Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1898-12-17


After little more than an hours
stiH walking Canning reached the Ho-
tel Lurice, where he Immediately de-
manded to see the manager.
This gentleman. the usual type OF
Swiss hotelkeeper. came forward.
Captain Spender." began Canning,
HE slept here last night. eh?''
He has been staying here some
weeks was the reply. But am
afraid you cannot see him as he has
gone 10 Brass
ITO Brass. en-? For what purpose,
do you know"
1t is funny. He has gore to see his
brother, who has come here to see him,
and is now awaiting his return. fear
ing to again miss him il he returns to
Brass
How was it they did not meet in
the Cestella Pass?" he asked.
''Sir Richard Spencer, the brother,
you know" said the manager, smiling,
and rubbing his nose, came down the
Cestella Pass only as far as Hamers
Peak. and then climbed up to the Ber-
tellia and came over the rest OF the
way on that path; while he expects
Captain Spender must have continued
along the Cestella Pass"
Captain Spender has met with an
accident. Inform Sir Richard OF the
fact and ask him 10 come to me-"
With an exclamation OF horror, the
manager hurried from the room. to re-
turn a moment later. followed by a tall,
handsome man of between 35 and 40;
Sir Richard Spender.
What is this?" he asked quickly.
Where is my brother? What is the
nature OF the accident?"
Il am sorry to be the bearer of such
i'll news Canning said. gently, Cycling
the baronet keenly as he spoke Il
set out along the Cestella Pass this
morning on my way to Brass, when
came across, some five miles along the
lower path. the body of Captain Spen-
der. He was dead
Sir Richard flung himself into a
chair and buried his face in his hands,
in which position he remained wrapped
in grief for some minutes. In the
meantime Canning called together a
rescuing party, and, in company with
the bereaved brother, set out once more
! for the pass.
Three hours later the body or Cap
tain Spender lay on the best bed the
hotel afforded. while Sir Richard, who
had recovered most OF his usual calm
ness, sat in conversation with Canning
and DR.. Sherman, another visitor at
| the hotel, in the smoking-room
Can you obllge me with a match?''
| Canning asked, quietly. Thank you.
Canning opened Sir Richards match
box clumsily. upsetting all the matches
upon the table. AS he gathered them
together he noticed they were all OF the
same length, similar to the last two I'M
burnt matches he had picked up that
morning along the pass. and as differ
ent from those in Captain Spender's
pocket as two vestas could well be.
He struck one and then found tc
his ostensible surprise that his pipe
had burnt out, and that he had nc
posch upon him. Seeing him tumble
at his pockets, and guessing the rea.
son, DR.. Sherman offered him a cigar
NO, thanks: never smoke cigars
But I'll have a fill from your pouch, Il
may, Sir Richard?" he said, taking
up the baronet's pouch from the table
by all means. Have another bran,
dy."
The brandy Canning declined, but h
filled his pipe from the baronets poucl
and settled down to enjoy the smoke
He watched with unconcealed interes
Sir Richard empty his pipe to refill
when the pouch had been handed back
with thanks. With q careless move
ment Canning drew the ash tray to hin
and examined the still smoking pipe
fill end for some moments Then
throwing himself back in his chat,
once more, he fixed his eyes sternl,
quiet, low tone:
Il pointed out to you this morning
the exact spot where your brother me
his death. 1t was some two miles thi
side of Hamel's Peak, where, / under
stand, you turned out of the Cestell
. Pass Is that correct?"
That's so, but it's very strange,
said Canning.
I'm what way?"
I'm so much that l could aluos
swear that you met your brother thi
morning four miles along the pass
talking with him, smoking with hin
and -"
But he did not finish. Sir Richar
sprang up from his seat and glare
, down at him in passion OF anger an
scorn.
''SYou are probably unacquainte
with the usages of polite society, an
may, therefore, be ignorant that it j
! insulting to doubt a gentleman's wore
: especially without any excuse or rea
: SON."
LET me explain. Here is you
!, brothers matchbox. Look at tn
matches" said Canning. but again 81
Richard interrupted him.
o 81 decline to discuss the matter wit
e you" he said sternly.