A Mysterious Find~Part 2

On the way to O'Sullivan's Pub, Sarah told him story after story of the little shops and the people who owned them. He was interested in the citizens of Camden Corners but wanted to learn more about the Lane family and if they had ever returned to Camden Corners.

By the time the corned beef and cabbage arrived at their table, Sarah and Max both felt they had known each other all their lives.

He asked about her family and how long the Lanes had been in Camden Corners. She told him her Dad was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He had come to Camden Corners right after graduation from normal school and had been teaching at Camden High School ever since. Her mother had lived here all her life. Max wondered aloud what brought Andrew to Camden Corners and Sarah answered that he had relatives who had lived here.

“His great grandfather, Simon and his great great uncle, Caleb were members of the community. It seems, Simon was shot and killed protecting his brother from hoodlums who were passing through town. Caleb set out to capture the thugs and bring them to justice but was killed himself when he was trampled by a horse attempting to save a young lady from the raging waters of the Patapsco River. Simon's widow was so distraught over her husband's death, she died of a broken heart two months later leaving her toddler twin sons alone in the world. The twins were raised in an orphanage. One of those boys was my great grandfather Charles Lane.”

“What a fascinating tale” thought Max. “I certainly can't ask Sarah about the articles now.”

All too soon the evening ended. Max walked Sarah to her front door. He may have tried to kiss her cheek but Marian was standing in the doorway. Max thought he may have seen a rolling pin hidden behind her back. He hoped it was only his imagination. That night, Sarah fell asleep dreaming of her own happy ending with her very own Gilmartin Trent.

Max was enjoying a tasty breakfast served by Mrs. Wharton at the boarding house. He was the first tenant to arrive at the dining table. While Mrs. Wharton was serving him his eggs and bacon he nonchalantly mentioned the Lane Brothers.

Mrs. Wharton suddenly became very quiet.

Finally, she whispered “There is something very strange about that affair. Everyone has been led to believe that those brothers were the salt of the earth but when I was just a young lass, I heard my daddy and his friends talking about the murder. There was a newspaper article that told the story of the disappearance of the entire family, but it hasn't been found in over 70 years. Someone has tried to cover up something strange all these years. My daddy said Caleb Lane picked up a floozy named Sylvia from the pub, married her and took her back to his cabin. From that day on, sweet Miss Hannah had not been seen again. From what I have heard, Miss Sylvia was not a one man woman, if you know what I mean.”

Mrs. Wharton paused to catch her breath and then went on. “You didn't hear that from me. I'm not one to speak ill of the dead, but there is something very strange about that whole thing. Why do you ask, Maxwell?”

“Oh, no reason, I just came upon the Lane name in one of the reference books at the library. I also spent a delightful evening with Miss Sarah Lane.”

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Max knew the very talkative Mrs. Wharton would be sharing this tidbit of information with the whole town.

Max had an appointment with Robert Crowley. He needed an attorney in Camden Corners if he was planing to stay here very long. His agent had recommended Mr. Crowley to handle his business affairs. Max wanted to keep his alter ego, J. K. Ellingsworth under wraps for the time being. Max was impressed with Robert and felt certain he would be trustworthy.

Max had carried the newspaper clippings with him in his brief case and asked Robert what he thought of it. He mentioned speaking to Mrs. Wharton and what she said about the missing articles. Robert thought it was very interesting. He had heard conflicting stories about the incident through the years but the man to speak with would be his dad, Oscar Crowley.