The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1909-07-08
CHAPTER XXII.

dt not receiving lelIer lrOIl l>OFu Ink
iEgton by return of post, in answer to the
one which he had written detailing the
account of Jack Phillimore's visit TO Ryd-
land; but he was made still further un-
easy by receiving a visit in the afternoon
from Mr.. Ringwood. who explained that
he came as Lord Iakington's accredited
agent TO see Mr. Krabbe. and make few
inquiries concerning him
Il am bound 10 mention, Mr.. Pegram."
said Ringwood, in the course of CONVEX
sation. that Lord Lexington would never
have dreamt Of sending me down here on
such an errand if you had not yourself
proposed it. | will, with your permits
sion. just call upon Mr.. Krabbe to-mor-
row morning, and that will, L think. be
quite sufficient"
pray do not think you want permits
sion from me-" rejoined the old lawyer.
Anybody is welcome to call upon the old
man whenever they please"
So it was all settled as Ringwood pro-
posed, although Mr.. Pegram was secretly
dissatisfied that the Niscount should have
taken him at his word. He had calculated
on a chivalrous reply from Lord Taking
ton, TO the effect that he could not in
suit him by thinking of such thing
as sending down an agent to make the in
curry he courted. However, he was not q
whit dismayed at any result that was
likely to attend Ringwood's investigation
Ringwood's inquiries had, as he expect
ed. led to nothing. That old Mr.. krabbe
lived as a pensioner of the Pegrams in
little cottage just off the Llanbarlym
Road was evidently firmly believed by the
good people of Rydland. That anybody
should be personating the ex-clerk had
never been limited at in the town. He had
no difficulty in finding the cottage. and 1t
was not till he was about TO rap at the
door that a quick step upon the gravel
walk behind him made him pause, and he
saw Sam Hemmingby by his side
.'I got into Rydland late last night,
and do not think a soul knew saw me
stink in here. l came across country most
of the way. for fear OF meeting any one,
and have been skulking behind the hedge
for the last houh. / saw Bob Pegram
70 in BY the back way about half an hour
ago he is come. | suppose, to warn this
old counterfeit to get ready for you, and
to keep an eye upon him while he plays
his part"
AT this moment the door was opened by
| Mrs. Clark, who was, at first, most palpa-
bly, disconnected by the appearance of
| Uemmingby on the scene. Recovering her
composure after o few seconds. she ush-
cred them into the little parlor, and adj
dressing herself to Ringwood somewhat
pointedly. explained in a low voice that
Mr.. Krabbe would have finished dressing
| in a few minutes, and see them If they
would sit down and wait.
Where have l seen that woman be-
fore:" muttered the manager, as Mrs.
| Clark left the room. II am more con-
WINGED than ever that 1 have seen her be-
| fore. and that she knows me. II is Jus;
| the way she went on the last time | was
| here-would not look at me, nor speak &c
me more than she was positively com.
| PEELED. You'll see.'
You think she is afraid of your recog.
MIXING her?'
Just so; and it was the hope that
should do so prompted me chiefly to vol
unteer accompanying you In this visit"
At this juncture the same decrepit
wreck of humanity that Jack Phillimore
by the nurse on one side and lis stick
on the other. Pausing as soon as he had
advanced three or four steps, he pointed
with his stick at his visitors, and turning
| to Mrs. Clark, exclaimed, in piping
| treble:
Tell them to go away
Forced to reply in some fashion, the
nurse raised her voice and shouted into
| the octogenarian's ear:
These gentlemen have come all the
way from London to ask after you; won'i
you say How do you do TO them?"
But the old gentleman only replied by
| incoherent mutterings, in which objurga
tons, such as, "a pack of prying fools.
seemed mingled with querulous complaints
as to the scarcity of sunlight in thess
days as compared with those of his youth
| Hemmingby eyed the old man narrow
| ly while the nurse busted herself in adjust
ing his cushions. wraps. ETC.. and crossing
the room rapidly, held out his hand and
| exclaimed:
| How do you do, Mr.. Krabbe?"
The old gentleman looked at him for q
| few seconds, then muttering sulkily that
Hemmingby had got between him and the
| fire. nestled sullenly down amongst his
| cushions.
ut is wonderfully like the real article.
said Hemmingby in low voice, as he re
sumed his seat by Ringwood. "In spite
! Of my doubts, / would not venture as ye
to swear that he Is not the real man."
Ringwoods hopes rather fell at this an
| nouncement. He had fully expected t.
hear the manager pronounce Mr.. Krabbs
an impostor as soon as he had had 6
look at him; while Hemmingby's strone
impression, that ne should, after little
recognize the nurse, he had taken Sigh
heed of.
II am afraid, gentlemen. you will ge
| little out of him to-day. He is very deaf
as you may see, at the best of times; ant
when he is out of temper. as is the cas-
just now, be simply won't hear"
Ito be continued.)