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diff --git a/13152-h/13152-h.htm b/13152-h/13152-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2e2ae2d --- /dev/null +++ b/13152-h/13152-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,18189 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" +"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en" xml:lang="en"> + <head> <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover" /> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + The Firm of Girdlestone, by A. Conan Doyle + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; font-size: 80%; font-style: italic;} + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 1%; margin-bottom: .25em;} + .xx-small {font-size: 60%;} + .x-small {font-size: 75%;} + .small {font-size: 85%;} + .large {font-size: 115%;} + .x-large {font-size: 130%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent25 { margin-left: 25%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + .indent35 { margin-left: 35%;} + .indent40 { margin-left: 40%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; right: 1%; font-size: 0.6em; + font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; + text-align: right; background-color: #FFFACD; + border: 1px solid; padding: 0.3em;text-indent: 0em;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 15%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + .head { float: left; font-size: 90%; width: 98%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + .c {text-align:center;text-indent:0%;} + .rt {text-align:right;} + .blk {margin:2% 10%;} + .smcap {font-variant:small-caps;font-size:100%;} + .nind {text-indent:0%;} + .pdd {padding-left:1em;text-indent:-1em;} + +.pddbr {padding-left:2em;text-indent:-1em; +border-left:2px solid black;} + +.rtbt {text-align:right; +border-top:1px solid black;} +</style> + </head> + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13152 ***</div> +<p class="c"><img src="images/cover.jpg" +height="500" +alt="" /></p> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE FIRM OF GIRDLESTONE. + </h1> + <h2> + By A. Conan Doyle + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + TO MY OLD FRIEND + </h3> + <h3> + PROFESSOR WILLIAM K. BURTON, + </h3> + <h3> + OF THE IMPERIAL UNIVERSITY, TOKYO, + </h3> + <h3> + WHO FIRST ENCOURAGED ME, YEARS AGO, TO PROCEED WITH + </h3> + <h3> + THIS LITTLE STORY, + </h3> + <h3> + I DESIRE AFFECTIONATELY TO + </h3> + <h3> + DEDICATE IT. + </h3> + <h3> + THE AUTHOR. + </h3> + <hr /> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <b>THE FIRM OF GIRDLESTONE.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. — MR. JOHN HARSTON KEEPS AN + APPOINTMENT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. — CHARITY A LA MODE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. — THOMAS GILRAY MAKES AN + INVESTMENT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. — CAPTAIN HAMILTON MIGGS OF THE + "BLACK EAGLE." </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. — MODERN ATHENIANS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. — A RECTORIAL ELECTION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. — ENGLAND VERSUS SCOTLAND. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. — A FIRST PROFESSIONAL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. — A NASTY CROPPER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. — DWELLERS IN BOHEMIA. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. — SENIOR AND JUNIOR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. — A CORNER IN DIAMONDS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. — SHADOW AND LIGHT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. — A SLIGHT MISUNDERSTANDING. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. — AN ADDITION TO THE HOUSE. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. — THE FIRST STEP. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. — THE LAND OF DIAMONDS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. — MAJOR TOBIAS CLUTTERBUCK + COMES IN FOR A THOUSAND POUNDS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. — NEWS FROM THE URALS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. — MR. HECTOR O'FLAHERTY FINDS + SOMETHING IN THE PAPER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. — AN UNEXPECTED BLOW. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. — ROBBERS AND ROBBED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. — A MOMENTOUS RESOLUTION. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. — A DANGEROUS PROMISE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. — A CHANGE OF FRONT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. — BREAKING GROUND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. — MRS. SCULLY OF MORRISON'S. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII. — BACK IN BOHEMIA. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX. — THE GREAT DANCE AT + MORRISON'S. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. — AT THE "COCK AND COWSLIP." + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI. — A CRISIS AT ECCLESTON + SQUARE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII. — A CONVERSATION IN THE + ECCLESTON SQUARE LIBRARY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII. — THE JOURNEY TO THE + PRIORY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXIV. — THE MAN WITH THE + CAMP-STOOL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXV. — A TALK ON THE LAWN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXVI. — THE INCIDENT OF THE + CORRIDOR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVII. — A CHASE AND A BRAWL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXVIII. — GIRDLESTONE SENDS FOR + THE DOCTOR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XXXIX. — A GLEAM OF LIGHT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XL. — THE MAJOR HAS A LETTER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XLI. — THE CLOUDS GROW DARKER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER XLII. — THE THREE FACES AT THE + WINDOW. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER XLIII. — THE BAIT ON THE HOOK. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER XLIV. — THE SHADOW OF DEATH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER XLV. — THE INVASION OF HAMPSHIRE. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER XLVI. — A MIDNIGHT CRUISE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER XLVII. — LAW AND ORDER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0048"> CHAPTER XLVIII. — CAPTAIN HAMILTON MIGGS + SEES A VISION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0049"> CHAPTER XLIX. — A VOYAGE IN A COFFIN SHIP. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0050"> CHAPTER L. — WINDS UP THE THREAD AND TIES + TWO KNOTS AT THE END. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE + </h2> +<div class="blk"> + <p> + I cannot let this small romance go to press without prefacing it with a + word of cordial thanks to Mr. P. G. Houlgrave, of 28, Millman Street, + Bedford Row. To this gentleman I owe the accuracy of my African chapters, + and I am much indebted to him for the copious details with which he + furnished me. + </p> + <p class="rt"> + <span class="smcap">A. Conan Doyle</span>. + </p> +</div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE FIRM OF GIRDLESTONE. + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. — MR. JOHN HARSTON KEEPS AN APPOINTMENT. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">The</span> approach to the offices of Girdlestone and Co. was not a very + dignified one, nor would the uninitiated who traversed it form any + conception of the commercial prosperity of the firm in question. Close to + the corner of a broad and busy street, within a couple of hundred yards of + Fenchurch Street Station, a narrow doorway opens into a long whitewashed + passage. On one side of this is a brass plate with the inscription + "Girdlestone and Co., African Merchants," and above it a curious + hieroglyphic supposed to represent a human hand in the act of pointing. + Following the guidance of this somewhat ghostly emblem, the wayfarer finds + himself in a small square yard surrounded by doors, upon one of which the + name of the firm reappears in large white letters, with the word "Push" + printed beneath it. If he follows this laconic invitation he will make his + way into a long, low apartment, which is the counting-house of the African + traders. + </p> + <p> + On the afternoon of which we speak things were quiet at the offices. The + line of pigeon-holes in the wire curtain was deserted by the public, + though the linoleum-covered floor bore abundant traces of a busy morning. + Misty London light shone hazily through the glazed windows and cast dark + shadows in the corners. On a high perch in the background a weary-faced, + elderly man, with muttering lips and tapping fingers, cast up endless + lines of figures. Beneath him, in front of two long shining mahogany + desks, half a score of young men, with bent heads and stooping shoulders, + appeared to be riding furiously, neck and neck, in the race of life. Any + <i>habitue</i> of a London office might have deduced from their relentless + energy and incorruptible diligence that they were under the eyes of some + member of the firm. + </p> + <p> + The member in question was a broad-shouldered, bull-necked young man, who + leaned against the marble mantel-piece, turning over the pages of an + almanac, and taking from time to time a stealthy peep over the top of it + at the toilers around him. Command was imprinted in every line of his + strong, square-set face and erect, powerful frame. Above the medium size, + with a vast spread of shoulder, a broad aggressive jaw, and bright bold + glance, his whole pose and expression spoke of resolution pushed to the + verge of obstinacy. There was something classical in the regular + olive-tinted features and black, crisp, curling hair fitting tightly to + the well-rounded head. Yet, though classical, there was an absence of + spirituality. It was rather the profile of one of those Roman emperors, + splendid in its animal strength, but lacking those subtle softnesses of + eye and mouth which speak of an inner life. The heavy gold chain across + the waistcoat and the bright stone which blazed upon the finger were the + natural complement of the sensuous lip and curving chin. Such was Ezra, + only child of John Girdlestone, and heir to the whole of his vast + business. Little wonder that those who had an eye to the future bent over + their ledgers and worked with a vigour calculated to attract the attention + of the junior partner, and to impress him with a due sense of their + enthusiastic regard for the interests of the firm. + </p> + <p> + It was speedily apparent, however, that the young gentleman's estimate of + their services was not entirely based upon their present performance. With + his eyes still fixed upon the almanac and a sardonic smile upon his dark + face, he uttered a single word— + </p> + <p> + "Parker!" + </p> + <p> + A flaxen-haired clerk, perched at the further end of the high glistening + desk, gave a violent start, and looked up with a scared face. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Parker, who won?" asked the junior partner. + </p> + <p> + "Won, sir!" the youth stammered. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, who won?" repeated his employer. + </p> + <p> + "I hardly understand you, sir," the clerk said, growing very red and + confused. + </p> + <p> + "Oh yes, you do, Parker," young Girdlestone remarked, tapping his almanac + sharply with the paper-knife. "You were playing odd man out with Robson + and Perkins when I came in from lunch. As I presume you were at it all the + time I was away, I have a natural curiosity to know who won." + </p> + <p> + The three unhappy clerks fixed their eyes upon their ledgers to avoid the + sarcastic gaze of their employer. He went on in the same quiet tones— + </p> + <p> + "You gentlemen draw about thirty shillings a week from the firm. I believe + I am right in my figures, Mr. Gilray?" addressing the senior clerk seated + at the high solitary desk apart from the others. "Yes, I thought so. Now, + odd man out is, no doubt, a very harmless and fascinating game, but you + can hardly expect us to encourage it so far as to pay so much an hour for + the privilege of having it played in our counting-house. I shall therefore + recommend my father to deduct five shillings from the sum which each of + you will receive upon Saturday. That will cover the time which you have + devoted to your own amusements during the week." + </p> + <p> + He paused, and the three culprits were beginning to cool down and + congratulate themselves, when he began again. + </p> + <p> + "You will see, Mr. Gilray, that this deduction is made," he said, "and at + the same time I beg that you will deduct ten shillings from your own + salary, since, as senior clerk, the responsibility of keeping order in + this room in the absence of your employers rests with you, and you appear + to have neglected it. I trust you will look to this, Mr. Gilray." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir," the senior clerk answered meekly. He was an elderly man with a + large family, and the lost ten shillings would make a difference to the + Sunday dinner. There was nothing for it but to bow to the inevitable, and + his little pinched face assumed an expression of gentle resignation. How + to keep his ten young subordinates in order, however, was a problem which + vexed him sorely. + </p> + <p> + The junior partner was silent, and the remaining clerks were working + uneasily, not exactly knowing whether they might not presently be included + in the indictment. Their fears were terminated, however, by the sharp + sound of a table-gong and the appearance of a boy with the announcement + that Mr. Girdlestone would like a moment's conversation with Mr. Ezra. The + latter gave a keen glance at his subjects and withdrew into the back + office, a disappearance which was hailed by ten pens being thrown into the + air and deftly caught again, while as many derisive and triumphant young + men mocked at the imploring efforts of old Gilray in the interests of law + and order. + </p> + <p> + The sanctum of Mr. John Girdlestone was approached by two doors, one of + oak with ground-glass panels, and the other covered with green baize. The + room itself was small, but lofty, and the walls were ornamented by + numerous sections of ships stuck upon long flat boards, very much as the + remains of fossil fish are exhibited in museums, together with maps, + charts, photographs, and lists of sailings innumerable. Above the + fire-place was a large water-colour painting of the barque <i>Belinda</i> + as she appeared when on a reef to the north of Cape Palmas. An inscription + beneath this work of art announced that it had been painted by the second + officer and presented by him to the head of the firm. It was generally + rumoured that the merchants had lost heavily over this disaster, and there + were some who quoted it as an instance of Girdlestone's habitual strength + of mind that he should decorate his wall with so melancholy a souvenir. + This view of the matter did not appear to commend itself to a flippant + member of Lloyd's agency, who contrived to intimate, by a dexterous use of + his left eyelid and right forefinger, that the vessel may not have been so + much under-insured, nor the loss to the firm so enormous as was commonly + reported. + </p> + <p> + John Girdlestone, as he sat at his square office-table waiting for his + son, was undeniably a remarkable-looking man. For good or for evil no weak + character lay beneath that hard angular face, with the strongly marked + features and deep-set eyes. He was clean shaven, save for an iron-grey + fringe of ragged whisker under each ear, which blended with the grizzled + hair above. So self-contained, hard-set, and immutable was his expression + that it was impossible to read anything from it except sternness and + resolution, qualities which are as likely to be associated with the + highest natures as with the most dangerous. It may have been on account of + this ambiguity of expression that the world's estimate of the old merchant + was a very varying one. He was known to be a fanatic in religion, a purist + in morals, and a man of the strictest commercial integrity. Yet there were + some few who looked askance at him, and none, save one, who could apply + the word "friend" to him. + </p> + <p> + He rose and stood with his back to the fire-place as his son entered. He + was so tall that he towered above the younger man, but the latter's square + and compact frame made him, apart from the difference of age, the stronger + man. + </p> + <p> + The young man had dropped the air of sarcasm which he found was most + effective with the clerks, and had resumed his natural manner, which was + harsh and brusque. + </p> + <p> + "What's up!" he asked, dropping back into a chair, and jingling the loose + coins in his trouser pockets. + </p> + <p> + "I have had news of the <i>Black Eagle</i>," his father answered. "She is + reported from Madeira." + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" cried the junior partner eagerly. "What luck?" + </p> + <p> + "She is full, or nearly so, according to Captain Hamilton Miggs' report." + </p> + <p> + "I wonder Miggs was able to send a report at all, and I wonder still more + that you should put any faith in it," his son said impatiently. "The + fellow is never sober." + </p> + <p> + "Miggs is a good seaman, and popular on the coast. He may indulge at + times, but we all have our failings. Here is the list as vouched for by + our agent. 'Six hundred barrels of palm oil'—" + </p> + <p> + "Oil is down to-day," the other interrupted. + </p> + <p> + "It will rise before the <i>Black Eagle</i> arrives," the merchant + rejoined confidently. "Then he has palm nuts in bulk, gum, ebony, skins, + cochineal, and ivory." + </p> + <p> + The young man gave a whistle of satisfaction. "Not bad for old Miggs!" he + said. "Ivory is at a fancy figure." + </p> + <p> + "We are sorely in need of a few good voyages," Girdlestone remarked, "for + things have been very slack of late. There is one very sad piece of + intelligence here which takes away the satisfaction which we might + otherwise feel. Three of the crew have died of fever. He does not mention + the names." + </p> + <p> + "The devil!" said Ezra. "We know very well what that means. Three women, + each with an armful of brats, besieging the office and clamouring for a + pension. Why are seamen such improvident dogs?" + </p> + <p> + His father held up his white hand deprecatingly. "I wish," he said, "that + you would treat these subjects with more reverence. What could be sadder + than that the bread-winner of a family should be cut off? It has grieved + me more than I can tell." + </p> + <p> + "Then you intend to pension the wives?" Ezra said, with a sly smile. + </p> + <p> + "By no means," his father returned with decision. "Girdlestone and Co. are + not an insurance office. The labourer is worthy of his hire, but when his + work in this world is over, his family must fall back upon what has been + saved by his industry and thrift. It would be a dangerous precedent for us + to allow pensions to the wives of these sailors, for it would deprive the + others of all motive for laying their money by, and would indirectly + encourage vice and dissipation." + </p> + <p> + Ezra laughed, and continued to rattle his silver and keys. + </p> + <p> + "It is not upon this matter that I desired to speak to you," Girdlestone + continued. "It has, however, always been my practice to prefer matters of + business to private affairs, however pressing. John Harston is said to be + dying, and he has sent a message to me saying that he wishes to see me. It + is inconvenient for me to leave the office, but I feel that it is my + Christian duty to obey such a summons. I wish you, therefore, to look + after things until I return." + </p> + <p> + "I can hardly believe that the news is true," Ezra said, in astonishment. + "There must be some mistake. Why, I spoke to him on 'Change last Monday." + </p> + <p> + "It is very sudden," his father answered, taking his broad-brimmed hat + from a peg. "There is no doubt about the fact, however. The doctor says + that there is very little hope that he will survive until evening. It is a + case of malignant typhoid." + </p> + <p> + "You are very old friends?" Ezra remarked, looking thoughtfully at his + father. + </p> + <p> + "I have known him since we were boys together," the other replied, with a + slight dry cough, which was the highest note of his limited emotional + gamut. "Your mother, Ezra, died upon the very day that Harston's wife gave + birth to this daughter of his, seventeen years ago. Mrs. Harston only + survived a few days. I have heard him say that, perhaps, we should also go + together. We are in the hands of a higher Power, however, and it seems + that one shall be taken and another left." + </p> + <p> + "How will the money go if the doctors are right?" Ezra asked keenly. + </p> + <p> + "Every penny to the girl. She will be an heiress. There are no other + relations that I know of, except the Dimsdales, and they have a fair + fortune of their own. But I must go." + </p> + <p> + "By the way, malignant typhoid is very catching, is it not?" + </p> + <p> + "So they say," the merchant said quietly, and strode off through the + counting-house. + </p> + <p> + Ezra Girdlestone remained behind, stretching his legs In front of the + empty grate. "The governor is a hard nail," he soliloquized, as he stared + down at the shining steel bars. "Depend upon it, though, he feels this + more than he shows. Why, it's the only friend he ever had in the world—or + ever will have, in all probability. However, it's no business of mine," + with which comforting reflection he began to whistle as he turned over the + pages of the private day-book of the firm. + </p> + <p> + It is possible that his son's surmise was right, and that the gaunt, + unemotional African merchant felt an unwonted heartache as he hailed a + hansom and drove out to his friend's house at Fulham. He and Harston had + been charity schoolboys together, had roughed it together, risen together, + and prospered together. When John Girdlestone was a raw-boned lad and + Harston a chubby-faced urchin, the latter had come to look upon the other + as his champion and guide. There are some minds which are parasitic in + their nature. Alone they have little vitality, but they love to settle + upon some stronger intellect, from which they may borrow their emotions + and conclusions at second-hand. A strong, vigorous brain collects around + it in time many others, whose mental processes are a feeble imitation of + its own. Thus it came to pass that, as the years rolled on, Harston + learned to lean more and more upon his old school-fellow, grafting many of + his stern peculiarities upon his own simple vacuous nature, until he + became a strange parody of the original. To him Girdlestone was the ideal + man, Girdlestone's ways the correct ways, and Girdlestone's opinions the + weightiest of all opinions. Forty years of this undeviating fidelity must, + however he might conceal it, have made an impression upon the feelings of + the elder man. + </p> + <p> + Harston, by incessant attention to business and extreme parsimony, had + succeeded in founding an export trading concern. In this he had followed + the example of his friend. There was no fear of their interests ever + coming into collision, as his operations were confined to the + Mediterranean. The firm grew and prospered, until Harston began to be + looked upon as a warm man in the City circles. His only child was Kate, a + girl of seventeen. There were no other near relatives, save Dr. Dimsdale, + a prosperous West-end physician. No wonder that Ezra Girdlestone's active + business mind, and perhaps that of his father too, should speculate as to + the disposal of the fortune of the dying man. + </p> + <p> + Girdlestone pushed open the iron gate and strode down the gravel walk + which led to his friend's house. A bright autumn sun shining out of a + cloudless heaven bathed the green lawn and the many-coloured flower-beds + in its golden light. The air, the leaves, the birds, all spoke of life. It + was hard to think that death was closing its grip upon him who owned them + all. A plump little gentleman in black was just descending the steps. + </p> + <p> + "Well, doctor," the merchant asked, "how is your patient?" + </p> + <p> + "You've not come with the intention of seeing him, have you?" the doctor + asked, glancing up with some curiosity at the grey face and overhanging + eyebrows of the merchant. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I am going up to him now." + </p> + <p> + "It is a most virulent case of typhoid. He may die in an hour or he may + live until nightfall, but nothing can save him. He will hardly recognize + you, I fear, and you can do him no good. It is most infectious, and you + are incurring a needless danger. I should strongly recommend you not to + go." + </p> + <p> + "Why, you've only just come down from him yourself, doctor." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, I'm there in the way of duty." + </p> + <p> + "So am I," said the visitor decisively, and passing up the stone steps of + the entrance strode into the hall. There was a large sitting-room upon the + ground floor, through the open door of which the visitor saw a sight which + arrested him for a moment. A young girl was sitting in a recess near the + window, with her lithe, supple figure bent forward, and her hands clasped + at the back of her head, while her elbows rested upon a small table in + front of her. Her superb brown hair fell in a thick wave on either side + over her white round arms, and the graceful curve of her beautiful neck + might have furnished a sculptor with a study for a mourning Madonna. The + doctor had just broken his sad tidings to her, and she was still in the + first paroxysm of her grief—a grief too acute, as was evident even + to the unsentimental mind of the merchant, to allow of any attempt at + consolation. A greyhound appeared to think differently, for he had placed + his fore-paws upon his young mistress's lap, and was attempting to thrust + his lean muzzle between her arms and to lick her face in token of canine + sympathy. The merchant paused irresolutely for a moment, and then + ascending the broad staircase he pushed open the door of Harston's room + and entered. + </p> + <p> + The blinds were drawn down and the chamber was very dark. A pungent whiff + of disinfectants issued from it, mingled with the dank, heavy smell of + disease. The bed was in a far corner. Without seeing him, Girdlestone + could hear the fast laboured breathing of the invalid. A trimly dressed + nurse who had been sitting by the bedside rose, and, recognizing the + visitor, whispered a few words to him and left the room. He pulled the + cord of the Venetian blind so as to admit a few rays of daylight. The + great chamber looked dreary and bare, as carpet and hangings had been + removed to lessen the chance of future infection. John Girdlestone stepped + softly across to the bedside and sat down by his dying friend. + </p> + <p> + The sufferer was lying on his back, apparently unconscious of all around + him. His glazed eyes were turned upwards towards the ceiling, and his + parched lips were parted, while the breath came in quick, spasmodic gasps. + Even the unskilled eye of the merchant could tell that the angel of death + was hovering very near him. With an ungainly attempt at tenderness, which + had something pathetic in it, he moistened a sponge and passed it over the + sick man's feverish brow. The latter turned his restless head round, and a + gleam of recognition and gratitude came into his eyes. + </p> + <p> + "I knew that you would come," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. I came the moment that I got your message." + </p> + <p> + "I am glad that you are here," the sufferer continued with a sigh of + relief. From the brightened expression upon his pinched face, it seemed as + if, even now in the jaws of death, he leaned upon his old schoolfellow and + looked to him for assistance. He put a wasted hand above the counterpane + and laid it upon Girdlestone's. + </p> + <p> + "I wish to speak to you, John," he said. "I am very weak. Can you hear + what I say?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I hear you." + </p> + <p> + "Give me a spoonful from that bottle. It clears my mind for a time. I have + been making my will, John." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said the merchant, replacing the medicine bottle. + </p> + <p> + "The lawyer made it this morning. Stoop your head and you will hear me + better. I have less than fifty thousand. I should have done better had I + retired years ago." + </p> + <p> + "I told you so," the other broke in gruffly. + </p> + <p> + "You did—you did. But I acted for the best. Forty thousand I leave + to my dear daughter Kate." + </p> + <p> + A look of interest came over Girdlestone's face. "And the balance?" he + asked. + </p> + <p> + "I leave that to be equally divided among the various London institutions + for educating the poor. We were both poor boys ourselves, John, and we + know the value of such schools." + </p> + <p> + Girdlestone looked perhaps a trifle disappointed. The sick man went on + very slowly and painfully— + </p> + <p> + "My daughter will have forty thousand pounds. But it is so tied up that + she can neither touch it herself nor enable any one else to do so until + she is of age. She has no friends, John, and no relations, save only my + cousin, Dr. George Dimsdale. Never was a girl left more lonely and + unprotected. Take her, I beg of you, and bring her up under your own eye. + Treat her as though she were your child. Guard her above all from those + who would wreck her young life in order to share her fortune. Do this, old + friend, and make me happy on my deathbed." + </p> + <p> + The merchant made no answer. His heavy eyebrows were drawn down, and his + forehead all puckered with thought. + </p> + <p> + "You are the one man," continued the sufferer, "whom I know to be just and + upright. Give me the water, for my mouth is dry. Should, which God forbid, + my dear girl perish before she marries, then—" His breath failed him + for a moment, and he paused to recover it. + </p> + <p> + "Well, what then?" + </p> + <p> + "Then, old friend, her fortune reverts to you, for there is none who will + use it so well. Those are the terms of the will. But you will guard her + and care for her, as I would myself. She is a tender plant, John, too weak + to grow alone. Promise me that you will do right by her—promise it?" + </p> + <p> + "I do promise it," John Girdlestone answered in a deep voice. He was + standing up now, and leaning over to catch the words of the dying man. + </p> + <p> + Harston was sinking rapidly. With a feeble motion he pointed to a + brown-backed volume upon the table. + </p> + <p> + "Take up the book," he said. + </p> + <p> + The merchant picked it up. + </p> + <p> + "Now, repeat after me, I swear and solemnly pledge myself—" + </p> + <p> + "I swear and solemnly pledge myself— + </p> + <p> + "To treasure and guard as if she were my own—" came the tremulous + voice from the bed. + </p> + <p> + "To treasure and guard as if she were my own—" in the deep bass of + the merchant. + </p> + <p> + "Kate Harston, the daughter of my deceased friend—" + </p> + <p> + "Kate Harston, the daughter of my deceased friend—" + </p> + <p> + "And as I treat her, so may my own flesh and blood treat me!" + </p> + <p> + "And as I treat her, so may my own flesh and blood treat me!" + </p> + <p> + The sick man's head fell back exhausted upon his pillow. "Thank God!" he + muttered, "now I can die in peace." + </p> + <p> + "Turn your mind away from the vanities and dross of this world," John + Girdlestone said sternly, "and fix it upon that which is eternal, and can + never die." + </p> + <p> + "Are you going?" the invalid asked sadly, for he had taken up his hat and + stick. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I must go; I have an appointment in the City at six, which I must + not miss." + </p> + <p> + "And I have an appointment which I must not miss," the dying man said with + a feeble smile. + </p> + <p> + "I shall send up the nurse as I go down," Girdlestone said. "Good-bye!" + </p> + <p> + "Good-bye! God bless you, John!" + </p> + <p> + The firm, strong hand of the hale man enclosed for a moment the feeble, + burning one of the sufferer. Then John Girdlestone plodded heavily down + the stair, and these friends of forty years' standing had said their last + adieu. + </p> + <p> + The African merchant kept his appointment in the City, but long before he + reached it John Harston had gone also to keep that last terrible + appointment of which the messenger is death. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. — CHARITY A LA MODE. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">It</span> was a dull October morning in Fenchurch Street, some weeks after the + events with which our story opened. The murky City air looked murkier + still through the glazed office windows. Girdlestone, grim and grey, as + though he were the very embodiment of the weather, stooped over his + mahogany table. He had a long list in front of him, on which he was + checking off, as a prelude to the day's work, the position in the market + of the various speculations in which the capital of the firm was embarked. + His son Ezra lounged in an easy chair opposite him, looking dishevelled + and dark under the eyes, for he had been up half the night, and the + Nemesis of reaction was upon him. + </p> + <p> + "Faugh!" his father ejaculated, glancing round at him with disgust. "You + have been drinking already this morning." + </p> + <p> + "I took a brandy and seltzer on the way to the office," he answered + carelessly. "I needed one to steady me." + </p> + <p> + "A young fellow of your age should not want steadying. You have a strong + constitution, but you must not play tricks with it. You must have been + very late last night. It was nearly one before I went to bed." + </p> + <p> + "I was playing cards with Major Clutterbuck and one or two others. We kept + it up rather late." + </p> + <p> + "With Major Clutterbuck?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "I don't care about your consorting so much with that man. He drinks and + gambles, and does you no good. What good has he ever done himself? Take + care that he does not fleece you." The merchant felt instinctively, as he + glanced at the shrewd, dark face of his son, that the warning was a + superfluous one. + </p> + <p> + "No fear, father," Ezra answered sulkily; "I am old enough to choose my + own friends." + </p> + <p> + "Why such a friend as that?" + </p> + <p> + "I like to know men of that class. You are a successful man, father, but + you—well, you can't be much help to me socially. You need some one + to show you the ropes, and the major is my man. When I can stand alone, + I'll soon let him know it." + </p> + <p> + "Well, go your own way," said Girdlestone shortly. Hard to all the world, + he was soft only in this one direction. From childhood every discussion + between father and son had ended with the same words. + </p> + <p> + "It is business time," he resumed. "Let us confine ourselves to business. + I see that Illinois were at 112 yesterday." + </p> + <p> + "They are at 113 this morning." + </p> + <p> + "What! have you been on 'Change already?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I dropped in there on my way to the office. I would hold on to + those. They will go up for some days yet." + </p> + <p> + The senior partner made a pencil note on the margin of the list. + </p> + <p> + "We'll hold on to the cotton we have," he said. + </p> + <p> + "No, sell out at once," Ezra answered with decision, "I saw young + Featherstone, of Liverpool, last night, or rather this morning. It was + hard to make head or tail of what the fool said, but he let fall enough to + show that there was likely to be a drop." + </p> + <p> + Girdlestone made another mark upon the paper. He never questioned his + son's decisions now, for long experience had shown him that they were + never formed without solid grounds. "Take this list, Ezra," he said, + handing him the paper, "and run your eye over it. If you see anything that + wants changing, mark it." + </p> + <p> + "I'll do it in the counting-house," his son answered. "I can keep my eye + on those lazy scamps of clerks. Gilray has no idea of keeping them in + order." + </p> + <p> + As he went out he cannoned against an elderly gentleman in a white + waistcoat, who was being shown in, and who ricochetted off him into the + office, where he shook hands heartily with the elder Girdlestone. It was + evident from the laboured cordiality of the latter's greeting that the + new-comer was a man of some importance. He was, indeed, none other than + the well-known philanthropist, Mr. Jefferson Edwards, M.P. for + Middlehurst, whose name upon a bill was hardly second to that of + Rothschild. + </p> + <p> + "How do, Girdlestone, how do?" he exclaimed, mopping his face with his + handkerchief. He was a fussy little man, with a brusque, nervous manner. + "Hard at it as usual, eh? Always pegging away. Wonderful man. Ha, ha! + Wonderful!" + </p> + <p> + "You look warm," the merchant answered, rubbing his hands. "Let me offer + you some claret. I have some in the cupboard." + </p> + <p> + "No, thank you," the visitor answered, staring across at the head of the + firm as though he were some botanical curiosity. "Extraordinary fellow. + 'Iron' Girdlestone, they call you in the City. A good name, too— ha! + ha!—an excellent name. Iron-grey, you know, and hard to look at, but + soft here, my dear sir, soft here." The little man tapped him with his + walking-stick over the cardiac region and laughed boisterously, while his + grim companion smiled slightly and bowed to the compliment. + </p> + <p> + "I've come here begging," said Mr. Jefferson Edwards, producing a + portentous-looking roll of paper from an inner pocket. "Know I've come to + the right place for charity. The Aboriginal Evolution Society, my dear + boy. All it wants are a few hundreds to float it off. Noble aim, + Girdlestone—glorious object." + </p> + <p> + "What <i>is</i> the object?" the merchant asked. + </p> + <p> + "Well, the evolution of the aborigines," Edwards answered in some + confusion. "Sort of practical Darwinism. Evolve 'em into higher types, and + turn 'em all white in time. Professor Wilder gave us a lecture about it. + I'll send you round a <i>Times</i> with the account. Spoke about their + thumbs. They can't cross them over their palms, and they have rudimentary + tails, or had until they were educated off them. They wore all the hair + off their backs by leaning against trees. Marvellous things! All they want + is a little money." + </p> + <p> + "It seems to be a praiseworthy object," the merchant said gravely. + </p> + <p> + "I knew that you would think so!" cried the little philanthropist + enthusiastically. "Of course, bartering as you do with aboriginal races, + their development and evolution is a matter of the deepest importance to + you. If a man came down to barter with you who had a rudimentary tail and + couldn't bend his thumb—well, it wouldn't be pleasant, you know. Our + idea is to elevate them in the scale of humanity and to refine their + tastes. Hewett, of the Royal Society, went to report on the matter a year + or so back, and some rather painful incident occurred. I believe Hewett + met with some mishap—in fact, they go the length of saying that he + was eaten. So you see we've had our martyrs, my dear friend, and the least + that we can do who stay at home at ease is to support a good cause to the + best of our ability." + </p> + <p> + "Whose names have you got?" asked the merchant. + </p> + <p> + "Let's see," Jefferson Edwards said, unfolding his list. "Spriggs, ten; + Morton, ten; Wigglesworth, five; Hawkins, ten; Indermann, fifteen; Jones, + five; and a good many smaller amounts." + </p> + <p> + "What is the highest as yet?" + </p> + <p> + "Indermann, the tobacco importer, has given fifteen." + </p> + <p> + "It is a good cause," Mr. Girdlestone said, dipping his pen into the + ink-bottle. "'He that giveth'—you know what the good old Book says. + Of course a list of the donations will be printed and circulated?" + </p> + <p> + "Most certainly." + </p> + <p> + "Here is my cheque for twenty-five pounds. I am proud to have had this + opportunity of contributing towards the regeneration of those poor souls + whom Providence has placed in a lower sphere than myself." + </p> + <p> + "Girdlestone," said the member of Parliament with emotion, as he pocketed + the cheque, "you are a good man. I shall not forget this, my friend; I + shall never forget it." + </p> + <p> + "Wealth has its duties, and charity is among them," Girdlestone answered + with unction, shaking the philanthropist's extended hand. "Good-bye, my + dear sir. Pray let me know if our efforts are attended with any success. + Should more money be needed, you know one who may be relied on." + </p> + <p> + There was a sardonic smile upon the hard face of the senior partner as he + closed the door behind his visitor. "It's a legitimate investment," he + muttered to himself as he resumed his seat. "What with his Parliamentary + interest and his financial power, it's a very legitimate investment. It + looks well on the list, too, and inspires confidence. I think the money is + well spent." + </p> + <p> + Ezra had bowed politely as the great man passed through the office, and + Gilray, the wizened senior clerk, opened the outer door. Jefferson Edwards + turned as he passed him and clapped him on the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + "Lucky fellow," he said in his jerky way. "Good employer—model to + follow—great man. Watch him, mark him, imitate him—that's the + way to get on. Can't go wrong," and he trotted down the street in search + of fresh contributions towards his latest fad. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. — THOMAS GILRAY MAKES AN INVESTMENT. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">The</span> shambling little clerk was still standing at the door watching the + retreating figure of the millionaire, and mentally splicing together his + fragmentary remarks into a symmetrical piece of advice which might be + carried home and digested at leisure, when his attention was attracted to + a pale-faced woman, with a child in her arms, who was hanging about the + entrance. She looked up at the clerk in a wistful way, as if anxious to + address him and yet afraid to do so. Then noting, perhaps, some gleam of + kindness in his yellow wrinkled face, she came across to him. + </p> + <p> + "D'ye think I could see Muster Girdlestone, sir," she asked, with a + curtsey; "or, maybe, you're Mr. Girdlestone yourself?" The woman was + wretchedly dressed, and her eyelids were swollen and red as from long + crying. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Girdlestone is in his room," said the head clerk kindly. "I have no + doubt that he will see you if you will wait for a moment." Had he been + speaking to the grandest of the be-silked and be-feathered dames who + occasionally frequented the office; he could not have spoken with greater + courtesy. Verily in these days the spirit of true chivalry has filtered + down from the surface and has found a lodgment in strange places. + </p> + <p> + The merchant looked with a surprised and suspicious eye at his visitor + when she was ushered in. "Take a seat, my good woman," he said. "What can + I do for you?" + </p> + <p> + "Please, Mr. Girdlestone, I'm Mrs. Hudson," she answered, seating herself + in a timid way upon the extreme edge of a chair. She was weary and + footsore, for she had carried the baby up from Stepney that morning. + </p> + <p> + "Hudson—Hudson—can't remember the name," said Girdlestone, + shaking his head reflectively. + </p> + <p> + "Jim Hudson as was, sir, he was my husband, the bo'sun for many a year o' + your ship the <i>Black Eagle</i>. He went out to try and earn a bit for me + and the child, sir, but he's dead o' fever, poor dear, and lying in Bonny + river, wi' a cannon ball at his feet, as the carpenter himself told me who + sewed him up, and I wish I was dead and with him, so I do." She began + sobbing in her shawl and moaning, while the child, suddenly awakened by + the sound, rubbed its eyes with its wrinkled mottled hands, and then + proceeded to take stock of Mr. Girdlestone and his office with the + critical philosophy of infancy. + </p> + <p> + "Calm yourself, my good woman, calm yourself," said the senior partner. He + perceived that the evil prophesied by his son had come upon him, and he + made a mental note of this fresh instance of Ezra's powers of foresight. + </p> + <p> + "It was hard, so it was," said Mrs. Hudson, drying her eyes, but still + giving vent to an occasional tempestuous sob. "I heard as the <i>Black + Eagle</i> was comin' up the river, so I spent all I had in my pocket in + makin' Jim a nice little supper—ham an' eggs, which was always his + favourite, an' a pint o' bitter, an' a quartern o' whiskey that he could + take hot after, bein' naturally o' a cold turn, and him comin' from a warm + country, too. Then out I goes, and down the river, until I sees the <i>Black + Eagle</i> a-comin' up wi' a tug in front of her. Well I knowed the two + streaks o' white paint, let alone the screechin' o' the parrots which I + could hear from the bank. I could see the heads o' some of the men peepin' + over the side, so I waves my handkercher, and one o' them he waves back. + 'Trust Jim for knowin' his little wife,' says I, proud like to myself, and + I runs round to where I knew as they'd dock her. What with me being that + excited that I couldn't rightly see where I was going, and what with the + crowd, for the men was comin' from work, I didn't get there till the ship + was alongside. Then I jumps aboard, and the first man I seed was Sandy + McPherson, who I knowed when we lived in Binnacle Lane. 'Where's Jim?' I + cried, running forward, eager like, to the forecastle, but he caught me by + the arm as I passed him. 'Steady, lass, steady!' Then I looked up at him, + and his face was very grave, and my knees got kind o' weak. 'Where's Jim?' + says I. 'Don't ask,' says he. 'Where is he, Sandy?' I screeches; and then, + 'Don't say the word, Sandy, don't you say it.' But, Lor' bless ye, sir, it + didn't much matter what he said nor what he didn't, for I knowed all, an' + down I flops on the deck in a dead faint. The mate, he took me home in a + cab, and when I come to there was the supper lying, sir, and the beer, and + the things a-shinin', and all so cosy, an' the child askin' where her + father was, for I told her he'd bring her some things from Africa. Then, + to think of him a-lyin' dead in Bonny river, why, sir, it nigh broke my + heart." + </p> + <p> + "A sore affliction," the merchant said, shaking his grizzled head. "A sad + visitation. But these things are sent to try us, Mrs. Hudson. They are + warnings to us not to fix our thoughts too much upon the dross of this + world, but to have higher aims and more durable aspirations. We are poor + short-sighted creatures, the best of us, and often mistake evil for good. + What seems so sad to-day may, if taken in a proper spirit, be looked back + upon as a starting-point from which all the good of your life has come." + </p> + <p> + "Bless you, sir!" said the widow, still furtively rubbing her eyes with + the corner of her little shawl. "You're a real kind gentleman. It does me + good to hear you talk." + </p> + <p> + "We have all our burdens and misfortunes," continued the senior partner. + "Some have more, some have less. To-day is your turn, to-morrow it may be + mine. But let us struggle on to the great goal, and the weight of our + burden need never cause us to sink by the wayside. And now I must wish you + a very good morning, Mrs. Hudson. Believe me, you have my hearty + sympathy." + </p> + <p> + The woman rose and then stood irresolute for a moment, as though there was + something which she still wished to mention. + </p> + <p> + "When will I be able to draw Jim's back pay, sir?" she asked nervously. "I + have pawned nigh everything in the house, and the child and me is weak + from want of food." + </p> + <p> + "Your husband's back pay," the merchant said, taking down a ledger from + the shelf and turning rapidly over the leaves. "I think that you are under + a delusion, Mrs. Hudson. Let me see—Dawson, Duffield, Everard, + Francis, Gregory, Gunter, Hardy. Ah, here it is—Hudson, boatswain of + the <i>Black Eagle</i>. The wages which he received amounted, I see, to + five pounds a month. The voyage lasted eight months, but the ship had only + been out two months and a half when your husband died." + </p> + <p> + "That's true, sir," the widow said, with an anxious look at the long line + of figures in the ledger. + </p> + <p> + "Of course, the contract ended at his death, so the firm owed him twelve + pounds ten at that date. But I perceive from my books that you have been + drawing half-pay during the whole eight months. You have accordingly had + twenty pounds from the firm, and are therefore in its debt to the amount + of seven pounds ten shillings. We'll say nothing of that at present," the + senior partner concluded with a magnificent air. "When you are a little + better off you can make good the balance, but really you can hardly expect + us to assist you any further at present." + </p> + <p> + "But, sir, we have nothing," Mrs. Hudson sobbed. + </p> + <p> + "It is deplorable, most deplorable. But we are not the people to apply to. + Your own good sense will tell you that, now that I have explained it to + you. Good morning. I wish you good fortune, and hope you will let us know + from time to time how you go on. We always take a keen interest in the + families of those who serve us." Mr. Girdlestone opened the door, and the + heart-sick little woman staggered away across the office, still bearing + her heavy child. + </p> + <p> + When she got into the open air she stared around her like one dazed. The + senior clerk looked anxiously at her as he stood at the open door. Then he + glanced back into the office. Ezra Girdlestone was deep in some accounts, + and his brother clerks were all absorbed in their work. He stole up to the + woman, with an apologetic smile, slipped something into her hand, and then + hurried back into the office with an austere look upon his face, as if his + whole mind were absorbed in the affairs of the firm. There are + speculations above the ken of business men. Perhaps, Thomas Gilray, that + ill-spared half-crown of yours may bring in better interest than the + five-and-twenty pounds of your employer. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. — CAPTAIN HAMILTON MIGGS OF THE "BLACK EAGLE." + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">The</span> head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the + painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, + when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the + counting-house. A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded + in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that + orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not. The + answer was evidently in the affirmative, for the lumbering tread came + rapidly nearer, and a powerful double knock announced that the visitor was + at the other side of the door. + </p> + <p> + "Come in," cried Mr. Girdlestone, laying down his pen. + </p> + <p> + This invitation was so far complied with that the handle turned, and the + door revolved slowly upon its hinges. Nothing more substantial than a + strong smell of spirituous liquors, however, entered the apartment. + </p> + <p> + "Come in," the merchant repeated impatiently. + </p> + <p> + At this second mandate a great tangled mass of black hair was slowly + protruded round the angle of the door. Then a copper-coloured forehead + appeared, with a couple of very shaggy eyebrows and eventually a pair of + eyes, which protruded from their sockets and looked yellow and unhealthy. + These took a long look, first at the senior partner and then at his + surroundings, after which, as if reassured by the inspection, the + remainder of the face appeared—a flat nose, a large mouth with a + lower lip which hung down and exposed a line of tobacco-stained teeth, and + finally a thick black beard which bristled straight out from the chin, and + bore abundant traces of an egg having formed part of its owner's morning + meal. The head having appeared, the body soon followed it, though all in + the same anaconda-like style of progression, until the individual stood + revealed. He was a stoutly-built sea-faring man, dressed in a pea jacket + and blue trousers and holding his tarpaulin hat in his hand. With a rough + scrape and a most unpleasant leer he advanced towards the merchant, a + tattoed and hairy hand outstretched in sign of greeting. + </p> + <p> + "Why, captain," said the head of the firm, rising and grasping the other's + hand with effusion, "I am glad to see you back safe and well." + </p> + <p> + "Glad to see ye, sir—glad to see ye." + </p> + <p> + His voice was thick and husky, and there was an indecision about his gait + as though he had been drinking heavily. "I came in sort o' cautious," he + continued, "'cause I didn't know who might be about. When you and me + speaks together we likes to speak alone, you bet." + </p> + <p> + The merchant raised his bushy eyebrows a little, as though he did not + relish the idea of mutual confidences suggested by his companion's remark. + "Hadn't you better take a seat?" he said. + </p> + <p> + The other took a cane-bottomed chair and carried it into the extreme + corner of the office. Then having looked steadily at the wall behind him, + and rapped it with his knuckles, he sat down, still throwing an occasional + apprehensive glance over his shoulder. "I've got a touch of the jumps," he + remarked apologetically to his employer. "I likes to <i>know</i> as there + ain't no one behind me." + </p> + <p> + "You should give up this shocking habit of drinking," Mr. Girdlestone said + seriously. "It is a waste of the best gifts with which Providence has + endowed us. You are the worse for it both in this world and in the next." + </p> + <p> + Captain Hamilton Miggs did not seem to be at all impressed by this very + sensible piece of advice. On the contrary, he chuckled boisterously to + himself, and, slapping his thigh, expressed his opinion that his employer + was a "rum 'un"—a conviction which he repeated to himself several + times with various symptoms of admiration. + </p> + <p> + "Well, well," Girdlestone said, after a short pause, "boys will be boys, + and sailors, I suppose, will be sailors. After eight months of anxiety and + toil, ending in success, captain—I am proud to be able to say the + words—some little licence must be allowed. I do not judge others by + the same hard and fast lines by which I regulate my own conduct." + </p> + <p> + This admirable sentiment also failed to elicit any response from the + obdurate Miggs, except the same manifestations of mirth and the same + audible aside as to the peculiarities of his master's character. + </p> + <p> + "I must congratulate you on your cargo, and wish you the same luck for + your next voyage," the merchant continued. + </p> + <p> + "Ivory, an' gold dust, an' skins, an' resin, an' cochineal, an' gums, an' + ebony, an' rice, an' tobacco, an' fruits, an' nuts in bulk. If there's a + better cargo about, I'd like to see it," the sailor said defiantly. + </p> + <p> + "An excellent cargo, captain; very good indeed. Three of your men died, I + believe?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, three of the lubbers went under. Two o' fever and one o' snake-bite. + It licks me what sailors are comin' to in these days. When I was afore the + mast we'd ha' been ashamed to die o' a trifle like that. Look at me. I've + been down wi' coast fever sixteen times, and I've had yellow jack an' + dysentery, an' I've been bit by the black cobra in the Andamans. I've had + cholera, too. It broke out in a brig when I was in the Sandwich Island + trade, and I was shipmates wi' seven dead out o' a crew o' ten. But I + ain't none the worse for it—no, nor never will be. But I say, + gov'nor, hain't you got a drop of something about the office?" + </p> + <p> + The senior partner rose, and taking a bottle from the cupboard filled out + a stiff glass of rum. The sailor drank it off eagerly, and laid down the + empty tumbler with a sigh of satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + "Say, now," he said, with an unpleasant confidential leer, "weren't you + surprised to see us come back—eh? Straight now, between man and + man?" + </p> + <p> + "The old ship hangs together well, and has lots of work in her yet," the + merchant answered. + </p> + <p> + "Lots of work! God's truth, I thought she was gone in the bay! We'd a + dirty night with a gale from the west-sou'-west, an' had been goin' by + dead reckonin' for three days, so we weren't over and above sure o' + ourselves. She wasn't much of a sea-going craft when we left England, but + the sun had fried all the pitch out o' her seams, and you might ha' put + your finger through some of them. Two days an' a night we were at the + pumps, for she leaked like a sieve. We lost the fore topsail, blown clean + out o' the ringbolts. I never thought to see Lunnon again." + </p> + <p> + "If she could weather a gale like that she could make another voyage." + </p> + <p> + "She could start on another," the sailor said gloomily, "but as like as + not she'd never see the end o't." + </p> + <p> + "Come, come, you're not quite yourself this morning, Miggs. We value you + as a dashing, fearless fellow—let me fill your glass again—who + doesn't fear a little risk where there's something to be gained. You'll + lose your good name if you go on like that." + </p> + <p> + "She's in a terrible bad way," the captain insisted. "You'll have to do + something before she can go." + </p> + <p> + "What shall we have to do?" + </p> + <p> + "Dry dock her and give her a thorough overhaul. She might sink before she + got out o' the Channel if she went as she is just now." + </p> + <p> + "Very well," the merchant said coldly. "If you insist on it, it must be + done. But, of course, it would make a great difference in your salary." + </p> + <p> + "Eh?" + </p> + <p> + "You are at present getting fifteen pounds a month, and five per cent. + commission. These are exceptional terms in consideration of any risk that + you may run. We shall dry dock the <i>Black Eagle</i>, and your salary is + now ten pounds a month and two and a half commission." + </p> + <p> + "Belay, there, belay!" the sailor shouted. His coppery face was a shade + darker than usual, and his bilious eyes had a venomous gleam in them. + "Don't you beat me down, curse you!" he hissed, advancing to the table and + leaning his hands upon it while he pushed his angry face forward until it + was within a foot of that of the merchant. "Don't you try that game on, + mate, for I am a free-born British seaman, and I am under the thumb of no + man." + </p> + <p> + "You're drunk," said the senior partner. "Sit down!" + </p> + <p> + "You'd reduce my screw, would ye?" roared Captain Hamilton Miggs, working + himself into a fury. "Me that has worked for ye, and slaved for ye, and + risked my life for ye. You try it on, guv'nor; just you try it on! Suppose + I let out that little story o' the painting out o' the marks—where + would the firm of Girdlestone be then! I guess you'd rather double my wage + than have that yarn goin' about." + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "What do I mean? You don't know what I mean, do you? Of course not. It + wasn't you as set us on to go at night and paint out the Government + Plimsoll marks and then paint 'em in again higher up, so as to be able to + overload. That wasn't you, was it?" + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean to assert that it was?" + </p> + <p> + "In course I do," thundered the angry seaman. + </p> + <p> + The senior partner struck the gong which stood upon the table. "Gilray," + he said quietly, "go out and bring in a policeman." + </p> + <p> + Captain Hamilton Miggs seemed to be somewhat startled by this sudden move + of his antagonist. "Steady your helm, governor," he said. "What are ye up + to now?" + </p> + <p> + "I'm going to give you in charge." + </p> + <p> + "What for?" + </p> + <p> + "For intimidation and using threatening language, and endeavouring to + extort money under false pretences." + </p> + <p> + "There's no witnesses," the sailor said in a half-cringing, half-defiant + manner. + </p> + <p> + "Oh yes, there are," Ezra Girdlestone remarked, coming into the room. He + had been standing between the two doors which led to the counting-house, + and had overheard the latter portion of the conversation. "Don't let me + interrupt you. You were saying that you would blacken my father's + character unless he increased your salary." + </p> + <p> + "I didn't mean no harm," said Captain Hamilton Miggs, glancing nervously + from the one to the other. He had been fairly well known to the law in his + younger days, and had no desire to renew the acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + "Who painted out those Plimsoll marks?" asked the merchant. + </p> + <p> + "It was me." + </p> + <p> + "Did any one suggest it to you?" + </p> + <p> + "No." + </p> + <p> + "Shall I send in the policeman, sir?" asked Gilray, opening the door. + </p> + <p> + "Ask him to wait for a moment," Girdlestone answered. + </p> + <p> + "And now, captain, to return to the original point, shall we dry dock the + <i>Black Eagle</i> and reduce the salary, or do you see your way to going + back in her on the same terms?" + </p> + <p> + "I'll go back and be damned to it!" said the captain recklessly, plunging + his hands into the pockets of his pea jacket and plumping back into his + chair. + </p> + <p> + "That's right," his grim employer remarked approvingly. + </p> + <p> + "But swearing is a most sinful practice. Send the policeman away, Ezra." + </p> + <p> + The young man went out with an amused smile, and the two were left + together again. + </p> + <p> + "You'll not be able to pass the Government inspector unless you do + something to her," the seaman said after a long pause, during which he + brooded over his wrongs. + </p> + <p> + "Of course we shall do something. The firm is not mean, though it avoids + unnecessary expense. We'll put a coat of paint on her, and some pitch, and + do up the rigging. She's a stout old craft, and with one of the smartest + sailors afloat in command of her—for we always give you credit for + being that—she'll run many a voyage yet." + </p> + <p> + "I'm paid for the risk, guv'nor, as you said just now," the sailor + remarked. "But don't it seem kind o' hard on them as isn't—on the + mates an' the hands?" + </p> + <p> + "There is always a risk, my dear captain. There is nothing in the world + without risk. You remember what is said about those who go down to the sea + in ships. They see the wonders of the deep, and in return they incur some + little danger. My house in Eccleston Square might be shaken down by an + earthquake, or a gale might blow in the walls, but I'm not always brooding + over the chance of it. There's no use your taking it for granted that some + misfortune will happen to the <i>Black Eagle</i>." + </p> + <p> + The sailor was silenced, but not convinced by his employer's logic. "Well, + well," he said sulkily, "I am going, so there's an end of it, and there's + no good in having any more palaver about it. You have your object in + running rotten ships, and you make it worth my while to take my chances in + them. I'm suited, and you're suited, so there's no more to be said." + </p> + <p> + "That's right. Have some more rum?" + </p> + <p> + "No, not a spot." + </p> + <p> + "Why not?" + </p> + <p> + "Because I likes to keep my head pretty clear when I'm a-talkin' to you, + Muster Girdlestone. Out o' your office I'll drink to further orders, but I + won't do business and muddle myself at the same time. When d'ye want me to + start?" + </p> + <p> + "When she's unloaded and loaded up again. Three weeks or a month yet. I + expect that Spender will have come in with the <i>Maid of Athens</i> by + that time." + </p> + <p> + "Unless some accident happens on the way," said Captain Hamilton Miggs, + with his old leer. "He was at Sierra Leone when we came up the coast. I + couldn't put in there, for the swabs have got a warrant out ag'in me for + putting a charge o' shot into a nigger." + </p> + <p> + "That was a wicked action—very wrong, indeed," the merchant said + gravely. "You must consider the interests of the firm, Miggs. We can't + afford to have a good port blocked against our ships in this fashion. Did + they serve this writ on you?" + </p> + <p> + "Another nigger brought it aboard." + </p> + <p> + "Did you read it?" + </p> + <p> + "No; I threw it overboard." + </p> + <p> + "And what became of the negro?" + </p> + <p> + "Well," said Miggs with a grin, "when I threw the writ overboard he + happened to be a-holdin' on to it. So, ye see, he went over, too. Then I + up anchor and scooted." + </p> + <p> + "There are sharks about there?" + </p> + <p> + "A few." + </p> + <p> + "Really, Miggs," the merchant said, "you must restrain your sinful + passions. You have broken the fifth commandment, and closed the trade of + Freetown to the <i>Black Eagle</i>." + </p> + <p> + "It never was worth a rap," the sailor answered. "I wouldn't give a cuss + for any of the British settlements. Give me real niggers, chaps as knows + nothing of law or civilizing, or any rot of the sort. I can pull along + with them. + </p> + <p> + "I have often wondered how you managed it," Girdlestone said curiously. + "You succeed in picking up a cargo where the steadiest and best men can't + get as much as a bag of nuts. How do you work it?" + </p> + <p> + "There's many would like to know that," Miggs answered, with an expressive + wink. + </p> + <p> + "It is a secret, then?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, it ain't a secret to you, 'cause you ain't a skipper, and it don't + matter if you knows it or not. I don't want to have 'em all at the same + game." + </p> + <p> + "How is it, then?" + </p> + <p> + "I'll tell ye," said Miggs. He seemed to have recovered his serenity by + this time, and his eyes twinkled as he spoke of his own exploits. "I gets + drunk with them. That's how I does it." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, indeed." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that's how it's worked. Lord love ye, when these fust-class + certificated, second-cousin-to-an-earl merchant skippers comes out they + move about among the chiefs and talks down to them as if they was tin + Methuselahs on wheels. The Almighty's great coat wouldn't make a waistcoat + for some o' these blokes. Now when I gets among 'em I has 'em all into the + cabin, though they're black an' naked, an' the smell ain't over an' above + pleasant. Then I out with the rum and it's 'help yourself an' pass the + bottle.' Pretty soon, d'ye see, their tongues get loosened, and as I lie + low an' keep dark I gets a pretty good idea o' what's in the market. Then + when I knows what's to be got, it's queer if I don't manage to get it. + Besides, they like a little notice, just as Christians does, and they + remembers me because I treat them well." + </p> + <p> + "An excellent plan, Miggs—a capital plan!" said the senior partner. + "You are an invaluable servant." + </p> + <p> + "Well," the captain said, rising from his chair, "I'm getting a great deal + too dry with all this palaver. I don't mind gettin' drunk with nigger + chiefs, but I'm darned if I'll—" He paused, but the grim smile on + his companion's face showed that he appreciated the compliment. + </p> + <p> + "I say," he continued, giving his employer a confidential nudge with his + elbow, "suppose we'd gone down in the bay this last time, you'd ha' been a + bit out in your reckoning—eh, what?" + </p> + <p> + "Why so?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, we were over-insured on our outward passage. An accident then might + ha' put thousands in your pocket, I know. Coming back, though, the cargo + was worth more than the insurance, I reckon. You'd ha' been out o' pocket + if we'd foundered. It would ha' been a case o' the engineer hoisted on his + own Peter, as Shakspere says." + </p> + <p> + "We take our chance of these things," the merchant said with dignity. + </p> + <p> + "Well, good morning, guv'nor," Captain Hamilton Miggs said brusquely. + "When you wants me you can lay your hands on me at the old crib, the <i>Cock + and Cowslip</i>, Rotherhithe." + </p> + <p> + As he passed out through the office, Ezra rejoined his father. + </p> + <p> + "He's a curious chap," he remarked, jerking his head in the direction + which Miggs had taken. "I heard him bellowing like a bull, so I thought I + had best listen to what he had to say. He's a useful servant, though." + </p> + <p> + "The fellow's half a savage himself," his father said. "He's in his + element among them. That's why he gets on so well with them." + </p> + <p> + "He doesn't seem much the worse for the climate, either." + </p> + <p> + "His body does not, but his soul, Ezra, his soul? However, to return to + business. I wish you to see the underwriters and pay the premium of the <i>Black + Eagle</i>. If you see your way to it, increase the policy; but do it + carefully, Ezra, and with tact. She will start about the time of the + equinoctial gales. If anything <i>should</i> happen to her, it would be as + well that the firm should have a margin on the right side." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. — MODERN ATHENIANS. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span> University may call herself with grim jocoseness the "alma + mater" of her students, but if she be a mother at all she is one of a very + heroic and Spartan cast, who conceals her maternal affection with + remarkable success. The only signs of interest which she ever designs to + evince towards her alumni are upon those not infrequent occasions when + guineas are to be demanded from them. Then one is surprised to find how + carefully the old hen has counted her chickens, and how promptly the + demand is conveyed to each one of the thousands throughout the empire who, + in spite of neglect, cherish a sneaking kindness for their old college. + There is symbolism in the very look of her, square and massive, grim and + grey, with never a pillar or carving to break the dead monotony of the + great stone walls. She is learned, she is practical, and she is useful. + There is little sentiment or romance in her composition, however, and in + this she does but conform to the instincts of the nation of which she is + the youngest but the most flourishing teacher. + </p> + <p> + A lad coming up to an English University finds himself in an enlarged and + enlightened public school. If he has passed through Harrow and Eton there + is no very abrupt transition between the life which he has led in the + sixth form and that which he finds awaiting him on the banks of the Cam + and the Isis. Certain rooms are found for him which have been inhabited by + generations of students in the past, and will be by as many in the future. + His religion is cared for, and he is expected to put in an appearance at + hall and at chapel. He must be within bounds at a fixed time. If he behave + indecorously he is liable to be pounced upon and reported by special + officials, and a code of punishments is hung perpetually over his head. In + return for all this his University takes a keen interest in him. She pats + him on the back if he succeeds. Prizes and scholarships, and fine fat + fellowships are thrown plentifully in his way if he will gird up his loins + and aspire to them. + </p> + <p> + There is nothing of this in a Scotch University. The young aspirant pays + his pound, and finds himself a student. After that he may do absolutely + what he will. There are certain classes going on at certain hours, which + he may attend if he choose. If not, he may stay away without the slightest + remonstrance from the college. As to religion, he may worship the sun, or + have a private fetish of his own upon the mantelpiece of his lodgings for + all that the University cares. He may live where he likes, he may keep + what hours he chooses, and he is at liberty to break every commandment in + the decalogue as long as he behaves himself with some approach to decency + within the academical precincts. In every way he is absolutely his own + master. Examinations are periodically held, at which he may appear or not, + as he chooses. The University is a great unsympathetic machine, taking in + a stream of raw-boned cartilaginous youths at one end, and turning them + out at the other as learned divines, astute lawyers, and skilful medical + men. Of every thousand of the raw material about six hundred emerge at the + other side. The remainder are broken in the process. + </p> + <p> + The merits and faults of this Scotch system are alike evident. Left + entirely to his own devices in a far from moral city, many a lad falls at + the very starting-point of his life's race, never to rise again. Many + become idlers or take to drink, while others, after wasting time and money + which they could ill afford, leave the college with nothing learned save + vice. On the other hand, those whose manliness and good sense keep them + straight have gone through a training which lasts them for life. They have + been tried, and have not been found wanting. They have learned + self-reliance, confidence, and, in a word, have become men of the world + while their <i>confreres</i> in England are still magnified schoolboys. + </p> + <p> + High up in a third flat in Howe Street one, Thomas Dimsdale, was going + through his period of probation in a little bedroom and a large + sitting-room, which latter, "more studentium," served the purpose of + dining-room, parlour, and study. A dingy sideboard, with four still more + dingy chairs and an archaeological sofa, made up the whole of the + furniture, with the exception of a circular mahogany centre-table, + littered with note-books and papers. Above the mantelpiece was a fly-blown + mirror with innumerable cards and notices projecting in a fringe all + around, and a pair of pipe racks flanking it on either side. Along the + centre of the side-board, arranged with suspicious neatness, as though + seldom disturbed, stood a line of solemn books, Holden's <i>Osteology</i>, + Quain's <i>Anatomy</i>, Kirkes' <i>Physiology</i>, and Huxley's <i>Invertebrata</i>, + together with a disarticulated human skull. On one side of the fireplace + two thigh bones were stacked; on the other a pair of foils, two + basket-hilted single-sticks, and a set of boxing-gloves. On a shelf in a + convenient niche was a small stock of general literature, which appeared + to have been considerably more thumbed than the works upon medicine. + Thackeray's <i>Esmond</i> and Meredith's <i>Richard Feveret</i> rubbed + covers with Irving's <i>Conquest of Granada</i> and a tattered line of + paper-covered novels. Over the sideboard was a framed photograph of the + Edinburgh University Football Fifteen, and opposite it a smaller one of + Dimsdale himself, clad in the scantiest of garb, as he appeared after + winning the half-mile at the Inter-University Handicap. A large silver + goblet, the trophy of that occasion, stood underneath upon a bracket. Such + was the student's chamber upon the morning in question, save that in a + roomy arm-chair in the corner the young gentleman himself was languidly + reclining, with a short wooden pipe in his mouth, and his feet perched up + upon the side of the table. + </p> + <p> + Grey-eyed, yellow-haired, broad in the chest and narrow in the loins, with + the strength of a bullock and the graceful activity of a stag, it would be + hard to find a finer specimen of young British manhood. The long, fine + curves of the limbs, and the easy pose of the round, strong head upon the + thick, muscular neck, might have served as a model to an Athenian + sculptor. There was nothing in the face, however, to recall the regular + beauty of the East. It was Anglo-Saxon to the last feature, with its + honest breadth between the eyes and its nascent moustache, a shade lighter + in colour than the sun-burned skin. Shy, and yet strong; plain, and yet + pleasing; it was the face of a type of man who has little to say for + himself in this world, and says that little badly, but who has done more + than all the talkers and the writers to ring this planet round with a + crimson girdle of British possessions. + </p> + <p> + "Wonder whether Jack Garraway is ready!" he murmured, throwing down the <i>Scotsman</i>, + and staring up at the roof. "It's nearly eleven o'clock." + </p> + <p> + He rose with a yawn, picked up the poker, stood upon the chair, and banged + three times upon the ceiling. Three muffled taps responded from the room + above. Dimsdale stepped down and began slowly to discard his coat and his + waistcoat. As he did so there was a quick, active step upon the stair, and + a lean, wiry-looking, middle-sized young fellow stepped into the room. + With a nod of greeting he pushed the table over to one side, threw off his + two upper garments, and pulled on a pair of the boxing-gloves from the + corner. Dimsdale had already done the same, and was standing, a model of + manly grace and strength, in the centre of the room. + </p> + <p> + "Practice your lead, Jack. About here." He tapped the centre of his + forehead with his swollen gauntlet. + </p> + <p> + His companion poised himself for a moment, and then, lashing out with his + left hand, came home with a heavy thud on the place indicated. Dimsdale + smiled gently and shook his head. + </p> + <p> + "It won't do," he said. + </p> + <p> + "I hit my hardest," the other answered apologetically. + </p> + <p> + "It won't do. Try again." + </p> + <p> + The visitor repeated the blow with all the force that he could command. + </p> + <p> + Dimsdale shook his head again despondently. "You don't seem to catch it," + he said. "It's like this." He leaned forward, there was the sound of a + sharp clip, and the novice shot across the room with a force that nearly + sent his skull through the panel of the door. + </p> + <p> + "That's it," said Dimsdale mildly. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, it is, is it?" the other responded, rubbing his head. "It's deucedly + interesting, but I think I would understand it better if I saw you do it + to some one else. It is something between the explosion of a powder + magazine and a natural convulsion." + </p> + <p> + His instructor smiled grimly. "That's the only way to learn," he said. + "Now we shall have three minutes of give-and-take, and so ends the morning + lesson." + </p> + <p> + While this little scene was being enacted in the lodgings of the student, + a very stout little elderly man was walking slowly down Howe Street, + glancing up at the numbers upon the doors. He was square and deep and + broad, like a bottle of Geneva, with a large ruddy face and a pair of + bright black eyes, which were shrewd and critical, and yet had a merry + twinkle of eternal boyishness in their depths. Bushy side whiskers, shot + with grey, flanked his rubicund visage, and he threw out his feet as he + walked with the air of a man who is on good terms with himself and with + every one around him. + </p> + <p> + At No.13 he stopped and rapped loudly upon the door with the head of his + metal-headed stick. "Mrs. McTavish?" he asked, as a hard-lined, angular + woman responded to his summons. + </p> + <p> + "That's me, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Dimsdale lives with you, I believe?" + </p> + <p> + "Third floor front, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Is he in?" + </p> + <p> + Suspicion shone in the woman's eyes. "Was it aboot a bill?" she asked. + </p> + <p> + "A bill, my good woman! No, no, nothing of the kind. Dr. Dimsdale is my + name. I am the lad's father—just come up from London to see him. I + hope he has not been overworking himself?" + </p> + <p> + A ghost of a smile played about the woman's face. "I think not, sir," she + answered. + </p> + <p> + "I almost wish I had come round in the afternoon," said the visitor, + standing with his thick legs astride upon the door-mat. "It seems a pity + to break his chain of thought. The morning is his time for study." + </p> + <p> + "Houts! I wouldna' fash aboot that." + </p> + <p> + "Well! well! The third floor, you say. He did not expect me so early, I + shall surprise the dear boy at his work." + </p> + <p> + The landlady stood listening expectantly in the passage. The sturdy little + man plodded heavily up the first flight of stairs. He paused on the + landing. + </p> + <p> + "Dear me!" he murmured. "Some one is beating carpets. How can they expect + poor Tom to read?" + </p> + <p> + At the second landing the noise was much louder. "It must be a dancing + school," conjectured the doctor. + </p> + <p> + When he reached his son's door, however, there could no longer be any + doubt as to whence the sounds proceeded. There was the stamp and shuffle + of feet, the hissing of in-drawn breath, and an occasional soft thud, as + if some one were butting his head against a bale of wool. "It's epilepsy," + gasped the doctor, and turning the handle he rushed into the room. + </p> + <p> + One hurried glance showed him the struggle which was going on. There was + no time to note details. Some maniac was assaulting his Tom. He sprang at + the man, seized him round the waist, dragged him to the ground, and seated + himself upon him. "Now tie his hands," he said complacently, as he + balanced himself upon the writhing figure. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. — A RECTORIAL ELECTION. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">It</span> took some little time before his son, who was half-choked with + laughter, could explain to the energetic doctor that the gentleman upon + whom he was perched was not a dangerous lunatic, but, on the contrary, a + very harmless and innocent member of society. When at last it was made + clear to him, the doctor released his prisoner and was profuse in his + apologies. + </p> + <p> + "This is my father, Garraway," said Dimsdale. "I hardly expected him so + early." + </p> + <p> + "I must offer you a thousand apologies, sir. The fact is that I am rather + short-sighted, and had no time to put my glasses on. It seemed to me to be + a most dangerous scuffle." + </p> + <p> + "Don't mention it, sir," said Garraway, with great good humour. + </p> + <p> + "And you, Tom, you rogue, is this the way you spend your mornings? I + expected to find you deep in your books. I told your landlady that I + hardly liked to come up for fear of disturbing you at your work. You go up + for your first professional in a few weeks, I understand?" + </p> + <p> + "That will be all right, dad," said his son demurely. "Garraway and I + usually take a little exercise of this sort as a preliminary to the + labours of the day. Try this armchair and have a cigarette." + </p> + <p> + The doctor's eye fell upon the medical works and the disarticulated skull, + and his ill-humour departed. + </p> + <p> + "You have your tools close at hand, I see," he remarked. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, dad, all ready." + </p> + <p> + "Those bones bring back old memories to me. I am rusty in my anatomy, but + I dare say I could stump you yet. Let me see now. What are the different + foramina of the sphenoid bone, and what structures pass through them? Eh?" + </p> + <p> + "Coming!" yelled his son. "Coming!" and dashed out of the room. + </p> + <p> + "I didn't hear any one call," observed the doctor. + </p> + <p> + "Didn't you, sir?" said Garraway, pulling on his coat. "I thought I heard + a noise." + </p> + <p> + "You read with my son, I believe?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Then perhaps you can tell me what the structures are which pass through + the foramina of the sphenoid?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh yes, sir. There is the—All right, Tom, all right! Excuse me, + sir! He is calling me;" and Garraway vanished as precipitately as his + friend had done. The doctor sat alone, puffing at his cigarette, and + brooding over his own dullness of hearing. + </p> + <p> + Presently the two students returned, looking just a little shame-faced, + and plunged instantly into wild talk about the weather, the town, and the + University—anything and everything except the sphenoid bone. + </p> + <p> + "You have come in good time to see something of University life," said + young Dimsdale. "To-day we elect our new Lord Rector. Garraway and I will + take you down and show you the sights." + </p> + <p> + "I have often wished to see something of it," his father answered. "I was + apprenticed to my profession, Mr. Garraway, in the old-fashioned way, and + had few opportunities of attending college." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed, sir." + </p> + <p> + "But I can imagine it all. What can be more charming than the sight of a + community of young men all striving after knowledge, and emulating each + other in the ardour of their studies? Not that I would grudge them + recreation. I can fancy them strolling in bands round the classic + precincts of their venerable University, and amusing themselves by + discussing the rival theories of physiologists or the latest additions to + the pharmacopoeia." + </p> + <p> + Garraway had listened with becoming gravity to the commencement of this + speech, but at the last sentence he choked and vanished for the second + time out of the room. + </p> + <p> + "Your friend seems amused," remarked Dr. Dimsdale mildly. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. He gets taken like that sometimes," said his son. "His brothers are + just the same. I have hardly had a chance yet to say how glad I am to see + you, dad." + </p> + <p> + "And I to see you, my dear boy. Your mother and Kate come up by the night + train. I have private rooms at the hotel." + </p> + <p> + "Kate Harston! I can only remember her as a little quiet girl with long + brown hair. That was six years ago. She promised to be pretty." + </p> + <p> + "Then she has fulfilled her promise. But you shall judge that for + yourself. She is the ward of John Girdlestone, the African merchant, but + we are the only relations she has upon earth. Her father was my second + cousin. She spends a good deal of her time now with us at Phillimore + Gardens—as much as her guardian will allow. He prefers to have her + under his own roof, and I don't blame him, for she is like a ray of + sunshine in the house. It was like drawing his teeth to get him to consent + to this little holiday, but I stuck at it until I wearied him out—fairly + wearied him out." The little doctor chuckled at the thought of his + victory, and stretched out his thick legs towards the fire. + </p> + <p> + "This examination will prevent me from being with you as much as I wish." + </p> + <p> + "That's right, my boy; let nothing interfere with your work." + </p> + <p> + "Still, I think I am pretty safe. I am glad they have come now, for next + Wednesday is the international football match. Garraway and I are the two + Scotch half-backs. You must all come down and see it." + </p> + <p> + "I'll tell you what, Dimsdale," said Garraway, reappearing in the doorway, + "if we don't hurry up we shall see nothing of the election. It is close on + twelve." + </p> + <p> + "I am all ready," cried Dr. Dimsdale, jumping to his feet and buttoning + his coat. + </p> + <p> + "Let us be off, then," said his son; and picking up hats and sticks they + clattered off down the lodging-house stairs. + </p> + <p> + A rectorial election is a peculiarly Scotch institution, and, however it + may strike the impartial observer, it is regarded by the students + themselves as a rite of extreme solemnity and importance from which grave + issues may depend. To hear the speeches and addresses of rival orators one + would suppose that the integrity of the constitution and the very + existence of the empire hung upon the return of their special nominee. Two + candidates are chosen from the most eminent of either party and a day is + fixed for the polling. Every undergraduate has a vote, but the professors + have no voice in the matter. As the duties are nominal and the position + honourable, there is never any lack of distinguished aspirants for a + vacancy. Occasionally some well-known literary or scientific man is + invited to become a candidate, but as a rule the election is fought upon + strictly political lines, with all the old-fashioned accompaniments of a + Parliamentary contest. + </p> + <p> + For months before the great day there is bustle and stir. Secret + committees meet, rules are formulated, and insidious agents prowl about + with an eye to the political training of those who have not yet nailed + their colours to any particular mast. Then comes a grand meeting of the + Liberal Students' Association, which is trumped by a dinner of the + Undergraduates' Conservative Society. The campaign is then in full swing. + Great boards appear at the University gates, on which pithy satires + against one or other candidate, parodies on songs, quotations from their + speeches, and gaudily painted cartoons are posted. Those who are supposed + to be able to feel the pulse of the University move about with the weight + of much knowledge upon their brows, throwing out hints as to the probable + majority one way or the other. Some profess to know it to a nicety. Others + shake their heads and remark vaguely that there is not much to choose + either way. So week after week goes by, until the excitement reaches a + climax when the date of the election comes round. + </p> + <p> + There was no need upon that day for Dr. Dimsdale or any other stranger in + the town to ask his way to the University, for the whooping and yelling + which proceeded from that usually decorous building might have been heard + from Prince's Street to Newington. In front of the gates was a dense crowd + of townspeople peering through into the quadrangle, and deriving much + entertainment from the movements of the lively young gentlemen within. + Large numbers of the more peaceable undergraduates stood about under the + arches, and these quickly made a way for the newcomers, for both Garraway + and Dimsdale as noted athletes commanded a respect among their + fellow-students which medallists and honours men might look for in vain. + </p> + <p> + The broad open quadrangle, and all the numerous balconies and terraces + which surround it, were crowded with an excited mob of students. The whole + three thousand odd electors who stand upon the college rolls appeared to + be present, and the noise which they were making would have reflected + credit on treble their number. The dense crowd surged and seethed without + pause or rest. Now and again some orator would be hoisted up on the + shoulders of his fellows, when an oscillation of the crowd would remove + his supporters and down he would come, only to be succeeded by another at + some other part of the assembly. The name of either candidate would + produce roars of applause and equally vigorous howls of execration. Those + who were lucky enough to be in the balconies above hurled down missiles on + the crowd beneath—peas, eggs, potatoes, and bags of flour or of + sulphur; while those below, wherever they found room to swing an arm, + returned the fusillade with interest. The doctor's views of academical + serenity and the high converse of pallid students vanished into thin air + as he gazed upon the mad tumultuous scene. Yet, in spite of his fifty + years, he laughed as heartily as any boy at the wild pranks of the young + politicians, and the ruin which was wrought upon broad-cloth coat and + shooting jacket by the hail of unsavoury projectiles. + </p> + <p> + The crowd was most dense and most noisy in front of the class-room in + which the counting of the votes was going forward. At one the result was + to be announced, and as the long hand of the great clock crept towards the + hour, a hush of expectation fell upon the assembly. The brazen clang broke + harshly out, and at the same moment the folding doors were flung open, and + a knot of men rushed out into the crowd, who swirled and eddied round + them. The centre of the throng was violently agitated, and the whole mass + of people swayed outwards and inwards. For a minute or two the excited + combatants seethed and struggled without a clue as to the cause of the + commotion. Then the corner of a large placard was elevated above the heads + of the rioters, on which was visible the word "Liberal" in great letters, + but before it could be raised further it was torn down, and the struggle + became fiercer than ever. Up came the placard again—the other corner + this time—with the word "Majority" upon it, and then immediately + vanished as before. Enough had been seen, however, to show which way the + victory had gone, and shouts of triumph arose everywhere, with waving of + hats and clatter of sticks. Meanwhile, in the centre the two parties + fought round the placard, and the commotion began to cover a wider area, + as either side was reinforced by fresh supporters. One gigantic Liberal + seized the board, and held it aloft for a moment, so that it could be seen + in its entirety by the whole multitude: + </p> +<p class="c"> + LIBERAL MAJORITY, + + 241. +</p> + <p> + But his triumph was short-lived. A stick descended upon his head, his + heels were tripped up, and he and his placard rolled upon the ground + together. The victors succeeded, however, in forcing their way to the + extreme end of the quadrangle, where, as every Edinburgh man knows, the + full-length statue of Sir David Brewster looks down upon the classic + ground which he loved so well. An audacious Radical swarmed up upon the + pedestal and balanced the obnoxious notice on the marble arms of the + professor. Thus converted into a political partisan, the revered inventor + of the kaleidoscope became the centre of a furious struggle, the + vanquished politicians making the most desperate efforts to destroy the + symbol of their opponents' victory, while the others offered an equally + vigorous resistance to their attacks. The struggle was still proceeding + when Dimsdale removed his father, for it was impossible to say what form + the riot might assume. + </p> + <p> + "What Goths! what barbarians!" cried the little doctor, as they walked + down the Bridges. "And this is my dream of refined quiet and studious + repose!" + </p> + <p> + "They are not always like that, sir," said his son apologetically. "They + were certainly a little jolly to-day." + </p> + <p> + "A little jolly!" cried the doctor. "You rogue, Tom. I believe if I had + not been there you would have been their ringleader." + </p> + <p> + He glanced from one to the other, and it was so evident from the + expression of their faces that he had just hit the mark, that he burst + into a great guffaw of laughter, in which, after a moment's hesitation, + his two young companions heartily joined. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. — ENGLAND VERSUS SCOTLAND. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">The</span> rectorial election had come and had gone, but another great event had + taken its place. It was the day of the England and Scotland Rugby match. + </p> + <p> + Better weather could not have been desired. The morning had been hazy, but + as the sun shone out the fog had gradually risen, until now there remained + but a suspicion of it, floating like a plume, above the frowning walls of + Edinburgh Castle, and twining a fairy wreath round the unfinished columns + of the national monument upon the Calton Hill. The broad stretch of the + Prince's Street Gardens, which occupy the valley between the old town and + the new, looked green and spring-like, and their fountains sparkled + merrily in the sunshine. Their wide expanse, well-trimmed and bepathed, + formed a strange contrast to the rugged piles of grim old houses which + bounded them upon the other side and the massive grandeur of the great + hill beyond, which lies like a crouching lion keeping watch and ward, day + and night, over the ancient capital of the Scottish kings. Travellers who + have searched the whole world round have found no fairer view. + </p> + <p> + So thought three of the genus who were ensconced that forenoon in the bow + windows of the <i>Royal Hotel</i> and gazed across the bright green valley + at the dull historical background beyond. One we already know, a stoutish + gentleman, ruddy-faced and black-eyed, with check trousers, light + waistcoat and heavy chain, legs widely parted, his hands in his pockets, + and on his face that expression of irreverent and critical approval with + which the travelled Briton usually regards the works of nature. By his + side was a young lady in a tight-fitting travelling dress, with trim + leather belt and snow-white collar and cuffs. There was no criticism in + her sweet face, now flushed with excitement— nothing but unqualified + wonder and admiration at the beautiful scene before her. An elderly + placid-faced woman sat in a basket chair in the recess, and looked up with + quiet loving eyes at the swift play of emotions which swept over the + girl's eager features. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Uncle George," she cried, "it is really too heavenly. I cannot + realize that we are free. I can't help fearing that it is all a dream, and + that I shall wake up to find myself pouring out Ezra Girdlestone's coffee, + or listening to Mr. Girdlestone as he reads the morning quotations." + </p> + <p> + The elder woman stroked the girl's hand caressingly with her soft, + motherly palm. "Don't think about it," she murmured. + </p> + <p> + "No, don't think about it," echoed the doctor. "My wife is quite right. + Don't think about it. But, dear me, what a job I had to persuade your + guardian to let you go. I should have given it up in despair—I + really should—if I had not known that you had set your heart upon + it." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, how good you both are to me!" cried the girl, in a pretty little gush + of gratitude. + </p> + <p> + "Pooh, pooh, Kate! But as to Girdlestone, he is perfectly right. If I had + you I should keep you fast to myself, I promise you. Eh, Matilda?" + </p> + <p> + "That we would, George." + </p> + <p> + "Perfect tyrants, both of us. Eh, Matilda?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, George." + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid that I am not very useful in a household," said the girl. "I + was too young to look after things for poor papa. Mr. Girdlestone, of + course, has a housekeeper of his own. I read the <i>Financial News</i> to + him after dinner every day, and I know all about stock and Consols and + those American railways which are perpetually rising and falling. One of + them went wrong last week, and Ezra swore, and Mr. Girdlestone said that + the Lord chastens those whom He loves. He did not seem to like being + chastened a bit though. But how delightful this is! It is like living in + another world." + </p> + <p> + The girl was a pretty figure as she stood in the window, tall, lithe, and + graceful, with the long soft curves of budding womanhood. Her face was + sweet rather than beautiful, but an artist would have revelled in the + delicate strength of the softly rounded chin, and the quick bright play of + her expression. Her hair, of a deep rich brown, with a bronze shimmer + where a sunbeam lay athwart it, swept back in those thick luxuriant coils + which are the unfailing index of a strong womanly nature. Her deep blue + eyes danced with life and light, while her slightly <i>retrousse</i> nose + and her sensitive smiling mouth all spoke of gentle good humour. From her + sunny face to the dainty little shoe which peeped from under the trim + black skirt, she was an eminently pleasant object to look upon. So thought + the passers-by as they glanced up at the great bow window, and so, too, + thought a young gentleman who had driven up to the hotel door, and who now + bounded up the steps and into the room. He was enveloped in a long shaggy + ulster, which stretched down to his ankles, and he wore a velvet cap + trimmed with silver stuck carelessly on the back of his powerful yellow + curled head. + </p> + <p> + "Here is the boy!" cried his mother gaily. + </p> + <p> + "How are you, mam dear?" he cried, stooping over her to kiss her. "How are + you, dad? Good morning, Cousin Kate. You must come down and wish us luck. + What a blessing that it is pretty warm. It is miserable for the spectators + when there is an east wind. What do you think of it, dad?" + </p> + <p> + "I think you are an unnatural young renegade to play against your mother + country," said the sturdy doctor. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, come, dad! I was born in Scotland, and I belong to a Scotch club. + Surely that is good enough." + </p> + <p> + "I hope you lose, then." + </p> + <p> + "We are very likely to. Atkinson, of the West of Scotland, has strained + his leg, and we shall have to play Blair, of the Institution, at full back—not + so good a man by a long way. The odds are five to four on the English this + morning. They are said to be the very strongest lot that ever played in an + International match. I have brought a cab with me, so the moment you are + ready we can start." + </p> + <p> + There were others besides the students who were excited about the coming + struggle. All Edinburgh was in a ferment. Football is, and always has + been, the national game of Scotland among those who affect violent + exercise, while golf takes its place with the more sedately inclined. + There is no game so fitted to appeal to a hardy and active people as that + composite exercise prescribed by the Rugby Union, in which fifteen men pit + strength, speed, endurance, and every manly attribute they possess in a + prolonged struggle against fifteen antagonists. There is no room for mere + knack or trickery. It is a fierce personal contest in which the ball is + the central rallying point. That ball may be kicked, pushed, or carried; + it may be forced onwards in any conceivable manner towards the enemy's + goal. The fleet of foot may seize it and by superior speed thread their + way through the ranks of their opponents. The heavy of frame may crush + down all opposition by dead weight. The hardiest and most enduring must + win. + </p> + <p> + Even matches between prominent local clubs excite much interest in + Edinburgh and attract crowds of spectators. How much more then when the + pick of the manhood of Scotland were to try their strength against the + very cream of the players from the South of the Tweed. The roads which + converged on the Raeburn Place Grounds, on which the match was to be + played, were dark with thousands all wending their way in one direction. + So thick was the moving mass that the carriage of the Dimsdale party had + to go at a walk for the latter half of the journey, In spite of the + objurgations of the driver, who, as a patriot, felt the responsibility + which rested upon him in having one of the team in his charge, and the + necessity there was for delivering him up by the appointed time. Many in + the crowd recognized the young fellow and waved their hands to him or + called out a few words of encouragement. Miss Kate Harston and even the + doctor began to reflect some of the interest and excitement which showed + itself on every face around them. The youth alone seemed to be unaffected + by the general enthusiasm, and spent the time in endeavouring to explain + the principles of the game to his fair companion, whose ignorance of it + was comprehensive and astounding. + </p> + <p> + "You understand," he said, "that there are fifteen players on each side. + But it would not do for the whole of these fifteen men to play in a crowd, + for, in that case, if the other side forced the ball past them, they would + have nothing to fall back upon—no reserves, as it were. Therefore, + as we play the game in Scotland, ten men are told off to play in a knot. + They are picked for their weight, strength, and endurance. They are called + the forwards, and are supposed to be always on the ball, following it + everywhere, never stopping or tiring. They are opposed, of course, by the + forwards of the other side. Now, immediately behind the forwards are the + two quarter-backs. They should be very active fellows, good dodgers and + fast runners. They never join in the very rough work, but they always + follow on the outskirts of the forwards, and if the ball is forced past it + is their duty to pick it up and make away with it like lightning. If they + are very fast they may succeed in carrying it a long way before they are + caught—'tackled,' as we call it. It is their duty also to keep their + eye on the quarter-backs of the enemy, and to tackle them if they get + away. Behind them again are the two half-backs—or 'three-quarters,' + as they call them in England. I am one of them. They are supposed to be + fast runners too, and a good deal of the tackling comes to their lot, for + a good runner of the other side can often get past the quarters, and then + the halves have got to bring him down. Behind the half-backs is a single + man—the back. He is the last resource when all others are past. He + should be a sure and long kicker, so as to get the ball away from the goal + by that means—but you are not listening." + </p> + <p> + "Oh yes, I am," said Kate. As a matter of fact the great throng and the + novel sights were distracting her so much that she found it hard to attend + to her companion's disquisition. + </p> + <p> + "You'll understand it quickly enough when you see it," the student + remarked cheerily. "Here we are at the grounds." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the carriage rattled through a broad gateway into a large open + grassy space, with a great pavilion at one side of it and a staked + enclosure about two hundred yards long and a hundred broad, with a + goal-post at each end. This space was marked out by gaily coloured flags, + and on every side of it, pressing against the barrier the whole way round, + was an enormous crowd, twenty and thirty deep, with others occupying every + piece of rising ground or coign of vantage behind them. The most moderate + computation would place the number of spectators at fifteen thousand. At + one side there was a line of cabs in the background, and thither the + carriage of the Dimsdales drove, while Tom rushed off with his bag to the + pavilion to change. + </p> + <p> + It was high time to do so, for just as the carriage took up its position a + hoarse roar burst from the great multitude, and was taken up again and + again. It was a welcome to the English team, which had just appeared upon + the ground. There they were, clad in white knickerbockers and jerseys, + with a single red rose embroidered upon their breasts; as gallant-looking + a set of young fellows as the whole world could produce. Tall, + square-shouldered, straight-limbed, as active as kittens and as powerful + as young bullocks, it was clear that they would take a lot of beating. + They were the pick of the University and London clubs, with a few players + from the northern counties; not a man among them whose name was not known + wherever football was played. That tall, long-legged youth is Evans, the + great half-back, who is said to be able to send a drop-kick further than + any of his predecessors in the annals of the game. There is Buller, the + famous Cambridge quarter, only ten stone in weight, but as lithe and + slippery as an eel; and Jackson, the other quarter, is just such another—hard + to tackle himself, but as tenacious as a bulldog in holding an adversary. + That one with the straw-coloured hair is Coles, the great forward; and + there are nine lads of metal who will stand by him to-day through thick + and thin. They were a formidable-looking lot, and betting, which had been + five on four to them in the morning, showed symptoms of coming to five to + three. In the meantime, by no means abashed at finding themselves the + cynosure of so many eyes, the Englishmen proceeded to keep up their + circulation by leap-frog and horse-play, for their jerseys were thin and + the wind bleak. + </p> + <p> + But where were their adversaries? A few impatient moments slowly passed, + and then from one corner of the ground there rose a second cheer, which + rippled down the long line of onlookers and swelled into a mighty shout as + the Scotchmen vaulted over the barrier into the arena. It was a nice + question for connoisseurs in physical beauty as to which team had the best + of it in physique. The Northerners in their blue jerseys, with a thistle + upon their breasts, were a sturdy, hard-bitten lot, averaging a couple of + pounds more in weight than their opponents. The latter were, perhaps, more + regularly and symmetrically built, and were pronounced by experts to be + the faster team, but there was a massive, gaunt look about the Scotch + forwards which promised well for their endurance. Indeed, it was on their + forwards that they principally relied. The presence of three such players + as Buller, Evans, and Jackson made the English exceptionally strong + behind, but they had no men in front who were individually so strong and + fast as Miller, Watts, or Grey. Dimsdale and Garraway, the Scotch + half-backs, and Tookey, the quarter, whose blazing red head was a very + oriflamme wherever the struggle waxed hottest, were the best men that the + Northerners could boast of behind. + </p> + <p> + The English had won the choice of goals, and elected to play with what + slight wind there was at their backs. A small thing may turn the scale + between two evenly balanced teams. Evans, the captain, placed the ball in + front of him upon the ground, with his men lined all along on either side, + as eager as hounds in leash. Some fifty yards in front of him, about the + place where the ball would drop, the blue-vested Scots gathered in a + sullen crowd. There was a sharp ring from a bell, a murmur of excitement + from the crowd. Evans took two quick steps forward, and the yellow ball + flew swift and straight, as if it had been shot from a cannon, right into + the expectant group in front of him. + </p> + <p> + For a moment there was grasping and turmoil among the Scotchmen. Then from + the crowd emerged Grey, the great Glasgow forward, the ball tucked well + under his arm, his head down, running like the wind, with his nine + forwards in a dense clump behind him, ready to bear down all opposition, + while the other five followed more slowly, covering a wider stretch of + ground. He met the Englishmen who had started full cry after the ball the + moment that their captain had kicked it. The first hurled himself upon + him. Grey, without slackening his pace, swerved slightly, and he missed + him. The second he passed in the same way, but the third caught quickly at + his legs, and the Scot flew head over heels and was promptly collared. Not + much use collaring him now! In the very act of falling he had thrown the + ball behind him. Gordon, of Paisley, caught it and bore it on a dozen + yards, when he was seized and knocked down, but not before he had + bequeathed his trust to another, who struggled manfully for some paces + before he too was brought to the ground. This pretty piece of "passing" + had recovered for the Scotch all the advantage lost by the English + kick-off, and was greeted by roars of applause from the crowd. + </p> + <p> + And now there is a "maul" or "scrimmage." Was there ever another race + which did such things and called it play! Twenty young men, so blended and + inextricably mixed that no one could assign the various arms and legs to + their respective owners, are straining every muscle and fibre of their + bodies against each other, and yet are so well balanced that the dense + clump of humanity stands absolutely motionless. In the centre is an + inextricable chaos where shoulders heave and heads rise and fall. At the + edges are a fringe of legs—legs in an extreme state of tension— + ever pawing for a firmer foothold, and apparently completely independent + of the rest of their owners, whose heads and bodies have bored their way + Into the <i>melee</i>. The pressure in there is tremendous, yet neither + side gives an inch. Just on the skirts of the throng, with bent bodies and + hands on knees, stand the cool little quarter-backs, watching the gasping + giants, and also keeping a keen eye upon each other. Let the ball emerge + near one of these, and he will whip it up and be ten paces off before + those in the "maul" even know that it is gone. Behind them again are the + halves, alert and watchful, while the back, with his hands in his pockets, + has an easy consciousness that he will have plenty of warning before the + ball can pass the four good men who stand between the "maul" and himself. + </p> + <p> + Now the dense throng sways a little backwards and forwards. An inch is + lost and an inch is gained. The crowd roar with delight. "Mauled, + Scotland!" "Mauled England!" "England!" "Scotland!" The shouting would + stir the blood of the mildest mortal that ever breathed. Kate Harston + stands in the carriage, rosy with excitement and enjoyment. Her heart is + all with the wearers of the rose, in spite of the presence of her old + play-mate in the opposite ranks. The doctor is as much delighted as the + youngest man on the ground, and the cabman waves his arms and shouts in a + highly indecorous fashion. The two pounds' difference in weight is + beginning to tell. The English sway back a yard or two. A blue coat + emerges among the white ones. He has fought his way through, but has left + the ball behind him, so he dashes round and puts his weight behind it once + more. There is a last upheaval, the maul is split in two, and through the + rent come the redoubtable Scotch forwards with the ball amongst them. + Their solid phalanx has scattered the English like spray to right and + left. There is no one in front of them, no one but a single little man, + almost a boy in size and weight. Surely he cannot hope to stop the + tremendous rush. The ball is a few yards in advance of the leading Scot + when he springs forward at it. He seizes it an instant before his + adversary, and with the same motion writhes himself free from the man's + grasp. Now is the time for the crack Cambridge quarter-back to show what + he is made of. The crowd yell with excitement. To right and left run the + great Scotch forwards, grasping, slipping, pursuing, and right in the + midst of them, as quick and as erratic as a trout in a pool, runs the + calm-faced little man, dodging one, avoiding another, slipping between the + fingers of two others. Surely he is caught now. No, he has passed all the + forwards and emerges from the ruck of men, pelting along at a tremendous + pace. He has dodged one of the Scotch quarters, and outstripped the other. + "Well played, England!" shout the crowd. "Well run, Buller!" "Now, + Tookey!" "Now, Dimsdale!" "Well collared, Dimsdale; well collared, + indeed!" The little quarter-back had come to an end of his career, for Tom + had been as quick as he and had caught him round the waist as he attempted + to pass, and brought him to the ground. The cheers were hearty, for the + two half-backs were the only University men in the team, and there were + hundreds of students among the spectators. The good doctor coloured up + with pleasure to hear his boy's name bellowed forth approvingly by a + thousand excited lungs. + </p> + <p> + The play is, as all good judges said it would be, very equal. For the + first forty minutes every advantage gained by either side had been + promptly neutralized by a desperate effort on the part of the other. The + mass of struggling players has swayed backwards and forwards, but never + more than twenty or thirty yards from the centre of the ground. Neither + goal had been seriously threatened as yet. The spectators fail to see how + the odds laid on England are justified, but the "fancy" abide by their + choice. In the second forty it is thought that the superior speed and + staying power of the Southerners will tell over the heavier Scots. There + seems little the matter with the latter as yet, as they stand in a group, + wiping their grimy faces and discussing the state of the game; for at the + end of forty minutes the goals are changed and there is a slight interval. + </p> + <p> + And now the last hour is to prove whether there are good men bred in the + hungry North as any who live on more fruitful ground and beneath warmer + skies. If the play was desperate before, it became even more so now. Each + member of either team played as if upon him alone depended the issue of + the match. Again and again Grey, Anderson, Gordon, and their redoubtable + phalanx of dishevelled hard-breathing Scots broke away with the ball; but + as often the English quarter and half-backs, by their superior speed, more + than made up for the weakness of their forwards, and carried the struggle + back into the enemy's ground. Two or three time Evans, the long-kicker, + who was credited with the power of reaching the goal from almost any part + of the ground, got hold of the ball, but each time before he could kick he + was charged by some one of his adversaries. At last, however, his chance + came. The ball trickled out of a maul into the hands of Buller, who at + once turned and threw it to the half-back behind him. There was no time to + reach him. He took a quick glance at the distant goal, a short run + forward, and his long limb swung through the air with tremendous force. + There was a dead silence of suspense among the crowd as the ball described + a lofty parabola. Down it came, down, down, as straight and true as an + arrow, just grazing the cross-bar and pitching on the grass beyond, and + the groans of a few afflicted patriots were drowned in the hearty cheers + which hailed the English goal. + </p> + <p> + But the victory was not won yet. There were ten minutes left for the + Scotchmen to recover this blow or for the Englishmen to improve upon it. + The Northerners played so furiously that the ball was kept down near the + English goal, which was only saved by the splendid defensive play of their + backs. Five minutes passed, and the Scots in turn were being pressed back. + A series of brilliant runs by Buller, Jackson, and Evans took the fight + into the enemy's country, and kept it there. It seemed as if the visitors + meant scoring again, when a sudden change occurred in the state of + affairs. It was but three minutes off the calling of time when Tookey, one + of the Scotch quarter-backs, got hold of the ball, and made a magnificent + run, passing right through the opposing forwards and quarters. He was + collared by Evans, but immediately threw the ball behind him. Dimsdale had + followed up the quarter-back and caught the ball when it was thrown + backwards. Now or never! The lad felt that he would sacrifice anything to + pass the three men who stood between him and the English goal. He passed + Evans like the wind before the half-back could disentangle himself from + Tookey. There were but two now to oppose him. The first was the other + English half-back, a broad-shouldered, powerful fellow, who rushed at him; + but Tom, without attempting to avoid him, lowered his head and drove at + him full tilt with such violence that both men reeled back from the + collision. Dimsdale recovered himself first, however, and got past before + the other had time to seize him. The goal was now not more than twenty + yards off, with only one between Tom and it, though half a dozen more were + in close pursuit. The English back caught him round the waist, while + another from behind seized the collar of his jersey, and the three came + heavily to the ground together. But the deed was done. In the very act of + falling he had managed to kick the ball, which flickered feebly up into + the air and just cleared the English bar. It had scarcely touched the + ground upon the other side when the ringing of the great bell announced + the termination of the match, though its sound was entirely drowned by the + tumultuous shouting of the crowd. A thousand hats were thrown into the + air, ten thousand voices joined in the roar, and meanwhile the cause of + all this outcry was still sitting on the ground, smiling, it is true, but + very pale, and with one of his arms dangling uselessly from his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + Well, the breaking of a collar-bone is a small price to pay for the saving + of such a match as that. So thought Tom Dimsdale as he made for the + pavilion, with his father keeping off the exultant crowd upon one side and + Jack Garraway upon the other. The doctor butted a path through the dense + half-crazy mob with a vigour which showed that his son's talents in that + direction were hereditary. Within half an hour Tom was safely ensconced in + the corner of the carriage, with his shoulder braced back, <i>secundum + artem</i>, and his arm supported by a sling. How quietly and deftly the + two women slipped a shawl here and a rug there to save him from the + jarring of the carriage! It is part of the angel nature of woman that when + youth and strength are maimed and helpless they appeal to her more than + they can ever do in the pride and flush of their power. Here lies the + compensation of the unfortunate. Kate's dark blue eyes filled with + ineffable compassion as she bent over him; and he, catching sight of that + expression, felt a sudden new unaccountable spring of joy bubble up in his + heart, which made all previous hopes and pleasures seem vapid and + meaningless. The little god shoots hard and straight when his mark is + still in the golden dawn of life. All the way back he lay with his head + among the cushions, dreaming of ministering angels, his whole soul steeped + in quiet contentment as it dwelt upon the sweet earnest eyes which had + looked so tenderly into his. It had been an eventful day with the student. + He had saved his side, he had broken his collar-bone, and now, most + serious of all, he had realized that he was hopelessly in love. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. — A FIRST PROFESSIONAL. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">Within</span> a few weeks of his recovery from his accident Tom Dimsdale was to + go up for his first professional examination, and his father, who had now + retired from practice with a fair fortune, remained in Edinburgh until + that event should come off. There had been some difficulty in persuading + Girdlestone to give his consent to this prolongation of his ward's leave, + but the old merchant was very much engrossed with his own affairs about + that time, which made him more amenable than he might otherwise have been. + The two travellers continued, therefore, to reside in their Princes Street + hotel, but the student held on to his lodgings in Howe Street, where he + used to read during the morning and afternoon. Every evening, however, he + managed to dine at the <i>Royal</i>, and would stay there until his father + packed him off to his books once more. It was in vain for him to protest + and to plead for another half-hour. The physician was inexorable. When the + fated hour came round the unhappy youth slowly gathered together his hat, + his gloves, and his stick, spreading out that operation over the greatest + possible extent of time which it could by any means be made to occupy. He + would then ruefully bid his kinsfolk adieu, and retire rebelliously to his + books. + </p> + <p> + Very soon, however, he made a discovery. From a certain seat in the + Princes Street Gardens it was possible to see the interior of the + sitting-room in which the visitors remained after dinner. From the time + when this fact dawned upon him, his rooms in the evening knew him no more. + The gardens were locked at night, but that was a mere trifle. He used to + scramble over the railings like a cat, and then, planting himself upon the + particular seat, he would keep a watch upon the hotel window until the + occupants of the room retired to rest. It might happen that his cousin + remained invisible. Then he would return to his rooms in a highly + dissatisfied state, and sit up half the night protesting against fate and + smoking strong black tobacco. On the other hand, if he had the good luck + to see the graceful figure of his old playfellow, he felt that that was + the next best thing to being actually in her company, and departed + eventually in a more contented frame of mind. Thus, when Dr. Dimsdale + fondly imagined his son to be a mile away grappling with the mysteries of + science, that undutiful lad was in reality perched within sixty yards of + him, with his thoughts engrossed by very different matters. + </p> + <p> + Kate could not fail to understand what was going on. However young and + innocent a girl may be, there is always some subtle feminine instinct + which warns her that she is loved. Then first she realizes that she has + passed the shadowy frontier line which divides the child-life from that of + the woman. Kate felt uneasy and perplexed, and half involuntarily she + changed her manner towards him. + </p> + <p> + It had been frank and sisterly; now it became more distant and + constrained. He was quick to observe the change, and in private raved and + raged at it. He even made the mistake of showing his pique to her, upon + which she became still more retiring and conventional. Then he bemoaned + himself in the sleepless watches of the night, and confided to his + bed-post that in his belief such a case had never occurred before in the + history of the world, and never by any chance could or would happen again. + He also broke out into an eruption of bad verses, which were found by his + landlady during her daily examination of his private papers, and were read + aloud to a select audience of neighbours, who were all much impressed, and + cackled sympathetically among themselves. + </p> + <p> + By degrees Tom developed other symptoms of the distemper which had come + upon him so suddenly. He had always been remarkable for a certain + towsiness of appearance and carelessness of dress which harmonized with + his Bohemian habits. All this he suddenly abjured. One fine morning he + paid successive visits to his tailor, his boot-maker, his hatter, and his + hosier, which left all those worthy tradesmen rubbing their hands with + satisfaction. About a week afterwards he emerged from his rooms in a state + of gorgeousness which impressed his landlady and amazed his friends. His + old college companions hardly recognized Tom's honest phiz as it looked + out above the most fashionable of coats and under the glossiest of hats. + </p> + <p> + His father was anything but edified by the change. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know what's coming over the lad, Kate," he remarked after one of + his visits. "If I thought he was going to turn to a fop, by the Lord Harry + I'd disown him! Don't you notice a change in him yourself?" + </p> + <p> + Kate managed to evade the question, but her bright blush might have opened + the old man's eyes had he observed it. He hardly realized yet that his son + really was a man, and still less did he think of John Harston's little + girl as a woman. It is generally some comparative stranger who first makes + that discovery and brings it home to friends and relatives. + </p> + <p> + Love has an awkward way of intruding itself at inconvenient times, but it + never came more inopportunely than when it smote one who was reading for + his first professional examination. During these weeks, when Tom was + stumping about in boots which were two sizes too small for him, in the + hope of making his muscular, well-formed foot a trifle more elegant, and + was splitting gloves in a way which surprised his glover, all his energies + ought by rights to have been concentrated upon the mysteries of botany, + chemistry, and zoology. During the precious hours that should have been + devoted to the mastering of the sub-divisions of the celenterata or the + natural orders of endogenous plants, he was expending his energies in + endeavouring to recall the words of the song which his cousin had sung the + evening before, or to recollect the exact intonation with which she + remarked to him that it had been a fine day, or some other equally + momentous observation. It follows that, as the day of the examination came + round, the student, in his lucid intervals, began to feel anxious for the + result. He had known his work fairly well, however, at one time, and with + luck he might pull through. He made an energetic attempt to compress a + month's reading into a week, and when the day for the written examination + came round he had recovered some of his lost ground. The papers suited him + fairly well, and he felt as he left the hall that he had had better + fortune than he deserved. The <i>viva voce</i> ordeal was the one, + however, which he knew would be most dangerous to him, and he dreaded it + accordingly. + </p> + <p> + It was a raw spring morning when his turn came to go up. His father and + Kate drove round with him to the University gates. + </p> + <p> + "Keep up your pluck, Tom," the old gentleman said. "Be cool, and have all + your wits about you. Don't lose your head, whatever you do." + </p> + <p> + "I seem to have forgotten the little I ever knew," Tom said dolefully, as + he trudged up the steps. As he looked back he saw Kate wave her hand to + him cheerily, and it gave him fresh heart. + </p> + <p> + "We shall hope to see you at lunch time," his father shouted after him. + "Mind you bring us good news." As he spoke the carriage rattled away down + the Bridges, and Tom joined the knot of expectant students who were + waiting at the door of the great hall. + </p> + <p> + A melancholy group they were, sallow-faced, long-visaged and dolorous, + partly from the effects of a long course of study and partly from their + present trepidation. It was painful to observe their attempts to appear + confident and unconcerned as they glanced round the heavens, as if to + observe the state of the weather, or examined with well-feigned + archaeological fervour the inscriptions upon the old University walls. + Most painful of all was it, when some one, plucking up courage, would + venture upon a tiny joke, at which the whole company would gibber in an + ostentatious way, as though to show that even in this dire pass the + appreciation of humour still remained with them. At times, when any of + their number alluded to the examination or detailed the questions which + had been propounded to Brown or Baker the day before, the mask of + unconcern would be dropped, and the whole assembly would glare eagerly and + silently at the speaker. Generally on such occasions matters are made + infinitely worse by some Job's comforter, who creeps about suggesting + abstruse questions, and hinting that they represent some examiner's + particular hobby. Such a one came to Dimsdale's elbow, and quenched the + last ray of hope which lingered in the young man's bosom. + </p> + <p> + "What do you know about cacodyl?" was his impressive question. + </p> + <p> + "Cacodyl?" Tom cried aghast. "It's some sort of antediluvian reptile, + isn't it?" + </p> + <p> + The questioner broke into a sickly smile. "No," he said. "It's an organic + explosive chemical compound. You're sure to be asked about cacodyl. + Tester's dead on it. He asks every one how it is prepared." + </p> + <p> + Tom, much perturbed at these tidings, was feverishly endeavouring to + extract some little information from his companion concerning the + compound, when a bell rang abruptly inside the room and a janitor with a + red face and a blue slip of paper appeared at the door. + </p> + <p> + "Dillon, Dimsdale, Douglas," this functionary shouted in a very pompous + voice, and three unhappy young men filed through the half-opened door into + the solemn hall beyond. + </p> + <p> + The scene inside was not calculated to put them at their ease. Three + tables, half a dozen yards from each other, were littered with various + specimens and scientific instruments, and behind each sat two elderly + gentlemen, stern-faced and critical. At one side were stuffed specimens of + various small beasts, numerous skeletons and skulls, large jars containing + fish and reptiles preserved in spirits of wine, jawbones with great teeth + which grinned savagely at the unfortunate candidate, and numerous other + zoological relics. The second table was heaped over with a blaze of + gorgeous orchids and tropical plants, which looked strangely out of place + in the great bleak room. A row of microscopes bristled along the edge. The + third was the most appalling of all, for it was bare with the exception of + several sheets of paper and a pencil. Chemistry was the most dangerous of + the many traps set to ensnare the unwary student. + </p> + <p> + "Dillon—botany; Dimsdale—zoology; Douglas—chemistry," + the janitor shouted once more, and the candidates moved in front of the + respective tables. Tom found himself facing a great spider crab, which + appeared to be regarding him with a most malignant expression upon its + crustacean features. Behind the crab sat a little professor, whose + projecting eyes and crooked arms gave him such a resemblance to the + creature in front that the student could not help smiling. + </p> + <p> + "Sir," said a tall, clean-shaven man at the other end of the table, "be + serious. This is no time for levity." + </p> + <p> + Tom's expression after that would have made the fortune of a mute. + </p> + <p> + "What is this?" asked the little professor, handing a small round object + to the candidate. + </p> + <p> + "It is an echinus—a sea-urchin," Tom said triumphantly. + </p> + <p> + "Have they any circulation?" asked the other examiner. + </p> + <p> + "A water vascular system." + </p> + <p> + "Describe it." + </p> + <p> + Tom started off fluently, but it was no part of the policy of the + examiners to allow him to waste the fifteen minutes allotted them in + expatiating upon what he knew well. They interrupted him after a few + sentences. + </p> + <p> + "How does this creature walk?" asked the crab-like one. + </p> + <p> + "By means of long tubes which it projects at pleasure." + </p> + <p> + "How do the tubes enable the creature to walk?" + </p> + <p> + "They have suckers on them." + </p> + <p> + "What are the suckers like?" + </p> + <p> + "They are round hollow discs." + </p> + <p> + "Are you sure they are round?" asked the other sharply. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Tom stoutly, though his ideas on the subject were rather + vague." + </p> + <p> + "And how does this sucker act?" asked the taller examiner. + </p> + <p> + Tom began to feel that these two men were exhibiting a very unseemly + curiosity. There seemed to be no satiating their desire for information. + "It creates a vacuum," he cried desperately. + </p> + <p> + "How does it create a vacuum?" + </p> + <p> + "By the contraction of a muscular pimple in the centre," said Tom, in a + moment of inspiration. + </p> + <p> + "And what makes this pimple contract?" + </p> + <p> + Tom lost his head, and was about to say "electricity," when he happily + checked himself and substituted "muscular action." + </p> + <p> + "Very good," said the examiners, and the student breathed again. The + taller one returned to the charge, however, with, "And this muscle—is + it composed of striped fibres or non-striped?" + </p> + <p> + "Non-striped," shrieked Tom at a venture, and both examiners rubbed their + hands and murmured, "Very good, indeed!" at which Tom's hair began to lie + a little flatter, and he ceased to feel as if he were in a Turkish bath. + </p> + <p> + "How many teeth has a rabbit?" the tall man asked suddenly. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know," the student answered with candour. + </p> + <p> + The two looked triumphantly at one another. + </p> + <p> + "He doesn't know!" cried the goggle-eyed one decisively. + </p> + <p> + "I should recommend you to count them the next time you have one for + dinner," the other remarked. As this was evidently meant for a joke, Tom + had the tact to laugh, and a very gruesome and awe-inspiring laugh it was + too. + </p> + <p> + Then the candidate was badgered about the pterodactyl, and concerning the + difference in anatomy between a bat and a bird, and about the lamprey, and + the cartilaginous fishes, and the amphioxus. All these questions he + answered more or less to the satisfaction of the examiners—generally + less. When at last the little bell tinkled which was the sign for + candidates to move on to other tables, the taller man leaned over a list + in front of him and marked down upon it the following hieroglyphic:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "S. B.—." +</pre> + <p> + This Tom's sharp eye at once detected, and he departed well pleased, for + he knew that the "S. B." meant <i>satis bene</i>, and as to the minus sign + after it, it mattered little to him whether he had done rather more than + well or rather less. He had passed in zoology, and that was all which + concerned him at present. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. — A NASTY CROPPER. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">But</span> there were pitfalls ahead. As he moved to the botany table a + grey-bearded examiner waved his hand in the direction of the row of + microscopes as an intimation that the student was to look through them and + pronounce upon what he saw. Tom seemed to compress his whole soul into his + one eye as he glared hopelessly through the tube at what appeared to him + to resemble nothing so much as a sheet of ice with the marks of skates + upon it. + </p> + <p> + "Come along, come along!" the examiner growled impatiently. Courtesy is + conspicuous by its absence in most of the Edinburgh examinations. "You + must pass on to the next one, unless you can offer an opinion." + </p> + <p> + This venerable teacher of botany, though naturally a kind-hearted man, was + well known as one of the most malignant species of examiners, one of the + school which considers such an ordeal in the light of a trial of strength + between their pupils and themselves. In his eyes the candidate was + endeavouring to pass, and his duty was to endeavour to prevent him, a + result which, in a large proportion of cases, he successfully + accomplished. + </p> + <p> + "Hurry on, hurry on!" he reiterated fussily. + </p> + <p> + "It's a section of a leaf," said the student. + </p> + <p> + "It's nothing of the sort," the examiner shouted exultantly. "You've made + a bad mistake, sir; a very bad one, indeed. It's the spirilloe of a water + plant. Move on to the next." + </p> + <p> + Tom, in much perturbation of mind, shuffled down the line and looked + through the next brazen tube. "This is a preparation of stomata," he said, + recognizing it from a print in his book on botany. + </p> + <p> + The professor shook his head despondingly. "You are right," he said; "pass + on to the next." + </p> + <p> + The third preparation was as puzzling to the student as the first had + been, and he was steeling himself to meet the inevitable when an + unexpected circumstance turned the scale in his favour. It chanced that + the other examiner, being somewhat less of a fossil than his <i>confreres</i>, + and having still vitality enough to take an interest in things which were + foreign to his subject, had recognized the student as being the young hero + who had damaged himself in upholding the honour of his country. Being an + ardent patriot himself his heart warmed towards Tom, and perceiving the + imminent peril in which he stood he interfered in his behalf, and by a few + leading questions got him on safer ground, and managed to keep him there + until the little bell tinkled once more. The younger examiner showed + remarkable tact in feeling his way, and keeping within the very limited + area of the student's knowledge. He succeeded so well, however, that + although his colleague shook his hoary head and intimated in other ways + his poor opinion of the candidate's acquirements, he was forced to put + down another "S. B." upon the paper in front of him. The student drew a + long breath when he saw it, and marched across to the other table with a + mixture of trepidation and confidence, like a jockey riding at the last + and highest hurdle in a steeple-chase. + </p> + <p> + Alas! it is the last hurdle which often floors the rider, and Thomas too + was doomed to find the final ordeal an insurmountable one. As he crossed + the room some evil chance made him think of the gossip outside and of his + allusion to the abstruse substance known as cacodyl. Once let a + candidate's mind hit upon such an idea as this, and nothing will ever get + it out of his thoughts. Tom felt his head buzz round, and he passed his + hand over his forehead and through his curly yellow hair to steady + himself. He felt a frenzied impulse as he sat down to inform the examiners + that he knew very well what they were going to ask him, and that it was + hopeless for him to attempt to answer it. + </p> + <p> + The leading professor was a ruddy-faced, benevolent old gentleman, with + spectacles and a kindly manner. He made a few commonplace remarks to his + colleagues with the good-natured intention of giving the confused-looking + student before him time to compose himself. Then, turning blandly towards + him, he said in the mildest of tones— + </p> + <p> + "Have you ever rowed in a pond?" + </p> + <p> + Tom acknowledged that he had. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps, on those occasions," the examiner continued, "you may have + chanced to touch the mud at the bottom with your oar." + </p> + <p> + Tom agreed that it was possible. + </p> + <p> + "In that case you may have observed that a large bubble, or a succession + of them has risen from the bottom to the surface. Now, of what gas was + that bubble composed?" + </p> + <p> + The unhappy student, with the one idea always fermenting on his brain, + felt that the worst had come upon him. Without a moment's hesitation or + thought he expressed his conviction that the compound was cacodyl. + </p> + <p> + Never did two men look more surprised, and never did two generally grave + <i>savants</i> laugh more heartily than did the two examiners when they + realized what the candidate had answered. Their mirth speedily brought him + back to his senses. He saw with a feeling of despair that it was marsh gas + which they had expected—one of the simplest and commonest of + chemical combinations. Alas! it was too late now. He knew full well that + nothing could save him. With poor marks in botany and zoology, such an + error in chemistry was irreparable. He did what was perhaps the best thing + under the circumstances. Rising from his chair he made a respectful bow to + the examiners, and walked straight out of the room—to the great + astonishment of the janitor, who had never before witnessed such a breach + of decorum. As the student closed the door behind him he looked back and + saw that the other professors had left their respective tables and were + listening to an account of the incident from one of the chemists—and + a roar of laughter the moment afterwards showed that they appreciated the + humour of it. His fellow-students gathered round Tom outside in the hope + of sharing in the joke, but he pushed them angrily aside and strode + through the midst of them and down the University steps. He knew that the + story would spread fast enough without his assistance. His mind was busy + too in shaping a certain resolution which he had often thought over during + the last few months. + </p> + <p> + The two old people and Miss Kate Harston waited long and anxiously in + their sitting-room at the hotel for some news of the absentee. The doctor + had, at first, attempted a lofty cynicism and general assumption of + indifference, which rapidly broke down as the time went by, until at last + he was wandering round the room, drumming upon the furniture with his + fingers and showing every other sign of acute impatience. The window was + on the first floor, and Kate had been stationed there as a sentinel to + watch the passing crowd and signal the first sign of tidings. + </p> + <p> + "Can't you see him yet?" the doctor asked for the twentieth time. + </p> + <p> + "No, dear, I don't," she answered, glancing up and down the street. + </p> + <p> + "He must be out now. He should have come straight to us. Come away from + the window, my dear. We must not let the young monkey see how anxious we + are about him." + </p> + <p> + Kate sat down by the old man and stroked his broad brown hand with her + tender white one. "Don't be uneasy, dear," she said; "it's sure to be all + right." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, he is sure to pass," the doctor answered; "but—bless my soul, + who's this?" + </p> + <p> + The individual who caused this exclamation was a very broad-faced and + rosy-cheeked little girl, coarsely clad, with a pile of books and a slate + under her arm, who had suddenly entered the apartment. + </p> + <p> + "Please sir," said this apparition, with a bob, "I'm Sarah Jane." + </p> + <p> + "Are you, indeed?" said the doctor, with mild irony. "And what d'ye want + here, Sarah Jane?" + </p> + <p> + "Please, sir, my mithar, Mrs. McTavish, asked me if I wudna' gie ye this + letter frae the gentleman what's lodgin' wi' her." With these words the + little mite delivered her missive and, having given another bob, departed + upon her ways. + </p> + <p> + "Why," the doctor cried in astonishment, "it's directed to me and in Tom's + writing. What can be the meaning of this?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh dear! oh dear!" Mrs. Dimsdale cried, with the quick perception of + womanhood; "it means that he has failed." + </p> + <p> + "Impossible!" said the doctor, fumbling with nervous fingers at the + envelope. "By Jove, though," he continued, as he glanced over the + contents, "you're right. He has. Poor lad! he's more cut up about it than + we can be, so we must not blame him." + </p> + <p> + The good physician read the letter over several times before he finally + put it away in his note-book, and he did so with a thoughtful face which + showed that it was of importance. As it has an influence upon the future + course of our story we cannot end the chapter better than by exercising + our literary privilege, and peeping over the doctor's shoulder before he + has folded it up. This is the epistle <i>in extenso</i>:— + </p> + <div class="blk"> +<p> + "<span class="smcap">My Dear Father</span>,</p> +<p> + "You will be sorry to hear that I have failed in my exam. + I am very cut up about it, because I fear that it will + cause you grief and disappointment, and you deserve + neither the one nor the other at my hands." +</p><p> + "It is not an unmixed misfortune to me, because it helps + me to make a request which I have long had in my mind. + I wish you to allow me to give up the study of medicine + and to go in for commerce. You have never made a secret + of our money affairs to me, and I know that if I took my + degree there would never be any necessity for me to practise. + I should therefore have spent five years of my life in + acquiring knowledge which would not be of any immediate + use to me. I have no personal inclination towards medicine, + while I have a very strong objection to simply living in the + world upon money which other men have earned. I must therefore + turn to some fresh pursuit for my future career, and surely it + would be best that I should do so at once. What that fresh + pursuit is to be I leave to your judgment. Personally, I think + that if I embarked my capital in some commercial undertaking + I might by sticking to my work do well. I feel too much cast + down at my own failure to see you to-night, but to-morrow I hope + to hear what you think from your own lips." +</p><p class="rt"> + "<span class="smcap">Tom</span>." +</p> + </div> + <p> + "Perhaps this failure will do no harm after all," the doctor muttered + thoughtfully, as he folded up the letter and gazed out at the cold glare + of the northern sunset. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. — DWELLERS IN BOHEMIA. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">The</span> residence of Major Tobias Clutterbuck, late of the 119th Light + Infantry, was not known to any of his friends. It is true that at times he + alluded in a modest way to his "little place," and even went to the length + of remarking airily to new acquaintances that he hoped they would look him + up any time they happened to be in his direction. As he carefully + refrained, however, from ever giving the slightest indication of which + direction that might be, his invitations never led to any practical + results. Still they had the effect of filling the recipient with a vague + sense of proffered hospitality, and occasionally led to more substantial + kindness in return. + </p> + <p> + The gallant major's figure was a familiar one in the card-room of the <i>Rag + and Bobtail</i>, at the bow-window of the Jeunesse Doree. Tall and + pompous, with a portly frame and a puffy clean-shaven face which peered + over an abnormally high collar and old-fashioned linen cravat, he stood as + a very type and emblem of staid middle-aged respectability. The major's + hat was always of the glossiest, the major's coat was without a wrinkle, + and, in short, from the summit of the major's bald head to his bulbous + finger-tips and his gouty toes, there was not a flaw which the most severe + critic of deportment—even the illustrious Turveydrop himself—could + have detected. Let us add that the conversation of the major was as + irreproachable as his person—that he was a distinguished soldier and + an accomplished traveller, with a retentive memory and a mind stuffed with + the good things of a lifetime. Combine all these qualities, and one would + naturally regard the major as a most desirable acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + It is painful to have to remark, however, that, self-evident as this + proposition might appear, it was vehemently contradicted by some of the + initiated. There were rumours concerning the major which seriously + compromised his private character. Indeed, such a pitch had they reached + that when that gallant officer put himself forward as a candidate for a + certain select club, he had, although proposed by a lord and seconded by a + baronet, been most ignominiously pilled. In public the major affected to + laugh over this social failure, and to regard it as somewhat in the nature + of a practical joke, but privately he was deeply incensed. One day he + momentarily dropped his veil of unconcern while playing billiards with the + Honourable Fungus Brown, who was generally credited with having had some + hand in the major's exclusion. "Be Ged! sir," the veteran suddenly + exclaimed, inflating his chest and turning his apoplectic face upon his + companion, "in the old days I would have called the lot of you out, sir, + every demned one, beginning with the committee and working down; I would, + be George!" At which savage attack the Honourable Fungus's face grew as + white as the major's was red, and he began to wish that he had been more + reserved in his confidences to some of his acquaintances respecting the + exclusiveness of the club in question, or at least refrained from holding + up the major's pilling as a proof thereof. + </p> + <p> + The cause of this vague feeling of distrust which had gone abroad + concerning the old soldier was no very easy matter to define. It is true + that he was known to have a book on every race, and to have secret means + of information from stud-grooms and jockeys which occasionally stood him + in good stead; but this was no uncommon thing among the men with whom he + consorted. Again, it is true that Major Clutterbuck was much addicted to + whist, with guinea points, and to billiard matches for substantial sums, + but these stimulating recreations are also habitual to many men who have + led eventful lives and require a strong seasoning to make ordinary + existence endurable. Perhaps one reason may have been that the major's + billiard play in public varied to an extraordinary degree, so that on + different occasions he had appeared to be aiming at the process termed by + the initiated "getting on the money." The warm friendships, too, which the + old soldier had contracted with sundry vacuous and sappy youths, who were + kindly piloted by him into quasi-fashionable life and shown how and when + to spend their money, had been most uncharitably commented upon. Perhaps + the vagueness about the major's private residence and the mystery which + hung over him outside his clubs may also have excited prejudice against + him. Still, however his detractors might malign him, they could not + attempt to deny the fact that Tobias Clutterbuck was the third son of the + Honourable Charles Clutterbuck, who again was the second son of the Earl + of Dunross, one of the most ancient of Hibernian families. This pedigree + the old soldier took care to explain to every one about him, more + particularly to the sappy youths aforementioned. + </p> + <p> + It chanced that on the afternoon of which we speak the major was engrossed + by this very subject. Standing at the head of the broad stone steps which + lead up to the palatial edifice which its occupiers irreverently term the + <i>Rag and Bobtail</i>, he was explaining to a bull-necked, + olive-complexioned young man the series of marriages and inter-marriages + which had culminated in the production of his own portly, stiff-backed + figure. His companion, who was none other than Ezra Girdlestone, of the + great African firm of that name, leaned against one of the pillars of the + portico and listened gloomily to the major's family reminiscences, giving + an occasional yawn which he made no attempt to conceal. + </p> + <p> + "It's as plain as the fingers of me hand," the old soldier said in a + wheezy muffled brogue, as if he were speaking from under a feather-bed. + "See here now, Girdlestone—this is Miss Letitia Snackles of + Snackleton, a cousin of old Sir Joseph." The major tapped his thumb with + the silver head of his walking-stick to represent the maiden Snackles. + "She marries Crawford, of the Blues—one o' the Warwickshire + Crawfords; that's him"—here he elevated his stubby forefinger; "and + here's their three children, Jemima, Harold, and John." Up went three + other fingers. "Jemima Crawford grows up, and then Charley Clutterbuck + runs away with her. This other thumb o' mine will stand for that young + divil Charley, and then me fingers—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, hang your fingers," Girdlestone exclaimed with emphasis. "It's very + interesting, major, but it would be more intelligible if you wrote it + out." + </p> + <p> + "And so I shall, me boy!" the major cried enthusiastically, by no means + abashed at the sudden interruption. "I'll draw it up on a bit o' foolscap + paper. Let's see; Fenchurch Street, eh? Address to the offices, of course. + Though, for that matter, 'Girdlestone, London,' would foind you. I was + spakin' of ye to Sir Musgrave Moore, of the Rifles, the other day, and he + knew you at once. 'Girdlestone?' says he. 'The same,' says I. 'A merchant + prince?' says he. 'The same,' says I. 'I'd be proud to meet him,' says he. + 'And you shall,' says I. He's the best blood of county Waterford." + </p> + <p> + "More blood than money, I suppose," the young man said, smoothing out his + crisp black moustache. + </p> + <p> + "Bedad, you've about hit it there. He went to California, and came back + with five and twinty thousand pounds. I met him in Liverpool the day he + arrived. 'This is no good to me, Toby,' says he. 'Why not?' I asks. 'Not + enough,' says he; 'just enough to unsettle me.' 'What then?' says I. 'Put + it on the favourite for the St. Leger,' says he. And he did too, every + pinny of it, and the horse was beat on the post by a short head. He + dropped the lot in one day. A fact, sir, 'pon me honour! Came to me next + day. 'Nothing left!' says he. 'Nothing?' says I. 'Only one thing,' says + he. 'Suicide?' says I. 'Marriage,' says he. Within a month he was married + to the second Miss Shuttleworth, who had five thou. in her own right, and + five more when Lord Dungeness turns up his toes." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed?" said his companion languidly. + </p> + <p> + "Fact, 'pon me honour! By the way—ah, here comes Lord Henry + Richardson. How d'ye do, Richardson, how d'ye do? Ged, I remember + Richardson when he was a tow-headed boy at Clongowes, and I used to lam + him with a bootjack for his cheek. Ah, yes; I was going to say—it + seems a demned awkward incident—ha! ha!—ridiculous, but + annoying, you know. The fact is, me boy, coming away in a hurry from me + little place, I left me purse on the drawers in the bedroom, and here's + Jorrocks up in the billiard-room afther challenging me to play for a + tenner—but I won't without having the money in me pocket. Tobias + Clutterbuck may be poor, me dear friend, but"—and here he puffed out + his chest and tapped on it with his round, sponge-like fist—"he's + honest, and pays debts of honour on the nail. No, sir, there's no one can + say a word against Tobias, except that he's a half-pay old fool with more + heart than brains. However," he added, suddenly dropping the sentimental + and coming back to the practical, "if you, me dear boy, can obloige me + with the money until to-morrow morning, I'll play Jorrocks with pleasure. + There's not many men that I'd ask such a favour of, and even from you I'd + never accept anything more than a mere timporary convanience." + </p> + <p> + "You may stake your life on that," Ezra Girdlestone said with a sneer, + looking sullenly down and tracing figures with the end of his stick on the + stone steps. "You'll never get the chance. I make it a rule never to lend + any one money, either for short or long periods." + </p> + <p> + "And you won't let me have this throifling accommodation?" + </p> + <p> + "No," the young man said decisively. + </p> + <p> + For a moment the major's brick-coloured, weather-beaten face assumed an + even darker tint, and his small dark eyes looked out angrily from under + his shaggy brows at his youthful companion. He managed to suppress the + threatened explosion, however, and burst into a loud roar of laughter. + </p> + <p> + "'Pon me sowl!" he wheezed, poking the young man in the ribs with his + stick, an implement which he had grasped a moment before as though he + meditated putting it to a less pacific use, "you young divils of + business-men are too much for poor old Tobias. Ged, sir, to think of being + stuck in the mud for the want of a paltry tenner! Tommy Heathcote will + laugh when he hears of it. You know Tommy of the 81st? He gave me good + advice: 'Always sew a fifty-pound note into the lining of each waistcoat + you've got. Then you can't go short.' Tried it once, and, be George! if me + demned man-servant didn't stale that very waistcoat and sell it for six + and sixpence. You're not going, are you?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; I'm due in the City. The governor leaves at four. Good-bye. Shall I + see you to-night?" + </p> + <p> + "Card-room, as per usual," quoth the clean-shaven warrior. He looked after + the retreating figure of his late companion with anything but a pleasant + expression upon his face. The young man happened to glance round as he was + half-way down the street, on which the major smiled after him paternally, + and gave a merry flourish with his stick. + </p> + <p> + As the old soldier stood on the top of the club steps, pompous, + pigeon-chested, and respectable, posing himself as though he had been + placed there for the inspection of passers-by as a sample of the + aristocracy within, he made several attempts to air his grievances to + passing members touching the question of the expectant Jorrocks and the + missing purse. Beyond, however, eliciting many sallies of wit from the + younger spirits, for it was part of the major's policy to lay himself open + to be a butt, his laudable perseverance was entirely thrown away. At last + he gave it up in disgust, and raising his stick hailed a passing 'bus, + into which he sprang, taking a searching glance round to see that no one + was following him. After a drive which brought him to the other side of + the City, he got out in a broad, busy thoroughfare, lined with large + shops. A narrow turning from the main artery led into a long, dingy + street, consisting of very high smoke-coloured houses, which ran parallel + to the other, and presented as great a contrast to it as the back of a + painting does to the front. + </p> +<p> +Down this sombre avenue the major strutted with all his wonted +pomposity, until about half-way down he reached a tall, grim-looking +house, with many notices of "apartments" glaring from the windows. +The line of railings which separated this house from the street was +rusty, and broken and the whole place had a flavour of mildew. +The major walked briskly up the stone steps, hollowed out by the feet of +generations of lodgers, and pushing open the great splotchy door, which +bore upon it a brass plate indicating that the establishment was kept by +a Mrs. Robins, he walked into the hall with the air of one who treads +familiar ground. Up one flight of stairs, up two flights of stairs, and +up three flights of stairs did he climb, until on the fourth landing he +pushed open a door and found himself in a small room, which formed for +the nonce the "little place" about which he was wont at the club to make +depreciatory allusions, so skilfully introduced that the listener was +left in doubt as to whether the major was the happy possessor of a +country house and grounds, or whether he merely owned a large suburban +villa. Even this modest sanctum was not entirely the major's own, as +was shown by the presence of a ruddy-faced man with a long, tawny beard, +who sat on one side of the empty fire-place, puffing at a great +china-bowled pipe, and comporting himself with an ease which showed +that he was no casual visitor. +</p> + <p> + As the other entered, the man in the chair gave vent to a guttural grunt + without removing the mouthpiece of his pipe from between his lips; and + Major Clutterbuck returned the greeting with an off-handed nod. His next + proceeding was to take off his glossy hat and pack it away in a hat-box. + He then removed his coat, his collar, his tie, and his gaiters, with equal + solicitude, and put them in a place of safety. After which he donned a + long purple dressing-gown and a smoking-cap, in which garb he performed + the first steps of a mazurka as a sign of the additional ease which he + experienced. + </p> + <p> + "Not much to dance about either, me boy," the old soldier said, seating + himself in a camp-chair and putting his feet upon another one. "Bedad, + we're all on the verge. Unless luck takes a turn there's no saying what + may become of us." + </p> + <p> + "We have been badder than this before now many a time," said the + yellow-bearded man, in an accent which proclaimed him to be a German. "My + money vill come, or you vill vin, or something vill arrive to set all + things right." + </p> + <p> + "Let's hope so," the major said fervently. "It's a mercy to get out of + these stiff and starched clothes; but I have to be careful of them, for me + tailor—bad cess to him!—will give no credit, and there's + little of the riddy knocking about. Without good clothes on me back I'd be + like a sweeper without a broom." + </p> + <p> + The German nodded his intense appreciation of the fact, and puffed a great + blue cloud to the ceiling. Sigismond von Baumser was a political refugee + from the fatherland, who had managed to become foreign clerk in a small + London firm, an occupation which just enabled him to keep body and soul + together. He and the major had lodged in different rooms in another + establishment until some common leaven of Bohemianism had brought them + together. When circumstances had driven them out of their former abode, it + had occurred to the major that by sharing his rooms with Von Baumser he + would diminish his own expenses, and at the same time secure an agreeable + companion, for the veteran was a sociable soul in his unofficial hours and + had all the Hibernian dislike to solitude. The arrangement commended + itself to the German, for he had a profound admiration for the other's + versatile talents and varied experiences; so he grunted an acquiescence + and the thing was done. When the major's luck was good there were brave + times in the little fourth floor back. On the other hand, if any slice of + good fortune came in the German's way, the major had a fair share of the + prosperity. During the hard times which intervened between these gleams of + opulence, the pair roughed it uncomplainingly as best they might. The + major would sometimes create a fictitious splendour by dilating upon the + beauties of Castle Dunross, in county Mayo, which is the headquarters of + all the Clutterbucks. "We'll go and live there some day, me boy," he would + say, slapping his comrade on the back. "It will be mine from the dungeons + forty foot below the ground, right up, bedad, to the flagstaff from which + the imblem of loyalty flaunts the breeze." At these speeches the + simple-minded German used to rub his great red hands together with + satisfaction, and feel as pleased as though he had actually been presented + with the fee simple of the castle in question. + </p> + <p> + "Have you had your letter?" the major asked with interest, rolling a + cigarette between his fingers. The German was expecting his quarterly + remittance from his friends at home, and they were both anxiously awaiting + it. + </p> + <p> + Von Baumser shook his head. + </p> + <p> + "Bad luck to them! they should have sent a wake ago. You should do what + Jimmy Towler did. You didn't know Towler, of the Sappers? When he and I + were souldiering in Canada he was vexed at the allowance which he had from + ould Sir Oliver, his uncle, not turning up at the right time. 'Ged, Toby,' + he says to me, 'I'll warm the old rascal up.' So he sits down and writes a + letter to his uncle, in which he told him his unbusiness-like ways would + be the ruin of them, and more to the same effect. When Sir Oliver got the + letter he was in such a divil's own rage, that while he was dictating a + codicil to his will he tumbled off the chair in a fit, and Jimmy came in + for a clean siven thousand a year." + </p> + <p> + "Dat was more dan he deserved," the German remarked. "But you—how do + you stand for money?" + </p> + <p> + Major Clutterbuck took ten sovereigns out of his trouser pocket and placed + them upon the table. "You know me law," he said; "I never, on any + consideration, break into these. You can't sit down to play cards for high + stakes with less in your purse, and if I was to change one, be George! + they'd all go like a whiff o' smoke. The Lord knows when I'd get a start + again then. Bar this money I've hardly a pinny." + </p> + <p> + "Nor me," said Von Baumser despondently, slapping his pockets. + </p> + <p> + "Niver mind, me boy! What's in the common purse, I wonder?" + </p> + <p> + He looked up at a little leather bag which hung from a brass nail on the + wall. In flush times they were wont to deposit small sums in this, on + which they might fall back in their hours of need. + </p> + <p> + "Not much, I fear," the other said, shaking his head. + </p> + <p> + "Well, now, we want something to pull us together on a dull day like this. + Suppose we send out for a bottle of sparkling, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "Not enough money," the other objected. + </p> + <p> + "Well, well, let's have something cheaper. Beaune, now; Beaune's a good + comforting sort of drink. What d'ye say to splitting a bottle of Beaune, + and paying for it from the common purse?" + </p> + <p> + "Not enough money," the other persisted doggedly. + </p> + <p> + "Well, claret be it," sighed the major. "Maybe it's better in this sort of + weather. Let us send Susan out for a bottle of claret?" + </p> + <p> + The German took down the little leather bag and turned it upside down. A + threepenny-piece and a penny rolled out. "Dat's all," he said. "Not enough + for claret." + </p> + <p> + "But there is for beer," cried the major radiantly. "Bedad, it's just the + time for a quart of fourpinny. I remimber ould Gilder, when he was our + chief in India, used to say that a man who got beyond enjoying beer and a + clay pipe at a pinch was either an ass or a coxcomb. He smoked a clay at + the mess table himself. Draper, who commanded the division, told him it + was unsoldier-like. 'Unsoldier-like be demned,' he said. Ged, they nearly + court-martialled the ould man for it. He got the V.C. at the Quarries, and + was killed at the Redan." + </p> + <p> + A slatternly, slipshod girl answered the bell, and having received her + orders and the united available funds of the two comrades, speedily + returned with a brace of frothing pint pots. The major ruminated silently + over his cigarette for some time, on some unpleasant subject, apparently, + for his face was stem and his brows knitted. At last he broke out with an + oath. + </p> + <p> + "Be George! Baumser, I can't stand that young fellow Girdlestone. I'll + have to chuck him up. He's such a cold-blooded, flinty-hearted, + calculating sort of a chap, that—" The remainder of the major's + sentence was lost in the beer flagon. + </p> + <p> + "What for did you make him your friend, then?" + </p> + <p> + "Well," the old soldier confessed, "it seemed to me that if he wanted to + fool his money away at cards or any other divilment, Tobias Clutterbuck + might as well have the handling of it as any one else. Bedad, he's as + cunning as a basketful of monkeys. He plays a safe game for low stakes, + and never throws away a chance. Demned if I don't think I've been a loser + in pocket by knowing him, while as to me character, I'm very sure I'm the + worse there." + </p> + <p> + "Vat's de matter mit him?" + </p> + <p> + "What's not the matter with him. If he's agrayable he's not natural, and + if he's natural he's not agrayable. I don't pretind to be a saint. I've + seen some fun in me day, and hope to see some more before I die; but there + are some things that I wouldn't do. If I live be cards it's all fair and + aboveboard. I never play anything but games o' skill, and I reckon on me + skill bringing me out on the right side, taking one night with another + through the year. Again, at billiards I may not always play me best, but + that's gineralship. You don't want a whole room to know to a point what + your game is. I'm the last man to preach, but, bedad, I don't like that + chap, and I don't like that handsome, brazen face of his. I've spint the + greater part of my life reading folks' faces, and never very far out + either." + </p> + <p> + Von Baumser made no remark, and the two continued to smoke silently, with + an occasional pull at their flagons. + </p> + <p> + "Besides, it's no good to me socially," the major continued. "The fellow + can't keep quiet, else he might pass in a crowd; but that demned + commercial instinct will show itself. If he went to heaven he'd start an + agency for harps and crowns. Did I tell you what the Honourable Jack Gibbs + said to me at the club? Ged, he let me have it straight! 'Buck,' he said, + 'I don't mind you. You're one o' the right sort when all's said and done, + but if you ever inthroduce such a chap as that to me again, I'll cut you + as well as him for the future.' I'd inthroduced them to put the young + spalpeen in a good humour, for, being short, as ye know, I thought it + might be necessary to negotiate a loan from him." + </p> + <p> + "Vat did you say his name vas?" Von Baumser asked suddenly. + </p> + <p> + "Girdlestone." + </p> + <p> + "Is his father a Kauffmann?" + </p> + <p> + "What the divil is a Kauffmann?" the major asked impatiently. "Is it a + merchant you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, a merchant. One who trades with the Afrikaner?" + </p> + <p> + "The same." + </p> + <p> + Von Baumser took a bulky pocket-book from his inside pocket, and scanned a + long list of names therein. "Ah, it is the same," he cried at last + triumphantly, shutting up the book and replacing it. "Girdlestone & + Co., African kauf—dat is, merchants—Fenchurch Street, City." + </p> + <p> + "Those are they." + </p> + <p> + "And you say dey are rich?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "Very rich?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + The major began to think that his companion had been imbibing in his + absence, for there was an unfathomable smile upon his face, and his red + beard and towsy hair seemed to bristle from some internal excitement. + </p> + <p> + "Very rich! Ho, ho! Very rich!" he laughed. "I know dem; not as friends, + Gott bewahre! but I know dem and their affairs." + </p> + <p> + "What are you driving at? Let's have it. Out with it, man." + </p> + <p> + "I tell you," said the German, suddenly becoming supernaturally solemn and + sawing his hand up and down in the air to emphasize his remarks, "in tree + or four months, or a year at the most, there vill be no firm of + Girdlestone. They are rotten, useless—whoo! He blew an imaginary + feather up into the air to demonstrate the extreme fragility of the house + in question. + </p> + <p> + "You're raving, Baumser," said Major Clutterbuck excitedly. "Why, man, + their names are above suspicion. They are looked upon as the soundest + concern in the City." + </p> + <p> + "Dat may be; dat may be," the German answered stolidly. "Vat I know, I + know, and vat I say I say." + </p> + <p> + "And how d'ye know it? D'ye tell me that you know more about it than the + men on 'Change and the firms that do business with them?" + </p> + <p> + "I know vat I know, and I say vat I say," the other repeated. "Dat + tobacco-man Burger is a rogue. Dere is five-and-thirty in the hundred of + water in this canaster tobacco, and one must be for ever relighting." + </p> + <p> + "And you won't tell me where you heard this of the Girdlestones?" + </p> + <p> + "It vould be no good to you. It is enough dat vat I say is certain. Let it + suffice that dere are people vat are bound to tell other people all dat + dey know about anything whatever." + </p> + <p> + "You don't make it over clear now," the old soldier grumbled. "You mane + that these secret societies and Socialists let each other know all that + comes in their way and have their own means of getting information." + </p> + <p> + "Dat may be, and dat may not be," the German answered, in the same + oracular voice. "I thought, in any case, my good friend Clutterbuck, dat I + vould give you vat you call in English the straight tap. It is always vell + to have the straight tap." + </p> + <p> + "Thank ye, me boy," the major said heartily. "If the firm's in a bad way, + either the youngster doesn't know of it, or else he's the most natural + actor that ever lived. Be George! there's the tay-bell; let's get down + before the bread and butther is all finished." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Robbins was in the habit of furnishing her lodgers with an evening + meal at a small sum per head. There was only a certain amount of bread and + butter supplied for this, however, and those who came late were likely to + find an empty platter. The two Bohemians felt that the subject was too + grave a one to trifle with, so they suspended their judgment upon the + Girdlestones while they clattered down to the dining-room. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. — SENIOR AND JUNIOR. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">Although</span> not a whisper had been heard of it in ordinary commercial + circles, there was some foundation for the forecast which Von Baumser had + made as to the fate of the great house of Girdlestone. For some time back + matters had been going badly with the African traders. If the shrewd eyes + of Major Tobias Clutterbuck were unable to detect any indications of this + state of affairs in the manner or conversation of the junior partner, the + reason simply was that that gentleman was entirely ignorant of the + imminent danger which hung over his head. As far as he knew, the concern + was as prosperous and as flourishing as it had been at the time of the + death of John Harston. The momentous secret was locked in the breast of + his grim old father, who bore it about with him as the Spartan lad did the + fox—without a quiver or groan to indicate the care which was gnawing + at his heart. Placed face to face with ruin, Girdlestone fought against it + desperately, and, withal, coolly and warily, throwing away no chance and + leaving no stone unturned. Above all, he exerted himself—and exerted + himself successfully—to prevent any rumour of the critical position + of the firm from leaking out in the city. He knew well that should that + once occur nothing could save him. As the wounded buffalo is gored to + death by the herd, so the crippled man of business may give up all hope + when once his position is known by his fellows. At present, although Von + Baumser and a few other such Ishmaelites might have an inkling from + sources of their own as to how matters stood, the name of Girdlestone was + still regarded by business men as the very synonym for commercial + integrity and stability. If anything, there seemed to be more business in + Fenchurch Street and more luxury at the residence at Eccleston Square than + in former days. Only the stern-faced and silent senior partner knew how + thin the veneer was which shone so deceptively upon the surface. + </p> + <p> + Many things had contributed towards this state of affairs. The firm had + been involved in a succession of misfortunes, some known to the world, and + others known to no one save the elder Girdlestone. The former had been + accepted with such perfect stoicism and cheerfulness that they rather + increased than diminished the reputation of the concern; the latter were + the more crushing, and also the more difficult to bear. + </p> + <p> + Lines of fine vessels from Liverpool and from Hamburg were running to the + West Coast of Africa, and competition had cut down freightage to the + lowest possible point. Where the Girdlestones had once held almost a + monopoly there were now many in the field. Again, the negroes of the coast + were becoming educated and had a keen eye to business, so that the old + profits were no longer obtainable. The days had gone by when flint-lock + guns and Manchester prints could be weighed in the balance against ivory + and gold dust. + </p> + <p> + While these general causes were at work a special misfortune had befallen + the house of Girdlestone. Finding that their fleet of old sailing vessels + was too slow and clumsy to compete with more modern ships, they had bought + in two first-rate steamers. One was the <i>Providence</i>, a fine screw + vessel of twelve hundred tons, and the other was the <i>Evening Star</i>, + somewhat smaller in size, but both classed A1 at Lloyd's. The former cost + twenty-two thousand pounds, and the latter seventeen thousand. Now, Mr. + Girdlestone had always had a weakness for petty savings, and in this + instance he determined not to insure his new vessels. If the crazy old + tubs, for which he had paid fancy premiums for so many years with an eye + to an ultimate profit, met with no disaster, surely those new powerful + clippers were safe. With their tonnage and horse-power they appeared to + him to be superior to all the dangers of the deep. It chanced, however, by + that strange luck which would almost make one believe that matters + nautical were at the mercy of some particularly malignant demon, that as + the <i>Evening Star</i> was steaming up Channel in a dense fog on her + return from her second voyage, she ran right into the <i>Providence</i>, + which had started that very morning from Liverpool upon her third outward + trip. The <i>Providence</i> was almost cut in two, and sank within five + minutes, taking down the captain and six of the crew, while the <i>Evening + Star</i> was so much damaged about the bows that she put into Falmouth in + a sinking condition. That day's work cost the African firm more than five + and thirty thousand pounds. + </p> + <p> + Other mishaps had occurred to weaken the firm, apart from their trade with + the coast. The senior partner had engaged in speculation without the + knowledge of his son, and the result had been disastrous. One of the + Cornish tin mines in which he had sunk a large amount of money, and which + had hitherto yielded him a handsome return, became suddenly exhausted, and + the shares went down to zero. No firm could stand against such a run of + bad luck, and the African trading company reeled before it. John + Girdlestone had not said a word yet of all this to his son. As claims + arose he settled them in the best manner he could, and postponed the + inevitable day when he should have to give a true account of their + financial position. He hoped against hope that the chapter of accidents or + the arrival of some brilliant cargoes from the coast might set the concern + on its legs again. + </p> + <p> + From day to day he had been expecting news of one of his vessels. At last + one morning he found a telegram awaiting him at the office. He tore it + eagerly open, for it bore the Madeira mark. It was from his agent, Jose + Alveciras, and announced that the voyage from which he had hoped so much + had been a total failure. The cargo was hardly sufficient to defray the + working expenses. As the merchant read it, his head dropped over the table + and he groaned aloud. Another of the props which upheld him from ruin had + snapped beneath him. + </p> + <p> + There were three letters lying beside the telegram. He glanced through + them, but there was no consolation in any of them. One was from a bank + manager, informing him that his account was somewhat overdrawn. Another + from Lloyd's Insurance Agency, pointing out that the policies on two of + his vessels would lapse unless paid within a certain date. The clouds were + gathering very darkly over the African firm, yet the old man bore up + against misfortune with dauntless courage. He sat alone in his little + room, with his head sunk upon his breast, and his thatched eye-brows drawn + down over his keen grey eyes. It was clear to him that the time had come + when he must enlighten his son as to the true state of their affairs. With + his co-operation he might carry out a plan which had been maturing some + months in his brain. + </p> + <p> + It was a hard task for the proud and austere merchant to be compelled to + confess to his son that he had speculated without his knowledge in the + capital of the company, and that a large part of that capital had + disappeared. These speculations in many instances had promised large + returns, and John Girdlestone had withdrawn money from safer concerns, and + reinvested it in the hope of getting a higher rate of interest. He had + done this with his eyes open to the risk, and knowing that his son was of + too practical and cautious a nature to embark in such commercial gambling, + he had never consulted him upon the point, nor had he made any entry of + the money so invested in the accounts of the firm. Hence Ezra was entirely + ignorant of the danger which hung over them, and his father saw that, in + order to secure his energetic assistance in the stroke which he was + contemplating, it was absolutely necessary that he should know how + critical their position was. + </p> + <p> + The old man had hardly come to this conclusion when he heard the sharp + footfall of his son in the outer office and the harsh tones of his voice + as he addressed the clerks. A moment or two later the green baize door + flew open, and the young man came in, throwing his hat and coat down on + one of the chairs. It was evident that something had ruffled his temper. + </p> + <p> + "Good-morning," he said brusquely, nodding his head to his father. + </p> + <p> + "Good-morning, Ezra," the merchant answered meekly. + </p> + <p> + "What's the matter with you, father?" his son asked, looking at him + keenly. "You don't look yourself, and haven't for some time back." + </p> + <p> + "Business worries, my boy, business worries," John Girdlestone answered + wearily. + </p> + <p> + "It's the infernal atmosphere of this place," Ezra said impatiently. "I + feel it myself sometimes. I wonder you don't start a little country seat + with some grounds. Just enough to ask a fellow to shoot over, and with a + good billiard board, and every convenience of that sort. It would do for + us to spend the time from Saturday to Monday, and allow us to get some + fresh air into our lungs. There are plenty of men who can't afford it half + as well, and yet have something of the sort. What's the use of having a + good balance at your banker's, if you don't live better than your + neighbours?" + </p> + <p> + "There is only one objection to it," the merchant said huskily, and with a + forced laugh; "I have not got a good balance at the banker's." + </p> + <p> + "Pretty fair, pretty fair," his son said knowingly, picking up the long + thin volume in which the finance of the firm was recorded and tapping it + against the table. + </p> + <p> + "But the figures there are not quite correct, Ezra," his father said, + still more huskily. "We have not got nearly so much as that." + </p> + <p> + "What!" roared the junior partner. + </p> + <p> + "Hush! For God's sake don't let the clerks hear you. We have not so much + as that. We have very little. In fact, Ezra, we have next to nothing in + the bank. It is all gone." + </p> + <p> + For a moment the young man stood motionless, glaring at his father. The + expression of incredulity which had appeared on his features faded away + before the earnestness of the other, and was replaced by a look of such + malignant passion that it contorted his whole face. + </p> + <p> + "You fool!" he shrieked, springing forward with the book upraised as + though he would have struck the old merchant. "I see it now. You have been + speculating on your own hook, you cursed ass! What have you done with it?" + He seized his father by the collar and shook him furiously in his wrath. + </p> + <p> + "Keep your hands off me!" the senior partner cried, wrenching himself free + from his son's grasp. "I did my best with the money. How dare you address + me so?" + </p> + <p> + "Did your best!" hissed Ezra, hurling the ledger down on the table with a + crash. "What did you mean by speculating without my knowledge, and telling + me at the same time that I knew all that was done? Hadn't I warned you a + thousand times of the danger of it? You are not to be trusted with money." + </p> + <p> + "Remember, Ezra," his father said with dignity, re-seating himself in the + chair from which he had risen, in order to free himself from his son's + clutches, "if I lost the money, I also made it. This was a flourishing + concern before you were born. If the worst comes to the worst you are only + where I started. But we are far from being absolutely ruined as yet." + </p> + <p> + "To think of it!" Ezra cried, flinging himself upon the office sofa, and + burying his face in his hands. "To think of all I have said of our money + and our resources! What will Clutterbuck and the fellows at the club say? + How can I alter the ways of life that I have learned?" Then, suddenly + clenching his hands, and turning upon his father he broke out, "We must + have it back, father; we <i>must</i>, by fair means or foul. You must do + it, for it was you who lost it. What can we do? How long have we to do it + in? Is this known in the City? Oh, I shall be ashamed to show my face on + 'Change." So he rambled on, half-maddened by the pictures of the future + which rose up in his mind. + </p> + <p> + "Be calm, Ezra, be calm!" his father said imploringly. "We have many + chances yet if we only make the best of them. There is no use lamenting + the past. I freely confess that I was wrong in using this money without + your knowledge, but I did it from the best of motives. We must put our + heads together now to retrieve our losses, and there are many ways in + which that may be done. I want your clear common sense to help me in the + matter." + </p> + <p> + "Pity you didn't apply to that before," Ezra said sulkily. + </p> + <p> + "I have suffered for not doing so," the older man answered meekly. "In + considering how to rally under this grievous affliction which has come + upon us, we must remember that our credit is a great resource, and one + upon which we have never drawn. That gives us a broad margin to help us + while we are carrying out our plans for the future." + </p> + <p> + "What will our credit be worth when this matter leaks out?" + </p> + <p> + "But it can't leak out. No one suspects it for a moment. They might + imagine that we are suffering from some temporary depression of trade, but + no one could possibly know the sad truth. For Heaven's sake don't you let + it out!" + </p> + <p> + His son broke into an impatient oath. + </p> + <p> + A flush came into Girdlestone's sallow cheeks, and his eyes sparkled + angrily. + </p> + <p> + "Be careful how you speak, Ezra. There are limits to what I will endure + from you, though I make every allowance for your feelings at this sudden + catastrophe, for which I acknowledge myself responsible." + </p> + <p> + The young man shrugged his shoulders, and drummed his heel against the + ground impatiently. + </p> + <p> + "I have more than one plan in my head," the merchant said, "by which our + affairs may be re-established on their old footing. If we can once get + sufficient money to satisfy our present creditors, and so tide over this + run of bad luck, the current will set in the other way, and all will go + well. And, first of all, there is one question, my boy, which I should + like to ask you. What do you think of John Harston's daughter?" + </p> + <p> + "She's right enough," the young man answered brusquely. + </p> + <p> + "She's a good girl, Ezra—a thoroughly good girl, and a rich girl + too, though her money is a small thing in my eyes compared to her virtue." + </p> + <p> + Young Girdlestone sneered. "Of course," he said impatiently. "Well, go on—what + about her?" + </p> + <p> + "Just this, Ezra, that there is no girl in the world whom I should like + better to receive as my daughter-in-law. Ah, you rogue! you could come + round her; you know you could." The old man poked his long bony finger In + the direction of his son's ribs with grim playfulness. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, that's the idea, is it?" remarked the junior partner, with a very + unpleasant smile. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that is one way out of our difficulties. She has forty thousand + pounds, which would be more than enough to save the firm. At the same time + you would gain a charming wife." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, there are a good many girls about who might make charming wives," + his son remarked dubiously. "No matrimony for me yet awhile." + </p> + <p> + "But it is absolutely necessary," his father urged. + </p> + <p> + "A very fine necessity," Ezra broke in savagely. "I am to tie myself up + for life and you are to use all the money in rectifying your blunders. + It's a very pretty division of labour, is that." + </p> + <p> + "The business is yours as well as mine. It is your interest to invest the + money in it, for if it fails you are as completely ruined as I should be. + You think you could win her if you tried?" + </p> + <p> + Ezra stroked his dark moustache complacently, and took a momentary glance + at his own bold handsome features in the mirror above the fire-place. "If + we are reduced to such an expedient, I think I can answer for the result," + he said. "The girl's not a bad-looking one. But you said you had several + plans. Let us hear some of the other ones. If the worst comes to the worst + I might consent to that—on condition, of course, that I should have + the whole management of the money." + </p> + <p> + "Quite so—quite so," his father said hurriedly. "That's a dear, good + lad. As you say, when all other things fail we can always fall back upon + that. At present I intend to raise as much money as I can upon our credit, + and invest it in such a manner as to bring in a large and immediate + profit." + </p> + <p> + "And how do you intend to do this?" his son asked doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + "I intend," said John Girdlestone, solemnly rising up and leaning his + elbow against the mantelpiece—"I intend to make a corner in + diamonds." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. — A CORNER IN DIAMONDS. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">John Girdlestone</span> propounded his intention with such dignity and emphasis + that he evidently expected the announcement to come as a surprise upon his + son. If so, he was not disappointed, for the young man stared open-eyed. + </p> + <p> + "A corner in diamonds!" he repeated. "How will you do that?" + </p> + <p> + "You know what a corner is," his father explained. "If you buy up all the + cotton, say, or sugar in the market, so as to have the whole of it in your + own hands, and to be able to put your own price on it in selling it again—that + is called making a corner in sugar or cotton. I intend to make a corner in + diamonds." + </p> + <p> + "Of course, I know what a corner is," Ezra said impatiently. "But how on + earth are you going to buy all the diamonds in? You would want the capital + of a Rothschild?" + </p> + <p> + "Not so much as you think, my boy, for there are not any great amount of + diamonds in the market at any one time. The yield of the South African + fields regulates the price. I have had this idea in my head for some time, + and have studied the details. Of course, I should not attempt to buy in + all the diamonds that are in the market. A small portion of them would + yield profit enough to float the firm off again." + </p> + <p> + "But if you have only a part of the supply in your hands, how are you to + regulate the market value? You must come down to the prices at which other + holders are selling." + </p> + <p> + "Ha! Ha! Very good! very good!" the old merchant said, shaking his head + good-humouredly. "But you don't quite see my plan yet. You have not + altogether grasped it. Allow me to explain it to you." + </p> + <p> + His son lay back upon the sofa with a look of resignation upon his face. + Girdlestone continued to stand upon the hearth-rug and spoke very slowly + and deliberately, as though giving vent to thoughts which had been long + and carefully considered. + </p> + <p> + "You see, Ezra," he said, "diamonds, being a commodity of great value, of + which there is never very much in the market at one time, are extremely + sensitive to all sorts of influences. The value of them varies greatly + from time to time. A very little thing serves to depreciate their price, + and an equally small thing will send it up again." + </p> + <p> + Ezra Girdlestone grunted to show that he followed his father's remarks. + </p> + <p> + "I did some business in diamonds myself when I was a younger man, and so I + had an opportunity of observing their fluctuations in the market. Now, + there is one thing which invariably depreciates the price of diamonds. + That is the rumour of fresh discoveries of mines in other parts of the + world. The instant such a thing gets wind the value of the stones goes + down wonderfully. The discovery of diamonds in Central India not long ago + had that effect very markedly, and they have never recovered their value + since. Do you follow me?" + </p> + <p> + An expression of interest had come over Ezra's face, and he nodded to show + that he was listening. + </p> + <p> + "Now, supposing," continued the senior partner, with a smile on his thin + lips, "that such a report got about. Suppose, too, that we were at this + time, when the market was in a depressed condition, to invest a + considerable capital in them. If these rumours of an alleged discovery + turned out to be entirely unfounded, of course the value of the stones + which we held would go up once more, and we might very well sell out for + double or treble the sum that we invested. Don't you see the sequence of + events?" + </p> + <p> + "There seems to me to be rather too much of the 'suppose' in it," remarked + Ezra. "How do we know that such rumours will get about; and if they do, + how do we know that they will prove to be unfounded?" + </p> + <p> + "How are we to know?" the merchant cried, wriggling his long lank body + with amusement. "Why, my lad, if we spread the rumours ourselves we shall + have pretty good reason to believe that they are unfounded. Eh, Ezra? Ha! + ha! You see there are some brains in the old man yet." + </p> + <p> + Ezra looked at his father in considerable surprise and some admiration. + "Why, damn it!" he exclaimed, "it's dishonest. I'm not sure that it's not + actionable." + </p> + <p> + "Dishonest! Pooh!" The merchant snapped his fingers. "It's finesse, my + boy, commercial finesse. Who's to trace it, I should like to know. I + haven't worked out all the details—I want your co-operation over + that—but here's a rough sketch of my plan. We send a man we can + depend upon to some distant part of the world—Chimborazo, for + example, or the Ural Mountains. It doesn't matter where, as long as it is + out of the way. On arriving at this place our agent starts a report that + he has discovered a diamond mine. We should even go the length, if he + considers it necessary, of hiding a few rough stones in the earth, which + he can dig up to give colour to his story. Of course the local press would + be full of this. He might present one of the diamonds to the editor of the + nearest paper. In course of time a pretty coloured description of the new + diamond fields would find its way to London and thence to the Cape. I'll + answer for it that the immediate effect is a great drop in the price of + stones. We should have a second agent at the Cape diamond fields, and he + would lay our money out by buying in all that he could while the panic + lasted. Then, the original scare having proved to be all a mistake, the + prices naturally go up once more, and we get a long figure for all that we + hold. That's what I mean by making 'a corner in diamonds.' There is no + room in it for any miscalculation. It is as certain as a proposition of + Euclid, and as easily worked out." + </p> + <p> + "It sounds very nice," his son remarked thoughtfully. "I'm not so sure + about its working, though." + </p> + <p> + "It must work well. As far as human calculation can go there is no + possibility of failure. Besides, my boy, never lose sight of the fact that + we shall be speculating with other people's money. We ourselves have + nothing to lose, absolutely nothing." + </p> + <p> + "I am not likely to lose sight of it," said Ezra angrily, his mind coming + back to his grievance. + </p> + <p> + "I reckon that we can raise from forty to fifty thousand pounds without + much difficulty. My name is, as you know, as good as that of any firm in + the City. For nearly forty years it has been above stain or suspicion. If + we carry on our plans at once, and lay this money out judiciously, all may + come right." + </p> + <p> + "It's Hobson's choice," the young man remarked. "We must try some bold + stroke of the sort. Have you chosen the right sort of men for agents? You + should have men of some standing to set such reports going. They would + have more weight then." + </p> + <p> + John Girdlestone shook his head despondingly. "How am I to get a man of + any standing to do such a piece of business?" he said. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing easier," answered Ezra, with a cynical laugh. "I could pick out a + score of impecunious fellows from the clubs who would be only too glad to + earn a hundred or two in any way you can mention. All their talk about + honour and so forth is very pretty and edifying, but it's not meant for + every day use. Of course we should have to pay him." + </p> + <p> + "Them, you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "No, we should only want one man." + </p> + <p> + "How about our purchaser at the diamond fields?" + </p> + <p> + "You don't mean to say," Ezra said roughly, "that you would be so absurd + as to trust any man with our money. Why, I wouldn't let the Archbishop of + Canterbury out of my sight with forty thousand pounds of mine. No, I shall + go myself to the diamond fields—that is, if I can trust you here + alone." + </p> + <p> + "That is unkind, Ezra," said his father. "Your idea is an excellent one. I + should have proposed it myself but for the discomforts and hardships of + such a journey." + </p> + <p> + "There's no use doing things by halves," the young man remarked. "As to + our other agent, I have the very man—Major Tobias Clutterbuck. He is + a shrewd, clever fellow, and he's always hard up. Last week he wanted to + borrow a tenner from me. The job would be a godsend to him, and his social + rank would be a great help to our plan. I'll answer for his jumping at the + idea." + </p> + <p> + "Sound him on the subject, then." + </p> + <p> + "I will." + </p> + <p> + "I am glad," said the old merchant, "that you and I have had this + conversation, Ezra. The fact of my having speculated without your + knowledge, and deceived you by a false ledger, has often weighed heavily + upon my conscience, I assure you. It is a relief to me to have told you + all." + </p> + <p> + "Drop the subject, then," Ezra said curtly. "I must put up with it, for I + have no redress. The thing is done and nothing can undo it; but I consider + that you have willfully wasted the money." + </p> + <p> + "Believe me, I have tried to act for the best. The good name of our firm + is everything to me. I have spent my whole life in building it up, and if + the day should come when it must go, I trust that I may have gone myself. + There is nothing which I would not do to preserve it." + </p> + <p> + "I see they want our premiums," Ezra said, glancing at the open letter + upon the table. "How is it that none of those ships go down? That would + give us help." + </p> + <p> + "Hush! hush!" John Girdlestone cried imploringly. "Speak in a whisper when + you talk of such things." + </p> + <p> + "I can't understand you," said Ezra petulantly. "You persistently + over-insure your ships, year after year. Look at the <i>Leopard</i>; it is + put at more than twice what she was worth as new. And the <i>Black Eagle</i>, + I dare say, is about the same. Yet you never have an accident with them, + while your two new uninsured clippers run each other down." + </p> + <p> + "Well, what more can I do?" replied the merchant "They are thoroughly + rotten. I have done nothing for them for years. Sooner or later they must + go. I cannot do any more." + </p> + <p> + "I'd make 'em go down quick enough," muttered Ezra, with an oath. "Why + don't you make old Miggs bore a hole in them, or put a light to a barrel + of paraffin? Bless your soul! the thing's done every day. What's the use + of being milk-and-watery about it?" + </p> + <p> + "No, no, Ezra!" cried his father. "Not that—not that. It's one thing + letting matters take their course, and it is another thing giving positive + orders to scuttle a ship. Besides, it would put us in Miggs' power. It + would be too dangerous." + </p> + <p> + "Please yourself," said Ezra, with a sneer. "You've got us into the mess + and you must take us out again. If the worst comes to the worst I'll tell + you what I'll do. I'll marry Kate Harston, wash my hands of the firm, + leave you to settle matters with the creditors, and retire with the forty + thousand pounds;" with which threat the junior partner took up his hat and + swaggered out of the office. + </p> + <p> + After his departure, John Girdlestone spent an hour in anxious thought, + arranging the details of the scheme which he had just submitted to his + son. As he sat, his eye chanced to fall upon the two letters lying on his + desk, and it struck him that they had better be attended to. It did not + suit his plans to fall back upon his credit just yet. It has been already + shown that he was a man of ready resource. He rang the bell and summoned + his senior clerk. + </p> + <p> + "Good morning, John," he said affably. + </p> + <p> + "Good morning, Mr. Girdlestone, good morning, sir," said wizened little + John Gilray, rubbing his thin yellow hands together, as a sign of his + gratification. + </p> + <p> + "I hear, John, that you have come into a legacy lately," Mr. Girdlestone + said. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir. Fifteen hundred pounds, sir. Less legacy duty and incidental + expenses, fourteen hundred and twenty-eight six and fourpence. My wife's + brother Andrew left it, sir, and a very handsome legacy too." + </p> + <p> + John Girdlestone smiled with the indulgent smile of one to whom such a sum + was absolutely nothing. + </p> + <p> + "What have you done with the money, then, John?" he asked carelessly. + </p> + <p> + "Banked it, sir, in the United Metropolitan." + </p> + <p> + "In the United Metropolitan, John? Let me see. Their present rate of + interest is three and a half?" + </p> + <p> + "Three, sir," said John. + </p> + <p> + "Three! Dear me, John, that is poor interest, very poor indeed. It is most + fortunate that I made these inquiries. I was on the point of drawing + fourteen hundred pounds from one of my correspondents as a temporary + convenience. For this I should pay him five per cent. I have no objection, + John, as you are an old servant of the firm, to giving you the preference + in this matter. I cannot take more than fourteen hundred—but I shall + be happy to accommodate you up to that sum at the rate named." + </p> + <p> + John Gilray was overwhelmed by this thoughtful and considerate act. "It is + really too generous and kind, sir," he said. "I don't know how to thank + you." + </p> + <p> + "Don't mention it, John," the senior partner said grandly. "The firm is + always glad to advance the interests of its employees in any reasonable + manner. Have you your cheque-book with you? Fill it up for fourteen + hundred. No more, John; I cannot oblige you by taking any more." + </p> + <p> + The head clerk having made out his cheque for the amount, and having + signed his name to it in a cramped little quaint handwriting, which + reminded one of his person, was duly presented with a receipt and + dismissed to his counting-house. There he entertained the other clerks by + a glowing description of the magnanimity of his employer. + </p> + <p> + John Girdlestone took some sheets of blue official paper from a drawer, + and his quill pen travelled furiously over them with many a screech and + splutter. + </p> + <p> + "Sir," he said to the bank manager, "I enclose fourteen hundred pounds, + which represents the loose cash about the office. I shall make a heavy + deposit presently. In the meantime, you will, of course, honour anything + that may be presented.—Yours truly, JOHN GIRDLESTONE." + </p> + <p> + To Lloyd's Insurance Agency he wrote:—"Sir,—Enclosed you will + find cheque for 241 pounds seven shillings and sixpence, being amount due + as premium on the <i>Leopard</i>, <i>Black Eagle</i>, and <i>Maid of + Athens</i>. Should have forwarded cheque before, but with so many things + of importance to look after these trifles are liable to be overlooked." + </p> + <p> + These two epistles having been sealed, addressed, and despatched, the + elder Girdlestone began to feel somewhat more easy in his mind, and to + devote himself once more to the innocent amusement of planning how a + corner might best be created in diamonds. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. — SHADOW AND LIGHT. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">John Girdlestone's</span> private residence in Eccleston Square was a large and + substantial house in a district which the wave of fashion had passed over + in its westward course. It might still, however, be said to be covered by + a deposit of eminent respectability. The building was stern and hard, and + massive in its external appearance, but the interior was luxury itself, + for the old merchant, in spite of his ascetic appearance, was inclined to + be a sybarite at heart, and had a due appreciation of the good things of + this world. Indeed, there was an oriental and almost barbarous splendour + about the great rooms, where the richest of furniture was interspersed + with skins from the Gaboon, hand-worked ivory from Old Calabar, and the + thousand other strange valuables which were presented by his agents to the + African trader. + </p> + <p> + After the death of his friend, Girdlestone had been as good as his word. + He had taken Kate Harston away from the desolate house at Fulham and + brought her to live with him. From the garrets of that palatial edifice to + the cellars she was at liberty to roam where she would, and do what she + chose. The square garden too, with its smoke-dried trees and faded lawn, + was at her disposal, in which she might walk, or work, or read. No cares + or responsibilities were imposed upon her. The domestic affairs were + superintended by a stern housekeeper, who bore a quaint resemblance to + Girdlestone himself in petticoats, and who arranged every detail of + housekeeping. The young girl had apparently only to exist and to be happy. + </p> + <p> + Yet the latter item was not so easy as it might seem. It was not a + congenial atmosphere. Her whole society consisted of the stern, + unemotional merchant and his vulgar, occasionally brutal, son. At first, + while the memory of her father was still fresh, she felt her new + surroundings acutely, contrasting, as they did, with her happy Fulham + home. Gradually, however, as time deadened the sting, she came to + accommodate herself to circumstances. The two men left her very much to + her own devices. Girdlestone was so engrossed in his business that he had + little time to inquire into her pursuits, and Ezra, being addicted to late + hours, was seldom seen except at breakfast-time, when she listened with + awe to his sporting slang and cynical comments upon men and manners. + </p> + <p> + John Girdlestone had been by no means overjoyed upon the return of the + Dimsdales from Edinburgh to learn that his ward had been thrown into the + company of her young cousin. He received her coldly and forbade her to + visit Phillimore Gardens for some time to come. He took occasion also to + speak of Tom, and to assure her that he had received very serious accounts + as to his spiritual state. "He is addicted to all manner of debasing + pursuits," he remarked, "and it is my particular wish that you should + avoid him." Learning that young Dimsdale was in London, he even took the + precaution of telling off a confidential footman to walk behind her on all + occasions, and to act either as an escort or as a sentry. + </p> + <p> + It chanced, however, that one day, a few weeks after her return, Kate + found an opportunity of recovering her freedom. The footman had been + despatched upon some other duty, so she bethought herself that a book was + to be bought and some lace to be matched, and several other important + feminine duties to be fulfilled. It happened, however, that as she walked + sedately down Warwick Street, her eyes fell upon a very tall and + square-shouldered young man, who was lounging in her direction, tapping + his stick listlessly against the railings, as is the habit of idle men. At + this Kate forgot incontinently all about the book and the lace, while the + tall youth ceased to tap the railings, and came striding towards her with + long springy footsteps and a smiling face. + </p> + <p> + "Why Cousin Tom, who would have thought of meeting you here?" she + exclaimed, when the first greetings had been exchanged. "It is a most + surprising thing." + </p> + <p> + It is possible that the incident would not have struck her as so very + astonishing after all, had she known that Tom had spent six hours a day + for the last fortnight in blockading the entrances to Eccleston Square. + </p> + <p> + "Most remarkable!" said the young hypocrite. "You see, I haven't anything + to do yet, so I walk about London a good deal. It was a lucky chance that + sent me in this direction." + </p> + <p> + "And how is the doctor?" Kate asked eagerly. "And Mrs. Dimsdale, how is + she? You must give my love to them both." + </p> + <p> + "How is it that you have never been to see us?" Tom asked reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Girdlestone thinks that I have been too idle lately, and that I + should stay at home. I am afraid it will be some little time before I can + steal away to Kensington." + </p> + <p> + Tom consigned her guardian under his breath to a region warmer even than + the scene of that gentleman's commercial speculations. + </p> + <p> + "Which way are you going?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "I was going to Victoria Street to change my book, and then to Ford + Street." + </p> + <p> + "What a strange thing!" the young man exclaimed; "I was going in that + direction too." It seemed the more strange, as he was walking in the + opposite direction when she met him. Neither seemed inclined to make any + comment upon the fact, so they walked on together. "And you have not + forgotten the days in Edinburgh yet?" Tom asked, after a long pause. + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed," his companion answered with enthusiasm. "I shall never + forget them as long as I live." + </p> + <p> + "Nor I," said Tom earnestly. "You remember the day we had at the + Pentlands?" + </p> + <p> + "And the drive round Arthur's Seat." + </p> + <p> + "And the time that we all went to Roslin and saw the chapel." + </p> + <p> + "And the day at Edinburgh Castle when we saw the jewels and the armoury. + But you must have seen all these things many times before? You could not + have enjoyed it as much as we did for the first time." + </p> + <p> + "Oh yes, I did," Tom said stoutly, wondering to himself how it was that + the easy grace with which he could turn compliments to maidens for whom he + cared nothing had so entirely deserted him. "You see, Kate—well—you + were not there when I saw them before." + </p> + <p> + "Ah," said Kate demurely, "what a beautiful day it is? I fancied in the + morning that it was going to rain." + </p> + <p> + Tom was not to be diverted from his subject by any meteorological + observations. "Perhaps some time your guardian will allow the dad to take + you on another little holiday," he said hopefully. + </p> + <p> + "I'm afraid he won't," answered Kate. + </p> + <p> + "Why not?" + </p> + <p> + "Because he seemed so cross when I came back this last time." + </p> + <p> + "Why was he cross?" asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + "Because—" She was about to say that it was because she had been + brought in contact with him; but she recollected herself in time. + </p> + <p> + "Because what?" + </p> + <p> + "Because he happened to be in a bad temper," she answered. + </p> + <p> + "It is too bad that you should have to submit to any one's whims and + tempers," the young man said, switching his stick angrily backwards and + forwards. + </p> + <p> + "Why not?" she asked, laughing. "Everybody has some one over them. If you + hadn't, you would never know right from wrong." + </p> + <p> + "But he is unkind to you." + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed," said Kate, with decision. "He is really very kind to me. He + may appear a little stern at times, but I know that he means it for my own + good, and I should be a very foolish girl if I resented it. Besides, he is + so pious and good that what may seem a little fault to us would appear a + great thing in his eyes." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, he is very pious and good, then," Tom remarked, in a doubtful voice. + His shrewd old father had formed his own views as to John Girdlestone's + character, and his son had in due course imbibed them from him. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, of course he is," answered Kate, looking up with great wondering + eyes. "Don't you know that he is the chief supporter of the Purbrook + Street Branch of the Primitive Trinitarians, and sits in the front pew + three times every Sunday?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" said Tom. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, and subscribes to all the charitable funds, and is a friend of Mr. + Jefferson Edwards, the great philanthropist. Besides, look how good he has + been to me. He has taken the place of my father." + </p> + <p> + "Hum!" Tom said dubiously; and then, with a little pang at his heart, "Do + you like Ezra Girdlestone too?" + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed," cried his companion with energy. "I don't like him in the + least. He is a cruel, bad-hearted man." + </p> + <p> + "Cruel! You don't mean cruel to you, of course." + </p> + <p> + "No, not to me. I avoid him as much as I can, and sometimes for weeks we + hardly exchange a word. Do you know what he did the other day? It makes me + shudder even to think of it. I heard a cat crying pitifully in the garden, + so I went out to see what was the matter. When I got outside I saw Ezra + Girdlestone leaning out of a window with a gun in his hands—one of + those air-guns which don't make any noise when they go off. And there, in + the middle of the garden, was a poor cat that he had tied to a bush, and + he had been practising at it for ever so long. The poor creature was still + alive, but oh! so dreadfully injured." + </p> + <p> + "The brute! What did you do?" + </p> + <p> + "I untied it and brought it inside, but it died during the night." + </p> + <p> + "And what did he say?" + </p> + <p> + "He put up his gun while I was untying it, as if he had half a mind to + take a shot at me. When I met him afterwards he said that he would teach + me to mind my own business. I didn't mind what he said though, as long as + I had the cat." + </p> + <p> + "Spoke like that, did he?" said Tom savagely, flushing up to his eyes. "I + wish I saw him now. I'd teach him manners, or—" + </p> + <p> + "You'll certainly get run over if you go on like that," interrupted Kate. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, the young man in his indignation was striding over a crossing + without the slightest heed of the imminent danger which he ran from the + stream of traffic. + </p> + <p> + "Don't be so excitable, Cousin Tom," she said, laying her gloved hand upon + his arm; "there is nothing to be cross about." + </p> + <p> + "Isn't there?" he answered furiously. "It's a pretty state of things that + you should have to submit to insults from a brutal puppy like that fellow + Ezra Girdlestone." The pair had managed by this time to get half-way + across the broad road, and were halting upon the little island of safety + formed by the great stone base of a lamp-post. An interminable stream of + 'buses—yellow, purple, and brown—with vans, hansoms, and + growlers, blocked the way in front of them. A single policeman, with his + back turned to them, and his two arms going like an animated semaphore, + was the only human being in their immediate vicinity. Amid all the roar + and rattle of the huge city they were as thoroughly left to themselves as + though they were in the centre of Salisbury Plain. + </p> + <p> + "You must have a protector," Tom said with decision. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Cousin Tom, don't be foolish; I can protect myself very well." + </p> + <p> + "You must have some one who has a right to look after you." The young + man's voice was husky, for the back part of his throat had become + unaccountably dry of a sudden. + </p> + <p> + "You can pass now, sir," roared the constable, for there was a momentary + break in the traffic. + </p> + <p> + "Don't go for a moment," Tom cried, desperately detaining his companion by + the sleeve of her jacket. "We are alone here and can talk. Don't you think—don't + you think you could like me a little bit if you were to try? I love you + so, Kate, that I cannot help hoping that my love is not all lost." + </p> + <p> + "All clear now, sir," shouted the constable once more. + </p> + <p> + "Don't mind him," said Tom, still detaining her on the little-island. + "Since I met you in Edinburgh, Kate, I have seemed to be walking in a + dream. Do what I will, go where I will, I still have you before my eyes + and hear your sweet voice in my ears. I don't believe any girl was ever + loved more dearly than I love you, but I find it so hard to put into words + the thoughts that I have in my mind. For Heaven's sake, give me some + little gleam of hope to carry away with me. You don't dislike me, Kate, do + you?" + </p> + <p> + "You know that I don't, Cousin Tom," said the young lady, with downcast + eyes. He had cornered her so skilfully against the great lamp that she + could move neither to the right nor to the left. + </p> + <p> + "Do you like me, then, Kate?" he asked eagerly, with a loving light in his + earnest grey eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Of course I do." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think you could love me?" continued this persistent young man. "I + don't mean all at once, and in a moment, because I know very well that I + am not worthy of it. But in time don't you think you could come to love + me?" + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps," murmured Kate, with averted face. It was such a very little + murmur that it was wonderful that it should be audible at all; yet it + pealed in the young man's ears above the rattle and the clatter of the + busy street. His head was very near to hers at the time. + </p> + <p> + "Now's your time, sir," roared the semaphoric policeman. + </p> + <p> + Had Tom been in a less exposed position it is possible that he might have + acted upon that well-timed remark from the cunning constable. The centre + of a London crossing is not, however, a very advantageous spot for the + performance of love passages. As they walked on, threading their way among + the vehicles, Tom took his companion's hand in his, and they exchanged one + firm grip, which each felt to be of the nature of a pledge. How sunny and + bright the dull brick-lined streets appeared to those two young people + that afternoon. They were both looking into a future which seemed to be + one long vista of happiness and love. Of all the gifts of Providence, + surely our want of knowledge of the things which are to come upon us is + the most merciful, and the one we could least dispense with! + </p> + <p> + So happy and so light-hearted were these two lovers that it was not until + they found themselves in Warwick Street once more that they came down from + the clouds, and realized that there were some commonplace details which + must be dealt with in one way or another. + </p> + <p> + "Of course, I may tell my own people, dearest, about our engagement?" Tom + said. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder what your mother will say?" answered Kate, laughing merrily. + "She will be awfully astonished." + </p> + <p> + "How about Girdlestone?" asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + The thought of the guardian had never occurred to either of them before. + They stared at each other, and Kate's face assumed such an expression of + dismay that her companion burst out laughing. + </p> + <p> + "Don't be frightened, darling," he said. "If you like, I'll go in and + 'beard the lion in his den.' There is no time like the present." + </p> + <p> + "No, no, dear Tom," she cried eagerly. "You must not do that." It was + impossible for her to tell him how especially Girdlestone had cautioned + her against him, but she felt that it would never do to allow the two to + meet. "We must conceal our engagement from Mr. Girdlestone." + </p> + <p> + "Conceal our engagement!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Tom. He has warned me so often against anything of the sort, that + really I don't know what he would do if he knew about it. He would + certainly make it very uncomfortable for me to live with him. Remember I + am nearly twenty now, so in a little more than a year I shall be entirely + free. That is not very long." + </p> + <p> + "I don't know about that," Tom said doubtfully. "However, if you will be + more comfortable, of course that settles the question. It seems rather + hard, though, that we should have to conceal it, simply in order to pacify + this old bear." + </p> + <p> + "It's only for a time, Tom; and you may tell them at home by all means. + Now, good-bye, dear; they will see you from the windows if you come + nearer." + </p> + <p> + "Good-bye, my darling." + </p> + <p> + They shook hands and parted, he hurrying away with the glad tidings to + Phillimore Gardens, she tripping back to her captivity with the lightest + heart that she had felt for a weary time. Passers-by glanced back at the + bright little face under the bright little bonnet, and Ezra Girdlestone, + looking down at her from the drawing-room window, bethought him that if + the diamond speculation should fail it would be no hardship to turn to his + father's word. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. — A SLIGHT MISUNDERSTANDING. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">The</span> revelation of the real state of the firm's finances was a terrible + blow to Ezra Girdlestone. To a man of his overbearing, tempestuous + disposition failure and poverty were bitter things to face. He had been + wont to tread down before him all such little difficulties and obstacles + as came across him in his former life. Now he encountered a great barrier + which could not be passed so easily, and he raged and chafed before it. It + made him still more wroth to think that the fault was none of his. All his + life he had reckoned, as a matter of course, that when his father passed + away he would be left almost a millionaire. A single half-hour's + conversation had shattered this delusion and left him face to face with + ruin. He lost his sleep and became restless and hollow-eyed. Once or twice + he was seen the worse for drink in the daytime. + </p> + <p> + He was a man of strong character, however, and though somewhat demoralized + by the sudden shock, he threw away no point in the game which he and his + father were playing. He saw clearly that only a bold stroke could save + them. He therefore threw himself heart and soul into the diamond scheme, + and worked out the details in a masterly manner. The more he looked into + it the more convinced he became, not only of its feasibility, but of its + absolute safety. It seemed as though it were hardly possible that it + should fail. + </p> + <p> + Among other things he proceeded to qualify himself as a dealer in + diamonds. It happened that he was acquainted with one of the partners of + the firm of Fugger & Stoltz, who did the largest import trade in + precious stones. Through his kindness he received practical instructions + in the variety and value of diamonds, and learned to detect all those + little flaws and peculiarities which are only visible to the eye of an + expert, and yet are of the highest importance in determinating the price + of a stone. With such opportunities Ezra made rapid progress, and within a + few weeks there were not many dealers in the trade who had a better grasp + of the subject. + </p> + <p> + Both the Girdlestones recognized that the success of their plan depended + very largely upon their choice of an agent, and both were of the opinion + that in Major Tobias Clutterbuck they had just the man that they were in + want of. The younger merchant had long felt vaguely that the major's + social position, combined with his impecuniosity and the looseness of his + morality, as inferred from his mode of life, might some day make him a + valuable agent under delicate circumstances. As to the old soldier's own + inclinations, Ezra flattered himself that he knew the man's nature to a + nicety. It was simply a question of the price to be paid. No doubt the + figure would be substantial, but he recognized with a trader's instinct + that the article was a superior one, and he was content to allow for the + quality in estimating the value. + </p> + <p> + Early one April afternoon the major was strutting down St. James's Street, + frock-coated and kid-gloved, with protuberant chest and glittering shoes + which peeped out from beneath the daintiest of gaiters. Young Girdlestone, + who had been on the look-out from a club window, ran across and + intercepted him. + </p> + <p> + "How are you, my dear major?" he cried, advancing upon him with + outstretched hand and as much show of geniality as his nature permitted. + </p> + <p> + "How d'ye do? How d'ye do?" said the other somewhat pompously. He had made + up his mind that nothing was to be done with the young man, and yet he was + reluctant to break entirely with one whose purse was well lined and who + had sporting proclivities. + </p> + <p> + "I've been wishing to speak with you for some days, major," said Ezra. + "When could I see you?" + </p> + <p> + "You'll niver see me any plainer than you do at this very moment," the old + soldier answered, taking a sidelong glance of suspicion at his companion. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, but I wish to speak to you quietly on a matter of business," the + young merchant persisted. "It's a delicate matter which may need some + talking over, and, above all, it is a private matter." + </p> + <p> + "Ged!" said the major, with a wheezy laugh, "you'd have thought I wanted + to borrow money if I had said as much. Look here now, we'll go into + White's private billiard-room, and I'll let you have two hunthred out of + five for a tinner—though it's as good as handing you the money to + offer you such odds. You can talk this over while we play." + </p> + <p> + "No, no, major," urged the junior partner. "I tell you it is a matter of + the greatest importance to both of us. Can you meet me at Nelson's Cafe at + four o'clock? I know the manager, and he'll let us have a private room." + </p> + <p> + "I'd ask you round to me own little place," the major said, "but it's + rather too far. Nelson's at four. Right you are! 'Punctuality is next to + godliness,' as ould Willoughby of the Buffs used to say. You didn't know + Willoughby, eh? Gad, he was second to a man at Gib in '47. He brought his + man on the ground, but the opponents didn't turn up. Two minutes after + time Willoughby wanted his man to leave. 'Teach 'em punctuality,' he said. + 'Can't be done,' said his man. '<i>Must</i> be done,' said Willoughby. + 'Out of the question,' said the man, and wouldn't budge. Willoughby + persisted; there were high words and a quarrel. The docther put 'em up at + fifteen paces, and the man shot Willoughby through the calf of the leg. He + was a martyr to punctuality. Four o'clock-bye, bye!" The major nodded + pleasantly and swaggered away, flourishing his little cane jauntily in the + air. + </p> + <p> + In spite of his admiration of punctuality, as exemplified in the person of + Willoughby of the Buffs, the major took good care to arrive at the + trysting-place somewhat behind the appointed time. It was clear to him + that some service or other was expected of him, and it was obviously his + game therefore to hang back and not appear to be too eager to enter into + young Girdlestone's views. When he presented himself at the entrance of + Nelson's Cafe the young merchant had been fuming and chafing in the + sitting-room for five and twenty minutes. + </p> + <p> + It was a dingy apartment, with a single large horse-hair chair and half a + dozen small wooden dittoes, placed with mathematical precision along the + walls. A square table in the centre and a shabby mirror over the + mantelpiece completed the furniture. With the instinct of an old + campaigner the major immediately dropped into the arm-chair, and, leaning + luxuriously back, took a cigar from his case and proceeded to light it. + Ezra Girdlestone seated himself near the table and twisted his dark + moustache, as was his habit when collecting himself. + </p> + <p> + "What will you drink?" he asked, + </p> + <p> + "Anything that's going." + </p> + <p> + "Fetch in a decanter of brandy and some seltzer water," said Ezra to the + waiter; "then shut the door and leave us entirely to ourselves." + </p> + <p> + When the liquor was placed upon the table he drank off his first glass at + a gulp, and then refilled it. The major placed his upon the mantelpiece + beside him without tasting it. Both were endeavouring to be at their best + and clearest in the coming interview, and each set about it in his own + manner. + </p> + <p> + "I'll tell you why I wanted to have a chat with you, major," Ezra said, + having first opened the door suddenly and glanced out as a precaution + against eavesdroppers. "I have to be cautious, because what I have to say + affects the interest of the firm. I wouldn't for the world have any one + know about it except yourself." + </p> + <p> + "What is it, me boy?" the major asked, with languid curiosity, puffing at + his weed and staring up at the smoke-blackened ceiling. + </p> + <p> + "You understand that in commercial speculations the least breath of + information beforehand may mean a loss of thousands on thousands." + </p> + <p> + The major nodded his head as a sign that he appreciated this fact. + </p> + <p> + "We have a difficult enterprise on which we are about to embark," Ezra + said, leaning forward and sinking his voice almost to a whisper. "It is + one which will need great skill and tact, though it may be made to pay + well if properly managed. You follow me?" + </p> + <p> + His companion nodded once more. + </p> + <p> + "For this enterprise we require an agent to perform one of the principal + parts. This agent must possess great ability, and, at the same time, be a + man on whom we can thoroughly rely. Of course we do not expect to find + such qualities without paying for them." + </p> + <p> + The major grunted a hearty acquiescence. + </p> + <p> + "My father," continued Ezra, "wanted to employ one of our own men. We have + numbers who are capable in every way of managing the business. I + interfered, however. I said that I had a good friend, named Major Tobias + Clutterbuck, who was well qualified for the position. I mentioned that you + were of the blood of the old Silesian kings. Was I not right?" + </p> + <p> + "Begad you were not. Milesian, sir; Milesian!" + </p> +<p> + "Ah, Milesian. It's all the same." +</p> + <p> + "It's nothing of the sort," said the major indignantly. + </p> + <p> + "I mean it was all the same to my father. He wouldn't know the difference. + Well, I told him of your high descent, and that you were a traveller, a + soldier, and a man of steady and trustworthy habits." + </p> + <p> + "Eh?" ejaculated the major involuntarily. "Well, all right. Go on!" + </p> + <p> + "I told him all this," said Ezra slowly, "and I pointed out to him that + the sum of money which he was prepared to lay out would be better expended + on such a man than on one who had no virtues beyond those of business." + </p> + <p> + "I didn't give you credit for so much sinse!" his companion exclaimed with + enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + "I said to him that if the matter were left entirely in your hands we + could rely upon its being done thoroughly. At the same time, we should + have the satisfaction of knowing that the substantial sum which we are + prepared to pay our agent had come into worthy hands." + </p> + <p> + "You hit it there again," murmured the veteran. + </p> + <p> + "You are prepared, then," said Ezra, glancing keenly at him, "to put + yourself at our orders on condition that you are well paid for it?" + </p> + <p> + "Not so fast, me young friend, not so fast!" said the major, taking his + cigar from between his lips and letting the blue smoke curl round his + head. "Let's hear what it is that you want me to do, and then I'm riddy to + say what I'll agree to and what I won't. I remimber Jimmy Baxter in Texas—" + </p> + <p> + "Hang Jimmy Baxter!" Ezra cried impatiently. + </p> + <p> + "That's been done already," observed the major calmly. "Lynched for + horse-stealing in '66. However, go on, and I'll promise not to stop you + until you have finished." + </p> + <p> + Thus encouraged, Ezra proceeded to unfold the plan upon which the fortunes + of the House of Girdlestone depended. Not a word did he say of ruin or + danger, or the reasons which had induced this speculation. On the + contrary, he depicted the affairs of the firm as being in a most + nourishing condition, and this venture as simply a small insignificant + offshoot from their business, undertaken as much for amusement as for any + serious purpose. Still, he laid stress upon the fact that though the sum + in question was a small one to the firm, yet it was a very large one in + other men's eyes. As to the morality of the scheme, that was a point which + Ezra omitted entirely to touch upon. Any comment upon that would, he felt, + be superfluous when dealing with such a man as his companion. + </p> + <p> + "And now, major," he concluded, "provided you lend us your name and your + talents to help us in our speculation, the firm are prepared to meet you + in a most liberal spirit in the matter of remuneration. Of course your + voyage and your expenses will be handsomely paid. You will have to travel + by steamer to St. Petersburg, provided that we choose the Ural Mountains + as the scene of our imaginary find. I hear that there is high play going + on aboard these boats, and with your well-known skill you will no doubt be + able to make the voyage a remunerative one. We calculate that at the most + you will be in Russia about three months. Now, the firm thought that it + would be very fair if they were to guarantee you two hundred and fifty + pounds, which they would increase to five hundred in case of success; of + course by that we mean complete success, such as would be likely to attend + your exertions." + </p> + <p> + Now, had there been any third person in the room during this long + statement of the young merchant's, and had that third person been a man of + observation, he might have remarked several peculiarities in the major's + demeanour. At the commencement of the address he might have posed as the + very model and type of respectable composure. As the plan was gradually + unfolded, however, the old soldier began to puff harder at his cigar until + a continuous thick grey cloud rose up from him, through which the lurid + tip of the havannah shone like a murky meteor. From time to time he passed + his hand down his puffy cheeks, as was his custom when excited. Then he + moved uneasily in his chair, cleared his throat huskily, and showed other + signs of restlessness, all of which were hailed by Ezra Girdlestone as + unmistakable proofs of the correctness of his judgment and of the not + unnatural eagerness of the veteran on hearing of the windfall which chance + had placed in his way. + </p> + <p> + When the young man had finished, the major stood up with his face to the + empty fire-place, his legs apart, his chest inflated, and his body rocking + ponderously backwards and forwards. + </p> + <p> + "Let me be quite sure that I understand you," he said. "You wish me to go + to Russia?" + </p> + <p> + "Quite so," Ezra remarked, rubbing his hands pleasantly. + </p> + <p> + "You have the goodness to suggist that on me way I should rook me + fellow-passengers in the boat?" + </p> + <p> + "That is to say, if you think it worth your while." + </p> + <p> + "Quite so, if I think it worth me while. I am then to procade across the + counthry to some mountains—" + </p> + <p> + "The Urals." + </p> + <p> + "And there I am to pretind to discover certain diamond mines, and am to + give weight to me story by the fact that I am known to be a man of good + birth, and also by exhibiting some rough stones which you wish me to take + out with me from England?" + </p> + <p> + "Quite right, major," Ezra said encouragingly. + </p> + <p> + "I am then to tilegraph or write this lie to England and git it inserted + in the papers?" + </p> + <p> + "That's an ugly word," Ezra remonstrated. "This 'report' we will say. A + report may be either true or false, you know." + </p> + <p> + "And by this report, thin," the major continued, "you reckon that the + market will be so affected that your father and you will be able to buy + and sell in a manner that will be profitable to you, but by which you will + do other people out of their money?" + </p> + <p> + "You have an unpleasant way of putting it," said Ezra, with a forced + laugh; "but you have the idea right." + </p> + <p> + "I have another idea as well," roared the old soldier, flushing purple + with passion. "I've an idea that if I was twinty years younger I'd see + whether you'd fit through that window, Master Girdlestone. Ged! I'd have + taught you to propose such a schame to a man with blue blood in his veins, + you scounthrel!" + </p> + <p> + Ezra fell back in his chair. He was outwardly composed, but there was a + dangerous glitter in his eye, and his face had turned from a healthy olive + to a dull yellow tint. + </p> + <p> + "You won't do it?" he gasped. + </p> + <p> + "Do it! D'ye think that a man who's worn Her Majesty's scarlet jacket for + twinty years would dirty his hands with such a trick? I tell ye, I + wouldn't do it for all the money that iver was coined. Look here, + Girdlestone, I know you, but, by the Lord, you don't know me!" + </p> + <p> + The young merchant sat silently in his chair, with the same livid colour + upon his face and savage expression in his eyes. Major Tobias Clutterbuck + stood at the end of the table, stooping forward so as to lean his hands + upon it, with his eyes protuberant and his scanty grey fringe in a bristle + with indignation. + </p> + <p> + "What right had you to come to me with such a proposal? I don't set up for + being a saint, Lord knows, but, be George! I've some morals, such as they + are, and I mean to stick to them. One of me rules of life has been niver + to know a blackgaird, and so, me young friend, from this day forth you and + I go on our own roads. Ged! I'm not particular, but 'you must draw the + line somewhere,' as me frind, Charlie Monteith, of the Indian Horse, used + to say when he cut his father-in-law. I draw it at you." + </p> + <p> + While the major was solemnly delivering himself of these sentiments, Ezra + continued to sit watching him in a particularly venomous manner. His + straight, cruel lips were blanched with passion, and the veins stood out + upon his forehead. The young man was a famous amateur bruiser, and could + fight a round with any professional in London. The old soldier would be a + child in his hands. As the latter picked up his hat preparatory to leaving + the room, Ezra rose and bolted the door upon the inside. "It's worth five + pounds in a police court," he muttered to himself, and knotting up his + great hands, which glittered with rings, he approached his companion with + his head sunk upon his breast, his eyes flashing from under his dark + brows, and the slow, stealthy step of a beast of prey. There was a + characteristic refinement of cruelty about his attack, as though he wished + to gloat over the helplessness of his victim, and give him time to realize + his position before he set upon him. + </p> + <p> + If such were his intention he failed signally in producing the desired + effect. The instant the major perceived his manoeuvre he pulled himself up + to his full height, as he might have done on parade, and slipping his hand + beneath the tails of his frock-coat, produced a small glittering + implement, which he levelled straight at the young merchant's head. + </p> + <p> + "A revolver!" Ezra gasped, staggering back. + </p> + <p> + "No, a derringer," said the veteran blandly. "I got into the thrick of + carrying one when I was in Colorado, and I have stuck to it ever since. + You niver know when it may be useful." As he spoke he continued to hold + the black muzzle of his pistol in a dead line with the centre of the young + man's forehead, and to follow the latter's movements with a hand which was + as steady as a rock. Ezra was no coward, but he ceased his advance and + stood irresolute. + </p> + <p> + "Now, thin," cried the major, in sharp military accents, "undo that door." + </p> + <p> + The young merchant took one look at the threatening apoplectic face of his + antagonist, and another at the ugly black spot which covered him. He + stooped, and pushed back the bolt. + </p> + <p> + "Now, open it! Ged, if you don't look alive I'll have to blow a hole in + you afther all. You wouldn't be the first man I've killed, nor the last + maybe." + </p> + <p> + Ezra opened the door precipitately. + </p> + <p> + "Now walk before me into the strate." + </p> + <p> + It struck the waiters at Nelson's well-known restaurant as a somewhat + curious thing that their two customers should walk out with such very + grave faces and in so unsociable a manner. "C'est la froideur Anglaise!" + remarked little Alphonse Lefanue to a fellow exile as they paused in the + laying of tables to observe the phenomenon. Neither of them noticed that + the stout gentleman behind with his hand placed jauntily in the breast of + his coat, was still clutching the brown handle of a pistol. + </p> + <p> + There was a hansom standing at the door and Major Clutterbuck stepped into + it. + </p> + <p> + "Look ye here, Girdlestone," he said, as the latter stood looking sulkily + up and down the street. "You should learn a lesson from this. Never attack + a man unless you're sure that he's unarmed. You may git shot, if you do." + </p> + <p> + Ezra continued to stare gloomily into vacancy and took no notice of his + late companion's remark. + </p> + <p> + "Another thing," said the major. "You must niver take it for granted that + every man you mate is as great a blackgaird as yourself." + </p> + <p> + The young merchant gave him a malignant glance from his dark eyes and was + turning to go, but the gentleman in the cab stretched out his hand to + detain him. + </p> + <p> + "One more lesson," he said. "Never funk a pistol unless you are sure + there's a carthridge inside. Mine hadn't. Drive on, cabby!" With which + parting shot the gallant major rattled away down Piccadilly with a fixed + determination never again to leave his rooms without a few of Eley's No 4 + central fires in his pocket. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. — AN ADDITION TO THE HOUSE. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">There</span> were rejoicings in Phillimore Gardens over Tom's engagement, for the + two old people were both heartily fond of Kate—"our Kate," as they + were wont proudly to call her. The physician chafed at first over the idea + of keeping the matter a secret from Girdlestone. A little reflection + served to show him, however, that there was nothing to be gained by + informing him, while Kate's life, during the time that she was forced to + remain under his roof, would be more tolerable as long as he was kept in + ignorance of it. In the meanwhile the lovers saw little of each other, and + Tom was only consoled by the thought that every day which passed brought + him nearer to the time when he could claim his prize without concealment + or fear. He went about as happy and as light-hearted a man as any in all + London. His mother was delighted at his high spirits, but his bluff old + father was not so well satisfied. "Confound the lad!" he said to himself. + "He is settling down to a life of idleness. It suits him too well. We must + get him to choose one way or the other." + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, after breakfast one morning, the doctor asked his son to step + with him into the library, where he lit his long cherry-wood pipe, as was + his custom after every meal, and smoked for some time in silence. + </p> + <p> + "You must do something to keep you from mischief, my boy," he said at last + brusquely. + </p> + <p> + "I'm ready for anything, dad," replied Tom, "but I don't quite see what + I'm fitted for." + </p> + <p> + "First of all, what do you think of this?" the doctor asked abruptly, + handing a letter over to his son, who opened it and read as follows:— + </p> + <div class="blk"> +<p> + "<span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>,— + </p><p> + + "It has come to my knowledge through my son that your boy has + abandoned the study of medicine, and that you are still + uncertain as to his future career. I have long had the + intention of seeking a young man who might join in our + business, and relieve my old shoulders of some of the + burden. Ezra urges me to write and propose that your + son should become one of us. If he has any taste for + business we shall be happy to advance his interest in + every way. He would, of course, have to purchase a share + in the concern, which would amount to seven thousand pounds, + on which he would be paid interest at the rate of five + per cent. By allowing this interest to accumulate, and + investing also his share of the profits, he might in time + absorb a large portion of the business. In case he joined + us upon this footing we should have no objection to his + name appearing as one of the firm. Should the idea commend + itself to you, I should be most happy to talk over details, + and to explain to you the advantages which the firm can offer, + at my office in Fenchurch Street, any day between ten and four." +</p><p> + "With kind regards to your family, and hoping that they enjoy + the great blessing of health, I remain sincerely yours," +</p><p class="rt"> + "<span class="smcap">John Girdlestone</span>." +</p> +</div> + <p> + "What d'ye think of that?" the doctor asked, when his son had finished + reading it. + </p> + <p> + "I hardly know," said Tom; "I should like a little time to think it over." + </p> + <p> + "Seven thousand pounds is a good round sum. It is more than half the total + capital which I have invested for you. On the other hand, I have heard + those who ought to know say there is not a sounder or better managed + concern in London. There's no time like the present, Tom. Get your hat, + and we'll go down to Fenchurch Street together and look into it." + </p> + <p> + While father and son were rattling along in a cab from Kensington to the + City, the young man had time to turn the matter over in his mind. He + wanted to be at work, and why not take this up as well as anything else. + It is true that he disliked what he had seen of both the Girdlestones, + but, on the other hand, by becoming a member of the firm he would probably + be thrown in the way of meeting the old merchant's ward. This last + consideration decided the matter, and long before the cab had pulled up at + the long and dirty passage which led to the offices of the great African + firm, the party principally interested had fully made up his mind as to + the course he should adopt. + </p> + <p> + They were duly ushered into the small sanctum adorned with the dissected + ships, the maps, the charts, the lists of sailing, and the water-colour + picture of the barque <i>Belinda</i>, where they were received by the head + of the firm. With a charming personal modesty, tempered by a becoming + pride in the great business which he had himself created, he discoursed + upon its transactions and its importance. He took down ledgers and flashed + great rows of figures before the eyes of the good doctor, explaining, at + the same time, how month after month their receipts increased and their + capital grew. Then he spoke touchingly of his own ripe years, and of the + quiet and seclusion which he looked forward to after his busy lifetime. + </p> + <p> + "With my young friend here," he said, patting Tom affectionately on the + shoulder, "and my own boy Ezra, both working together, there will be young + blood and life in the concern. They'll bring the energy, and when they + want advice they can come to the old man for it. I intend in a year or so, + when the new arrangement works smoothly, to have a run over to Palestine. + It may seem a weakness to you, but all my life I have hoped some day to + stand upon that holy ground, and to look down on those scenes which we + have all imagined to ourselves. Your son will start with a good position + and a fair income, which he will probably double before he is five years + older. The money invested by him is simply to ensure that he shall have a + substantial interest in promoting the affairs of the firm." Thus the old + man ran on, and when Tom and his father left the office with the sound of + great sums of money, and huge profits, and heavy balances, and safe + investments, all jostling each other in their brains, they had both made + up their minds as to the future. + </p> + <p> + Hence in a couple of days there was a stir in the legal house of Jones, + Morgan, & Co., with much rustling of parchment, and signing of names, + and drinking of inferior sherry. The result of all which was that the firm + of Girdlestone & Co. were seven thousand pounds the richer, and Thomas + Dimsdale found himself a recognized member of a great commercial house + with all the rights and privileges appertaining thereto. + </p> + <p> + "A good day's work, Tom," said the old doctor, as they left the lawyer's + office together. "You have now taken an irrevocable step in life, my boy. + The world is before you. You belong to a first-class firm and you have + every chance. May you thrive and prosper." + </p> + <p> + "If I don't it won't be my fault," Tom answered with decision. "I shall + work with my whole heart and soul." + </p> + <p> + "A good day's work, Ezra," the African merchant was remarking at that very + moment in Fenchurch Street. "The firm is pinched again for working + expenses. This will help;" and he threw a little slip of green paper + across the table to his son. + </p> + <p> + "It will help us for a time," Ezra said, gloomily, glancing at the + figures. "It was fortunate that I was able to put you on his track. It is + only a drop in the ocean, however. Unless this diamond spec. comes off, + nothing can save us." + </p> + <p> + "But it shall come off," his father answered resolutely. He had succeeded + in obtaining an agent who appeared to be almost as well fitted for the + post as the recalcitrant major. This worthy had started off already for + Russia, where the scene of his operations was to lie. + </p> + <p> + "I hope so," said Ezra. "We have neglected no precaution. Langworthy + should be at Tobolsk by this time. I saw that he had a bag of rough stones + with him which would do well enough for his purpose." + </p> + <p> + "We have your money ready, too. I can rely upon rather over thirty + thousand pounds. Our credit was good for that, but I did not wish to push + it too far for fear of setting tongues wagging." + </p> + <p> + "I am thinking of starting shortly in the mail boat <i>Cyprian</i>," said + Ezra. "I should be at the diamond fields in little more than a month. I + dare say Langworthy won't show any signs for some time yet, but I may as + well be there as here. It will give me a little while to find my way + about. You see, if the tidings and I were to come almost simultaneously, + it might arouse suspicions. In the meantime, no one knows our little + game." + </p> + <p> + "Except your friend Clutterbuck." + </p> + <p> + A dark shadow passed over Ezra's handsome face, and his cruel lip + tightened in a way which boded little good to the old soldier should he + ever lie at his mercy. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. — THE FIRST STEP. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">It</span> was a proud day for the ex-medical student when he first entered the + counting-house of the African firm and realized that he was one of the + governing powers in that busy establishment. Tom Dimsdale's mind was an + intensely practical one, and although he had found the study of science an + irksome matter, he was able to throw himself into business with uncommon + energy and devotion. The clerks soon found that the sunburnt, + athletic-looking young man intended to be anything but a sleeping partner, + and both they and old Gilray respected him accordingly. + </p> + <p> + The latter had at first been inclined to resent the new arrangement as far + as his gentle down-trodden nature could resent anything. Hitherto he had + been the monarch of the counting-house in the absence of the Girdlestones, + but now a higher desk had been erected in a more central portion of the + room, and this was for the accommodation of the new comer. Gilray, after + his thirty years of service, felt this usurpation of his rights very + keenly; but there was such a simple kindness about the invader, and he was + so grateful for any assistance in his new duties, that the old clerk's + resentment soon melted away. + </p> + <p> + A little incident occurred which strengthened this kindly feeling. It + chanced that some few days after Tom's first appearance in the office + several of the clerks, who had not yet quite gauged what manner of man + this young gentleman might be, took advantage of the absence of the + Girdlestones to take a rise out of the manager. One of them, a great + rawboned Scotchman, named McCalister, after one or two minor exhibitions + of wit concluded by dropping a heavy ruler over the partition of the old + man's desk in such a way that it crashed down upon his head as he sat + stooping over his writing. Tom, who had been watching the proceedings with + a baleful eye, sprang off his stool and made across the office at the + offender. McCalister seemed inclined for a moment to brazen it out, but + there was a dangerous sling about Tom's shoulders and a flush of honest + indignation upon his face. "I didn't mean to hurt him," said the + Scotchman. "Don't hit him, sir!" cried the little manager. "Beg his + pardon," said Tom between his teeth. McCalister stammered out some lame + apology, and the matter was ended. It revealed the new partner, however, + in an entirely novel light to the inmates of the counting-house. That + under such circumstances a complaint should be carried to the senior was + only natural, but that the junior should actually take the matter into his + own hands and execute lynch law then and there was altogether a new + phenomenon. From that day Tom acquired a great ascendancy in the office, + and Gilray became his devoted slave. This friendship with the old clerk + proved to be very useful, for by means of his shrewd hints and patient + teaching the new comer gained a grasp of the business which he could not + have attained by any other method. + </p> + <p> + Girdlestone called him into the office one day and congratulated him upon + the progress which he was making. "My dear young man," he said to him in + his patriarchal way, "I am delighted to hear of the way in which you + identify yourself with the interests of the firm. If at first you find + work allotted to you which may appear to you to be rather menial, you must + understand that that is simply due to our desire that you should master + the whole business from its very foundations." + </p> + <p> + "There is nothing I desire better," said Tom. + </p> + <p> + "In addition to the routine of office work, and the superintendence of the + clerks, I should wish you to have a thorough grasp of all the details of + the shipping, and of the loading and unloading of our vessels, as well as + of the storage of goods when landed. When any of our ships are in, I + should wish you to go down to the docks and to overlook everything which + is done." + </p> + <p> + Tom bowed and congratulated himself inwardly upon these new duties, which + promised to be interesting. + </p> + <p> + "As you grow older," said the senior partner, "you will find it of + inestimable value that you have had practical experience of what your subordinates + have to do. My whole life has taught me that. When you are in doubt upon + any subject you can ask Ezra for assistance and advice. He is a young man + whom you might well take as an example, for he has great business + capacity. When he has gone to Africa you can come to me if there is + anything which you do not understand." John Girdlestone appeared to be so + kindly and benevolent during this and other interviews, that Tom's heart + warmed towards him, and he came to the conclusion that his father had + judged the old merchant harshly. More than once, so impressed was he by + his kindness, that he was on the point of disclosing to him his engagement + to his ward, but on each occasion there arose within him a lively + recollection of Kate's frightened face when he had suggested such a + course, and he felt that without her consent he had no right to divulge + the secret. + </p> + <p> + If the elder Girdlestone improved upon acquaintance it was exactly the + reverse with his son Ezra. The dislike with which Tom had originally + regarded him deepened as he came in closer contact, and appeared to be + reciprocated by the other, so that they held but little intercourse + together. Ezra had taken into his own charge all the financial part of the + concern, and guarded it the more jealously when he realized that the new + partner was so much less simple than he had expected. Thus Tom had no + opportunity of ascertaining for himself how the affairs of the firm stood, + but believed implicitly, as did Gilray, that every outlay was bringing in + a large and remunerative return. Very much astonished would both of them + have been had they realized that the working expenses were at present + being paid entirely from their own capital until such time as the plot + should ripen which was to restore the fortunes of the African company. + </p> + <p> + In one respect Tom Dimsdale was immeasurably the gainer by his connection + with the firm, for without that it is difficult to say how he could have + found opportunities for breaking through the barrier which separated him + from Kate. The surveillance of the merchant had become stricter of late, + and all invitations from Mrs. Dimsdale or other friends who pitied the + loneliness of the girl were repulsed by Girdlestone with the curt + intimation that his ward's health was not such as to justify him in + allowing her to incur any risk of catching a chill. She was practically a + prisoner in the great stone cage in Eccleston Square, and even on her + walks a warder in the shape of a footman was, as we have seen, told off to + guard her. Whatever John Girdlestone's reasons may have been, he had + evidently come to the conclusion that it was of the highest importance + that she should be kept secluded. + </p> + <p> + As it was, Tom, thanks to his position as one of the firm, was able + occasionally, in spite of every precaution to penetrate through the old + man's defensive works. If a question of importance arose at Fenchurch + Street during the absence of the senior partner, what more natural than + that Mr. Dimsdale should volunteer to walk round to Eccleston Square in + order to acquaint him with the fact. And if it happened that the gentleman + was not to be found there, how very natural that the young man should wait + half an hour for him, and that Miss Harston should take the opportunity of + a chat with an old friend? Precious, precious interviews those, the more + so for their rarity. They brightened the dull routine of Kate's weary life + and sent Tom back to the office full of spirit and hope. The days were at + hand when the memory of them was to shine out like little rifts of light + in the dark cloud of existence. + </p> + <p> + And now the time was coming when it was to be decided whether, by a last + bold stroke, the credit of the House of Girdlestone was to be saved, or + whether the attempt was to plunge them into deeper and more hopeless ruin. + An unscrupulous agent named Langworthy had, as already indicated, been + despatched to Russia well primed with instructions as to what to do and + how to do it. He had been in the employ of an English corn merchant at + Odessa, and had some knowledge of the Russian language which would be + invaluable to him in his undertaking. In the character of an English + gentleman of scientific tastes he was to establish himself in some + convenient village among the Ural Mountains. There he was to remain some + little time, so as to arouse confidence in the people before making his + pretended discovery. He was then to carry his rough diamonds to Tobolsk, + as the nearest large town, and to exhibit them there, backing up his + assertion by the evidence of villagers who had seen him dig them up. The + Girdlestones knew that that alone would be sufficient when telegraphed to + England to produce a panic in the sensitive diamond market. Before any + systematic inquiry could be made, Langworthy would have disappeared, and + their little speculation would have come off. After that the sooner the + people realized that it was a hoax the better for the conspirators. In any + case, there seemed to be no possibility that the origin of the rumour + could be traced. Meanwhile, Ezra Girdlestone had secured his passage in + the Cape mail steamer <i>Cyprian</i>. On the night that he left he sat up + late in the library at Eccleston Square talking over the matter for the + last time with his father. + </p> + <p> + The old man was pale and nervous. The one weak point in his character was + his affection for his son, an affection which he strove to hide under an + austere manner, but which was none the less genuine. He had never before + parted with him for any length of time, and he felt the wrench keenly. As + to Ezra, he was flushed and excited at the thought of the new scenes which + lay before him and the daring speculation in which he was about to embark. + He flung himself into a chair and stretched his thick, muscular limbs out + in front of him. + </p> + <p> + "I know as much about stones," he said exultantly, "as any man in London. + I was pricing a bag of rough ones at Van Helmer's to-day, and he is + reckoned a good judge. He said that no expert could have done it better. + Lord bless you! pure or splints, or cracked, or off colour, or spotted, or + twin stones, I'm up to them all. I wasn't a pound out in the market value + of any one of them." + </p> + <p> + "You deserve great credit for your quickness and perseverance," replied + his father. "Your knowledge will be invaluable to you when you are at the + fields. Be careful of yourself when you are there, my son, if only for my + sake. There are rough fellows at such places, and you must give them soft + words. I know that your temper is quick, but remember those wise words, + 'He that ruleth his spirit is better than he that taketh a city.'" + </p> + <p> + "Never fear for me, dad," said Ezra, with a sinister smile, pointing to a + small leather case which lay among his things. "That's the best + six-shooter I could get for money. I've taken a tip, you see, from our + good friend, the major, and have six answers for any one that wants to + argue with me. If I had had that the other day he wouldn't have bounced me + so easily." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, but Ezra, Ezra," his father said, in great agitation, "you will + promise to be careful and to avoid quarrels and bloodshed. It is against + the great law, the new commandment." + </p> + <p> + "I won't get into any rows if I can help it," his son answered. "That's + not my game." + </p> + <p> + "But if you think that there is no mistake, if your opponent is + undoubtedly about to proceed to extremities, shoot him down at once, my + dear lad, before he has time to draw. I have heard those who have been out + there say that in such cases everything depends upon getting the first + shot. I am anxious about you, and shall not be easy until I see you + again." + </p> + <p> + "Blessed if he hasn't tears in his eyes!" Ezra exclaimed to himself, much + astonished at this unprecedented occurrence. + </p> + <p> + "When do you go?" his father asked. + </p> + <p> + "My train leaves in an hour or so. I reach the steamer at Southampton + about three in the morning, and she starts with the full tide at six." + </p> + <p> + "Look after your health," the old man continued. "Don't get your feet wet, + and wear flannel next your skin. Don't forget your religious duties + either. It has a good effect upon those among whom you do business." + </p> + <p> + Ezra sprang from his chair with an exclamation of disgust and began to + pace up and down. "I wish to Heaven you would drop that sort of gammon + when we are alone," he said irritably. + </p> + <p> + "My dear boy," said the father, with a mild look of surprise upon his + face, "you seem to be under a misapprehension in this matter. You appear + to consider that we are embarking upon some unjustifiable undertaking. + This is not so. What we are doing is simply a small commercial ruse—a + finesse. It is a recognized maxim of trade to endeavour to depreciate the + price of whatever you want to buy, and to raise it again when the time + comes for selling." + </p> + <p> + "It's steering very close to the law," his son retorted. "No speculating, + now, while I am away; whatever comes in must go towards getting us out of + this scrape, not to plunging us deeper in the mire." + </p> + <p> + "I shall not expend an unnecessary penny." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, good-bye." said the young man, rising up and holding out his + hand. "Keep your eye on Dimsdale and don't trust him." + </p> + <p> + "Good-bye, my son, good-bye—God bless you!" + </p> + <p> + The old merchant was honestly moved, and his voice quivered as he spoke. + He stood motionless for a minute or so until the heavy door slammed, and + then he threw open the window and gazed sorrowfully down the street at the + disappearing cab. His whole attitude expressed such dejection that his + ward, who had just entered the room, felt more drawn towards him than she + had ever done before. Slipping up to him she placed her warm tender hand + upon his sympathetically. + </p> + <p> + "He will soon be back, dear Mr. Girdlestone," she said. "You must not be + uneasy about him." + </p> + <p> + As she stood beside him in her white dress, with a single red ribbon round + her neck and a band of the same colour round her waist, she was as fair a + specimen of English girl-hood as could have been found in all London. The + merchant's features softened as he looked down at her fresh young face, + and he put out his hand as though to caress her, but some unpleasant + thought must have crossed his mind, for he assumed suddenly a darker look + and turned away from her without a word. More than once that night she + recalled that strange spasmodic expression of something akin to horror + which had passed over her guardian's features as he gazed at her. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. — THE LAND OF DIAMONDS. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">The</span> anxious father had not very long to wait before he heard tidings of + his son. Upon the first of June the great vessel weighed her anchor in the + Southampton Water, and steamed past the Needles into the Channel. On the + 5th she was reported from Madeira, and the merchant received telegrams + both from the agent of the firm and from his son. Then there was a long + interval of silence, for the telegraph did not extend to the Cape at that + time, but, at last on the 8th of August, a letter announced Ezra's safe + arrival. He wrote again from Wellington, which was the railway terminus, + and finally there came a long epistle from Kimberley, the capital of the + mining district, in which the young man described his eight hundred miles + drive up country and all the adventures which overtook him on the way. + </p> + <p> + "This place, Kimberley," he said in his letter, "has grown into a + fair-sized town, though a few years ago it was just a camp. Now there are + churches, banks, and a club in it. There are a sprinkling of well-dressed + people in the streets, but the majority are grimy-looking chaps from the + diggings, with slouched hats and coloured shirts, rough fellows to look + at, though quiet enough as a rule. Of course, there are blacks everywhere, + of all shades, from pure jet up to the lightest yellow. Some of these + niggers have money, and are quite independent. You would be surprised at + their impertinence. I kicked one of them in the hotel yesterday, and he + asked me what the devil I was doing, so I knocked the insolent scoundrel + down. He says that he will sue me, but I cannot believe that the law is so + servile as to bolster up a black man against a white one. + </p> + <p> + "Though Kimberley is the capital of the dry diggings, it is not there that + all the actual mining is done. It goes on briskly in a lot of little + camps, which are dotted along the Vaal River for fifty or sixty miles. The + stones are generally bought by licensed agents immediately after they have + been found, and are paid for by cheques on banks in Kimberley. I have, + therefore, transferred our money to the Standard Bank here, and have taken + my licence. I start to-morrow for Hebron, Klipdrift, and other of the + mining centres to see for myself how business is done and to make friends + with the miners, so as to get myself known. As soon as the news comes I + shall buy in all that offers. Keep your eyes on that fellow Dimsdale, and + let him know nothing of what is going on." + </p> + <p> + He wrote again about a fortnight afterwards, and his letter, as it crossed + the Atlantic, passed the outward mail, which bore the news of the + wonderful diamond find made by an English geologist among the Ural + Mountains. + </p> + <p> + "I am now on a tour among the camps," he said. "I have worked right + through from Hebron to Klipdrift, Pniel, Cawood's Hope, Waldeck's Plant, + Neukirk's Hope, Winterrush, and Bluejacket. To-morrow I push on to + Delparte's Hope and Larkin's Flat. I am well received wherever I go, + except by the dealers, who are mostly German Jews. They hear that I am a + London capitalist, and fear that I may send up the prices. They little + know! I bought stones all the way along, but not very valuable ones, for + we must husband our resources. + </p> + <p> + "The process of mining is very simple. The men dig pits in loose gravel + lying along the banks of the river, and it is in these pits that the + diamonds are found. The black men, or 'boys,' as they call them, do all + the work, and the 'baas,' or master, superintends. Everything that turns + up belongs to the 'baas,' but the boys have a fixed rate of wages, which + never varies, whether the work is paying or not. I was standing at Hebron + watching one of the gangs working when the white chap gave a shout, and + dived his hand into a heap of stuff he had just turned over, pulling out a + dirty looking little lump about the size of a marble. At his shout all the + other fellows from every claim within hearing gathered round, until there + was quite a crowd. + </p> + <p> + "'It's a fine stone,' said the man that turned it up. + </p> + <p> + "'Fifty carats if it's one,' cried another, weighing it in the palm of his + hand. + </p> + <p> + "I had my scales with me, so I offered to weigh it. It was sixty-four and + a half carats. Then they washed it and examined it. There was a lot of + whispering among them and then the one who had found it came forward. + </p> + <p> + "'You deal, don't you, Mr. Girdlestone?' he said. + </p> + <p> + "'Now and then,' I answered, 'but I'm not very keen about it. I came out + here more for pleasure than business. + </p> + <p> + "'Well,' he said, 'you may go far before you see a finer stone than this. + What will you bid for it?' + </p> + <p> + "I looked at it. 'It's off-coloured,' I said. + </p> + <p> + "'It's white,' said he and one or two of his chums. + </p> + <p> + "'Gentlemen,' I said, 'it is not white. There are two shades of yellow in + it. It is worth little or nothing.' + </p> + <p> + "'Why, if it is yellow it makes it all the more valuable,' said a big + fellow with a black beard and corduroy trousers. 'A yellow stone's as good + as a white.' + </p> + <p> + "'Yes,' I answered, 'a pure yellow stone is. But this is neither one nor + the other. It's off-colour, and you know that as well as I.' + </p> + <p> + "'Won't you bid for it, then?' said one of them. + </p> + <p> + "'I'll bid seventy pounds,' I said, 'but not a penny more.' + </p> + <p> + "You should have heard the howl they all set up. 'It's worth five + hundred,' the fellow cried. + </p> + <p> + "'All right,' I said, 'keep it and sell it for that; good day,' and I went + off. The stone was sent after me that evening with a request for my + cheque, and I sold it for a hundred two days afterwards. + You see old Van Harmer's training has come in very handy. I just tell you + this little anecdote to let you see that though I'm new in the work I'm + not to be done. Nothing in the papers here from Russia. I am ready, come + when it may. What would you do if there should be any hitch and the affair + did not come off? Would you cut and run, or would you stand by your + colours and pay a shilling or so in the pound? The more I think of it the + more I curse your insanity in getting us into such a mess. Good-bye." + </p> + <p> + "He is right. It was insanity," said the old merchant leaning his head + upon his hands. "It seems unkind of the lad to say so when he is so far + away, but he was always plain and blunt. 'If the affair did not come off'—he + must have some doubts about the matter, else he would not even suppose + such a thing. God knows what I should do then. There are other ways—other + ways." He passed his hand over his eyes as he spoke, as though to shut out + some ugly vision. Such a wan, strange expression played over his grim + features that he was hardly to be recognized as the revered elder of the + Trinitarian Chapel or the esteemed man of business of Fenchurch Street. + </p> + <p> + He was lost in thought for some little time, and then, rising, he touched + the bell upon the table. Gilray trotted in upon the signal so rapidly and + noiselessly, that he might have been one of those convenient genii in the + Eastern fables, only that the little clerk's appearance, from the tips of + his ink-stained fingers to the toes of his seedy boots, was so hopelessly + prosaic that it was impossible to picture him as anything but what he was. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Gilray!" the merchant began, "is Mr. Dimsdale in the office?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir." + </p> + <p> + "That's all right. He seems to be very regular in his attendance." + </p> + <p> + "Very, sir." + </p> + <p> + "And seems to take to the business very well." + </p> + <p> + "Uncommonly quick, sir, to be sure," said the head clerk. "What with work + among the ships, and work in the office, he's at it late and early." + </p> + <p> + "That is very right," said the old man, playing with the letter weights. + "Application in youth, Gilray, leads to leisure in old age. Is the <i>Maid + of Athens</i> unloading?" + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Dimsdale has been down to her this morning, sir. They're getting the + things out fast. He wants to call attention to the state of the vessel, + Mr. Girdlestone. He says that it's making water even in dock, and that + some of the hands say that they won't go back in her." + </p> + <p> + "Tut! tut!" John Girdlestone said peevishly. "What are the Government + inspectors for? There is no use paying them if we are to inspect + ourselves. If they insist upon any alterations they shall be made." + </p> + <p> + "They were there, sir, at the same time as Mr. Dimsdale," said Gilray, + diffidently. + </p> + <p> + "Well, what then?" asked his employer. + </p> + <p> + "He says, sir, that the inspectors went down to the cabin and had some + champagne with Captain Spender. They then professed themselves to be very + well satisfied with the state of the vessel and came away." + </p> + <p> + "There you are!" the senior partner cried triumphantly. "Of course these + men can see at a glance how things stand, and if things had really been + wrong they would have called attention to it. Let us have no more of these + false alarms. You must say a few words on the point to Mr. Dimsdale, as + coming from yourself, not from me. Tell him to be more careful before he + jumps to conclusions." + </p> + <p> + "I will, sir." + </p> + <p> + "And bring me ledger No. 33." + </p> + <p> + Gilray stretched up his arm and took down a fat little ledger from a high + shelf, which he laid respectfully before his employer. Then, seeing that + he was no longer wanted, he withdrew. + </p> + <p> + Ledger No. 33 was secured by a clasp and lock—the latter a patent + one which defied all tamperers. John Girdlestone took a small key from his + pocket and opened it with a quick snap. A precious volume this, for it was + the merchant's private book, which alone contained a true record of the + financial state of the firm, all others being made merely for show. + Without it he would have been unable to keep his son in the dark for so + many months until bitter necessity at last compelled him to show his hand. + </p> + <p> + He turned the pages over slowly and sadly. Here was a record of the sums + sunk in the Lake Tanganyika Gold Company, which was to have paid 33 per + cent., and which fell to pieces in the second month of its existence. Here + was the money advanced to Durer, Hallett, & Co., on the strength of + securities which proved to be the flimsiest of insecurities when tested. + Further on was the account of the dealings of the firm with the Levant + Petroleum Company, the treasurer of which had levanted with the greater + part of the capital. Here, too, was a memorandum of the sums sunk upon the + <i>Evening Star</i> and the <i>Providence</i>, whose unfortunate collision + had well-nigh proved the death blow of the firm. It was melancholy + reading, and perhaps the last page was the most melancholy of all. On it + the old man had drawn up in a condensed form an exact account of the + present condition of the firm's finances. Here it is exactly word for word + as he had written it down himself. + </p> + + <table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"> + +<tr> +<td class="c" colspan="4">GIRDLESTONE & CO.</td></tr> + +<tr> +<td class="rt" colspan="4">October 1874</td></tr> + +<tr valign="top"> +<td class="pdd">Debit.</td> +<td>  </td> +<td class="pddbr">Credit.</td> +<td>  </td> </tr> + + +<tr valign="top"> +<td class="pdd">Debts incurred previous to disclosure to Ezra </td> +<td class="rt"> £34,000</td> +<td class="pddbr">Ezra, in Africa, holds this money with which to speculate.</td> +<td class="rt"> £35,000</td></tr> + +<tr> +<td class="pdd">£15,000 raised at six months, and £20,000 at nine months</td> +<td class="rt"> 35,000</td> +<td class="pddbr">Balance in bank, including what remains of Dimsdale's premium.</td> +<td class="rt"> 8,400</td></tr> + +<tr valign="top"> +<td class="pdd">Interest on said money at 5 per cent. </td> +<td class="rt"> 1,125</td> +<td class="pddbr">Profit on the cargo of <i>Maid of Athens</i>, now in port.</td> +<td class="rt"> 2,000</td></tr> + +<tr valign="top"> +<td class="pdd">Working expenses of the firm during the next six months, including cost of ships, at £150 per week </td> +<td class="rt"> 3,900</td> +<td class="pddbr">Profit on the cargoes of <i>Black Eagle</i>,<i>Swan</i> and +<i>Panther</i>, calculated at the same rate.</td> +<td class="rt"> 6,000</td></tr> + +<tr valign="top"> +<td class="pdd">Private expenses at Ecclestone Square, say </td> +<td class="rt"> 1,000</td> +<td class="pddbr">Deficit</td> +<td class="rt"> 26,425</td></tr> + +<tr valign="top"> +<td class="pdd">Expenses of Langworthy in Russia, and of my dear son in Africa, say </td> +<td class="rt"> 600</td> +<td class="pddbr" colspan="2">  </td></tr> + +<tr valign="top"> +<td class="pdd">Insurances </td> +<td class="rt"> 1,200</td> +<td class="pddbr" colspan="2">  </td></tr> + +<tr valign="top"> +<td class="pdd">Total </td> +<td class="rtbt"> £76,825</td> +<td class="pddbr">Total</td> +<td class="rtbt"> £76,825</td></tr> + +<tr valign="top"><td colspan="2" class="pdd">All this money must be found within nine months at the outside.</td> + +<td class="pddbr" + valign="top" +colspan="2">The possibility of the sinking of a ship must not be overlooked--that would bring in from £12,000 to £20,000.</td></tr> +</table> + <p> + "Come, it's not so very bad after all," the merchant muttered, after he + had gone over these figures very slowly and carefully. He leaned back in + his chair and looked up at the ceiling with a much more cheerful + expression upon his face. "At the worst it is less than thirty thousand + pounds. Why, many firms would think little of it. The fact is, that I have + so long been accustomed to big balances on the right side that it seems to + be a very dreadful thing now that it lies the other way. A dozen things + may happen to set all right. I must not forget, however," he continued, + with a darker look, "that I have dipped into my credit so freely that I + could not borrow any more without exciting suspicion and having the whole + swarm down on us. After all, our hopes lie in the diamonds. Ezra cannot + fail. He must succeed. Who can prevent him?" + </p> + <p> + "Major Tobias Clutterbuck," cried the sharp, creaky voice of Gilray as if + in answer to the question, and the little clerk, who had knocked once or + twice unnoticed, opened the door and ushered in the old Campaigner. + </p> + <p> + It may be well to remark, that this and succeeding incidents occurred in + the old Crown Colony days, before the diamond legislation was as strict as + it has since become. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. — MAJOR TOBIAS CLUTTERBUCK COMES IN FOR A THOUSAND + POUNDS. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">John Girdlestone</span> had frequently heard his son speak of the major in the + days when they had been intimate, and had always attributed some of the + young man's more obvious vices to the effects of this ungodly + companionship. He had also heard from Ezra a mangled version of the + interview and quarrel in the private room of Nelson's Restaurant. Hence, + as may be imagined, his feelings towards his visitor were far from + friendly, and he greeted him as he entered with the coldest of possible + bows. The major, however, was by no means abashed by this chilling + reception, but stumped forward with beaming face and his pudgy hand + outstretched, so that the other had no alternative but to shake it, which + he did very gingerly and reluctantly. + </p> + <p> + "And how are ye?" said the major, stepping back a pace or two, and + inspecting the merchant as though he were examining his points with the + intention of purchasing him. "Many's the time I've heard talk of ye. It's + a real treat to see ye. How are ye?" Pouncing upon the other's + unresponsive hand, he wrung it again with effusion. + </p> + <p> + "I am indebted to Providence for fairly good health, sir," John + Girdlestone answered coldly. "May I request you to take a seat?" + </p> + <p> + "That was what me friend Fagan was trying to do for twelve years, and + ruined himself over it in the ind. He put up at Murphytown in the + Conservative interest, and the divil a vote did he get, except one, and + that was a blind man who signed the wrong paper be mistake, Ha! ha!" The + major laughed boisterously at his own anecdote, and mopped his forehead + with his handkerchief. + </p> + <p> + The two men, as they stood opposite each other, were a strange contrast, + the one tall, grave, white, and emotionless, the other noisy and pompous, + with protuberant military chest and rubicund features. They had one common + characteristic, however. From under the shaggy eyebrows of the merchant + and the sparse light-coloured lashes of the major there came the same + keen, restless, shifting glance. Both were crafty, and each was keenly on + his guard against the other. + </p> + <p> + "I have heard of you from my son," the merchant said, motioning his + visitor to a chair. "You were, I believe, in the habit of meeting together + for the purpose of playing cards, billiards, and other such games, which I + by no means countenance myself, but to which my son is unhappily somewhat + addicted." + </p> + <p> + "You don't play yourself," said the major, in a sympathetic voice. "Ged, + sir, it's never too late to begin, and many a man has put in a very + comfortable old age on billiards and whist. Now, if ye feel inclined to + make a start, I'll give ye seventy-five points in a hundred for a + commincement." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you," said the merchant drily. "It is not one of my ambitions. Was + this challenge the business upon which you came?" + </p> + <p> + The old soldier laughed until his merriment startled the clerks in the + counting-house. "Be jabers!" he said, In a wheezy voice, "d'ye think I + came five miles to do that? No, sir, I wanted to talk to you about your + son." + </p> + <p> + "My son!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, your son. He's a smart lad—very smart indeed—about as + quick as they make 'em. He may be a trifle coarse at times, but that's the + spirit of the age, me dear sir. Me friend Tuffleton, of the Blues, says + that delicacy went out of fashion with hair powder and beauty patches. + He's a demned satirical fellow is Tuffleton. Don't know him, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir, I don't," Girdlestone said angrily; "nor have I any desire to + make his acquaintance. Let us proceed to business for my time is + valuable." + </p> + <p> + The major looked at him with an amiable smile. "That quick temper runs in + the family," he said. "I've noticed it in your son Ezra. As I said before, + he's a smart lad; but me friend, he's shockingly rash and extremely + indiscrate. Ye musk speak to him about it." + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean sir?" asked the merchant, white with anger. "Have you + come to insult him in his absence?" + </p> + <p> + "Absence?" said the soldier, still smiling blandly over his stock. "That's + the very point I wanted to get at. He is away in Africa—at the + diamond fields. A wonderful interprise, conducted with remarkable energy, + but also with remarkable rashness, sir—yes, bedad, inexcusable + rashness." + </p> + <p> + Old Girdlestone took up his heavy ebony ruler and played with it + nervously. He had an overpowering desire to hurl it at the head of his + companion. + </p> + <p> + "What would ye say, now," the veteran continued, crossing one leg over the + other and arguing the matter out in a confidential undertone— "what + would you say if a young man came to you, and, on the assumption that you + were a dishonest blackgaird, appealed to you to help him in a very shady + sort of a scheme? It would argue indiscretion on his part, would it not?" + </p> + <p> + The merchant sat still, but grew whiter and whiter. + </p> + <p> + "And if on the top of that he gave you all the details of his schame, + without even waiting to see if you favoured it or not, he would be more + than indiscrate, wouldn't he? Your own good sinse, me dear sir, will tell + you that he would be culpably foolish—culpably so, bedad!" + </p> + <p> + "Well, sir?" said the old man, in a hoarse voice. + </p> + <p> + "Well," continued the major, "I have no doubt that your son told you of + the interesting little conversation that we had together. He was good + enough to promise that if I went to Russia and pretinded to discover a + fictitious mine, I should be liberally rewarded by the firm. I was under + the necessity of pointing out to him that certain principles on which me + family"—here the major inflated his chest—"on which me family + are accustomed to act would prevint me from taking advantage of his offer. + He then, I am sorry to say, lost his temper, and some words passed between + us, the result of which was that we parted so rapidly that, be jabers! I + had hardly time to make him realize how great an indiscretion he had + committed." + </p> + <p> + The merchant still sat perfectly still, tapping the table with his black + ebony ruler. + </p> + <p> + "Of course, afther hearing a skitch of the plan," continued the major, "me + curiosity was so aroused that I could not help following the details with + intherest. I saw the gintleman who departed for Russia— Langworthy, + I believe, was his name. Ged! I knew a chap of that name in the Marines + who used to drink raw brandy and cayenne pepper before breakfast every + morning. Did ye? Of course you couldn't. What was I talking of at all at + all?" + </p> + <p> + Girdlestone stared gloomily at his visitor. The latter took a pinch of + snuff from a tortoise-shell box, and flicked away a few wandering grains + which settled upon the front of his coat. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," he went on, I saw Langworthy off to Russia. Then I saw your son + start for Africa. He's an interprising lad, and sure to do well there. <i>Coelum + non animam mutant</i>, as we used to say at Clongowes. He'll always come + to the front, wherever he is, as long as he avoids little slips like this + one we're spaking of. About the same time I heard that Girdlestone & + Co, had raised riddy money to the extint of five and thirty thousand + pounds. That's gone to Africa, too, I presume. It's a lot o' money to + invist in such a game, and it might be safe if you were the only people + that knew about it, but whin there are others—" + </p> + <p> + "Others?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, me, of course," said the major. "I know about it, and more be token + I am not in the swim with you. Sure, I could go this very evening to the + diamond merchants about town and give them a tip about the coming fall in + prices that would rather astonish 'em." + </p> + <p> + "Look here, Major Clutterbuck," cried the merchant, in a voice which + quivered with suppressed passion, "you have come into possession of an + important commercial secret. Why beat about the bush any longer? What is + the object of your visit to-day? What is it that you want?" + </p> + <p> + "There now!" the major said, addressing himself and smiling more amicably + than ever. "That's business. Bedad, there's where you commercial men have + the pull. You go straight to the point and stick there. Ah, when I look at + ye, I can't help thinking of your son. The same intelligent eye, the same + cheery expression, the same devil-may-care manner and dry humour—" + </p> + <p> + "Answer my question, will you?" the merchant interrupted savagely. + </p> + <p> + "And the same hasty timper," continued the major imperturbably. "I've + forgotten, me dear sir, what it was you asked me." + </p> + <p> + "What is it you want?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, yes, of course. What is it I want?" the old soldier said + meditatively. "Some would say more, some less. Some would want half, but + that is overdoing it. How does a thousand pound stroike you? Yes, I think + we may put it at a thousand pounds." + </p> + <p> + "You want a thousand pounds?" + </p> + <p> + "Ged, I've been wanting it all me life. The difference is that I'm going + to git it now." + </p> + <p> + "And for what?" + </p> + <p> + "Sure, for silence—for neutrality. We're all in it now, and there's + a fair division of labour. You plan, your son works, I hold me tongue. You + make your tens of thousands, I make my modest little thousand. We all git + paid for our throuble." + </p> + <p> + "And suppose I refuse?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah! but you wouldn't—you couldn't," the major said suavely. "Ged, + sir, I haven't known ye long, but I have far too high an opinion of ye to + suppose ye could do anything so foolish. If you refuse, your speculation + is thrown away. There's no help for it. Bedad, it would be painful for me + to have to blow the gaff; but you know the old saying, that 'charity + begins at home.' You must sell your knowledge at the best market." + </p> + <p> + Girdlestone thought intently for a minute or two, with his great eyebrows + drawn down over his little restless eyes. + </p> + <p> + "You said to my son," he remarked at last, "that you were too honourable + to embark in our undertaking. Do you consider it honourable to make use of + knowledge gained in confidence for the purpose of extorting money?" + </p> + <p> + "Me dear sir," answered the major, holding up his hand deprecatingly, "you + put me in the painful position of having to explain meself in plain words. + If I saw a man about to do a murther, I should think nothing of murthering + him. If I saw a pickpocket at work, I'd pick his pocket, and think it good + fun to do it. Now, this little business of yours is— well, we'll say + unusual, and if what I do seems a little unusual too, it's to be excused. + Ye can't throw stones at every one, me boy, and then be surprised when + some one throws one at you. You bite the diamond holders, d'ye see, and I + take a little nibble at you. It's all fair enough." + </p> + <p> + The merchant reflected again for some moments. "Suppose we agree to + purchasing your silence at this price," he said, "what guarantee have we + that you will not come and extort more money, or that you may not betray + our secret after all?" + </p> + <p> + "The honour of a soldier and a gintleman," answered the major, rising and + tapping his chest with two fingers of his right hand. + </p> + <p> + A slight sneer played over Girdlestone's pale face, but he made no remark. + "We are in your power," he said, "and have no resource but to submit to + your terms. You said five hundred pounds?" + </p> + <p> + "A thousand," the major answered cheerfully. + </p> + <p> + "It's a great sum of money." + </p> + <p> + "Deuce of a lot!" said the veteran cordially. + </p> + <p> + "Well, you shall have it. I will communicate with you." Girdlestone rose + as if to terminate the interview. + </p> + <p> + The major made no remark, but he showed his white teeth again, and tapped + Mr. Girdlestone's cheque-book with the silver head of his walking-stick. + </p> + <p> + "What! Now?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, now." + </p> + <p> + The two looked at each other for a moment and the merchant sat down again + and scribbled out a cheque, which he tossed to his companion. The latter + looked it over carefully, took a fat little pocket-book from the depths of + his breast pocket, and having placed the precious slip of paper in it, + laboriously pushed it back into its receptacle. Then he very slowly and + methodically picked up his jaunty curly-brimmed hat and shining kid + gloves, and with a cheery nod to his companion, who answered it with a + scowl, he swaggered off into the counting-house. There he shook hands with + Tom, whom he had known for some months, and having made three successive + offers—one to stand immediately an unlimited quantity of champagne, + a second to play him five hundred up for anything he would name, and a + third to lay a tenner for him at 7 to 4 on Amelia for the Oaks—all + of which offers were declined with thanks—he bowed himself out, + leaving a vague memory of smiles, shirt collars, and gaiters in the minds + of the awe-struck Clerks. + </p> + <p> + Whatever an impartial judge might think of the means whereby Major Tobias + Clutterbuck had successfully screwed a thousand pounds out of the firm of + Girdlestone, it is quite certain that that gentleman's seasoned conscience + did not reproach him in the least degree. On the contrary, his whole being + seemed saturated and impregnated with the wildest hilarity and delight. + Twice in less than a hundred yards, he was compelled to stop and lean upon + his cane owing to the breathlessness which supervened upon his attempts to + smother the delighted chuckles which came surging up from the inmost + recesses of his capacious frame. At the second halt he wriggled his hand + inside his tight-breasted coat, and after as many contortions as though he + were about to shed that garment as a snake does its skin, he produced once + more the little fat pocket-book. From it he extracted the cheque and + looked it over lovingly. Then he hailed a passing hansom. "Drive to the + Capital and Counties Bank," he said. It had struck him that since the firm + was in a shaky state he had better draw the money as soon as possible. + </p> + <p> + In the bank a gloomy-looking cashier took the cheque and stared at it + somewhat longer than the occasion seemed to demand. It was but a few + minutes, yet it appeared a very long time to the major. + </p> + <p> + "How will you have it?" he asked at last, in a mournful voice. It tends to + make a man cynical when he spends his days in handling untold riches while + his wife and six children are struggling to make both ends meet at home. + </p> + <p> + "A hunthred in gold and the rest in notes," said the major, with a sigh of + relief. + </p> + <p> + The cashier counted and handed over a thick packet of crisp rustling paper + and a little pile of shining sovereigns. The major stowed away the first + in the pocket-book and the latter in his trouser pockets. Then he + swaggered out with a great increase of pomposity and importance, and + ordered his cabman to drive to Kennedy Place. + </p> + <p> + Von Baumser was sitting in the major's campaigning chair, smoking his + china-bowled pipe and gazing dreamily at the long blue wreaths. Times had + been bad with the comrades of late, as the German's seedy appearance + sufficiently testified. His friends in Germany had ceased to forward his + small remittance, and Endermann's office, in which he had been employed, + had given him notice that for a time they could dispense with his + services. He had been spending the whole afternoon in perusing the long + list of "wanteds" in the <i>Daily Telegraph</i>, and his ink-stained + forefinger showed the perseverance with which he had been answering every + advertisement that could possibly apply to him. A pile of addressed + envelopes lay upon the table, and it was only the uncertainty of his + finances and the fact that the humble penny stamp mounts into shillings + when frequently employed, that prevented him from increasing the number of + his applications. He looked up and uttered a word of guttural greeting as + his companion came striding in. + </p> + <p> + "Get out of this," the major said abruptly. "Get away into the bedroom." + </p> + <p> + "Potztausand! Vot is it then?" cried the astonished Teuton. + </p> + <p> + "Out with you! I want this room to meself." + </p> + <p> + Von Baumser shrugged his shoulders and lumbered off like a good-natured + plantigrade, closing the door behind him. + </p> + <p> + When his companion had disappeared the major proceeded to lay out all his + notes upon the table, overlapping each other, but still so arranged that + every separate one was visible. He then built in the centre ten little + golden columns in a circle, each consisting of ten sovereigns, until the + whole presented the appearance of a metallic Stonehenge upon a plain of + bank notes. This done, he cocked his head on one side, like a fat and very + ruddy turkey, and contemplated his little arrangement with much pride and + satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + Solitary delight soon becomes wearisome, however, so the veteran summoned + his companion. The Teuton was so dumbfounded by this display of wealth, + that he was bereft for a time of all faculty of speech, and could only + stare open-mouthed at the table. At last he extended a fore-finger and + thumb and rubbed a five pound note between them, as though to convince + himself of its reality, after which he began to gyrate round the table in + a sort of war dance, never taking his eyes from the heap of influence in + front of him. "Mein Gott!" he exclaimed, "Gnadiger Vater! Ach Himmel! Was + fur eine Schatze! Donnerwetter!" and a thousand other cacophonous + expressions of satisfaction and amazement. + </p> + <p> + When the old soldier had sufficiently enjoyed the lively emotion which + showed itself on every feature of the German's countenance, he picked up + the notes and locked them in his desk together with half the gold. The + other fifty pounds he returned into his pocket. + </p> + <p> + "Come on!" he said to his companion abruptly. + </p> + <p> + "Come vere? Vat is it?" + </p> + <p> + "Come on!" roared the major irascibly. "What d'ye want to stand asking + questions for? Put on your hat and come." + </p> + <p> + The major had retained the cab at the door, and the two jumped into it. + "Drive to Verdi's Restaurant," he said to the driver. + </p> + <p> + When they arrived at that aristocratic and expensive establishment, the + soldier ordered the best dinner for two that money could procure. "Have it + riddy in two hours sharp," he said to the manager. "None of your + half-and-half wines, mind! We want the rale thing, and, be ged! we can + tell the difference!" + </p> + <p> + Having left the manager much impressed, the two friends set out for a + ready-made clothing establishment. "I won't come in," the major said, + slipping ten sovereigns into Von Baumser's hand. "Just you go in and till + them ye want the best suit o' clothes they can give you. They've a good + seliction there, I know." + </p> + <p> + "Gott in Himmel!" cried the amazed German. "But, my dear vriend, you + cannot vait in the street. Come in mit me." + </p> + <p> + "No, I'll wait," the old soldier answered. "They might think I was paying + for the clothes if I came in." + </p> + <p> + "Well, but so you—" + </p> + <p> + "Eh, would ye?" roared the major, raising his cane, and Von Baumser + disappeared precipitately into the shop. + </p> + <p> + When he emerged once more at the end of twenty minutes, he was attired in + an elegant and close-fitting suit of heather tweed. The pair then made + successive visits to a shoe-maker, a hatter, and a draper, with the result + that Von Baumser developed patent leather boots, a jaunty brown hat, and a + pair of light yellow gloves. By the end of their walk there seemed nothing + left of the original Von Baumser except a tawny beard, and an expression + of hopeless and overpowering astonishment. + </p> + <p> + Having effected this transformation, the friends retraced their steps to + Verdi's and did full justice to the spread awaiting them, after which the + old soldier won the heart of the establishment by bestowing largess upon + every one who came in his way. As to the further adventures of these two + Bohemians, it would be as well perhaps to draw a veil over them. Suffice + it that, about two in the morning, the worthy Mrs. Robins was awakened by + a stentorian voice in the street below demanding to know "Was ist das + Deutsche Vaterland?"—a somewhat vexed question which the owner of + the said voice was propounding to the solitary lamp-post of Kennedy Place. + On descending the landlady discovered that the author of this disturbance + was a fashionably dressed gentleman, who, upon closer inspection, proved + to her great surprise to be none other than the usually demure part + proprietor of her fourth floor. As to the major, he walked in quietly the + next day about twelve o'clock, looking as trim and neat as ever, but minus + the balance of the fifty pounds, nor did he think fit ever to make any + allusion to this some what heavy deficit. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. — NEWS FROM THE URALS. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">Major Tobias Clutterbuck</span> had naturally reckoned that the longer he + withheld this trump card of his the greater would be its effect when + played. An obstacle appearing at the last moment produces more + consternation than when a scheme is still in its infancy. It proved, + however, that he had only just levied his blackmail in time, for within a + couple of days of his interview with the head of the firm news arrived of + the great discovery of diamonds among the Ural Mountains. The first + intimation was received through the Central News Agency in the form of the + following telegram:— + </p> + <p> + "Moscow, <i>August</i> 22.—It is reported from Tobolsk that an + important discovery of diamond fields has been made amongst the spurs of + the Ural Mountains, at a point not very far from that city. They are said + to have been found by an English geologist, who has exhibited many + magnificent gems in proof of his assertion. These stones have been + examined at Tobolsk, and are pronounced to be equal, if not superior, in + quality to any found elsewhere. A company has been already formed for the + purpose of purchasing the land and working the mines." + </p> + <p> + Some days afterwards there came a Reuter's telegram giving fuller details. + "With regard to the diamond fields near Tobolsk," it said, "there is every + reason to believe that they are of great, and possibly unsurpassed, + wealth. There is no question now as to their authenticity, since their + discoverer proves to be an English gentleman of high character, and his + story is corroborated by villagers from this district who have dug up + stones for themselves. The Government contemplate buying out the company + and taking over the mines, which might be profitably worked by the forced + labour of political prisoners on a system similar to that adopted in the + salt mines of Siberia. The discovery is universally regarded as one which + has materially increased the internal resources of the country, and there + is some talk of the presentation of a substantial testimonial to the + energetic and scientific traveller to whom it is due." + </p> + <p> + Within a week or ten days of the receipt of these telegrams in London + there came letters from the Russian correspondents of the various journals + giving fuller details upon a subject of so much general interest. The <i>Times</i> + directed attention to the matter in a leader. + </p> + <p> + "It appears," remarked the great paper, "that a most important addition + has been made to the mineral wealth of the Russian Empire. The silver + mines of Siberia and the petroleum wells of the Caucasus are to be + outrivalled by the new diamond fields of the Ural Mountains. For untold + thousands of years these precious fragments of crystallized carbon have + been lying unheeded among the gloomy gorges waiting for the hand of man to + pick them out. It has fallen to the lot of one of our countrymen to point + out to the Russian nation the great wealth which lay untouched and + unsuspected in the heart of their realm. The story is a romantic one. It + appears that a Mr. Langworthy, a wealthy English gentleman of good + extraction, had, in the course of his travels in Russia, continued his + journey as far as the great mountain barrier which separates Europe from + Asia. Being fond of sport, he was wandering in search of game down one of + the Ural valleys, when his attention was attracted by the thick gravel, + which was piled up along the track of a dried-up water-course. The + appearance and situation of this gravel reminded him forcibly of the South + African diamond fields, and so strong was the impression that he at once + laid down his gun and proceeded to rake the gravel over and to examine it. + His search was rewarded by the discovery of several stones, which he + conveyed home with him, and which proved, after being cleaned, to be gems + of the first water. Elated at this success, he returned to the spot next + day with a spade, and succeeded in obtaining many other specimens, and in + convincing himself that the deposit stretched up and down for a long + distance on both sides of the torrent. Having satisfied himself upon this + point, our compatriot made his way to Tobolsk, where he exhibited his + prizes to several of the richest merchants, and proceeded to form a + company for the working of the new fields. He was so successful in this + that the shares are already far above par, and our correspondent writes + that there has been a rush of capitalists, all eager to invest their money + in so promising a venture. It is expected that within a few months the + necessary plant will have been erected and the concern be in working + order." + </p> + <p> + The <i>Daily Telegraph</i> treated the matter from a jocose and historical + point of view. + </p> + <p> + "It has long been a puzzle to antiquaries and geologists," it remarked, + "as to where those jewels which Solomon brought from the East were + originally obtained. There has been much speculation, too, regarding the + source of those less apocryphal gems which sparkled in the regalia of the + Indian monarchs and adorned the palaces of Delhi and Benares. As a nation + we have a personal interest in the question, since the largest and most + magnificent of these stones is now in the possession of our most gracious + Queen. Mr. Langworthy has thrown a light upon this obscure subject. + According to this gentleman's researches these treasures were unearthed + amidst that dark and gloomy range of mountains which Providence has + interposed between a nascent civilization and a continent of barbarians. + Nor is Mr. Langworthy's opinion founded upon theory alone. He lends point + to his arguments by presenting to the greedy eyes of the merchants of + Tobolsk a bag filled with valuable diamonds, each and every one of which + he professes to have discovered in these barren inhospitable valleys. This + tweed-suited English tourist, descending like some good spirit among these + dreamy Muscovites, points out to them the untold wealth which has lain for + so many centuries at their feet, and with the characteristic energy of his + race shows them at the same time how to turn the discovery to commercial + advantage. If the deposit prove to be as extensive as is supposed, it is + possible that our descendants may wear cut diamonds in their eye-glasses, + should such accessories be necessary, and marvel at the ignorance of those + primitive days when a metamorphosed piece of coal was regarded as the most + valuable product of nature." + </p> + <p> + The ordinary British paterfamilias, glancing over his morning paper, + bestowed probably but few passing thoughts on the incident, but among + business men and in the City its significance was at once understood. Not + only did it create the deepest consternation amongst all who were + connected with the diamond industry, but it reacted upon every other + branch of South African commerce. It was the chief subject of conversation + upon the Stock Exchange, and many were the surmises as to what the effect + of the news would be at the fields. Fugger, the father of the diamond + industry, was standing discussing the question, when a little rosy-faced + Jew, named Goldschmidt, came bustling up to him. He was much excited, for + he speculated in stones, and had just been buying in for a rise. + </p> + <p> + "Misther Fugger," he cried, "you're shust the man I want to see. My Gott, + vot is to become of us all? Vot is to become of de diamond trade ven one + can pick them up like cockles on the sea shore?" + </p> + <p> + "We must wait for details," the great financier said phlegmatically. His + fortune was so enormous that it mattered little to him whether the report + was true or false. + </p> + <p> + "Details! It is nothing but details," cried the little Jew. "The papers is + full of them. I vish to the Lord that that Langworthy had proke his neck + in the Ural Mountains before he got up to any such games. Vat business had + he to go examining gravel and peeping about in such places as them. Nobody + that's any good would ever go to the Ural Mountains at all." + </p> + <p> + "It won't hurt you," Fugger said; "you'll simply have to pay less for your + stones and sell them cheaper after they are cut. It won't make much + difference in the long run." + </p> + <p> + "Von't it, by Joves! Why, man, I've got over a hundred shtones on my hands + now. Vat am I going to do vid 'em." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, that's a bad job. You must make up your mind to lose on them." + </p> + <p> + "Von't you buy them yourself, Mr. Fugger?" asked the Hebrew, in an + insinuating voice. "Maybe this here story will all turn out wrong. S'elp + me bob I gave three thousand for the lot, and you shall have them for two. + Let's have a deal, my tear Mr. Fugger, do?" + </p> + <p> + "No more for me, thank you," Fugger said with decision. "As to the story + being wrong, I have telegraphed to Rotterdam, and they have sent on a + trusty man. He'll be weeks, however, before we hear from him." + </p> + <p> + "Here's Mr. Girdlestone, the great Mr. Girdlestone," cried Goldschmidt, + perceiving our worthy merchant of Fenchurch Street among the crowd. "Oh, + Misther Girdlestone, I've got diamonds here what is worth three thousand + pounds, and you shall have them for two—you shall, by chingo, and + we'll go together now and get them?" + </p> + <p> + "Don't pester me!" said Girdlestone, brushing the little Jew aside with + his long, bony arm. "Can I have a word with you, Fugger?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly," replied the diamond dealer. Girdlestone was a very well-known + man upon 'Change, and one who was universally respected and looked up to. + </p> + <p> + "What do you think about this report?" he asked, in a confidential voice. + "Do you imagine that it will affect prices in Africa?" + </p> + <p> + "Affect prices! My dear sir, if it proves true it will ruin the African + fields. The mere report coming in a circumstantial fashion will send + prices down fifty per cent." + </p> + <p> + "As much as that!" said the merchant, with an excellent affectation of + surprise. "I am anxious about it, for my boy is out there. It was a hobby + of his, and I let him go. I trust he will not be bitten." + </p> + <p> + "He is much more likely to do the biting," remarked Fugger bluntly. He had + met Ezra Girdlestone in business more than once, and had been disagreeably + impressed by the young gentleman's sharpness. + </p> + <p> + "Poor lad!" said his father. "He is young, and has had little experience + as yet. I hope all is well with him!" He shook his head despondently, and + walked slowly homewards, but his heart beat triumphantly within him, for + he was assured now that the report would influence prices as he had + foreseen, and the African firm reap the benefit of their daring + speculation. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. — MR. HECTOR O'FLAHERTY FINDS SOMETHING IN THE PAPER. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">Ezra Girdlestone</span> had taken up his quarters in two private rooms at the <i>Central + Hotel</i>, Kimberley, and had already gained a considerable reputation in + the town by the engaging "abandon" of his manners, and by the munificent + style in which he entertained the more prominent citizens of the little + capital. His personal qualities of strength and beauty had also won him + the respect which physical gifts usually command in primitive communities, + and the smart young Londoner attracted custom to himself among the diggers + in a way which excited the jealousy of the whole tribe of elderly Hebrews + who had hitherto enjoyed a monopoly of the trade. Thus, he had already + gained his object in making himself known, and his name was a familiar one + in every camp from Waldeck's Plant to Cawood's Hope. Keeping his + headquarters at Kimberley, he travelled perpetually along the line of the + diggings. All the time he was chafing secretly and marvelling within + himself how it was that no whisper of the expected news had arrived yet + from England. + </p> + <p> + One sunny day he had returned from a long ride, and, having dined, + strolled out into the streets, Panama hat upon head and cigar in mouth. It + was the 23rd of October, and he had been nearly ten weeks in the colony. + Since his arrival he had taken to growing a beard. Otherwise, he was much + as we have seen him in London, save that a ruddier glow of health shone + upon his sunburned face. The life of the diggings appeared to agree with + him. + </p> + <p> + As he turned down Stockdale Street, a man passed him leading a pair of + horses tired and dusty, with many a strap and buckle hanging down behind + them. After him came another leading a second pair, and after him another + with a third. They were taking them round to the stables. "Hullo!" cried + Ezra, with sudden interest; "what's up?" + </p> + <p> + "The mail's just in." + </p> + <p> + "Mail from Capetown?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + Ezra quickened his pace and strode down Stockdale Street into the Main + Street, which, as the name implies, is the chief thoroughfare of + Kimberley. He came out close to the office of the <i>Vaal River Advertiser + and Diamond Field Gazette</i>. There was a crowd in front of the door. + This <i>Vaal River Advertiser</i> was a badly conducted newspaper, badly + printed upon bad paper, but selling at sixpence a copy, and charging from + seven shillings and sixpence to a pound for the insertion of an + advertisement. It was edited at present by a certain P. Hector O'Flaherty, + who having been successively a dentist, a clerk, a provision merchant, an + engineer, and a sign painter, and having failed at each and every one of + these employments, had taken to running a newspaper as an easy and + profitable occupation. Indeed, as managed by Mr. O'Flaherty, the process + was simplicity itself. Having secured by the Monday's mail copies of the + London papers of two months before, he spent Tuesday in cutting extracts + from them with the greatest impartiality, chopping away everything which + might be of value to him. The Wednesday was occupied in cursing at three + black boys who helped to put up the type, and on the Thursday a fresh + number of the <i>Vaal River Advertiser and Diamond Field Gazette</i> was + given to the world. The remaining three days were devoted by Mr. + O'Flaherty to intoxication, but the Monday brought him back once more to + soda water and literature. + </p> + <p> + It was seldom, indeed, that the <i>Advertiser</i> aroused interest enough + to cause any one to assemble round the Office. Ezra's heart gave a quick + flutter at the sight, and he gathered himself together like a runner who + sees his goal in view. Throwing away his cigar, he hurried on and joined + the little crowd. + </p> + <p> + "What's the row?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "There's news come by the mail," said one or two bystanders. "Big news." + </p> + <p> + "What sort of news?" + </p> + <p> + "Don't know yet." + </p> + <p> + "Who said there was news?" + </p> + <p> + "Driver." + </p> + <p> + "Where is he?" + </p> + <p> + "Don't know." + </p> + <p> + "Who will know about it?" + </p> + <p> + "O'Flaherty." + </p> + <p> + Here there was a general shout from the crowd for O'Flaherty, and an + irascible-looking man, with a red bloated face and bristling hair came to + the office door. + </p> + <p> + "Now, what the divil d'ye want?" he roared, shaking a quill pen at the + crowd. "What are ye after at all? Have ye nothing betther to do than to + block up the door of a decent office?" + </p> + <p> + "What's the news?" cried a dozen voices. + </p> + <p> + "The news, is it?" roared O'Flaherty, more angrily than ever; "and can't + ye foind out that by paying your sixpences like men, and taking the <i>Advertoiser</i>? + It's a paper, though Oi says it as shouldn't, that would cut out some o' + these <i>Telegraphs</i> and <i>Chronicles</i> if it was only in London. + Begad, instead of encouraging local talent ye spind your toime standing + around in the strate, and trying to suck a man's news out of him for + nothing." + </p> + <p> + "Look here, boss," said a rough-looking fellow in the front of the crowd, + "you keep your hair on, and don't get slinging words about too freely, or + it may be the worse for you and for your office too. We heard as there was + big news, an' we come down to hear it, but as to gettin' it without + paying, that ain't our sort. I suppose we can call it square if we each + hands in sixpence, which is the price o' your paper, and then you can tell + us what's on." + </p> + <p> + O'Flaherty considered for a moment. "It's worth a shillin' each," he said, + "for it plays the divil with the circulation of a paper whin its news gits + out too soon." + </p> + <p> + "Well, we won't stick at that," said the miner. "What say you, boys?" + </p> + <p> + There was a murmur of assent, and a broad-brimmed straw hat was passed + rapidly from hand to hand. It was half full of silver when it reached + O'Flaherty. The <i>Advertiser</i> had never before had such a circulation, + for the crowd had rapidly increased during the preceding dialogue, and now + numbered some hundreds. + </p> + <p> + "Thank ye, gintlemen," said the editor. + </p> + <p> + "Well, what's the news?" cried the impatient crowd. + </p> + <p> + "Sure I haven't opened the bag yet, but I soon will. Whativer it is it's + bound to be there. Hey there, Billy, ye divil's brat, where's the mail + bag?" + </p> + <p> + Thus apostrophized, a sharp little Kaffir came running out with the brown + bag, and Mr. O'Flaherty examined it in a leisurely manner, which elicited + many an oath from the eager crowd. + </p> + <p> + "Here's the <i>Standard</i> and the <i>Times</i>," he said, handing the + various papers out to his subordinate. "Begad, there's not one of ye knows + the expinse of k'aping a great paper loike this going, forebye the brains + and no profit at the ind of it. Here's the <i>Post</i> and the <i>News</i>. + If you were men you'd put in an advertisement ivery wake, whether ye + needed it or not, just to encourage literature. Here's the <i>Cape Argus</i>—it'll + be in here whativer it is." + </p> + <p> + With great deliberation Mr. Hector O'Flaherty put on a pair of spectacles + and folded the paper carefully round, so as to bring the principal page to + the front. Then he cleared his throat, with the pomposity which is + inseparable with most men from the act of reading aloud. + </p> + <p> + "Go it, boss!" cried his audience encouragingly. + </p> + <p> + "'Small-pox at Wellington'—that's not it, is it? 'Germany and the + Vatican'—'Custom House Duties at Port Elizabeth'—'Roosian + Advances in Cintral Asia' eh? Is that it—'Discovery of great Diamond + Moines?'" + </p> + <p> + "That's it," roared the crowd; "let's hear about that." There was an + anxious ring in their voices, and their faces were grave and serious as + they looked up at the reader upon the steps of the office. + </p> + <p> + "'Diamond moines have been discovered in Roosia,'" read O'Flaherty, + "'which are confidently stated to exceed in riches anything which has + existed before. It is ginerally anticipated that this discovery, if + confirmed, will have a most prejudicial effect upon the African trade.' + That's an extract from the London news of the <i>Argus</i>." + </p> + <p> + A buzz of ejaculations and comments arose from the crowd. "Isn't there any + more about it?" they cried. + </p> + <p> + "Here's a later paper, boss," said the little Kaffir, who had been + diligently looking over the dates. + </p> + <p> + O'Flaherty opened it, and gave a whistle of astonishment. "Here's enough + to satisfy you," he said. "It's in big toipe and takes up noigh the whole + of the first page. I can only read ye the headings, for we must get to + work and have out a special edition. You'll git details there, an' it'll + be out in a few hours. Look here at the fuss they've made about it." The + editor turned the paper as he spoke, and exhibited a series of large black + headings in this style:— + </p> +<p class="c"> + <span class="smcap">Russian Diamond Fields.<br /><br /> + Extraordinary Discovery By An Englishman.<br /><br /> + Threatened Extinction Of The Cape Industry.<br /><br /> + Great Fall In Prices.<br /><br /> + Opinions Of The London Press.<br /><br /> + Full Details.</span> +</p> + <p> + "What d'ye think of that?" cried O'Flaherty, triumphantly, as if he had + had some hand in the matter. "Now I must git off to me work, and you'll + have it all before long in your hands. Ye should bliss your stars that ye + have some one among ye to offer ye the convanience of the latest news. + Good noight to ye all," and he trotted back into his office with his hat + and its silver contents in his hand. + </p> + <p> + The crowd broke up into a score of gesticulating chattering groups, and + wandered up or down the street. Ezra Girdlestone waited until they had + cleared away, and then stepped into the office of the <i>Advertiser</i>. + </p> + <p> + "What's the matter now?" asked O'Flaherty, angrily. He was a man who lived + in a state of chronic irritation. + </p> + <p> + "Have you a duplicate of that paper?" + </p> + <p> + "Suppose I have?" + </p> + <p> + "What will you sell it for?" + </p> + <p> + "What will you give?" + </p> + <p> + "Half a sovereign." + </p> + <p> + "A sovereign." + </p> + <p> + "Done!" and so Ezra Girdlestone walked out of the office with full details + in his hand, and departed to his hotel, where he read the account through + very slowly and deliberately. It appeared to be satisfactory, for he + chuckled to himself a good deal as he perused it. Having finished it, he + folded the paper up, placed it in his breast pocket, and, having ordered + his horse, set off to the neighbouring township of Dutoitspan with the + intention of carrying the news with him. + </p> + <p> + Ezra had two motives in galloping across the veldt that October night. One + was to judge with his own ears and eyes what effect the news would have + upon practical men. The other was a desire to gratify that sinister + pleasure which an ill-natured man has in being the bearer of evil tidings. + They had probably heard the report by this time, but it was unlikely that + any details had reached them. No one knew better than young Girdlestone + that this message from Europe would bring utter ruin and extinction to + many a small capitalist, that it would mean the shattering of a thousand + hopes, and the advent of poverty and misery to the men with whom he had + been associating. In spite of this knowledge, his heart beat high, as his + father's had done in London, and as he spurred his horse onwards through + the darkness, he was hardly able to refrain from shouting and whooping in + his exultation. + </p> + <p> + The track from Kimberley to Dutoitspan was a rough one, but the moon was + up, and the young merchant found no difficulty in following it. When he + reached the summit of the low hill over which the road ran, he saw the + lights of the little town sparkling in the valley beneath him. It was ten + o'clock before he galloped into the main street, and he saw at a glance + that the news had, as he expected, arrived before him. In front of the + Griqualand Saloon a great crowd of miners had assembled, who were talking + excitedly among themselves. The light of the torches shone down upon + herculean figures, glaring shirts, and earnest bearded faces. The whole + camp appeared to have assembled there to discuss the situation, and it was + evident from their anxious countenances and subdued voices, that they took + no light view of it. + </p> + <p> + The instant the young man alighted from his horse he was surrounded by a + knot of eager questioners. "You've just come from Kimberley," they cried. + "What is the truth of it, Mr. Girdlestone? Let us know the truth of it." + </p> + <p> + "It's a bad business, my friends," he answered, looking around at the ring + of inquiring faces. "I have been reading a full account of it in the <i>Cape + Argus</i>. They have made a great find in Russia. There seems to be no + doubt at all about the matter." + </p> + <p> + "D'ye think it will send prices down here as much as they say?" + </p> + <p> + "I'm afraid it will send them very low. I hold a lot of stones myself, and + I should be very glad to get rid of them at any price. I fear it will + hardly pay you to work your claims now." + </p> + <p> + "And the price of claims will go down?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course it will." + </p> + <p> + "Eh, mister, what's that?" cried a haggard, unkempt little man, pushing + his way to the front and catching hold of Ezra's sleeve to ensure his + attention. "Did ye say it would send the price o' claims down? You didn't + say that, did you? Why, in course, it stands to reason that what happened + in Roosia couldn't make no difference over here. That's sense, mates, + ain't it?" He looked round him appealingly, and laughed a little nervous + laugh. + </p> + <p> + "You try," said Ezra coldly. "If you get one-third of what you gave for + your claim you'll be lucky. Why, man, you don't suppose we produce + diamonds for local consumption. They are for exporting to Europe, and if + Europe is already supplied by Russia, where are you to get your market?" + </p> + <p> + "That's it?" cried several voices. + </p> + <p> + "If you take my advice," Ezra continued, "you'll get rid of what you have + at any loss, for the time may be coming when you'll get nothing at all." + </p> + <p> + "Now, look at that!" cried the little man, throwing out his hands. "They + call me Unlucky Jim, and Unlucky Jim I'll be to the end of the chapter. + Why, boss, me and Sammy Walker has sunk every damned cent we've got in + that claim, the fruit o' nine years' hard work, and here you comes ridin' + up as cool as may be, and tells me that it's all gone for nothing." + </p> + <p> + "Well, there are others who will suffer as well as you," said one of the + crowd. + </p> + <p> + "I reckon we're all hit pretty hard if this is true," remarked another. + </p> + <p> + "I'm fair sick of it," said the little man, passing his grimy hand across + his eyes and leaving a black smear as he did so. "This ain't the first + time—no, nor the second—that my luck has played me this trick. + I've a mighty good mind to throw up my hand altogether." + </p> + <p> + "Come in and have some whisky," said a rough sympathizer, and the unlucky + one was hustled in through the rude door of the Griqualand Saloon, there + to find such comfort as he might from the multitudinous bottles which + adorned the interior of that building. Liquor had lost its efficacy that + evening, however, and a dead depression rested over the little town. Nor + was it confined to Dutoitspan. All along the diggings the dismal tidings + spread with a rapidity which was astonishing. At eleven o'clock there was + consternation at Klipdrift. At quarter-past one Hebron was up and aghast + at the news. At three in the morning a mounted messenger galloped into + Bluejacket, and before daybreak a digger committee was sitting at + Delporte's Hope discussing the situation. So during that eventful night + down the whole long line of the Vaal River there was ruin and heartburning + and dismay, while five thousand miles away an old gentleman was sleeping + calmly and dreamlessly in his comfortable bed, from whose busy brain had + emanated all this misery and misfortune. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps the said old gentleman might have slumbered a little less + profoundly could he have seen the sight which met his son's eyes on the + following morning. Ezra had passed the night at Dutoitspan, in the hut of + a hospitable miner. Having risen in the morning, he was dressing himself + in a leisurely, methodical fashion, when his host, who had been inhaling + the morning breeze, thrust his head through the window. + </p> + <p> + "Come out here, Mr. Girdlestone," he cried. "There's some fun on. One of + the boys is dead drunk, and they are carrying him in." + </p> + <p> + Ezra pulled on his coat and ran out. A little group of miners were walking + slowly up the main street. He and his host were waiting for the procession + to pass them with several jocose remarks appropriate to the occasion ready + upon their lips, when their eyes fell upon a horrible splotchy red track + which marked the road the party had taken. They both ran forward with + exclamations and inquiries. + </p> + <p> + "It's Jim Stewart," said one of the bearers. "Him that they used to call + Unlucky Jim." + </p> + <p> + "What's up with him?" + </p> + <p> + "He has shot himself through the head. Where d'ye think we found him? Slap + in the middle o' his own claim, with his fingers dug into the gravel, as + dead as a herring." + </p> + <p> + "He's a bad plucked 'un to knock under like that," Ezra's companion + remarked. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said the croupier of the saloon gambling table. "If he'd waited for + another deal he might have held every trump. He was always a soft chap, + was Jim, and he was saying last night as how this spoiled the last chance + he was ever like to have of seeing his wife and childer in England. He's + blowed a fine clean hole in himself. Would you like to see it, Mr. + Girdlestone?" The fellow was about to remove the blood-stained + handkerchief which covered the dead man's face, but Ezra recoiled in + horror. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Girdlestone looks faint like," some one observed. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Ezra, who was white to his very lips. "This has upset me + rather. I'll have a drop of brandy." As he walked back to the hut, he + wondered inwardly whether the incident would have discomposed his father. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose he would call it part of our commercial finesse," he said + bitterly to himself. "However, we have put our hands to the plough, and we + must not let homicide stop us." So saying, he steadied his nerves with a + draught of brandy, and prepared for the labours of the day. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. — AN UNEXPECTED BLOW. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">The</span> crisis at the African fields was even more acute than had been + anticipated by the conspirators. Nothing approaching to it had ever been + known in South Africa before. Diamonds went steadily down in value until + they were selling at a price which no dealer would have believed possible, + and the sale of claims reached such a climax that men were glad to get rid + of them for the mere price of the plant and machinery erected at them. The + offices of the various dealers at Kimberley were besieged night and day by + an importunate crowd of miners, who were willing to sell at any price in + order to save something from the general ruin which they imagined was + about to come upon the industry. Some, more long-headed or more desperate + than their neighbours, continued to work their claims and to keep the + stones which they found until prices might be better. As fresh mails came + from the Cape, however, each confirming and amplifying the ominous news, + these independent workers grew fewer and more faint-hearted, for their + boys had to be paid each week, and where was the money to come from with + which to pay them? The dealers, too, began to take the alarm, and the most + tempting offers would hardly induce them to give hard cash in exchange for + stones which might prove to be a drug in the market. Everywhere there was + misery and stagnation. + </p> + <p> + Ezra Girdlestone was not slow to take advantage of this state of things, + but he was too cunning to do so in a manner which might call attention to + himself or his movements. In his wanderings he had come across an outcast + named Farintosh, a man who had once been a clergyman and a master of arts + of Trinity College, Dublin, but who was now a broken-down gambler with a + slender purse and a still more slender conscience. He still retained a + plausible manner and an engaging address, and these qualities first + recommended him to the notice of the young merchant. A couple of days + after the receipt of the news from Europe, Ezra sent for this fellow and + sat with him for some time on the verandah of the hotel, talking over the + situation. + </p> + <p> + "You see, Farintosh," he remarked, "it might be a false alarm, might it + not?" + </p> + <p> + The ex-clergyman nodded. He was a man of few words. + </p> + <p> + "If it should be, it would be an excellent thing for those who buy now." + </p> + <p> + Farintosh nodded once again. + </p> + <p> + "Of course," Ezra continued, "it looks as if the thing was beyond all + doubt. My experience has taught me, however, that there is nothing so + uncertain as a certainty. That's what makes me think of speculating over + this. If I lose it won't hurt me much, and I might win. I came out here + more for the sake of seeing a little of the world than anything else, but + now that this has turned up I'll have a shy at it." + </p> + <p> + "Quite so," said Farintosh, rubbing his hands. + </p> + <p> + "You see," Ezra continued, lighting a cheroot, "I have the name here of + having a long purse and of knowing which way the wind blows. If I were to + be seen buying others would follow my lead, and prices would soon be as + high as ever. Now, what I purpose is to work through you, d'ye see? You + can take out a licence and buy in stones on the quiet without attracting + much attention. Beat them down as low as you can, and give this hotel as + your address. When they call here they shall be paid, which is better than + having you carrying the money round with you." + </p> + <p> + The clergyman scowled as though he thought it was anything but better. He + did not make any remark, however. + </p> + <p> + "You can get one or two fellows to help you," said Ezra. "I'll pay for + their licences. I can't expect you to work all the camps yourself. Of + course, if you offer more for a stone than I care to give, that's your + look out, but if you do your work well you shall not be the loser. You + shall have a percentage on business done and a weekly salary as well." + </p> + <p> + "How much money do you care to invest?" asked Farintosh. + </p> + <p> + "I'm not particular," Ezra answered. "If I do a thing I like to do it + well. I'll go the length of thirty thousand pounds." + </p> + <p> + Farintosh was so astonished at the magnitude of the sum that he sank back + in his chair in bewilderment. "Why, sir," he said, "I think just at + present you could buy the country for that." + </p> + <p> + Ezra laughed. "We'll make it go as far as we can," he said. "Of course you + may buy claims as well as stones." + </p> + <p> + "And I have carte blanche to that amount?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly." + </p> + <p> + "All right, I'll begin this evening," said the ex-parson; and picking up + his slouched hat, which he still wore somewhat broader in the brim than + his comrades, in deference to old associations, he departed upon his + mission. + </p> + <p> + Farintosh was a clever man and soon chose two active subordinates. These + were a navvy, named Burt, and Williams, a young Welshman, who had + disappeared from home behind a cloud of forged cheques, and having changed + his name had made a fresh start in life to the south of the equator. These + three worked day and night buying in stones from the more needy and + impecunious miners, to whom ready money was a matter of absolute + necessity. Farintosh bought in the stock, too, of several small dealers + whose nerves had been shaken by the panic. In this way bag after bag was + filled with diamonds by Ezra, while he himself was to all appearances + doing nothing but smoking cigars and sipping brandy-and-water in front of + the <i>Central Hotel</i>. + </p> + <p> + He was becoming somewhat uneasy in his mind as to how long the delusion + would be kept up, or how soon news might come from the Cape that the Ural + find had been examined into and had proved to be a myth. In any case, he + thought that he would be free from suspicion. Still, it might be as well + for him by that time to be upon his homeward journey, for he knew that if + by any chance the true facts leaked out there would be no hope of mercy + from the furious diggers. Hence he incited Farintosh to greater speed, and + that worthy divine with his two agents worked so energetically that in + less than a week there was little left of five and thirty thousand pounds. + </p> + <p> + Ezra Girdlestone had shown his power of reading character when he chose + the ex-clergyman as his subordinate. It is possible, however, that the + young man's judgment had been inferior to his powers of observation. A + clever man as a trusty ally is a valuable article, but when the said + cleverness may be turned against his employer the advantage becomes a + questionable one. + </p> + <p> + It was perfectly evident to Farintosh that though a stray capitalist might + risk a thousand pounds or so on a speculation of this sort, Rothschild + himself would hardly care to invest such a sum as had passed through his + hands without having some ground on which to go. Having formed this + conclusion, and having also turned over in his mind the remarkable + coincidence that the news of this discovery in Russia should follow so + very rapidly upon the visit of the junior partner of the House of + Girdlestone, the astute clergyman began to have some dim perception of the + truth. Hence he brooded a good deal as he went about his work, and + cogitated deeply in a manner which was once again distinctly undesirable + in so very intelligent a subordinate. + </p> + <p> + These broodings and cogitations culminated in a meeting, which was held by + him with his two sub-agents in the private parlour of the Digger's + Retreat. It was a low-roofed, smoke-stained room, with a profusion of + spittoons scattered over it, which, to judge by the condition of the + floor, the patrons of the establishment had taken some pains to avoid. + Round a solid, old-fashioned table in the centre of this apartment sat + Ezra's staff of assistants, the parson thoughtful but self-satisfied, the + others sullen and inquisitive. Farintosh had convened the meeting, and his + comrades had an idea that there was something in the wind. They applied + themselves steadily, therefore, to the bottle of Hollands upon the table, + and waited for him to speak. + </p> + <p> + "Well," the ex-clergyman said at last, "the game is nearly over, and we'll + not be wanted any more. Girdlestone's off to England in a day or two." + </p> + <p> + Burt and Williams groaned sympathetically. Work was scarce in the diggings + during the crisis, and their agencies had been paying them well. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, he's off," Farintosh went on, glancing keenly at his companions, + "and he takes with him five and thirty thousand pounds worth of diamonds + that we bought for him. Poor devils like us, Burt, have to do the work, + and then are thrown aside as you would throw your pick aside when you are + done with it. When he sells out in London and makes his pile, it won't + much matter to him that the three men who helped him are starving in + Griqualand." + </p> + <p> + "Won't he give us somethin' at partin'?" asked Burt, the navvy. He was a + savage-looking, hairy man, with a brick-coloured face and over-hanging + eyebrows. "Won't he give us nothing to remembrance him by?" + </p> + <p> + "Give you something!" Farintosh said with a sneer. "Why, man, he says you + are too well paid already." + </p> + <p> + "Does he, though?" cried the navvy, flushing even redder than nature had + made him. "Is that the way he speaks after we makes him? It ain't on the + square. I likes to see things honest an' above board betwixt man an' man, + and this pitchin' of them as has helped ye over ain't that." + </p> + <p> + Farintosh lowered his voice and bent further over the table. His + companions involuntarily imitated his movement, until the three cunning, + cruel faces were looking closely into one another's eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Nobody knows that he holds those stones," said Farintosh. "He's too smart + to let it out to any one but ourselves." + </p> + <p> + "Where does he keep 'em?" asked the Welshman. + </p> + <p> + "In a safe in his room." + </p> + <p> + "Where is the key?" + </p> + <p> + "On his watch-chain." + </p> + <p> + "Could we get an impression?" + </p> + <p> + "I have one." + </p> + <p> + "Then I can make one," cried Williams triumphantly. + </p> + <p> + "It's done," said Farintosh, taking a small key from his pocket. "This is + a duplicate, and will open the safe. I took the moulding from his key + while I was speaking to him." + </p> + <p> + The navvy laughed hoarsely. "If that don't lick creation for smartness!" + he cried. "And how are we to get to this safe? It would serve him right if + we collar the lot. It'll teach him that if he ain't honest by nature he's + got to be when he deals with the like of us. I like straightness, and by + the Lord I'll have it!" He brought his great fist down upon the table to + emphasize this commendable sentiment. + </p> + <p> + "It's not an easy matter," Farintosh said thoughtfully. "When he goes out + he locks his door, and there's no getting in at the window. There's only + one chance for us that I can see. His room is a bit cut off from the rest + of the hotel. There's a gallery of twenty feet or more that leads to it. + Now, I was thinking that if the three of us were to visit him some + evening, just to wish him luck on his journey, as it were, and if, while + we were in the room something sudden was to happen which would knock him + silly for a minute or two, we might walk off with the stones and be clean + gone before he could raise an alarm." + </p> + <p> + "And what would knock him silly?" asked Williams. He was an unhealthy, + scorbutic-looking youth, and his pallid complexion had assumed a greenish + tinge of fear as he listened to the clergyman's words. He had the makings + in him of a mean and dangerous criminal, but not of a violent one—belonging + to the jackal tribe rather than to the tiger. + </p> + <p> + "What would knock him senseless?" Farintosh asked Burt, with a knowing + look. + </p> + <p> + Burt laughed again in his bushy, red beard. "You can leave that to me, + mate," he said. + </p> + <p> + Williams glanced from one to the other and he became even more cadaverous. + "I'm not in it," he stammered. "It will be a hanging job. You will kill + him as like as not." + </p> + <p> + "Not in it, ain't ye?" growled the navvy. "Why, you white-livered hound, + you're too deep in it ever to get out again. D'ye think we'll let you + spoil a lay of this sort as we might never get a chance of again?" + </p> + <p> + "You can do it without me," said the Welshman, trembling in every limb. + </p> + <p> + "And have you turnin' on us the moment a reward was offered. No, no, + chummy, you don't get out of it that way. If you won't stand by us, I'll + take care you don't split." + </p> + <p> + "Think of the diamonds," Farintosh put in. + </p> + <p> + "Think of your own skin," said the navvy. + </p> + <p> + "You could go back to England a rich man if you do it." + </p> + <p> + "You'll never go back at all if you don't." Thus worked upon alternately + by his hopes and by his fears, Williams showed some signs of yielding. He + took a long draught from his glass and filled it up again. + </p> + <p> + "I ain't afraid," he said. "Don't imagine that I am afraid. You won't hit + him very hard, Mr. Burt?" + </p> + <p> + "Just enough to curl him up," the navvy answered. "Lord love ye, it ain't + the first man by many a one that I've laid on his back, though I never had + the chance before of fingering five and thirty thousand pounds worth of + diamonds for my pains." + </p> + <p> + "But the hotel-keeper and the servants?" + </p> + <p> + "That's all right," said Farintosh. "You leave it to me. If we go up + quietly and openly, and come down quietly and openly, who is to suspect + anything? Our horses will be outside, in Woodley Street, and we'll be out + of their reach in no time. Shall we say to-morrow evening for the job?" + </p> + <p> + "That's very early," Williams cried tremulously. + </p> + <p> + "The sooner the better," Burt said, with an oath. "And look here, young + man," fixing Williams with his bloodshot eyes, "one sign of drawing back, + and by the living jingo I'll let you have more than I'm keeping for him. + You hear me, eh?" He grasped the youth's white wrist and squeezed it in + his iron grip until he writhed with the pain. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I'm with you, heart and soul," he cried. "I'm sure what you and Mr. + Farintosh advise must be for the best." + </p> + <p> + "Meet here at eight o'clock to-morrow night then," said the leader. "We + can get it over by nine, and we will have the night for our escape. I'll + have the horses ready, and it will be strange if we don't get such a start + as will puzzle them." + </p> + <p> + So, having arranged all the details of their little plan, these three + gentlemen departed in different directions—Farintosh to the <i>Central + Hotel</i>, to give Ezra his evening report, and the others to the + mining-camps, which were the scene of their labours. + </p> + <p> + The meeting just described took place upon a Tuesday, early in November. + On the Saturday Ezra Girdlestone had fully made up his mind to turn his + back upon the diggings and begin his homeward journey. He was pining for + the pleasures of his old London life, and was weary of the monotonous + expanse of the South African veldt. His task was done, too, and it would + be well for him to be at a distance before the diggers discovered the + manner in which they had been hoaxed. He began to pack his boxes, + therefore, and to make every preparation for his departure. + </p> + <p> + He was busily engaged in this employment upon the Wednesday evening when + there was a tap at the door and Farintosh walked in, accompanied by Burt + and Williams. Girdlestone glanced up at them, and greeted them briefly. He + was not surprised at their visit, for they had come together several times + before to report progress or make arrangements. Farintosh bowed as he + entered the room, Burt nodded, and Williams rubbed his hands together and + looked amiably bilious. + </p> + <p> + "We looked in, Mr. Girdlestone," Farintosh began, "to learn if you had any + commands for us." + </p> + <p> + "I told you before that I had not," Ezra said curtly. "I am going on + Saturday. I have made a mistake in speculating on those diamonds. Prices + are sinking lower and lower." + </p> + <p> + "I am sorry to hear that," said Farintosh sympathetically. "Maybe the + market will take a turn." + </p> + <p> + "Let us hope so," the merchant answered. "It doesn't look like it." + </p> + <p> + "But you are satisfied with us, guv'nor," Burt struck in, pushing his + bulky form in front of Farintosh. "We have done our work all right, + haven't we?" + </p> + <p> + "I have nothing to complain of," Ezra said coldly. + </p> + <p> + "Well then, guv'nor, you surely ain't going away without leaving us + nothing to remembrance you with, seeing that we've stood by you and never + gone back on you." + </p> + <p> + "You have been paid every week for what you have done," the young man + said. "You won't get another penny out of me, so you set your mind at rest + about that." + </p> + <p> + "You won't give us nothing?" cried the navvy angrily. + </p> + <p> + "No, I won't; and I'll tell you what it is, Burt, big as you are, if you + dare to raise your voice in my presence I'll give you the soundest hiding + that ever you had in your life." + </p> + <p> + Ezra had stood up and showed every indication of being as good as his + word. + </p> + <p> + "Don't let us quarrel the last time we may meet," Farintosh cried, + intervening between the two. "It is not money we expect from you. All we + want is a drain of rum to drink success to you with." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, if that's all," said the young merchant—and turned round to + pick up the bottle which stood on a table behind him. Quick as a flash + Burt sprang upon him and struck him down with a life-preserver. With a + gasping cry and a heavy thud Ezra fell face downwards upon the floor, the + bottle still clutched in his senseless hand, and the escaping rum forming + a horrible mixture with the blood which streamed from a great gash in his + head. + </p> + <p> + "Very neat—very pretty indeed!" cried the ex-parson, in a quiet tone + of critical satisfaction, as a connoisseur might speak of a specimen which + interested him. He was already busy at the door of the safe. + </p> + <p> + "Well done, Mr. Burt, well done!" cried Williams, in a quivering voice; + and going up to the body he kicked it in the side. "You see I am not + afraid, Mr. Burt, am I?" + </p> + <p> + "Stow your gab!" snarled the navvy. "Here's the rum all gettin' loose." + Picking up the bottle he took a pull of what was left in it. "Here's the + bag, parson," he whispered, pulling a black linen bag from his pocket. "We + haven't made much noise over the job." + </p> + <p> + "Here are the stones," said Farintosh, in the same quiet voice. "Hold the + mouth open." He emptied an avalanche of diamonds into the receptacle. + "Here are some notes and gold. We may as well have them too. Now, tie it + up carefully. That's the way! If we meet any one on the stairs, take it + coolly. Turn that lamp out, Williams, so that if any one looks in he'll + see nothing. Come along!" + </p> + <p> + The guilty trio stole out of the room, bearing their plunder with them, + and walked down the passage of the hotel unmolested and unharmed. + </p> + <p> + The moon, as it rose over the veldt that night, shone on three horsemen + spurring it along the Capetown road as though their very lives depended + upon their speed. Its calm, clear rays streamed over the silent roofs of + Kimberley and in through a particular window of the <i>Central Hotel</i>, + throwing silvery patches upon the carpet, and casting strange shadows from + the figure which lay as it had fallen, huddled in an ungainly heap upon + the floor. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. — ROBBERS AND ROBBED. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">It</span> might perhaps have been as well for the curtailing of this narrative, + and for the interests of the world at large if the blow dealt by the + sturdy right arm of the navvy had cut short once for all the career of the + junior African merchant. Ezra, however, was endowed with a rare vitality, + which enabled him not only to shake off the effects of his mishap, but to + do so in an extraordinarily short space of time. There was a groan from + the prostrate figure, then a feeble movement, then another and a louder + groan, and then an oath. Gradually raising himself upon his elbow, he + looked around him in a bewildered way, with his other hand pressed to the + wound at the back of his head, from which a few narrow little rivulets of + blood were still meandering. His glance wandered vaguely over the table + and the chairs and the walls, until it rested upon the safe. He could see + in the moonlight that it was open, and empty. In a moment the whole + circumstances of the case came back to him, and he staggered to the door + with a hoarse cry of rage and of despair. + </p> + <p> + Whatever Ezra's faults may have been, irresolution or want of courage were + not among them. In a moment he grasped the situation, and realized that it + was absolutely essential that he should act, and at once. The stones must + be recovered, or utter and irretrievable ruin stared him in the face. At + his cries the landlord and several attendants, white and black, came + rushing into the room. + </p> + <p> + "I've been robbed and assaulted," Ezra said, steadying himself against the + mantelpiece, for he was still weak and giddy. "Don't all start cackling, + but do what I ask you. Light the lamp!" + </p> + <p> + The lamp was lit, and there was a murmur from the little knot of + employees, reinforced by some late loungers at the bar, as they saw the + disordered room and the great crimson patch upon the carpet. + </p> + <p> + "The thieves called at nine," said Ezra, talking rapidly, but collectedly. + "Their names were Farintosh, Burt, and Williams. We talked for, some + little time, so they probably did not leave the house before a quarter + past at the soonest. It is now half-past ten, so they have no very great + start. You, Jamieson, and you, Van Muller, run out and find if three men + have been seen getting away. Perhaps they took a buggy. Go up and down, + and ask all you see. You, Jones, go as hard as you can to Inspector + Ainslie. Tell him there has been robbery and attempted murder, and say + that I want half a dozen of his best mounted men—not his best men, + you understand, but his best horses. I shall see that he is no loser if he + is smart. Where's my servant Pete? Pete, you dog, get my horse saddled and + bring her round. She ought to be able to catch anything in Griqualand." + </p> + <p> + As Ezra gave his orders the men hurried off in different directions to + carry them out. He himself commenced to arrange his dress, and tied a + handkerchief tightly round his head. + </p> + <p> + "Surely you are not going, sir?" the landlord said, "You are not fit." + </p> + <p> + "Fit or not, I am going," Ezra said resolutely. "If I have to be strapped + to my horse I'll go. Send me up some brandy. Put some in a flask, too. I + may feel faint before I get back." + </p> + <p> + A great concourse of people had assembled by this time, attracted by the + report of the robbery. The whole square in front of the hotel was crowded + with diggers and store-keepers and innumerable Kaffirs, all pressing up to + the portico in the hope of hearing some fresh details. Mr. Hector + O'Flaherty, over the way, was already busy setting up his type in + preparation for a special edition, in which the <i>Vaal River Advertiser</i> + should give its version of the affair. In the office the great man + himself, who was just convalescing from an attack of ardent spirits, was + busily engaged, with a wet towel round his head, writing a leader upon the + event. This production, which was very sonorous and effective, was + peppered all over with such phrases as "protection of property," "outraged + majesty of the law," and "scum of civilization"— expressions which + had been used so continuously by Mr. O'Flaherty, that he had come to think + that he had a copyright in them, and loudly accused the London papers of + plagiarism if he happened to see them in their columns. + </p> + <p> + There was a buzz of excitement among the crowd when Ezra appeared on the + steps of the hotel, looking as white as a sheet, with a handkerchief bound + round his head and his collar all crusted with blood. As he mounted his + horse one of his emissaries rushed to him. + </p> + <p> + "If you please, sir," he said, "they have taken the Capetown road. A dozen + people saw them. Their horses were not up to much, for I know the man they + got them from. You are sure to catch them." + </p> + <p> + A smile played over Ezra's pale face, which boded little good for the + fugitives. "Curse those police!" he cried; "are they never going to come?" + </p> + <p> + "Here they are!" said the landlord; and sure enough, with a jingling of + arms and a clatter of hoofs, half a dozen of the Griqualand Mounted + Constabulary trotted through the crowd and drew up in front of the steps. + They were smart, active young fellows, armed with revolver and sabre, and + their horses were tough brutes, uncomely to look at, but with wonderful + staying power. Ezra noted the fact with satisfaction as he rode up to the + grizzled sergeant in command. + </p> + <p> + "There's not a moment to be lost, sergeant," he said. "They have an hour + and a half's start, but their cattle are not up to much. Come on! It's the + Capetown road. A hundred pounds if we catch them!" + </p> + <p> + "Threes!" roared the sergeant. "Right half turn—trot!" The crowd + split asunder, and the little troop, with Ezra at their head, clove a path + through them. "Gallop!" shouted the sergeant, and away they clattered down + the High Street of Kimberley, striking fire out of the stone and splashing + up the gravel, until the sound of their hoofs died away into a dull, + subdued rattle, and finally faded altogether from the ears of the + listening crowd. + </p> + <p> + For the first few miles the party galloped in silence. The moon was still + shining brilliantly, and they could see the white line of the road + stretching out in front of them and winding away over the undulating + veldt. To right and left spread a broad expanse of wiry grass stretching + to the horizon, with low bushes and scrub scattered over it in patches. + Here and there were groups of long-legged, unhealthy-looking sheep, who + crashed through the bushes in wild terror as the riders swept by them. + Their plaintive calls were the only sounds which broke the silence of the + night, save the occasional dismal hooting of the veldt owl. + </p> + <p> + Ezra, on his powerful grey, had been riding somewhat ahead of the + troopers, but the sergeant managed to get abreast of him. "Beg pardon, + sir," he said, raising his hand to his kepi, "but don't you think this + pace is too good to last? The horses will be blown." + </p> + <p> + "As long as we catch them," Ezra answered, "I don't care what becomes of + the horses. I would sooner stand you a dozen horses apiece than let them + get away." + </p> + <p> + The young merchant's words were firm and his seat steady, in spite of the + throbbing at his head. The fury in his heart supplied him with strength, + and he gnawed his moustache in his impatience and dug his spurs into his + horse's flanks until the blood trickled down its glossy coat. Fortune, + reputation, above all, revenge, all depended upon the issue of this + headlong chase through the darkness. + </p> + <p> + The sergeant and Ezra galloped along, leather to leather, and rein to + rein, while the troop clattered in their rear. "There's Combrink about two + miles further on," said the sergeant; "we will hear news of them there." + </p> + <p> + "They can't get off the high road, can they?" + </p> + <p> + "Not likely, sir. They couldn't get along as fast anywhere else. Indeed, + it's hardly safe riding across the veldt. They might be down a pit before + they knew of it." + </p> + <p> + "As long as they are on the road, we must catch them," quoth Ezra; "for if + it ran straight from here to hell I would follow them there." + </p> + <p> + "And we'd stand by you, sir," said the sergeant, catching something of his + companion's enthusiasm. "At this pace, if the horses hold out, we might + catch them before morning. There are the lights of the shanty." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke they were galloping round a long curve in the road, at the + further end of which there was a feeble yellow glimmer. As they came + abreast of it they saw that the light came through an open door, in the + centre of which a burly Afrikaner was standing with his hands in his + breeches pockets and his pipe in his mouth. + </p> + <p> + "Good evening," said the sergeant, as his men pulled up their reeking + horses. "Has any one passed this way before us?" + </p> + <p> + "Many a tausand has passed this way before you," said the Dutchman, taking + his pipe out of his mouth to laugh. + </p> + <p> + "To-night, man, to-night!" the sergeant cried angrily. + </p> + <p> + "Oh yes; down the Port Elizabeth Road there, not one hour ago. Three men + riding fit to kill their horses." + </p> + <p> + "That'll do," Ezra shouted; and away they went once more down the broad + white road. They passed Bluewater's Drift at two in the morning, and were + at Van Hayden's farm at half-past. At three they left the Modder River far + behind them, and at a quarter past four they swept down the main street of + the little township of Jacobsdal, their horses weak and weary and all + mottled with foam. There was a police patrol in the street. + </p> + <p> + "Has any one passed?" cried the sergeant. + </p> + <p> + "Three men, a quarter of an hour ago." + </p> + <p> + "Have they gone on?" + </p> + <p> + "Straight on. Their horses were nearly dead beat, though." + </p> + <p> + "Come on!" cried Ezra eagerly. "Come on!" + </p> + <p> + "Four of the horses are exhausted, sir," said the sergeant. "They can't + move another step." + </p> + <p> + "Come on without them then." + </p> + <p> + "The patrol could come," the sergeant suggested. + </p> + <p> + "I should have to report myself at the office, sir," said the trooper. + </p> + <p> + "Jump on to his horse, sergeant," cried Ezra. "He can take yours to report + himself on. Now then you and I at least are bound to come up with them. + Forward! gallop!" And they started off once more on their wild career, + rousing the quiet burghers of Jacobsdal by the wild turmoil of their + hoofs. + </p> + <p> + Out once more upon the Port Elizabeth Road it was a clear race between the + pursuers and the pursued. The former knew that the fugitives, were it + daytime, would possibly be within sight of them, and the thought gave them + additional ardour. The sergeant having a fresh horse rode in front, his + head down and his body forward, getting every possible inch of pace out of + the animal. At his heels came Ezra, on his gallant grey, the blood-stained + handkerchief fluttering from his head. He was sitting very straight in his + saddle with a set stern smile upon his lips. In his right hand he held a + cocked revolver. A hundred yards or so behind them the two remaining + troopers came toiling along upon their weary nags, working hard with whip + and spur to stimulate them to further exertions. Away in the east a long + rosy streak lay low upon the horizon, which showed that dawn was + approaching, and a grey light stole over the landscape. Suddenly the + sergeant pulled his horse up. + </p> + <p> + "There's some one coming towards us," he cried. + </p> + <p> + Ezra and the troopers halted their panting steeds. Through the uncertain + light they saw a solitary horseman riding down the road. At first they had + thought that it might possibly be one of the fugitives who had turned, but + as he came nearer they perceived that it was a stranger. His clothes were + so dusty and his horse so foam-flecked and weary that it was evident that + he also had left many a long mile of road behind him. + </p> + <p> + "Have you seen three men on horseback?" cried Ezra as he approached. + </p> + <p> + "I spoke to them," the traveller answered. "They are about half a mile + ahead." + </p> + <p> + "Come on! Come on!" Ezra shouted. + </p> + <p> + "I am bringing news from Jagersfontein—" the man said. + </p> + <p> + "Come on!" Ezra interrupted furiously; and the horses stretched their + stiff limbs into a feeble lumbering gallop. Ezra and the sergeant shot to + the front, and the others followed as best they might. Suddenly in the + stillness they heard far away a dull rattling sound like the clatter of + distant castanets. "It's their horses' hoofs!" cried Ezra; and the + troopers behind raised a cheer to show that they too understood the + significance of the sound. + </p> + <p> + It was a wild, lonely spot, where the plain was bare even of the scanty + foliage which usually covered it. Here and there great granite rocks + protruded from the brown soil, as though Nature's covering had in bygone + days been rent until her gaunt bones protruded through the wound. As Ezra + and the sergeant swept round a sharp turn in the road they saw, some + little way ahead of them, the three fugitives, enveloped in a cloud of + dust. Almost at the same moment they heard a shout and crash behind them, + and, looking round, saw a confused heap upon the ground. The horse of the + leading trooper had fallen from pure fatigue, and had rolled over upon its + rider. The other trooper had dismounted, and was endeavouring to extricate + his companion. + </p> + <p> + "Let us see if he is hurt," the sergeant cried. + </p> + <p> + "On! on!" shouted Ezra, whose passion was increased by the sight of the + thieves. "Not a foot back." + </p> + <p> + "He may have broken his neck," grumbled the sergeant, drawing his + revolver. "Have your pistol ready, sir. We shall be up with them in a few + minutes, and they may show fight." + </p> + <p> + They were up with them rather sooner than the policeman expected. + Farintosh, finding that speed was of no avail, and that the numbers of his + pursuers was now reduced to two, had recourse to strategy. There was a + sharp turn in the road a hundred yards ahead, and on reaching it the three + flung themselves off their horses and lay down behind cover. As Ezra and + the sergeant, the grey horse and the bay, came thundering round the curve, + there was a fierce splutter of pistol shots from amongst the bushes, and + the grey sank down upon its knees with a sobbing moan, struck mortally in + the head. Ezra sprang to his feet and rushed at the ambuscade, while the + sergeant, who had been grazed on the cheek by the first volley, jumped + from his horse and followed him. Burt and Farintosh met them foot to foot + with all the Saxon gallantry which underlies the Saxon brutality. Burt + stabbed at the sergeant and struck him through the muscle of the neck. + Farintosh fired at the policeman, and was himself shot down by Ezra. Burt, + seeing his companion fall, sprang past his two assailants with a vicious + side blow at the merchant, and throwing himself upon the sergeant's horse, + regardless of a bullet from the latter's revolver, he galloped away, and + was speedily out of range. As to Williams, from the beginning of the + skirmish he had lain face downwards upon the ground, twisting his thin + limbs about in an agony of fear, and howling for mercy. + </p> + <p> + "He's gone!" Ezra said ruefully, gazing after the fugitive. "We have + nothing to go after him with." + </p> + <p> + "I'm well-nigh gone myself," said the policeman, mopping up the blood from + his stab, which was more painful than dangerous. "He has given me a nasty + prod." + </p> + <p> + "Never mind, my friend, you shall not be the loser. Get up, you little + viper!"—this to Williams, who was still writhing himself into the + most extraordinary attitudes. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, please, Mr. Girdlestone," he cried, clutching at Ezra's boots with + his long thin fingers, "it wasn't me that hit you. It was Mr. Burt. I had + nothing to do with robbing you either. That was Mr. Farintosh. I wouldn't + have gone with him, only I knew that he was a clergyman, so I expected no + harm. I am surprised at you, Mr. Farintosh, I really am. I'm very glad + that Mr. Girdlestone has shot you." + </p> + <p> + The ex-parson was sitting with his back against a gnarled stump, which + gave him some support. He had his hand to his chest, and as he breathed a + ghastly whistling sound came from the wound, and spirts of blood rushed + from his mouth. His glazed eyes were fixed upon the man who had shot him, + and a curious smile played about his thin lips. + </p> + <p> + "Come here, Mr. Girdlestone," he croaked; "come here." + </p> + <p> + Ezra strode over to him with a face as inexorable as fate. + </p> + <p> + "You've done for me," said Farintosh faintly. "It's a queer end for the + best man of his year at Trinity—master of arts, sir, and Jacksonian + prizeman. Not much worth now, is it? Who'd have thought then that I should + have died like a dog in this wilderness? What's the odds how a man dies + though. If I'd kept myself straight I should have gone off a few years + later in a feather bed as the Dean of St. Patrick's may be. What will that + matter? I've enjoyed myself"—the dying man's eyes glistened at the + thought of past dissipations. "If I had my time to do over again," he + continued, "I'd enjoy myself the same way. I'm not penitent, sir. No + death-bed snivelling about me, or short cuts into heaven. That's not what + I wanted to say though. I have a choking in the throat, but I dare say you + can hear what I am driving at. You met a man riding towards Jacobsdal, did + you not?" + </p> + <p> + Ezra nodded sullenly. + </p> + <p> + "You didn't speak to him? Too busy trying to catch yours truly, eh? Will + you have your stones back, for they are in the bag by my side, but they'll + not be very much good to you. The little spec won't come off this time. + You don't know what the news was that the man was bringing?" + </p> + <p> + A vague feeling of impending misfortune stole over Ezra. He shook his + head. + </p> + <p> + "His news was," said Farintosh, leaning up upon his hand, "that fresh + diamond fields <i>have</i> been discovered at Jagersfontein, in the Orange + Free State. So Russia, or no Russia, stones will not rise. Ha! ha! will + not rise. Look at his face! It's whiter than mine. Ha! ha! ha!" With the + laugh upon his lips, a great flow of blood stopped the clergyman's + utterance, and he rolled slowly over upon his side, a dead man. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. — A MOMENTOUS RESOLUTION. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">During</span> the months which Ezra Girdlestone had spent in Africa the affairs + of the firm in Fenchurch Street had been exceedingly prosperous. Trade + upon the coast had been brisker than usual, and three of the company's + ships had come in at short intervals with excellent cargoes. Among these + was the <i>Black Eagle</i> which, to the astonishment of Captain Hamilton + Miggs and the disgust of his employer, had weathered a severe gale in the + Channel, and had arrived safe and sound once more. This run of luck, + supplemented by the business capacity of the old merchant and the + indomitable energy of young Dimsdale, made the concern look so flourishing + that the former felt more than ever convinced that if he could but stave + off the immediate danger things would soon right themselves. Hence he read + with delight the letters from Africa, in which his son narrated the + success of the conspiracy and the manner in which the miners had been + hoodwinked. The old man's figure grew straighter and his step more firm as + the conviction grew upon him that the company would soon return once again + to its former condition of affluence. + </p> + <p> + It may be imagined, therefore, that when the rumours of a bona fide + diamond find in the Orange Free State came to his ears John Girdlestone + was much agitated and distressed. On the same day that he saw the + announcement in the papers he received a letter from his son announcing + the failure of their enterprise. After narrating the robbery, the pursuit, + the death of Farintosh, and the announcement of the new discovery, it gave + an account of his subsequent movements. + </p> + <p> + "There was no doubt about the truth of the scoundrel's words," he said, + "for when we went to the nearest farm to get some food and have the + sergeant's wound dressed we found that every one was talking about it. + There was a chap there who had just come from the State and knew all about + it. After hearing the details from him I saw that there was no doubt of + the genuineness of the thing. + </p> + <p> + "The police rode back to Jacobsdal with Williams, and I promised to come + after them; but when I came to think it over it didn't seem good enough. + The fact of my having so many diamonds would set every tongue wagging, + and, again, the sergeant had heard what Farintosh said to me, so it was + very possible that I might have the whole district about my ears. As it + was, I had the stones and all my money in the bag. I wrote back to the + hotel, therefore, telling the landlord to send on my traps to Cape Town by + mail, and promising to settle my bill with him when I received them. I + then bought a horse and came straight south. I shall take the first + steamer and be with you within a few days of your receiving this. + </p> + <p> + "As to our speculation, it is, of course, all up. Even when the Russian + business proves to be a hoax, the price of stones will remain very low on + account of these new fields. It is possible that we may sell our lot at + some small profit but it won't be the royal road to a fortune that you + prophesied, nor will it help the firm out of the rut into which you have + shoved it. My only regret in leaving Africa like this is that that vermin + Williams will have no one to prosecute him. My head is almost well now." + </p> + <p> + This letter was a rude shock to the African merchant. Within a week of the + receipt of it his son Ezra, gloomy and travel-stained, walked into the + sanctum at Fenchurch Street and confirmed all the evil tidings by word of + mouth. The old man was of too tough a fibre to break down completely, but + his bony hands closed convulsively upon the arms of the chair, and a cold + perspiration broke out upon his wrinkled forehead as he listened to such + details as his son vouchsafed to afford him. + </p> + <p> + "You have your stones all safe, though?" he stammered out at last. + </p> + <p> + "They are in my box, at home," said Ezra, gloomy and morose, leaning + against the white marble mantelpiece. "The Lord knows what they are worth! + We'll be lucky if we clear as much as they cost and a margin for my + expenses and Langworthy's. A broken head is all that I have got from your + fine scheme." + </p> + <p> + "Who could foresee such a thing?" the old man said plaintively. He might + have added Major Clutterbuck's thousand pounds as another item to be + cleared, but he thought it as well to keep silent upon the point. + </p> + <p> + "Any fool could foresee the possibility of it," quoth Ezra brusquely. + </p> + <p> + "The fall in prices is sure to be permanent, then?" the old man asked. + </p> + <p> + "It will last for some years, any way," Ezra answered. "The Jagersfontein + gravel is very rich, and there seems to be plenty of it." + </p> + <p> + "And within a few months we must repay both capital and interest. We are + ruined!" The old merchant spoke in a broken voice, and his head sank upon + his breast. "When that day comes," he continued, "the firm which has been + for thirty years above reproach, and a model to the whole City, will be + proclaimed as a bankrupt concern. Worse still, it will be shown to have + been kept afloat for years by means which will be deemed fraudulent. I + tell you, my dear son, that if any means could be devised which would + avert this—<i>any</i> means—I should not hesitate to adopt + them. I am a frail old man, and I feel that the short balance of my life + would be a small thing for me to give in return for the assurance that the + work which I have built up should not be altogether thrown away." + </p> + <p> + "Your life cannot affect the matter one way or the other unless it were + more heavily insured than it is," Ezra said callously, though somewhat + moved by his father's intensity of manner. "Perhaps there is some way out + of the wood yet," he added, in a more cheerful tone. + </p> + <p> + "It's so paying, so prosperous—that's what goes to my heart. If it + had ruined itself it would be easier to bear it, but it is sacrificed to + outside speculations—my wretched, wretched speculations. That is + what makes it so hard." He touched the bell, and Gilray answered the + summons. "Listen to this, Ezra. What was our turn over last month, + Gilray?" + </p> + <p> + "Fifteen thousand pounds, sir," said the little clerk, bobbing up and down + like a buoy in a gale in his delight at seeing the junior partner once + again. + </p> + <p> + "And the expenses?" + </p> + <p> + "Nine thousand three hundred. Uncommon brown you look, Mr. Ezra, to be + sure, uncommon brown and well. I hopes as you enjoyed yourself in Africa, + sir, and was too much for them Hottenpots and Boars." With this profound + ethnological remark Mr. Gilray bobbed himself out of the room and went + back radiantly to his ink-stained desk. + </p> + <p> + "Look at that," the old man said, when the click of the outer door showed + that the clerk was out of ear-shot. "Over five thousand profit in a month. + Is it not terrible that such a business should go to ruin? What a fortune + it would have been for you!" + </p> + <p> + "By heavens, it must be saved!" cried Ezra, with meditative brows and + hands plunged deep in his trouser pockets. "There is that girl's money. + Could we not get the temporary use of it." + </p> + <p> + "Impossible!" his father answered with a sigh. "It is so tied up in the + will that she cannot sign it away herself until she comes of age. There is + no way of touching it except by her marriage—or by her death." + </p> + <p> + "Then we must have it by the only means open to us." + </p> + <p> + "And that is?" + </p> + <p> + "I must marry her." + </p> + <p> + "You will?" + </p> + <p> + "I shall. Here is my hand on it." + </p> + <p> + "Then we are saved," cried the old man, throwing up his tremulous hands. + "Girdlestone & Son will weather the storm yet." + </p> + <p> + "But Girdlestone becomes a sleeping partner," said Ezra. "It's for my own + sake I do it and not for yours," with which frank remark he drew his hat + down over his brows and set off for Eccleston Square. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. — A DANGEROUS PROMISE. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">During</span> Ezra Girdlestone's absence in Africa our heroine's life had been + even less eventful than of old. There was a consistency about the + merchant's establishment which was characteristic of the man. The house + itself was austere and gloomy, and every separate room, in spite of + profuse expenditure and gorgeous furniture, had the same air of + discomfort. The servants too, were, with one single exception, from the + hard-visaged housekeeper to the Calvinistic footman, a depressing and + melancholy race. The only departure from this general rule was Kate's own + maid, Rebecca Taylforth, a loudly-dressed, dark-eyed, coarse-voiced young + woman, who raised up her voice and wept when Ezra departed for Africa. + This damsel's presence was most disagreeable to Kate, and, indeed, to John + Girdlestone also, who only retained her on account of his son's strong + views upon the subject, and out of fear of an explosion which might wreck + all his plans. + </p> + <p> + The old merchant was Kate's only companion during this period, and their + conversation was usually limited to a conventional inquiry at breakfast + time as to each other's health. On his return from the City in the evening + Girdlestone was always in a moody humour, and would eat his dinner hastily + and in silence. After dinner he was in the habit of reading methodically + the various financial articles in the day's papers, which would occupy him + until bedtime. Occasionally his companion would read these aloud to him, + and such was the monotony of her uneventful life that she found herself + becoming insensibly interested in the fluctuations of Grand Trunk scrip or + Ohio and Delaware shares. The papers once exhausted, a bell was rung to + summon the domestics, and when all were assembled the merchant, in a hard + metallic voice, read through the lesson for the day and the evening + prayers. On grand occasions he supplemented this by a short address, in + the course of which he would pelt his frightened audience with hard jagged + texts until he had reduced them to a fitting state of spiritual misery. No + wonder that, under the influence of such an existence, the roses began to + fade from his ward's cheeks, and her youthful heart to grow sad and heavy. + </p> + <p> + One daily tonic there was, however, which never deserted her. Strictly as + Girdlestone guarded her, and jealously as he fenced her off from the outer + world, he was unable to prevent this one little ray of light penetrating + her prison. With an eye to the future he had so placed her that it seemed + to him to be impossible that any sympathy could reach her from the outside + world. Visits and visitors were alike forbidden to her. On no + consideration was she to venture out alone. In spite of all his + precautions, however, love has many arts and wiles which defy all + opposition, and which can outplot the deepest of plotters. + </p> + <p> + Eccleston Square was by no means in a direct line between Kensington and + the City, yet morning and evening, as sure as the clock pointed to + half-past nine and to quarter to six, Tom would stride through the + old-fashioned square and past the grim house, whose grimness was softened + to his eyes through its association with the bright dream of his life. It + was but the momentary glance of a sweet face at the upper window and a + single wave of a white hand, but it sent him on with a fresh heart and + courage, and it broke the dull monotony of her dreary life. + </p> + <p> + Occasionally, as we have seen, he even managed to find his way into the + interior of this ogre's castle, in which his fair princess was immured. + John Girdlestone put an end to this by ordering that business messages + should never under any circumstances be conveyed to his private residence. + Nothing daunted, however, the lovers soon devised another means of + surmounting the barrier which divided them. + </p> + <p> + The centre of the square was taken up by a garden, rectangular and + uninviting, fenced round with high forbidding walls which shut out all + intruders and gave the place a resemblance to the exercise ground of a + prison. Within the rails were clumps of bushes, and here and there a few + despondent trees drooped their heads as though mourning over the + uncongenial site in which they had been planted. Among these trees and + bushes there were scattered seats, and the whole estate was at the + disposal of the inhabitants of Eccleston Square, and was dignified by the + name of the Eccleston Gardens. This was the only spot in which Kate was + trusted without the surveillance of a footman, and it was therefore a + favourite haunt of hers, where she would read or work for hours under the + shelter of the scanty foliage. + </p> + <p> + Hence it came about that one day, as Thomas Dimsdale was making his way + Cityward at a rather earlier hour than was customary with him, he missed + the usual apparition at the window. Looking round blankly in search of + some explanation of this absence, he perceived in the garden a pretty + white bonnet which glinted among the leaves, and on closer inspection a + pair of bright eyes, which surveyed him merrily from underneath it. The + gate was open, and in less time than it takes to tell it the sacrilegious + feet of the young man had invaded the sacred domains devoted to the sole + use and behoof of the Ecclestonians. It may be imagined that he was + somewhat late at the office that morning and on many subsequent mornings, + until the clerks began to think that their new employer was losing the + enthusiasm for business which had possessed him. + </p> + <p> + Tom frequently begged permission to inform Mr. Girdlestone of his + engagement, but Kate was inflexible upon that point. The fact is, that she + knew her guardian's character very much better than her lover did, and + remembering his frequent exhortations upon the subject of the vanity and + wickedness of such things, she feared the effects of his anger when he + learned the truth. In a year or so she would be of age and her own + mistress, but at present she was entirely in his power. Why should she + subject herself to the certainty of constant harshness and unkindness + which would await her? Had her guardian really fulfilled the functions of + a father towards her he would have a right to be informed, but as it was + she felt that she owed him no such duty. She therefore made up her mind + that he should know nothing of the matter; but the fates unfortunately + willed otherwise. + </p> + <p> + It chanced that one morning the interview between the lovers had lasted + rather longer than usual, and had been concluded by Kate's returning to + the house, while Tom remained sitting upon the garden seat lost in such a + reverie as affects men in his position. While thus pleasantly employed, + his thoughts were suddenly recalled to earth by the appearance of a dark + shadow on the gravel in front of him, and looking up he saw the senior + partner standing a short distance away and regarding him with anything but + an amiable expression upon his face. He had himself been having a morning + stroll in the garden, and had overseen the whole of the recent interview + without the preoccupied lovers being aware of his presence. + </p> + <p> + "Are you coming to the office?" he asked sternly. "If so, we can go + together." + </p> + <p> + Tom rose and followed him out of the gardens without a word. He knew from + the other's expression that all was known to him, and in his heart he was + not sorry. His only fear was that the old man's anger might fall upon his + ward and this he determined to prevent. They walked side by side as far as + the station in complete silence, but on reaching Fenchurch Street + Girdlestone asked his young partner to step into his private sanctum. + </p> + <p> + "Now, sir," he said, as he closed the door behind him "I think that I have + a right to inquire what the meaning may be of the scene of which I was an + involuntary witness this morning?" + </p> + <p> + "It means," Tom answered firmly but gently, "that I am engaged to Miss + Harston, and have been for some time." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, indeed," Girdlestone answered coldly, sitting down at his desk and + turning over the pile of letters. + </p> + <p> + "At my request," said Tom, "our engagement was kept from your knowledge. I + had reason to believe that you objected to early engagements, and I feared + that ours might be disagreeable to you." I trust that the recording angel + will not register a very black mark against our friend for this, the one + and only falsehood that ever passed his lips. + </p> + <p> + During the long silent walk the merchant had been revolving in his mind + what course he should pursue, and he had come to the conclusion that it + was more easy to guide this impetuous stream of youth than to attempt to + stem it. He did not realize the strength of the tie that bound these two + young people together, and imagined that with judgment and patience it + might yet be snapped. It was, therefore, with as good an imitation of + geniality as his angular visage would permit of that he answered his + companion's confession. + </p> + <p> + "You can hardly wonder at my being surprised," he said. "Such a thing + never entered my mind for a moment. You would have done better to have + confided in me before." + </p> + <p> + "I must ask your pardon for not having done so." + </p> + <p> + "As far as you are concerned," said John Girdlestone affably, "I believe + you to be hard-working and right-principled. Your conduct since you have + joined the firm has been everything which I could desire." + </p> + <p> + Tom bowed his acknowledgments, much pleased by this preamble. + </p> + <p> + "With regard to my ward," continued the senior partner, speaking very + slowly and evidently weighing his words, "I could not wish her to have a + better husband. In considering such a question I have, however, as you may + imagine, to consult above everything else the wishes of my dead friend, + Mr. John Harston, the father of the young lady to whom you say that you + are engaged. A trust has been reposed in me, and that trust must, of + course, be fulfilled to the letter." + </p> + <p> + "Certainly," said Tom, wondering in his own mind how he could ever have + brought himself for one moment to think evil of this kindly and righteous + old man. + </p> + <p> + "It was one of Mr. Harston's most clearly expressed wishes that no words + or even thoughts of such matters should be allowed to come in his + daughter's way until she had attained maturity, by which he meant the age + of one-and-twenty." + </p> + <p> + "But he could not foresee the circumstances," Tom pleaded. "I am sure that + a year or so will make no difference in her sentiments in this matter." + </p> + <p> + "My duty is to carry out his instructions to the letter. I won't say, + however," continued Mr. Girdlestone, "that circumstances might not arise + which might induce me to shorten this probationary period. If my further + acquaintance with you confirms the high impression which I now have of + your commercial ability, that, of course, would have weight with me; and, + again, if I find Miss Harston's mind is made up upon the point, that also + would influence my judgment." + </p> + <p> + "And what are we to do in the mean time?" asked the junior partner + anxiously. + </p> + <p> + "In the mean time neither you nor your people must write to her, or speak + to her, or hold any communication with her whatever. If I find you or them + doing so, I shall be compelled in justice to Mr. Harston's last request to + send her to some establishment abroad where she shall be entirely out of + your way. My mind is irrevocably made up upon that point. It is not a + matter of personal inclination, but of conscience." + </p> + <p> + "And how long is this to last?" cried Tom. + </p> + <p> + "It will depend upon yourselves. If you prove yourself to be a man of + honour in this matter, I may be inclined to sanction your addresses. In + the mean time you must give me your word to let it rest, and neither to + attempt to speak to Miss Harston, nor to see her, nor to allow your + parents to communicate with her. The last condition may seem to you to be + hard, but, in my eyes, it is a very important one. Unless you can bring + yourself to promise all this, my duty will compel me to remove my ward + entirely out of your reach, a course which would be painful to her and + inconvenient to myself." + </p> + <p> + "But I must let her know of this arrangement. I must tell her that you + hold out hopes to us on condition that we keep apart for a time." + </p> + <p> + "It would be cruel not to allow you to do that," Girdlestone answered. + "You may send her <i>one</i> letter, but remember there shall be no reply + to it." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir; thank you!" Tom cried fervently. "I have something to + live for now. This separation will but make our hearts grow fonder. What + change can time make in either of us?" + </p> + <p> + "Quite so," said John Girdlestone, with a smile. "Remember there must be + no more walking through the square. You must remain absolutely apart if + you wish to gain my consent." + </p> + <p> + "It is hard, very, very hard. But I will promise to do it. What would I + not promise which would lead to our earlier union?" + </p> + <p> + "That is settled then. In the mean time, I should be obliged if you would + go down to the docks and look after the loading of the transferable + corrugated iron houses for New Calabar." + </p> + <p> + "All right, sir, and thank you for your kindness," said Tom, bowing + himself out. He hardly knew whether to be pleased or grieved over the + result of his interview; but, on the whole, satisfaction prevailed, since + at the worst it was but to wait for a year or so, while there seemed to be + some hopes of gaining the guardian's consent before that. On the other + hand, he had pledged himself to separate from Kate; but that would, he + reflected, only make their re-union the sweeter. + </p> + <p> + All the morning he was engaged in superintending the stowing of great + slabs of iron in the capacious hold of the <i>Maid of Athens</i>. When the + hour of luncheon arrived no thought of food was in the lad's head, but, + burying himself in the back parlour of a little Blackwall public-house, he + called for pen, ink, and paper, and proceeded to indite a letter to his + sweetheart. Never was so much love and comfort and advice and hope + compressed into the limits of four sheets of paper or contained in the + narrow boundary of a single envelope. Tom read it over after he had + finished, and felt that it feebly expressed his thoughts; but, then, what + lover ever yet did succeed in getting his thoughts satisfactorily + represented upon paper. Having posted this effusion, in which he had + carefully explained the conditions imposed upon him, Tom felt considerably + more light-hearted, and returned with renewed vigour to the loading of the + corrugated iron. He would hardly have felt so satisfied had he seen John + Girdlestone receiving that same letter from the hands of the footman, and + reading it afterwards in the privacy of his bedroom with a sardonic smile + upon his face. Still less contented would he have been had he beheld the + merchant tearing it into small fragments and making a bonfire of it in his + capacious grate. Next morning Kate looked in vain out of the accustomed + window, and was sore at heart when no tall figure appeared in sight and no + friendly hand waved a morning salutation. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. — A CHANGE OF FRONT. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">This</span> episode had occurred about a fortnight before Ezra's return from + Africa, and was duly retailed to him by his father. + </p> + <p> + "You need not be discouraged by that," he said. "I can always keep them + apart, and if he is absent and you are present—especially as she has + no idea of the cause of his absence—she will end by feeling slighted + and preferring you." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot understand how you ever came to let the matter go so far," his + son answered sullenly. "What does the young puppy want to come poaching + upon our preserves for? The girl belongs to us. She was given to you to + look after, and a nice job you seem to have made of it!" + </p> + <p> + "Never mind, my boy," replied the merchant. "I'll answer for keeping them + apart if you will only push the matter on your own account." + </p> + <p> + "I've said that I would do so, and I will," Ezra returned; and events soon + showed that he was as good as his word. + </p> + <p> + Before his African excursion the relations between young Girdlestone and + his father's ward had never been cordial. Kate's nature, however, was so + sweet and forgiving, that it was impossible for her to harbour any + animosity, and she greeted Ezra kindly on his return from his travels. + Within a few days she became conscious that a remarkable change had come + over him—a change, as it seemed to her, very much for the better. In + the past, weeks had frequently elapsed without his addressing her, but now + he went out of his way to make himself agreeable. Sometimes he would sit + for a whole evening describing to her all that he had seen in Africa, and + really interesting her by his account of men and things. She, poor lass, + hailed this new departure with delight, and did all in her power to + encourage his better nature and to show that she appreciated the + alteration in his bearing. At the same time, she was rather puzzled in her + mind, for an occasional flash of coarseness or ferocity showed her that + the real nature of the man was unaltered, and that he was putting an + unnatural restraint upon himself. + </p> + <p> + As the days went on, and no word or sign came from Tom, a great fear and + perplexity arose within the girl's mind. She had heard nothing of the + interview at Fenchurch Street, nor had she any clue at all which could + explain the mystery. Could it be that Tom had informed her guardian of + their engagement, and had received such a rebuff that he had abandoned her + in despair? That was surely impossible; yet why was it that he had ceased + to walk through the square? She knew that he was not ill, because she + heard her two companions talking of him in connection with business. What + could be the matter, then? Her little heart was torn by a thousand + conflicting doubts and fears. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time Ezra gave fresh manifestations of the improvement which + travel had wrought upon him. She had remarked one day that she was fond of + moss roses. On coming down to breakfast next morning she found a beautiful + moss rose upon her plate, and every morning afterwards a fresh flower + appeared in the same place. This pretty little piece of courtesy, which + she knew could only come from Ezra, surprised and pleased her, for + delicacy was the last quality for which she would have given him credit. + </p> + <p> + On another occasion she had expressed a desire to read Thackeray's works, + the books in the library being for the most part of last century. On + entering her room that same evening she found, to her astonishment, a + handsomely bound edition of the novels in question standing on the centre + of her table. For a moment a wild, unreasoning hope awoke in her that + perhaps this was Tom's doing—that he had taken this means of showing + that she was still dear to him. She soon saw, however, that the books + could only have come from the same source as the flowers, and she + marvelled more than ever at this fresh proof of the good will of her + companion. + </p> + <p> + One day her guardian took the girl aside. "Your life must be rather dull," + he said. "I have taken a box for you to-night at the opera. I do not care + about such spectacles myself, but I have made arrangements for your + escort. A change will do you good." + </p> + <p> + Poor Kate was too sad at heart to be inclined for amusement. She + endeavoured, however, to look pleased and grateful. + </p> + <p> + "My good friend, Mrs. Wilkinson, is coming for you," the merchant said, + "and Ezra is going too. He has a great liking for music." + </p> + <p> + Kate could not help smiling at this last remark, as she thought how very + successfully the young man had concealed his taste during the years that + she had known him. + </p> + <p> + She was ready, however, at the appointed hour, and Mrs. Wilkinson, a prim + old gentlewoman, who had chaperoned Kate on the rare occasions when she + went out, having arrived, the three drove off together. + </p> + <p> + The opera happened to be "Faust," and the magnificent scenery and dresses + astonished Kate, who had hardly ever before been within the walls of a + theatre. She sat as if entranced, with a bright tinge of colour upon her + cheeks, which, with her sparkling eyes, made her look surpassingly + beautiful. So thought Ezra Girdlestone as he sat in the recesses of the + box and watched the varied expressions which flitted across her mobile + features. "She is well worth having, money or no," he muttered to himself, + and redoubled his attentions to her during the evening. + </p> + <p> + An incident occurred between the acts that night which would have pleased + the old merchant had he witnessed it. Kate had been looking down from the + box, which was upon the third tier, at the sea of heads beneath them. + Suddenly she gave a start, and her face grew a trifle paler. + </p> + <p> + "Isn't that Mr. Dimsdale down there?" she said to her companion. + </p> + <p> + "Where?" asked Ezra, craning his neck. "Oh yes, there he is, in the second + row of the stalls." + </p> + <p> + "Do you know who the young lady is that he is talking to?" Kate asked. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know," said Ezra. "I have seen him about with her a good deal + lately." The latter was a deliberate falsehood, but Ezra saw his chance of + prejudicing his rival, and took prompt advantage of it. "She is very + good-looking," he added presently, keeping his eyes upon his companion. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, indeed," said Kate, and turned with some common-place remark to Mrs. + Wilkinson. Her heart was sore nevertheless, and she derived little + pleasure from the remainder of the performance. As to Ezra, in spite of + his great love for music, he dozed peacefully in a corner of the box + during the whole of the last act. None of them were sorry when Faust was + duly consigned to the nether regions and Marguerite was apotheosed upon a + couple of wooden clouds. Ezra narrated the incident of the recognition in + the stalls to his father on his return, and the old gentleman rubbed his + hands over it. + </p> + <p> + "Most fortunate!" he exclaimed gleefully. "By working on that idea we + might produce great effects. Who was the girl, do you know?" + </p> + <p> + "Some poor relation, I believe, whom he trots out at times." + </p> + <p> + "We will find out her name and all about her. Capital, capital!" cried + John Girdlestone; and the two worthies departed to their rooms much + pleased at this new card which chance had put into their hands. + </p> + <p> + During the weary weeks while Tom Dimsdale, in accordance with his promise, + avoided Eccleston Square and everything which could remind Kate of his + existence, Ezra continued to leave no stone unturned in his endeavours to + steal his way into her affections. Poor Tom's sole comfort was the + recollection of that last passionate letter which he had written in the + Blackwall public-house, and which had, as he imagined, enlightened her as + to the reasons of his absence, and had prevented her from feeling any + uneasiness or surprise. Had he known the fate that had befallen that + epistle, he would hardly have been able to continue his office duties so + patiently or to wait with so much resignation for Mr. Girdlestone's + sanction to his engagement. + </p> + <p> + As the days passed and still brought no news, Kate's face grew paler and + her heart more weary and desponding. That the young man was well was + beyond dispute, since she had seen him with her own eyes at the opera. + What explanation could there be, then, for his conduct? Was it possible + that he had told Mr. Girdlestone of their engagement, and that her + guardian had found some means of dissuading him from continuing his suit—found + some appeal to his interest, perhaps, which was too strong for his love. + All that she knew of Tom's nature contradicted such a supposition. Again, + if Girdlestone had learned anything of their engagement, surely he would + have reproached her with it. His manner of late had been kinder rather + than harsher. On the other hand, could it have chanced that Tom had met + this lady of the opera, and that her charms had proved too much for his + constancy? When she thought of the honest grey eyes which had looked down + into hers at that last meeting in the garden, she found it hard to imagine + the possibility of such things, and yet there was a fact which had to be + explained. The more she thought of it the more incomprehensible it grew, + but still the pale face grew paler and the sad heart more heavy. + </p> + <p> + Soon, however, her doubts and fears began to resolve themselves into + something more substantial than vague conjecture. The conversation of the + Girdlestones used to turn upon their business colleague, and always in the + same strain. There were stray remarks about his doings; hints from the + father and laughter from the son. "Not much work to be got out of him + now," the old man would say. "When a man's in love he's not over fond of a + ledger." + </p> + <p> + "A nice-looking girl, too," said Ezra, in answer to some such remark. "I + thought something would come of it. We saw them together at the opera, + didn't we, Kate?" + </p> + <p> + So they would gossip together, and every word a stab to the poor girl. She + strove to conceal her feelings, and, indeed, her anger and her pride were + stronger even than her grief, for she felt that she had been cruelly used. + One day she found Girdlestone alone and unbosomed herself to him. + </p> + <p> + "Is it really true," she asked, with a quick pant and a catch of her + breath, "that Mr. Dimsdale is engaged to be married?" + </p> + <p> + "I believe so, my dear," her guardian answered. "It is commonly reported + so. When a young lady and gentleman correspond it is usually a sign of + something of the sort." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, they correspond?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, they certainly correspond. Her letters are sent to him at the + office. I don't know that I altogether like that arrangement. It looks as + if he were deceiving his parents." All this was an unmitigated lie, but + Girdlestone had gone too far now to stick at trifles. + </p> + <p> + "Who is the lady?" asked Kate, with a calm set face but a quivering lip. + </p> + <p> + "A cousin of his. Miss Ossary is her name, I believe. I am not sorry, for + it may be a sign that he has sown all his wild oats. Do you know at one + time, Kate, I feared that he might take a fancy to you. He has a specious + way with him, and I felt my responsibility in the matter." + </p> + <p> + "You need not be afraid on that score," Kate said bitterly. "I think I can + gauge Mr. Dimsdale's specious manner at its proper value." With this + valiant speech she marched off, head in air, to her room, and there wept + as though her very heart would break. + </p> + <p> + John Girdlestone told his son of this scene as they walked home from + Fenchurch Street that same day. "We must look sharp over it," he said, "or + that young fool may get impatient and upset our plans." + </p> + <p> + "It's not such an easy matter," said his son gloomily. "I get along so + far, but no further. It's a more uphill job than I expected." + </p> + <p> + "Why, you had a bad enough name among women," the merchant said, with + something approaching to a sneer. "I have been grieved times out of number + by your looseness in that respect. I should have thought that you might + have made your experience of some use now." + </p> + <p> + "There are women and women," his son remarked. "A girl like this takes as + much managing as a skittish horse." + </p> + <p> + "Once get her into harness, and I warrant you'll keep her there quiet + enough." + </p> + <p> + "You bet," said Ezra, with a loud laugh. "But at present she has the pull. + Her mind is still running on that fellow." + </p> + <p> + "She spoke bitterly enough of him this morning." + </p> + <p> + "So she might, but she thinks of him none the less. If I could once make + her thoroughly realize that he had thrown her over I might catch her on + the hop. She'd marry for spite if she wouldn't for love." + </p> + <p> + "Just so; just so. Wait a bit. That can be managed, I think, if you will + leave it to me." + </p> + <p> + The old man brooded over the problem all day, for from week to week the + necessity for the money was becoming more pressing, and that money could + only be hoped for through the success of Ezra's wooing. No wonder that + every little detail which might sway the balance one way or the other was + anxiously pondered over by the head of the firm, and that even the + fluctuations in oil and ivory became secondary to this great object. + </p> + <p> + Next day, immediately after they had sat down to dinner, some letters were + handed in by the footman. "Forwarded on from the office, sir," said the + flunkey. "The clerk says that Mr. Gilray was away and that he did not like + to open them." + </p> + <p> + "Just like him!" said Girdlestone, peevishly pushing back his plate of + soup. "I hate doing business out of hours." He tore the envelopes off the + various letters as he spoke. "What's this? Casks returned as per invoice; + that's all right. Note from Rudder & Saxe—that can be answered + to-morrow. Memorandum on the Custom duties at Sierra Leone. Hallo! what + have we here? 'My darling Tom'—who is this from—Yours ever, + Mary Ossary.' Why, it's one of young Dimsdale's love-letters which has got + mixed up with my business papers. Ha! ha! I must really apologize to him + for having opened it, but he must take his chance of that, if he has his + correspondence sent to the office. I take it for granted that everything + there is a business communication." + </p> + <p> + Kate's face grew very white as she listened. She ate little dinner that + day, poor child, and took the earliest opportunity of retiring to her + room. + </p> + <p> + "You did that uncommonly well, dad," said Ezra approvingly, after she was + gone. "It hit her hard, I could see that." + </p> + <p> + "I think it touched her pride. People should not have pride. We are warned + against it. Now, that same pride of hers will forbid her ever thinking of + that young man again." + </p> + <p> + "And you had the letter written?" + </p> + <p> + "I wrote it myself. I think, in such a case, any stratagem is justifiable. + Such large interests are at stake that we must adopt strong measures. I + quite agree with the old Churchmen that the end occasionally justifies the + means." + </p> + <p> + "Capital, dad; very good!" cried Ezra, chewing his toothpick. "I like to + hear you argue. It's quite refreshing." + </p> + <p> + "I act according to the lights which are vouchsafed me," said John + Girdlestone gravely; on which Ezra leaned back in his chair and laughed + heartily. + </p> + <p> + The very next morning the merchant spoke to Dimsdale on the matter, for he + had observed signs of impatience in the young man, and feared that some + sudden impulse might lead him to break his promise and so upset + everything. + </p> + <p> + "Take a seat. I should like to have a word with you," he said graciously, + when his junior partner appeared before him to consult with him as to the + duties of the day. Tom sat down with hope in his heart. + </p> + <p> + "It is only fair to you, Mr. Dimsdale," Girdlestone said, in a kindly + voice, "that I should express to you my appreciation of your honourable + conduct. You have kept your promise in regard to Miss Harston in the + fullest manner." + </p> + <p> + "Of course I kept my promise," said Tom bluntly. "I trust, however, that + you will soon see your way to withdrawing your prohibition. It has been a + hard trial to me." + </p> + <p> + "I have insisted upon it because it seemed to me to be my duty. Every one + takes his own view upon such points, and it has always been my custom + throughout life to take what some might think a stringent one. It appears + to me that I owe it to my deceased friend to prevent his daughter, whom he + has confided to me, from making any mistake. As I said before, if you + continue to show that you are worthy of her, I may think more favourably + of it. Exemplary as your conduct has been since you joined us, I believe + that I am not wrong in stating that you were a little wild when you were + at Edinburgh." + </p> + <p> + "I never did anything that I am ashamed of," said Tom. + </p> + <p> + "Very likely not," Girdlestone answered, with an irrepressible sneer. "The + question is, did you do anything that your father was ashamed of?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly not," cried Tom hotly. "I was no milksop or psalm singer, but + there is nothing that I ever did there of which I should be ashamed of my + father knowing." + </p> + <p> + "Don't speak lightly of psalm singing. It is a good practice in its way, + and you would have been none the worse had you indulged in it perhaps. + However, that is neither here nor there. What I want you clearly to + understand is that my ultimate consent to your union depends entirely upon + your own conduct. Above all, I insist that you refrain from unsettling the + girl's mind at present." + </p> + <p> + "I have already promised. Hard as the struggle may be, I shall not break + my word. I have the consolation of knowing that if we were separated for + twenty years we should still be true to one another." + </p> + <p> + "That's very satisfactory," said the merchant grimly. + </p> + <p> + "Nevertheless it is a weary, weary time. If I could only write a line—" + </p> + <p> + "Not a word," Girdlestone interrupted. "It is only because I trust you + that I keep her in London at all. If I thought there was a possibility of + your doing such a thing I should remove her at once." + </p> + <p> + "I shall do nothing without your permission," Tom said, taking up his hat + to go. He paused with his hand upon the door. "If ever it seems good to + me," he said, "I consider that by giving you due notice I absolve myself + from my promise." + </p> + <p> + "You would not do anything so foolish." + </p> + <p> + "Still I reserve myself the right of doing so," said Tom, and went off + with a heavy heart to his day's work. + </p> + <p> + "Everything is clear for you now," the old man said to his son + triumphantly. "There's no chance of interference, and the girl is in the + very humour to be won. I flatter myself that it has been managed with + tact. Remember that all is at stake, and go in and win." + </p> + <p> + "I shall go in," said Ezra "and I think the chances are that I shall win + too." + </p> + <p> + At which reassuring speech the old man laughed, and slapped his son + approvingly upon the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. — BREAKING GROUND. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">In</span> spite of John Girdlestone's temporary satisfaction and the stoical face + which he presented to the world, it is probable that in the whole of + London there was no more unhappy and heart-weary man. The long fight + against impending misfortune had shattered his iron constitution and + weakened him both in body and in mind. It was remarked upon 'Change how + much he had aged of late, and moralists commented upon the vanity and + inefficacy of the wealth which could not smooth the wrinkles from the + great trader's haggard visage. He was surprised himself when he looked in + the glass at the change which had come over him. "Never mind," he would + say in his dogged heart a hundred times a day, "they can't beat me. Do + what they will, they can't beat me." This was the one thought which + sustained and consoled him. The preservation of his commercial credit had + become the aim and object of his life, to which there was nothing that he + was not prepared to sacrifice. + </p> + <p> + His cunningly devised speculation in diamonds had failed, but this failure + had been due to an accident which could neither have been foreseen nor + remedied. To carry out this scheme he had, as we have seen, been obliged + to borrow money, which had now to be repaid. This he had managed to do, + more or less completely, by the sale of the stones which Ezra had brought + home, supplemented by the recent profits of the firm. There was still the + original deficit to be faced, and John Girdlestone knew that though a + settlement might be postponed from month to month, still the day must + come, and come soon, when his debts must be met, or his inability to meet + them become apparent to the whole world. Should Ezra be successful in his + wooing and his ward's forty thousand pounds be thrown into the scale, the + firm would shake itself clear from the load which oppressed it. Supposing, + however, that Kate were to refuse his son. What was to occur then? The + will was so worded that there appeared to be no other way of obtaining the + money. A very vulpine look would come over the old man's face as he + brooded over that problem. + </p> + <p> + The strangest of all the phenomena, however, presented by John Girdlestone + at this period of his life was his own entire conviction of the + righteousness of his actions. When every night and morning he sank upon + his knees with his household and prayed for the success of the firm's + undertakings, no qualms of conscience ever troubled him as to their + intrinsic morality. On Sundays the grey head of the merchant in the first + pew was as constant an object as was the pew itself, yet in that head no + thought ever rose of the inconsistency of his religion and of his + practice. For fifty years he had been persuading himself that he was a + righteous man, and the conviction was now so firmly impressed upon his + very soul that nothing could ever shake it. Ezra was wrong when he set + this down as deliberate hypocrisy. Blind strength of will and self-conceit + were at the bottom of his actions, but he would have been astonished and + indignant had he been accused of simulating piety or of using it as a + tool. To him the firm of Girdlestone was the very representation of + religion in the commercial world, and as such must be upheld by every + conceivable means. + </p> + <p> + To his son this state of mind was unintelligible, and he simply gave his + father credit for being a consummate and accomplished hypocrite, who found + a mantle of piety a very convenient one under which to conceal his real + character. He had himself inherited the old man's dogged pertinacity and + commercial instincts, and was by nature unscrupulous and impatient of any + obstacle placed in his way. He was now keenly alive to the fact that the + existence of the firm depended upon the success of his suit, and he knew + also how lucrative a concern the African business would prove were it set + upon its legs again. He had determined in case he succeeded to put his + father aside as a sleeping partner and to take the reins of management + entirely into his own hands. His practical mind had already devised + countless ways in which the profits might be increased. The first step of + all, then, was the gaining possession of the forty thousand pounds, and to + that he devoted himself heart and soul. When two such men work together + for one end, it is seldom that they fail to achieve it. + </p> + <p> + It would be a mistake to suppose that Ezra felt himself in any degree in + love at this time. He recognized his companion's sweetness and gentleness, + but these were not qualities which appealed to his admiration. Kate's + amiable, quiet ways seemed insipid to a man who was used to female society + of a very different order. + </p> + <p> + "She has no go or snap about her," he would complain to his father. "She's + not like Polly Lucas at the Pavilion, or Minnie Walker." + </p> + <p> + "God forbid!" ejaculated the merchant. "That sort of thing is bad enough + out of doors, but worst of all in your own house." + </p> + <p> + "It makes courting a good deal easier," Ezra answered. + "If a girl will answer up and give you an opening now and then, it makes + all the difference." + </p> + <p> + "You can't write poetry, can you?" + </p> + <p> + "Not much," Ezra said with a grin. + </p> + <p> + "That's a pity. I believe it goes a long way with women. You might get + some one to write some, and let her think it is yours. Or you could learn + a little off and repeat it." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I might do that. I'm going to buy a collar for that beast of a dog + of hers. All the time that I was talking to her yesterday she was so taken + up with it that I don't believe she heard half that I said. My fingers + itched to catch it up and chuck it through the window." + </p> + <p> + "Don't forget yourself, my boy, don't forget yourself!" cried the + merchant. "A single false step might ruin every thing." + </p> + <p> + "Never fear," Ezra said confidently, and went off upon the dog-collar + mission. While he was in the shop he bought a dog-whip as well, which he + locked up in his drawers to use as the occasion served. + </p> + <p> + During all this time Kate had been entirely unconscious of her companion's + intentions and designs. She had been associated with Ezra for so many + years, and had met such undeviated want of courtesy from him, that the + idea of his presenting himself as a suitor never came into her head. She + hailed his charge of demeanour, therefore, as being the result of his + larger experience of the world, and often wondered how it was that he had + profited so much by his short stay at the Cape. In the cheerless house it + was pleasant to have at least one companion who seemed to have kindly + feelings towards her. She was only too glad, therefore, to encourage his + advances, and to thank him with sweet smiles and eloquent eyes for what + appeared to her to be his disinterested kindness. + </p> + <p> + After a while, however, Ezra's attentions became so marked that it was + impossible for her to misunderstand them any longer. Not only did he + neglect his usual work in order to hang round her from morning to night, + but he paid her many clumsy compliments and gave other similar indications + of the state of his affections. As soon as this astounding fact had been + fairly realized by the girl, she at once changed her manner and became + formal and distant. Ezra, nothing daunted, redoubled his tender words and + glances, and once would have kissed her hand had she not rapidly withdrawn + it. On this Kate shut herself up in her room, and rarely came out save + when the other was away in the City. She was determined that there should + be no possibility of any misunderstanding as to her feelings in the + matter. + </p> + <p> + John Girdlestone had been watching these little skirmishes closely and + with keen interest. When Kate took to immuring herself in her room he felt + that it was time for him to interfere. + </p> + <p> + "You must go about a little more, and have more fresh air," he said to her + one day, when they were alone after breakfast. "You will lose your roses + if you don't." + </p> + <p> + "I am sure I don't care whether I lose them or not," answered his ward + listlessly. + </p> + <p> + "You may not, but there are others who do," remarked the merchant. "I + believe it would break Ezra's heart." + </p> + <p> + Kate flushed up at this sudden turn of the conversation. "I don't see what + reason your son has to care about it," she said. + </p> + <p> + "Care about it! Are you so blind that you don't see that he loves the very + ground you walk on. He has grown quite pale and ill these last few days + because he has not seen you, and he imagines that he may have offended + you." + </p> + <p> + "For goodness' sake!" cried Kate earnestly, "persuade him to think of some + one else. It will only be painful both to him and to me if he keeps on + this way. It cannot possibly lead to anything." + </p> + <p> + "And why not? Why should—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, don't let us argue about it," she cried passionately. "The very idea + is horrible. It won't bear talking about." + </p> + <p> + "But why, my dear, why? You are really too impulsive. Ezra has his faults, + but what man has not? He has been a little wild in his youth, but he is + settling down now into an excellent man of business. I assure you that, + young as he is, there are few names more respected on 'Change. The way in + which he managed the business of the firm in Africa was wonderful. He is + already a rich man, and will be richer before he dies. I cannot see any + cause for this deep-rooted objection of yours. As to looks he is, you must + confess, as fine a young fellow as there is in London." + </p> + <p> + "I wish you not to speak of it or think of it again," said Kate. "My mind + is entirely made up when I say that I shall never marry any one—him + least of all." + </p> + <p> + "You will think better of it, I am sure," her guardian said, patting her + chestnut hair kindly as he stood over her. "Since your poor father handed + you over to me I have guarded you and cared for you to the best of my + ability. Many a sleepless night I have spent thinking of your future and + endeavouring to plan it out so as to secure your happiness. I should not + be likely to give you bad advice now, or urge you to take a step which + would make you unhappy. Have you anything to complain of in my treatment + of you?" + </p> + <p> + "You have been always very just," Kate said with a sob. + </p> + <p> + "And this is how you repay me! You are going to break my son's heart, and + through his mine. He is my only boy, and if anything went wrong with him I + tell you that it would bring my grey hairs in sorrow to the grave. You + have it in your power to do this, or, on the other hand, you may make my + old age a happy one by the knowledge that the lad is mated with a good + woman, and has attained the object on which his whole mind and heart are + set." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I can't, I can't. Do let the matter drop." + </p> + <p> + "Think it over," the old man said. "Look at it from every point of view. + Remember that the love of an honest man is not to be lightly spurned. I am + naturally anxious about it, for my future happiness, as well as his, + depends upon your decision." + </p> + <p> + John Girdlestone was fairly satisfied with this interview. It seemed to + him that his ward was rather less decided in her refusal at the end of it, + and that his words had had some effect upon her, which might possibly + increase with reflection. + </p> + <p> + "Give her a little time now," was his advice to his son. "I think she will + come round, but she needs managing." + </p> + <p> + "If I could get the money without taking her it would be better for me," + Ezra said with an oath. + </p> + <p> + "And better for her too," remarked John Girdlestone grimly. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. — MRS. SCULLY OF MORRISON'S. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">One</span> day Major Tobias Clutterbuck was sitting at the window of his little + room smoking his cigarette and sipping his glass of wine, as was his + custom if times were reasonably good. While thus agreeably employed he + chanced to look across the road and perceived a little fringe of dark + hair, and a still darker eye, which surveyed him round the border of one + of the curtains which flanked a window opposite. The gallant major was + much interested in this apparition, and rose to make a closer inspection + of it, but, alas! before he could focus it with his eye-glass it was gone! + He bent his gaze resolutely in that direction for a long time, and smoked + at least half a dozen cigarettes, besides finishing the bottle of wine; + but although he thought he saw certain flittings and whiskings of garments + in the dark background of the opposite room, he could not make out + anything more definite. + </p> + <p> + Next day the soldier was on the look-out at the same hour, and was + rewarded by the appearance of two eyes, very mischievous and dangerous + ones too, which were set in a buxom and by no means unprepossessing face. + The lady who owned these charms looked very deliberately up the street, + and very deliberately down the street, after which she bethought herself + to look across the street, and started to perceive a stout, middle-aged + gentleman, with a fiery face, who was looking at her with an expression of + intense admiration. So much alarmed was she that she vanished behind the + curtains and the major feared that he would see her no more. Fortunately, + however, it became evident that the lady's alarm was not very + overpowering, for within five minutes she was back at the window, where + her eyes again fell upon the beaming face and jaunty figure of the major, + who had posed himself in a striking attitude, which was somewhat marred by + the fact that he was still enveloped in his purple dressing-gown. This + time her eyes lingered a little longer than before and the suspicion of a + smile appeared upon her features. On this the major smiled and bowed, and + she smiled also, showing a pretty little line of white teeth as she did + so. What the veteran's next move might have been no one can tell, for the + lady solved the problem by disappearing, and this time permanently. He was + very well satisfied, however, and chuckled much to himself while arraying + himself in his long frock coat and immaculate collar before setting out + for the club. He had been a sly old dog in his day, and had followed Venus + almost as much as he had Mars during his chequered career. + </p> + <p> + All day the recollection of this little episode haunted him. So much + pre-occupied was he at the club that he actually played out the thirteenth + trump upon his partner's long suit and so sacrificed the game—being + the first and only time that he was ever known to throw away a point. He + told Von Baumser all about it when he came back. + </p> + <p> + "She's a demned foine-looking woman, whoever she may be," he remarked, at + they sat together before turning in. "Be George! she's the foinest woman + I've seen for a long time." + </p> + <p> + "She's a window," said the German. + </p> + <p> + "A what?" + </p> + <p> + "A window—the window of an engineer." + </p> + <p> + "Is it a widow you mane? What d'ye know about her? What's her name, and + where does she come from?" + </p> + <p> + "I have heard from the slavey that a win—a widow lives over dere in + those rooms. She boards mit Madame Morrison, and that window belongs to + her privacy zimmer—dat is, chamber. As to her name, I have not heard + it, or else I disremember it." + </p> + <p> + "Ged!" said the major, "she'd eyes that looked right through ye, and a + figure like Juno." + </p> + <p> + "She's vierzig if she's a day—dat is, forty," Von Baumser remarked. + </p> + <p> + "Well, if she is, me boy, a woman of forty is just in the proime o' loife. + If you'd seen her at the window, she would have taken ye by storm. She + stands like this, and she looks up like this, and then down in this way." + The major pursed up his warlike features into what he imagined to be an + innocent and captivating expression. "Then she looks across and sees me, + and down go the lids of her eyes, like the shutting off of a bull's-eye + lantern. Then she blushed and stole just one more glance at me round the + corner of the curtain. She had two peeps, the divil a doubt of it." + </p> + <p> + "Dat is very good," the German said encouragingly. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, me boy, twinty years ago, when I was forty inches round the chest and + thirty-three round the waist, I was worth looking at twice. Bedad, when a + man gets ould and lonely he sees what a fool he was not to make better use + of his time when he'd the chance." + </p> + <p> + "Mein Gott!" cried Von Baumser. "You don't mean to say that you would + marry suppose you had the chance?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know," the major answered reflectively. + </p> + <p> + "The vomens is not to be trusted," the German said sadly. "I knew a voman + in my own country which was the daughter of a man dat kept a hotel—and + she and I was promised to be married to each others. Karl Hagelstein, he + was to be vat you call my best man. A very handsome man was Karl, and I + sent him often mit little presents of one thing or another to my girl, for + there were reasons why I could not go myself. He was nicer than me because + my hair was red, and pretty soon she began to like him, and he liked her + too. So the day before the vedding she went down the Rhine to Frankfort by + the boat, and he went down by train, and there they met and was married + the one to the other." + </p> + <p> + "And what did you do?" the major asked with interest. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, dat was the most worst thing of all, for I followed them mit a friend + of mine, and when we caught them I did not let her know, but I called him + out of his hotel, and I told him that he must fight me. Dat vos a mistake. + I should have done him an insult, and then he vould have had to ask me to + fight, and I could have chosen my own veapon. As it was he chose swords, + for he knew veil that I knew nothing of them, and he had been the best + fencer in the whole of his University. Then we met in the morning, and + before I had time to do anything he ran me through the left lung. I have + shown you the mark of it. After dat I vas in bed for two month and more, + and it still hurts me ven de veather is cold. That is vat they call + satisfaction," Baumser added, pulling his long red beard reflectively. "To + me it has ever seemed the most dissatisfactory thing that could be + imagined." + </p> + <p> + "I don't wonder you're afraid of the women after that," said the major, + laughing. "There are plenty of good women in the world, though, if you + have the luck to come across them. D'ye know a young fellow called + Dimsdale—? Ah, you wouldn't, but I've met him lately at the club. + He's got a girl who's the adopted daughter of that same ould Girdlestone + that we talk about. I saw the two of them togither one day as happy as a + pair of young love birds. Sure, you've only got to look at her face to see + that she's as good as gold. I'll bet that that woman over the strate there + is another of the right sort." + </p> + <p> + "Dat voman is alvays in your head," the German said, with a smile. "You + shall certainly dream about her to-night. I remember a voman in Germany—" + And so these two Bohemians rambled on into the small hours, discoursing + upon their past experiences and regaling each other with many + reminiscences, some of which, perhaps, are just as well omitted and + allowed to sink into oblivion. When the major finally retired for the + night, his last thought was of the lady at the window and of the means by + which he might contrive to learn something of her. + </p> + <p> + These proved to be more easy than he anticipated, for next morning, on + cross-examining the little servant girl from whom Von Baumser had derived + his information, the major found out all that he desired to know. + According to this authority, the lady was a widow of the name of Scully, + the relict of a deceased engineer, and had been staying some little time + at Morrison's, which was the rival establishment to that in which the + major and Von Baumser resided. + </p> + <p> + Armed with this information, the major pondered for some time before + deciding upon his course of action. He saw no possible means by which he + could gain an introduction to his charming neighbour unless he had + recourse to some daring strategem. "Audace et toujours audace" had always + been the soldier's motto. He rose from his chair, discarded his purple + gown, and arrayed himself in his best attire. Never had he paid such + attention to his toilet. His face was clean shaven and shining, his sparse + hairs were laid out to the best advantage, his collar spotless, his frock + coat oppressively respectable, and his <i>tout ensemble</i> + irreproachable. "Be George!" he said to himself, as he surveyed himself in + the small lodging-house glass, "I'd look as young as Baumser if I had some + more hair on me head. Bad cess to the helmets and shakoes that wore it all + off." + </p> + <p> + When his toilet was fully completed and rounded off by the addition of a + pair of light gloves and an ebony stick with a silver head, the veteran + strode forth with a bold front, but with considerable trepidation at his + heart; for when is a man so seasoned as to have no misgivings when he + makes the first advances to a woman who really attracts him? Whatever the + major's inward feelings may have been, however, he successfully concealed + them as he rang the bell of the rival lodging-house and inquired of the + servant whether Mrs. Scully was at home. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir, she is," said the slavey, with a frightened bob, which was a + tribute to the major's martial mien and gorgeous attire. + </p> + <p> + "Would you tell her that I should like to see her," said the major boldly. + "I shan't detain her a moment. Here is my card—Major Tobias + Clutterbuck, late of the 119th Light Infantry." + </p> + <p> + The servant disappeared with the card, and presently returned with a + request that he would step up. The old soldier stumped his way upstairs + with the firm footfall of one who has taken a thing in hand and means to + carry it through at all hazard. As he ascended, it seemed to him that he + heard the sound of feminine laughter in the distance. If so, it could + hardly have come from the lady whom he was in quest of, for he was shown + into a large and well-furnished room, where she sat looking demure and + grave enough, as did another young lady who was crocheting on the ottoman + beside her. + </p> + <p> + The major made his most courtly bow, though he felt very much as the + Spaniards may be supposed to have done when they saw their ships blazing + behind them. "I trust you will excuse this intrusion on my part," he + began. "I happened to hear that a lady of the name of Scully was stopping + here." + </p> + <p> + "My name is Scully, sir," said the lady, whose dark eyes had allured the + major to this feat of daring. + </p> + <p> + "Then perhaps, madam," the veteran said with another bow, "you will allow + me to ask you whether you are any relation to Major-gineral Scully, of the + Indian Sappers?" + </p> + <p> + "Pray take a seat, Major—Major Clutterbuck," said Mrs. Scully, + referring to his card, which she still held in her very well-formed little + hand. "Major-general Scully, did you say? Dear me! I know that one of my + husband's relations went into the army, but we never heard what became of + him. A major-general, is he? Whoever would have thought it!" + </p> + <p> + "As dashing a souldier, madam," said the major, warming into eloquence, + "as ever hewed a way through the ranks of the enemy, or stormed the + snow-clad passes of the Himalayas." + </p> + <p> + "Fancy!" ejaculated the young lady with the crochet needle. + </p> + <p> + "Many a time," continued the soldier, "he and I after some hard-fought + battle have slept togither upon the blood-stained ground wrapped in the + same martial cloak." + </p> + <p> + "Fancy!" cried both ladies in chorus; and they could not have selected a + more appropriate interjection. + </p> + <p> + "And when at last he died," the major went on with emotion, "cut in two + with a tulwar in a skirmish with hill tribes, he turned to me—" + </p> + <p> + "After being cut in two?" interrupted the younger lady. + </p> + <p> + "He turned to me," said the major inflexibly, "and putting his hand in + mine, he said, with his last breath, 'Toby'—that was what he always + called me—'Toby,' he said, 'I have a—' Your husband was his + brother, I think you said, ma'am?" + </p> + <p> + "No, it was Mr. Scully's uncle who went into the army." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, quite so. 'I have a nephew in England,' he said, 'who is very dear to + me. He is married to a charming woman. Search out the young couple, Toby. + Guard over them. Protict them!' Those were his last words, madam. Next + moment his sowl had fled. When I heard your name casually mintioned I + could not feel satisfied in me mind until I had come across and + ascertained if you were the lady in question." + </p> + <p> + Now, this narrative not only surprised the widow, which was not unnatural, + seeing that it was entirely an invention of the old soldier's, but it + appealed to her weakest point. The father of the deceased Scully had been + of plebeian origin, so that the discovery in the family of a real + major-general—albeit he was dead—was a famous windfall, for + the widow had social ambitions which hitherto she had never been able to + gratify. Hence she smiled sweetly at the veteran in a way which stimulated + him to further flights of mendacity. + </p> + <p> + "Sure he and I were like brothers," he said. "He was a man that any one + might well be proud to know. Commander-in-chief said to me once, + 'Clutterbuck,' says he, 'I don't know what we'd do if we had a European + war. I've no one I can rely on,' says he. 'There's Scully,' says I. + 'Right,' says he, 'Scully would be our man.' He was terribly cut up when + this occurred. 'Here's a blow to the British army!' he remarked, as he + looked down at him where he lay with a bullet through his head—he + did, madam, be Jove!" + </p> + <p> + "But, major, I understood you to say that he was cut in two?" + </p> + <p> + "So he was. Cut in two, and shot and mortally wounded in a dozen places + besides. Ah, if he could have foreseen that I should have met you he would + have died happy." + </p> + <p> + "It's strange he never let us know of his existence when he was alive," + the widow remarked. + </p> + <p> + "Pride, madam, pride! 'Until I reach the top of the tree, Toby,' he used + to say, 'I shall niver reveal myself to me brother.'" + </p> + <p> + "Nephew," interpolated the widow. + </p> + <p> + "Quite so—' I shall niver reveal myself to me nephew.' He said those + very words to me only a few minutes before the fatal shell struck him." + </p> + <p> + "A shell, major? You mean a bullet." + </p> + <p> + "A shell, madam, a shell," said the major with decision. + </p> + <p> + "Dear me!" exclaimed Mrs. Scully, with a somewhat bewildered expression. + "How very sad it all is. We must thank you very much, Major Bottletop—" + </p> + <p> + "Clutterbuck," said the Major. + </p> + <p> + "I beg pardon, Major Clutterbuck. It was very kind of you to call upon us + in this friendly way and to give us these details. Of course, when a + relative dies, even though you don't know much about him, still it is + interesting to have a clear account of how it all happened. Just fancy, + Clara," continued the widow, drawing her handkerchief from her reticule + and mopping one of her eyes with it. "Just fancy the poor fellow being cut + in two with a bullet far away in India and him just speaking about Jack + and me a few minutes before. I am sure we must thank Major Bottlenose—" + </p> + <p> + "Clutterbuck, madam," cried the major with some indignation. + </p> + <p> + "I really beg pardon. We must thank him, Clara, for having told us about + it and for having called." + </p> + <p> + "Do not thank me, me dear Mrs. Scully," said the major, clearing his + throat and waving his stubby hand deprecatingly. "I have already had me + reward in having the pleasure and honour of making your acquaintance and + of coming nearer to those charums which I had alriddy admired from a + distance." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, auntie, listen to that!" cried Clara, and both ladies giggled. + </p> + <p> + "Not forgetting yours, Miss-Miss—" + </p> + <p> + "Miss Timms," said Mrs. Scully. "My brother's daughter." + </p> + <p> + "Not forgetting your charums, Miss Timms," continued the major, with a bow + and a flourish. "To a lonely man like meself, the very sight of a lady is + like dew to a plant. I feel stringthened, madam, vitalized, invigorated." + The major puffed out his chest and looked apoplectically tender over his + high white collar. + </p> + <p> + "The chief object of me visit," the old soldier said after a pause, "was + to learn whether I could be of any assistance to you in any way. Afther + your sad bereavement, of which I have heard, it may be that even a + comparative stranger may be of service in business matters." + </p> + <p> + "I'm sure it's very kind of you, major," the widow answered. "Since poor + Jack died everything has been in disorder. If it wouldn't trouble you, I + should very much like your advice on some future occasion. I'll ask your + opinion when I have cleared up things a little myself. As to these + lawyers, they think of their own interests, not of yours." + </p> + <p> + "Quite so," said the major sympathetically. + </p> + <p> + "There's the fifteen hundred of poor Jack's insurance. That's not laid out + yet." + </p> + <p> + "Fifteen hundred!" said the major. "That's seventy-five pounds a year at + five per cint." + </p> + <p> + "I can get better interest than that," said the widow gaily. "I've got two + thousand laid out at seven per cent.—haven't I, Clara?" + </p> + <p> + "Safe, too," said the girl. + </p> + <p> + "The deuce you have!" thought the major. + </p> + <p> + "So, when we are making arrangements, I'll ask your assistance and advice, + Major Tanglebobs. I know that we poor women are very bad at business." + </p> + <p> + "I shall look forward to the day," said the major gallantly, rising and + taking up his hat. He was very well satisfied with his little ruse and his + success in breaking the ice. + </p> + <p> + "Be George!" he remarked to Von Baumser that evening, "she's got money as + well as her looks. It's a lucky man that gits her." + </p> + <p> + "I vill bet dat you ask her for to marry you," Von Baumser said with a + smile. + </p> + <p> + "I'll bet that she refuses me if I do," answered the major despondently, + in spite of which he retired that night feeling considerably more elated + than on the preceding evening. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. — BACK IN BOHEMIA. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">Fortune</span> had been smiling upon the Bohemians of late. Ever since the + major's successful visit to Fenchurch Street he had been able to live in a + state of luxury to which he had long been unaccustomed. His uncle, the + earl, too, had condescended to think of his humble relative, and had made + a small provision for him, which, with his other resources, removed all + anxiety as to the future. Von Baumser had his fair share in this sudden + accession of prosperity. The German had resumed his situation as + commercial clerk and foreign correspondent to Eckermann & Co., so that + his circumstances had also improved. The pair had even had some + conversation as to the expediency of migrating into larger and more + expensive lodgings, but the major's increasing intimacy with his fair + neighbour opposite stood in the way of a change. In any case, they were + loth to leave their fourth floor, and to have the trouble of moving their + effects. + </p> + <p> + These same effects were the pride of Major Clutterbuck's heart. Small as + their sanctum was, it was a very museum of curious objects brought from + every part of the world, most of them of little intrinsic value, but all + possessing a charm of association to their owner. They were his trophies + of travel, battle, and the chase. From the bison rug and tiger skin upon + the floor to the great Sumatran bat which hung head downwards, as in the + days of its earthly existence, from the ceiling, there was not an object + but had its own special history. In one corner was an Afghan matchlock, + and a bundle of spears from the southern seas; in another a carved Indian + paddle, a Kaffir assegai, and an American blowpipe, with its little sheaf + of poisoned arrows. Here was a hookah, richly mounted, and with all due + accessories, just as it was presented to the major twenty years before by + a Mahommedan chieftain, and there was a high Mexican saddle on which he + had ridden through the land of the Aztecs. There was not a square foot of + the walls which was not adorned by knives, javelins, Malay kreeses, + Chinese opium pipes, and such other trifles as old travellers gather round + them. By the side of the fire rested the campaigner's straight regulation + sword in its dim sheath—all the dimmer because the companions + occasionally used it as a poker when that instrument happened to be + missing. + </p> + <p> + "It's not the value of thim," the major remarked, glancing round the + apartment, "but, bedad, there's not one of the lot that has not got a + story tacked on to it. Look at that bear's head now, that's grinning at ye + from over the door. That's a Thibet bear, not much bigger than a + Newfoundland dog, but as fierce as a grizzly. That's the very one that + clawed Charley Travers, of the 49th. Ged, he'd have been done for if I + hadn't got me Westley Richards to bear on him. 'Duck man I duck!' I cried, + for they were so mixed that I couldn't tell one from the other. He put his + head down, and I caught the brute right between the eyes. Ye can see the + track of the bullet on the bone." + </p> + <p> + The major paused, and the pair smoked meditatively, for Baumser had + returned from the City, and the twilight was falling and everything + conduced to tobacco and reverie. + </p> + <p> + "See that necklace of cowrie shells hanging beside it," continued the + veteran, waving his cigarette in that direction; "that came from the neck + of a Hottentot woman—a black Vanus, be Jove! We were trekking up + country before the second Kaffir war. Made an appintment—could not + go—orderly duty—so sent a trusty man to tell her. He was found + next day with twenty assegais in his body. She was a decoy duck, bedad, + and the whole thing a plant." + </p> + <p> + "Mein Gott!" Von Baumser ejaculated. "What a life you have led! I have + lived with you now many months and heard you tell many tales, but ever + there are fresh ones." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, a strange life," answered the major, stretching out his gaitered + legs and gazing up at the ceiling. I niver thought to be stranded in me + ould age. If I hadn't commuted I'd have had a fair pinsion, but I drew me + money in a lump sum, and went to Monte Carlo to break the bank. Instead o' + that the bank broke me, and yet I believe me system was correct enough, + and I must have won if I had had more capital." + </p> + <p> + "There is many says dat," grunted Von Baumser doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + "I believe it for all that," the major continued. "Why, man, I was always + the luckiest chap at cards. I depinded on me skill principally, but still + I had luck as well. I remimber once being becalmed for a fortnight in the + Bay of Biscay in a small transport. Skipper and I tried to kill time by + playing nap, and we had the stakes low enough at first, but they soon grew + higher, for he kept trying to cover his losses. Before the ind of the two + weeks I cleared out of him nearly all he had in the world. 'Look here, + Clutterbuck,' he said at last, looking mighty white about the gills, 'this + ship that we are in is more than half mine. I am chief owner. I'll stake + me share of the ship on the next game against all that I have lost.' + 'Done!' said I, and shuffled, cut, and dealt. He went four on three + highest trumps, and an ace, and I held four small trumps. 'It's a bad job + for my creditors,' he said, as he threw his hand down. Ged! I started on + that vyage a poor captain, and I came into port very fairly well off, and + sailing in me own ship, too! What d'ye think of that?" + </p> + <p> + "Wunderbar!" ejaculated the German. "And the captain?" + </p> + <p> + "Brandy, and delirium tremens," the major said, between the puffs of his + cigarette. "Jumped overboard off Finisterre, on the homeward vyage. + Shocking thing, gamblin'—when you lose." + </p> + <p> + "Ach Gott! And those two knives upon the wall, the straight one and the + one with the crook; is there a history about them?" + </p> + <p> + "An incident," the major answered languidly. "Curious, but true. Saw it + meself. In the Afghan war I was convoying supplies through the passes, + when we were set upon by Afreedees, hillmen, and robbers. I had fifty men + of the 27th Native Infantry under me, with a sergeant. Among the Afreedees + was a thumping big chief, who stood among the rocks with that very knife + in his hand, the long one, shouting insults at our fellows. Our sergeant + was a smart little nigger, and this cheek set his blood up. Be jabers! he + chucked his gun down, pulled out that curved dagger—a Ghoorkha knife + it is—and made for the big hillman. Both sides stopped firing to see + the two chaps fight. As our fellow came scrambling up over the rocks, the + chief ran at him and thrust with all his stringth. Be jabers! I thought I + saw the pint of the blade come out through the sergeant's back. He managed + to twist round though, so as to dodge it. At the same time he hit up from + below, and the hillman sprang into the air, looking for all the world like + one o' those open sheep you see outside a butcher's shop. He was ripped up + from stomach to throat. The sight knocked all the fight out of the other + spalpeens, and they took to their heels as hard as they could run. I took + the dead man's knife away, and the sergeant sold me his for a few rupees, + so there they are. Not much to make a story of, but it was intheresting to + see. I'd have bet five to three on the chief." + </p> + <p> + "Bad discipline, very bad," Baumser remarked. "To break the ranks and run + mit knives would make my old Unter-offizier Kritzer very mad indeed." The + German had served his time in the Prussian Army, and was still mindful of + his training. + </p> + <p> + "Your stiff-backed Pickelhaubes would have had a poor chance in the + passes," answered the major. "It was ivery man for himself there. You + might lie, or stand, or do what you liked as long as you didn't run. + Discipline goes to pieces in a war of that sort." + </p> + <p> + "Dat is what you call gorilla warfare," said Von Baumser, with a proud + consciousness of having mastered an English idiom. "For all dat, + discipline is a very fine thing—very good indeed. I vell remember in + the great krieg—the war with Austria—we had made a mine and + were about to fire it. A sentry had been placed just over this, and after + the match was lit it was forgotten to withdraw the man. He knew well that + the powder beneath him would presently him into the air lift, but since he + had not been dismissed in right form he remained until the ausbruch had + exploded. He was never seen no more, and, indeed, dat he had ever been + dere might well have been forgotten, had it not been dat his nadelgewehr + was dere found. Dat was a proper soldier, I think, to be placed in command + had he lived." + </p> + <p> + "To be placed in a lunatic asylum if he lived," said the Irishman testily. + "Hullo, what's this?" + </p> + <p> + The "this" was the appearance of the boarding-house slavey with a very + neat pink envelope upon a tray, addressed, in the most elegant of female + hands, to "Major Tobias Clutterbuck, late of Her Majesty's Hundred and + Nineteenth." + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" cried Von Baumser, laughing in his red beard, "it is from a woman. + You are what the English call a sly hog, a very sly hog—or, I should + say, dog, though it is much the same." + </p> + <p> + "It's for you as well as for me. See here. 'Mrs. Lavinia Scully presints + her compliments to Major Tobias Clutterbuck and to his friend, Mr. + Sigismund von Baumser, and trusts that they may be able to favour her with + their company on Tuesday evening at eight, to meet a few frinds.' It's a + dance," said the major. "That accounts for the harp and the tables and + binches and wine cases I saw going in this morning." + </p> + <p> + "Will you go?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, of course I will, and so shall you. We'd better answer it." + </p> + <p> + So in due course an acceptance was sent across to Mrs. Scully's hospitable + invitation. + </p> + <p> + Never was there such a brushing and scrubbing in the bedroom of a couple + of quiet bachelors as occurred some two evenings afterwards in the top + story of Mrs. Robins' establishment. The major's suit had been pursued + unremittingly since his first daring advance upon the widow, but under + many difficulties and discouragements. In the occasional chance interviews + which he had with his attractive neighbour he became more and more + enamoured, but he had no opportunity of ascertaining whether the feeling + was mutual. This invitation appeared to promise him the very chance which + he desired, and many were the stern resolutions which he formed as he + stood in front of his toilet-table and arranged his tie and his shirt + front to his satisfaction. Von Baumser, who was arrayed in a dress coat of + antiquated shape, and very shiny about the joints, sat on the side of the + bed, eyeing his companion's irreproachable get-up with envy and + admiration. + </p> + <p> + "It fits you beautiful," he said, alluding to the coat. + </p> + <p> + "It came from Poole's," answered the major carelessly. + </p> + <p> + "As for me," said Von Baumser, "I have never used mine in England at all. + Truly, as you know, I hate all dances and dinners. I come with you, + however, very willingly, for I would not for nothing in the world give + offence to the liebchen of my comrade. Since I go, I shall go as a + gentleman should." He looked down as he spoke with much satisfaction at + his withered suit of black. + </p> + <p> + "But, me good fellow," cried the major, who had now completed his toilet, + "you've got your tie under your lift ear. It looks very quaint and + ornamintal there, but still it's not quite the place for it. You look as + if you were ticketed for sale." + </p> + <p> + "They von't see it unless I puts it out sidevays from under my beard," the + German said apologetically. "However, if you think it should be hidden, it + shall be so. How are my stud-buttons? You have them of gold, I see, but + mine are of mother-of-oysters." + </p> + <p> + "Mother-of-pearl," said the major, laughing. "They will do very well. + There's the divil of a lot of cabs at their door," he continued, peering + round the corner of the blind. "The rooms are all lighted up, and I can + hear them tuning the instruments. Maybe we'd better go across." + </p> + <p> + "Vorvarts, then!" said Von Baumser resolutely; and the two set off, the + major with a fixed determination that he should know his fate before the + evening was over. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. — THE GREAT DANCE AT MORRISON'S. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">Never</span> in the whole history of Morrison's boarding establishment had such + festive preparations been known. The landlady herself had entered heart + and soul into the business, and as all the boarders had received + invitations for themselves and their friends, they co-operated in every + possible manner to make the evening a success. The large drawing-room had + been cleared and the floor waxed. This process left it in a very glassy + and orthodox condition, as the cook discovered when, on bustling in, the + back of her cranium came in violent contact with the boards, while her + body described a half-circle with a velocity which completely eclipsed any + subsequent feats of agility shown by the dancers in the evening. The + saloon had been very tastefully laid out as a supper-room, and numerous + other little chambers were thrown open and brightened up to serve as + lounging places for those who were fatigued. In the parlour there were two + card-tables, and every other convenience for any who preferred sedentary + amusements. Altogether both Mrs. Morrison and the boarders, in solemn + conclave assembled, agreed that the thing looked very promising, and that + it would be a credit to the establishment. + </p> + <p> + The guests were as varied as the wines, though hardly as select. Mrs. + Scully's exuberant hospitality included, as already intimated, not only + her own friends, but those of her fellow-boarders, so that from an early + hour the rooms began to fill, and by nine o'clock there was hardly space + for the dancers. Hansoms and growlers rattled up in a continuous stream + and discharged their burdens. There was a carpet down from the kerb to the + head of the lodging-house steps, "like r'yalty," as the cook expressed it, + and the greengrocer's man in the hall looked so pompous and inflated in + his gorgeous attire that his own cabbages would hardly have recognized + him. His main defect as a footman was that he was somewhat hard of + hearing, and had a marvellous faculty of misinterpreting whatever was said + to him, which occasionally led to remarkable results. Thus, when he + announced the sporting Captain Livingstone Tuck under the title of Captain + Lives-on-his luck, it was felt that he was rather too near the truth to be + pleasant. Indeed, the company had hardly recovered from the confusion + produced by this small incident when the two Bohemians made their + appearance. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Scully, who was tastefully arrayed in black satin and lace, stood + near the door of the drawing-room, and looked very charming and + captivating as she fulfilled her duties as hostess. So thought the major + as he approached her and shook her hand, with some well turned compliment + upon his lips. + </p> + <p> + "Let me inthroduce me friend, Herr von Baumser," he added. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Scully smiled upon the German in a way that won his Teutonic heart. + "You will find programmes over there," she explained. "I think the first + is a round dance. No, thank you, major; I shall stand out, or there will + be no one to receive the people." She hurried away to greet a party of new + arrivals, while the major and Baumser wandered off in search of partners. + </p> + <p> + There was no want of spirit or of variety in the dancing at Morrison's. + From Mr. Snodder, the exciseman, who danced the original old-fashioned + trois-temps, to young Bucklebury, of the Bank, who stationed himself + immediately underneath the central chandelier, and spun rapidly round with + his partner upon his own axis, like a couple of beetles impaled upon a + single pin, every possible variation of the art of waltzing was to be + observed. There was Mr. Smith, of the Medical College, rotating round with + Miss Clara Timms, their faces wearing that pained and anxious expression + which the British countenance naturally assumes when dancing, giving the + impression that the legs have suddenly burst forth in a festive mood, and + have dragged the rest of the body into it very much against its will. + There was the major too, who had succeeded in obtaining Mrs. Scully as a + partner, and was dancing as old soldiers can dance, threading his way + through the crowded room with the ease begotten by the experience of a + lifetime. Meanwhile Von Baumser, at the other end, was floundering about + with a broad smile upon his face and an elderly lady tucked under his + right arm, while he held her disengaged hand straight out at right angles, + as if she had been a banjo. In short, the fun was fast and furious, and + waltz followed polka and mazurka followed waltz with a rapidity which + weeded out the weaker vessels among the dancers and tested the stamina of + the musicians. + </p> + <p> + Then there was the card-room, whither the Widow Scully and the major and + many others of the elders repaired when they found the pace too fast for + them. Very snug and comfortable it was, with its square tables, each with + a fringe of chairs, and the clean shining cards spread out over their + green baize surfaces. The major and his hostess played against Captain + Livingstone Tuck and an old gentleman who came from Lambeth, with the + result that the gallant captain and his partner rose up poorer and sadder + men, which was rather a blow to the former, who reckoned upon clearing a + little on such occasions, and had not expected to find himself opposed by + such a past master of the art as the major. Then the veteran and another + played the hostess and another lady, and the cunning old dog managed to + lose in such a natural manner, and to pay up with such a good grace, and + with so many pretty speeches and compliments, that the widow's partner was + visibly impressed, a fact which, curiously enough, seemed to be anything + but agreeable to the widow. After that they all filed off to supper, where + they found the dancers already in possession, and there was much crushing + and crowding, which tended to do away with ceremony and to promote the + harmony of the evening. + </p> + <p> + If the major had contrived to win favour from Mrs. Lavinia Scully in the + early part of the evening, he managed now to increase any advantage he had + gained. In the first place he inquired in a very loud voice of Captain + Tuck, at the other end of the table, whether that gentleman had ever met + the deceased Major-General Scully, and being answered in the negative, he + descanted fluently upon the merits of that imaginary warrior. After this + unscrupulous manoeuvre the major proceeded to do justice to the wine and + to indulge in sporting reminiscences, and military reminiscences, and + travelling reminiscences, and social reminiscences, all of which he + treated in a manner which called forth the admiration of his audience. + Then, when supper had at last been finished, and the last cork drawn and + the last glass filled, the dancers went back to their dance and the + card-players to their cards, and the major addressed himself more + assiduously than ever to the pursuit of the widow. + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid that you find the rooms very hot, major," she remarked. + </p> + <p> + "They are rather hot," he answered candidly. + </p> + <p> + "There is a room here," she said, "where you might be cooler. You might + have a cigarette, too. I meant these rooms as smoking-rooms." + </p> + <p> + "Then you must come, too." + </p> + <p> + "No, no, major. You must remember that I am the hostess." + </p> + <p> + "But there is no one to entertain. They are all entertaining each other. + You are too unselfish." + </p> + <p> + "But really, major—" + </p> + <p> + "Sure you are tired out and need a little rest." + </p> + <p> + He held the door open so persuasively that she yielded. It was a snug + little room, somewhat retired from the bustle, with two or three + chintz-covered chairs scattered round it, and a sofa of the same material + at one side. The widow sat down at one end of this sofa, and the major + perched himself at the other, looking even redder than usual, and puffing + out his chest and frowning, as was his custom upon critical occasions. + </p> + <p> + "Do light a cigarette?" said Mrs. Scully. + </p> + <p> + "But the smell?" + </p> + <p> + "I like it." + </p> + <p> + The major extracted one from his flat silver case. His companion rolled a + spill and lit it at the gas. + </p> + <p> + "To one who is as lonely as I am," she remarked, "it is a pleasure to feel + that one has friends near one, and to serve them even in trifles." + </p> + <p> + "Lonely!" said the major, shuffling along the sofa, "I might talk with + authority on that point. If I were to turn me toes up to-morrow there's + not a human being would care a thraneen about the mather, unless it were + old Von Baumser." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, don't talk so," cried Mrs. Scully, with emotion. + </p> + <p> + "It is a fact. I've kicked against me fate at times, though. I've had + fancies of late of something happier and cheerier. They have come on me as + I sat over yonder at the window, and, do what I will, I have not been able + to git them from me heart. Yit I know how rash I have been to treasure + them, for if they fail me I shall feel me loneliness as I niver did + before." + </p> + <p> + The major paused and cleared his throat huskily, while the widow remained + silent, with her head bent and her eyes intent upon the pattern of the + carpet. + </p> + <p> + "These hopes are," said the major, in a low voice, leaning forward and + taking his companion's little ring-covered hand in his thick, pudgy + fingers, "that you will have pity upon me; that you will—" + </p> + <p> + "Ach, my very goot vriend!" cried Von Baumser heartily, suddenly + protruding his hairy head into the room and smiling benignantly. + </p> + <p> + "Go to the divil!" roared the major, springing furiously to his feet, + while the German's head disappeared like a Jack-in-the-box. "Forgive the + warmth of me language," the veteran continued, apologetically, "but me + feelings overcame me. Will you be mine, Lavinia? I am a plain ould + soldier, and have little to offer you save a faithful heart, and that is + yours, and always will be. Will you make the remainder of me life happy by + becoming me wife?" He endeavoured to pass his arm round her waist, but she + sprang up from the sofa and stood upon the rug, facing him with an amused + and somewhat triumphant smile upon her buxom features. + </p> + <p> + "Look here, major," she said, "I am a plain-spoken woman, as my poor Tom + that's dead was a plain-spoken man. Out with it straight, now—have + you come after me, or have you come after my money?" + </p> + <p> + The major was so astonished at this point-blank question, that for a + moment he sat speechless upon the sofa. Being a man of ready resource, + however, and one who was accustomed to sudden emergencies, he soon + recovered himself. + </p> + <p> + "Yoursilf, of course" cried he. "If you hadn't a stiver I would do the + same." + </p> + <p> + "Take care! take care!" said the lady, with a warning finger uplifted. + "You heard of the breaking of the Agra Bank?" + </p> + <p> + "What of that?" + </p> + <p> + "Every penny that I had in the world was in it." + </p> + <p> + This was facer number two for the campaigner. He recovered himself more + quickly from this one, however, and inflated his chest with even more than + his usual pomposity. + </p> + <p> + "Lavinia," said he, "you have been straight with me, and, bedad, I'll be + so with you! When I first thought of you I was down in the world, and, + much as I admired you, I own that your money was an inducement as well as + yoursilf. I was so placed that it was impossible for me to think of any + woman who had not enough to keep up her own end of the game. Since that + time I've done bether. How I got it is neither here nor there, but I have + a little nist-egg in the bank and see me way to increasing it. You tell me + your money's gone, and I tell you I've enough for two; so say the word, + acushla, and it's done." + </p> + <p> + "What! without the money?" + </p> + <p> + "Damn the money!" exclaimed Major Tobias Clutterbuck, and put his arm for + the second time around his companion. This time it remained there. What + happened after that is neither my business nor the reader's. Couples who + have left their youth behind them have their own little romance quite as + much as their juniors, and it is occasionally the more heartfelt of the + two. + </p> + <p> + "What a naughty boy to swear!" exclaimed the widow at last. "Now I must + give you a lecture since I have the chance." + </p> + <p> + "Bless her mischievous eyes!" cried the major, with delight in every + feature of his face. "You shall give me as many lectures as you plase." + </p> + <p> + "You must be good, then, Toby, if you are to be my husband. You must not + play billiards for money any more." + </p> + <p> + "No billiards! Why, pool is worth three or four pound a wake to me." + </p> + <p> + "It doesn't matter. No billiards and no cards, and no racing and no + betting. Toby must be very good and behave as a distinguished soldier + should do." + </p> + <p> + "What are you afther at all?" the major cried. "Sure if I am to give up me + pool and whist, how is a distinguished soldier, and, above all, a + distinguished soldier's wife, going to live?" + </p> + <p> + "We'll manage, dear," she said, looking roguishly up into his face. "I + told you that my money was all in the Agra Bank that broke." + </p> + <p> + "You did, worse luck!" + </p> + <p> + "But I didn't tell you that I had drawn it all out before it broke, Toby + dear. It was too bad to put you to such a trial, wasn't it? but really I + couldn't resist the temptation. Toby shall have money enough without + betting, and he shall settle down and tell his stories, and do what he + likes without anything to bother him." + </p> + <p> + "Bless her heart!" cried the major fervently; and the battered old + Bohemian, as he stooped over and kissed her, felt a tear spring to his + eyes as he knew that he had come into harbour after life's stormy + tossings. + </p> + <p> + "No billiards or cards for three months, then," said the little woman + firmly, with her hands round his arm. "None at all mind! I am going into + Hampshire on a visit to my cousins in the country, and you shall not see + me for that time, though you may write. If you can give me your word of + honour when I come back that you've given up your naughty ways, why then—" + </p> + <p> + "What then?" + </p> + <p> + "Wait till then and you'll see," she said, with a merry laugh. "No, + really, I won't stay another moment. Whatever will the guests say? I must, + Toby; I really must—" Away she tripped, while the major remained + standing where she had left him, feeling a better man than he had done + since he was a young ensign and kissed his mother for the last time at the + Portsmouth jetty before the great transport carried him off to India. + </p> + <p> + Everything in the world must have an end, and Mrs. Scully's dance was no + exception to the rule. The day was breaking, however, before the last + guests had muffled themselves up and the last hansom dashed away from the + door. The major lingered behind to bid farewell, and then rejoined his + German friend, who had been compelled to wait at the door for the + latchkey. + </p> + <p> + "Look here, major," the latter said, when they came into their room, "is + it well to tell a Brussian gentleman to go to the devil? You have much + offended me. Truly I was surprised that you should have so spoken!" + </p> + <p> + "Me dear friend," the old soldier answered, shaking his hand, "I would not + hurt your feelings for the world. Bedad, if I come into the room while you + are proposing to a lady, you are welcome to use the strongest German verb + to me that you can lay your tongue to." + </p> + <p> + "You have probosed, then?" cried the good-natured German, forgetting all + about his grievance in an instant. + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "And been took—received by her?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "Dat is gloriful!" Von Baumser cried, clapping his hands. "Three hochs for + Frau Scully, and another one for Frau Clutterbuck. We must drink a drink + on it; we truly must." + </p> + <p> + "So we shall, me boy, but it's time we turned in now. She's a good woman, + and she plays a good hand at whist. Ged! she cleared the trumps and made + her long suit to-night as well as ever I saw it done in me life!" With + which characteristic piece of eulogy the major bade his comrade good night + and retired to his room. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. — AT THE "COCK AND COWSLIP." + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">Tom Dimsdale's</span> duties were far from light. Not only was he expected to + supervise the clerks' accounts and to treat with the wholesale dealers, + but he was also supposed to spend a great part of his time in the docks, + overlooking the loading of the outgoing ships and checking the cargo of + the incoming ones. This latter portion of his work was welcome as taking + him some hours a day from the close counting-house, and allowing him to + get a sniff of the sea air—if, indeed, a sniff is to be had on the + inland side of Woolwich. There was a pleasing life and bustle, too, in the + broad, brown river, with its never-ending panorama of vessels of every + size and shape which ebb and flow in the great artery of national life. + </p> + <p> + So interesting was this liquid highway to Tom's practical mind, that he + would often stand at the head of the wharf when his work was done and + smoke a meditative pipe. It was a quiet spot, which had once been busy + enough, but was now superseded by new quays and more convenient + landing-places. All over it were scattered great rusty anchors, colossal + iron chains, deserted melancholy boilers, and other debris which are found + in such places, and which might seem to the fanciful to be the shells and + skeletons of strange monsters washed up there by the tide. To whom do + these things belong? Who has an interest in them? Of what use are they? It + appeared to Tom sometimes as if the original owners and their heirs must + have all died away, and left these grim relics behind them to any one who + might have the charity to remove them. + </p> + <p> + From this coign of vantage a long reach of the river was visible, and Tom + sitting there would watch the fleets of passing vessels, and let his + imagination wander away to the broad oceans which they had traversed, and + the fair lands under bluer skies and warmer suns from which they had + sailed. Here is a tiny steam-tug panting and toiling in front of a + majestic three-master with her great black hulk towering out of the water + and her masts shooting up until the topmast rigging looks like the + delicate web of some Titanic spider. She is from Canton, with tea, and + coffee, and spices, and all good things from the land of small feet and + almond eyes. Here, too, is a Messagerie boat, the French ensign drooping + daintily over her stern, and her steam whistle screeching a warning to + some obstinate lighters, crawling with their burden of coal to a grimy + collier whose steam-winch is whizzing away like a corncrake of the deep. + That floating palace is an Orient boat from Australia. See how, as the + darkness falls, a long row of yellow eyes glimmer out from her sides as + the light streams through her countless portholes. And there is the + Rotterdam packet-boat coming slowly up, very glad to get back into safe + waters again, for she has had a wildish time in the North Sea. A coasting + brig has evidently had a wilder time still, for her main-topmast is + cracked across, and her rigging is full of the little human mites who + crawl about, and reef, and splice, and mend. + </p> + <p> + An old acquaintance of ours was out in that same gale, and is even now + making his way into the shelter of the Albert docks. This was none other + than the redoubtable Captain Hamilton Miggs, whose ship will persistently + keep afloat, to the astonishment of the gallant captain himself, and of + every one else who knows anything of her sea-going qualities. Again and + again she had been on the point of foundering; and again and again some + change in the weather or the steady pumping of the crew had prevented her + from fulfilling her destiny. So surprised was the skipper at these + repeated interpositions of Providence that he had quite made up his + superstitious mind that the ship never would go down, and now devoted + himself with a whole heart to his old occupation of drinking himself into + delirium tremens and physicking himself out of it again. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Black Eagle</i> had a fair cargo aboard, and Miggs was + proportionately jubilant. The drunken old sea-dog had taken a fancy to + Tom's frank face and honest eyes, and greeted him with effusion when he + came aboard next morning. + </p> + <p> + "Knock me asunder, but you look rosy, man!" he cried. "It's easy to see + that you have not been lying off Fernando Po, or getting the land mist + into your lungs in the Gaboon." + </p> + <p> + "You look well yourself, captain," said Tom. + </p> + <p> + "Tolerable, tolerable. Just a touch of the jumps at times." + </p> + <p> + "We can begin getting our cargo out, I suppose? I have a list here to + check it. Will you have the hatches off at once?" + </p> + <p> + "No work for me," said Captain Hamilton Miggs with decision. "Here, Sandy—Sandy + McPherson, start the cargo, will ye, and stir your great Scotch bones. + I've done enough in bringing this sieve of a ship all the way from Africa, + without working when I am in dock." + </p> + <p> + McPherson was the first mate, a tall, yellow-bearded Aberdonian. "I'll see + t'it," he said shortly. "You can gang ashore or where you wull." + </p> + <p> + "The <i>Cock and Cowslip</i>," said the captain, "I say, you—Master + Dimsdale—when you're done come up an' have a glass o' wine with me. + I'm only a plain sailor man, but I'm damned if my heart ain't in the right + place. You too, McPherson—you'll come up and show Mr. Dimsdale the + way. <i>Cock and Cowslip</i>, corner o' Sextant Court." The two having + accepted his invitation, the captain shuffled off across the gangway and + on to terra firma. + </p> + <p> + All day Tom stood at the hatchway of the <i>Black Eagle</i>, checking the + cargo as it was hoisted out of her, while McPherson and his motley + assistants, dock labourers, seamen, and black Kroomen from the coast, + worked and toiled in the depths below. The engine rattled and snorted, and + the great chain clanked as it was lowered into the hold. + </p> + <p> + "Make fast there!" cries the mate. + </p> + <p> + "Aye, aye, sir!" + </p> + <p> + "All right?" + </p> + <p> + "All right, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Hoist away!" + </p> + <p> + And clank, clank went the chain again, and whir-r-r the engine, and up + would come a pair of oil casks, as though the crane were some giant + forceps which was plucking out the great wooden teeth of the vessel. It + seemed to Tom, as he stood looking down, note-book in hand, that some of + the actual malarious air of the coast had been carried home in the hold, + so foul and close were the smells evolved from it. Great cockchafers + crawled about over the packages, and occasionally a rat would scamper over + the barrels, such a rat as is only to be found in ships which hail from + the tropics. On one occasion too, as a tusk of ivory was being hoisted + out, there was a sudden cry of alarm among the workers, and a long, yellow + snake crawled out of the cavity of the trunk and writhed away into the + darkness. It is no uncommon thing to find the deadly creatures hibernating + in the hollow of the tusks until the cold English air arouses them from + their torpor, to the cost occasionally of some unhappy stevedore or + labourer. + </p> + <p> + All day Tom stood amid grease and steam, bustle and blasphemy, checking + off the cargo, and looking to its conveyance to the warehouses. At one + o'clock there was a break of an hour for dinner, and then the work went on + until six, when all hands struck and went off to their homes or to the + public-house according to inclination. Tom and the mate, both fairly tired + by their day's work, prepared to accept the captain's invitation, and to + meet him up in his quarters. The mate dived down into his cabin, and soon + reappeared with his face shining and his long hair combed into some sort + of order. + </p> + <p> + "I've been performing my ablutions," he said, rolling out the last word + with great emphasis and pomposity, for, like many Scotchmen, he had the + greatest possible reverence for a sonorous polysyllable. Indeed, in + McPherson, this national foible was pushed to excess, for, however + inappropriate the word, he never hesitated to drag it into his + conversation if he thought it would aid in the general effect. + </p> + <p> + "The captain," he continued, "has been far from salubrious this voyage. + He's aye complainin' o' his bodily infirmities." + </p> + <p> + "Hypochondriacal, perhaps," Tom remarked. + </p> + <p> + The Scotchman looked at his companion with a great accession of respect. + "My certie!" he cried. "That's the best I've heard since a word that Jimmy + M'Gee, of the <i>Corisco</i>, said the voyage afore last. Would you kindly + arteeculate it again." + </p> + <p> + "Hypochondriacal," said Tom laughing heartily. + </p> + <p> + "Hypo-chon-driacal," the mate repeated slowly. "I shouldn't think Jimmy + M'Gee kens that, or he'd ha' communicated it to me. I shall certainly + utilize it, and am obleeged to you for namin' it." + </p> + <p> + "Don't mention it," said Tom. "I'll let you have as many long words as you + like, if you are a collector of them. But what is the matter with the + captain?" + </p> + <p> + "It's aye the drink," the mate said gravely. "I can tak' my modicum mysel' + and enjoy it, but that's no the same as for a man to lock himself up in + his cabin, and drink rum steady on from four bells in the mornin' watch to + eight bells in the evenin'. And then the cussin', and prayin', and + swearin' as he sets up is just awfu'. It's what might weel be described as + pandemoniacal." + </p> + <p> + "Is he often like that, then?" Tom asked. + </p> + <p> + "Often! Why, he's never anything else, sir. And yet he's a good seaman + too, and however fu' he may be, he keeps some form o' reckoning, and never + vera far oot either. He's an ambeequosity to me, sir, for if I took a + tithe o' the amount I'd be clean daft." + </p> + <p> + "He must be dangerous when he is like that?" Tom remarked. + </p> + <p> + "He is that. He emptied a sax-shooter down the deck last bout he had, and + nigh perforated the carpenter. Another time he scoots after the cook—chased + him with a handspike in his hand right up the rigging to the cross-trees. + If the cook hadn't slid down the backstay of the mast, he'd ha' been + obeetuarised." + </p> + <p> + Tom could not refrain from laughing at the last expression. "That's a new + word," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Ha!" his companion cried with great satisfaction, "it is, is it? Then we + are quits now on the hypochondriacal." He was so pleased that he chuckled + to himself for some minutes in the depths of his tawny beard. "Yes," he + continued at last, "he is dangerous to us at times, and he is dangerous to + you. This is atween oorsels, as man to man, and is said withoot prejudice, + but he do go on when he is in they fits aboot the firm, and aboot + insurances, and rotten ships, and ither such things, which is all vera + well when sequestrated amang gentlemen like oorsels, but sounds awfu' bad + when it fa's on the ignorant tympanums of common seamen." + </p> + <p> + "It's scandalous," Tom said gravely, "that he should spread such reports + about his employer. Our ships are old, and some of them, in my opinion, + hardly safe, but that's a very different thing from implying, as you hint, + that Mr. Girdlestone wishes them to go down." + </p> + <p> + "We'll no argue aboot that," said the canny Scot. "Muster Girdlestone kens + on which side his bread is buttered. He may wish 'em to sink or he may + wish 'em to swim. That's no for us to judge. You'll hear him speak o't + to-night as like as not, for he's aye on it when he's half over. Here we + are, sir. The corner edifice wi' the red blinds in the window." + </p> + <p> + During this conversation the two had been threading their way through the + intricate and dirty lanes which lead up from the water side to the + outskirts of Stepney. It was quite dark by the time that they reached a + long thoroughfare, lined by numerous shops, with great gas flares outside + them. Many of these belonged to dealers in marine stores, and the numerous + suits of oil-skin, hung up for exhibition, swung to and fro in the + uncertain light, like rows of attenuated pirates. At every corner was a + great public-house with glittering windows, and a crowd of slatternly + women and jersey-clad men elbowing each other at the door. At the largest + and most imposing of these gin-palaces the mate and Dimsdale now pulled + up. + </p> + <p> + "Come in this way," said McPherson, who had evidently paid many a visit + there before. Pushing open a swinging door, he made his way into the + crowded bar, where the reek of bad spirits and the smell of squalid + humanity seemed to Tom to be even more horrible than the effluvium of the + grease-laden hold. + </p> + <p> + "Captain Miggs in?" asked McPherson of a rubicund, white-aproned personage + behind the bar. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir. He's in his room, sir, and expectin' you. There's a gent with + him, sir, but he told me to send you up. This way, sir." + </p> + <p> + They were pushing their way through the crowd to reach the door which led + behind the bar, when Tom's attention was arrested by the conversation of a + very seedy-looking individual who was leaning with his elbows upon the + zinc-covered counter. + </p> + <p> + "You take my tip," he said to an elderly man beside him. "You stick to the + beer. The sperits in here is clean poison, and it's a sin and a shame as + they should be let sell such stuff to Christian men. See here—see my + sleeve!" He showed the threadbare cuff of his coat, which was corroded + away in one part, as by a powerful acid. "I give ye my word I done that by + wiping my lips wi' it two or three times after drinkin' at this bar. That + was afore I found out that the whisky was solid vitriol. If thread and + cotton can't stand it, how's the linin' of a poor cove's stomach, I'd like + to know?" + </p> + <p> + "I wonder," thought Tom to himself, "if one of these poor devils goes home + and murders his wife, who ought to be hung for it? Is it he, or that + smug-faced villain behind the bar, who, for the sake of the gain of a few + greasy coppers, gives him the poison that maddens him?" He was still + pondering over this knotty point when they were ushered into the captain's + room. + </p> + <p> + That worthy was leaning back in a rocking-chair with his feet perched upon + the mantelpiece and a large glass of rum arid water within reach of his + great leathery hand. Opposite him, in a similar chair and with a similar + glass, was no less an individual than our old acquaintance, Von Baumser. + As a mercantile clerk in the London office of a Hamburg firm the German + was thrown into contact with the shippers of the African fleet, and had + contracted a special alliance with the bibulous Miggs, who was a social + soul in his hours of relaxation. + </p> + <p> + "Come in, my hearties, come in!" he cried huskily. "Take a seat, Mr. + Dimsdale. And you, Sandy, can't you bring yourself to your berth without + being asked? You should know your moorings by this time. This is my + friend, Mr. Von Baumser from Eckermann's office." + </p> + <p> + "And dis, I think, is Mr. Dimsdale," said the German, shaking hands with + Tom. "I have heard my very goot vriend, Major Clutterbuck, speak of your + name, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, the old major," Tom answered. "Of course, I remember him well." + </p> + <p> + "He is not so very old either," said Von Baumser, in a somewhat surly + voice. "He has been took by a very charming and entirely pleasant woman, + and they are about to be married before three months, the one to the + other. Let me tell you, sir, I, who have lived with him so long, dat I + have met no man for whom I have greater respect than for the major, + however much they give him pills at a club or other such snobberies." + </p> + <p> + "Fill your glasses," Miggs broke in, pushing over the bottle of rum. + "There are weeds in that box—never paid duty, either the one or the + other. By the Lord, Sandy, a couple of days ago we hardly hoped ever to be + yarning here." + </p> + <p> + "It was rather beyond our prognostication, sir," said the mate, taking a + pull at his rum. + </p> + <p> + "It was that! A nasty sea on, Mr. Dimsdale, sir, and the old ship so full + o' water that she could not rise to it. They were making a clean breach + over us, and we lost nigh everything we could lose." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you'll have her thoroughly repaired now?" Tom remarked. + </p> + <p> + Both the skipper and the mate laughed heartily at the observation. "That + wouldn't do, Sandy, would it?" said Miggs, shaking his head. "We couldn't + afford to have our screw cut down like that." + </p> + <p> + "Cut down! You don't mean to say you are paid in proportion to the + rottenness of the ships?" + </p> + <p> + "There ain't no use makin' a secret of it among friends," said Miggs. + "That's just how the land lies with us. A voyage or two back I spoke to + Mr. Girdlestone, and I says to him, says I, 'Give the ship an + overhauling,' says I. 'Well and good,' says he, 'but it will mean so much + off your wage,' says he, 'and the mate's wage as well.' I put it to him + straight and strong, but he stuck at that. So Sandy and me, we put our + heads together, and we 'greed it was better to take fifteen pound and the + risk, than come down to twelve pound and safety." + </p> + <p> + "It is scandalous!" cried Tom Dimsdale hotly. "I could not have believed + it." + </p> + <p> + "God bless ye! it's done every day, and will be while there is insurance + money to be gained," said Miggs, blowing a blue cloud up to the ceiling. + "It's an easy thing to turn a few thousands a year while there are old + ships to be bought, and offices which will insure them above their value. + There was D'Arcy Campbell, of the <i>Silvertown</i>—what a trade + that man did! He was smart—tarnation smart! Collisions was his line, + and he worked 'em well. There warn't a skipper out of Liverpool as could + get run down as nat'ral as he could." + </p> + <p> + "Get run down?" + </p> + <p> + "Aye. He'd go lolloping about in the Channel if there was any fog on, + steering for the lights o' any steamers or headin' round for all the fog + whistles if it was too thick to see. Sooner or later, as sure as fate, + he'd get cut down to the water's edge. Lor', it was a fine game! Half a + 'yard o' print about his noble conduc' in the newspapers, and maybe a + leader about the British tar and unexpected emergencies. It once went the + length o' a subscription. Ha! ha!" Miggs laughed until he choked. + </p> + <p> + "And what became of this British star?" asked the German. + </p> + <p> + "He's still about. He's in the passenger trade now." + </p> + <p> + "Potztausand!" Von Baumser ejaculated. "I would not go as a passenger with + him for something." + </p> + <p> + "There's many a way that it's done, sir," the mate added, filling up his + glass again, and passing the bottle to the captain. "There's loadin' a + cranky vessel wi' grain in bulk without usin' partition boards. If you get + a little water in, as you are bound to do with a ship o' that kind, the + grain will swell and swell until it bursts the seams open, and down ye go. + Then there's ignition o' coal gas aboard o' steamers. That's a safe game, + for nobody can deny it. And there are accidents to propellers. If the + shaft o' a propeller breaks in heavy weather it's a bad look-out. I've + known ships leave the docks with their propellers half sawn through all + round. Lor', there's no end o' the tricks o' the trade." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot believe, however," said Tom stoutly, "that Mr. Girdlestone + connives at such things." + </p> + <p> + "He's on the waitin' lay," the seaman answered. "He doesn't send 'em down, + but he just hangs on, and keeps his insurances up, and trusts in + Providence. He's had some good hauls that way, though not o' late. There + was the <i>Belinda</i> at Cape Palmas. That was five thousand, clear, if + it was a penny. And the <i>Sockatoo</i>—that was a bad business! She + was never heard of, nor her crew. Went down at sea, and left no trace." + </p> + <p> + "The crew too!" Tom cried with horror. "But how about yourselves, if what + you say is true?" + </p> + <p> + "We are paid for the risk," said both the seamen, shrugging their + shoulders. + </p> + <p> + "But there are Government inspectors?" + </p> + <p> + "Ha! ha! I dare say you've seen the way some o' them do their work!" said + Miggs. + </p> + <p> + Tom's mind was filled with consternation at what he had heard. If the + African merchant were capable of this, what might he not be capable of? + Was his word to be depended on under any circumstances? And what sort of + firm must this be, which turned so fair a side to the world and in which + he had embarked his fortune? All these thoughts flashed through his mind + as he listened to the gossip of the garrulous old sea dogs. A greater + shock still, however, was in store for him. + </p> + <p> + Von Baumser had been listening to the conversation with an amused look + upon his good-humoured face. "Ah!" said he, suddenly striking in, "I vill + tell you something of your own firm which perhaps you do not know. Have + you heard dat Mr. Ezra Girdlestone is about to be married?" + </p> + <p> + "To be married!" + </p> + <p> + "Oh yes; I have heard It dis morning at Eckermann's office. I think it is + the talk of the City." + </p> + <p> + "Who's the gal?" Miggs asked, with languid interest. + </p> + <p> + "I disremember her name," Von Baumser answered. "It is a girl the major + has met—the young lady who has lived in the same house, and is vat + they call a warder." + </p> + <p> + "Not—not his ward?" cried Tom, springing to his feet and turning as + white as a sheet. "Not Miss Harston? You don't tell me that he is going to + marry Miss Harston?" + </p> + <p> + "Dat is the name. Miss Harston it is, sure enough." + </p> + <p> + "It is a lie—an infamous lie!" Tom cried hotly. + </p> + <p> + "So it may be," Von Baumser answered serenely. "I do but say vat I have + heard, and heard more than once on good authority." + </p> + <p> + "If it is true there is villainy in it," cried Tom, with wild eyes, "the + blackest villainy that ever was done upon earth. I'll go—I'll see + him to-night. By heavens, I shall know the truth!" He rushed furiously + downstairs and through the bar. There was a cab near the door. "Drive into + London!" he cried; "69, Eccleston Square. I am on fire to be there!" The + cabman sprang on the box, and they rattled away as fast as the horse would + go. + </p> + <p> + This sudden exit caused, as may be imagined, considerable surprise in the + parlour of the <i>Cock and Cowslip</i>. + </p> + <p> + "He's a vera tumultuous young man," the mate remarked. "He was off like a + clipper in a hurricane." + </p> + <p> + "I perceive," said Von Baumser, "dat he has left his hat behind him. I do + now remember dat I have heard his name spoken with dat of dis very young + lady by my good vriend, the major." + </p> + <p> + "Then he's jealous belike," said Hamilton Miggs, with a knowing shake of + the head. "I've felt that way myself before now. I rounded on Billy + Barlow, o' the <i>Flying Scud</i>, over that very thing, twelve months ago + come Christmas. But I don't think it was the thing for this young chap to + cut away and never say 'With your leave,' or 'By your leave,' or as much + as 'Good night, gentlemen all.' It ain't what you call straight up an' + down." + </p> + <p> + "It's transcendental," said the mate severely; "that is what I call it." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, my vriends," the German put in, "when a man is in love you must make + excuses for him. I am very sure dat he did mean no offence." + </p> + <p> + In spite of this assurance Captain Hamilton Miggs continued to be very + sore upon the point. It was only by dint of many replenishings of his + glass and many arguments that his companions could restore him to his + pristine good humour. Meanwhile, the truant was speeding through the night + with a fixed determination in his heart that he should have before morning + such an understanding, one way or the other, as would never again leave + room for a doubt. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. — A CRISIS AT ECCLESTON SQUARE. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">His</span> father's encouraging words had given Ezra Girdlestone fresh heart, and + he had renewed his importunities with greater energy than ever. Never + surely did any man devote every moment of his time more completely to the + winning of a woman's heart. From morning until night the one idea was ever + before his mind and every little want of Kate's was forestalled with a + care and foresight which astonished her. The richest fruit and flowers + found their way unexpectedly into her room; her table was littered with + the latest books from Mudie's, and the newest pieces lay upon her + music-stand. Nothing which attention and thoughtfulness could do was left + undone either by the father or the son. + </p> + <p> + In spite of these attentions, however, and the frequent solicitations of + her guardian, Kate stood firmly to her colours. If the Tom of the present + were false, she at least would be true to the memory of the Tom of other + days, the lad who had first whispered words of love into her ears. Her + ideal should remain with her whatever might befall. No other man could + ever take the place of that. + </p> + <p> + That Tom was from some unexplained and unaccountable reason false to her + appeared to be beyond all question. Her trusting and innocent heart could + not dream of the subtle network which was being wound round her. Her + secluded life had left her very ignorant of the ways of the world, and the + possibility of an elaborate deceit being practised upon her had never + occurred to her. From the day that she heard the extract of the letter + read by her guardian she never doubted but that such letters were received + at the office by the man who professed to love her. How could she hesitate + to believe it when it was confirmed by his avoidance of Eccleston Square + and of herself? The cause of it all was a mystery which no amount of + speculation could clear up. Sometimes the poor girl would blame herself, + as is the way of women in such cases. "I have not seen enough of the + world," she would say to herself. "I have none of the charms of these + women whom I read of in the novels. No doubt I seemed dull and insipid in + his eyes. And yet—and yet—" There always remained at the end + of her cogitations the same vague sense of bewilderment and mystery. + </p> + <p> + She endeavoured as far as possible to avoid Ezra Girdlestone, and stay in + her room for the most part on the days when he was at home. He had, + however, on the advice of his father, ceased pressing his suit except in + the silent manner aforementioned, so that she gradually took courage, and + ended by resuming her old habits. In her heart she pitied the young + merchant very sincerely, for he was looking haggard and pale. "Poor + fellow," she thought as she watched him, "he certainly loves me. Ah, Tom, + Tom! had you only been as constant, how happy we should be!" She was even + prompted sometimes to cheer Ezra up by some kind word or look. This he + naturally took to be an encouragement to renew his advances. Perhaps he + was not far wrong, for if love be wanting pity is occasionally an + excellent substitute. + </p> + <p> + One morning after breakfast the elder Girdlestone called his son aside + into the library. "I've had a notice," he said, "as to paying up + dividends. Our time is short, Ezra. You must bring matters to a head. If + you don't it will be too late." + </p> + <p> + "You mustn't pick fruit before it is ripe," the other answered moodily. + </p> + <p> + "You can try if it is ripe, though. If not, you can try again. I think + that your chance is a good one. She is alone in the breakfast-room, and + the table has been cleared. You cannot have a better opening. Go, my son, + and may Heaven prosper you!" + </p> + <p> + "Very well. Do you wait in here, and I shall let you know how things go." + </p> + <p> + The young man buttoned up his coat, pulled down his cuffs, and walked back + into the breakfast-room with a sullen look of resolution upon his dark + face. + </p> + <p> + Kate was sitting in a wicker chair by the window, arranging flowers in a + vase. The morning sunlight streaming in upon her gave a colour to her pale + face and glittered in her heavy coils of chestnut hair. She wore a light + pink morning dress which added to the ethereal effect of her lithe + beautiful figure. As Ezra entered she looked round and started at sight of + his face. Instinctively she knew on what errand he had come. + </p> + <p> + "You will be late at Fenchurch Street," she said, with a constrained + smile. "It is nearly eleven now." + </p> + <p> + "I am not going to the office to-day," he answered gravely. "I am come in + here, Kate, to know my fate. You know very well, and must have known for + some time back, that I love you. If you'll marry me you'll make me a happy + man, and I'll make you a happy woman. I'm not very eloquent and that sort + of thing, but what I say I mean. What have you to say in answer?" He + leaned his broad hands on the back of a chair as he spoke, and drummed + nervously with his fingers. + </p> + <p> + Kate had drooped her head over the flowers, but she looked up at him now + with frank, pitying eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Put this idea out of your head, Ezra," she said, in a low but firm voice. + "Believe me, I shall always be grateful to you for the kindness which you + have shown me of late. I will be a sister to you, if you will let me, but + I can never be more." + </p> + <p> + "And why not?" asked Ezra, still leaning over the chair, with an angry + light beginning to sparkle in his dark eyes. "Why can you never be my + wife?" + </p> + <p> + "It is so, Ezra. You must not think of it. I am so sorry to grieve you." + </p> + <p> + "You can't love me, then," cried the young merchant hoarsely. "Other women + before now would have given their eyes to have had me. Do you know that?" + </p> + <p> + "For goodness' sake, then go back to the others," said Kate, half amused + and half angry. + </p> + <p> + That suspicion of a smile upon her face was the one thing needed to set + Ezra's temper in a blaze. "You won't have me," he cried savagely. "I + haven't got the airs and graces of that fellow, I suppose. You haven't got + him out of your head, though he is off with another girl." + </p> + <p> + "How dare you speak to me so?" Kate cried, springing to her feet in honest + anger. + </p> + <p> + "It's the truth, and you know it," returned Ezra, with a sneer. "Aren't + you too proud to be hanging on to a man who doesn't want you— a man + that is a smooth-tongued sneak, with the heart of a rabbit?" + </p> + <p> + "If he were here you would not dare to say so!" Kate retorted hotly. + </p> + <p> + "Wouldn't I?" he snarled fiercely. + </p> + <p> + "No, you wouldn't. I don't believe that he has ever been untrue to me. I + believe that you and your father have planned to make me believe it and to + keep us apart." + </p> + <p> + Heaven knows what it was that suddenly brought this idea most clearly + before Kate's mind. Perhaps it was that Ezra's face, distorted with + passion, gave her some dim perception of the wickedness of which such a + nature might be capable. The dark face turned so much darker at her words + that she felt a great throb of joy at her heart, and knew that this + strange new thought which had flashed upon her was the truth. + </p> + <p> + "You can't deny it," she cried, with shining eyes and clenched hands. "You + know that it is true. I shall see him and hear from his own lips what he + has to say. He loves me still, and I love him, and have never ceased to + love him." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, you do, do you?" snarled Ezra, taking a step forward, with a devilish + gleam in his eyes. "Your love may do him very little good. We shall see + which of us gets the best of it in the long run. We'll—" His passion + was so furious that he stopped, fairly unable to articulate another word. + </p> + <p> + With a threatening motion of his hands he turned upon his heel and rushed + from the room. As he passed it chanced that Flo, Kate's little Skye + terrier, ran across his path. All the brutality of the man's soul rose up + in the instant. He raised his heavy boot, and sent the poor little + creature howling and writhing under the sofa, whence it piteously emerged + upon three legs, trailing the fourth one behind it. + </p> + <p> + "The brute!" Kate cried, as she fondled the injured animal and poured + indignant tears over it. Her gentle soul was so stirred by the cowardly + deed that she felt that she could have flown at her late suitor were he + still in the room. "Poor little Flo! That kick was meant for me in + reality, my little pet. Never mind, dear, there are bright days coming, + and he has not forgotten me, Flo. I know it! I know it!" The little dog + whined sympathetically, and licked its mistress's hand as though it were + looking into its canine future, and could also discern better days ahead. + </p> + <p> + Ezra Girdlestone, fierce and lowering, tramped into the library, and told + his father brusquely of the result of his wooing. What occurred in that + interview was never known to any third person. The servants, who had some + idea that something was afoot, have recorded that at the beginning of the + conversation the bass voice of the son and the high raucous tones of the + father were heard in loud recrimination and reproach. Then they suddenly + sunk into tones so low that there might have been complete silence in the + room for all that any one could tell from the passage outside. This + whispered conversation may have lasted the greater part of an hour. At the + end of it the young merchant departed for the City. It has been remarked + that from that time there came a change over both the father and the son—a + change so subtle that It could hardly be described, though it left its + mark upon them both. It was not that the grey, wolfish face of the old man + looked even greyer and fiercer, or that the hard, arrogant expression of + Ezra deepened into something even more sinister. It was that a shadow hung + over both their brows—a vague indefinable shadow—as of men who + carry a thought in their minds on which it is not good to dwell. + </p> + <p> + During that long hour Kate had remained in the breakfast-room, still + nursing her injured companion, and very busy with her own thoughts. She + was as convinced now that Tom had been true to her as if she had had the + assurance from his own lips. Still there was much that was unaccountable—much + which she was unable to fathom. A vague sense of the wickedness around her + depressed and weighed her down. What deep scheme could these men have + invented to keep him away from her during these long weeks? Was he, too, + under some delusion, or the victim of some conspiracy? Whatever had been + done was certainly connived at by her guardian. For the first time a true + estimate of the character of the elder Girdlestone broke upon her, and she + dimly realized that the pious, soft-spoken merchant was more to be dreaded + than his brutal son. A shudder ran through her whole frame as, looking up, + she saw him standing before her. + </p> + <p> + His appearance was far from reassuring. His hands were clasped behind his + back, his head bent forward, and he surveyed her with a most malignant + expression upon his face. + </p> + <p> + "Well done!" he said, with a bitter smile. "Well done! This is a good + morning's work, Miss Harston. You have repaid your father's friend for the + care he has bestowed upon you." + </p> + <p> + "My only wish is to leave your house," cried Kate, with an angry flash in + her deep blue eyes. "You are a cruel, wicked, hypocritical old man. You + have deceived me about Mr. Dimsdale. I read it in your son's face, and now + I read it in your own. How could you do it—oh, how could you have + the heart?" + </p> + <p> + John Girdlestone was fairly staggered by this blaze of feminine anger in + his demure and obedient ward. "God knows," he said, "whatever my faults + may have been, neglect of you has not been among them. I am not + immaculate. Even the just man falleth. If I have endeavoured to wean you + from this foolish love affair of yours, it has been entirely because I saw + that it was against your own interests." + </p> + <p> + "You have told lies in order to turn me away from the only man who ever + loved me. You and your odious son have conspired to ruin my happiness and + break my heart. What have you told him that keeps him away? I shall see + him and learn the truth." Kate's face was unnaturally calm and rigid as + she faced her guardian's angry gaze. + </p> + <p> + "Silence!" the old man cried hoarsely. "You forget your position in this + house. You are presuming too much upon my kindness. As to this girl's + fancy of yours, you may put all thought of it out of your head. I am still + your guardian, and I should be culpably remiss if I ever allowed you to + see this man again. This afternoon you shall come with me to Hampshire." + </p> + <p> + "To Hampshire?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. I have taken a small country seat there, where we intend to spend + some months of the winter. You shall leave it when you have reconciled + yourself to forget these romantic ideas of yours—but not till then." + </p> + <p> + "Then I shall never leave it," said Kate, with a sigh. + </p> + <p> + "That will depend upon yourself. You shall at least be guarded there from + the advances of designing persons. When you come of age you may follow + your own fancies. Until then my conscience demands, and the law allows, + that I should spare no pains to protect you from your own folly. We start + from Waterloo at four." Girdlestone turned for the door, but looked round + as he was leaving the room. "May God forgive you," he said solemnly, + raising his lean hands towards the ceiling, "for what you have done this + day!" + </p> + <p> + Poor Kate, left to herself, was much concerned by this fresh misfortune. + She knew that her guardian had power to carry out his plan, and that there + was no appeal from his decision. What could she do? She had not a friend + in the wide world to whom she could turn for advice or assistance. It + occurred to her to fly to the Dimsdales at Kensington, and throw herself + upon their compassion. It was only the thought of Tom which prevented her. + In her heart she had fully exonerated him, yet there was much to be + explained before they could be to each other as of old. She might write to + Mrs. Dimsdale, but then her guardian had not told her what part of + Hampshire they were going to. She finally came to the conclusion that it + would be better to wait, and to write when she had reached her + destination. In the meantime, she went drearily to her room and began + packing, aided by the ruddy-cheeked maid, Rebecca. + </p> + <p> + At half-past three a cab drove up to the door, and the old merchant + stepped out of it. The boxes were thrown upon the top, and the young lady + curtly ordered to get in. Girdlestone took his seat beside her, and gave a + sign to the cabman to drive on. As they rattled out of the square, Kate + looked back at the great gloomy mansion in which she had spent the last + three years of her life. Had she known what the future was to bring, it is + possible that she would have clung even to that sombre and melancholy old + house as to an ark of safety. + </p> + <p> + Another cab passed through Eccleston Square that evening—a cab which + bore a pale-faced and wild-eyed young man, who looked ever and anon + impatiently out of the window to see if he were nearing his destination. + Long before reaching No. 69 he had opened the door, and was standing upon + the step. The instant that the cab pulled up he sprang off, and rang + loudly at the great brass bell which flanked the heavy door. + </p> + <p> + "Is Mr. Girdlestone in?" he asked, as Rebecca appeared at the door. + </p> + <p> + "No, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Miss Harston, is she at home?" he said excitedly. + </p> + <p> + "No, sir. They have both gone away." + </p> + <p> + "Gone away!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. Gone into the country, sir. And Mr. Ezra, too, sir." + </p> + <p> + "And when are they coming back?" he asked, in bewilderment. + </p> + <p> + "They are not coming back." + </p> + <p> + "Impossible!" Tom cried in despair. "What is their address, then?" + </p> + <p> + "They have left no address. I am sorry I can't help you. Good night, sir." + Rebecca closed the door, laughing maliciously at the visitor's bewildered + looks. She knew the facts of the case well, and having long been jealous + of her young mistress, she was not sorry to find things going wrong with + her. + </p> + <p> + Tom Dimsdale stood upon the doorstep looking blankly into the night. He + felt dazed and bewildered. What fresh villainy was this? Was it a + confirmation of the German's report, or was it a contradiction of it? Cold + beads stood upon his forehead as he thought of the possibility of such a + thing. "I must find her," he cried, with clenched hands, and turned away + heartsick into the turmoil and bustle of the London streets. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII. — A CONVERSATION IN THE ECCLESTON SQUARE LIBRARY. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">Rebecca</span>, the fresh-complexioned waiting-maid, was still standing behind + the ponderous hall door, listening, with a smile upon her face, to young + Dimsdale's retreating footsteps, when another and a brisker tread caught + her ear coming from the opposite direction. The smile died away as she + heard it, and her features assumed a peculiar expression, in which it + would be hard to say whether fear or pleasure predominated. She passed her + hands up over her face and smoothed her hair with a quick nervous gesture, + glancing down at the same time at her snowy apron and the bright ribbons + which set it off. Whatever her intentions may have been, she had no time + to improve upon her toilet before a key turned in the door and Ezra + Girdlestone stepped into the hall. As he saw her shadowy figure, for the + gas was low, he uttered a hoarse cry of surprise and fear, and staggered + backwards against the door-post. + </p> + <p> + "Don't be afeared, Mister Ezra," she said in a whisper; "it's only me." + </p> + <p> + "The devil take you!" cried Ezra furiously. "What makes you stand about + like that? You gave me quite a turn." + </p> + <p> + "I didn't mean for to do it. I've only just been answering of the door. + Why, surely you've come in before now and found me in the hall without + making much account of it." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, lass," answered Ezra, "my nerves have had a shake of late. I've felt + queer all day. Look how my hand shakes." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I'm blessed!" said the girl, with a titter, turning up the gas. "I + never thought to see you afeared of anything. Why, you looks as white as a + sheet!" + </p> + <p> + "There, that's enough!" he answered roughly. "Where are the others?" + </p> + <p> + "Jane is out. Cook and William and the boy are downstairs." + </p> + <p> + "Come into the library here. They will think that you are up in the + bedrooms. I want to have a quiet word or two with you. Turn up that + reading lamp. Well, are they gone?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, they are gone," she answered, standing by the side of the couch on + which he had thrown himself. "Your father came about three with a cab, and + took her away." + </p> + <p> + "She didn't make a fuss?" + </p> + <p> + "Make a fuss? No; why should she? There's fuss enough made about her, in + all conscience. Oh, Ezra, before she got between us you was kind to me at + times. I could stand harsh words from you six days a week, if there was a + chance of a kind one on the seventh. But now—now what notice do you + take of me?" She began to whimper and to wipe her eyes with a little + discoloured pocket-handkerchief. + </p> + <p> + "Drop it, woman, drop it!" cried her companion testily. "I want + information, not snivelling. She seemed reconciled to go?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, she went quiet enough," the girl said, with a furtive sob. + </p> + <p> + "Just give me a drop of brandy out of that bottle over there—the one + with the cork half out. I've not got over my start yet. Did you hear my + father say anything as to where they were going?" + </p> + <p> + "I heard him tell the cabman to drive to Waterloo Station." + </p> + <p> + "Nothing more?" + </p> + <p> + "No." + </p> + <p> + "Well, if he won't tell you, I will. They have gone down to Hampshire, my + lass. Bedsworth is the name of the place, and it is a pleasant little + corner near the sea. I want you to go down there as well to-morrow." + </p> + <p> + "Want me to go?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; they need some one who is smart and handy to keep house for them. + There is some old woman already, I believe, but she is old and useless. + I'll warrant you wouldn't take long getting things shipshape. My father + intends to stay down there some little time with Miss Harston." + </p> + <p> + "And how about you?" the girl asked, with a quick flash of suspicion in + her dark eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Don't trouble about me. I shall stay behind and mind the business. Some + one must be on the spot. I think cook and Jane and William ought to be + able to look after me among them." + </p> + <p> + "And I won't see you at all?" the girl cried, with a quiver in her voice. + </p> + <p> + "Oh yes, you shall. I'll be down from Saturday to Monday every week, and + perhaps oftener. If business goes well I may come down and stay for some + time. Whether I do or not may depend upon you." + </p> + <p> + Rebecca Taylforth started and uttered an exclamation of surprise. "How can + it depend upon me?" she asked eagerly. + </p> + <p> + "Well," said Ezra, in a hesitating way, "it may depend upon whether you + are a good girl, and do what you are told or not. I am sure that you would + do anything to serve me, would you not?" + </p> + <p> + "You know very well that I would, Mister Ezra. When you want anything done + you remember it, but if you have no use for me, then there is never a kind + look on your face or a kind word from your lips. If I was a dog you could + not use me worse. I could stand your harshness. I could stand the blow you + gave me, and forgive you for it, from my heart; but, oh! it cut me to the + very soul to be standing by and waiting while you were making up to + another woman. It was more than I can bear." + </p> + <p> + "Never mind, my girl," said Ezra in a soothing voice; "that's all over and + done with. See what I've brought you." He rummaged in his pocket and + produced a little parcel of tissue paper, which he handed to her. + </p> + <p> + It was only a small silver anchor, with Scotch pebbles inlaid in it. The + woman's eyes, however, flashed as she looked at it, and she raised it to + her lips and kissed it passionately. + </p> + <p> + "God bless it and you too!" she said. "I've heard tell as the anchor's the + emblem of hope, and so it shall be with me. Oh, Ezra, you may travel far + and meet them as can play and can sing and do many a thing as I can't do, + but you'll never get one who will love you as dearly and well." + </p> + <p> + "I know it, my lass, I know it," said Ezra, smoothing down her dark hair, + for she had dropped upon her knees beside the couch. "I've never met your + equal yet. That's why I want you down at Bedsworth. I must have some one + there that I can trust. + </p> + <p> + "What am I to do down at Bedsworth?" she asked. + </p> + <p> + "I want you to be Miss Harston's companion. She'll be lonely, and will + need some other woman in the house to look after her." + </p> + <p> + "Curse her!" cried Rebecca, springing to her feet with flashing eyes. "You + are still thinking of her, then! She must have this; she must have that! + Everything else is as dirt before her. I'll not serve her—so there! + You can knock me down if you like." + </p> + <p> + "Rebecca," said Ezra slowly, "do you hate Kate Harston?" + </p> + <p> + "From the bottom of my soul," she answered. + </p> + <p> + "Well, if you hate her, I tell you that I hate her a thousand times more. + You thought that I was fond of her. All that is over now, and you may set + your mind at ease." + </p> + <p> + "Why do you want her so well cared for, then?" asked the girl + suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + "I want some one who feels towards her as I do to be by her side. If she + were never to come back from Bedsworth it would be nothing to me." + </p> + <p> + "What makes you look at me so strangely?" she said, shrinking away from + his intense gaze. + </p> + <p> + "Never mind. You go. You will understand many things in time which seem + strange to you now. At present if you will do what I ask you will oblige + me greatly. Will you go?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I will go." + </p> + <p> + "There's a good lass. Give us a kiss, my girl. You have the right spirit + in you. I'll let you know when the train goes to-morrow, and I will write + to my father to expect you. Now, off with you, or you'll have them + gossiping downstairs. Good night." + </p> + <p> + "Good night, Mister Ezra," said the girl, with her hand upon the handle of + the library door. "You've made my heart glad this night. I live in hope—ever + in hope." + </p> + <p> + "I wonder what the deuce she hopes about," the young merchant said to + himself as she closed the door behind her. "Hopes I'll marry her, I + suppose. She must be of a very sanguine disposition. A girl like that + might be invaluable down at Bedsworth. If we had no other need for her, + she would be an excellent spy." He lay for some little time on the couch + with bent brow and pursed lips, musing over the possibilities of the + future. + </p> + <p> + While this dialogue had been going on in the library of Eccleston Square, + Tom Dimsdale was still wending his way homewards with a feeling of weight + in his mind and a presentiment of misfortune which overshadowed his whole + soul. In vain he assured himself that this disappearance of Kate's was but + temporary, and that the rumour of an engagement between her and Ezra was + too ridiculous to be believed for a moment. Argue it as he would, the same + dread, horrible feeling of impending trouble weighed upon him. Impossible + as it was to imagine that Kate was false to him, it was strange that on + the very day that this rumour reached his ears she should disappear from + London. How bitterly he regretted now that he had allowed himself to be + persuaded by John Girdlestone into ceasing to communicate with her. He + began to realize that he had been duped, and that all these specious + promises as to a future consent to their union had been so many baits to + amuse him while the valuable present was slipping away. What could he do + now to repair the past? His only course was to wait for the morrow and see + whether the senior partner would appear at the offices. If he did so, the + young man was determined that he should have an understanding with him. + </p> + <p> + So downcast was Tom that, on arriving at Phillimore Gardens, he would have + slipped off to his room at once had he not met his burly father upon the + stairs. "Bed!" roared the old man upon hearing his son's proposition. + "Nothing of the sort, sir. Come down into the parlour and smoke a pipe + with me. Your mother has been waiting for you all the evening." + </p> + <p> + "I am sorry to be late, mother," the lad said, kissing the old lady. "I + have been down at the docks all day and have been busy and worried." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dimsdale was sitting in her chair beside the fire, knitting, when her + son came in. At the sound of his voice she glanced anxiously up at his + face, with all her motherly instincts on the alert. + </p> + <p> + "What is it, my boy?" she said. "You don't look yourself. Something has + gone wrong with you. Surely you're not keeping anything secret from your + old mother?" + </p> + <p> + "Don't be so foolish as that, my boy," said the doctor earnestly. "If you + have anything on your mind, out with it. There's nothing so far wrong but + that it can't be set right, I'll be bound." + </p> + <p> + Thus pressed, their son told them all that had happened, the rumour which + he had heard from Von Baumser at the <i>Cock and Cowslip</i>, and the + subsequent visit to Eccleston Square. "I can hardly realize it all yet," + he said in conclusion. "My head seems to be in a whirl, and I can't reason + about it." + </p> + <p> + The old couple listened very attentively to his narrative, and were silent + some little time after he had finished. His mother first broke the + silence. "I was always sure," she said, "that we were wrong to stop our + correspondence at the request of Mr. Girdlestone." + </p> + <p> + "It's easy enough to say that now," said Tom ruefully. "At the time it + seemed as if we had no alternative." + </p> + <p> + "There's no use crying over spilt milk," remarked the old physician, who + had been very grave during his son's narrative. "We must set to work and + get things right again. There is one thing very certain, Tom, and that is + that Kate Harston is a girl who never did or could do a dishonourable + thing. If she said that she would wait for you, my boy, you may feel + perfectly safe; and if you doubt her for one moment you ought to be deuced + well ashamed of yourself." + </p> + <p> + "Well said, governor!" cried Tom, with beaming face. "Now, that is exactly + my own feeling, but there is so much to be explained. Why have they left + London, and where have they gone to?" + </p> + <p> + "No doubt that old scoundrel Girdlestone thought that your patience would + soon come to an end, so he got the start of you by carrying the girl off + into the country." + </p> + <p> + "And if he has done this, what can I do?" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing. It is entirely within his right to do it." + </p> + <p> + "And have her stowed away in some little cottage in the country, with that + brute Ezra Girdlestone hanging round her all the time. It is the thought + of that that drives me wild." + </p> + <p> + "You trust in her, my boy," said the old doctor. "We'll try our best in + the meantime to find out where she has gone to. If she is unhappy or needs + a friend you may be sure that she will write to your mother." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, there is always that hope," exclaimed Tom, in a more cheerful voice. + "To-morrow I may learn something at the office." + </p> + <p> + "Don't make the mistake of quarrelling with the Girdlestones. After all, + they are within their rights in doing what they appear to have done." + </p> + <p> + "They may be within their legal rights," Tom cried indignantly; "but the + old man made a deliberate compact with me, which he has broken." + </p> + <p> + "Never mind. Don't give them an advantage by losing your temper." The + doctor chatted away over the matter for some time, and his words, together + with those of his mother, cheered the young fellow's heart. Nevertheless, + after they had retired to their rooms, Dr. Dimsdale continued to be very + thoughtful and very grave. "I don't like it," he said, more than once. "I + don't like the idea of the poor girl being left entirely in the hands of + that pair of beauties. God grant that no harm come of it, Matilda!" a + prayer which his good wife echoed with all the strength of her kindly + nature. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII. — THE JOURNEY TO THE PRIORY. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">It</span> was already dusk when John Girdlestone and his ward reached Waterloo + Station. He gave orders to the guard that the luggage should be stamped, + but took care that she should not hear the name of their destination. + Hurrying her rapidly down the platform amid the confused heaps of luggage + and currents of eager passengers, he pushed her into a first-class + carriage, and sprang after her just as the bell rang and the wheels began + to revolve. + </p> + <p> + They were alone. Kate crouched up into the corner among the cushions, and + wrapped her rug round her, for it was bitterly cold. The merchant pulled a + note-book from his pocket and proceeded by the light of the lamp above him + to add up columns of figures. He sat very upright in his seat, and + appeared to be as absorbed in his work as though he were among his papers + in Fenchurch Street. He neither glanced at his companion nor made any + inquiry as to her comfort. + </p> + <p> + As she sat opposite to him she could not keep her eyes from his hard + angular face, every rugged feature of which was exaggerated by the + flickering yellow light above him. Those deep-set eyes and sunken cheeks + had been familiar to her for years. How was it that they now, for the + first time, struck her as being terrible? Was it that new expression which + had appeared upon them, that hard inexorable set about the mouth, which + gave a more sinister character to his whole face? As she gazed at him an + ineffable loathing and dread rose in her soul, and she could have shrieked + out of pure terror. She put her hand up to her throat with a gasp to keep + down the sudden inclination to cry out. As she did so her guardian glanced + over the top of the note-book with his piercing light grey eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Don't get hysterical!" he cried. "You have given us trouble enough + without that." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, why are you so harsh?" she cried, throwing out her arms towards him + in eloquent entreaty, while the tears coursed down her cheeks. "What have + I done that is so dreadful? I <i>could</i> not love your son, and I do + love another. I am so grieved to have offended you. You used to be kind + and like a father to me." + </p> + <p> + "And a nice return you have made me! 'Honour your father,' says the good + old Book. What honour did you give me save to disobey every command which + I have ever given you. I have to blame myself to some extent for having + allowed you to go on that most pernicious trip to Scotland, where you were + thrown into the company of this young adventurer by his scheming old fool + of a father." + </p> + <p> + It would have been a study for a Rembrandt to depict the craggy, strongly + lined face of the old merchant, and the beautiful pleading one which + looked across at him, with the light throwing strange shadows over both. + As he spoke she brushed the tears from her eyes and an angry flush sprang + to her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + "You may say what you like of me," she said bitterly. "I suppose that is + one of your privileges as my guardian. You have no right, however, to + speak evil of my friends. 'He who calleth his brother a fool,' I think the + good old Book says something of that." + </p> + <p> + Girdlestone was staggered for a moment by this unexpected counter. Then he + took off his broad-brimmed hat and bowed his head with drooping lids. + </p> + <p> + "Out of the mouths of babes and of sucklings!" he cried. "You are right. I + spoke too warmly. It is my zeal for you which betrays me." + </p> + <p> + "The same zeal which made you tell me so many things which I now know to + be untrue about Mr. Dimsdale," said Kate, waxing more fearless as her mind + turned to her wrongs. + </p> + <p> + "You are becoming impertinent," he answered, and resumed his calculations + in his note-book. + </p> + <p> + Kate cowered back into her corner again, while the train thundered and + screeched and rattled through the darkness. Looking through the steamy + window, nothing was to be seen save the twinkle here and there of the + lights of the scattered country cottages. Occasionally a red signal lamp + would glare down upon her like the bloodshot eye of some demon who + presided over this kingdom of iron and steam. Far behind a lurid trail of + smoke marked the way that they had come. To Kate's mind it was all as + weird and gloomy and cheerless even as the thoughts within her. + </p> + <p> + And they were gloomy enough. Where was she going? How long was she going + for? What was she to do when there? On all these points she was absolutely + ignorant. What was the object of this sudden flight from London? Her + guardian could have separated her from the Dimsdales in many less + elaborate ways than this. Could it be that he intended some system of + pressure and terrorism by which she should be forced to accept Ezra as a + suitor. She clenched her little white teeth as she thought of it, and + registered a vow that nothing in this world would ever bring her to give + in upon that point. There was only one bright spot in her outlook. When + she reached her destination she would at once write to Mrs. Dimsdale, tell + her where she was, and ask her frankly for an explanation of their sudden + silence. How much wiser if she had done so before. Only a foolish pride + had withheld her from it. + </p> + <p> + The train had already stopped at one large junction. Looking out through + the window she saw by the lamps that it was Guildford. After another + interminable interval of clattering and tossing and plunging through the + darkness, they came to a second station of importance, Petersfield. "We + are nearing our destination," Girdlestone remarked, shutting up his book. + </p> + <p> + This proved to be a small wayside station, illuminated by a single lamp, + which gave no information as to the name. They were the only passengers + who alighted, and the train rolled on for Portsmouth, leaving them with + their trunks upon the dark and narrow platform. It was a black night with + a bitter wind which carried with it a suspicion of dampness, which might + have been rain, or might have been the drift of the neighbouring ocean. + Kate was numb with the cold, and even her gaunt companion stamped his feet + and shivered as he looked about him. + </p> + <p> + "I telegraphed for a trap," said he to the guard. "Is there not one + waiting?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir; if you be Mister Girdlestone, there's a trap from the <i>Flyin' + Bull</i>. Here, Carker, here's your gentleman." + </p> + <p> + At this summons a rough-looking ostler emerged into the circle of light + thrown by the single lamp and, touching his hat, announced in a surly + voice that he was the individual in question. The guard and he then + proceeded to drag the trunks to the vehicle. It was a small wagonette, + with a high seat for the driver in front. + </p> + <p> + "Where to, sir?" asked the driver, when the travellers had taken their + seats. + </p> + <p> + "To Hampton Priory. Do you know where that is?" + </p> + <p> + "Better'n two mile from here, and close to the railway line," said the + man. "There hain't been no one livin' there for two year at the least." + </p> + <p> + "We are expected and all will be ready for us," said Girdlestone. "Go as + fast as you can, for we are cold." + </p> + <p> + The driver cracked his whip, and the horse started at a brisk trot down + the dark country road. + </p> + <p> + Looking round her, Kate saw that they were passing through a large country + village, consisting of a broad main street, with a few insignificant + offshoots branching away on either side. A church stood on one side, and + on the other the village inn. The door was open and the light shining + through the red curtains of the bar parlour looked warm and cosy. The + clink of glasses and the murmur of cheerful voices sounded from within. + Kate, as she looked across, felt doubly cheerless and lonely by the + contrast. Girdlestone looked too, but with different emotions. + </p> + <p> + "Another plague spot," he cried, jerking his head in that direction. "In + town or country it is the same. These poison-sellers are scattered over + the whole face of the land, and every one of them is a focus of disease + and misery." + </p> + <p> + "Beg your pardon, sir," the surly driver observed, screwing round in his + seat. "That 'ere's the <i>Flyin' Bull</i>, sir, where I be in sarvice, and + it ain't no poison-seller, but a real right down good house." + </p> + <p> + "All liquor is poison, and every house devoted to the sale of it is a + sinful house," Girdlestone said curtly. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you say that to my maister," remarked the driver. "He be a big man + wi' a ter'bly bad temper and a hand like a leg o' mutton. Hold up, will + ye!" + </p> + <p> + The last remark was addressed to the horse, which had stumbled in going + down a sharp incline. They were out of the village by this time, and the + road was lined on either side by high hedges, which threw a dense shadow + over everything. The feeble lamps of the wagonette bored two little yellow + tunnels of light on either side. The man let the reins lie loose upon the + horse's back, and the animal picked out the roadway for itself. As they + swung round from the narrow lane on to a broader road Kate broke out into + a little cry of pleasure. + </p> + <p> + "There's the sea!" she exclaimed joyfully. The moon had broken from behind + the clouds and glittered on the vast silvery expanse. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that's the sea," the driver said, "and them lights down yonder is at + Lea Claxton, where the fisher-folk live; and over there," pointing with + his whip to a long dark shadow on the waters, "is the Oilywoite." + </p> + <p> + "The what?" + </p> + <p> + "The Isle of Wight, he means," said Girdlestone. The driver looked at him + reproachfully. "Of course," said he, "if you Lunnon folks knows more about + it than we who are born an' bred in the place, it's no manner o' use our + tryin' to teach you." With this sarcastic comment he withdrew into + himself, and refused to utter another word until the end of their journey. + </p> + <p> + It was not long before this was attained. Passing down a deeply rutted + lane, they came to a high stone wall which extended for a couple of + hundred yards. It had a crumbling, decaying appearance, as far as could be + judged in the uncertain light. This wall was broken by a single iron gate, + flanked by two high pillars, each of which was surmounted by some + weather-beaten heraldic device. Passing through they turned up a winding + avenue, with lines of trees on either side, which shot their branches so + thickly above them that they might have been driving through some sombre + tunnel. This avenue terminated in an open space, in the midst of which + towered a great irregular whitewashed building, which was the old Priory. + All below it was swathed in darkness, but the upper windows caught the + glint of the moon and emitted a pallid and sickly glimmer. The whole + effect was so weird and gloomy that Kate felt her heart sink within her. + The wagonette pulled up in front of the door, and Girdlestone assisted her + to alight. + </p> + <p> + There had been no lights or any symptoms of welcome, but as they pulled + down the trunks the door opened and a little old woman appeared with a + candle in her hand, which she carefully shaded from the wind while she + peered out into the darkness. + </p> + <p> + "Is that Mr. Girdlestone?" she cried. + </p> + <p> + "Of course it is," the merchant said impatiently. "Did I not telegraph and + tell you that I was coming?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes," she answered, hobbling forward with the light. "And this is + the young lady? Come in, my dear, come in. We have not got things very + smart yet, but they will soon come right." + </p> + <p> + She led the way through a lofty hall into a large sitting-room, which, no + doubt, had been the monkish refectory in bygone days. It looked very bleak + and cold now, although a small fire sputtered and sparkled in the corner + of the great iron grate. There was a pan upon the fire, and the deal table + in the centre of the room was laid out roughly as for a meal. The candle + which the old woman had carried in was the only light, though the + flickering fire cast strange fantastic shadows in the further corners and + among the great oaken rafters which formed the ceiling. + </p> + <p> + "Come up to the fire, my dear," said the old woman. "Take off your cloak + and warm yourself." She held her own shrivelled arms towards the blaze, as + though her short exposure to the night air had chilled her. Glancing at + her, Kate saw that her face was sharp-featured and cunning, with a loose + lower lip which exposed a line of yellow teeth, and a chin which bristled + with a tuft of long grey hairs. + </p> + <p> + From without there came the crunching of gravel as the wagonette turned + and rattled down the avenue. Kate listened to the sound of the wheels + until they died away in the distance. They seemed somehow to be the last + link which bound her to the human race. Her heart failed her completely, + and she burst into tears. + </p> + <p> + "What's the matter then?" the old woman asked, looking up at her. "What + are ye crying about?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I am so miserable and so lonely," she cried. "What have I done that I + should be so unhappy? Why should I be taken to this horrible, horrible + place?" + </p> + <p> + "What's the matter with the place?" asked her withered companion. "I don't + see nought amiss with it. Here's Mr. Girdlestone a-comin'. He don't + grumble at the place, I'll warr'nt." + </p> + <p> + The merchant was not in the best of tempers, for he had had an altercation + with the driver about the fare, and was cold into the bargain. "At it + again?" he said roughly, as he entered. "It is I who ought to weep, I + think, who have been put to all this trouble and inconvenience by your + disobedience and weakness of mind." + </p> + <p> + Kate did not answer, but sat upon a coarse deal chair beside the fire, and + buried her face in her hands. All manner of vague fears and fancies filled + her mind. What was Tom doing now? How quickly he would fly to her rescue + did he but know how strangely she was situated! She determined that her + very first action next morning should be to write to Mrs. Dimsdale and to + tell her, not only where she was, but all that had occurred. The + reflection that she could do this cheered her heart, and she managed to + eat a little of the supper which the old woman had now placed upon the + table. It was a rough stew of some sort, but the long journey had given an + edge to their appetites, and the merchant, though usually epicurean in his + tastes, ate a hearty meal. + </p> + <p> + When supper was over the crone, who was addressed by Girdlestone as + Jorrocks, led the way upstairs and showed Kate to her room. If the + furniture of the dining-room had been Spartan in its simplicity, this was + even more so, for there was nothing in it save a small iron bedstead, much + rusted from want of use, and a high wooden box on which stood the simplest + toilet requisites. In spite of the poverty of the apartment Kate had never + been more glad to enter her luxurious chamber at home. The little + carpetless room was a haven of rest where she would be left, for one night + at least, to her own thoughts. As she lay in bed, however, she could hear + far away the subdued murmur of Girdlestone's voice and the shrill tones of + the old woman. They were in deep and animated converse. Though they were + too far distant for her to distinguish a word, something told her that + their talk was about herself, and the same instinct assured her that it + boded her little good. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV. — THE MAN WITH THE CAMP-STOOL. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">When</span> she awoke in the morning it was some little time before she could + realize where she was or recall the events which had made such a sudden + change in her life. The bare, cold room, with the whitewashed walls, and + the narrow bed upon which she lay, brought back to her the recollection of + a hospital ward which she had seen in Edinburgh, and her first thought was + that she had had some accident and had been conveyed to some such + establishment. The delusion was only momentary, however, for her true + situation came back to her at once with all its vague horror. Of the two, + she would have preferred that her first impression had been correct. + </p> + <p> + The small window of her apartment was covered by a dirty muslin blind. She + rose and, drawing it aside, looked eagerly out. From what she had seen the + night before she had hoped that this prison to which she had been conveyed + might make amends for its loneliness by some degree of natural beauty. The + scene which now met her eyes soon dispelled any expectations of the sort. + The avenue with its trees lay on the other side of the house. From her + window nothing was visible but a dreary expanse of bog-land and mudbanks + stretching down to the sea. At high tide this enormous waste of dreariness + and filth was covered by the water, but at present it lay before her in + all its naked hideousness, the very type of dullness and desolation. Here + and there a few scattered reeds, or an unhealthy greenish scum upon the + mud, gave a touch of colour to the scene; but for the most part the great + plain was all of the same sombre mud tint, with its monotony broken only + by the white flecks where the swarms of gulls and kittiwakes had settled + in the hope of picking up whatever had been left by the receding tide. + Away across the broad surface a line of sparkling foam marked the fringe + of the ocean, which stretched away to the horizon. + </p> + <p> + A mile or two to the eastward of her Kate saw some sign of houses, and a + blue smoke which flickered up into the air. This she guessed to be the + fishing village of Lea Claxton, which the driver had mentioned the night + before. She felt, as she gazed at the little hamlet and the masts of the + boats in front of it, that she was not alone in the world, and that even + in this strange and desolate place there were honest hearts to whom as a + last resource she could appeal. + </p> + <p> + She was still standing at the window when there came a knocking at the + door, and she heard the voice of the old woman asking if she were awake. + "Breakfast is ready," she said, "and the master is a-wondering why you + bean't down." + </p> + <p> + On this summons Kate hastened her toilet and made her way down the old + winding stair to the room in which they had supped the night before. + Surely Girdlestone must have had a heart of flint not to be melted by the + sight of that fair, fresh face. His features set as hard as adamant as she + entered the room, and he looked at her with eyes which were puckered and + angry. + </p> + <p> + "You are late," he said coldly. "You must remember that you are not in + Eccleston Square. 'An idle soul shall suffer hunger,' says the prophet. + You are here to be disciplined, and disciplined you shall be." + </p> + <p> + "I am sorry," she answered. "I think that I must have been tired by our + journey." + </p> + <p> + The vast room looked even more comfortless and bleak than on the preceding + evening. On the table was a plate of ham and eggs. John Girdlestone served + out a portion, and pushed it in her direction. She sat down on one of the + rough wooden chairs and ate listlessly, wondering how all this was going + to end. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast Girdlestone ordered the old woman out of the room, and, + standing in front of the fire with his long legs apart and his hands + behind his back, he told her in harsh concise language what his intentions + were. + </p> + <p> + "I had long determined," he said, "that if you ran counter to my wishes, + and persisted in your infatuated affection for that scapegrace, I should + remove you to some secluded spot, where you might reconsider your conduct + and form better resolutions for the future. This country house answered + the purpose admirably, and as an old servant of mine, Mrs. Jorrocks, + chanced to reside in the neighbourhood, I have warned her that at any time + I might come down and should expect to find things ready. Your rash and + heartless conduct has, however, precipitated matters, and we have arrived + before her preparations were complete. Our future arrangements will + therefore be less primitive than they are at present. Here you shall + remain, young lady, until you show signs of repentance, and of a + willingness to undo the harm which you have done." + </p> + <p> + "If you mean until I consent to marry your son, then I shall live and die + here," the girl said bravely. + </p> + <p> + "That rests with yourself. As I said before, you are under discipline + here, and you may not find existence such a bed of roses as it was in + Eccleston Square." + </p> + <p> + "Can I have my maid?" Kate asked. "I can hardly stay here with no one but + the old woman in the house." + </p> + <p> + "Rebecca is coming down. I had a telegram from Ezra to that effect, and he + will himself join us for a day or two in each week." + </p> + <p> + "Ezra here!" Kate cried in horror. Her chief consolation through all her + troubles had been that there seemed to be some chance of getting rid of + her terrible suitor. + </p> + <p> + "And why not?" the old man asked angrily. "Are you so bitter against the + lad as to grudge him the society of his own father?" + </p> + <p> + Kate was saved from further reproaches by the entrance of the old woman to + clear the table. The last item of intelligence, however, had given her a + terrible shock, and at the same time had filled her with astonishment. + What could the fast-living, comfort-seeking man about town want in this + dreary abode? She knew Ezra well, and was sure that he was not a man to + alter his ways of life or suffer discomfort of any kind without some very + definite object. It seemed to her that this was a new mesh in the net + which was being drawn round her. + </p> + <p> + When her guardian had left the room Kate asked Mrs. Jorrocks for a sheet + of paper. The crone shook her head and wagged her pendulous lip in + derision. + </p> + <p> + "Mister Girdlestone thought as you would be after that," she said. "There + ain't no paper here, nor pens neither, nor ink neither." + </p> + <p> + "What, none! Dear Mrs. Jorrocks, do have pity on me, and get me a sheet, + however old and soiled. See, here is some silver! You are very welcome to + it if you will give me the materials for writing one letter." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Jorrocks looked longingly with her bleared eyes at the few shillings + which the girl held out to her, but she shook her head. "I dursn't do it," + she said. "It's as much as my place is worth." + </p> + <p> + "Then I shall walk down to Bedsworth myself," said Kate angrily. "I have + no doubt that the people in the post office will let me sit there and + write it." + </p> + <p> + The old hag laughed hoarsely to herself until the scraggy sinews of her + withered neck stood out like whipcord. She was still chuckling and + coughing when the merchant came back into the room. + </p> + <p> + "What then?" he asked sternly, looking from one to the other. He was + himself constitutionally averse to merriment, and he was irritated by it + in others. "Why are you laughing, Mrs. Jorrocks?" + </p> + <p> + "I was a-laughing at her," the woman wheezed, pointing with tremulous + fingers. "She was askin' me for paper, and sayin' as she would go and + write a letter at the Bedsworth Post Office." + </p> + <p> + "You must understand once for all," Girdlestone roared, turning savagely + upon the girl, "that you are cut off entirely from the outer world. I + shall give you no loophole which you may utilize to continue your intimacy + with undesirable people. I have given orders that you should not be + provided with either paper or ink." + </p> + <p> + Poor Kate's last hope seemed to be fading away. Her heart sank within her, + but she kept a brave face, for she did not wish him to see how his words + had stricken her. She had a desperate plan in her head, which would be + more likely to be successful could she but put him off his guard. + </p> + <p> + She spent the morning in her own little room. She had been provided with a + ponderous brown Bible, out of which the fly leaves had been carefully cut, + and this she read, though her thoughts often wandered away from the sacred + pages. About one o'clock she heard the clatter of hoofs and the sound of + wheels on the drive. Going down, she found that it was a cart which had + come from Bedsworth with furniture. There were carpets, a chest of + drawers, tables, and several other articles, which the driver proceeded to + carry upstairs, helped by John Girdlestone. The old woman was in the upper + room. It seemed to Kate that she might never again have such an + opportunity of carrying out the resolve which she had formed. She put on + her bonnet, and began to stroll listlessly about in front of the door, + picking a few straggling leaves from the neglected lawn. Gradually she + sauntered away in this manner to the head of the avenue, and then, taking + one swift timid glance around, she slipped in among the trees, and made + the best of her way, half walking, half running, down the dark winding + drive. + </p> + <p> + Oh, the joy of the moment when the great white house which had already + become so hateful to her was obscured among the trees behind her! She had + some idea of the road which she had traversed the night before. Behind her + were all her troubles. In front the avenue gate, Bedsworth, and freedom. + She would send both a telegram and a letter to Dr. Dimsdale, and explain + to him her exact situation. If the kind-hearted and energetic physician + once knew of it, he would take care that no harm befell her. She could + return then, and face with a light heart the worst which her guardian + could do to her. Here was the avenue entrance now, the high lichen-eaten + stone pillars, with the battered device upon the top. The iron gate + between was open. With a glad cry she quickened her pace, and in another + moment would have been in the high-road, when— + </p> + <p> + "Now then, where are you a-comin' to?" cried a gruff voice from among the + bushes which flanked the gate. + </p> + <p> + The girl stopped, all in a tremble. In the shadow of the trees there was a + camp-stool, and on the camp-stool sat a savage-looking man, dressed in a + dark corduroy suit, with a blackened clay pipe stuck in the corner of his + mouth. His weather-beaten mahogany face was plentifully covered with + small-pox marks, and one of his eyes was sightless and white from the + effects of the same disease. He rose now, and interposed himself between + her and the gate. + </p> + <p> + "Sink me, if it ain't her," he said slowly, surveying her from head to + foot. "I were given to understand that she was a spanker, an' a spanker + she be." With this oracular remark he took a step back and surveyed Kate + again with his one eye. + </p> + <p> + "My good man," she said, in a trembling voice, for his appearance was far + from reassuring, "I wish to go past and to get to Bedsworth. Here is a + shilling, and I beg that you will not detain me." + </p> + <p> + Her companion stretched out a very dirty hand, took the coin, spun it up + in the air, caught it, bit it, and finally plunged it into the depths of + his trouser pockets. "No road this way, missy," he said; "I've given my + word to the guv'nor, and I can't go back from it." + </p> + <p> + "You have no right to detain me," Kate cried angrily. "I have good friends + in London who will make you suffer for this." + </p> + <p> + "She's a-goin' to flare up," said the one-eyed man; "knock me helpless, if + she ain't!" + </p> + <p> + "I shall come through!" the girl cried in desperation. She was only a + dozen yards from the lane which led to freedom, so she made a quick little + feminine rush in the hope of avoiding this dreadful sentinel who barred + her passage. He caught her round the waist, however, and hurled her back + with such violence that she staggered across the path, and would have + fallen had she not struck violently against a tree. As it was, she was + badly bruised and the breath shaken out of her body. + </p> + <p> + "She <i>has</i> flared up," said the one-eyed man, removing his pipe from + his lips. "Blow me asunder if she bean't a rustler!" He brought his + camp-stool from the side of the pillar and, planting it right in the + centre of the gateway, sat down upon it again. "You see, missy," he + remarked, "it's no manner o' use. If you did get out it would only be to + be put in a reg'lar 'sylum." + </p> + <p> + "An asylum!" gasped Kate, sobbing with pain and anger. "Do you think I am + mad, then?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't think nowt about it," the man remarked calmly. "I knows it." + </p> + <p> + This was a new light to Kate. She was so bewildered that she could hardly + realize the significance of the remark. + </p> + <p> + "Who are you?" she said. "Why is it that you treat me in this cruel way?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, now we come to business," he said, in a satisfied way, crossing his + legs, and blowing great wreaths from his pipe. "This is more like reason. + Who am I? says you. Well, my name's Stevens—Bill Stevens, hesquire, + o' Claxton, in the county o' Hants. I've been an A.B. in the navy, and + I've got my pension to show it. I've been in the loon'cy business, too—was + second warder in the suicide ward at Portsmouth for more'n two year. I've + been out of a billet for some time, and Muster Girdlestone he came to me + and he says, 'You're William Stevens, hesquire?' says he. 'I am,' says I. + 'You've had experience o' loonies?' says he. 'I have,' says I. 'Then + you're the man I want,' says he. 'You shall have a pound a week an' + nothing to do.' 'The very crib for me,' says I. 'You've got to sit at the + gate,' says he, 'and prevent a patient from gettin' out!' That was all as + he said. Then you comes down from Lunnon, an' I comes up from Claxton, and + here we be, all snug an' comfort'ble. So, you see, missy, it ain't no use + at all, and you'll never get out this way." + </p> + <p> + "But if you let me past he will think that I ran by so quickly that you + could not stop me. He could not be very angry then, and I shall give you + more money than you would lose." + </p> + <p> + "No, no," said the man, shaking his head energetically, "I'm true to my + colours, sink me, but I am! I never was bribed yet, and never will be + unless you can offer cash down instead o' promises. You can't lay them by + to live on in your old age." + </p> + <p> + "Alas!" Kate cried, "I have no money except these few shillings." + </p> + <p> + "Give them over here, then." He put them in his trouser pocket beside the + other one. "That's all right, missy," he said, in a beery whisper. "I + won't say anything now to Muster Girdlestone about this job. He'd be wild + if he knew, but mum's the word with William Stevens, hesquire. Lor', if + this ain't my wife a-comin' out wi' my dinner! Away with ye, away! If she + seed me a-speakin' to you she'd tear your hair for you as like as not. + She's jealous, that's what's the matter wi' her. If she sees a woman + makin' much o' me, it's just pisen to her, and she goes for 'em straight. + She's the one to make the fur fly! Away with you, I say!" + </p> + <p> + Poor Kate, appalled by the possibility of making a new enemy, turned and + retraced her steps slowly and sadly up the avenue. As she glanced back she + saw a gaunt, hard-featured woman trudging up the lane with a tin can in + her hand. Lonely and forlorn, but not yet quite destitute of hope, she + turned to the right among the trees, and pushed her way through bushes and + brambles to the boundary of the Priory grounds. It was a lofty wall, at + least nine feet in height, with a coping which bristled with jagged pieces + of glass. Kate walked along the base of it, her fair skin all torn and + bleeding with scratches from the briars, until she satisfied herself that + there was no break in it. There was one small wooden door on the side + which was skirted by the railway line, but it was locked and impassable. + The only opening through which a human being could pass was that which was + guarded in the manner she had seen. The sickening conviction took + possession of her mind that without wings it was an utter impossibility + either to get away or to give the least information to any one in the + world as to where she was or what might befall her. + </p> + <p> + When she came back to the house, tired and dishevelled after her journey + of exploration, Girdlestone was standing by the door to receive her with a + sardonic smile upon his thin lips. "How do you like the grounds, then?" he + asked, with, the nearest approach to hilarity which she had ever heard + from him. "And the ornamental fencing? and the lodge-keeper? How did you + like them all?" + </p> + <p> + Kate tried for a moment to make some brave retort, but it was a useless + attempt. Her lips trembled, her eyes filled, and, with a cry of grief and + despair which might have moved a wild beast, she fled to her room, and, + throwing herself upon her bed, burst into such scalding bitter tears as + few women are ever called upon to shed. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV. — A TALK ON THE LAWN. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">That</span> same evening Rebecca came down from London. Her presence was a + comfort to Kate, for though she had never liked or trusted the girl, yet + the mere fact of having some one of her own age near her, gave her a sense + of security and of companionship. Her room, too, had been altered for the + better, and the maid was given the one next door, so that by knocking on + the wall she could always communicate with her. This was an unspeakable + consolation, for at night the old house was so full of the sudden + crackings of warped timber and the scampering of rats that entire + loneliness was unendurable. + </p> + <p> + Apart from these uncanny sounds there were other circumstances which gave + the Priory a sinister reputation. The very aspect of the building was + enough to suggest weird impressions. Its high white walls were blotched + with patches of mildew, and in some parts there were long greenish stains + from roof to ground, like tear streaks on the crumbling plaster. Indoors + there was a dank graveyard smell in the low corridors and narrow + stair-cases. Floors and ceilings were equally worm-eaten and rotten. Broad + flakes of plaster from the walls lay littered about in the passages. The + wind, too, penetrated the building through many cracks and crannies, so + that there was a constant sighing and soughing in the big dreary rooms, + which had a most eerie and melancholy effect. + </p> + <p> + Kate soon learned, however, that, besides these vague terrors, all + predisposing the mind to alarm and exciting the imagination, there was a + general belief that another more definite cause for fear existed in the + old monastery. With cruel minuteness of detail her guardian had told her + the legend which haunted those gloomy corridors. + </p> + <p> + It appears that in olden times the Priory had been inhabited by + Dominicans, and that in the course of years these monks had fallen away + from their original state of sanctity. They preserved a name for piety + among the country folk by their austere demeanour, but in secret, within + the walls of their own monastery, they practised every sort of dissipation + and crime. + </p> + <p> + While the community was in this state of demoralization, each, from the + abbot downwards, vying with the other in the number and enormity of their + sins, there came a pious-minded youth from a neighbouring village, who + begged that he might be permitted to join the order. He had been + attracted, he said, by the fame of their sanctity. He was received amongst + them, and at first was not admitted to their revels, but gradually, as his + conscience was supposed to become more hardened, he was duly initiated + into all their mysteries. Horrified by what he saw, the good youth + concealed his indignation until he had mastered all the abominations of + the establishment, and then, rising up on the altar steps, he denounced + them in fiery, scathing words. He would leave them that night, he said, + and he would tell his experiences through the length and breadth of the + country. Incensed and alarmed, the friars held a hasty meeting, and then, + seizing the young novice, they dragged him down the cellar steps and + locked him up there. This same cellar had long been celebrated for the + size and ferocity of the rats which inhabited it which were so fierce and + strong that even during the day they had been known to attack those who + entered. It is said that long into the weary hours of the night, the + fearful shrieks and terrible struggles of the captive, as he fought with + his innumerable assailants, resounded through the long corridors. + </p> + <p> + "They do say that he walks about the house at times," Girdlestone said, in + conclusion. "No one has ever been found who would live here very long + since then. But, of course, such a strong-minded young woman as you, who + cannot even obey your own guardian, would never be frightened by such a + childish idea as that." + </p> + <p> + "I do not believe in ghosts, and I don't think I shall be frightened," + Kate answered; but, for all that, the horrible story stuck in her mind, + and added another to the many terrors which surrounded her. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Girdlestone's room was immediately above hers. On the second day of + her imprisonment she went up on to this landing, for, having nothing to + read save the Bible, and no materials for writing, she had little to do + but to wander over the old house, and through the grounds. The door of + Girdlestone's room was ajar, and she could not help observing as she + passed that the apartment was most elegantly and comfortably furnished. So + was the next room, the door of which was also open. The solid furniture + and rich carpet contrasted strangely with her own bare, whitewashed + chamber. All this pointed to the fact that her removal to the Priory had + not been a sudden impulse on the part of the old merchant, but that he had + planned and arranged every detail beforehand. Her refusal of Ezra was only + the excuse for setting the machinery in motion. What was the object, then, + and what was to be the end of this subtle scheming? That was the question + which occurred to her every hour of the day, and every hour the answer + seemed more grim and menacing. + </p> + <p> + There was one link in the chain which was ever hidden from her. It had + never occurred to the girl that her fortune could be of moment to the + firm. She had been so accustomed to hear Ezra and his father talk glibly + of millions, that she depreciated her own little capital and failed to + realize how important it might be in a commercial crisis. Indeed, the + possibility of such a crisis never entered her head, for one of her + earliest impressions was hearing her father talk of the great resources of + the firm and of its stability. That this firm was now in the direst + straits, and that her money was absolutely essential to its existence, + were things which never for one instant entered her thoughts. + </p> + <p> + Yet that necessity was becoming more pressing every day. Ezra, in London, + was doing all that indomitable energy and extraordinary business capacity + could do to prolong the struggle. As debts became due, he would still + stave off each creditor with such skill and plausibility as allayed every + suspicion. Day by day, however, the work became more severe, and he felt + that he was propping up an edifice which was so rotten that it must, + sooner or later, come crumbling about his ears. When he came down to the + Priory upon the Saturday, the young man's haggard and anxious face showed + the severe ordeal which he had undergone. + </p> + <p> + Kate had already retired to her room when he arrived. She heard the sound + of the trap, however, and guessed who it was, even before his deep bass + voice sounded in the room beneath. Looking out of her window a little + later she saw him walking to and fro in the moonlight, talking earnestly + to his father. It was a bitter night, and she wondered what they could + have to talk about which might not be said beside the warm fire in the + dining-room. They flickered up and down among the shadows for more than an + hour, and then the girl heard the door slam, and shortly afterwards the + heavy tread of the two men passed her chamber, and ascended to the rooms + above. + </p> + <p> + It was a momentous conversation which she had witnessed. In it Ezra had + shown his father how impossible it was to keep up appearances, and how + infallible was their ruin unless help came speedily. + </p> + <p> + "I don't think any of them smell a rat," he said. "Mortimer and Johnson + pressed for their bill in rather an ugly manner, but I talked them over + completely. I took out my cheque-book. 'Look here, gentlemen,' said I, 'if + you wish I shall write a cheque for the amount. If I do, it will be the + last piece of business which we shall do together. A great house like ours + can't afford to be disturbed in the routine of their business.' They + curled up at once, and said no more about it. It was an anxious moment + though, for if they had taken my offer, the whole murder would have been + out." + </p> + <p> + The old man started at the word his son had used, and rubbed his hands + together as though a sudden chill had struck through him. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you think, Ezra," he said, clutching his son's arm, "that is a very + foolish saying about 'murder will out'? I remember Pilkington, the + detective, who was a member of our church when I used to worship at Durham + Street, speaking on this subject. He said that it was his opinion that + people are being continually made away with, and that not more than one in + ten are ever accounted for. Nine chances to one, Ezra, and then those + which are found out are very vulgar affairs. If a man of intellect gave + his mind to it, there would be little chance of detection. How very cold + the night is!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," returned his son. "It is best to talk of such things in the open + air, though. How has all gone since you have been down here?" + </p> + <p> + "Very well. She was restive the first day, and wanted to get to Bedsworth. + I think that she has given it up now as a bad job. Stevens, the + gatekeeper, is a very worthy fellow." + </p> + <p> + "What steps have you taken?" asked Ezra, striking a fusee and lighting a + cigar. + </p> + <p> + "I have taken care that they should know that she is an invalid, both at + Bedsworth and at Claxton. They have all heard of the poor sick young lady + at the Priory. I have let them know also that her mind is a little + strange, which accounts, of course, for her being kept in solitude. When + it happens—" + </p> + <p> + "For God's sake, be quiet!" the young man cried, with a shudder. "It's an + awful job; it won't bear thinking of." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, it is a sad business; but what else is there?" + </p> + <p> + "And how would you do it?" Ezra asked, in a hoarse whisper. "No violence, + I hope." + </p> + <p> + "It may come to that. I have other plans in my head, however, which may be + tried first. I think that I see one way out of it which would simplify + matters." + </p> + <p> + "If there is no alternative I have a man who is ripe for any job of the + sort." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, who is that?" + </p> + <p> + "A fellow who can hit a good downright blow, as I can testify to my cost. + His name is Burt. He is the man who cut my head open in Africa. I met him + in London the other day, and spotted him at once. He is a half-starved, + poor devil, and as desperate as a man could be. He is just in the key for + any business of the sort. I've got the whip-hand of him now, and he knows + it, so that I could put him up to anything. I believe that such a job + would be a positive pleasure to him, for the fellow is more like a wild + beast than a man." + </p> + <p> + "Sad, sad!" Girdlestone exclaimed. "If a man once falls away, what is + there to separate him from the beasts? How can I find this man?" + </p> + <p> + "Wire to me. Put 'Send a doctor;' that will do as well as anything else, + and will sound well at the post-office. I'll see that he comes down by the + next train. You'd best meet him at the station, for the chances are that + he will be drunk." + </p> + <p> + "Bring him down," said Girdlestone. "You must be here yourself." + </p> + <p> + "Surely you can do without me?" + </p> + <p> + "No, no. We must stand or fall together." + </p> + <p> + "I've a good mind to throw the thing over," said Ezra, stopping in his + walk. "It sickens me." + </p> + <p> + "What! Go back now!" the old man cried vehemently. "No, no, that would be + too craven. We have everything in our favour, and all that we want is a + stout heart. Oh, my boy, my boy, on the one side of you are ruin, + dishonour, a sordid existence, and the scorn of your old companions; on + the other are success and riches and fame and all that can make life + pleasant. You know as well as I do that the girl's money would turn the + scale, and that all would then be well. Your whole future depends upon her + death. We have given her every chance. She laughed at your love. It is + time now to show her your hate." + </p> + <p> + "That is true enough," Ezra said, walking on. "There is no reason why I + should pity her. I've put my hand to the plough, and I shall go on. I seem + to be getting into your infernal knack of scripture quoting." + </p> + <p> + "There is a brave, good lad," cried his father. "It would not do to draw + back now." + </p> + <p> + "You will find Rebecca useful," the young man said, "You may trust her + entirely." + </p> + <p> + "You did well to send her. Have they asked for me much?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. I have told them all the same story—nervous exhaustion, and + doctor's orders that you were not to be disturbed by any business letters. + The only man who seemed to smell a rat was that young Dimsdale." + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" cried the old man, with a chuckle; "of course he would be surprised + at our disappearance." + </p> + <p> + "He looks like a madman; asked me where you had gone, and when I answered + him as I had the others, stormed out that he had a right to know, and that + he would know. His blood was up, and there was nearly being a pretty scene + before the clerks. He follows me home every evening to Eccleston Square, + and waits outside half the night through to see that I do not leave the + house." + </p> + <p> + "Does he, though?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; he came after me to the station to-day. He had a cravat round his + mouth and an ulster, but I could see that it was he. I took a ticket for + Colchester. He took one also, and made for the Colchester train. I gave + him the slip, got the right ticket, and came on. I've no doubt he is at + Colchester at this moment." + </p> + <p> + "Remember, my boy," the merchant said, as they turned from the door, "this + is the last of our trials. If we succeed in this, all is well for the + future." + </p> + <p> + "We have tried diamonds, and we have tried marriage. The third time is the + charm," said Ezra, as he threw away his cigar and followed his father. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI. — THE INCIDENT OF THE CORRIDOR. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">Ezra Girdlestone</span> hardly went through the formality of greeting Kate next + morning when she came down to breakfast. He was evidently ill at ease, and + turned away his eyes when she looked at him, though he glanced at her + furtively from time to time. His father chatted with him upon City + matters, but the young man's answers were brusque and monosyllabic. His + sleep had been troubled and broken, for the conversation of the night + before had obtruded unpleasantly on his dreams. + </p> + <p> + Kate slipped away from them as soon as she could and, putting on her + bonnet, went for a long walk through the grounds, partly for the sake of + exercise, and partly in the hope of finding some egress. The one-eyed + gate-keeper was at his post, and set up a hideous shout of laughter when + he saw her; so she branched off among the trees to avoid him, and walked + once more very carefully round the boundary wall. It was no easy matter to + follow it continuously, for the briars and brambles grew in a confused + tangle up to its very base. By perseverance, however, she succeeded in + tracing every foot of it, and so satisfying herself finally that there was + no diminution anywhere in its height, no break in its continuity, save the + one small wooden door which was securely fastened. + </p> + <p> + There was one spot, however, where a gleam of hope presented itself. At an + angle of the wall there stood a deserted wooden shed, which had been used + for the protection of gardeners' tools in the days when the grounds had + been kept in better order. It was not buttressed up against the wall, but + stood some eight or ten feet from it. Beside the shed was an empty barrel + which had once been a water-butt. The girl managed to climb to the top of + the barrel, and from this she was easily able to gain the sloping roof of + the shed. Up this she clambered until she stood upon the summit, a + considerable height above the ground. From it she was able to look down + over the wall on to the country-road and the railway line which lay on the + other side of it. True that an impassable chasm lay between her and the + wall, but it would be surely possible for her to hail passers-by from + here, and to persuade some of them to carry a letter to Bedsworth or to + bring paper from there. Fresh hope gushed into her heart at the thought. + </p> + <p> + It was not a very secure footing, for the planks of which the shed was + composed were worm-eaten and rotten. They cracked and crumbled beneath her + feet, but what would she not dare to see a friendly human face? As she + stood there a couple of country louts, young lads about sixteen, came + strolling down the road, the one whistling and the other munching at a raw + turnip. They lounged along until they came opposite to Kate's point of + observation, when one of them looking up saw her pale face surmounting the + wall. + </p> + <p> + "Hey, Bill," he cried to his companion, "blowed if the mad wench bean't up + on the shed over yander!" + </p> + <p> + "So she be!" said the other eagerly. "Give me your turnip. Jimmy, an' I'll + shy it at her." + </p> + <p> + "Noa, I'll shy it mysel'," said the gallant Jimmy; and at the word whizz + came the half of a turnip within an inch of Kate's ear. + </p> + <p> + "You've missed her!" shrieked the other savage. "'Ere, quick, where be a + stone?" But before he could find one the poor girl, sick at heart, + clambered down from her exposed situation. + </p> + <p> + "There is no hope for me anywhere," she sobbed to herself. "Every man's + hand is against me. I have only one true friend, and he is far away." She + went back to her room utterly disheartened and dispirited. + </p> + <p> + Her guardian knocked at her door before dinner time. "I trust," he said, + "that you have read over the service. It is as well to do so when you + cannot go to church." + </p> + <p> + "And why should you prevent me from going to church?" she asked. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, my lady," he said with a sneer, "you are reaping what you have sown. + You are tasting now, the bitter fruits of your disobedience. Repent before + it is too late!" + </p> + <p> + "I have done no wrong," she said, turning on him with flashing eyes. "It + is for <i>you</i> to repent, you violent and hypocritical man. It is for + you to answer for your godly words and your ungodly and wicked actions. + There is a power which will judge between us some day, and will exact + atonement for your broken oath to your dead friend and for your cruel + treatment of one who was left to your care." She spoke with burning cheeks + and with such fearless energy that the hard City man fairly cowered away + from her. + </p> + <p> + "We will leave that to the future," he said. "I came up to do you a + kindness, and you abuse me. I hear that there are insects about the house, + beetles and the like. A few drops from this bottle scattered about the + room would keep them away. Take care, for it is a violent though painless + poison if taken by a human being." He handed her a phial, with a brownish + turbid liquid in it, and a large red poison label, which she took without + comment and placed upon the mantelpiece. Girdlestone gave a quick, keen + glance at her as he retired. In truth he was astonished at the alteration + which the last few days had made in her appearance. Her cheeks were + colourless and sunken, save for the single hectic spot, which announced + the fever within. Her eyes were unnaturally bright. A strange and new + expression had settled upon her whole countenance. It seemed to + Girdlestone that there was every chance that his story might become a + reality, and her reason be permanently deranged. She had, however, more + vitality than her guardian gave her credit for. Indeed, at the very time + when he set her down in his mind as a broken woman, she had formed a fresh + plan for escape, which it would require both energy and determination to + put into execution. + </p> + <p> + During the last few days she had endeavoured to make friends with the maid + Rebecca, but the invincible aversion which the latter had entertained for + her, ever since Ezra had visited her with his unwelcome attentions, was + not to be overcome by any advances which she could make. She performed her + offices with a heart full of malice, and an eye which triumphed in her + mistress's misfortunes. + </p> + <p> + Kate had bethought herself that Stevens, the gatekeeper, only mounted + guard during the day. She had observed, too, at the time of her + conversation with him, that the iron gate was in such a state of disrepair + that, even if it were locked, it would not be a difficult matter to + scramble through or over it. If she could only gain the open air during + the night there would be nothing to prevent her from making her way to + Bedsworth, whence she could travel on to Portsmouth, which was only seven + miles away. Surely there she would find some charitable people who would + communicate with her friends and give her a temporary shelter. + </p> + <p> + The front door of the house was locked every night, but there was a nail + behind it, on which she hoped to find the key. There was another door at + the back. Then there were the windows of the ground-floor, which might be + tried in case the doors were too securely fastened. If only she could + avoid waking any one there was no reason why she should not succeed. If + the worst came to the worst and she was detected, they could not treat her + more cruelly than they had already done. + </p> + <p> + Ezra had gone back to London, so that she had only three enemies to + contend against, Girdlestone, Rebecca, and old Mrs. Jorrocks. Of these, + Girdlestone slept upon the floor above, and Mrs. Jorrocks, who might have + been the most dangerous of all, as her room was on the ground-floor, was + fortunately so deaf that there was little risk of disturbing her. The + problem resolved itself, therefore, into being able to pass Rebecca's room + without arousing her, and, as she knew the maid to be a sound sleeper, + there seemed to be every chance of success. + </p> + <p> + She sat at her window all that afternoon steeling her mind to the ordeal + before her. She was weak, poor girl, and shaken, little fit for anything + which required courage and resolution. Her mind ran much upon her father, + and upon the mother whom she had never known, but whose miniature was + among her most precious treasures. The thought of them helped to dispel + the dreadful feeling of utter loneliness, which was the most unendurable + of all her troubles. + </p> + <p> + It was a cold, bright day, and the tide was in, covering the mudbanks and + lapping up against the walls of the Priory grounds. So clear was it that + she could distinguish the houses at the east end of the Isle of Wight. + When she opened her window and looked out she could perceive that the sea + upon her right formed a great inlet, dreary and dry at low tide, but + looking now like a broad, reed-girt lake. This was Langston Harbour, and + far away at its mouth she could make out a clump of buildings which marked + the watering-place of Hayling. + </p> + <p> + There were other signs, however, of the presence of man. From her window + she could see the great men-of-war steaming up the Channel, to and from + the anchorage at Spithead. Some were low in the water and venomous + looking, with bulbous turrets and tiny masts. Others were long and + stately, with great lowering hulks and broad expanse of canvas. + Occasionally a foreign service gunboat would pass, white and ghostly, like + some tired seabird flapping its way home. It was one of Kate's few + amusements to watch the passing and repassing of the vessels, and to + speculate upon whence they had come and whither they were bound. + </p> + <p> + On that eventful evening Rebecca went to bed rather earlier than usual. + Kate retired to her room, and having made her final preparations and + stuffed her few articles of jewelry into her pockets, to serve in place of + money, she lay down upon her bed, and trembled at the thought of what was + in front of her. Down below she could hear her guardian's shuffling step + as he moved about the refectory. Then came the creaking of the rusty lock + as he secured the door, and shortly afterwards he passed upstairs to his + room. Mrs. Jorrocks had also gone to bed, and all was quiet in the house. + </p> + <p> + Kate knew that some hours must elapse before she could venture to make the + attempt. She remembered to have read in some book that the sleep of a + human being was usually deepest about two in the morning, so she had + chosen that hour for her enterprise. She had put on her strongest dress + and her thickest shoes, but had muffled the latter in cloth, so that they + should make no sound. No precaution which she could think of had been + neglected. There was now nothing to be done but to spend the time as best + she might until the hour of action should arrive. + </p> + <p> + She rose and looked out of the window again. The tide was out now, and the + moon glittered upon the distant ocean. A mist was creeping up, however, + and even as she looked it drew its veil over the water. It was bitterly + cold. She shivered and her teeth began to chatter. Stretching herself upon + the bed once more, she wrapped the blankets round her, and, worn out with + anxiety and fatigue, dropped into a troubled sleep. + </p> + <p> + She slumbered some hours before she awoke. + </p> + <p> + Looking at her watch she found that it was after two. She must not delay + any longer. With the little bundle of her more valuable possessions in her + hand, she gave such a gasp as a diver gives before he makes his spring, + and slipping past Rebecca's half-opened door she felt her way down the + wooden stair, picking her steps very carefully. + </p> + <p> + Even in the daytime she had often noticed how those old planks creaked and + cracked beneath her weight. Now, in the dead silence of the night, they + emitted such sounds that her heart sank within her. She stopped several + times, convinced that she must be discovered, but all was hushed and + still. It was a relief when at last she reached the ground-floor, and was + able to feel her way along the passage to the door. + </p> + <p> + Shaking in every limb from cold and fear, she put her hand to the lock; + the key was not there. She tried the nail; there was nothing there. Her + wary gaoler had evidently carried it away with him to his room. Would it + occur to him to do the same in the case of the back door? It was very + possible that he might have overlooked it. She retraced her steps down the + passage, passed Mrs. Jorrocks' room, where the old woman was snoring + peacefully, and began to make her way as best she could through the great + rambling building. + </p> + <p> + Running along the basement floor from front to back there was a long + corridor, one side of which was pierced for windows. At the end of this + corridor was the door which she wished to reach. The moon had broken + through the fog, and pouring its light through each opening cast a + succession of silvery flickering spots upon the floor. Between each of + these bars of uncertain light was an interval of darkness. Kate stood at + the head of this corridor with her hand against the wall, awed by the + sudden sight of the moonlight and by the weird effect which was produced + by the alternate patches of shadow and brightness. As she stood there, + suddenly, with eyes distended with horror, she became aware that something + was approaching her down the corridor. + </p> + <p> + She saw it moving as a dark formless mass at the further end. It passed + through the bar of light, vanished, appeared once more, lost itself in the + darkness, emerged again. It was half-way down the passage and still coming + on. Petrified with terror, she could only wait and watch. Nearer it came + and nearer. It was gliding into the last bar of light Immediately in front + of her! It was on her! God of mercy, it was a Dominican friar! The moon + shone clear and cold upon his gaunt figure and his sombre robes. The poor + girl threw up her hands, gave one terrible scream of horror, which rang + through the old house, and sank senseless to the ground. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII. — A CHASE AND A BRAWL. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">It</span> would be impossible to describe the suspense in which Tom Dimsdale + lived during these weeks. In vain he tried in every manner to find some + way of tracing the fugitives. He wandered aimlessly about London from one + inquiry office to another, telling his story and appealing for assistance. + He advertised in papers and cross-questioned every one who might know + anything of the matter. There were none, however, who could help him or + throw any light upon the mystery. + </p> + <p> + No one at the office knew anything of the movements of the senior partner. + To all inquiries Ezra replied that he had been ordered by the doctors to + seek complete repose in the country. Dimsdale dogged Ezra's footsteps + night after night in the hope of gaining some clue, but in vain. On the + Saturday he followed him to the railway station, but Ezra, as we have + seen, succeeded in giving him the slip. + </p> + <p> + His father became seriously anxious about the young fellow's health. He + ate nothing and his sleep was much broken. Both the old people tried to + inculcate patience and moderation. + </p> + <p> + "That fellow, Ezra Girdlestone, knows where they are," Tom would cry, + striding wildly up and down the room with unkempt hair and clenched hands. + "I will have his secret, if I have to tear it out of him." + </p> + <p> + "Steady, lad, steady!" the doctor replied to one of these outbursts. + "There is nothing to be gained by violence. They are on the right side of + the law at present, and you will be on the wrong if you do anything rash. + The girl could have written if she were uncomfortable." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, so she could. She must have forgotten us. How could she, after all + that has passed!" + </p> + <p> + "Let us hope for the best, let us hope for the best," the doctor would say + soothingly. Yet it must be confessed that he was considerably staggered by + the turn which things had taken. He had seen so much of the world in his + professional capacity that he had become a very reliable judge of + character. All his instincts told him that Kate Harston was a true-hearted + and well-principled girl. It was not in her nature to leave London and + never to send a single line to her friends to tell them where or why she + had gone. There must, he was sure, be some good reason for her silence, + and this reason resolved itself into one or two things—either she + was ill and unable to hold a pen, or she had lost her freedom and was + restrained from writing to them. The last supposition seemed to the doctor + to be the more serious of the two. + </p> + <p> + Had he known the instability of the Girdlestone firm, and the necessity + they were under of getting ready money, he would at once have held the key + to the enigma. He had no idea of that, but in spite of his ignorance he + was deeply distrustful of both father and son. He knew and had often + deplored the clause in John Harston's will by which the ward's money + reverted to the guardian. Forty thousand pounds were a bait which might + tempt even a wealthy man into crooked paths. + </p> + <p> + It was Saturday—the third Saturday since Girdlestone and his ward + had disappeared. Dimsdale had fully made up his mind that, go where he + would, Ezra should not escape him this time. On two consecutive Saturdays + the young merchant had managed to get away from him, and had been absent + each time until the Monday morning. Tom knew, and the thought was a bitter + one, that these days were spent in some unknown retreat in the company of + Kate and of her guardian. This time at least he should not get away + without revealing his destination. + </p> + <p> + The two young men remained in the office until two o'clock. Then Ezra put + on his hat and overcoat, buttoning it up close, for the weather was + bitterly cold. Tom at once picked up his wide-awake and followed him out + into Fenchurch Street, so close to his heels that the swinging door had + not shut on the one before the other passed through. Ezra glanced round at + him when he heard the footsteps, and gave a snarl like an angry dog. There + was no longer any pretence of civility between the two, and whenever their + eyes met it was only to exchange glances of hatred and defiance. + </p> + <p> + A hansom was passing down the street, and Ezra, with a few muttered words + to the driver, sprang in. Fortunately another had just discharged its + fare, and was still waiting by the curb. Tom ran up to it. "Keep that red + cab in sight," he said. "Whatever you do, don't let it get away from you." + The driver, who was a man of few words, nodded and whipped up his horse. + </p> + <p> + It chanced that this same horse was either a faster or a fresher one than + that which bore the young merchant. The red cab rattled down Fleet Street, + then doubled on its tracks, and coming back by St. Paul's plunged into a + labyrinth of side streets, from which it eventually emerged upon the + Thames Embankment. In spite of all its efforts, however, it was unable to + shake off its pursuer. The red cab journeyed on down the Embankment and + across one of the bridges, Tom's able charioteer still keeping only a few + yards behind it. Among the narrow streets on the Surrey side Ezra's + vehicle pulled up at a low beer-shop. Tom's drove on a hundred yards or + so, and then stopped where he could have a good view of whatever occurred. + Ezra had jumped out and entered the public-house. Tom waited patiently + outside until he should reappear. His movements hitherto had puzzled him + completely. For a moment the wild hope came into his head that Kate might + be concealed in this strange hiding-place, but a little reflection showed + him the absurdity and impossibility of the idea. + </p> + <p> + He had not long to wait. In a very few minutes young Girdlestone came out + again, accompanied by a tall, burly man, with a bushy red beard, who was + miserably dressed, and appeared to be somewhat the worse for drink. He was + helped into the cab by Ezra, and the pair drove off together. Tom was more + bewildered than ever. Who was this fellow, and what connexion had he with + the matter on hand? Like a sleuth-hound the pursuing hansom threaded its + way through the torrent of vehicles which pour down the London streets, + never for one moment losing sight of its quarry. Presently they wheeled + into the Waterloo Road, close to the Waterloo Station. The red cab turned + sharp round and rattled up the incline which leads to the main line. Tom + sprang out, tossed a sovereign to the driver, and followed on foot at the + top of his speed. + </p> + <p> + As he ran into the station Ezra Girdlestone and the red-bearded stranger + were immediately in front of him. There was a great swarm of people all + around, for, as it was Saturday, there were special trains to the country. + Tom was afraid of losing sight of the two men in the crowd, so he elbowed + his way through as quickly as he could, and got immediately behind them—so + close that he could have touched them with his hand. They were approaching + the booking-office, when Ezra glanced round and saw his rival standing + behind him. He gave a bitter curse, and whispered something to his + half-drunken companion. The latter turned, and with an inarticulate cry, + like a wild beast, rushed at the young man and seized him by the throat + with his brawny hands. + </p> + <p> + It is one thing, however, to catch a man by the throat, and another to + retain that grip, especially when your antagonist happens to be an + International football player. To Tom this red-bearded rough, who charged + him so furiously, was nothing more than the thousands of bull-headed + forwards who had come upon him like thunder-bolts in the days of old. With + the ease begotten by practice he circled his assailant with his long + muscular arms, and gave a quick convulsive jerk in which every sinew of + his body participated. The red-bearded man's stumpy legs described a + half-circle in the air, and he came down on the stone pavement with a + sounding crash which shook every particle of breath from his enormous + body. + </p> + <p> + Tom's fighting blood was all aflame now, and his grey eyes glittered with + a Berserk joy as he made at Ezra. All the cautions of his father and the + exhortations of his mother were cast to the winds as he saw his enemy + standing before him. To do him justice, Ezra was nothing loth, but sprang + forward to meet him, hitting with both hands. They were well matched, for + both were trained boxers and exceptionally powerful men. Ezra was perhaps + the stronger, but Tom was in better condition. There was a short eager + rally—blow and guard and counter so quick and hard that the eye + could hardly follow it. Then a rush of railway servants and bystanders + tore them asunder. Tom had a red flush on his forehead where a blow had + fallen, Ezra was spitting out the fragments of a broken tooth, and + bleeding profusely. Each struggled furiously to get at the other, with the + result that they were dragged farther apart. Eventually a burly policeman + seized Tom by the collar, and held him as in a vice. + </p> + <p> + "Where is he?" Tom cried, craning his neck to catch a glimpse of his + enemy. "He'll get away after all." + </p> + <p> + "Can't 'elp that," said the guardian of the peace phlegmatically. "A + gen'elman like you ought to be ashamed. Keep quiet now! Would yer, then!" + This last at some specially energetic effort on the part of the prisoner + to recover his freedom. + </p> + <p> + "They'll get away! I know they will!" Tom cried in despair, for both Ezra + and his companion, who was none other than Burt, of African notoriety, had + disappeared from his sight. His fears proved to be only too well founded, + for when at last he succeeded in wresting himself from the constable's + clutches he could find no trace of his enemies. A dozen bystanders gave a + dozen different accounts of their movements. He rushed from one platform + to another over all the great station. He could have torn his hair at the + thought of the way in which he had allowed them to slip through his + fingers. It was fully an hour before he finally abandoned the search, and + acknowledged to himself that he had been hoodwinked for the third time, + and that a long week would elapse before he could have another chance of + solving the mystery. + </p> + <p> + He turned at last sadly and reluctantly away from the station, and walked + across to Waterloo Bridge, brooding over all that had occurred, and + cursing himself for his stupidity in allowing himself to be drawn into a + vulgar brawl, when he might have attained his end so much better by quiet + observation. It was some consolation, however, that he had had one fair + crack at Ezra Girdlestone. He glanced down at his knuckles, which were raw + and bleeding, with a mixture of satisfaction and disgust. With half a + smile he put his injured hand in his pocket, and looking up once more + became aware that a red-faced gentleman was approaching him in a highly + excited manner. + </p> + <p> + It could not be said that the red-faced gentleman walked, neither could it + be said that the red-faced gentleman ran. His mode of progression might + best be described as a succession of short and unwieldy jumps, which, as + he was a rather stout gentleman, appeared to indicate some very urgent and + pressing need for hurry. His face was bathed in perspiration, and his + collar had become flaccid and shapeless from the same cause. It appeared + to Tom, as he gazed at those rubicund, though anxious, features, that they + should be well known to him. That glossy hat, those speckless gaiters, and + the long frock-coat, surely they could belong to none other than the + gallant Major Tobias Clutterbuck, late of her Majesty's 119th of the Line? + </p> + <p> + As the old soldier approached Tom, he quickened his pace, so that when he + eventually came up with him he could only puff and pant and hold out a + soiled letter. + </p> + <p> + "Read!" he managed to ejaculate. + </p> + <p> + Tom opened the letter and glanced his eye over the contents, with a face + which had turned as pale as the major's was red. When he finished it he + turned without a word, and began to run in the direction from which he had + come, the major following as quickly as his breath would permit. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII. — GIRDLESTONE SENDS FOR THE DOCTOR. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">When</span> Kate came to herself after the terrible incident which frustrated her + attempt at escape, she found herself in bed in her own little room. By the + light which shone in through the window she knew that it must be well on + in the day. Her head was throbbing violently, and she was so weak that she + could hardly raise herself in bed. When she looked round she found that + Rebecca had brought a chair in from her room and was sitting by the fire. + At the sound of her movement the maid glanced up and perceived that her + mistress had recovered consciousness. + </p> + <p> + "Lor' bless me!" she cried, "you've given us a pretty fright. We thought + you wasn't coming back to your senses no more. You've been a-lyin' there + since the middle of the night, and now it's close on to twelve o'clock." + </p> + <p> + Kate lay silent for some little time, putting together all that had + occurred. "Oh, Rebecca," she said at last, shivering at the recollection, + "I have seen the most dreadful sight. Either I am going mad, or I have + seen a ghost." + </p> + <p> + "We thought you were a ghost yourself," said the girl reproachfully. "What + with the screechin' and you lying so white in the middle of the passage, + it was enough to make any one's 'air turn grey. Mr. Girdlestone, he lifted + you up, an' carried you back into your room. He was cut to the heart, the + good gentleman, when he saw what you'd been after, a-tryin' to give him + the slip." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, this dreadful house will kill me—it will kill me!" Kate moaned. + "I cannot stay in it any longer. What shall I do? Oh, Rebecca, Rebecca, + what shall I do?" + </p> + <p> + The fresh-coloured maid came across with a simper upon her pretty, vulgar + face, and sat on the side of the bed. "What's the matter, then?" she + asked. "What is it that you have seen?" + </p> + <p> + "I have seen—oh, Rebecca, it is too dreadful to talk of. I have seen + that poor monk who was killed in the cellars. It was not fancy. I saw him + as plainly as I see you now, with his tall thin figure, and long loose + gown, and the brown cowl drawn over his face." + </p> + <p> + "God preserve us!" cried Rebecca nervously, glancing over her shoulder. + "It is enough to give one the creeps." + </p> + <p> + "I pray that I may never see such a sight again. Oh, Rebecca, if you have + the heart of a woman, help me to get away from this place. They mean that + I should never go from it alive. I have read it in my guardian's eyes. He + longs for my death. Do, do tell me what I should do for the best." + </p> + <p> + "I'm surprised at you!" the maid said with dignity. "When Mr. Girdlestone + and Mr. Ezra is so good to you, and provides you with a country-house and + every convenience as 'eart could wish, all you can find to do is to go + screamin' about at night, and then talk as if you was a-goin' to be + murdered in the day. I really am surprised. There's Mr. Girdlestone + a-callin.' He'd be shocked, poor gentleman, if he knew how you was abusin' + of him." Rebecca's face assumed an expression of virtuous indignation as + she swept out of the room, but her black eyes shone with the unholy light + of cruelty and revenge. + </p> + <p> + Left to herself, Kate rose and dressed as well as her weakness would + permit. Her nerves were so shaken that she started at the least sound, and + she could hardly recognize the poor pale face which she saw in the glass + as her own. She had scarcely finished her toilet before her guardian came + up into her room. + </p> + <p> + "You are better, then?" he said. + </p> + <p> + "I am very ill," she answered gently. + </p> + <p> + "No wonder, after rushing about the corridors in that absurd fashion in + the dead of the night. Rebecca tells me that you imagine you met with some + apparition. You are crying. Are you so unhappy, then?" + </p> + <p> + "Very, very miserable," Kate answered, sinking her face upon her hands. + </p> + <p> + "Ah," said Girdlestone softly, "it is only in some higher life that we + shall find entire peace and contentment." His voice had altered, so that a + little warm spring of hope began to rise in the girl's heart, that perhaps + the sight of her many miseries was beginning to melt this iron man. + </p> + <p> + "Beyond the grave is rest," he continued, in the same gentle tones. "It + has seemed to me sometimes that if it were not for the duties which I have + to perform in this world, and the many who are dependent upon me, I should + be tempted to shorten my existence in order to attain the peace which is + to come. Some precisians have pronounced it to be sinful to cut the thread + of life. For my part I have never thought it so, and yet my view of morals + has been a strict one. I hold that of all things in this world one's life + is the thing which belongs most entirely to one's self, and may therefore + most freely be terminated when it seems good to us." He picked up the + phial from the mantelpiece and gazed thoughtfully at it. "How strange," he + said, "to think that within the compass of this tiny bottle lies a cure + for every earthly evil! One draught and the body slips off like a garment, + while the soul walks forth in all its beauty and freedom. Trouble is over. + One draught, and—Ah, let go, I say! What have you done?" + </p> + <p> + Kate had snatched the bottle from him, and with a quick feminine gesture + had hurled it against the wall, where it splintered to pieces, sending a + strong turpentiney odour through the apartment. Her strength was so + impaired that she staggered back after this feat, and sat down on the side + of the bed, while her guardian, grim and threatening, stood over her with + his long, bony fingers opening and shutting, as though he found it + difficult to keep them from her throat. + </p> + <p> + "I will not help you in it," she said, in a low but firm voice. "You would + kill my soul as well." + </p> + <p> + The mask had fairly dropped from Girdlestone. No gaunt old wolf could have + glared down with fiercer eyes or a more cruel mouth. "You fool!" he + hissed. + </p> + <p> + "I am not afraid to die," she said, looking up at him with brave, + steadfast eyes. + </p> + <p> + Girdlestone recovered his self-possession by an effort. "It is clear to + me," he said calmly, "that your reason is unhinged. What is all this + nonsense about death? There is nothing that will harm you except your own + evil actions." He turned abruptly and strode out of the room with the firm + and decided step of a man who has taken an irrevocable resolution. + </p> + <p> + With a set and rigid face he ascended the steps which led to his bedroom, + and, rummaging in his desk, produced a telegram form. This he filled up + and took with him downstairs. There he put on his hat and started off to + the Bedsworth Post-office at full speed. + </p> + <p> + At the avenue gate he met his sentinel, who was sitting on his camp stool + as grim as ever. + </p> + <p> + "She is very bad, Stevens," Girdlestone said, stopping and jerking his + head in the direction of the house. "She is going downhill. I am afraid + that she can't last long. If any one asks you about her, you can say that + she was despaired of. I am just sending off a telegram to a doctor in + London, so that she may have the best advice." + </p> + <p> + Stevens touched his greasy-peaked cap as a token of respect. "She was down + here behavin' outrageous the other day," said he. "'Let me pass,' says + she, 'and you shall have ten golden guineas.' Them's her very words. 'Not + for ten hundred golden guineas,' I answers, 'would William Stevens, + hesquire, do what he didn't ought to.'" + </p> + <p> + "Very proper, very proper indeed," said Girdlestone approvingly. "Every + man in his own station has his own duties to fulfil, and he will be judged + as he has fulfilled them, well or ill. I shall see that you are no loser + by your staunchness." + </p> + <p> + "Thank ye, guv'nor." + </p> + <p> + "She is wild and delirious, and can get about in spite of her low state of + health. It is possible that she may make some effort to get away, so be + vigilant. Good day to you." + </p> + <p> + "Good day, sir." William Stevens stood at the gate, looking pensively + after his employer; then he reseated himself upon his camp-stool, and, + lighting his pipe, resumed his meditations. "I can't make nought of it," + he muttered, scratching his head, "It do seem uncommon queer, to be sure. + The boss he says, 'She's very low,' says he, and then next minute he says, + 'She may be comin' down and tryin' to escape. 'I've seen diers o' all + shapes and sizes, but I've never seed one as went a galivantin' about like + this—at least, not among them as died a nat'ral death. It do seem + uncommon strange. Then, again, he's off telegrayphin' for a doctor to + Lunnon, when there's Doctor Corbett, o' Claxton, or Doctor Hutton, o' + Bedsworth, would come quick enough if he wanted them. I can't make no + sense of it. Why, bust my buttons!" he continued, taking his pipe out of + his mouth in a paroxysm of astonishment, "if here hain't the dier + herself!" + </p> + <p> + It was, indeed, Kate, who, learning that her guardian was gone, had come + out with some vague idea of making a last struggle for her life and + freedom. With the courage of despair, she came straight down the avenue to + the sole spot where escape seemed possible. + </p> + <p> + "Good mornin', missy," cried Stevens, as she approached. "You don't look + extra bright this mornin', but you ain't as bad as your good guardian made + me think. You don't seem to feel no difficulty in gettin' about." + </p> + <p> + "There is nothing the matter with me," the girl answered earnestly. "I + assure you there is not. My mind is as sound as yours." + </p> + <p> + "That's what they all says," said the ex-warder with a chuckle. + </p> + <p> + "But it is so. I cannot stay in that house longer. I cannot, Mr. Stevens, + I cannot! It is haunted, and my guardian will murder me. He means to. I + read it in his eyes. He as good as tried this morning. To die without one + word to those I love—without any explanation of what has passed—that + would give a sting to death." + </p> + <p> + "Well, if this ain't outragis!" cried the one-eyed man; "perfectly + outragis! Going to murder you, says you! What's he a-goin' to do that + for?" + </p> + <p> + "God knows! He hates me for some reason. I have never gone against his + wishes, save in one respect, and in that I can never obey him, for it is a + matter in which he has no right to command." + </p> + <p> + "Quite so!" said Stevens, winking his one eye. "I knows the feeling + myself, cuss me, but I do! 'Thine for once and thine for never,' as the + song says." + </p> + <p> + "Why won't you let me pass?" pleaded Kate. "You may have had daughters of + your own. What would you do if they were treated as I have been? If I had + money you should have it, but I have none. Do, do let me go! God will + reward you for it. Perhaps when you are on your last bed of sickness the + memory of this one good deed may outweigh all the evil that you have + done." + </p> + <p> + "Lor', don't she speak!" said Stevens, appealing confidentially to the + nearest tree. "It's like a dictionary." + </p> + <p> + "And you won't lose by it in this life," the girl added eagerly. "See, + here is my watch and my chain. You shall have that if you will let me + through?" + </p> + <p> + "Let's see it." He opened it and examined it critically. "Eighteen carat—it's + only a Geneva, though. What can you expect for a Geneva?" + </p> + <p> + "And you shall have fifty pounds when I get back to my friends. Do let me + pass, good Mr. Stevens, for my guardian may return at any moment." + </p> + <p> + "See here, miss," Stevens said solemnly; "dooty is dooty, and if every + hair of your 'ead was tagged wi' a jewel, and you offered to make me your + barber, I wouldn't let you through that gate. As to this 'ere watch, if so + be as you would like to write a line to your friends, I'll post it for you + at Bedsworth in exchange for it, though it be only a Geneva." + </p> + <p> + "You good, kind man!" cried Kate, all excitement and delight. "I have a + pencil in my pocket. What shall I do for paper?" She looked eagerly round + and spied a small piece which lay among the brushwood. With a cry of joy + she picked it out. It was very coarse and very dirty, but she managed to + scrawl a few lines upon it, describing her situation and asking for aid. + "I will write the address upon the back," she said. "When you get to + Bedsworth you must buy an envelope and ask the post-office people to copy + the address on to it." + </p> + <p> + "I bargained to post it for the Geneva," he said. "I didn't bargain to buy + envelopes and copy addresses. That's a nice pencil-case of yourn. Now I'll + make a clean job of it if you'll throw that in." + </p> + <p> + Kate handed it over without a murmur. At last a small ray of light seemed + to be finding its way through the darkness which had so long surrounded + her. Stevens put the watch and pencil-case in his pocket, and took the + little scrap of paper on which so much depended. As Kate handed it to him + she saw over his shoulder that coming up the lane was a small + pony-carriage, in which sat a buxom lady and a very small page. The sleek + little brown pony which drew it ambled along at a methodical pace which + showed that it was entirely master of the situation, while the whole + turnout had an indescribable air of comfort and good nature. Poor Kate had + been so separated from her kind that the sight of people who, if not + friendly, were at least not hostile to her, sent a thrill of pleasure into + her heart. There was something wholesome and prosaic too about this homely + equipage, which was inexpressibly soothing to a mind so worn by successive + terrors. + </p> + <p> + "Here's some one a-comin'," cried Stevens. "Clear out from here—it's + the governor's orders." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, do let me stay and say one word to the lady!" Stevens seized his + great stick savagely. "Clear out!" he cried in a hoarse, angry voice, and + made a step towards her as if he would strike her. She shrank away from + him, and then, a sudden thought seizing her, she turned and ran through + the woods as fast as her feeble strength would allow. The instant that she + was out of sight, Stevens very deliberately and carefully tore up the + little slip of paper with which she had entrusted him, and scattered the + pieces to the wind. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIX. — A GLEAM OF LIGHT. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">Kate Harston</span> fled as quickly as she could through the wood, stumbling over + the brambles and crashing through the briars, regardless of pain or + scratches or anything else which could stand between her and the + possibility of safety. She soon gained the shed and managed to mount on to + the top of it by the aid of the barrel. Craning her neck, she could see + the long dusty lane, with the bare withered hedges upon either side, and + the dreary line of the railway embankment beyond. There was no + pony-carriage in sight. + </p> + <p> + She hardly expected that there would be, for she had taken a short cut, + and the carriage would have to go some distance round. The road along + which it was travelling ran at right angles to the one which she was now + overlooking, and the chances were equal as to whether the lady would turn + round or go straight on. In the latter case, it would not be possible for + her to attract her attention. Her heart seemed to stand still with anxiety + as she peered over the high wall at the spot where the two roads crossed. + </p> + <p> + Presently she heard the rattle of wheels, and the brown pony trotted round + the corner. The carriage drew up at the end of the lane, and the driver + seemed to be uncertain how to proceed. Then she shook the reins, and the + pony lumbered on along the road. Kate gave a cry of despair and the last + ray of hope died away from her heart. + </p> + <p> + It chanced, however, that the page in the carriage was just at that happy + age when the senses are keen and on the alert. He heard the cry, and + glancing round he saw through a break in the hedge that a lady was looking + over the wall which skirted the lane they had passed. He mentioned the + fact to his mistress. + </p> + <p> + "Maybe we'd better go back, ma'am," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Maybe we'd better not, John," said the buxom lady. "People can look over + their garden walls without our interfering with them, can't they?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, ma'am, but she was a-hollerin' at us." + </p> + <p> + "No, John, was she though? Maybe this is a private road and we have no + right to be on it." + </p> + <p> + "She gave a holler as if some one was a-hurtin' of her," said John with + decision. + </p> + <p> + "Then we'll go back," said the lady, and turned the pony round. + </p> + <p> + Hence it came about that just as Kate was descending with a sad heart from + her post of observation, she was electrified to see the brown pony + reappear and come trotting round the curve of the lane, with a rapidity + which was altogether foreign to that quadruped's usual habits. Indeed, the + girl turned so very white at the sight, and her face assumed such an + expression of relief and delight, that the lady who was approaching saw at + once that it was no common matter which had caused her to summon them. + </p> + <p> + "What is it, my dear?" she cried, pulling up when she came abreast of the + place. Her good, kind heart was touched already by the pleading expression + upon the girl's sweet face. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, madam, whoever you may be," said Kate, in a low, rapid voice, "I + believe God has sent you here this day. I am shut up in these grounds, and + shall be murdered unless help comes." + </p> + <p> + "Be murdered!" cried the lady in the pony-carriage, dropping back in her + seat and raising her hands in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + "It is only too true," Kate said, trying to speak concisely and clearly so + as to enforce conviction, but feeling a choking sensation about her + throat, as though an hysterical attack were impending. "My guardian has + shut me up here for some weeks, and I firmly believe that he will never + let me out alive. Oh, don't, pray don't think me mad! I am as sane as you + are, though, God knows, what I have gone through has been enough to shake + my reason." + </p> + <p> + This last appeal of Kate's was in answer to an expression of incredulity + and doubt which had passed over the face of the lady below. It was + successful in its object, for the ring of truth with which she spoke and + the look of anxiety and terror upon her face were too genuine to be + mistaken. The lady drew her rein so as to bring the carriage as near the + wall as was possible without losing sight of Kate's face. + </p> + <p> + "My dear," she said, "you may safely tell me everything. Whatever I can do + to help you shall be done, and where I am powerless there are others who + are my friends and may be of assistance. Scully is my name— Mrs. + Lavinia Scully, of London. Don't cry, my poor girl, but tell me all about + it, and let us see how we can put matters right." + </p> + <p> + Thus encouraged, Kate wiped away the tears which had been brought to her + eyes by the unwonted sound of a friendly voice. Leaning forward as far as + she could, and preventing herself from falling by passing her arm round a + great branch which shot across the top of the shed, she gave in as few + words as she could a detailed account of all that had befallen her. She + described her guardian's anxiety that she should marry his son, her + refusal, their sudden departure from London, their life at the Priory, the + manner in which she was cut off from all human aid, and the reasons which + made her believe that an attempt would be made upon her life. In + conclusion, she narrated the scene which had occurred that very morning, + when her guardian had tempted her to commit suicide. The only incident + which she omitted from her story was that which had occurred the night + before, for she felt that it might put too severe a tax upon Mrs. Scully's + credulity. Indeed, looking back at it, she almost persuaded herself that + the sight which she had seen might be some phantom conjured up by her own + imagination, weakened as she was in mind and in body. + </p> + <p> + Having concluded her narrative, she wound up by imploring her new-found + friend to assist her by letting her friends in London know what had become + of her and where she was. Mrs. Scully listened with a face which expressed + alternately the most profound pity and the most burning indignation. When + Kate had finished, she sat silent for a minute or more entirely absorbed + in her own thoughts. She switched her whip up and down viciously, and her + usually placid countenance assumed an expression so fierce that Kate, + looking down at her, feared that she had given her offence. When she + looked up at last, however, she smiled so pleasantly that the poor girl + was reassured, and felt instinctively that she had really found a true and + effective friend at last. + </p> + <p> + "We must act promptly," she said, "for we don't know what they may be + about, or what their plans are for the future. Who did you say your + friends were?" + </p> + <p> + "Dr. Dimsdale, of Phillimore Gardens, Kensington." + </p> + <p> + "Hasn't he got a grown-up son?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Kate, with a slight flush on her pale cheeks. + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" cried the good lady, with a very roguish smile. "I see how the land + lies. Of course, of course, why shouldn't it? I remember hearing about + that young man. I have heard about the Girdlestones also. African + merchants they were in the City. You see I know all about you." + </p> + <p> + "You know Tom?" Kate cried in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, don't let us get talking of Tom," said Mrs. Scully good-humouredly. + "When girls get on a subject of that sort there's an end to everything. + What I want now is business. In the first place I shall drive down to + Bedsworth, and I shall send to London." + </p> + <p> + "God bless you!" ejaculated Kate. + </p> + <p> + "But not to Phillimore Gardens. Hot-headed young men do foolish things + under such circumstances as these. This is a case that wants careful + management. I know a gentleman in London who is just the man, and who I + know would be only too proud to help a lady in distress. He is a retired + officer, and his name is Major Clutterbuck—Major Tobias + Clutterbuck." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I know him very well, and I have heard of you, too," said Kate, with + a smile. "I remember your name now in connection with his." + </p> + <p> + It was Mrs. Scully's turn to blush now. "Never mind that," she said. "I + can trust the major, and I know he will be down here at a word from me. I + shall let him have the facts, and he can tell the Dimsdales if he thinks + it best. Good-bye, dear; don't be unhappy any more, but remember that you + have friends outside who will very quickly set all right. Good-bye!" and + waving her hand in encouragement, the good widow woke up the pony, which + had fallen fast asleep, and rattled away down the lane in the direction + from which she had come. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XL. — THE MAJOR HAS A LETTER. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">At</span> four o'clock Mr. Girdlestone stepped into the Bedsworth telegraph + office and wired his short message. It ran thus: "Case hopeless. Come on + to-morrow with a doctor." On receipt of this he knew by their agreement + that his son would come down, bringing with him the man of violence whom + he had spoken of at their last interview. There was nothing for it now but + that his ward should die. If he delayed longer, the crash might come + before her money was available, and then how vain all regrets would be. + </p> + <p> + It seemed to him that there was very little risk in the matter. The girl + had had no communication with any one. Even of those around her, Mrs. + Jorrocks was in her dotage, Rebecca Taylforth was staunch and true, and + Stevens knew nothing. Every one on the country side had heard of the + invalid young lady at the Priory. Who would be surprised to hear that she + had passed away? He dare not call in any local medical man, but his + inventive brain had overcome the difficulty, and had hit upon a device by + which he might defy both doctors and coroner. If all went as he had + planned it, it was difficult to see any chance of detection. In the case + of a poorer man the fact that the girl's money reverted to him might + arouse suspicion, but he rightly argued that with his great reputation no + one would ever dream that such a consideration could have weight with him. + </p> + <p> + Having sent the telegram off, and so taken a final step, John Girdlestone + felt more at his ease. He was proud of his own energy and decision. As he + walked very pompously and gravely down the village street, his heart + glowed within him at the thought of the long struggle which he had + maintained against misfortune. He passed over in his mind all the + successive borrowings and speculations and makeshifts and ruses which the + firm had resorted to. Yet, in spite of every danger and difficulty, it + still held up its head with the best, and would weather the storm at last. + He reflected proudly that there was no other man in the City who would + have had the dogged tenacity and the grim resolution which he had + displayed during the last twelve months. "If ever any one should put it + all in a book," he said to himself, "there are few who would believe it + possible. It is not by my own strength that I have done it." + </p> + <p> + The man had no consciousness of blasphemy in him as he revolved this + thought in his mind. He was as thoroughly in earnest as were any of those + religious fanatics who, throughout history, have burned, sacked, and + destroyed, committing every sin under heaven in the name of a God of peace + and of mercy. + </p> + <p> + When he was half-way to the Priory he met a small pony-carriage, which was + rattling towards Bedsworth at a great pace, driven by a good-looking + middle-aged lady with a small page by her side. The merchant encountered + this equipage in a narrow country lane without a footpath, and as it + approached him he could not help observing that the lady wore an indignant + and gloomy look upon her features which was out of keeping with their + general contour. Her forehead was contracted into a very decided frown, + and her lips were gathered into what might be described as a negative + smile. Girdlestone stood aside to let her pass, but the lady, by a sudden + twitch of her right-hand rein, brought the wheels across in so sudden a + manner that they were within an ace of going over his toes. He only saved + himself by springing back into a gap of the hedge. As it was, he found on + looking down that his pearl grey trousers were covered with flakes of wet + mud. What made the incident more perplexing was that both the middle-aged + lady and the page laughed very heartily as they rattled away to the + village. The merchant proceeded on his way marvelling in his heart at the + uncharitableness and innate wickedness of unregenerated human nature. + </p> + <p> + Good Mrs. Scully little dreamed of the urgency of the case. Had she seen + the telegram which John Girdlestone had just despatched, it is conceivable + that she might have read between the words, and by acting more promptly + have prevented a terrible crime. As a matter of fact, with all her + sympathy the worthy woman had taken a large part of Kate's story with the + proverbial grain of salt. It seemed to her to be incredible and impossible + that in this nineteenth century such a thing as deliberate and carefully + planned murder should occur in Christian England. That these things occur + in the abstract we are ready to admit, but we find it very difficult to + realize that they may come within the horizon of our own experience. Hence + Mrs. Scully set no importance upon Kate's fears for her life, and put them + down to the excited state of the girl's imagination. She did consider it, + however, to be a very iniquitous and unjustifiable thing that a young girl + should be cooped up and separated from all the world in such a very dreary + place of seclusion as the Priory. This consideration and nothing more + serious had set that look of wrath upon her pleasant face, and had stirred + her up to frustrate Girdlestone and to communicate with Kate's friends. + </p> + <p> + Her intention had been to telegraph to London, but as she drove to + Bedsworth she bethought her how impossible it would be for her within the + limits of a telegram to explain to her satisfaction all that she wanted to + express. A letter, she reflected, would, if posted now, reach the major by + the first post on Saturday morning. It would simply mean a few hours' + delay in the taking of steps to relieve Kate, and what difference could a + few hours more or less make to the girl. She determined, therefore, that + she would write to the major, explaining all the circumstances, and leave + it to him what course of action should be pursued. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Scully was well known at the post office, and they quickly + accommodated her with the requisites for correspondence. Within a quarter + of an hour she had written, sealed, stamped, and posted the following + epistle:— + </p> + <div class="blk"> +<p> + "<span class="smcap">Dearest Toby</span>, +</p><p> + "I am afraid you must find your period of probation very slow. + Poor boy! what does he do? No billiards, no cards, no betting— + how does he manage to get through the day at all? Smokes, I + suppose, and looks out of the window, and tells all his grievances + to Mr. Von Baumser. Aren't you sorry that ever you made the + acquaintance of Morrison's second floor front? Poor Toby! +</p><p> + "Who do you think I have come across down here? No less a person + than that Miss Harston who was Girdlestone's ward. You used to + talk about her, I remember, and indeed you were a great admirer of + hers. You would be surprised if you saw her now, so thin and worn + and pale. Still her face is very sweet and pretty, so I won't + deny your good taste—how could I after you have paid your + addresses to me? +</p><p> + "Her guardian has brought her down here and has locked her up in a + great bleak house called the Priory. She has no one to speak to, + and is not allowed to write letters. She seemed to be heart-broken + because none of her friends know where she is, and she fears that + they may imagine that she has willingly deserted them. Of course, + by her friends she means that curly-headed Mr. Dimsdale that you + spoke of. The poor girl is in a very low nervous state, and told + me over the wall of the park that she feared her guardian had + designs on her life. I can hardly believe that, but I do think + that she is far from well, and that it is enough to drive her mad + to coop her up like that. We must get her out somehow or another. + I suppose that her guardian is within his rights, and that it is + not a police matter. You must consider what must be done, and let + young Dimsdale know if you think best. He will want to come down + to see her, no doubt, and if Toby were to come too I should not be + sorry. +</p><p> + "I should have telegraphed about it, but I could not explain myself + sufficiently. I assure you that the poor girl is in a very bad + way, and we can't be too energetic in what we do. It was very sad + to hear the positive manner in which she declared that her guardian + would murder her, though she did not attempt to give any reason why + he should commit such a terrible crime. We saw a horrid one-eyed + man at the gate, who appeared to be on guard to prevent any one + from coming out or in. On our way to Bedsworth we met no less a + person than the great Mr. Girdlestone himself, and we actually + drove so clumsily that we splashed him all over with mud. + Wasn't that a very sad and unaccountable thing? I fancy I see Toby + smiling over that. +</p><p> + "Good-bye, my dear lad. Be as good as you can. I know you've got + rather out of the way of it, but practice works wonders. +</p><p class="rt"> + "Ever yours,<br /> + + "<span class="smcap">Lavinia Scully</span>." +</p> +</div> + <p> + It happened that on the morning on which this missive came to Kennedy + Place, Von Baumser had not gone to the City. The major had just performed + his toilet and was marching up and down with a cigarette in his mouth and + the <i>United Service Gazette</i> in his hand, descanting fluently, as is + the habit of old soldiers, on the favouritism of the Horse Guards and the + deterioration of the service. + </p> + <p> + "Look at this fellow Carmoichael!" he cried excitedly, slapping the paper + with one, hand, while he crumpled it up with the other. "They've made him + lieutinant-gineral! The demndest booby in the regiment, sir! A fellow + who's seen no service and never heard a shot fired in anger. They promoted + him on the stringth of a sham fight, bedad! He commanded a definding force + operating along the Thames and opposing an invading army that was + advancing from Guildford. Did iver ye hear such infernal nonsense in your + life? And there's Stares, and Knight, and Underwood, and a dozen more I + could mintion, that have volunteered for everything since the Sikh war of + '46, all neglicted, sir—neglicted! The British Army is going + straight to the divil." + </p> + <p> + "Dat's a very bad look-out for the devil," said Von Baumser, filling up a + cup of coffee. + </p> + <p> + The major continued to stride angrily about the room. "That's why we niver + have a satisfactory campaign with a European foe," he broke out. "Our + success is always half and half, and leads to nothing. Yet we have the + finest raw material and the greatest individual fighting power and + divilment of any army in the world." + </p> + <p> + "Always, of course, not counting de army of his most graceworthy majesty + de Emperor William," said Von Baumser, with his mouth full of toast. "Here + is de girl mit a letter. Let us hope dat it is my Frankfort money." + </p> + <p> + "Two to one it's for me." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, he must not bet!" cried Von Baumser, with upraised finger. "You have + right, though. It is for you, and from de proper quarter too, I think." + </p> + <p> + It was the letter which we have already quoted. The major broke the seal + and read it over very carefully, after which he read it again. Von + Baumser, watching him across the table, saw a very anxious and troubled + look upon his ruddy face. + </p> + <p> + "I hope dere is nothing wrong mit my good vriend, Madame Scully?" he + remarked at last. + </p> + <p> + "No, nothing wrong with her. There is with some one else, though;" and + with that he read to his companion all that part of his letter which + referred to Miss Harston. + </p> + <p> + "Dat is no joke at all," the German remarked; and the two sat for some + little time lost in thought, the major with the letter still lying open + upon his knee. + </p> + <p> + "What d'ye think of it?" he asked at last. + </p> + <p> + "I think dat it is a more bad thing than the good madame seems to think. I + think dat if Miss Harston says dat Herr Girdlestone intends to kill her, + it is very likely dat he has dat intention" + </p> + <p> + "Ged, he's not a man to stick at troifles," the major said, rubbing his + chin reflectively. "Here's a nice kettle of fish! What the deuce could + cause him to do such a thing?" + </p> + <p> + "Money, of course. I have told you, my good vriend, dat since a year de + firm has been in a very bad way indeed. It is not generally known, but I + know it, and so do others. Dis girl, I have heard, has money which would + come to de old man in case of her death. It is as plain as de vingers on + my hand." + </p> + <p> + "Be George, the thing looks very ugly!" said the major, pacing up and down + the room. "I believe that fellow and his beauty of a son are game for + anything. Lavinia takes the mather too lightly. Fancy any one being such a + scounthrel as to lay a hand on that dear girl, though. Ged, Baumser, it + makes ivery drop of blood in me body tingle in me veins!" + </p> + <p> + "My dear vriend," Von Baumser answered, "it is very good of your blood for + to tingle, but I do not see how dat will help the mees. Let us be + practical, and make up our brains what we should do." + </p> + <p> + "I must find young Dimsdale at once. He has a right to know." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I should find him. Dere is no doubt that you and he should at once + start off for dis place. I know dat young man. Dere vill be no holding him + at all when he has heard of it. You must go too, to prevent him from doing + dummheiten, and also because good Madame Scully has said so in her + letter." + </p> + <p> + "Certainly. We shall go down togither. One of us will manage to see the + young lady and find out if she requoires assistance. Bedad, if she does, + she shall have it, guardian or no guardian. If we don't whip her out in a + brace of shakes me name's not Clutterbuck." + </p> + <p> + "You must remember," remarked Baumser, "dat dese people are desperate. If + dey intend to murder a voman dey vould certainly not stick at a man or two + men. You have no knowledge of how many dere may be. Dere is certainly Herr + Girdlestone and his son and de man mit de eye, but madame knows not how + many may be at de house. Remember also dat de police are not on your side, + but rather against you, for as yet dere is no evidence dat any crime is + intentioned. Ven you think of all dis I am sure dat you vill agree with me + dat it would be vell to take mit you two or tree men dat would stick by + you through thin and broad." + </p> + <p> + The major was so busy in making his preparations for departure that he + could only signify by a nod that he agreed with his friend's remarks. + "What men could I git?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "Dere is I myself," said the German, counting upon his big red fingers, + "and dere are some of our society who would very gladly come on such an + errand, and are men who are altogether to be relied upon. Dere is little + Fritz Bulow, of Kiel, and a Russian man whose name I disremember, but he + is a good man. He vas a Nihilist at Odessa, and is sentenced to death + suppose they could him catch. Dere are others as good, but it might take + me time to find dem. Dese two I can very easily get. Dey are living + together, and have neither of dem nothing to do." + </p> + <p> + "Bring them, then," said the major. "Git a cab and run them down to + Waterloo Station. That's the one for Bedsworth. I'll bring Dimsdale down + with me and mate you there. In me opinion there's no time to be lost." + </p> + <p> + The major was ready to start, so Von Baumser threw on his coat and hat, + and picked out a thick stick from a rack in the corner. "We may need + something of de sort," he said. + </p> + <p> + "I have me derringer," the soldier answered. They left the house together, + and Von Baumser drove off to the East End, where his political friends + resided. The major called a cab and rattled away to Phillimore Gardens and + thence to the office, without being able to find the man of whom he was in + search. He then rushed down the Strand as quickly as he could, intending + to catch the next train and go alone, but on his way to Waterloo Station + he fell in with Tom Dimsdale, as recorded in a preceding chapter. + </p> + <p> + The letter was a thunderbolt to Tom, In his worst dreams he had never + imagined anything so dark as this. He hurried back to the station at such + a pace that the poor major was reduced to a most asthmatical and wheezy + condition. He trotted along pluckily, however, and as he went heard the + account of Tom's adventures in the morning and of the departure of Ezra + Girdlestone and of his red-bearded companion. The major's face grew more + anxious still when he heard of it. "Pray God we may not be too late!" he + panted. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLI. — THE CLOUDS GROW DARKER. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">When</span> Kate had made a clean breast of all her troubles to the widow Scully, + and had secured that good woman's co-operation, a great weight seemed to + have been lifted from her heart, and she sprang from the shed a different + woman. It would soon be like a dream, all these dreary weeks in the grim + old house. Within a day she was sure that either Tom or the major would + find means of communicating with her. The thought made her so happy that + the colour stole back into her cheeks, and she sang for very lightness of + heart as she made her way back to the Priory. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Jorrocks and Rebecca observed the change which had come over her and + marvelled at it. Kate attempted to aid the former in her household work, + but the old crone refused her assistance and repulsed her harshly. Her + maid too answered her curtly when she addressed her, and eyed her in + anything but a friendly manner. + </p> + <p> + "You don't seem much the worse," she remarked, "for all the wonderful + things you seed in the night." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, don't speak of it," said Kate. "I am afraid that I have given you a + great fright. I was feeling far from well, and I suppose that I must have + imagined all about that dreadful monk. Yet, at the time, I assure you that + I saw it as plainly as I see you now." + </p> + <p> + "What's that she says?" asked Mrs. Jorrocks, with her hand to her ear. + </p> + <p> + "She says that she saw a ghost last night as plain as she sees you now." + </p> + <p> + "Pack of nonsense!" cried the old woman, rattling the poker in the grate. + "I've been here afore she came—all alone in the house, too—and + I hain't seen nothing of the sort. When she's got nothing else to grumble + about she pretends as she has seen a ghost." + </p> + <p> + "No, no," the girl said cheerily. "I am not grumbling—indeed I am + not." + </p> + <p> + "It's like her contrariness to say so," old Mrs. Jorrocks cried hoarsely. + "She's always a-contradictin'." + </p> + <p> + "You're not in a good temper to-day," Kate remarked, and went off to her + room, going up the steps two at a time with her old springy footstep. + </p> + <p> + Rebecca followed her, and noticing the change, interpreted it in her own + narrow fashion. + </p> + <p> + "You seems cheerful enough now," she said, standing at Kate's door and + looking into her room, with a bitter smile on her lips. "To-morrow is + Saturday. That's what's the matter with you." + </p> + <p> + "To-morrow Saturday!" Kate repeated in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; you know what I mean well enough. It's no use pretending that you + don't." + </p> + <p> + The girl's manner was so aggressive that Kate was astonished. "I haven't + the least idea of what you mean," she said. + </p> + <p> + "Oh no," cried Rebecca, with her arms akimbo and a sneer on her face. "She + doesn't know what I mean. She doesn't know that her young man is coming + down on the Saturday. She does not know that Mr. Ezra comes all the way + from London on that day just for to see her. It isn't that that makes you + cheerful, is it? Oh, you double face!" The girl's pretty features were all + distorted with malice as she spoke, and her two hands were clenched + passionately. + </p> + <p> + "Rebecca!" cried Kate energetically, "I really think that you are the most + complete fool that ever I met in my life. I will trouble you to remember + that I am your mistress and you are my servant. How dare you speak to me + in such a way? Leave my room this instant!" + </p> + <p> + The girl stood her ground as though she intended to brazen it out, but + Kate swept towards her with so much honest anger in her voice, and such + natural dignity in her bearing, that she sank her bold gaze, and with a + few muttered words slunk away into her own room. Kate closed the door + behind her, and then, her sense of the ludicrous overpowering her anger, + she laughed for the first time since she had been in the Priory. It was so + intensely ridiculous that even the most foolish of mortals should imagine + that she could, under any circumstances, be desirous of seeing Ezra + Girdlestone. The very thought of him brought her amusement to an end, for + the maid was right, and to-morrow would bring him down once more. Perhaps + her friends might arrive before he did. God grant it! + </p> + <p> + It was a cold but a bright day. From her window she could see the + snow-white sails of the Hampshire fishing-boats dipping and rising against + the deep blue sea. A single barque rode amongst them, like a swan among + ducklings, beating up against the wind for Portsmouth or Southampton. Away + on the right was the long line of white foam which marked the Winner + Sands. The tide was in and the great mudbanks had disappeared, save that + here and there their dun-coloured convexity rose above the surface like + the back of a sleeping leviathan. Overhead a great flock of wild geese + were flapping their way southward, like a broad arrow against the sky. It + was an exhilarating, bracing scene, and accorded well with her own humour. + She felt so full of life and hope that she could hardly believe that she + was the same girl who that very morning had hurled away the poison bottle, + knowing in her heart that unless she destroyed it she might be tempted to + follow her guardian's sinister suggestions. Yet the incident was real + enough, for there were the fragments of glass scattered over the bare + planks of her floor, and the insidious odour of the drug was still so + strong that she opened the window in order to dissipate it. Looking back + at it now, it all seemed like some hideous nightmare. + </p> + <p> + She had no very clear idea as to what she expected her friends to do. That + she would be saved, and that speedily, she never for one instant doubted. + She had only to wait patiently and all would be well. By to-morrow night, + at the latest, her troubles would be over. + </p> + <p> + So thought Girdlestone too, as he sat down below, with his head bent upon + his breast and his eyes looking moodily from under his shaggy brows at the + glowing coals. To-morrow evening would settle the matter once and for + ever. Burt and Ezra would be down by five o'clock, and that would be the + beginning of the end. As to Burt's future there was no difficulty about + that. He was a broken man. If well supplied with unlimited liquor he would + not live long to trouble them. He had nothing to gain, and everything to + lose by denouncing them. Should the worst come to the worst, the ravings + of a dipsomaniac could do little harm to a man as respected as the African + merchant. Every event had been foreseen and provided for by the old + schemer. Above all, he had devised a method by which even a coroner's + inquiry could be faced with impunity, and which would do away with all + necessity for elaborate concealment. + </p> + <p> + He beckoned Mrs. Jorrocks over to him, for he had been sitting in the + large room, which was used both as a dining-room and as a kitchen. + </p> + <p> + "What is the latest train to-morrow?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "There be one that reaches Bedsworth at a quarter to ten." + </p> + <p> + "It passes the grounds at about twenty to ten, then?" + </p> + <p> + "That reg'lar that I could set my clock by it." + </p> + <p> + "That'll do. Where is Miss Harston?" + </p> + <p> + "Upstairs, sir. She came back a-laughin' and a-jumpin' and as sassy as you + please to them as was old before she was born." + </p> + <p> + "Laughing!" said Girdlestone, raising his eyebrows. "She did not seem in a + laughing mood this morning. You don't think she has gone out of her mind, + do you?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know nought about that. There was Rebecca came down here a-cryin' + 'cause she'd ordered her out of her room. Oh, she's mistress of the house—there's + no doubt about that. She'll be a-givin' of us all the sack presently." + </p> + <p> + Girdlestone relapsed into silence, but his face showed that he was puzzled + by what he had heard. + </p> + <p> + Kate slept a sound and dreamless sleep that night. At her age trouble is + shaken from the young mind like water from the feathers of a duck. It had + been all very gloomy and terrible while it lasted, but now the dawn of + better days had come. She woke cheerful and light-hearted. She felt that + when once she was free she could forgive her guardian and Rebecca and all + of them—even Ezra. She would bury the whole hideous incident, and + never think of it or refer to it again. + </p> + <p> + She amused herself that morning by reckoning up in her mind what the + sequence of events would be in London, and how long it would be before she + heard from her friends. If Mrs. Scully had telegraphed, news would have + reached them last night. Probably she would write as well, giving all the + particulars about her. The post came in about nine o'clock, she thought. + Then some time would elapse before the major could find Tom. After that, + no doubt they would have to consider what had best be done, and perhaps + would go and consult with Dr. Dimsdale. That would occupy the morning and + part of the afternoon. They could hardly reach the Priory before + nightfall. + </p> + <p> + Ezra would be down by that time. On the Saturday before he had arrived + between five and six. A great dread filled her soul at the thought of + meeting the young merchant again. It was merely the natural instinct of a + lady shrinking from whatever is rough and coarse and antagonistic. She had + no conception of the impending danger, or of what his coming might mean to + her. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Girdlestone was more gracious to her than usual that morning at + breakfast. He seemed anxious to efface the remembrance of his fierce and + threatening words the day before. Rebecca, who waited upon them, was + astonished to hear the way in which he spoke. His whole manner was less + heavy and ungainly than usual, for now that the time for action was at + hand he felt braced and invigorated, as energetic men do. + </p> + <p> + "You should study botany while you are down here," he said blandly. + "Depend upon it, one cannot learn too many things in one's youth. Besides, + a knowledge of natural science teaches us the marvellous harmony which + prevails throughout the universe, and so enlarges our minds." + </p> + <p> + "I should very much like to know something of it," answered Kate. "My only + fear is that I should not be clever enough to learn it." + </p> + <p> + "The wood here is full of wonders. The tiniest mushroom is as + extraordinary and as worthy of study as the largest oak. Your father was + fond of plants and animals." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I can remember that," said Kate, her face growing sad as her mind + travelled back to years gone by. What would that same father have thought, + she wondered, had he known how this man opposite to her had treated her! + What did it matter now, though, when she would so soon be out of his + power! + </p> + <p> + "I remember," said Girdlestone, stirring his tea thoughtfully, "when we + lived in the City as 'prentice lads together, we shared a room above the + shop. He used to have a dormouse that he was very fond of. All his leisure + time was spent in nursing the creature and cleaning its cage. It seemed to + be his only pleasure in life. One night it was running across the floor, + and I put my foot upon it." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, poor papa!" cried Kate. + </p> + <p> + "I did it upon principle. 'You have devoted too much time to the + creature,' I said. 'Raise up your thoughts higher!' He was grieved and + angry, but in time he came to thank me. It was a useful lesson." + </p> + <p> + Kate was so startled by this anecdote that she remained silent for some + little time. "How old were you then?" she asked at last. + </p> + <p> + "I was about sixteen." + </p> + <p> + "Then you were always—inclined that way?" She found some difficulty + in conveying her meaning in polite tones. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; I received a call when I was very young. I became one of the elect + at an early age." + </p> + <p> + "And which are the elect?" his ward asked demurely. + </p> + <p> + "The members of the Community of the Primitive Trinitarians—or, at + least those of them who frequent Purbrook Street Chapel. I hold that the + ministers in the other chapels that I have attended do not preach the + unadulterated Word, and have therefore missed the narrow path." + </p> + <p> + "Then," said Kate, "you think that no one will be saved except those who + frequent the Purbrook Street Chapel?" + </p> + <p> + "And not all of them—no, nor one in ten," the merchant said + confidently, and with some approach to satisfaction. "Heaven must be a + very small place," Kate remarked, as she rose from the table. + </p> + <p> + "Are you going out?" + </p> + <p> + "I was thinking of having a stroll in the wood." + </p> + <p> + "Think over a text as you walk. It is an excellent commencement of the + day." + </p> + <p> + "What text should I think of?" she asked, standing smiling in the doorway, + with the bright sunshine bursting in behind her. + </p> + <p> + "'In the midst of life we are in death,'" he said solemnly. His voice was + so hollow and stern that it struck a chill into the girl's heart. The + effect was only momentary, however. The day was so fine, and the breeze so + fresh, that sadness was out of the question. Besides, was not her + deliverance at hand! On this of all mornings she should be free from vague + presentiments and dim forebodings. The change in her guardian's manner was + an additional cause for cheerfulness. She almost persuaded herself that + she had misconstrued his words and his intentions upon the preceding day. + </p> + <p> + She went down the avenue and had a few words with the sentry there. She + felt no bitterness against him now—on the contrary, she could afford + to laugh at his peculiarities. He was in a very bad humour on account of + some domestic difficulties. His wife had been abusing him, and had ended + by assaulting him. "She used to argey first, and then fetch the poker," he + said ruefully; "but now it's the poker first, and there ain't no argeyment + at all." + </p> + <p> + Kate looked at his savage face and burly figure, and thought what a very + courageous woman his wife must be. + </p> + <p> + "It's all 'cause the fisher lasses won't lemme alone," he explained with a + leer. "She don't like it, knock me sideways if she do! It ain't my fault, + though. I allers had a kind o' a fetchin' way wi' women." + </p> + <p> + "Did you post my note?" asked Kate. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, in course I did," he answered. "It'll be in Lunnon now, most like." + His one eye moved about in such a very shifty way as he spoke that she was + convinced that he was telling a lie. She could not be sufficiently + thankful that she had something else to rely upon besides the old + scoundrel's assurances. + </p> + <p> + There was nothing to be seen down the lane except a single cart with a + loutish young man walking at the horse's head. She had a horror of the + country folk since her encounter with the two bumpkins upon the Sunday. + She therefore slipped away from the gate, and went through the wood to the + shed, which she mounted. On the other side of the wall there was standing + a little boy in buttons, so rigid and motionless that he might have been + one of Madame Tussaud's figures, were it not for his eyes, which were + rolling about in every direction, and which finally fixed themselves on + Kate's face. + </p> + <p> + "Good morning, miss," said this apparition. + </p> + <p> + "Good morning," she answered. "I think I saw you with Mrs. Scully + yesterday?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, miss. Missus, she told me to wait here and never to move until I + seed you. She said as you would be sure to come. I've been waitin' here + for nigh on an hour." + </p> + <p> + "Your mistress is an angel," Kate said enthusiastically, "and you are a + very good little boy." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed, you've hit it about the missus," said the youth, in a hoarse + whisper, nodding his head to emphasize his remarks. "She's got a heart as + is big enough for three." + </p> + <p> + Kate could not help smiling at the enthusiasm with which the little fellow + spoke. + </p> + <p> + "You seem fond of her," she said. + </p> + <p> + "I'd be a bad 'un if I wasn't. She took me out of the work'us without + character or nothing, and now she's a-educatin' of me. She sent me 'ere + with a message?" + </p> + <p> + "What was it?" + </p> + <p> + "She said as how she had written instead o' electro-telegraphing, 'cause + she had so much to say she couldn't fit it all on a telegraph." + </p> + <p> + "I thought that would be so," Kate said. + </p> + <p> + "She wrote to Major—Major—him as is a-follerin' of her. She + said as she had no doubt as he'd be down to-day, and you was to keep up + your sperrits and let her know by me if any one was a-wexin' you." + </p> + <p> + "No, no. Not at all," Kate answered, smiling again. "You can tell her that + my guardian has been much kinder to-day. I am full of hope now. Give her + my warmest thanks for her kindness." + </p> + <p> + "All right, miss. Say, that chap at the gate hasn't been giving you no + cheek has he—him with the game eye?" + </p> + <p> + "No, no, John." + </p> + <p> + John looked at her suspiciously. "If he hasn't, it's all right," he said; + "but I think as you're one of them as don't complain if you can 'elp it." + He opened his hand and showed a great jagged flint which he carried. "I'd + ha' knocked his other peeper out with this," he said, "blowed if I + wouldn't!" + </p> + <p> + "Don't do anything of the sort, John, but run home like a good little + boy." + </p> + <p> + "All right, miss. Good-bye to ye!" + </p> + <p> + Kate watched him stroll down the lane. He paused at the bottom as if + irresolute, and then she was relieved to see him throw the stone over into + a turnip field, and walk rapidly off in the opposite direction to the + Priory gates. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLII. — THE THREE FACES AT THE WINDOW. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">Late</span> in the afternoon Ezra arrived at the Priory. From one of the passage + windows Kate saw him driving up the avenue in a high dog-cart. There was a + broad-shouldered, red-bearded man sitting beside him, and the ostler from + the <i>Flying Bull</i> was perched behind. Kate had rushed to the window + on hearing the sound of wheels, with some dim expectation that her friends + had come sooner than she anticipated. A glance, however, showed her that + the hope was vain. From behind a curtain she watched them alight and come + into the house, while the trap wheeled round and rattled off for Bedsworth + again. + </p> + <p> + She went slowly back to her room, wondering what friend this could be whom + Ezra had brought with him. She had noticed that he was roughly clad, + presenting a contrast to the young merchant, who was vulgarly spruce in + his attire. Evidently he intended to pass the night at the Priory, since + they had let the trap go back to the village. She was glad that he had + come, for his presence would act as a restraint upon the Girdlestones. In + spite of her guardian's amiability at breakfast, she could not forget the + words which he had used the morning before or the incident of the poison + bottle. She was as convinced as ever that he meant mischief to her, but + she had ceased to fear him. It never for one moment occurred to her that + her guardian's machinations might come to a head before her rescuers could + arrive. + </p> + <p> + As the long afternoon stole away she became more and more impatient and + expectant. She had been sewing in her room, but she found that she could + no longer keep her attention on the stitches. She paced nervously up and + down the little apartment. In the room beneath she could hear the dull + muffled sound of men's voices in a long continuous monotone, broken only + by the interposition now and again of one voice which was so deep and loud + that it reminded her of the growl of a beast of prey. This must belong to + the red-bearded stranger. Kate wondered what it could be that they were + talking over so earnestly. City affairs, no doubt, or other business + matters of importance. She remembered having once heard it remarked that + many of the richest men on 'Change were eccentric and slovenly in their + dress, so the new-comer might be a more important person than he seemed. + </p> + <p> + She had determined to remain in her room all the afternoon to avoid Ezra, + but her restlessness was so great that she felt feverish and hot. The + fresh air, she thought, would have a reviving effect upon her. She slipped + down the staircase, treading as lightly as possible not to disturb the + gentlemen in the refectory. They appeared to hear her however, for the hum + of conversation died away, and there was a dead silence until after she + had passed. + </p> + <p> + She went out on to the little lawn which lay in front of the old house. + There were some flower-beds scattered about on it, but they were overgrown + with weeds and in the last stage of neglect. She amused herself by + attempting to improve the condition of one of them and kneeling down + beside it she pulled up a number of the weeds which covered it. There was + a withered rose-bush in the centre, so she pulled up that also, and + succeeded in imparting some degree of order among the few plants which + remained. She worked with unnatural energy, pausing every now and again to + glance down the dark avenue, or to listen intently to any chance sound + which might catch her ear. + </p> + <p> + In the course of her work she chanced to look up at the Priory. The + refectory faced the lawn, and at the window of it there stood the three + men looking out at her. The Girdlestones were nodding their heads, as + though they were pointing her out to the third man, who stood between + them. He was looking at her with an expression of interest. Kate thought + as she returned his gaze that she had never seen a more savage and brutal + face. He was flushed and laughing, while Ezra beside him appeared to be + pale and anxious. They all, when they saw that she noticed them, stepped + precipitately back from the window. She had only a momentary glance at + them, and yet the three faces—the strange fierce red one, and the + two hard familiar pale ones which flanked it—remained vividly + impressed upon her memory. + </p> + <p> + Girdlestone had been so pleased at the early appearance of his allies, and + the prospect of settling the matter once for all, that he received them + with a cordiality which was foreign to his nature. + </p> + <p> + "Always punctual, my dear son, and always to be relied upon," he said. + "You are a model to our young business men. As to you, Mr. Burt," he + continued, grasping the navvy's horny hand, "I am delighted to see you at + the Priory, much as I regret the sad necessity which has brought you + down." + </p> + <p> + "Talk it over afterwards," said Ezra shortly. "Burt and I have had no + luncheon yet." + </p> + <p> + "I am cursed near starved," the other growled, throwing himself into a + chair. Ezra had been careful to keep him from drink on the way down, and + he was now sober, or as nearly sober as a brain saturated with liquor + could ever be. + </p> + <p> + Girdlestone called for Mrs. Jorrocks, who laid the cloth and put a piece + of cold corned beef and a jug of beer upon the table. Ezra appeared to + have a poor appetite, but Burt ate voraciously, and filled his glass again + and again from the jug. When the meal was finished and the ale all + consumed, he rose with a grunt of repletion, and, pulling a roll of black + tobacco from his pocket, proceeded to cut it into slices, and to cram it + into his pipe. Ezra drew a chair up to the fire, and his father did the + same, after ordering the old woman out of the room and carefully closing + the door behind her. + </p> + <p> + "You have spoken to our friend here about the business?" Girdlestone + asked, nodding his head in the direction of Burt. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. I have made it all clear." + </p> + <p> + "Five hundred pounds down, and a free passage to Africa," said Burt. + </p> + <p> + "An energetic man like you can do a great deal in the colonies with five + hundred pounds," Girdlestone remarked. + </p> + <p> + "What I do with it is nothin' to you, guv'nor," Burt remarked surlily. "I + does the job, you pays the money, and there's an end as far as you are + concerned." + </p> + <p> + "Quite so," the merchant said in a conciliatory voice. "You are free to do + what you like with the money." + </p> + <p> + "Without axin' your leave," growled Burt. He was a man of such a turbulent + and quarrelsome disposition that he was always ready to go out of his way + to make himself disagreeable. + </p> + <p> + "The question is how it is to be done," interposed Ezra. He was looking + very nervous and uneasy. Hard as he was, he had neither the + pseudo-religious monomania of his father, nor the callous brutality of + Burt, and he shuddered at the thought of what was to come. His eyes were + red and bleared, and he sat with one arm thrown over the back of his + chair, while he drummed nervously with the fingers of his other hand upon + his knee. "You've got some plan in your head, I suppose," he said to his + father. "It's high time the thing was carried through, or we shall have to + put up the shutters in Fenchurch Street." + </p> + <p> + His father shivered at the very thought. "Anything rather than that," he + said. + </p> + <p> + "It will precious soon come to that. It was the devil of a fight to keep + things straight last week." + </p> + <p> + "What's the matter with your lip? It seems to be swollen." + </p> + <p> + "I had a turn with that fellow Dimsdale," Ezra answered, putting his hand + up to his mouth to hide the disfigurement. "He followed us to the station, + and we had to beat him off; but I think I left my marks upon him." + </p> + <p> + "He played some damned hokey-pokey business on me," said Burt. "He tripped + me in some new-fangled way, and nigh knocked the breath out of me. I don't + fall as light as I used." + </p> + <p> + "He did not succeed in tracing you?" Girdlestone asked uneasily. "There is + no chance of his turning up here and spoiling the whole business?" + </p> + <p> + "Not the least," said Ezra confidently. "He was in the hands of a + policeman when I saw him last." + </p> + <p> + "That is well. Now I should like, before we go further, to say a few words + to Mr. Burt as to what has led up to this." + </p> + <p> + "You haven't got a drop to drink, boss?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes, of course. What is that in the bottle over there? Ginger wine. + How will that do?" + </p> + <p> + "Here's something better," Ezra said, rummaging in the cupboard. "Here is + a bottle of Hollands. It is Mrs. Jorrocks' private store, I fancy." + </p> + <p> + Burt poured himself out half a tumblerful, and filled it up with water. + "Drive along," he said; "I am lisnin'." + </p> + <p> + Girdlestone rose and stood with his back to the fire, and his hands under + his coat-tails. "I wish you to understand," he said, "that this is no + sudden determination of ours, but that events have led up to it in such a + way that it was impossible to avoid it. Our commercial honour and + integrity are more precious to us than anything else, and we have both + agreed that we are ready to sacrifice anything rather than lose it. + Unfortunately, our affairs have become somewhat involved, and it was + absolutely necessary that the firm should have a sum of money promptly in + order to extricate itself from its difficulties. This sum we endeavoured + to get through a daring speculation in diamonds, which was, though I say + it, ingeniously planned and cleverly carried out, and which would have + succeeded admirably had it not been for an unfortunate chance." + </p> + <p> + "I remember," said Burt. + </p> + <p> + "Of course. You were there at the time. We were able to struggle along for + some time after this on money which we borrowed and on the profits of our + African trade. The time came, however, when the borrowed money was to be + repaid, and once again the firm was in danger. It was then that we first + thought of the fortune of my ward. It was enough to turn the scale in our + favour, could we lay our hands upon it. It was securely tied up, however, + in such a way that there were only two means by which we could touch a + penny of it. One was by marrying her to my son; the other was by the young + lady's death. Do you follow me?" + </p> + <p> + Burt nodded his shaggy head. + </p> + <p> + "This being so, we did all that we could to arrange a marriage. Without + flattery I may say that no girl was ever approached in a more delicate and + honourable way than she was by my son Ezra. I, for my part, brought all my + influence to bear upon her in order to induce her to meet his advances in + a proper spirit. In spite of our efforts, she rejected him in the most + decided way, and gave us to understand that it was hopeless to attempt to + make her change her mind." + </p> + <p> + "Some one else, maybe," suggested Burt. + </p> + <p> + "The man who put you on your back at the station," said Ezra. + </p> + <p> + "Ha! I'll pay him for that," the navvy growled viciously. + </p> + <p> + "A human life, Mr. Burt," continued Girdlestone, "is a sacred thing, but a + human life, when weighed against the existence of a great firm from which + hundreds derive their means of livelihood, is a small consideration + indeed. When the fate of Miss Harston is put against the fate of the great + commercial house of Girdlestone, it is evident which must go to the wall." + </p> + <p> + Burt nodded, and poured some more Hollands from the square bottle. + </p> + <p> + "Having seen," Girdlestone continued, "that this sad necessity might + arise, I had made every arrangement some time before. This building is, as + you may have observed in your drive, situated in a lonely and secluded + part of the country. It is walled round too in such a manner that any one + residing here is practically a prisoner. I removed the lady so suddenly + that no one can possibly know where she has gone to, and I have spread + such reports as to her condition that no one down here would be surprised + to hear of her decease." + </p> + <p> + "But there is bound to be an inquiry. How about a medical certificate?" + asked Ezra. + </p> + <p> + "I shall insist upon a coroner's inquest," his father answered. + </p> + <p> + "An inquest! Are you mad?" + </p> + <p> + "When you have heard me I think that you will come to just the opposite + conclusion. I think that I have hit upon a scheme which is really neat—neat + in its simplicity." He rubbed his hands together, and showed his long + yellow fangs in his enjoyment of his own astuteness. + </p> + <p> + Burt and Ezra leaned forward to listen, while the old man sank his voice + to a whisper. + </p> + <p> + "They think that she is insane," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "There's a small door in the boundary wall which leads out to the railway + line." + </p> + <p> + "Well, what of that?" + </p> + <p> + "Suppose that door to be left open, would it be an impossible thing for a + crazy woman to slip out through it, and to be run over by the ten o'clock + express?" + </p> + <p> + "If she would only get in the way of it." + </p> + <p> + "You don't quite catch my idea yet. Suppose that the express ran over the + dead body of a woman, would there be anything to prove afterwards that she + <i>was</i> dead, and not alive at the time of the accident? Do you think + that it would ever occur to any one's mind that the express ran over a + dead body?" + </p> + <p> + "I see your meaning," said his son thoughtfully. "You would settle her, + and then put her there." + </p> + <p> + "Of course. What could be more delightfully simple. Friend Burt here does + his work; we carry her through the garden gate, and lay her on the darkest + part of the rails. Then we miss her at the house. There is an alarm and a + search. The gate is found open. We naturally go through with lanterns, and + find her on the line. I don't think we need fear the coroner, or any one + else then?" + </p> + <p> + "He's a sharp 'un, is the guv'nor," cried Burt, slapping his thigh + enthusiastically. "It's the downiest lay I have heard this many a day." + </p> + <p> + "I believe you are the devil incarnate," said Ezra, looking at his father + with a mixture of horror and of admiration. "But how about Jorrocks and + Stevens and Rebecca? Would you trust them?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly not!" Girdlestone answered. "It is not necessary. Mr. Burt can + do his part of the business out of doors. We can entice her out upon some + excuse. There is no reason why any one should have a suspicion of the + truth." + </p> + <p> + "But they know that she is not mad." + </p> + <p> + "They will think that she did it on purpose. The secret will be locked up + in our three breasts. After one night's work our friend here goes to the + colonies a prosperous man, and the firm of Girdlestone holds up its head + once more, stainless and irreproachable." + </p> + <p> + "Speak low!" said Ezra, in a whisper. "I hear her coming downstairs." They + listened to her light springy footstep as it passed the door. "Come here, + Burt," he said, after a pause. "She is at work on the lawn. Come and have + a look at her." + </p> + <p> + They all went over to the window, and looked out. It was then that Kate, + glancing up, saw the three cruel faces surveying her. + </p> + <p> + "She's a rare well-built 'un," said Burt, as he stepped back from the + window. "It is the ugliest job as ever I was on." + </p> + <p> + "But we can rely upon you?" Girdlestone asked, looking at him with + puckered eyes. + </p> + <p> + "You bet—as long as you pay me," the navvy answered phlegmatically, + and went back to his pipe and to Mrs. Jorrocks' bottle of Hollands. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIII. — THE BAIT ON THE HOOK. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">The</span> grey winter evening was beginning to steal in before the details had + all been arranged by the conspirators. It had grown so chill that Kate had + abandoned her attempt at gardening, and had gone back to her room. Ezra + left his father and Burt by the fire and came out to the open hall-door. + The grim old trees looked gaunt and eerie as they waved their naked arms + about in the cutting wind. A slight fog had come up from the sea and lay + in light wreaths over the upper branches, like a thin veil of gauze. Ezra + was shivering as he surveyed the dreary scene, when he felt a hand on his + arm, and looking round saw that the maid Rebecca was standing beside him. + </p> + <p> + "Haven't you got one word for me?" she said sadly, looking up into his + face. "It's but once a week, and then never a word of greeting." + </p> + <p> + "I didn't see you, my lass," Ezra answered. "How does the Priory suit + you?" + </p> + <p> + "One place is the same as another to me," she said drearily. "You asked me + to come here, and I have come. You said once that you would let me know + how I could serve you down here. When am I to know?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, there's no secret about that. You do serve me when you look after my + father as you have done these weeks back. That old woman isn't fit to + manage the whole place by herself." + </p> + <p> + "That wasn't what you meant, though," said the girl, looking at him with + questioning eyes. "I remember your face now as you spoke the words. You + have something on your mind, and have now, only you keep it to yourself. + Why won't you trust me with it?" + </p> + <p> + "Don't be a fool!" answered Ezra curtly. "I have a great deal to worry me + in business matters. Much good it would do telling you about them!" + </p> + <p> + "It's more than that," said Rebecca doggedly. "Who is that man who has + come down?" + </p> + <p> + "A business man from London. He has come to consult my father about money + matters. Any more questions you would like to ask?" + </p> + <p> + "I should like to know how long we are to be kept down here, and what the + meaning of it all may be." + </p> + <p> + "We are going back before the end of the winter, and the meaning of it is + that Miss Harston was not well and needed a change of air. Now are you + satisfied?" He was determined to allay as far as possible any suspicions + that the girl might have previously formed. + </p> + <p> + "And what brings <i>you</i> down here?" she asked, with the same searching + look. "You don't come down into this hole without some good reason. I did + think at first that you might come down in order to see me, but you soon + showed me that it wasn't that. There was a time when you was fond of me." + </p> + <p> + "So I am now, lass." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, very fond! Not a word nor a look from you last time you came. You + must have some reason, though, that brings you here." + </p> + <p> + "There's nothing wonderful in a man coming to see his own father." + </p> + <p> + "Much you cared for him in London," she cried, with a shrill laugh. "If he + was under the sod you would not be the sadder. It's my belief as you come + down after that doll-faced missy upstairs." + </p> + <p> + "Dry up, now!" said Ezra roughly. "I've had enough of your confounded + nonsense." + </p> + <p> + "You don't talk in that style to her," she said excitedly. "You scorn me, + but I know this, that if I can't have your love no one else shall. I've + got a dash of the gipsy in me, as you know. Rather than that girl should + have you, I would knife her and you, too!" She shook her clenched right + hand as she spoke, and her face was so full of vindictive passion that + Ezra was astonished. + </p> + <p> + "I always knew that you were a spitfire," he said, "but you never came it + quite so strong as this before." + </p> + <p> + The reaction had already come upon her, however, and tears were running + down her cheeks. "You'll never leave me entirely?" she cried, clasping his + arm. "I could bear to share your love with another, but I wouldn't have + you turn altogether against me." + </p> + <p> + "You'll have my father out presently with your damned noise!" said Ezra. + "Get away, and wash your face." + </p> + <p> + His word was law to her, and she turned away, still weeping bitterly. In + her poor, dim, eventless life the sole bright spot had been the attention + which the young merchant had occasionally shown her. To her distorted + fancy he was a man among men, a hero, all that was admirable and + magnificent. What was there which she would not do for him? She had the + faithfulness of a dog, but like a dog she would snarl fiercely at any one + who came between her master's affection and herself. Deep down in her + heart rankled the one suspicion which no assurances could remove, that an + understanding existed between the man she loved and the woman she hated. + As she withdrew to her room she determined that during this visit of + Ezra's she would manage in such a way that no communication could pass + between them without her knowledge. She knew that it was a dangerous thing + to play the spy upon the young man, for he had shown her before now that + her sex was no precaution against his brutality. Nevertheless, she set + herself to do it, with all the cunning and perseverance of a jealous + woman. + </p> + <p> + As the light faded and the greys of evening deepened into darkness, Kate + sat patiently in her bare little room. A coal fire sputtered and sparkled + in the rusty grate, and there was a tin bucket full of coals beside the + fender from which to replenish it. She was very cold, so she drew her + single chair up to the blaze and held her hands over it. It was a lonesome + and melancholy vigil, while the wind whistled through the branches of the + trees and moaned drearily in the cracks and crannies of the old house. + When were her friends coming? Perhaps something had occurred to detain + them to-day. This morning such a thing would have appeared to her to be an + impossibility, but now that the time had come when she had expected them, + it appeared probable enough that something might have delayed them. + To-morrow at latest they could not fail to come. She wondered what they + would do if they did arrive. Would they come boldly up the avenue and + claim her from the Girdlestones, or would they endeavour to communicate + with her first? Whatever they decided upon would be sure to be for the + best. + </p> + <p> + She went to the window once and looked out. It promised to be a wild + night. Far away in the south-west lay a great cumulus of rugged clouds + from which dark streamers radiated over the sky, like the advance guard of + an army. Here and there a pale star twinkled dimly out through the rifts, + but the greater part of the heavens was black and threatening. It was so + dark that she could no longer see the sea, but the crashing, booming sound + of the great waves filled the air and the salt spray came driving in + through the open window. She shut it and resumed her seat by the fire, + shivering partly from cold and partly from some vague presentiment of + evil. + </p> + <p> + An hour or more had passed when she heard a step upon the stairs and a + knock came to her door. It was Rebecca, with a cup of tea upon a tray and + some bread-and-butter. Kate was grateful at this attention, for it saved + her from having to go down to the dining-room and face Ezra and his + unpleasant-looking companion. Rebecca laid down the tray, and then, to her + mistress's surprise, turned back and shut the door. The girl's face was + very pale, and her manner was wild and excited. + </p> + <p> + "Here's a note for you," she said. "It was given Mrs. Jorrocks to give + you, but I am better at climbing stairs than she is, so I brought it up." + She handed Kate a little slip of paper as she spoke. + </p> + <p> + A note for her! Could it be that her friends had arrived and had managed + to send a message to her? It must be so. She took it from the maid. As she + did so she noticed that the other's hands were shaking as though she had + the ague. "You are not well, Rebecca," said Kate kindly. "Oh yes, I am. + You read your note and don't mind me," the girl answered, in her usual + surly fashion. Instead of leaving the room, she was bustling about the bed + as though putting things in order. + </p> + <p> + Kate's impatience was too great to allow her to wait, so she untwisted the + paper, which had no seal or fastening. She had hoped in her heart to see + the name of her lover at the end of it. Instead of that, her eye fell upon + the signature of Ezra Girdlestone. What could he have to say to her? She + moved the solitary candle on to the mantelpiece, and read the following + note, roughly scribbled upon a coarse piece of paper:— + </p> + <div class="blk"> +<p> + "<span class="smcap">My Dear Miss Harston.</span>" +</p><p> + "I am afraid your confinement here has been very irksome to you. + I have repeatedly requested my father to alleviate or modify it, + but he has invariably refused. As he still persists in his + refusal, I wish to offer you my aid, and, to show you that I am + your sincere friend in spite of all that has passed, it you could + slip out to-night at nine o'clock and meet me by the withered oak + at the head of the avenue, I shall see you safe to Bedsworth, and + you can, if you wish, go on to Portsmouth by the next train. + I shall manage so that you may find the door open by that time. + I shall not, of course, go to Portsmouth with you, but shall return + here after dropping you at the station. I do this small thing to + show you that, hopeless as it may be, the affection which I bear + you is still as deep as ever." +</p> +<p class="rt"> + "Yours,"<br /> + + "<span class="smcap">E. Girdlestone</span>." +</p> +</div> + <p> + Our heroine was so surprised at this epistle that she sat for some time + dangling the slip of paper between her fingers and lost in thought. When + she glanced round, Rebecca had left the room. She rolled the paper up and + threw it into the fire. Ezra, then, was not so hard-hearted as she had + thought him. He had used his influence to soften his father. Should she + accept this chance of escape, or should she wait some word from her + friends? Perhaps they were already in Bedsworth, but did not know how to + communicate with her. If so, this offer of Ezra's was just what was + needed. In any case, she could go on to Portsmouth and telegraph from + there to the Dimsdales. It was too good an offer to be refused. She made + up her mind that she would accept it. It was past eight now, and nine was + the hour. She stood up with the intention of putting on her cloak and her + bonnet. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIV. — THE SHADOW OF DEATH. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">This</span> conversation with Rebecca had suggested to Ezra that he might still + have influence enough with his father's ward to induce her to come out of + doors, and so put herself within the reach of Burt. He had proposed the + plan to his father, who approved of it heartily. The only weak point in + his scheme had been the difficulty which might arise in inducing the girl + to venture out of the Priory on that tempestuous winter's night. There was + evidently only one incentive strong enough to bring it about, and that was + the hope of escape. By harping skilfully upon this string they might lure + her into the trap. Ezra and his father composed the letter together, and + the former handed it to Mrs. Jorrocks, with a request that she should + deliver it. + </p> + <p> + It chanced, however, that Rebecca, keenly alive to any attempt at + communication between the young merchant and her mistress, saw the crone + hobbling down the passage with the note in her hand. + </p> + <p> + "What's that, mother?" she asked. + </p> + <p> + "It's a letter for her," wheezed the old woman, nodding her tremulous head + in the direction of Kate's room. + </p> + <p> + "I'll take it up," said Rebecca eagerly. "I am just going up there with + her tea." + </p> + <p> + "Thank ye. Them stairs tries my rheumatiz something cruel." + </p> + <p> + The maid took the note and carried it upstairs. Instead of taking it + straight to her mistress she slipped into her own room and read every word + of it. It appeared to confirm her worst suspicions. Here was Ezra asking + an interview with the woman whom he had assured her that he hated. It was + true that the request was made in measured words and on a plausible + pretext. No doubt that was merely to deceive any other eye which might + rest upon it. There was an understanding between them, and this was an + assignation. The girl walked swiftly up and down the room like a caged + tigress, striking her head with her clenched hands in her anger and biting + her lip until the blood came. It was some time before she could overcome + her agitation sufficiently to deliver the note, and when she did so her + mistress, as we have seen, noticed that her manner was nervous and wild. + She little dreamed of the struggle which was going on in the dark-eyed + girl's mind against the impulse which urged her to seize her imagined + rival by the white throat and choke the life out of her. + </p> + <p> + "It's eight o'clock now," Ezra was saying downstairs. "I wonder whether + she will come?" + </p> + <p> + "She is sure to come," his father said briefly. + </p> + <p> + "Suppose she didn't?" + </p> + <p> + "In that case we should find other means to bring her out. We have not + gone so far, to break down over a trifle at the last moment." + </p> + <p> + "I must have something to drink," Ezra said, after a pause, helping + himself from the bottle. "I feel as cold as ice and as nervous as a cat. I + can't understand how you look so unconcerned. If you were going to sign an + invoice or audit an account or anything else in the way of business you + could not take it more calmly. I wish the time would come. This waiting is + terrible." + </p> + <p> + "Let us pass the time to advantage," said John Girdlestone; and drawing a + little fat Bible from his pocket he began to read it aloud in a solemn and + sonorous voice. The yellow light illuminated the old merchant's massive + features as he stooped forwards towards the candle. His strongly marked + nose and his hollow cheeks gave him a vulture-like aspect, which was + increased by the effect of his deep-set glittering eyes. + </p> + <p> + Ezra, leaning back in his chair with the firelight flickering over his + haggard but still handsome face, looked across at his father with a + puzzled expression. He had never yet been able to determine whether the + old man was a consummate hypocrite or a religious monomaniac. Burt lay + with his feet in the light of the fire and his head sunk back across the + arm of the chair, fast asleep and snoring loudly. + </p> + <p> + "Isn't it time to wake him up?" Ezra asked, interrupting the reading. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I think it is," his father answered, closing the sacred volume + reverently and replacing it in his bosom. + </p> + <p> + Ezra took up the candle and held it over the sleeping man. "What a brute + he looks!" he said. "Did ever you see such an animal in your life?" + </p> + <p> + The navvy was certainly not a pretty sight. His muscular arms and legs + were all a-sprawl and his head hung back at a strange angle to his body, + so that his fiery red beard pointed upwards, exposing all the thick sinewy + throat beneath it. His eyes were half open and looked bleared and + unhealthy, while his thick lips puffed out with a whistling sound at every + expiration. His dirty brown coat was thrown open, and out of one of the + pockets protruded a short thick cudgel with a leaden head. + </p> + <p> + John Girdlestone picked it out and tried it in the air. "I think I could + kill an ox with this," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Don't wave it about <i>my</i> head," cried Ezra. "As you stand in the + firelight brandishing that stick in your long arms you are less attractive + than usual." + </p> + <p> + John Girdlestone smiled and replaced the cudgel in the sleeper's pocket. + "Wake up, Burt," he cried, shaking him by the arm. "It's half-past eight." + </p> + <p> + The navvy started to his feet with an oath and then fell back into his + chair, staring round him vacantly, at a loss as to where he might be. His + eye fell upon the bottle of Hollands, which was now nearly empty, and he + held out his hand to it with an exclamation of recognition. + </p> + <p> + "I've been asleep, guv'nor," he said hoarsely. "Must have a dram to set me + straight. Did you say it was time for the job." + </p> + <p> + "We have made arrangements by which she will be out by the withered oak at + nine o'clock." + </p> + <p> + "That's not for half an hour," cried Burt, in a surly voice. "You need not + have woke me yet." + </p> + <p> + "We'd better go out there now. She may come rather before the time" + </p> + <p> + "Come on, then!" said the navvy, buttoning up his coat and rolling a + ragged cravat round his throat. "Who is a-comin' with me?" + </p> + <p> + "We shall both come," answered John Girdlestone firmly. "You will need + help to carry her to the railway line." + </p> + <p> + "Surely Burt can do that himself," Ezra remarked. "She's not so very + heavy." + </p> + <p> + Girdlestone drew his son aside. "Don't be so foolish, Ezra," he said. "We + can't trust the half-drunken fellow. It must be done with the greatest + carefulness and precision, and no traces left. Our old business watchword + was to overlook everything ourselves, and we shall certainly do so now." + </p> + <p> + "It's a horrible affair!" Ezra said, with a shudder. "I wish I was out of + it." + </p> + <p> + "You won't think that to-morrow morning when you realize that the firm is + saved and no one the wiser. He has gone on. Don't lose sight of him." + </p> + <p> + They both hurried out, and found Burt standing in front of the door. It + was blowing half a gale now, and the wind was bitterly cold. There came a + melancholy rasping and rustling from the leafless wood, and every now and + again a sharp crackling sound would announce that some rotten branch had + come crashing down. The clouds drove across the face of the moon, so that + at times the cold, clear light silvered the dark wood and the old + monastery, while at others all was plunged in darkness. From the open door + a broad golden bar was shot across the lawn from the lamp in the hall. The + three dark figures with their long fantastic shadows looked eerie and + unnatural in the yellow glare. + </p> + <p> + "Are we to have a lantern?" asked Burt. + </p> + <p> + "No, no," cried Ezra. "We shall see quite enough as it is. We don't want a + light." + </p> + <p> + "I have one," said the father. "We can use it if it is necessary. I think + we had better take our places now. She may come sooner than we expect. It + will be well to leave the door as it is. She will see that there is no + obstacle in the way." + </p> + <p> + "You're not half sharp enough," said Ezra. "If the door was left like that + it might suggest a trap to her. Better close the dining-room door and then + leave the hall door just a little ajar. That would look more natural. She + would conclude that Burt and you were in there." + </p> + <p> + "Where are Jorrocks and Rebecca?" Girdlestone asked, closing the door as + suggested. + </p> + <p> + "Jorrocks is in her room. Rebecca, I have no doubt, is in hers also." + </p> + <p> + "Things look safe enough. Come along, Burt. This way." + </p> + <p> + The three tramped their way across the gravelled drive and over the slushy + grass to the border of the wood. + </p> + <p> + "This is the withered oak," said Girdlestone, as a dark mass loomed in + front of them. It stood somewhat apart from the other trees, and the base + of it was free from the brambles which formed a thick undergrowth + elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + Burt walked round the great trunk and made as careful an examination of + the ground as he could in the dark. + </p> + <p> + "Would the lantern be of any use to you?" Girdlestone asked. + </p> + <p> + "No, It's all serene. I think I know how to fix it now. You two can get + behind those trees, or where you like, as long as you're not in the way. I + don't want no 'sistance. When Jem Burt takes a job in hand he carries it + through in a workmanlike manner. I don't want nobody else foolin' around." + </p> + <p> + "We would not dream of interfering with your arrangements," said + Girdlestone. + </p> + <p> + "You'd better not!" Burt growled. "I'll lay down behind this oak, d'ye + see. When she comes, she'll think as he's not arrived yet, and she'll get + standin' around and waitin'. When I see my chance, I'll get behind her, + and she'll never know that she has not been struck by lightnin'." + </p> + <p> + "Excellent!" cried John Girdlestone; "excellent! We had best get into our + places." + </p> + <p> + "Mind you do it all in one crack," Ezra said. "Don't let us have any + crying out afterwards. I could stand a good deal, but not that." + </p> + <p> + "You should know how I hits," Burt remarked with a malicious grin, which + was hidden from his companion. "If your head wasn't well nigh solid you + wouldn't be here now." + </p> + <p> + Ezra's hand involuntarily went up to the old scar. "I think such a one as + that would settle her!" he said, as he withdrew with his father. The two + took up their position under the shadow of some trees fifty yards off or + more. Burt crouched down behind the withered oak with his weapon in his + hand and waited for the coming of his victim. + </p> + <p> + Ezra, though usually resolute and daring, had completely lost his nerve, + and his teeth were chattering in his head. His father, on the other hand, + was emotionless and impassive as ever. + </p> + <p> + "It's close upon nine o'clock," Ezra whispered. + </p> + <p> + "Ten minutes to," said the other, peering at his great golden chronometer + through the darkness. + </p> + <p> + "What if she fails to come?" + </p> + <p> + "We must devise other means of bringing her out." + </p> + <p> + From the spot where they stood they had a view of the whole of the Priory. + She could not come out without being seen. Above the door was a long + narrow window which opened upon the staircase. On this Girdlestone and his + son fixed their eyes, for they knew that on her way down she would be + visible at it. As they looked, the dim light which shone through it was + obscured and then reappeared. + </p> + <p> + "She has passed!" + </p> + <p> + "Hush!" + </p> + <p> + Another moment and the door was stealthily opened. Once again the broad + golden bar shot out across the lawn almost to the spot where the + confederates were crouching. In the centre of the zone of light there + stood a figure—the figure of the girl. Even at that distance they + could distinguish the pearl-grey mantle which she usually wore and the + close-fitting bonnet. She had wrapped a shawl round the lower part of her + face to protect her from the boisterous wind. For a minute or more she + stood peering out into the darkness of the night, as though uncertain + whether to proceed or to go back. Then, with a quick, sudden gesture she + closed the door behind her. The light was no longer there, but they knew + that she was outside the house, and that the appointment would be kept. + </p> + <p> + What an age it seemed before they heard her footsteps. She came very + slowly, putting one foot gingerly before the other, as if afraid of + falling over something in the darkness. Once or twice she stopped + altogether, looking round, no doubt, to make sure of her whereabouts. At + that instant the moon shone out from behind a cloud, and they saw her dark + figure a short distance on. The light enabled her to see the withered oak, + for she came rapidly towards it. As she approached, she satisfied herself + apparently that she was the first on the ground, for she slackened her + pace once more and walked in the listless way that people assume when they + are waiting. The clouds were overtaking the moon again, and the light was + getting dimmer. + </p> + <p> + "I can see her still," said Ezra in a whisper, grasping his father's wrist + in his excitement. + </p> + <p> + The old man said nothing, but he peered through the darkness with eager, + straining eyes. + </p> + <p> + "There she is, standing out a little from the oak," the young merchant + said, pointing with a quivering finger. "She's not near enough for him to + reach her." + </p> + <p> + "He's coming out from the shadow now," the other said huskily. "Don't you + see him crawling along the ground?" + </p> + <p> + "I see him," returned the other in the same subdued, awestruck voice. "Now + he has stopped; now he goes on again! My God, he's close behind her! She + is looking the other way." + </p> + <p> + A thin ray of light shot down between the clouds. In its silvery radiance + two figures stood out hard and black, that of the unconscious girl and of + the man who crouched like a beast of prey behind her. He made a step + forward, which brought him within a yard of her. She may have heard the + heavy footfall above the shriek of the storm, for she turned suddenly and + faced him. At the same instance she was struck down with a crashing blow. + There was no time for a prayer, no time for a scream. One moment had seen + her a magnificent woman in all the pride of her youthful beauty, the next + left her a poor battered, senseless wreck. The navvy had earned his + blood-money. + </p> + <p> + At the sound of the blow and the sight of the fall both the old man and + the young ran out from their place of concealment. Burt was standing over + the body, his bludgeon in his hand. + </p> + <p> + "Not even a groan!" he said. "What d'ye think of that?" + </p> + <p> + Girdlestone wrung his hand and congratulated him warmly. "Shall I light + the lantern?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "For God's sake, don't!" Ezra said earnestly. + </p> + <p> + "I had no idea that you were so faint-hearted, my son," the merchant + remarked. "However, I know the way to the gate well enough to go there + blindfold. What a comfort it is to know that there is no blood about! + That's the advantage of a stick over a knife." + </p> + <p> + "You're correct there, guv'nor," Burt said approvingly. + </p> + <p> + "Will you kindly carry one end and I'll take the other. I'll go first, if + you don't mind, because I know the way best. The train will pass in less + than half an hour, so we have not long to wait. Within that time every + chance of detection will have gone." + </p> + <p> + Girdlestone raised up the head of the murdered girl, and Burt took her + feet. Ezra walked behind as though he were in some dreadful dream. He had + fully recognized the necessity for the murder, but he had never before + realized how ghastly the details would be. Already he had begun to repent + that he had ever acquiesced in it. Then came thoughts of the splendid + possibilities of the African business, which could only be saved from + destruction by this woman's death. How could he, with his luxurious + tastes, bear the squalor and poverty which would be his lot were the firm + to fail? Better a rope and a long drop than such a life as that! All these + considerations thronged into his mind as he plodded along the slippery + footpath which led through the forest to the wooden gate. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLV. — THE INVASION OF HAMPSHIRE. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">When</span> Tom and the major arrived at Waterloo Station, the latter in the + breathless condition described in a preceding chapter, they found the + German waiting for them with his two fellow-exiles. The gentleman of + Nihilistic proclivities was somewhat tall and thin, with a long frock-coat + buttoned almost up to his throat, which showed signs of giving at the + seams every here and there. His grizzly hair fell over his collar behind, + and he had a short bristling beard. He stood with one hand stuck into the + front of his coat and the other upon his hip, as though rehearsing the + position in which his statue might be some day erected in the streets of + his native Russia, when the people had their own, and despotism was no + more. In spite of his worn attire there was something noble and striking + about the man. His bow, when Baumser introduced him to the major and Tom, + would have graced any Court in Europe. Round his neck he had a coarse + string from which hung a pair of double eye-glasses. These he fixed upon + his aquiline nose, and took a good look at the gentlemen whom he had come + to serve. + </p> + <p> + Bulow, of Kiel, was a small, dark-eyed, clean-shaven fellow, quick and + energetic in his movements, having more the appearance of a Celt than of a + Teuton. He seemed to be full of amiability, and assured the major in + execrable English how very happy he was to be able to do a service to one + who had shown kindness to their esteemed colleague and persecuted patriot, + Von Baumser. Indeed both of the men showed great deference to the German, + and the major began to perceive that his friend was a very exalted + individual in Socialistic circles. He liked the look of the two + foreigners, and congratulated himself upon having their co-operation in + the matter on hand. + </p> + <p> + Ill luck was in store for the expedition, however. On inquiry at the + ticket-office they found that there was no train for upwards of two hours, + and then it was a slow one which would not land them until eight o'clock + at Bedsworth. At this piece of information Tom Dimsdale fairly broke down, + and stamped about the station, raving and beseeching the officials to run + a special, be the cost what it might. This, however, could by no means be + done, owing to the press of Saturday traffic. There was nothing for it but + to wait. The three foreigners went off in search of something to eat, and + having found a convenient cookshop they disappeared therein and feasted + royally at Von Baumser's expense. Major Tobias Clutterbuck remained with + the young man, who resolutely refused to leave the platform. The major + knew of a snug little corner not far off where he could have put in the + time very comfortably, but he could not bring himself to desert his + companion even for a minute. I have no doubt that that wait of two hours + in the draughty station is marked up somewhere to the old sinner's credit + account. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, it was well that day that young Dimsdale had good friends at his + back. His appearance was so strange and wild that the passers-by turned + back to have another look at him, His eyes were open and staring, giving a + fear-inspiring character to his expression. He could not sit still for an + instant, but paced up and down and backwards and forwards under the + influence of the fierce energy which consumed him, while the major plodded + along manfully at his side, suggesting every consideration which might + cheer him up, and narrating many tales, true and apocryphal, most of which + fell upon heedless ears. + </p> + <p> + Ezra Girdlestone had four hours' start of them. That was the thought which + rankled in Tom's heart and outweighed every other consideration. He knew + Kate's nature so well that he was convinced that she would never have + expressed such fears to Mrs. Scully unless she had very assured reasons + for them. In fact, apart from her own words, what could this secrecy and + seclusion mean except foul play. After what he had learned about the + insurance of the ships and the manner in which the elder Girdlestone had + induced him to cease corresponding with Kate, he could believe anything of + his partners. He knew, also, that in case of Kate's death the money + reverted to her guardian. There was not a single link missing in the chain + of evidence which showed that a crime was in contemplation. Then, who was + that butcher-like man whom Ezra was taking down with him? Tom could have + torn his hair as he thought of his present impotence and of his folly in + losing sight of young Girdlestone. + </p> + <p> + The major has put it on record that those two hours appeared to him the + longest that ever he passed in his life, and Tom, no doubt, would endorse + the sentiment. Everything must have an end, however, and the station + clock, the hands of which seemed several times to have stopped altogether, + began at last to approach the hour at which the Portsmouth train was timed + to depart. Baumser and his two friends had come back, all three smoking + cigarettes, and looking the better for their visit to the cookshop. The + five got into a first-class railway carriage and waited. Would they never + have done examining tickets and stamping luggage and going through all + sorts of tedious formalities? At last, thank God! comes the shrill whistle + of the guard, the answering snort from the engine, and they are fairly + started upon their mission of rescue. + </p> + <p> + There was much to be arranged as to their plan of action. Tom, Von + Baumser, and the major talked it over in a low voice, while the two + Socialists chatted together in German and consumed eternal cigarettes. Tom + was for marching straight up to the Priory and demanding that Girdlestone + should deliver his ward up to them. To the major and the German this + seemed an unwise proceeding. It was to put themselves hopelessly wrong + from a legal point of view. Girdlestone had only to say, as he assuredly + would, that the whole story was a ridiculous mare's nest, and then what + proof could they adduce, or what excuse give for their interference. + However plausible their suspicions might be, they were, after all, only + suspicions, which other people might not view in as grave a light. + </p> + <p> + "What would you advise, then?" Tom asked, passing his hand over his heated + forehead. + </p> + <p> + "Bedad! I'll tell you the plan," the old soldier answered, "and I think me + friend Von Baumser will agray with me. I understand that this place is + surrounded by a wall to which there is only one gate. Sure, we shall wait + outside this wall, and one of us can go in as a skirmisher and find out + how the land lies. Let him ascertain from the young lady herself if she + requires immadiate help, and what she would wish done. If he can't make + his way to her, let him hang about the house, and see and hear all that he + can. We shall then have something solid to work on. I have a dog whistle + here on me watch-chain, given me by Charley Gill, of the Inniskillens. Our + skirmisher could take that with him, and if he wants immadiate help one + blow of it would be enough to bring the four of us over to him. Though how + the divil I am to git over a wall," concluded the major ruefully, looking + down at his own proportions, "is more than I can tell." + </p> + <p> + "I hope, my vriends," said Von Baumser, "dat you vill allow me the honour + of going first, for ven I vas in the Swabian Jager I vas always counted a + very good spion." + </p> + <p> + "That is my place," said Tom with decision. + </p> + <p> + "You have the best claim," the major answered. "What a train this is! Ged, + it's as slow as the one which Jimmy Travers, of the Commissariat, + travelled in in America. They were staming along, according to Jimmy, when + they saw a cow walking along the loine in front of them. They all thought + that they were going to run into her, but it was all right, for they never + overtook her, and she soon walked clane out of sight. Here we are at a + station! How far to Bedsworth, guard?" + </p> + <p> + "Next station, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Thank the Lord! It's twinty to eight. We are rather behind our time. You + always are if you are in a particular hurry." + </p> + <p> + It was nearly eight o'clock by the time they reached their destination. + The station-master directed them to the <i>Flying Bull</i>, where they + secured the very vehicle in which Kate and her guardian had been + originally driven up. By the time that the horse was put in it was close + upon the half-hour. + </p> + <p> + "Drive as hard as you can go to the Proiory, me man," said the major. + </p> + <p> + The sulky ostler made no remark, but a look of surprise passed over his + phlegmatic countenance. For years back so little had been heard of the old + monastery that its very existence had been almost forgotten in Bedsworth. + Now whole troops of Londoners were coming down in succession, demanding to + be driven there. He pondered over the strange fact as he drove through the + darkness, but the only conclusion to which his bucolic mind could come was + that it was high time to raise the fare to that particular point. + </p> + <p> + It was a miserable night, stormy and wet and bitterly cold. None of the + five men had a thought to spare for the weather, however. The two + foreigners had been so infected by the suppressed excitement of their + companions, or had so identified themselves with their comrades' cause, + that they were as eager as the others. + </p> + <p> + "Are we near?" the major asked. + </p> + <p> + "The gate is just at the end o' the lane, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Don't pull up at the gate, but take us a little past it." + </p> + <p> + "There ain't no way in except the gate," the driver remarked. + </p> + <p> + "Do what you're ordered," said the major sternly. Once again the ostler's + face betrayed unbounded astonishment. He slewed half-way round in his seat + and took as good a look as was possible in the uncertain light at the + faces of his passengers. It had occurred to him that it was more than + likely that he would have to swear to them at some future date in a + police-court. "I'd know that thick 'un wi' the red face," he muttered to + himself, "and him wi' the yeller beard and the stick." + </p> + <p> + They passed the stone pillars with the weather-beaten heraldic devices, + and drove along by the high park wall. When they had gone a hundred yards + or so the major ordered the driver to pull up, and they all got down. The + increased fare was paid without remonstrance, and the ostler rattled away + homewards, with the intention of pulling up at the county police-station + and lodging information as to the suspicious visitors whom he had brought + down. + </p> + <p> + "It is loikely that they have a watch at the gate," said the major. "We + must kape away from there. This wall is a great hoight. We'd best kape on + until we find the aisiest place to scale it." + </p> + <p> + "I could get over it here," Tom said eagerly. + </p> + <p> + "Wait a bit. A few minutes can make no difference one way or the other. + Ould Sir Colin used to say that there were more battles lost by over-haste + than by slowness. What's the high bank running along on the right here?" + </p> + <p> + "Dat's a railway bankment," said Von Baumser. "See de posts and de little + red lights over yonder." + </p> + <p> + "So it is. The wall seems to me to be lower here. What's this dark thing? + Hullo, here's a door lading into the grounds." + </p> + <p> + "It is locked though." + </p> + <p> + "Give me a hoist here," Tom said imploringly. "Don't throw a minute away. + You can't tell what may be going on inside. At this very moment for all we + know they may be plotting her murder." + </p> + <p> + "He has right," said Von Baumser. "We shall await here until we hear from + you. Help him, my vriends—shove him up!" + </p> + <p> + Tom caught the coping of the wall, although the broken glass cut deeply + into his hands. With a great heave he swung himself up, and was soon + astride upon the top. + </p> + <p> + "Here's the whistle," said the major, standing on tiptoe to reach a + downstretched hand. "If you want us, give a good blow at it. We'll be with + you in a brace of shakes. If we can't get over the wall we'll have the + door down. Divil a fear but we'll be there!" + </p> + <p> + Tom was in the act of letting himself drop into the wood, when suddenly + the watchers below saw him crouch down upon the wall, and lie motionless, + as though listening intently. + </p> + <p> + "Hush!" he whispered, leaning over. "Some one is coming through the wood." + </p> + <p> + The wind had died away and the storm subsided. Even from the lane they + could hear the sound of feet, and of muffled voices inside the grounds. + They all crouched down in the shadow of the wall. Tom lay flat upon the + glass-studded coping, and no one looking from below could distinguish him + from the wall itself. + </p> + <p> + The voices and the footsteps sounded louder and louder, until they were + just at the other side of the boundary. They seemed to come from several + people walking slowly and heavily. There was the shrill rasping of a key, + and the wooden door swung back on its rusty hinges, while three dark + figures passed out who appeared to bear some burden between them. The + party in the shadow crouched closer still, and peered through the darkness + with eager, anxious eyes. They could discern little save the vague + outlines of the moving men, and yet as they gazed at them an unaccountable + and overpowering horror crept into the hearts of every one of them. They + breathed the atmosphere of death. + </p> + <p> + The new-comers tramped across the road, and, pushing through the thin + hedge, ascended the railway embankment upon the other side. It was evident + that their burden was a heavy one, for they stopped more than once while + ascending the steep grassy slope, and once, when near the top, one of the + party slipped, and there was a sound as though he had fallen upon his + knees, together with a stifled oath. They reached the top, however, and + their figures, which had disappeared from view, came into sight again, + standing out dimly against the murky sky. They bent down over the railway + line, and placed the indistinguishable mass which they bore carefully upon + it. + </p> + <p> + "We must have the light," said a voice. + </p> + <p> + "No, no; there's no need," another expostulated. + </p> + <p> + "We can't work in the dark," said a third, loudly and harshly. "Where's + your lantern, guv'nor? I've got a lucifer." + </p> + <p> + "We must manage that the train passes over right," the first voice + remarked. "Here, Burt, you light it?" + </p> + <p> + There was the sharp sound of the striking of a match, and a feeble glimmer + appeared, in the darkness. It flickered and waned, as though the wind + would extinguish it, but next instant the wick of the lantern had caught, + and threw a strong yellow glare upon the scene. The light fell upon the + major and his comrades, who had sprung into the road, and it lit up the + group on the railway line. Yet it was not upon the rescuing party that the + murderers fixed their terror-stricken eyes, and the major and his friends + had lost all thought of the miscreants above them—for there, + standing in the centre of the roadway, there with the light flickering + over her pale sweet face, like a spirit from the tomb, stood none other + than the much-enduring, cruelly-treated girl for whom Burt's murderous + blow had been intended. + </p> + <p> + For a few moments she stood there without either party moving a foot or + uttering a sound. Then there came from the railway line a cry so wild that + it will ring for ever in the ears of those who heard it. Burt dropped upon + his knees and put his hand over his eyes to keep out the sight. John + Girdlestone caught his son by the wrist and dashed away into the darkness, + flying wildly, madly, with white faces and staring eyes, as men who have + looked upon that which is not of this world. In the meantime, Tom had + sprung down from his perch, and had clasped Kate in his arms, and there + she lay, sobbing and laughing, with many pretty feminine ejaculations and + exclamations and questions, saved at last from the net of death which had + been closing upon her so long. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVI. — A MIDNIGHT CRUISE. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">If</span> ever two men were completely cowed and broken down those two were the + African merchant and his son. Wet, torn, and soiled, they still struggled + on in their aimless flight, crashing through hedges and clambering over + obstacles, with the one idea in their frenzied minds of leaving miles + between them and that fair accusing face. Exhausted and panting they still + battled through the darkness and the storm, until they saw the gleam of + the surge and heard the crash of the great waves upon the beach. Then they + stopped amid the sand and the shingle. The moon was shining down now in + all its calm splendour, illuminating the great tossing ocean and the long + dark sweep of the Hampshire coast. By its light the two men looked at one + another, such a look as two lost souls might have exchanged when they + heard the gates of hell first clang behind them. + </p> + <p> + Who could have recognized them now as the respected trader of Fenchurch + Street and his fastidious son. Their clothes were tattered, their faces + splashed with mud and scarred by brambles and thorns, the elder man had + lost his hat, and his silvery hair blew out in a confused tangle behind + him. Even more noticeable, however, than the change in their attire was + the alteration in their expression. Both had the same startled, furtive + look of apprehension, like beasts of prey who hear the baying of the + hounds in the distance. Their quivering hands and gasping breath betrayed + their exhaustion, yet they glanced around them nervously, as though the + least sound would send them off once more upon their wild career. + </p> + <p> + "You devil!" Ezra cried at last, in a harsh, choking voice, taking a step + towards his father with a gesture as though he would have struck him. "You + have brought us to this with your canting and scheming and plotting. What + are we to do now—eh? Answer me that!" He caught the old man by the + coat and shook him violently. + </p> + <p> + Girdlestone's face was all drawn, as though he were threatened with a fit, + and his eyes were glassy and vacant. The moonlight glittered in them and + played over his contorted features. "Did you see her?" he whispered with + trembling lips. "Did you see her?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I saw her," the other answered brusquely; "and I saw that infernal + fellow from London, and the major, and God knows how many more behind her. + A nice hornets' nest to bring about one's ears." + </p> + <p> + "It was her spirit," said his father in the same awe-struck voice. "The + spirit of John Harston's murdered daughter." + </p> + <p> + "It was the girl herself," said Ezra. He had been panic-stricken at the + moment, but had had time during their flight to realize the situation. "We + have made a pretty botch of the whole thing." + </p> + <p> + "The girl herself!" cried Girdlestone in bewilderment. "For Heaven's sake, + don't mock me! Who was it that we carried through the wood and laid upon + the rails?" + </p> + <p> + "Who was it? Why that jealous jade, Rebecca Taylforth, of course, who must + have read my note and come out in the other's cloak and hat to hear what I + had to say to her. The cursed fool!" + </p> + <p> + "The wrong woman!" Girdlestone muttered with the same vacant look upon his + face. "All for nothing, then—for nothing!" + </p> + <p> + "Don't stand mumbling to yourself there," cried Ezra, catching his + father's arm and half dragging him along the beach. "Don't you understand + that there's a hue and cry out after you, and that we'll be hung if we are + taken. Wake up and exert yourself. The gallows would be a nice end to all + your preaching and praying, wouldn't it?" + </p> + <p> + They hurried along together down the beach, ploughing their way through + the loose shingle and tripping over the great mats of seaweed which had + been cast up in the recent gale. The wind was still so great that they had + to lower their heads and to put their shoulders against it, while the salt + spray caused their eyes to smart and tingled on their lips. + </p> + <p> + "Where are you taking me, my son?" asked the old man once. + </p> + <p> + "To the only chance we have of safety. Come on, and ask no questions." + </p> + <p> + Through the murkiness of the night they saw a single light flickering + dimly ahead of them. This was evidently the goal at which Ezra was aiming. + As they toiled on it grew larger and brighter, until it resolved itself + into the glare of a lamp shining through a small diamond-paned window. + Girdlestone recognized the place now. It was the hut of a fisherman named + Sampson, who lived a mile or more from Claxton. He remembered having his + attention attracted to the place by the curious nature of the building, + which was constructed out of the remnants of a Norwegian barque stranded + some years before. The thatch which covered it and the windows and door + cut in the sides gave it a curiously hybrid appearance, and made it an + object of interest to sightseers in those parts. Sampson was the owner of + a fair-sized fishing-boat, which he worked with his eldest son, and which + was said to yield him a decent livelihood. + </p> + <p> + "What are you going to do?" asked Girdlestone, as his son made his way to + the door. + </p> + <p> + "Don't look like a ghost," Ezra answered in an angry whisper. "We're all + safe, if we are only cool." + </p> + <p> + "I am better now. You can trust me." + </p> + <p> + "Keep a smiling face, then," said Ezra, and knocked loudly at the door of + the hut. The occupants had not heard their approach owing to the storm, + but the instant that the young merchant struck the door there was a buzz + of conversation and the sharp barking of a dog. Then came a dull thud and + the barking ceased, from which Ezra concluded that some one had hurled a + boot at the animal. + </p> + <p> + "We hain't no bait," cried a gruff voice. + </p> + <p> + "Can I see Mr. Sampson?" asked Ezra. + </p> + <p> + "I tell 'ee we hain't no bait," roared the voice in a more irritable tone. + </p> + <p> + "We don't want bait. We want a word of talk," said Ezra. + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, the door flew open, and a burly middle-aged man, in a red + shirt, appeared, with a face which was almost the same colour as his + garment. "We hain't got no—" he was beginning, when he suddenly + recognized his visitors and broke short off, staring at them with as much + surprise as it is possible for human features to express. + </p> + <p> + "Well, if it ain't the genelman from the Priory!" he exclaimed at last, + with a whistle, which seemed to be his way of letting off the astonishment + which would otherwise remain bottled up in his system. + </p> + <p> + "We want a minute's talk with you, Mr. Sampson," said Ezra. + </p> + <p> + "Surely, sir—sure-ly!" the fisherman cried, bustling indoors and + rubbing the top of two stools with his sleeve. "Coom in! 'Ere, Jarge, pull + the seats up for the genelmen." + </p> + <p> + At this summons, a lanky, big-boned hobbledehoy, in sea boots, pushed the + stools up towards the fire, on which a log of wood was blazing cheerily. + The two Girdlestones sat warming themselves, while the fisherman and his + son surveyed them silently with open eyes and mouth, as though they were a + pair of strange zoological curiosities cast up by the gale. + </p> + <p> + "Keep doon, Sammy!" the fisherman said hoarsely to a great collie dog who + was licking at Girdlestone's hands. "What be he a suckin' at? Why, sure, + sir, there be blood on your hands." + </p> + <p> + "My father scratched himself," said Ezra promptly. + </p> + <p> + "His hat has blown away too, and we lost our way in the dark, so we're + rather in a mess." + </p> + <p> + "Why, so you be!" Sampson cried, eyeing them up and down. "I thought, when + I heard you, as it was they folk from Claxton as comes 'ere for bait + whenever they be short. That's nigh about the only visitors we ever gets + here; bean't it, Jarge?" + </p> + <p> + George, thus appealed to, made no articulate reply, but he opened his + great mouth and laughed vociferously. + </p> + <p> + "We've come for something which will pay you better than that," said Ezra. + "You remember my meeting you two or three Saturdays ago, and speaking to + you about your house and your boat and one thing or another?" + </p> + <p> + The fisherman nodded. + </p> + <p> + "You said something then about your boat being a good sea-going craft, and + that it was as roomy as many a yacht. I think I told you that I might give + it a try some day." + </p> + <p> + The fisherman nodded again. His wondering eyes were still surveying his + visitors, dwelling on every rent in their clothes or stain on their + persons. + </p> + <p> + "My father and I want to get down the coast as far as the Downs. Now we + thought that we might just as well give your boat a turn and have your son + and yourself to work it. I suppose she is fit to go that distance?" + </p> + <p> + "Fit! whoy she be fit to go to 'Meriky! The Downs ain't more'n hunder and + twenty mile. With a good breeze she would do it in a day. By to-morrow + afternoon we'd be ready to make a start if the wind slackens." + </p> + <p> + "To-morrow afternoon! We must be there by that time. We want you to start + to-night." + </p> + <p> + The seaman looked round at his son, and the boy burst out laughing once + again. + </p> + <p> + "It 'ud be a rum start for a vyage at this time o' night, with half a gale + from the sou'-west. I never heard tell o' sich a thing!" + </p> + <p> + "Look here," said Ezra, bending forward and emphasizing his words with his + uplifted hand, "we've set our minds on going, and we don't mind paying for + the fancy. The sooner we start the better pleased we shall be. Name your + price. If you won't take us, there are many in Claxton that will." + </p> + <p> + "Well, it be a cruel bad night to be sure," the fisherman answered. "Like + as not we'd get the boat knocked about, an' maybe have her riggin' + damaged. We've been a-fresh paintin' of her too, and that would be + spoiled. It's a powerful long way, and then there's the gettin' back. It + means the loss of two or three days' work, and there's plenty of fish on + the coast now, and a good market for them." + </p> + <p> + "Would thirty pounds pay you?" asked Ezra. + </p> + <p> + The sum was considerably more than the fisherman would have ventured to + ask. The very magnificence of it, however, encouraged him to hope that + more might be forthcoming. + </p> + <p> + "Five-and-thirty wouldn't pay me for the loss and trouble," he said; + "forbye the damage to the boat." + </p> + <p> + "Say forty, then," said Ezra. "It's rather much to pay for a freak of this + sort, but we won't haggle over a pound or two." + </p> + <p> + The old seaman scratched his head as though uncertain whether to take this + blessing which the gods had sent or to hold out for more. + </p> + <p> + Ezra solved the matter by springing to his feet. "Come on to Claxton, + father," he cried. "We'll get what we want there." + </p> + <p> + "Steady, sir, steady!" the fisherman said hastily. "I didn't say as I + wasn't good for the job. I'm ready to start for the sum you names. Hurry + up, Jarge, and get the tackle ready." + </p> + <p> + The sea-booted youth began to bustle about at this summons, bearing things + out into the darkness and running back for more with an alacrity which one + would hardly have suspected from his uncouth appearance. + </p> + <p> + "Can I wash my hands?" asked Girdlestone. There were several crimson + stains where he had held the body of the murdered girl. It appeared that + Burt's bludgeon was not such a bloodless weapon after all. + </p> + <p> + "There's water, sir, in that bucket. Maybe you would like a bit o' plaster + to bind up the cut?" + </p> + <p> + "It's not bad enough for that," said the merchant hastily. + </p> + <p> + "I'll leave you here," the fisherman remarked. "There's much to be done + down theer. You'll have poor feedin' I'm afraid; biscuits and water and + bully beef." + </p> + <p> + "Never mind that. Hurry up all you can." The man tramped away down to the + beach, and Ezra remained with his father in the hut. The old man washed + his hands very carefully, and poured the stained water away outside the + door. + </p> + <p> + "How are you going to pay this man?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "I have some money sewed up in my waistcoat," Ezra answered. "I wasn't + such a fool as not to know that a crash might come at any moment. I was + determined that all should not go to the creditors." + </p> + <p> + "How much have you?" + </p> + <p> + "What's that to you?" Ezra asked angrily. "You mind your own affairs. The + money's mine, since I have saved it. It's quite enough if I spend part of + it in helping you away." + </p> + <p> + "I don't dispute it, my boy," the old merchant said meekly. "It's a + blessing that you had the foresight to secure it. Are you thinking of + making for France now?" + </p> + <p> + "France! Pshaw, man, the telegraph would have set every gendarme on the + coast on the look-out. No, no, that would be a poor hope of safety!" + </p> + <p> + "Where then?" + </p> + <p> + "Where is the fisherman?" asked Ezra suspiciously, peering out from the + door into the darkness. "No one must know our destination. We'll pick up + Migg's ship, the <i>Black Eagle</i>, in the Downs. She was to have gone + down the Thames to-day, and to lie at Gravesend, and then to work round to + the Downs, where she will be to-morrow. It will be a Sunday, so no news + can get about. If we get away with him they will lose all trace of us. + We'll get him to land up upon the Spanish coast. I think it will fairly + puzzle the police. No doubt they are watching every station on the line by + this time. I wonder what has become of Burt?" + </p> + <p> + "I trust that they will hang him," John Girdlestone cried, with a gleam of + his old energy. "If he had taken the ordinary precaution of making sure + who the girl was, this would never have occurred." + </p> + <p> + "Don't throw the blame on him," said Ezra bitterly. "Who was it who kept + us all up to it whenever we wished to back out? If it had not been for + you, who would have thought of it?" + </p> + <p> + "I acted for the best," cried the old man, throwing his hands up with a + piteous gesture. "You should be the last to upbraid me. It was the dream + of leaving you rich and honoured which drove me on. I was prepared to do + anything for that end." + </p> + <p> + "You have always excellent intentions," his son said callously. "They have + a queer way of showing themselves, however. Look out, here's Sampson!" + </p> + <p> + As he spoke they heard the crunching of the fisherman's heavy boots on the + shingle, and he looked in, with his ruddy face all shining with the salt + water. + </p> + <p> + "We're all ready now, sirs," he said. "Jarge and I will get into our oil + duds, and then we can lock up the shop. It'll have to take care of itself + until we come back." + </p> + <p> + The two gentlemen walked down to the edge of the sea. There was a little + dinghy there, and the boat was anchored a couple of hundred yards off. + They could just make out the loom of her through the darkness, and see her + shadowy spars, dipping, rising, and falling with the wash of the waves. To + right and left spread the long white line of thundering foam, as though + the ocean were some great beast of prey which was gnashing its glistening + teeth at them. The gale had partially died away, but there still came + fitful gusts from the south-west, and the thick clouds overhead were + sweeping in a majestic procession across the sky, and falling like a dark + cataract over the horizon, showing that up there at least there was no + lull in the tempest. It was bitterly cold, and both men buttoned up their + coats and slapped their hands against each other to preserve their warmth. + </p> + <p> + After some little delay, Sampson and his son came down from the hut with a + lantern in each of their hands. They had locked the door behind them, + which showed that they were ready for a final start. By the lights which + they carried it could be seen that they were dressed in yellow suits of + oilskin and sou'wester hats, as if prepared for a wet night. + </p> + <p> + "You ain't half dressed for a cruise of this kind," Sampson said. "You'll + be nigh soaked through, I fear." + </p> + <p> + "That's our look-out," answered Ezra. "Let us get off." + </p> + <p> + "Step in, sir, and we'll get in after." + </p> + <p> + The dinghy was shoved off into the surf, and the two seamen clambered in + after. Ezra and his father sat in the sheets, while the others rowed. The + sea was running very high—so high that when the dinghy lay in the + trough of a wave they could see neither the boat for which they were + steering nor the shore which they had left—nothing indeed but the + black line of hissing water above their heads. At times they would go up + until they hung on the crest of a great roller and saw the dark valleys + gaping beyond into which they were forthwith precipitated. Sometimes, when + they were high upon a wave, the fishing-boat would be between the seas, + and then there would be nothing of her visible except the upper portion of + her mast. It was only a couple of hundred yards, but seemed a long journey + to the shivering fugitives. + </p> + <p> + "Stand by with the boat-hook!" Sampson cried at last. The dark outline of + the boat was looming immediately above them. + </p> + <p> + "All right, father." + </p> + <p> + The dinghy was held alongside, and the two gentlemen scrambled aboard as + best they could, followed by their companions. + </p> + <p> + "Have you the painter, Jarge?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay." + </p> + <p> + "Make it fast aft then!" + </p> + <p> + The lad fastened the rope which held the dinghy to a stanchion beside the + tiller. Then he and his father proceeded to hoist the foresail so as to + get the boat's head round. + </p> + <p> + "She'll do now," Sampson cried. "Give us a hand here, sir, if you don't + mind." + </p> + <p> + Ezra caught hold of the rope which was handed him and pulled for some + time. It was a relief to him to have something, however small, which would + distract his mind from the events of the night. + </p> + <p> + "That will do, sir," the skipper cried, and, leaning over the bows, he + seized the anchor which Ezra had hauled up, and tumbled it with a crash on + the deck. + </p> + <p> + "Now, Jarge, with three reefs in her we might give her the mains'le." + </p> + <p> + With much pulling at ropes and with many strange nautical cries the father + and the son, aided by their passengers, succeeded in raising the great + brown sail. The little vessel lay over under the pressure of the wind + until her lee bulwark was flush with the water, and the deck lay at such + an angle that it was only by holding on to the weather rigging that the + two gentlemen could retain their footing. The wild waves swirled and + foamed round her bows, and beat at her quarter and beneath her counter, + but the little boat rose gallantly to them, and shot away through the + storm, running due eastward. + </p> + <p> + "It ain't much of a cabin," Sampson said apologetically. "Such as it is, + you'll find it down there." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you," answered Ezra; "we'll stay on deck at present. When ought we + to get to the Downs?" + </p> + <p> + "At this rate we'll be there by to-morrow afternoon." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you." + </p> + <p> + The fisherman and his boy took turn and turn, one steering and the other + keeping a look-out forward and trimming the sails. The two passengers + crouched huddled together against the weather rail. They were each too + occupied with thought to have time for speech. Suddenly, after passing + Claxton and rounding the point, they came in full sight of the Priory, + every window of which was blazing with light. They could see dark figures + passing to and fro against the glare. + </p> + <p> + "Look there," Girdlestone whispered. + </p> + <p> + "Ay, the police have not taken long," his son answered. John Girdlestone + was silent for some time. Then he suddenly dropped his face upon his + hands, and sobbed hoarsely for the first and last time in his career. + </p> + <p> + "I am thinking of Monday in Fenchurch Street," he said. "My God! is this + the end of a life of hard work! Oh, my business, my business, that I built + up myself! It will break my heart!" + </p> + <p> + And so through the long cold winter's night they sat together while the + boat ploughed its way down the English Channel. Who shall say what their + thoughts were as they stared with pale, rigid faces into the darkness, + while their minds, perhaps, peered even more cheerlessly into the dismal + obscurity which lay over their future. Better be the lifeless wreck whom + they have carried up to the Priory, than be torn as these men are torn, by + the demons of fear and remorse and grief, and crushed down by the weight + of a sin-stained and irrevocable past. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVII. — LAW AND ORDER. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">The</span> ruffian Burt was so horror-stricken at the sight of the girl whom he + imagined that he had murdered, that he lay grovelling on the railway lines + by the side of his victim, moaning with terror, and incapable of any + resistance. He was promptly seized by the major's party, and the Nihilist + secured his hands with a handkerchief so quickly and effectively that it + was clearly not the first time that he had performed the feat. He then + calmly drew a very long and bright knife from the recesses of his + frock-coat, and having pressed it against Burt's nose to ensure his + attention, he brandished it in front of him in a menacing way, as a hint + that an attempt at escape might be dangerous. + </p> + <p> + "And who is dis?" asked Baumser, lifting up the dead woman's head, and + resting it upon his knee. + </p> + <p> + "Poor girl! She will niver spake again, whoever she may have been," the + major said, holding the lantern to her cold pale face. "Here's where the + cowards struck her. Death must have been instantaneous and painless. I + could have sworn it was the young lady we came afther, if it were not that + we have her safe down there, thank the Lord!" + </p> + <p> + "Vere are those oders?" asked Von Baumser, peering about through the + darkness. "If dere is justice in de country, dey vill hang for the work of + dis night." + </p> + <p> + "They are off," the major answered, laying the girl's head reverently down + again. "It's hopeless to follow them, as we know nothing of the counthry, + nor which direction they took. They ran like madmen. Hullo! What the divil + can this be?" + </p> + <p> + The sight which had attracted the veteran's attention was nothing less + than the appearance at the end of the lane of three brilliant luminous + discs moving along abreast of one another. They came rapidly nearer, + increasing in brilliancy as they approached. Then a voice rang out of the + darkness, "There they are, officers! Close with them! Don't let 'em get + away!" And before the major and his party could quite grasp the situation + they were valiantly charged by three of those much-enduring, stout-hearted + mortals known as the British police force. + </p> + <p> + It takes courage to plunge into the boiling surf and to carry the rope to + the breaking vessel. It takes courage to spring from the ship's side and + support the struggling swimmer, never knowing the moment at which a + flickering shadow may appear in the deep green water, and the tiger of the + deep turn its white belly upwards as it dashes on its prey. There is + courage too in the infantryman who takes a sturdy grip of his rifle and + plants his feet firmly as he sees the Lancers sweeping down on his + comrades and himself. But of all these types of bravery there is none that + can compare with that of our homely constable when he finds on the dark + November nights that a door on his beat is ajar, and, listening below, + learns that the time has come to show the manhood that is in him. He must + fight odds in the dark. He must, single-handed, cage up desperate men like + rats in a hole. He must oppose his simple weapon to the six-shooter and + the life-preserver. All these thoughts, and the remembrance of his wife + and children at home, and of how easy it would be not to observe the open + door, come upon him, and then what does he do? Why, with the thought of + duty in his heart, and his little cudgel in his hand, he goes to what is + too often his death, like a valiant high-minded Englishman, who fears the + reproach of his own conscience more than pistol bullet, or bludgeon + stroke. + </p> + <p> + Which digression may serve to emphasize the fact that these three burly + Hampshire policemen, having been placed upon our friends' track by the + ostler of the <i>Flying Bull</i>, and having themselves observed + manoeuvres which could only be characterized as suspicious, charged down + with such vehemence, that in less time than it takes to tell it, both Tom + and the major and Von Baumser were in safe custody. The Nihilist, who had + an unextinguishable hatred of the law, and who could never be brought to + understand that it might under any circumstances be on his side, pulled + himself very straight and held his knife down at his hip as though he + meant to use it, while Bulow, of Kiel, likewise assumed an aggressive + attitude. Fortunately, however, the appearance of their prisoners and a + few hurried words from the major made the inspector in charge understand + how the land lay, and he transferred his attention to Burt, on whose + wrists he placed the handcuffs. He then listened to a more detailed + account of the circumstances from the lips of the major. + </p> + <p> + "Who is this young lady?" he asked, pointing to Kate. + </p> + <p> + "This is the Miss Harston whom we came to rescue, and for whom no doubt + the blow was intended which killed this unhappy girl." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps, sir," said the inspector to Tom, "you had better take her up to + the house." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you," said Tom, and went off through the wood with Kate upon his + arm. On their way, she told him how, being unable to find her bonnet and + cloak, which Rebecca had abstracted, she had determined to keep her + appointment without them. Her delay rendered her a little late, however; + but on reaching the withered oak she heard voices and steps in front of + her, which she had followed. These had led her to the open gate, and the + lighting of the lantern had revealed her to friends and foes. Ere she + concluded her story Tom noticed that she leaned more and more heavily upon + him, until by the time that they reached the Priory he was obliged to lift + her up and carry her to prevent her from falling. The hardships of the + last few weeks, and this final terrible and yet most joyful incident of + all, had broken down her strength. He bore her into the house, and laying + her by the fire in the dining-room, watched tenderly over her, and + exhausted his humble stock of medical knowledge in devising remedies for + her condition. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the inspector, having thoroughly grasped the major's lucid + narrative, was taking prompt and energetic measures. + </p> + <p> + "You go down to the station, Constable Jones," he ordered. "Wire to + London, 'John Girdlestone, aged sixty-one, and his son, aged twenty-eight, + wanted for murder. Address, Eccleston Square and Fenchurch Street, City.' + Send a description of them. 'Father, six feet one inch in height, + hatchet-faced, grey hair and whiskers, deep-set eyes, heavy brows, round + shoulders. Son, five feet ten, dark-faced, black eyes, black curly hair, + strongly made, legs rather bandy, well dressed, usually wears a dog's head + scarf-pin.' That ought to do!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that's near enough," observed the major. + </p> + <p> + "Wire to every station along the line to be on the look-out. Send a + description to the chief constable of Portsmouth, and have a watch kept on + the shipping. That should catch them!" + </p> + <p> + "It vill," cried Von Baumser confidentially. "I'll bet money dat it vill." + It was as well that the German's sporting offer found no takers, otherwise + our good friend would have been a poorer man. + </p> + <p> + "Let us carry the poor soul up to the house," the inspector continued, + after making careful examination of the ground all round the body. + </p> + <p> + The party assisted in raising the girl up, and in carrying her back along + the path by which she had been brought. + </p> + <p> + Burt tramped stolidly along behind with the remaining policeman beside + him. The Nihilist brought up the rear with his keen eye fixed upon the + navvy, and his knife still ready for use. When they reached the Priory the + prisoner was safely locked away in one of the numerous empty rooms, while + Rebecca was carried upstairs and laid upon the very bed which had been + hers. + </p> + <p> + "We must search the house," the inspector said; and Mrs. Jorrocks having + been brought out of her room, and having forthwith fainted and been + revived again, was ordered to accompany the police in their investigation, + which she did in a very dazed and stupefied manner. Indeed, not a word + could be got from her until, entering the dining-room, she perceived her + bottle of Hollands upon the table, on which she raised up her voice and + cursed the whole company, from the inspector downwards, with the shrillest + volubility of invective. Having satisfied her soul in this manner, she + wound up by a perfect shriek of profanity, and breaking away from her + guardians, she regained the shelter of her room and locked herself up + there, after which they could hear by the drumming of her heels that she + went into a violent hysterical attack upon the floor. + </p> + <p> + Kate had, however, recovered sufficiently to be able to show the police + the different rooms, and to explain to them which was which. The inspector + examined the scanty furniture of Kate's apartment with great interest. + </p> + <p> + "You say you have been living here for three weeks?" he said. + </p> + <p> + "Nearly a month," Kate answered. + </p> + <p> + "God help you! No wonder you look pale and ill. You have a fine prospect + from the window." He drew the blind aside and looked out into the + darkness. A gleam of moonlight lay upon the heaving ocean, and in the + centre of this silver streak was a single brown-sailed fishing-boat + running to the eastward before the wind. The inspector's keen eye rested + upon it for an instant, and then he dropped the blind and turned away. It + never flashed across his mind that the men whom he was hunting down could + have chosen that means of escape, and were already beyond his reach. + </p> + <p> + He examined very carefully the rooms of Ezra and of his father. Both had + been furnished comfortably, if not solidly, with spring mattresses to + their beds and carpets upon the floor. The young man's room had little in + it beyond the mere furniture, which was natural, as his visits were so + short. In the merchant's chamber, however, were many books and papers. On + the little square table was a long slip of foolscap covered with complex + figures. It appeared to be a statement of his affairs, in which he had + been computing the liabilities of the firm. By the side of it was a small + calf-bound diary. The inspector glanced over one of the pages and uttered + an exclamation of disgust. "Here are some pretty entries," he cried. + "'Feel the workings of grace within me!' 'Prayed that I might be given a + livelier interest in the Holy Scriptures!' The book's full of that sort of + thing!" he added, turning over the leaves. "The fellow seems to have + played the hypocrite even with himself, for he could never have known that + other eyes would rest upon this." + </p> + <p> + "Dere'll be some queer company among de elect if he is dere!" Von Baumser + remarked. + </p> + <p> + "What's all this?" asked the inspector, tumbling a heap of clothes out of + the corner with his foot. "Why, here's a monk's dress!" + </p> + <p> + Kate sprang forward at the words. "Then I did see him!" she cried. "I had + almost persuaded myself that it was a dream." + </p> + <p> + "What was that?" + </p> + <p> + Kate told her story as well as she could, and the inspector made notes of + it. + </p> + <p> + "The crafty old dog!" he cried. "No doubt he could reconcile it with his + conscience more easily to frighten you to death than to actually kill you. + He told you that cock-and-a-bull story to excite your imagination, and + then, feeling sure that you would sooner or later try and escape by night, + he kept guard in this rig. The only wonder is that he didn't succeed in + either killing you or driving you mad with fright." + </p> + <p> + "Never mind now, dear," Tom whispered, as he saw the look of fear spring + into her eyes at the recollection of what had passed. "Don't think of + these terrible things. You will soon be safe in Phillimore Gardens in my + mother's arms. In the meanwhile, I think you would be the better for some + sleep." + </p> + <p> + "I think I should, Tom." + </p> + <p> + "Are you afraid to sleep in your own room?" + </p> + <p> + "No; I am afraid of nothing, now that I know you are near me. I knew so + well that you would come. I have been expecting you all the evening." + </p> + <p> + "I can never thank my good friends here enough for the help which they + have given me!" Tom exclaimed, turning to his companions. + </p> + <p> + "It is I who should thank them," said Kate earnestly, "I have found + friends, indeed. Who can say now that the days of chivalry are past?" + </p> + <p> + "Me dear young lady," the major answered, bowing with all the innate grace + of an Irish gentleman, "ye have warmed us by what ye say. I personally + was, as ye know, under orders which left me no choice but to come. I hope, + however, that ye will believe that had Mrs. Scully not occupied the place + in me affections which she does, I should still be as prompt as me friends + here to hasten to the rescue of a lady. Tobias Clutterbuck may be ould, + Miss Harston, but his heart will niver grow so hardened but that it will + milt at the thought of beauty in distriss." With this beautiful sentiment + the major placed his fat hand over his heart, and bowed again, even more + gracefully than before. The three foreigners behind made no remark, but + they all stood in a line grinning in a most amicable fashion, and nodding + their heads as if to intimate that the major was expressing their united + sentiments to a nicety. Kate's last recollection of that eventful evening + was the smiling visages of Von Baumser, Bulow, and the nameless Russian as + they beamed their good night at her. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0048" id="link2HCH0048"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVIII. — CAPTAIN HAMILTON MIGGS SEES A VISION. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">Ezra Girdlestone</span> had given many indications during his life, both in + Africa and elsewhere, of being possessed of the power of grasping a + situation and of acting for the best at the shortest notice. He never + showed this quality more conclusively than at that terrible moment, when + he realized not only that the crime in which he had participated had + failed, but that all was discovered, and that his father and he were + hunted criminals. With the same intuitive quickness which made him a + brilliant man of business, he saw instantly what were the only available + means of escape, and proceeded at once to adopt them. If they could but + reach the vessel of Captain Hamilton Miggs they might defy the pursuit of + the law. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Black Eagle</i> had dropped down the Thames on the very Saturday + which was so fruitful of eventful episodes. Miggs would lie at Gravesend, + and intended afterwards to beat round to the Downs, there to await the + final instructions of the firm. If they could catch him before he left, + there was very little chance that he would know anything of what had + occurred. It was a fortunate chance that the next day was Sunday, and + there would be no morning paper to enlighten him as to the doings in + Hampshire. They had only to invent some plausible excuse for their wish to + accompany him, and get him to drop them upon the Spanish coast. Once out + of sight of England and on the broad ocean, what detective could follow + their track? + </p> + <p> + Of course upon Sampson's return all would come out. Ezra reckoned, + however, that it would be some time before the fisherman got back from his + journey. What was a favourable wind going would be dead in his teeth + coming back. It might take him a week's tacking and beating about before + he got home. By that time Ezra hoped to be beyond the reach of all danger. + He had a thousand five pound Bank of England notes sewn into the back of + his waistcoat, for knowing that a crash might come at any moment, he had + long made provision against it. With this he felt that he could begin life + again in the new world, and with his youth and energy he might hope to + attain success. As to his father, he was fully determined to abandon him + completely at the first opportunity. + </p> + <p> + Through the whole of that wintry night the fishing-boat scudded away to + the eastward, and the two fugitives remained upon deck, drenched through + with rain and with spray, but feeling that the wild turmoil around them + was welcome as a relief to their own thoughts. Better the cutting wind and + the angry sea than the thought of the dead girl upon the rails and of the + bloodhounds of the law. + </p> + <p> + Ezra pointed up once at the moon, on whose face two storm wreaths had + marked a rectangular device. + </p> + <p> + "Look at that!" he cried. "It looks like a gallows." + </p> + <p> + "What is there to live for?" said his father, looking up with the cold + light glittering on his deep-set eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Not much for you, perhaps," his son retorted. "You've had your fling, but + I am young and have not yet had a fair show. I have no fancy to be + scragged yet." + </p> + <p> + "Poor lad!" the father muttered; "poor lad!" + </p> + <p> + "They haven't caught me yet," said Ezra. "If they did I question whether + they could do much. They couldn't hang three for the death of one. You + would have to swing, and that's about all." + </p> + <p> + About two in the morning they saw a line of lights, which the fisherman + informed them was from the town of Worthing. Again before daybreak they + scudded past another and far brighter and larger area of twinkling points, + which marked the position of Brighton. They were nearly half-way upon + their journey already. As the dawn approached the dark storm-clouds + gathered away to the northern horizon and lay in a great shadow over the + coast. On all other points the sky was clear, save that here and there a + single puff of white vapour sailed along like the feather of some gigantic + bird floating in the ocean of air. These isolated clouds, which had been + pearly grey in the dim light of early day, gradually took a lilac tint, + which deepened into pink, and then blushed suddenly to a fiery scarlet as + the red rim of the sun rose majestically over the horizon. All the heaven + was filled with colour from the palest, lightest blue at the zenith to the + most brilliant crimson in the east, as though it were nature's palette on + which she had dashed every tint that she possessed. The sea reflected the + rich glow, and the tossing waves were gashed with scarlet streaks. "It + looks like a sea of blood," the merchant remarked with a shudder, as he + gazed at the wonderful spectacle. + </p> + <p> + By the returning light the two fugitives were able to notice each other's + appearance. Both were pale, haggard, dishevelled, with bloodshot, + dark-rimmed eyes and anxious, weary faces. + </p> + <p> + "This won't do!" remarked Ezra. "If Miggs sees us like this he'll smell a + rat." + </p> + <p> + He dipped a bucket overboard, and after some search a small piece of soap + and a broken comb were extracted from one of the lockers. With these + materials they managed to perform their toilets. They re-arranged and + cleaned each other's clothing too, and Ezra purchased a yachting-cap from + Sampson for his father, the jaunty nature of which contrasted strangely + with the old man's grim angular visage. + </p> + <p> + "There's a fine view!" Sampson observed, pointing towards the land, just + as his two passengers had finished their toilet. + </p> + <p> + They were passing a high range of cliffs which ran along for a great + distance. Some were of chalk and others were brownish, as though + consisting of some sort of earth. There was one which terminated the line + towering up above the rest, and as remarkable for the boldness of its + outline as for its height. A lighthouse stood upon the summit, and the + whole showed up so clearly in the bright morning air that the fugitives + could see the green grass round the house and the coastguardsman at the + signal station, who was strolling leisurely about and looking down from + his elevation at their little craft. To the eastward of this chalk + promontory was a large fine-looking town, which stretched in a wide + semicircle round the shores of a curving bay. + </p> + <p> + "That's Beachy Head," said Sampson, pointing at the cliff. "It's the + hoiest p'int down Channel, and they have a look-out place up there to + report ships as pass. It was a Muster Lloyd as put it up. I doan't know + who he be, that same Muster Lloyd, but he do seem to take a powerful deal + of interest in everythink which has to do wi' shipping. He's an admiral + belike, or something o' the sort." + </p> + <p> + Neither of the Girdlestones appeared inclined to enlighten him upon the + point. + </p> + <p> + "What's the town?" asked Ezra. + </p> + <p> + "Eastbourne," the fisherman answered shortly, and lounged away into the + bows, while his son remained at the tiller. + </p> + <p> + The two fugitives had their breakfast; but as it consisted of nothing more + appetising than tinned corned-beef and ships' biscuits, and as neither of + them had much inclination for food, it was not a very lengthy meal. Then + they sat in the sheets once more, watching the grand panorama of green + woodland and swelling down and towering cliff, which passed before them on + the one side while on the other the great ocean highway was dotted with + every variety of vessel, from the Portland ketch or the Sunderland brig, + with its cargo of coals, to the majestic four-masted liner which swept + past, with the green waves swirling round her forefoot and breaking away + into a fork of eddying waters in her wake. + </p> + <p> + Ezra cautioned his father to sit down, for he observed a row of curious + faces gazing at them over the quarter of one great vessel. + </p> + <p> + "Our dress isn't quite what you would expect to see in a fishing-boat," he + said. "There is no use setting tongues wagging." There was still a fresh + breeze, and the little boat continued to fly before it at the rate of six + or eight knots. "This wind is a lucky chance," Ezra remarked, rather to + himself than to his companion. + </p> + <p> + "It is the working of Providence," answered John Girdlestone, with an + earnestness which showed that his mind still retained its habitual + peculiarity. + </p> + <p> + By ten o'clock they were abreast of the long stone terraces of Hastings; + at half-past eleven they saw the masts of the fishing-smacks of + Winchelsea. By one they were rounding the sharp bold promontory of + Dungeness. They kept further to sea after that, so that the long white + wall and the spires of Folkestone and of Dover lay far on the horizon. On + the other side a dim haze upon the blue water marked the position of the + French coast. It was nearly five, and the sun was beginning to sink down + again in the west, when the fisherman, after gazing steadily ahead for + some time, with his horny hand shading his eyes, touched Ezra on the + sleeve. + </p> + <p> + "See them breakers over there," he said, pointing over the starboard bow. + Far away Ezra could see a long roll of foam breaking the monotony of the + broad stretch of ocean. "Them's the Goodwins," he went on; "and them craft + ahead is at anchor in the Downs." + </p> + <p> + The vessels in question were miles away, but Ezra brightened up at the + sight of their destination, and he once again arranged his toilet and that + of his father. + </p> + <p> + "Thank goodness!" he muttered, with a long sigh of relief as he peered at + the ships, which were growing clearer and larger every moment. "That outer + one is the <i>Black Eagle</i>, or I am much mistaken. He's not gone yet!" + </p> + <p> + "That is the <i>Black Eagle</i>," his father said with confidence. "I know + her by the cut of her stern and the rake of her masts." + </p> + <p> + As they came nearer still, any lingering doubt was finally dispelled. + </p> + <p> + "There's the white paint line," said Ezra. "It's certainly her. Take us + alongside that ship which is lying to the outside there, Sampson." + </p> + <p> + The fisherman looked ahead once more. "To the barque which has just got + her anchor up?" he said. "Why, we won't be in time to catch her." + </p> + <p> + "Her anchor up!" screamed Ezra. "You don't mean to tell me she's off!" + </p> + <p> + "Look at that!" the man answered. + </p> + <p> + As he spoke they saw first one great square of canvas appear above the + vessel, and then another, until she had spread her white wings to their + fullest extent. + </p> + <p> + "Don't say we can't catch her!" cried Ezra, with a furious oath. "I tell + you, man, that we must catch her. Everything depends on that." + </p> + <p> + "She must take three short tacks before she's out from the Goodwins. If we + run right on as we are going, we may get near her before she's free." + </p> + <p> + "For God's sake! clap on all the sail you can! Get these reefs out!" With + trembling fingers Ezra let out the sail, and the boat lay over further + under the increased pressure. "Is there no other sail that we could put + up?" + </p> + <p> + "If we were running, we could rig up a spinnaker," the fisherman answered; + "but the wind has come round three points. We can do no more." + </p> + <p> + "I think we are catching her," John Girdlestone cried, keeping his eyes + fixed upon the barque, which was about a mile and a half ahead. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, we are now, but she hain't got her way on yet. She'll draw ahead + presently; won't she, Jarge?" + </p> + <p> + The fisherman's son nodded, and burst into hoarse merriment. "It's + better'n a race," he cried. + </p> + <p> + "With our necks for a prize," Ezra muttered to himself. + "It's a little too exciting to be pleasant. We are still gaining." + </p> + <p> + They had a clear view of the dark hull and towering canvas of the barque + as she swept along in front of them, intending evidently to take advantage + of the wind in order to get outside the Goodwins before beating up + Channel. + </p> + <p> + "She's going about," Sampson remarked. As he spoke the snow-white pile lay + over in the opposite direction, and the whole broadside of the vessel + became visible to them, every sail standing out as though carved from + ivory against the cold blue sky. "If we don't catch her on this tack we + won't get her at all," the fisherman observed. "When they put about next + they'll reach right out into the Channel." + </p> + <p> + "Where's something white?" said Ezra excitedly. He dived into the cabin + and reappeared with a dirty table-cloth. "Stand up here, father! Now keep + on waving it! They may see you." + </p> + <p> + "I think as we are overhaulin' of them," remarked the boy. + </p> + <p> + "We're doing that," his father answered. "The question is, will we get + near enough to stop 'em afore they gets off on the next tack?" + </p> + <p> + The old merchant was standing in the bows waving the signal in the air. + His son sprang up beside him and flourished his handkerchief. "They don't + look more than half a mile off. Let us shout together." The two blended + their voices in a hoarse roar, which was taken up by the boatman and his + son. "Once again!" cried Ezra; and again their shout resounded over the + sea—a long-drawn cry it was, with a ring of despair and of sorrow. + Still the barque kept steadily on her way. + </p> + <p> + "If they don't go about we shall catch them," the fisherman said. "If they + keep on another five minutes we are right." + </p> + <p> + "Do you hear that?" Ezra cried to his father; and they both shouted with + new energy and waved their signals. + </p> + <p> + "They're goin' about," George burst in. "It's all up." Girdlestone groaned + as he saw the mainyard swing back. They all strained their eyes, waiting + for the other to follow. It remained stationary. + </p> + <p> + "They have seen us!" cried the fisherman. "They are waitin' to pick us + up!" + </p> + <p> + "Then we are saved!" said Ezra, stepping down and wiping the perspiration + which poured from his forehead. "Go down into the cabin, father, and put + yourself straight. You look like a ghost." + </p> + <p> + Captain Hamilton Miggs had found the liquor of the <i>Cock and Cowslip</i> + so very much to his taste, in spite of its vitriolic peculiarities + recorded in a preceding chapter, that he rejoined his ship in a very shaky + and demoralized condition. He was a devout believer in the homoeopathic + revelation that like may be cured by like, so he forthwith proceeded to + set himself straight by the consumption of an unlimited quantity of ship's + rum. "What's the good of having a pilot aboard if I am to keep sober?" he + hiccoughed to his mate McPherson. After which piece of logic he shut + himself up in his cabin and roared comic songs all the way from London to + Gravesend. He was so exhausted by his performance that he fell fast + asleep, and snored stertorously for fifteen hours, at the end of which + time he came on deck and found that the <i>Black Eagle</i> was lying off + Deal, and that her anchor was just being hoisted for a start up Channel. + </p> + <p> + Captain Hamilton Miggs watched the sail-setting with his hands in his + pockets, and swore promiscuously at every one, from the mate downwards, in + a hearty comprehensive way, which showed a mind that was superior to petty + distinctions. Having run over all the oaths that he could think of, he + dived below and helped himself from the rum bottle, a process which + appeared to aid his memory or his invention, for he reappeared upon deck + and evolved a new many-jointed expletive at the man at the wheel. He then + strode in gloomy majesty up and down the quarter-deck, casting his eyes at + the sails and at the clouds in a critical way calculated to impress the + crew generally with a sense of their captain's extraordinary sagacity. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Blank Eagle</i> had gone about for the second time, and was just + about to free herself from the Goodwins and reach out into the Channel, + when Miggs' eye happened to fall upon the fishing boat in pursuit and the + white flutter in her bows. He examined her with his glass, steadying it as + well as he could by leaning it across the rail, as his hand was very + shaky. After a short inspection, a look of astonishment, followed by one + of resignation, stole over his features. + </p> + <p> + "I've got them again, Mac," he remarked to the mate. + </p> + <p> + "Got what, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "The diddleums, the jumps, the visions. It's the change of air as has done + it." + </p> + <p> + "You look all right," remarked the mate in a sympathetic voice. + </p> + <p> + "So I may; but I've got 'em. It's usually rats—rats, and sometimes + cockroaches; but it's worse than that this time. As I'm a livin' man, I + looked through the glass at that fishing-boat astern of us, and I saw + young Muster Ezra Girdlestone in it, and the old boss standin' up wi' a + yachtin'-cap at the side of his head and waving a towel. This is the + smartest bout that ever I have had. I'll take some of the medicine left + from my last touch and I'll turn in." He vanished down the companion, and + having taken a strong dose of bromide of potassium, tumbled into his bunk, + cursing loudly at his ill luck. + </p> + <p> + The astonishment of McPherson upon deck was as great as that of Captain + Miggs, when, on looking through the glass, he ascertained beyond all doubt + that both of his employers were in the fishing-boat. He at once ordered + the mainyard to be hauled back and awaited their arrival. In a few minutes + the boat was alongside, a ladder thrown down, and the two Girdlestones + were on the deck of their own ship. + </p> + <p> + "Where's the captain?" asked the head of the firm. + </p> + <p> + "He's below, sir. He's no very salubrious." The mate's love of long words + rose superior to any personal emotion. + </p> + <p> + "You can square the yard," said Ezra. "We are going with you." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay, sir. Square away that yard there!" It swung round into position, + and the <i>Black Eagle</i> resumed her voyage. + </p> + <p> + "There is some business to be looked after in Spain," Girdlestone remarked + to McPherson. "It came up suddenly or we should have given you notice. It + was absolutely necessary that we should be there personally. It was more + convenient to go in our own vessel than to wait for a passenger ship." + </p> + <p> + "Where will you sleep, sir?" asked the mate. "I doubt the accommodation's + no very munificent." + </p> + <p> + "There are two settees in the cabin. We can do on them very well. I think + we can't do better than go down there at once, for we have had a long and + tiring journey." + </p> + <p> + After they had disappeared into the cabin, McPherson trod the deck for the + remainder of his watch with a grave and a thoughtful face. Like most of + his countrymen he was shrewd and long-headed. It struck him that it was a + very strange thing for the two partners to be absent at the same time from + their business. Again, where was their luggage? Grave misgivings arose in + his mind as to the reason of it all. He kept them to himself, however, and + contented himself with remarking to the carpenter that in all his + experience he had never met with a more "monumentous episode." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0049" id="link2HCH0049"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIX. — A VOYAGE IN A COFFIN SHIP. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">The</span> early part of the voyage of the <i>Black Eagle</i> was extremely + fortunate. The wind came round to the eastward, and wafted them steadily + down Channel, until on the third day they saw the Isle of Ushant lying low + upon the sky-line. No inquisitive gunboat or lurking police launch came + within sight of them, though whenever any vessel's course brought her in + their direction the heart of Ezra Girdlestone sank within him. On one + occasion a small brig signalled to them, and the wretched fugitives, when + they saw the flags run up, thought that all was lost. It proved, however, + to be merely some trivial message, and the two owners breathed again. + </p> + <p> + The wind fell away on the day that they cleared the Channel, and the whole + surface of the sea was like a great expanse of quicksilver, which + shimmered in the rays of the wintry sun. There was still a considerable + swell after the recent gale, and the <i>Black Eagle</i> lay rolling about + as though she had learned habits of inebriation from her skipper. The sky + was very clear above, but all round the horizon a low haze lay upon the + water. So silent was it that the creaking of the boats as they swung at + the davits, and the straining of the shrouds as the ship rolled, sounded + loud and clear, as did the raucous cries of a couple of gulls which + hovered round the poop. Every now and then a rumbling noise ending in a + thud down below showed that the swing of the ship had caused something to + come down with a run. Underlying all other sounds, however, was a muffled + clank, clank, which might almost make one forget that this was a sailing + ship, it sounded so like the chipping of a propeller. + </p> + <p> + "What is that noise, Captain Miggs?" asked John Girdlestone as he stood + leaning over the quarter rail, while the old sea-dog, sextant in hand, was + taking his midday observations. The captain had been on his good behaviour + since the unexpected advent of his employers, and he was now in a + wonderful and unprecedented state of sobriety. + </p> + <p> + "Them's the pumps a-goin'," Miggs answered, packing his sextant away in + its case. + </p> + <p> + "The pumps! I thought they were only used when a ship was in danger?" + </p> + <p> + Ezra came along the deck at this moment, and listened with interest to the + conversation. + </p> + <p> + "This ship is in danger," Miggs remarked calmly. + </p> + <p> + "In danger!" cried Ezra, looking round the clear sky and placid sea. + "Where is the danger? I did not think you were such an old woman, Miggs." + </p> + <p> + "We will see about that," the seaman answered angrily. "If a ship's got no + bottom in her she's bound to be in danger, be the weather fair or foul." + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean to tell me this ship has no bottom?" + </p> + <p> + "I mean to tell you that there are places where you could put your fingers + through her seams. It's only the pumpin' that keeps her afloat." + </p> + <p> + "This is a pretty state of things," said Girdlestone. "How is it that I + have not been informed of it before! It is most dangerous." + </p> + <p> + "Informed!" cried Miggs. "Informed of it! Has there been a v'yage yet that + I haven't come to ye, Muster Girdlestone, and told ye I was surprised ever + to find myself back in Lunnon? A year agone I told ye how this ship was, + and ye laughed at me, ye did. It's only when ye find yourselves on her in + the middle o' the broad sea that ye understan' what it is that sailor folk + have to put up wi'." + </p> + <p> + Girdlestone was about to make some angry reply to this address, but his + son put his hand on his arm to restrain him. It would never do to quarrel + with Hamilton Miggs before they reached their port of refuge. They were + too completely in his power. + </p> + <p> + "What the captain says has a great deal of truth in it," he remarked, with + a laugh. "You don't realize a thing until you've had to experience it. The + <i>Black Eagle</i> shall certainly have an overhauling next time, and + we'll see if we can't give her captain an increase at the same time." + </p> + <p> + Miggs gave a grunt which might be taken as expressing thanks or as + signifying doubt. Perhaps there was a mixture of both in his mind. + </p> + <p> + "I presume," Girdlestone said, in a conciliatory voice, "that there would + be no real danger as long as the weather was fine?" + </p> + <p> + "It won't be fine long," the captain answered gruffly. "The glass was well + under thirty when I come up, and it is fallin' fast. I've been about here + before at this time o' year in a calm, with a ground swell and a sinkin' + glass. No good ever came of it. Look there at the norrard. What d'ye make + o' that, Sandy?" + </p> + <p> + "In conjunction wi' the descending glass, it has an ominous appairance," + the Scotchman answered, with much stress on the first syllable of the + adjective. + </p> + <p> + The phenomenon which had attracted their professional attention did not + appear to either of the Girdlestones to be a very important one. The haze + on the horizon to the north was rather thicker than elsewhere, and a few + thin streaky clouds straggled upwards across the clear cold heaven, like + the feelers of some giant octopus which lay behind the fog bank. At the + same time the sea changed in places from the appearance of quicksilver to + that of grained glass. + </p> + <p> + "There's the wind," Miggs said confidently. "I'd furl the top-gallant + sails and get her stay-sails down, Mr. McPherson." Whenever he gave an + order he was careful to give the mate his full title, though at other + times he called him indiscriminately Sandy or Mac. + </p> + <p> + The mate gave the necessary commands, while Miggs dived down into the + cabin. He came up again looking even graver than when he left the deck. + </p> + <p> + "The glass is nearly down to twenty-eight," he said. "I never seed it as + low since I've been at sea. Take in the mains'l, Mr. McPherson, and have + the topsails reefed down!" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay, sir." + </p> + <p> + There was no lack of noise now as the men hauled at the halliards with + their shrill strange cries, which sounded like the piping of innumerable + sea-birds. Half a dozen lay out on the yard above, tucking away the great + sail and making all snug. + </p> + <p> + "Take a reef in the fores'l!" the mate roared, "and look alive about it!" + </p> + <p> + "Hurry up, ye swabs!" Miggs bellowed. "You'll be blown away, every + mother's son of ye, if you don't stir yourselves!" + </p> + <p> + Even the two landsmen could see now that the danger was no imaginary one, + and that a storm was about to burst over them. The long black lines of + vapour had lengthened and coalesced, until now the whole northern heaven + was one great rolling black cloud, with an angry, ragged fringe which + bespoke the violence of the wind that drove it. Here and there against the + deep black background a small whitish or sulphur-coloured wreath stood + clearly out, looking livid and dangerous. The whole great mass was + sweeping onwards with prodigious and majestic rapidity, darkening the + ocean beneath it, and emitting a dull, moaning, muttering sound, which was + indescribably menacing and mournful. + </p> + <p> + "This may be the same gale as was on some days ago," Miggs remarked. "They + travel in circles very often, and come back to where they start from." + </p> + <p> + "We are all snug aloft, but this ship won't stand much knocking about, an' + that's a fact," observed the mate gloomily. + </p> + <p> + It was blowing now in short frequent puffs, which ruffled the surface of + the water, and caused the <i>Black Eagle</i> to surge slowly forward over + the rollers. A few drops of rain came pattering down upon the deck. The + great bank of cloud was above the ship, still hurrying wildly across the + heavens. + </p> + <p> + "Look out!" cried an old quartermaster. "Here she comes!" + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the storm burst with a shriek, as though all the demons of the + air had been suddenly unchained and were rejoicing in their freedom. The + force of the blast was so great that Girdlestone could almost have + believed that he had been struck by some solid object. The barque heeled + over until her lee rail touched the water, and lay so for a minute or more + in a smother of foam. Her deck was at such an angle that it seemed as + though she never could right herself. Gradually, however, she rose a + little, staggered and trembled like a living thing, and then plunged away + through the storm, as a piece of paper is whirled before the wind. + </p> + <p> + By evening the gale was at its height. The <i>Black Eagle</i> was running + under maintopsail and foretopmast staysail. The sea had risen very + quickly, as it will when wind comes upon a swell. As far as the eye could + see from the summit of a wave there was a vista of dark towering ridges + with their threatening crests of foam. When the barque sank in the hollow + these gleaming summits rose as high as her mainyard, and the two + fugitives, clinging to the weather-shrouds, looked up in terror and + amazement at the masses of water which hung above them. Once or twice + waves actually broke over the vessel, crashing and roaring down the deck, + and washing hither and thither until gradually absorbed between the planks + or drained away through the scupper-holes. On each of these occasions the + poor rotten vessel would lurch and shiver in every plank, as if with a + foreknowledge of her fate. + </p> + <p> + It was a dreary night for all on board. As long as there was light they + could at least see what danger was to be faced, but now the barque was + plunging and tossing through an inky obscurity. With a wild scooping + motion she was hurled up on the summit of a great wave, and thence she + shot down into the black gulf beyond with such force that when checked by + meeting the next billow her whole fabric jarred from truck to keelson. + There were two seamen at the wheel and two at the relieving tackles, yet + it was all that they could do among the wild commotion to keep her steady. + </p> + <p> + No one thought of going below. It was better to see and know the worst + than to be shut up in a coffin where one could not stretch out a hand to + help one's self. Once Captain Hamilton Miggs clawed his way along the rail + to where the Girdlestones were standing. + </p> + <p> + "Look there!" he roared, pointing to windward. + </p> + <p> + It was difficult to turn one's face straight to the wild rush of wind and + spray and hail. Shading their eyes, they peered into the storm. Right in + the heart of it, and apparently not more than a couple of hundred yards + from the barque, was a lurid glare of ruddy light, rising and falling with + the sea, but advancing rapidly through it. There was a bright central + glowing spot, with smaller lights glimmering above and beside it. The + effect of the single glare of light against the inky darkness of the sea + and sky would have made a study for a Turner. + </p> + <p> + "What's that?" + </p> + <p> + "It's a steamer," the captain shouted. It was only by great exertions that + he could make himself audible above the shrieking of the wind and the dash + of the waves. + </p> + <p> + "What do you think of it all?" Ezra asked. + </p> + <p> + "Very bad," Miggs answered. "Couldn't be worse;" and with that he clawed + his way aft again, grasping every stanchion or shroud on his way, like a + parroquet in a cage. + </p> + <p> + The clouds above broke somewhat towards morning, but there was no sign of + abatement in the tempest. Here and there through the rifts the glimmer of + the stars might be seen, and once the pale moon gleamed through the storm + wreath. The dawn broke cheerless and dreary, disclosing the great turmoil + of endless slate-coloured waves and the solitary little barque, with her + rag of canvas, like a broken-winged seabird, staggering to the south. + </p> + <p> + Even the Girdlestones had noticed that, whereas towards the commencement + of the storm it had been a rare occurrence for a wave to break over the + ship, the decks were now continually knee-deep in water, and there was a + constant splashing and crashing as the seas curled over the weather + bulwark. Miggs had already observed it, and conferred gravely with his + mate on the point. + </p> + <p> + "I don't like the looks of her, Mac," he shouted. "She don't rise to + them." + </p> + <p> + "She's near water-logged, I'm thinkin'," the mate responded gravely. + </p> + <p> + He knew the danger, and his thoughts were wandering away to a little + slate-tiled cottage near Peterhead. It is true that there was not much in + it save a wife, who was said to give Sandy the rough side of her tongue, + and occasionally something rougher still. Affection is a capricious + emotion, however, and will cling to the most unlikely objects; so the big + Scotchman's eyes were damp with something else beside the sea spray as he + realized that he might never look upon cottage or occupant again. + </p> + <p> + "No wonder," said Miggs, "when she's takin' in water above and below too. + The men are weary wi' pumpin', and it still gains." + </p> + <p> + "I doot it's our last v'yage thgither," the mate remarked, his Scottish + accent waxing broader under the influence of emotion. + </p> + <p> + "What d'ye say to heavin' her to?" + </p> + <p> + "I'd let her run on. She would na rise tae the waves, I'm fearin'. We + canna be vera fa' frae the Spanish coast, accordin' to my surmisation. + That wud gie us a chance o' savin' oorsels, though I'm a feared na boat + would live in siccan a sea." + </p> + <p> + "You're right. We have a better chance so than if we let her ride. She'd + founder as sure as eggs are eggs. Damn it, Mac, I could almost be glad + this has happened now we've got them two aboard. We'll teach 'em what + coffin ships is like in a gale o' wind." The rough seaman laughed hoarsely + as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + The carpenter came aft at this moment, balancing himself as best he could, + for the deck was only a few degrees off the perpendicular. + </p> + <p> + "The leak is gaining fast," he said. "The hands are clean done up. There's + land on the port bow." + </p> + <p> + The mate and the captain peered out through the dense wrack and haze. A + great dark cliff loomed out upon the left, jagged, inhospitable, and + menacing. + </p> + <p> + "We'd best run towards it," the mate said. "We've na chance o' saving the + ship, but we might run her ashore." + </p> + <p> + "The ship will go down before you reach it," the carpenter remarked + gloomily. + </p> + <p> + "Keep your heart up!" Miggs shouted, and then crawled along to the + Girdlestones. "There is no hope for the ship but we may save ourselves," + he said. "You'll have to take your turn at the pumps." + </p> + <p> + They followed him forward without a word. The crew, listless and weary, + were grouped about the pumps. The feeble clanking sounded like the ticking + of a watch amid the horrible uproar which filled the air. + </p> + <p> + "Buckle to again, boys!" cried Miggs. "These two will help you and the + carpenter and mate." + </p> + <p> + Ezra and his father, the old man's grizzled locks flying wildly from his + head, seized the rope and worked with the crew, hardly able to retain + their foothold upon the slippery sloping decks. Miggs went down into the + cabin. His behaviour during the gale had been most exemplary, but he + recognized now that there was nothing more to be done, and, having thrown + off his public responsibilities, he renewed his private peculiarities. He + filled out nearly a tumblerful of raw rum and took it off at a gulp. Then + he began to sing and made his way on deck in a very hilarious and reckless + mood. + </p> + <p> + The vessel was still flying towards the rugged line of cliffs, which were + now visible along the whole horizon, the great projection on the left + being their culminating point. She was obviously sinking lower in the + water, and she plunged in a heavy, sulky manner through the waves, instead + of rising to them as she did before. The water was steadily gaining in her + interior, and it was clear that she would not float long. The straining of + the gale had increased the long-neglected rifts between her timbers, and + no amount of pumping could save her. On the other hand, the sky had broken + above them, and the wind was by no means so violent as before. The sun + broke through between two great hurrying clouds, and turned all the waves + to the brightest emerald green, with sparkling snow-white crests of foam. + This sudden change and the brightness of the scene made their fate seem + all the harder to the seamen aboard the sinking vessel. + </p> + <p> + "The gale is clearin'," remarked McPherson. "If we'd had a ship that wasna + rotten to the hairt, like her owners, we'd ha pu'ed through." + </p> + <p> + "Right you are, old Sandy! But we're all goin' together, captain and + owners and the whole bilin'," yelled Miggs recklessly. + </p> + <p> + The mate looked at him half in surprise and half in contempt. "You've been + at the bottle," he said. "Eh mun, mun, if we are a' drooned, as seems + likely, it's an awfu' thing to appear before your Maker wi' your + meeserable soul a' steeped in drink." + </p> + <p> + "You go down and have a drink yourself," Miggs cried huskily. + </p> + <p> + "Na, na. If I am to dee, I'll dee sober." + </p> + <p> + "You'll die a fool," the skipper shouted wrathfully. + </p> + <p> + "Well, old preacher, you've brought us into a nice hole with your damned + insurance cheating, cheese-paring business. What d'ye think of it now, + when the ship's settlin' down under our feet, eh? Would you repair her if + you had her back in the Albert Dock, eh?" + </p> + <p> + This speech was addressed to the old merchant, who had ceased pumping, and + was leaning against the cuddy and looking up hopelessly at the long line + of brown cliffs which were now only half a mile away. They could hear the + roar of the surf, and saw the white breakers where the Atlantic stormed in + all its fury against nature's break-water. + </p> + <p> + "He's not fit to command," said Ezra to the mate. "What would you advise?" + </p> + <p> + "We'll bring her round and lower the boats on the lee side. They may live + or no, but it's the only chance for us. Them twa boats will hold us a' + easy." + </p> + <p> + The ship was settling down in the water so fast that it was no difficult + matter to let the boats down. They only hung a few feet above the surface. + The majority of the crew got safely into the long boat, and the + Girdlestones, with Miggs and four seamen, occupied the gig. It was no easy + thing to prevent the boats from being stove, as the waves alternately + drove them from the ship's side or brought the two together with a force + which seemed irresistible. By skilful management, however, they both + succeeded in casting off and getting clear without accident. + </p> + <p> + It was only when they emerged from under the shelter of the vessel that + they felt the full power of the sea. If it had appeared stupendous when + they trod the deck of the barque, how much more so now, when, by leaning + the arm over the side, they could touch the surface. The great glassy + green billows hurled them up and down, and tossed them and buffeted them + as though the two boats were their playthings, and they were trying what + antics they could perform with them without destroying them. Girdlestone + sat very grim and pale, with Ezra at his side. The young fellow's + expression was that of a daring man who realizes his danger, but is + determined to throw no chance of safety away. His mouth was set firm and + hard, and his dark eyebrows were drawn down over his keen eyes, which + glanced swiftly to right and left, like a rat in a trap. Miggs held the + tiller, and laughed from time to time in a drunken fashion, while the four + seamen, quiet and subdued, steadied the boat as long as they could with + their oars, and looked occasionally over their shoulders at the breakers + behind them. The sun was shining on the rugged precipices, showing out the + green turf upon their summit and a little dark group of peasants, who were + watching the scene from above, but making no effort to assist the + castaways. There was no alternative but to row straight in for the nearest + point of land, for the boats were filling, and might go down at any + moment. + </p> + <p> + "The ship's gone!" Ezra said, as they rose on the summit of a wave. When + they came up again all looked round, but there was no sign of the + ill-fated <i>Black Eagle</i>. + </p> + <p> + "We'll all be gone when we get among the breakers," shouted Captain + Hamilton Miggs. "Pull, ye devils, pull! Beat the mate's boat. It's a race, + my lads, and the winnin' post is hell." + </p> + <p> + Ezra glanced at his father, and saw that his lips were moving tremulously + as they pattered forth prayers. + </p> + <p> + "Still at it!" he said, with a sneer. + </p> + <p> + "Making my peace," the old man said solemnly. "My faith is now indeed a + staff and a comfort. I look back at my long life, and though I humbly + confess that I have erred, and erred grievously, still in the main I have + walked straight. From my youth I have been frugal and industrious. Oh, my + boy, look with candid eyes into your own heart, and see if you are fit to + be called away." + </p> + <p> + "Look to your own beam," Ezra answered, keeping his eye upon the line of + boiling surf, which came nearer and nearer every moment. "How about John + Harston's daughter, eh?" Even at that awful hour Ezra felt a sinister + pleasure at observing the spasm which shot across his father's face at the + mention of his ward. + </p> + <p> + "If I sinned I sinned for a worthy purpose," he answered. "It was to + preserve my business. Its fall was a blow to righteousness and a triumph + to evil. Into Thy hands I commend my spirit!" + </p> + <p> + As he spoke a great wave hurled the boat in upon its broad bosom, and + flung it down upon the cruel jagged rocks, which bristled from the base of + the cliff. There was a horrible rending crash, and the stout keel snapped + asunder, while a second wave swept over it, tearing out the struggling + occupants and bearing them on, only to hurl them upon a second ridge + beyond. The peasants upon the cliff gave piteous cries of grief and pity, + which blended with the agonized groans and screams of drowning men and the + thunder of the pitiless surge. Looking down they could see the black dots, + which indicated the heads of the poor wretches below, diminishing one by + one as they were hurled upon the rocks or dragged down by the + under-current. + </p> + <p> + Ezra was a strong swimmer, but when he had shaken himself free of the + boat, and kicked away a seaman who clung to him, he made no attempt to + strike out. He knew that the waves would bear him quickly enough on to the + rocks, and he reserved himself for the struggle with them. A great roller + came surging over the outlying reef. It carried him in like a feather and + hurled him up against the face of the cliff. As he struggled upon its + crest, he mechanically put out his hands and seized a projecting portion + of the rock. The shock of the contact was tremendous, but he retained his + grasp and found himself, when the wave receded, standing battered and + breathless upon a small niche in the front of the rock which just gave him + foothold. It was a marvellous escape, for looking on either side he could + not see any break in the sheer declivity. + </p> + <p> + He was by no means safe as yet. If a wave had landed him there another + might come as high and drag him away. Looking down he saw one or two + smaller ones break into spray far below him, and then a second great green + billow came rolling majestically towards him. He eyed it as it came + foaming in, and calculated that it would come at least as high as his + knees. Would it drag him back with it, or could he hold his own? He braced + himself as firmly as he could, placing his feet apart, and digging his + nails into the inequalities of the rock until the blood gushed from them. + The water surged up upon him, and he felt it tugging like some murderous + demon at his legs, but he held on bravely until the pressure decreased. + Looking below the saw the wave sinking down the face of the cliff. Another + wave overtook it and welled it up again, and then from the depths of the + green waters Ezra saw a long white arm shoot up, and grasp the edge of the + ledge upon which he stood. + </p> + <p> + Even before the face appeared the young man knew that the hand was his + father's. A second followed the first, and then the old merchant's face + was uplifted from the waves. He was cruelly bruised and battered, and his + clothes had been partly torn away. He recognized his son, however, and + looked up at him beseechingly, while he held on with all his strength to + the ledge of rock. So small was the space that his clinging fingers + touched Ezra's toes. + </p> + <p> + "There's no room here," the young man said brutally. + </p> + <p> + "For God's sake!" + </p> + <p> + "Hardly room for one." + </p> + <p> + The merchant was hanging with the lower portion of his body in the water. + It was but a few instants, but the old man had time to think of many an + incident in his past life. Once more he saw the darkened sick-room, and + his own form standing by the bed of the dying man. What are these words + which ring in his ears above the crash of the surf? "May your flesh and + blood treat you as you treat her." He looked up appealing at his son. Ezra + saw that the next wave would lift him right up on to the ledge. In that + case he might be hustled off. + </p> + <p> + "Leave go!" he cried. + </p> + <p> + "Help me, Ezra." + </p> + <p> + His son brought down his heavy heel upon the bloodless hands. The old + African trader gave a wild shriek and fell back into the sea. Looking + down, Ezra saw his despairing face gazing at him through the water. Slowly + it sank until it was but a flickering white patch far down in the green + depths. At the same instant a thick rope came dangling down the face of + the cliff, and the young man knew that he was saved. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0050" id="link2HCH0050"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER L. — WINDS UP THE THREAD AND TIES TWO KNOTS AT THE END. + </h2> +<p class="nind"> +<span class="smcap">Great</span> was the excitement of the worthy couple at Phillimore Gardens when + Kate Harston was brought back to them. Good Mrs. Dimsdale pressed her to + her ample bosom and kissed her, and scolded her, and wept over her, while + the doctor was so moved that it was only by assuming an expression of + portentous severity and by bellowing and stamping about that he was able + to keep himself in decent control. + </p> + <p> + "And you really thought we had forgotten you because we were insane enough + to stop writing at that villain's request?" he said, patting Kate's pale + cheeks tenderly and kissing her. + </p> + <p> + "I was very foolish," she said, blushing prettily and rearranging her + hair, which had been somewhat tumbled by her numerous caresses. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, that scoundrel—that pair of scoundrels!" roared the doctor, + shaking his fist and dancing about on the hearth-rug. "Pray God they may + catch 'em before the trial comes off!" + </p> + <p> + The good physician's prayer was not answered in this case, for Burt was + the only criminal who appeared in the dock. Our friends all went down to + the Winchester Assizes to give evidence, and the navvy was duly convicted + of the death of Rebecca Taylforth and condemned to death. He was executed + some three weeks afterwards, dying as he had lived, stolid and + unrepenting. + </p> + <p> + There is a little unpretending church not far from Phillimore Gardens, in + which a little unpretending clergyman preaches every Sunday out of a very + shabby pulpit. It lies in Castle Lane, which is a narrow by-way, and the + great crowd of church-goers ebbs and flows within a hundred yards of it, + but none know of its existence, for it has never risen to the dignity of a + spire, and the bell is so very diminutive that the average muffin man + produces quite as much noise. Hence, with the exception of some few + families who have chanced to find their way there, and have been so + pleased with their spiritual welcome that they have returned, there is a + poor and fluctuating congregation. So scanty is it that the struggling + incumbent could very well weep when he has spent the week in polishing and + strengthening his sermon, and then finds upon the Sunday how very scanty + is the audience to whom it is to be addressed. + </p> + <p> + Imagine, then, this good man's surprise when asked to publish the banns of + marriage of two couples simultaneously, each of whom he knew to be in the + upper circles of life, and when informed at the same time that the said + marriages were actually to be celebrated under his own auspices and in his + own church. In the fullness of his heart he at once bought a most + unwearable black bonnet with lilac flowers and red berries, which he + brought in triumph to his wife, who, good woman, affected extreme delight, + and afterwards cut away all the obnoxious finery and replaced it to her + own taste. The scanty congregation was no less surprised when they heard + that Tobias Clutterbuck, bachlelor, was about to marry Lavinia Scully, + widow, and that Thomas Dimsdale, bachelor, was to do as much to Catherine + Harston, spinster. They communicated the tidings to their friends, and the + result was a great advertisement to the little church, so that the + incumbent preached his favourite sermon upon barren fig trees to a crowded + audience, and received such an offertory as had never entered into his + wildest dreams. + </p> + <p> + And if this was an advertisement to the Castle Lane church, how much more + so was it when the very pompous carriages came rolling up with their very + pompous drivers, all of whom, being married men, had a depreciatory and + wearied expression upon their faces, to show that they had done it all + before and that it was nothing new to them. Out of the one carriage there + jumped a very jaunty gentleman, somewhat past the middle age and a little + inclined to stoutness, but looking very healthy and rosy nevertheless. + Besides him there walked a tall, tawny-bearded man, who glanced + solicitously every now and again at his companion, as though he were the + bottle-holder at a prize-fight and feared that his man might collapse at a + moment's notice. From a second carriage there emerged an athletic + brown-faced young fellow accompanied by a small wizened gentleman in + spotless attire, who was in such a state of nervousness that he dropped + his lavender glove twice on his way up the aisle. These gentlemen grouped + themselves at the end of the church conversing in low whispers and looking + exceedingly uncomfortable, as is the prerogative of the sterner sex under + such circumstances. Mr. Gilray, who was Tom's best man, was introduced to + Herr von Baumser, and every one was very affable and nervous. + </p> + <p> + Now there comes a rustling of drapery, and every one turns their heads as + the brides sweep up to the altar. Here Is Mrs. Scully, looking quite as + charming as she did fifteen years ago on the last occasion when she + performed the ceremony. She was dressed in a French grey gown with bonnet + to match, and the neatest little bouquet in the world, for which the major + had ransacked Covent Garden. Behind her came bonny Kate, a very vision of + loveliness in her fairy-like lace and beautiful ivory satin. Her dark + lashes drooped over her violet eyes and a slight flush tinged her cheeks, + but she glided steadily into her place and did her share in the responses + when the earnest little clergyman appeared upon the scene. There was Dr. + Dimsdale too, with the brightest of smiles and snowiest of waistcoats, + giving away the brides in the most open-handed fashion. His wife too was + by his side in tears and purple velvet, and many other friends and + relations, including the two Socialists, who came at the major's + invitation, and beamed on every one out of a side pew. + </p> + <p> + Then there was the signing of the registers, and such a kissing and a + weeping and a distributing of fees as never was seen in Castle Lane church + before. And Mrs. Dimsdale, as one of the witnesses, would insist upon + writing her name in the space reserved for the bride, on which there were + many small jokes passed and much laughter. Then the wheezy old organ + struck up Mendelssohn's wedding march, and the major puffed out his chest + and stumped down the aisle with his bride, while Tom followed with his, + looking round with proud and happy eyes. The carriages rolled up, there + was a slamming of doors and a cracking of whips, and two more couples had + started hand in hand down the long road of life which leads—who + shall say whither! + </p> + <p> + The breakfast was at Phillimore Gardens, and a very glorious breakfast it + was. Those who were present still talk of the manner in which the health + of the brides was proposed by Dr. Dimsdale and of the enthusiasm with + which the toast was received by the company. Also of the flowery address + in which the major returned thanks for the said toast, and the manly + demeanour of the younger man as he followed suit. They speak too of many + other pleasant things said and done upon that occasion. How Von Baumser + proposed the health of the little incumbent, and the little incumbent that + of Dr. Dimsdale, and the doctor drank to the unpronounceable Russian, who, + being unable to reply, sang a revolutionary song which no one could + understand. Very happy and very hearty was every one by the time that the + hour came at which the carriages were ordered, when, amid a pattering of + rice and a chorus of heartfelt good wishes, the happy couples drove off + upon their travels. + </p> + <p> + The liabilities of the firm of Girdlestone proved to be less serious than + was at first imagined. After the catastrophe which had befallen the + founder of the business, there was almost a panic in Fenchurch Street, but + on examination it proved that though the books had been deliberately + falsified for some time, yet trade had been so brisk of late that, with a + little help, the firm could continue to exist. Dimsdale threw all his + money and his energy into the matter, and took Gilray into partnership, + which proved to be an excellent thing for both of them. The firm of + Dimsdale and Gilray is now among the most successful and popular of all + the English firms connected with the African trade. Of their captains + there is none upon whom they place greater reliance than upon McPherson, + whose boat was providentially saved from the danger which destroyed his + former captain and his employer. + </p> + <p> + What became of Ezra Girdlestone was never known. Some years after Tom + heard from a commercial traveller of a melancholy, broken man who haunted + the low betting-houses of San Francisco, and who met his death eventually + in some drunken fracas. There was much about this desperado which tallied + with the description of young Girdlestone, but nothing certain was ever + known about the matter. + </p> + <p> + And now I must bid adieu to the shadowy company with whom I have walked so + long. I see them going on down the vista of the future, gathering wisdom + and happiness as they go. There is the major, as stubby-toed and + pigeon-breasted as ever, broken from many of his Bohemian ways, but still + full of anecdote and of kindliness. There is his henchman, Von Baumser, + too, who is a constant diner at his hospitable board, and who conveys so + many sweets to a young Clutterbuck who has made his appearance, that one + might suspect him of receiving a commission from the family doctor. Mrs. + Clutterbuck, as buxom and pleasant as ever, makes noble efforts at + stopping these contraband supplies, but the wily Teuton still manages to + smuggle them through in the face of every obstacle. I see Kate and her + husband, chastened by their many troubles, and making the road to the + grave pleasant to the good old couple who are so proud of their son. All + these I watch as they pass away into the dim coming time, and I know as I + shut the book that, whatever may be in store for us there, they, at least, + can never in the eternal justice of things come to aught but good. + </p> + <h3> + THE END.</h3> + <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13152 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/13152-h/images/cover.jpg b/13152-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..b5b6a7f --- /dev/null +++ b/13152-h/images/cover.jpg |
