The Red Redmaynes

pied, he still had perception disengaged and could admire the graceful river, the hills towering above the estuary, and the ancient town lying withi

le aft of the cabins and saloon an awning was rigged over the stern. The solitary sailor who controlled the launch was in the act of furling this protection against the sun

for the letter in her uncle's possession told her so. She greeted the detective kindly and was glad that he had responded to her invitation, but Mark soon found that her attitude of mind had changed. She now exhibited an extreme

appears that your original suspicion has proved correct. My

e, if alive, should still be evading the general search. Can you tell

d my Uncl

t really does come

s posted in Plymouth. But please do not ask me ab

ing well; and I know

id, "but my life has

her when I lost my mother. It was an old clergyman who said it. 'Think what the dead woul

t between the historic castles that stood o

endean

art more sore. When people suffer, they should go

ork-in working your fingers to the bone if need be. There is

nk, or take opium. I wouldn't run away from

must live and make the wo

flicker, that lightened her beau

sat upright with his back to them at the wheel forward. He had taken off his hat and was singing very gently to hims

noticed

hook h

e. He looks to me more Greek than Italian-not modern Greek but from classical

ed to th

ia," she said. "I want Mr. B

swered and altered their

ace of great beauty. It was of classical contour, but lacked the soulless perfection

descent from a very ancient family and is the last of the Dorias of-I forget-some place near Ventimiglia. My uncl

There is distinction, quality, a

all-round sort of ma

d pearly precipices of limestone that rose above the tranquil waters. The boat turned west presently, passed a panorama of c

f and spar, from the point of which fluttered a red ensign. Behind the house opened a narrow coomb and descended a road to the dwelling. Cliffs beetled round about it and the summer waves broke idly below and strung

e no exit; but, behind a ledge of rock, stairs carved in the stone wound upward, guarded by an iron handrail. Jenny led the way and Mark followed her until two hundred steps were climbed and they stood on the terrace above. It wa

d sailor have created th

ore also a short, red beard and whiskers growing grizzled. But his long upper lip was shaved. He had a weather-beaten face-ruddy and deepening to purple about the cheek bones-with eyebrows, rough as bent grass, over deep-set, s

," he said, shakin

Mr. Red

d Yard can't find a poor soul

aid Mark shortly, "if it's true that y

ain't I? It's

lost t

Redmayne

I understand anything about it. But one fact is clear: my brother wrote this letter and he wrote it from Plymouth; a

urned to

ur, Jenny. Meantime I'll take Mr. Bren

nto the house and Mark fol

collected by the owner. Then they ascended into a large, octagonal cha

up here and with yonder strong, three-inch telescope I can pick up what's

e afloat," said Brendon, an

sometimes. I never wish to see bigger water than beat these cliffs du

t out a square, wooden desk of old-fashioned pattern. This he

. The writing was large and sprawling; it sloped slightly-upward from left to right

t all the same I'm sorry now it's done-not for him but myself. I shall clear to-night, with luck, for France. If I can send an address la

.

letter and the envelo

n-something from the past I ca

go no

" he answered and produced a

's engagement to be married a

, Mr. Redmayne?" Brendon asked,

very day of the week. And if poor Bob got there, no doubt plenty of chaps would hide him when he offered 'em money enough to make it worth while. Once abo

ut that he was mad, we mig

brain drove him to do, then I judge that his madness very likely left him. If you caught him to-morrow, you'd possibly find him as sane as yourself-except on that one subject. He'd worked up his old hatred of Michael Pendean, as a shirker in the war, until it festered in his head and poisoned his mind, so as he

n cons

after disposing of the body under Berry Head, your brother must have disguised himself in some way and taken an early train from

igure it," answ

last see him,

e over for the day with Miss Reed-th

all righ

ed and scratched

of chatter, bu

ion Mr. and

an. They meant to be married in late autumn an

with Miss Reed if

mad and commits a murder. Then you nab him and he's as sane as a judge. You can't hang him for

will take no risks. A homicidal maniac, no matter how sane he is be

u take him, of course you'll let me and his brother know at once. It's a very ugly thing for his

o account, be sure. I'm sorry, both

kily from under hi

give him up to the living death of an

y-that I will bet,

ean was waiting to pour out tea. All were very sile

count upon finding you if I want yo

ayne, not at Brend

nds. I know he will let me

I'm very glad to have you here. There's only you and your Uncle Albert

ly woman

know when you'll want

y if possible," begged Brend

directed Brendigo, and in five

lives, it seems impossible that he should long be free. His present condition must be one of great torment and

lay myself now. If he is heard of again by me, I'll telegraph to Scotland Yard, or

line and the fields of corn that sloped away inland above it. The district was very lonely

m in and let us know," said Brendon. "Such a necessity will be unspeakably p

ive's visit. It was clear that a natural aversion for Bren

thing, you may trust me to do it. He's not likely to come here, I think

d Jenny, who stood by them, walked as f

n, that's all. I used to declare in my foolishness that I had escaped the war. But no

tly. "I admire your splendid patience and courage, Mrs. Pendean, an

e replied. Then she shook hi

know if you leave

ce you w

elt that he already loved this woman with his whole soul. The tre

gratify the Italian's curiosity. Instead he asked him a few questions respecting himself and found that the other delighted to discuss his own affairs. Doria

k in your own country, now th

st Austria on the sea; but now-now Italy is an unhappy place-no home for heroes at present. I am not a comm

-history isn't

time. They arise and crumble by the process of their own development. Si! Time gives the hour-glass a shake and they are gone-to the last grain. I am the last grain. We sank and sank till only I remain. My father was a cab driver at Bordighera. He died in th

ot but admire the Italian's amazing good looks. Moreover there were mind and amb

said Mark; "the thread of a solitary life. Perhaps you

ery handsome-that was needful; I am very clever-that, too, was needful. There is only one thing that stands be

on la

you doing in th

the time.

r w

understand. That is why I came to England. Italy has no rich heiresses for the present. But I have made a fal

t deceive

t. Women are very attracted by

e t

rything to be desired-romance-and the gift to love as only an Italian loves-such a man must find a very splendid, rich girl. It is only a question of patience. But such a treasure will not be foun

ry being? He wondered, but thought it improbable. Moreover the last of the Dorias evidently aimed at greater position and greater wealth than Michael Pendean's widow had to offer. Mark found himself despis

less Giuseppe haunted his imagination. One might dislike his arrogance, or rejoice in hi

etown. To the last place he sent a special direction and told Inspector Halfyard to visit Mrs. Gerry a