WYLDER'S HAJVD.
299
est. But if they knew that they would be subjected to a
sifting examination on oath, on the arrival of the commis-
sioner, they might possibly prefer finding the letter, in
which case there would be no more about it. Mr. Driver
knew him (Mr. Larkin), and he might tell his young men
if they got the letter for him they should hear no more of
it.
CHAPTER XLIX.
NEW LIGHTS.
A few days later "Jos Larkin, Esq. The Lodge,
Gylingden," received from London a printed form, duly
filled in, and with the official signature attached, inform-
him that enquiry having been instituted in consequence
of his letter, no result had been obtained.
The hiatus in his correspondence caused Mr. Larkin ex-
treme uneasiness. He had a profound distrust of Cap-
tain Lake. In fact, he thought him capable of everything.
And if there should turn out to be anything not quite
straight going on at the post-office of Gylingden — hith-
erto an unimpeached institution — he had no doubt what-
soever that that dark and sinuous spirit was at the bottom
of it.
Still it was too prodigious, and too hazardous to be prob-
able; but the Captain had no sort of principle, and a des-
perately strong head. There was not, indeed, when they
met yesterday, the least change or consciousness in the
Captain's manner. That, in another man, would have in-
dicated something; but Stanley Lake was so deep — such
a mask — in him it meant nothing.