New-York tribune., 1903-06-23

though close eighty. and two younger
brothers. Archibald and Randall, both dead
Sir Charles bachelor, and for years MS
brothers lived with him in a sort Of dependence
Toward middle age they both married. was
told. by his orders-and about at the same
time At any rate. each married. and each had
a child-Archibald a daughter and Randall e
SON Archibald's daughter-he died two years
after her birth-was brought up by her uncle,
Sir Charles. who made a pet Of her; but she
spoiled her prospects by marrying a poor SOL
dier, Captain Plinlinmon- fancy she ran away
with him. At any rate. the old man would
never speak to her again, see her. and cut
her out of his will"
'I see. And she-this daughter of Archibald
Leicester-was Archibald Plinlimmon's mother.
Is she living?"
Mrs Plinlimmon died some years ago" I
put in.
Hey? What do you know about all this -
| asked Mr.. Rogers.
"A little sir" I answered.
But what little you know-does it bear this
mans story out?"
Yes sir
Right It's we'll TO have some check on IT.
for I'd trust him just so far as could fling him
by the eyebrows"
There was no profit for men in this busi-
ness. Mr. Rogers" protested Whitmore. I'm
telling you the truth. sir-I indeed" And
indeed the poor rogue. having for the moment
another's sins to confess ratified with his
story almost glibly. "As I was saying, SIR. the
old man cut her out Of his will: and not only
this. but had a Bible fetched and took his
oath upon 1t that no child Of hers should ever
touch penny of his money. Be so good as TO
bear that in mind. sir. for it's important"
Il see" Mr. Rogers nodded. so that cuts
out Master Archibald. And the money. ! sup
pose. went TO her brothers chiId-the boy you
spoke Of"
Softly. sir for now We come to IT. That
boy-Randan Leicester's son-was George
Leicester the man who calls himself Letcher-
Randall Leicester lived long enough to have his
heart broken by him He started in the navy.
with plenty OF pocket money and better pros
poets. for Sir Charles turned all his affection
over to him and-it was taken for granted
meant To make him his heir Buff you
knew George Leicester as I do That man
has a devil in him. and the devil showed
himself early First, there was an ugly story
about a woman-a planters wife in one Of the
West India islands. where ne was serving IN
der Abercromby-Santa Lucia, 1 think, or II
NAV have been St. Vincent They say that after
getting her TO run with him. he left her stranded
and bolted back TO the ship with his pockets
business at NapIes-an affair Of cards-whtch
cost him his uniform. After that he disap-
peared and for years his uncle has believed
him 10 be dead"
Then who gets the money?
There's the viIainy. str"-he spoke as If in
deed he had taken no hand in IL Sir Charles.
YOU see. was tied by his oath not to leave IT 10
young Plinlimmon; but it seems he's persuaded
himself that the oath doesn't apply to young
PlinIirnmon's children. should he marry and
have children To whom else should it go?
Lawful heirs OF his body'-you may bet the will
runs I've a notion that George Leicester has
made certain of this; but anyway. that's how I
expIafn his game If the inheritance is made
void by bastardy you see. he turns up as the
legitimate heir and collars the best Of the
property"
MY Godr' shouted Mr. Rogers. and would
have Ieaped on him again to throttle him. had
not the rector with wonderful agility for his
years flung himself between You dare TO
stand there and tell me that. 10 aid this deviltry.
you pushed woman into snarne-and that
woman Isabel Brooks.
Mr. Rogers" the rector inplored. control
Yourself I know better than you-every
knows who has been a parish priesJ-what vile
ness q man can be guilty Of to save his skin.
Reserve your wrath for Leicester. but let this
poor creature be-he has an awful expiation be-
fore hiu-and consider with me if the worst Of
this evil cannot be remedied." He turned TO
tbe cl1rate You have the registers-the parish
papers2 Where are they? Here?'
Whitrnore nodded toward door in the cor
ner-not the door by which We had entered. but
one which, by its appearance. might open on a
large cupboard
/ rs the license for this marriage among them?
Give me the key"
The curate nodded and seemed to search in
his pocket for a moment then jerked a hand
toward the door. If meaning that no key was
necessary. The rector strode across TO search
by God. II shall be remediedr Mr. Rogers
shouted Rector
The old turned
''Weu?" he asked.
You can marry them yet"