800
WYLDER'S HAJVD.
Mr. Larkin next step was to apply for a commissioner
to come down and investigate. But before he had time to,
take this step, an occurrence took place to arrest his pro-
ceedings. It was the receipt of a foreign letter, of which
the following is an exact copy : —
> Venice: March 28.
"Dear Larkin, — I read a rumor of a dissolution dur-
ing the recess. Keep a bright look out. Here's three
things for you: —
"1. Try and get Tom Wealdon. He is a sina que
rum. [Mark's Latin was sailor like.]
"2. Cash the enclosed order for 150/. more, for the
same stake.
"3. Tell Martin the tiles I saw in August last will
answer for the cow-house; and let him put them down at
once.
"In haste,
"Yours truly,
"M. Wylder."
Enclosed was an order on Lake for 150/.
When Larkin got this he was in bis study.
"Why — Why — this —positively this is the letter.
How's this?"
And Mr. Larkin looked as much scared and astonished
as if a spirit rose up before him.
"This is the letter — aye this is the letter."
He repeated this from time to time as he turned it over
and looked at the postmark, and back again at the letter,
and looked up at the date, and down at the signature, and
read the note through.
"Yes, this is it — here it is — this is it. There's no
doubt whatever — this is the letter referred to in the last
— Wealdon, Martin, and the 150/."
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