Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1873-03-20

about the case. The late Mr.. Delpratt
was client of mine. 1t was through
me the insurance was effected. He was
the natural son of old Joshua Delpratt,
who bequeathed TO HIM absolutely the
Lupton Manor estate-a property of con-
siderable value in Hampshire. Joshua
Delpratt was never married His pre-
snmptive heir was his nephew, Delamere
Delpratt, the father of Ernest. You fol-
low me?"
You're getting complicated. But at
present, understand"
'Delamere Delpratt was a scoundrel,
and Joshua proclaimed his intention to
leave all he possessed TO Eustace, rather
than to his nephew, Deamere, who had
brought disgrace upon the family. To
assist Delamere, Eustace borrowed large
sum of money. This was in Joshua S
lifetime, MUD. Eustace could not Of
course, charge the estates, which he was
only to acquire under the will of a man
who was still living, and who might at
any time change his mind as to the dis
posal of his property. The only security
Eustace could offer was his reversionary
interest in sum in the funds invested
for the benefit of his mother, and the
subject indeed of the Delpratt Trust, the
oCSdo anu VI ALI Jlldt ILL
box beside you. Further, he could, as he
did, insure his life heavily, lodge the pol
icies, and bind himself to pay the pre-
miums regularly Of the money ad-
vanced Eustace never touched a half
penny. All was absorbed by Delamere
On coming into possession of the estates,
Eustace paid off the loan, but thought it
worth while to keep up the policies He
had especially in view the benefit of the
legitimate members Of the family. OF
these the man you saw to day.
81 did not see him." interrupted Mr..
Pixley. II was engaged when he called
But heard of his visit from the assist
ant secretary, who had some converse
ton with him.
"Wen, of>f4ese Ernest Delpratt is now
the sole representative; for Delamere, his
father, died of drink, many years ago,
leaving no other issue Eustace, my
old friend and client, left no chill
dren. Here you have, briefly told,
the story Of the Delpratts."
''Then this Ernest is the last of the
race?''
''The last of the race"
"His father, you say, was scoundrel
and he?"
"Well, I'd rather defer my opinion.
Wemustn't be in hurry. He is, clearly
and there he's wrong. Hurry, needless
provokes distrust. The case must be
looked into, but very quietly"
s1n suspicious cases.
"Mind, don't say that this is suspic-
ious as yet" interrupted Mr.. Merdock.
LET me continue. In suspicious cases
what we have to inquire is, who is the
person who benefits by the death of the
insured? IF wrongs been done, there
must be an inducement, a motive for it.
Find out that, and"-
"My dear Pixley, hadn't you better
leave it al to me? Don't keep dog and
bark yourself. I'll attend to it. Pm
going TO the funeral on the 9th
"You are? Then I've nothing more to
say; only keep me informed of every
thing"
"Of everything. And mind you do the
same towards me-
That night Mr.. Merdock left London.
On the morning of the 9th of Novem-
Der carriage from Lupton Manor was
waiting at the Andover station to meet
the early train from London. Mr. Mer-
dock, however, stood On the platform Of
the station some time before the arrival
of the train. He was dressed in deep
black and looked worn and anxious.
Among the passengers brought down
from town was Mr.. Pixley. Mr. Merdock
fastened towards him, and drew him
aside.
you got my letter, of course? Now
be very careful, Pixley. Don't say q
There's a carriage waiting to take Us to
Lupton, pleasant drive over the Hamp-
shire downs. The drivers been resting
at the Andover Arms; he only drew up
to the station when the train was in sight.
He supposes that we both came down by
the train. You're understood to be my
clerk. You would come, and you must
accept that position. But be very care
full what you say Not word more now.
You're from Lupton, coachman? To
meet gentleman from London: Quite
right"
They entered the carriage and were
driven from the station.
Pull up that window, Pixley. That
fellow mustn't hear us. This is q delicate
matter, and We must proceed very eau
tiously"
"Well? And what's been done?"
'I've not been idle, but III own I've
but a poor case as yet can't get much
beyond suspicion. | cannot arrive at
proof Still, I've set two or three at
work, and something may come out at
any moment. l couldnt appear actively
in the matter myself for many reasons.
We must lull suspicion as much as posi-
BILE. The criminal, if there is one-and,
mind, l won't yet say that there is one
will then grow holder, imprudent, per
haps, and then we have a chance"
c., OsS
"Not so loud Yes. You know, Or
perhaps you don't know, what country
coroners are. And we've scarcely pre-
text for demanding an inquest. The doc
tor, local practitioner, sticks to his an
eurismal hypertrophy. What can we do
in the face of his certificate? The ser
wants have been got at, not by mel did
not dare GO near the house-and question
ed skilfully enough without awakening
their suspicious Something has been
gathered that may be Of Importance. A
hint of physic bottles destroyed immedi-
ately after the death of Mr.. Delpratt But
it's nothing like clear enough at present,
and there may be nothing in it,
"But if the funeral
THE funeral doesn't matter. If we've
any evidence to go upon, we can obtain
from the Home Office an order for disin-
terment. Never mind about the funeral.
Get that over quietly; it may be all the
better for u.s."
"But the other doctor, who gave a hint
to the Office
"Pve seen him, and it only comes to
this-he suspects. He was dismissed