Dick's note bore the disturbing news that Colonel Grand had returned
to town, and that Mrs. Braddock was expected the following day. Ernie
had obtained this information through the friendly Portman servant,
who (to quote Dick) affected the hunchback's society because he
believed that the "touching of a hump would bring good luck!" Old Mr.
Portman, it was given out, was on his way to his summer place in the
Adirondacks, Naturally he would be accompanied by his daughter and
Christine. They were due to arrive at four o'clock, and expected to
remain in town for ten days before going up to the cool hills. The
closing sentences of the pickpocket's note were quaintly satirical:
"Brad says he can't afford to be seen in my company. You know how
politely he would say it, don't you? He says he can't take chances
now. But I staked him to a bed for to-night and I told him I'd give
him grub money. It seemed to tender him up a bit. He's hanging round
with Ernie to-day and I'm going to see him to-night. Did I tell you
that Ernie has a little apartment all to himself over on Fourth
Avenue? He's some elegant.
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