The Chase of the Ruby

H

STS IN

QUEST

S BROAD

HOLLAND

OMAN S

AD COMMANDS

E BOTTO

ADY--AND TH

HE FL

HES THAT S

SUIT OF THE

DER MERCIES

TORS FOR M

WHO K

ONOURABL

THE RUBY AND THE L

FIGURES

REINF

LL WITH

HE CHASE

se of t

PTE

S IN

chose another form of words with which to c

, stood staring at nothing, then, stooping, picked up th

inary!' h

y Holland, Esq., 37A Craven Street, W.C.' It began 'Dear Sir,' and ended 'Yr. obedt. servant, SAML. COLLYER.' Between the beginning and the end it informed him th

ws as he asked himself the question. 'How could I, w

tten, 'hollowly'; the laugh of

nt and saw

rang up, and, as if she had been observing him all the time, went to him at something very like a run. He advanced at quick step. They met in the middle of the grass plot, contrary to regulations, whi

you were the other side of the

? or from Craven Street? It is some dist

hat's it mean? You're looking well--s

n. You're looking sweet. I say, it's awfully hard line

her day. When I had your note--what a note! "Meet me at the old place at noon"--I wondered who I was to meet, you or your

r of you. I'm not

didn't seem as if you were going to make it

ok his

ess in my pockets

hat does

cle's

Burt

nod

you his mon

know nothing. The fact is, Letty, it's-

at

elling me of the old man's death, I should have accused myself of softening o

cy your discovering that

aughing a

w can you say such a thing? I'm th

a twinkle in her eyes even as

s that it's gospel truth, and seems queer enough to me,

mic? You haven

eat, and I'll s

It was, perhaps, because it was in the shade that they temporarily ignored the fact that they w

hot, and in the evening I was glad to get back under cover. As I sat at my

Mr Burton? Wh

undred miles nor

s your uncle

etched for heaven knows how many miles right away to the horizon. There were no buildings; scarcely a bush or a tree was to be se

ght of

steps. He was a stranger to me, though I think I should know him if I saw him again. He was taller than my uncle, and, I imagine, younger. Anyhow, he was altogether a bigger and a stronger man. He had a walking stick in his hand, with a horn handle. Directly he got within reach, without, so far as I could judge, uttering a word of warning, with this stick he struck my uncle with all his force across the face. I suspect that my uncle had seen him coming before I did, and, for reasons of his own, had stuck to what he deemed his post of vantage on the steps, being unwilling to go and meet him, and ashamed to run away. That he was not so taken aback by the suddenness of th

dy had been regarding him

' she

't it

ust have be

rest part of it was that it was so amazingly real, and so near. When the thing had gone I kept

hat hap

ff. Then I went and told a man with whom I was chumming what I'd seen. He said the sun had got into my eyes, advised me to have

or sl

er had not killed him; but in consequence of the thrashing he had received he was

or

the hand of his which

ddle all the time, with my senses as much about me as they are now. I kept hearing him call out, over and over again, "G

was

e ru

e r

he called it. Long and seemingly involved sentences I heard him utter, but the only two words I could distinguish were those two--"the ruby"; and, a

ery st

h in the body I was out there on the veldt I seemed to know and see what was taking place heaven knows how many thousand miles away. In spite of the persuasion which was borne in upon

you

own to Cape Town, found a boat just starting, and was off on it at once. Directly the boat was away the haunting stopped. My nerves were all right in an instant. I told myself I was an ass; that I ought to have wired or written, or done something sensible. Sin

even

have liked me to turn up with n

shouldn't have cared for fo

she did not know how long ago, and which she had not known what to do with. It turned out to be an intimation from Collyer that that my uncle had d

me? I don't want to be absurd, but it really does

destiny, but it does look as i

after all, the old reprobate h

if he has! We'll be

seems such a long way off. My dear Guy, first of all i

f course I had to

cour

him that I'd cal

n ca

Holland

PTE

EST OR

gave such a varying complexion to the words he used as to cause it sometimes to be very difficult to make out exactly what it was he meant; an extremely useful manner for a solicitor to have. A

r Guy. You're lo

m feeling v

l significance. Reclining in the only armchair the room contained was a young gentleman of about Mr Holland's own age. He was well dressed, go

eling is brown the

ng was not so geni

expect to s

I expect to see you.

an easily

I should have been content never to set eyes on you

round it off with a sting. He continued to smile, although Mr Holland regarded him for a

your l

at you had my letter n

g. I only came back f

as not aware you

is such a

he young gentleman in the arm

supposed it had reached you safely; but that, for reasons of your own, you chose to t

ind me. So my uncle is d

on, it is to be feared, by something whic

eman in the arm

inch of his life, and ver

ere? On a fli

the H?tel des A

ce; of course it was the H?tel des

hended the cause of Mr

redible; none the less i

ntleman put

s wife, as was his invariable custom when he had a chance. The oth

ignored t

llyer, which you w

form. I have to read to you your uncle's will. His instructions were that it was t

l for cats, and wished us both to be present, my dear

l, and on the front of which was painted in white letters the name, 'George Burton.' Reseating himself be

f June 1899, and was then and there sealed by me in the presence of my two clerks whose names are undersigned." Then follow my own signature, and the signat

erks be sanctified. Why all this form and fuss? Make an end of

t that I should proceed at once

fe, began to cut open the top of the envelope with a degree of care which

of the will; Mr Burton never gave me the faintest hint as to what were his testamentary intentions. You are aware that your uncle was a man who did what he

eman in the arm

t the cackle, and do le

amble he commenced to read what was written on it, in a slow, monotonous, sing-son

do hereby announce that this is my last Will and Tes

rton, my brother's son, and Guy Holland, the son of my sister; and,

prolonged laughter from the y

r man!'

yer con

t I die possessed of, in real and perso

ed the young gentlem

been closed a little tighte

ace, and to my lawyer, Samuel Collyer. The ring is to be delivered to Samuel Collyer, whom I hereby appoint my sole executor, by my nephew, Guy, within three months of the day of my death. Should he do so within the period mentioned, then I do hereby nam

large, that young woman preferring to keep tight hold of anything she has once

d three months of my decease, it is to be held by the said Samuel Collyer, and not to pass out of his possession u

s seventeenth day of June, Eighteen hu

tnes

, 13 Porchest

ans, 83 Belgr

by silence, broken by a

is the plain En

m a certain lady and deliver it to me within a certain time. If

the 23rd of February. This is the 19th of Ma

y that is

ng when I ask for it, as, so far as I can perc

fect

r came fr

her within four days? W

id I am unable to assist you with any advice as to how you

land s

will a

t is just the sort of will I should have expected your un

if I do not succeed in jockeying this lady out

not inherit under

him a friendly pat upon the back. Mr Holland whirled ro

you touc

o a cousin? My congratulations, my dear boy. You're sure to

d cheeks; his clenched fists twitched. The other,

little movement of his shoulders. 'Let's hope you'll succeed the second time as well as I've been give

from the room. Presently

stairs, 'Nice to have to rob your old sweetheart to keep yourself out of the gutter. He knew very well there had been passages between us; so he set m

his chair, stroked his chin with his hand a

e. I fancy that there are only one or two persons who are aware th

his own though

PTE

ROAD C

at the same place; on the same sea

suppose I'm entitled to do as I please; but I made

's strong. And w

dead, and under the circumstances he perhaps thought

done; and he

his tone ca

he matter? You

ough I'm not sur

rose from

left you

s uncle's will; she listening

ridiculous ring out of Miss Bewicke's poss

nod

's mons

pretty ta

you propo

o call upon

ning, she was standing up be

dea. I've no doubt that Miss Bewicke w

ear L

l about it. You need have no fear of losing your uncle's inheritance. You are quite sure to understand each

n to unbutton her

seeing ghosts in

to say to Miss Bewicke

I want you

heard of her I had hoped that you would have had no more to d

Miss Bewicke's discredit, you may take

en you have seen her you might let me know what she says. That is, if sh

alked away. He

't you want me to t

h the dictates of your better judgm

I hope I never shall do that; but it means that I shall have to wait for you, the

ce engaged to be mar

, I

se you loved

like you to rub

his weighty favour--in effect you are going to ask her to bestow on you a fortune--is the woman whom once

your hands. Shall I try to fulfil the old man's preposterous and malignant condition? or shall I throw the whole thing up at once, let the money go t

the entire responsibil

interested, my one desire is that your views shou

get th

t h

I don't care. Only don't make love to her under the preten

ished; the air with which s

uld! Then do you suggest th

rse. To

-ni

; I don't care how, but get it. And meet me

iss Bewicke goes

are where

in the theatre; and, in any case, she wou

ee her

the t

et it over. Only I know what took place between you before; papa knows and everybody knows--heaps of people have told me.' A curious something came into her voice, a sort of choking sound. It f

he scurried from him down t

et

t want to speak to you when y

ke her at her word. He let her go. He remained behind to objurgate fick

now and then at the pebbles on the path. 'Never thought Letty was such a little spitfire. Bless her heart! I love her for it all the more. Who can have told her about the mess I made of things with May? I'll swear I didn't. These things will out.' He groaned. 'It's pa

in. There was that in his bearing which suggested that the food which he had consumed had not exhilarated him to any appreciable extent. In fact, so

now Miss

that h

ur

rably

nging about and annoying her that my orders are not to let anybody go up if I can

f some year

him with dubious glances, being possibl

ay that you'll do no good if you're trying it on. I don't know if Miss Bewicke is in; I don't think s

the lift. On the way Mr

allow their admiration to carry th

all day, and sometimes half the night, trying to introduce themselves to her, and I don't know

ty c

, and sometimes t

I wonder how I should have enjoyed her being the object of such ardent admira

e's apartments was opened by a young gentleman well over six f

you want?' was his

Miss B

you? then just y

suffered him to lead him to an apartment which was beyond. This was apparently a sitting-room, prettily furnished, particularly with photographs, as is the manner of ladies who are connected wi

en making himself a nuisance about

eply was mild

ope

o you mean by that? D

deas of how to greet the coming guest. Does Miss Bewicke keep you on the premises in orde

is shortly to be my wife. As her affianced husband I consider myself entitled to protect her from the impertinent attentions of any twopenny-ha'penny bo

s do you credit

h to me; but I will give you ten seconds, before I throw you

than ten seconds before, as you put it, you throw me down the stairs. I h

ck's been played before!

be an a

ss

ceeded to hustle him towards the door. Mr Holland, unwilling to be treated in quite such unceremonious fashion, displayed a capacity for resistance

hat are y

om a young lady who was

PTE

LLAND

ig feather boa was round her neck. As she stood there, in spite of the perfection of her attire

to throw the fello

hesitation; then the word was softened by a smil

. Some bounde

he had expected. Mr Holland's hat and stick had fallen to the floor. He stooped to p

uy

Bewi

eeing you? Why, this is Mr Holla

to him. Mr Dumville, whose hands were in his

ault; he should

gave me an o

ght you were. Guy, this is Bryan Dumville, a gentleman who thinks that he has claims on me. Bryan, this i

ing to force his way upstairs, and I don't know what; and he added that he was hanging about at that very moment, and if he turned his back he shouldn't be surprised if the black

ould be mo

id not seem to notice it; but the lady regarded the

must sup

I have not

nd will join us at supper.' Miss Bewicke proceeded to remove her outdoor things, handing them to Mr Dumville one by o

I have been to Africa. I

to see me? How perfec

onscious that the lady migh

thing rather important wh

nt things to me. Say it while we're at supper. That is

n the way

as in the way, but that he himself was hardly in

ople, will you please sit down?' They seated themselves at table.

s Bewicke seemed disposed to be friendly. Perhaps it was as well

way. My unc

dreadful, but I cannot say I'm sorry. He was not a pers

t rather a pe

nothing he did which was peculiar. I never

resolved

have a ruby

s?--who

e--in hi

and, do I understand that you intend to suggest tha

well. In his will he says you have it. He may have g

nk y

't mea

't matter

et it back from you, and if I don't get it back wit

you. Will you please be so good

, though he did not find it easy. No

me at midnight, hot-foot from Africa, in

y nice, but that's th

ery fla

er

Mr Dumville, and was

, Miss Bewicke, and implore you to let m

ime been lying idle. There was a change in her manner, which,

ted with a person called, I think, Broad. Was it merely idle gos

y well. I hope she will be my wif

promises, don't we, Mr Holland? Is she any r

daughter; hi

Broad has bushels of money. How nice for you,

meant to sting, and did, though h

t answered

What was you

ave the ring, to s

ysterious. Melodrama's not at all my line. They s

u were better fitted to s

ing which this time stung

hen you are going to marry a rich wife--the only child of her fa

r's money; nor for her own. Nor do

ous you are!

have th

ould broach the subject to me at all. In any case it is not one which I can discuss with you. Talk it over with Mr Dumville. Whatever he wishes I

ven't had a

s which I am always endeavouring to forget. But it doesn't matter. Hear what he has t

land s

nything which has given you pain or offence. No

nk y

r which you tre

ght

h. I believe that my uncle has left s

ryan! Doesn't

d this ring t

wh

itor, the money is mine. I have

st now you sai

have only just become acquainted with the terms of his will. So in four days it will be decid

me ill. The strain would be too much for me. I refer you to Mr D

Bewi

mvill

said. So far as she is concerned the discussion

out, with her handkerchief to her eyes.

ave done, sir--affe

wh

te

O

hat have you

yo

iss Bewicke. Now, perhaps there is something which yo

m inclined to think that I had better not say them to you here. Nor do

lle, having polished his eyeglass, replaced it in his eye so

ike that? If that's the kind of remark you wi

e. I shall always remember with pleasur

le strode

hanged

Mr Dumville,

although I don't want to hav

e at which you would? I will try

turned and r

s that

rvant to sh

particularly discreet, and that he would like to make his indiscretion greater by 'taking it out' of somebody. It

as he was about to descend the staircase. From a door which ope

f you tell her what good friends you and I used to be I'm sure that she won't mind. I hope to make her ac

wer the door was closed. He w

'The little cat! who would ha

was entering the house, apparently in hot, unseeing haste; putting up her hand as if to preve

ch she had knocked almost off wi

u have been up to? Women a

cally, shook the dust of the house from off his feet, but had not gone a do

PTE

AN SC

at all surprised to see him there, even at that hour of the n

ting the grass grow under your feet. That'

lt to say exactly what it was. Whether it was that his nostrils were unduly thick, or that so much of his mouth as his heavy moustache suffered to be visible was animal, or that his eyes, which were fine of their kind, had an odd trick of intently observing you when you were not looking at him, and of wandering away into space when you were, it would have needed an acute physiognomist to determine, and then that physiognomist might have been in error. Certainly there was something about Mr Horace Burton which nearly al

ncounter did not appear to astonish him, nor to

ave you

I got

n't you think? But you always were so keen. Was she nice to you? She used to be, didn't she? You've been a lucky chap. I

ion that la

ld. Unless you've jerked her up. I hear her father kicked you out of the house; perhaps you anticipate more kicking; in a case like that you can't kick back again. So perhaps you're wise to chuck the girl. I tell you what, dear boy.'

inform you that I decline to hold communication with, or afford you recognition of any sort or kind. I repeat that inti

y, how about our

t my uncle

s a daughter of the horse-leech; she'll see you damned first. Relinquish the chase at once--you'll have to in a few hours, anyhow--and throw yourself on my magnanimity. There's a sugges

ut of a quarter

ry man who'd present a cousin who'd used him as you

den to your charity, nor to you in any way, as you are aware. If it is to be mine, you'll h

od as mine already--I'll give you a few coppers every time we meet; I'll even sen

off. Mr Holland continued his promenade, but ha

a female voice, as if the speaker

ing towards him. 'This promises to be a night of adventure.

ched, holding her

peak to you.

a lamp. Mr Holland l

. You are the person who rushed

; I rushed-

ith a dramatic gesture,

m wh

ellow! If I had stayed with him much longer I should have ki

sume responsibility for anything he may do or h

a woman into the gutter, you say it is no affair of yours; you pass on, you leave her there. Before you open

at I can

! I say

e spoke fluent English, there was now and then a slight accent and a curious idiom which betrayed her. Written large all over her was what, to a practised eye, was unmistakable evidence that she was of the number of those who take all things seriously, even rakes. One could easily believe that to her a promise was a promise, though it came from the mouth of a man; and since there are men who regard promises made to women as a sort

his cousin had caught a Tartar, and became more

which the woman, with her keen instinct, perceived. 'Now do you not remember me? I was with her when you used to make love to her. I used to think you di

Mr Holla

you. You used to write letters

for her one day; I can act, but I am too large a size. But that does not matter; nor does it matter w

ink I

ch case you have my sympathy. What does m

to do noth

have all the money; how, if you don't, he is to have it all. I know! Very well; you will get the ruby. That's what you will do to him. He will be ruined, body and soul; though, for his sou

ure of wha

ct's uniform waiting for him in more than one place. You will fit it on his back. I shall be revenged. I will go and see him when he is in gaol. Every th

t about this woman which filled hi

ur way of puttin

t you like? To get the r

at I am, as you phrase

have to

ke

lso has been looking for revenge. Now she has her chance. Y

u were acquainted with all the facts you w

ved badly to her, and, fo

u only think that Horace Burt

e before what a Tartar his cousin had encountered. She was silent for a moment or two. When she di

easily angered. It is no affair of yours if it is only that I think he has treated me b

erstand what you mean when

s in front of you, the second door on the right as you go in. That door, also, will be open. The dressing-table is before the window on the left. It has many little drawers. In them are a great number of her jewels. In the bottom little drawer on the right-hand side facing the glass there is one thing only; it is your uncle's ruby signet ring

act air with which the proposal wa

ng that I should

uous movement with

is a burglary of which you will hear nothing more

of the proceedin

As if anyone cared for morality except for the sake of a----. But I shall no

tly. To

all see you to-morrow

o nothing o

will be there. You will find the doors open, and everythi

ich was half walk, half run. He stood looking after her,

formed a high opinion of my

PTE

COMMANDS A

s attired for the sun. She had on a light grey silky dress, which was covered with flowers, and a huge hat, about a yard round, which matched the dress. He thought how nice she looked. Of a charm so delicate. Instinct with the essence of all things spiritual. He had been depressed as he had come through the park. The mere

out of

as fenced about. He bowed to Miss Broad with a feeble smile, she merely nodding in return, without rising from her seat. As he advanced towards her along the proper gravel path, he was a little consc

ave you

I got

I mean. Have you got th

y, I think that statement is

an that you h

id it doe

try to

d

o and see

upon Mis

say that she refused

me, I'll tell you

occurred--sufficiently clear, that is, to inflame her with indignation. She listened with eyes which grew br

allowed the creature to trample o

e that she did

reated you as if you were a dog? I wonder you d

ear L

hat I do mean. As for that man--that Mr What

iked to step outside I should be happy to do

at did

requested the serva

this man to kick you out--for that w

t to me as I was going down the stairs

insult me by sending such a message, or pretending to; and then you

ill about four days be

lting me? I had hardly imagined that you were that kind of person. But one learns. Well, I suppose if you don't min

like the advice whi

up str

see Mr Burto

came out of Miss Bewicke's. He congra

to have had a kick at you. For my part, Guy, rather than allow people to ride

th still another piece of

f his interview with Miss Casata. When

ould do as

et

frica and stay there for the rest of your life, or, at anyrate, till both of us are old; because you know you've no more chance of getting money there than you have here, and that's none at all. And you know

et

o you now? But papa's different. And, anyhow, we promised. If there was nothing else to be gained, I'd lik

't quite realise that you are sugges

t that woman tell you that she's ashamed of it herself, and that therefore she hides it away all alone in a drawer? That shows that she's perfectly conscious that it's as much your property as hers. Indeed, it'

me, I

she throw

nearer t

mending yourself to me. Then am I to understan

That is the truth of the matter. Ther

Do you mean to deny that she resents th

ted me on the f

f her. And pray how did she congr

se she m

that you don't know quite well that

nfess I had

again, and tell me, on your word of honour, if you don't know that she would give you the ruby without a moment's hesitati

it possible that Miss Bewicke might prove more mall

ean. So promise me that to-n

wn! L

mise

y dear

n, can agree that we have made a mistake. Then you will be able to make y

y, if you will onl

be too late. There will be nothing in front of us but dreary years of waiting. You let the cup of happiness be dashed from y

bre, funereal. M

l as you are. It really was worth wh

stoo

e some more. You shall not sta

t her by

can you be

d do, without hesitation, if you really had a

you ask, though I'm ashame

o-night you'll

romi

as. He would have been as happy as is possible if it had not been for the thought

e his good fortune in winning the love of such a girl as she was he was

PTE

OTTOM

realised his

e did this thing he would break his plighted word; quite possibly lose his love and his fortune too. If he did the other he might quite possibly find himself up to the neck in a slough of misunderstandings--to speak of nothing worse--from which he could never emerge as clean as he went in. The choice was a pl

nced along Victoria Street as far as he could see. An occasional omnibus came rumbling along. Cabs flitted to and fro; sometimes carriages. But

any other gentleman might have done who enjoyed the cool nigh

ight, o

ial salutation, which th

night,

and turned. The constable had vanished. Presumably his duty had led him down one of the side streets. An omnibus was coming in one direction, a couple of cabs in the other. Miss Bewicke's rooms were close at hand. Should he let the vehicles pass before he came to business? It was

? He went nearly as far as Victoria, then retraced his steps. As he approached the house again Big Ben struck one. He sto

was some sort of method

The street lamps did not penetrate; it was pitch dark. He entered, closing the door behind him. All was still. As

atch? I wonder what professionals do under circumstances such as these. I've heard of their carrying dark lanterns, and such-lik

kicked against somethi

ome to grief if I don't look o

se which seemed to him to resemble the explosion

se of the staircase. I suppose I'll h

y had his hand upon the rail, then comm

e state of affairs. I can't go prowling all over the place playing a game of hid

. Looking up he gradually became conscious of wha

it's the porter. I'm off to inquire. I

on of the sort of explanation he would

ood way up. I didn't think she occupied

ving now that it proceeded from a door upon the rig

ast I'll make inquiries. I'll knock, as an

pen, finding himself in what appeared, in the dim light, to be a little hall. Another open door was on his right. It was on the other side of this that the light was burning. He remembered what Miss Casata had said about Miss Bewicke's

ick-knacks which no man would willingly suffer in the chamber in which he slept; numerous examples of the inevitable photograph. Against a wall hung a crayon portra

between them. As he stood in front of it he was startled by the reflection of his own image; he felt that there was something sinister in the bearing of the man who spied on him. The little drawers were those of which he had be

if he wished to effect an entrance he would have to force one, like any other thief. He gave another try at the handle. The drawer refused to budge. It certainly was locked. His eye was caught by something which was lying upon the floor, within a foot of him. It was a screwdriver. The juxt

as he might have been.

such as she who drive men

rewdriver in his hand. He fe

l see the thing right through. It's no good shyi

a slight one. It quickly yielded. The drawer shot out. He peered within. It contained a small white box, a

to the room. Turning, he found

TER

-AND THE

little in front of him, as if suffering from at least temporary paralysis; Miss Bewicke, equally rigid, with her fingers up to her thro

unwittingly. He was still; staring at her as if he were powerl

She sauntered here and there, eyeing things. She walked right round him, peering at him as she went. He might have been some m

his presence she took off her hat and coat. Unable, perhaps, to endure the situation

ou had gone

nails into the palms. She was folding up a veil, with a dainty show of peculiar care. 'I ought to be at Brighton; but I'm not. I meant to go; but I di

was so conscious of his position that indifference stung more than lashes. A policeman he could have faced, but not this smiling

, you know wh

Especially as I take it that you intended to

to take

ur

hi

thumb. She came nearer, so that she might se

-that'

ueathed me

ssible; it wasn't

re attached to its possession. Si

not d

last night. I gathered that you declined. Therefore, since its im

I was at Brighton to show your mettle? How discree

n to become involved in a tangle of rem

by; that is th

robbed me--the girl who w

d have ro

de all those canons of honour to which you have always given me to

pacity to make black seem white--you were ever an actress, May.

ory, Guy; scarcely to

me have it precisely because you knew that your refusal might entail my ruin; and so your cup of revenge might be filled to the full. Under those

to let yo

ression you left upon

ares--I had to th

ave it you cannot but be pleased to find that

ble by which she was standing, looking down as she did so. His desire was to get away; it

say I am r

w better

because once you pretended to love me, an

no pre

that, because, Guy,

way that she seemed to compel h

wouldn't say

he truth. I have always loved you, and I alw

aid you were eng

have never pretended to. Ask him; he's frankness itself; he'll confess. Although, as you have only told me, I am a woman with ill-r

sed him he felt that it was diff

nk that I have

e you have acted acco

that. But, the truth

ttle of whisky. I know. If I were you I wouldn't trouble to explain. This sort of situ

the palm of his open hand--'I will give you

rst time s

he kind--you dare! Do you thi

ish you to suffer

f stone in exchange for another piece of ston

ring before he

is th

ke

u mean

slightest use to you,

it to me

reely! Only--I

iling with a lighted candle in her hand. He said nothing; attempted no word of thanks. So far as he knew she, too, was still; but as he descended, assisted by the light she held, he felt as he was convinced the whipped cur must feel, which sneaks off with its tail between its legs. The ca

that he was an ineffable thing to allow it to remain a second longer in his possession. It stayed there all the same. He was conscious that nothing could be less romantic than the whole adventure; nothing more undignified than the part which he had pla

upon everyone except myself, as though the fault was not mine, and mine alone. Am I some weak idiot that I am not responsible for my own actions? that I do a dirty thing, and then exclaim that someone made me? Well, it's done, an

the person who took such a warm interest in his movements had been so singular. To begin with, he had been on the other side of the road. When Mr Holland first appeared he had slunk back into a doorway, from which he presently issued in pursuit, keeping as much as possible in the shadow

ak the man swung the something which he carried through the air, bringing it down heavi

PTE

FL

rike with it another blow. But, no, the first had done its work. Mr Holland lay quite still, in an ugly heap, as men only lie who have been stricken hard. His assailant to

done

s precious; at any moment a policeman might appear. Under certain circumstances a policeman is inquisitive. The man, dropping on one knee, began to handle Mr Ho

where he

ach in turn of its contents. He made no bones about putting back what he took out, but threw everything into an inner pocket in his own jacke

? That would be a pretty

ically; coat, waistcoat, trousers, nothing was omitte

eve he's got it. If he hasn't, then I'm done. It wasn't worth bashing him for this little lot.' The reference was, possibly, to what he had transferred to his own jacket. 'If he hasn't got it, there'll be trouble. St

n front, well knowing that the risk of intrusion grew greater with every moment. With what looked very like impertinence, he turned the object of his curiosity over on to his face. As h

ppose he dropped it when I downed him, and covered it when he fell. He might have done it on purpose, just to spite me.' He was standing up, turning the ring over and over between his fingers. 'It's all

ter, and a little over a foot in length. It was stuffed with sand. Untying one end, he allowed the contents to dribble out into the areas of the houses as he passed. Nothing remained but a strip of canvas. He was cramming this into his pocket as he reached the corner of a street into whi

ht!' he sang out, moving quickly

' returned t

red who he was, yet was conscious of no legiti

etween his teeth, as if he desire

nute or two ago there'd have probably been fun. Lucky I emptied the bag before I came on him. Hollo! He's going int

of a man running at that hour in a London street. But for the next ten minutes he moved at a good five miles an hour

faced the Thames. The house was an old one. In front was a piece of ground which was half yard, half garden. The approach to this was guarded by an iron railing and a ga

's t

e, the

en a devil

t be no

t door was opened instead. A man came out. It

you go

n and then I'

iot! Tell me, h

you nothing ti

o keep you out?' He fumbled with the

teady; that's what

the

with a clatter

at it; perhaps my hand

him to do so. Soon the gate was open. When he had entered he locked it again behind him. T

. Do you think I want to stop

l you all about it when we

looks to me as if he were going to stop ther

heavy hours of his vigil. The result was obvious in his speech and his appearance. At the foot

nor. Let me le

at once upon

your hand. Do you think I don't

cident. Which fact Mr Burton, when he was half way up, discovered. Steady

so ask you to go down to the bottom of the stairs and w

Only don't keep me her

long? Oh, no! Not mor

the door of a room in which the gas was lighted

the devil knows who. Seems to think he ow

he arm-chair ventu

; at least, not till we'v

There's something the matte

one direction he held his glass in another. The result was that th

iar feature. He was not bad looking, with an agreeable personality; at first sight, a likeable man, until you caught his eyes, then you wondered. They were set oddly in his head, so that they seldom seemed to move. He had a trick of regarding you with a curiously immobile

the room Mr Burton repe

n, have y

hav

hand i

ld out a tre

ome to that. I should like you to understand how I di

arm-chair interpose

mom

you like,

ers as to associate himself with such a name as Cox--Thomas Cox. He got out of his chair, which was much too large for him, so that he coul

t. We don't want the schedule of your advent

nd you, Mr Cox,

u mean, "it

n this. There's thre

t over. I will see you have what Mr Burton promised you. We'l

anner became a

hing till you've heard

er struck the observant Mr Cox.

u haven't k

n I saw him last; anyhow, he'll be silly for the rest of his days, or else I'm wrong. I know what a good downe

ool! Why di

e you t

What the devi

e coming out of a certain house at a certain time. He's got something on him whic

yone se

copper did directly afterwards. For all I can

urbation visi

d he try to

g straight to where I'd left the bloke lying. Then, of

ool! Did anybody se

know I did come in here if anything happens to m

ult. He stood knawing the finger-nails of his left hand. The Flyman watched him. Mr Burton seemed to be endeavouring to obtain sufficient

t be surprised if a little t

wil

board a boat I know of, which leaves t

m g

's have t

st the

hat Mr Burton and I carry a thousand po

ids, n

anded to you when you

ruby isn't handed

ink I want

t think I'm soft. Why, nothing would suit your book better than to do me out of the pieces and get me lagged. But if

eringly alluded to laugh

nduce you to form a better opinion of me; but you'll discover that you have do

had a very definite interest in the discussion which wa

that ruby! I'm go

you've given me th

thousand pounds; I'm g

damned if

So you'd better give it

taggered towa

you might find me nasty; and I don'

he ruby; i

wrong. Just now it

himself betw

ber, Burton, even

ap his fingers, but the attempt was a disastrous failur

ut

nt. He gave him a push which propelled him backwards with such unexpected f

id no attention to him whatever. Mr Cox c

see th

see th

all you've been telling us is humbug, and that you've not been within miles of what we want. If you've got the ruby,

l it; I lay that. There it is. N

le ringer, he held it out for the other's inspection, eyeing Mr Cox

om--the person we've

d

-ni

our ago--as he came

Burton, who was si

ome here and see if thi

t exactly a response to t

ling--as I o

you don't look out.' He assisted the gentleman on to his feet. 'Now, then, pull

he Flyman dropped the ha

m snatch at it, o

t it. You needn't

you a little warning, that's all. There you are, Mr Burton; t

retched hand a momentary glance; he dr

's

d'ye

le instead. He snarled, showing his teeth to the gums, as if he would have liked to assail th

ink you're playing, tha

and you know it's not. Come,

that it isn't, thinking to do me out of what you promise

ose together, Mr Burton meeting the Flyman's threate

is finger is no more my

sure o

er altogether. It bore his crest--on that thing there seems to be a monogram--a

of the question. Flyman, is

already looki

Is this a plant between you t

ht enough. It's worth all that to us. If it's not, then it's worth nothing, and less than nothing. Don't le

sed to amuse the old man to fool about with it, lending it to all sorts of people. He lent it to me, and he lent it to Guy. I beli

n, it was Mr Holl

took them out of his pockets.' He produced a miscellaneous collection. 'Here's a cigar-case with initials on it, "G.

hat was the only ri

te half a dozen times. He only had one ring--t

are certain it's

as that I

hat case, w

ooked as i

PTE

ES THAT

tting burglary! It was awful to think of, or, at least, it became awful by degrees. A sort of panorama of dreadful imaginings began to unfold itself in front of her. She even pictured him as being caught in the act, arrested, thrown into gaol, tried, sentenced to penal servitude, working in

ate, as ladies sometimes do, the line of a

cked. The truth is, I really believe I'd like to kill

loud, to her maid. That young person, who was dressing Miss

oman's mercy. She might compel him to do anything in

tears and rage. Since the woman had once pretended to love him, and, no doubt, was

re pulling m

, considering how unexpectedly

o remark that her temper was not improving, and he pitied the man who had anything to do with her. Which observation add

pt. She was continually getting off t

if he's do

early a hundred times, apparently under the impre

father--an uncomfortably observant gentleman, who prided himself, with justice, on being able to say as man

go to church. She was at the rendezvous at nine, though how she managed to do it was a mystery even to herself. At ten minutes past she began to fidget, a

before--never, never!

tand still either. She was up and down, sitting and standing, fidgeting here and there, glancing in every direction, like the frightened creature she was rapidly becoming. Every nerve in her body was on edge. When the quarter

at, if nothing serious had happened to prevent him, he would have been in tim

s. He was a small child, about nine years of age, evidently attired in his

dded; she could not speak. '

that it came from him. Her delight at receiving even a

stammer, fumbling with her purse. 'I haven'

prised at the magnitude of the gift to be able to make his meaning clear. She tor

Holland, inquire o

PTE

IT OF THE

was

omebody was having a joke with her--that she was mi

at extent, certainly not hers; the words were

Holland, inquire o

essage could have come. She looked at the envelope. The face of it was blank; there was nothing on it, inside or out. Where was the boy who had brought it

she did not lose her senses altogether. When next she began to notice things, she perceived that the envelope had fallen to the ground, and that the half sheet of paper wou

ning--what? Anyhow, from whom could they have come--to her, there, in the Park? Why had she not

" What can it mean? "Inquire o

care to think of. She left the sente

ch she most emphatically was not. Instead of church she would go to Mr Holland's rooms in Craven Street, and inquire for him there. Under the circ

me she discovered one she was hot, dusty and, she feared, dishevelled. As the vehicle bore her towards the Strand, her sens

t in Crav

nt-faced woman ope

Holla

ss, he'

een long

e hasn't been

eyed her with shrewd, yet not unfrie

ss, but are yo

is my

ind just ste

was her photograph staring at her from the centre of the mantelshelf. A little extra colour

it. You have my congratulations, if I might make so bold, for a nicer gentleman I never want to se

kept it. As he has never done such a thin

th is, I hardly know

rything,

quiries for me at Westminster Police Station, for that's where I shall be; they'll have locked me up." When Matilda told me this morning that he hadn't been in all night, I t

refuge in an armchair, was

Mr Holland's full of his jokes. Heaps of gent

e Station did not sound like a joke to her. When she quitted Craven Street, she directed the cabman to drive her to a certain number in

there than--at the other place. There will be time enough

could not bear to contemplate it. Yet

ss Bewicke's door. She had to knock a second time before an answer came. Then the door was ope

Bewicke

ed in that she learned that her quest was vain. 'Miss Be

thought she was g

old yo

ice which brought the blood to Miss Bro

ard it s

thority; very good. Oh, yes, she meant t

ted--by

to say. Are you a fri

bold, insolent eyes, with, in them, what the young lady felt was the suggestion of an insolent grin. That she knew her, Miss

be able to number myself among Miss Bewicke's friend

ou say. About her friends

o gratuitous that Mi

a friend

a companion to another woman. It is not to be her friend. Oh, no. I have been

at a loss what to say. Her glance lighted on a large panel photograph which occupied the place of honour on the mantelpiece. It was Mr Holland. She re

companion was

Mr Holland, a friend of Miss Bewicke's,

he was h

s--oh, yes, a great many; she is so beautiful--is she not

so aware that, for some reason which, as yet, she did not fathom, this foreign creature was making herself intentionally offensive. None the less, she did not like to hear her lover spoken of in such fashion by such lips. Still less did she like to see his portrait where it

. It was his--a present from herself. She had had it fitted with a gold band; his initials, which

x-like eyes wer

e walking-stick? It, a

it doin

hrugged her

hurry, or Miss Bewicke. Sometimes, when one is in a great hurry t

no importance! What was the creature hinting at? Miss Broa

Would you like to take Mr Holland's walking-stick to--her?' There was an accent on the p

Miss B

talking and laughing about you--Mr Holland and she. Per

st doubt. That Mr Holland's relations with Miss Bewicke were not what were suggested she was equally certain. None the less she wondered, and she doubted. What was his portrait doing there? Still more, what was his walking-stick? He was carr

te made up her mind as to whether she really meant to go. When the train stopped at Clapham Junction, she half rose from her seat and all but left the carriage. She might still be able to return home in time for luncheon. But while she dilly-dallied, the train was off. The next stoppage was at Croydon. There would be nothing ga

eaking to her'--she curled her lip in a way which was intended to convey a volume of meaning--'I suppose it is possible to avoid

e building, the first person she beheld coming t

cessary, that a building may

PTE

MERCIES O

Bewicke was looking her best; that she herself was looking her worst; at l

helm men, and even women who were much taller than herself, with a grace which was positively charming. She moved across that spacious hall, looking straight at Miss Broad, as if there was nothing there; and was walking past with an apparent unconscious

Bewi

ho had pass

your

speak t

th a smile which, if pretty, was imperti

Miss B

? I don't seem

u remember

? Oh, yes, I have good ca

has spoken o

oad! I have pleasure in w

cerned, the matter was at an end; but so abrupt a te

iss Bewicke, but, as I have

do you wi

peak to you

e the other had a chance to open her lips, she herself began the ball. 'Miss Broad, before you speak, there is so

of confusion, or to attempt denial, she

d

admit

d

so doing you were guilt

know nothing,

oliceman to have you sentenc

ress. You bear yourself as if you were the injured party, while all the time you know very well t

tly aware that

aware that it is true. Where is

s Br

hat you know he was perfectly justifi

night, engaged in robbing me, and I

where

more than t

n your table. When I asked how it came there, the woman who had opened the door

an! What

he was your

ata never said anyt

ut that was what she int

f us! Guy must be worse even than I imagined, or you, his

I did believe that you call

no one. I simply told h

know where he is. I c

are inde

e promised he would, and always has done,

the two typewritten lines, whic

Who was

the time I found it wasn't, he was gone. I don't know w

and what it is Guy Holland perceives in you to like. You are more of a woman than I am; that is, th

ne of your

properly appreciate any sort of sleight-of-hand. Let me finish. I had an engagement for luncheo

thank

me, yo

me, I

hall

ell button. Miss Broad eye

for me, because I sha'n't touch it. You tre

h women and children are synonyms. Mr Holland was once in love with me--he was, I assu

n't s

al position. It is our bounden duty, as joint sympathisers, to get him out of it. We will

or two. Miss Broad kept silence. The truth was, she was not finding Miss Bew

dear Miss Broad; by the w

ou may

tty'--the other winced, but was still--'I'm free to confess that I

t something h

her, thus:--To begin with, I don't think that you

She remembered Mr Holland's tale

n. You have heard of Mr Horace Burton? I thought so. Such a nice young man! Now, however, this certain person is on the worst terms with Mr Horace Burton. For sufficient reasons, I assure you. She has been evolving fantastic schemes of vengeance on the deceitful

little hard. The other's

ld him to take w

ed to gall, and also that she was wishful to pay him out in his own coin. He might even have a notion of the form that payment was to take, having learned it from the certain person's own lips. If so, you may be quite

om him--wit

ld hand it over practically upon request? That's not like Guy; not the

nk then the

ome. There must have been some reason why he didn't. There

ink they--

pay. If they attacked him in fair fight, I should say that he killed someone before they did him; and that when they did it was because they had to. But th

re so clever--so muc

de

help me look for him, and go

lready brought us; and after lunch we'll go to town, as you suggest, and find out what's happened to Guy Holland, and where he is, or we'll know the reason why. But if you won't lunch wit

ould have thought that they really were on decent terms with one another, though Miss Broad was still a trifle scratchy. But then her nerves were out of order, and when a lady's nerves are out of order, she is apt, occasionally, to stray from those well-de

to London to look for Mr Holland, and to call down, if necessary

TER

FOR MIS

in her hand--an open raz

e over. Will it be over with one cut--that is it--or shall I

a looking-glass, regar

e to make a mess. I should be a horrible sight. Would he care? He would not see me. If he did, he would laugh,

ion to some articles

o tell to get it; what tricks I had to play! There is enough in this little bottle to kill the whole street. I have, therefore, the keys of death close to my hand--painless, instant death. T

jects--the razor, the revolver, the little b

night. I was a fool; so happy I forgot, so I pay for it. Well, I will take my fate into my own hands and make an ending when I choose. I should have liked to see the little one--my little one.' A softness came into the voice of which one might hardly have thought it capable. 'To have held i

sound appeared to have caught her ear. She put her right hand behind her back; in it, the three assistants of death. Moving to a d

ise did not come from the

uminated by a dozen electric lights. Disconnecting one after the other, she allowe

e is not already back again. Besides, she

in--slightly, more in

them. When I do not open, why do they not take a hint and go? I am not to be

as repeated fo

Well, I will show t

ncomfortable, not to say dangerous, juxtaposition, she strode to the door, intent on scarifying the presum

see--which, probably, as a matter of fact, he was. Mr Burton, on the other hand, bestowed on her his blandest smile.

come to pay

king contrast to her demeanour, whic

o, before you are sorr

ed to leave him

isn't nice of you. I'm here as a friend--a friend

can be. I tell you again to go at once,

to say. I've come here to bring sunshine into your life, to ask for y

will be sensible. Ther

t me present you to Miss Casata, the only woman I ever loved. There have been times when I have been forced to dissemble my love. Hang it, Cox! you know how I've been pressed. When a man's in such a hole as I've been

ain. He spoke with a degree of volubility which, under the circumstances, wa

ll is some

esn't count. Let him have a chair, and he can wait in

w long he remained on it, when their backs were turned, was another matter. The outer door was closed, as also, Miss C

he tip of her tongue, as if they were dry. Her hands continually opened and shut, apparently of their own volition. Occasional

t you want? what new

y you; and, Lou

hen, becoming conscious of the two men's scrutiny, she drew h

insol

. A man's not insolent who wants to marry t

. 'I love you so much that I would like to tear you to pi

mper get the better of you.

ad

-a mirthless

right to feel a

h you? Oh, n

do what I did; I co

do

even more than I thought I did, and I've come to ask you to give me another chance--to forgive me. You're a woman, Lou, the best

es all t

y. Doesn't your own

r. It is of you I ask what does it all mean? It is you I want to tell me. Neve

times. With a woman of your type, candour's the best policy, as you say. So here's the matter in a nutshell. I'm in a hole; you're in a hole. You help me

he hole yo

y confidant. What I want is my uncle's ruby. You tell me where it is, and help me to lay my h

n given to a certain registrar requiring him to perform the ceremony of marriage, by special licence, between Hor

uncle'

if I can't, it may mean misfortune of a bad type. As I'm not taking any cha

liar y

ere's the lie in this particular case? You've the proof in your hand that

mas Co

anything to o

e, you needn't lose sight

want your u

e, you kn

t you have

it, I shouldn't be here to-night.

him t

m?

Flyman. I saw him from a window t

turned t

to transact a delicate piece of business of that description in a public thoroughfare!' He ret

rything Mr H

information comes. Still, what you say is pretty accurate. He did take all he could. He even

n, when he turned Mr Holland face downwards on the

PTE

KN

d the ring with eve

uby he took fr

t

y one which Mr

ht to know. I believe, on t

not your

is n

are s

ea

ow I und

share your u

he had gone, and why she said, "Poo

king about? Would you

. It was the box. Wait; i

ox. On the lid was gummed a narrow strip of paper, on which was written, in delic

t the writin

her w

e blessed thing. There's his crest; there's where I d

. I always imagined that in it she kept your uncle's ruby, wh

a nice g

ce man! Are you

inter

lling. Stick to business. Time's

turned an

y for you. What business of yo

n smiled

man a Jew, my dear. Cox is no Jew; he's an ant

his request, although not

l be sorry. As Mr Holland was taking

? It must have been e

ent. Then, when he had gone, she began to laugh. She kept on laughing--it was true laughter, not fal

otice

not a

at anyone ever mis

, by way of a hint to him to hold his ton

ot taken with him what he supposed; but what I do not understan

one she held. Mr Cox put

that it's not your uncle's ring? Nice we should look if

I say, Cox, have you two legs, or four, and which end of you are they?

still continui

on it, I remember. And inside there was a name engraved, "George Burton." She showed it me one day, and she said, "I shall have to have this st

iumph to Mr Cox. 'You

the ring whic

he took it out of this box, she put it back into the box, and the box she put into the little bo

here is

t out of the box and p

here?

have put it with some of her other jewels.

nged glances. The young ge

'll look for it a

do you

at ruby, and before I leave these

not touch

so indelicate. You tell us wh

the slight

nvestigate fo

not touch h

You helped him to commit a burglar

as diff

box. And it's a thousand to nothing that she means to play it at my expense. If I can help it, I don't mean to let her have the chance. Your fortune's bound with mine; we sink or swim together. If I don't get that ruby, and to-night, it'll probably mean that I go under, and, if I go, you'll go too. My dear girl, you know you will. Come, be sensible;

land came. I did not see wh

bother, you will be able to assume, with perfect propriety, the r?le of injured victim. But I don't see that there need be trouble, if you keep still. I've as much right to that ru

or. At sight of him, Miss Casata b

r Holland! I saw him! Mr Holland's blood is on h

us to irretrievably ruin Miss Bewicke's property owing to our sheer want of skill? And for a nose for su

ushing to the door which led into Miss Bewicke's bedroom, she placed herself in front of it. She took out one of the three treasures which were in her pocket--the revolver. Be

oor, I will shoot him dead. Do not think th

ducked as it passed. His companions instinctively shrank back. Her

to handle a revolver. I have won prizes for pistol shooting, oh, several times. There are five

taken by surprise. Mr Thomas Cox, in particular, looked as if this were an expeditio

ng to be mixed up with anything equivocal. I have my character to consider. You said your lady frie

ll lose yo

you'll have to

u your money. It's

; you know I can't afford to lose it. But there's something I

ter--I don't believe you yourself realise what an awful one it is--it'd

shoulder, with his right he snatched away that gentleman's walking-stick, swung round and struck Miss Casata's outstretched wrist with such violence that the revolver was driven from her

dev

ned the gentleman. 'N

mely, especially considering her injured wrist, she was no match for the pair.

where's that s

e's a oner. She's b

hand disengaged--he evolved a tin

e bone! Let her

ed with some peculiar-smelling fluid. This he jammed against the lady's face

xamined the hand which she

I shouldn't like to have to

s were a little rumpled. As

'd make! What

p the revolver of which the lady had been

ort of thing. I wouldn't have had this happen not--not for a good

ble anyhow. We may as well be hung for a s

You make a cold shiver go down

. My good chap, when she comes to, she'll curse a little and go on g

own at the unconscious woman, there

PTE

URABLE

unmistakably startled. They looked at each other, then at the uncon

deuce i

nts, p

tion was t

t they take a little extra time to-ni

me again--a reg

nts. They wouldn

hey make what row they please;

ors, p

them, whoe

ly smile as he mounted the gallows. The Flyman had his eyes nearly shut, his fists clenched, his shoulders a little hunched, as if gathering himself together to resist a coming attack. Mr Thomas Cox was visibly t

still more loudly, as if

how, we shall have to see who's t

an. Mr Cox sugges

get away? Isn't th

n enligh

ropping. The Flyman's right; we shall have to see who's there. There needn't be trouble, unless you give yourself away. It depends who it is. I'll lay this dear

absence there came the knocking for the fourth time, this time furiously. When he returned, a marked change had taken place in his appearance. There were signs of s

ened? What's

you,

ave I d

, curs

he--d

ve them a message from her; if it's callers, I'll tell them a lie; if it's anybody who wants to make hi

ul what you do, f

The retort was

be ha

where they were they could not see what he did, but they could hear. T

ng of this? Why a

could scarcely be entirely responsible for their own proceedings, as, indeed, they were not. Mr Horace Burton had propelled them forward with his own right arm before they themselves had the least id

two other almost equally bewildered men, for it was an open question which were the more surprised by

used her. Miss Bewicke had apparently retained some fragments of hers. She looked at Mr Burton, then at Mr Cox and the Flyman, then back at the gentleman who stood before the door. Sh

it's

ess i

e you co

the pr

ich will soo

ss the room. H

nging the bell. There

Broad spoke, with an apparent

this p

ave heard. I cannot tell you who the other perso

is Horace

re some unclean thing, which, possibly, she considered hi

, I believe? I'm pleased to m

n? I shall never be

on Guy. He's coun

a good view of her back, and put a question to Miss Bewicke. '

on himself to ans

tell her also. It'll be giving her a little piece of information which I know she

our while to come for such a trifle! I need hardly say that you will f

, I want one;

ou be so good as t

f the wind, whatever that may b

ou have

e last night in quest of it, so I'm sure you won't mind my

Casata told you

charge for

lso informed you that he we

, Miss

er refer to y

if Guy Holland left these rooms last n

sk your cousin even

u've been playing so

Burt

n amusing yourself with some dainty, delicate device, and I shouldn't be

ger against the button, so that it kept up a conti

one there. You migh

is Miss

t's the question.

anks to you, my friends in the next flat will hear the unceasin

ss Bewicke, to have to

at few things would give you greater

must request you to l

. That young lady, catching it, perceived the little ruse she had been playing. Hurrying to the door, she began to turn t

ling!' h

him with her clenched fist on his right ear, the blow being delivered with such good judgment, for

iss Bewicke. 'Now, L

ss Broad from moving by clutching at her skirts. She struggled to release herself in vain; he gripped too t

observed. 'There'

be baffled wi

t me pass, I'

w, don't you be silly, or you'll be sorry. You won't bo

nce. The apparent recognition, however, of some peculiar quality on the face of the man in front of her caused

uick!' s

tress of the rooms, taking instant advantage of Miss Broad's freedom, rushed her towards the door through which, not long

u fools! Move

spite of his impetuosity, was too late. They were not only through before he reached the door,

, you

itation. He addressed himself to Mr Cox, on his f

surprised if you

hrough that door? Who do y

er for you? I'll take short odds.' He turned to the Flyman. 'Let me through there. There's another way into where they are;

t admitted him to the kitchen. From the kitchen he passed to another room, apparently wh

ightly, that lea

see; it was in a position which prevented anything being visible. He rattled t

what they're up to? They'r

ken by a woman's cry--a mingling of surprise, anguish, fear. He retr

y ha

ng it in the other, he locked the door of the ser

om, there's only this way out,

e, he locked the door of the kitch

PTE

E RUBY AND THE LO

t Mr Thomas Cox had been having a few words with the Flym

hook. Says he's had

Cox, listen to me. It's

aised his hat and stic

your suggestion entirely. You said you coul

le's money you'll send me to gaol. Not being anxious to go to gaol, I'm doing my best to get my

--you know what you've committed; but it doesn't follow, because you've brought

at liberty to go through that door, and down the stairs, and neither the Flyman nor I wil

r own account already, and now you want to jockey m

you'll pay your share, whatever it is. This is a game of share and share alike, and of in for a penny in for a pound. The Flyman and I

you're a

use our saying pretty things t

ad with his pocket-handkerch

I were--as if I were a man of your own t

r is the dining-room; beyond is Casa

n they've

a doubt of it. They've found a

uck Mr Cox as being di

, don't let's make bad worse. Let's go while we have a

serious has

do you

t I

on't m

ng valuable time, my child. You stay where you are, and ke

proposed an

d, we'll have it the other way about. You st

ton la

re, out of Suspicion. Stil

ot cleverer than me. If you once got that there stone between your fingers, I might whistle for my

bout it. We can't expect to continue in the

ll I start

to where she keeps her gewgaws. I believe that the pretty lady's sleeping-chamber is on the other side of

pped Mr Thomas

ome wi

x obj

your ha

le you? You come w

pretty lady's jewel-boxes and dressing-cases, and so on. You know quit

he kind; and as for your imputations,

ll count you out. Not a farthing shall you have of my money, and I defy you to put the law into execution against me. You know you

tes! Don't tr

ase. Only I'll go with you, and at the foot of the stairs I'll denounce you for murder. If the game is

mean by keeping on dropping

, keep in with us, and take my word for it that each moment you waste brings the shadow of the gallows jus

h the Flyman into Miss Bewicke's bedroom, looking as if he had all at once grown older. Mr Burton followed them with his eyes, the peculiar expre

the proceedings, and should like to be instantly infor

an pulling open such drawers as were un

laces. Women don't keep jewels among their underwe

the comment on his

ings, especially the thing you're after, as yo

aughing, lit

he criticism of the amateur. I was only telling you what was my own ide

which the ladies had vanished. He softly tried the handle; it still was locked. Taking

on that they're doing something else. One might easily see. It wouldn't take long to cut a piece out of this panel, or, for the matter of that, to take the lock itself clean off. But would it be wort

ation which came from Miss Bewicke's b

ted was the ruby; that the rest o

el

s pocketing

crossed

re here on an expedition of

might as well be hung

t the kind of sheep I meant. On this occa

he's got enough to stock a shop. Why, if we take 'em away with u

ng; also, and nothing.

ne or two. I've got

to the terms of the agreement, or, though you "nobble" every "

fact the Flyman recognised. His face darkened and, in audible tones, he grumbled. But he

that

bloomin

is tha

ced at the open jewel-case. 'No

yman c

bloke h

for it more than it's worth

ant;' but he restored the ring

. Give us a proof of the "handiness" you talked about, and find t

es. Mr Cox observed that they were strictly confined to what Mr Burton had called the 'right direct

ef. In such a case, surely women are not quiet. Unle

is this t

m Mr Cox, with a sudden in

on't you lay your fi

y lookin

e it me,

rto

ke a tussle taking place. The Flyman was endeavouring to obtain possession of some

he cried. 'H

! Quick

ime to see that it was a ring, set with a gleaming red stone, when the Flyman

over before

x exp

e box, and it was the first thing I

on to the statement. He me

want no patter. You fork

his hand behind his back, was

an flung himself upon him without another word. Mr Burton never for a moment seemed to

to. There was a clicking sound. The continuation of the ar

I hope you're satisfied. Owing to your "handiness," of

TER

URES ON

key in the lock, she shut herself and Miss Broad insi

ned. They heard the handle tr

e opened. He's gone. That was Horace, dea

does h

by has the attractiveness of the Holy

find it if

em to the death? Nothing else will be efficacious. They're not

rd Guy speak of him, but I'd n

ow bad that man can be. The question now is, Can we get out through

s that doo

ther, which, sometimes, is convenient and sometimes isn't. I'm wondering whether Louise is responsible for Horace Burt

ch a woman about my

now what I should have done without her. Still, I fancy that henceforth she and I part company.' She opened the door whic

after her, as if she needed its support. For one who was, as a rule, so completel

pened now? Wh

t me get my breath and think, a

seemed unhinged, thrown, in a second, completely off her balance. Her agitation wa

e--what

e, and I'll t

infirmity. Bracing herself up against the door, the

hing horrible

t is

ow myself; I didn

e go a

Casata an

? What

was a man. They're lying on

ay

tian name. The unknown horror in the other room had laid its grip on her. She was ove

on't m

an. I only know that th

which compelled hushed voices. Now, suddenly, Miss Bewicke raised her tone

wretches!

nto a passi

odness' sake

dn't help it.' Her sobs ceased almost as rapidly as they came. She dried her e

ea

and--t

e m

Let's go and see.

. Miss Bewicke opened the d

and foot. On this railing were hung feminine odds and ends. These made it difficult for anyone standing at

's t

Louise

she's s

sleep through

l; I'll go and

ee--that the

utterance to that cry which Mr Horace Burton heard, listening in the servants' room beyond--the cry

that from a little distance it looked as if her neck was broken. The whole pose was almost as uncomfortable a one as a human being could choose; indeed, the conviction wa

, to learn what the thing might mean, had drawn aside sufficient of the bedclothes to disclose a portion of the head and face. As a matter of fact, the curious person was Mr Horace Burton. When relieving himself of the burden of the lady who was once the ob

ad only realised that it was a man, without recognising what man it was, came to her side trembling, wondering. When she also knew, she also cried aloud; but there was a material dif

nclination to lean over and to touch the silent man, the other, as if

o; tak

a little back; for Mi

the

s at her lover's side. She knelt and looked, but still she did not touch him. No tears were in her eyes; she seemed very calm; but her face was white, and she was speechless. On her face there was a look wh

o marks of violence were visible. His expression was one of complete quiescence. His eyes were closed

the ghost of it. Her lips did not move,

he d

ng over, she drew the bedclothes mor

t he did not answer. S

f sleep in which he was, it was

had come untied; the ends strayed over his shirtfront, which was soiled and crumpled. His whole attire was in disarray. There were stains of dirt upon his coat. Now that they wer

fresh appeal to Miss Broad's understanding;

' she

ous and unlooked-for effect. As if in response to an appeal which had been made directly to herself, Miss Casata, on the opposite side

tupefied, and gasped for breath, her respirations resembling convulsions as she struggled with the after-effects of the n

ained to some dim comprehension o

ged; that's what

r head, but continued to open and shut her mout

oming. Who'

me! Do you h

back on the bed, clutched at the counterpane, making a noise, as

something. She'll relapse, or

water into a basin, she took the basin in her hands and dashe

Casata floundered, spluttering, o

nted her, the basin

did t

Louise,

endeavouring her utmost t

s the

ar, I want to know what is the meaning o

spoke as if with an imperfect apprehension of what it was she was saying. 'He was i

do you mean? How did you know t

m the window--knock him

man? Who

t want him to get into trouble, so I brought him here. It wa

ve had Mr Holland hidden in

e Flyman killed him. Horace will g

as she asserted that he was, he showed that her assertion was an error. While the still partly-stupefied woman strugg

he m

latter. The noise of the shattered ware seemed actually to penetrate to Mr Holland's consciousness. Miss Bewicke would always have it that it

he lives!

was alive, but that, apparently, wh

TER

NFO

so rigid did his attitude continue to be, so apparently unseeing were the staring pupils. But, for the instant, it was sufficient for Mis

Don't you know me? It's Letty--you

rt that he even heard. His continual unnatural rigidity cooled the first ardour of the l

ook at Guy! Get hi

other did not. There was an uncanny look about Mr Holland's whole appearance whic

e ought to have a

ch one--f

y Miss Broad did not pause to consider; she was too preoccupied with her own trou

the other's situation, to forget all things save one. She knit her brows and

n they know. And yet it was they who

an inch or two. What she saw and heard increased her valour, especially what she heard. The drawing-room was empty. Loud v

eve they'r

ty she had quitted. But the noise, if anything, grew louder. From some of the words which reached her, she judged it possible that they were too much occupied with their own proceedings to pay heed to anything else. She perceived that, by some stroke of good fortune, the key was outside the do

urned within, and Mr Horace Burton's voice

should

the flat, and, throwing it open, almost fell into the arms of the cook and housemaid who were returning from their

s! go at once f

nbecoming angle which is a woman's nightmare; and there were other traces of disarray which were not in keeping with her best-known characteristics, for, with her, a pin misplaced was the thing unspeakable. While the co

, it may be safely said, s

yan! I'm so gl

ss his appreciation of the warmth of his reception, the

er looked out inquiringly. 'Peters, there are thieve

iss? Hadn't

er's sentence sh

t come with us at once.

Dumville, and Miss May Bewicke. She went last. As she went, she shut the

e at this moment

eemed to hav

ou're sure they a

? Do you think I'm likely to make a mistake i

thieves, don't you think I'

tion, there were many points to be considered. Had she been an actress, with a keen eye for an advertisement--a type which, it is understood, does exist--the idea of figuring as the heroine of what the slang of the hour calls a 'cause célèbre' might have commended itself to her intelligence; but, as it happened, she was not that kind. If these gentlemen did come into the hands of the police--at anyrate, on this particular charge--it was possible that things might trans

the housemaid. 'But there's one thing, Stevens, you might fetch, and

Holland on her arm, looking the most woe-begone figure imaginable, but still alive, and plainly

erhaps the doctor

PTE

WITH A

, as if for the purpose of satisfying herself on certain point

see you better! I do hop

little consequence what she said. The gentleman was still incapable of appreciating at their just value either words or phrases. That he knew she spoke to him was probable, for he tu

-quite all right

n which the tears still trembled. She appeale

et them fetc

vens, fetch th

s went in search

lland with undisguised amazement. No

the matter with you? May

est words at her command. Mr Dumville professed himself to be, what he plainly was, amazed. The tale was very far from being comple

that man Burton is sti

his two friends.' Mr Dumville strode forward. She

ghter

t do that. It would make s

is a thing to laugh at? I'll show you a

out Mr Horace Burton or his proceedings. He is--oh, he's all sorts

kno

that neither he nor either of his friends is taking away any of my pr

go! May, y

nt the thing is to get them gone. You may take my word for it that for Mr Horace Burton the da

the same as if

w that your hands were red with that man's blood? If you don't mind, as I locked the d

n the theatre for the skill with which she used her eyes. Turning the key, throwing

ntlemen,

l-whipped cur which only asks to be allowed to take itself away with its tail between its legs. The Flyman, who was probably more habituated to positions of the kind, succeeded a trifle better. He looked defiance, as if he were prepared to match h

ive. Ah! Guy, how are you? You're loo

us. Mr Dumville strode up to him, as

'd like to

up at the speaker,

. Miss Bewicke, may I ask you to

very bone in your body, as he easily could. But you know, and I know, that for you there's such a very bad time coming

, Miss Bewicke. Nothing could be more natural. But I give you my wo

s followed suit, though scarcely with so much grace. So far as could be seen, neither of them

at you--none of you--have property of mine. It sound

you, Miss Bewicke, for a plea

ur accounts, you'll find the sum-total of your indeb

eman with an undignified rush, the second not very far from his heels; but Mr Bu

love,

ash at him, inart

u--

e stayed he

uis

ton la

ect to embrace me before all th

d, Mr Dumville gave vo

u'd let me

air of the profoundest wisdom, as she

wanting to kill himself; that'll be so muc

PTE

CHASE

r George Burton's will, which apparently he had just been studying. The study seemed to ha

icularly attached, surely he has a right to do as he likes with his own. It is his own--as yet. And if he chooses to attach to the succession certain conditions which appeal, we'll say, to his sense of humour, what title has anyone, lawyer or layman, to comment adversely on the expression of his wishes? So long as they are not in opposition to the general welfar

tended, had not yet all vanished. He seemed uncertain about his capacity to steer himself. He did not carry himself so upright as was his wont. There was a look upon his face which it had not previously worn--of indecision, irresolution, as if he was no

ot to see the things which we

oking so much yourself. I was grieved

tion was Miss Broad's.

wyers use are not always intended to be

ce Burton, as much at his ease as ever

e to com

I ask, Letty--you'll let me call you Letty?--why you should speak of my "daring"

ck had not Miss Broad caught his arm as it was descending and f

eem fond of slanging me, you ought to have a pot of money to make it worth hi

r on which Miss Broad had placed h

r be careful--

ative l

eful what you say, o

her hand on Mr H

says. I don't. He's

to business. I'm not come to engage in a tongue-match

llyer

if you're in possession

s Broad wh

etends to be mine, but her friendship does not go far enough to induce

from Mr

a wicked woman, is May Bewicke--heartless, hypocritical, selfish to the core. Well, Collyer, a

e is something which I have been instructed to hand to Mr Holland. It was for tha

Holland had undone, with somewhat shaky fingers, the outer covering, it was see

s is a wedding present f

ng--the ring--t

owed himself disposed to bluster, Miss Bewicke herself appeared at the

hought it would be safer with him than it would be with me. A lone, lorn woman's rooms are always open to the machinations of the most dreadful characters, and you ne

e lady had been listening outside the door. Mr Du

? I shall have to

did not seem alto

o; it's no good. You'd better let me have it when I come out. They're waiting for me outside.

e of forgery. It was a remarkable case, and not a savoury one. Neither prosecutors nor prisoner showed to advantage; but as it was clearly proved that Mr Horace Burton had forged, and put

s was a charge of robbery with violence in the City Road. The sand-bag

is wife and daughter, lounging on a chair listening to the band. He looked well and

friends. Their wives swear by one another. Mrs Guy Holland is convinced that Mrs Bryan Dumville is the most charming woman on

E

NBU

AND COY.

IN