The Dillon tribune., 1885-07-18

s.Sav the Last cask o beer ran out two
davs before its time. 80 couldn't nave been
full. They look after trides, they do"
s.Oh. nonsense said the Liouess, tossing
her head ..Some one must have got at it.
Their servants are no better than others"
"Wbo are theyy' asked Hervey.
1.-The Mr.. Talberts of aazlewood House"
replied the landlady. with that smile on her
face which seemed to come involuntarily on
the faces of many people when they men,
toned or heard the name Of our gentle Hor.
zee and Herbert.
Hervey went hastily to the window and
looked after the wagonette, which, however,
was by now out of sight.
''Rich men, suppose" he said. reseating
himself.
They're rich enough: but oh. that partic.
ular!'' said the Lioness, with another toss OF
her haed. The accusation of short measure
rankled in her breast.
''Close- -fstedT' asked Hervey.
''Well, yea, they're Close" said the Lion.
THAT il, they like to get shillings worth
for . shilling"
I'VE all Ike that. Let me have it now.
Two brandies-one for you and one for me. "
The Lion laughed and filed the glasses.
Hervey adroitly piled him with questions
about the Talberts, and soon learnt almost
o much q We know. He laughed with the
landlord at their amiable peculiarities. It
was well our friends did not hear the Red
Lion, or Haselwood House might have gone
elsewhere for it, beer.
''They are funny gents" aid the Lion.
you'd never believe: but . day or two
ago was walking along the road. It was
drixxling with rain. The Mr.. Talberts they
passed me, driving. All Of . sudden they
pull up at the hedge round their paddock.
Mr.. Herbert he jumps down; he takes the
whip and with the handle begins poking
furiously in the hedge. l ran up thinking
something was the matter. Law no! not it.
He was . poking at bit Of white paper
which had blown in there. Poke and poke
be did till he got it out-and Mr.. Horace
the while holding the horses and sitting and
looking on a. il it meant life or death getting
out that paper. Rum thing to be so particu-
lar, amt itF'
Hervey professed himself much amused
and continued his questions. He heard all
about Miss Clauson, the niece who had been
staying at Oakbury for 50 long. He even
learned the name Of every member Of the
Haxlewood House establishment, from that
Of the oldest retainer, Whitaker, to that of
the latest arrival, Mrs. Miller the nurse. He
heard, Of course, the whole history, with ad.
ditions, Of the mysteriously boy. And
when be was told this, in spite Of his self.
control, look Of utter amazement spread
over his face. He rose, and bade the Red
Lion good day. The story he had heard
must have engrossed his mind to an unpre.
cedented extent, for he actually forgot to
finish his brandy and water, a 6atterina
tribute to the landlords power Of interesting
. listener.
After leaving the inn Hervey took the first
turning out Of the main road It was a
little by-way leading to nowhere in particu-
lar. Here, as no onlookers were about, he
gave vent to delight by sundry actions COM
mon to most men as soon as they find them.
selves alone after having received the best
possible news. He smacked his thigh; he
rubbed his hands together; be seemed to hug
himself in his joy. He laughed aloud, but
there was cruel ring in his laugh, and there
was cruel look on his laughing mouth. Hia
eyes frightened with the blended lights OF
malice and anticipated triumph.
"What luokr 10 calculated. "What luck,
So it all from the very beginning. Con
found it! 1t was clever stroke. By c.
I've got her now! I've got her now!''
He calmed himself, returned to the mair
road and inquired the way to HazlewooC
House. He stood for some time in front o.
the entrance gates, but finding that only tn,
chimneys Of the house could be seen from
this point he walked round until he could ge
better idea Of the building. 1T all means
money! Pots of money" he said, with glee
After this he returned to the gates, and i
seemed as il he meant to favor our friend
with call. However, If 50, he changed hi
mind.
"So." he sad, turning away There's
new element in the case which must he con
| siierrl. No need to be in hurry. IN z,
back home and think it all out over a pipe.
So he ia .cl about, and in q thoughtful
way, saunterrl down the lane, Or road, who's
mission il 'h:> world is to give access to Ha
zlewood House and two or three other eauall,
desirable residences.
1t was glorious winters day. The su,
was shining brightly; SO brightly that on tn,
barc twigs OF til, hedges the hoar frost O
the night had resolved itself into crysta
drops which shone like jewels. and then, as i
alarmed at their Protean nature, tremblet
md fell. Although a silvery haze hung roune
the horizon there was no fog The air wa
sharp and crisp but not damp The wind i
cold was quiet. It was a day Of a thousand
a day, in tact, on which, il she knows hel
business. woman who has charge of chile
takes it cut for good long walk.
Mrs. Miller knew her business 10 it wa.
quite i'll order that as Maurice Hervey wa
walking down the lane the nurse and the boy
on their way home to early dinner, shoule
be walking up. Hervey, whilst deep in hi
neditations, heard voice. and looking u,
| saw the dark clad woman and tho ro1ao,.