The Sisseton weekly standard. (Sisseton, Roberts County, S.D.) 1892-1929, 1907-10-25
CHAPTER vi.
MIR. Mark Buckingham.

Mark Brettlngham-the John VIII
son" was, he hoped, laid aside forever
found Mr.. Hank and Farmer Craw-
FORD at the railway station. waiting for
the last train to London.
Mr.. Hank and his protege travelled
up together. The old farmer, invited
to enter an empty first-class compart-
nent with them, resolutely declined.
What I've done tonight" he said,
I've done with a clear conscience.
I've told a story that I'd no right to
conceal, and given information which
| understood was necessary for a ques-
ton of property to be settled. But be-
tween me and YOU, John Wilson,
there's nothing more to be said. It's
not for me to give you up to justice,
but I've no mind to be in your COM
pany. Good night"
He nodded to the two men and en-
tered another compartment. When
the train arrived at London terminus
he passed his former companions on
the platform, and, taking no more
notice of them, made his way out Of
the station.
During the journey, as no one had
entered their compartment, Hank and
his companion had discussed the re
suit of the interview with Sir Mark.
The conEict's future, so far as his
money prospects We're concerned, was
satisfactorily settled. The prize to
which he was legally entitled was
practically won.
Fashionably dressed, and altered bv
his general get.up as he was, Mark
rockingham had very little fear Of
being recognized by any officious po-
liceman who might have seen the
photograph which would be forward
ed to all stations.
In the photograph Of him preserved
in the convict department at Scotland
Yard he was in military uniform and
wore a moustache. In the other pho
tograph which would be forwarded by
the prison department, a photograph
taken after his conviction, there would
be nothing to suggest the elegantly
dressed and aristocratic looking Mark
rockingham. Thanks to the foresight
of Mr.. Hank, he had been able COM
pletely to change his appearance soon
after leaving the vicinity of Dartmoor.
Not only had his appearance under
gone a remarkable transformation, but
he had completely changed his social
position. He was no longer a penni-
less ad~venturer; he was the elder son
and heir of Sir Mark rockingham of
Draycott Hall, with money for his
present needs and a fair future be-
fore him.
From that night he would be living
in first-class hotels, leading the life OF
a gentleman Of position and means.
The alertest detective would hardly
be likely to arrest a we'll connected
young gentleman of fashion, living in
a first-class style. on account of his
resemblance to an escaped convict
who had beer a soldier servant.
Although not to the manor born.
Mark rockingham would have little
difficulty in playing his new role. The
woman who had taken pity on the
tramp's deserted child had been a
nursery governess in a good family
before she married the young farmer.
and John Wilson had not only been
we'll educated by her, but, as he grew
up and acquired a taste of "life" had
mixed with a set of young men who
were his superiors in their social sta.
ton,
Mr.. Bertram Hank had reckoned his
client up carefully and had satisfied
himself taat Mr.. Mark Brettingham
was safe" He knew that he has
run a very serious risk in contriving
the escape, and that he would have to
pay a very unpleasant penalty if his
share in the adventure should ever
come to light.
He, was therefore very naturally
anxious to safeguard against the pos
sibility of the identity of his protege
being discovered.
The question Of Mr.. Hanks share
in the young fellows good fortune was
not discussed that evening. Mr.. Hank
had his own ideas as to the exact