Evening star., 1915-01-17
Drawings by Frank Snapp
CHAPTER XVII

y little later that afternoon. A young
in deep mourning rose from the depths of his
easy chair. For moment Jernyn was puzzled
"Come, have grown much as that? the
visitor laughed. Il am Gerald Lakenham,
you know.
"Whv of course" Jermyn replied II ought
to have known you anywhere. You aren't
bit like poor Aynesworth, though. 1 thought
you on your way round the world
$50 | was, the young man answered. Il
got this news at Rio, and came straight along
back"
Jermvn nodded sympathetically 3Of course.
Must have been rather knock for you.
at indeed the young man admitted
"I can scarcely realize it even now Poor old
Aynesworth He wasn't half such a bad fellow,
you know.
Jermvn silent. There was no person in
the world whom he wished less to discuss.
Il came along to you' the new Marquis
of Lakenham continued because l can't help
feeling that it's all rather rot out old Aynes-
worth getting it in the neck like that and no
one punished for it. Looks sort OF slack,
doesn't it?'
a understand that the police have been max
ing every effort Jermyn remarked.
"Then should say it was jolly well time they
were helped the young man declared. at
doesn't seem as though there could be simpler
case Everybody and every thing was there ready
to their hands. l have just come from Scot
land Yard at this moment and don't believe they have
Il don't think anyone has, Jermyn replied.
Il am not quite so sure of that" Gerald Lakenham
dssented @At any rate, it makes feel rather fed
up with the English detective system. l have made
up my mind, anyhow, to see what | can do toward
clearing the affair up. Aynesworth my brother,
after ALL and head of the house suppose 1t S
up to me to do something
what steps do you propose to take?' Jermyn in
quired
a have engaged an awfuy clever private detective
the Young man went "I want you, if you WILL to
be good to give him clear down at Annerey,
and to let him interview you about the affair before he
goes down.
Jernvn was silent for some little time @Do you
mean to say that you have actually engaged this felow?
he asked.
a have engaged him all right Gerald Lakenham
answered "Hes guaranteed me arrest within thirty
davs and it seems that he knows his business.
"Did YOU consult anyone before you took this step?
"Not a soul In fact, you're the first person I've
talked it over with
Il have no confidence" Jermyn said quietly ~in
private detectives
"Ths fellow Grayson is awfully clever" his visitor
assured him. at he who found out all about the
Midland Bank robberies, and he has little memoran-
dunn of all the best known thieves in Europe, compiled
by himself. The police make of him often al
though of course they always take the credit. Jolly
interesting fellow too, to talk to-
"No doubt, Jermyn admitted, "and yet am afraid
l shall have to say that dsapprove altogether of his
employment in this l think the Scotland Yard
people doing everything that be done, and any
outside interference is only likely to make the matter
more difficult for them
"Up to the present." Gerald Lakenham remarked
dvv "evervthing that be done that nothing
has been done at all. You know don't pretend to be
overburdened with sentiment and that sort of thing;
but Avnesworth my brother and head of the family
and don't feel like sitting still and leaving the mystery
OF his death unsolved.'
-Perhaps,' Jermyn replied thoughtfully, "f he
alive, that is precisely what he would wish to