The Childerbridge Mystery

an immense sensation in all ranks of Society, and, as the Coroner observed in his opening remarks, universal sympathy was felt for the bereaved family. Wilkins, who had not altogether recovered from

is father in his hearing in Australia. He described his meeting with the man in the park before dinner, and added that he had forbidden him to approach the house. Examined by the Coroner, he was unable to say anything concerning the nature of the quarrel between the two men. The doctor was next called, and gave evidence as to being summoned to the Manor House. He described the body, and gave it as his opinion that death was due to strangulation. Then followed the police officer. The landlord was the next witness, and he gave evidence to the effect that the man Murbridge had stayed at the inn, had been absen

e. But we've got our warrant for the arrest of Murbridge, and, as soon as we are able to lay our hands upon him, we may be able to advance another

let me know ho

e to do so," R

n the papers, offering a reward of five hundred pounds to anyone who wi

lot of useless correspondence. Still, it may be of some use, and I

be done

n place at the inquest. She quite agreed with him on the matter of the reward, and an advertisement was ac

use, accompanied by his father's solicitor, who had travelled down from London for the ceremony. He was already aware that, by his father's death, he had become a rich man, but he had no

of letters," he continued, pointing to a pile of correspondence lying upon the writing table, "each one hails from somebody who has either seen Murbridge or professes to know where he is to be found. One knows just such a man working in a baker's shop in Shoreditch; another has lately returned with him on boar

pe is that it will not have the effect of driving him out of England. In wh

ve him," Jim replied. "Let him go wher

to return to her own home, and Jim determined to accompany her. They accordingly set off together. So occupied

your goodness to Alice during this awful time. But fo

answered, "my hea

of our father,"

lied; "but you have borne your trouble so

o one about, so why should he not h

s to be. Will you wait for Mr. Bursfield's death before you become m

n all probability I should now be a governess, a music-mistress, or something of that sort. He has fed me, clothed me, and loved me, after his own fashio

sfield is a very old man. It is just possible, therefore, that the event we referred to a few moments ago may take place in the near future. Now, owing to my father's death, I ought not to be married for some tim

ply. "I fear, however, that, while Mr. Bursfiel

eantime, as long as I know that you are true to me,

on't you, Jim?" she asked, looking

ving been permitted to win your love. I am supremely thankful for one thing, an

m," she replied. "But there

e the worst of reasons for knowing that there was o

ng yet from the police

ar to have been entirely unsuccessful. If they do not soon run him down I shall take up the case myself, and see what I can do with it. And now here we are a

ill always be able to say t

ore he heard his name called, and, turning round, beheld no less a person than Mr. Bursfield hurrying after him. He waited for the old gentleman to com

r. Bursfield began. "I recognised your voice as you bade Miss Decie g

order to make amends, and to withdraw his decision regarding his

what I told you a few evenings since concerning the proposal yo

im replied; "it is scarcely

sideration, and I may say that I have found no

idea in my mind which I fancied might possibly commend itself to you, and induce you to reconsider your decision. You have already told me that Miss Decie's presence is necessary to your happiness. As a

the other answered with a sneer. "It is a fact that she

hs' time, or so, you should permit me to marry your ward, and

n astonishment. Then he bur

f madness. I am a recluse. I care less than nothing for society. My books are my only companions; I want, and will

rm so tightly that the

. "It is said that he was murdered. But, surely, knowing what y

for every circumstance of the case points to murder. Good heavens! Mr

e replied. Then he drew a step nearer, and

e of the former owners was found dead in bed, having met his fate in identically the same manner as yo

id not know what to say or think about it. That his father's death

t coldly. "Even if one went so far as to believe in such things, the evidenc

and fainted in consequence. My old man-servant also told me this morning that your butler had seen it on another occasion. I believe the late Lord Childerbridge also saw it, and in consequence determined to be rid of the place at any cost.

ence we have to rely upon is the word of a hysterical maid-servant, and the assurance of a butler, who, for all we know

you your warning, and if you do not care to profit by it, that has nothing to do with me. And now to return

continue. He had a vague feeling that what he wa

ret that I am still compelled to adhere to this decision. In point of fact, I feel that it is necessary for me to go

ermission to see her or to speak

ss that you have judged the situation correctly. I am desirous of preventing Mis

dmitted, on the last occasion that I discussed the matter with you, that Miss Decie might expect little or nothing from you at your death. Why, therefore, in the name of

I consent to a marriage between my ward and yourself. And, as I said just now, I will go even f

your reasons for taking

to say to you, and I have the ho

ou that I am determined, at any cost, to make Miss Decie my wife. I might add now, that your tyrannical behaviour will only make me the more anxious to do so. If the young la

you, beware!" the o

ve to say to me I will

irection of the Dower House. Jim stood for a moment looking after his retreating fi

ed his sister of what had taken place

had finished. "He knows that Helen loves you, and surely he can

ances. Old age is apt to be selfish. Besides, we have to remember, as Helen says, that she owe

is own mind. He was made much happier, however, by a note whi

andwriting, and he

ch a thing should have occurred. I cannot understand his behaviour in this matter. That something more than any thought of his own personal comfort makes him wi

loving