The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1888-12-20

such folly or encourage SO pitiable an
exhibition"
But he seemed to be conscious that
further protest would be in Jacks IA
vor; 50 he said: "Can you tell what !
have in this peckct?" He touched the
left breast OF his coat.
"A pocket-book.
bah! Every one carries a pocket
book in his pocket
But do your asked several OF the
bystanders, all OF whom were grow
ing deeply interested in this strange
duel.
Sir Lewis Mallaby confessed that he
did. and produced tan ordinary mo-
rocco leather purse and pocket book. all
in one.
Are you prepared to go ona" said
the Baronet, haughtil., TO Jack.
Certainly"
what does this pocket-book con-
tainp'
Evidence.
Evidence OF WHAT"
"Of facts that must sooner or later,
come to light"
What ridiculous nonsense! give
you my word this pocket-book contains
nothing-absolutely nothing-out a
Bank of England note for one hundred
pounds"
Stay" said Jack New biggip. facing
him abruptly and speaking in voice
OF thunder. 1T is not so--you know
tit is only the half.''
And as he spoke he took tho pocket
book from the hands OF the really stu
pefied Baronet and exhibited for in
spection- the half Of a Bank Of En-
gland note for one hundred pounds.
There was much applause at this
harmless and successful denouement OF
what threatened at one stage to lead
to alteration. perhaps to quarrel.
But Jack Newbiggin was not satisfied.
AS You have dared me to do my
worst" said he. .listen now to what
have to say. Not only did know
that was only the half of note. but
know where the other half is to be
found"
so much the better for me-" said
the BarOnet, with an effort to appear
humorous.
That other half was given to-
shall l say, Sir Lewis?''
Sir Lewis nodded inditferently.
1T was given to one Hester Corri-
gan. an old nurse. six years ago"
"Silence! Say no more" cried Sir
Lewis, in horror.
Sir Lewis had been younger son:
the eldest inherited the family title.
but died early, leaving his widow to
give him posthumous heir, the title
remaining in allegiance until time
showed whether the infant was boy
or a girl. 1t proved to be boy.
whereupon Lewis Mallabv. who had
the first information OF the fact, put
into execution nefarious project
which he had carefully concocted in
advance. A girl was obtained in a
founding hospital and substituted by
Lady Mallaby's nurse. who was in
Lewis pay. for the newly-born son
and heir. This son and heir was
handed over to another accomplice.
Hester Corrigan, who was bribed with
El0O, half down. in the shape OF a
half-note, the other half to be paid
when she announced her safe arrival
in Texas with the stolen child. 1t oc-
Cured to Mrs. Corrigan in her transit
between London and Liverpool that
though f1OO would be acceptable on
her arrival the child would be only
an incumbrance. She therefore threw
the basket containing him out OF the
window, forgetting that in it she had
for safety deposited her purse.
1t was the watch borrowed from
Sir Lewis Mallaby which frat aroused
Jacks suspicious. It 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 Kirk
lington station. The initial of the
name Mallaby coincided with the
monogram H. L. NJ. From these
facts and what he had been told by
Mrs. Sitwell, Jack rapidly drew his
conclusions, and made hold shot,
which hit the mark, as we have seen.
Lewis Mallaby's confession, CON-
bined with that OF Mrs. Corrigan,
who was found by the police, soon re-
instated the rightful heir. and Dan
Blockitt, in after years, had no reason
to regret the generosity which had
prompted him to give the little fond
ling the shelter OF his rude home