Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1896-11-19

miniature in my pocket. Atberstone
had given me some facts, but i had
bee. sensitive about disclosing them.
It was not long before was closeted
with the owner Of Shrewton court. In
lull of conversation his lordship oh.
served in quiet tone:
"Was it solely an interest in art bring.
ing you to Merivale?"
l answered in the negative.
81 thought so,' was the reply. snow
we have established friendly relations.
may ask why you at first SO firmly re-
sisted my demand Of your being
searched?"
because, my lord" I answered, 81
have such terrible witness of guilt in
my pocket"
'What was it, observed the noble
man.
"Only this!" replied, handing over
the replica.
Silence in the room was only broken
by the faint ticking of a small French
cock. 81 am astounded," cried the
nobleman. Surely this is my minia-
ture. Yet no! My own is slightly
stained by the wet grass of the rosary
To whom does it belong?"
81 am ignorant" was my answer. 1T
has been in the hands of a dealer for
sale, and one of his clients is eager to
ascertain how it came to be painted"
"Who is that?" was the inquiry.
81 have no knowledge" replied.
"Well." observed the nobleman, Il
would pay handsome reward to find
out the history of the thing. Have you
any key to unlock the mystery?"
NO" said; "but most likely Crack
enthorpe has. May I put him through
{. cross-examination in your presence"
''By all MEANS" returned Lord Mount
falcon; sit may prevent his being
lodged in Jail. That unlocked door in
the blue gallery has revealed what a
grossly dishonest fellow he is. Ask him
what you please"
Sam Crackenthorpe, fearful OF being
prosecuted by his master, answered
every question I put. The examination.
as near as | recollect, was as follows:
"Well, Mr.. Crackenthorpe, you know
this fac-simile of the miniature you as
serted had in my pocket?"
eyes" 10, E.
"Who painted it?"
"Mr. Mou!e."
"Wbere?' ~,. &-5 r--
SIN my sitting-room."
"Who obtained his services?"
81 did, rH'.%r'z
AT whose request?"
"a lady came to see the galleries after
lord Mountfalcon went off to the Med.
iterranean." .....
| "Her name"
"Miss Wincaunton."
"Where did she see the original MIN
iature?"
"At Moslem, the jewelers., in Pic
cadilly."
What story was told The miniature
painter to blind him?"
Chat his lordship's sister secretly
wanted a copy"
"How came Miss Wincaunton TO wish
for a copy?"
because she so admired the likeness
Three months ofterward Mr.. Ather-
stone and | witnessed the ceremony Of
the marriage at st. GEORGES, Hanover
square, between Lord Mountfalcon and
the beautiful Lady Susan Brewster. A
rival, Miss Wincarnton, had insinuated
the nobleman was in love with her, pro-
ducing as proof the miniature she had
obtained under such mean and crafty
circumstances. Lady Brewster re-
turned Lord Mountainous picture in a
fit Of anger, believing the falsehood, and
broke off the engagement. On Mr..
Atherstone communicating the facts
of the case Lady Susan became recon.
ciled to her old lover.
After the ceremonial was over Mr..
Atherstone took me out for luncheon.
Later on, dallying with a cigar and 8
bottle of claret, the art dealer said:
81 think we are IN duty bound to drink
the health of the bride and bridegroom"
We did it in bumpers.
''By the by" continued my old friend,
81 shall run down the week after next
- Shrewton court, for Lord Mountfal-
con told me he had fitted you up capital
quarters as the new keeper of his art
ro 1lariec IT 1Ovd'c IoD5op NVeslylv