The secret of Whitmore Chase.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume XII, Issue 499, 12 August 1867, Page 1

The secret of Whitmore Chase.

A TALE OF ENGLAND St AUSTRALIA. By R. &. Lee, Author of “A Tangled Skein.’* waiTTeh foe the uawee's bat week.lt times. The right of translation is reserved ly the author. CHAPTER IV. BEECUAM FINDS AN AGENT. vry > : c,CsrflE offices of Messrs. Grabbe and Kohi ler, attorneys-, were situated in Tliavies I ,m > HMboru. They were ostensibly £ legal practitioners, but their real business A ? was money-lending, and very profitable 1 found it. taking especial care in every > transaction to exact good security and usurious interest. Although there were two partners, Kohler was merely a nonentity, receiving but a minimum share of the gains. He had been taken into partnership by Grabbe for a twofold reason ; being not only acquainted with many of the latter’s nefarious transactions, but also willing and perfectly qualified to transact the more questionable part of the business which fell to the share of ’the firm. Grabbe was the ileus ex mdchina ofthe| iestablishment, but he occasionally found it veryj !convenient to assure despairing individuals from j whom he had wrung the last penny that his part-) 'nerwas the stumbling-block in the way of las j 'charity. lam very sorry,” he would say, “per-l IsouuUy I would allow you time with pleasure, but if have a partner, and he —” and the worthy i attorney would nod significantly, leaving the unsuccessful applicant under the impression that he was a victim to Kohler’s rapacity, j Like must people of h.s class, Grabbe was not 'satisfied with the rank of those with whom fie transacted business. His clients ranged no higher than embarrassed tradesmeuor would-be “ swell,-,” .who aped the manners of the upper ten thousand, j resembling them in nothing but the manifestation juf an unlimited capability of spending money. [Still, Grabbe found tins circle of clients very profitable. The shrewd old lawyer held the clue to imany secrets involving the credit of firms and jthe honor of families ; but so long as he received his money Iris lips were closed. What mattered it to him whether creditors were swindled or households brought to the verge of ruin, if his |" little bills” were duly honoured, of which he look good care ? Commissioners in Bankruptcy, when censuring a delinquent, might advert to his transactions with the attorney in anything but complimentary terms; but the examination over, Grabbe slapped bis pocket, and found a ringing! response there which fully compensated him for the reproof lie had received. Yet with all tills he was not satisfied ; he yearned for an introduction to a higher class of clients. Possessed of a large capital, his fancy painted in glowing colours the plunder to be realised from spendthrift aristocrats and the post-obits of embarrassed heirs ; but lie found that his brother usurers were too wary to him a chance of catching any of their victims worth plucking. It was therefore with some surprise than on his arrival at his chambers one morning, the attorney received the following laconic epistle ;

11 Mr Bcccham Whitmore requests Mr Grahhe to call at the Clarendon iiotel thu afternoon, at mree o’clock.”

“ Whitmore,” he muttered, “ I don’t remember the name ; what can he want with me?” and he was endeavouring to recollect w hether lie had ever been acquainted with any person of that name when his partner Kohler entered. i “ JDo you know this name?” inquired Grabbe, handing him the note. Kohler appeared confused. “ I did not intend you to know anything of the matter,” he said, after a pause. “ I advanced a hundred pounds on a bill drawn by a Mr Whitmore last month, while,, you were in Cheshire about that mortgage. The account I received of his ability to pay was satisfactory; and although you told me not to meddle with any strange clients during your absence, I , discounted the bill on my own responsibility. I heard last week some strange, rumours respecting Whitmore, and wrote to him, hut have received no answer. However, as I look the risk against i your advice, of course the affair is mine, only.” “ Who is this Whitmore ?’’ Grabbe asked. “ The elder sou of a Westmorland baronet,” replied Kohler. “ The hill is accepted by the son | of old Burden, the retired brewer, who may bc| made to pay if we put the screw on.” 1 Grabbe look down a “ Baronetage” and turned ■ to the, name. Ills eyes sparkled as he closed the book and turned to his partner. “Tut the transaction to our joint account,” he said. “ I am much mistaken if this is not the dunce I have; been wanting for some time. Strange that you should stumble upon the opportunity for which I have so long waited.” ! '■ I’hen I did right in advancing tho money?”:

inquired Kohler. | “ flight!” Certainly I”was the reply. “It is' but an introduction, yet 1 have often succeeded' with an opening loss promising. I shall bo absent this afternoon, so you must attend to the preparation of those mortgages." " Captain llnhucs called again this morning,” Kohler remarked. ' “ And you told him that unless he paid np a w rit would issue, I suppose Grubbe enquired. [ His partner nodded. I “That man’s impudence is abominable,” Grabhe [observed, with an air of virtuous indication. Three times his bill for two hundred has been' !renewed, for the paltry consideration of t*?n wound-i |cafii time, and now lie comes iiere winning about j [bis wife and children, wanting us to renew the! :b;.i, or give him time to raise (be money, without: [compensation for doing so. The ingratitude of some; ! men is shocking. Include his name in the l.st of | writs.” | I Kohler left the room, and Grabbe rubbed his; bands and chuckled, “i see,” he soliloquised, *• the young man finds it. inconvenient to pay, and [ asks ins brother to get time, or perhaps wants al further advance. Well, I think I may vent arc, j but I must not be too easy. Ko doubt the young man is inexperienced, and it will be strange if 1 cannot wind him round my finger.” The worthy attorney, however, was slightly mistaken in his estimate, of the character of his correspondent and of the business to be transacted. Tunctnal to the appointed time Grabbe made his appearance at the Clarendon. Beecham • jmotioned his visitor to a seat, and the two men j Hi due a zncnUu survey oi each other, Grabbe was

a shrewd physiognomist, and his hasty glance gave him ample reason to alter his opinion concerning the probability of the “ winding” process ho had anticipated. “ I have sent for you, Mr Grabbe,” Beecbam said, "in consequence of a note from your firm, addressed to my brother, fulling into my hands. fore seat for yon instead of the -an for msmb 1 ’- of your firm, by whom the. letter is signed.” Grabbe bowed, and Beecbam continued: “ I wish to know whether yon were aware oi my brother’s pecuniary position when you discounted that bill ?”

“ It was discounted by my partner,” was the I reply, “but of course wc were aware, that Mr Philip Whitmore is the heir to Sir Bryan Whitmore. Should it be inconvenient to take up the bill, we have no objection to renew it. for a consideration.” Beecbam smiled in a manner that made Grabbe feel rather uneasy. “ Supposing I were to tell yon,” said the former, “ Unit when that bill was drawn, Philip Whitmore had no prospect of meeting it ; supposing that his father has discarded him—turned him into the streets to starve, would you still feel disposed to renew it ? ” Grabbe was about to make some response, but Beccham motioned to him to remain silent, ami said : “ Listen to me, Air Grabbe. All that 1 have told you is true. Philip IViutmorc has offended his father—offended him so deeply that- reconciliation is out of the question ; and at the present moment lie is utteriv destitute.”

“ Li that case,” Grabbe remarked, “we must come upon the man who hacked the bill.” “ You have not heard the news concerning Air Burden, then, the other party concerned in the bill?” inquired Bcecham. “ L have, been informed tin's morning, by an excellent authority, that Air Burden, having lost heavily nil lire,“Two Thousand” last week, left England yesterday, and is at the present moment in that convenient refuge for individuals under a eioad, Boulogne. What is the value of your biU now, Air Grabbe ?” The attorney made no reply, and Beeeliam went on ; 11 A shrewd business man idle you w:i! at onee perceive that it is not worth the stamp upon it. Now, I have a proposal lo made to you.’’ A cunning expression played on Grabb.-’s features. “ 1 see,” lie thought, “he wauls to make the best possible terms lor getting the hill back, but it won't do,” and he was preparing to make some remark to this effect, when Beeeliam again irermptid lem. “ I gm.essyuur thought,” he said. “ You imagine that 1 w ish lo put the case in the worst possible light, in order to cancel the bill as cheaply as possible, hut you are mistaken. .So far from wishing you (o lose In the transaction, I am prepared to ■pay down the full amount necessary to redeem it, on certain conditions.”

(J ra'jbi* breathed iimiv freely, but looked cn- ! H 1 at Beeeham, who eoulinneil: ”1 have oiid that 1 mu jircp:iio'ik to pay you the him I dml pounds ; if you render me a service I will double the sum. I have told you that my brother is destitute, and 1 will give you au insight into 1 the caiuse id’ his being so. Two months hack he contracted a disgraceful marriage, in opposition to a project on winch my father had set his heart, aad the consequence was tint Sir Bryan discarded him. Since that time 1 have as meed him, hut he lately applied to me for a sum of money widen it was nut mmy power to raise. 1 wrote to him and told him so, and have heard nothing more from him. My lather is inexorable ; he will not allow Thilip’s name to be mentioned, and I am nut aware of his present address; 1 leave thought over the matter, and have come to the conclusion that the. best thing he can do is to emigrate. I will provide the necessary funds, and I wish you to find him out and persuade him to accept the ulfer ; I do not want him to know tiiat it comes from me, I therefore leave it to your ingenuity to devise a plausible tale. One thing, however, must lie accomplished, he must he separated from his wife ; this I also leave to you, and if you succeed yon will find that I know how to appreciate the service.”

“ 1 accept the. oilt r,” replied Grabbe, “but I imagine there will I)'.' some difficulty in discovering bis address. Have you no clue At this moment a servant entered with a curd, on which was engraved “ Mr George Lnscomhe,’' under the name was written in |ie,aul, "on business connected with Mr Philip Whitmore.” •‘tjbew him in,” said Beech,am. Luseombe entered the room, but paused on seeing a strangei “ This gentleman is aware of my hroilicr's posi lion,” Beechnut oh-erved, indicating Uruhbc by a glance. “If you euaie iron) i'biiip you can speak with oat reserve before Mr Grabbed’

Luseombe appeared irresolute ; at last he said, “ I do not eume from your brother, .Mr Whitmore, but on his account. I saw your name in the ‘ .Morning i’ost’ among the list of arrivals at the Clarendon, and as I am sure you cannot be 'am re of Philip’s present condition, I resolved to call upon yon.” [ Bt.ee.liam and Grabbo exchanged glances. | “ Are you acquainted with his address?'’ the jlatter asked. “ I am,” replied Luseombe. Then addressing himself to Beechnut, he continued: “I met yourj .brother accidentally yesterday, and was only then! 'made awe,re of wiuit had transpired since Ins inar-i triage, lie is living in a miserable Imnse iuj I Chelsea; and I am sorry to say that his inisfor-i 'tunes appear to have led him to resort too tre■quently to the bottle.” “ If I am not mistaken, Mr Lnscombe, it is not the. iirst time you have seen him ilo so,” said Beccham, drily. Ltistonib ,- s features flushed, but he went on: “It is true that lam inadvertently the author ol his troubles, having been the cause of his lir.-t introduction to his wife ; 1 am therefore very desirous of assisting him as much as possible. The pecuniary aid in my power to give, him is unfortunately not sufficient to do lorn any good, and 1 am compelled to appeal to you. Ix-t me inform ivcu how I discovered Idm. Having to coimdete ia painting rather suddenly, I neat down to C'b-.d-jsea to call upon an individual who acts as a model ■ for artists. After transacting my business, I was I returning to town, when I was amazed at suddenly encounter.ng your brother I’biiip, shabbily dressed. !iur a moment i imagine myself mistaken, but Mtis attempt to evade me convinced me that it was indeed himself. I accosted bun, and alt (T MjmC*' i hesitation lie told me the whole story of his marVlagc, your father’s anger, and his present poverty. ! I had not seen him since I breakfasted with him isome months ago at Ids rooms in Hyde Park Gar|dens, and having been on the Continent during [the interval, I was not aware of His marriage ; the ; whole aifair therefore completely took me by surprise, and I cannot sufficiently express to you my ‘sorrow at learning that he had ruined his prospects I I by marrying a girl to whom I had been the cause ; j of his introduction. He appears utterly cast down i|and reckless, and I am afraid will take some desij peruse step unless prevented, list your father

| will not assist him I can well imagine ; bat surely you can do something to withhold him from thej j acquainted with my intention of seeing you, and if ’ I can be of use to you in auy project you way Slbrm for his benefit, you may freely command my jservices.” I Beccham exchanged u few words with Grabbe ; ■jtbpn turning to t.useombe, said. “ Y’ou do me but! justice iu thinking that my brother's unfortunate! [Condition is painful to me. I will endeavour to j ffev ise slime means or assisting iiiili, though I lU.V|JIV reared- I'J lUMI Ul.tt ins liilalorlilliCo illiVU driven him lo drink. idleness has taught him a severe lesson.” ! “ It has taught me one, at any rate,” LuscomVreplied ; “ [ shall never forgive myself for my i share in 'die matter. He declined lo give me his address, but I managed lo asCeredn it in the neighbourhood,” and he handed a w ritten direction to Beccham. “ I do not know that you can be of any assistance, Air Luscombe,” said Beeeliam, rising, ns an intimation that tire interview trail tennin .ted, however, if you will call upon Mr Grabbe at Ids office in Tliavies Tin, he will employ you in the all’air, if necessary." “ Deuced cool fellow that,” said I.useomue to himself, as he left tin; hotel. “ I wish ’poor j I’hilip had taken a leaf from ids boo!;. Confound the ‘ Convivial Owls,’ this math r has caused me a remorse that will last my lifetime.” Directly the door closed behind Luscombe, Beeeliam looked at Grabbe with a gratified smile. “ Here is your great difficulty at once removed,” lie said. “ You have now tile address, Grabbe, and the rest is easy. L will give you a cheque for a hundred on account ; and as I intend to remain in town until the matter is settled, you can at once commence operations.” “In the event of my persuading your brolherj to go abroad, what is to become of Ins wife?’,] inquired Grabbe. [ “ 1 am prepared to pay her fifty pounds a year,” was the answer. By the by l , I have heard that she was the adopted child of the. people with whom' she was living. You mignl p-. rsiv.ie. ifinlip that

" A capital idea,” returned the attorney. “In Ill’s present desperate condition he will no doubt, ho giad of an oiler which will prove advantageous :<i both. Have you any par malar wish to select! the place to which he is to emigrate ?’’ \ “ 1 t;iink Auslr.ih.i would he the best spot for: him,” Heecham sai 1. “He will have a chance ol a fair start there, and Ins nature success will entirely depen 1 upon hmr -liV’ He hues,” Oral,ho rejoined, with a cunning look, “ Australia is a long way oil', a... 1 lie will find it dill!cult to annoy you from thence, if he leels inclined to do it.” Exactly,” Beeeham replied, “ I s.i* we understand eaeii oilier. I mad not heat about the hirii w itii a man of your discernment. It is both lor his advantage and my own if he leaves England. Have you any eou e-pouuents in Australia f” “ Severalwas the answer, “ Leave tlie completion of tin’s matter entirely in my hands. Ol eour.-e 1 cannot expeel you to confide fully in me on so short an ae.piaiulmiee, hut 1 think tile manner in which I conduct this affair will conv nice Hon that 1 am deserving of your coni; leucc. 1 fancy I may venture to assure you that your brother will not ironide. you :i,,:i:ii. There is one tiling, however, winch lias jo-c occurred to me — von sav that his wife was an adopted child. Y\ uuht it not be possible, after her husband's departure, to persuade her friends to receive her again ; or do you think it likely that they will appeal to your .father on her behalf?” j “ An,” Beeeham replied, “Sir Bryan receives no letters that are not first opened by myself; he is, a hopeless invalid ; and 1 could easily prevent] a personal interview. Your idea is a good one, I 'and should you succeed in carrying it out, I shall not lie forge!till. I will leave you now to begin I lie work ; here is- the promised cheque, and I hope von will soon be in a position to demand another.” “This looks well,” soliloquised (jrahba, as he took ids way towards his chambers, “ I think I c m foresee some nice pickings in this little job. j .Scud him to Australia —yes, I will do so, but I will keep my linger upon him ; who knows what may occur? Bcediam is playing a deep game will he win it ?”

CHAPTER V. C-t*. the scm::in scccmis. f v,' -' > w : t' 1 had spoken the truth k.f.d-j Jj', w hen he told Beeciiam of Philip's', X destitute app.-. r.iinv. Since the lat-| \ ' ter’s interview with Sir Bryan, he' d bad rapidly descended the social ladder. After; { ids passionate reply to Ids father, be went back j to Sedgwick, and communicated the result to, liecehain, who inwardly exulted at the tidings, 1 though be carefully suppressed Ids satisfaction. After some time spent in discussing the best mode of proceeding, it was deeuled that Philip should return to London ; his brother promising to pro-i vide him with the menus of existence until some, appointment could be procured for him through Beeebam’s interest. Nothing, however was more | remote from t’.ie iuteii 1 ion of the Litter th.au the .'idea of doing'anv thing of the kind. lh‘ merely | wished to plunge Pidlip in the struggle for life,! ■tru-ting to his natural failings to vediav him to a ■ position which would render him glad of any 1 chance of quitting the country ; and in this Beecham displayed a profound knowledge of his brother's nature. He. knew that in the stern

slrimvle with poverty, Philip would soon rc-trctt !iis marriage; and lie did nut despair of in-i docing him to leave liis wife ia Jhiglaml. IV.v,' lie was aware, ever attained any position in the - colonics withe..: tin; display of qualiths which wore foreign to his brother’s composition ; many ; things might occur to prevent his return, and if i his wife could be loti to believe herself deserted, : she might he persuaded that Sir Bryan would i allow her :i small income if she. changed her named and did not annoy him. Philip received several i sums, gradually decreasing m amount, ! brother ; hat being unaccustomed to exer nomy, he plunged from one difficulty into until at the lime Luscombe met hint he was nearly penniless. As his pecuniary uimcultics increased; iiis self-respect diminished; he spent his time' alternately in projecting visionary plans and drowning his cares, in that coward’s resource, the ■ bottle. Already the chain galled him, ami his i wife saw with hit Ur sorrow that her forehodines had proved too true ; poverty had extinguished his affection. All that a loving and devoted wife, could devise, she tried to restrain him from i 'giving way to despair, but ia vain—the spell was I | broken. I' i Soon after his return to town, Philip had acci-j dentally encountered Burden, one of his quondam i convivial companions, who was of course uu-| acquainted with the change in his position. Burden persuaded him to sign a bill, which Kohler] discounted without hesitation; believing the heir ot|

Whitmore Chase to be a good security, though he did nut think Burden’s nnmo on the bill worth irriirb. To his other embarrassments Phii:p now added a fear of arrest on account of this transaution, and lie was in continual dread of being served with a writ. He wrote to Beecham for a sum suiheieut to taka up the bill, and received a co;d refusal, too plainly indicating that even his brother had deserted' him. In lids indignation ha resolved never to communicate with Beocaam again, and doggaily awaited the moment when hii ihist tbiiliag should !« expended, r.-ckic.:-: of the ! Inc that might Ibetray him, ha removed to obscure lodgings at jClielsea, where his unhappy w.i'e passed many a ! weary hoar in listenin',- lor his step, which too frequently betrayed ihepiiccsses in wtlich be had been indulging. B ■■.■ chain was annove I wirm he found that Philip had suddenly changed ins rasidenci and gone no one knew whither ; an 1 he was pondering over the best inn : e of tracing him and carrying oat his intended s’heme, v. ceil iiiihbir’s Litter. addressed to Philip, arrived at Whitmore ICiiasp. Beeclinm unscrupulously opened it, and 'after making some enquiries respecting tins arm, jresolved to employ tirdjbc to discover his brother hail persuade him to emigrate, j Tlncr.diy attorney took his way to Chelsea curly on ice day after ids interview with Bee •ham. !! ■ ban a dilhcidr task to perform, but his cunning was equal to the oceidoa. II- i.ai -Maeoctei bis sclicnit of action on the previous night; a few hours generally snlliecd him to lay down a plan of operations, lie pained at a miserable lom-gng house, in one of the b.,ck streets n--ar the Tn.mes, and accosting a woman who stood at the door, inquired whetner any person named Whitmore dived there. The answer he received was coaIcise, but unsatisfactory, “ No, there ain’t.” J ” 1 think I mast have mistaken the name,” lGrab.be said. | “ Werry possible,” was the brief reply. I The attorney, somewhat discouraged, deter--1 mined to try the power of money in unlocking her ' longue, | “I am sure the young man I wish to see lire* I li-. re, though I have forgotten his name ;” lie said.

ipiimly putt in;; in her hand. “I nave dome pood news lor ha continued, without heeding her astonishment. “ Do yer naan Mr Puiliips?" the woman enquired, iiar natural acidity partly overcome by th® judiauui.i donation. “ Phillips—all, I see —yes. that is the name," GraVo.t rejoined. '• It ver wauls him, yerbi had him over at the 1 Grapes’ yonder," saui the woman, " but his wits b upstairs, poor thau;. It’s a suame for the h.aite to stop out all day, like ho docs, and leave |tin* poor pad to cry her eyes out. Uni' I I’d :leach aim aidcrciit, I warrant you,if he belonged to me '■ .No doubt you would,” Grahbc thought. “ Let me see, L imisl net the husband out ot the Way erst, aud atteii 1 to Ins w.tc afterwards.” Thun apaiu addressim; Uuu.seil to the virago, he said; -'I have not time to sec Mrs Pniilips at present, thank vou. Tell her to remain at home, as a friend will call this eveuniq.” lie crossed the road, ami entered the pabho-house. •• Is there any person named Phillips in your house at present ?” he impaired of the barman, who was about to answer, when Grabbe felt a 1 1,ami laid upon bis shoulder; aud wheeling sharply round, found himself face to iacc with Philip I Whitmore.

The attorney at cnee recognised him from tin [resemblance of his IP.lures tu those of his brother llleecham. T..ousrh comparatively early in tho 1 i;;i v, I In; unfortunate young watt had evidently | already been drinking. I Gra'bbo hastily cinjnired for s private room, I motioned to Philip tu follow him, then lucked the Jour and seated himself, signing to tire othor to do so likewise. “ What is your business with rae ?” Philip asked. Grabb cautiously commenced : ” I wish to isy a few words to you respecting your present situation, Mr. Whitmore. I ton —” Philip sprung from his seat. “ Who are you t By what authority do you dare to meddle with my ud'airs ?” lie fiercely demanded. Graldu continued, '.vitliout heeding Philip’s menacing air, ‘‘ i will tell you ray authority, Mr Whitmore. I came 0:1 behalf of t>!o*e from whom you took your wife, to ask you whether you have kept the- solemn vow you made to her at tlu altar? 1 await your answer. If you have dona vonr duty towards her—if she Ims had no Cause ; since her marriage to regret the step you induced |her to take—then indeed I have no right to inter'lon'. Is it so?” lie fixed ilia keen cys upon |Philip, who hung his head, j Gr.tube saw his advantage and pursued it. " 6a.lieve me that all I have to propose is for your ‘advantage. Your wife’s friends heard that your father has discarded you, that you have no meant ’of support, ami they are. willing to assist you 01 eerta u coudilioas. Shall I name tacm?’ I Philip made u-.> answer. ; “ I must tell you," continued Grabbe, “that if you reject my otter is will not be repeated, and your wile will he helpless, without oven you to aid her. A writ is out against you, for s onw bill transaction in which you arc concerned." ■ Philip started. “ iSanie your conditions,” h« 'said, hoarsely. 1 “ A free passage to Australia, and two hundred pounds on arrival, for yourself,’’ was the reply; ” and tidy pound# a year to your wife during your absence.’’

“ AVlmt ! Leave my wife ! 'Wlint is their ohjaat : iaseparating us?' 1 Philip exclaimed. 1 Grubbs saw his e.r.-.S'* was yiready half gained* Philip uia not reject tiic proposition. “ is it not for your own benefit ?’■ the wily attorney asked, “What other motive could influence them P Alone, you will be free to pursue any prospect which may promise best, untrammelled; while your wife, placed beyond the reach 'of poverty, can await your return, instead of accompanying you from place to place, restricting ynnr im,Yemenis, and uimia.thing your fanes.” Philip meditated for a considerable tune; so lons, indeed, that Grabbe, with all ins interest in the game he was playing, became impatient, j “ i\i you consent V’ at length lie impaired. 1 “ Ycs'i" shouted Philip, cashing his clenched hand on the t:,bie with a ue.ree i t violence that ma le Grabbe start and turn pale ; “ I do consent, let what will come of it ! Prove to me that you can rescue piilen from her present miserable condition, and 1 care not what becomes of myself; •lis better to die in a strange country, unknown nml unnoticed, t..nn drag out a lingering existence here, scorned and discarded ! The fault is theirs 'who have disowned and abandoned me ! I “ Then you accept ?” inquired Grabbe, with 'inward satisfaction. ] I do,'’ replied Philip, “ There is my hand on it!" j (It it e&fii*wd.J