Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1872-10-10

be glad OF q few moments conversation
with your brother She led the way
down stairs, and l found Mr.. Edmund
Webster in the dining-room. Have tho
Kindness said, to let me see the hat
Mr.. Brown left behind at the tavern i'll
exchange for yours. The young man
seemed surprised at the apparent odd
ness Of the request, but Immediately
complied with it. And pray, what
maker or sellers name was pasted in
side the crown of your hat, Mr.. Web
ster.'
Lewis, of Bond street. he replied:
Il always purchase my hats there
Very good. And now as to Mr..
Browns personal appearance. What is
he at all like?
"A stoutish middle-aged IN an, with
very light hair, prominent nose, and
pale face, considerably pock-marked.'
That will do for the present Mr.. Web
seer; and let me beg that, till you see
me again, not soul receives hint that
we are NOV ing in this business
then left the house. The hat had
furnished an important piece OF infor-
nation, the printed label inside being.
Perkins, Guilford, Surrey; and at the
Rose and Crown Inn, Guiltord, Surrey,
alighted the very next day at about
two o'clock, in the strong hope OF meet
ing in Its steep streets or adjtceut lanes
with astoutish gentleman, distinguished
by very light hair, a long nose, and a
pockmarked face. The chance was, at
all events, worth trial; and | very dill
| igently SGT to work 10 realize il, by
walking about from dawn till dark.
peeriug at every head l passed, and
| spending the evenings in the most fire.
qucnted parlors of the town. Many a
| bootless chase | was led by a distant
| glimpse of light or rcd hair; and one
| fellow with a sandy poll, and pair of
the longest legs l ever saw, kept Inc al
sultry hot morning, on the road to
| Guernsey, before | headed him aud con-
ironted IL pair of tat cheeks, as round
aud red as an apple, between which lay
scarcely visible, short snub-nose. Pa
tience aud perseverance ut length, how
ever, met with their reward | recog-
nlzed my man a. he was cheapenine a
| joint OF meat in the market-pIace. He
answered precisely to the de scription
| given In :, and Wore, moreover, fash
ionable hat. strongly suggestive OF Bond
street. After awhile he parted from his
wife, and made towards public-house,
Into the parlor Of which | entered close
alter him. i had now leisure 10 OBJ
serve him more closely. He appeared
to be respectable sort OF man, but a
care-worn expression fitted at times
over his face, which To me, an adept in
such signs, indicated with sufficient
plainness much anxiety Of mind. aris-
ing, probably, from pecuniary embar-
ra-Sment, not, judged, from a burden
ell conscience. | presently obtained
iurther and decisive proof, though that
was scarcely needed, that Mr. skinner.
as he waiter called him, was NV Mr..
Brown; in rising to leave the room, |
took his hat, which he had hung up. in
apparent mistake for my own, and in
the haif-minute that elapsed before re-
placed it, saw, plainly enough, Lewis,
Bond street, London on the inside la
bel. The only question now was, how
to best avail myself of the luc kv turn
ing up of Mr.. Brown; and whilst was
meditating several modes of action, the
sight OF board, upon which was paint-.
ed, This ground to be let in Building
Leases; apply TO Mr.. skinner, Builder
at once decided me. called upon Mr..
skinner, who lived about half 4 mile
out OF Guilford, the next morning, in
qulred as TO the conditions Of the said
leases, walked with him over the
grounds IN question, calculated togcth-
er how much ahandsome country-house
would cost, and finally adjourned to
!
Ter further over a bottle OF wine. Skin
ncr was as free a soul. found. as ever
| liquor betrayed into indiscretion; and |
| soon he ard that he had lately been to
London, and had rich brother-in-law
there OF he name of Hutton, with other
less interesting particulars. This charm
ing confidence, he seemed to think. re-
| quirod return IL kind, and after he
had essayed kalI-a-dozen indirect quc,-
tons, ealIle frankly out with: There's
no occasion to beat about the bush, Mr..
Skinner, you wish to know who | am,
and especially il AL able to pay for
the fine house we have been talking OF.
! Well, then, l am money dealer. l
lend cash, sometimes, on security.
"A pawnbrokerr queried Mr.. Skinner
doubtlully.
Not exactly that: | oftener take per-
sons in pledge, than goods. What |
mean by money-dealer, is Il man who
discounts the signatures of fast men
with good expectations, who don't mind
paving handsomely in the end for pres
ent accommodation.
Il understand; bill discounter?'
Precisely. But come, drink, and
pass the decaLter.
A CLEAN that shot out of the mans
gray eyes strengthened hope had
hardly dared entertain, that l was on
the eve OF great success but the
front, it was clear, required TO be eau
tiously played. Mr.. Skinner presently
fell isto brown study which l aid not
Interrupt, contentlng myself with re-
filling his glass as fast as he mecha nical-
ly emptied it. "A pill dis COUNTER said
he at last. putting down his pipe, and