The Portsmouth inquirer. [volume] (Portsmouth, O. [Ohio]) 1849-1855, 1855-02-23


crack in the old door, retiring discreetly
at its close, lest peradventure Mr.. Franz
F., Bedford had discovered him, and chastised
him for his impertinent curiosity.
so then, he muttered as he betook him
self to his dormitory; Mr.. Franc Bedford
! is not Mr.. Flank Bedford after all, but
Mr.. Frank Har'a d. Harlandl now /
thine of it, that is the name of the banker
on whom Ipropose 20 operate tomorrow,
I Well--well-this is queer world. Har-
landl and the silly fools never worked
that mine. Astonishing!
X X Il 4 ~ II
Midday The dim sunlight found its
way through gorgeous curtains into small
apartment, richly and thichly carpeted, on
the walls Of which hung several old fami-
| ly portraits. On one side was book
case and writing table, on the other, stood
in small recess, an iron safe. There
were two doors in this ,room--the first
opening into the entry, the second into
another room.
Paleas ghost, tremblingin spite of the
copious hbations he had taken 10 inspire
courage, there stood in the centre of the
floor, no other person than---Jack Mas
ters
If this isn't the most daring exploit
man ever attempted! To enter house at
MONDAY! | am astonshed at myself
But desperation WORKS wonders. Here is
the safe and here's the key. Aid me, Sa-
tan, for one minute, and l am yours truly
forever and day.
He applied the key to the lock and lifted
the lid. 1t contained apparently, mass
of papers. Opening these carefully, his
eyes sparKled with lurid light as they rest
ed on well filed money purse, which he
instantly secured. He was proceeding to
search further wien he heard a foots!ep in
the next room. Hastily closing aud lock-
ing the safe, he vanished with his prize
through the door which led into the entry
A moment afterwards, an elderly hard
featured man entered. lie drew repeat
er from his fob, consulted it, and then be
moved across the room with impatient
strides.
Time flies, said he; 4 am waited for on
change and the fellow is not yet COME
How confounded unlucky was the loss of
that key. Old Trivet is dead, his shop
burned down! his journeyman Nowhere to
be traced--and the lock secret. Won
der if James will be more successful to-day
than he was yesterday.
The door opened, two men entered--
One was tho steward the other our friend,
Frank Harland
4 have found him, sir, said the former
and he retired, leaving Frank and the
banker alone
"A locksmitll? asked the banker, haught-
lily You worked FOR Tryet, l believe?
| Till he died, sir, replied Frank.
'Then you recognize that safe
| lido, sir-I put on the lock, myself.
Can you pick that lock?
4 can. constructed it myself
very well. ] have unfortunately lost
the key. l have urgent need of papers it
contains to-day. You viii open it. / will
leave it unlocked today, securing the room
it stands in. Tomorrow you will return
and be prepared to make another key
The locksmith went to work. In amo-
ment the safe was unlocked, and Frank
stood back, giving the banker the pleasure
of lifting the lid himself.
you are good workman said he
What is the matter with your arm"
4 met with an accident three weeks ago.
very well. Here are two guineas.-
Are you sufficiently paid?'
Too well. lii had change l would re-
turn you portion of this money
Don't talk to me of change. Put up
your money--and leave mel am busy.
Come back at the same hour tomorrow
One moment, sir, if you please said
Frank, whose eyes had been attracted by
portrait on the wall. But pray whose
likeness is that?'
That, sir, said the banker, reddening-
SIS a portrait of--of a member OF my fam
ily.'
1t very strsnge!' said Frank, musing-
ly. w
Strange that l should have portraits of
members of my family hanging up in my
house?'
No, sir, not -but-but the resem-
blance,' stammered Frank.
4 The resemblance to whom-to whom,
sirp asked the banker, uneasily.
TO my father, sir replied Frank.
Your iatheri upon my word that's good.
| am very much honored, l assure you.
Have you any more questions to ask about
my pictures, sir? you seem to be a con
noisSeur.' Ei'9 hi' itt
: Fiankuttered sudden exclamation.-
Directly opposite hung the lilehke image
of the beautiful young girl whom we had
so lately saved from destruction at the risk
of his own life. ,.. ,04
I ;I7ssQne word more, he stammered point
! Ing to the picture, Pray, who is that?'
MY daughter, sir said the banker,
shortly.
and your name is-F h-
tHarlapd, Rupert Harland. / thought
every one in London knew me. Go now
: and attend to your businese-leaye me the
same privilege = iet u s.iL
'Harlandl Harland? cried Frank, =
: %, uncle, don't you recognize a family
! likeness in my. facet Don't your heart
tell you chat your nephew stands before
your '7' ''-''s
is the fellow mad? You my nephew