The searchlight., 1909-01-01
CHAPTER VI. (continued.)

Il don't know, MIR. Hume, whether
you are darkly limiting that am in
any way responsible for Philip
aume's disappearance: that have"
Stephen Ruthen interposed with n
white face: his voice was strained
and unnatural. as he cried. quickly:
Il cannot allow this to continue
Mr.. Hume. make allowance for your
anxiety. but think you have spoken
In a way that Mr.. Lathom has right
20 resent"
For q moment Bonholt Hume did
aot speak. Then he said, with a re-
turn OF his usual habitual courtesy:
III SO. can only express my pro-
found regret. When a man is as wor-
fied as I am"
his natural good temper reasserted
itself in generous fashion.
"Oh. that's all right" he cried. in
terupting the others apology. You're
naturally a bit anxious, Mr. Hume,
though think you take a more seri-
Gus view of It than you need-there's
sure to be perfectly simple explana-
tion OF your nephew's absence. II
isn't as though II was weeks or even
days since he had been seen.'
II his resentment had passed Hilda
aid not forgive her visitor SO easily.
His words fingered ranking in her
nind like poisoned dart. utterly in
applicable. She did not hold out her
hand to Mr.. Hume when he left that
afternoon.
The days passed, bringing no
change in the weather. The white
teeth OF winter still held the country
In their tenacious grip: no sign of
change or thaw. Philip Hume's con-
einusd absence began TO cause specu-
lation In others as well 2s the miss
ing mans uncle. The mystery of his
6isappearanca became a topic of gen
oral comment. not only In the village,
but In the neighboring town of Fells-
garth. where the Humes' were we'll
Known.
Mr.. Bonholt Hume walked through
the main street Of Fellsgarth one aft.
ornoon some four days after his inter.
view with Jack Lathom; more per.
sons than one were struck by the
deepening lines Of anxiety In his face
He seemed 10 know almost every
enc; he was q man with q multitude
Of friends. and IL he had any enemies
no one appeared to know OF them;
he was popular alike at the club and
at the Exchange. He had gone to
the Exchange that afternoon.
A stout. red-faced man. catching
sight Of him. came up behind and slap
ped him on the shoulder.
Just the man | wanted to sect"
he cried. Il want to know what you
have been doing to that nephew OF
yours?"
Bonholt Hume started and turned
looking as though the unexpected salu
tation had positively startled him. he
had gone SO white. and for a moment
he seemed unable to find his voice
though his lips moved. His red-faced
acquaintance laughed boisterously.
why. what have you got on your
conscience to make you jump like
that. Humef' he cried. playfully: he
was = big man on change. with a
noisy. Irritating voice. II had an ap
spointment with young Philip for yes
terday-rather an important appoint
ment. and he never turned up. Put
mo to no end OF inconvenience
What's all this talk | hear about his
0isappearance? Where's he gone;
Dodging baiiifs?"
81 wish q could tell you" replied
8onholt He was still rather white
he had seemed a bundle of nerves
since Philips disappearance. And
wish you could ask a question with
out SO much personal .violence!" ferc
ing q smile ''fs. worried about Pail
lp: no one seems tohave seen him
since his second row with young
LAthom. Lathom processes to know
aothing"
We'll. what should he know? You
don't suppose Lathom spirited him
like q conjured making rabbits dis
appear into a hats" broke in third
voice, that OF a mutual acquaintance
Who had Joined them. But l expect
II the truth was known. Philips al
home. lying low. nursing that black
eye OF his! Jove! didn't youns
LAthom 60 for him In the club" And
b. laughed.
Il only wish my nephew were Al
home. or that knew where he was,
eaid Bonholt; Il should be good
deal less anxious. Since the night nj
and Lathom had their second unfortu
nate fracas. there hasn't been a WORD
or sign Of him."
well. It's too early for you to take
cut letters Of administration in re
spoet Of the property. Hume." criet
tAe llrst man. boisterously. ITS en-
taaled. isn't it?-and you're the oal,
eoaatiye he has living!"
The loud-yoiced mans badinag'
brought no responsive smile to Bon
holt Hume's face. He nodded ant
walked away. as though not in th'
mood for c0aversation. The othel
Wan stood telling for moment o.