The Minneapolis journal., 1904-07-16

CHAPTER XIII.
Lord Gordon.


stranger visited the village of Quidnak osten-
sbly fishing, spending day
the codfshng banks with of the old fishermen
while night found in the little circle of
freueners of the single store which the village
boased In the of several weeks, being very
wide-awake and observing man, Mr.. Greenwood, as he
called learned the history of almost every family
in the township.
Mr.. Greenwood really a detective who had been
sent to Quidnak Messrs. Shpley Barton to verify
the story of the old sailor; and when he made his
port the lawyers satisfied that the details
In meantime correspondence with
agents they had learned that the crest
on the ring and several letters which pre-
served by Peter belonged a member of
very old and wealthy family of Falchon Devonshre,
England: that the Oldest son wife and child had been
lost at twenty years before, that younger
brother was now in possession of the estate
So complete chain of evidence amply suf
fcient for the purpose of the American lawyers and
day Mr. Shpley, the senior member of the firm,
sailed for Europe, in due time arriving at the little
town of Fachon. Mr.. Shpley found dilapidated cab
to Fachon Park which we'll known for miles about
for its extensive grounds for the antiquity of its build
ings family which
centuries. After a long drive rich country the
cab turned into the park passed UNCOVERED lodge
and entered the road that wound thru fine that
must have been standing during the time of the con-
queror.
"shall wait sir?' the driver, reined
up at the door.
Yes, wait" replied Mr. shipley, jumping
1t was fine old structure, with many wings and
additions; home that might have been commenced
three centuries and grown to its present size by
slow degrees. footman answered the lawyers ring
taking his card. In few moments he returned
requested Mr.. shipleys business: Lord Gordon
gagged
Tell him I private business
of great Importance to himself" the lawyers
he admitted, and conducted to a
large where he found tall, red-faced
seated large chair his leg propped upon pillow
Don't rise SIR" said Mr.. Shipey, stepping
ward
who is rising?" retorted his lordship fercely
Il did not were," answered the lawyer; II
merely cautioned you not to-"
What you mean!' exclaimed the irate noble
Did you here to insult
No. replied the American, a flush stealing
his face at the reception; Il to talk you
your brother"
well, what him" noblernan Hes
dead these twenty years"
Suppose he is not dead?" said the lawyer, quietly.
What" exclaimed Gordon shifting his leg
gently the pillow with groan
"Suppose,' continued the lawyer with exasperat-
Ing calmness,-"suppose he is dead"
But know he is,' retorted the owner of the
mansion What is about anyway? TO whom
indebted for this honor,
Just this, my lord' said Mr.. Shpley, quietly.
IF your brother of your brother should
to life you would not only have to renquish right
to this estate, but make an accounting for stew
ardship."
His lordship's face flushed deep purple and he
raised his cruch tho to strike at the lawyer;
latter sat there cool and imperturbable that the
irascible man completely dsarmed.
Well" finally.
Well" repeated the lawyer, in exactly the same
tone; suppose place my hand on the heir"
II believe you can," rejoined the lord
Did you ever see this?" said Mr.. Shpley, holding
up a ring which he took from his vest pocket.
my brothers ring!' exclaimed the 1obleman.
where did you get it
'"That is of no consequence" rejoned the lawyer
II brought it to present from nephew to
keep until he claims the estate"
MY brothers child is alve" again exclaimed
He is" the reply. land produce him al
any time"
Does no is?" nobeman
mo-" answered the lawyer, briefly
"Aha!" said the other, with look of relief. '"Ther
here to represent him 2"
mot necessarily rejoined the lawyer. II came
to call on you know the nephew and had some curl
osty o the uncle"
This is American humor, suppose" said hi
lordship grimly. But to continue; if you my
nephew presume will produce him."
sz you particularly desire. my lord"
, "Wel suppose I desire it?"
The lawyer coughed
z We'll enough of this" continued lordship :.