That book was brought in
here during my absence, and it was neither bought nor pawned--that's
absolutely certain! Of course, you know whose book it is?"
"Mr. Spencer Levendale's," answered Purdie. "Yes I know all those
particulars--and about his advertisements for it, and a little more. And I
want to discuss all that with you and your cousin. This Mrs. Goldmark--she's
to be fully trusted?"
Zillah replied that Mrs. Goldmark was worthy of entire confidence, and an
old friend, and Melky presently returning with her, Purdie suggested they
should all sit down and talk--informally and in strict privacy.
"You know why I'm concerning myself in this?" he said, looking round at
his three companions. "I'm anxious that Andie Lauriston should be fully
and entirely cleared! I've great faith in him--he's beginning what I
believe will be a successful career, and it would be a terrible thing if
any suspicion rested on him. So I want, for his sake, to thoroughly clear
up this mystery about your relative's death."
"Mister!" said Melky, in his most solemn tones. "Speaking for my cousin
there, and myself, there ain't nothing what we wouldn't do to clear Mr.
Pages:
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147