The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 1 — page 158: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

158 THE MAJOR’S PLOT, has escaped, and that alone mars the gladness I feel at being restored to my _ family after fifteen years of exile.” The major paused, and at that moment a heavy rap was heard on the front door. LL CHAPTER XXXIX.—A MIDNIGHT CLEW. MAJOR PENROSE went to the door, and, as he opened it, the lamp that was burning dimly in the hall revealed a strange man standing on the porch. ‘ Are you Major Penrose?’ he asked ; and when the major nodded assent the other handed him a yellow envelope, saying, ‘‘ Here’s a telegram, sir, that was sent to Shiremanstown, with instructions to have it taken right over here at any cost. ‘The operator sent me with it, and I came to Lewisberry on horseback, thinking you lived in the town. The postmaster told me where to find you.’’ The major hastily tore open the envelope and read the contents. ‘Tt is well you came over with this,’’ he said, turning to the messenger ; ‘here is a reward for your trouble.’ He slipped a bank note into the grati- fied man’s hand, and hastily closing the door, returned to the library. The sight of the telegram caused a flutter of expectation. ““T must go to Harrisburg at once,’’ said the major; ‘‘something has evidently turned up. This is the message I have received : To Major Horace PENROSE, - Lewisberry, Pa. Come over at once. BURNS, CHIEF OF POLICE. “TI will accompany you,’’ said Mr. Grimwood. ‘I am anxious to see this thing through.’’ ““And I, and I!’’ exclaimed every one present, not excepting Miss Nellie, who rose to her feet in great excitement. However, it was very plain that all could not go. Dr. Galen, of course, could not be spared from the house. The major had immediately ordered the old family carriage and two horses to be brought to the door, and by the time it arrived it was definitely decided that the party should consist of Major Penrose, Mr. Grimwood, Dock Daw- son, and Dick. They drove hurriedly off through the rain and the darkness, Old Pompey, who was mounted on the box, proved to be a skilful driver, and at two o’clock in the morning they rattled over the iron bridge and trotted rapidly down Market Street. They turned into Third Street and drew up before the station house. | : . Chief Burns was expecting them, and the whole party were hurried into the private office, where two persons were already seated, a portly, gray haired man, with gold rimmed glasses, and a youth of perhaps twenty with a pale, frightened face. | Chief Burns introduced the man as Mr. Medcroft, the banker. ‘““This is Mr. Barret,’’ he added, turning to the young man, ‘‘who, if I am not mistaken, has brought us some very important information tonight.’”’ Eomichook