Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-12-13

rocco leather purse and pocketbook,
all in one.
care you prepared to go on?" said
the baronet, haughtily to Jack.
Certainly"
"What does this pocketbook. con-
tainP"
evidence"
Evidence of what?"
s'Of facts that must, sooner or later,
come to light"
"What ridiculous nonsensei I give
you my word this pocketbook con-
tains nothing absolutely nothing
but bank of England note for 100
pounds"
''Stay!' said Jack Newbiggin, fac
ing him abruptly and speaking in a
voice of thunder. ut is not so-you
know tit is only the half!''
And as he spoke he took the pocket
book from the hands of the really
stupefed baronet and exhibited for in
spection-the half of Bank of Eng
land note for 100 pounds.
There was much applause at this
of what threatened at one stage to
lead to alteration, perhaps to quar-
rel. But Jack Newbiggin was not sat
isiied.
LAS you have dared me to do my
worst" said he ''listen now to what [
have to say. Not only did I know that
was only the half of note. but /
know where the other half is to be
found"
$50 much the better for me-" said
the baronet, with an effort to appear
humorous.
THAT other half was given to-shall
say, Sir Lewis?''
Sir Lewis nodded indifferently.
cit was given to one Hester Gorri-
gan, an old nurse, six years ago.
"Silence! Say no MORE" cried Sir
Lewis in horror.
Sir Lewis had been a younger son:
the eldest inherited the family title,
but died early, leaving his widow to
give him a posthumous heir, the title
remaining in allegiance until time
showed whether the infant was boy
OF girl. Improved to be boy, where
upon Lewis Mallaby, who had the
first information of the fact, put int O
execution nefarious project which he
had carefully concocted in advance.
A girl was obtained in afoundling hos
pital and substituted by Lady MALTA
by's nurse, who was in Lewis pay,
for the newly born son and heir. This
son and heir was handed over to an
other accomplice, Hester Gorrigan. who
was bribed with 100 pounds, half down,
in the shape of half-note, the other
half to be paid when she announced
her safe arrival in Texas with the
stolen child. 1t occurred to Mrs. Cor
rigan in her transit between London
and Liverpool that though 100 pounds
would be acceptable on her arrival, the
child would be only an encumbrance.
She therefore threw the basket con-
getting that in it she had for safety
deposited her purse.
1t was the watch borrowed from Sir
Lewis Mallaby which first aroused
Jacks suspicious. 1t bore the same
crest-two hammers crossed, with the
motto II strike'-which was marked
upon the linen of the child that Dan
Blockitt picked up at Kirklington sta
ton. The initial of the name Mallaby
conceded with the monogram III. L.
M. From these facts and what he had
been told by Mrs. Sitwell, Jack rapid
ly drew his conclusions, and made a
bold shot, which hit the mark, as we
have seen.
Lewis Mallaby's confession COM
bined with that of Mrs. Gorrigon, who
was found by the police, soon rein
stated the rightful heir, and Dan
Blockitt in after years had no reason
to regret the generosity which prompt
ed him to give the little founding the
shelter Of his rude home.-Londo'a It'd
Bits.