WrLDER'S HAJVD. 327
could be called vulgar in it. But this was a decidedly
villainous scrawl. There was nothing impressed on the
wafer, but a poke of something like the ferrule of a
stick.
The interior corresponded with the address, and the
liny slanted confoundedly. It was, however, on the
whole, better spelled and expressed than the penmanship
would have led one to expect. It said —
"Mister Larkins,— Respeckted sir, I write you, sir,
to let you know has how there is no more Chance you
shud ear of poor Mr. Mark Wylder — of hose orrible
Death I make bold to aquainte you by this writing —
which is Secret has yet from all — he bing Hid, and made
away with in the dark. It is only Right is family shud
know all, and is sad ending— wich I will tell before you,
sir, in full, accorden to my Best guess, as bin the family
Lawyer (and, sir, you will find it useful to Tell this in
secret to Capten Lake, of Brandon Hall — But not on
No account to any other). It is orrible, sir, to think a
young gentleman, with everything the world can give,
shud be made away with so crewel in the dark. Though
you do not rekelect me, sir, I know you well, Mr. Lar-
kins, haven seen you hoifen when a boy. I wud not wish,
sir. no noise made till I cum — which I am returning
hoame, and will then travel to Gylingden strateways to
see you. Sir, your obedient servant,
"James Dutton."
This epistle disturbed Mr. Jos Larkin profoundly. He
could recollect no such name as James Dutton. He did
not know whether to believe this letter or not. He could
not decide what present use to make of it, nor whether
to mention it to Captain Lake; nor if he did so, how it
was best to open the matter.