Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1907-10-24
CHAPTER vi.
Mr.. Mark Buckingham.

Mark Brettingham-th 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,
give 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 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
rockingham had very little fear of
being recognized by any oficious po-
Iiceman 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, photograph
be nothing to suggest the elegantly
dressed and aristOcratic looking Mark
rockingham Thanks to the foresight
of Mr. Hank, ne 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 adventurer; 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 f1rst-class hotels, leading the life of
a gentleman of position and means.
The alertest detective would hardly
be likely to arrest we'll connected
young gentleman of fashion, living in
a first-class style, on account of his
resemblance to an escaped convict
who had been a 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 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 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 had
run a very serious risk in continuing
the escape, and that he would have tC
pay 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
suitable moment at which to present
his account for services rendered.
At the terminus Mr.. Hank babe his
| companion good night. 1t was not his
intention to be seen with him in Lon
don, where he was known by the de
| tective police. until he had satisfied
himself that no unlucky chance hat
aroused the suspicion of Scotland
Yard with regard to the young gentle
man in whom he was SO deeply inter
| ested.
His plan for the present was to
shadow Mark rockingham, to keel
him under observation in order to see