"PERSONS UNKNOWN"

BY VIRGINIA TRACY

ILLUSTRATIONS BY
HENRY RALEIGH

NEW YORK
THE CENTURY CO.
1914

Published, October, 1914

TO
MY FELLOW-CONSPIRATORS
HELEN L. KLOEBER AND JESSIE C. SOULE

When winter's breath was on the pane,
Through dusk and snow, wild winds and rain,
I fled to your bright hearth again
To read about a Shadow!
You lit the lamp, you brewed the tea,
Pulled up the deepest chair for me,
And set yourselves to guess and see—
What ailed that minx, Christina?

What Herrick found—what Nancy knew—
Whose motor raced the county through—
What could that harsh Policeman do—
You never failed to argue;
Of moonlight, murders, lovers, threats,
Vengeance and kisses, siren's nets,
And pale, dark men with cigarettes,
Not once I found you weary!

Through broken music, sudden light
In the deep darkness, jewels bright,
Persons unknown in unknown plight,
You still sought unknown persons;
Authors, if you would straightway know
Where faith and cheer and counsel grow,
Suggestions flourish and hints flow:
Go ask my Nancy Cornish!