The Secret of Whitmore Chase.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume XII, Issue 553, 4 November 1867, Page 1

The Secret of Whitmore Chase.

a. TALE Oil EC Eu.- no AUSTRALIA.. Rt T! I? T -»» 1 Author of “A Tangled Sisiu.” WEITTL3 Toll Tits HAWKE’S BAT VTAEXLT TIKES. The right of translation isrestrred by the author. CHAPTER XVllT .—Continued. Lnscombe was greatly astoni-bed at receiving a visit from Ellen. To tell the truth, Lowe’s hints had taken a certain hold upon his imagUritioii; and he certainly was very far from exp-cting to see in his visitor the wife of his quondam friend. “Allow me to apologise for having evidently 1 d’-turhod yf'a," “ -id the, old pg'tdcna'o ’.vao ■■ - companied Mrs WTiitmore, presenting his card. “ my name is Haynes, this lady is my client, and we have called in consequence of an unsucc ;ssf.tl application for the purchase of your picture.” Luscumbe’s castles in the air were not only demolished by this intelligence, but lie Lit annoyed at being discovered in his artistic appropriation of Philip’s portrait ; especially as the character in which he had depicted him was a ludicrous one. He resolved, however, to let the explanation come from the other side, resolving, if necessary, to make the amende honorable so far as lay in his (lower, by parting with the picture, die therefore bowed and remained silent.

“Therefore,” pursued Mr Haynes, “as Mrs Whitmore informs me that you were formerly acquainted with her husband, I advised her to accompany me, and give you her reasons fur wishing to buy the picture.” I “I am already acquainted with many circimi. ! stances connected with Philip's history,” replied Lusconihe, “ but while placing the picture unreservedly at Mrs Whitmore’s service, I most observe that I really did not recognise the resemblance until it was too late to alter it ; and when my attention was called to the fact, i determined for tliat reason not to dispose of it.” A long explanation ensued, Lii.-combe learning all that had occurred after Philip's departure. When he heard of the newspaper Elen had received, conveying the intelligence of her husband'suppused dentil, Luscombe uttered an exclamation of surprise. “Have you no other reason for b-lieving in Philip’s death than that paragraph?” he inquired. Ellen replied in the negative.

Luscombe meditated fur some moments, and then said ; “It would be wrong to create fa he false hopes, Mrs Whitmore; bat I cannot h-dp fancying Grabbe has something to do with tills matter. I know that lie, was acting with Beceiri'a before Philip left, and it is emt passible that it 'may be a scheme of their con'l iving.” Haynes snook ids Head. i do not t uns if probable,” he said, “the long si! 'nee corrohoratetae news; besides, it appears i*> me rather ;■>.« forced a conclusion for lids matter-of-fact. at.-. Reflect, my dear Sir, that f’.iilip would be Labi to return at any moment and frustrate Lair plot; for you surely do not suspect Bcecham of plotting his brother’s death ? ” Ellen turned pale, and clasped her hands, waiting breathlessly for the answer. L sc mbe noticed her agitation, and assuming a composure he was far from feeling, n; ... l. “Certainly not, but I fancied—however, [ am very glad this event lias occurred. As I have told you, I heard from Grubbs tliat Philip n j left England, and although I have c deal on him several times, he has always met me w ith the same answer, ‘No news.’ Now, I think, in ic.lee to Mrs Whitmore, the matter should bedewed no; and if you will allow me to act with you. Mr Haynes, we may be able to obtain some definite account. It will be more sati-ihetory to ymir cliei t if the whole thing is mad.,' plain; we may. perhaps, get something out of Gr.ibbe's clerk ; he is a roguish looking customer, but a liitie bribery is not only justifiable, but judicious in some cases. As to the picture, Mrs 'Whitmore, I shall feel pained if you refuse to accept it ; my former friendship for Philip warrants me in reque.-tiag your acceptance of it, in m-yntri mi .” Seeing that Luscombe would he mortified by a refusal, Ellen acceded to Luscomhe's request; and left the room with Haynes, Luscombe savin t to the latter before he went, at the same tun ■ giving

him a meaning glance, 1 shall have the honor of calling at your office to-morrow morning, d.lr Haynes.” j The solicitor replied by a nod, and Lnseomhe 1 returned to his guests, not much inclined to share in their hilarity, or to endure the “chair” with; 'which his re-appearance was hailed. j “Well, old fellow” said Lowe, “are \vs to; congratulate you upon a sudden conquest ? Wheni is the happy event to come off? ” ■ “Stuff," replied Lu?co:nbe, “it was a business matter, a commission for a picture,” “All right,” rejoined his friend, h•'stowing a significant wink on the rest, “no douht the pro-j dnetion will be an improvement from the last. However, let’s be jolly, and sink the shop,.” j Luscombe got rid of his guests as soon as pos-j sible ; and retired to rest, after thinking over his j plan of proceeding with Haynes ou the following dayCHAPTER XIX. PLOT A CCD COrxIERPLOT. Luscomhe had, in conscqucr.ec of Ellen's presence, refrained “€Js > ■•*3Rom giving expression to his suspicions, ke really did entertain some \ t 5 rA'P? t idea of foul play on the part ol ‘j p' = ' LJ I Beecham towards his brother; and S’ye- he was desirous of talking the matter over \ V. with Haynes. He found the solicitor at hi? office, and at once told him what he suspected. | “I do not exactly agree with yon,” said Haynes. 1“ It appears that Philip's father has already disinherited him ; and from what I hear of Beecham’s character, I imagine lip is too calculating to pla.ee himself in jeopardy. Still, I coincide with your j ;dce, that it is advisable to have, die mater cleared 'up ; the question is, what is the best way to proceed?” “I think something may he done with the | clerk,” replied Luscombe. “It is not n nice ; thing to do, but from what I have seen of Grabbe, 1 I think it is our only chance. I feel comiuced that there is something wrong in the affair ; r.ud will do uij best to fathom ft* *

“You must be careful not to expose your motive,” send Haynes, “in the event of this clerk proving faithful to his employer, it would render any further attempt worse than useless.” “Trust to my discretion,” was lae rejoinder; ‘•I will enquire into Ids antecedent-;; that most men have a vulnerable point, is one of the few truisms I have picked up. I wiii ask you to pave me a week, and hope to have some iutorinatioa for yarn. by that tin:.-.” Leseoiah' enlistad the services of bis servant,I Josh, iu tile enquiries be mad.:; be! the oak j point of any importance ascertained b, lint i-idi-: vidual was, llmt ■ Walters spent an evening once a! week at a public house near his residence, hp Stamford--;: tvi-t, where he ii'.ied the president hichair at a harmonic : :eetimr. Laseomn ■ a." mwiuetl to visit the ho;!-,: on the next occa-ion tint Walters was likely to he preseim, and endeavour led make Ids ac.r.niutauee. in aceorJani;e witii lids' determination, lie presented him elf at the “ Black-! friar’s Arms,” and interrogate.,! a grettNV-lookiujj waiter, rejourna in the aristocratic comma -n of " Bill." Lively Baff.-rs,’ sir, yes.-ir, flr.-.t lloor, t;irn to the left,” and Lnscombe, followdaq: the direelioa, outvi himself outside a room, from whence issued| " Lively Bull':rs’ ” play ml manner of cxj.re»i;ijri their hiyh opinion of a sou? jr.st concluded. Li’s - nidie’s student days had ren h-red him familiar with such semes, lie therefore entered the room, and ordering a Lass of brandy and water, 1 joked round at the individuals a.-s -added. He was surprised at the appearance of Walters, fie had formerly only seen (Ir ihbe’s clerk in business liours, «hen the sn-aklau air that pervaded that iv-p :.;t ddc practitioner's old,a- bumf Over' him; bet hue he v.:i> quite a I'ilf-reut bei.u. appiaiaae; "ae of the jollirst of the company, j iLusco:.i!ie moved towards the president's chair, an I assuming a tVank manner, asked him to drink ; i Pin invitation which that poter.tale was graciously : i pie ad to ace, 7.. { ; W liters ha.a evil-:rl> been indulging freely jhe leaked tit La-: i„. e see.rchiaLy, and sod, I" Ike S'-eu you ij - . -. ea , let’s see, oh 1 up at old, ; Vampire’s ; you c eae about Whitmore—no no,' ■eh ? Close die, old lim abac —now if you bad cum.-: | to me” ei! he b.-otowei a significant wink! 'upon Lnseoudae, i 1 The I-i't -r -haVd, uneeid m wbc'b-r Walters! i Was en ! -avoaraig to perform lae oa malum ofi j" paiiipuia,” lull tail worthy’s nttc.e,am wa- ! already diverted to t;.„- disposal of his liquor, and ■ La-eombe de'ertuin.-d to w.,1; for :: tin, ■, hopin'.", itaat is, it,a.led reiresnert ww ,d reu ler his new, ta-- [i.auitaire more commnaie,,ilve. In the m •an ; time, be in ide an an in-pecr:oa of tin; company.' :the mayor part of wl om app mred to cmis.sl ut knarm cier.rs, would-be “ s/.u-iis,” ft h.ir pea;/.; pi at ■.! poii 1 -rous cuacas and h-i i--1 p a:, rue I garments, an 1 e mt I iviun to sp m 1, at e ■ ■ four o’c.ock, about three tea s the mu mat tar; I they r,-e uved as “ screw ’’ fur tear il.yV' occupation ; 1 Maing w hat I'ney coast,le.v.i :.n cm.able he’, until lh : tador wii. s’an llt no 10.'.a' ’f, and the htii’ !>i lis h \;o:a ih: •, wl. -a ae, hiapse takes pice ’, ar.d they retire, to nuke room for others of tiie son' stamp. ; It was evil eit tb it the “ I.ke’.y Baums” pas t'iia's aiil-'i’iiii-e s;, :c ■ ;tot ae gue.-' s ilie p is,da ,I‘v of tb-'lr ivquir.a: au-i iier “ no,” until ill a snort Unit tie m parity vr me muinnr’y elevated to mau.lXt a pre,X:"tion for n-usy choruses. L a mom' !■■ was watMi.e' an la.hviduai who um sb-iiP mm at ;b, tup of ins \■ e the burden of a pbtly having refer,-a ■■to tn ■ h, irions crime of d t c;\ -1 _f an impoverished in bvidua! of bis mil: i.u : m, when be felt a boi 1 1 i.d on bis shoal am. and heard V\ .deers say, “ Lei's net out of this ; 1 waul to talk to \t, if' Leseomhe be u 'da,'■ 1 v rise an I !-ft tile room, ddbued by Wait ■[';■, u no, to til - f mm m's astoukbme.it, appeared iiiare sUmr tbni be had doata sdurt time pre\ ion-',y. In fact, lie was not as in.tovicaled as lie appaired; he was just far ■ ingh gone to render an iniiviunal of his nature doubly cautious. 11‘ 1-.1 the way down St'iaiford-st reel, •01 I pan-ilia b n’ire owe of the last houses ill tuat tlner.i.in it'a-e. op uied the door, and beckoned to La s 'oai.ve to enter. , “ lb:low me upstairs,” he said, sTikin’ a 'match, ‘'mind bow you go, for it's a pr-eion--1 shaky old crib;” and with ibis caution lie pmde.l the way into a dingy bedroom. Ligating a candle, be busied himself for a few moments ia dragging from some mysterious receptacle a ca.- * bottle, which ii: placed on the table, and manatbetnriug pome hot water with the aid of a “li i melor's tkettle.” Wilde he was engaged in lais occupation, L'iseombe had au opportunity of noting the contents of the r<aim.

| Waiters tenanted this room when h;< duty did . no* repnire hint to sleep at tile c’.iamb-rs m Thavies Inn—that is to s iy, when bis employerness an hand which required their prehence without n witness. The apartment was shabbily and scantily furnished ; flic only noticeable article bmn_r a large dcctl-box, apparently jsap-rannaated faun same lawyer’s office, secured I by a heavy pidlock. i “lean hah, isn't it!” asked Walters, readintr | Lu-c nni' -h opinion in the expression of his fenbares, '-bill that’s n ’ither here nor there; the ones!ion is, what, do you want to pvt out of m ', ;iar I s iiipa c t’utt was w.ut brought you to t ' J’faekfnars’ to-night r” Luseomiic was t.iiieu aback at his motive being 1 so accurately I’.uhomel; still tii-’re was something undmined, yet encouraging, in toe clerk's tone, which led him to reply, '' 1 will be cmaul with 'you; I want some information which you can : give me, and far which I am prepared to pay handsomely.'’ “ Stop a minute,” interposed Walters, ‘*l wan! torch you a question first —-what has become ol Philip Whitmore f ” “ Why, that is the very thing I wish to ascertain from you!” exclaimed Luscombe, in sur- - prise. 1 Walters grinned— it was not a smile, but a sar- - donie twist of t'ne features. “ I’ve saved yua '• heating ahaiit the bush, at 'any rate,” he said : I " ami now to business. W hat do you know about 1 him ?—speak plain if you want to gain your eml; r ! can tel! if you are keeping anything back ; and s and if you do, I cry off.’’ After a few moment's reflection,Lnsconibs conshiemi ii would be. the hc.-t course to do so, am! - accordingly related all lie knew concerning the s matter. e, Waiters gave a long whistle when he heard of r Philip’s wife being in the possession of property, d a fact, with w hich till his eaves-dfopping and letteri- opening had not made him acquainted. When tLuscombc concluded, his auditor snapped his e fingers, and appeared excited. ■ej “ I don’t believe a word of the account of his vdcnlh,’’ lie ejaculated , “ what v. ill ycai give, now, d fur satisfactory proof that he is living f ” dj “I can’t say until I have consulted Mrs Whitjmore’s solicitor,” replied Luscombe, " but on m;

• |owa account I will undertake to give a hundred I ■ I-' 1 •I •• Make it two, and I agree," said Walters. “ Well, I think it may he mi tinged,” rejoimi Lusaomb.;, “ but of course the proof must be peril Kelly satisfactory.” I • *• And wii-.il will you give,” continued Wallers,! •I “it by my inslruinca’alu. v I’iidip V/iutinore is restored lo Ills proper pa.-'ai m, —to the right ofj |bN iaherirnH.a without, ins fatti -r or ;;!iV Uii3 dsC ; ,(having the (lower to deprive him of il ? ” i j “ Cin you do thisF” asked Lascumba ini ■ astonishment. ) il “I can and will, on two conditions,” replied 1 Walters. j “ And those coalitions”—enquired Luscombe. i “A fair remuneration for my trouble, in the drst place,” was the reply, “and in the second,) ,’tliat von avast me in giving that old scoundrel, 1 ijGrabbe, his deserts. j ■ I lutscombe's reply sounded remarkably like a] ■ vv: h which, if fuiftll.-d, would provide Grabbaj with a very unnl cwr.it termination to his carreer, i" Do what you like to him,” he continued, “ No : ou) would relume mure lima myself to see him! , ‘ served out,’ as you term il.” I I “Then it’s a bargain” rejoinded Walters, ;m (My I homy! :i shall be, a'lle'c-i toil you something that will astonish yon.” (To he continued.)