he card and laid it on Bro

n Mr. Barton's room.

ich lay open upon the desk before him, and which he had

he answered. "Sh

and, and carefully selecting the most comfortable chair, seated him

ed, tersely. "Busy, of course. A

nsidered myself desperately busy. But after last week

ranmore

, I suppose," he remarke

s assented. "Our majority was le

re shrugged

"and after all it was a clear gain

g down and people are beginning to realize that matters nearer home need a little attention, I cannot see how th

ranmore

at I didn't come here to talk politics. There was a litt

ed up in so

repeated, a l

ties so far as I know quite satisfactorily. Now that he is dead, however, I intend to make a change. The remaining partners in his firm are unknow

he had leave his cheeks. For a

re," he said at last. "This is such a surprising offer. I sca

re shrugged

nterests more closely. Then-although I cannot pretend that I am much influenced by sentimental reasons-still, I knew your father, and the strangeness of our few years of life as neighbours inclines me to be of service to you provided I myself am not the sufferer. As to that I am prepared to tak

and his slow drawl had given him an opportunity to do so. He glanc

ch an offer as you have made me-an immediate and prompt acceptance. If I seem to hesitate, it is

but his face remained as the face of

f a certain Mr. Lacroix? He is the author, I believe, of several books of travel in West

him in no way. His face wore still its

er dwelling within fifty miles of you. He said this upon his own authority, and upon the authority of his Indian

nodded his he

e two statements, of

, go

g a paperweight tightly in one hand, and

Mr. Lacroi

ing to do," Lord Arranm

answer

it to me," Lord Ar

up the lette

S' CLUB, D

AR

m perfectly convinced that at the time of my visit to Lord Arranmore on the bank of Lake Quo, there was no Englishman or

lf? He would certainly confirm what I

s sin

OR LA

letter," Lord Arranm

ter up and flung it int

police-courts amongst the criminal classes. His whole life was one long record of splendid devotion. His health at last breaks down, and he is sent by his friends for a voyage to Australia. He never returns. Years afterwards his papers and particulars of his death are sent home from one of the loneliest spots in the Empire. A few weeks ago you fou

haps not," Lord Arranmore an

l me how?" Br

. He had the air of one weari

st a few things. Who was your trustee or

of Lincoln's

aw him, of course, prio

lan

es

ll your father made over by deed of gift the whole

that," Broo

re shrugged

esn't that suggest his already half

d to go to Australia, and he never intended to return to England. He sailed instead by an Allan liner from Liverpool to Quebec under the name of Francis. He went

t flashed in

o return? Then you have the key to the whole thin

rranmore answered, cool

f disappointment. Lord Arran

hich I have not been able to answer. I can, however, give you some advice which I will

ou pl

Depend upon it, his action was of his own free will, and he had excellent reasons for it. If he had wished you to know the

nward to the crump

ter!" he

re shrugged

ix'. I sent you all your father's papers, I brought back photographs and keepsake

mechanical self-possession, attending to some unimportant question. When he replac

ur business talk. I have made you

d to the wast

"I am ashamed of it. Do you me

hat little affair is not worth mentionin

ling, "so I will only say that I accept your offer gratefu

od with his hands behind hi

fice, and go into matters thoroughly. That reminds me. Busher, my head bailiff, will be in to see you this afternoon. Ther

fternoon," Brooks answer

d sleep at Enton. I hope we shall have a good day's sp

a little nod, but on the thre

mber my meeting you in a little tea-shop al

l," Brooks

young lad

as with M

is eyes seemed suddenly full of fierce questi

ott? Who

essly bewildered

in Medchester. He is a bui

e was silent

then, is de

k," Brooks answered, "b

little of

nmore tur

one. You won't forget that Busher will be in this afternoon. He is a very intelligent fellow for

" Brooks repeate