The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1883-09-13

dared even to speculate upon the sub.
ject. On reaching Chichester she dc.
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 gentleman's s
Office rs soon as he had received an an
swer to the telegram lie 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
a seat. What can l do for you to-day?'
inquired old Mr.. Brook, cheerily, as he
shook hands with his visitor. "Bv-the-
by, have You heard from that husband
Of yours since he went away?"
"No. Why do you ask dcmande
Mrs. Medd quickly.
i've had letter from Simpson 4
Hall, the lawyers who arc administrat-
ing the late Miss Julia Norman's estate
in London, You know -" said Mr..
Brook, taking upa letter from his desk.
"Thev expected to see your husband
yesterd y, but he never called. They
write to ask if he is in town, and for his
address"
10 the lawyers surprise, the poor
lady burst into tears at this fresh piece
of information, which increased her ap-
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
besonght 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 l 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, mt the end Of
NHiah 1dS lISi'SatOA AIiAsSAs AOoAAiE 3
very grave.
I'm afraid you viii have to go to
London, man," he said, after respect
fully saluting the lawyer. "lour hus-
band has never called ut the Charing
Cross Postotf;ce, and he is not known
Mt the Tayistock Hotel"
"When is the next train?' inquired
Mrs. Mcdd, tremulou,ly.
"The express starts in three-quarters
of an hour, said the Inspector. II
you will travel by that, you will bc met
at the other cad by a police officer, who
will give you every assistance"
but what occasion is there for the
lady go?" interposad Mr.. Brook. Il
know Mr.. Meld perfectly well, and can
do whatever is possible. Surely Mrs
Meld might be spared the journey"
"Well, sir, You see they want her to
identify Mr.. Mcdd's things explained
the Inspector. "They want some one
to swear to EN-"
Beside, l could not bear the sus.
pense ii 1 remained here. l would
much sooner co. said Mrs. Mead,
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.
clea to town by tho express, and on
reaching the London terminus they
were accostel by an officer i'll plain
clothes, who addressed them by name
and said he had cab waiting.
"Not so fast" said Mr.. Brook, who
was a shrcwd old gentleman, with q
good deal of quiet determination.
where do YOU propose to take u.s."
ITO Bow street Police Station" sale
the officer.
Il think this lady requires littl,
rest and refreshment after her Jour
ney,' returned the lawyer, quietly,
Beside, l should like to ask You I
question or two first. / will order
rooms at the hotel, and perhaps yor
can spare us a few minutes conversa
ton"
Certainly, sir, only the sooner W.
get on the better" said the officer
rather snlkilv.
"Quite so. Meanwhile, / dare say
you will not object to drink glass o.
wine," returned Mr.. Brook, disregard
ing poor Mrs. Medds 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. Medic
to leave him alone with the detective
but she insisted upon being present
during she interview.
"Mell, now, what Ito you know about
Mr.. Medd?" inquired Mr.. Brook of ths
officer, when they We're all seated in |
private room.
Nothing at ALL" said the man; =
want YOU to assist me to find him.
Il only know he left Chichester b,
the l2-o'clock train on Tuesday, sal,
Mr.. Brook.
If so, / didn't notice him. Tn,
prisoner Smith-the man in custody
travelled by that train, and he then Ia,
Mr.. Medd's portmanteau i'll his posses
sion; or, Mt least, We believe it to be
long to Mr.. Medd."
How do you know that?"
AN officer had his attention drawn
to Smith at Basingstoke, and his sns
picions were aroused by the mans man
ner. / was ordered To watch for hin
when the train reached here"
"WellW
Il saw at once he was disguised, an,
followed him to private boarding
house in street oil the Strand. wher
he took room il the name of Smith
Beside the portmanteau he had
black valise, which he guarded will
such particular care that / began t.
wonder wha. was in it. In fact, l sus
pected he was one of that dynamite
gang"
"Had your husband black valise Z:
inquired Mr.. Brook, turning to Mrs
Medd.
mo; but he hada portmanteau."
Il kept close watch Oh the man,
continued the the detective. "and fol
lowed him everywhere. Wherever h