The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1907-10-25
CHAPTER VI.
Mr.. Mark Buckingham.

Mark Brettingham-the John Will
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-
ment with them, resolutely declined.
what I've done tonight" he said,
1--WE done with clear conscience.
I've told story that I'd no right to
conceal, and given information which
understood was necessary for 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 convict's future, so far as his
money prospects were concerned, was
satisfactorily settled. The prize to
which he was legally entitled was
practically won.
Fashionably dressed, and altered by
his general get-up as he was, Mark
Buckingham had very little fear of
being recognized by any offlcious 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
Buckingham. 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 remarkable transformation, but
lie had completely changed his social
position. He was no longer n Denni-
less adventurer: he was the elder son
and heir of Sir Mark rockingham Of
Draycott Hall, with money for his
present needs and fair future he
fore him.
From that night he would be living
in first-class hotels, leading the life Of
gentleman of position and means
The alertest detective would hardly
be likely to arrest we'll connected
young gentleman of fashion, living in
a iirst-class style. on account of his
resemblance to an escaped convict
who had been soldier servant
Although not to the manor born
Mark Buckingham would have little
difficulty in playing his new role The
woman who had taken pity ON the
tramp's deserted child had been Il
nursery governess in good family
before she married the young farmer
and John Wilson had not only been
well educated by her. but, as he grew
| up and acquired taste of life" had
mixed with 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 that Mr.. Mark Buckingham
was safe" He knew that he hat
;ul a very serious risk in contrivin.
the escape, and that he would have t.
pay very unpleasant penalty if hi.
share in the adventure should eve
come to light.
| he was therefore very naturall,
anxious to safeguard against the pos
a.hl:ty CT the identity Of his protes,
nc ~ t's"overed
III" question of Mr.. Hanks shar
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