The Springfield herald., 1912-05-24

uIuatoTy adventures IN boston, anu
dedicated sonnets OF apology, pro
amore mea," to Ell and the mar
rying mothers of New York generally.
Such a man cared little for the
threats of this young lady's brother.
or for the common rumor that she
was the most dashing girl In New
York city, and would make things
unpleasant for him. He had twenty
thousand a year. and for flancee one Of
the prettiest roses In the whole gar
den OF Kent. What harm then could
brokers' daughter, three thousand
miles away, do to him? or how mar
his happiness?
But am anticipating. and must
bark back to the anchor with the
flukes of pearl. l sent the model
down on Wednesday; on the Friday
morning received the order to pro-
ceed with the work. Early on the fol-
, lowing Monday. as read my paper
In cab on the way to Bond street.
/ saw tremendous headline which
announced the Sudden and mysteri-
ous disappearance of Lord Maclaren,"
The report said that he had left his
hotel on the Saturday afternoon to
walk. as the supposition went, to st.
Peters. But he had never reached
Lord Cantiliffe's house; and although
search had been made by the police
and by special coastguard parties. no
trace OF him had been found.
For whole week the press had no
other topic: the police telegraphed to
all the capitals; reward Of thou
sand pounds was offered for knowl-
edge of Lord Maclaren, last seen up
on the East Cliff at Ramsgate at
three O'Clock on the afternoon of Sat
urday. the 9th of July
The day fxed for the wedding now
drew near; and when the bridegroom
did not appear. the vulgar. who do not
believe scandals though they like to
hear them, declared that the murder
theory was true beyond question. The
rest said that he was either bankrupt
or bigamist-and having consoled
themselves with the reflection, they
should have done the same 6ad i
not enjoyed solution of the mystery.
which came to me unsought and acci-
dentally. On day near to that fixed
for the wedding was at Victoria sta
tion about eight O'Clock In the even
ing when ran full upon the missing
nobleman; and for some while stood
speechless with astonishment at the
sight of him. His beard was longer
than ever, recalling the tragedies of
Killingworthe or OF Johann Mayo; his
Dundreary whiskers were shaggy and
unkempt.
"Ah. Sutton. that's you, is it?" he
cried. I'm glad to see you. by love;
have you such a thing as half-a-crown
in your pocket?"
offered him half-a-sovereign. still
saying nothing; but he continued rap
idly
you've heard all about 1t, of course
what are they saying here now? Do
they think I'm dead man, eh?-but l
won't face them yet. Upon my life.
I dare not see soul. Come with me
to a hotel; there's good fellow
but let's have a cognac first; I'm shiv-
ering like child with fever"
l gave him some brandy at a bar,
cab-he insisting on the privacy-and
drove to a private hotel in Cecil
street, Strand. They did not know
him there. and l engaged room for
him and ordered dinner, taking these
things upon myself, since he was as
helpless as a babe. After the meal
he seemed somewhat better, and 1
telegraphed to Ramsgate for his man,
though 1t was impossible that the fel-
low could be with him until the follow
ing morning. In the meantime found
but had his story.
The complete explanation of this
mystery was one, think, to astonish
most people. 1t was SO utterly un-
looked for, that was led at the first
hearing to believe the narrator in
sane. He told me that at three o'clock
on the afternoon of July 5th, he had
left his hotel on the East Cliff at Rams
gate-the day being glorious, and a
full sun playing upon the channel and
many ships-and had determined to
flancee expected him to tennis
party. WIN lnlS intention, ne STRUCK
along the cliff towards Broadstairs.
but had gone only few PAGES, when
a seaman stopped him. and touching
his hat respectfully, said that he had
message for him.
well, my man, what Is it?" Mac
laren asked-I had the dialogue from
the seaman himself-being In hurry,
as those who walk the ways of love
usually are.
my respects to your honor" re-
piled the fellow, but the ketch Bow
cry. moored off the pier-head, 'ud be
glad to see your honor If convenient.
and If not, maybe tomorrow"
What the devil does the man
mean?" cried his lordship. but the sea-
man plucking up courage continued
IAN old friend of your hon.
or's for sure he is. my guv'ner. Abra-
ham Burrow, what you had the &C.
quaintance of in New York city"
well, and why can't he come
ashore? remember the man perfect
ly-T have every causa to"-o fr,,o ro