PEER’S DOUBLE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2139, 23 July 1907, Page 3

PEER’S DOUBLE.

MARQUIS OF HUNTLY'S QUEER STORY.'

This Marquis of Huntly, the premier marquis of Scotland, complains that he lias a double —a man wlio not only bears a striking resemblance to him, but adds to the complication by dressing in a similar manner. This double was discussed m a case which before Mr. Justice Bigham recently in London, an _ adjourned application for a committal order against the marquis in respect of the non-payment of a judgment obtained by Frederick, a court dressmaker. The marquis's defence was that he was without means, and that all the money he had came from his wife. l a support of the application, evidence was given of the movements of the marquis, to show that he was possessed of means, but the marquis contended that the person who had been shadowed was not himself but his mysterious double. The marquis states that on one occasion. when he visited his solicitor s office, matters were complicated by the double appearing o n the scene at the same time, and at another time in the lobby of the House of Commons. Several cabmen were called to *>rove that they had driven the mar* lis on various occasions. One said ne had driven him quite 20 times. His Lordship was well-known in the cab-rank in St. James street, and his position and calling were discussed. One cabby thought him a solicitor, another an M.P.,. while another coneluded he. was a dealer in antiques! There was much controversy as to the marquis’ supposed movements on March 14th, when he was shadowed by a detective named Lewis, who caused some amusement by stating how he previously established the marquis’ identity by a ruse. Posing as a man named Jarvis, lie went to the House of Lords, and sent a let"ter to Lord Huntlv to the effect tliaf he was anxious to learn the whereabouts of a former servant in till Huntlv family, named Marie _de Pourville. His Lordship promised to make enquiries, and at a subsequent interview he said he could not discover anything about her. , With reference to March 14 movements. a porter at the Royal Societies Club, St. James street, said the marquis was booked into the club at 3.10 p.m. and booked out at 4.1 C p.m. Lewis, the detective, timed the departure, however, at 3.35 p.m.. ' when ho said His Lordship drove to the Regent street post office, sent a telegram, then drove to the St. Carlos Hotel, and afterwards to King’s Cross st-tion, in time to catch the 5.45 train for Peterborough, where the marquis had a country seat. On the otb.er hand, Mr. Foote contended that His Lordship left King’s Cross by tlio 4.15 train on that particular day. _ _ A note was handed to Mr. Foote by the judge at this stage, with the result that counsel conferred, and terms were arranged. Mr. Foote said he was not aware that . the amount claimed was so small—£lo9

—and he thought it should be paid.Lord Huntly would have been glad, however, if the witnesses summoned in his interest could havo been exam* ined for the satisfaction of the court. He had witnesses to prove- that lie caught the 4.15 train. Mr. Justice Bighorn made the order, but directed it to lie in the office for a month. Lord Huntly must also pay the costs.