Part 68 (2/2)
Come at once to W----, R---- County.---- Sir Clifford is in deep trouble.
BATHURST.
”Bathurst!” the name falls involuntarily from the lips of Mr. Rand; he knows the expert by reputation, and this is the first intimation he has received, that so shrewd a man is at work in the interest of Clifford Heath.
”Is this the only message you received?”
”No, later in the day this came.”
He produced and pa.s.sed over a second dispatch, which is read like the first.
_Honorable George Heathercliffe, etc._
Before starting find out everything you can concerning one John, or Jonathan Burrill, once in the employ of your father.
BATHURST.
The two Lamottes glance uneasily at each other. Whither is this examination tending?
”Did you follow the instructions in this last telegram?” asks O'Meara.
”I did.”
A bland smile widens the mouth of the little Irish lawyer. He waves his hand magisterially.
”That is all, for the present, Mr. Heathercliffe,” he says, suavely, and amazement sits on every countenance.
And now Mr. Rand bends forward and flings himself into the arena, while O'Meara leans back in his chair, his eyes twinkling maliciously.
”Mr. Heathercliffe,” begins the cross-examiner, ”Your two dispatches are signed 'Bathurst.' Who is this Bathurst?”
”Mr. Bathurst, sir, is a very able detective.”
”Ah! He is known to you, I presume?”
”He is,” bowing gravely.
”Now, Mr. Heathercliffe, it strikes me as singular that an English gentleman should be on such familiar terms with a Yankee detective; and still more strange that an English n.o.bleman should be masquerading in America, as a country physician. I should like an explanation of these things.”
”My brother came to America on account of family troubles, sir. Is it _necessary_ that I make a fuller statement?”
He asks this hesitatingly, and Mr. Rand fancies that he sees a point to be gained. He does not see that O'Meara is struggling to conceal the smile of satisfaction that _will_ creep into his face.
”_I_ consider it necessary, sir. It is high time that we knew why we have been honored by this _incognito_--n.o.bleman.”
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