Los Angeles herald., 1906-11-11
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As Fred Ardlamont walked home to his bach
elor apartments that evening hs<felt that he had,
indeed, great cause for happiness. Eoung and
handsome and in perfect glow of health, posi-
ton suddenly thrust upon him probably without
a parallel in the world of commerce. about TO
| be married to Isabel Thorn, the beautiful niece
OF Sir John Dawson. and without care or
trouble to mar his Joy, IL was no wonder that
he came to the conclusion that the world was a
beautiful place TO live in.
AS he passed up the flight Of stairs leading TO
his chambers a man was standing on the landing,
and looked at him nquiringly.
Mr. Frederic ArdamontY
Eyes, that is my name"
"My name is Rook sir; Jacob Rook Of Beadles
Private Detective Agency. The hour is late sir,
but should like a few words with you upon a
matter of importanceI
Certainly; although Il puzzles me TO think
what the nature Of your business can be-"
He switched on the light and led the way in.
side His visitor sat on the edge of chair and
balanced greasy hat between his knees.
Before ] come to business, may l ask q,ies-
tion or two, Mr.. Ardlamont? You were born
in Liverpool, believer
THAT il So"
Mothers name Ruth maiden name Halliwell?"
"You are strangely intimate with my private
affairs. Perhaps you will explain yourself"
'I only wished to satisfy myself that you are
the man I want. Our agency, sir, received a com
mission 10 trace a Frederic Ardlamont, born at
Liverpool twenty-five years ago, and / was put
on the job After days of inquiries traced Mrs.
Ardamont TO London, where believe, she died,
and now, after good deal of work, l have you,
SIR"
"And may inquire who has been good enough
to commission you to take all this trouble, and
with what object"
"Our client ] understand sir is San Fran
ciscan gentleman, and he gives the name of Ru-
pert Ardlamont."
Rupert Ardamont. My father"
$50 understand, sir"
"Where is he now?"
'fIe is at presentNstaying at the Hotel de Luxe.
I am sending in my report tonight and he will
probably be with you first thing in the morning"
With what feelings Fred Ardlamont received
this astonishing news can better be imagined than
described He had always regarded his father
as dead, and then to be suddenly informed that
he was alive caused him variety of sensations
expressive of incredulity, establishment and de-
light He went through the formality of going
to bed, but sleep was out of the question, and
he spent the night in an endeavor to imagine
portrait Of his unknown father
It was close upon nine o'clock the following
morning when knock came to the door of his
chambers. Full of eager anticipation, Fred an
swered the summons, A tall, elegantly dressed
gentleman stood on the threshold; his face was
clean-shaven and his features were clear-cut and
ose-cropped, and he presented an appearance at
once aristocratic and patrican. For moment
they looked at each other in silence.
Erred, my son."
Father a,r
Their hants met IN a hearty clasp; and Fred
drew his father into the room. Tears streamed
down the old mans face, and the son made no
effort to conceal his emotion.
'"To think that remained abroad so long
when had a son like you awaiting me in Eng
land"
"But how is it? Where have you been these
many years."
81 have been a wanderer, my boy, a wanderer
in foreign lands, looking for fortune and miss
ing it by hairs breadth. When left your
mother penetrated into wild districts searching
for gold. | was taken prisoner by hostile tribe,
and for two years | was kept in confinement
Making my escape at last, reached civilized