Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1889-12-20


He smiled as he advanced and said:
1--WE both of us seemed to have re-
ccived shock of surprise"
Holbrook assented, II confess to the
shock on my side"
Il hardly expected to see you so soon
again, or to find in Mr.. Holbrook the
gentleman met last night"
Holbrooh bowed courteouslv for an
swer and determined that he would hold
perfect control Of himself.
II followed you last evening, Mr.. Hol-
brook"
II was aware of that" replied Hol-
brook with smile.
81 did not suppose you were," said the
old gentleman laughingly; "I must have
done my work badly. Let me say, how
ever, right here that | was mistaken in
the person. You resemble the one l sup.
posed l was following so much in build
and manner that not until had resorted
to little ruse to get a fair look at your
face was | aware of my mistake / hope
YOU will accept my apologies for any an
noyance L may have given you"
None are needed. | became aware
of Your mistake. We are all liable to
them.'
The old man unused a while and Hol-
brook studied his face. The more he
studied it the less he liked it. There
was blended weakness and strength in it
and the want of those strong, rugged
lines which gave character to old
age. The lines began strongly but
seemed to run into nothing, leaving an
impression of stiffness. The eyes were
cunning, not frank, though there was
unquestionably an assumption Of frank
ness in his manner.
At length he spoke.
"In passing the Casino theatre I saw
you turn corner with gentleman, and
leaped TO the conclusion that you were
a person for whom l have been looking
these two years--a man from CD 1ago-
to find whom would give half Of all
am worth or expect to be worth"
An angry look leaped into his eyes,
while vindictiveness was plainly ap-
parent.
"Do you not know his manner" asked
Holbrook.
81 know what it was two years ago.
Not what it is now. However, it is an
old story of deep wrong and injury, and
is not what came to see you about.
believe, Mr.. Holbrook, you were a part
ner of the late Judge Harkner?'
Holbrooll could hardly repress a start.
He wondered if this was also an inquiry
after Persons papers.
Yes" he replied simply; firmly de-
termined that he would show no emo
ton whatever questions might be asked
him.
May 1 ask when that partnership be-
GAM"
Eyes, it was eight years ago the first
of last January"
"Ah, nearly nine years ago." The old
man pondered short time.
WAS Mr.. Charles Pierson a client of
the judges at that time;'
Holbrook was prepared for this ques-
ton, yet it was with difficulty he could
repress his surprise,
He replied promptly: mo, the con-
nection ceased through 4 quarrel before
came as a student to the Judge three
years previous"
'Hum." The old man pondered again.
"What lawyer succeeded the Judge
with Mr.. Pierson?"
Il don't know. The judge would say
little about the matter. l know of it
only through tradition in the Office"
Were all the papers of Mr.. Pierson
returned to him."
every one, religiously, scrupulously
so scrupulously as to remain, as l said,
a tradition III the office. 1t was much
talked of when | came in, because Mr..
Pierson had been valued and profit !
able client"
"Ies, presume so"
pardon me-" said Holbrook, may l
ask the reason of this inquiry? Twice |.
before by different persons l have had /
these inquiries NADER"
by two different persons;" spoke up
the old man sharply. "How long ago?" .
There was great eagcrness in his man
n9r and tone.
"Within a month, should imagine"
1.-TWO, you say? What We're their
this was demanded almost
Liercely. "Men or women"
Pardon me-" said Holbrook coldly,
'you demand the names and informa-
ion as if l were compelled to give
HEM
The old man glared at him savagely,
out Holbrook continued calmly:
However, as a matter of fact, can
not recollect the names. The inquiries
made little or no impression ON me, and
answered them as l have answered
you. 1t is only now when you come-a
bird with practically the same in
Iuiries, that my curiosity is excited.
They were both men," he added.
Both men" repeated the old man,
puzzled and alarmed. "incy
we're not the same person calling twice;
Upon my word it would be hard for
ne to recollect were it not for the fact
hat they called the same day" and he
ldded under his breath, MAY l be for
given for that lie. recollect it," he
continued, "because was preparing a
orief for an important cause and l was
at the Interruptions. presume