The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1883-07-16

Key u4.4neld il. He little imagined, when
his father cunpingly pointed out that
he could come across the document by acct
dent when it suited his,oenyenienee, that be
would ever be driven TO take adyantageo of so
mean subterfuge
The result of his uneasy reflections was
that he determined not to attempt to inter-
fere with the course OF events. He would
not confess his guilt, but he would take no
steps to conceal it. He even resisted the
natural impulse to place the document in
some other hiding place, and resolved to re-
main perfectly passive if his cousin chose to
pursue his investigations. The fact was, he
felt that the finger of Providence was point
ed at him, and that all attempts to evade his
destiny would be futile.
Rev. Francis went about his duties the
next day with tolerable calmness, being en-
tlrely resigned to anything that might hap
pen. 1t was state of mind produced as
much, perhaps, by constant worry and anx-
lety as By religious sentiments And when
he returned home to luncheon. at midday,
he was hardly surprised to be greeted by the
Information that Marmaduke Toogood and
another gentleman were waiting for him
in his study.
He turned pale, but managed to maintain
his composure. With quick strides he went
to the study which he eDte. ed abruptly.
pied il carefully examining the cabinet. His
cousin advanced to meet him, and intro
duced his companion.
This is Mr. porter" he said, briefly.
Kew. Francis bowed and glanced nervonsly
at the stranger, who was prim little man,
with iron-gray hair and gold spectacles. He
hardly looked brisk and active enough for a
detective, but might very well be lawyer,
bath from his manner and appearance. Mar
maduke at once said:
LEND me your keys, Francis. aud let's
open it,"
He handed them over without a word,
and stood by, looking on with sort of rigid
curiosity. His cousin Unlocked the desk
and proceeded to examine it carefully, pull
ing at the drawers, and peering into The pig
eon-holes and reCesses Mr.. Porter looked
over his shoulder with keen glance and sud-
denly put his hand upon particular shelf.
Il suspect there is a hidden recess here"
ne said rapping with his knuckles, and turn
ing toward Rev. Francis
Nonsense" murmured the poor fellow,
while his heart seemed to stand still.
sl'm sure there is. l think if we take out
this drawer here" said Mr.. Porter, suiting
his action toshis words, 1--WE shall probably
linda spring, or, perhaps-therel / said sop
AS he spoke he touched spring, and a
little door flew open revealing small re-
cess.
''By Jovei that is very ingenious. Halo,
Francis here is paper" cried Marmaduke.
What is it?' gasped Rev. Francis, feel
ing like criminal abou: to be sentenced.
Marmaduke Toogood unfolded the docu-
ment and took it to the light. The next
moment he uttered an exclamation, and
and then, turning to Mr. Porter with rather
mysterious air, be requested him to wait
for him below.
"Who is that gentleman Rev. Francis
could not forbear asking.
''Only old Porter of Wardour street. /
brought him to see the cabinet, so that be
may know the sort of thing ! want return
ed Marmaduke carelessly. "but | say,
Francis" he added. Tread this"
Rev. Francis took the paper and glanced
at it, though he new the contents By heart.
When he lifted his eyes he was struck by
the expression of open and undisguised
astonishme 1T upon his cousins face, which
Convinced him on the spot that Marmaduke
had bern totally unprepared for the dis
covery he had made. In other words, his
own fears had been entirely grounJless, and
be realized that he might easily have kept
his secret, perhaps forever, had he taken
the smallest piecaution. Nevertheless, he
felt neither disappointed nor annoyed, but
was conscious only of blessed sense of
relief.
''It-it appears that owe you large sum
of money" he said, returning the paper
with trembling hand. "It is quite clear
the signature is my fathers, and you shall
be repaid every farthing."
''By Jove! you look devilish bad Francis"
exclaimed his cousin,
$50 would you If you were suddenly
called upon to pay $4,000 or 10000" return
ed Rev. Francis, trying TO smile.
''Pon my word, Francis, you're brick,
and noble fellow" cried Marmaduke, sud-
denly grasping his cousins hand. "You
bear it like man. / WISH" he added, II
could afford to tear up this paper, but /
can't-and that's fact. OF course the
money is mine, and belongs to my children.
But IN tell you what III! do, old fellow.
I've feard yoor guv'nor didn't cut up so
well as was expected, and daresay you will
be hard up after paying me off. Well, I'll
invest the money in the purchase of an adj
vowson, and present you to the living.
Come, Francis, think thai a fair offern'