The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1873-06-28

have with old Richard Crumshaw He re-
membered the face, dimly, and wondered
if he had ever seen il before.
Up the path, leading to the door, walk
ed Sidney Vivian, and raising the huge,
old-faishioned knocker, he awaited the
coming Of a servant.
But So long period Of time elapsed ere
he received an answer to his summons,
he repeated the call, this second apphca-
tion meeting with better success, footsteps
echoing along the hall.
The door opened slowly on its rusty
hinges and an old woman, bent with age,
and followed by aman fully as far advanced
in years faced him, the latter holding a
cane, tinidly and fearfully surveying their
unexpected visitor, by the htfully flaming
candle which the woman held IN her hand.
She regarded Vivian for a moment scru-
tingingly, and then said
~ ell, sir
MIR. Crumshaw ne resides here.
you must be stranger III these parts
not to know that Eichard Crumshaw lives
here, was the reply. He has but few
visitors and does not wish to be disturbed,
unless it Is on business OF Importance Can
1 convey any message to HIM for you Il
NO, must see HIM personally"
Old Mrs Gaines opened the door wide
enough for him to enter closing and dou
ble-lockIng it after him.
You use great deal of precaution, 4"
incidentally remarked Vivian This
seems 70 be a quiet village.
Mr. Crumshaw is peculiar in his meth
od Of living, replied the servant This
way, sir
She led the way, as She spoke, along a
dark corridor, and up broad but bare
staircase, Vivian following, and his guides
husband remaining below.
AS they reached the upper landing Wv
ian stumbled. his aged guide turning to
catch his arm Either the stumble OF the
sudden tmging back Of his cloak caused
long sheathed knife, which he always car
ried, e. fall from his person, at all events,
as il fell to the floor he stopped quickly to
pick il up. Not too soon for his attend
ants quick eyes, however, for, as she no
ticed the ieweled sheath she gave utter
ance 70 slight exclamation Of distrust,
ard led the way suspiciously regarding the
stranger to a door near by, at which she
knocked
Come in" echoed grutf. cracked
voice, and the door opening, the twain en-
tered
"a gentleman to See you, sir, said the
old servant
The old man at the table, Richard
Crumshaw, did not look up. Before him,
on the table, lay pile Of papers, and at
his elbow large wallet, open, and stuffed
with bank notes
''Whs il itl' he asked
The woman looked at the visitor inquir
ingly.
''Sidney Vivian, was the reply, your
nephew /" as Mr. Games left the room.
The thin old man arose to his feet with
tremor Of surprise.
sidney Niv-ian'' he repeated in amaze
ment staring at Vivian. and leaning for
support upon the back Of the pld arm chair
in which he had been seated.
Mr. Vivian bowed. watching keenly the
man before HIM But if h., expected any
demonstration ~ aifectionat, welcome from
his host aud relative he Was doomed to be
disappointed, for the old man surveyed
HIM. silently, for moment, and then his
evident startled surprise giving place to hls
usual manner. b.. resrated himself, pointed
u 4 seat opposite and coldly sand
1T Is sometime since | last saw you.
You are changed somewhat.
II suppose 50, replied Vivian, ten
wears. uude, the hot sun Of tropical India
changes man somewhat | was but boy
when you saw me last
You are man, now, replied Mr..
Crumshaw Your last letter was dated
some months back How long have you
been III England
VIVIAN hesitated. II vas evident that
he was at fault upon some point, but if
nouplussed, he answered steadily.
II have been in England but a few
weeks. but long enough to be defrauded of
the small fortune had brought with me "
Mr. CraIushaw eyed him scrutinizlngly
In what manner l'
II have been robbed. sir, robbed Of the
fruits of all my hard years of toll and
economy
A displeased. disgustf1l look settled
down over old Richard Cr'lmshaw's fea-
lures, and lines Of hardened will and
acridlty Of temper came into his counte
nance
You we're foolish to allow your proper
ty to lie around loose, then, he said, cold
ly I'm this civilized age Of the world
men retrieve their own fortunes, and do
not expect assistance from others.
Sidney Vivian flushed hotly. The old
man. keen and observant that he was, had
read hIs intentions as clearly and correctly
as though he had Just stated them. For
moment both were silent Vivian almlessly
allowing his eyes to wander over the car
peted floor. Mr. Crumshaw resuming his
work at asserting the paper On the table be-
fore him.
Uncle, finally spoke Vivian, arising
and coming up to the table.
The I'd man started. hastily took up the
money-laden wallet, and thrust il into a
drawer.
"Well, he demanded.
SIS this the welcome you give your only
relative, who has crossed the ocean to see
you, who has no thought but to spend his
life here with you My father"
"Aye speak you Of your father !" ejac
ulated the old man, angrily. You are
4 fair representative Of the man who welded
my neice, the only being | ever loved, and
took her to India to sicken and die.
I spendthrift, he borrowed from me, as you
| seek to now live upon me. Listen to me,
/ Sidney Vivian, have lived long enough in
/ this world to value money as the great mo-
/ tive power, and to set the relatives profess
sions of affections upon par with the vap-
id batteries of a sycophant. | know young
blood you have dissipated your money
you come to me for aid Hold y he con-
7 tinued, as Vivian was about to speak, 81
read you and your motives. You say you
have been in England for three weeks.
Why did you not hasten to your dear uncle
at first T.
Vivian flushed with anger under the
open bitterness and sarcasm of the old
mans words.
''Since you appear to be resolved that
shall undertake no explanation, he said,
coolly, 81 have come to you for money"
81 thought So
"And when | said that | had been rob