The Dugdale Millions — page 157: what you’re looking at

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

CONFLICTING INTERESTS. 147 to come here, and you could then tell him what is before him. Then we could all have a chance to see and question him.”’ Mr. Hetlow was thoughtful for some time over this suggestion. Finally he said to Dick: ‘‘T presume you could communicate by letter with him, Mason?’’ ‘Oh, yes,’’ replied Dick, ‘‘or, if not with him, with the old man Pierson.’’ Mr. Stanton, who had misunderstod the drift of Mr. Hetlow’s question, interposed: ‘‘The more I think upon my suggestion, the more I am convinced that it would be the better plan. I am moved to this also, by a curious feeling that it would be far better to have our first interview with the young man at a place where Orton Pierson could not be pres- ent. This arises, of course, from the distrust I have of that man.’’ ‘“‘T agree with you,’’ acquiesced Mr. Hetlow, reach- ing forward and touching a bell. ‘‘So, Mason, write » to this young Pierson and ask him to spend Friday night with me.”’ A servant entered in response to the bell, and after Mr. Hetlow had instructed him to ask Miss Hetlow to come into the library, he continued: ‘‘Of course, Mason, you will say enough to him in your letter to indicate why he is wanted here, and will also let him know what relations I bear to the Dugdale family.”’ Dick had barely time to reply that he comprehended his instructions, when Bessie entered. Dick rose has- tily and offered her a chair. ‘‘Bessie, my child,’’ began her father, somewhat impressively, ‘‘I fear you will be compelled to steel yourself against a great disappointment.”’ ‘‘Oh,’’ laughed Bessie lightly, ‘‘the Dugdale is found !’’ pot Comicboolkks C@© 3