San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1888-02-11

with regard TO the Great Hesper robbery,
but was disposed 20 regard Van Hoeck
as the least culpable agent concerned in
it.
II was impossible to tell how the rob
berry affected this mysterious man. As
i have said, during the investigation he
sat perfectly motionless and perfectly ST.
lent. His face wore the inscrutable ex-
preston of a death-mask.
Sir Edmund had no sympathy with
him after learning from me the particu-
lars relating to the adventures of the
morning.
When we entered the library from the
dining-room, where our interview had
taken place, we found Van Hoeck sitting
where we had left him
~ have ordered the carriage TO be at
the door in half an hour, Mr.. Van Hoeck,
said the baronet. BE good enough to
make your arrangements for departure
by that time"
Van Hoeck inclined his head.
Il shall be glad il you will redeem
your o U at an early date" the baronet
added, sternly.
Van Hoeck put his hand in his pocket,
drew out purse, and extended it.
took it, seeing the baronet's repugnance,
and placed it on the table.
accompanied Van Hoeck to South
ampton. Neither of us spoke on the
way-indeed, l had not heard a word
pass his lips since we parted in the early
morning.
took room for him at an hotel, and
when the servant who led us to it was
gone, said:
II am going to leave you, Van Hoeck. p"
A gesture of indifference was his only
reply.
You have nothing to say-no explana-
ton to offer?" / asked.
"What do you mean?-speak plainly"
he said.
II saw you discussing with Brace what
should be done with the case that held
the diamond before he secreted it.
"If you know that we were discussing
that, you know all. 1t is useless to make
an explanation that you would not be-
Geve. | have nothing to saw"
He CROPPED his way to chair and threw
himself into it.
Iput packet of notes on the table,
and told him that if he had need of fur
Their help he might write to me, address,
ing his letter to the care of Sir Edmund.
Then left him.
l had vague idea of purchasing
partnership in some business where ]
could find active employment, and with
this view took lodgings in London, and
began to look about me. | had been
engaged in this pursuit about week
when | received letter from Sir Ed
-mund." .s.r..
81 enclose" he wrote. "a cutting from
one of the weekly papers. Vine-growing
as it is here described, seems to be the
very thing that should suit man of your
disposition and taste; it would suit me,
if were thirty years youngerthan am
As it is, nothing would better please me
than to see you a prosperous fruit farmer.
THAT Edith might have something to
look forward to, have proposed that
our next summer holiday trip should be
to San Diego. She thinks we should find
Californian hotels insupportable. Per-
haps you will be able to offer something
more acceptable than hotel accommoda-
ton. In any case, my dear fellow, you
can give me no more acceptable testi-
mony of your affection than in availing
yourself freely and fully of my pecuniary
assistance"
The cutting referred to vine-growing
and fruit-culture in Southern California:
but before | read single line in it had
made up my mind TO be at San Diego to
receive Edith and her father in the sum-
mPr.