The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1878-01-12
CHAPTER II.

During our absence from the buster haunts
of men, there had occurred in London an in
cident uneXampled in its nature, and des-
tuned to exercise considerable influence on
our future lot.
Mr.. Lewcraft, who had never within the
memory of any of his neighbors been known
to leave Fountain Violet except to put to
sea, suddenly appeared in the metropolis
and presented himself to the astonshed
gaze of his solicitor and agent, Mr.. Tobias
Earwaker, Copthallcourt, City-rents.
Why did Mr.. Earwaker turn so pale and
grip the arms of his office chair as if he had
been confronted by a specter? To say
truth, his old clients appearance was not re-
assuring White and worn, with a harassing
cough, and strange, wistful glitter in his
restless eyes; clad in long brown coat,
threadbare, and hanging about his attenu-
ated frame like that of scare-crow, Mr..
Lewcraft stood there the very personitica-
ton of the eager, wealthy, but dying miser,
clinging to the last to his idol, gold, yet
fearfully conscious that it must, within the
briefest space, be to him less or worse than
nothing.
Nor, when my uncle spoke, was the hOarse,
sepulchral voice-therefore not unpleasant
and full OF the melody of money-out of
keeping with his changed exterior
Mr.. Earwaker, recovering himself, rose
hastily:
My dear, good sir! this is indeed pleas
ant surprised
perhaps, Earwaker, the pleasure may be
diminished when /" A cough inter-
rupted the speaker, and he sank into chair.
"Aha! how is that, my good friend ~
asked the lawyer, in whose voice slight
tremor might be detected. "By the way,
how well you are lookingr'
"If what you call daylight in Copthall-
court gave you any title 10 judge Of a mans
looks, should say you was tlatterer, Ear
waker," croaked my uncle. Tut man! you
may read death in my face. But to business.
| am here, Earwaker, to tender you my very
sincere acknowledgements for the ability
ana integrity with which you have managed
my numerous investments, and to relieve you
of all further duties respecting them"
81 was in hopes, sir, that your visit was
rather with the intention of adding to
Them" said the lawyer. Cautiously enough,
had just been examining list, newly pre-
pared for your inspection, OIL really think
the very soundest and most promising"
"No matter" interrupted Mr.. Lewcraft.
my mind is fully made up. / am about to
realize every shilling" ....
"You don't say sou calculated the other
with sort of gasp, as of one who has re-
ceived a shower-bath. "But, sir, the
prices"
"rll take my chance, Everything sold
Tor the next account. lou Will merely hand
over the scrip, etc"
| should surely watch my opportunity,
sir"
Don't I tell YOU, my good friend, the
thing is done ~ asked my uncle, with some
impotence, Everything Is sold for the
next account here; here is duplicate list"
And he produced paper wherein every de-
scription OF stock, shares, etc, in Earwaker's
custody, belonging to Mr.. Lewcraft, was
noted down in very clerkly fashion indeed.
"SoldG" echoed the lawyer, family. "You
have then already instructed Bilkham-"
Passing his office, thought might as
well save you that trouble" said Mr.. Lew
craft, indifferenty.P
81 shall, of course, observe your direc-
tons. But, excuse me, my good friend,
have you reflected on the serious loss Of in
Gomez SO much moDey-let us, at a rough
guess, call 1t 60,000-lying dead, sir, deadp'
demonstrated the lawyer.
"What is dead Is beyond misfortune, Ear
waker," said my uncle with grin so pecul-
lar and sinister that it almost appalled, the
other. Banks break, stocks fall, schemes
collapse, men rob. For whatever time Is left
me here will know no banker but myself"
"My dear sir, you astonsh me-"
"Prepare to be still more astonished,"
said my uncle, quietly. "Be good enough to
remit to me the proceeds OF these several
sales, as far as practicable, In specie"
In specie Sixty thousT-"