The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1909-07-16
CHAPTER XXI.
Abandoned

Though Robert Aldred had an
nounced his intention of seeing with
his own eyes how things were going
on in Albany street." he did not on
his arrival in London drive thither
directly. He had no less modest
confidence in his own powers as con-
cerned business matters than the
canon himself, and it was clear to
him that his influence with Sophy
would be much less than that of his
father. He wisely resolved to take
no action without the approval of
Frederic triton, of whose judgment he
had the very highest opinion, and
therefore drove straight to that
gentleman's Office in Bedford Row.
Triton received him with great cor
diality, but with a serious air. To
his apologies for troubling him
about what might after all turn out
to be of no great confidence-refer-
ring to Sophy's letter to the canon
he answered unhesitatingly, "You
have done quite right"
do you really think, then, that
she is on the brink of some desperate
STEP"
ION some decisive step she may
be-" he replied, thoughtfulIy; "the
desperation will be the other way, l
mean upon her husbands side.'
But will not that involve her in
peril?"
Undoubtedly, if certain precau-
tions had not been taken. He is like
some wild beast over whom a net has
been thrown. 1t is scarcely visible
to him; and seems slight enough, but
if he attempts to escape, to strug-
Gle
But if he finds he cannot escape"
interrupted Robert, apprehensively,
sis there no fear of his doing mis-
chief to innocent people-those who
are inihis power, and whom he may
confuse, perhaps, with his enemies?
I am .prejudiced, of course; but it
seems to me that this Adair is a
sort Of man who will stick at moth
ing"
HERB cab drove rapidly up to the
door, and the Office bell rung with
VIOLENCE.
81 Should not wonder if that was
some news about our friend" con-
tinued; Irton, with his finger raised
for silence. Clients, unless, indeed,
they are ladies who have suffered
wrong, do not try our bell wires so
severely"
Are you expecting news about
him?":
Not this morning in particular
but it must needs come soon.'
A clerk entered with card in bis
hand He gave It to his employer,
who passed it on, with a significant
look, to Aldred.
Good heavens, Irton! 1t is the
man himself.
Yes; l think can guess what he
has come about" returned the law
yer, grimly; "sit down at yonder
desk, with a pen in your hand, and
you will hear what the gentleman has
to say for himself. Show him in,
Mason: =
Thefnext moment Adair was ush-
cred into the room. He looked pale,
as he always did, but with a differ
ence; his color was leaden, even to
his lips. He might have been a
corpseibut for his eyes, which. after
a hun cry glance around the room,
fixed themselves like two burning
Goals Upon the lawyer.
"1ou are not alone" he said !;
''whatlI have to say to you must be
said in private.
''The gentleman yonder is in my
confidence" returned Irton. coldly.
''If you object to his presence you
can say what you have to say In
writing. 1 will not see you alone"
You are afraid. are you?" sneered
Adair.
mot in the least. since l am
neither your wife nor your child
"Ah, your words convince me that
I am on the right track. Since you
will have a witness, so much the
worse for you. l am here to say that
you have committed an infamy."
Indeed. 1 do not confess it, but
1 admit that you should be good
Judge of what is infamous?"
Where are my wife and child?"
exclaimed Adair, passionately. "They
have been lured away from home by
your Vaccinations. Where are
they?"