St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1910-06-08

book, 81 won't read
His lordship's head had turned. "a
good SYSTEM he remarked after an
interval. But my purpose-the pur-
pose Of my visit-I-we have wan
dered quite from that. Let US, beg of
you, talk business. l believe"-the Wis
ttor moistened his lips-:I believe l
mentioned-John Steele when l came
in ~
at am all attention, your Iordship."
Mr.. Gillett's manner was keen, ener-
getic. If he felt surprise he suppress
ed it. "Good! Your lordship's business
concerns John Steele"
t'For reasons that need not be men,
toned 1 want to find out all I can
about him. That, believe, is the sort
of work you undertake. The terms for
your services can be arranged later.
It is unnecessary to say you will be
well paid. l assume you can COM
mand competent and trustworthy
help; that you have agents perhaps in
other countries?"
Mr.. Gillett nodded. eff your lord
ship would give me some idea of the
scope of the inquiry
The long fingers opened, then closed
tightly.
"In the first place, you are to ascer-
tain where John Steele was before he
came to England, how he got there,
what he did Naturally If he has lived
in a faraway port you would seek to
know the ship that brought him there,
the names of the captain and the
crew"
sit shall be done, your lordship," re-
piled the other quickly. 81 shall en-
bark in the matter with great zest
and, 1 may add, interest. If might
be so bold, may ask, does your lord
ship expect to find anything that
would-ahem-cast any reflection on
the high standing John Steele is build
ing up for himself in the community
orr
A shadow seemed to darken the
mask-like features Of the visitor His
gaze at once glittering, vaguely ques-
tioning, was fastened on The wall;
then slowly without answering he got
up. ''Surmises are not to enter into
this matter" he said shortly. cit is
facts / want-facts."
"And your lordship shall have them.
The case appears simple, not hard to
get at the bottom of An odd express
sion shone from the visitors eyes.
(which reminds me he has left town."
added Gillett.
cleft town. Lord Ronsdale wheel
ed abruptly. "You mean
'sFor little trip to the continent,
should imagine; heard of it because he
got some unimportant court matter
put over"
.sGone away!" The nobleman lifted
a hand to his brow.
''Last night"
.'It was only yesterday morning
was riding wien him."
.'And he didn't mention the matter?"
The visitor did not answer. why
should he have gone away?' he MUIR
INJURED, half aloud. Twas it because
He walked to the door, at the thresh-
old stopped and looked back. You
might begin your inquiry by learning
all you can about this little trip" he
suggested. And he departed.
S0Y0Idl uOuIuS WE'LL w, anu JOuu
Steele saw nothing further. although
he heard often, of Miss Jocelyn Wray.
His business to the continent, what
ever It's nature, had seemed sufficient
~ important to authorize from him to
her In due process of time short, per-
functory message regretting his in
ability to present himself at the ap-
pointed hour at Strathorn House.
A number of supposedly prospective
clients had called to ask for him at
his Office during his sojourn on the
other side Of the channel. That was
to have been expected But one or two
Of these by dint of fattery or possibly
silver lined persuasion had succeeded
In gaining access to his chambers.
ST should like to have a look into
John Steele's library. I've heard it's
worth WHILE" one had observed to the
butler at the door. "Only bit Of a
peep around!" His manner Of putting
his desire, supplemented by half
crown, left the butler no alternative
save to comply with the request until
the peep around began to develop
into more than cursory examination,
when his sense of propriety became
outraged and the visitors welcome
was cut short.
HE was that curious, regular
Paul Pry," explained the servant to
John Steele in narrating the incident
on the latter's return to London
Seemed specially taken by the re-
ports of the old trials you have on the
shelves, sir. What an interesting col
lection of causes celebresH he kept re-