The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1883-09-14

shall then hear tho answer to your tele-
gram without delay, and, if necessary,
i will go up to town Immediately. I'm
afraid my husband is ILL.,"
Don't be frightened, ma'am: but
come with ME by all means, if you
wish" said the Inspector, soothingly.
"In fact, it will be jast as we'll"
Accordingly, poor Mrs. Medd went
off with the Inspector, who, during the
drive of eight miles, asked her good
many questions about her husband, and
plainly showed that he entertained dis
quieting suspicious which he was I'M
willing to communicate. What these
might be, the unfortunate lady was too
frightened to inquire, for her appre-
tensions were aroused, and she hardly
dared even to speculate upon the sub
ject. On reaching Chichester she de-
termined to consult the local solicitor,
who was an old friend and adviser, and
she therefore arranged with the In
spector to meet her at that gentlemans
Office as soon as he had received an an
swer TO the telegram he was about to
dispatch. Fortunately, the lawyer was
disengaged, and Mrs. Medd was shown
into his room Immediately.
"How do you do Mrs. Medd? Take
seat What can L do for you to-day
inquired old Mr. Brook, cheerily, as he
shook hands with his visitor. Blythe
by, have you heard from that husband
of yours since he went away?"
NO. Why do you ask" demanded
Mrs. Medd quickly.
i've had letter from Simpson q
Hall, the lawyers who are administrat-
ing the late Miss Julia Norman's estate
in London, you know =" said Mr..
Brook, taking up letter from his desk.
"They expected to see your husband
yesterday, but he never called They
write to ask if he is in town, and for his
address"
70 the lawyers surprise, the poor
lady burst into tears at this fresh piece
of information, which increased her APP
prehensions. 1t was no longer possible
to doubt that some accident had hap
pened to her husband. In few words
she proceeded to explain to the lawyer
the object of her visit, and earnestly
besought him to accompany her to
London.
by all means, my dear madam. |
will start this instant if you wish. But
you mustn't give way. I've no doubt
your husbands absence can be easily
accounted for" said Mr.. Brook, whose
expression, nevertheless, showed that
he was thoroughly puzzled. AT all
events, we must wait and see what In
spector Marshall has to communicate
Perhaps you will read the newspaper
while / write letter or two"
Mrs. Medd strove in vain to fix her
attention on the columns of the paper,
while Mr.. Brook proceeded with his
correspondence and thus dreary
two hours dragged along, at the end of
which the Inspector arrived, looking
very grave.
I'm afraid you will have to go to
London, man," he said, after respect
fully saluting the lawyer Your hus-
band has never called at the Charing
Cross Postoffice, and he is not known
at the Tavistock Hotel.
when is the next train?' inquired
Mrs Medd, TREMENDOUSLY.
The express starts in three-quarters
of an hour" said the Inspector. IF
you will travel by that, you will be met
at the other end by police officer, who
will give you every assistance"
But what occasion is there for the
lady to go?" interposed Mr.. Brook. Il
know Mr.. Medd perfectly well, and can
do whatever is possible. Surely Mrs
Medd might be spared the journey"
We'll, sir, You see they want her to
identify Mr.. Medd's things" explained
the Inspector. They want some one
to swear to EN-"
Beside, / could not bear the sus-
pense if / remained here. L would
much sooner CO." said Mrs. Medd,
eagerly.
BE it so, returned Mr.. Brook; Il
will send messenger to your house
with any note you may wish delivered,
and if You will step up stairs to my
wife she will, no doubt, be able to lend
you anything you may require for the
Journey"
The lawyer and his companion trav-
eled to town by the express, and on
reaching tho London terminus they
were accosted by an officer in plain
clothes, who addressed them by name
and said he had cab waiting
"Not so fast" said Mr.. Brook, who
was shrewd old gentleman, with
good deal of quiet determination.
where do you propose to take y"
"To Bow street Police Station said
the officer.
Il think this lady requires little
rest and refreshment after her jour
ney,' returned the lawyer, quietly.
Beside, ] should like to ask you a
question or two first. / will order
rooms at the hotel, and perhaps you
con spare us few minutes converse
ton"
Certainly, sir, only the sooner we
get on the BETTER" said the officer,
rather sulkily.
Quite so. Meanwhile, L dare say,
you will not object to drink n glass of
wine, returned Mr.. Brook, disregard
ing poor Mrs Medd's imploring glance.
The lawyer gave his arm to his client
and led the way to the hotel entrance,
followed by the officer. Mr.. Brook en-
deavored in vain to persuade Mrs. Medd
to leave him alone with the detective,
but she insisted upon being present
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