human
But the life of the hero of this strange, though strictly authentic, tale has not been entirely one of adventurous pleasure. Deep in his heart he carries a sorrow about which he was extremely reticent to speak to the _Banner_ reporter. In referring to it this lad, who has faced dangers from which many a stalwart man would shrink appalled, wept like a child. Years ago he lost an idolized sister. She was taken from the home of which she was the pride, not by the hand of death, but by that of a kidnaper. The story is a most romantic one. The little child was playing one morning on the sloping lawn in front of her father's palatial country seat in Tarrytown, adjoining that of the late Jay Gould. Her nurse was called away for a few moments. During the woman's absence the child disappeared. What became of it? Alas! to this day no one save the ruthless destroyer of the happiness of this once peaceful home knows. It was rumored that a rejected suitor of the little girl's mother was the villain, but nothing was ever proven against him. The father of the child died of a broken heart, and his wife would, without doubt, have soon followed him to the grave had it not been for her boy--the subject of this necessarily incomplete article. For his sake she resolved to live. When he was but four years of age she made him promise her that he would devote his life to solving the mystery of his sister's fate.
gpt
The villain!
human
What's the matter?
gpt
Have you read this thing?
human
Why, yes.
gpt
The part that speaks of my long-lost sister?
human
All of it. Of course, it's a fake, but nine people in ten will swallow it whole.
gpt
I don't want anyone to believe it.
human
You don't?
gpt
Of course I don't.
human
Then why did you grant him the interview?
gpt
Because he insisted, and because he promised me that everything should be printed just as I gave it to him.
human
It's evident, he said,
gpt
I've known several, but none like this fellow.
human
He's considered one of the smartest men in his line in the State.
gpt
Well, I'd like to interview him just now.
human
What would you say?
gpt
I'd at least give him my opinion of his methods.
human
You wouldn't have a chance.
gpt
Why wouldn't I?
human
You have met him once, and you ought to know. Why, he wouldn't give you an opportunity to get in a word edgewise. Anyhow, I don't see what you are kicking about; you've got the best ad. of the season free of cost. Hello! here comes your reporter now. If you want to go for him you have your chance.
gpt
You're just the man I want to see,
human
And you're just the person I want to see. There are one or two little mistakes in that interview of ours, and I was looking for you to find out whether the fault lies with you or me. But the article shows up well, doesn't it?
gpt
I----
human
Don't say another word.
gpt
But----
human
I know exactly what you are going to say, but it will be all right next time. It was the fault of the compositor that your name was spelled wrong.
gpt
I wasn't----
human
I was going to ask you whether it was three men or only two that you knocked out at that scrap referred to in the second column; I'm afraid I got that wrong. But never mind, I gave you the benefit of the doubt, anyhow. He! he! he!
gpt
No such incident ever occurred, and I----
human
Tut! tut! interrupted the reporter, with a shocked look.
gpt
What made you tell me the yarn, then?
human
I----
gpt
Never mind, we'll have to let it go now; and, after all, it doesn't make much difference. But you ought to be more particular in talking to reporters in the future, my dear young friend.
human
If I----
gpt
Oh, that's all right---- No thanks. Hello! there goes a man I've got to see right now. S'long!
human
Isn't he a dandy? said the hotel clerk, admiringly.
gpt
You'll never catch him. The traditional Frenchman's flea was a graven image compared with that fellow. In your line of business you can profit by the lesson he has just given you. He is an artist in 'bluffing.'
human
I WANT YOU.
gpt
I thought I should find you here, the manager said.
human
I want to offer you my congratulations before I say another word.
gpt
Your congratulations upon what, Mr. Wattles?
human
Why, upon the way you have worked things here, of course. I heard about it before I left Boomville this morning. That interview is out of sight.
gpt
I wish it was,
human
Eh?
gpt
Well, said Mr. Wattles, when he had finished,
human
The interview didn't cost me a cent.
gpt
That's so much the better. I'm mighty glad it appeared, and you ought to be, too. It'll help biz; and how do you know but that through it you may find your sister?
human
That's not possible, said Al.
gpt
Why, the facts are all distorted. My father never had any palatial country seat in Tarrytown; there was never any talk of a rejected suitor of my mother's; there----
human
Never mind, interrupted Mr. Wattles;
gpt
--in a changed tone--
human
How much do you suppose I paid for it, sir?
gpt
Oh, I don't know; three hundred at least, probably more.
human
It cost just fifty dollars; and if it is not worth that to you, I'll pay it out of my own pocket.
gpt
Fif---- Is that straight?
human
Certainly.
gpt
How did you do it?
human
Well, that was a mighty good transaction, and you deserve credit for it, as well as for writing the ad. The new paper was selling like hot cakes on the train this morning, and everyone was reading that ad. Al, my boy, you're a genius!
gpt
Not quite that, I guess,
human
You are, I tell you. But who is the queer old man in the third row of the orchestra?
gpt
A myth, a creation of my imagination.
human
I supposed so, though I did not know but you had hired some one to play the part.
gpt
No.
human
Well, there'll be lots of people out to see the old man. How did you happen to strike the idea?
gpt
I don't know. I had to get the copy ready in a hurry, and I wanted something new and taking.
human
Well, you got it. I believe that ad. and the interview are going to produce results.