The Monitor-register. [volume] (Woodstown, Salem Co., N.J.) 1892-1972, 1896-11-27

"a chOdihCiSs was U6E6 W06Q D0
came, and he was taller than you, and
his face and hands were as white and his
clothing as rich. AIzons! mails, he has
been good neighbor. No one here has
needed friend since Big John has been
among us. Non, non, say no MORE" as
he saw the interest on the strange RS face.
"My tongue is like the bad weather.
without end. If you would know more.
ask him."
The next day many curious glances
were directed toward the bowed, massive
figure of Big John as he moved about the
village.
Most of the shipwrecked party went to
his Sunday school, and remained to listen
to his discourse to the fishermen. In the
afternoon several of the ladies volunteered
to assist him in teaching the children, and
among them was a fair, queenly woman
whom her companions addressed as Lady
Esleigh.
This woman seemed to exert an extra.
ordinary influence over the old man. he
made pretexts for lowering about her, and
appeared to engage her in conversation
merely to listen to her voice. When at
last he turned toward his own home at
the end of the village, there was an
elasticity in his movements and bright
ness in his eyes such as they had not
known for many long year.
Sunday evening he was accustomed to
spend by himself, and, knowing his
wishes, the fishermen seldom disturbed
him. But this day and evening seemed
destined to unusual Interruptions.
Scarcely had he cleared away the remains
OF his frugal supper when steps sounded
outside, followed by sharp knock.
"Come in" be called; ''people do not
stand on ceremony here. Every mans
home belong to his neighbor."
The door opened and short, fat figure
appeared.
II beg your pardon, Mr.. Big John" he
said, as he glanced about the room with
quick, scrutinizing eyes, but Lyon see,
we:hll Of us feel very grateful for that
nights work. and we've watched you
rather curiousiy today, and Ter noticed
that remarkable signet,ring on your
dpges Some bit of ffotsam, I suppose.
May AJAX how il came into your posses
sion ?''
1T is a family trinket, and my only
connection with the past, ! said the old
man, gravely. ssIt never leaves my
lposssAsion 's as3 !.
Ali I'm! May look atitP Thank
you. 8 as he bent over the extended hand,
t'it is as l thought. A very remarkable
ring. I do not question yonr statement,
NE Big John. we are very grateful; but
sthissring has no counterpart in the world,
Il was Oh Lord sssdBicEe's finger when
tie Was drowned: OF course, under
stand y il sll right You are fisher
man, and accnstomed to picking up
strange bits; Of wreckage, and are very
grateful, indeed {,
Atthis moment foossteps again sounded
outside. followed by SHARP kpook as
before n response 10 the Old smanss
Invitation 70 eAtsr. the door opened and
the man who had called himself Robert
Esieieh stepped into the roos.ss ~
/" All, you bore, nessaE fhen, Ssif :
ing to Big John. be held out his band
impulsively. Fl would like to shake
hands with you, = be said. land to thank
n. &
aieh Il was gAilantly d5d9
Instead Of answ sriDg, tbs old man took
his band and gazsd long and earnestly
iuto his face.
8 Yon are Robert. Lord Esleigb." be
said atllast, mnsingly II can see the
same frank, open face and noble carriage
that distinguishes the family. Nay az
bis guest started, ssdo not mind the gar.
rulits Of an old man who is curious to
know something of his former associates.
Ishould not have spoken, bat your ffjend
here has made lnsinuations against my
possession Of the sedwicke signet-ring,
and has Implied that some explanation
might be required. As to your identity,
I have seen your father and grandfather,
and 70 day heard them call Clothide-
or. your wife-Lsdy Esleigh. could
guess the rest"
s.Who are YOU ?''
It does not matter. Perhaps was
servant At Sedwicke Castle, possibly a
gatne-keeper or tenant, Of perhaps
even q guest. At any fAze, sm
Interested in the place, aud cree had
many friends and acquaintal d6 hera.
You said Lord Ssdwicke was dfd8ned,
Did the little girl, Clotiide, succeed 81
the estate 9s ~ .st-s -. l s;s
1t will be hers after the death Of her
uncle Henry, the present Lord Sed woke.
30 has no children. !, ia
Henry, the present Lord Sed Nicksl"
Big John passed his hand across his force
head b q dazed sort Of way. II do
not understand. John Sedwicke was
crowned and--and bis brother was
mnrdereu ct about the same time. Little
0Iotflde was the only one left of the
family. = !
Lord Esleigh looked perplexed.
y ny. man alive" broke in the Doc
sor, explesiyesy, how'd you get hold of
ti'ss STORY I thought nobody in the
Morid knew u but Lord Henry and I. He
toid me about sit soon after it happened.
ana ! sse riiy believe has always felt him
se.fss pAlely Tssponsiole for bis BROTHER
usln + 9 g "ned. fon see, it was some.
saash 4 ke = nry was reckless