The Lost Parchment: A Detective Story

Transcriber's Notes: 1. Page scan source: Google Books https://books.google.com/books?id=IEggAAAAMAAJ (the New York Public Library)
The Lost Parchment
So this is your kingdom, Hendle? said the visitor, looking round the garden which glowed with rainbow tints in the hot July sunshine; and a very jolly kingdom it is. When did you enter into it?
When I was fifteen, twelve years ago, replied the Squire, smiling. Don't you remember how I wrote and told you of the death of my father? You had just left school for the 'Varsity. Those were capital days at Rugby, weren't they, Carrington?
They were. I have had few capital days since.
But surely at Oxford----
Carrington shrugged his shoulders and made a frank admission. Oh, yes! Oxford was all right until my father died and left me without a sixpence. It was hard work, I can tell you, qualifying for the Bar on next to nothing. And I can't say that I have made my fortune as a barrister. You, lucky dog, don't need to bother about pounds, shillings, and pence.
I have certainly nothing to complain of on that score, said Hendle in a satisfied tone and extending his cigarette case. It was a pity we drifted apart, Carrington, as we were such chums at Rugby. I might have helped you.
You were always a good chap, Hendle, and that is why I took to you, when we were in our teens. But we saw nothing of each other all these years because you had money and I hadn't. Besides, you went to Cambridge, while I patronized Oxford. It is my fault that our friendship has not continued unbroken, as I never answered your many letters. But you see I was always too much involved in law studies to bother. You, I presume, were looking after your snug little kingdom.
Hendle nodded. I am a very stay-at-home person, and the place requires a good deal of supervision.
Lucky dog! repeated the barrister. You have a fine income, too.
So-so. Four thousand a year.