Part 14 (2/2)

Mr Lane stretched a claw-like hand toward hih,” he cried shrilly

”Never now, Mr Lane,” replied hter were my habit--” he paused and surveyed Mr Lane's pinched and bony figure

”You found the letter a, eh?” snapped Captain Tracy ”You found it funny e ordered you out of this town, did you? I suppose you thought ere joking, eh? Well, by Gad, eren't, and that's e've come to tell you Heaven help us if we don't see you out on a rail, you daently,” interjected Mr Penfield, in a soothing tone ”Let us not use any harder words than necessary Mr Shelton will agree with us, I am sure Mr Shelton did not understand Perhaps Mr Shelton has forgotten”

”My memory,” said my father, ”still remains unimpaired I recall the last tio in this very house I recall at the time you warned ht, and yet at present I find my residence here most expedient

Indeed, I find it quite ientlemen, the house is watched, and it is as much as my life is worth to stir outside the doors”

”Good God!” cried Mr Lane, in the shrill voice that fitted hiht have known it!”

There was a momentary silence, and Major Proctor whispered in Mr

Penfield's ear

”Captain Shelton,” said Mr Penfield, ”I see your son and a woht be better if you sent them away Your son, I have heard, has learned to behave himself There is no need for him to hear e have to say to you”

There was a note of raillery in his voice that must have offended my father

”Mr Penfield is mistaken I fear closed shutters make the room a trifle dark to see clearly It is a lady, Mr Penfield, who is with us”

Captain Tracy laughed My father's hand dropped to his side For a moment no one spoke Captain Tracy moved his head half an inch further forward

”Well?” he asked

”Let us leave the matter for a moment,” said my father ”It can wait

Pray continue, Mr Penfield My son will be glad to listen”

Mr Penfield cleared his throat, and looked at the others uncertainly

”Go on, Penfield,” said the Major

”Mr Shelton,” began Mr Penfield stiffly, ”ten years ago you were a gentleman”

”Could it have been possible?” said o you were a man that every one of us here trusted and respected, a friend of several In the War of the Revolution you conducted yourself like awith a letter of ht in three engage and bravery which we once admired”

”Could it have been possible?” ain ”I do recall I failed to stay at hoain to Mr Penfield

Mr Penfield frowned, and continued a little ed in the China trade You were a successful man, Mr Shelton We looked upon you as one of the er men of our seaport We trusted you, Captain Shelton”

”Could it have been possible!” exclaimed my father

”Yes,” said Mr Penfield in a louder tone, ”we trusted you You have only to look at your books, if you have kept them, to remember that”