Hushed Up

t bowl of yellow roses in the centre of the table between the silver candelabra with white silk shades. Alone he sat at his dinner, b

ner there, he reflected. The choice of tw

d would not return until the morrow. For some reasons he w

s usually merry face was hard and drawn, his cheeks pale, with red spots

deck-chair, sipped his coffee and cura?ao, his face turned to the crimson sund

scandalous career-was

ess fingers, a thousand bitter thoughts crowded upon him. He had striven to reform, he had tried hard to turn aside

ut now, on mature consideration, he realized that Du Cane's motive in exposing him was twofold-in order to save himself, and also to curry favour in certain high quarters affected by the mysterious death of the young Parliamenta

to have been due to natural causes. Dare the authorities re-open the question, and allege assassination? Aye, that was th

ted, how utterly amazing and astounding was it all. If the truth of that dastardly plot were

cut himself adrift from his ingenious friend

that he should pay the penalty would search every corner of the earth. No. Death itself would be preferable to eith

e birds were chattering before roosting. He glanced across the lawns and well-kept walks at the rose-embowered house itself, his harbour of refuge, the cosy place which Sonia

ar. Then he cast it fro

who was such a mystery in the village, came across the lawn, and, bowi

ish of me! I quite forgot I had invited Mr. Shuttleworth to come in and s

eal-looking butler, bowing low as

d the parson think if he knew who I am, and the char

g clergyman, the Reverend Edmund Shuttleworth, rector of Middleton,

land pulled forward, and Felix had handed the cigars

man of the world. In the pulpit he preached forgiveness, and, unlike many country rectors and their wives, was broad-minded enough to admit the impossibility

e with purely British bluntness, and though his parish was only a small one he

" he said presently. "Old Mrs. Dixon, over at Forest Far

go to Lady Medlan

st the night. She asked after Miss Sonia, and expressed a great wish to see her. You

w afternoon," her father said. "She

is fast ebbing, but it is reassuring to know she has made peace w

urer, had made repentance. If there was repentance for her, was

an whose tortured soul was crying aloud for help and guidance; a man with a dread and terrible

one in whom he could confide; some one of whom he might seek advice and counsel. Could he expose his real self in all his naked shame; d

et the two men still sat smoking and chatting, Shuttleworth somewh

closed the French windows, and then, with sudden resolve and a word of apology to his vis

test confidence-to ask your advice. Yet-yet it is u

the rector, somewhat

l to you a truth-a shameful truth concern

as sacred. That is my duty as a minister of

g?" cried his host eager

ard your confidence,

eplace, and in brief, hesitating sentences related one of the strangest stories that ever fell f

gony. "I have told you the truth because-because when I am gone I want you, if you will, to ask your wife to take care of my darling Son

hese clothes, I am still a man of the world like yourself. I haven't been sinless. You wish to re

instant he grasped it, and

honest man like yourself, Shuttleworth. But I love my darling child. She is all that has remained to m

n sat talking in low, solemn tones, discussing the future, while the attitude of Philip Poland

he expression of fierce, murderous hatred upon that usually calm and kindly countenance; if he could have overheard the strangely bitter words which escaped

his countenance and controlled his voice. But when alone he gave full vent to his anger, and laughed

did I not recognize it before? But I kno

shly to himself as

wandered from his book, as he grew apprehensive of the evil his enemy was about to hurl upon him. His defiance,

tend to his work in the parish. After luncheon, served by the silent Felix, Poland retired to his study with the newspaper, and sat for two hours, staring straight before him, until, just after four o'clock, t

again with you!" And, bending over him, sh

w, and secured by a bow of black velvet, while her big black hat suited her to perfection, he

nd, gazing lovingly into he

o have you at home. Life here i

intzes, costly knick-knacks, and big blue bowls of sweet-smelling pot-pourri-Sonia looked delightful in her black ne

ter her fingers had been running idly over the keys of the pi

grasped her soft hand, and she sank upon her knees

atch in his voice. "Perhaps-perhaps I may have to go away for a very, very long time-

-surely-you won't do that? What could I do without

our father," said the white-faced man in a low, broken voi

clutching his convulsively; her eyes

do you hide so many things from me still-about our past? I'm eighteen now, remember, da

l. "I-I would tell you all, only-only you would think ill of me. So I prefer

lix, who opened the door, and, a

siness. You are unacquainted with him, he says. His name is

he stranger be? Why did he desire an interview

s daughter, "will you leave me for a few mom

few seconds later, a short, middle-aged Frenchman, with po

nd instantly went pale

r. You recognize me, I see," re

Henri Guertin, chief inspector of the s

ubt aware of the r

unhappy man. "You are her

inal investigators in Europe-glanced quickly at

M'sieur Poland-but to afford

other, his drawn counten

portunity of-well, of escaping the ignominy of arrest, exposure, t

quite understand! The Government are not anxious that th

in a ring-probably an episcopal ring of ages long ago. "At midnight I have an appointment at the cross-roads, half-a-mile away, with Inspector Watts of Scotland Yard, who

tical thieves now in power-eh?" cried Poland. "They are not at

e detective, speaking in a meaning tone. "I have given you the alternative, and I shall now leave. At midnight I sha

, would yo

ve been compelled to put the alternative so bluntly, but you know full well the great issues at sta

ce of a crowned head-and, turning upon his heel, left the room, followed by

iven Philip Poland. After t

ring straight before him. His enemy had betrayed

his palms. Then he passed across the square, old-fashioned hall to the study, dim-lit, save for the zone of light ar

ying, and singing in her sweet contralto a tuneful French love-song, ignorant of the hi

tiptoe, the girl crept into the room, and there found her

fifteen minutes more, and then the police would enter and charge him with that foul crime.

realized that Sonia, with her soft

larm, "how pale you are! Whatev

I'm-I'm quite well-only a little upset at some bad news I've had, tha

e could print a last fond ca

ly, "I really can't leave you. You're

, Felix entered the room,

with you al

, went forth into the hall, where the but

the groom, has just found a gentleman lying dead i

d Poland breathle

you three-quarters of an hour a

enri Guertin, the great detective, the terror of all French criminals. The white countenance, with its open, staring eyes, bore a horrified expression,

ained, stumbled across the body in

ly all three were startled by the sound of footsteps upon the gravel, an

ds and a brown hat of soft felt; the other

om Poland's fevered lips as h

n in pince-nez, as, next moment, he stood gazing down upon the dead unknown, who, s

r a moment, speechless. Th

ody an astounding truth became instantly revealed: the dead man had

gh one fact became plain: he had, through posing

suggest suicide in preference to arrest, or had that

as next mom

have preferred to take my trial-to allow the public the satisfaction of a solutio

not here an hour ago. If you have had a visitor, it must have been this

hed at the detective's left hand and e

revealed the curious ring he had noticed-an oval amethyst engraved with a coat-of-arms sur

Y OF OWE

PTE

STILL

irst person singular in these pages

uences of curious events that have ever occurred in a man's life; and secondly, by so doing, I am able to prove conclusively before

k even of defying those who have threatened my life should I dare speak the truth, I have resolved to recount the whole amazing affair, ju

rnor-Sir Alfred Biddulph, Knight. At the age of twenty-five, owing to his unfortunate death in the hunting-field, I found myself possessor of Carrington Court, our fine Elizabethan pla

dead long since. I had but few relatives, and those mostly poor ones; therefore, on succeeding to the property, I went down to Carrington just to interview Browning, the butler, and the other ser

, Italian and German, and I was vain enough to believe that I might have within me the making of a cosmopolitan. So many young men believe that-and, alas! so many fail on account of either indolence, or of narrow-mindedness. To be a thorough-going cosmopolitan one must be imbued with the true spirit of

icily; January in Corsica; February and March at Nice, taking part in the Carnival and Battles of Flowers; April in Venice; May at the Villa d'Este on the Lake of Como; June and July at Aix; August, the month of the Lion, among the chestnut-woods high up at Vallombrosa, and September at San Sebastian in Spain, that prett

and who had, on so many occasions, proved himself entirely trustworthy, I passed away the seasons as they came and went,

and women, consumptive sons and scraggy daughters, they generally live in the cheapest rooms en pension, and are ever ready to scrape up acquaintance with anybody of goo

fifty pounds of me, but disappeared from the hotel next morning before I came down; while, among other similar incidents, a dear, quiet-mannered old widow-a Russian, who spoke English-induced me at

ted me, for I managed to obtain sunshine the whole ye

whose father's estates marched with mine on the edge of Dartmoor, frequently coming out to spend a week or two with me on the roads. He was studying fo

a week or so in June, to see my lawyers and put in an appearance for a few days at Carringto

; and though at White's there was a little more life and movement now they had built a new roof, yet I pre

carte at restaurants of the first order, from the Reserve at Beaulieu to the Hermitage at Mos

e. If, however, you were Austrian, you would know it as one of the most popular resorts on the beautiful mountain-fringed Lake of Garda, that deep blue lake, half in Italian te

otel, with its long terrace at the lake-side, is, during February and March, filled with a gay crowd who spend most of their time in cl

, than at Lugano or Bellagio, or other of the many lake-side resorts, for here along the sheltered

the lake, there came to the small table opposite mine a tall, fair-haired girl with great blue eyes,

her companion, a rather stout, dark, bald-headed man, red-faced and well-dresse

ner-coat, the way his dress-shirt fitted, and his refinement o

ure was in the latest mode of Paris, her gown showed unmistakably the hand of the French dressmaker, while her elegance was essentially that of the Parisienne. The

o fond of gaiety and flattery to suit my taste. No; among all the many wome

man selected his dinner, his instructions to the ma?tre d'hotel as to the manner the entrée was to be made, and the infinite pain

d a strange, almost wistful look, an expression which showed that her thoughts were far away from the laughter and chatter of that gay restaurant. She looked at me without seeing me; she spoke to her fa

enne's usual aids to beauty, her lips red and well moulded, while two tiny dimples gave a

quisitiveness shown by her slightly knit brows. Then, suddenly starting, as though realizing she was looki

very thin gold chain, was a single stone, a splendid ruby of enormous size, and of evident value. The only other ornament she wore

y unlike any other woman I had ever met before-a face that was as perfect as any I had s

on was entirely unusual. Then she dropped them again, and in a slow,

ng among themselves, while her father, leaning back in his chair on placing do

r, always in low, confidential tones, and, strain my ears how I might, I could gather nothing. They spo

on. The epicure always commands the respect of those who serve him. And surely this stranger was an epicure, for after his dessert I heard him order with his coffee a petit verre of gold-water of Dantzig, a rare liqueur on

as no ordinary person. Her apathy and listlessness, her strangely vacant loo

re was a mystery, and that that curious wistfulness in her glance betrayed itself bec

eat lounge, with its many little tables set beneath the palms, where a

to look at them. I, however, seldom went into the nightly concert; therefore I strolled

hundred and forty-six-English, father and daughter, arrived by the five o'clock boat from Riva with a great deal of b

nd, "Richard Pennington, rentier, Salisbury, E

ey were Frenc

ch so well. I was surprised when the

PTE

IN TH

ame, those wistful, appealing eyes

ascinated by that strange, mysterious, indescribable expression; fascina

s. Soon after noon he came to me, saying he had discovered that the young lady had been heard by the night-porter weeping alone in her room for hours, and that

t they tell people they are English. The man speaks English like an Englishm

rs open. I want to learn all I can about Mr. Penning

lied. "If she had, I'd soon

ood-looking young man whose character was excellent, and who had served me most faithfully. His father was farm-bailiff to an Italian marquis I knew, and

that, now I had expressed an ardent desire for information regarding the man Pennin

y cream hat which suited her admirably. Her taste in dress was certainly wonderful for an Englishwoman. Ye

; but those splendid eyes of his daughter betrayed no evidence of either tears or sleeplessness. They were t

, while she lolled in one of the long cane chairs. Yet, as I watched, I saw that she was not enjoying

rapidly and earnestly, but she only replied in monosyllables. It

the arrival of the little black-and-white paddle-steamer on its way

ok. His dark eyes were furtive and searching, as though he

was lovely, and the panorama of mountain mirrored in the water, with picturesque villages and hamlets nestling at the water's edge, was inexpressibly grand. The deep azure of the unruffled water stood out in contrast

e north Italian lakes,

ido Palace Hotel at Riva, and then, boarding the steamer a

could detect, did she raise her eyes to mine. When not eating, she sat, a pretty figure in cream chiffon, with her elbows upo

rose I heard hi

ll. I may be longer. If I'm not back all n

u going?" she

Her face assumed a strange expression. Th

in the lift to my room, got my coat, and, going outside into the ill-lit r

On the steps of the hotel he paused, lit his cigar, and then set off to the left, down the princip

nce, all curiosity at the reason why, in that ru

p hill beyond. Upon the still night air I could scent the aroma of his cigar. He was now on his way out into a wild and rather desolate cou

the wayside, smoked in patience, and waited. I advanced

e and listened intently. The night was dark and silent, with

sky. At first I was puzzled, but as it gradually grew larger and whiter I knew that it came from the head-lights of an approaching motor-car. Next moment the hum of th

ntly pulled up. Then two men in thick overcoat

ry. "Come inside. We must be off again, for

kly turned, and a few moments later disap

der, watching the wh

nds, that he should meet t

ferred to Sylvia? There was myste

back to the Grand Hotel, where nearly every one had already retired to bed. In a corner of

d through the lounge and out upon the terrace, in order to smoke and think. The clouds were lift

and, with a cigarette, was pondering deeply, when, of a sudden, I saw

shawl. It was Sylvia! Ah! how inexpre

d, meeting her face to face, r

und myself strolling at her side, chatting merrily in English. Her chiffons exuded the delicate s

doubtedly Engl

ad expressed, "I am not at all cold. This place is so charming, and so w

is away-out of the world-at the no

ht laugh. "It is so windy and c

it is almost within the Arctic Circle. Why

Wandering Jew, I think. Our movements are always sudden, and our jour

ired of it!

"Ah! if you only knew how I long for pe

is your

e past. My father is compelled to travel, and I must, of necessity, go with him. I am afraid," she added quickly, "that I bore you wi

become your friend," I remarked, looking into he

lting in the gravelled path and look

o not speak o

y n

se you must not

watched you, and I have seen that you are i

u say is, alas! correct. How can I de

satisfactorily. I, too, am a lonely man-a wanderer. I, too, am in need of a friend in whom I can con

r face with both her hands. "You don't kn

ending to her in deep earnestness. "Because I hav

t I saw her face had become changed. She betrayed her emotions and

ou must abandon all thought of friendship

e so repugnant to you,

upon my coat-sleeve. "You-you don't understand-you cannot dr

u mean?" I asked,

xiously. "You should always carry some weapon with you, becaus

ause

happen to you-an accident plann

id. "Do you mean to imply that there

secret. Leave here, I beg of you; leave early to-morrow morning, and do not allow the hotel people to know your new address. Go s

ware of my name

your own sake-heed my warning! Ah! it is cruel and

I replied, "and I have long a

insidious attack," she urged. "I must go

Pennington?" I asked very earnestly. "Surely you a

would not ask this if you were aware of the bitter, ghastly truth. You

mazed at her words. "

ed my arm, as, looking into my face, her eyes shining with a w

r it, I am quite prepared. All is lost-lost to me for ever! Only have a care of yourself, I beseech of you! Heed what I say. Escape the cruel fate which your enemies have marked out for you-escape while there is yet time, and-and," she fa

e your friend

nd escape-get away in secret, and take care that you are not followed. Remember,

. Then, when I had held it for a second in my own, she turned a

dazed and wondering, the sweet odour of Rose

w of the trees, straight before me, motionless as a statue, the tall, dark figure of a man who

TER

YMAN FROM

sterious stranger watched so intently? I looked acros

e warnings of Sylvia Penni

ld reveal his face. Those curious words of the mysterious girl had placed me upo

or should I remain on my guard, and hand the

nless as a statue, while I remained full in the light of the moon, which ha

eated myself upon the low wall of the terrace, softly whistling an air of the café cha

vered his presence before Sylvia had left. She would, no doubt,

ned from his hiding-place, and, creeping beneath the shadow of the h

eatures. He was a thin, grey-faced, rather sad-looking man, dressed in black, b

rkable. Clergymen are not u

end gentleman had found himself within earshot of us, and had been too embar

ables and great palms, but it was empty. He had p

, and that he came from Andover, in England. He had arrived at six o'clock that evening, and

had been aroused by that strange warn

fair-faced little friend had sugge

Sylvia sitting upon one of the seats, with a cream sunshade over her head, a book in her lap, while by her

rnestly, she listening attentively to his words. I saw t

hing her with something, for she was si

that slight affectation of the Church which one finds more in the rural districts than in cities, for the black clerical straw hat and the clerical drawl seem always to go together. It is strange that the village c

earance of the Reverend Edmund Shuttleworth, whoever he mi

earnest consultation wi

ithout comment, without protest, while I stood watching them from behind. Many other visitors were idling about the terrace, reading letters or newspapers, o

ich he uttered, objected strongly, wit

er arm, and seemed to convince her

ecognized me, and I raised

. But I passed on, in pretence that I had not rec

senzano; and Shuttleworth, taking leave of Sylvia, boarded the little craft with his two kit-bags, and wave

wn and neat straw sailor hat with black velvet band. There was nothing ostentatious about her dress, b

y words last night? Why have you not left? Go!-go, before it is too late!"

nnington," I replied. "Why should I

n a low, hoarse whisper. "If you value you

nded. "You surely should tell me, so th

ution lies in fl

If there is a conspiracy against me, is it

that I am not your friend-tha

ar as I know, I haven't an enemy in the

cried in desperation. "Leave here. Return to England-hid

ton," I said. "If these secret enemies of mine attack m

strike at a moment when you least expect it-

ing in the shadow watching us," I said. "He was the cle

uch. I had no idea he was here until an hour ago, when we met quite accidentally on the terrace. I haven't

he spy

m Edmund Shuttleworth you certainly have nothing to fear. He and his wife are my be

is absent," I

on. "He has gone away on business. I don

ng do you r

We may leave to-night for the other end of Europe, or we m

ether along the terrace. "You have admitted that you are in need of a friend,

ed the reason why-why I dare not allow

," I said, "who is thi

hesitation I suspected

in hesitation. "You fear him, evidently, and you urge me to leave h

ous," she remarked. "It is so in this. Your on

ange," I said. "Surely our position is most curious. You a

oulders, without any rep

ce?" she asked very seriously, as she turned to me a few m

own enemy?" I asked. "What harm have I do

spect them. Sometimes the very friend we trust most implicitly reveals himself as our w

s better than a false friend. Yet I would dearly like to know w

believe-to me

are t

are interested in mining properties. They meet at interval

his business friends so clandestinely-why shou

t I had witnessed. I decided

he wild beating of her heart. "Will you not take my advice and leave by that? Go to Milan, and then str

I do not feel disposed to leave here just at present. I p

were standing at the end of t

you have admitted that you, too, are in peril

know the great risk you are running! You mus

ok my

lf," I declared. "I am

," she cried. "Leave,

you no

-day, I-I will see yo

ed. "That is not

romise anything. I'll promise to see you in England-when the danger has passed,

declared. "To fly from danger wou

, Mr. Biddulph; go and save yourself. Then, if you s

l promise?" I asked,

your address, and very soon I shall be in London to resume our acquai

TER

ERIL

ed door in Wilton Street, off Belgrave Square

most of my time idling in White's or Boodle's; for in May one meets everybody in St. Jam

man of artistic tastes, and the house, though small, was furnished lightly and brightly in the modern style. At Carrington he always declared

ining-room, a small, cosy apartment-the acme of comfort. I, as a bachelor, hated the b

had I seated myself at the table when old Brownin

ther inquisitive concerning your affairs, and asked me quite a lot of questions as to where you had been lately, and who you were. I was rath

replied. "But what kind of

ad seen a lot of trouble. He spoke with a pronounced drawl, and his clerical coat w

he Reverend Edmund Shuttleworth! But why had he returned so suddenl

trousers, his white-whiskered face full of mystery. I fancy Browning viewed me with considerable suspicion. In his eyes, "young Mr. Owen" had always been

I have a very great desire to renew our

"But I don't suppose he will cal

iable, Browning. Please refuse to a

old man's stiff reply, "and I h

losing the door s

on the table, I s

ylvia Pennington sounded ever in my ears. She had succeeded in inducing me to r

hat exquisite countenance with the wonderful eyes-that face which had hel

of our separation-though I would not admit it to myself-that she was my affinity. I was hers. She, the elegant little

satisfy himself as to my bona fides. And yet, for what reason? What had I to do with him? She

ector of the parish of Middleton-cum-Bowbridge, near Andover, in the Bishopric of Winchester. He had held his living for the past eight years, and it

make some excuse or other, for I felt that he might, perhaps, give me som

ated, for I saw that by acting thus

rowning had treated the country parson abruptly, and wondered whether I could not

ning this man Pennington, and was prepared e

eek. In London I had many friends, but there were few who interes

driving through the little old-fashioned town out upon the dusty London Road for a couple of miles or so, I came to the long straggl

lf, long, low, and covered with trailing roses, was a typical English country rectory. Beyond tha

nd I was ushered into a long old-fashioned study, the Frenc

g its owner's college arms. Crossed above the window was a pair of rowing-sculls, and these, with a pair of fencing-foils i

er frame, the picture of a young girl of seventeen or so, with her hair dressed low and se

I did so the door opened, and I found mysel

second in hesitation; then, putting out his ha

elieve?" and invit

must apologize for this intrusion, but, as a matter of fact, my servant Browning described a gentleman who called

ured laugh. "He only did his duty as your servant. He obj

pertinence to call u

mpertinence," he said. "I made certain inquiries-ra

" I a

d over and placed a box of cigarettes before me. After we

who you were, Mr. Biddulph," he laughed.

aroused concerning me? I do not think I have ever made a secret

e thin-faced rector, looking at me calmly yet m

Mr. Shuttleworth,"

on you. I merely called at Wilton Street in order to learn what I could, a

did you make your in

he thoughtfully contemplated the end of his cigarette. "This may sound strange to you, but th

ruth o

ady in whom, I understand, you have evi

how he had silently watched us on that memorable night by th

oncerning Miss Pennington. Tell me about her. She has explained to m

voice, "quite true, Son-er, Sylvia-is my friend," a

her. Who is he?" I urged. "At her request I le

in surprise. "Why did she

ould I reveal t

was better for us to

poke the truth, Mr. Biddulph

t you know concernin

I am not permit

hy

nervous fingers, his gaze being fixed upon the lawn outside. At last, h

of God, the confidences and confessions reposed in him must always be treated as abso

eager enthusiasm, I had expected him to reveal a

fixed upon me. "But I hope you will forgive me if I presu

hat is

gton and his daughter," he responded slowly and disti

, still much mystified. "Have you not

t is my duty to warn those in w

itfall spre

n open grave. Behind it stands that girl yonder"-and he pointed with his lean finger to the framed photograph-"and if you attempt to reach

he was in d

dly the enigma was increasing hourly. "Why are

a fatal love. You are young and enthusiastic, and her pretty face, her sweet voice and her soft eyes have fascinated you. How I wish, Mr. Biddulph, that I could rev

TER

HOUSE IN

ven Hampshire rector, had spoken the truth. Hi

n a man tell why he loves? First love is more than the mere awakening of a passion

lived in suspicion and wonder, e

for a letter from her, yet e

eworth had said, that an

t to do so. She had left there, no doubt, for was she not a constant wanderer? W

scot came, the Park was full every day, theatres and clubs were crowded, and the hotels overflowed with Americans and country c

had come so strangely and so suddenly

hing at them, I crushed them down. What had I possibly to fear? I had no enemy t

than once I was sorely tempted to explain to him the whole sit

r it might be, it was no ordinary one. He had spoken of the seal of

g, I tried vainly to imagine what cardinal sin she could have committed. My so

t afternoon-I had come in from supper at the Ritz about a quarter to one, and retired to bed. I supp

a voice. "Is t

" I r

med the distant voice. "Is that you,

said. "Voices often do on

'm in a bit of a tight corner. Can you come here? I'm so sorry to trouble you,

said, my curiosity at onc

cards, and lost a bit, that's all. Bring your cheque-book; I want to pay up befor

will, old man," wa

. Been infernally unlucky. Never had such vile luck. Have you got

, "I can let

u, and they'll take y

l get a taxi and be up w

p House, Porchester Terrace," cried my friend cheerily. "Ge

to hurry, I hung up

t Monte Carlo, and I had lent him a few hundreds to tide him over. Yet, by his remarks over the 'phone, I could only gather that he had fallen into the hands of sharpers, who held

hip pocket in case of trouble, walked towards

race, Bayswater, standing back from the road, with small garden in front; a house with cl

se, for as I crossed the gravel the door fell back

ee Mr. Marlo

" he inquired, eyeing

hile I followed him up the wide, well-carpeted staircase and along a corr

king you to wait. He and Mr. Forbes have just gone across the road to a friend's

with tobacco-smoke, and near the window was a card-table whereat four players had been seated. The cigar-ash bore tes

le pedestal, stood a beautiful sculptured statuette of a girl, her hands uplifted together above her head in the act

well with the dead-white enamelled walls, was soft to th

viting saddle-bag chair, into whi

s friends,

grave. I listened for Jack's fo

end of his gambling propensities. Myself, I had never experienced a desi

told their own tale. I was sorry, truly sorry, that Jack shou

n bars of London each have their little circle of well-dressed sharks, and woe betide the victims who fall into their unscrupulous hands. I had believed Jack Marlo

lt overcome by a curious drowsiness, due, no doubt, to the strenuous day I had

n evening dress entered swiftly, accompanied by another man a few years older, tall and thi

imed the younger. "Marlowe expects you.

t gi

h a mysterious smile. "But have you brought the cheque

have my cheque-b

-table and placing it upon the card-table. "The amount altogether is one thousand one

heque for it when my

ow," laughed the pimply-faced man. "You may as well

is he like

ll? He's a bit

is

pretty. Reckitt is a fair judge of good looks. Have a cigarette?" and the man offered

and as I did so my ears caught the

ith the pimply face. "Marlowe said you would settle at

as soon as he ar

We'll give y

mount he acknowledges t

en't we? One thousand on

. He may add up differently, you kn

ubt us, eh?" asked Re

game is fair, then the loss is fair also. A good sports

object to pay for h

ble the amount I would pay it. Only I fi

ject to make out the cheque now, and hand it to us on his arrival. I'll

d-table, and wrote out a receipt for the amount, signing

impatiently, and, cross

got to get out to Croydon-and it's late. Come o

g to return with Jack in a few minu

k of either of them. Their faces were distinctly sinister and their manne

able to "Charles Reckitt," for one thousand one hundred and ten pounds. I did so in order t

d to mix with such people a

seated in the arm-chair, when of a sudden, and apparently of its own accord, the chair ga

r a moment, I was startled, for the chair having tipped bac

to extricate myself, the chair having closed upon me, the door suddenly o

PTE

STLY

the pair dashed towards me, seized my hand

ou infernal blackguards!" I

o free my right hand, in order to get at my

had been clev

ents with such confidence that it appeared certain I had been watched while writing the cheque.

as it goes. But we must

powerless, yet defiant. "I don't believe Marlowe has bee

ebts," replied the man gruff

This is a pretty game you are playing-one which you've played befo

we don't want to discuss that matter. I'm just going to

of the sort!" I

ounger man. "You've got money, and

I declared. "And, further, I shall s

mself, opened my cheque-book,

crossed to me, with the b

l just sign this at

ere, but you are holding me at your peril. You can't frighten me

ution to find out. We don't make haphazard guesses, you know. Now sign it, and at ele

Marlowe?"

girl, I

t gi

r photograph is in the next room

interest me

returned with a fine panel photograph in his hand. He

ia! The same that I had se

remarked Reckitt,

asped. "Wh

-with your frien

at moment I realized the ghastly truth, that I had tumbled into the hi

adored Sylvia-had some connection with these blackgua

h," said the man who had written out the draft. "Sh

you a thousand po

service we are prepared to render you-to return

she not warned me against this cunningly-devised trap, yet had I not foolishly

e money, how do I know that you w

ing into a smile. "It is simply for you to pay for your release; or we shall hold you

fuse, what t

not wise to refuse. We are not in the habit of being met with refusal-the punishment is too severe.

Sylvia here? You will promise m

se you," was t

e Marlowe, if

t here. He's across

r at that moment, I should have shot the fel

moonlit terrace beside the Italian lake. By some unaccountable means she knew what was i

ting there like a trussed fowl, I must have cut a pretty sorry fig

rer impatiently, "we are losing time. A

response. "You already have

bank opens in the morning, my de

? But I've had a good look at you, remembe

kitt meaningly. "You must think we're blunderers, if y

"for the last time I ask you if you

at you are a pair of blackguards, an

e bring the gi

angeness of the attitude of the pair

"Sign it in your own

in

er you have append

not before. You seem to have regarded me as a pigeon to pluc

red Reckitt. "Even if you are a hawk

er, and alarm the p

an be heard outside this room. Shriek! We shall like to hear

hy

you have ever imagined," was the fellow's hard reply. "We are

y word. You cannot obtain

service in return-to

er father?"

with a grin. "Sign this, and see her.

you kn

think, Mr. Biddulph," w

entleman, in his well-cut dinner jacke

ver from outside the room. There was a spy-hole somewhere, at which they could

ly reflected upon the serious consequen

g reply. "Do as you will,

share the same fate-a horrible one. She tried to warn you, and yo

have no fear o

s accomplice. "We will now let him see what is in store for h

rned, bearing a small round table upon which

and ere I was aware of it he had slipped a leathern collar over my head and strapped it to

rds?" I cried in fierce anger. "Y

y helpless in their unscrupulous hands and unable to lift a finger

"you see this!" and, leaning forward, he touched t

shot quite close to

ous snake. To its tail was attached a fine green silken cord, and this was, in turn, fastened to the candle. The wooden

ror, whereat both m

In half-an-hour the flame will reach the cord, and sever it. Then the sn

doing so I moved my head slightly, when the snake again darted at

with head erect, its cruel, beady eyes watch

I was horrified, held there o

s companion walked towards the door. "You will have made a closer

in. "And Sylvia too will share the same fate a

spare her, spare

ed out of the room, locking

, not daring to move a muscle because of

minutes of terror and disgust I have ever experienced in al

, piercing scream-a sc

seemed to emanate f

ated. I heard her

re me! Not t

face to face with a terrible and revolting death, unab

gain, in an ag

eathless, petr

TER

ME OF T

le fate to which those sc

inch of my left cheek. I tried to draw back, but to move was impossible, held a

ning lower and lower each moment. I watched it in fascinati

ars to catch any further sound. But there wa

que, and in the morning, after my death,

death as I was waiting, I wondered? The whole plot betrayed a devilish ingenuity and cunning. Its ve

can meet with adventures in the metropolis as strange, as exciting an

ad lay lower than my body. My thoughts became muddled. I regretted deeply that I had not signed the

apprehension. What h

e flame was long and steady. Nearer and nearer it approach

t being so near its prey, and yet prevented from s

ing. I had read of the fascination which a snake's gaze exercises over its prey, and now I experienced it-a fatal fascination. I co

ing, painful death, my head swollen hideously to twice its size, my body h

of that awful fate held

suffering the same fearful agony of mind as myself? Had those brutes carried out their threat? They kn

gton, that he di

ly-devised trap could be prepared. I had never dreamed, when I went forth to p

plot against me? What had I done to merit such dea

e strangers to me. I remembered there had been something about the man-servant who admitted me that seemed familiar, but wha

I had heard the sound of a motor-car receding. My

k it in a trunk and consign it to some distant address. When one remembers how many persons are every year reported to the London police

ul play each year in every quarter of London-they disappear and are never again heard of. Sometimes their disappearance is reported in

t of steps leading to its front door could, if its

vered, ten remain unknown o

ed, I wondered? And how many poor helpless victims had felt the serpe

at no sound could be heard beyond those walls, yet had I not heard

I could. But my voice in that small

"I am here! I-Owen Bi

r-wavering gaze. I saw the pointed tongue darting from its mouth. There-before me-soon

ad not replied! Was she already de

ain: "Sylvi

e knotted and my bonds cut into the flesh. But, alas! I was held as in the tentacles of an octopus. Every

s, save for the zone of light shed by the unflickering flame of the candle

lessening candle, just

f the light caused me

decided me. It was as I had feared. The pair of

posite struck three. I counted the strokes. I

n well baited, and devised with marvellous cunning. That cheque of mine would be cash

ul fate which had overtaken her because she had dared to warn me-that fate of which she

in mine. I looked again into those wonderful, fathomless eyes; I heard that sweet, musical voice; I listened to those solemn words of warning. I b

beyond, lay a cavernous blackness. I thought I heard a slight noise, as though my enemi

in its mouth-the ancient symbol of Eternity. And I soon would be launch

enses. Those shrieks resounded in my ears. She had cried for help, and yet

d succeeded in

uck again at me viciously, his darting t

came unbalanced. I felt a tightness in the throat. In my ears once again I heard the hiss of the loathsome

that the edge of the wax was on a level with the green si

. A groan of a

d. Again its dark form shot between my eye

owly but surely c

r help in my

netrable. A lump arose in my thro

into the blackness

TER

ANOTHER

ound myself in total darkness, save that, straight before my

fearing that the reptile was lurking near my face. My senses seemed dulled and dazed, yet my recollection

it was in darkness. I could distinguish nothing. To my surprise, I discovered, however, that though I still remaine

ad hap

pon me, I moved slightly. But there was no

g courage, I suddenly sprang out of the chair on the side opposite th

rs. With frantic haste my hands slid over them. I found an iron bar, an

eyes were dazzle

ndle had burned itself to its socket, while on the floor, ne

ill attached, but it had been severed. I crept towards it, an

d, allowing me my freedom. I looked around the room in wonder. There stood the littered card-table and

noted how cleverly the devilish mechanism had been hidden. It could, as I had suspected,

innocent man had, no doubt, met with a horrible end-looked very shabby

et lay open near by. I took it up quickly to glance through its contents. As far as I could discover

atch, and found it was al

dy been to the bank, cashed my cheq

h to search for her. The fact that the door was now unlocked showed that some one had entered there during my unconsciou

cued me just in

wing-room, furnished in the ugly Early Victorian style, musty-smelling and moth-eaten. The dirty holland blinds fitte

wn. An open novel lay near, while close by was a big bowl filled with yellow roses. Yet the apartment seemed to have been l

n this room when

proved to be a narrow band of turquoise-blue velvet,

idences of the same medi?val torture to whi

no in it. Yet there was no sign that anybody had entered there for weeks-perhaps for months. In the sunlight, I saw that there were cobwebs everywhere. Surely it was a very strange house. It

light of day, the place looked very different. I saw, to my surprise, that

but there was no evidence of occupation. The doors of

alf hidden by festoons of cobwebs. In not a single room was a bed that had been slept

rred to me that the pair of assassins, believing that I had died, would, no doubt, return and dispose of my body. To me it seemed ce

, but there was none. The bogus message

ce of velvet ribbon, the embroidery which had so h

owl of roses had been placed there to make the room look fresh, for some attempt had been made t

d those words of hers. I recognized her voice. I would, inde

untenanted house, then it was probable they would not return to get rid of my remains. The whole affair was incomprehensible. It seeme

of my peril, released me, killed

olden bangle of curious Indian design was lying upon the mantelshelf. I took it up, and in a mom

sudden resolve, returned to the chamber of horror, obtained my h

ow shining brightly, and there were many people about in the streets. Finding a

hiers I knew, and asked him breathlessly if a cheque of mine had been pai

was his reply. "Why, you must have passed the man

of Forbes, in a smart grey flannel suit, entering a taxi. I shouted, but the taxi man did not hear me. He was f

to his driver. Quickly I re-entered my cab, and told my man to turn and follow, pointi

drel carried over a tho

saw that he must escape. I shouted to my driver to try and see the number of

my night's weird experience, and covered with the dust of that u

en we tore after the receding cab at a pace which made many passers-by stare. The cab in which Forbes was, being closed, the driver did not see u

fully into the sp

xi has just stolen a thou

over his wheel; "we shall catch him presently, n

s crossing Oxford Street-red taxis, just like the one in which Forbes was escaping. Yet we both kept our ey

or-buses and carts in front of him. I was compelled to admire his driving. I could

enor Street, winding in and out the intricate thoroughfares which lay between Grosvenor Square and Regent Street. Across Hanover Square and along Hanover Street we sped, u

opened, we had pulled up a few yards away, and I dashed out

and gained the other side of t

nd met the fugitive

as though I had received

ry had, I realized in that secon

TER

TO

stood amazed to find that the oc

as S

blanched to the lips as she drew back and

ped, utterly

self in a moment and stretching forth her sma

I could imagine was that Sylvia must have been awaiting the man in another cab close to the bank, and that, in the course of our chase,

other cab while he had entered the

y, and not a man, occupied the fugitiv

ul calmness, "only yesterday I was thinking of

s Pennington, I also was thin

he was inexpressibly smart, from the thin gauzy veil to the tips of her tiny patent-leather shoes, with a neat waist and a figure that any

r father?" I

lling." Then she added: "I'm going into this shop a moment. Will you wait for me? I'm so pleased to see you again, and looking

into the big drapery establishment. Then I idled outside amid the crowd of w

t a perfect actress she was. Her confusion had only lasted for a few seco

e Indian bangle I had found. I remembered, too, those agonized, terrified

her; I would obtain from her the tr

own conviction that she must suffer the penalty of death based upon the know

er-was implicated in this shameful method of obt

of the previous night crowded thickly upon me. Why had she shrieked: "Ah! not that-not that!" Had she, whil

but received no response. And yet sh

e myself, sh

y present in that house of black torture. Therefore, being my friend, there seemed no

attention. I recollected my dusty clothes and dirty, dishevelled face. I must have presente

ng her reappearance. I was anxious to know the truth concerning the previous

ing in Regent Street had now commenced in real earnest. The thoroughfare

ith male friends led like lambs to the slaughter. The spectacle of a man in silk hat out shopping with a lady friend is a

trange connection with these undesirable persons who had so ing

and ring up Jack, yet I could not lea

not distinguish her anywhere. Upstairs and downstairs I went, inquiring here and there, but nobody s

was certainly ample time. Therefore I began to fear that she had missed me. There were se

ad already paid off my man. The

to Oxford Street, not far from Tottenham Court Road. We stood at the kerb f

er speak with

ed me. She got in and left 'im in Chapel Street. I hear

ll you kn

ver. Then he added with a smile, "Your man's been telli

" I said. "I must have ma

sir. We're so much

t mean? For another half-hour-an anxious, impatient,

d by entering the shop, and p

ablishment revealed the fact th

ompelled to accept the hard and very remarkable f

s! And yet had not that selfsame man declared that she, having betra

annoyed, disappointed and dismayed, ente

e forward with a puzzled expression, surpri

always Mr. Owen to him, just as I had been when a lad. "When I went to yo

ning," I laughed, rather forcedly I

rang up about an hour ago, a

was

the name, sir. It sounde

cried. "Did he l

ly asked if you w

lso, I reflected. Yet she had cleverly made her escape-in o

, who answered c

out one o'clock this morn

hy?" h

erhaps it might have been you-that's all

r. Will yo

es

-bye, old man,"

fiends as Reckitt and Forbes deserved punishment. What fearful crimes had been committed in that weird, neglected house I dreaded to think. My only hesitation, however, was caused by the thought that pe

atisfy my curiosity. So, putting on a different suit, a different collar, and a soft felt hat which I n

d not expose the real facts. Then, after he had condoled with me upon my loss, and offered to send the description of the thief t

PTE

A FURTHER

hort garden from the pavement. In some gardens were stunted trees, blackened by the London smoke, while the hous

the soot-grimed windows, blackened by age and dirt. The garden was weedy and neglected, for the grass grew

ppearance-a state of uncared-for disorder which, in

her-beaten notice-board which bore the words "To be let, Furnished,"

and well kept, therefore I r

ho answered my ring, I inquired the

ey've tried to let it furnished, but nobody has taken it. It is said that the old lady left instructions in her will that the furniture was to be left just as it was for twenty years after

en over it with a

y knowled

een anybody goin

seen them, sir," w

people coming and g

oment, apparently slightl

ly. It is said that some of the old woman's relatives have returned, and

people?" I a

een anybody. I've asked the constables on night duty, and they'v

o has se

n the Royal Oak. How it originated, or whether

board has f

couple of months or more-blow

bs stopping outside a

the back, and shoul

uiries, therefore I made an excuse that having been struck by the app

stopping there at night?"

leman got out and entered the house. A few minutes later another man came forth from the house, paid the taxi-driver, and he moved off. But," lau

om the cook saw had

, I pressed half-a-crown i

ll, where, presenting myself as a possible tenant

ding to her will the place had to be left undisturbed, and let furnished. The solicitors placed it in our hands, but the property until the twenty years have elapsed, is

so learnt some further particulars regarding the dark house in Porchester Terrace. As fa

place simply locked up and left. If burglars broke in,

hat the ingenious pair of malefactors had taken possession of

not also be the grave wherein the bodie

s gazing through the windows out into the sunshine of St. James's Street, I asked him whet

llow with the fairish hair and merry grey eyes

the game?" He was always eag

ouse in Porchester Terrace, that's all. I wa

hy

tisfy myself ab

ateur detecti

d, and I intend to go to the house late to-ni

wing with good humour and good nature. His face

ut tell me mo

at the Empire afterwards. We don't want to get to Bayswater before midn

once entering into the spirit of the adventure. "Only

fterwards, old c

meet at eight at a well-known res

h and strolled along to St. James's Street to get a drink at the c

me to be safely out of the way. He had never dreamed I was still alive! Hence it seemed to me certain that the pair of malefactors, having secured the money,

gain to that house of horror

hting some distance from our destination. We passed the constable strolling slowly in the opposite dir

shadow of the bushes along the side of the premises, past a small conservatory, many panes of glass of which were broken, and so into the darkness of the small b

e heard the faint hum of the never-ceasing traffic of London. Above, showed

my torch and showed a light around. A tangle of weeds and undergrowth was revealed-a t

mining everywhere with our

laughed Jack. "They'll tak

the police. To them we would be compelled to make an

Jack had his coat badly torn by thorns. The garden had been allowed to run wild for all the years since old Mrs. Carp

r the trunk, and in such a position that it would not be seen even from the wi

search of!" The discovery revealed a gha

oached and peered into it. I judged it to be about three

a man's grave!" I whispered hoarsel

ed. "What do y

y," was my low, meaning answer. "And I fear-fear very much-that the re

ctually intended!" he excla

entrapped here an

e all about

is any further evidence of recent digging," and tog

y stick sank in, while in other parts the ground seemed hard. Beneath the trees the weeds and grass grew thin

ace, which, for about four feet square, bor

of green were just springing up, as though grass-seed had been sp

of it?" I inquire

ried here-eh?" he said. "Don't you think y

nt, in bew

d you really suspect that that hole yonder was prepared to receive you, then i

r fear. They know of their failure in my case, and by th

nd ascertain whether the remains of any one

t any exposure must implicate that sweet little girl

mong the tangled shrubs under the wall at the extreme end of the gard

, and straining my eyes I saw a dark figure moving stealthily along, half crouching so as to

ng so thorough, the intruder was slowly cree

the dark, crouching figure. Then, drawing my re

TER

HE POL

angle of weeds and undergrowth,

rvatory, but I was too quick for him. I caught him up when he gained the front of the hou

n face and figure. His hair, long and lank, hung about his shoulders, while his dark eye

een or nineteen, though he looked older. His legs were short, his head seemed far too big fo

oing here?" I demanded in

nd crouched against the

said. "Wh

laugh, almost a screech, and t

I repeated. "Wh

ved, as though he repli

nly laughed wildly, his

lated, pointing back t

t he means!"

e he's an idio

lared my companion, who then addresse

he garden, and, laughing hideously, uttered some w

I remarked, so we all three went forth into the street, the

ntence from him, Jack and I resolved to leave him, a

ed so hilariously? Had he witnessed any of

ectable distance, we drew into a gateway to watch. He remained standing where we had left him fo

oliceman speaking, and could distinguish the poor fellow laugh

ble moved forward ag

h the policeman, Jack. You follo

I sped off, crossing the road and mak

ght, I inquired the ident

ess. 'E's out most nights, but we never see 'im in the day

work, I

as the sayin' goes," replied the constable

midnight wa

lars in a 'ouse in Gloucester Terrace, and gave us the alarm. We copp

e's of us

here's any suspicious characters about.

s not qui

, at any rate," la

does he

ves with 'im up in Gloucester Mews, just at the ba

ss ignorance of the loca

rchester Terrace, constable?

, sometim

thorp House,

some people call it. Myself,

e heard many funny stories about th

yet when we 'ave a look around we never find anything, so we've ceased to trouble. Our inspector'

ning the place?" I asked. "I'm always

een to get out of a taxi-cab and enter. An

id. "And haven't you l

something or other. Everybody seems to see something in the garden, or at the windows. Why, about a week ago, a servant from one of the 'ouses in the Terrace came up to me at three o'clock in the afternoon, in broad daylight, and said as how she'd d

l!" I exclaimed, q

r as wearin' a black v

you do?" I a

eard too many o' them

kinds of legends and rumours must natural

n. I suppose they'll say next that a murder

utting a shilling in his hand, wish

h was, no doubt, on his way home-I was not long before I caught up my friend, and t

's face had been seen at the drawing-room window-a fa

e been Sylvi

raced my steps to Wilton Street. We were unable to fi

e circumstances in which my life had been attempted. For the present, however, I refused to

ately, Owen. You told me you hated London, and preferred life on the Co

ve been away far too long, and am a bit out of touch with things. Why, my tailor hardly

ch has brought you to London," h

he two scoundrels had used his name wherewith to entrap m

two men named Recki

his prompt reply. "Who ar

tion of both, but he appare

d Pennington-eh? A stoutish, dark-haired m

ve met a good many men who might ans

now. I've met him

ets at Continental hotels are und

in the af

I a

uttleworth-Edmund Shuttleworth? Lives

ight into my face. "What do you know of

le. Do you

light hesitation an intention to conceal the actual knowledge which he

s she?" I inq

e fact is, old chap, perhaps it wouldn't

pair of scoundrels recurred to me. They had declared that Sylvia had b

acquaintanceship

used. Jack had admitted his acquaintance with the thin-faced village

uttered lies when they had shown me that photograph, and told me that she was beloved by my best friend. It had been done to increase my an

im to tell me t

t of confiding in me all his most pri

y can't tell you that. Please excuse me, but

ylight, and while he returned to his rooms, I walked down Grosven

Sylvia Pennington with su

ttleworth had declared, the g

TER

RD OF

eek of keen anxiet

was my duty to go to Scotland Yard and reveal what I

rily reflect upon my fair-haired divinity, that sweet, soft-spo

in such a position, h

truth from myself a hundred times, but it was impossible. She had warned me, and I, unfortunately, had not heeded. I had fa

that pale, sweet, wistful face which was now ever in my dreams. Had not Shuttlewort

once referred to our midnight search and th

witnessed strange things. How many men reported to the police as missing had been

all again. He had inquired if I were at ho

un down to Andover and see him, hoping to obtain

the scent of new-mown hay in the air, and flowers everywhere, as I desc

and would be back in a few minutes. And as I seated myself in the big, comfortable arm-chai

f the birds, and the drowsy hum of the insects. The lawn was marke

quick footstep in the hall outside; then, next moment, the door

k. "I-I didn't know you were he

e garden. Charming in a soft white ninon gown and a big white hat, she held a te

her in joy, and catching her small white

ing me to lead her into the

," I said. "I-lost you the o

om referring to that incident. I saw that her cheeks were deadly

ce, "is certainly an unexpected one. Mr. Shu

He's down in the p

" she said. "He's driven over to

re alone?" I ex

swered. "But," she added, her self-possession at o

thank Heaven, I have found you at last. Now," I said, smiling as I looked straight into her fathomless eyes, "t

tly, and she gave vent t

's hesitation, "to tell the truth, I

de tr

-formed shoulders, an

us circumstances. A man-a thief-had just cashed a cheque of mi

xclaimed quickly, laying her slim fingers upon my ar

sure her. "The past is to me of the past. That man has a thousand p

she asked in a vo

ixed immovably on hers. "In Gardone you expressed fear for your own safety, but

ut

ich you warned me has been made by those two scoundrels, and I

could not face me. The hand I held trembled within

between us. Then slowly she raise

l subject to me. May we not drop it? Will yo

ng you wish!" I declared. "You have already proved y

ow that?" she

eous reptile and who severed the bonds which held me. They intended that I should die. My grave ha

I knew what was intended, but of the true motive I was, and am

t from me another thous

t would have been just the same. They intended that you

with Forbes when he cashed my c

, Mr. Biddulph, as you will. I have no defence. Only recollect that I warned you to go into hiding-to efface yourself-and you would n

end. You admitted in Gardone that you were friendless, and I of

nk you from the bottom of my heart. It is true an attempt was made upon you, but you fortunately escaped, even though they se

trapped in that dark house-have they not? That mechanical ch

I regarded her silence a

ng. "I've been undecided, since discovering that my grave was alread

do that. It could serve no end, and would only i

uld you be

bank when the ch

ere you the

d herself from repl

vulsively, "you do not know my horrible position-you cannot

bodice, I knew that she was stirred by a great emotion. She had refused to allow me to stand her frien

most ingenious, and in innocence I fell into it. I should have lost my life-except for you. You were present in that house of death. They told

h, it was all too terrible-too terrible! Ho

fault-my fault, for not heeding your warning. I never realized the evil machinations of th

have gone into hiding, as I su

past. Let us dismiss it. There is surely

she exclaimed. "They did not inten

dy prepared my grav

or both of us," she said i

escape?" I inquire

now. I can

know?" I as

d my belief, I will t

ly and bright the world is outside. Let us live in peace and in happiness

ould you be so generous, I wonder, if you knew the actual truth? Alas! I fear you wou

, and looking earnestly into her blue, wide-open eyes, "I shall never hate you. On the co

of my impetuous declaration, and stood for a

nd fell rapidly. She placed her hand to her heart, as though to calm the

o, Mr. Biddulph, no, a thousand times no! You do not kn

ance and the strange look in her e

ulder. "You are not my enemy, Sylvia, even though you may be th

that," she prote

hy

escaped, they--" and she hesitated, her lips

at?" I d

too well. You have triumphed; but yours is, I fear, but a

now that?" I

aid hoarsely. "

ER TH

DEAT

stood upon the hearth-rug facing h

eyes to mine. Yes, her beauty was perfect-more perfect t

I shall die?" I asked. "Now that I

u do not know the devilish cunning and ingenuity of such men a

much interested, for it seemed that she

straight into my face. "They natural

resent, at least," I replied.

are a menace to their dastardly plans? They dar

are the

scape," she answered. "Ah! you don't know what a formidable combi

it that there have been ot

owledge," she declar

?" I asked. "What does your fat

annot know how I hate the very sight or knowledge of those inhuman fiends. Th

nd's pause. "Have you any knowledge of a man

came paler, and I saw s

," she said. "His father lives

ickly. "What do

We met o

he

es. He is your friend, therefore please pardon me if I

pate from those men, Rec

plied. "They will return, and str

ar me? They are quite welcome to the money they have

l not do," replied the

ear? Perhaps it would be best if I went to the police at once. They

e, and only create a great sensation. But the culprits would never be brought to justice. They are far too clever, and their conspiracies are too far-

via-providing that yo

nd remained silent. Sh

o satisfy my curiosity. Apparently she feared to incriminate herself. Could it be possible that she h

not be the accomplice of dastardly criminals! She was their friend. That much she had admitted to m

would be implicated in a serie

father?" I inqu

at the Caledonian Hotel, at Edinburgh, last Friday. I a

he were actually the accomplice of a pair of criminals! I felt convinced that Shuttl

riend of Mr. Shuttl

she stood with her gaze fixed though

ermined not to reveal. She knew of those awful crimes committed in that dark house in Ba

lie soft and inert in mine, sighing the while, her gaze still fixed beyond as though her thoughts were far away. "I love you," I whi

e, Mr. Biddulph," was her low reply, as she

lunderer in love. All I know, Sylvia, is that my only thought is of you. And I-I've

pression crossing her features. Again she held her breath, as thoug

? Am I not, after al

her woman. I fear I'm a blunt man. It is my nature. Forgive me, Sylvia, for speaking

as happened!" she faltered in a low, tremulou

use ever since we have met I have found myself thinking of

looked into mine for a moment; t

"passion may be perilously misleading. Ask yourself if you are n

you have already proved yourself my devoted little friend. What I beg and pray is that your friendship ma

r small mouth. Her eyes were downcast, and sh

standing rigid

common sensibility would almost die of shame at the thought of being loved out of pity; and, what is more, she would

remove the wrong impression

hat I raised her soft white hand to my lips and kissed it fervent

d, and with sadness respond

orget all you have said. It will be better thus-far bett

ely. "All I know, Sylvia, is that my heart is yours-t

with the ribbon upon her cool summ

are more used, no doubt, to the elegant manners and the prettily turned compliments of the foreigner than the straight speech

into her eyes, trying to read what

In the tension of those moments each second seemed an hour. You who have experienced the white heat of the love-flame can only know my eager, breathless apprehension, the honest whole-heartedness of my declarati

k down this strange invisible barrier which you have set up between u

st into

"If I only could-

not promise to be mine? Let me stand your friend-your champion. Let me def

efy them. Defiance would only b

omise? Let our love be in secret, if you so desire-only let us love each other. Promise me!" I cried, my arm stealing aro

ained silent, her ha

untenance, she raised her face to mine, and then for the

r solemn co

ER FO

GS UNME

d den for perhaps an hour-one whol

hered her white brow with my kisses. Ah! yes, I loved her. I closed my eyes to all. I put away a

down beneath the great strain, and now welcomed the peace and all-absorbing happiness of affection. Alone and friendless, as she had admitted herself to be, she had, perhaps, longed for the love of an honest man. At leas

hilosophers merely soured cynics, after all? And I certainly was neither cynical nor soured. Ther

nting lingering, passionate kisses upon her lips, her closed eyes, her wid

rew calmer, she said

ther this is wise.

I asked, inte

us," she answered. "Remember I-I am

both-sufficient to provide for you the ordinary comforts of life, Syl

mile, "and I, too, shall be cont

ding each other's hand, and speaking for t

eless feeling of such moments; the great peace which overs

our great overwhelming love was mutual,

til, of a sudden, we heard a gir

second there appeared at the French windows the tal

stammered, on recognizing

exclaimed my well-belove

we all three went

ood that she lived somewhere in the Midlands. Her father, she told

Shuttleworth's return, for both girls

time," Sylvia declared, "and I'm sure they'd be hor

ith a laugh, as we halted beneath the shado

iddulph. Sylvia, you know, is quite a stranger. She's always travelling now-a-days. I get lette

d be so jolly to travel and see the world, but now-a-days, alas! I confess I'm already tired of it. I would

day," I rema

ed her eyes to

ps-who

oducing his wife, a rather stout, homely woman, who bore traces of good looks

said. "But I was unfortunate. Your man told me you were out. He

ofuse in his apologies. Old serva

good sort. I blame myself, you kn

cedar, whither the maid had already taken the tea

en Shuttlewort

're not in a great hurry to get back to town.

back into the house, and when I had seated myself in

e minutes, "I'm extremely glad to have this opportunity of a chat

" I a

a broad-minded man of the world. He was keen-eyed, thoughtful and earnest, yet at the same time full of that genuine, hearty bonhomie so seldom, alas! found in religious men. Th

as because I thought you migh

himself, he removed his old briar pipe from his lips, an

that I ought not to interfere in your private affairs-yet, as a minister of religion, I perhaps am a

uttleworth," I replied, some

on the last occasion you were here?" h

Sylvia," I exclaimed, "and that yo

am not permitted," w

anted house in Bayswater, and after a cheque for a thousand pounds had been obtained from me by a tri

a fact!"

rescued-by S

ing hard at his pip

ardly attempt upon me were Reckitt and Forb

, removing his

tand. But did

Shuttleworth, I really did not f

knowledge under vow of absolute secrecy-knowledge which it

ssassination was contemplated,

warned you also, when you met in Gardone, and yet

noffensive man be compelled to hide himself

-doer?" asked the grey-faced rector quite calmly. "Have you never

ou know so much concerning them, Mr. Shuttleworth, don't you think that it is your duty

"But there are times when even the perfo

us to expose the methods of

opinion. Were you in possession of the same knowledge as

wly escaped being foully done to death. I have been robbed, an

ave I not already told you the reason why no

ster motive of that pair of assassins. If they wished to rob me, they cou

id they emplo

t, listening to me to the end. He evinced neither horror nor s

ll he vouchsafed. "Sy

wledge of what was intended, had no hand whatever in it. Indeed, so confident am I of her loyalty to me, that to-day-yes, let me

tarting to his feet, his

my w

swer?" he asked dryl

as con

face, "this must never be! Have I not already told you the gh

"What is it? Come, Mr. Shuttleworth,

orance of the strange but actual facts you do not realize your own dread peril, or you would never ask her to become your wife. Abandon a

gth of my being, and for me th

" Then, halting before me, his eye grew suddenly aflame, he clenched his hands and cried: "But you shall not! Understand me, you

fell upon my ears, and, turning quickly, I saw S

e wild words of the rector's, and stoo

f, now-before me-the reason why she can never be your wife-the reason that her love is forbid

ER FI

IDDE

Shuttleworth an

Sylvia and had ta

tween us!" I cried, looking at him narrowly. "You forbid!

man, "because I have a right-a right which

sped Sylvia, now pale as d

at, for you, love and marriage are forbidd

ithin my grasp. Her mouth trembled, and

as! that I am not like other women. About me there have b

errupted Shuttleworth, t

face with her hands as though in shame. "Not

, "no right to allow him to approach nearer the brink of the grave than h

rebuke had utterly confused and confounded her. Yet I knew she loved me dearly. That sweet, inten

ery foolishly. My tongue had loosened involuntarily. My wild joy had led me into a

romised to be mine. If disaster occurs, then I am fully prepared to meet it. You seem in close touch with this r

f you were aware of the true facts, you would, on the contrary, thank me for r

less? I am prepared to meet this mysterious per

smile overspread hi

but reveal the truth, you would quickly withdraw that assertion. Y

arkable, sir. One would really imagine Miss Penni

On the other hand, I am trying to impress

he back of this man's mind. How strange it was! Hitherto I had rather liked the tall, quiet, kind-ma

best interests of you both. I have no ends to

to me. You implied that her avowal of affect

" was his slow reply. "Ah! Mr. Biddulph," he sighed, "if only the real facts

Biddulph be mystified further? If you are determined that I should sacrifice myself-well, I am ready.

past, and put to yourself the question whether I have not a perfect right to forbid you to sacrifice the life o

hypocrisy. It ill becomes you. Speak out, like a man of the world that yo

"Evil is done thro

silent, unab

. "If you make charges, I demand that you shall substantia

onded. "Well, I have alread

my side, "will you not speak? Will you not tell me what all this

ents. Then slowly she nodded

on?" I demanded. "I love you, and I tell

he said, addressing me for the

t ri

. She merely stood with

k h

-faced man refused to re

olly, Mr. Biddulph. Please do

ere. Yet I could not discern by what right a mere friend could forbid a girl to entertain affection. I felt that the ever-increasing prob

sm towards Shuttleworth's pronouncement was keen and bitter, ye

confess," I said, addres

tru

to my well-bel

truth? Do y

was her frank and

uttleworth hastily. "I meant t

lph knows

s not know

ldly. "Tear from me all that I hold sacred-all that I hold most dear-da

our father's friend. I am not your enemy. I regret if yo

between myself and Mr. Biddulph?"

he promise I have made. You know, too, what has been told me in confidence, b

eworth. I know you are my friend-and you are Owen's. Only-only it seems very hard th

ursed; his grey eyebrows contracted slightly, and I s

e said. "Your love for Mr. Biddulph must only brin

ed it," I declared. "But w

ce and to go into hiding. Go away-into the country-and live in some quiet, remote village under another name. It is your best m

forsake the woman I love. Frankly, I suspect a hidden motive

ave your

y life. This is sur

d h

ence by sign or word, and I will set myself out to combat them. They have already those

ret of that house in Porchester Terrace?"

ake my own means of vindication. Naturally I am a quiet, law-abiding man. But if

opeless,"

as promised to-day that she will become my wife. The futu

asked quite quietly, his eyes fi

l not interfere after I have spoken," I added, with confide

er face blanched in an instant.

now?" she aske

" I reassured her. "Your father's affairs are not your

ck glance with Shut

re lifted from her mind by my words, for,

y dared, I could tell you a strange story-for surely mine is as strange as any

gely altered voice. He seemed much annoyed at my open defiance. "Mr.

d. "Yes, tell me the

ring her fair face with her hands.

cruel, cynical smile upon his lips. "You cannot-for it is too hideous-too dis

ER SI

IN GOLD

r engagement was kep

id that he behaved splendidly. Sylvia remained his guest, and on several days each week I travelled down from Waterloo to An

a strange, apprehensive look upon his grave countenance. Elsie Du

ess in Scotland which Sylvia had given me, but received no reply. I then telegraphed to the Caledonian Hotel in Ed

this. But she

probably never went to Edinburgh, after all.

s rather disinclined to allow me to communicate with Pe

olute security. The mystery surrounding her was such a curious and compli

the Midland Grand Hotel in Manchester. He would not, however, be in London for two or three weeks, as

ning, I took train to Manchester,

ception clerk, referring to his list. "He hasn't arrived yet, I exp

know the

d in the

ected, if the lady

Perhaps he'll

ays is, mostly by people interested in cotton and its products, for it is, perhaps, one of the most cosmopolitan hotels in the whole kingdom. Sick of th

r Pennington's arrival, or to return to London. As a matter of fact, s

aw Pennington, smartly dressed, and looking very spruce for his years, crossing from the bureau with

told that he was

tion as to conceal my face w

y. Then, crushing it in his hand with a gesture

g were those of a gentleman of wealth and leisure. He held a cigar between his fingers, and, walking slowly as he opened one

r, removing his hat, he passed his hand slowly over his bald head as he sat staring at it in mystification. Then he rang the bell, and ordered somethin

cting attention, crossed, took up another paper,

one was looking I reached out and took therefrom a

to him, but to "Arnold Du Cane, Esq., Travellers'

urpris

ossing to the m

to a rather short gentleman in grey a

ply. "He went across y

now hi

re. Not lately. At one time, how

living there under the assu

. But Pennington's business was such a mysterious one th

e. Had Sylvia wilfully concealed the fact that her father travelled under the name of Du Cane, i

near the entrance to the smoking

or so he re-entered, spruce and gay, and cast a q

at he regarded me strangely, as though half

aight up to

, that you are

and I fancied that he sta

leasure of knowing you." I noted that he neither a

did not get the chance of a chat with you then. You left suddenly. Don't you re

couldn't, for the life of me, recall where we had met. How are you?" and he put out his hand an

I said. "Owe

people, I fear. Perhaps I meet so many." And then he gave the waiter an order for some refreshment. "Since I was at

ed at home-with Mr. Shuttlewo

perceptibly

as with me at Gardone. You

refer to her as "the girl." Surely that was the term used by one of his stran

ss Sylvia," I went on. "And more,

ing his eyes widely. "I'

ow detected a curious sinister expression in his glan

n chatting for some time, "I have been wanting to meet

"I suppose Sylvia told you that I was in Manchester, and you

here from London expressly to have

altered sligh

s cigar thoughtfully in his f

ed. Then, in a blunder

ylvia! She has promised to become my w

s chair, staring at

"Sylvia loves you-

nnington, I hope it may not be for long. I am not without means, and I am in a p

ows knit thoughtfully, his eyes upon th

asked quite bluntly, rai

ew details concerning my p

e on my daughter, providing I gave my co

would be ready, if she so desired, to

ouldn't cri

d not. I have kept my inheritan

t of your estate to her, in case of your death? And there are life assurances, of course? One never knows what may happen, you

Sylvia would inherit all I could legally bequeath to her, and as f

re for ten thousand. The premiu

your desires, I understand that I have you

oming you as my son-in-law. I can't say more," he replied. "Here's my hand," and as I took his, he gripped me hear

dded, wit

had some unfortunate litigation some time ago, which led to bankruptcy, and so, fo

at receiving Pennington's consent

go to Brussels, and on to Riga. Tell Sylvia and dear old Shuttleworth you've s

y questions he put to me relative to my financial and social position-questio

back to the door of the lounge, when, among those who came and went, was a rather stout foreigner of middle

sight of Sylvia's father, he drew back and made a hurried e

clock, on descending the steps of White's and proceeding to walk down St. James's Street in the direction of home, I suddenly he

gnorance that I had seen him in Manchester, must have travelled up to London by the sa

r so suddenly becom

made upon me, as Shuttleworth

I had crossed Pall Mall against St. James's Palace, I suddenly faced about,

I knew that I had a

ER SE

IN THE

was following me, whereat he merely bowed with the exqu

. I regret extremely if I have caused

red abruptly. "I saw you spying upon me in Mancheste

was in Manchester. But our meeting here must be by mere chance. I was u

I saw you, and you also saw me talking to Mr. Pennington in the M

mile. "I have known Monsieur Penning-ton for some

n order to escape h

eyes," he said. "Yes

hy

sons of

having follo

d, looking straight into

as well admit that you fo

uth?" he asked. "What motive could I h

s," I declared, still speaking in French. "Of l

Please tell me, Monsieur Biddulph

y name?" I excla

tain

ou interes

yet mysterious reply. "Tell me in what m

r a second's reflection, I expla

spicion," he responded; "yet I regret if I have been the cause of any

lied. "The fact is, I'm

quickly with a searching glance. Then he gave vent

ement that the attempt was m

bef

d. I could not make him out. The fact that he was acquainted with my name show

d, as we still stood together at

it is not so very extraordinary, after all, that in these days of rapid communication two men sho

one, monsieur," I replied stiffly, "i

omplice of those rascally assassins. Had I not been warned by Shuttlewo

ow, and full

irst caught sight of my face as I descended the steps of White's, and how he had

ed him, I could not shake him off. Without doubt his intention was to watch, and see where I lived. Therefore, instead of go

e front of Carlton House Terrace he cha

You did not, however, see me. It was in Paris, some little time ago. You were stayi

The fact is, I had trusted him, and I had believed him to be an honest man engaged in big financial transac

as he not?" laughed my frie

s Frenchman was a friend of the s

eplied rat

the stranger, speaking in French.

d in my presence as he came down the s

"He was certainly wanted in Berlin and Hanover for frauds in connection wit

asped. "I nev

man named Ronald Burke at a villa near Ni

that I had

ny held meetings-at which every member was present-and at such meetings certain members were allotted certain districts, or certain profitable pieces of business. Thus, if half-a-dozen were to-day operating in London as thieves or receivers, they would change, and in a week would be operating in St. Petersburg, while those from Russia would be here. So

hat of

lotine, and is now imprisoned

inly never struck me as an assassin. He was a shrewd man-a swindler, no doubt, but his humorous

bbed a young Englishman named Burke," responded the Frenchman. "Perhaps you, yourself

e of fraud," I said. "I intended to go t

in order not to alarm his acco

know that?

t at the trial. There were full a

egarding my strange companion's intimate knowledge concerning the man whose

ed that you were suspected of being a member of the dangerous association! Indeed, you very narrowly escaped arrest on suspicion. It was only because the reception cle

lizing how narrowly I had escaped a very unplea

nd the big amethyst ring upon his finger

een effected by them, as well as the theft of the Marchioness of Mottisfont's jewels at Victoria Station, which were valued at eighteen thousand pounds, and were never recovered; the breaking open of the safe of Levi & An

could disguise themselves as wealthy persons, if need be. One, when arrested, was found occupying a fine old castle in the Tyrol, he told me; another-an expert burgl

ked, much interested. "Someb

the arrest of one after another of the chief members of the gang. It seemed to have been done by some one irritated by Bell's arrest. But the

ng the affair," I said. "Have you no idea o

ill be operating-in open defiance of the police of Europe. Criminal methods, if expert, only fail for want of funds. Are not some of our wealthiest financiers mere criminals who, by dealing in thousands, as other men deal in francs, conceal their criminal methods?

o admit the truth of his argument; "but tell me-how is it that you kno

ER EI

F PO

d, even though I was no

ht have been one of the daring and dangerous association, and that

se of our conversation, told me that h

it all in the Matin

a curious circumstance, standing there in the night, listening to the dramatic truth co

I said, "for what reason ha

ily along at my side toward

u that I did not purposely

inly explained that, but his manner was not earnest. I could see tha

you, Monsieur Biddulph, I assert t

t?" I queried. "Yo

are not a stranger to

he point," I said. "Wha

"Was it not you yours

me!" I cried. "You

he pleases," was Delanne's polite reply.

ts theft in one country to-night, and is across the frontier in the morning-is always a perfect linguist. Harriman was. Thoug

within me. I had had warnings that my mysterious enemies would atta

suspicion, but it evidently amused h

stairs which lead up to the United

by the man's manner and the curious story he had related, "I have ne

he true Parisian. "I have simply spoken the truth. Did you not put to me questions which I have answ

hy

iend Penning-ton always intere

ded sarcasm?" I a

e said quickly. "I have every

ou know

repu

hy

cidents in my life," he said. "Even to-day, the mystery of it all has not been clea

lvia play in the

ly know. It was so utterly extr

instantly interested. What could

l standing by the steps. Surely it was scarc

ersonal one-purely confidential, and concerns myself alone-just-just

persons as well, if one may jud

e arisen because of your e

s "the girl." So had those two assassins in Porchester Terrace! Was it a mere coincidence, or had

was rather too intimately acquainted with the doings of Harriman and his gang to suit my liking. Even as he stood there beneath the light of the street-lamp, I saw that his bright eyes t

he attempt was due to my affec

ishes a motive

have no enemies-as

hly jealous of mademoiselle, and who is

t your

u have every need to exercise the greatest care. Otherwise m

warning uttered! The situati

es you ex

" he said slowly and in deep e

ors. He was warning me with the distinct object of putting me off my guard. His next move, no doubt,

steps, with the high column looming in the darkness, "the fact is, I've become tired of al

ou the reason-eh?" he ask

N

t natural that you should treat all well-meant advice lightl

w, what is it that you really know? Don't beat abou

ray of light which fell upon him, his gold-rimmed spectacles glinted, while hi

in anger. "What is the reason

at monsieur h

expl

. Why not ask mademoisell

hoed. "Then why do

rs-most

ading me? I gazed upon his stout, well-dressed figure, and

ound theatre folk, while across at the brightly-lit entrance of the Carlton,

him. I had acted foolishly in addressing him in the first instance. For aught I kn

to produce his cigarette-case and offer

spleased with me. I have annoyed you by not satisfying your natural curiosity. But were I to do

ledge of Harriman, the man found guilty and sentenced for the murder of the young English member of Parliament, Ronald Burke. His intimate ac

sertion that the Paris Matin had published all the details was, in all probability, untrue. I instinctively mistrusted him, becaus

Monsieur Delanne," I said stiffly. "The

You will believe me, however, ere long

s watch, closing it

tion of Charing Cross, suddenly pulled up at the kerb where we were standing-so

ve an appointment. I will wish you bon soir, Monsieur Biddulph

hat some one was inside-that the person in the cab had

for a second, and a vo

rry I'm lat

eeing me, the face was w

mming the door, told the man to drive

y down Pall Mall ere I coul

rance of which will ever haunt me if I live to be a hundred

orrect, after all. De

iracy was afo

ER NI

GH TH

the end o

them. For me, a new vista of life had been opened out, for Sylvia had now be

the truth that we were

gton, and he had expressed delight at the provision I had made for Sylvia. Old Browning, in his brand-new suit, was at the head of a new staff of servants.

an air of brightness and freshness, thanks to the London upho

while Sylvia, her arms entwined about my neck, kis

e present. Shuttleworth assisted the vicar, but Pennington was unfortunately ill in bed at the H?tel Métropole, suffering from a bad cold. Still, we held the wedding luncheon at t

ther were there, as well as two or three other of her girl friends. The ceremony was very plain. At her own reque

e in the register, and a four-line announcement in the Times

s of the past. Now that I was Sylvia's husband, I felt that she would have my protection, as well as that of

already too much of Continental life, and preferred a quiet time in England. So we had chosen the East

icance of those words when I uttered them and she cl

n on earth had ever loved a woman more than I loved Sylvia. She was my idol, and more, we were w

y believe that there is not a woman in all Christendom who does not dote upon the name of "wife." It carries a spell which even the most rebellious suffragette must acknowledge. They ma

evenings, avoiding the holiday crowd, preferring the less-frequented walks to the fashionable promenades o

king over the cliffs to Cayton Bay, a favourite walk of ours,

eed for the North Sea, while about us the birds were singing their evening song, and the cattle in the fields were ly

de, and the waves were lazily lapping the base of the cliffs deep below. Now and then a gull would circle about us with its shrill, plain

me of cream serge, with a boa of ostrich feathers about her throat, and a large straw hat trimmed with autumn flowers. It was excepti

eir rose-walks, lawns and plantations, stretched from the promenade down to the sea, and had spent some charming hours in what its genial owner called "the sun-trap." In all the north

hearts were too full for words,

and upon my shoulder as she looked up into my face,

," I said quickly, looking i

ut, so

what?" I a

r wonderful eyes bluer than the sea itself, "I have a strange,

melancholy fancies? We are happy in each other's love; therefore why s

y when we were together at Whitby. I cannot describe it-only it is a weird, uncanny f

trust each other-when we both love each

truth in those lines: 'Plaisir d'amour ne dure q

other week here we will travel where you will. If you wish, we will go to Carri

en," she said quietly, yet regarding me somewhat

permissio

anged, and she

hat they had either met before, or at least

yet?" I said quickly. "Very well; I'll ask you

nk it very, very strange of me, after all that you have done at beautiful old

erto been full of admiration of the fine,

ngton we will not go there. We can eit

content, let us live in Wilton Street. Carrington is so huge. When we were

d. "I admit that the old part of the house is very dark and weird-full of ghost

e-book to Devon. Some are dis

brook, who was so brutally killed by the Roundheads because s

lvia. "But that is not mere l

'll live in London. Personally, I, too, should soon grow tired of a country lif

g me fondly. "With you, no place can ever be dull

t th

w not. But I have been seized wi

still about her neat waist. This sudden

"You have nothing to fear. We may both have enemies, but they

h a heavy sigh, she gazed thoughtfully away with her eyes fixed upon

silent

learnt anything-anything fresh which has aw

is only a strange and unaccountable dread whi

r fears are now without foundation, dearest. Now we a

led. "But when we are parted I-I always fear. The day before yesterday I was full of app

eel quite creepy. Don't allow your mind to run

st it. I only wish I could rid myself o

aware that I'm quite wide awake." And in a few brief sentenc

rey pointed beard, his gold pince-nez, his amethy

say he saw my father in Manchester! He actually rode away in the s

almly. "It all occurred just

xi with Reckitt? He said, too

di

and went quickly, and she gripped the wooden post to steady herself, for she swa

t revealed something of intense importance t

ll a compl

TER

R IN THE RU

at Grantown, a week at Blair Atholl, returning south through Callande

the morrow, and filled with perfect love and concord.

o so often arisen within me, for I felt confident in Sylvia's

passion. Our ideas were identical, and certainly I could not have chosen a wife

may have experienced what you have fondly believed to have been love-a faint flame that has perhaps flickered for a time and, dying out, has long been forgotten. Only if you have real

and around to Oban, delighting in all the beauties of the heather-clad hills, the wild moors, the autumn-tinted glades, and the broad unruffled lochs. Afterwards we

re, while at the Meurice, her father, who chanced to be passing through Paris on his way f

ver. He delighted in the dinner set before him, t

he morning of our marriage, when I had called, and found him confined to h

rding the colour of its contents. "I was in Petersburg three weeks ago. I'm interested in some telegraph

ozen times," remarked his dau

ers, child," he said. "Wh

lub, here. Another I sent to the

etter. Their sterlet is even better than the Hermitage at Mosc

ld vie with the Savoy or Carlton in London. He mentioned the Giaponne in Leghorn, the Tazza d'Oro in Lucca, and the Vapore in Venice, of all three of which I had had experience, and I fully corrob

laughed across the table, "but really, goo

Englishman, I preferr

he declared. "What, now, could be more indigestib

Sylvia, who looked a delightful picture in ivory chiffon, and wearing the diamond necklet I

stout, grey-bearded Frenchman who wears gold

ted. "No, I don't r

imed. "He was at the Midland, and

he at the Midland

hat and wore on his finger a great amethy

s were instantly

inted, and his eyes rather small and shining. He has the air of a bon-vivant, and spea

act

called himself Pi

is his real

uses half-a-dozen different ali

you kn

sponse in a rather strange voice, I thoug

had seen you i

you see

n I saw him coming forth from the North British Hotel with another man, also a foreigner. They turned up Princes Street, and then descended the steps to the station before I could approach sufficie

u?" asked Penn

I fancy he re

im?" he asked alm

N

med to breathe a

very great friend of you

ld avoid him like the plague. He is not the kind

sation that he was somethin

a different channel. He congratulated me upon our marriage and told me how Sylvia, when they

fellow," he said, slowly knocking the ash from his cigar. "In the marria

meet with no adv

r Sylvia's sak

d that she had re-entered noiselessly, and was standing laughing mischievously by the open door.

d, jumping from my chair and pull

shooting stars were passing and repassing with honking horns up and down the Rue de Rivoli. Fo

d later, she

ercoat standing under the lamp over there? I've seen him sev

ng wooden sun-shutters were closed, so, on opening the windows which led to t

of the way a youngish-looking man idly smoking a cigarette and gazing in

that he wore brown boots, and that the cut of hi

seen him before?

, when we lunched at the Volnay he was standing at the corner of the Rue

outside, eh?" I remarked, somewhat puzzl

y anxiety, Owen," was her simpl

ellow? Ever seen h

e declared. "It's rath

," I

ler man who came from the direction he had been looking. For a few moments they

approached the mysterious watcher with diffi

een narrowly watching. "He's keeping observation, and has told

ked, somewhat apprehensive of the comi

It seemed to me as though a startling truth h

atched like this-providing, of course, that Sy

h worried about it all day, but did not like to arouse Owen's

tap was heard upon the door and a wai

Delanne to see Mo

ot discover that I am in Paris!" Then, turning to me in fear, he implored: "Save me from this meeting, Bi

R TWEN

AN UNWEL

en fear held me i

led into my bedroom, closing it after him, just as Delanne's st

ter Biddulph!" and he bow

orth his hand, and also bowed low over hers, saying in Engl

dered around the r

here; where is he? I am

ere," I replied,

! I must see him. He is in the hot

e had better ask the waiter. He is not stopping

ce Vend?me, sent you a petit-bleu, and arrived here at 6.30. I am here because I wish to see him most particularl

er-in-law, but there was no response. In an instant Delanne

room led back to the main corridor; "my friend has avoided me.

alon, and, opening the s

re I could reach his side, however, he had re

ear friend," he said. "I wonder you do

nce had caused her the greatest alarm and dismay. If Delanne was her father's friend,

finding the waiter in the corridor he asked hi

e had seen nobody in the corridor, a

?" he demand

ing reply. "He simply went into

he man, with a short, harsh laugh. "I quite expected as much. T

my wife, and then-and only then-did I recollect tha

ely I was glad that Pennington had got away if, as it

cried the Frenchman, "an

e corridor in the direction of th

I asked Sylvia, who still s

asped. Then, rushing across t

. "I-I knew he was watching, b

watching for you

ing us-you an

e door quickly. One of t

would be easy to get from ther

n. "He has evidently gone

what they are saying! Delan

simply. "Do you not remember that

p my very pleasant evening. He had intruded himself upon me once before, causing me both annoyance and chagrin. I looked forth into the corridor, and t

ked of Sylvia, as I tur

e is Guertin,

e that he

ght. "I only know that he is my father's enemy. He is

wh

aw that I had acted wrongly in asking Sylvia to expos

f the quiet aristocratic hotel seemed to have suddenly awakened from its lethargy. Indeed, a hue

r Delanne, as he called himself-was a friend of the assassin Reck

ase had begun after the fugitive Englishman, for yet another man, a thin, respectably-dressed me

oofs and chimneys extending along the Rue de Rivoli towards the Louvre. I could only distinguish one of

coward. Fearing that he could not escape by either the front or back door of the hotel his mind had been quickly made up,

lvia to tell me the truth concerning her father, for I had noticed tha

ce suspected? Yet if he were, why should Delanne be hi

d. Then, apparently satisfied that her father had avoided meeting Delanne, she returned and stood again silent, her

th him. I was angry that my privacy s

. "Therefore he gave permission for him to be shown upstairs. I had

seemed startled, and guests were asking each ot

. He and the others had gone away over the roofs,

?" I heard a lady ask

not. They are stranger

d the man's repl

wever, a very narrow shave. If they had seen him, they would have

ried. "That would

ave wriggled out of it somehow. That was why I feare

oked forth into the Rue de Rivoli, and

r heart beat quickly, and her face, once

I declared. "Why, scarcely ten seconds elapsed from the time

y realized his peril,

erself much fatigued. "When you have gone to your room, I shall go downstairs and learn what I can about the curious affair. Your father's ene

speak of it. My father has got away in safety. For me that is al

d from the room, I seized my hat and descended the big flight of red-carpeted stairs, b

R TWEN

MYS

ever, could I gather

yed that such an incident should occur in

ed for news of her f

with her in private. What passed between them I know not, save that the man, w

olite, always just a little sarcastic, and ye

lvia appeared a little anxious to remain. She seemed

call, "father has escaped them. That was surely a darin

I said. "Do you mean the

fear. Their only fear i

aw would p

d, shaking her head gravely. "Th

m, and we must be thankful for tha

remain, Owen. I wonder," she added rather hesitatingly, "I wonder whether you would cons

out alone and unprotected at t

They will not attempt anything just now. I am quite confide

our distinct wish, ho

would not refuse me. I shall go out just before ten, and I will b

said. And thus

caused me considerable fear. My past experience had

an hour upon a seat in one of the by-paths of that beautiful wood of the Parisians. O

when the concierge had given her a negati

r dinner gown for a dark stuff dress, and, with a small

y. "I'll get back the instant I can. Don't worry

omplice arose within me, and I hardly accepted her

y, then releasing her, she bade me au revoir me

river to go to the Boulevard Pereire. Then, wav

confidence, and would certainly irritate and annoy her. Yet was she not in peril?

she came to no harm; yet, at the same time, I knew that it was not right. She was my wife, and I

ond later, to seize my hat, and, walking out of the hotel, hail a passing taxi, and drive

own the centre of which runs the railway in a deep cutting. The houses were large ones, let

ding at the kerb. Therefore I dismissed mine, and, keeping well in

There was nobody within. It was evidently awaiting some one, and as it was the only on

re, and almost a moment afterwards saw her disappear into a large doorway whic

ted-yet almost ashamed o

reason did not seem apparent. She appeared to be examining the wall. She certainly was not end

e hurriedly retraced her steps to where she had left her cab, a

lso struck a light and examined the same stone wall. At first I could discover nothing, but after co

been altogether successful. Examining it closely, I saw that the sign, as originally scrawled upon the smoot

ning-one which she understood. It was a secr

her signs which had also been hurriedly obliterated-one of three double triangles, and another of two oblongs and

no doubt the means of an exchange of secre

, as were its neighbours; but for some unaccountable rea

d signs Sylvia had sought. But I took notice of each,

rprised me. And I was still further surprised when she did not arrive until

t message, I wondered? Yet I could not questi

ime, Owen," she said, as she entered the room and ca

well?" I

ly. "My father is al

saw that she was greatly gratified at the know

of a gang of blackmailers and assassins, openly pursue him to the death? It was an entire enigma. I could discer

aside all apprehension

t, and with all my soul. She wa

ressed a desire to leave Paris, perhaps because she did not wis

or the day, and going about a good deal in town. She urged me to go to Carrington to shoo

akfast-table. "He sends his remembrances to you from Bucharest. You have never been there, I suppose? I'

y, though I've been in Constanza, which is also in Rouman

r you and I would care to go

wint

easant time. It is the

plied. "I am entirely in your

she declared. "You are always indulgi

ftly, placing my hand upon hers an

hose eyes the genuine love-look: the e

went past, happy da

it was dry and the sun shone, I took her motoring to Brighton, to Guildfor

ss had now happily been dispelled, and the su

The realization of our hopes is always followed by a poignant despair. In this world there is no cup of sweetness without dregs of bitterness. The man who troub

my reader, believed that my troubles were over, and that all the lowering clouds had drifted away. They were, however, only low over the horizon, and wer

s as a change from the legitimate theatre. As we sat in the box, I thought-though I could not be cer

to it, yet I hesitated, fearing lest she might be annoyed. I trusted her implicitly, and, after all, I might easily have mistaken a perfectl

id the crush in the vestibule, the night having turne

two or three minutes, but on

letely as though the ear

o the attendants, and I had a chat with the smart and highly pop

I scarcely knew. At last, seeing to remain longer was useless, now that the theatr

ing to my breathless inquiry,

t him and ent

ble there lay a no

an instant, and with trembling

d there st

R TWEN

FUL

ess fingers had been hurriedly scribbled on

er for your forgiveness, nor dare I face you to answer your questions. I know that you love me dearly, as I, t

ion I leave you, and if you will grant one favour to an unhappy and penitent woman, you will never seek to discover my whereabouts. It would be quite useless. To-night I

cribbled lines, blurred as they

ely left me? Why had she made that signa

and that she was unworthy. What did she

a secr

al occasions lately she had been out shopping alone, and one afternoon, about a week before, she had not returned to

he had never expressed it. That she had been associated with a shady lot had all along been apparen

thing-believed that I had taken leave of my senses. The faithful old servant did not retire, for at five in the mo

to find Sylvia, to induce her to reveal the tru

et she had, of her own accord, because of her own shame at her decepti

Londoner knows so well. Still I knew not how to act. I wanted to discover her, to bring her back, and t

losed house in Porchester Terrace. Yet had she not implored me not t

ve ill of her? Love is blind, it is true, and the scales never fall from the eyes while true affectio

ess had not returned, and saw how greatly I was distress

e, stood the fine portrait of my well-beloved in a silver frame, t

a long time upon it. Then I put it into

er of the attendants as that of a lady who was missing. All of them, both male and f

and lent me every assistance. One after another of the staff he called

ed, and, on being shown the port

y who went away with the

d eagerly. "What did he

is hair slightly grey and no moustache, came up to me with a lady's cloak in his hand-a dark blue one. He told me that when the audience came out a fair young lady would com

prepared!" I exclaimed.

emed shabby and ill-fitting. Indeed, he had a shabby-g

n evening

a suit of b

at happen

d. Suddenly a young lady wearing a cream theatre-wrap came up to me hastily, and asked me to help her on with the cloak. This I did, and next moment th

s secret lover, I wondered? The lad's state

of car was

t boy. "I've seen it here before. It comes

d know th

nk so,

d go with me round to the garage, and there try to fin

e identified as the one in which Sylvia had escaped. The driver was soon found, and he explained that it was true he had been engaged

drive them?"

Stamford, about a hundred miles from London. I

otel, a quiet, old-fashioned, comfortable place much

n't stay

I wanted to get back. The lady and gentleman were

hy

he lady put her head out of the window, highly excited, and asked how long we were likely to be delayed. I

their way to meet s

le the gentleman paid me, and gave me something for myself. It was then nearly four o'clock in the morning. I sh

ut something into his palm, as well as into that of

ove through the steadily falling rain across Hampstea

e began to "let her out" past Hitchin, and we buzzed on over the broad open road through Stilton village. We were hung up at the level-crossing at Wansford, but about half

George, and, alighting, entered the broad hall, with its

a rather c

oring, and who would arrive in the night. They sat over the fire in the lounge, while the staff of the hotel all retired, save the night-boots, an old retainer. The latter stated that during the night, as he passed the door of the lounge,

her description the man afterwards gave to me caused me to feel confident that the second man was none

an, you can't think how glad we are to see you back again! You must have had a narrow squeak! Not another single living man would have acted with the determination and bravery with which you've acted. Only you must be careful, Lewis, old man-deuced careful. There are enemies about, you know.' Then the gentleman said: 'I know! I'm quite aware of my peril, Arnold. You, too, had a narrow shave in Paris a short time ago-I hear from Sonia.' 'Yes,' laughed the other, 'she acted splendidly. But, as y

r hear?" I asked eagerly, mu

o hold some sort of a consultation. While this was going on, two men drove up in another car, and asked if a Mr. Winton was here. I told h

ference in such a manner and

They all spoke in another language. The two m

nd wore gold-rimmed glas

R TWEN

ORTUNA

k moustaches. They wore heavy coats, and were in an open car. T

what went on at thei

don with the lady. He seemed to be chairman, and he talked in a low, deliberate, and very earnest tone, being listened to with greatest interest. He evidently related something which amazed them. Then a map, or plan, was placed upon the table, and each examined it in turn. Afterwards two photogra

sent there against her wi

h all the gentlemen. The two foreigners were s

na

Miss Soni

dy dropped my name, and was

e purpose of concealing her identity fro

is companion addressed her as

ved it to be h

he man's reply, for I fear my

ation?" I asked, mindful that his curiosity had no doubt been aro

, but she protested vigorously, and the matter was not pressed. Then the photograph of a man was shown to the two foreigners, and the lady tried t

ey showed it to the tw

ated, jabbered away, and raised their shoulders a lot. I dearly wish I could have made out a word they said. Unfortunately I couldn't. Only I saw that in Mr. Lewis's face w

ed my ph

yours, sir-but of course I

what

oor. After he had returned to his chair, the man who had arrived with Mr. Winton took from his pocket something that shone. My heart beat quickly. It was a diamond necklet-the object I had seen in his hand earlier. He passed it round for the a

after

ed to be some highly complimentary remarks, for Mr. Lewis smiled and bowed to the assembly, who afterwards rose. Then the young lady rushed up to Mr. Lewis and implored him to do something, but he refused. She stood before him, pale-faced and determined. Her eyes seemed starting from her head. She seemed like one horrified. But he placed his hand t

amond necklet which the ot

s,

he young lady?" I inq

conversation with the gentleman

he person whose description tallie

Lewis seemed very annoyed with her; nevertheless, after a cup of tea each, about half-past five the four of them got into the car in which Winton had a

r own opinion concer

to tell Mr. Pearson, the police-constable who lives across in Water Lane, but I didn

the lady in question, who had been standing

ning, and told him briefly of our strange visitors. I'm rather glad they're gone, for one never likes unpleasa

t what view did th

sed the opinion that they were

who I really was. My story there was that I had business relations wit

e quaint old hostelry, when a waitress came and announced Inspector

ing your strange visitors of last night

re this gentleman," she sa

lled south in a special saloon. When the luggage came to be collected a dressing-case was missing-it evidently having been stolen in transit by somebody who had obtained access to the saloon while on the journey. The corridor was open between York and London, so that the restaurant could be reach

ere the thieves!" gasped the man

ves were waiting for it near there-waiting for it to be dropped out in the darkness. All the platelayers along

es," I said. "

act

" cried the boots. "He and his f

e country-carrying the necklet with them. Ah! Scotland Yard is terribly slow. But the delay seems to have been caused by the uncertainty of Her Highness as

motor-car," I remarked. "They had evidently been waiting s

e, according to what Miss Hammond told me this morning, were most s

m very sorry now that I didn't. But I felt loat

mber of either of the three

ere that I hardly noticed e

k up some clue to them along the road. Somebody is ce

thing about them," remarked the

quick surprise, and no doubt

aim blankly, at once realizing the te

who acted as president of that mysterious confe

that you should at once reveal all you do know. You probably overlook th

rotested; "nothing whatev

of the men," sai

without a doubt!"

" I retorted in anger, yet full of apprehension now t

over the bridge with me to the police-station. I mus

othing," I ag

grim smile of disbelief. "That

R TWEN

TRANGE

ctor to the police head-quarters in the High Str

that I had met the man Lewis abroad, and had had some financial dealings with him, which, I now suspected, were not altogether square. So, hearing that he had moto

geress, been present. Happily, however, she had not accompanied me, hence I

g concerning these people?" he

ting Lewis abroad, and very foo

hink he regarded me as a bit o

fore London-a ticket-collector boarded the train. He was a stranger to the others, but they believed that he had been transferred from one or other of the branches to the main line, and being in the company's uniform they, of course, accepted him. He col

ollector was the

t at a point between Grantham and Essendine-a spot where he knew

ho are evidently

uickly transferred from hand to hand and carried out of the country is sufficient evidence of that

ir than what I have told you. If I were an accomplice I

known before, in order to place the police upon a wrong scent. I fear I must ask you to rema

d. "You intend

here you will-providing you do not attempt to leave it. I regret,

d he, seeing the look of an

ill see it is my duty. You have admitted know

what inquiries you will." And I gave him t

ed down the quiet old High Street into th

is-or Louis-with who

signalled from her box in the theatre, well knowing that he was making secret preparations for her elopement. Indeed, she had written that n

ll had gripped my heart. My cup of

y; how quickly my worst

. When, every now and then, in the fading light, I found myself going into the cou

t selfsame chair where my fugitive wife had sat. I was eager to renew the chase

one in the small cosy coffee-room, awaiting the reappearance of Inspector Deane. I had giv

do? Sylvia and her companions had

ription of the persons wanted, for while I had been at the police-office

police forces of Europe would, in an hour or two, be

rked at English ports for abroad would be carefully scrutinized by plain-clothes men. Every hotel-keeper, not only in London, but in the remote villages and hamlets would be closely questioned as to the identity and recent movements of his guests. Full descri

hat, what mo

countable action had plunged me into a veritable s

f, as it were. The superintendent expressed himself perfectly satisfied with the

said. "We hear that the three men and the woman called at the Bell, at

choed. "Why, that'

ts patronize the p

that is known?" I

out into the pitch darkness in the direction of Grantham. We sped along the broad old coach-road for nearly three hours, unti

olice had been there making inquiries regarding four motorists-three gentlemen and

oned him. I think the manager believed me to be a detective, f

, judging from the way the car was plastered with mud. The lady was very cold, for they had an open car, and she wore a g

address the lady?

led her S

she seemed ve

for a stuff dress, which was brought out of the car. T

ication as to their d

London, for I heard one of the gentlemen sa

Harwich boat-train from

ernoon to Peterborough and March, while the other comes down to Rugby on the No

and if so they would just about b

," laughed the waiter. "They're wanted for

ly face whose description so closely tallied with that of Reckitt, was surely too clever a criminal to run his neck into a noose by going to any port of embarkation. Therefore I concluded that whatever had been said

y forsaken her home and her husband. Upon her, I felt confident, some species of blackm

lf-which the foreigner tried to secure but which the man Lewis had himsel

and then, after a hasty meal, re-entered the car and

ends? And, chief of all, who was that man Lew

ly be the solutio

R TWEN

ATIONAL RE

the robbery, declaring that it had been execu

n Cologne and Berlin. In that case also a strange ticket-inspector had been seen. The stolen property had, no doubt, been thrown from the train to accomplices. Such m

cided that the same gang was responsible for the theft of

line of what appeared in th

ing up the "story," and more than once I found cruel and unfounded re

as I sat alone in the silence of my deserted home, I felt that no further m

lled to make excuse for Sylvia's absence, tel

yourself, old man," he

bit run down, that's all. Want a change

tte-smoke from his lips, "I thought I saw her the day before yesterday standing on the railway platform at Banbury. I was coming down from Birm

I ejaculated,

ll dark blue hat. She was with an elderly lady, and was evidently waiting

was her c

ty, I should think-nea

e been she," I s

y is too marked for one to be mistak

ite certain it w

d his long legs out on

enny that it was she. She wasn't at

ed to make a

man," he declared, as he rose a

but I refrained. She was my wife, and to ask such a quest

ified. The house seemed full of grim shadows now that she, the sun of my life, had gone

at quiet little town until compelled to flee owing to police inquiries. Her dress, as described by Jack, was different to any I had ever seen her w

ed in one place, she would, no doubt, be safe from detection. But if s

l along I remained in fear that the manager of the Coliseum might

is that I loved her dearly and devotedly. My love might have been misplaced, of course, yet I still felt that, in face of

rding her elopement, I steadfastly refused to believe in her guilt. Those well-remembered words o

in the evening paper

of the daring theft of the diamond necklet belonging to the Archduchess Marie Louise,

nsational revelations" promised? Had they any connection with

tigation Department the facts of my strange experience in that long-closed house. In that neg

d in cellars and in gardens. A recent case of the discovery of an unfortunate woman's bod

hat are committed and never detected. Only the police, if they are frank, will tell you of the many cases in

ionship of friends. No one save myself knew that my wife had disappeared.

was kind and affable as usual, but whether my suspicions were ungrounded or not, I

een Shuttleworth down in the Ditches-one of the lowest neighbourhoo

quiet life of a remote Hampshire village, in su

r. But he was a complete enigma. Casually I referred to the gr

omething in the head-lines of the paper, but I did not read the details. I've been wr

e merely evading the necessi

led to admit that she was away. But I did so in suc

n summer, now looked damp and dreary, litte

d detected an eagerness to get rid of me. For the first

Pennington of late?

about a month ago, and said that business was ca

ently," I rep

d to the great robbe

ion that mysterious crime has for you! I suppose you are an ardent nov

healthy and exciting ficti

ven party politics are full of fictions, more or less. Surely the public must find it very difficult to winnow th

erly turned the drif

back to Andover Junction, and arriv

s no letter from Sylvia. She gave no sign. And, inde

nner for the first time in my own dini

silent, while old Browning served the meal with that quiet stateliness which was one of his chief characteristics. The old man ha

ars of service-ever since I was a lad-he had become more a friend than a mere servant. From many a boyish sc

m to me, for to him there was no family respected so m

ng suspicion that he had not. Yet old servants are gener

Browning having left me alone, when suddenly he

see you very particularly." And he handed me a c

instant. Here was one actually of the gan

o speak the truth, u

?" I asked b

the study. He's a forei

ing the bell, go straight to the telephone, ring up the police-station, and tell them to send a c

And the old man hesitated,

" I laughed, rather harshly perhaps

, opening the study door, entered, closing it behind me, and

the stout man in gold pince-nez in rather a sev

R TWEN

NTRE

an rose, and, bowing with his

ur Biddulph, upon a confidenti

oncern you, pray, si

said suddenly, dropping into Fr

plice of my enemies. You are acquainted with Reckitt and with Pennington-the men

nd looked at

at?" he inquired, with

uertin. Either you will reveal to me the whole truth concerning those men Reckitt and Forbes and my wife's

d smile, "I can't tell you facts of which I possess

in enticing my wife away from her home, and you expect to befool me further. Remember that I nearly lost my

asked, looking me straight in t

lied, whipping out my rev

ed. "Be reasonable. What woul

olice. I have only to touch this bell"-and I raised my hand to the electric

give me in charge-eh

end doing so," I

oments," suggested the Frenchman. "You tell me that you near

e. What is the use of

ge had completely overspread his countenance. "I only wish

say," was my quick rejoinder. "Let us leave them out of the q

d his broa

ve no knowledge of

he is probably with Pennington, her father, who

y," my visitor declared. "I know that f

is fellow Lewi

ent he wa

r ask madame, your wif

slur upon her?" I cried

cool answer. "I have merel

ent advice! Will you, or will yo

monsieur, I

the bell, and give

"that will be di

erhaps-not

y to act as he deems b

er, and in the hope that he would at the

neath the stairs. In a few minutes the constable would arrive,

or immediately after I had rung the bell. But I placed myself ag

at you are not acting judiciously. You refuse to a

r part, refuse to re

d his shoulders aga

te well where

lared emphatically. "It was to o

know that pair of crimin

not denied know

ced my wife from my side-the man who presided over

th you in return for your fra

ef that he was actuated towards me by friendly motives. Therefore my an

the door, and, upon my opening it, a p

y," I said, addressing him a

cer, whose broad shoulders filled the doorway

th the theft of the diamonds of the

fficiently far." And, placing his hand in his breast-pocket, he produced a small folded yellow ca

de Police, Ville de Paris," and that it was signed,

that Henri Guertin was chief of the first section of th

t, red and ashamed, I admitted that I had made a mistak

n their hands, and, unable to read French, as

in the papers only this morning as arresting two Englishmen in Paris for a

I gasped. "In Po

ever suspected me, and early yesterday morning I went to the snug little apartments they have in the Rue de Rouen, and arrested them, together wi

the others in Stamford, and carried the diamonds acr

erdam, as had been intended, and though the diamonds had

onfessed to having thrown the bag out to Reckitt and Pennington, who were waiting at a point eight miles north of Peterborough. They had used an ele

when the sergeant and constable had been dismissed. "It was

is not the case," remarked the great detective slowly. "To his career attaches a very remarkable stor

ored him eagerly. "W

R TWEN

MAN MAKES

a second's hesitation, "I do not exactly regret. Perhaps it is best, after all, that I should

f!" I gasped.

ll, because she had good reason. But one day, when you kno

love her as devotedly as I do! I feel confident that the mis

ester Terrace will now yield up. The gang is part of a great criminal association, that society of international thieves of which one member was the man you knew as Harriman, and whose real name was Bell-now at Devil's Island for the murder of the rising young English parliamentary Under-Secretary Ronald Burke. The murder was believed to have be

wife escaped-the man who presided over the secret del

for they always acted on scientific principles, and always well provided with funds. Some of their coups were utterly amazing. But on his arrest

Porchester Terrace. A big hole was found dug there, and already they've turned up the remains of two persons-a man and a woman. I ought to have told you th

d. "The open grave found

to believe my allegations against Reckitt and Forbes. But I had had my suspicions aroused by the

rgeant agai

on. Tell me more

f unscrupulous assassins, Reckitt and Forbes, a fictitious story of how Sonia-for that is her real name-had denounced them. This aroused their hatred, and they decided to kill you both. From what I heard afterwards, they entrapped you, and placed you in that fatal chair beside the venomous reptile, while they also tortured the poor girl with all the horrors of the serpent, until her brain became deranged. Suddenly, however, they became alarmed by discovering a half-witted lad wandering in the garden where the bodies o

!" I gasped,

arrested her father one night at the house where he lived down near Andover, Pennington compelled the girl to pass as his daughter for a twofold reason. First, because he believed that her great beauty would render he

along intend

of the whole gang that you should meet with some accident which should prove fatal. The theft of the jewels of the Archduchess delayed the conspiracy from being put into execution, and by that m

ter of the previous leader of that crim

man she loved-would also be safe from injury. For Phil Poland is a strong man, a perfect past-master of the criminal arts, and a leader whose word w

noteworthy man in

or years he lived in France, Italy and Spain, constantly changing his place of abode, his identity, his very face, and always evading us; yet nobody has ever said that he did a mean action toward

my wife left me in order to se

eeting with her at the H?tel Meurice in Paris

very nearly fell

s usual clevernes

w? Have you any

of four of his accomplices, it will not be diffic

may be said

tal or another, when various tasks were allotted to various persons. The precautions taken to prevent blunders were amazing, and we were baffled always because of the widespread field of their operations, and the large number of experts engaged. The band, broken up into small and independent gangs, worked in unison with receivers always ready, and as soon as our suspicions were aroused by one party they disappeared, and another, complete strangers, came in their place. Premises likely to yield good results from burglary were watched for months by a constant succession of clever watchers, and people in possession of valuables sometimes engaged servants of irreproachable character who were actually members o

, who arrested Polan

at evening a strange affair happened-an affair which is still a mystery. I'll tell you all about it later," he added. "A

of grim shadows, we found a constable idling outside the gate, but apparently nobody yet knew of what was transpiring in the garden behind the closed house. At first the man declined to allow us to enter, but, on Guertin declaring who he w

n depth had been dug, and into this the men were flinging the so

he reception of my body-lay something covered with a black cloth. From b

the excavators gave an ejaculation of surprise, and a lantern, quickly b

soon a third body-that of a tall, grey-haired man, whose

gratified to know that the two fiends were

one, and they would meet with

R TWEN

R REVE

ubt recollect the great sensation caused next day on the publication of the news of

e exterior of the long-closed house, and photographs of the various police officials. That of Guertin, however, was not included. The famous inve

res were afloat concerning the series of tragedies which must have t

. Cyril Wilson, a member of the Travellers' Club, who had been missing for nearly nine months. The police, impelled by this fresh discovery, cut down the tr

daily expectation of some sign f

on, assured me that she was safe in

over him," I remarked, as I sat with the famous detect

sudden reappearance at Stamford with the remaining portion of his once invulnerable gang, he urged them to turn aside from evil, and become honest citizens. He h

is out for hi

daring on record. He swam for five miles in the sea on a dark night, and met with most ex

in London, I suppose. He would b

nd ingenious men I have ever known. He can s

Sylvia-I mean Sonia-is his daughter, may

to approach you, you should go abroad somewhere-to some quiet place where you would not be suspected. Le

-side hotel where I had first seen

w, and if I can obtain any information from either of the prisoner

detective, and, shaking

bled him outside Poland's house on the night of the latter's arrest held me much pu

led upon me in Wilton Street, a

ked at me grav

national thieves-and he asked my advice in my capacity of spiritual guide. He had repented, and had gone into retirement there, believing that his sins would not find him out. But they had done, and he knew he must shortly be arrested. Well, I advised him to act the man, and put aside the thoughts of suicide. What he had revealed to me had-I regret to confess it-aroused my hatred against the man who had betrayed him-a man named Du Cane. This man Du Cane I had only met once, at the Elms, and then I did not realize the amazing truth-that this was the selfsame man who had stolen from me, twenty

lings towards Pennington. I belie

or Poland had told me revealed the truth t

man closely resembling the French detective Guer

ystery which can only be solved by Poland himself. He m

spicion, at the same time assuring me of Sonia's deep devotion towards me, and of his confidence

er, and to obtain from her-and perhaps from the lips of Philip Pol

TER

CLU

n from the Préfecture in Paris, urging me to go at once to the Victoria Hotel at Varenna,

ate sitting-room, the door suddenly opened and my well-beloved, in a da

n. Of what I uttered I have no recollection, for I hel

ose hair was grey, and whose face as he advanced b

n I took the hand of the escaped prisoner, and expressed the utmost satisf

, even though he be a detective, has tracked them down, and only yesterday I heard Du Cane-the man who made that false charge against myself, and stepped into

d," I said presently, as we sat together exchanging many co

n. He did not know that Du Cane had written anonymously to the Préfecture, and never dreamed that Guertin himself would follow him so quickly. On leaving, he apparently hung about watching the result of his dastardly mission, when Harriman-or Bell as we knew him-walked up the drive, in order to call in secret upon me. He espied a man wh

admitted this!

"Sonia has told me of that dastardly attempt which those hell-fiends Reckitt and Forbes made upon you in Porchester Terr

doned you in the adjoining room, and with a great effort managed to free myself and seek you. I cut the straps which bound you, and succeeded in

rling!" I exclaimed, kissi

ing to Pol

. Cannot you get to some place where you a

n to the modest little villa I have rented on the hill-side outside A

d I have travelled to Trieste, and thence here, in orde

doubted you! Yet I admit that the circumstances

ome further attempt being made upon us, and I felt you and I would be safe if I were with him. He had no idea when he

th them was one of farewell. I had already severed my

ped my loved one in my arms and openly repeated m

t, what ne

he black clouds which overshadowed the earlier days of our marriage have rent

ld be happi

-going cosmopolitan, and who lives in Greece for the sake of the even climate and the study of its a

phy as ever, and frequently our visitor. He still leads his careless existence, and is often to b

, was recently sentenced at the Old Bailey to fifteen years, and the two young Frenchmen, Te

bes, who had been arrested in Paris, had, somehow, prior to their extradition to England, man

trial of the perpetrators of those

orities saw that no good could accrue from alarming the publi

E

ons, Limited, Lo

STER OF

LE QUEUX

ons i

o skilful to allow pause for thought: he whirls his readers from incident to incident,

ls to produce the correct illusion. He always leaves

till 'The Master o

riting sensational fiction. He never loses th

eader, and holds him to the last

ce begun must be read to

on a railway journey than Mr.

on vigorously and prosperously. His stories are

emi-detective story. His work is a

s of adventure that one knows on taking up a new bo

s are delightfully c

absorbing. His mysteries are enthralling and h

rt of the sensational novel to

iliar with his books would certainly guess him to be the a

ver of tales of crime, needs praise for its skill. Any novel with this author's na

reader who picks up any of his latest

of a new novel is to them one of the most felicitou

of the art of mystery-crea

iptive

SH

Shil

VE

eatest

ss of

lis

tu

9

ke 6/- Nov

ty and appe

heir green cloth covers on w

S 2/-

ST V

hange

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f the Hund

R. C

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liam L

Men a

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S 2/-

ALREAD

DETECTIV

llowBy

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atest, most ingenious and most d

ot less exciting or less mystifying than

ce in the famous set of

ackBy

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'Raffles' this tale ... in every way lives u

rom beginning to e

d the mixture of romance with a story of the 'Raffle

w atby Ma

te CatR

e Circular St

e than a mere detective story: there is character in it, and a pleas

sk dialogue and the unexpec

of further volum

S 2/-

ALREAD

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ife H

SawM

worked out with considerable resource. Alt

thing of the kind we have encountered for s

RedB

olIr

powerful novels we have had for a long time ... a fine mystery story most excellently

of thrilling incide

has no dull pages, and which keeps its alluri

By E. W

Raffles."-Dai

se ofBy

ersLe

ng and baffling."-

tale."-The D

a strong appeal at every stage to the ins

se thousands by this wo

of further volum

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ALREAD

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reby W

raelL

rful mystery stories.

ationalism ... ought to please a h

eaders fascinated to the

es some new phase of the mystery, each page supplie

se of t

PinesKath

The Leavenw

se.' The story grips one from the first scene.... The book is crammed wi

far-fetched absurdities of many tales of the kind. The most austere reader ... will fi

of further volum

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ALREAD

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an wh

he CarP

illing reading."-T

llent reading."-T

he most blasé reader of sens

orbing, and of tense interest thro

& Breez

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ions

like Mr. Barr, invariably e

very delightf

By Morle

ction."-The Ev

sting."-The Da

breezy book."-

the whole book is one g

invention it would be ha

of further volum

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ALREAD

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n-By F. C.

erPercy

of modern society life.

d clever novel."-T

that holds the reader till t

ruthless pictures of life in frivolous

usBy

aAlb

harming."-T

e throughout."-Th

o the end with unabated ple

and charm.... The book cannot fail to consolidate the position w

By F. G.

ee

in a Looking

lever piece of obse

... Jack ... is frank, manly, and gen

of further volum

S 2/-

ALEADY

IAL COMED

ivine

Sinc

is should be referred, I find her book the most remarkable

what is more to keep a

By F. C

ng

hor at his best."

hire

kitt'sB

capsF

s of Yorkshire life, rich in character

piece of

nBy Re

reads it will ever forget

.. a consummate artist, his work eats into the heart, and lives in th

oving as the story of this innocent peasant girl.... 'T