The Argosy — page 38: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

§ The Mystery of Allan Grale. “Well, it may be a good thing if they have, since it gave them a chance of putting back what they had taken, and regaining their honesty. But I’d like to know who it was, for all that,” she added, shrewdly, “for I don’t say I’d trust such a thief again—and I don't believe much in a repentance that is so careful of not taking shame to itself.” ‘“‘ Well, well,” said her husband, “it 1s over now—let it pass this time. If it happens again, we will make proper enquiry.” ‘“The impudence of oiling the spring of the case!” cried Mrs. Grale. ‘It must have been a bold thief, Richard ! ” That little detail took hold of her fancy amazingly ; and she could not help thinking how wonderfully it would add to the colour of the story she would have to tell, when once the embargo of silence was removed. That must happen in time; Mrs. Grale could not conceive of secrets that are to be kept for ever. Dr. Palmer lost no time in seeking Mr. Grale. Shut up with him that same afternoon in the counting-house at the Works, the Doctor repeated the scant and most unsatisfactory answers he had received from Edgar Vivian. Mr. Grale said little, but he followed every item with close attention, his few answering comments showing how he weighed the significance of every word. When Dr. Palmer dwelt on young Vivian’s denial of having ever written to Allan’s father, or of any knowledge of the request for the second loan, Mr. Grale did not forget to remind him that he had considered the handwriting of that note the most like the one on the Corrabuin label: and when Dr. Palmer urged that they had not yet got Edgar’s admission of having written that, he grimly said that they had Edgar's admission that he had had some communication with Allan, though he refused to say more on the subject. ‘ And well might he refuse to confess to any knowledge of that box!” added Mr. Grale, in a burst of impulse. “Stay,” said Dr. Palmer ; “I cannot be sure that Vivian did admit it. At first I thought he did; tacitly though, rather than in direct words ; but later, on my referring to it, he reminded me that he did not.” “What am I to understand?” retorted Mr. Grale. ‘Did he admit having held communication with my son since his flight, or did he not?” ‘Mr. Grale, it is as I say to you—that I cannot be sure. If Vivian has held any, rely upon it he has some deep motive for not letting it be known.” ‘““ Some deep devilry,” cried Mr. Grale, angnly. ‘‘That’s what they are in together.” “I think they must hold some deep secret together; or else—or else,” added Dr. Palmer, half musingly—‘ Edgar would like to cause it to be thought he has had communication from Allan, when he has not.” comniclooo ks (C(O)