He is a journalist like yourself, and is our
neighbour for a time, and yours."
"What journal are you on, may I ask?" enquired Morley.
Egremont reddened, was confused, and then replied, "I have no
claim to the distinguished title of a journalist. I am but a
reporter; and have some special duties here."
"Hem!" said Morley, and then taking Gerard by the arm, he
walked away with him, leaving Egremont and Sybil to follow
them.
"Well I have found him, Walter."
"What, Hatton?"
"No, no; the brother."
"And what knows he?"
"Little enough; yet something. Our man lives and prospers;
these are facts, but where he is, or what he is--not a clue."
"And this brother cannot help us?"
"On the contrary, he sought information from me; he is a
savage, beneath even our worst ideas of popular degradation.
All that is ascertained is that our man exists and is well to
do in the world. There comes an annual and anonymous
contribution, and not a light one, to his brother. I examined
the post-marks of the letters, but they all varied, and were
evidently arranged to mislead. I fear you will deem I have
not done much; yet it was wearisome enough I can tell you."
"I doubt it not; and I am sure Stephen, you have done all that
man could.
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