The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1899-11-03
The Wall That Turned

u the senior partner of that emf
nent firm of jewelers., Mortimer, Dowie
& Co., Il want you to run down this
evening to Bellington-to Sir John
Lansdelrs place, the Towers. Sir John,
who, as l dare say you are aware, is
about to marry, has requested our firm
to forward by special messenger num-
Der of costly jewels from which to Sc
lect a fitting present for his future wife.
You are to sleep at the Towers tonight,
so can return by the first up-train to-
morrow. Of course Sir Johns name
precludes all possibility of roguery-
still, don't forget the vast responsible
ty of your trust"
Three hours later l started for Bel
lington, small village in one of our
southern counties. l took with me in
a strong leathern case (placed, so as
not to attract attention, in an old tray-
cling bag) most choice sample of
Mortimer, Dowie g. Co.'S stock, includ-
ing a superb tiara of diamonds that
alone ran well into five figures. In
my pocket, bearing in mind my en-
ployer's final warning, L carried re-
volver.
At Bellington station, though Sir
John had been apprised by telegraph
of my coming, l found, somewhat to
my annoyance, that no trap had been
sent to meet me, nor was any convey
ance procurable in the village. How
ever, as the distance to the Towers
was barely two miles, L made light of
my inconvenience and set out to walk.
First to the right and second 10 the
left" was the station masters direc-
ton.
The night was pitch dark, for the
moon had not yet risen, and on leaving
the highway 1 found the country road
down which L slowly made my way
absolutely deserted. L must have been
near that second turning mentioned
by the station master, which would
lead me direct to my destination, when
a deep groan, as though from some
one in pain, broke the deep silence, and,
peering through the gloom, made out
the form of man sitting on heap of
stones by the roadside.
For heavens sake!" moaned voice,
''help me to reach the Towers. think
can get along if you give me your ARM"
Though by nature kindly man,
keen sense of the trust reposed in my
discretion tempered pity with caution.
Indeed, had it not been for the mention
of the Towers 1 should, L think, have
hurried forward and dispatched some
of Sir Johns people to the sufferers
aid. AS it, was, cautiously approached,
and when within bare yard struck
match, which, as the air was still,
burned clearly.
Il am Godfrey Lansdell," said the
man, raising his head-and that he
spoke the truth his face, from its strik
ing resemblance to Sir Johns, bore am
pie testimony-"I am Godfrey Lans-
dell, and must again pray your help
to enable me to reach my brothers
house. Thank you, SIR" he continued,
as L assisted him to rise. 81 am, un-
fortunately, liable to these seizures, to
one of which L succumbed as [ was on
my way to meet gentleman whom we
expected this evening from Messrs.
Mortimer, the jewellers. Perhaps, sir,
you are hep
You are right, sir,' L answered; 81
am. My name is Cathcart, and I am
in the employ of Messrs. Mortimer,
Dowie & Co., by whose orders L am now
on my way to the Towers"
Il am glad of that" said Mr.. Lansdell,
-'for now, as shall put you to no in
convenience, l can accept your aid
without conjunction. We will go by
the fields" indicating swing-gate by
the roadside. 81 do not wish to be seen
in my present state, as should unques-
tionably be were we to return by the
main entrance. Sir John has large
party staying at the Towers, and have
no desire to cause needless alarm"
We crossed field, and, having trav-
ersed a thick copse, came upon high
wall, pierced at this point by a low door.
This, on being opened by my compan-
ion, admitted us into the garden. Lean
ing heavily on my arm, Mr.. Lansdel led
me down a path till we reached what
was apparently the rear of one of the
wings of the house. A postern that
faced us was opened by my companion,
and we found ourselves at the bottom
of winding fight of stone steps.
Mounting these, we entered hand
somely furnished room-the library,
judging from the serried rows of books
that lined the walls-in the center of
which was table laid apparently for
supper.
''Sit down, Mr.. Catncart," said my
conductor, land refresh yourself after
your journey. l shall take half an
hours rest on the sofa. 1 shall be quite
myself again by then, and will let my
brother know you are here"
L required no pressing; but, sitting
down, commenced, with keen appetite,
to attack the choice viands spread be-
fore me.
When / had finished Mr.. Lansdell
rose, and after courteously inquiring
whether my time was now at Sir Johns
disposal, left the room to return in
few minutes later with the master of
the Towers.
Sir John, a well-preserved man of
6ve-and-fifty, having examined close
Iy such Jewels as ! had with me, was
n1eacod tO aacord to NV aTpnovarS the