound so bad,
either; out of the ordinary, Mt least.
Say, Thompson" and he turned to
a toll young fellow busily writing at
the adjoining desk, and showed the
paper under his eyes, pointing Mt the
paragraph which had attracted atten-
tion, with one finger, "What do you
make out Of that, old man?"
The other, rather sober-faced, and
slow Of speech, read the advertisement
word by word, with no change Of ex-
preston.
"Rot," he said solemnly. EITHER a
Joke, or some scheme on. Why2 In
terested In it?"
I'm q measure, yes. I've good
mind to answer, and take chance"
you're fool If you do, Matt" de-
cisively, and turning back to his
writing "That Is some game being
pulled Off. Likely as not it means
blackmail. Besides there is no ad-
Dress"
"That's one ching like about it."
retorted the other; "They are i'm earn
est, and taking no chances of having
their purpose guessed at. by Jove,
don't see how any one can get In bad,
merely by finding out what 1t all
means"
''Well, do as you please; you would
anyhow. Only you have my advice"
West read the item again. He had
been eighteen months In France, and
his discharge from the army had left
him bored and dissatisfied with the
dull routine of civil life. He dreaded
to get back into the harness Of
prosaic existence; even his profession
as a civil engineer had someway lost
Its charm. He had tasted the Joy of
adventure, the thrill of danger, and II
was still alluring. This advertisement
promised a mystery which strangely
attracted his imagination.
"Wanted: Young man Of edu-
cation and daring for service in
= volving some personal peril. Good
pay, and unusual reward II sue
cessful. May have to leave city.
Purpose disclosed only In personal
interview"
As Thompson had pointed out, this
was not signed, nor any address given
West crossed over to an unoccupied
desk, and wrote reply, changing the
wording several times, and finally max
Ing a clean copy. The answer read
To Advertiser: Am 26; late cap
tain Of Engineers; university
graduate, adventurous disposition.
Would be glad to consider your
proposition. Address, Box 81,
University club"
He placed this in an envelope, called
Q club messenger, and, handing the
boy sum Of money, sent him over tc
the newspaper Office.
Two days elapsed before an answer
appeared in his box; small envelope
addressed In a lady's handwriting ap
parently, and mailed from one of the
sub-postoffices. The brief note read
"Box 81, University club.
"YOur answer to advertisement
makes a good impression, and ar
willing to put you to the further test
Of personal meeting. If you are ir
earnest In this matter. and quite pre-
pared to assume the necessary risk
you Will be at the northwest corner
IF Spaulding park at 5:30 tomorrow
afternoon. Do not come in uniform
but 1t will be well to bring evening
clothes In a bag. BE sure of yourself
and be prompt.
'Very truly yours,
"The Advertiser
West read this over, again and
again, smoking furiously, and endeav.
Oring to weigh each word. The letter
sounded honest and sincere; the
writer evidently had q purpose IN
view, and was selecting an agent with
great care and secrecy. No hint. as to-
what that object was would be re
vealed blindly-he must be tried In
every way first; thoroughly tested as
to both character and courage. I'm.
doubtedly steps had already been TAX
en- to do this. The delay In reply
would have afforded opportunity for
some investigation, as his address
would give the necessary clue to his
identity. The request for evening
clothes, however. rather reassured
him; evidently his first plunge into