Delaware; or, The Ruined Family. Vol. 2James, G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford)
General
Delaware; or, The Ruined Family. Vol. 2
James, G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford)
Fiction
another person concerned, whose views demanded that Burrel's
twenty-five thousand pounds should not only be drawn for, but paid
into the hands of the miser at Ryebury.
This person, who was far more suspicious and more on the alert than
any of the party, was no other that Mr. Burrel's silent servant,
Harding, who began to grow very uneasy at the delay which was taking
place. This uneasiness was increased after his arrival with his master
at Dr. Wilton's, inasmuch as, at the very moment of their coming, the
worthy clergyman was engaged in investigating some particulars in
regard to the fire that had taken place at Mrs. Darlington's, which
had given rise to considerable suspicions of some foul play. The
first, and perhaps the most important point, appeared to be, that of
the whole plate which that worthy lady's house contained, not one
ounce was to be found either fused or in its wrought state. In the
next place, two or three persons who had first taken the alarm at
Emberton, on the night of the fire, and had set out instantly to give
assistance, deposed positively to having met a man, to all appearance
heavily laden, coming down the hill--which circumstance, considering
the time of night, was at least extraordinary. No one, however, could
identify this person; but from these facts, as well as from other
minor incidents, which it may be unnecessary to mention, it seemed
very clear that robbery had been committed during the progress of the
fire, if not before.
On their arrival at the rectory, both Burrel and his servant were
called upon by Dr. Wilton, to state their recollections. Of the
evidence given by the first, the worthy clergyman took a private note,
but the servant was publicly examined. He gave a clear, calm statement
of all that he remembered, mentioned the situation of the room in
which he slept, declared that he had been woke by some sounds below,
and had shortly after perceived a strong smell of fire, which
increasing, he began to put on his clothes. Finding, however, that
the smoke was growing thicker, and that other people in the house
seemed alarmed, he had not staid to clothe himself completely, but had
run out; and, seeing that the house was on fire, had proceeded to call
his master. Mr. Burrel not moving as fast as he thought prudent, he
said, he had left him, and got out of danger as fast as he could.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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