Checkmate

ely dismissed from the force, answering to a certain description, which he gave them; and he wished to know whether he was rightly informed, because

ismissed from the detective depa

name?" Mr. L

Davies

I may have a more serious charge to b

ship, and give an information, Si

et," said Mr. Longcluse, "

the more serious charge, Sir?" in

y, on the Frenchman who was murdered last night at the Saloon Tavern. It is

ething like reverence mingling with his curiosity, as he

necting him in some way with

hink. I'll ask, if you please, Sir. Tompkins-hi! You

that a week ago, and I don't know where he is now, but wil

of mine to have a sight

and a stamp, we'll send you the informa

yes, I'll

ace with distinction. The moneyed man was honoured-eyes were gravely fixed on him, and respectful whispers went about. A seat wa

y London, for a few minutes, into a clear air, among the rustling foliage of

erts of the military emissaries in search of him to the royal features. As you drive towards London, it shows at the left side of the road, a good old substantial inn and posting-house. Its business has dwindled to something very small indeed, for the traffic prefers the rail, and the once bustling line of road is now quiet. The sun had set, but a reflec

ad. What do you think, Thomas?" he asked

ipping the hosses. No, Sir, i

e a' top?" said

re's something

hem," said Mr. Truelock, shading h

is nothing

lick," observed Mr. Truelock, who was inwardly conjec

was nigh over at the finger-po

of signal to the "Royal Oak" people on the steps, and pulled up the horses with all their force

n, will ye?" cried o

age, thin, and with a high nose, who looked, as he lay stiffly back in the corner of the carriage, enveloped in shawls, with a velvet cap on, as if he were either dead or in a fit. His eyes were half open, and nothing but the white balls partly visible. There

e. Ye'll have the coroner and his jury in the house, and the place knocked

ing back a little, and addressing the post-boys sturdily. "You've no business bringi

y who stood by, as he strutted round bandily to have a peep into the chaise. The postilion on the "wheeler" had turned himse

iage by this time. Except, however, two or three servants of the "Royal Oak," who had come out to see, n

et," repeated the po

d him?" asked

w," answered

ether he be dead or no?"

d the dismounted post-boy, aside, to on

round to the window to him. He had scarce any voice in him, and looked awful bad, and he said he thought he was a-dying. 'And how far on is the next inn?' he asked; and I

r heads were in t

in the world?" inquired the landlord, who had sent for the doctor. "It

road, where the clump of elms stands, little more th

" inquired

," answered t

s his

ow that,

the innkeeper, pointing to the roof, where

ed the man, who had examined it half

Artille

. He stepped into the chaise, felt the old man's hand

ain, and addressing Truelock. "You must get him into bed, and don't let his head down; take

vant, without a name, is carried from

s later, and hearing what had befallen, went up to the bed-room,

herring-pond to-day, and was ill; he's in such an exhausted state. I should not wonder if he sank; and here we are, without a clue to his name or

letter in h

," Truel

nd a small breast pocket, that had been undiscovered till now, and in this a letter

ght, by Jove,

ign herself?" s

tes from 8, Chester Terrac

doctor. "It had best be in your name-t

hey composed

, or dangerously ill?"

ly," said

ously may t

l, she mayn't come at

nds, who went himself with it to the office