Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1884-03-21

The inspector asked no questions about
the parson, but Mr.. Bittleston resolved to
make journey by the East-cnd and as
certained beyond doubt that the Rev.
Mark Avery was the person he represent
ed himself to be. He had no difficulty
about this, and had the satisfaction of
feeling upon his return that he had not
committed an indiscretion. 1t so hap
pened that when he called at the Rev.
Mark Avery's address lie met his friends
vicar coming out Of the door, Mr.. Bittle-
ston easily ascertained the young curnte
had goneoon boating expedition to Ok
ford with two companions, aud this evi.
dence appeared quite conclusive. He
made clumsy excuse to the vicar to ac-
count for his solicitude, and made his
way home. feeling ashamed of himself
Ihe following evening Inspector Har-
dlss called to report progress. and to ask
further questions. Mr.. Bittleston was
out IN the garden, and the officer Joined
him on the lawn
Its puzzle, and that's fact. " said
| Hardlse, when his inquiries had been sat
ISiied I've come to the conclusion il
has been done by some one in the house.
NO stranger has been in the neiChbor
mood, and it's downright impossible that
any one could have got away with the
svag without being noticed in = little
place like this"
Where are the things thcn?' inquired
Mr.. Bittleston, testify.
| Not very lar off, can't h5ip think.
ing, answered the inspector; with vor1
permission | will search the premises
thoroughly. including The earret and eel
lars" '''
| Whlle the inspector was speaking. Mr..
Bittleston's youngest daughter. girl OF
fourteen, came running across the lawn.
Papa, she cried, isn't that Mr.. Avery ?
lie is rowing stroke in that boat. and he
has evidently forgotten the house. bnt
his portmanteau is here"
| by Joye l believe it IS avery and his
friends, - cried Mr. Bittleston. as the boat
swept quickly past the lawn in midstream
at the best pace the oarsman could com
mand. eli, youl Confounl him wbv
can't he look round? Boatahov :"
But though Mr.. Bittleston had GOOD
lungs, and though Il broad sheet Of still
water il IN excellent conductor of sounl
his voice failed to arrest the attention NJ
the occupants OF the boat. who were
straining every nerve h. reach the newt
lock. While Mr. Diitleston was still
shouting they began to disappear from
view. around the top reach, without once
turning their heads.
! silly fellow exclaimed Mr.. Biltle.
ston, IN state OF great excitement. orhe
hastliy descended from the garden seat on
which he had been standing; "he mnst
he deaf and blind too Here, Ada ouicII
Zen robert to run to my room and brine
AR Ayery's portmanteau. Lend me +
hand, Inspector. If we look shnrp W,
snail be able to catch him at the lock
lie led the way to the boathouse ns h,
spoke, followed by the inspector Bn,
by the time the boat was ready md ih,
,, HOFFMAN had appeared with the portman
teau, several minutes had elapsed. "Here
robert, put the portmanteau in tle bow
and Jump in, said Mr.. Bittleston. imno
tently II want you to row me to In,
lock as quickly MS you can
Let me lend hand" said Ipspecto
hardlss, dlvesting himself of Lis rooi !,
a business like manuer, -
Inc party started down stream in pur
suit, Mr., Bittleston steering, and fra
. quently bobbing up and down in L;s cv
cltement to try and catch sight of tb,
Doat ahead. In spite of their efforts
however, they found the lock gates close,
AGAINST Them, and the parson's boat ONT n
Sl8ht; what was more tantalizinp, fin,
! lock had been emptied when tbey o ell
there, and was waiting for bont wbnicI
was coming up stream An abrnpt tur,
: IN the river short distance already hi,
lock. iioin tl
! What a nuisance I" exclaimed Mr.
ptl'lieston, hopping his forehead as h,
stood on the banks of the lock, bavin,
taRen IN at glance the position Of affsirss
Boat with three gentlemen inst CON-
lock keeper. u 70 'h
n. Yes, sir, but they are coming back
Ihey pulled their boat round bu ~,
PACK water and went ashore, after askinf
"a me y 70 Keep an eye on it till they return