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[KOAV FillST PUBLISHED.] CHILDREN OF DARK- NESS. e A ROMANCE OF MINING LIFE. pi By J. MONK FOSTER, jktl'hor of "A Miner's Million," Slaves of FaU, "A Pit Brow Lassie," A Prophet of the Mines, "Passion's Aftermath," "The Black Mow Mystery," Queen of the Factory," Ninetiertii Century Tragedy," &c., &c. (AIJL RIGHTS RESERVED, CHAPTER XXXIIJ. FORGING THE CHAIN. John Denton did not forget the promise he had made to Reuben Calvert, nor did he permit many days to pass without taking in hand the task he had set himself. For a time John was at a loas to understand how he was to obtain possession of the aesired information respecting Diok Orrell. iThe Governor of Kirkdale Gaol, where Orrell had been last imprisoned, was hardly likely to furnish John with a minute description of Dick even if he asked him to do so. To only some persons of high standing, or One in authority, would such information be supplied. To a man who had himself been in durance vile, as Denton had been, no chance of inspecting the books of the prison would be given. But one day John discovered a way out of his difficulty. Chance tthrew him against a justice of the peace for Luxbury, whom he tecogtiised as an old acquaintance on the tem- perance platform in days gone by. Denton ventured to speak to the magistrate, who remembered him at once, and they had a long chat together. Mr. Welford—the J.P. in questIon-knew John's sad history, and was pleased to hear of his present well doing. When they had been conversing awhile, John said:- I suppose, Mr. Welford, that you are aware that a full description of every prisoner is kept in the gaol to which he is Bent P So I have heard, Denton." Are you acquainted with the present Governor of Kirkdale Gaol, Captain Drayton P Yes; 1 have met him several times." I want you to do me a great favour, Mr. Welford, if you will. It will not give you much trouble-only the writing of a letter to the Captain," said John earnestly. What do you wish me to do ? You know, Denton, that I will willingly help you in any way I can." II I want you to get from the Governor a description of a prisoner who was sent to Kirkdale for two months at the early part of last April. His name was Richard Orrell, alias Ifiohard Smith. Do you remember the oase P" Orrell! Orrell I" Welford murmured. I fanoy I have heard the name before. For what offence was he sent to prison r" "For keeping a gambling house. He was formerly landlord of the Black Bull in Kings- moss, and he had been in prison before for embezzlement. It was at his chouse my poor wife was that fearful day of her death," said John sadly. And it is a description of this man you want me to get from Captain Drayton ?'' It is." Has the occiuip Wen doing something wrong again, John P" ,r ..>u evasively. The fact is, Mr. Welford, that I lüBpact a man [ have met lately of being this Orrell. I need not tell you that I require the description for a good purpose." I feel quite certain of that, and I will write to Captain Drayton. Here, Denton, just write down all partioulari in thia book, so that I shall make no mistakes." Denton followed this suggestion, and when he bad scribbled down the name and alw., of the man whose description he wanted, his offenoe, and the date of his inoarceration, he handed the pocket-book back to the magis- trate. He had added his own address also, If you obtain the desired information, Mr. Welford," said Denton, as he shook the other's hand, you might send it on to the address I have given." I will do so. I will write to Captain Drayton to-night." Then they parted, Two or three days later, when John Denton returned home from the colliery, he found a letter awaiting him. He broke it open with some eagerness, and along with a note irom Mr. Weliord he discovered the following interesting document Kirkdalf, January 12th, '77. £ *■ Dear Mr. Welford,—I have much pleasure in furnishing you with tUe information you ask for. The description is taken word for word from the prison books. Richard Smith, alias Richard Oi rell. At the time of present conviction, publican, Eingsmoa", Lancashire. Offence: Aiding and abetting gambling; length of term, two months. Former offence, embezzlement; term of imprisonment, six months; former place of imprisonment, County Gaol, Durham. Description of prisoner: Five feet ten in height, strongly built, heavy black moustache, and thick black ha if. Regular features. Age, twenty-eight. Body and arms free from marks. The calf of the right leg maiked with a deep black scar, and the aniiib of the right foot similarly marked with a smaller black scar both evidently produced by an accident in the mine. T. G. DEAITON, Governor." A thrill of satisfaction ran through John Denton's breast when he had mastered the oontents of the important document he held in his nervous hands. It did not take John Denton long to swallow his dinner and wash and dress himself. Then he hurried out to seek his friend Reuben Calvert and make him acquainted with all he had learned. When the latter had perused the Governor's pregnant communication, he turned to Denton and said: U Another difficulty faces us now, John. How are we to apply the test which has been placed in our hands?" fi I don't know, Reuben. But we must find a way. "r e can hardly stop now after going so far.' What are we to do P Kidnap the manager and examine him by main force ? Or go to him, explain our suspicions, and leave the rest to him ?" I'm afraid the latter course would be use- less. He would laugh at us, and all we should get for our pains would be dismissal. Besides he would then be warned against us. To at- tempt to kidnap 'John flardoastle' nligh t be dangerous, Reuben." "Well, we must wait, and see what we can do. Now that you have done so much, John, I will find out means to prove whether •'Hardcastle' is Orrell or not."

CHAPTER XXXIV.-MRS. SCOWCROFT…

CHAP fER XXXV.

A Game of Baccarat.

[No title]