The Argosy, Vol. VIII

"Roland Yorke: A Sequel to 'The Channings'" by the author of East Lynne, serialized in this 1869 issue of The Argosy. Chapter XXIX, "Restless Wanderings," depicts the mystery surrounding Arthur Channing's unexplained disappearance six days earlier at a private hotel in Norfolk Street, London. After being met by Roland Yorke at Euston Square Station and settling into the hotel's coffee room to read correspondence, Arthur vanishes. Roland becomes increasingly frantic, searching Scotland Yard, Waterloo Bridge, and the docks while fearing Arthur has been murdered for the sixty pounds he carried. Police investigate four letters Arthur received that evening, including one from his employer Galloway asking for a meeting. The search yields no clues. Roland argues with a policeman named Spitchcock, expressing frustration with English police incompetence, comparing London unfavorably to Port Natal where he previously lived.