Mexico weekly ledger., 1890-04-17

ed. Holbrook was startled, and be-
trayed his surprise.
Well he might. 1t was his old gentle
man of the night previous, who was not
less surprised than Holbrook.
He smiled as he advanced and said:
"We both Of us seemed to have re-
eeived a shock of surprise"
Holbrook assented, 81 confess to the
shock on my side"
81 hardly expected to see you SO soo
again, or to find in Mr.. Holbrook the
| gentleman I met last night"
Holbrook bowed c~ourteously for an
swer and determined that he would hold
perfect control of himself.
81 followed you last evening, Mr.. Hol-
brook"
II was aware of that" replied Hol-
brook with a smile.
81 did not suppose you were" said the
old gentleman laughingly; 81 must have
done my work badly. Let me say, how
ever. right here that 1 was mistaken in
the person. You resemble the one I sup
posed I was following so much in build
and manner that not until / had resorted
to a little ruse to get a fair look at your
face was / aware of my mistake. I hope
you will accept my apologies for any an
noyance / 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 shiftiness. The eyes were
cunning, not frank, though there was
unquestionably an assumption of frank
ness in his manner.
At length he spoke.
I'm passing the Casino theatre I saw
you turn a corner with gentleman, and
I leaped to the conclusion that you were
a person for whom I have been looking
these two years-a man from Chicago
to find whom / would give half of all /
am worth OF expect to be worth"
An angry look leaped into his eyes,
while vindictiveness was plainly ap-
parent.
"Do you not know his names" 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 mo what / came to see you about. I
believe, Mr.. Holbrook, you were a part
ner of the late Judge Harkner?'
Holbrook 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 I 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 a short time.
WAS Mr.. Charles Pierson a client Of
| the judges at that timer
Holbrook was prepared for this ques-
| ton, yet it was with difficulty he could
repress his surprise.
He replied promptly: "No, the con-
nection ceased through a 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 dom 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 himT'
every one, religiously, scrupulously
80 s~crupuiously as to remain, as I said,
a tradition in the office. 1t was much
talked of when I came in, because Mr..
Pierson had been a valued and profit
able client"
eyes, / presume So"
"Pardon me-" said Holbrook, 'tmay ]
ask the reason of this inquiry? Twice
before by different persons / have had
these inquiries made?"
"By two different pessons?' spoke up
the old mar sharply. "How long agos'
There was great eagerness in his man.
nsr and tone.
"Within a month. I should imagine"
1.-TWO, you say? What were their
namesT' this was demanded almost
fiercely. "Men or womeny'
pardon me-" said Holbrook coldly,
"you demand the names and informa.
ton as II I were compelled to give
Them
The old man glared at him savagely
but Holbrook continued calmly:
However, as q matter Of fact, I can
not recoliect the names. The inquiries
made little OF no impression on me, and
/ answered them as / have answered
you. It is only nov when you come-a
third with practically the same in.
quiries, that my curiosity is excited.
They were both men" he added.
"Both mer repeatsd the old man,