Rudolph was not a literary man. He had neither books nor papers whose tell-tale testimony might convict him. In fact, the best of his personal possessions was very small. A few clothes were lying about the room. Tony decided to examine the pockets of these, in the hope of discovering something in his interest. Finally, he found in the pocket of a shooting coat a small memorandum book, in which a few entries, chiefly of bets, had been made. In these Tony felt no interest, and he was about to throw down the book, when his eye caught this entry:
"Dead broke. Must write to Mrs. Middleton for more money."
This must be the person from whom Rudolph received his income, and, by consequence the person who was in fraudulent possession of the estate that was rightfully his.
"I wish I knew where she lives," thought our hero. "No doubt there are hundreds of the name in England."
This might be, but probably there was but one Mrs. Middleton in the possession of an estate worth two thousand pounds rental.
"I am on the track," thought Tony. "Now let me get away, and consult George Spencer."
It was easier said than done. The door was locked, and it was too strong to break down.
"There must be somebody in the room below," thought Tony. "I'll pound till they hear me."
He jumped up and down with such force that it did attract attention in the room below. Presently he heard a querulous voice at the key-hole:
"No, but I'm locked in," said Tony. "Can't you let me out?"
"I have no key to the door, but the landlady has."
"Won't you please to ask her to let me out? I'll be ever so much obliged."
Scarcely two minutes had elapsed when a key was heard in the lock and the door was opened.
"How came you here, sir?" asked the landlady, a short, stout woman--suspiciously.
"The gentleman locked me in--in a joke," said Tony.
"Maybe you're a burglar," said the landlady, eyeing him doubtfully.
"Well, no," the landlady admitted, "but appearances are deceitful."
"Not with me, I assure you. I am really sorry to put you to so much trouble to let me out. Won't you accept of this?" and Tony produced a half sovereign.
"Really, sir, I see that you are quite the gentleman," said the landlady, pocketing the piece with avidity. "Can't I do anything for you?"