The Argosy — page 139: what you’re looking at

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

124 Christobel. of his suit, a grey one, is the same. But the cut is different ; and his watch, chain and purse are also quite distinct. He wears a diamond pin, which, it seems, nobody ever saw on Vandyken, and he turns out, on measurement, to be a very little shorter.” ‘“‘ Are there any papers about him?” “There is a letter which, strangely enough, is addressed to Van dyken.” “ Addressed to Vandyken /” repeated in astonishment Mr. Hillyer, when sharply interrupted by Mr. Sherlock. ‘“* And all this time, where zs Vandyken ?” ‘““ He has disappeared.” ‘The plot thickens then,” said Mr. Hillyer. ‘It is possible that there is some connection between this Dare’s presence yesterday in the neighbourhood and Vandyken’s sudden eclipse. You read the letter I conclude. Does it throw any light on the matter ?” ““T can trust you all, of course,” replied Sir Edward, after a moment’s hesitation. ‘As the contents of the letter must be com- municated to the coroner, they cannot be considered a secret. But Vandyken may return, or write and explain everything, and until then discretion is advisable. The letter is from a man in New York, who appears to have had business with Vandyken, and had apparently sent Dare over as an emissary to him. It points, I must own, to dealings of a very shady character, and threatens Vandyken with exposure and ruin, unless a marriage which the writer does not specify shall take place. I presume that the lady must be somebody belong- ing to Vandyken, a sister or a niece perhaps. I remember once hearing him say that he had no daughter.” “Do you know.anything of his family?” asked Mr. Hillyer. “To tell the truth, nothing. I hked the man, and became inti- mate with him too incautiously, I fear.” ‘““ Mrs. Chisholm has mentioned several times that she saw Miss Fane talking, the day before yesterday, to Mr. Vandyken at the old Quarry. That young lady could at least tell us at what hour the American was last visible in these parts.” This suggestion came from Mr. Sherlock, and was met by a quick protest from Godfrey. ‘““T cannot see the use of tormenting Miss Fane,” he exclaimed. “Torment? Nonsense!” said Mr. Hillyer, briskly, unaware, per- haps, how much his latent dislike to Christobel added to his zeal. ‘We will send for Miss Fane immediately.” And he rang the belt and gave the order. Godfrey looked annoyed. Christobel came instantly in answer to the summons. Her manner was as calm as usual, but she turned a shade paler on observing Sir Edward. Godfrey drew forward a chair for her ; then walked over to the fireplace and stood there in such a position as to face Christobel, while the three men had their backs to him. Sir Edward began by asking Miss Fane if she could state the exact time of her meeting with Mr. Vandyken. She had shown no surprise at the CONNIE MOOOlKS (E(©) m