The Springdale news., 1889-01-25

GTNtNdi udl tktT SttDs IidQ m the RarD of countryman, with heavy boots, smock frock and rustic hat, it was still easy to see that he was no genuine countrymau
 Sir James," commenced this unpleas- ant-lookng character, you are likely to need my services, and as what l have to say to you IS for the present strictly private, would recommend that you lock your door and give orders not to be dis turbed."
 'I am at a loss to know what has given rise to the necessity for visit from you, my man. said Sir James. "but l suppose you have some good reason. Robert he added to his valet, de not show any one i'll here this morning. When they Were alone the vfllaiBous-look- ing visitor went on " My name, Sir James, | is Abraham Hawkins, better known as Abe Hawkins. Twenty years ago was Bow street officer, and III that capacity learned to disguise myself when necessary to run down highwaymen and burglars Owing to some little irregularity q believe on my l part l resigned my position and took to making d living the best way 1 could At the present time 1 sometimes work Tor the law and again for the law breaker. The bank note with the largest face value | catches me every time Proceeding to busi- iiCoSY AOu VIII UbttCt that l nave nbfe the blunderbuss tlaying the article mentioned on tablel which shot young Farmer Eos | ter. and here is the stiletto which killed MT Randolph. Here also is a silk handker- chief marked J. D. P, found within five yards of where George Foster fell. and you will perceive that the same initials are en. grayed upon the handle Of this sharp little toy. Now, J. D. P. did not, as nc one knows better than l do, shoot young Foster; but he did stab and kill Randolph, and 1t would look dreadfuly sus- picious if I took this blunderbuss and hand kerchief to the police, stating that 1 found them together close to the spot where Foster was found shot. Let us have no se- crets, Sir James. shot George Foster and shot him for twenty pounds given Tie by the late MT. Randolph. I dogged your footsteps for three days so that, when you should be alone with Foster, l might shoot him. un- seen. and so have the suspicion thrown upon you, thus placing you at Randolph s mercy. Well, you know how the scheme worked When you galloped of on George Fosters h7rse I resolved to see the game out if possible, and ran myself near dead to keep up with you until you should meet Randolph, who knew, was keeping you well in sight Now, my dear Sir James fa horse, the blunderbuss, handkerchief and stiletto (hands of, if gou please, Sir James, l could make out pretty good case against J D P, eh.t'
 Pereival was all of a tremble He was both frightened and enraged Yet what could he do. He was quite powerless and entirely in the hands of the wretch who had thus cor nered him. So he answered not word
 Now, Sir James, continued Hawkins. my sole object in life is [ & d., and very moderate sun usually satisfies me. over heard Mr Randolph demand q thousand pounds from you for hush money. which Was certainly outrageous and showed d greedy disposition on the part Of Mr Ran dolph. For two hundred pounds l will bury this small lot of trinkets, have the horse taken home quietly and never let you or any one else know that 1 am aware of the existence of your wife How is itf'
 An right greancd Perciva
 s But have not finished yet said Mir Abe Hawkins. Pour out some of that brandy before we go on with our bus- nessn
 Pereiyal filed two large glasses with the fiery liquor and passing one to his visitor drank the other himself al d draught.
 Well we have disposed Of a couple of hundred pounds, Sir James. Now, there is only one man who is likely to cause you any trouble. provided he is still living, which have good reason to believe IS the case, and that man is George Foster. There is just one way to get rid efthat difficulty 1 can show satisfactorily that Foster was Ill Weirdale on the day of the shooting and had some hot words with Randolph twho was per feet stranger to him) in regard to the age of d horse. What would be easier to assert than that he murdered Randolph on his way home was wounded by Randolph in self-defcnse, rode home To Mil Hill and fired pistol within hearing Of his house as bhndt 1 can manage to hide a pistol within throwing distance of the spot, and when the officers come to search they will find 1t. sure. Does this settle another hun dred pounds, Sir Jamesl'
 Yes" replied the baronet, gaining cour- age; Il see no better plan. Make the best of the job and the money is yours n
 "Very well. sir. You see, am the doe tor and you are my patient Now, l want to cure you thoroughly while am about it. From what little l have heard and seen there are two ladies in the case. It IS de