The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 398: what you’re looking at

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THE MYSTERIBS OF THE COURT. 397 equally clear that these were tho garments which he wore on the occasion. He must have waded through the stream, under the Castle wall—his clothes were therefore wet and muddy—they would have served as evidences, or at least would have engendered strange suspicions, if seen in that state by any of the domestics. Is it not therefore clear enough, that in order to cause all traces of his dread” crime to disappear, on his return to the Castle, thoes garments were tied up in a bun- dlo and were doubtless thrown from one of the windows overlooking the river? The current has since carried the package higher up towards Gainsborough, notwithstanding the weight of the stone inside for the purpose of sinking it. As for the pistol, you yourself, Denison, suggested a long while ago—when that masquerading dress was brought to us—that the pistol should be searched for. I remember well the words you used at the time. You described the several in- fluences under which a murderer throws away his weapon: first, that nothing criminatory may be found upon him, if suddenly stopped and searched —secondly, in the awful feeling of horror which | bed naturally succeeds the commission of a crime—and thirdly, on being alarmed by the sound of voices or footsteps. Now, we well know that Lord Eegledean and Mr. Deveril were upon the spot almost immediately after tho ahots were fired; and therefore it may have been under any ono of those influences—or all combined— that the wretched assassin flung his weapon into the Trent. In a word, there can be no doubt that this assassin was none other than Lord Harold Staunton, and it remains for us to decide what course we have to adopt.” Hawkshaw then explained the circumstances under which the pistol and the clothes came into his possession, and which are already known to the reader. “That this foul murder was committed by Lord Harold Staunton,” said Mr. Denison, “there can be no possible doubt after overything you have told me. That Lady Saxondale was his accomplice, is hkewise to be presumed—though we are still totally in the dark as to the reason which could have prompted so fearful a crime. ‘With these motives however we have nothing to do: if is with facts that we have to deal. What course can we take, Hawkshaw? On the one hand, if, being cognizant of a crime, we fail to give up the criminal to justice, we offend not merely against the laws, but likewise against that community of which we are members. But on the other hand, our friendship for the Marquis of Kagledean, and for all who are connected with the miserable murderer, prompts us to take some other steps. I confess that I am at a loss—I know not what counsel to proffer.” “Tt may be,” replied Hawkshaw, “that the Marquis of Eagiedean will docid:, if appealed to, that the law must take its course.” “ Then let that appeal be made to him,” cried Denison: “and we shall both stand acquitted of any breach of friendship or any undue severity in the matter. This is the best course fo be adopted ; and you, my dear friend, must sct off without delay to see the Marquis of Eagledean. The ovi- dences of the crime you can bear with you; and then you will act as circumstancos shall sugges ” aia gw wwe as ou! aa ere Ee ae ee agp “Yes,” responded the Squire, after a few mo- ments’ reflection: “the plan you have marked out is the best.” CHAPTER CLUXX. VURTHER UNRAVELMENT OF THE TANGLED SKEIN. It was about one o'clock in the afternoon of the following day; that Mr. Hawkshaw arrived at Edenbridge Park. The Marquis and Marchioness were at home; and both were much concerned on account of the severe illness of a domestic whom they much valued. The reader will recollect a cer- tain Mrs. Jamoson, of whom mention was made at the time the Marquis went to Rhavadorgwy for the purpose of presenting himself to the object of his life’s love—Lady Everton at that time—but who had since become his wife. Mrs. Jameson had long been in her ladyship’s service: she was now exceedingly old, and was stretched upon a of sickness from which it was feared she would never rise again. The Marquis and Marchionces were however employing all available human means to restore her. The surgeon who had been called in from the town of Edenbridge, had advised that @ consultation should take place with some eminent London physician; and the Marquis had left it to the medical attendant to use his own discretion in respect to the practitioner whose aid was to be thus invoked. It happened that the Edenbridge sur- geon was well acquainted with Dr. Fernoy,—to whom he accordingly sent a pressing letter be- seeching him to come down to the Park. Ferney, —though making it a general rule not to visit patients at any considerable distance from London, —did not consider himself very well able to refuse compliance with so urgent an appeal; and he ac- cordingly set off for the Park. He had not been many minutes at the mansion, when Mr. Hawk- shaw, arriving by the next train from London, likewise reached his destination. The Edenbridge surgeon and Dr. Ferney were consulting together upon the invalid’s case: the ioness was in the room of the invalid her- self: the Marquis was alone in as parlour, when Mr. Hawkshaw was announced. Hig lordship at once saw by the Squire’s manner that something of unusual importance had occurred; and Hawk- shaw, with no more prefatory words than were sufficient to introduce so distressing a subject, pro- ceeded to explain to the Marquis of Eagledean all those perticulars with which the reader has been made acquainted in the previous chapter. His lordship was for some minutes overwhelmed with horror and consternation. He knew that his nephew was immersed to the very lips in all kinds of profligacies: he knew likewise that Harold had at one time plotted against his life: but he had never suspected that his miserable nephew was already a blood-stained murderer. The intelli- gence therefore, though A ee prefaced and delicately announced, filled Lord Eagledean with the most horrible feelings; and indeed it was no wonder that for some minutes he was totally unable to give utterance to a word. Profoundly did the good-hearted Squire commiserate his noble friend: and he was more than ever satisied (COL (C DOO | CS (COL