A Mystery of New Orleans; A Novel

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1890. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER III. THE PROBABILITIES CONSIDERED. Stanford's first move in his efforts to solve the Gordon Clarke mystery was to visit a distinguished lawyer, tell him the whole story of Gordon Clarke and his child, explain his own mission and expectations, and retain the gentleman as a legal counsellor in the case. I advise yon, in the first place, to offer some very, very large reward for satisfactory information concerning the fate of either the father or the child. Beyond that I do not see how I can be of any service to you at present. Your case is without a precedent, sir, and your methods are unknown to the law. New methods may possibly establish new precedents, and law and justice be the gainers. I do not expect much help from you during my chase, beyond some general suggestions as to persons and measures; but when we are in at the death, -as the hunters say of their game, I may need your assistance very much, for I must have the stamp of legality upon every step I take. The first speaker in this conversation was George Dcnfield, attorney-at-law, and the place was his capacious office in the handsome Denegre Building on Carondelet Street. Although still young, his talents and strict attention to business had already secured him a prominent place at a bar always crowded with distinguished men. He was the fortunate possessor of that self-confidence which is born of conscious strength and innate force of character. He was a brilliant representative of an estimable and wealthy Creole family. His figure was slight but perfectly formed and graceful; his voice and his address were pleasing and attractive. One was struck immediately with his very large, expressive black eyes, and his high, evenlyrounded, and ivory-white forehead. He was fond of physical exercises, a...