Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 40, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 October 1891 — DOUBLE DICK AND JOE; The Poorhouse Waifs. [ARTICLE]

DOUBLE DICK AND JOE; The Poorhouse Waifs.

BY DAVID LOWRY.

CHAPTER XVII. LADT MORFORD. Jeremiah Jenks directed the driver of the cab to take him speedily to a fashionable quarter of the city. In less than half an hour he was set down in front of a fine-looking mansion. A model of a servant admitted the lawyer, and after seating him in the draw-ing-room took his card to his mistress A very handsome lady entered presently—a lady whose manner and dress indicated high social position. She looked at Jeremiah inquiringly. ■The lawyer fumbled, rom.stammered and managed to say: “This is an unexpected visit, but I had no other alternative The lady looked at him, but did not speak. She was giving due attention to him. “Madame—Lady Morford, I mean—l am the victim of mispla<ed confidence. ” Still she did not speak. Except a slight elevation of her finely arched eye-brows, the lady gave no sign. “I relied upon my nephew. Lady Morford, and he has deceived me, grossly deceived me. ” “In what manner does it concern me, Mr. Jenks?” “It does —yes, very much. He has possessed himself of my private correspondence—indeed he has acted shamefully. ” “Ah! I sympathize with you, sir; but unless it affects me immediately I do not see that I should be informed of a matter that affects you in a business and domestic way. ” This was said in an icy manner that made Jeremiah Jenks’ task all the more difficult, but he returned to the self-im-posed charge. “My nephew has, I regret to state, made use of the knowledge he discovered in your letters, to decieve me—us both—in regard to the whereabouts of your granddaughter.” Lady Morford looked at him sharply, then she said in measured tones: “How long, Mr. Jenks, has this deception been practiced?” “Three months, at least. “JVhen did you discover the truth?” “Within this hour.” Lady Morford was silent. She evidently awaited further revelations. Jerem’ah Jenks rose, paced the floor, and said in humble fashion, very humble, indeed: “I have discovered from my nephew that your granddaughter—or tho person I have reasons to believe to be your granddaughter —is not far from here ” “In New York!” Lady Morfoid advanced quickly toward the attorney and said, in a tone revealing deep emotion, “Unless, sir, you are prepared now —instantly—to take me to her, I will not listen to any communication you may have to make to me. Once for all, Mr. Jenks, 1 have done with suppositions and theories. I want something tangible. I have been a prey to misapprehensions, have been induced to thUtk many things that I find not a seadow of reason for now." “I am prepared to go with you—to go now. Lady Morford But ” “Then keep what you have to say for me on the way.” She hastened from the room, and in a •urprisingly short time stood before him with her bonnet on.

“My carriage will be at the door in two minutes. Now, proceed. Tell me where we are going.” “To Monsieur Dufaur’s academy. ” “I know it very well. I called there with an acquaintance only yesterday.” “Well, that is where we will find tho girl I have been seeking. ” “And how long has she been there?” “Several months, it seems.” “Months! Months in New York! We may have passed each other—l might have sat here while she wa3 dying near me! This is unpardonable!” “It is, my lady, it is. ” “Here is tho carriage—quick, I must not lose another minute. Every moment is precious to me. ” She was like a girl in her eagerness. When they were seated face to face— Jenks had sent his cab away—the lawyer related, with much humility, the manner in which his nephew, his bad nephew, had misled him and robbed him of an immense amount of money. But he could not take steps against his own flesh and blood—he revolted frona-even the contemplation of action against his nephew. Of course Lady Morford applauded his Spirit, and now that she was on the eve of embracing a grandchild, she felt as if she ought to exercise charity to all the world.

She heard all Mr. Jenks had to say, and pitied him, poor man. Was he quite sure this young person ■was the identical child he had been searching for so ong, and were the facts inch as would satisfy the curious world that she was truly Lady Morford’s grandchild? “Because, ” said Lady Morford, “unless the proof is convincing my nephew, who is deeply interested, will contest the claim now and after lam dead. He will leave nothing undone that ingenuity can suggest or money accomplish.” “I am convinced, Lady Morford, that the girl’s b : rth—all the evidence required—will be supplied.” “Are we not there yet?” said the grandmother. “We will soon be there now. One more block, Lady Morford. ” When the carriage stopped and the footman opened the door, Lady Morford, whose hand trembled, said as she laid it on Mr. Jenks’ arm:

“Pray be quick—let me get it over speedily, this meeting ” “We desire to see Madame Dufaur,” said the lawyer to the servant who answered the bell. «- “Madame Dufaur is not at home.” “Monsieur Dufaur, then; please inform him a lady wa'ts. * “Monsieur Dufaur is absent, too. ” “When will Madamo Dufaur return?” inquired Lady Morford, anxiously. “In an hour.” “And monsieur?” II don’t know; ho may be later.” “Can I see ” The lady turned to Mr. Jenks, “Her name?” “I do not know; they call her Joe, I believe. ” “Then can we see the young lady who is with Madame Dufaur—Miss Joe?” “I am sorry to say, madame, she, too, is out. ” “Is she out of the city?” Now, the servant thought the visitor meant in the neighborhood of the city, asdf Joe was out of town for an hour or two, and she answered: “Indeed, I am not sure. Maybe she is. ” Lady Morford spoke to Mr. Jenks again. “I will leave a note. ” “Whatever you may deem proper under the circumstances ” Lady Morford called for paper, pen and ink; then she wrote a few lines in a nervous hand, placed the note In an envelope, handed it to the servant, and turned to her companion.

“I can do no more at present • “No. We have done all that can be done now.” “If she does not ca’l on me—l will return. bhe will surely call —or send me word. ” “Surely such a note as that will bo attended to promptly.” The visitors retired, and the servant looked after them curiously. As she looked, a .handsome young man came up the street He had waxed mustaches, black eyes, and a military air. He was the leader of a brass band—and the girl’s lover. » He stopped, took off hi 3 hat and talked to her. She smiled, and talked to and at him with her brilliant eyes They were to be married soon, so it was not much wonder five, ten minutes passed away. Then the young man looked at his watch, gave a start, and exclaimed: “Possible! I’m off.” The servant sighed, remembered certain things requiring her instant attention, entered the house with a little cry of dismay—and the note which Was lying In her pocket, and which Lady Morford had placed in her hand with a solemn injunction, was as utterly forgotten as if it had never been handed her to give to her mistress “the moment she returned. ”

CHAPTER XXVIII. ANOTHER SURPRISE. When Monsieu” Dufaur and his wife, accompanied by Job Wonder, Dick, Ben Brown and his wife, returned to the Dufaur mansion, there was much rejoicing, much to be explained, and much more that nobody could account for. “What in the name of all that’s mysterious did that scoundrel .meau by pretending he was married?” said the down. He appeared to think the question an open one, for anyone to answer who could satisfy him. “I k n answer that, I reckon.” Everybody looked at Job. “There’s a long story hings to that there—l’ll cut it right short, an’ say this fellow’s in tho office of a cute lawyer hyer, who’s got his eyes on Joe hyer.” “A lawyer? What does a lawyer want with Josephine?” demanded Monsieur Dufaur. “Well, that’s what I hain’t found out yit, but I will. I’ll jist make it my business to find out. Anyhow, he wanted me to pay him a lot o’ money for keeping a sharp lookout on Joe, hyer, an' the boy. He was a keepin’ it right dose. ’ At least he said so. There was money in it somehow—or that pesky lawyer wouldn’t bothered none—lawyers don’t waste no time ’thout they git paid for’t, ’n blamed well paid, too.” “Well—but,” said Madame Dufaur, “Joe here has nobody—not a friend in the whole wide world! And no money—then why should that villain swear he was her husband!” exclaimed Madame Dufaur.

“There’s some reason for it,” said Ben Brown reflecting. “Perhaps Joe is a real live heiress. ” “You would make a beautiful heiress, ” said Mrs. Brown, “She is a beauty any way you take her,” said Job enthusiastically. “Come, come,” said Monsieur Dufaur, “you will spoil her! Joe—don’t let anything they say spoil you. ” “No, she won’t,” said the clown laughing, “she’d spoil hersolf, ” “Talking ’bout that, ” Job began laughing, when a sharp peal at the bell startled them. A servant went to the door. Tho drawing-room door was opened. All In it could hear what passed in the hall. “Pray tell Madame Dufaur 1 desire to speak to her. ” “O! ma’m,” the servantexclamed hastily. Then followed some words in a low, passionate tone, yhen the strange voice answered, “No matter now—say nothing, but bid Madame Dufaur hasten, my girl.” The listeners looked at each other. “At this hour!” said Monsieur Dufaur, shrugging his shoulders—“it is unheard of —amazing!” “Nevertheless, I will see her,’’saidhis wife, and she suited the action to the word, passing into tho hall. “O! It is you, Mrs. Howson. Pray come in. When Madame Dufaur ushered her visitor into the library, she stood waiting her commands. Mrs. Howson began without preface. “I called to-day, but you were out ” “I was not aware ” “No matter. You have wi:h you a young lady—her name is Joe.” “Josephine—yes. ” “Can I see her—is she sleeping?” “No—you can see her, certainly. But may I ask why you desire to speak with her?” “Why should I conceal it from you. The girl that I am seeking—that I was told is here—is, I am led to believe, my daughter’s child.” “Your granddaughter?” “Yes, my granddaughter.”

“Wonderful!” Madame lifted hands in wonder. “I will fetch her this instant And my husband, too.” To drag her husband and Joe into the library, to the surprise of the others, occupied but a moment. Thon the door communicating was closed. Mrs. Howson, or rather Lady Morford, rose as Joe entered. She gazed at the girl a minute, then taking her hand in hers said, in trembling tones; “You are her very self—the picture of my poor Louise ” Joe looked abashed. Monsieur and Madama Dufaur turned aside. “Let me look at you in the light ” Lady Morford turned Joe’s face to the light “The same skin, the same features; above all, you have your mother’s eyes and brows—the finest I ever beheld—and her hair There can be no doubt about it, child; you are my daughter’s child.. There are hnndreds who will say the same in England ” Then Joe felt herself drawn to the handsome lady’s breast, felt a tear on her cheek as she was kissed, held off, lojked at, and kissed more warmly again and again. Madame Dufaur was weeping silently, and Monsieur Dufaur wiped his- eyes suspiciously. Then Madame Dufaur said: “Let us go into the other room.” When Joe walked into the drawingroom beside Lady Morford, everyone was struck with the resemblance she bore to the handsome old lady. There was the same mouth, the same nose, the same eyes, “This is Josephine’s grandmother,” said Madame Dufaur. “Her grandmother!” Job Wonder looked amazpd. b’he clown looked at his wife. Dick suddenly felt his heart sink. He could not explain the feeling. It seemed as if the whole world was dropping, dropping away from him. “This is the most extraordinary circumstance that has ever come under my notice,” said Monsieur Dufaur. “We are, I think, about to learn why that scoundrel wanted to marry this lady's granddaughter. ” Lady Morford looked from one to the other. “I see madame is amazed. I shall tell you all. As these present were witnesses. they can verify my statement" Thereupon he recited, briefly the incidents of the evening. When he ended, Lady Motford reflected, then asked the name of the young man who was prepared to marry her granddaughter “His.name is Ike Jenks,” Dick answered modestly. “Yes, and a bigger rascal never lived, ” said Job Wonder. “I know him and his rascally uncle, Jeremiah Jenka”

Lady Morford turned to him with a smile. “I would like to speak with you again, Mr. Wonder, concerning some affairs.” “Glad to be of use to you, mum, ’speshaily if I can keep you out of that lawyer’s clutches, or help put his nephew in the penitentiary, whore he is headin’ now, an’ nothin' kin stop him.” “And this young man whose rare courage and presence, of mind enabled my granddaughter to avoid the snare set for her—whero is he?" said Lady Morford. Tho clown pushed Dick forward. “Here he is, madam.” Poor Dick blushed scarlet as Lady Morford caught his baud in Iters and said: “Y’ou are made of the stuff heroes are made of, my boy. ■ “You’d think so if you saw him bring Black and Firefly to time,” said the clown proudly. ” “He understands horses, then?” “Well, I’ve seen men who thought they knew it all, and Dick there knows more than they know—or at least he can do more. ” “How strange it all seems,” said Lady Morford, “Wei', I wilt leave you now. You need rest. Now you understand why I could not sloop. I had to come. ” Then kissing her granddaughter—she did not permit herself to doubt longer—she spoke apart to Madame Dufaur, bade the others good-night, and withdrew. In a few moments they heard her carriage roiling away homo. “She looks like one of the high folks in the pictures wo see,” said Job, when they were speaking of her. “High! So she is,” said Monsieur Dufaur. “She belongs to the nobility. ” “Why, how so? She calls herself Howson," said his wife. “Exactly; bat she is an earl’s daughter, and immensely wealthy at that She is called in England Lady Morford. ” “What!” exclaimed Madame Dufaur, kissing Joe “You are a born lady—an earl’s daughter. How glad I am. Yes — listen. She is a real lady, for she called to-day to ask me to bring Joe to her. She left a very important note with Maria, and Maria has forgotten it; and Lady Morford made mo promise not to scold the poor girl. Had I received the note she would not have been compelled to come in the dead of the night; but she could not stay away longer, she said.” “That was very kind; it shows breeding,” said Monsieur Dufaur; “I take off my bat to Lady Morford. ” “But how do we know you really are her granddaughter,” said Ben Brown, looking at Joe. “How—how —why, you can see; they look so much alike,” said Madame Dufaur. “Ah, but in matters Of this kind wo don’t go by looks. I don’t doubt it; I only want to prove it to all the world. ” “I have it! I have it!” All looked at Job Wonder. “There’s a woman in Barnesville poorhouse. She said Joe was rich—came of rich peop;e. Yes; she told me that, and that she knew more. I thought she was making a fool of me, dod-blast her, an’ she wasn't.” “It was old Mother Camp,” said Joe. “Yes, exactly; that’s her name. I’m goin’ right back to Mother Camp, and I’ll find out all she knows for five dollars. I’ll go to-morrow; you can tell your grandmother I’m off.” “Meantime, madamo here will show you all where to sleep for the remainder of the night,” said Monsieur Dufaur. Whereupon 4 they separated, and soon the inmates of Madamo Dufaur’s domicile were wrapjed in sleep. Dick was the last to close hfs eyes. And then—ah! there were tears in them, for was not Joe—his playmate, Joe—a lady, rich, and to become great, while who was he? What was he? “There is a great difference between us now,” Dick said to himself, as he fell asleep.

CHAPTER XXIX. IN WHICH MUCH IS EXPLAINED. When Job Wonder was preparing to return to his farm by way of Barnesville, he found, to his surprise, a note from Lady Morford. which read thus: I trust you will not deem it too much trouble, Mr. Wonder, to accompany me to Barnosville Poorhouse, where It Is necessary, for my own satisfaction and the protection of Josephine, to mako certain inquiries, which must be mado In person. The note was handed Job by Monsieur Dufaur. “Trouble! Not a bit of it I’d git up at night to accommodate her. She’s a born lady—she is. ” So in due time Job met Lady Morford (who was known as Mrs. Howson) at the depot. She had a servant with her—a man servant—so gentlemanly, silent, and discreet that Job thought him vastly “superior to Congressman Ruddersmith,” of Barnesville. Ben Brown accompanied the i arty, and with him was Dick. This was the most amazing thing to poor Joe. She marveled much at it That Dick should venture back into the jaws of death—that was how sho regarded Zeke Caper’s control—was beyond her comprehension. But sho did not know that Lady Morford'(had talked apart with Ben Brown and his wife, or that fortune hail taken a sndden turn in favor of two or three persons. YVhen the party reached Barnesville, Job, Lady Morford, and her servant set out together for tho Poor House, leaving 4 the clown and Dick to follow at their leisure. When Zeke Caper encountered Job, his face changed color swiftly. Job seated his traveling companion with a flourish of deference that mystified Caper. “We have come to look over the Poor Housp, Mr. Caper. This iady, Mrs. Howson, has heard so much of it that she is curious like, and so be I, (00. ” Then Job whispered aside to Lady Morfprd: “ I’ll find Mot.:er C mp, d’rec’kly. ”

They looked over the building, over the grounds, and suddenly Job spied Mother Camp, whom he beckoned to them. Mother Camp remembered Job’s timely gift. She was n d) slow to take the hint. She led them apart and turning to Job said shortly: •What is it? You want to know something?” “We do. This lady will ask you.” “Can you tell mo what the mother of the girl Mr. Wonder took home with him was called here?” “Yes. Simpson. That’s the name they put on the record. ” “Well, what name snould have been placed on the book?” “You knew her, eh? Maybe you knew her in England?” “Tell all you know, and be quick,” said Job, handing the old woman a bank note which she concealed hastily. “Howson —Louise Howson ” “How did you learn this?” Mother Camp looked around, then whispered: “She told me before she died. And the name of the doctor in New York who attended her three years. ” “The name!” said Lady Morford. “The doctor’s name?” “You can't go wrong—Clifford—John Clifford.” “And whate se did she tell you?” “She told me her child was, or ought to be, rich—rich. That if I would get some one to write to England, to her mother——” “She said that! Don’t deceive me. I am her mother!” Mother Camp looked at her and her face softened. “She did—it’s tpue. Then, before she could tell me her mother s name, she took a fit of coughing and—died.” “You’ll stand ready to swear to it,” said Job.

“Any fme. It’s the gospel truth.” “Do you know anythin’ ’bout who that boy Dick belongs to?” Mother Camp coughed. “Dicky Dick! O, well, why do you want to know?” “ ’Cos I’m his friend, and this lady is, too. ” “Why—whisper. His father died of the tremens —right hero. And they do say Dicky’s unc.e is jiving, and is worth hundreds of thousands. But it don't belong to the uncle. That's why Zeke Caper triod to kill him; he beat him and starved him. but the boy ran away. He ran away.” “And this uncle—whore does he live?” Job asked. , “In New York. But his name ain’t Dick. O, no; it’s Israel Hober!” “Great Scott!” exclaimed Job. At that instaut Ben Brown and Dick entered the grounds, and Job beckoned them to approach. “Who is this. Mother Camp?” The old woman gazod at him intently. “It’s Dick —it’s Dick.” “It’s me, Mother Camp And this gentleman is my friend —Mr. Brown.” The farmer took Brown and Dick aside and their amazemont was very great when he informed them of the facts learned from Mother Camp. “You’ll come to New York when we want you, ” said Brown, after the matter had been talked over and they understood clearly what must be done.

Zoko Caper did not encounter them again until they were leaving. Then he bowed politely, until his eye fell on Dick, when he grew very pale. “Here—you! I want you now—at once. How dare you come in this company?” “He did not come—l brought him,” said Ben Brown. “But I will come back, Mr. Caper, and when I do, you'll make up your mind to quit Barnesville.” Then the party withdrew. Upon their return to New York steps were taken immediately to verify Mother Camp’s statements. Dr. Clifford’s recollection was so clear he narrated ail the circumstances attending the illness and povorty of Mrs. Simpson. Israel Heber’s source of wealth also was easily discovered. His brother, who was addicted to intemperance, died childless —or his son died —and Israel came into half a million or more. “Tho way’s all clear for us,” said Brown to Wonder, as they talked the matter over with Dick. “How would It do to let me write a little letter to my Undo Israel,!’ said Dick. “Good! Do!” said Ben. Dick wrote just two lines, to tho effect that he was about to proceed against his uncle and Zeke Caper. When Israel Heber received the little letter, he selected a stout rope, and tho next da? the papers published an account of the “rich merchant’s mysterious suicide. ” A day later Zeke Caper stole away from Barnesville in disguise, westward bound, but Providence had marked a different course for him. A collision took place a short distance from Barnesville, and Zeke Caper was the only passenger killed. Tho same papers that contained the announcement of Caper’s sudden taking off devoted upwards of a column to the startling details of a conspiracy to wed an English heiresa The names alone were suppressed; but Isaac Jenks, Jeremiah Jenks, and Blinker’s name figured prominently. Jeremiah fled the city. His brilliant nephew, Blinker, and two of Blinker’s confederates were duly tried and sent to the State’s prison for various terms, Their punishment was deemed heavy. Monsieur and Madame Dufaur sofll conduct their admirable academy, and aro more popular, if possible, than over. If there is one man more jolly and jovial then J<)b Wonderin Acorn County, the inhabitants have not found him. The fact that he was.instrumental in proving Josephine Howson’s claims has made him, If possible, kindlier than ever. And Samanthy will never, never accuse anybody of anything until her dying day. Job’s wife talks of the time when young Lady Morford and Double Dick aro “coining out to the farm. ” Lady Morford speodily carried her granddaughter to England. It was said she had two objects in view—to silence her nephew forever, and to give her granddaughter the requisite degreo of polish. At her instance, Doublo Dick accompanied them abroad, and Dick would not be separated from Ben Brown; consequently Ben, his wife, and Dick formed as happy a trio as ever set sail for the old world. The fact that Dick was where he could see and apeak to Joe—he persisted in' calling her ‘Joe’ and sjie called him Dick—had much to do with the glow on his honest face. Ben Brown’s letters to his old friends, especially to Job Wonder, to whom he took a great liking. Indicate closer relations at some future day between Double Dick and Joe. (the end.]