Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1892-01-15
"No," lied the other, ''not ghost Of

"No," lied the other, mot ghost Of
guess"
well, then, perhaps these trinkets,
which were found tied round the child's
neck, will quicken your wits bit,"
and Mr.. Bowling took from his pocket
a small leather case and handed it TO
his companion.
Mr.. Thriftspender took the case, and,
with fingers whose trem bling he Yves
unable to control, brought to light
gold and coral baby's rattle, signet
ring, and small gold-mounted minia-
ture on ivory. On the rattle the ill
itials &c. T. f." were engraved, the
ring bore the Brixton coat-of-arms, cut
on bloodstone, and the miniature was
a portrait of Lady Mary's mother.
"Still fail to see what these have to
with me-" at length he said, for it was
more natural to him to lie than to speak
the truth.
"Then, Mr.. Thriftspender, sir, I've
made mistake" said Bowling, rising
from his seat, land | ask your pardon
for troubling you with them. I've a
letter also which purports to be in the
handwriting of the little boys mother,
signed Mary Brixton,' and authenticat.
ing the child. This, with these trim
kets, shall place tomorrow morning
in the hands of Messrs. Ludwig & Lud-
wig, who, / understand, are the family
lawyers. In case you may wish to
communicate with me, sir, that adj
DRESS" handing him piece of paper,
will find me- and pocketing the trim
kets Mr.. Bowling withdrew.
Left alone, Mr.. Thriftspender lay
back in his chair unnerved, trembling
in every limb, face to face with the
most terrible of old bogies of man
with theinervous dyspepsia-a pressing
alternative.
On the one hand, poverty, with its
attendant train of discomforts and I'M
bearable anXieties and cheese parings;
on the other, riches, retained by fraud,
and subject constantly to the illimita-
BILE drain of possibly Unsuitable black
mailer, with the disquietude of a con-
slant dread of being found out In
either case his dyspepsia was bound to
be aggravated Poverty would entail
a third-rate cook, while the retention
of his frst-rate chef would entail an
ever-present grinding anxiety which
draws the blood away from the stom-
ach where it is most needed. What
was to be done? Clearly the man must
not he allowed to 60 to Messrs. Lud-
wig & Ludwig with his diabolical
proofs of the existence of a young mar
quis of Brixton before he had had suf-
ficient time to think over the matter.
Why, Bowling might even now be
changing his mind and going to see the
lawyers this very day. The very
thought or this possibility threw the
poor dyspeptic into profuse perspira-
ton, and he tugged at his bell with his
mind only half made up as to what
should be done
When the faithful Silby appeared he
found his poor master in very miser-
able plight indeed. His forehead was
believed with perspiration, while
hands and feet were as cold as ice, and
his breath came sharp and fast. Mr.
Thriftspender felt that he was on the
verge of having fit. But it was only
fancy, and in few minutes Silby had
got him into some nicely aired clothes
and he lay back comparatively calm,
though somewhat exhausted, in his
easy chair.
THAT man has upset me good deal,
Silby," at length he painted. 81 must
really stick to my rule-never to see
anybody before am dressed. It's too
much for me. I'm not strong enough
to bear any excitement before one
o'clock"
"No, sir. began to feel anxious
when heard the man talking so loud,
lest you should have one of your at
tacbs, sir; and the doctor says you
must be careful, sir, and not overdo
yougself."
you are right, Silby; 1 don't know
what should do without you. By
the bye, l want note taken at once to
that man. 1t must be delivered with
out fail into his own hands as soon as
possible.
Eyes, sir; and think, sir, you should
take some of your drops, sir"
The late afternoon again saw Thomas
Bowling and Robert Thriftspender
closeted together, and this interview
| had very practical outcome.
1t is unnecessary to follow the
course of the negotiations; it is sufficient
to say that for the sum of five hundred
, pounds per annum Mr., Bowling under.
took to keep his secret, and to bring
, up the young marquis of Brixton as hi S
| own son.
| ut is, Of course, no hardship to the
boy, who has never known better
, things, Mr.. Bowling; and, indeed,
wealth and position are far from being
| as enviable as they look. l am far
, "You will, of course, like to see the
, young marq-I beg your pardon, my
/ boy George-now and again, Mr.. Thrift
) spender?" said Bowling, interrupting
81 think not, Mr.. Bowling" replied
the dyspeptic, with unusual decision In
his tone; 81 think not. The fact is,
, my health is not at all good, and, in
5 deed, feel that could hardly bear the
sad memories which the sight of the
poor child would conjure up"
"Just as you wish, sir, of course.
, Only you understand that it would be
: more satisfactory to me that you should
, see for yourself that the lad is being
> well looked after"
} LET me assure you, once for all, Mr..
. Bowling, that l am perfectly content
: to leave that to YOU"
/ Mr.. Thriftspender still lives, if the
? successive periods of nervous depres-
sion and active apprehension which go
l to make up his existence can be prop