An Intersting Anguest.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4550, 4 August 1883, Page 1

An Intersting Anguest.

Mr Gimblett called himself a private inquiry agent, and carried on a lucrative business. He had formerly been a detective officer of the Metropolitan Police, and in that capacity; he ; had distinguished himself by his zeal and astuteness on many occasions. Unfortunately, his name got mixed up in a scandal which startled the public a few years ago, and be re* ceived a hint to retire, which he did, and he started in business on hiß own account. Being both clever and experienced, he found plenty of employment and made large sums of money, Hevtook a pride in bis profession and delighted in outwitting bis late colleague^, so that he could always be relied ripon to do his best for his clients. Mr Gimblett bad a modest office on the other side of the water, over a furniture shop. His name was on the door, but he did not attempt to advertise himself. Those who wanted him knew where to find him, and he rather prided himself on his dingy surroundings. He was a dapper little man, with nothing remarkable about his appearance except that he dressed with particular neatness and wore a flower in his button-hole. He might have been mistaken for a betting man—and, in fact, he was rather addicted to gambling on the turf, and generally had a horse in training somewhere on the quiet. ' One morning he found a card on his table bearing the name of Mr John Lar* combe, with an address in Lombard street. "'Referring' to the Directory, he ascertained that Mr Larcombe was one of the partners in a large private bank, and the son of a highly-respected member of Parliament. At the same moment, a shabby, elderly [individual, half clerk, half mersenger—one of a numberless legion of the same nondescript kind who seemed to be always lurking about the premises at Mr Gimblett's beck-and-call — entered the room with some letters. • "When did this come ?" inquired' Mr Gimblett, pointing to the card. " Last night. Gent said he would call the first thing this morning." "Any newsP" inquired Mr Gimblett, carelessly, as he glanced through his correspondence. "Nothing particular. Do you remember Newman who came here once or twice last month?" "Yes. He bad a cock and bull story about being the son of a lord. What about him ?" " He committed suicide last sight by hanging himself on the barristers." ."Poor devil! He was as mad as a hatter- Don't let his wife come bothering here," said Mr Gimblett, in a matter of fact tone. ■' I suppose there was nothing :.n his story." " Nothing. I found out all about him. It was a complete hallucination. Has Harris been this morning?" " Not yet, sir." '•Send him to me when he arrives." The attendant departed, but presently returned to say that Mr Lareombe had called. Mr Gimblett ordered him to be shown in, and a gentleman entered looking pale and agitated. He was a goodlooking man, about forty, prematurely bald, with thin lips, and a determined chin. " I called yesterday, but you were out. I wish to consult you about a very serious matter. ; Mr Gimblett inclined his head, but said ! nothing. His keen eyes were fixed on his 1 visitor's face, and he was quietly taking stock of his appearance. " Do you recollect, the case of a man names Marks which has recently appeared in the papers ? He was charged with forgery and other matters. He was committed for trial at the Marlborough. street Police Court last week." - Mr Larcombe produced, as he spoke, ft cutting from a newspaper, and handed' it to Mr Gimbleit with trembling fingers. The ex-detective glanced at it and laid it on the table. "It looks a clear case," be remarked. "I'm afraid so. The fact is—l presume we can't be overheard, Mr Gimblett ?—the fact is, the real name of the prisoner is not Marks." " Most probably. What is it P" " Laurence Larcombe." " A relation ?" " My brother." " Oh ! That's awkward," saidMrGimb. Lett, turning with apparent interest to the

newspaper report. "An ugly charge, and no defence suggested." * Mr Gimblett that case must not come on'for trial. The disgrace and explosure would kill my father, and would be more . detrimental to the.interest of the family," said Mr Larcombe, lowering his voice and speaking with intense earnestness. ' Mr Gimblett looked his visitor straight in the face, and said : " I believe there is a prospect of your father being made a Baronet, sir." " Yes, I—l believe so." "I also remember reading in some paper or another that some one of your name was engaged to be married to a daughter of the Earl of X ." "The announcement was premature, but—but the event is possible. lam the person referred to in the paragraph," - said Mr Larcombe, colouring slightly. Mr Gimblett had taken in the situation at a glance, and thought it as. well to let his visitor know he had done so, though he affected not to notice the banker's confusion. "Have you seen the prisoner?" he asked.

"Yes. The news was an awful shock tome. My unhappy brother has always been a trouble to, us all; but, until he sent for me the other day I did not know he was in England. It appears he returned from the Colonies nearly a year ago ; but, having broken his word to us by so doing, he kept quiet." " What did he want ?" "Merely to have the benefit of counsel at the trial, in the hope of getting off with a lighter sentence. He doesn't deny his guilt, and the evidence against him is overwhelming. He is sufficiently ashamed of hiff position to be anxious to conceal his identity, and he assures me that none of his- associates has any suspicion of it. But if the trial takes place, exposure will be inevitable, for by that time the police will, no doubt, have found out all about hink."

■•:■ ** That may depend on what officer has charge of the, case,", said Mr Gimblett, rather ambiguously. 111 rely on you to assist me, Mr Gimblett, and money is no object. I thought perhaps it would be possible to bribe the : prosecutors," suggested Mr Larcombe, eagerly. "Toolate!" murmured Mr Gimblett, shaking his head. " Well, how would it do to get him out on bail ?"

"No a moant of bail would be accepted in such a case as this," interrupted Mr Gimblett, decisively. " It's no use deceiving ourselves. The trial must take place, but we must hush the matter up." . "How? What do you advise ?" said Mr Larcombe, desperately, " Who knows that your brother and Marks are one and the same person besides youself ?" inquired Mr Gimblett. •• No one that 1 know of. I haven't breathed a word to a soul,'' said MrLareombe. "But he tells me that he has communicated —not, however, under the name of Marks —with one f or two of his 'former friends since he lias been in London, asking for money." "Ah ! that's unfortunate. It is within the bounds of the possible that the police might not discover his real name and position." said Mr Gimblett, with a barely perceptible wink. •' In that case, if no one had known of his being in England, you might make yourmind tolerably easy. jßut as he has revealed himself, the chances are^the secret will ooze out. It is astonishing now such things get about." "Do you think that you can assist me ?" inquired the banker, anxiously. " If the difficulty can be got over it should," replied Mr Gimblett, quietly. *• Where can I see you this: time to-mor-row ?" . 41 Here. I will call," said Mr Xarcombe. '" •♦ Very. well. Meanwhile, I will make inquiries'" rejoined Mr Gimblett, rising and opening the door for bis visitor. Upon being left alone, the ex-detective carefully reperused the newspaper extract/and, then knitted his brows and began to think, whistling solftly awhile. . :His cogitations had lasted some minutes when the sound of voices ia the adjoining room aroused his attention. He rang the hand*beJl on the table, and the clerk entered.: , => . . „ , , 41 What's the matter there ? he asked, sharply. : "It's .the widow of that poor fellow, Newman, who hanged himself. She want's to see you/ •• She can't." "So I tell her; but she wont go." " Well,-I'll see her," he said, abruptly changing bin tone; and the clerk, with a lingering I'glancei of surprise, turned to leave tte room;, his master began to whistle again, A thin, poorly-clad, hollow-eyed woman wni'ijpYeiinilj'''Whered in. Mr Gimblett immediately perceived that she was beside herself with mingled grief and horror. To his credit be it said that he spoke gently to, her. ' . ) *' You mustn't come here making a disturbance, my good woman." he observed. "My husband is dead. You're heard that?" she,Baid excitedly. Mr Gimblett nodded, and busied him' :gelf with his nails again. "Almost the last words he said to me were that you kuew perfectly well who he ■ was, and that I was to apply to you," said the woman;' Mr Gimblett shrugged his shoulders. tf Do you believe that p" he said. '• Yes," said the woman, sullenly. "I only wish that he bad told me as much as he told you. He was always talking about his affairs, and to this^ day I don't know who bis relations are." , •• Keally," exclaimed Mr Gimblett, with a sudden attention. "How long hate you been married, then ?" 11 Five years. He married me in Australia, where my friends live.". " Oh ! he has been in the Colonies, hos he," mused Mr Gimblett. Have you any children?" he added, after a pause. ".No. All I wnnt of my husbands relations, whoever they are. is sufficient money to find my way back to my friends. I am destitute and starving." Mr Gimblett fell into a reverie, and stared at the ceiling. " When is. the inquest?" he said pre-

gently. ' , . / ".'■■,' .'' ' ' '•• To.-morrow afternoon, at four o'clock." ••-Well, I.don't know- that I can help you, "except.by lending yoaa trifle," said " Mr Gimbiett",' rousing himself and throw- '' mc a iialf-aoTereign across. the table. HoweTer, you can leare me your ad- \ dress." .. . . • ' " The woman took her departure in a . calmer frame, of mind, and. Mr Gimblett, "; after eiring a few directions to. his clerk, Jut on: his, hat and strolled towards the West end. When he. returned to^.s office an hour later, he found Mr Lar* -1 poabe apxiouily awwtmg mm.

" The story has got abroad," erred the banker, in great perturbation : " or, at least, there is an impression that my wretched brother is in trouble. It appears that, in answer to a begging letter, an old friend of the family sent him some money undercover to a post office, addressed to him in the assumed name of Brown. As he received no acknowledgment, the donor, who is a fussy, good-natured person took the trouble to make inquiries. He found'! ...the. letter had not been claimed, and the circumstances aroused his suspicions. He has mentioned the matter to several persons, and has jumped at the conclusion that my brother has met with foul play. I found a letter from him at my office this morning, suggesting that the police should be communicated with."

"What hare you answered?" " Nothing. I came straight here." "Very well. In accordance with your friend's suggestion, you hare put the matter into my hands," sair) Mr Gimblett. "Yes," said the banker with a puzzled expression. " I go straight to your friend and consult with him, to prevent his taking action on his own account, which might lead to awkward disclosures." "Quite so, 1' said Mr Larcombe, his face clearing a little. - •'•Acting on the imformation—apparently, that is—l make a startling discovery. Your brother committed suicide yesterday. You recognise the deceased >as your brother. The Terdict establishes his identity, no further inquiries will be made, and the case of the man Marks will will escape notice," said Mr Gimblett, with perfect composure. The banker turned as pale as marble and stared at his companion with distended eyes. " Are you serious P" he gasped. "So much so that you've only to say the word and the thing is done," re* turned Mr Gimblett. "fiow about the police?" suggested the banker, with an uneasy pause. ♦• I have seen the officer who has charge of the case. JN"o evidence will be forthcoming at the trial with reference to the prisoner's antecedents," said Mr Gimblett with assurance. •• Then—then is there any necessity for taking the course you proposed?" demanded Mr Larcombe, wiping away the beads of perspiration whicli had gathered on his brow. •

"It is absolntely essential that your brother must be accounted for," returned Mr Gimblett, firmly. "He is known to be in London, and his sudden disappear ance has excited attention. The slightest accident might reveal the truth unless all doubts and suspicions are put at rest. This can only be effectually dope in the way I have indicated." . "It will involve my giving evidence on oath," murmured Mr Larcombe, dropping his eyes on the carpet. "Your evidence shall be corroborated," said Mr Gimblett, ignoring the banker's scruples with cynical indifference. " I can arrange that, and there shall be no difficulty. Th!e only question is," ho added, looking keenly, at his visitor, " whether it is worth your while Jto do anything at all. Perhaps, after all, you exaggerate the im» portance of concealing your brother's disgrace." ■"■" No!'' cried the banker, starting up with sudden energy, and smiting the table withi his fist. "At all hazards—at any r sacrifice—all chances of exposure must be averted." ; Two days afterwards, the newspapers contained, a paragraph headed " Shocking Death of a Gentleman." giving an account of the inquest held in one of the southern districts of the metropolis upon the body of Mr Laurence Larcombe, who had committed suicide by hanging himself in an obscure lodginghouse in the Borough. After setting forth the particulars and stating that the deceased bad been identified by his brother and other persons, the papers proceeded to state that the unfortunate gentleman had suffered ' a sunstroke abroad, which rendered him eccentric in his habits, and for months past he bad lived in great penury under the name of Brown, Newman, and other aliases. The widow deposed that the deceased had always persistently concealed hisjdentity but that she knew be was well connected. The jury, while returning a verdictin accordance with the evidence, expressed sympathy wiih the family of the deceased and especially with Mr John Larcomba, the brother, who appeared greatly overcome. The sad event caused a painful impression among the friends and rela* tions of the unhappy man., A week or two later, a brief report went the rounds of the papers of the trial of an obscure individual named Marks, who was sentenced to a long term of penal servitude.—Truth.