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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/24804-8.txt b/24804-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..10893c1 --- /dev/null +++ b/24804-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8320 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Rider in Khaki, by Nat Gould + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Rider in Khaki + A Novel + +Author: Nat Gould + +Release Date: March 11, 2008 [EBook #24804] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RIDER IN KHAKI *** + + + + +Produced by Al Haines + + + + + + + + + + +THE RIDER IN KHAKI + +_A NOVEL_ + + +BY + +NAT GOULD + + + + +NEW YORK + +FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY + +PUBLISHERS + + + + +Copyright, 1918, by + +FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY + + +_All rights reserved_ + + + + +CONTENTS + + +CHAPTER + + I. "WILL HE MARRY HER?" + II. TRENT PARK + III. "HE'S A SPY" + IV. THE AUSTRALIAN GIRL + V. ROBIN HOOD'S SPEED + VI. A FLYING FILLY + VII. A WALK AND A TALK + VIII. FRASER'S INFORMATION + IX. THE MAN UNDER THE LAMP + X. CARL MAKES LOVE + XI. THE BARON'S TIP + XII. A FINE FINISH + XIII. ALAN IS BLIND + XIV. INSIDE THE KEEP + XV. A SUDDEN PROPOSAL + XVI. JANE'S LOVE AFFAIR + XVII. THE LAY OF THE LAND + XVIII. TOM'S WEAKNESS + XIX. HALF A HEAD + XX. TWO STAYERS + XXI. THE RAID + XXII. JANE SUSPECTS + XXIII. ALAN'S DANGER + XXIV. TAKEN PRISONER + XXV. ALIVE AND WELL + XXVI. THE RIDER IN KHAKI + XXVII. THE STEEPLECHASE + XXVIII. JANE'S DISCLOSURES + XXIX. A SPLASH IN THE DARK + XXX. NEWS FROM HOME + + + + +THE RIDER IN KHAKI + + +CHAPTER I + +"WILL HE MARRY HER?" + +"Do you think he will marry her?" asked Harry Morby. + +"Does anybody know what he will do," replied Vincent Newport, +discussing their host Alan Chesney, of Trent Park, a beautiful estate +in Nottinghamshire, close to the Dukeries, Sherwood Forest, and the +picturesque village of Ollerton. + +In the billiard room they had just finished a game of a hundred up, it +was an even battle but Morby won by a few points; they were Chesney's +friends, captains in the same regiment--the Guards--from which Alan +Chesney resigned his commission some twelve months ago. Why he +resigned was best known to himself; they had not heard the reason; +nobody in the regiment appeared to have any idea. + +"She's a splendid woman," said Harry, with a sigh. + +"Granted, perhaps one of the most conspicuous of the reigning beauties. +It may not be a question of will he marry her but whether she will have +him if he asks her," answered Vincent. + +Harry Morby shook his head. + +"She'll marry him right enough. Why not? By Jove, Vin, what a +handsome couple they'd make!" he said. + +"Yes, but I doubt if it would be a happy union," said Vincent. + +"Good Lord, man, why shouldn't it be? They'd have everything they +wanted: money on both sides, estates close together, many things in +common, love of racing, sport in general, hunting in particular; +they're made for each other." + +"What about temperaments?" + +"All right in that way. No doubt there'd be some friction at times, +but very few married people go through life without jars." + +"Evelyn Berkeley has had one or two affairs." + +"Nothing to her discredit. She's always been allowed to have her head; +her father was proud of her in his way, but he was a selfish man, +thought more of his pleasures than anything, a bit of an old rip too, +if all one hears be correct. As for her mother--you know the +story--possibly Berkeley drove her to it." + +"Yes, I've heard it. Of course everybody blames her; they always do, +the woman pays," said Vincent. + +"Marcus Berkeley left her his riches; everything he had went to her. +She can't be thirty, at least I should think not," said Harry. + +"Is her mother dead?" asked Vincent. + +"I don't know; if alive she is not likely to come into her life again," +said Harry. + +Alan Chesney generally had friends staying with him at Trent Park; it +was a hospitable house, where everything was done well. His father was +a successful man, head of a great brewery firm, a wonderful manager, a +staunch sportsman, the owner of a famous stud, and a conspicuous figure +on the turf; his death was a blow to racing, his colors were popular, +and his outlay lavish. + +Alan Chesney inherited his love for horses and racing, but the immense +business of William Chesney & Company, Limited, did not appeal to him, +although the bulk of his wealth came from that source. It was a +disappointment to his father when Alan elected to go into the army, but +as he was bent on it he gave way on condition he resign his commission +when he died and become the head of the firm. This was the real reason +for Alan's leaving the army; there were others also weighed with him. +He had the makings of a good soldier in him but "the piping times of +peace," did not bring out his best qualities; there was more pleasure +than work and the calls of duty were not very arduous for a rich man. + +The manager of William Chesney & Company was Duncan Fraser, a Scotsman, +whose whole life had been spent in England, the bulk of it with +Chesney. An upright, honorable, keen man of business, Duncan Fraser +was a tower of strength in the firm. Force of character was stamped on +him; he was unyielding when he felt he was in the right, and many +tussles William Chesney had with him about fresh moves connected with +new departments in the company's procedure. The two men were, however, +friends, and had respect for the abilities they both possessed. + +It was Duncan Fraser's opposition to Alan Chesney going into the army +induced William Chesney to protest against it and give way only upon +the stipulation stated. + +"He is your only son, and his place is at the head of the firm when you +think fit to retire," said Duncan. "He has no right to neglect his +responsibilities, and he ought to be trained for the position; if he +goes into a crack cavalry regiment he'll never settle down to the work +here." + +William Chesney agreed with Duncan Fraser, but made excuses for Alan. + +"I fancy he considers you will be capable of looking after things when +I am gone," he said. + +"That's not the point. I'm capable now, but you are the head, and he +ought to take your place." + +Alan Chesney and Duncan Fraser did not agree well, the former knew of +Fraser's opposition to his joining the army and resented it as an +impertinence. + +"After all he's a servant of the company," he said to his father. + +"And the best servant a company ever had. He's a big shareholder too; +don't forget that important fact, Alan," was the answer. + +Duncan Fraser was a careful man; he had a large salary, and, being a +bachelor, saved most of it and bought shares in the brewery. When +William Chesney died he held the second interest to Alan, which gave +him considerable power. + +To do Fraser justice he always desired, was anxious, that Alan Chesney +should be the active head of the firm; but his disinclination for the +work threw more and more responsibility on the manager, and although +Alan was nominally the head, Duncan Fraser was the man everybody looked +to. + +Alan recognized this and resented it, although he knew it was his fault. + +Duncan Fraser had the tact to handle the situation delicately; he +treated Alan with almost the same deference as his father, but did not +consult him to the same extent, or take so much notice of his +suggestions. + +Fraser was a good-looking man, verging on fifty, tall, well-built, an +athlete in his younger days, a good shot and an enthusiastic angler. +He was a frequent visitor at Trent Park, and to all outward appearances +he and Alan were the best of friends; there was a rift in the lute +which they concealed. + +Alan was popular in the county, his liberality was great, appeals to +him always met with a response. His fine commanding presence made him +noticeable, his military training had done him good, he was strong, +powerful, a good boxer, and no man could ride better. Despite his +height and strong frame, he could ride a reasonable weight on the flat, +and over fences, and he often mounted his horses and those of his +friends. Exercise kept his weight down; he walked miles at a stretch, +through the glorious forest, or over his estates. + +He had known Evelyn Berkeley since she was in her teens, and when he +came home from Harrow, and she was at "The Forest" for her holidays, +they were often together; their love for the country was strong and +they explored every nook and corner of Sherwood Forest. + +When Evelyn Berkeley was five and twenty it was reported, with some +semblance of authority, that William Chesney, the wealthy brewer, was +anxious to make her his wife, that he would willingly have done so but +she refused him. There was truth in this, but the whole facts were not +known. Evelyn Berkeley liked William Chesney but she was very fond of +Alan, and it seemed to her ridiculous that she should wed the father +when she admired the son, although Marcus Berkeley strongly urged her +to accept the brewer's offer. + +"You'll be safe with him, Eve," said her father. "He's a good sort; he +idolizes you. Oh yes, I know you prefer Alan, that's perhaps natural, +but he's not sown his wild oats yet and you'll have a long time to wait +before you can get him to the post. You're young, marry William +Chesney, and before the bloom's off your cheeks you'll be the richest +and handsomest widow in the land." + +Evelyn Berkeley was very sorry when William Chesney died. He proved a +better guide than her father, and her refusal of his offer made no +difference in his manner toward her. + +Alan Chesney knew of his father's partiality for Evelyn Berkeley but +did not know he proposed to her, and the rumors of it had not reached +him. He admired Evelyn, but was not at all certain he loved her, and +so far had not considered it conducive to his happiness that he should +take a wife; he was fond of his freedom, of the bachelor life he was +leading, he did many things that would be impossible if he married. + +He had a habit of doing unexpected things, and this was the reason +Vincent Newport said, "Does anybody know what he will do?" in answer to +Harry Morby's question. + +Alan Chesney came into the billiard room. + +"Did you beat him, Harry?" he asked. + +"Just pipped him on the post," was the answer. + +"I'm just going to have a look at the horses; will you come?" he said. + +"Only too pleased," said Vincent, and Harry acquiesced eagerly. + +"Think we'll drive; horses are more enjoyable than motors--that's if +you haven't to go any distance." + +A pair of beautiful bays were brought round, the shooting wagon was +spic and span, almost new, the groom smart and dapper, everything in +perfect style. + +Alan handled the reins and they drove along the well-kept road in the +direction of Trent Stud. + +Their way skirted past "The Forest" and as they passed the gates Evelyn +Berkeley came out in her motor. Alan pulled up, she stopped the car, +and greetings were exchanged. + +"We're going to see the horses. Will you come?" asked Alan. + +She thanked him, said she had an appointment in Nottingham, and from +there had to go to Newark. + +"You'll be in town for the Derby, I suppose?" said Alan. + +"Yes. Are you running anything at the meeting?" + +"Three or four. Might pick up a race or two." + +"You'll not forget to put me on," she said, smiling. + +"Oh no, I'll not forget. I'll call and see you and give you all +particulars; shall you have a house full?" said Alan. + +"Half a dozen single friends and two married couples; you can stay with +me if you like, it will be quite proper," she said, laughing. + +Alan did not give a direct answer; he merely repeated that he would +call. + +"By Jove, she is handsome!" said Harry enthusiastically. + +"Not a doubt about that," said Alan placidly, as he touched the horses +with the whip and they went along at a fast pace. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +TRENT PARK + +Trent Park was a wonderful place; the house was modern, the new mansion +having been built by William Chesney, but the park was full of ancient +trees and there were some old buildings. A venerable keep, surrounded +by a moat full of water and only reached by a boat, there being no +bridge, was not far from the stud buildings. + +It was a picturesque spot and many visitors came to see it. History +attached to it, romance threw a halo round, there were many stories +associated with it, some true, others doubtful, the more doubtful the +more interesting. Murder had been committed within its walls in the +time of the first Edward; and even down to the Georges; it possessed an +unenviable reputation for dark deeds and mysterious crimes. + +It was used as a prison in the Tudor times and tradition said many a +man had been done to death there without just cause. + +Men employed at Trent Park in various capacities reported having seen +weird sights: shadowy, wailing figures, mostly women, flitting about, +even rising out of the moat where, it was said, bodies had been found, +or, to be more correct, skeletons. + +The villagers of Little Trent shunned it after nightfall; youngsters +were frightened into obedience by threats to bring the moat ghosts +after them. + +It was a round keep, built of massive stone, the walls ivy-covered, the +base green with moss, damp and age. + +A massive oak door studded with large-headed nails creaked on its rusty +hinges when opened, which was seldom. + +A visitor from New York received permission to examine the keep, tower, +and moat in search of historical data and facts. He stayed at the +Sherwood Inn at Little Trent. One evening he returned from his +explorations with a white, frightened face; when questioned he shivered +but gave no answers. He hurriedly took his departure and, from stray +bits of paper in the fire-grate in his room, it was surmised he had +burnt his copious notes about the keep, no doubt being terrified by +some ghostly warning to destroy them. + +The ruins of a monastery stood at the other end of the Park. A stately +pile of crumbling mortar, and stones shifting from places they occupied +for centuries. The outer walls stood and inside the square was a +keeper's cottage hidden in a warm snug corner, concealed from prying +eyes, unnoticeable until the ruin was entered. + +A curious place to build a cottage, and nobody seemed to know who put +it up or for what purpose the place was selected. It was there when +William Chesney bought the estate and it was a long time before he knew +of its existence. + +Tom Thrush, head gamekeeper at Trent Park, occupied it, living there +with his daughter Jane, a pretty girl of twenty, a lonely place for +her; yet she liked it and loved to wander in the woods and roam about +in the great forest bordering on the Park. + +Tom Thrush, for many years, was employed at Chesney's Brewery; it was +at his own request he was sent to Trent Park and installed as second +keeper and then raised to head keeper in the course of a few years. He +was a strange man, lonely, taciturn, passionately fond of his daughter, +and spent the bulk of his time in the forest, where he studied +wood-craft and the habits of all wild birds and animals. There was +something almost uncanny in the way he made friends with the wild +things of the woods and forests; no living bird or animal seemed to +fear him, and he taught Jane much wild lore and how to make friends +with the denizens of the woods. + +The preserving of game was strictly carried out at Trent Park and +thousands of birds were killed every season; in this Tom Thrush was +most successful, a prince among keepers. + +The Park abounded with massive oaks, and no doubt at one time had been +part of Sherwood Forest, and these were ancient trees that had been +spared when others fell. Centuries old some of them, with vast trunks +and huge gnarled, twisted branches which seemed to have suffered from +terrible convulsions of nature, been put on the wrack, as it were, and +come forth mutilated in a hundred deformities. + +There were deer in the Park, and white cattle, almost wild, sometimes +dangerous, they were confined in a strong ring fence. + +One part of the Park was laid out in paddocks for the blood stock, and +here the young thoroughbreds from the Trent Stud galloped about and +played their games until it was time for them to be broken in and sent +to the trainer. + +Well-kept roads ran in various directions through the Park, there was +plenty of water, a minor river running through on its way to join the +Trent. It was indeed a glorious place and Alan Chesney might well be +counted a lucky man to own it. + +His two friends had gone, after staying a week, and it was arranged +they should meet at Epsom for the Derby. + +It was seldom Alan Chesney was alone in the big house; many times he +wished it smaller, not so roomy, more cosy, in keeping with his +bachelor habits. There were parts of it he had only been in once or +twice. The long picture gallery he shunned, although some exquisite +modern paintings hung there. + +When he came into possession he had some of the smaller and brighter +pictures removed into the living rooms and the spaces were still left +vacant. The windows in this gallery overlooked the Park, in the +distance the keep could be seen, and farther away a corner of the +monastery. There were large reception-rooms, and bedrooms the size of +the ground floor of a small house. The dining-room was oak panelled, +the ceiling oak, and it was furnished with massive chairs and a huge +table. There was a great sideboard, carved by Gibbons, which cost an +enormous sum, carvings adorned the wood mantelpiece over the open +fireplace. It was a room in which fifty guests might sit down with +ease. + +Alan had his favorite rooms, the smallest in the house; his study was a +model of comfort, and there was another room opening from it which +contained all his sporting paraphernalia. There were guns of various +makes, over a dozen; Harry Morby had tested some of them and expressed +the opinion that a bad shot might kill birds with such weapons. + +A case of fishing-rods occupied one side of the room. Half a dozen +saddles, some racing jackets, bridles, dog collars, boxing gloves, +foils, whips, boots, spurs, miscellaneous tools handy for sporting +purposes. + +Pictures of racing and hunting scenes hung on the walls; there was a +life-like painting of Fred Archer, the beautiful eyes being perfect, +also another of Tom Cannon, Mornington Cannon, George Fordham, +portraits of Maher, Frank Wotton and several well-known gentleman +riders who were friends of Alan's. + +This was the room where guests were wont to congregate and talk over +the day's shooting, or discuss the merits of horses and jockeys. + +Alan had breakfast, and came into this room to read the papers before +going for his customary ride; he was always ready and fit to accept a +mount in a welter race, or ride over the sticks in the hurdle and +chasing season. + +He looked carelessly at half a dozen papers but his attention wandered, +he could not concentrate his thoughts on anything he saw, he read bits +here and there but they were not fixed in his mind. He tossed the +papers in a heap on the table, filled his pipe and smoked dreamily. + +There were a dozen servants in the house but he was the only occupant +of the owner's quarters. He did not feel exactly lonely, but he liked +somebody to talk with, and having been a few days by himself he wished +for company. + +Evelyn Berkeley was at The Forest and he thought he would ride over and +see her; she was always good company and he liked her, but she was +dangerously charming and he acknowledged he felt the influence when in +her presence. + +Why not marry her? He was sure she would accept him if he proposed, +and there was no woman more fitted to be the mistress of Trent Park. + +More than once he had been on the verge of putting the question to her +but something prevented him and he was rather glad he had escaped. + +Over and over again he had asked himself if he loved her and found no +satisfactory answer. + +He knew many of his male friends accepted it as a foregone conclusion +he would marry Evelyn Berkeley, and he smiled as he thought how they +discussed him and his matrimonial prospects. + +It pleased him to think she preferred his society to that of other men, +it flattered him when he recalled she might have been a countess had +she wished. He asked her why she did not accept the titled suitor and +she replied that titles had no attraction for her, that her mind was +made up; there was somebody she liked very much, he might ask her to be +his wife some day and she would wait. + +He rode several miles at a fast pace in the Park before turning his +horse's head in the direction of The Forest. + +As he was passing the monastery ruins he saw Jane Thrush. She looked +very sweet and winsome in her plain brown frock which matched the color +of her hair; she had no hat, and its luxurious growth added to her +rather refined rustic beauty. + +Alan was always courteous to women, and Jane was one of his favorites; +so was her father, he had a sincere regard for the sturdy, silent +gamekeeper. + +"Beautiful morning, Jane," he said. "You love to be out in the sun?" + +She smiled at him. How handsome he looked on his horse, and how well +he sat the animal! + +"I am going to Little Trent to buy a few things for the house. I +generally go through the wood," she said. + +"You and your father live quiet lives here. Wouldn't you like to be in +the village?" he asked. + +"Oh no. I love the old ruin, and the cottage is so sweet I couldn't +bear to leave it, and I'm sure Father would sooner be here than +anywhere," said Jane eagerly. + +Alan laughed as he replied: + +"Don't be alarmed, you shall live in the cottage as long as you like. +Do you ever feel afraid when you are alone at night?" + +"No; why should I? No one ever comes here, and there's Jack always on +guard." + +"Wonderful dog, Jack," said Alan smiling. + +"He is. It's three years since you gave him to me. He is my constant +companion." + +"He's a well-bred dog anyway; these black retrievers are hard to beat." + +"If anything happened to him I don't know what I'd do," she said. + +"I do," he answered. "I'd give you another in his place." + +"That wouldn't be the same at all," she said. + +"You prefer old friends?" + +"Yes, indeed." + +"Then I hope Jack will live a long time to be your faithful companion," +said Alan. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +"HE'S A SPY" + +Evelyn Berkeley was at home, instructions were given that Mr. Chesney +was to be admitted when he called. She greeted him cordially; he saw +she was pleased to see him. + +"You bring the fresh air in with you. I suppose you have been riding +in the Park?" she said, as she gave him her hand and a bright smile. + +"It's the best part of the day for riding. I wonder you do not go out +more on horseback, you are a good rider." + +"You really think so?" + +"Yes--really." + +"I have no one to ride with." + +"There's me, won't I do?" he asked laughing. + +"Oh yes, you'll do very well indeed, but I have to be careful; I'm a +lone woman and people talk." + +"Let 'em," said Alan. + +"That's all very well from your standpoint; you're a man, that makes +all the difference." + +"Not in these days. Women are taking a hand in most things, giving the +men a lead. They are independent; probably they are right." + +"Yes, I think they are, but still there are some things they cannot do; +women are more likely to be talked about than men, it matters more to +them." + +"Why should it?" + +"Because women are women, I can't give you a better answer," she said +laughing. + +"I met Jane Thrush as I came past the monastery," he said. "Pretty +girl, is she not? She seems to like her lonely life at the cottage, at +least she says so." + +"A very pretty girl, and a good girl," was her reply. + +"Do you see her sometimes?" he asked. + +"Yes, very often; she comes here when she likes, Hannah is fond of her." + +"You're lucky to have Hannah Moss." + +"I am; she's a treasure." + +"Been at The Forest for years, hasn't she?" + +"She nursed me, that's a long time ago." + +He laughed as he said: + +"Not so very long ago, Eve; we were playmates, I am not very ancient." + +"Well, it seems a long time since I was a girl and you a boy." + +"We were good pals." + +"Always." + +"And we are now?" he questioned. + +"Pals? Does that fit the case?" she asked. + +"I hope so; I trust it always will." + +She hoped not, she wanted a deeper feeling to develop. + +Alan looked well, such a fine healthy man, strong, athletic, and she +loved him; he little knew the strength of her feelings for him, how she +longed to be his, to be conquered by him, to feel his strength pitted +against her woman weakness. She kept herself in check, there was very +little outward show of her love for him, although sometimes it would +not be banished from her eyes, and they were beautiful eyes, eloquent, +expressive, and this morning as she looked at him the love-light shone +there, and he felt its power. + +She was a beautiful woman, he would not have been the man he was had he +not felt her charm. She was a woman well developed in mind and body, +her taste in dress was exquisite, she knew what suited her and declined +to be fashioned by her dressmaker. She stood facing him, close to him, +and his senses were intoxicated by her fragrance. The scent she used +was delicate, the perfume exquisite, it was peculiar to her; a very +dangerous woman when she cared to exercise her powers. + +"By Jove, Eve, you do look splendid!" he exclaimed with genuine +enthusiasm. + +She flushed slightly. It was a tribute to her charm and she accepted +it; there could be no doubt about his sincerity. + +"Do I look better than usual?" she asked. + +"You always look well, but this morning you excel yourself, you are +grand! I mean it. What a prize for some lucky man to win!" + +She laughed. + +"The lucky man has not come along yet apparently; I am near thirty," +she said. + +"At the height of your charms; you'll meet the right man one day and +he'll be carried off his feet and surrender at once, he'll have no +option." + +"Can't he see, oh, can't he see he is the right man! I'd fling myself +into his arms if he asked me," she thought with longing. + +"He will have to hurry up," she answered smiling. + +He remained an hour or so and then left. + +"Be sure and come to my house in town in Derby week," she said. + +"I'll be there. You asked me to stay." + +"Will you?" + +"I dare not," he said with a laugh, as he mounted his horse and rode +away. She stood on the steps watching; at the gate he turned and +raised his hat, she waved her hand, and with a sigh, went into the +house. + +Hannah Moss, at one of the upstairs windows, saw him ride away. + +"Drat the man," she murmured, "why doesn't he marry her; they're made +for each other." + +Eve went for a walk after lunch and her way took her to the village of +Little Trent. She was popular with the villagers, the lady bountiful +of the district, and gave with a liberal hand. + +Abel Head stood outside the Sherwood Inn as she came along, he touched +his cap, she stopped. + +"We're having glorious weather," she said. "I suppose you are going to +the Derby?" + +"Never miss if I can help," he replied. "What's going to win, Miss +Berkeley?" + +"Merry Monarch," she answered promptly. + +"No!" exclaimed Abel. "Who told you?" + +"That's a secret," she said laughing. + +"He's at a good price." + +"A hundred to eight." + +"I'll risk a trifle on him," said Abel. + +"Don't back him because I've told you," she said; "he may lose." + +"He belongs to Baron Childs; he's a straight 'un." + +"He's as straight as they make them," said Eve. "How's Richard? Have +you heard from him?" + +"Not lately, thank you for asking. I wish he'd not joined the army; +he'd have done better to stay here and help me," said Abel. + +"Why did he join?" she asked. + +"Got restless, I suppose and----" he hesitated. + +"And what else?" + +"He was very fond of Jane Thrush," said Abel. + +"And Jane did not give him much encouragement?" + +"That's about the strength of it," said Abel. + +"Jane is devoted to her father," said Eve. + +"No doubt about that, but she'll wed someday, and Dick's not a bad +sort," said Abel. + +"He'll make a good soldier, Abel." + +"Perhaps he will; he'll be a fighter, and it looks to me as though +there'll be a burst up before long." + +"You think so?" + +"Certain sure I do; there'll be no peace anywhere until the Germans are +licked." + +Eve laughed. + +"I understood we were better friends than ever with Germany," she +replied. + +"Some folks will tell you that, but don't you believe them, Miss +Berkeley. They're a nasty spying lot, I'd trust none of 'em," said +Abel. + +"I hope you are wrong, war is a terrible thing," she said. + +"So it is in a way, but we've been asleep too long, it won't do us any +harm to be roused up," said Abel. "There's a man staying at my place I +have my doubts about," he said mysteriously. + +"What sort of doubts?" she asked. + +"He goes by the name of Carl Meason, but he's a German, I'm sure of it, +and he's a spy," said Abel. + +She looked surprised as she said: + +"What would a German spy find to do in Little Trent?" + +"That's more than I can tell; probably he's spying out the land." + +She laughed. + +"What sort of a man is he?" she asked. + +"Not a bad-looking chap, talks well, but there's something suspicious +about him. + +"Does he speak with a foreign accent?" + +"No; speaks English as well as I do," said Abel. + +Eve smiled: Abel's English was at times a trifle weird. + +"Then I'm sure he's not a German if he speaks as well as you, Abel," +she said. + +"Now you're chaffing me," he replied. + +"Not at all; I am sure you speak very well." + +"If he's not a German he's a spy of some sort I'm certain. He's always +looking at maps, drawing plans, making notes and figuring up things. +It's my belief he's hit on Little Trent by chance and came to my place +because it's quiet and out of the way. There's something wrong with +him; if he's not German he's in the pay of somebody connected with 'em. +I'd bet my last bob he's a spy of some sort, and I'll keep my eye on +him," said Abel. + +When Abel went into the Inn he found a map spread on the table in the +room occupied by Carl Meason. He glanced at it and saw small pins +stuck in various places where lines were printed. Putting on his +glasses he saw these were road lines and noticed most of them in which +the pins were sticking ran from the coast inland; he had no time for +further observation, as Meason entered the room. + +"Rather a good map, is it not?" asked the man. + +"Should think so; I don't know much about maps," said Abel. "What's +all these pins for?" + +"I am a surveyor. I am going through some of the roads on this map; I +shall have to inspect them shortly. I came here to do my work quietly. +I daresay you wondered what I was at Little Trent for?" said Carl. + +"I have been wondering," said Abel. "So you're a surveyor?" + +"Yes; I'm considered clever at the work." + +"You're a Government surveyor?" asked Abel. + +"I am." + +"I notice most of the roads you have marked run from the coast inland." + +"That's my division; I am doing this for army purposes." + +"Oh!" exclaimed Abel. "For our Government?" + +Carl Meason looked at him quickly; Abel's face made him smile, he did +not look extra sharp. + +"I'm not likely to survey roads for army purposes for any other +Government," he said. + +"No, I suppose not. It must be interesting work." + +"It is, very; the more you get into this business, the better you like +it," said Carl. + +Abel left him bending over the map. When Carl heard the door closed he +looked up, a scowl on his face. "Curse the old fool," he muttered. +"Wonder why he asked me if it was our Government I was working for?" + +He rolled up the map carefully, ticking the place where he had left the +pins in red ink. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +THE AUSTRALIAN GIRL + +Derby week, London hummed and bustled with excitement. Sport was in +the air, racing; everybody talking about the great event. There were +thousands of visitors in the city; it was easy to pick out the +strangers. + +Evelyn Berkeley's house overlooked Regent's Park. It was some way out +of town, but she found this recompensed by the view, and it was easy to +get about in her motor. Alan Chesney called when he arrived in London, +before her visitors came. + +Conversation turned on the Derby and the Epsom meeting generally. + +"Merry Monarch is my tip," she said. "I had it from the Baron; he +fancies his horse tremendously." + +"It would be a popular win," answered Alan. + +"Have you heard anything?" + +"The tip at the club last night was Gold Star," he said. + +"The favorite?" + +"A very hot favorite. I fancy he'll be even money on Wednesday. Have +you known Baron Childs long?" + +"Some months; I was introduced to him at Goodwood last year, in fact he +was one of the house party at Colonel Buxton's." + +"Very rich man, is he not?" asked Alan. + +"A millionaire I believe; he is very unassuming, I like him," she said. + +Alan smiled as he said: + +"He is a bachelor, the head of a great banking firm, I wonder he does +not marry." + +"He has a wide choice, many lovely women would be glad of a chance to +accept him." + +Alan wondered if the Baron had given a thought to Evelyn Berkeley; it +was highly probable. + +"The all-scarlet jacket has won many big races but not a Derby; perhaps +it's his turn this year," said Alan. + +"I hope so, I have backed Merry Monarch," she said. + +"I called to give you some information about my horses. I am likely to +win three races, so my trainer says, and he is not an over-confident +man." + +"Lucky fellow, three races in Derby week; your colors will be worth +following." + +"On the opening day Robin Hood should win the Epsom Plate," said Alan. + +"That will be a good beginning. We shall all have our pockets filled +for Derby Day," laughed Evelyn. + +"He's a pretty good horse, make a note of him." + +"I shan't forget, no need to write down the names of your horses," she +replied. + +"The Duke has a big chance in the Royal Stakes; I have a first-class +two-year-old running in the Acorn Stakes. It will be her first +appearance; she's a splendid creature, a real beauty," said Alan. + +"That's Robin Hood, The Duke, and what's this wonderful two-year-old's +name?" + +"Evelyn," he replied. + +Of course she knew it was named after her and she was gratified. + +"Oh, Alan!" she exclaimed, "that's splendid of you." + +"If she were not a real flyer, with every prospect of winning at the +first time of asking, I'd not have named her Evelyn. I waited until +Skane pronounced her one of the best before risking it," he said. + +"And you think she'll win?" asked Evelyn. + +"I shall be very disappointed if she fails. With such a name she can't +fail," he said, smiling. + +Alan stood near the window; he saw a lady coming up the walk. + +"A visitor," he said. "I'll be off." + +Evelyn laughed. + +"It is Ella Hallam; I don't think you have met her. She's an +Australian girl, I went to school with her. She returned to Sydney +when she finished her education, and only came to London a month ago. +We have corresponded regularly. I like her very much; perhaps you may +have heard me speak of her." + +"I don't think I have," he said. + +"Please don't go, I want to introduce you. She is coming to stay with +me at The Forest when the Epsom meeting is over; her father races in +Australia, I believe he once won the Melbourne Cup," she said. + +Ella Hallam came into the room. When she saw Alan she said: + +"I did not know you had a visitor. I ought to have asked. It is rude +of me." + +"Alan Chesney is an old friend," said Eve. "Allow me to introduce you." + +They shook hands, their eyes met, and Ella Hallam felt something in her +life was changed from that moment; as for Alan, he seemed quite +unconscious he had created any interest out of the common. + +"Yes, I come from Sydney," replied Ella, in answer to his question +about Australia. + +"And your father owns racers?" he asked. + +"Yes; racing is his chief amusement. He's always saying it is a very +expensive hobby, and exhorts me to economize in order that he may keep +things going," she replied, laughing. "He is coming to England. I +expect him in about a month. He may bring one or two horses, he was +thinking of doing so I know. He has a very high opinion of our +thoroughbreds, thinks they are equal to your best." + +Alan laughed as he replied: + +"I have seen some of your horses run here. They are good, but equal to +our best, no; at least I do not think so. I have two I'd like to match +against any colonial-bred horse." + +"Perhaps my father will give you a chance if he brings Rainstorm," she +said. + +"Is he a good horse?" + +"Rather, he won the Melbourne Cup," she replied. + +"Then I shall be taking something on if I tackle him?" he said. + +"You will--and you'll be beaten," she answered confidently. + +He shook his head. + +"I do not think so," he replied. + +"Mr. Chesney hopes to win three races at Epsom this week," said Eve. +She spoke sharply, she thought they were having the conversation to +themselves. It was evident they would soon be on a very friendly +footing if sufficient opportunity offered. + +"I'd love to see your horses win--and back them," said Ella, still +speaking to Alan. + +Eve looked at Alan, something in her expression warned him she was not +in the best of tempers--why? + +He spoke to her, answering Ella's remark. + +"I am glad your friend will be pleased to see my horses victorious," he +said. + +"It would be strange if she were not, especially as she says she will +back them--eh, Ella?" said Eve. + +"And you? You will back them?" she asked. + +"Of course; he has just given me the tips, that is what he called +about," said Eve. + +"And also to see you," thought Ella. + +"What do you think of Mr. Chesney?" asked Eve when Alan left. + +"He's a very good-looking man and I should think extremely agreeable +and excellent company. Is he an old friend?" said Ella. + +"We have known each other since we were children." + +"My goodness, how jolly! And I suppose you are quite chums still," +exclaimed Ella. + +Eve laughed as she replied: + +"We are staunch friends. His estate joins my little place where you +are coming to stay with me," said Eve. + +"I shall have opportunities of meeting him," thought Ella. "You must +see him often?" she said aloud. + +"Oh, yes; sometimes two or three times a week. He calls when he likes +and I am always at home to him." + +"It must be ripping to have a man friend like that; no silly sentiment, +no love business about it; but he would be blind if he did not admire +you, Eve," she said. + +Eve laughed. She wondered what Ella would think if she knew how she +loved Alan, loved him desperately. + +"I don't think love has ever entered into his calculations in +connection with me," she said. + +"But he must admire you, he couldn't help it," said Ella heartily. + +"I daresay he does. He has an eye for beauty in women and horses." + +"Couples them together, does he," said Ella; "and probably prefers the +four-legged creatures." + +"He looked you over pretty well," said Eve. + +She blushed slightly as she replied: + +"I didn't notice it. Do you think he was satisfied with the scrutiny?" + +"It's hard to tell when he's pleased, he takes everything as it comes, +but I think he has decided in your favor." + +"Do you? That's rather good of him, most condescending," said Ella. + +Next day they went to Epsom. There was a party of ten, a merry lot; +there was no mistaking they were on pleasure bent and on good terms +with themselves. + +Eve had a box. She always did things well, and took care when she went +racing she was comfortable and had plenty of elbow-room. Alan came +into the box after the first race; he was cordially greeted. + +"I expect Miss Berkeley has told you Robin Hood is likely to win the +Epsom Plate," he said. + +"Yes, we've got the straight tip," said one of the party. + +"I can confirm it, you can put a bit extra on him, it's a real good +thing," he said with a laugh. + +He stood close to Ella, his arm touched hers, she felt a thrill; +turning to him she said: + +"What a strange place Epsom is! Such a crowd, and there's no comfort; +we're all right here, thanks to Eve, but over there it's horrible," and +she pointed to the hill. + +"There will be twice as many people to-morrow," he said. "Perhaps +three or four times as many; Derby Day is one of the sights of the +world, it is never equalled anywhere." + +"We can beat you at Flemington," she replied, "and Randwick. Not so +many people, but as for comfort, well, you simply don't know what it is +here. Where's the paddock?" she asked, looking round. + +"Over there," said Alan, pointing in that direction. "Would you like +to go? There's more room to-day, it will be crowded to-morrow. It's +rather a good paddock, when you get to it, picturesque." + +"I should like to see it very much." + +"Then I'll take you there," he said, and turning to Eve asked: + +"Are you going to the paddock?" + +"It's hardly worth while. We'll go to-morrow and see the Derby +horses," she said. + +"Miss Hallam wishes to see it. I'll just take her and bring her back +safely; we shan't be long. Come along," he said to Ella. + +"You don't mind?" said Ella to Eve as they passed. + +"Not at all; why should I?" was the sharp reply, and from her tone Ella +gathered she did mind, and felt mischievous. + +"I'll take good care of her," said Alan. + +"No doubt," said Eve quietly. + +"What a trouble it is to get there!" said Ella as Alan led her through +the crowd. + +"Yes, a bit bumpy, but they're a good-natured lot, although a trifle +rough." + +There were not many people in the paddock. Alan pointed out The +Duddans and other points of interest. + +"Come and see Robin Hood and tell me what you think of him," he said. + +"Where is he?" + +"Over there." + +"Surrounded by his merry men," she said, laughing, as she saw a dozen +or more people looking at the horse. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +ROBIN HOOD'S SPEED + +Among the group looking at Robin Hood was Harry Morby. Alan introduced +him to Ella, he thought her very attractive. + +"He's a beauty," said Ella, as she patted the horse's neck. + +"And he'll win the Plate," said the trainer. + +"Your team looks like playing a strong part this week," said Harry. + +"I hope so," replied Alan, who took the trainer on one side. + +"So you're an Australian?" said Harry. + +"Yes, I hail from Sydney. I was educated here, at the same school as +Miss Berkeley. She has invited me to stay with her at The Forest." + +"That's jolly for you, she's one of the right sort, everybody likes +her." + +"Including Mr. Chesney?" + +Harry laughed as he replied: + +"We, that is Alan's male friends, think it will be a match in time. +They are great friends and much together." + +"It is not to be wondered at, she is a beautiful woman," said Ella. + +"Very; it is strange she has not married." + +"Perhaps she is waiting until Mr. Chesney asks her." + +"Pity he can't make up his mind," said Harry, smiling. + +"You think he'll win, Fred?" said Alan to his trainer. + +"Haven't much doubt about it; here's Tommy, ask him," was the reply. + +Tommy Colley was Alan's jockey. He came up wearing the brown jacket, +with blue sleeves and cap--the Chesney colors. He was one of the old +school, rode with longer stirrups than the modern jockeys, although he +had in a measure conformed to the crouching seat. Alan's friends +wondered why he stuck to Tommy, some of them considered he was getting +past it, but Alan had a knack of keeping to old hands who had done him +good service. In business this caused many a split with the manager, +Duncan Fraser. + +"Like his chance, Tommy?" asked Alan, looking at Robin. + +"Very much. I rode him in his gallop, he ought to win; and that filly +of yours is a hummer," said the jockey enthusiastically. + +"And The Duke?" + +"Good, but Evelyn and Robin Hood are better." + +"Is this your jockey?" asked Ella. + +"Yes; Tommy, this is Miss Hallam, an Australian, a friend of Miss +Berkeley's." + +"They bring some good horses from Australia," said Tommy. + +"And probably my father will have two or three of the best when he +arrives," she said. + +There was little time to spare and they returned to the stand, Harry +Morby with them. + +Having seen Ella to the box Alan went with Harry to the ring. The +second race was over and the numbers had been called out for the Epsom +Plate; the bookmakers were already shouting the odds. + +"Craker's horse is a hot pot," said Harry, "there'll be danger in that +quarter. When Peet puts his money down he generally has good reason +for it." + +Peet Craker was a big bookmaker, owner of horses, a heavy bettor on his +own animals; he had an enormous business on the course and off. + +The horse in question was Bittern, a champion over seven furlongs, he +could not quite stay the mile, and he was conceding ten pounds to Robin +Hood. + +Alan knew Craker well, the bookmaker often did business with him and +for him. Sometimes he went to Trent Park. He was a man of good +education, there was no coarseness about him. + +"Your horse is favorite, Peet," said Alan. + +"He has a big chance if he can beat yours," was the reply. + +"Ten pounds is a lot to give Robin Hood over seven furlongs," said Alan. + +"My fellow's very well." + +"So is mine." + +"I'll save a monkey with you," said the bookmaker. + +"All right, I'm agreeable," was Alan's reply. + +Peet Craker looked at him as he walked away. + +"Wonder if Robin Hood is as good as Skane thinks," he muttered. "If he +beats Bittern he's a good 'un. I'll stand mine, but I'm glad we're +saving a monkey." + +Alan put money on freely when he fancied his horses, but he seldom bet +on other people's. He backed Robin Hood to win a large sum. Having +finished his business in the ring he returned to Evelyn's box with +Harry Morby. + +The horses got away as they entered; a black jacket, white sash and +cap, in front. + +"Peet's luck's in, that's Bittern," said Alan; "a good start makes all +the difference over this distance." + +The field came down the slope at a great pace. There were fifteen +horses; in the center was Robin Hood, he seemed to be hemmed in. + +Tommy was savage. Not only had Robin Hood been kicked at the post, but +also badly bumped and knocked out of his stride when they were going. +He used forcible language to the offending jockey, who retaliated in +kind. + +Bittern liked to make the running, and his rider, Will Gunner, knew his +mount well. He had not the slightest doubt about winning; everything +was in the horse's favor. Peet Craker looked through his glasses, saw +his colors a couple of lengths in front, and lowered them, quite +satisfied. + +At the foot of the slope Bittern still led, followed by Lantern, Topsy, +and Retreat; Robin Hood seemed out of it. + +"Rotten luck, Alan," said Harry. "He was knocked about at the start." + +"Was he? I didn't see it," he replied. + +"He's coming now!" said Ella excitedly. + +"So he is!" said Eve. "He has a chance yet." + +Alan smiled as he said: + +"It's remote. He's a greater horse than I think if he can win." + +Tommy Colley's hopes revived. Robin Hood was going great guns, his +speed was tremendous. In a second or two he ran into third place, then +going on he came behind Bittern, and Will Gunner scented danger. The +two jockeys were old rivals, and great friends. Gunner's style was the +crouch seat for all it was worth; he often chaffed Tommy about his long +legs. The different attitudes of the two were apparent as they joined +issue at the distance. + +Robin Hood never flinched under the whip, and sometimes required a +reminder that a little extra exertion was required. Tommy gave him a +couple of sharp cuts, and the brown and blue drew level with the black +and white. + +Both jockeys were hard at it. Bittern was game, but the ten pounds he +was giving away began to tell. + +In Evelyn's box there was much excitement, the finish being watched +with breathless interest. Neck and neck the pair raced, and the +struggle was continued up to the winning-post. Nobody knew which won +until Robin Hood's number went up. + +There followed congratulations all round. The party had won, there was +much jubilation. + +In the evening Alan came round to Regent's House and found bridge in +full swing; he cared little for cards. Evelyn, who was playing, +greeted him with a smile; so did Ella, who sat at the same table as her +hostess. + +Later on there was music. Ella had a fine voice, she sang well, there +was evidence of careful training. Evelyn played as few amateurs play, +and as an accompanist she was hard to equal. + +"Thanks so much," said Ella. "You play splendidly." + +"And your singing is lovely," answered Eve. + +Ella received the compliments modestly. She knew she sang well and +there was no hesitation when asked. She found herself talking to Alan; +Evelyn was distributing her conversation among her guests. She knew +how to play the hostess, and it was easy to see how popular she was; +the men gathered round paying court to her. She saw Alan and his +companion at the head of the card-room and frowned slightly. Harry +Morby saw the direction of her glance, noted the expression of her +face, and thought: + +"Alan's making a mess of it. Can't he see she loves him? He must be +blind if he can't. She'll be taking on somebody else just to show him +she doesn't care, but she does very much indeed." + +It was not a late night. Evelyn said they must be fresh for Derby Day. + +Ella bade Evelyn good-night as she was about to enter her room. + +"I hope you have enjoyed your day," said Eve. + +"Very much indeed. How well you do everything!" answered Ella. + +"Glad you think so. Do you know, Ella, I fancy you've made a conquest!" + +"I haven't had much time," was the laughing reply, "but I don't mind +telling you I'm out for conquest if I come across the right man. I +have Dad's permission; he thinks I shall be left on his hands, and I +don't wish to be a burden to the poor dear." + +She spoke lightly, but Eve thought she meant more than she intended to +convey. + +"Mr. Chesney admires you I am sure," she said. + +"You're quite wrong, my dear; he has eyes for nobody but you. I +noticed it when he was talking to me to-night," said Ella. + +As Evelyn had seen Alan much interested in Ella's conversation, and +never had a glance from him, she had her doubts about this. + +"Don't talk nonsense," she answered. "You know very well you occupied +the whole of his attention, and one can't blame him; you are really +very charming, and looked quite winning to-night." + +Eve went along the corridor and Ella entered her room. She sat in an +easy-chair thinking over the events of the day. The scene at Epsom, +the racing, the excitement of winning did not occupy her; Alan Chesney +predominated to the exclusion of all else. From the first he had +roused her interest, if not something deeper. She found it easy to +tread love's way where he was concerned; she would race along it in her +gladness of heart hoping to win the prize in the end. He had already, +in so short a time, shown her many little attentions. It was his way +with women, but she accepted it exclusively for herself. That evening +he had been interested in what she said; she had been frank and candid, +telling him freely about herself and it had not bored him. She was in +doubt as to how he felt toward Eve. He did not show any special +feeling toward her, of that she was sure, yet some men conceal their +thoughts admirably. When she came to consider Eve it was different; +they were friends, comrades of many years' standing; she was Eve's +guest, had been invited to The Forest to spend some weeks. It would +never do to come between Eve and Alan Chesney if--if there was anything +between them. She hoped there was nothing, but was not sure. She +tried to persuade herself Chesney was nothing more to Eve than a good +friend, but in this she failed. She was almost sure Eve loved him, and +if so she must not attempt to rival her. She smiled, a little sadly, +as she thought it would be a difficult matter for any woman to rival +Eve in the affections of a man; also she had a conscience, and it was +apt to be particular on questions of principle. + +It was Derby Day to-morrow, there was no reason why she should not look +at her best, so, like a sensible woman, she went to rest. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +A FLYING FILLY + +A great crowd at Epsom, a Derby Day crowd bent on enjoyment and backing +winners. Ella gazed at the wonderful scene in astonishment; it was +different from anything she had seen. + +It was not a new sight to Eve, and she smiled at her friend's amazement. + +"I never expected anything like this," said Ella. + +"Is it equal to a Melbourne Cup crowd?" asked Eve. + +"More people, of course; but it is quite different." + +"In what way?" + +"I hardly know, everything is different, the course, the people, the +stands, the ring, that seething mass down there," and she pointed to +Tattersalls. + +"Wait till you see the favorite's number go up, then there'll be +something to look at," said Alan. + +"Is Merry Monarch favorite?" she asked. + +"No, Gold Star and he'll about win." + +"Don't you believe him," said Eve, "he's deceiving you; my tip will +win, Merry Monarch, I had it straight from the Baron." + +"Who's the Baron?" asked Ella. + +"A great admirer of Eve's," said Alan. + +"Is that true?" asked Ella. + +"Mr. Chesney states it as a fact; I am not aware of it," was the reply. + +They went into the paddock and inspected some of the horses, but the +crush was so great they were glad to return to the box. + +Half an hour before the great race there was a scene of unparalleled +excitement, for there had been much wagering for some weeks and several +of the runners were heavily backed. Orbit came with a rush in the +market and touched four to one; Merry Monarch was at eights, a good +price, for the Baron was a popular idol with the public. + +Nothing, however, shook the position of Gold Star, who was firm as a +rock, and Alan accepted five to four about him in thousands; somehow, +he was not inclined to save on Merry Monarch, was it because the Baron +had given Eve the tip? + +The parade was interesting; the new colors of the sixteen riders +flashed in the sun, the horses' coats shone like satin. + +Gunner was on the favorite. Tommy Colley rode Orbit, Ben Bradley Merry +Monarch. He was a great horseman, quite at the top of the tree. His +finishes were superb, he had snatched many a race out of the fire--on +the post. + +Nothing looked better than the Baron's horse as they went past on the +way to the post; the scarlet jacket glided along quickly, heading the +others. Gold Star and Orbit were much fancied. Curlew, Halton, and +Sniper had friends. Postman was the outsider, a two-hundred-to-one +chance; only a few pounds went on him for the sake of the odds. + +Thousands of people watched the horses, little dreaming that in another +twelve months Epsom Downs would be vacant on Derby Day and wounded +soldiers the only occupants of the stand, turned into a hospital. +There was, however, a shadow of war over the land, and rumors had been +ripe for some time that all was not well. Nobody on this wonderful +day, however, anticipated the storm would burst so soon. There had +been false alarms before, rumblings of thunder from Europe, but the +country was lulled with a sense of security which events completely +shattered. Hundreds of men watching the Derby were lying dead on the +battlefields before twelve months had passed. + +The race commenced, and after a roar of "They're off!" the shouting +ceased, there was a peculiar stillness for a few moments, then the +hubbub broke out again, gradually increasing as the horses came along. + +"What's that in white?" asked Eve. + +"Postman, a two-hundred-to-one chance," said Alan. + +The outsider was lengths in front, his jockey had been instructed to +come right away and do the best he could. It was a forlorn hope, such +tactics were more likely to succeed than others because they would not +be anticipated. + +Gold Star and Merry Monarch were racing together in good positions; so +were Orbit and Curlew; while Sniper was at the tail end of the field. + +Ella thought it a strange uphill and down course, very different from +the flat tracks of Flemington, Caulfield, and Ranwick. She would not +have been surprised to see a spill at one of the bends, and when +Tattenham Corner was reached she gave a gasp as she saw two or three +riders dangerously near the rails. Once in the straight the excitement +broke loose, the strange, wonderful excitement a race for the Derby +causes and which is like no other vast human emotion anywhere, and for +any cause. The Derby thrill has a hold upon people that nothing else +has, and is repeated year after year. There are men who have seen many +Derbies decided and for thirty years or more in succession have +experienced the thrill of the race. + +A Derby transplanted from Epsom is a mere ordinary race. It is the +famous surroundings cause the fascination, and Epsom Downs shares the +fame of Derby Day. + +Gold Star picked his way through to the front, and as he took the lead +there was a tremendous shout for the favorite. It made Ella start, and +Eve said: + +"Something worth seeing and hearing, is it not?" + +"Wonderful!" exclaimed Ella, her face eager with excitement. + +Although Gold Star held such a prominent position his victory was not +yet assured, for on the right, in the center of the course, came Merry +Monarch, and Orbit, with Postman still struggling gamely. They reached +the stands amid terrific din, a pandemonium of sound, and people +pressed hard on to the rails, five or six deep, in the vain hope of +seeing the tops of the riders' heads, and gleaning some information as +to the likely winner from the color of their caps. + +As they neared the Judge's box Ben Bradley prepared for his famous +rush. He had Merry Monarch well in hand, the horse had not yet felt +the pressure, that was to come suddenly, in a second. Gold Star strode +up the rise followed by Orbit, and again and again he was proclaimed +the winner. + +But a race is never won until the winning-post is passed, and much may +happen in a few strides. Tommy's vigorous riding gave his mount a +chance; but Bradley pushed Merry Monarch on, and inch by inch, yard by +yard, he raced up to the favorite, joined issue, and a great finish +began. + +The tumult was tremendous. Ella was amazed; she had seen the +excitement of a Melbourne Cup but it was nothing to this. The crowd +swayed in masses, the movement dazzled; it resembled a flickering film +before the "movies" were improved upon. + +Down the course thousands of people, commencing at Tattenham Corner +were running at top speed, anxious to discover what had won. Before +they knew, the result was out in Fleet Street and the boys were +careering toward the City and the West End spreading the tidings. + +Bradley's great rush proved effective. He got every ounce out of his +mount and Merry Monarch beat Gold Star by half a length. The usual +scene followed as the winner was turned round and came back to the +enclosure through a living lane, the Baron proudly leading his horse, +raising his hat in answer to the deafening cheers. It was the great +moment of his life, as it is to every man who has experienced the +sensation of leading in a Derby winner. + +Eve was delighted, she had a good win. She chaffed Alan unmercifully; +he took it in good part. Ella looked at him sympathetically, she had +lost her money. + +"I suppose you were on the winner?" said Harry Morby. + +"No, I followed Mr. Chesney's advice," said Ella ruefully. + +Eve heard her and said: + +"It's your own fault; I gave you the tip, the Baron's tip--it was worth +following." + +Next day The Duke won the Royal Stakes and Evelyn Berkeley's friends +had another good win. + +Oaks Day turned out most enjoyable. The sun shone brightly, the ladies +were in force, the dresses worthy of the occasion. + +Alan had paid particular attention to Eve after the Derby, and any +little jealousy she might have felt regarding Ella was dispelled. + +Harry Morby devoted himself to Ella, and they appeared to get on well +together. + +The Acorn Stakes brought out ten runners, a beautiful lot of fillies, +all trained to the hour; but Evelyn stood out from the rest as the gem +of the lot and was a raging hot favorite at even money. + +Eve wore the Chesney colors and never looked better; all eyes were on +her in the paddock as she moved gracefully about with Alan and her +friends. From the box they looked down into the ring and heard the +cries of "Even money the field." + +"The money is being piled on your namesake," said Harry. "She is +splendid; and by Jove, Miss Berkeley, you're more than a match for her! +You're positively dazzling! She must win--she can't help it. I saw +her eying you in the paddock--wonder what she thought?" + +Eve laughed heartily as she said: + +"So you think she will win. I hope so. Evelyn's a good name for a +winner." + +"It is, you are always a winner," said Harry. + +"I'm not so sure about that," replied Eve; and he saw her glance rested +on Alan. + +"He's having a wonderful week," said Harry, following her glance. + +"Splendid. Don't you think he deserves his luck?" + +"Yes; he's a generous, warm-hearted fellow, but in some things he's +blind." + +"Indeed? What are they?" + +"I will not venture to say; perhaps you can guess," answered Harry, +laughing. + +Baron Childs entered the box. He soon monopolized Eve; it was evident +he admired her. + +"Better chance it," said Harry to Alan; "you may lose her." + +He laughed as he said: + +"I can't compete with the Baron." + +When the tapes went up Evelyn jumped off in front, racing down the +slope at a great pace. + +Fred Skane had said it was the best thing of the meeting and he proved +right. It was marvelous how the flying filly galloped; there was no +fault in her movements. Tommy sat still, letting her run her own race. +It was her first appearance and she showed no signs of nervousness. + +She lead from start to finish, winning in a canter by five lengths in +very fast time; a great performance, recognized and cheered as such. + +"It was good of you, Alan, to call such a flyer Evelyn," said Eve. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +A WALK AND A TALK + +Carl Meason was active, traveling about the country in his motor, +waxing enthusiastic over the scenery, expatiating to Abel Head on the +beauties of Nottinghamshire. + +"Never been on such roads; they are splendid. You can go the pace, +there's plenty of room, not too much traffic. I like to bowl along +without endangering lives. I'm a careful driver and avoid danger." + +At night he still worked at his maps, the occupation being congenial. + +"The reason I'm a good surveyor," he said, "is because I like my work; +a man never does well when his occupation is against his inclinations." + +Abel listened, making few remarks. He had his opinion about Meason and +his motoring tours. Letters seldom came to the Sherwood Inn for +Meason, he had but little correspondence, his instructions were +explicit, requiring no reminders. He seemed fond of the country life, +walked in the parks when he had nothing special on hand. His figure +became familiar, but so far he had hardly spoken to anybody. + +Once or twice he met Jane Thrush and admired her good looks, but was +careful not to offend, and had not spoken to her although he wished to +do so. Jane took very little notice of people she did not know, but +she could not fail to see that Carl went out of his way to meet her. +This amused her. She wondered why he crossed her path. If he spoke to +her she would not be offended; in the country greetings were often +passed without an introduction. + +Meason saw her go into the old ruins and wondered what she did there. +Once he waited a long time for her to come out and she did not appear. + +Next time he was in that direction he went into the place and was +surprised to see a neat, pretty cottage almost hidden away in one +corner. He wondered who lived there, probably the girl and her +parents. He asked Abel about the place and found the head-keeper and +his daughter occupied it. + +"Is that the pretty girl I sometimes see in the Park?" he asked. + +"No doubt," said Abel: "that's Jane Thrush. She's lived there with her +father nearly all her life." + +"Queer place for a young girl; it must be lonely," said Carl. + +"She doesn't find it so. She'd rather live there than anywhere; and +she's quite safe, nobody would dare interfere with her. Tom's a +roughish customer; any slight or insult to his daughter would be +resented," said Abel, looking at him in a peculiar way. + +A few days later Carl met Jane Thrush going toward Little Trent. He +bade her good-morning and she replied. Her tone was friendly. He made +advances which she did not resent and said, in answer to his question, +she had no objection to his walking with her to the village. Carl was +delighted; he was never short of conversation, and he was the man to +interest such a girl. He spoke with deference, explaining he was +staying at the Sherwood Inn and found it lonely. It was quite a treat +to have somebody to talk to, Abel Head was not very loquacious. + +Jane laughed as she said: + +"Abel can talk fast enough sometimes; you ought to hear him and Father, +they are never at a loss for something to say." + +"I don't think I have met your father," he said. + +"He's seldom out in the daytime; his duties are mostly at night. He's +Mr. Chesney's game-keeper." + +"That's an important position I should think; there seems to be plenty +of game in Trent Park." + +"There is when you know where to find it. Do you know Mr. Chesney?" + +"I have not that pleasure. Of course you know him?" + +"Very well; he is a nice man, so friendly. He gave me Jack," said Jane. + +"Who's Jack?" + +"My dog, a big black retriever; he's generally with me but I left him +at home to-day; there have been tramps about lately." + +"Poachers?" + +"Oh no, they are quite different, but Father can't bear the sight of +such men. He says they are useless vagabonds and will steal anything +they can lay their hands on." + +Carl smiled. + +"I wonder if he thinks I'm one of that sort?" he said. + +"He knows you are not. Abel told him you are always very busy making +maps, that you are a surveyor." + +"So he's talked me over with Abel?" + +"Yes; I fancy they both wonder why you picked on Sherwood Inn to work +in." + +"That's easily explained; because it's quiet, and such a splendid +country. I love the country; I came across it quite by accident, I was +motoring and stopped there for lunch; it struck me as an ideal place to +work in," he said. + +"And when you are not at work you like to ramble about the country." + +"Yes, it is a pleasant relaxation. There are many charming spots about +here I have not seen, there is no one to guide me," he said. "That old +ruin where your cottage is must have an interesting history, and the +keep with the moat round." + +"It is, very interesting. I know a good deal about it. Mr. Chesney +lent me a book which gives a very good description of it and what it +used to be," said Jane. + +"Perhaps you will let me see it?" he said. + +"I cannot lend it to you, but I will show it to you if----" she +hesitated. + +"Will you allow me to call and see it?" he asked. + +"I do not know whether my father would like it; I will ask him." + +"Do, please; I shall be so much obliged. Perhaps he will show me round +when he has a little spare time?" + +"Father does not take to everybody, but I think he will like you," said +Jane naïvely. + +Carl Meason felt gratified at this remark. + +"Why do you think he will like me?" he asked. + +"Because you talk well; he likes a chat with a well-informed man." + +"You think I am well informed?" + +"Yes; you have traveled in many countries; it must be interesting. I +have not gone far from here, only Nottingham." + +"No farther, never been to London?" + +"Never." + +"Would you like to go?" + +"Yes, but not to stay there; I do not care for cities." + +They were in Little Trent and as they passed the Sherwood Inn Abel Head +saw them. + +"Well, I'm dashed!" he exclaimed. "I wonder what Tom would say to +that. Confound the fellow, he seems to make headway. Wonder how Jane +came across him?" + +Carl left her shortly after and went into the Inn. He knew Abel had +seen them, saw him looking through the window. + +"Nice girl, Jane Thrush," said Carl; "a very nice girl, and seems well +brought up." + +"She is a nice girl," replied Abel; "also well brought up. How came +you to know her?" + +"Quite casually; said good-morning; she responded. Asked her if I +might have the pleasure of walking to the village with her; no harm +done, I assure you. What I like about this country is people are so +free and easy; it's far better, much pleasanter, don't you think so?" +said Carl. + +"It all depends. It is as well not to trust strangers. I don't think +Tom Thrush would like his daughter to talk to anybody," said Abel. + +"Good Lord, why not? Why shouldn't she talk to me?" exclaimed Carl. + +"Ask him; perhaps he'll tell you," said Abel. + +"I will. She's promised to ask him to show me round when he has a bit +of spare time." + +"Has she now? Well, I'm blessed! I wonder what he'll say?" + +"I'll make it worth his while. I don't suppose he'll be too proud to +accept a fiver," said Carl. + +To this Abel said nothing. He knew Tom Thrush's failing--love of +money. The game-keeper was not miserly, but he dearly loved handling +gold, and Abel surmised he had saved a "tidy sum." + +As Jane walked home alone, she thought what a pleasant gentleman the +stranger was, and how nicely he talked; she never for a moment dreamed +there was any harm in speaking to him or allowing him to walk with her +to the village. Jane Thrush never knew a mother's care, at least not +long enough to influence her life, and her father left her very much to +herself. She was accustomed to talk to people she met, tourists, and +visitors to Trent Park and the Forest. Intercourse with them broadened +her views; she regarded Carl Meason as one of them and he had proved +agreeable. + +As for Carl Meason, he was eager to meet her again; he had few scruples +where such girls as Jane Thrush were concerned, and he felt he had made +a favorable impression which he meant to cultivate. + +"She's a very pretty lass indeed," he said to himself. "Quite +innocent, sees no harm in anything, not even me. I'll beard her father +in his cottage; it won't take me long to find out his weaknesses, I'm +used to it. I'm glad I spoke to her; she'll help to kill time in this +infernal slow hole. I shall be glad when things get a move on. By +Jove, if the folks round here ever find out what I am when the business +begins in earnest, there'll be ructions. I shall have to clear out +quick. There's a lot of risk in what I'm doing but the pay's good and +it will be a lot better later on. What fools they are in England! +Can't see danger, never suspect anybody." + +Jane spoke to her father about meeting Carl Meason. He did not +consider it anything out of the way for his daughter to walk to the +village with him; he knew she was often asked questions about the +neighborhood by strangers; sometimes he showed them round when they +made it worth his while; he was always eager to add a few pounds to his +store. He had every confidence in Jane; she was self-reliant, not a +"silly wench" whose head was likely to be turned by compliments. + +"What sort of man is he?" he asked. "Abel don't seem to think much of +him anyhow." + +"You'll like his company; he talks well, and knows a lot. Abel's not +accustomed to a man like this," said Jane. + +"It puzzles me what he is doing at a place like Little Trent," said her +father. + +"He told me he came across the Sherwood Inn when he was motoring and +thought it just the place for him to work quietly in," she said. + +"A surveyor, Abel says; not much he don't find out," said Tom. + +"There's company at The Forest," said Jane. "A beautiful lady, almost +a match for Miss Berkeley." + +"Never a match for her, there couldn't be; she's the most beautiful +woman of her time, and also a good 'un; I often think Mr. Chesney is a +fool not to marry her," said Tom. + +"Perhaps she'll not have him, Father; he may have asked her," answered +Jane. + +"I saw him to-day," said Tom. + +"Mr. Chesney?" + +"Yes; he gave me a present, and there's one for you, Jane. Here it is; +he never forgets folks when he has a win," said Tom, handing her a +small parcel. + +Jane opened it eagerly, then gave a gasp and an exclamation of +delighted surprise. + +"Isn't it beautiful, Father! How good of him!" And she showed him a +small horseshoe brooch set with rubies; it was an exquisite piece of +jewelry. + +"Must have cost a tidy bit," said Tom, as he handled it tenderly. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +FRASER'S INFORMATION + +Duncan Fraser sat in his private room at the brewery in deep thought; +no one interrupted him: he gave orders and they were never disobeyed. +A stern-looking man, not given to making many friends, yet there was a +kindly heart beneath a severe exterior. The manager of a great +concern, he was admirably suited to the position, accustomed to handle +and make decisions promptly, no shilly-shallying or "wait and see" +about his actions. Very few people were aware he possessed unique +opportunities of getting behind the scenes, learning government moves, +acquiring knowledge beforehand which was advantageous in his dealings. + +Information had recently come to him from a valued and trusted +correspondent in Germany, and he was considering how best to use it to +the advantage of the firm. The heavy taxes on the brewers hit +Chesney's hard, but they were able to stand them better than most +firms; still he knew there must be a considerable diminution in +dividends, consequently in Alan Chesney's income. + +It irritated him when he thought how careless the head of the firm was +in money matters. Alan appeared to regard the brewery as a huge +concern from which he could drain money as freely as beer ran into the +casks. He made up his mind to talk seriously to Alan; he had a high +opinion of his judgment and intelligence when he cared to exert those +qualities. He expected him to arrive in half an hour and knew what to +expect. Alan would rush up in his motor, say he had only a few minutes +to spare, then dash off again as he arrived--in a hurry. + +The head of the firm was always in a hurry; never seemed to have a +minute to spare; the "racing rush" took hold of him. Duncan Fraser +smiled grimly as he thought how Alan careered about the country in +pursuit of his favorite pastime. + +"Here he is," said Duncan, as he heard the powerful motor stop, and +thud. + +Alan came into the room in a hurry. He was not in the best of humors; +why the deuce couldn't Fraser manage without dragging him there? He +had carte blanche as to how he should act. + +"Suppose you'll not keep me long," said Alan impatiently. + +"Longer than usual," was the reply. + +"Hang it all, I want to go to the races this afternoon. You must cut +it short, please, Fraser." + +"This is more important than racing; I have just received some valuable +information from Berlin." + +Alan became interested. + +"Berlin!" he exclaimed. "What's up there?" + +"War; it will break out before long." + +"Who is your informant?" + +Fraser handed him the letter. + +"Read that," he said. + +Alan did so. + +"By Jove!" he exclaimed. "This looks serious. Can you rely upon it?" + +"Yes," said Fraser, with a characteristic snap of his firm lips. + +Alan put the letter down and a gloomy look settled on his face. + +"War," he said, "and I'll be out of it, confound the thing! I'm sorry +I don't hold a commission." + +"I am not. You can't be in the army and look after things here," said +Fraser. + +"You look after them. It's no use trying to convince me I'm necessary +to the existence of the firm, because I'm not; I haven't the governor's +capacity for business," said Alan. + +"I don't know so much about that; you've never been properly tested." + +Alan laughed. + +"And have no desire to be," he said. + +"I have drawn up some figures; they are formidable. If you agree to my +plans, and war breaks out, we shall save hundreds of thousands of +pounds. It means a tremendous outlay, but it's worth it; just go into +this, I'll be back in half an hour," said Fraser, as he placed some +long sheets on the table. + +"I'm no hand at figures," said Alan. + +"You'll see the force of these in five minutes," said Fraser. + +"Then why give me half an hour?" + +"Because I want you to thoroughly master them; I can't undertake the +responsibility alone." + +"Would you undertake it if you owned the brewery?" + +"Yes." + +"That's enough for me, but I'll go into them to satisfy you." + +"And yourself, you'll be more than satisfied," said Fraser as he left +the room. + +Alan became interested in the figures, which related to the buying of +barley, hops, and a variety of brewing necessaries. + +"What a grasp of figures he has!" muttered Alan. "Convincing too; I +can see it plain enough. Hundreds of thousands saved; he's right--if +there's war." + +That was the main point--war; and all depended on the information +Duncan Fraser had received from his correspondent in Berlin. He was +still studying the papers, making pencil notes, when Fraser entered the +room. The manager smiled as he saw him. + +"You're a wonderful man," said Alan, looking up. + +Fraser shook his head. + +"You're wrong; there's nothing wonderful about me. I'm a fair business +man, I look ahead, and I know my own mind once I see things clearly. +How does it work out?" he asked. + +"It's splendid, the outlay is enormous, it will be perfectly justified +if war breaks out; everything will rise rapidly, and there'll be a +tremendous taxation," said Alan. + +"What would you advise?" asked Fraser. + +"Risk it and buy as you suggest," said Alan. + +"There is no risk if you allude to war; it's bound to come. Do you +know there are thousands of German spies in this country? There are +two or three here in the firm, and they've got to go," said Fraser. + +Alan laughed. + +"You'll make a clean sweep of them?" he said. + +"Yes, and no delay about it. There's----" and he mentioned the names. +"Are you of my opinion?" + +"Yes; you must give them some reason, they work well." + +"They all do, but it's in their interests--I mean the interests of +their country. They worm out secrets, they are utterly unscrupulous, +nothing is safe from them," said Fraser. + +"Then out with them. I say, Fraser, you get hold of some remarkable +information; how do you manage it?" asked Alan. + +"I pick my friends; I am careful. What do you think that letter from +Berlin is worth?" asked Fraser. + +"A good round sum." + +"A thousand?" + +"Yes." + +"Then he shall have it." + +"You think it is worth that?" + +"I do." + +"Then we can't be far out in giving it," said Alan. + +"You think I am too careful?" + +"Yes." + +"It would be better if you were," was the answer. + +Alan moved impatiently in his chair. + +"I don't consider I spend too much." + +Duncan Fraser looked at him with a kindly light in his somewhat hard +eyes. + +"This is a great business," he said slowly, "or it would never stand +the strain. Take my advice and cut down expenses; we're in for lean +years." + +Alan laughed as he replied: + +"What an old croaker you are!" + +He got up, put on his motor coat and held out his hand. + +"I am glad you sent for me," he said. "I shall just have time to get +to the course before the first race." + +"Would it matter if you missed it?" said Fraser quietly. + +"No actual damage would be done if I did miss it. Still, I'd rather be +there; I promised to meet some friends." + +"Then I conclude you agree with me and will buy?" + +"Certainly; it will be a great stroke of business. I wonder if others +are thinking of the same thing?" + +"They do not know as much as we--yet," replied Fraser. + +"Will you join me at Trent Park for the weekend?" said Alan. "There +will be no visitors." + +"With pleasure," replied Fraser. "I always enjoy a few days at your +lovely place." + +On Friday Duncan went to Trent Park. Alan welcomed him cordially, +although he had half repented asking him: the manager's presence always +seemed to subdue everything, even Alan's exuberant spirits. This +feeling, however, quickly vanished on the present occasion, for Duncan +Fraser was in an unusually cheerful mood and for once in a way left +business behind him. + +Alan had to meet a prospective buyer at the Stud, and as Duncan knew +nothing, and cared less, about horses he preferred to go for a stroll +in the Park. During his walk he met Eve Berkeley and her friend, Ella +Hallam. The manager saw little of ladies' society, but he knew Eve and +liked her; he could hardly fail to be attracted by her. + +He went to The Forest with them and remained for lunch. He knew Alan +would not miss him, probably surmise where he was. He rather liked +Ella, she was unaffected and talked freely on many subjects; when he +left she told Eve she thought him a very agreeable man. + +Eve laughed as she replied: + +"He is a very sensible man. It is lucky for Alan he has him in charge +at Chesney's, or I'm afraid the business would be sadly neglected." + +"Is Mr. Chesney not a good business man?" asked Ella. + +"Not according to Mr. Fraser." + +Ella was rather disappointed she had not met Alan Chesney since her +stay at The Forest. She wondered why he did not call; Eve told her he +often came. + +Duncan Fraser explained where he had been and pronounced in favor of +Ella Hallam. + +"By Jove! I forgot all about her being at The Forest," said Alan. "I +met her in Derby week, a jolly girl; I daresay she improves on +acquaintance." + +"She evidently did not make much of an impression on you," said Duncan +smiling. + +"I wonder how long she will stay?" said Alan, half to himself. + +"I think she said she was going to London to meet her father." + +"He's bringing one or two horses from Australia; he has a great opinion +of them; I must try and convince him ours are better." + +"Strange how some men are so fascinated by horses," said Fraser. + +"You care nothing about them?" said Alan, with a tinge of contempt in +his voice. + +"No, they have never interested me; perhaps it is because I never had +any spare time for them; I've been a worker all my life." + +"You despise racing men?" + +"Oh no; I think some of them are uncommonly sharp," said Duncan. + +"They are too sharp sometimes," laughed Alan. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +THE MAN UNDER THE LAMP + +"Sorry I have not called before," said Alan, as he shook hands with +Ella Hallam, "but by way of a change I have been busy." + +"I thought you were always busy," she replied. + +"On the contrary, I am afraid I neglect my duties sometimes, but then I +have such an excellent manager." + +"Mr. Fraser?" + +"Yes. You have met him; what do you think of him?" asked Alan. + +"I like him. He struck me as a man of strong character," she answered. + +"He is. He has a wonderful grasp of everything connected with the +firm," said Alan. + +Eve entered the room. She said: + +"I thought you had forgotten I lived at The Forest." + +Alan laughed. + +"I'm not likely to forget that," he said. + +"My father arrives next week," said Ella. "I have written to him; he +will get the letter at Naples. I told him you were anxious to test the +merits of his horses." + +"He is coming here," said Eve. "I thought it would be nice for Ella to +welcome him at The Forest." + +"And I shall be delighted to show him round; he will be interested in +my stud," said Alan. + +"I hear it is one of the best in England," said Ella. + +"I think it compares favorably with most of them," he answered. + +He remained about an hour, declined to stay for lunch, and Eve did not +press him. + +He motored to the stud and found Sam Kerridge, his stud groom, waiting +for him. Sam had been at the stud since its foundation. He was a +clever man with horses, an excellent judge, and a shrewd buyer. + +"That American has been here again," he said. "He's dead set on buying +Mameluke; I have tried to convince him he's not for sale." + +"So have I," said Alan with a laugh. "Perhaps he thinks you can +persuade me to part with him; Valentine Braund is a persevering man." + +"Like most Americans, he has plenty of cheek," said Sam. "It's a big +offer he has made." + +"Thirty thousand, and Mameluke's not a young horse," said Alan. + +"It's tempting," said Sam. + +"I have half a mind to take it," said Alan. "There's Alfonso coming +on; he ought to make a name for himself." + +"He will. I think he'll beat Mameluke's record," said Sam. + +"That will be difficult. What did you say to Braund?" + +"Not much; he didn't seem to believe me when I said money would not buy +him." + +"I'll think it over; it's a big price," said Alan. + +He went round the stud with Sam and as usual found everything in order. +Mameluke was a splendid dark bay horse, Alfonso a bright chestnut; +there was little to choose between them in point of appearance. Alan +was very fond of Mameluke; the horse had done good service at the stud, +sired many big winners, and he was reluctant to part with him. Alfonso +was worthy to take his place as the leading sire. He was a much +younger horse and his stock already showed great promise. + +The mares were a splendid lot; the best blood in the world coursed +through their veins, and Alan never spared expense when he wished to +purchase. When he left, Sam Kerridge wondered what had induced him to +change his mind. + +"He's inclined to consider the American's offer," he thought. "It's a +tall price, and I don't think Mameluke, at his age, is worth any more. +I shan't be surprised if the deal comes off." + +The reason Alan was inclined to consider Valentine Braund's offer for +Mameluke favorably was because of the information he had received from +Duncan Fraser's Berlin correspondent. He knew if there was war it +would make a vast difference to racing, and that the price of +thoroughbreds would be considerably lowered. Thirty thousand is not a +sum to be ignored, even by a very rich man, and Alan knew Mameluke had +seen his best days. He did not care to part with an old favorite, but +it was folly to refuse such an offer when prospects, on looking ahead, +were not favorable to breeders. He decided to write to Braund and ask +if he were still inclined to make his offer for the horse. He did so, +and had not long to wait for a reply. + +Valentine Braund came to Trent Park next day and said he was ready to +pay the money and take Mameluke over when he had made arrangements to +ship him to New York. The bargain was concluded and, under the +circumstances, Alan thought he could do no better than invite the +purchaser to stay a few days with him. This Braund readily agreed to, +and Alan found him a pleasant companion. + +Valentine Braund was the head of an American steel trust, and a man of +many millions. Thirty thousand pounds for a horse, or for anything he +wanted, mattered little to him. A self-made man, he had worked up from +a humble position until he piled up wealth beyond his most sanguine +dreams. His energies were unbounded, he possessed a never-ending flow +of animal spirits, his confidence in himself was immense, he talked and +expressed his opinions freely. + +Alan could not help liking the man although his manners were hardly to +his taste. Braund did not brag, but it was easy to see that he +considered money a passport to any society. He was good-looking +although his features were somewhat coarse, and his abrupt manner of +speaking might have offended some fastidious people. + +Eve Berkeley heard the American was at Trent Park; Alan had already +described him to her, also told her of his offer for Mameluke. She was +interested, thought she would like to meet him. She invited Alan to +bring him to The Forest. He mentioned it to Braund, who was eager to +accept, and accordingly they went. + +Valentine thought American women "licked creation," and said so most +emphatically, but when he saw Eve Berkeley he was astonished at her +beauty, and acknowledged to himself that he had never seen a woman to +beat her, "not even in New York." Alan was amused at his open +admiration of Eve; he laughed when Braund said: + +"What a woman, splendid! She's a tip-top beauty; she'd create a +sensation in New York." + +"I thought you'd like her," said Alan. + +"Like her! Good heavens, she's past liking, miles beyond it; she's +adorable." + +"And her friend, Miss Hallam?" asked Alan. + +"A beauty, but not the equal of Miss Berkeley, not by a long way," said +Braund. + +This conversation took place before dinner when they were alone for a +few minutes. + +"I thought American women 'licked creation,'" said Alan, imitating him. + +"Now there you have me. As a rule they do, but Miss Berkeley--she's +superb," said Braund enthusiastically. + +The dinner was a success; they were lively. Braund devoted himself to +Eve, and Alan was occupied with Ella. + +"I've bought Mr. Chesney's horse Mameluke," said Braund. "I gave him +thirty thousand for him and I don't consider him dear. What do you +think of the horse?" + +"He's one of the best we have, and I am surprised Mr. Chesney has +parted with him," said Eve. + +"So am I, but then money is money and it was cash down," said Braund. + +"Mr. Chesney has plenty of money--I wonder why he sold him?" said Eve. + +"You don't think there's anything wrong with the horse?" asked Braund +sharply. + +"Oh no," laughed Eve; "don't be alarmed. Mr. Chesney would not have +sold him to you had such been the case." + +"No, I suppose not; but I've known men who would," said Braund. + +"In America?" asked Eve, with a merry twinkle in her eyes. + +"Yes; there's some pretty cute hands at a bargain in my country." + +"But it would be dishonest," protested Eve. + +"We don't call it that," said Braund. + +"Then what do you call it?" she asked. + +"It would be regarded as a cute bit of business. A man is supposed to +look after his interests; if another man gets the better of him, it's +all in the game. We admire the man who gets the better of another +man," said Braund. + +Eve laughed as she said: + +"I am afraid that is not my way of looking at things." + +"No, of course not; how could it be?" said Braund quickly. + +Eve was amused at him. He had an unending flow of conversation, his +remarks were original, he expressed opinions freely in a way she was +not accustomed to hear. On the whole he created, if not an altogether +favorable impression, at least a curiosity to know more of him. + +It was a pleasant evening, and as they motored back to Trent Park the +American expressed his entire approval of the visit. + +"Two very sensible women," he said; "also very charming. You're lucky +to live here; I suppose you see a good deal of them?" + +Alan said he did, and changed the subject. He was not inclined to +discuss Eve Berkeley with him. + +"We'll go through the village," said Alan. "It won't be dark for a +long time, in fact it's light almost all night now." + +He drove slowly through Little Trent. Abel Head was about to close the +Sherwood Inn; Carl Meason stood near him, full in the light of the +lamp, which Abel always lit, whether required or not, at the same hour. + +"Quaint inns and places you have in this country," said Braund, as he +noticed the sign. + +Abel recognized Alan and touched his cap. Carl Meason stared at them. +As his glance rested on the American he gave a slight start of surprise. + +"Who is that with Mr. Chesney?" he asked. + +"Don't know for sure; fancy a gentleman down here after buying one of +the horses. I heard it was likely Mameluke would be sold; it's a pity, +he's a great horse," said Abel. + +Carl gave what sounded like a sigh of relief. + +"Doesn't happen to come from America, does he?" he asked carelessly. + +"Not that I'm aware of," said Abel. + +Valentine Braund caught sight of Carl Meason's face in the light; he +turned quickly to look again as the motor went past. + +"Funny," he said. "Fancied I'd seen that fellow before." + +"Which fellow?" asked Alan. + +"The man under the lamp. I'm almost sure of it, but it can't be +possible in this quiet place," said Braund. + +"His name is Carl Meason, a surveyor I believe; he's studying maps, +planning road improvements, and he wants to be quiet," said Alan. + +When they arrived at the house and were seated for a quiet smoke Braund +said quickly: + +"I can't get that fellow out of my head--it's strange." + +"How strange?" asked Alan. + +"He reminds me of a man I had dealings with in America," said Braund +half to himself. + +"What sort of dealings?" questioned Alan. + +"It's impossible of course; what would he be doing here? He reminds me +of a man who once caused a lot of bloodshed at our steel works--a +strike leader, if not worse," said Braund. + +Alan smiled as he replied: + +"Such a man would not be likely to remain at the Sherwood Inn, Little +Trent, for many weeks. He'd find it too slow for him." + +"That's just it, he would; but I'd like to see him again just out of +curiosity," said Braund. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +CARL MAKES LOVE + +"I'm going away for a few days. You'll keep my room; I'll be back at +the end of the week," said Meason. + +"I'll keep your room," said Abel, wishing he was leaving altogether. + +Carl Meason left in his motor car. He took the road to Nottingham, +which skirted Trent Park, and ran past the old monastery; he slowed +down as he neared the ruin and hooted. + +Jane heard it and came out; there was a small door opening on to the +road. + +"Thought you'd know who it was," he said smiling. "I'm off for a few +days' tour, but I'll be back at the end of the week. Tell your father +I shall be glad if he'll show me round on my return." + +"Going away?" said Jane, rather surprised. + +"Not for good. Should you be sorry if I were?" + +"Yes." + +"I'm glad. We seem to be on good terms," he answered. + +"Why shouldn't we?" + +"No reason at all; on the contrary, I like you. I hope you like me?" + +"I do--that is, I think I do," said Jane. + +"Not quite sure, eh?" he asked, still smiling. + +She shook her head. She looked very charming in her homely dress, her +cheeks glowing with health. She was not at all abashed; the +self-confidence of innocence, purity of mind, protected her. At this +moment Carl Meason was really in love with her; he wanted her badly. +It flashed across his mind that he might do worse than marry her; she +would make an excellent wife, and not ask too many questions. His look +puzzled her; it meant something she did not understand. She lowered +her eyes. + +"Jane," he said softly, "you are a wonderful girl; I believe I am +desperately in love with you." + +So it was this caused him to look at her strangely; she understood now. +She never doubted what he said; she raised her eyes, they met his. + +"Love me?" she said quietly. "Why should you love me?" + +"Because you are adorable, lovely, the best little woman in the world," +he said. + +She laughed merrily as she replied: + +"Oh no, I'm not. Father says I have a temper." + +"That's not true; you have a very lovable disposition." + +"Yes, I think I have. I love lots of things; still that does not +prevent one from having a bad temper." + +"Jane?" + +"Yes." + +"Step on the car; let me have just one kiss," he spoke pleadingly. + +"No, it would not be right; we are strangers." + +"I hope not. I feel as though I were parting from an old and valued +friend." + +"I'll shake hands with you," she said. + +He leaned over the side of the car and took her hand; he drew her +toward him; she slipped away. + +"Not yet," she said. "Someday, perhaps, when I know who and what you +are." + +"And if I prove desirable in every way, what then?" he asked eagerly. + +"Who knows? You say you almost think you love me; perhaps, only +perhaps, I may come to love you," she said. + +He thought it not advisable to press her farther; he had made good +headway, she was prepossessed in his favor, that was evident from her +manner. He shook her hand again, then started the car; as he went +round a bend in the road he turned and waved to her; she responded, +then went inside and shut the gate. She sat down on a seat in the +garden; the smile on her face betokened pleasant thoughts. + +Carl Meason stopped the car at a well-known hotel facing the Market +Place; he had been there before. From the orders he gave it appeared +he had no intention of going on that day at any rate. He took his +dispatch box to his room; he always carried it, never trusted it to +anybody. + +"You can bring my bag to my room at once," he said as he passed through +the hall and went upstairs. When the hall porter put it down he was +about to unstrap it. + +"Never mind that; I'll do it," said Carl, handing him a tip. + +He locked the door and opened his case, taking out some letters and +several newspaper cuttings, which he proceeded to read carefully. + +"It's Valentine Braund right enough," he muttered. "What the deuce +brings him to Trent Park? Buying a horse, that's one reason. Wonder +if he heard I was at Little Trent? Don't see how he could as I'm not +sailing under my own name. Better perhaps if I'd not given Carl, but +it's far enough from Karl Shultz to be safe. He'd like to have me laid +by the heels, but he has no evidence to go upon. I got out of that +mess well. It was a blow up and no mistake; nearly a hundred killed, +and double the number injured. It had to be done; it frightened him +and a lot more; there's several men hate me like poison over that job. +They suffered while I got off free and had most of the money. Wonder +if he recognized me? Don't think so; he'd never expect to come across +me in such a place. Much better go away until the coast's clear. +He'll not stay at Trent Park long." + +He placed the letters and papers in his bag again. More than once he +had made up his mind to destroy them, but something stayed his hand; +they were dangerous if discovered but this was not likely to happen. + +His thoughts turned to a more pleasant subject--Jane Thrush. Utterly +unscrupulous though he was, even Carl Meason, as he chose to style +himself, had some hesitation in plotting her downfall. She fascinated +him. The women who had come into his life were totally different from +her; there wasn't a point of resemblance. It was her innocence, her +pure country charms, held him spellbound. Many women had helped him in +his nefarious designs; they fell easy victims to his blandishments and +his payments. He found them useful; one woman in particular had proved +invaluable in the case of the great explosion at the Valentine Steel +Works. It was Mannie Kerrnon who actually carried out his designs. He +had some of her letters in his case. There was no love between them, +there had been none between them; she reaped her reward in money, which +she much preferred to affections. + +Mannie Kerrnon was an Irishwoman on the mother's side. Her father was +a blackmailer, a despicable ruffian, in the pay of a notorious New York +Inspector of Police. She suspected him of killing her mother and she +hated him as a murderer. It was mainly because her father, Dirk +Kerrnon, was employed at the Valentine Steel Works that she undertook +to help Carl Meason in his nefarious plot. It was a sad disappointment +when Dirk Kerrnon escaped with a few scratches; he never suspected his +daughter's hand in the affair. He entered the steel works in order to +spy on Valentine Braund. The Inspector had given him some useful hints +to go upon, but Braund was a careful man and more than a match for half +a dozen Kerrnons. + +After the affair Mannie Kerrnon quarreled with Carl Meason over the +money due to her. She was outwitted and, being the woman she was, she +intended being revenged on him. So far she had not succeeded, nor had +she any idea where he was, or what he was doing; and he had no +intention of enlightening her if he could help it. He was safe as +regards the great explosion at the steel works. She could not "split" +on him without compromising herself. + +As Meason sat in his room at the hotel his mind went back to the old +days in New York, when he was hand and glove with the biggest set of +sharks in the city, and a pliable tool of Tammany when well paid for +his nasty work. What little conscience--and most men have some stored +away--he possessed revolted at his intentions toward Jane Thrush--not +that they were entirely dishonorable, but he knew a man with such a +past and present as his had no right to pollute the life of any bright, +happy, innocent woman. To be troubled with scruples was new to him; he +had sent innocent men to death without a tremor, had even seen men and +women go to long terms of imprisonment through his instrumentality, and +thought nothing of their misery; and here he was actually hesitating +about sacrificing Jane Thrush on the altar of his desires. Marry her, +he even went so far as to declare he would, and was astounded at his +honest intentions; he actually laughed, but it was uneasily. + +He went out, walked about; at night he turned into a music hall, but +variety turns did not interest him; he could not raise a laugh and +returned to the hotel by ten o'clock. Jane's face haunted him; no +woman had ever so obsessed him. It made him angry that he, Carl +Meason, should be caught in the toils, discover that a woman had a hold +over him. + +Gradually he pushed her into the background and thought over the work +he had in hand. It was of great importance and dangerous. When war +came he might be shot at any time if his doings were discovered. He +was accustomed to dangers; many times had he risked his life; bad +though he was, there was nothing cowardly about him. He had some +contempt for death, although he dearly loved life. There are bad men +who are brave, and such was he--brave, that is, in so far as he cared +little for risks so long as he reaped rewards. + +He passed a restless night. When he sank into a troubled sleep he +imagined he was laid by the heels and about to be shot suddenly. In +some unaccountable way Jane rushed up as the soldiers were about to +fire, with a reprieve. He awoke quivering with joyful excitement at +being saved from sudden death. It gave him an appetite for breakfast. + +The _Nottingham Guardian_ was perused; from it he learned that +Valentine Braund, the American steel magnate, had purchased Mr. Alan +Chesney's famous horse, Mameluke, for thirty thousand pounds and his +destination was New York. He was more interested in reading that Mr. +Braund had been Mr. Chesney's guest at Trent Park for a few days and +was returning to London on Saturday. + +"That suits me," said Carl to himself. "I'll get back to Little Trent +that day; I'll drop a note to surly Abel and advise him." + +Before noon he motored to Derby; from there he went to Haddon Hall and +Chatsworth. He was fond of beautiful scenery and Derbyshire pleased +him. He was, however, more familiar with Norfolk and the coast towns; +roads running from the coast interested him and he knew most of them +from Hunstanton as far north as Scarborough. He was later to make +sinister use of the knowledge. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +THE BARON'S TIP + +War clouds were gathering when the royal meeting began at Ascot, but +very few people imagined they would burst so soon. + +Alan Chesney had a strong team for the fashionable gathering; and, as +usual. Eve Berkeley had taken a house at Ascot, among her guests being +Ella Hallam, Harry Morby, and Vincent Newport, also Bernard Hallam, who +had just arrived from Australia. Alan stayed at the Royal Hotel, where +his horses were stabled. In the team were the Epsom winners, Robin +Hood, The Duke, and Evelyn; in the Hunt Cup he had Bandmaster, with the +light weight of seven stone. + +Fred Skane pronounced Bandmaster a pretty good thing for the popular +handicap; he was much surprised when the horse only had seven stone +allotted him. + +It was a brilliant Ascot; it always is, but on this occasion there +seemed to be more people than usual, and there was much gaiety in the +neighborhood. + +Eve Berkeley, however, did not seem in such high spirits as usual. Her +love for Alan Chesney grew and strengthened. She longed for him to ask +her to be his wife, and wondered why he hung back. Was it possible he +did not see how she loved him? Alan had not been to The Forest much +lately, and she wondered why. Her attachment to him caused her pain, +for she saw no signs that it was returned in the way she desired. Had +she offended him in any way? She was not aware of having done so! Her +surroundings at Ascot, however, dispelled these gloomy feelings before +the first day's racing was over, and Alan had been more attentive to +her than for some time past. + +On Hunt Cup Day there was a tremendous crowd, and thirty runners were +saddled for the big race. Spur was favorite, and even in such a big +field he touched four to one an hour before the race. Another well +backed was Manifest, while Hooker, Bird, and half a dozen more had +plenty of friends. Bandmaster stood at a hundred to five in the +betting, and at this price Alan and his friends secured some good +wagers. + +Bernard Hallam was impressed by the horses, and his remarks in the +paddock proved he was a good judge. The Australian had a free and easy +way that soon won him friends. He was more approachable than Valentine +Braund, although they seemed to have much in common. + +He was delighted with Eve Berkeley, and told his daughter she was the +most beautiful woman he had seen. + +"Don't fall in love with her," laughed Ella; "she's dangerous, has a +host of admirers, but it doesn't make her a bit conceited. She is my +best friend; I like her so much." + +Eve got on well with Bernard Hallam; he amused her. She liked him +better than the American; she thought him more genuine and reliable. + +Baron Childs was running White Legs in the Hunt Cup, a five-year-old +chestnut with four white legs, a useful horse, winner of three or four +good handicaps. He was talking to Eve Berkeley in the paddock as Alan +Chesney went across to Bandmaster. Eve did not see him; she was in +animated conversation. Alan smiled as he saw them, wondering if she +was requesting another tip, and if it would prove as good as Merry +Monarch. + +"Not half a bad horse," said Bernard Hallam as he looked at Bandmaster. + +"He's pretty good and he's got a very light weight. I fancy he'll just +about win," said Alan. + +Harry Morby and Vincent Newport had already backed the horse and were +enthusiastic about his chances. Valentine Braund pronounced Bandmaster +too light and said he would look elsewhere for the winner. + +"Better ask Miss Berkeley for the tip. She's talking to Baron +Childs--he owns White Legs," said Alan. + +"Not a bad idea," replied Braund. "Do you really think your horse has +a chance?" + +"Of course I do; I've backed him." + +"Scraggy animal, not my sort at all." + +"Sorry he does not please you," said Alan, laughing; "but your poor +opinion will not stop him." + +Skane was saddling the horse. Mark Colley, Tommy Colley's youngest +brother, stood close by. He was to ride, and had already donned the +brown and blue-sleeved jacket. Mark was a clever lightweight, and had +been well coached by his brother and Fred Skane, whose apprentice he +was, but he had already forfeited the five pound allowance, having +ridden the requisite number of winners. He was a merry little fellow, +and still retained his boyish ways, although Skane said he had the +wisdom of a man in his head. His brother, Tommy, was riding Manifest, +and Ben Bradley had the mount on White Legs. + +Half an hour before the horses went out there was a gay scene in the +paddock, animated conversations were going on, many tips were given, +and the interest in the race was intense. + +Baron Childs was confident about White Legs; the horse had been highly +tried, and Ben Bradley was sanguine of winning. + +"You gave me the Derby winner," said Eve, "and I shall back your colors +again to-day." + +"Mr. Chesney's horse must have a good chance; he has a very light +weight," said the Baron. + +"I believe he thinks it is a good thing; but he said Gold Star would +win the Derby and that did not come off," said Eve. + +"Do you like my horse?" he asked. + +"Very much. He is in splendid condition." + +"Then back him. I feel sure it will bring luck to my colors." + +"Have you met Mr. Hallam?" she asked. "He has recently come from +Australia, and is well known in the racing world there." + +"I should like to meet him." + +"Then I will introduce you; he is over there looking at Bandmaster," +said Eve, and they walked in that direction. + +"Here comes Eve with her escort," said Alan, laughing. + +"The Baron evidently enjoys her society," said Ella. Then as Eve +joined them she said: + +"Has Baron Childs given you another tip?" + +"Yes, White Legs; I shall back him," answered Eve, and then introduced +Mr. Hallam, who at once monopolized the Baron's attention. + +"So you are going to back the Baron's tip again?" said Alan. + +"Yes. Why not?" + +"Because I think my horse will win," said Alan. + +"Very well then; I will stick to White Legs," said Eve. + +"Quite right, follow the Baron; it was a favorite cry years ago," was +Alan's reply. + +"You do not appear to care whether I back your horse or not," said Eve +sharply. + +"I don't suppose it will make any difference to his winning chance," +said Alan. + +"The Baron says I bring him good luck when I back his horses," she +replied. + +"Very nice of him, I am sure. I suppose he puts Merry Monarch's Derby +win down to that cause." + +"Perhaps he does; anyhow he's more complimentary than you," snapped Eve. + +Alan was amused. What was she cross about? + +Eve saw he was amused and it irritated her. She began to think he +cared very little about her; this feeling hurt and caused her pain +mingled with anger. Why was he so blind when others acknowledged her +charms, sometimes made love to her; she had spurned them all for his +sake and he neglected her. She felt reckless; a plunge might relieve +the tension, cause excitement, make her forget these things. She +turned to the Baron and said: + +"Will you execute a commission for me?" + +"With pleasure. Are you going to back my horse?" + +"Yes; put me five hundred on," she said. + +He thought it a large sum but made no remark except to say she might +consider it done. + +"I will get the best price possible," he said, "and I hope he will win." + +"So do I," she replied. + +Alan overheard this; she intended he should, and when the Baron left he +said: + +"You have backed the wrong horse this time; the Baron will not win." + +"I suppose you think I ought to have backed your horse because you are +my next-door neighbor?" she answered sharply. + +He laughed. + +"Most of your friends are on Bandmaster." + +"Then I shall be able to chaff them when White Legs has won," she +answered. + +"I say, old man, your horse is coming with a rattle in the betting; +there's a pot of money going on," said Harry Morby. + +"Mine, no doubt," answered Alan. "I have sent out a late commission. +I am anxious to win; it will take Miss Berkeley down a peg; she always +pins her faith to the Baron's colors." + +"That's your fault," said Harry. + +"Why?" + +"Because you treat her with indifference and she doesn't deserve it." + +"I am not aware of doing so," said Alan. He would have resented this +from anybody except Morby, who was a privileged person. + +Captain Morby did not pursue the subject further. + +"You can keep a secret, Alan?" he asked. + +"I'll try. You're a mysterious fellow, Harry." + +"It's about the regiment," he said. "We're to hold ourselves ready at +a moment's notice--don't split--I might be court-martialled." + +"Whew!" whistled Alan. "This looks serious." + +"Bet you there's war before long; it's a bigger cert than Bandmaster," +said Harry. + +"And I'm out of it." + +"You needn't be. Join us again. You'll easily get your commission; +they'll want all the men they can get, especially officers." + +"If there is trouble I shall not be idle," said Alan. + +"I know that, old fellow; no need to tell me that." + +Something seemed to be in the air. There were many officers present +and they were talking in groups of three or four. Judging by their +faces it was not about racing; Alan noticed this and thought: + +"It's coming, the great upheaval; Fraser's man is right. By Jove, I'll +hustle, as Braund would say, when things begin to move." + +The horses were going to the post and the June sun shone on the thirty +bright jackets as they went past. The din in Tattersalls was +deafening. In the crowded enclosure there was hardly room to move; +eager backers jostled each other in their anxiety to get at the +bookmakers. + +Peet Craker left the rails for a moment as he saw Alan Chesney. + +"I've a matter of a couple of thousand left against Bandmaster," he +said. + +"I'll have it," answered Alan; and the bookmaker said, "at a hundred to +eight." + +"That's a fair price," said Alan. + +"Will he win, Mr. Chesney?" + +"He has a real good chance, Peet," replied Alan. + +The horses disappeared over the brow of the hill, cantered down the +slope, and ranged behind the barrier, with the trees for a background. +It was a beautiful line of color as seen from the top of the stands. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +A FINE FINISH + +The big field got away in an almost unbroken line, a splendid start; a +loud shout proclaimed the race had commenced. For a few minutes they +disappeared, then as they came up the rise the caps appeared over the +brow of the hill, and in a couple of seconds the thirty horses were in +full view, stretched across the wide course, advancing like a cavalry +charge. + +A wonderful race the Royal Hunt Cup, a beautiful sight. It has been +described scores of times and no description exaggerates its charm. +The course is grand, the surroundings picturesque; historical +associations cling to the famous heath, where kings and princes, lords +and commoners, have assembled year after year, and royal processions +have come up the course amid the enthusiastic plaudits of vast crowds. +Truly the sport of racing is the sport of kings, and no less of a huge +majority of the people. + +Bernard Hallam and Valentine Braund acknowledged its charm. There was +nothing quite like it anywhere, one of the racing sights of the world, +different from Epsom on Derby Day, Doncaster on Leger Day, or glorious +Goodwood, unique in its way; no such gathering can be seen in any other +country. + +The attention of thousands of people was riveted on the horses; all +other thoughts were excluded. For a few brief moments everything was +forgotten but the business in hand, the probable result, which horse +would be added to the long roll of Hunt Cup winners. + +The thirty horses were almost level as they came in sight, one or two +stragglers, but it was an even race so far. As they began the ascent, +the stiff pull to the winning-post, the field lengthened out, horse +after horse fell back, and a dozen only possessed chances. The rise +finds out the weak spots, and the lack of a final gallop makes a lot of +difference. It takes a good horse to win a Hunt Cup; no matter if he +does little after, he must be brilliant on the day. + +Alan stood with Captain Morby and Captain Newport high on the +grand-stand. They knew where to command the best view of the race; it +was a climb, a scramble to get there, but worth it. + +"Bandmaster's in the center," said Harry. "He's going strong, but +he'll have to make his run soon, there's a good many lengths between +him and Spur." + +The favorite was at the head of the field, traveling in great style. +There was just a suspicion he would not quite stay the course, but he +seemed to be giving it the lie. Close on his heels came Manifest, +Bird, Hooker, Peter's Lad, Beltan, and White Legs. + +The Baron's horse began slowly, but soon joined up with the rest. The +scarlet jacket was prominent, and as Eve saw it creeping toward the +front, she felt confident the Baron's tip would again come off. She +wondered why she did not feel enthusiastic at the prospect of a good +win. Was it because she would rather have had her money on Bandmaster +and see Alan's colors successful? Perhaps it was; anyhow it was absurd +to wish to see his colors in front when her money was on White Legs. + +Manifest shot to the front as they drew level with the lawn, followed +by Bird, and Peter's Lad; with a rush came Scout, an outsider. White +Legs was gaining ground. Right in the center of the course was +Bandmaster, who liked the stiff going and tackled the work like a good +'un, the seven stone gave him every chance. + +Alan was anxious to win; the Hunt Cup was a race he often had a shot +at; so far his horses had not run into a place. He had great hopes of +Bandmaster's changing his luck. + +Valentine Braund backed Manifest, not a bad pick; Bernard Hallam was on +Bandmaster; so was Ella, and most of Eve Berkeley's party followed the +brown and blue sleeves. + +A loud shout greeted the appearance of White Legs in the leading trio, +and Bradley looked so much at ease that all who had backed the horse +were confident; before the distance was reached the scarlet jacket held +the lead, and the Baron's horse appeared to have a mortgage on the race. + +Young Colley still had Bandmaster in the center of the track, clear of +the others. He was riding a cool, well-judged race, and had every +confidence in his mount. Yard by yard the horse crept up; his jockey +knew he was gaining at every stride. He measured the distance to the +winning-post with critical eyes and felt certain of victory. From the +stands Bandmaster seemed to be a long way behind the leaders, and Alan +thought his bad luck in the race was to continue. Gradually the sounds +increased until they culminated in a roar as White Legs came on at the +head of the field, followed by Manifest, and Spur, who had come again +in gallant style. + +A lull in the shouting for an infinitesimal moment, then a terrific +roar proclaimed Bandmaster was pulling hard. + +The brown and blue came along fast, very fast, and there was no sign of +faltering on the part of Bandmaster, who tackled his stiff work in +bull-dog style. + +"By gad, he'll do it!" exclaimed Harry excitedly. + +"Looks cheerful," said Vincent. + +Alan made no remark. He was not quite certain his horse would catch +White Legs and Manifest; he had given Spur the go by. + +There was considerable doubt as to which horse would win, although the +odds were in favor of White Legs. + +Bradley, riding a confident race, was on the alert; he never threw a +chance away. Tommy Colley got every ounce out of Manifest; and when +his brother drew alongside on Bandmaster he knew he must make the last +ounce a trifle over weight to win. + +For a second the pair hung together, then Manifest was beaten, but +struggled on. Roar upon roar came from the vast crowd as Bandmaster +got to White Legs' quarters, and the excitement was tremendous. + +Eve Berkeley looked on anxiously. At this critical point she hoped the +Baron's horse would be first past the post; she would draw a large sum, +and the prospect of winning was delightful. + +Bradley was the stronger rider, but he had not more determination than +his young rival. Bandmaster drew level, and in the next few strides +got his head in front. At this Alan's feelings grew too strong for him +and he shouted: + +"Bandmaster wins!" two or three times. + +It was a grand race and one to be remembered. + +Again White Legs held a slight advantage, but Bandmaster was not done +with, and the difference in weight told its tale. Colley was riding +hard; it was a very clever effort on his part, and recognized as such. +As they closed on to the winning-post Bandmaster again got his head in +front and this time White Legs could not wrest the advantage from him. + +A few more strides decided the race. Bandmaster won by half a length +from White Legs, with Manifest third. + +Although Alan's horse started at twelve to one he was heavily backed, +and his win was well received. There was much cheering as the horse +came in; the brown and blue was popular; the Chesney colors were always +out to win. + +Alan came in for a full share of congratulations, Baron Childs being +one of the first to greet him. + +"I suppose I must join in the paeans of victory," said Eve smiling. + +"You can't feel very delighted under the circumstances," said Alan. +"It would have suited you better had White Legs won." + +"Perhaps it would. Still I am very glad you have won a Hunt Cup at +last; you have had several tries," she replied. + +"It's good of you to say so," he said. "I told you my horse had a big +chance." + +"You did. I don't know what made me follow the Baron's tip." + +"I think I do." + +"What?" + +"You have more confidence in his advice than mine," he said. + +"I do not think that was the reason." + +"What other could there be?" + +"Obstinacy," she said. + +"I never thought of that--perversity would be better." + +"Much the same thing," she replied. + +"I am afraid I put you wrong," said the Baron. "If it had not been for +me you would no doubt have backed Mr. Chesney's horse." + +"You must not blame yourself for that. I am quite satisfied," she said. + +"You would have been more satisfied had the Baron's horse won," said +Alan. + +"Naturally; I backed it." + +"Not for that reason alone," answered Alan, as he walked away and +joined Ella and her father. + +"He leaves me for Ella always," thought Eve with a pang, "and yet I do +not think he cares for her that way. I believe he half loves me. I'll +put him to the test one of these days, it's worth the risk; nothing +venture, nothing have--an old saying which often comes true." + +When Alan returned to Trent Park he found Duncan Fraser waiting for him +and at once knew there was something important to communicate. Fraser +looked serious as he said: + +"I hope you had an enjoyable time at Ascot?" + +"Yes; won the Hunt Cup and another race. Made a few thousands in the +meeting," said Alan. + +"There'll be war in little over a month," said Fraser. + +"You have had more news from Berlin?" + +"This letter came this morning. I knew you were to be home to-day, so +thought I'd bring it over." + +Alan thanked him, read it, and said: + +"What on earth is the Government doing? It ought to be informed." + +"It is--has been for sometime. But we know how it is. They always +wait until their hands are forced--they are afraid." + +"Of what, of what can a British Government be afraid?" + +"First and foremost, of the anti-war party, the peace-at-any-price men; +then the labor party, votes are the chief consideration. It's +abominable," said Fraser. + +"Like sticking to office, I suppose?" + +"Yes; at all costs." + +"You are certain they know there will be war?" + +"They must." + +"And they will meet the shock unprepared?" + +"As regards the army, yes; not the navy. There never was a navy +stronger than ours at the present day, but it's been a tremendous fight +to get the money, men and ships," said Fraser. + +"You ought to be in the House," said Alan. + +Fraser laughed. + +"I should want a free hand from my constituents," he said. + +"And you'd get it; you're just the man," replied Alan. + +"What are you going to do?" asked Fraser. + +"If war breaks out?" + +"Yes." + +"Try and get the commission I threw up," said Alan. + +"I thought so, and really I can't blame you; we shall want every man we +can get," said Duncan Fraser. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +ALAN IS BLIND + +It was about a month later when Alan called at The Forest and found Eve +Berkeley alone. Ella was with her father in London; they had accepted +her invitation to pay another visit later on. She had been waiting for +him, wondering why he did not call. She soon heard the reason. + +"I have been awfully rushed," he said. "Lots of things to see to at +Chesney's before I go away." + +"Go away!" she exclaimed. "Where are you going? This is rather +sudden; I am surprised." + +"I have joined the army again. I have been fortunate enough to get a +commission as captain. I tried hard to get back in my old regiment, +but there was no vacancy. I shall be gazetted to the 'Sherwoods' in a +few days; they are at Derby now. There are stirring times ahead, and +I'm not sorry. It was bound to some sooner or later." + +"What?" + +"War." + +She looked incredulous. + +"Are you sure? What makes you so certain?" + +"Fraser has a reliable man in Berlin; he sent the information. We have +acted upon it--in the brewery--and I did not mean to wait weeks for a +chance when war is declared," he said. + +"Duncan Fraser seems to be a valuable mine of information," she said. + +"He is. Do you know, he's a wonderful man, Eve." + +She laughed as she replied: + +"Your father always had a high opinion of his abilities." + +"You and my father were jolly good friends." + +"We were on excellent terms; I liked him." + +"He could be very agreeable when he chose." + +"And in that respect his son resembles him." + +Alan laughed. + +"Then I suppose you do not think I always choose to be agreeable?" he +said. + +"You have lapses; sometimes you are almost rude, most abrupt, somewhat +neglectful of your best friends." + +"Oh, I say! That's not a very flattering picture. To which of my best +friends have I been neglectful?" he asked. + +"Myself--for one." + +He looked surprised. + +"That charge will not stand being put to the test," he answered. + +"You have not been to see me since Ascot," she said. + +"And that comes under the charge of neglect?" + +"Yes. You consider me one of your friends?" + +"Of course; don't ask foolish questions." + +Alan looked particularly well this morning. He was a picture of +health, a well-groomed man; his eyes were bright as he looked at her, +thinking how lovely she was. + +To Eve he was more attractive than ever. She loved him with her whole +heart and soul, every nerve in her body thrilled toward him; and there +he stood, smiling at her placidly, when she longed for him to take her +in his arms, crush her, pour out a tale of love into her waiting, +willing ears. Why could he not see it? + +She held herself in bounds, but it was difficult. + +"When do you join the Sherwoods?" she asked. + +"I have joined; I am on leave. I have to put a lot of things straight +at Trent Park. I had no idea there was so much to do." + +"But you are not in uniform," she said. + +"No; I thought I'd come over in ordinary attire--you might have been +startled to see me in khaki." + +"I certainly would have been." + +"Eve, I want you to do something for me when I go away," he said. + +Her heart beat fast, this was more promising. + +"You know I am only too willing to do anything I can for you." + +"That's good of you. I want you to keep an eye on things at Trent +Park." + +"You have a very capable housekeeper." + +"Oh, yes; but even she wants supervising sometimes." + +"And you think I can do it?" she asked with a smile. + +"Nobody can do it so well; you are accustomed to manage, always have +been. I've heard my father say so, and of course I've noticed it +myself," said Alan. + +He looked at her curiously, mischief in his eyes. + +"I believe my governor was more than half in love with you, Eve," he +said. + +She felt hot, uncomfortable; Alan's father had been very much in love, +or infatuated, with her. + +"How foolish! Don't be absurd, Alan," she said hastily. + +He had seen the change in her; he had sometimes wondered if his father +had paid attentions to her, then dismissed the idea as ridiculous. + +"Is it absurd?" he asked. + +"You must know it is," she said, with emphasis. + +"The governor was rather a ladies' man," he said smiling. He saw she +was uncomfortable, and teased her. + +"He was very polite and considerate," she replied. + +"More polite than his son, according to your version," he answered. + +"I never said so." + +"Not in so many words. You said I neglected my best friends." + +"And it is true; you haven't been to see me for a month." + +"I have explained why. I say, Eve----" + +"Yes." + +"Did you miss me? I mean did you want me to come and see you?" + +"I did." + +"You really missed me?" he asked again. + +"Very much. Are you not my nearest neighbor? Have we not been old +friends for many years? I do not like to lose old friends," she said. + +"There is no danger of losing me. That will rest with yourself; I am +always at your commands," he answered. + +"Always?" she asked. + +"Whenever you want me," he replied. + +Want him! Did she not always want him? Why was he so blind? + +"If there is war you will go on active service?" she said. + +"I hope so; I don't want to remain here, kicking my heels in idleness," +he replied with a laugh. + +"No; I suppose that is natural. I shall miss you very much." + +"It's nice to be missed. I'm a lucky fellow, Eve." + +"Are you?" + +"Yes; there's many a man would like to hear you say that--the Baron, +for instance," he said. + +She shrugged her shoulders. + +"I think you are mistaken about the Baron," she said. + +"He admires you, and didn't he give you the winner of the Derby?" + +"But not the Hunt Cup," she replied with a laugh. + +"No; but he wasn't far out," said Alan. "Then there's Harry Morby; +he's your devoted slave." + +"Is he? There's not much of the slave about him," she replied, +smiling. "I suppose he's sorry you are not in your old regiment." + +"He says so; I really believe he is." + +"The Sherwoods are a famous cavalry regiment?" she asked. + +"They bear an honored name, they have seen some service. I am lucky to +get in there." + +"You were always a good soldier." + +"Glad you think so. There'll be no feather-bed soldiering this time." + +"You seem positive there will be war?" + +"Yes; absolutely certain." + +"It will be a terrible thing." + +"Awful; the slaughter will be great." + +"And hundreds of thousands will lose their lives?" + +"Yes; no doubt about that." + +"I shall pray for your safety then, Alan." + +"Don't get solemn about it--I'm not gone yet. You'll do as I ask? +Just run over to Trent Park sometimes and let me know how things are +going on. Sam Kerridge said I must tell you he'd always be very +pleased to show you over the stud--good fellow, Sam. What else do you +think he said?" + +"I really can't guess." + +"And I daren't tell you." + +"Why not?" + +"It's personal. Sam has a habit of blurting out what he thinks." + +"Tell me what he said." + +"He asked me a question when I spoke about your visiting the stud in my +probable absence," said Alan. + +"What was it?" + +"'When's the wedding?'" he said. + +Eve lowered her eyes. + +"What a curious question," she said. "What did he mean, to whom did he +refer?" + +"Miss Eve Berkeley and my humble self," said Alan, laughing. + +"How funny," she said. + +"Yes; that's just what I thought. What the deuce put it into his head +I don't know," said Alan, laughing. + +"I suppose he thinks near neighbors sometimes marry," said Eve. + +"Perhaps so. They do; I've noticed it. I say, Eve, wouldn't it be +curious if we ended up that way?" said Alan. + +"Ended up which way?" + +"By marrying. How would you like it? Have you ever considered the +prospect?" + +"Have you?" she asked without looking at him. + +"No, I can't say I have. I don't suppose you'd have me in any case." + +"Oh! you don't think I'd have you! Well, consider it over--perhaps we +might do worse." + +"Eve, you're not serious! You haven't been looking at it from that +point of view?" he said. + +"I believe I'd marry you to-morrow if you asked me, Alan," she said +smiling, in a half-joking tone, but her heart beat painfully fast. + +"Good Lord, you don't say so!" exclaimed Alan, in such alarmed tones +she could not help laughing. + +"Please do not be alarmed," she said. + +"Of course you're not serious! For the moment I flattered myself you +were. You're joking. Funny, isn't it?" + +"Supposing I am serious?" she said. + +"By Jove, I believe I'd ask you! The temptation would be more than +mortal man could resist," he said. + +"Try! Let me see how you make love--I am sure you'd be eloquent." + +"Don't let us carry this game too far, Eve; it might develop into +something serious," said Alan. + +"Something serious--good heavens, if he only knew!" she thought. "But +what can a poor woman do with such a man. You are very blind, Alan." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +INSIDE THE KEEP + +Carl Meason was very busy. He sat up late, poring over maps, tracing +routes. Abel Head said: + +"He doesn't seem to have a minute to spare." + +He had minutes to spare and they were devoted to paying attentions to +Jane Thrush when he had an opportunity. She did not avoid him: he +interested her, and her father appeared to like him. + +Meason approached Thrush carefully, feeling his way gradually; he knew +it would be best to influence the father in order to ingratiate the +daughter. + +Tom took him through the forest, pointing out places of interest. He +found Meason a ready listener, who flattered him by remarking on the +knowledge he possessed. They walked many miles, but Meason noticed he +avoided going near the house in Trent Park. The moat aroused his +curiosity. It was filled with water, the depth being considerable; a +boat was moored to a small landing stage. Carl asked if his guide +could take him into the keep. + +Tom said: + +"I have brought the keys with me; I thought perhaps you'd like to see +it. I've seen strange sights hereabouts. I never come nigh the place +at night: there's things chill the marrow in one's bones," and he gave +a slight shudder. + +Carl laughed. He was no believer in ghosts and such-like superstitions. + +"Yer can laugh," said Tom irritably, "but I've seen 'em I tell ye. My +eyes are good evidence, I can't doubt 'em." + +"I was not laughing at what you thought you've seen," said Carl. + +"Thought!" exclaimed Tom. "There's no thought about it; it's gospel +truth." + +"What did you see?" + +"It's strange, beyond telling. There's been murder done in yon keep +many a time; it's a gruesome place," and he pointed across the dark +water to the round, ancient, tower-like building, whose stones gave +evidence of many centuries' battling with storm and tempest. + +"Looks a bit lonesome." + +"It is. You see that spot near the wall? Well, it's dark and deep, +and one night I saw her rise out from the depth. She wailed and threw +up her arms, then she sank. She came up again, and a third time; then +there was a splash and she disappeared. It was a great stone struck +her down. From yon small window, that slit in the wall, I saw a face +looking out. It was an awful face, must have been near kin to the +devil's; the thing groaned, broke into a harsh laugh, and it vanished. +Lord, I never want to see such sights again! My hair turned gray," +said Tom. + +Carl was amused. He humored him. + +"Strange happenings indeed," he said. "What's it like inside?" + +"I'll show you, but you had best go in alone. I've had enough of the +d----d place," answered Tom. + +He got into the boat, took the solitary oar and placed it in the +rollock [Transcriber's note: rowlock?] at the stern; Carl stepped in +and stood up. + +"Best sit," said Tom; "it's a crazy old craft." + +"Why doesn't Mr. Chesney have a new one?" + +"Don't know; thinks it's good enough for the job, I expect. He never +encourages folks' going to the keep." + +"But he allows you to carry the keys?" + +"Yes; he trusts me. He knows I'm none too fond of the devilish hole." +Tom ferried across to the broken-down landing-place near the door of +the keep. They got out. + +"Here you are," said Tom. "Go inside if you wish." + +Carl took the key. + +"I'll not be long," he said, as he put it in the lock. It turned with +difficulty, and as he pushed the nail-studded old oak door open there +was a cool, damp, vault-like smell. + +"Reckon you'll come out quick enough," said Tom. "Best be careful; +there's some old broken steps lead down under the moat--a dungeon or +summat's there." He swore as his foot slipped and he almost fell into +the water. + +"That's a sure sign we're not wanted here," said Tom gloomily. + +Carl smiled and went inside. It was a curious, gruesome place, and the +dank air was stifling. He climbed the stone steps upward until he came +to a small room. The walls were bare but there were a bed and chairs +and tables, all of oak, an iron ring in the wall, a rusty chain, and a +padlock of huge size lay on the stone floor, unlocked. The slit in the +wall gave enough light to see. Carl stood on a chair and looked out. +He saw Tom, waved his hand, but there was no response. + +"He can't see me," thought Carl. "It's strange; he's looking straight +here." + +There were more stairs. At the top he found another room exactly +similar to the one below, furnished in the same bare way. In one +corner he saw something gray. Examining it, it proved to be a flimsy +gauze-like wrap; it was not old, nor torn. There was a white cloth, +also a pair of soft slippers. + +"The ghost's attire," thought Carl. "Somebody comes here and frightens +people. Wonder what for? Probably to scare 'em away for some purpose +of his, or her, own. This is interesting." + +He replaced the garment, letting it fall and arranging it as nearly as +possible as he found it. He went down again, feeling the wall as he +descended. It was damp; drops stood out, burst and trickled down. He +found the stone steps leading to the dungeon under the moat; they were +smooth, broken in places. He was careful in stepping; a slip and he +might be landed at the bottom with a sprained ankle, a broken leg, or +worse. It was a slippery descent; once or twice he fell down; but he +intended seeing what was at the bottom and at last succeeded. + +The dark dungeon had a curious odor in it, probably due to the water +and lack of fresh air; but there was a scent undefinable as well. He +struck a match; it went out immediately, just as though somebody, or +something, had blown upon it. He was not a nervous man, but when the +second and third match went out in the same way he was inclined to beat +a retreat. + +"One more try," he thought, and struck three or four wax matches at +once; this proved effective and gave him time to see in the corner, +propped up, what looked like the body of a man. He must be mistaken; +he lit more matches, dropping the others on the floor, where they +spluttered in the wet and fizzled out. + +It was a man, could be nothing else. He went toward the body, for such +he supposed it, bent down to feel it, and found nothing. This was +strange. He lit more matches. Now he saw space; there was no body +there. He stepped back several paces, astonished, lost in wonder; then +he saw the thing again, saw it distinctly, and it seemed to move. It +came toward him, or in his excited state of mind he fancied so. His +light went out; he had no more matches. As he groped his way to the +steps, or where he thought they were, something touched him on the +shoulder. It was enough to startle any man, and he cried out in alarm. +There was a faint, squeaking noise and a fluttering, then the thing +touched his cheek and he smelt a deathlike odor. Thoroughly alarmed he +groped out. He felt the damp wall; he had lost the steps; he must walk +round, feeling until he came to them, being a circular dungeon he must +come to them. It seemed an interminable time before he came to the +opening and began to scramble up on his hands and knees. + +Tom Thrush waited in the boat. He thought him a long time gone and +hoped nothing had happened. He knew it was a queer place to roam +around. He whistled for company, then lit his pipe. Why didn't he +come out of the beastly place? What was that? It sounded like a +startled cry; it came from the tower. Tom shivered. He wasn't going +in there to look for Carl Meason, not for any money. The smoke came +from his pipe in jerky whiffs. + +Just as he was about to step out of the boat, go to the door and call, +Carl Meason came out with a quick movement. Tom stared at him in +amazement, not unmingled with fear. + +Meason was covered in dirt and damp from head to foot, there was blood +on his hands, his face was blanched, a wild look in his eyes. He had +no time to pull himself together before Tom saw it. His recovery +however was remarkably quick considering what he had gone through. He +had no desire to give himself away. He looked at his clothes and +laughed. In the open again his courage revived. + +"It's the dirtiest damp hole I ever was in!" he said; and Tom +recognized a difference in his voice. + +"Yer all over filth," said Tom. "Yer hands are bloody, ye've torn yer +trousers. Where've yer been? Have yer seen anything?" + +"Rotten place," said Carl. "If I were Chesney I'd blow it up." + +"Did yer see anything?" persisted Tom. + +"What the deuce is there to see except bare walls and some ancient oak +furniture, must be hundreds of years old." + +"It is," said Tom, "more--hundreds and hundreds. You looked a bit +scared when you came out--white as a sheet, eyes near shooting out of +yer head. Tell me what yer saw." + +"Nothing," said Carl. "The place gave me the horrors. I lost myself +in the dungeon, took me a long time to find the steps again, that gave +me a shock, I had no matches left." + +"There's folks been put in that place never saw the light o' day again. +Do you believe it's haunted?" + +Carl made no reply for a few moments, then said: + +"It may be; I shouldn't be surprised. I'm more inclined to believe you +since I've been inside." + +"I thought as how you would. Seeing's believing," said Tom. + +"But I tell you I did not see anything. I heard sounds." + +"Ah!" exclaimed Tom. "What like were they?" + +"Groans!" + +"It's them ye heard, the spirits of the dead; the poor devils never +rest in peace," said Tom. + +They were going across the moat. There was a splash and both started; +Tom almost dropped the oar. + +"What's that?" he said. "Look!" and he pointed to the ripples in the +dark water circling. + +"A fish rising," said Carl with a queer little laugh. + +"There's no fish in here, don't believe there's even a carp in." + +"Why not?" + +"What 'ud fish be doing in this beastly hole?" + +"Feeding." + +"Nothing to feed on." + +"You don't know what's at the bottom of that," said Carl, pointing +downward. + +"And I don't want to. If it's fish, I'd not eat them," said Tom. + +They walked back to the keeper's cottage. Jane met them at the door, +surprised to see the state of Carl's clothes. She asked where he had +been. + +"Exploring the moat and the keep," he replied, thinking her pretty face +was a great help to banish phantoms. + +Jane laughed as she said: + +"You've had a fright. Keep away from the place, it's haunted; there's +danger when you meddle with 'em." + +"I saw nothing in the keep. I told your father so." + +Jane shook her head as she replied: + +"Best say nothing about it; keep those things to yourself." + +"Have you ever seen things there?" asked Carl. + +"Telling's knowing," said Jane, but without smiling. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +A SUDDEN PROPOSAL + +War was declared against Germany on that fateful day in August; the +blow had fallen at last, the nations of the earth were about to measure +their millions, and England was unprepared. There was no doubt about +the strength of feeling in Britain; every man was for war, with the +exception of a few cranks and peacemongers, many of them little better +than traitors to their country. + +There was a call to arms; it echoed, reverberated, throughout the land; +and never was such a voluntary response by any nation. There is little +need to write about it; everybody knows how "Kitchener's chaps" rolled +up in thousands, to their everlasting honor. By their response they +showed the spirit of the nation, roused at last to a sense of horrible +danger. Throughout the land there were martial sounds--the hum of +camps, the tramp of men, the clang of horses' hoofs, the rattle of war +department wagons. Before people had time to rub their eyes and become +wide awake, an army had landed in France, eager to help gallant little +Belgium, and stop the rush of the enemy's vast hordes. + +The Sherwoods were mustered in Trent Park. A noble array they made, +splendid men, well mounted and equipped, eager to get at the foe. +Captain Alan Chesney was with them, his house the headquarters of the +regiment. They had not to wait long; they were in luck's way, one of +the first cavalry regiments ordered to the front. + +Alan, busy preparing for his departure, had barely a minute to spare, +but he made time to call on a few friends, and Eve Berkeley was one of +the last. He rode to The Forest in uniform, looking every inch a +soldier. He stood in the room waiting for her, his fingers drummed +impatiently on the mantelpiece; he wanted to be away, the fighting +spirit of the soldier was roused again when he put on khaki. He longed +for war--and the front. + +For some years he had been a peace soldier, spending money freely, +having plenty of spare time, although he was never a laggard and loved +the drill and discipline. Now it was different; they were off to the +front, where the battle already raged furiously and danger threatened +France, as in the former war and from the same source, with many times +the strength. + +Eve came in. She looked at her best. She knew he was coming and had +been thinking of him. There was danger ahead for the man she loved; it +was possible she might not see him again. She dare not think of that, +it was terrible. + +He turned round quickly and came to her, taking both her hands. +Looking into her eyes he could not fail to see the light in them; it +dazzled but did not blind; it opened his to what was hidden behind the +electric flashes in hers. For a few moments there was silence. Then +he said: + +"I am come to say goodbye, Eve, my old playmate, my best friend." + +His voice was well under control, no tremor, but it vibrated and played +on her heart-strings. She was agitated; she had been counting on this +parting, thinking what might happen, re-changing many things. + +"We leave to-morrow, or the next day. I go to London to-night. I +cannot tell you our destination, but I can guess it." + +Still she did not speak, and he went on: + +"We shall give a good account of ourselves, the Sherwoods. Many of us +will not return, but something tells me I shall come through it all and +live." + +"How I shall miss you!" she said. "It will be in fear and trembling I +open the paper each morning and scan the lists. But you are doing +right; no man can hang back at such a moment. You are glad to be in +uniform again?" + +"Indeed I am. I feel as though I had never been out of it," he +answered. + +"You look splendid," she said. + +"This morning you are at your best," he replied. + +"You were coming to see me, I wanted you to carry away a good +impression," she said, smiling. + +"I shall often think of you, Eve, and your many gracious actions. By +Jove, you are a brick--there's nobody like you," he said +enthusiastically. + +She was pleased and showed it. + +"Have you forgotten our last conversation?" he asked. "It was +perilously near the danger zone." + +"Why call it a danger zone?" she asked. + +"Eve, you don't mean it?" he asked. + +"Mean what?" + +"Oh, you know. By Jove, I'll risk it, although I can't imagine such +good fortune falling to my lot." + +"What are you going to risk?" she asked, strangely agitated. + +"Asking you to be my wife--there it's out--must I go?" he said. + +"Do you wish to go?" she asked archly. + +"No; there." + +He almost lifted her off her feet as he took her to him and kissed her +many times. She clung to him, her arms round his neck, her head +resting on his breast; she seemed loath to let him go. + +"Alan, oh Alan, it seems too good to be true! I thought you were never +going to ask me. I am afraid I have schemed for this. Forgive me, I +could not live without you," she said, and again he stopped her mouth +with kisses. + +"I have always loved you, Eve. When you were a girl you were different +from anybody else, the only girl for me. You have not answered my +question?" he said. + +"I will be your wife, Alan; it has been the dearest wish of my life. I +am almost afraid to say how much I love you," she said softly. + +"Never be afraid of that; tell me, I want to carry it away with me." + +She told him, and his body flamed in response, his heart beat fast. It +was the most thrilling moment of his life; she buried her blushing face +on his shoulder and panted for very joy. + +Alan recognized the depth of her love and wondered at it. She was his, +part of him. He felt it, henceforth they would be one. When he was +away she would be with him in the spirit. He was loath to part from +her, but it had to be. Duty called and that came first. He waited a +few minutes until they were calmer. + +"Marry me before I leave," he said impetuously. + +"There is no time," was the faint reply. "You go to-morrow." + +"I forgot; no, there is no time. It is not fair to ask you. Promise +me if I come home for a day or two you will consent?" + +"Readily, Alan. I am yours when you wish to take me," she answered. + +"Supposing we do not leave to-morrow, supposing it is a few more days, +that there is time?" he said, his eyes very bright and eager. + +"If there is time----" she hesitated. + +"You will?" + +"Yes." + +This was too much for him; he was overwhelmed at his happiness. He +clasped her in his arms again and crushed her until it pained, but it +was exquisite pain, she felt safe with those strong arms about her. + +"I feel as though I never want to let you go again," he said. + +She laughed happily. + +"If there is time, Alan, we can be quietly married," she said. + +"I shall try and make time. I must run no risks." + +"Risks of what?" + +"Losing you." + +"That can never be now. You will not lose me. I may lose you," and +she shivered. + +"I'm not going to be killed, wounded perhaps. What if I come home +minus an arm, or a leg, or with a mutilated face? You might wish to +cry off our compact. I can't risk that, Eve; I want to make sure of +you," he said earnestly. + +"And do you for a moment suppose that would make any difference?" she +asked. + +"No, I don't, although I said as much. I have great faith in you." + +They talked over the future for a long time. When he rose to go, he +said: + +"Remember, if there is time we are to be married before I leave for +France." + +"Yes; I hope there will be time," she said quietly. + +"You would make a charming widow," he said jokingly. + +"Don't say such horrible things," she replied. + +"I won't offend again. There's too much in life to even hint at +death," he said. + +"Let me know if I can see you in London before you go to-morrow?" she +said. + +"I will; I'll send a special messenger." + +"To my town house. I shall be there. I will go up to-night in order +to be ready." + +"You're the best of women!" he said, kissing her. + +He was gone. She sent for her maid and gave orders about traveling to +London in the afternoon. How happy she was! Alan had asked her to be +his wife at last! She had waited a long time; it seemed almost too +good to be true. She wished she could be married before he went away; +then she would be quite sure of him. Now he was gone she wondered if +her spell over him would ever be in danger of breaking. She blamed +herself for such thoughts, but they would intrude, causing little pangs +of uneasiness and doubt that irritated her. + +On the journey to London she was filled with hope and fears. Their +marriage would settle everything, give her the right to look after +Trent Park and all belonging to it, of which she was capable, and knew +it. There would be much to do in his absence; he had asked her before +and she consented, but there were difficulties. + +There were several stoppages on the way; inquiries elicited the +information that traffic was congested owing to the movements of +troops. Already war made a difference; what would it be in the course +of a year? + +Alan called late at night. There was no chance of a marriage, he was +to leave in the morning. He fretted and fumed at the delay, but Eve +dispelled his gloom and he went cheerfully after an affectionate +parting. After his departure she sat in a disconsolate mood in the +large room, longing for company. She wondered if she ought to make +their engagement known. He had said nothing about it; perhaps better +not until she heard from him. There was the satisfaction of knowing he +loved her, that she was to be his wife. Even this did not dispel the +shadows; she tried to convince herself all would be well--only +partially succeeding. + +As for Alan, in the rush and turmoil of departure he almost forgot the +question of an immediate marriage. It could not take place yet, so why +trouble about it? Eve was his and he was satisfied. On the whole he +considered it perhaps as well they were not married. There was no +telling what might happen to him and she would be in a better position +if he succumbed to the chances of war. Not that he had any fears on +that score; he looked forward to the coming struggle in a very +optimistic mood. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +JANE'S LOVE AFFAIR + +The battle raged; the German hordes pushed forward; the great retreat +began. Paris seemed about to fall and there was anxiety in the Allied +forces. Prodigies of valor were chronicled in a few lines of space; +the British army, greatly outnumbered, was holding the enemy. The +advance was slow, a wonderful retreat, perhaps the most heroic known +until almost equaled by the Russians later on. + +Then came the news that the enemy was checked, they in turn were driven +back when Paris seemed within their grasp. The Germans were held and +the situation saved. It was marvelous, and the "little army," under +Sir John French was covered in glory. Britain thrilled at the news of +her soldiers' bravery. They fought as of old, fought as at Waterloo, +at Inkerman, at the Alma, and Balaklava. They had not degenerated, the +same spirit animated them; they knew how to die, and how to win. For +forty years the Germans had been trained for war, and their masses were +held up by men who had known peace for many years. + +The Sherwoods had their chance and took it. The Uhlans were no match +for them; they were bowled over like ninepins. Men and horses fell in +heaps before the terrible charge. Captain Chesney was in the thick of +it all. Rash, brave, knowing no danger, he was a typical cavalry +officer; and that master of cavalry tactics, Sir John French, heard of +his bravery and recognized it. After their first action Alan Chesney +was the idol of the Sherwoods. The men followed him into the jaws of +death and cheered as he led them on. Nothing could stand before them, +their impetuosity overcame all obstacles; they lost many men but gained +imperishable renown. + +Eve Berkeley read the meager accounts of the fighting and grew +impatient, longing for more, wondering why publicity was not given to +the doings of the bravest of the brave. Alan's name cropped up once or +twice, she gathered from the vague lines that he had done wonders, that +his bravery was conspicuous, that his men loved him, and she was proud +of him. + +Week after week passed and she only had one or two lines from him. +There was no time to write long letters, she must wait until he was out +of the saddle for an hour or two. She knew how difficult it must be to +write, yet longed to hear, and each morning looked for a letter. When +it did not come she scanned the papers in fear and trembling. She +little knew the narrow escapes he had already experienced, and he came +out of terrible frays with hardly a scratch. When horses were shot +under him a trooper was always ready with another for him with a "take +mine, sir." Alan reveled in the fury of the charge; his whole body +thrilled as he galloped down on the Uhlans at headlong speed. This was +soldiering indeed; no playing; deadly, grim earnest, a toss-up for life +or death. He grieved at the loss of men, but the fewer in number the +more they were united and proved irresistible. During the retreat they +were here and there and everywhere, scouting, thwarting the enemy, +breaking up his plans, a thorn in his side pricking deep. Seldom out +of the saddle, he had little time to think of home and Eve Berkeley. + +At Trent Park things went on much as usual. Eve went over +occasionally; her visits were in no way resented, everything was made +smooth for her. + +At the stud she was always welcome. Sam Kerridge appreciated her at +her full worth; said she knew more about horses than half the men he +met, that she had an eye for a good 'un, and could fault the inferior +sort. + +"Blest if I couldn't leave her in charge for a month without the +slightest fear of anything going wrong," he said. + +Alfonso had taken the place of Mameluke, and there seemed every chance +of his being as popular with owners of mares, but the shadow of war +over the land was likely to have some effect on the big studs. Already +there was talk of cutting down expenses and selling off. + +Carl Meason still had his rooms at the Sherwood Inn and Abel Head +wondered if he were right in his surmise that he was a spy. He argued +that a spy would hardly bury himself at Little Trent in war time; +still, there was no telling. Meason went out in his motor at night +more than usual; moreover he carried a very powerful light and there +was an unusually strong one inside the car. + +"What's this for?" asked Abel as he examined it. + +"The police are very particular about lights, so I've got this ready in +case one of the others goes out," was the reply. + +"Must give a powerful glare," commented Abel. + +"It does. Nothing like seeing far enough ahead," said Carl. + +Abel was not satisfied. He had never seen such big lamps inside a car +before and he did not believe Meason's reason for having it. Although +he had plenty on hand Carl Meason found time to meet Jane Thrush. +After much persuasion he induced her to go in his car to Nottingham to +see the sights, and strange to say Tom raised no objections. Thrush +seemed favorably impressed with Meason; no doubt an occasional fiver +helped in this direction, for Tom was fond of money. + +"Where's the harm?" he said to himself. "Jane's a clever girl, knows +more than the ordinary, and she's good enough for any man. He seems +sweet on her. No reason why he should not marry her. There's money, +not a doubt or he couldn't sling fivers about like he does." + +All the same he questioned Jane closely after her return from +Nottingham; but she was reticent. Not given to talking much himself he +did not pay so much notice to this as he might otherwise have done. + +Carl Meason was a man to attract a girl like Jane Thrush. He could be +agreeable when he chose; his face concealed his real feelings--it was a +mask and effectually changed the man to outward appearances. Meason +was making the mistake of his life. He was fast becoming infatuated +with Jane Thrush, subordinating certain objects to her, spending time +in her company. The work he had in hand brooked no interference. It +was sufficiently dangerous; there must be no leakage. Not a hint or a +whisper must get about or he would be in grave danger on both sides. +His employers were ruthless, and the authorities in England would not +be likely to spare even his life if they got wind of his purpose and +how he was working. + +Jane Thrush held him in the hollow of her hand did she but know it. At +present she was too innocent to suspect his real nature and she never +dreamed what he was about. She would not have understood his affairs +had they been explained to her. Jane merely saw in him a well-to-do +man, who talked to her with respect, and was evidently more than half +in love with her. She was not conceited although she had a proper +sense of her importance and good looks, which was fostered by her +father. + +During the drive to Nottingham and back Carl Meason made love to her in +ardent fashion and she had not repulsed him although she was careful to +keep him within bounds. One thing Tom Thrush had effectually taught +his daughter and that was the perils to which pretty girls are exposed. +He had made no bones about it, spoke out plainly, and Jane learned the +lesson well. + +"Her's got no mother," Tom said to himself, "and it's my place to warn +her. She'd best know what's what and then she can't stumble with her +eyes open," and in his rough way he saw farther than people who avoided +responsibilities in this direction. + +Jane was therefore well armed against the wiles of unprincipled men, +although it had hitherto been her good fortune not to encounter any. +There had been kisses and embraces and Jane accepted them without much +enthusiasm or response. Carl Meason's lovemaking left her cold; +somehow she hardly thought it real. She did not tell Tom of these +embraces and he forebore to push inquiries. His occupation made him +suspicious and watchful; he was the terror of poachers and evil-doers +among the game, and had tracked many notorious men down. Although he +loved money he surmised that Carl Meason's occasional fivers were not +given for nothing, they were to smooth the way for Jane's favor. + +If the man meant well by his daughter there was no harm done; if ill, +then he would settle with him in a way that would astonish before any +damage was done. + +Carl Meason quickly discovered he would have to play straight with Jane +Thrush, also her father, and for once in a way he was inclined to do +this; it was after all the easiest to get what he wanted. + +So far he had never given much thought to taking a wife, but when he +considered everything, turning the pros and cons over, he came to the +conclusion Jane Thrush was worth some sort of sacrifice. He would not +surrender any of his liberty, once she was his he would mold her to his +will; he fancied this would be easy--he was mistaken, as better men +have been. + +It was a relief from his work to talk and make love to Jane, also to +think about her at night when touring round the country in his motor. +There were other things to think about, and sometimes he dreaded what +might happen when the time came for the devilish engines of destruction +to work. Carl valued human life little, except in the care of his own +body, and had been instrumental in sending many to death. He knew +there were thousands of Germans in the country; they had been spying +out the land for years, and he wondered at the supineness of the +authorities in allowing it. He cared little who won the war so long as +he reaped his reward. He would have been willing to accept pay from +both sides had it been feasible. + +If he had a better side to his nature Jane Thrush seemed likely to find +it, but even she would have to walk warily if in his power. Jane's +pretty face had won a sort of victory over him; he acknowledged his +submission with a wry grimace, thinking she would be called upon to +submit in her turn. + +Meanwhile Jane hesitated as to what she would do if he asked her to be +his wife, as she believed he would. To solve her doubts, she asked her +father. Tom eyed her curiously; he was sleepy and barely grasped her +question. + +"What did yer say, lass?" he asked. + +"If Mr. Meason asks me to be his wife what answer shall I give him?" + +Tom was awake now. This was important. + +"He'll ask, you reckon?" + +"I believe he will." + +"Then please yourself, lass. He's a well-favored man, seems well off, +he'd make a good husband," said Tom. + +"Perhaps he would," said Jane doubtfully. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +THE LAY OF THE LAND + +Race meetings gradually dropped out, they were few and far between; +there was more important business on hand. + +Fred Skane had sole control of Alan Chesney's horses during his absence +and picked up a race or two to meet expenses. Alan had given no +instructions to sell any of his horses, but Fred used his judgment and +let three or four go in selling races. Alan impressed upon him to +prepare a couple of horses to match against Bernard Hallam's Rainstorm +and Southerly Buster, for he was anxious to demonstrate the superiority +of the English horses. + +Mr. Hallam brought his trainer from Australia, and Jack Wrench--his +name--was granted permission to train at Newmarket. It was not long +before two sterling good horses, Catspaw and Bellringer, four and five +years old respectively, were purchased to lead the Australians in their +work. Both horses had won good handicaps and came into the market on +the departure of their owner for the front. Mr. Hallam paid a stiff +price for them, but Jack Wrench had been advised they were worth it. +The Australian trainer was anxious to prove that Rainstorm and +Southerly Buster were equal to the best handicap horses in England. + +It soon got about in racing circles that there was likely to be a match +between horses of Alan Chesney and those of Bernard Hallam. This news +spread far and wide, and the Australians in the fighting line were as +eager about it as anybody. The Anzacs had a terrible time in +Gallipoli, and the Dardanelles generally, but they were always eager to +discuss sport when the Turks gave them a rest for a few hours. + +Time passed quickly, and already the death roll on both sides was +terrible. Still Alan escaped unhurt, and Eve expected him home on +short leave; his latest letter, however, gave no hope of this for some +time, but he said he would make an effort later on when his horses were +fit to run. He fixed up a match with Mr. Hallam for a thousand a side +between The Duke and Southerly Buster, and Bandmaster and Rainstorm, +the distances a mile and two miles. The Hunt Cup winner developed into +a great stayer, and as he had a wonderful turn of speed he was sanguine +of beating Rainstorm. + +So many race meetings were abandoned that the Newmarket programs were +extended to take their place in some measure, and the headquarters of +the turf became very busy. Racing men were thankful for small mercies; +the extra meetings were well attended and big fields turned out for the +events. + +Mr. Hallam was often at Newmarket, taking great interest in the work of +his horses, and Wrench gave him encouraging accounts of their progress. +Both horses came well out of their gallops with Catspaw and Bellringer, +and the local touts were much impressed with them. + +Rainstorm was voted a beauty; the Australian horse became popular and +his portrait appeared in several papers, together with interviews with +Bernard Hallam. + +Ella Hallam spent much of her time at The Forest with Eve Berkeley and +they were firm friends. Ella knew of Eve's engagement to Alan and +heartily congratulated her. Whatever she might have thought about +Alan's attentions to herself she never for a moment doubted his +inclinations were toward Eve; being a loyal-hearted woman she accepted +the situation. + +Fred Skane came to Trent Park to see Sam Kerridge. They were cronies, +had been for years. + +"I suppose you'll win both matches," said Sam. + +"Pretty sure of it. Bandmaster will beat Rainstorm anyhow whichever +way the other goes," answered Fred. + +"Queer Bandmaster should turn out a stayer," said Sam. + +"He's bred to stay," replied Fred. + +"But he's a Hunt Cup winner and I'd hardly have expected him to be up +to two miles." + +"Well he is--no mistake about it. I've tried him and I know," said the +trainer. + +"And you don't often make mistakes, Fred." + +"I'm just as liable to be mistaken as other men, but when I've +something to go upon I'm not far out," replied the trainer. + +"Awful job, this war," growled Sam; "upsets everything. I've lost four +of my best men, and some of the others want to join up." + +"Can't wonder at it. We'll need every man we have to win outright." + +"Suppose we shall," said Sam. "All the same it's hard lines on a chap +when he's used to the men and they're used to him." + +In the evening they walked to Little Trent and went into the Sherwood +Inn for a chat with Abel Head, who gave them a cordial welcome. They +were favorites, and he liked a talk about racing. While they were +chatting, a motor horn was heard and Abel said: + +"That's Meason coming back. He's earlier than usual." + +The trainer and Sam had heard of Carl Meason and were aware of Abel's +opinion about him. + +"He's making a long stay with you," said Fred. + +"I'm about tired of him, although I'll not deny he's a good customer +and pays his way," said Abel. + +Carl Meason looked into the snuggery as he was passing the door. + +"Come in," said Sam. "You may as well join us." + +Carl entered, took off his coat, and sat down. + +"When's the great match to come off?" he asked. He was always posted +up on racing; he liked a flutter and never lost an opportunity of +getting a useful hint. + +"Hardly know yet," said Fred. "I expect we'll have to wait until Mr. +Chesney gets leave. He'll want to see both races run." + +"And I suppose his horses will win both matches?" said Carl. + +"I hope so," said the trainer. + +"You're not certain?" + +"One can never be sure where racing is concerned," said Fred. + +Carl laughed. + +"Then what about these big coups that come off? They're pretty sure +about them." + +"Of course there are real good things, but even they are bowled over," +said Fred. + +"Clever men, you trainers," said Carl. + +"Some of them," said Sam, with a wink at Abel. + +"No doubt about Mr. Skane's being one of the clever men," said Carl. + +"Don't know so much about that; I've been done more than once," said +Fred. + +"Shouldn't have thought it," said Carl. "The man who did you must have +got up very early in the morning." + +"Going out to-night again?" asked Abel. + +"Yes, walking; I have a little business on hand that concerns my +happiness," said Carl. + +"Sounds a bit like courting," said Sam. + +"You're not far out," was Carl's reply. "I'm thinking of getting +married," he added as he left the room. + +"Who's the girl?" asked Sam. + +"Can't say for certain. He's been thick with Jane Thrush for a long +time; they go out together. She's been in his motor to Nottingham. +Can't think what Tom's about to allow it." + +"He'd be a good match for her, eh?" asked Fred. + +"I'm none so sure about that. What do you say, Sam?" asked Abel. + +"I don't know much about the man. Jane's a very pretty girl; she's +quite good enough for him," said Sam. + +"I wish I could fathom him," said Abel. "He's mysterious; them roads +and maps is all a blind, I feel sure." + +"What makes you think so?" asked Sam. + +"Nothing in particular. He keeps on tracing and tracking, and marking +out spots in red ink, but I can't make head or tail of 'em," said Abel. + +"Leaves them about, does he?" asked the trainer. + +"Sometimes." + +"There can't be much harm in what he's doing," said Fred. + +Abel shook his head doubtfully. + +"If he hadn't been here before the war began I'd have him put down as a +spy--I'm not quite sure he isn't." + +"Spying what?" asked Sam. + +"The lay of the land," replied Abel. + +"What for? How will that help? You don't think the Germans will come +inside England?" laughed Fred. + +"Not by land. They may come overhead and do some damage. What about +these Zepplins they've been building for a long time?" said Abel. + +The trainer laughed; so did Sam Kerridge. + +"You can laugh," said Abel, "but it's my belief they'll do some damage +with 'em before long." + +"And you imagine Meason is planning out routes for them--is that it?" +asked the trainer. + +"Something of the sort. Wouldn't put it past him," said Abel. + +"I can't agree with you. If he were doing that he wouldn't leave his +work about," said Sam. + +"He leaves about what he likes. I'll bet he has some things he would +not like to be seen," said Abel. + +"It's a dangerous thing to be a spy," said Sam; "and I don't think he +looks like one. He'd have no time for courting if he'd a job like +that." + +"For two pins I'd give information against him," said Abel. "If I get +half a chance, and enough evidence to go on I'll do it." + +"It is a serious charge to make," said Sam, and the trainer agreed. + +As they walked home they continued the conversation, and Sam gave Fred +to understand there was something suspicious about Carl Meason's +movements. + +"But it doesn't look much like spying. He's after Jane Thrush and +means matrimony--he'd have no time on his hands for that," said Sam. + +Carl Meason left the Inn and walked to the keeper's cottage. He saw +him leave, gun under arm, and as he wanted the coast clear it suited +his purpose. Jane opened the door when he tapped--she had come to know +the sound. + +"Father's gone out," she said. + +"I saw him. I am glad; I want a few words with you alone," he replied. +"I am going away for a time on business and I want you to go with me. +I shall be lost without you." + +"I cannot go away with you; you know that," she answered. + +"Oh, yes, you can--as my wife?" he said. So he did wish to marry her. +She was gratified. She had thought of late such was not his intention. + +"You'll marry me?" she asked. + +"That's what I've come for to-night, to ask you to be my wife." + +She was silent. It was an important step to take. She liked him, but +she was not sure she loved him, and she was a little afraid of him. +She had caught glimpses of the brute in him once or twice; it revolted +her. + +"Where are you going?" she asked. + +"To the sea. We can spend our honeymoon there." + +"Where?" + +"I cannot tell you until we are on the way. I want nobody round here +to know my whereabouts," he said. + +"And you wish me to go with you as your wife?" + +"Yes." + +"When do you start?" + +"In a week or so." + +"Then I will give you my answer in a day or two," she said quietly. + +He remained late, trying to persuade her to say she would be his wife. +He had to leave without being satisfied, and he was annoyed. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +TOM'S WEAKNESS + +"Then he's come to the scratch! I thought he would. You're a clever +lass, Jane," said her father. + +"Nothing clever about it. I haven't given him much encouragement," she +said. + +"What are you going to do?" + +"That's for you to decide." + +"It concerns you more than me. Do you love him?" + +"I'm not sure." + +"Eh! Not sure--you've had time enough." + +"He's difficult to understand," said Jane. + +"In what way?" asked Tom. + +"I can hardly say; it's hard to explain. He seems fond of me; he might +make a good husband." + +"What's amiss with him?" + +"Oh, nothing; but sometimes he frightens me," she said. + +"Good Lord, how?" exclaimed Tom. + +"He's fierce at times--he's terribly determined even when he's making +love." + +"That proves he's in earnest." + +"Perhaps so; it shows he wants me, anyhow." + +"That's in his favor. He's offered marriage, so he means right by you." + +"It's his only chance," she replied. + +Tom thought there was a good deal of common-sense in her; he put it +down to his credit that he had brought her up well, opened her eyes. + +"He must have money. Perhaps I'd better have a talk with him." + +"What about?" + +"He ought to settle a sum on you," said Tom cautiously. + +Jane smiled as she thought: "You want money out of him, but you mean +well." + +"Men with cash generally give their wives a bit down," said Tom. + +"If he did that, wouldn't it be rather like buying me?" she asked. + +"Lord, no! Rich folk do it, the swells. Why shouldn't he?" + +"He's not what I'd call a swell--real gentleman--not like Mr. Chesney," +said Jane. + +"That's different; there's not many men like him." + +"No, that's true," said Jane with a sigh. + +"I'll put a few questions to him," said Tom. "Wonder what his business +is?" + +"Surveyor; he says so." + +"Can't make it out why he hangs about here so long without it's for +your sake, lass." + +"Perhaps that has something to do with it." + +"Must have," said Tom. + +He waited to see Carl Meason, who came the next morning, eager to have +Jane's answer. He had a long talk with Tom Thrush; they went for a +walk; Carl returned alone. He at once put the question to Jane, saying +he had her father's consent. She made up her mind quickly. It was a +chance she must not let slip--there were no eligible suitors in the +neighborhood. + +"I will marry you, Carl," she said. "You must be very good and kind to +me." + +He drew her to him, and kissed her passionately, vowing he would do +everything possible to make her happy. He would have promised anything +to gain his own ends. + +"I want to be married in Little Trent Church," she said. + +"I'll get a special license," he replied. "We've no time to wait." + +"You're in a hurry to be off," said Jane. + +"Business, my dear. I'd not have stayed so long at the Sherwood Inn if +it hadn't been for you." + +"You do love me--it's not make-believe?" + +"Is that make-believe," he said, crushing her in his arms, kissing her +many times. She recognized it was anything but make-believe; he wanted +her badly, he must love her. + +"Let me go," she said, panting. + +"You believe me?" + +"Yes, I believe you." + +"And you love me?" + +"Yes." + +He crushed her again, then reluctantly let her go and stood looking at +her. + +"I've seen the parson," he said. "He's a queer old fellow; said he +must see your father about it--and you." + +"That's quite right. We sort of belong to him; he's our guide. I go +to church." + +"I told him he'd have no difficulty with you, or your father, that +you'd both consent," he said. + +"But you didn't know we would!" she remonstrated. + +"I was sure of it," said Carl. + +When he left, Jane wondered if he had promised or given her father any +money; she half suspected there had been some bargaining and resented +the thought. She knew her father loved her dearly, but he also loved +money and would go far to get it. + +Tom Thrush came home, putting a bold face on, but looked rather +sheepish. + +"It's settled; I've taken him. We're to be married in Little Trent +Church. Parson's coming to see us about it," she said. + +"Drat him, what's he coming for?" said Tom irritably. + +"Carl says we're to be married as soon as possible by special license. +I suppose that's what he's coming about," replied Jane. + +"He's in a hurry." + +"We're going to the sea--for the honeymoon," said Jane, blushing +prettily. + +"She's a beauty," thought Tom. "I wonder if she could have done better +for herself?" He was seldom satisfied with anything. + +"Where to, what seaside?" he asked. + +"He said he could not tell me before we left. He didn't want the +people about here to know." + +"That's queer. Why shouldn't he?" growled Tom. + +"He's good reasons for it, no doubt," she answered. "Was anything said +about money?" + +Tom shuffled uneasily in his chair. + +"Well, yes, we had a few words about it." + +"What did you say to him?" + +"Told him it was usual for a man of means to settle something on his +wife." + +"Well, what did he say?" + +"Laughed; said he wasn't exactly a rich man but he could afford to keep +a wife in comfort. Then he offered to give me a hundred pounds to put +by for you in case anything happened to him. He said it would do for a +bit until his affairs were settled. I said it wasn't much. We argued +the thing out. He's promised two hundred; that's not so bad," said Tom +in a hesitating way. + +"Did he give you the money?" she asked, + +"No, he's bringing it to-night." + +"To hand it to me?" she asked. + +"I said I'd best keep it for you until you wanted it." + +Jane smiled. + +"You'll be sure and take care of it, Dad?" she said. + +"Upon my soul I will. You know I'm a careful man with money, Jane," he +said eagerly. + +"I shall want a little pocket money when I go away." + +"He'll give you some. He's sure to be generous." + +"I think he has been generous in giving you two hundred pounds. I +shall not ask him for any. You can spare some," said Jane. + +"Of course it's not mine; it's yours," protested Tom. "But where's the +harm in getting a bit more? He knows we're not well off." + +She shook her head. + +"No," she said. "I will not ask him, and you must not." + +"Very well, my lass. Suppose we say ten pounds." + +"Not enough; it must be twenty at the least." + +Tom gave in at once. She might refuse to let him hold the money for +her; that would be a calamity. Jane regarded this transaction with +Carl Meason doubtfully. It was too much like bargaining for her; but +she loved her father, knew his weakness, and forgave. After all, the +money was hers, and he was honest and would not touch a penny of it; he +merely wanted to gloat over its possession. + +Carl Meason saw Tom Thrush alone and handed over the two hundred +pounds. He was generally free with his money, and well supplied. + +"Jane'll have to go to Nottingham to buy a few things before she's +married," said Tom, feeling his way. He had promised Jane not to make +more demands on Carl, but this did not include broad hints. + +"I'll take her over," said Carl. + +"That's all right; I can't afford to give her much," said Tom. + +Carl grinned, rather savagely, inwardly cursing Tom for a greedy, +miserly man. Well, he'd have Jane--that was his reward. + +"I'll see to it my wife shall have all she wants," he answered. + +"You'll not find her extravagant; she's been well brought up," said Tom. + +"Trust her father for that," said Carl. + +Jane went to Nottingham with Carl Meason; she found him liberal. He +bought her expensive dresses and wraps; she began to have a sense of +importance. + +Tom Thrush was surprised. Jane had never seemed quite so good-looking; +he considered Carl Meason had secured a valuable prize. + +"I'll not deny he's dealt liberally with you," said Tom; "but you're +worth it." + +Carl Meason was satisfied when he saw Jane dressed at her best. She +was even prettier than he thought; her new clothes certainly brought +out her good points to perfection. The scruples of the parson were +overcome after he had talked freely with Tom and Jane. He had doubts +about the wisdom of the match, but kept them to himself. + +They were married in Little Trent Church and Eve Berkeley was present. +She had been much surprised when Jane told her she was to be married to +Carl Meason. + +"Are you quite sure you love him, Jane?" asked Eve. + +Jane was not quite sure, and said so. Eve warned her she was about to +try a dangerous experiment, run considerable risk. + +"I am very fond of you, Jane, and I want to see you happy," she said. +"Consider it well; there is time to draw back. You do not know much +about Mr. Meason--nobody does; he is rather mysterious." + +After this interview with Eve Berkeley, Jane had doubts as to the +wisdom of the course she was pursuing; they vanished when out of her +presence. + +There were several villagers in the church and Jane's appearance +created a mild sensation. She seemed quite the lady, exceedingly +pretty. They had hitherto considered her as one of themselves, now she +looked superior. + +Carl Meason was proud of his young bride, but he wanted her all to +himself, and after a brief stay of a couple of hours they left the +Sherwood Inn in his motor and started on their journey amidst the +cheers of the villagers. Carl had taken care to leave a liberal amount +of money with Abel Head for the villagers' benefit; he wished to create +a good impression and succeeded--for a time. + +Tom Thrush made the most of his hours at Sherwood Inn. He was a +temperate man, but this was a special occasion. There was an ample +supply of liquor, to which he did full justice. The thought of +returning to his cottage and finding no Jane there made him feel lonely +and he remained at the Inn until closing-time. + +Abel Head walked some of the way with him, and as they were about to +part, said: + +"I hope Jane will be happy. She's a good girl, far too good for Meason +I'm thinking." + +"Her'll be all right," said Tom. "The man's behaved well; he'll be +proud of her, you see if he's not." + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +HALF A HEAD + +The matches were to take place at Newmarket on the first two days. +They had been arranged so that Alan Chesney might be present; leave was +granted for five days, and he hurried home from the front. Since the +desperate cavalry fighting with the Uhlans he had been promoted to the +general staff in a special capacity kept a profound secret to all +except those immediately concerned, and had already done excellent +service. + +He arrived at Trent Park late in the evening, and at once went to The +Forest where Eve Berkeley anxiously awaited him. Bernard Hallam and +Ella were there but discreetly kept out of the way until they met. +Alan was bronzed and looked fit; Eve was proud of him. They had much +to talk over, and for an hour were left to themselves. No mention was +made of their marriage; it was understood it was to take place as soon +as possible. + +When Bernard Hallam and Alan were alone the matches between their +horses were the subject of conversation. + +"You've not seen 'em," said Bernard, alluding to Rainstorm and +Southerly Buster. "You'll be a bit surprised. I shall give you a good +run; it will probably result in winning one each." + +Alan smiled; he had frequently heard from his trainer and was confident +of success. + +"Skane tells me your horses are better than he expected, but he thinks +I shall win," he said. + +"And my man Wrench says I shall," was the reply. + +"There's a lot of interest in them, and the wagering will be close," +said Alan. + +"The odds will probably be on your horses; that's only natural. Would +you care to have a wager as well as the stake?" + +"I'm agreeable if you wish," said Alan. + +"Then suppose we say an even five hundred on each race?" said Hallam. + +"That will suit me," was Alan's reply. + +Ella greeted Alan without any embarrassment. She had at first been +touched by his attention to her, but directly she was certain he and +Eve were in love she relinquished any hopes she might have had. Alan +did not conceal his pleasure at meeting her, and Eve felt a slight +touch of jealousy which she quickly banished as a foolish fancy. They +were good friends, why should she not be pleased it was so? + +They went to Newmarket by motor early in the morning and drove direct +to the course. Alan was anxious to see the four horses; they were in +the paddock, although The Duke and Southerly Buster were only due to +run the mile that day. + +The Australians attracted a crowd and pleased the public; they were a +good-looking pair, Rainstorm being the favorite. + +Alan was much impressed. He recognized his horses would have to be at +their best to beat them; this Fred Skane assured him was the case. He +went to look at The Duke and Bandmaster, and his hopes of winning rose. +They were in splendid trim; the trainer had taken a lot of trouble with +them. Eve was naturally anxious for Alan to win. Ella was quite +convinced her father's horses would put up a good race; she had a +couple of small wagers on with her friends. + +Mr. Hallam found no difficulty in getting odds of six to four against +Southerly Buster in the ring; the bookmakers were disposed to field +against the Australian representatives. The match was regarded as an +important event and placed third on the card. When the horses came out +there was much cheering. It was a sporting affair in every sense of +the word. There were plenty of Australians in khaki, eager to show +their faith in Southerly Buster. Many of them were wounded, some known +to Bernard Hallam and Ella. + +The course was the straight mile, and there is no better galloping +ground. Southerly Buster cantered down with Bradley in the saddle; the +Baron's jockey fancied his mount, he had ridden him in several gallops. +Tommy Colley was, as usual, on Alan's horse. It seemed an equal match +both as regards the riders and horses. Naturally there was prejudice +in favor of The Duke, odds of five to four being laid on him, then six +to four was freely laid. + +"Going to beat you, Ben," said Tommy at the post. + +"You may, but you'll not find it easy; mine's a real good horse," was +the reply. + +They sprang off together, at top speed in a few strides, and it was +evident the mile would be covered in fast time. Southerly Buster was a +clinker over the distance, holding the Australian record for a mile, a +generous horse, always willing to do his best. The Duke had a temper, +but Colley knew his peculiarities and humored him. The horse had a bad +habit; getting off well, he generally slackened speed after going a +couple of furlongs. He did so on this occasion and Southerly Buster +gained a length or more, much to the consternation of backers of Alan's +horse. At the end of four furlongs the Australian had increased his +lead and still The Duke held back. Colley was anxious. The Duke had a +tremendous turn of speed, but nearly three lengths was a lot to make up +in half a mile. + +The black, orange hoops and cap were conspicuous; Bernard Hallam +fancied they would be as successful here as in Australia. + +Jack Wrench had a habit of giving a long and prolonged whoop when he +felt sure of a horse's victory. He proclaimed his confidence in +Southerly Buster in a manner causing people near to laugh heartily. +Hallam heard the well-known cry and it increased his hopes of winning. + +Alan was disappointed so far at The Duke's form. He knew Colley was +not quite as good as Bradley in a match, although his judgment was +excellent, hardly ever at fault. + +They were two furlongs from the winning-post and Tommy wondered when +The Duke would put on full pressure; it was high time if he were to +win. He dare not hit him, not at present; a few strides from the post +it was generally effective because The Duke had no time to think things +over and sulk. Just as Colley was beginning to despair and becoming +desperate he felt The Duke bound under him, and in a few seconds the +whole aspect of the race changed. So sudden was the move that Alan +gasped. Eve clutched his arm in her excitement. + +"By Jove, he's coming and no mistake!" exclaimed Alan. + +"Splendid!" said Eve. "What wonderful speed--but will he catch him?" + +"Whoop, whoop, whoop!" came from Jack Wrench--three sharp, piercing +cries; but there seemed to be a note of alarm in the last, it died away +suddenly. + +The Duke was now almost at Southerly Buster's quarters, and Bradley was +on the lookout for squalls; the advantage he possessed was greatly in +his favor at this critical point. Colley thrilled with excitement; +after the first part of the race the change was delightful. There was +no doubt about The Duke's doing his best now. A tremendous cheer came +from the crowd as he drew almost level with Southerly Buster. + +They were not many lengths from the winning-post; it was a terrific +set-to. There was nothing between the pair; they were evenly matched. +The Australian was a wonderful horse. How the colonials cheered! +There was nothing wrong with their lungs, whatever there might be with +their limbs. It was a glorious sight to watch these two horses, +representatives of all that was best in the sport on two sides of the +world, struggling for supremacy. There was the blue blood of the +English thoroughbred in both, although reared and trained under +different conditions. Cheering and counter-cheering echoed over the +heath as The Duke and Southerly Buster struggled on. Whichever won, +the honors were almost equal; this is as it ought to be on a match of +this kind. + +The whips were out; down they came, and still the horses were locked +together. The Duke tossed his head. Colley thought it was all up, +that he had given in; then to his surprise the horse's resentment took +another turn and he made a savage effort to get his head in front. + +The din was tremendous, and the excitement great; there was not likely +to be a better race than this in the four days. + +Bradley rode splendidly, so did Colley, and both horses put in all they +knew. + +They were just at the post when The Duke made his final stride. Had he +won? Nobody knew, not even the jockeys; each thought he had just got +it. The judge was certain; he alone could decide, and he did not +hesitate. + +There was a moment of silent suspense, then the hurricane of cheers as +number one, The Duke's number, went up. Alan's horse had won by half a +head in the last stride and Southerly Buster was only just vanquished. +"Honor's divided," was Mr. Hallam's comment when he met Alan in the +paddock. + +"They are," he replied; "there is nothing between them." + +"Only half a head," answered Mr. Hallam, smiling, "but it makes all the +difference." + +"I thought I'd just done it," said Bradley. + +"So did I," said Colley. "It was the last stride; they were dead level +next moment." + +"It was worth coming home for," said Alan enthusiastically. "There'll +be some fun at the front to-night. There were several wagers on. They +are all great sports." + +"Will they hear the result?" asked Eve. + +"Oh, yes; you've no idea how news gets round; it's remarkable where it +comes from--Lord only knows," said Alan. + +There was much speculation in Newmarket during the evening as to the +next day's match. Southerly Buster had run such a race that it was +considered Rainstorm, who was the better horse, had a splendid chance +of beating Bandmaster. Many people doubted the Hunt Cup winner's +capability to stay two miles. Mr. Hallam was so impressed with +Southerly Buster's performance that he laid several big wagers +Rainstorm would win. Alan was not oversanguine, although Fred Skane +declared Bandmaster's task was easier than The Duke's. + +Baron Childs invited Alan, Evelyn Berkeley, and the Hallams to stay +with him for the night; he also had other friends there. During the +evening there was some wagering on the next day's match and opinions +were about equally divided. + +The Baron was particularly attentive to Eve. Alan smiled as he said to +himself: + +"He does not know we are engaged. Eve is mine; there's no chance for +anybody else." + +Alan walked to Skane's after dinner and had a long talk with him over +the running of his horses. + +"Think we'd better put Robin Hood over the sticks," he said. "I've +found out he's a good fencer; there'll be some meetings under National +Hunt rules during the winter and next spring." + +Alan was pleased at the suggestion; he loved a ride over the sticks or +steeple-chase course, and Robin Hood was just the mount for him. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +TWO STAYERS + +When Rainstorm and Bandmaster cantered down the course they were +greeted with cheers; the second match was regarded with even more +interest than the first. + +The element of doubt about the staying powers of Bandmaster caused odds +to be laid on the Australian, who had the reputation of a long distance +winner. Alan was rather surprised at this, and supported his horse +freely in order to make him favorite. This he did not succeed in, as +the colonials laid short odds freely on Rainstorm. + +Both horses were fit; they went moving past in free and easy style. +Some said Bandmaster was a bit above himself; another gallop or two +would have made all the difference, but the trainer said no; the horse +always did better when a trifle big. + +They were to run over the last two miles of the Caesarewitch course, a +sure test of a horse's stamina. + +They were sent on their journey at once and Rainstorm made the running. +Wrench told Bradley he need not fear making as much use of him as he +thought fit. + +Colley was content to wait, keeping well in the track of the leader. +Skane said to him before he mounted: + +"Don't bustle him, let the other fellow make the pace; come as fast as +you like at the end of the first mile, he'll think it's another Hunt +Cup gallop. He's got the speed, we all know that, and I want to prove +he's a stayer as well." + +Rainstorm reveled in the going, which was fairly hard. He loved to +hear his feet rattle; this was the sort of ground he was used to. +Bandmaster seemed indifferent to the going, he galloped just as well +when the ground was heavy; his temper was of the best, an easy horse to +ride, always ready to run a genuine race. + +Colley knew he was going well, and was content to wait for the end of +the first mile as Skane had told him. + +There was much jubilation as Rainstorm came striding along in front; +this time no doubt the result would be in favor of the Australian. Mr. +Hallam was satisfied; his favorite was going in his best form; the +honor of Australia would be upheld, he felt certain of winning. + +Fred Skane looked on with a smile of satisfaction. At the end of the +first mile Bandmaster was going as strong as when he had started, and +had not been at full speed. He waited for Colley to bring him along, +thinking there would be a surprise for the folks who regarded the horse +as a non-stayer. + +Alan, despite the trainer's assurance, still had doubts about his +horse. He thought Bandmaster was running unkindly, and put it down to +his objections to going the distance. + +Colley still waited, and Fred Skane wondered if he had mistaken the +distance. The jockey had not, but it occurred to him Bandmaster's run +would come better at the six furlongs than the mile. Skane gave him +discretionary powers because he knew the horse and how to ride him. + +"Here he comes," said Skane to himself, as he fixed his glasses on the +horse. + +Bandmaster responded to Colley's call; he dashed forward at a great +pace and drew almost level with Rainstorm. This was a revelation to +doubters, and some wagers were laid that Alan's horse would win. + +Bradley, having been just beaten on Southerly Buster, was determined to +turn the tables this time. Jack Wrench told him what a great horse +Rainstorm was, one of the best stayers in Australia. "Nearly as good +as Carbine," he said. + +This, combined with his own opinion that Bandmaster was only a miler, +made him sanguine, and when Rainstorm made the running without an +effort he considered the race at the end of ten furlongs as good as won. + +It came as a surprise when Bandmaster drew alongside, but he considered +this effort a flash in the pan, anticipating the horse's falling back. +At the end of another furlong Bandmaster still stuck to his work, and +Colley appeared to be taking things easily. + +"He's trying to fox me," thought Bradley. + +Four furlongs from home Alan's horse was still going strong, showing no +signs of shirking or giving way under pressure. + +Bradley began to have doubts. Bandmaster traveled like a stayer, no +doubt about it; still he could not quite believe he would last it out. + +Rainstorm lacked one thing, a fine turn of speed to finish up with; +this was where Bandmaster came in. + +Colley urged his mount forward and headed his opponent. Bandmaster +showed in front, and Bradley began to niggle at Rainstorm in order to +keep his place. The Hunt Cup winner was traveling almost as fast as at +Ascot and so great was the pace that Rainstorm felt the pressure. +There seemed every possibility of this race's being as close as the +first; it was astonishing how well the horses were matched. If anybody +had doubts about the merits of Australian horses they were being +rapidly dispelled. + +There was a bigger crowd than the previous day, for the great race +between The Duke and Southerly Buster roused sporting enthusiasm to a +high pitch. The best patrons of racing were present, men who +thoroughly enjoyed a match of this kind and were content with a fiver +on the one they fancied. + +The cheering began when the pair reached the stands, and was renewed +again and again. + +Alan was keenly interested in the result. If Bandmaster beat Rainstorm +he would be delightfully surprised. He smiled as he pictured Fred +Skane crowing over the doubters and pronouncing Bandmaster the best +horse in the land. + +Eve was anxious. She wanted Alan to win both matches; at the same time +she was glad Mr. Hallam's horses showed such good form. She was quite +willing to accept his excuse that they would have done better had they +been thoroughly acclimatized. There was, however, little time to think +over these things; all attention was concentrated on the race, which +was now at the most exciting part, and the tumult at its height. The +brown jacket with the blue sleeves held the lead as they came up the +rise, but the black and orange hoops were close on to them, and +Rainstorm's head was at Bandmaster's girth. + +It was a punishing finish, but neither horse gave way--a splendid +display of dogged courage and endurance, it appealed to all that was +best in thousands of people witnessing it. + +Bradley roused himself for a final effort; few jockeys had his strength +at the end of a severe course; he had snatched races out of the fire by +sheer power of endurance. + +Tommy had beaten him yesterday; he was almost savagely determined not +to be placed second to-day. Every nerve was strained, all his +resources, and they were many, were called upon. He rode with his head +as well as his legs, and judged every little thing in favor of his +mount. + +If Rainstorm had a bit of brilliant dash in him all would be well, but +had he? From the way the horse had traveled Ben doubted but +nevertheless determined to test him to the utmost. He felt the horse +roll a trifle and held him firm. What caused this? He was certain +Rainstorm was not beaten. + +Then Bandmaster did the same thing, but it was more of a lurch and +Colley gasped in surprise. Both jockeys were straining to the utmost +but had not drawn their whips. Bradley was the first to raise his arm; +Colley saw it and immediately followed suit. The whips came down +simultaneously, the result was equal and the horses kept their +positions. Again the whips fell and this time it was Bandmaster made +the better response. + +It was not a cruel race; these reminders were not vicious, so sensitive +were the wonderfully bred horses that they answered to the least call. + +Alan's horse gained half a length and there was a terrific cheer; the +brown and blue was well in front, the black and orange hoops fell back. + +A look of disappointment stole over Bernard Hallam's face. Rainstorm +was his favorite; he would have given much to see him win. Two miles +was his best distance. What a horse Bandmaster must be to beat him! A +Hunt Cup winner giving Rainstorm the go-by over two miles--it was +hardly credible; but there was the hard fact. + +"Ah!" + +Mr. Hallam exclaimed loudly. + +"Hurrah!" + +He shouted at the top of his voice. + +"Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah!" + +The cry came again in three loud, victorious cheers. + +And what caused it? Why this sudden change from despondency to joyful +hope of victory? + +Rainstorm, after a prodigious effort on Bradley's part, drew level with +Bandmaster, got his head in front, kept it there, and the judge's box +was only a few yards away. A wonderful bit of riding, a great and +gallant effort on the part of a good horse. + +Tommy almost yelled as he drove Bandmaster along; to be defeated after +all, no, he couldn't stand that. He never rode a better race and he +had a good horse under him. + +The last effort made by Rainstorm seemed likely to carry him first past +the post, and Bernard Hallam was sure of winning. Bandmaster, however, +would not be denied, the horse divined there was danger of losing; +being full of courage he resented this and put forth his strength and +speed to stave off defeat. How he did it Colley could not tell, but by +some almost magical power he drew level with Rainstorm again and the +desperate struggle continued. + +The best thoroughbred never knows when he is beaten; so it was in the +case of Bandmaster, who hung on to his opponent with bulldog tenacity. +Bernard Hallam hardly believed it possible that Alan's horse had again +got on terms with Rainstorm. The angle was deceiving and his colors +still appeared to be in front; so thought hundreds of others. + +For a brief moment the eyes of the jockeys met; each saw grim +determination there, then they looked ahead and the judge's box loomed +up clear and close. + +The finish was thrilling. As they flashed past the post the question +was asked, "What's won?" and nobody could tell. + +"Close as The Duke's race," said one. + +"Gone one better; Rainstorm won," said one of the Australians. + +"Don't think so; that was a terrific run of Bandmaster's," replied +another. + +The numbers seemed a long time going up, then number one was slipped +in; before the roar of Bandmaster's supporters died away number two +appeared alongside it. The result was a dead heat--a mighty +struggle--a dead heat over two miles. The owners were not likely to +run it off, so which was the better horse was not settled and there +would be much food for argument. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +THE RAID + +"We shall have to make another match to settle the question," said Mr. +Hallam. + +"I'm willing," laughed Alan, "but give me time. I must go back at +once; there's some tough work to be done before long." + +"When you like," replied Mr. Hallam. "I am not going back to Australia +at present. I have no wish to be sent to the bottom of the sea." + +Alan said good-bye to Eve at The Forest. Before leaving for London he +saw Duncan Fraser. Everything was going well, no cause for anxiety, +and the manager spoke hopefully of the future. + +Alan was surprised when he heard of Jane Thrush's marriage and rated +Tom soundly for "throwing her away" on such a fellow. + +Tom remonstrated in a sullen way, saying he thought it a good match for +his daughter. + +"You'll find out it is not," said Alan sharply. "The man is probably +in the pay of the enemy, and will be laid by the heels before long; +then she will come back to you and you'll be glad to have her." + +Alan suspected Tom had been bribed by Meason; he knew his fondness for +money but did not question him on this subject. + +Tom Thrush thought over what Alan said. It caused him some uneasiness. +He had a great respect for him and his opinions and knew he would not +make an assertion without good grounds for doing so. + +Carl Meason and his wife arrived at a small resort on the East Coast +and stayed at an hotel. She wondered why he came here; there was not +much to see, it was dull. Once she had been to Scarboro' and enjoyed +the brief stay, but H---- was a different place. + +Meason left her alone a good deal. The excuse was he had work to do; +he did not explain what it was. + +After a week in Meason's company Jane already began to repent her +hurried marriage. Carl was rough; some of the veneer wore off rapidly. +He gave her money and told her to amuse herself, but there was little +chance of that in such a place. + +"Why don't you take me with you? I'd like to see the country," said +Jane. + +"Can't be done, my dear; not yet, at least. Wait a week or two and I +may be able to do so," he replied. + +"What are you so very busy about?" she asked. + +He declined to gratify her curiosity and said a wife ought to trust her +husband; to which she responded that he didn't seem to trust her. + +"Perhaps you'd rather go back to your father?" he sneered. + +"You are unkind; you know I would not, but I think you might be with me +more; it's lonely here," she said with tears in her eyes. + +He kissed her, talked soothingly, and she was pacified. When alone she +wondered what he was about. She thought the proprietor of the hotel +and others regarded him with suspicion; it made her uneasy; she began +to consider what Abel Head and others had said about him at Little +Trent. + +Already Zeppelin raids had been made on the coast, also S.E. counties, +but Jane paid little heed to them. She looked at the pictures but they +gave little information. + +Carl came back very late, or rather early in the morning; she had gone +to bed in a depressed state. What kept him out until this hour? It +was three o'clock when he came into the room. She sat up in bed, the +light was burning, and looked at him half frightened. + +"I thought you were never coming," she said. "Where have you been?" + +He locked the door, then sank into a chair exhausted. + +"I'm tired out," he said. + +"Where have you been?" she asked again. + +"I went to ----; the car broke down; I had to have it repaired. It's +all right now; I'll take you out to-morrow, Jane," he said. + +This pacified her, but as she looked at him she fancied she detected +signs of fear in his face; there was a furtive, hunted look about him. +There was startling news in the papers next morning. A Zeppelin raid +on the Norfolk coast was reported. Several people were killed and +injured. + +There was much excitement in the hotel; nothing else was talked about, +and Carl Meason was regarded with curiosity. It was known he had been +out in his motor until the early hours of the morning--perhaps he had +seen the Zeppelins. + +Questions were put to him. He replied that he saw nothing of them; his +car broke down and it was a long time before he got it repaired. He +was miles away in a lonely part of the country when it happened; +fortunately he knew all about cars and the works; it was a great +advantage to put your car right when it went wrong. He spoke freely, +courting questions, made comments on the raid. He had recovered his +self-possession during the few hours' rest and was willing to meet all +comers. + +Jane was packing in her room when he went downstairs; he told her they +would leave in the afternoon. After all it was a dull place for her +and another part of the country would suit her best, or would she +prefer to go to London for a few days? + +She said she would love to see London, she had never been there; it +must be a grand place. + +He promised to consider it over and left her in the room. + +Carl went out to examine his car; he was very particular about it. + +"Nobody's been meddling," he thought; "it's just as I brought it in. +It was a deuce of a run, exciting while it lasted. I don't think +anybody spotted me." + +When Jane reached the foot of the stairs she heard people talking in +the private bar. There were three or four of them, she concluded, but +the door was almost closed and she could not see inside. One voice she +recognized as the landlord's. + +The mention of her husband's name caused her to stand still and listen. +The men were discussing the raid, from which she gathered that it was +supposed the Zeppelins were guided by a motor car with a powerful +light. Strong remarks were passed and hopes expressed that the +scoundrel would be caught. It was surmised he was in the pay of the +Huns--a spy--and he deserved shooting. + +"He's a mysterious fellow," said the landlord, alluding to Carl Meason. +"He was out in his motor half the night, came home between two and +three. I'd like to know where he went; if I had something definite to +go on I'd give warning to the police." + +"You'd better do that in any case," said one of the men. "You'll be on +the safe side then." + +"That's all right," said the landlord, "but I might get into trouble if +there's nothing wrong with him." + +"Risk it, Frank; it's worth it. There's no end of these spies about, +and the sooner they're stopped the better." + +"I'll think it over--if he's a spy I'm sorry for his wife. She's a +pretty quiet little woman, far too good for him." + +Jane heard this conversation; she saw the door move and stepped into +the hall. It was the landlord looked out and wished her good-day. + +"I have been packing," she said, with a faint attempt at a smile. + +"You are leaving?" he asked. + +"I believe so. My husband talks about going this afternoon," she +replied. + +"He has not said anything to me at present. He's outside looking over +his motor; he had a breakdown yesterday--lucky he could put it right. +He was a long way from a town--Norwich would probably be the nearest," +said Frank Spatts, the landlord. + +Jane looked at him inquiringly. Carl told her he had the car repaired +at ----. This was another tale. + +"Yes, I believe he had a breakdown," she said hesitatingly. + +"You've heard of the Zeppelin raid last night? Some damage was done on +the Coast, a cowardly thing killing innocent people, women and +children." + +"Oh, I am sorry!" exclaimed Jane. "It is terrible. They must have +been near here. Perhaps that is why my husband is leaving." + +Spatts smiled as he said: + +"It may be the reason. I'll ask him when he comes in." + +Jane went out. The sea breeze blew refreshingly; she felt rather faint +and it revived her. She did not go direct to the garage but walked +along the front; there were few visitors about. She sat down +presently. Two men occupied the other end of the seat. + +"The police are almost certain the Zeppelins were guided by a motor +car. Wish they'd find it," said one of the men. + +Jane got up; she could not stand any more of this; she blamed herself +for connecting this motor car with Carl. Why did he tell her he had +the car repaired at ---- and the landlord that he did it himself? She +walked back to the hotel very uneasy and found Carl standing at the +door with the landlord; they were laughing--this relieved her. Carl +turned to her and said: + +"Have you packed? We leave after lunch." + +She said she had, and asked if he had read about the Zeppelin raid. + +"We were just talking about it," he replied. + +Spatts went inside, leaving them together. + +"The man's a fool," said Carl, jerking his head in the direction of the +landlord. + +"Is he? What were you laughing at?" asked Jane. + +"He said he thought it probable somebody in a motor car guided the +airships," said Carl. + +"And you think that is not correct?" + +"Of course it isn't; how could they do it? I soon proved to him it was +not possible, and it was then he laughed at the absurdity of the idea." + +"You told me you had the car repaired at ----," she said. + +"Well?" + +"You told him you did the repairs yourself, in a lonely part of the +country." + +"Don't be a fool, Jane. I don't wish everybody to know where I have +been." + +"You were at ----?" + +"Yes." + +"Did you see the airship over there?" + +"I saw something hovering in the air but of course I never dreamed it +was one of those things." + +"And you heard no bombs explode?" + +He laughed as he replied: + +"Not likely. I should hardly wait for that." + +She was not satisfied. When they started on their journey the landlord +said: + +"I hope you will not have another breakdown, Mr. Meason." + +"No fear of that. I've patched it up well; it will carry us to our +destination." + +"Where's that?" + +"Beyond York," said Carl. + +"Inquisitive beggar," he said to Jane when the car was away. + +"We are not going to York?" she asked. + +"No, you asked to go to London; we'll get there to-night," he said. + +"Then why did you tell him we were going to York?" + +"Because it suited my purpose," he replied. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +JANE SUSPECTS + +The journey to London was accomplished without mishap. Carl was a good +driver; the car sped along at a rapid pace. Jane enjoyed the ride; the +scenery was new to her, and she was observant. + +Arriving at the city he drove to the Fairfax Hotel, a quiet place +mostly used by families. There was no garage. Leaving Jane there, he +went to put up the car. + +She waited for him. He seemed a long time coming. She did not care to +leave the room in his absence. + +At last he came. He made no apology for being away so long; he seemed +preoccupied and said little. + +They dined together, and then he took her out. The streets were dull +and dark, very few lights in the shops, hardly any in the streets. The +noise and bustle confused her. + +"There's not much to see at night," he said; "we'll have a look round +to-morrow." + +"What's that?" she asked in alarm. + +"A searchlight," he replied laughing. "There's any amount of them but +they don't appear to be of much service." + +"What are they used for?" + +"To discover the whereabouts of Zeppelins." + +"It can't be very safe here?" + +"It's safe enough; they won't drop bombs near where we are staying." + +"How do you know?" + +"Oh well, it's not likely; they'll go for something more important than +the Fairfax Hotel," he replied. + +Jane was tired. They went to bed early. She awoke in the middle of +the night and found Carl missing. She thought this strange. There was +a dim light burning. She sat up; perhaps he had only gone out of the +room, then she noticed his clothes were not there; he had evidently +dressed. + +She tried to sleep but could not. She was afraid and shivered under +the bed-clothes. He had no right to leave her in the hotel at this +hour. His actions were mysterious; he always appeared to have +something to do in the night. She had no watch and wondered what time +it was; then she heard a clock strike one. He must have gone out when +she fell asleep. + +Soon after she heard an explosion. It sounded some distance away. +Then she heard movements in the house, people hurrying about, voices +calling. It was strange and disquieting. + +Some one paused outside her door; then she heard the handle turn and +Carl came into the room, swiftly, silently, closing the door after him +and locking it. + +She pretended to be asleep, heard him come to the bedside and breathed +heavily. He seemed satisfied she did not hear him. He moved away. +She opened her eyes and saw him unlocking his suitcase; his back was +toward her. He took out some papers, sorted them, put a couple on the +dressing-table, then placed the others in the case. + +He lit a candle but first turned round and looked at her. She breathed +heavily. + +She was cautious but she watched him over the top of the clothes, which +were drawn up to her face. She was surprised to see him carefully burn +the papers. He placed the candle on a newspaper so that the ashes +would fall on it. He pressed the pieces with his hand as they fell. +When they were consumed he wrapped the remains in a piece of the paper, +screwed it tightly, then put the small package in the case. He then +undressed and came to the bed. + +There was a knock at the door but he made no response. It was +repeated, this time louder, sharper. + +Carl said in a half-sleepy voice: + +"Who's there?" + +"It's me, the hall porter; I want to see you for a moment." + +Carl got out of bed grumbling. Jane thought he was a long time +unlocking the door. She moved restlessly but still pretended to be +asleep. + +"What is it? Why the deuce do you rouse me at this hour of the night?" +asked Carl angrily. + +"Mr. Hurd, the manager, said he thought he saw you come into the house +a few minutes ago; I said you had not, that you were in your room; I +did not see you and I was in the hall." + +"Confound him! I shan't stay here if I'm roused up at this unearthly +hour. It's abominable! You are disturbing my wife's rest. What are +the people tearing about the place for?" asked Carl as he heard +footsteps. + +"Didn't you hear the explosion? They are at it again." + +"Hush!" said Carl. "You'll wake my wife; it will frighten her. You've +all gone mad. I heard nothing." + +"I'm sorry, sir, but Mr. Hurd was so certain he saw you come in I +thought I'd see for myself." + +"And what the devil does it matter to him whether I was out or in?" +asked Carl sharply. + +"That's not my business, sir. Please excuse me. I'll tell him you are +in your room," said the man, shuffling away. "Queer smell of burning," +he muttered as he went along the landing; "seemed to be in his room." + +The manager was in the hall. With him were an inspector of police and +a detective. + +"Well?" asked Hurd. + +"He's in his room, undressed and in bed. I knew he didn't come in." + +"You're mistaken," said the Inspector. "He did. I saw him." + +"He gave me an accurate description of Mr. Meason," said Hurd, "and I +am certain I saw him come in." + +The hall porter shook his head. + +"I was here when you came downstairs and I didn't see him." + +"It's very strange," said the Inspector, looking at the detective. +"Are you sure he's the man you followed, that he came in here?" + +"We both saw him," said the detective dryly. + +"If it is the man, he's been precious quick undressing and getting into +bed," said the Inspector doubtfully. + +Several people were in the hall. The explosion roused them. They made +anxious inquiries; the manager assured them. + +Carl Meason listening upstairs little knew what a narrow escape he had. +He was not aware he was followed as he hurried back to the hotel nor +was he aware that an accurate description of him was in the hands of +the police. + +It was Valentine Braund, the American millionaire, who had given +information to the authorities. He had been to Little Trent the day +after Meason left the Sherwood Inn, and a piece of paper found in +Carl's room by Abel Head confirmed his suspicions that the man was Karl +Shultz who he was convinced was the organizer of the explosion at the +Valentine Steel Works. He had asked Head to give him the paper. It +did not appear to be of much importance but the name Mannie Kerrnon was +written on it. Braund knew this was the woman who worked with Shultz, +and his interest became active. He was a determined man and had made +up his mind never to forget Shultz. He had already spent money freely +trying to find him. He left Head very much mystified and proceeded to +interview Tom Thrush. + +Thrush recognized him and as usual scented money. Braund proceeded +cautiously, asking all sorts of questions about the country, Mr. +Chesney, and the stud, also speaking of the two matches at Newmarket +which he saw decided. + +Tom was completely off his guard and replied with a laugh to his +question as to Jane's marriage: + +"I don't think she's done amiss. He seems a good sort of man and he +has money." + +"Well, I hope it will turn out all right," said Braund. "Where did +they spend the honeymoon?" + +Tom explained. He had heard from Jane. They were at H----. + +Braund had some difficulty in restraining his impatience. + +"Nice place, isn't it?" he said. + +"Quiet, she found it a bit dull; expect they've left by this." + +Braund remained with him some little time and then drove away in his +motor. He did not return to the Sherwood Inn but told his chauffeur to +go the nearest way to H----, "and get there as fast as you can without +running into danger." + +He soon discovered where Meason and his wife stayed, made inquiries, +Frank Spatts gave him every information. + +"He was out till nearly three in the morning," said Spatts. + +"The night the Zeppelins were over?" + +"Yes; he left the next afternoon," said Spatts. + +Valentine Braund also discovered that Meason's car had not taken the +York road but had traveled London way. He followed quickly and arrived +in town not long after Meason. It was Braund who set the police on his +track. He was with them when he found they had allowed him to leave +the Fairfax Hotel. The Inspector told him they had not sufficient +evidence to go upon and were not justified in arresting him. + +"You might have stretched a point," grumbled Braund. + +"That's all very well. I don't say you're not right, but we have to be +very careful in such cases," said the Inspector. + +"You are so careful that you allow fellows in motor cars to scour the +country and pilot these raiders," snapped Braund. + +Carl Meason was alarmed. The police had been informed as to his +movements; he had very little doubt about that. He told Jane he must +leave London at once, it was very important; he was going to Margate, +but she must not tell anybody. + +She was disappointed. He had promised to take her about London; she +had seen nothing of it. + +He answered her sharply. His business was more important than tramping +about London. + +What was his business, she asked again, and her constant repetition +irritated him. He gave no satisfactory replies and she resented this. +Jane was sharp, her faculties developed. She was not so simple as he +imagined. He was surprised at her persistence. Was she beginning to +suspect him? If so what did she think? + +The journey to Margate by road was interesting. There was not much +conversation. When she spoke he answered in monosyllables. He drove +to the White Hart Hotel facing the harbor and engaged a front room. + +"You'll be able to pass the time watching the people," he said, "and +the harbor is always interesting." + +"What shall you be doing?" she asked. + +"Don't keep cross-examining me," he replied. "It puts me in a bad +temper." + +"You are generally in a bad temper," she said. + +"Look here, Jane, my girl, we'd better understand each other," he +replied. "I have work to do and I mean to carry it out whether you +like it or not." + +"Are you tired of me already?" she asked. + +"Not exactly, but you are going the right way to bring it about," he +answered. + +"I have a right to know what you are doing." + +"Some day if you are very good I may tell you," he said. + +Jane became suspicious. The more she was left to herself, the more +time she had to think matters over. It seemed strange that Carl was +always about where there were Zeppelin raids. She began to connect him +with them. Abel Head had called him a spy, perhaps he was, at any rate +his movements were suspicious. + +The conversations she had heard were disquieting. It was evident +several people had doubts about him. She was his wife and she was +determined if he did not treat her well not to put up with his conduct. +She had money--she took care of that--and she could always go home. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +ALAN'S DANGER + +Eve Berkeley was anxious, having not heard from Alan for several weeks. +She eagerly scanned the papers but found no mention of his name. Ella +Hallam was with her. Eve was glad of company, it cheered her, and +Duncan Fraser came frequently to The Forest, generally looking in at +Trent Park on the way. + +Eve surmised that Ella was the attraction and hoped that her friend +would recognize his many good qualities. She liked Fraser. He did so +much for Alan, and the business prospered under his management. He had +not heard from him and, like Eve, was growing anxious. + +"Perhaps he has been sent on an important mission," he said, "and is +unable to write. When he left he hinted at something of the kind." + +"The suspense is more than I can bear," she replied. + +"I am sure he is safe," said Ella. "Mr. Chesney is capable of taking +care of himself." + +"Under ordinary circumstances," said Eve; "but there is danger +everywhere in France." + +Captain Morby was home on leave. He came to see Eve. She welcomed him +cordially. Had he any news of Alan? + +He looked grave and her heart sank. + +"You will keep it secret?" he said. + +"Anything you will tell me I will not repeat," she replied. + +"He was sent to Brussels," said Harry. + +"Brussels!" exclaimed Eve. "Right into the enemy's quarters!" + +"Yes, a dangerous mission, but no one so competent to perform it +successfully as Alan." + +"But Brussels! He will never come out alive!" + +Harry smiled as he replied: + +"It is part of a great danger, but even if he were discovered I do not +suppose his life would be forfeited, although he might be detained." + +"Why did he go, who sent him?" she asked. + +"A highly placed member of the Belgian Government. I was told on best +authority he was specially requested to go," said Harry. + +"Then I am not surprised he placed his services at their disposal," +said Eve. + +"No more am I." + +It was quite true. Alan had accepted this dangerous mission which, if +successfully accomplished, would render great service. He had full +permission to go and did not underestimate the risk. + +Discarding his uniform he put on civilian clothes and posed as a +Belgian. He spoke French fairly well and this helped him. After many +narrow escapes he succeeded in reaching Brussels, where he was in +danger of discovery every hour. He walked about the streets openly, +sat in several cafés, and talked with the people. There were hundreds +of German officers and soldiers, but there was nothing particularly +suspicious about Alan's appearance. He was well disguised and did not +look at all like an Englishman. + +Despite this some officers looked at him curiously and in the course of +a few days he fancied he was followed. + +He succeeded in his mission and learned by heart what he had to say on +his return. There were many willing Belgians ready to help him at the +risk of their lives. In a fortnight he was ready to leave the city; +but this was more difficult than entering it. On every side were +Germans, and nobody was allowed to leave Brussels without a special +permit, and these were hard to get. He had to wait as patiently as +possible for a favorable opportunity. Every day he remained the +situation became more dangerous. + +So far he had avoided speaking to any of the Englishwomen who were +still in the city. He knew he was watched, that the first false step +might be fatal. + +He did not think there would be much risk in calling at the English +nursing home. Many Belgians went there, and he had so far passed as +such. + +He called, Nurse Ranger received him in her private room. She heard +who he was and why he was there. She volunteered to assist him in +getting away. + +She offered to procure him a permit to leave Brussels, but was afraid +it would take some time. When it was secured it would only take him to +Bruges or somewhere within the German occupied territory. + +Alan said his chief difficulty was to get out of Brussels. Once free +from the city he would have a chance of returning to the English lines. + +Nurse Ranger was a courageous, a fearless woman, who had rendered +valuable assistance to Belgians desirous of joining their comrades in +arms. + +After some difficulty she procured Alan a permit to leave the city +under the name of Armand Roche. This she obtained through a German +officer she had nursed back to life and who, for once in a way, proved +grateful. Alan did not immediately make use of it. + +The permit was countersigned by the Governor and therefore he +considered it would frank him anywhere. It expressly stated, however, +the limits in which it was available. At last he put it to the test, +and arrived as far as Bruges. He had been in the quaint old city +before and knew it well. What a contrast to the last time he was +there! He recalled it vividly. Now the old market-place was filled +with German troops and the hotel where he had formerly stayed tenanted +by German officers. It was lucky for him his permit was signed by the +Governor of Brussels; he soon found nothing less would have franked him. + +The risk would come when he tried to return to his own lines and he +prepared for it. All went well. He had a horse provided for him, a +fast one that had once been a racer, and he must trust to luck once he +got clear of the German lines. How to get clear was, however, a puzzle +and he tried to solve it as best he could. + +He met one or two German officers who spoke French, and seemed to get +on well with them. They were suspicious--he saw that--and of course he +did not trust them, but they proved useful as he went about with them. +They bragged about their conquests, and Alan urged them on until in +their boastfulness they gave him an account of the vast power of the +German Army on the Western front and he got valuable information as to +the best way to reach the scene of the fighting and the nearest +trenches. + +He made his attempt to leave Bruges one dark night and had not much +trouble in getting out of the town. The danger began when he came to +the outskirts and had to pass the cordon drawn round the town to +prevent people from leaving in certain directions. + +He made the attempt in several quarters and found it too risky; but on +this particular night fortune favored him. + +It was dark. He rode up to the guard and was challenged. He handed +his permit, and when it was being examined he made a bolt into the more +open country. For a few precious moments the Germans were surprised +and Alan was away in the dark at top speed. The horse was a flyer and +no mistake. His heart beat high with hope as he felt it bound under +him. Shots were fired but fell short. Then he heard a noise behind +him but it was too dark to see anything. + +He rode straight ahead, judging this would take him out of the Germans' +country. For several hours he went on at a great pace. Occasionally +his horse stumbled, but that gave him no anxiety, for he was used to +all kinds of situations when riding. + +When light began to steal over the landscape he took in the lay of the +land. He was in the middle of a wide flat country; the ground was wet +and marshy. He had no idea where he was but he seemed safe from +pursuit. Not a soul was to be seen. He slowed the horse down to a +walk, it was time the animal had a rest. + +Where was he? + +He went slowly on; then he saw in the distance what looked like a white +farm-house. It was a dwelling of some kind and he made for it. As he +came within hail an old man stepped out, a Belgian peasant, so Alan +judged him by his appearance. He spoke to him in French. The old man +regarded him curiously. As Alan looked at him he thought: + +"He's a better man than I imagined. Perhaps he's disguised." + +In answer to Alan's question he said in excellent French: + +"Who are you? You don't look like a civilian." + +Alan determined to be straight with him; it would probably be best. + +"I am a soldier. I wish to find the English lines." + +"Ah!" exclaimed the man. "Get down, come inside. Where are you from?" + +"Bruges." + +The man held up his hands, tears came into his eyes. He lamented the +fall of the city, its occupation by the Germans. He had a daughter in +Bruges when the enemy entered the city. He wrung his hands; his grief +was painful. He said no more, but Alan guessed and grasped his hands +in sympathy--and hate. + +Alan put the horse in the tumble-down stable, the roof was half off, +the rafters hanging down, the walls crumbling--an old place. It had +been in the family of Jean Baptistine for many years. He was a lone +man, no wife, three sons fighting, and his daughter--ah well, she was +where no harm could come to her. She had saved her honor and +sacrificed her life. He was glad of that, very glad, honor was more +than life. + +He gave Alan food, coarse but clean, which he enjoyed, for he was +hungry. + +Jean talked freely. He supposed he and his farmhouse were left alone +because they were out of the fire zone, or perhaps the barbarians did +not think it worth while to meddle with him. There was no wine in the +house. He procured a little brandy which he gave to Alan and sipped a +small quantity himself. + +Alan learned that he was in the enemies' country, that it would be +difficult for him to get to the Allied lines. He might be taken at any +moment and shot on the spot. He had left his permit in the hands of +the guard when he galloped away. + +Jean Baptistine said there was no immediate danger. Soldiers did not +often come his way. His guest had better lie concealed for a few days. +He would be glad of his company, something might happen, the Boches +might be driven back defeated. + +Alan being tired went upstairs to lie down. The bed was clean, the +room smelt fresh. Jean told him to rest comfortably. He threw himself +on the bed; before Jean left the room he was asleep. + +The sun streaming through the small windows woke him. He sat up, +wondering at first where he was. + +On the old-fashioned table he saw a pair of gloves and a cigar-case. +How came they there? + +He got off the bed, took the cigar-case in his hands, and stared in +amazement. The monogram V.N. was engraved on it, he recognized it, he +had given it to Vincent Newport when he resigned his commission; and +Captain Newport was posted among the missing. How came the case here, +and the glove? + +He was examining them when Jean came up the crazy stairs into the room. + +To Alan's rapid question he said: + +"He was an officer, he escaped from the escort, they tracked him down. +I hid him, but it was no use--they found him." + +"What became of him?" asked Alan. + +"They took him away," he said. "They would have shot me but he pleaded +for me, said I did not hide him, knew nothing about it, that he crept +into the house and took the clothes he was wearing himself." + +"Then he is alive?" said Alan. + +"I believe so. Look," said Jean. He pulled open a drawer and Alan saw +in it an officer's uniform. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +TAKEN PRISONER + +It was Vincent Newport's uniform. Alan did not hesitate to use it, he +felt he would be safer, as nobody would imagine him to be the man who +escaped through the line from Bruges. + +Jean raised no objections and Alan gave him the clothes he wore. He +offered to guide him to a spot where he might get through the enemy and +reach his friends. It would be difficult but there was risk +everywhere. Alan protested, if Jean were caught he would be shot, he +was sure he could find the way from directions. + +"I care little whether they shoot me," said Jean, "my life is ruined." + +"It will all come right again after the war," said Alan. + +Jean held up his hands, shaking his head despairingly. + +"After the war--God knows when that will be," he said sadly. + +They started at night. Alan was for leaving the horse behind but Jean +said a good steed might save his life. + +"It is not fair that you should walk," said Alan. "How far is it?" + +"Some thirty miles," said Jean. "That is nothing to me." + +They took flasks of brandy and a parcel of eatables. Alan walked with +him, leading the horse. + +It was a lonely, desolate country, treeless, a barren waste; but Jean +loved it. He said the land was better than it looked. + +They walked all night. In the early morning they came to an old barn +and walked inside with the horse. They were hungry and ate well, a few +drops of brandy revived them, some loose hay was given to the horse. A +low booming sound was heard, an artillery duel, it continued the +greater part of the day. At nightfall Alan mounted his horse and bade +good-bye to Jean Baptistine. + +"I will hunt you out when we have beaten the Huns," said Alan +cheerfully. + +"You will beat them," said Jean, "but they are strong, their sins will +hang heavy on them when the judgment comes, they are murderers." He +cursed them and Alan shivered as he heard what deadly hate there was in +the old man's breast. Was it to be wondered at? + +Alan rode in the direction of the booming. Jean told him to bear to +the right and that would give him more chance of passing the German +trenches. He carried his life in his hands but he was cheerful, the +sense of danger roused him, the true sporting spirit manifested itself, +he was against great odds and meant to succeed. As he went on at a +slow pace the heavy firing ceased for a time, then broke out in the +occasional boom of a gun. Alan thought they were knocking off for the +night; he might have a chance to get through. + +As the horse walked along he thought of home and wondered how things +were going on at Trent Park and The Forest. It was nearly two months +since he had been away from headquarters, and he was not able to write. +Eve would be anxious, he must let her know he was safe as soon as +possible. He was glad they were not married, it would not have been +fair to her; but he vowed she should be his wife if he came safely out +of the struggle. + +Just before he left for Brussels he had received a letter from Fred +Skane in which he said he was preparing Bandmaster for the big +steeplechase to be run in Trent Park over a course of four miles. This +would be a great event, a sort of Grand National on a small scale. He +hoped Alan would be able to come over and ride his horse; he must not +forget the date. With the owner up he thought Bandmaster had a chance +second to none. + +During the excitement and suspense of his journey and stay in Brussels +he had forgotten all this but it came to mind now as he rode quietly on +toward danger. He remembered the date and began to reckon up, he had +lost count during the past few days but he knew there was very little +time to spare. + +His message delivered, he would have no difficulty in obtaining leave. +He hoped to be home in time to ride Bandmaster a few gallops over the +course before the race took place. + +He gave himself up to pleasant ruminations over his chance of winning +until he was rudely roused by a bullet whistling past his ear. + +"Snipers about," was his first thought as he set his horse to a gallop. + +Another bullet whizzed above his head. He looked round, but saw +nobody. It was dark; the sniper must have heard the sound of his +horse's hoofs and fired in that direction. + +There were only two shots but they roused him out of his reverie and +put him on the alert. + +Then he wondered how it came about that the sniper was behind the +German trenches. Jean told him he would have to pass them somehow. +Had he by some strange piece of luck got past the trenches? Was he +between two fires? That was hardly possible, yet it might be so. + +He pulled his horse up and listened. A strange, buzzing sound was +heard--probably some aircraft, although it seemed too dark for aviators +to see their whereabouts. + +He heard voices and movements of men. A gust of wind carried them +toward him. The men spoke German; he had only just stopped in time. + +He had no idea where he was. To wait there until daylight would court +danger but in which direction ought he to go? + +Had he reached a strip of "no man's land," a space left unborrowed and +unbroken, lying between two fires? If so he was "between the devil and +the deep sea," for he might be fired on by friend and foe alike. + +It was a thrilling position, a solitary man on horseback on a dark +night on unknown ground and surrounded by enemies. Alan listened with +the keen ears of a sportsman, all his faculties alert. A false +movement and he was lost. + +A scrambling sound close on his left startled him. He fancied it was +the men quitting a trench and if so it could only be with one object in +view--a night attack. If this were the case it was well planned, for +there was very little noise. Alan, however, being near, heard that +faint peculiar sound of many men silently on the move. + +He would have given much to know where he was--the exact spot. He +wondered if old Jean Baptistine had made a mistake and given him wrong +directions. He was glad he wore uniform and had Newport's revolver on +him--it might be useful. + +A faint streak in the sky, a rosy tint wearing down the pale gray, +warned him day was breaking and he must be prepared. + +There were others waiting for daybreak as well as himself, for the +heavy boom of a huge gun sounded quite close at hand. Alan looked in +the direction, and saw a cloud of smoke. This was answered by a boom +and a cloud from the opposite side and he knew an artillery duel had +commenced. Suddenly four men sprang out of a hole formed by a bursting +shell. They were Germans. What they were doing there it was +impossible to say. They were as surprised to see Alan as he was to see +them. In the growing light as he sat on his horse he looked like a +phantom emerging out of the mist. + +A few minutes passed and the situation was summed up on both sides. A +dash was made at Alan, shots fired as he turned his horse to the right +and headed right straight at them. His charge was the last thing they +expected. He crashed into them, sending two to the ground; the others +hung to the horse and saddle. + +Alan drew his revolver and shot one man through the head. The horse +plunged, reared, but he kept his seat. The two Germans who were +knocked down were on him again, but he wrenched free and galloped away. +Over this vacant space before him men seemed to spring up like +mushrooms. It was impossible to get through and reach the English +lines, which he could now see. He made the most of it. His horse +faced the situation bravely, but he was pulled out of the saddle and +made prisoner. He had narrowly escaped being killed, as sundry bullet +tears in his uniform showed. He thanked Heaven he was not in mufti or +it would have gone hard with him. He was dragged into the crater-hole +from which the four men who had first attacked him emerged. He had +killed a man, would they kill him? + +A young officer ran up. He looked keenly at Alan, then, in excellent +English, asked him his name and regiment. A fire of questions followed +as to how he came there and what he was about, why he had left his +lines? He was searched but no paper found. + +The officer seemed rather a better class man. He ordered Alan to be +kept in the hole, and put three men to guard him; then he went away in +the direction his men were returning to their trench. + +Alan judged there must have been a night attack on the English lines +and these were the remnants returning scattered all over the place; if +so they must have suffered severely, been almost annihilated. + +His guards took very little notice of him. They knew he could not +escape; moreover, they had orders to shoot if he attempted it. + +It was a dull day and there was very little firing. He judged they +were resting after the night attack. It was an awkward fix he was in +but nothing daunted he puzzled his brains as to how to get out of it; +they had tethered his horse close by--that was in his favor. + +The officer did not return, and Alan had nothing to eat or drink--the +soldiers did not offer him anything. + +Night came on. He wondered whether he would be kept there or removed. +At last the young officer came, and with him a soldier carrying a bag +which contained food. Alan was handed some, also given a drink, and +the officer said he must remain there until next day. If he tried to +escape he would be shot. Alan wondered why they did not take him to a +more secure spot; something must have happened to prevent this. + +He settled himself down, after taking good stock of his position and +where the horse was. He pretended to sleep. The three soldiers were +left on guard. + +They seemed tired, they must have been many hours without sleep. They +spoke together in low voices. Presently one of them lay down--it was +evident they were to keep guard in turns. + +Alan was wide awake and alert now. If he could only make a dash for +his horse and spring into the saddle there would be a chance of +escaping. + +The two men on guard seemed drowsy. The man on the ground breathed +heavily. Alan moved and loosened some stones. The men were alert in a +moment and growled at him savagely. Alan waited about an hour--it +seemed much longer. He knew exactly where the men were: one on either +side, the other still on the ground. + +Without a moment's warning he sprang to his feet, let out right and +left, and by sheer good luck hit his men hard. He scrambled out of the +hole, reached his horse, broke the rope by which it was tied to a +stake, cutting his hands as he did so, sprang into the saddle and was +galloping away at a great pace before his guard recovered from the +shock. They dare not fire for fear of being discovered in the act of +letting the prisoner go. The two roused their sleeping comrade, +explained the situation, then marched off toward the enemy's lines. +They preferred surrender to the death awaiting them if they remained. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +ALIVE AND WELL + +Alan was far from being out of the wood, there was danger on every +side, and it was light. Fortune favored him, for the enemy had +suffered terrible losses and were occupied in beating a hasty retreat, +what was left of them. The ground was covered with dead, dying, and +wounded. As he rode rapidly to the right he got clear of them; several +shots were fired and missed him. + +A feeling of exultation possessed him as he neared his lines a couple +of miles away. Once there he was safe, his perilous mission +accomplished. + +His horse shied. Looking ahead he saw half a dozen forms hidden behind +some stunted bushes. The enemy again. Rifles were pointed at him. It +meant death if he went on. + +He halted and faced his enemies, but showed no signs of giving in. The +men crept forward, still covering him with their rifles. He was angry +at the thought of being taken prisoner again. If recognized he would +be shot off-hand. This was not at all likely although he was not aware +of it. + +Providence intervened in the shape of a shell which hurtled into the +midst of the creeping men. There was a terrific explosion. Alan +reeled in the saddle, recovered by a great effort, and managed to +control his frightened horse. He was struck on the forehead but +fortunately the peak of his cap saved him. Still the effect was +stunning, stupefying. A whistling in the air and another shell burst, +throwing up a cloud of mud and dirt round him, thus lessening the +danger of being badly hit. + +His enemies were cut up, shattered; but he had to ride for his life to +avoid the shells. He was in danger from his friends. + +The horse was equal to the emergency and sped across the open space at +a great pace. + +The solitary horseman seemed to puzzle the gunners, for they ceased +firing. Probably he had been recognized as an officer escaping from +the enemy. + +He waved his cap and, taking all risks, galloped toward the Allies' +lines. He knew where he was now. These trenches were the nearest to +headquarters and in a few minutes he would be in safety. + +Something trickled down his face. He brushed it aside with his +hand--blood--his wound was more serious than he thought. + +His left arm pained--blood on the sleeve. His left thigh twinged +sharply--there was blood here also. + +"Must have had a narrow squeak," he thought. He felt faint, inclined +to swoon, but held on to his horse firmly. + +His head swam, his sight grew dim, he heard a roar from the front +trench and then--oblivion. + +When he came to he was being attended behind the firing line. He +wondered where he was, and tried to sit up, but fell back exhausted. +The doctor told him to keep still. + +He slept several hours. When he awoke he was in the ambulance, jolting +farther away from the line. + +It was twenty-four hours or more before he was able to stand. Once on +his legs he quickly recovered and, asking for his horse, which was near +at hand, declared his intention of riding to headquarters. + +The doctor protested; but when Alan explained who he was and the nature +of his mission no further objections were raised. + +"You have had a marvelous escape," said the doctor, looking at him +admiringly. "You are a brave man." + +Alan smiled as he thanked him, saying there would have been many +officers who would have been glad of the chance to take his place and +run the risks. + +He rode to headquarters and was heartily welcomed. In a few moments he +stood before his chief, who held out his hand, shook his heartily, and +congratulated him. + +It was then Alan learned it had been reported that he was shot in +Bruges as a spy. No doubt this report had been made in order to save +the men responsible for his escape through the lines. + +"Shot as a spy," thought Alan. "I wonder if it has been made public in +England. If so, what a terrible shock to Eve and all my friends." + +He suppressed his feelings and gave an account of how he fulfilled his +mission. + +"You must see King Albert at once," said the chief. "It was a blow to +him when he heard you were shot." + +The news of Captain Chesney's return was soon noised abroad, and on all +sides he was congratulated. + +He hunted up Skane's letter and found the date of the Trent Park Grand +Steeplechase would give him ample time to get home and ride Bandmaster +over the course two or three times. He must see about his leave at +once. + +He supposed his safe arrival would be at once reported at home and that +Eve would see it and others. + +There was a budget of letters for him some six weeks old. One of the +last he opened came from his trainer. The date of the Steeplechase had +been altered because the troops camped in the Park had left earlier +than was expected. + +Alan was uncertain about the date. He asked, and found he had just a +couple of days to spare to get there in time. + +Then came another thought which made him gasp. Had Bandmaster been +struck out when he was reported shot? + +Every minute was precious. + +He wired to Skane at once, imposing secrecy, and asking it Bandmaster +was still in the race. If so he would be home to ride. + +"Not a word about this." + +Fred Skane had not scratched Bandmaster. He would not believe Alan +Chesney had been shot, and this firm conviction cheered Eve Berkeley +wonderfully. Then came the news that Captain Chesney had returned to +headquarters after many hairbreadth escapes and that he was severely +wounded. + +The reaction set in at Trent Park, The Forest, and Little Trent. Gloom +turned to joy; everybody was gay and festive. Captain Chesney was +safe, he would soon recover from a few wounds, these were trifles to a +brave strong man. + +"There you are," said Fred Skane. "What did I tell you, Miss Berkeley. +I knew he was not shot--not likely. Supposing I'd scratched +Bandmaster--there'd have been a row and no mistake. 'Scratch the horse +out of respect,' says Abel Head. 'Memory,' says I, 'what memory? He's +alive. There's no memory about Captain Chesney yet, I'll bet, or I'm a +Dutchman.'" + +Eve laughed. + +"Splendid, Fred, splendid! You were right; we were all wrong. But he +was reported shot." + +"Reported be----" said Fred, checking himself. "Who believes reports? +Not me! We get too much or too little, and it came from a German +source; not good enough, says I, not half good enough for this child." + +When the trainer received Alan's telegram he chuckled, then laughed +heartily. + +"By Jove, this is grand! Won't there be a double distilled surprise +for 'em all. If he can get home--if? He must!--and ride, wounds or no +wounds--and he'll win, I can see him doing it--what a day it will be! +Not a word, not me; I wouldn't miss the shock of his appearance on the +course, in an unexpected way, not for a thousand." + +"Fred's a bit above himself," said Abel Head. "He's confounded cheeky +because his opinion has turned out correct. I never thought Captain +Chesney was shot, did you?" + +"No," said Tom Thrush, "not likely." + +"And Fred takes it all on himself. He goes about with his 'What did I +tell you?' until I'm sick of hearing it," said Abel. + +"The main thing is, the master's alive; nowt else matters," said Tom. + +"Heard from Jane lately?" asked Abel. + +"No; can't make it out," said Tom gloomily. + +"I hope it's all right with her. You were a fool to let her marry +him," said Abel. + +"What's the sense in pitching that into me now?" growled Tom. + +"I pitched it into you before it was too late, but you took no notice." + +"Do you always follow good advice?" asked Tom. + +"Maybe not, not always." + +"Then dry up about me. I'm sorry, Abel, sorry for my lass; but he'd +best behave well to her or he'll know about it," said Tom savagely. + +"Where are they?" + +"Don't know; haven't heard from her since they left Margate." + +"I'll tell you another thing, Tom. It's what I've always said, Carl +Meason's a German spy and it's my belief Jane's found him out." + +"If that's so and she has you can lay she'll give him away, it's her +duty to do it," said Tom. + +"Probably she will if he gives her a chance," was Abel's reply. + +"What chance? He can't interfere with her." + +"There's no telling what a man like that will do," answered Abel. + +To return to Alan Chesney, he was anxious in the extreme. His wounds +troubled him but he endeavored to shake off the feeling. He had no +wish to be invalided at home. He wanted the change on his own account +and for a particular purpose, to ride Bandmaster in the Steeplechase. +He applied for leave, which was readily granted, and was ordered not to +return until quite well. + +He told two or three of his brother officers why he was anxious to get +home and of course they were determined to have "a bet on" Bandmaster. +His servant heard the news and it quickly got about among the rank and +file. + +A vexatious delay occurred--one of those small but important matters to +be attended to at the last minute which are forever turning up at +important moments. + +Alan motored to Calais; and here again there was delay, no steamer +being available for several hours. He fretted and fumed about. If +this sort of thing continued there would be little chance of being home +in time to see the race, let alone ride. + +He passed a restless time but at last the boat started and he was +fairly on the way. All being well he would reach Little Trent in good +time on the morning of the meeting. + +None of his friends knew he was coming except Fred Skane, the trainer. +His brief telegram to Eve said nothing about it. She was overwhelmed +with joy to hear from him that he was really safe and well. + +Being a sensible woman she determined to celebrate Alan's good news by +taking a large party of friends to Trent Park to see Bandmaster win. +Fred Skane said to her: + +"I think he'll win, but I wish Captain Chesney was here to ride him. +It would be 'a cert' then." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +THE RIDER IN KHAKI + +A splendid four-mile was planned out at Trent Park, a real test for +chasers, almost up to the famous Aintree Grand National journey. There +were stiff fences, two water jumps, some plough lane, and excellent +going on grass. The horse that won would be a good 'un. + +Bandmaster had done a great preparation. The trainer did not spare +him; he had been over the course three or four times. + +Sam Kerridge's son Will was to ride in the event of Captain Chesney's +not being able to do so. + +It was a clear, bright, sharp morning, and from an early hour motors +and buses came by road. There was every promise of a big gathering +even without the use of train service. Keen sportsmen were not to be +denied the pleasure of such a meeting by any inconveniences they might +have to put up with. + +Eve Berkeley and her house party arrived in good time. Duncan Fraser +was one, he attached himself to Ella Hallam. She could not fail to +notice he was attracted. She liked him, his sterling worth appealed to +her and Eve was always singing his praises. + +Bernard Hallam was friendly with him. He was not at all displeased to +notice Fraser and Ella were on excellent terms. He was partial to keen +business men and such an one was Duncan Fraser. + +There were three events before the Trent Grand Steeplechase, but the +chief interest was centered in the big event, on which there was a lot +of wagering. + +Baron Childs was running Handy Man, a formidable steeplechaser who had +missed the Grand National by an ace on two occasions. He was fully +expected to make amends for two unlucky seconds at Aintree. + +There was an interval of nearly an hour between the third event and the +Steeplechase. The time was occupied in wagering and looking at the +twenty-seven runners. + +Bandmaster was favorite, the popularity of his owner had much to do +with this. An official account of Alan's mission to Brussels had been +made public, and he was the hero of the hour; much was given out but it +was guessed more remained to be disclosed. + +Apart from this, Bandmaster was regarded as a great horse. If half as +good over a steeplechase course as on the flat he must possess a great +chance. His speed was undeniable. If he proved a safe jumper nothing +would be able to live with him on the flat at the finish. Fred Skane's +opinion was known. The trainer had little fear of defeat. He said +confidently that Bandmaster would carry the brown and blue to victory. + +Eve Berkeley never looked better. Her cheeks glowed with health. She +was happy--Alan was safe, what else mattered? She was radiant. Baron +Childs did not conceal his admiration. She wore costly furs; they +became her well. She walked proudly because of her hero, the man of +the hour, the bravest of the brave. + +There was only one thing lacking. If Alan could have ridden Bandmaster +how glorious it would have been. + +The party from The Forest caught her enthusiasm and exuberance of +spirits. Their merry laughter rang clear and joyous. + +Captain Morby was there, paying a flying visit from the front to see +Bandmaster win. He had not met Alan since his return from his +adventure. + +It was half an hour before the race and a bustling scene took place as +the twenty-seven horses were put to rights. + +Riders hurried across the enclosure, stopping to speak to friends, +colors just showing through the half-open coats, for the air was +nipping. Most of them were gentlemen jockeys, five or six officers who +had won their spurs over stiff courses and had capped this by brave +actions at the front. Everybody recognized that racing, sport +generally, had much to do with the wonderful heroism displayed in the +war. + +Will Kerridge was anxious. He hoped Bandmaster would win. He wanted +the ride badly, but would have stood down gladly to let Alan Chesney +have the mount. Fred Skane said nothing to him about Alan's intention +to arrive home in time to have the ride on his horse. He was glad he +had not mentioned it now; he thought Alan was detained, that he had not +sufficiently recovered from his wounds to bear the journey. + +A quarter of an hour more it was hopeless to expect him and yet even +now Fred did not quite give up hope. + +He looked anxiously about, raised his glasses and fixed them on the +road from Trent Park house. Nobody was coming. After all, Kerridge +must ride--and win. He had given particular instructions how +Bandmaster was to be handled. The riding of the horse had been +discussed at the stud groom's house on several occasions. Sam was very +anxious his son should win. + +While the bustle and excitement was at its height at Trent Park a +powerful motor car was speeding along the high-road at top pace. The +driver was experienced and working under pressure, he had been promised +a liberal tip if he arrived in time. + +Behind sat Alan, endeavoring to restrain his feelings and keep quiet. +From time to time he looked at his watch and replaced it in his pocket +with an impatient movement. + +The car stopped with a jerk. The driver was out in a moment. Alan +followed. What was wrong? + +The tool box was relied upon. The man knew his work. In a quarter of +an hour the car moved on, but precious time had been lost. + +"We'll do it all right," said the driver. + +Alan doubted, but held his peace. It would be a terrible +disappointment to arrive too late. + +He must keep as calm as possible, excitement was bad for him, his nerve +had been severely tried. + +The landscape became more familiar with each mile passed. He was lucky +to be home again. He gave a few thoughts to his recent adventures and +was thankful he had pulled through. + +The Park appeared in the distance. A glance at the watch showed it +would be "neck or nothing," he might just do it. + +Something went wrong with the steering gear, the car swerved and the +front wheels stuck in the ditch. The driver was shot out and Alan +flung against the back of the front seat. The man was unhurt and on +his feet in a few seconds. + +Alan swore; he could not help it. + +"Lost by a few seconds," he said. + +"I'll have her out," said the driver, who was in the car. By much +display of skill and force he backed it out, fixed the steering gear, +and said: + +"Get in, sir, we'll do it yet. Is that the course?" and he pointed to +where the flags waved. + +"That's it," said Alan excitedly. + +"Is the going on the grass good?" + +"Yes." + +"Then I'll steer straight for it." + +The car bounded over the turf with occasional jumps. Alan held on to +the seat, no chance, the race was timed for three-thirty. The horses +must be going out. He hoped they would be late. Probably there were +many runners, a big field, and the weighing facilities improvised for +the occasion would not conduce to rapidity. + +Fred Skane took a final sweep over the Park through his glasses. He +saw the car, guessed who it was and, calling to Will Kerridge not to go +out on to the course for a minute, made a bolt to the entrance gate. + +The car pulled up quickly. Alan sprang out. + +"You, Fred, am I in time?" he said. + +"Just follow me," replied Fred as he ran toward the weighing room. + +"Get into the scales. Eleven stone," he yelled, then bolted to find +the stewards. + +There was a hurried consultation. Major Daven consulted for a few +minutes, then went to the weighing room. + +"God bless me--Chesney! This is a surprise," he gasped. + +"Can I ride Bandmaster?" asked Alan breathlessly. + +"Yes, of course; I'll tell 'em. They're not all out yet. God bless my +soul, this is a surprise! How do you feel?" said the Major, giving out +orders between gasps, sending attendants flying in all directions. + +"No time to change; I'll have to ride in khaki," said Alan. + +"And there's no better color," said the Major. + +"How about the weight?" said the trainer, stumbling and gasping. + +"All right; two pounds over weight," said the clerk of the scales. + +"Declare it," said Fred. + +"Two pounds over," shouted the Major; "up with it on the board, owner +up, don't stand there gaping. Bandmaster's the horse--fly! God bless +my soul, what a surprise it will be!" + +Alan pitched his cap in a corner. + +"You've spurs on, don't use them." + +"All right," said Alan. + +"And I say, mind the water jumps--they're stiff." + +"All right," said Alan as he was rushing out, the trainer on his heels +shouting hints and instructions. + +"Something's causing delay," said the Baron, noticing three or four +horses still in the paddock. + +Eve looked. + +"Bandmaster is still there," she said, "and Kerridge has dismounted." + +"There's a regular bustle round the weighing room," said Harry Morby. + +They saw attendants running in and out and Fred Skane hurriedly +appearing, making for Bandmaster. + +A buzz of excitement rose; inquiries were made; a feeling of suspense +was in the air. + +A man climbed up to the number board. Eve saw him. + +"A rider changed at the last minute," she said. + +Then she noticed Will Kerridge's name taken out and her heart almost +stopped beating. She trembled, became pale with excitement. + +"Good Lord, what's up?" exclaimed Mr. Hallam. "Shall I go and find +out?" + +"No occasion," said Harry excitedly. "Look!" + +A khaki-clad figure, a soldier in officer's uniform, much worn and +travel-stained, with no cap, came tearing out of the weighing room and +across the paddock to where Bandmaster stood. + +"By all that's wonderful, it's Alan!" exclaimed Duncan Fraser. + +"Yes, yes!" said Eve, and felt on the verge of fainting. She could +hardly believe her eyes. It was Alan sure enough, marvelous. How had +he got there? She quivered with the tumult of her feelings. The +surprise was too much for her, the exquisite joy of seeing him again +overcame her. + +Alan shook hands hurriedly with Will Kerridge. + +"Sorry to take the mount from you, Will," he said with a smile. + +"You're welcome, Captain; I'm right glad you came in time," was the +reply. + +Alan mounted and rode Bandmaster on to the course. + +"Who is the rider in khaki?" asked a well-known man. + +"Blest if I know. He's riding Bandmaster too." He turned to look at +the board. + +"Well, of all the wonderful things!" he exclaimed. "It's Captain +Chesney, the owner; he must have just arrived from the front in time." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +THE STEEPLECHASE + +Alan was recognized by scores of people, deafening cheers greeted his +appearance on Bandmaster. He walked the horse past the stand and saw +Eve and her friends. Stopping for a moment he waved his hand. There +was a flutter of handkerchiefs in response. Eve was a proud woman. +Her hero, everybody's hero, was there sitting his horse well, eager for +the fray, ready to show how he could ride. + +The horses were at the post as he cantered down. The starter wondered +why the favorite was late. He could not let them go without him. + +The riders looked at the khaki-clad horseman and some of them +recognizing him cheered wildly. + +"It's Captain Chesney," said Dan Rowton, rider of Handy Man. + +When he came up there was a general cheer and many of them expressed +pleasure that he was riding. There was no time to talk. Alan smiled +his thanks and took his place in the center. In a minute or two they +were off, Frosty going away with the lead. + +Alan's feelings can be imagined. He was excited, small wonder at it. +He thought how wonderful that he was there in Trent Park, riding in the +steeplechase. + +The tension of the motor ride against time strung him to the highest +possible pitch and he had not quite recovered from his wounds. + +How glorious it was to be on Bandmaster! How much had happened since +the horse won the Hunt Cup! Many startling events had crowded one +another in rapid succession. + +Bandmaster moved well. Alan was already on good terms with his mount. +The first fence was reached, not a formidable obstacle. All the horses +got over but three or four jumped wildly. Bandmaster flew it like a +bird. + +There were three spills before the stand was reached. As they swept +past there was much cheering. Bandmaster's rider was singled out for a +tremendous reception as the horse cleared the stiff fence in grand +style. + +The rider in khaki looked conspicuous among the bright-colored racing +jackets--hatless, his uniform well worn. + +They swung round the bend, then entered some ploughed land which found +out the weak spots. Two fields were crossed and the first water jump +reached. There was a wide ditch in front of the high fence; the water +gleamed in the bright light. + +Frosty refused and whipped round, causing three more to swerve out. +True Blue stopped short, then sprang into the water, where he remained, +much to the annoyance of many riders, but they managed to steer clear. +Alan let Bandmaster go. The horse made a grand leap, landing safely. +He was delighted at the performance and his hopes of winning were high. +The pace was strong, testing the power of the horses and already a +dozen were hopelessly out of it. + +From the stand there was a good view of the race and when Eve saw +Bandmaster clear the water jump in gallant style she cheered. + +"Beautifully done," said the Baron. "Captain Chesney has a real good +horse under him." + +He noticed Eve's heightened color and how excited she was. Her eyes +flashed and sparkled; there was more than ordinary interest in them. +He wondered if Captain Chesney were first favorite. + +"He is a splendid rider," said Eve. + +"None better," said Captain Morby. + +"He's handicapped heavily," said Mr. Hallam. "It will be extraordinary +if he can last out such a severe race after all he has gone through." + +"Wonderful pluck," said Duncan Fraser. "Always had." + +"I want to hear how he arrived in time. It will be interesting. He +must have had a race for it," said Ella. + +"And won on the post. I hope he'll win this race," said Duncan. + +The horses were almost out of sight as they passed some trees but the +colors could be seen dodging between them. When they were in full view +again Handy Man led, with Milkmaid, Picket, Fright, and Sparrow close +behind. Bandmaster came next, alone, followed by the rest. Seven had +fallen and there was a long tail. + +Handy Man was a grand jumper and Dan Rowton a good rider. The pair +seemed to get on well. So far the horse had not made a mistake. + +The last mile and a half was a severe test, the jumps being all stiff, +and the pace began to tell. + +A thorn hedge faced the field at this point. Handy Man flew it safely, +so did Milkmaid, Fright, and Sparrow, but Picket came down with a +crash, rolled over, flung his rider out of danger, and was struggling +to rise as Alan on Bandmaster came along. It was an awkward, dangerous +situation; a less experienced horseman might have lost his head. Alan, +however, was accustomed to act quickly in emergencies. He pulled his +mount to the left and just cleared the struggling horse. Picket, +however, was so near Bandmaster that he put him out of his stride; this +caused loss of ground and he fell back. + +Eve noticed the danger and gave a slight cry of alarm, followed by a +sigh of relief as she saw Bandmaster safe. + +"A narrow squeak," said Harry. "Nobody but a good rider would have +escaped." + +The pace was tremendous, considering a mile had to be covered, and not +more than ten of the twenty-seven starters were within striking +distance. + +It was a formidable mile to the winning post, a stiff fence, then the +water jump, bigger than the first, and two hurdles brushed in the +straight, the last being close to the winning post. + +Alan felt faint but kept hard at it. He was not so strong as he +thought. His wounds and all he had gone through sapped his strength. +He possessed indomitable courage, a stubborn will which stood him in +good stead. + +Bandmaster tipped the first fence but it did no harm and he raced after +Handy Man, Milkmaid, and Sparrow at his best pace. + +The water jump loomed in front a formidable obstacle. Handy Man +scrambled over, narrowly escaping a fall. Alan thought the Baron's +horse was about done. Sparrow fell. Milkmaid cleared it well. Alan +had a clear course and steadied his mount. Once over the water he had +a great chance, for on the flat Bandmaster had tremendous pace. His +eyes were misty, he could not see clearly, his head swam, something +trickled down his leg; the wound in his thigh had opened and was +bleeding. He felt Bandmaster rise under him, knew he was in the air +over the water, topped the fence, and came down safely; but it was +almost a miracle he did not fall off, he swayed in the saddle, it was +only by a tremendous effort he retained his seat. Bandmaster was a +wonder. Alan was not able to give him any assistance at the jump. + +The easy going on the flat gave him a chance but his eyes were dim and +his head ached. The reins were loose in his hands. + +From the stand it was easy to see there was something wrong with the +rider in khaki, and Eve became very anxious. Rapidly she thought of +all Alan had gone through and wondered if it were telling on him. If +so would he be able to ride his horse out, handle him skillfully over +two rather treacherous hurdles, they were the easiest jumps in the +course to look at. + +Everybody was excited. Alan's condition was palpable, he seemed +suddenly to have lost his strength and with it the control of his mount. + +Fred Skane looked on aghast. He knew the danger better than any one. +If Alan was spent, Bandmaster might blunder and there would be a nasty +spill. He hoped for the best as he watched with his feelings strung to +the highest pitch. + +Handy Man, Milkmaid, and Bandmaster were running in the order named as +the first of the two hurdles was reached. The Baron's horse was tiring +fast, and Milkmaid had about enough of it. Bandmaster traveled well +but did not gain much ground. + +All three scrambled over, their style being slovenly, quite different +from the early part of the race. + +Alan swayed in the saddle, then bent forward. It seemed every minute +as though he must fall off. It was a terrible strain on him after all +he had gone through. + +Eve was trembling with the intensity of her feelings, expecting every +moment to see him collapse--what mattered losing the race if he escaped +unhurt? + +Backers of the favorite were anxious. They sympathized with Alan, at +the same time thought it would have been better had young Kerridge been +allowed to ride. + +As they raced up to the last hurdle every eye was fixed on the horses. +Handy Man stumbled on to his knees as he landed, but Dan Rowton +cleverly kept his seat, made a fine recovery, set his mount going +again, and was deservedly applauded. Milkmaid landed clumsily, +staggering along for the winning post---beaten but in front. + +Bandmaster, with the reins loose in Alan's hands, pricked up his ears +and took off too soon. There was a moment of intense suspense; then, +as the horse crashed into it, Alan seemed to be roused to make a +supreme effort. He clutched the reins, held Bandmaster together, and +stopped a bad fall; the hurdle was knocked down but the horse retained +his feet. All three were tired but Bandmaster had most go in him for a +run on the flat. By degrees he overhauled Milkmaid, who had fallen +back, and passing her went in pursuit of Handy Man. + +The race became desperately exciting. Alan appeared to have had a +relapse after his momentary rousing, and gave Bandmaster no help. It +was painful for Eve to watch him. As she looked she saw a red splash +on the khaki breeches and exclaimed: + +"He's hurt! There's blood on him!" then sank backward. The Baron +steadied her in time. It was hardly a faint; she felt dizzy, and +quickly recovering thanked him. + +Bandmaster ran his own race. He seemed to know what was required, it +was exciting to watch him. + +Nearer and nearer he drew to Handy Man and Rowton had to ride hard. +The odds were in favor of the Baron's horse but Bandmaster, despite all +disadvantages, stuck to his guns and at last reached his girth. + +The cheering was loud, it gave encouragement to Alan, he sat up in the +saddle and urged his mount to make a final effort. + +It was just in time; another moment and Handy Man, driven hard by Dan, +would have won. + +Bandmaster drew level. The pair were head and head for a couple of +strides. The crowd watched breathlessly, too excited to cheer for the +moment. + +The winning post was only a few yards ahead. Alan saw it dimly and +held on to his work with grim determination. + +Bandmaster's head was in front, then his neck, in another stride he was +half a length to the good. As he passed the post in front of Handy Man +cheering broke out wildly. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +JANE'S DISCLOSURES + +It was a sensational finish. As Alan rode in he hardly knew where he +was or what had happened. He managed to get out of the saddle, +unbuckle the girths and carry it into the weighing room. He sank into +the scale; when "all right" was declared he staggered to his feet, +outside they were waiting for him. + +The crowd stood back, making way for Eve Berkeley and her friends. She +went quickly to Alan, took his arm firmly, Duncan Fraser the other side +helped him to limp along. The cheering was deafening, but Alan did not +notice it. When Eve spoke he made no reply. + +It was evident he was not in a condition to remain on the course. Eve +insisted upon taking him to The Forest in her motor; she said there +would be more comfort than at Trent Park because he was not expected +home. + +Alan was helped into the motor in a dazed condition. Eve and Duncan +Fraser went with him, She had her arm in his, pressing it +sympathetically, but he did not seem to be aware of it, or know where +he was. Before they arrived at The Forest he was asleep, they had some +difficulty in rousing him. + +In the dining-room he went straight to the sofa, threw himself down +heavily, and was asleep in a moment. + +"He's tired out," said Eve, placing her hand on his head. "He will be +better for a rest. We must take care the others do not wake him when +they return." + +They covered him with rugs. Duncan Fraser remained in the room while +Eve went to telephone for the doctor, who on his arrival said sleep was +the best possible thing for him and he must on no account be disturbed. + +Alan slept until the next morning, Harry Morby remaining in the room +all night. When he awoke he remained quite still for some time, +wondering where he was and what had happened. Had he been ill? If so +how long? No recollection of the race came to him; he fancied he was +at headquarters, but the surroundings were strange--much more luxurious. + +Captain Morby was asleep in the armchair; he had been awake most of the +night. Alan saw him as he lay on the sofa and recognized him. What +was Harry Morby doing here? He was not on the staff. Perhaps he had +been promoted. Gradually his faculties became cleared. The sleep had +done good, his brain worked, the dull sensation vanished. He sat up. +As he did so, Harry Morby awoke. + +"Better, old chap?" he asked with a smile. Then he noticed Alan +looking round and went on: + +"Don't know where you are, eh? I'll enlighten you. You're at The +Forest, the home of that most beautiful lady, Evelyn Berkeley. You're +a fortunate man to have won her sympathy so completely. By Jove, old +man, you rode a great race yesterday! But you were clean done up at +the finish and no wonder." + +"What the deuce are you doing here?" asked Alan. + +"I'm home for a few days, made up my mind to see Bandmaster win the +steeplechase." + +"And did he?" asked Alan. + +"Did he! I should rather think so. Don't you remember?" said Harry. + +"I have some recollection of a race. Did I ride him?" + +"Of course you did, but it took you all your time to stick on at the +finish." + +"I remember," said Alan. "I was pretty right till I got to the last +water jump. I don't recollect much after that." + +"No, I don't suppose you do. You were certainly dazed when you +dismounted." + +"And he really won?" + +"He did." + +"Bandmaster is a great horse, a wonderful horse," said Alan +enthusiastically. "I didn't help him a bit; he won the race on his +own. Tell me all about it." + +Captain Morby, nothing loath, gave a good description of the race. +Alan listened attentively, as though it were the first he had heard of +it. + +"It was a race to get there in time," said Alan, and described +hurriedly how he came from France and motored to the course. He stood +up, looked at himself in the glass, and said: + +"I'm a nice object. I want cleaning up. I'm smothered in dirt and +dust. What time is it?" + +"Half-past six." + +"Then we'll scrub before they're up. How did I get here?" + +Harry told him and added: + +"Miss Berkeley left me on guard for the night. I believe she wanted to +remain but thought it better not." + +"Come along," said Alan. "I'm for a tub; I feel a heap better now, +it's good to be home again after all I've gone through." + +"You'll have to tell us about your adventures," said Harry. + +"It's a long story; by Jove, old fellow, I wonder I'm alive!" said Alan. + +Eve Berkeley was down in good time, anxious to learn how Alan was. She +found the door open, looked in, there was nobody in the room. She rang +the bell. + +"Have you seen Captain Chesney?" she asked. + +Johnson smiled. + +"He's in the bathroom," he said. + +"You have seen him?" + +"I met him on the stairs." + +"What did he say?" + +"'How are you, Johnson? I'm going down for a tub. It will take some +time to get clean, but I'll try and be down for breakfast. I'm +hungry.'" + +"That was all?" + +"Yes." + +"Did he look ill?" + +"No, a bit tired. He's a wonderful man." + +"He is, Johnson; you are quite right, a very wonderful man," said Eve +with a bright smile. + +When Alan came down he found her in the morning-room. He held out his +arms. + +"Come to me, Eve, come! I want you badly--I love you so. I thought +once I should never see you again and it nearly killed me. I dreaded +the idea of never seeing you more than the danger or the bullets." + +She came; he took her to him and kissed her passionately. Johnson +discreetly closed the door, he was an admirable servant. They were +alone for an hour, a blessed time, more united than they had been, +their hearts beating in unison; they were one. + +Hurriedly he gave her a brief outline of his adventures. She listened +breathlessly. He was indeed a hero, a brave man, and he was hers; her +happiness was almost too much, she simply sighed and nestled to him. +He punctuated his tale with kisses. He ended by saying in determined +tones: + +"We must be married before I return. I can't risk it again, after all +I have gone through. I dare not. You will consent, Eve; you will?" + +She said yes and he was soothed and satisfied. + +"Perhaps it will be as well to tell them all at breakfast," she said. + +"All who?" + +She laughed and gave him the names of her guests. + +"What an ordeal!" he said. "Who will tell them?" + +"You must, Alan, and spare my blushes." + +Not much surprise was manifested when Alan made the announcement. +There was a chorus of congratulations; everybody thought it an +excellent match. Captain Morby said to himself: + +"I knew they'd do it, but they have been a long time about it." + +Alan had to relate his adventures in Brussels and Bruges. He thrilled +his listeners as he described his hair-breadth escapes on his return to +headquarters. + +He was not due back for a few weeks; during that time he and Eve were +quietly married at Little Trent Church, only a few persons being +present. They went for a brief honeymoon to the South and on their +return to Trent Park met with a great reception. + +Mr. Hallam arranged with Eve to remain at The Forest until his return +to Australia. He seemed in no hurry to leave England. + +It was during Alan's stay at Trent Park that Jane Meason surprised her +father by returning home alone. + +"I have left him," she said. "He has behaved shamefully; he is a spy. +I have found him out. I will never live with him again." + +"What's he done?" said Tom gloomily. + +"Many things. Abel Head was quite right: he is in the pay of the +Germans; I can prove it," said Jane. + +She was reticent and Tom did not get much information from her. He +found out, however, that Carl had threatened her if she disclosed +anything about his work or what he was doing. + +"What did he say?" asked Tom. + +"He told me if I got him into trouble he would do for me," said Jane. + +"We'll see about that," answered Tom angrily. "Threatened your life, +did he? Well, he'll have me to deal with first." + +Jane did not show any alarm at her husband's threats; for one thing she +did not believe in them. He might risk coming to find her at Little +Trent Park, at least she thought so. + +Tom told Alan what his daughter said. + +"I'll see her," he said, "and find out all about him. We'll put a +spoke in his wheel before long; if he's caught red-handed he'll be shot +and she will be well rid of him." + +"The Government ought to reward her," said Tom. + +Alan smiled; Tom was after the money again. + +"I have no doubt she will be recompensed for what she has gone +through," he said. + +Eve sent for Jane to come to Trent Park and persuaded her to tell Alan +what she knew. This she was willing to do; Alan was different from her +father, he was a soldier and had a right to know. + +Jane stated that Carl Meason had signaled to the raiders from his motor +car. She had no doubt about it; he did so when they left Margate. She +was sure of it now although at the time he gave a plausible explanation +as to why he showed two such large bright lights. She knew the +Zeppelins were guided by the signals he flashed; when she found out she +was frightened but later on after a quarrel she taxed him with it. +Carl was in a terrible rage, she thought he would have struck her. His +threats daunted her for a time and she kept quiet, but when she read +about the murderous bombs and destruction of innocent lives she +determined to disclose all she knew at the proper time. + +Alan and Eve listened to her story. They had no doubt as to its truth. +Carl Meason must be caught. Had she any idea where he was? She had +not but expected he would seek her out at the cottage. She had left +him a note in which she said she was going home and would never live +with him again. She handed Alan a document she had taken from his case +before she left. It clearly implicated him; there was no doubt he had +been in the pay of the enemy for months, that he had mapped out raids +for them, organized a system of spying in England. + +"This is sufficient to condemn him," said Alan. "You really think he +will dare to seek you here?" + +Jane said she felt sure of it. + +"Then we'll watch for him. He shall not escape," said Alan, but he was +doubtful if Carl Meason would run his head into a hornets' nest. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +A SPLASH IN THE DARK + +Carl Meason was angry because Jane left him, but he did not think she +would betray him. He was well paid for his villainy: large remittances +reached him by a round-about route. He was flush of money. He was +lost without Jane. She appealed to him. He did not love her but he +wanted her; she was his and he meant to get her back. + +There would not be much risk in going to Trent Park, he thought. He +had warned her he would be dangerous if she gave him away, that she +would come to harm; she seemed frightened by his threats. It was not +likely she would brave them. + +He understood why she left him, or thought so; it was because she knew +he undertook risks and might suffer as his accomplice if they were +caught. + +"She'll have to come away with me," he said. "I'll square her father; +it's only a matter of cash." + +It was some time after she left him he decided to take her away. He +wrote; she had not answered his letters. He cursed her for an +obstinate jade, vowing he would pay her out. + +Jane showed her father his letters and he duly reported to Alan, who +ordered a watch to be kept round the Park and near the cottage. Abel +Head, Tom Thrush and several of the men at Trent Park were special +constables. They thought it would be a feather in their cap if they +caught a spy. + +Carl Meason was cunning. He wished to find out how the land lay before +venturing there. He sent one of his confidential agents to make +inquiries. He returned in a couple of days, saying there were men +about, watching the place, evidently on the lookout for somebody. + +From this Carl gathered Jane had given information against him and flew +into a terrible rage. Come of it what might he decided to punish her +even if he ran risks. + +He made elaborate preparations for his journey, hired a small but +powerful car, disguised himself thoroughly. He was an adept at making +up. In New York he had more than once saved his life owing to his +skill. He knew the country well. He journeyed down in the daytime, +passing through Little Trent slowly, saw Abel Head at the door of the +Sherwood Inn, smiled as he noticed he was unrecognized. He went at the +same pace along the road leading past the wall where the door opened +near Tom Thrush's cottage. + +Jane heard the motor, opened the door, and looked out. So well was he +disguised that she failed to recognize him or the car. + +Motorists often went through the road in Trent Park and no notice was +taken of Meason and his car. + +It so happened that Alan and his wife were in London and as there had +been no signs of Meason the watchers relaxed their vigilance. Tom +Thrush was of opinion Meason had cleared out because he was in danger +of being discovered; and Abel Head was of the same mind. + +Jane felt safer. Perhaps he divined she had told of his doings and in +consequence he thought it safer to hide for a time. She was, however, +careful not to go far away from home, nor did she walk outside the +Park. There was no telling what a desperate man would do. + +Fortune favored Carl Meason. The night was dark, misty; a dense white +stream covered the park, strangely thick and wetting. Leaving his +motor under the wall some distance from the door where it was hidden by +creepers overhanging, he concealed himself in one of the thick +embrasures and watched. He was well protected by his motor coat, light +but warm and water-proof. + +He looked at his wrist watch. The illuminated figures showed it was +eight o'clock. He wondered at the pitchy blackness of the night, +unusual for the time of the year. + +Listening intently he heard the door latch click; then it swung back +with a bang. It was opened again and Jane called out: + +"Don't be late, Father. It's a bad night. I don't care to be left +alone." + +"I'll be back in an hour, my lass, and bring Abel Head along with me. +He's plenty of time on his hands with these new restrictions in force." +It was Tom Thrush's voice; he was going to the Sherwood Inn. What a +stroke of luck! Such a chance would not occur again. + +Carl Meason chuckled savagely as he heard Tom's footsteps die away in +the distance. Creeping out he felt his way back to the motor along the +wall, made sure all was right; the lights were low and covered by a +dark protection which entirely obliterated them. He had taken every +precaution and knew the way in the dark; he had only to keep to the +road and get clear away with Jane. Nobody was likely to be motoring on +such a night. He was still disguised. He wondered if she would +recognize his voice, he could alter it cleverly. + +He banged at the door as though he had stumbled against it in the dark. +Jane was nervous, more so than she had been since her return. The +noise startled her; it could not be her father returning, still there +was a chance. + +She listened. The knock came again, louder. She opened the cottage +door; the light from the lamp shone on the outer door leading to the +road. + +"Who's there?" she asked, bravely, although her heart quaked. + +"I've lost my way. I want to get to Little Trent," said Carl, in a +muffled voice. + +"Go straight on," she said; "it's not far." + +"Who lives here?" + +"Thomas Thrush, Captain Chesney's gamekeeper." + +"That's lucky; I know him. May I come in for a few minutes? I'm +tired." + +She hardly knew what to say. If she refused he could force his way in; +whoever he was, she thought it better to grant his request; it was a +bad night to be out. + +She opened the door and Carl stepped through. He walked into the +cottage. + +"Thanks," he said; "is Mr. Thrush in?" + +Jane hesitated a moment; then said: + +"He's gone out; he will not be long. You know my father?" + +"Quite well." + +Something in his appearance was familiar; she looked at him curiously. +His eyes fascinated her; they were like a snake's, the eyes of Carl +Meason, her husband, as she remembered them to have looked several +times. It suddenly occurred to her that he might be her husband +disguised; she was almost certain it was. What must she do? + +Carl watched her. He caught signs that she recognized him, he had not +much time to lose, he must make good use of it and act at once. + +"It's me, my lady; I see you know me. Why did you run away from me?" +he said. + +"What have you come here for in this disguise?" she said. + +"To take you away. I am running great risks, but I want you, Jane, and +I think you're worth it. You ought to be flattered." + +She must parley with him until her father and Abel were at hand. + +"I shall not go with you," she said firmly. + +"Oh, yes, you will; I think I can persuade you," he said, looking +threateningly at her. "You have given me away; that was not proper for +a wife." + +She said nothing. If only she could detain him. + +"Come, hurry up. Your father will not be back yet; he's gone to Little +Trent, I heard him say so," he said. + +"I will not go," said Jane. + +"You will, and now. There's your hat and coat. Put them on." + +"No!" + +He came toward her, looking terrible in his disguise. + +"You see this," he said, taking a large knife from his pocket, +unsheathing it. "If you do not come at once I will kill you." + +She shuddered. She knew he would do it; this was no empty threat. +Mechanically she took her hat and cloak and put them on. + +"If you cry out I will use it," he said, holding up the knife. She did +not speak. He took her by the wrist and led her out; she was not so +afraid now, probably it was the safest plan to go with him--she could +escape again. + +He pulled her rapidly along by the wall until he reached the motor. + +"Get in," he said, turning on the small inside lamps. + +Jane entered; she heard him fixing the starter; he got in and in a few +minutes the car moved. + +"It all depends on yourself whether you come out of this alive," he +said savagely. + +"Where are you going?" she asked. + +"Anywhere on to the main road; you can say good-bye to Trent Park, +you'll never see it again," he said. + +He intended to kill her when it was safe; she felt sure such was his +intention. Her faculties were alert. Was there a way out? + +Her heart gave a throb, her hopes rose; if she could make him steer a +wrong course. + +"You are not making for the main road," she said. + +"Oh, yes, I am." + +"You are not. If you upset the car you may be killed too," said Jane. + +He hesitated; she might be right, there were several roads in the Park. +He wanted to get away as quickly as possible. He had no head lights; +it was safer. + +"Which way ought I to go?" he asked. + +"More to the left." + +Jane knew the ground well; she could find her way in the dark almost as +certainly as her father. The car was nearing the road leading past the +moat and tower; it was not often used, but he would not be aware of +this in the dark. + +"To the left?" he said. "There's no road there." + +"Yes; a little farther on." + +"You can see?" he said in surprise. + +"I know the park as well in the dark as in the daytime," she answered. + +He thought this not improbable; her father had taught her woodcraft, +the ways of the forest and the park. + +"If you put me wrong you're done for," he said. "You'd better not play +tricks with me." + +"Why should I when you threaten my life?" she replied quietly. + +Her feelings were strung to the highest pitch; she was playing a +desperate game. She might lose her life, it was worth the risk. He +intended to kill her anyhow because she had given him away. + +He thought her thoroughly frightened; she would hardly play him tricks, +she dare not. He underestimated her courage. + +Jane peered into the blackness; she saw a faint line ahead and knew it +was the water in the moat. Her father had taught her to see water in +the dark--it comes easy when familiar with nature. Every sense was +alert; if she made a mistake he would not hesitate to kill her, for he +would know what she had tried to do. + +The car jolted. Carl said angrily: + +"We're off the road; what's your game? Take care." + +"It's all right--a short cut to the main road. That's where you want +to go?" she said. + +"The main road, yes." + +"I'll tell you in a moment; turn sharp to the right then," said Jane. + +The car went on. Jane's heart beat fast, her pulses throbbed +painfully. Would he do it, would he find out? It was an awful risk to +run. + +"Now," she said as calmly and steadily as possible, "to the right." + +Carl turned the steering wheel; the car swerved, bumped on the rough +grass; for a moment he seemed to lose control of it. He heard Jane +leap out; he could not see her. + +She had played him a trick; where was he? His brain was on fire. He +acted like a madman, wild with rage; he tried to stop the car. In his +fumbling haste he failed. + +There was a plunge, a great splash. + +Jane, bruised and shaken on the ground where she had fallen, listened. + + + + +CHAPTER XXX + +NEWS FROM HOME + +When Tom Thrush returned home alone--Abel declined to accompany him--he +found the doors open, the cottage in darkness, the lamp having been +blown out, and Jane gone. He called her, searched the cottage, took +his lantern and examined the garden. Somebody, a man, had been there. +He went out on to the road, traced footsteps along the wall until he +came to where the car had stood, then he knew it was Carl Meason who +had carried her off and given them the slip. + +Lantern in hand he followed the tracks easily seen in the damp dust +covering the road. He walked rapidly. When he came to the turning +leading to the moat he stopped and wondered what had taken him this +way. A feeling of horror swept over him as he thought Meason might +have had an object in taking her to the moat. This vanished when he +considered he would not know the way in the dark, but how to account +for the tire imprints? He followed them; as he neared the moat he +listened. Footsteps drawing near, light treading; not a man, perhaps +Jane; if so, what had become of Meason? + +It was Jane, moving slowly and painfully. He held up the light. + +"What are you doing here, lass? Where is he?" asked Tom. + +She stumbled upon him, knocking the lantern from his hand. She had +fainted. He laid her gently down and picked up the light, holding it +to her face. There was a cut on her forehead; he wiped the blood away, +saw it was not serious. She came round quickly. He helped her to her +feet. + +"How came you here?" he asked. + +"Carl came to the cottage. He forced me to go with him. He had a +car--he meant to kill me--it was his life or mine," she said, shivering. + +"Where is he?" asked Tom. + +"In the moat." + +He was bewildered, did not understand. Jane could not have pushed him +into the water. + +She explained hurriedly; he listened wonderingly. She was plucky, had +run a great risk. He gave no thought to the man. + +"I jumped out and fell on the grass. He seemed to lose his head; the +car rushed on--I heard nothing more," she said. + +"Then he's in the water and the car too?" + +"Must be." + +"Come home. I'll have a look round in the morning. If he's drowned +it's too good for him; he ought to have been hanged. Drowning they say +is an easy death." + +Jane went to bed and slept the sleep of exhaustion and excitement. She +was only a girl and had already gone through startling experiences. +Tom, leaving her, went to the moat early. He saw where the car had +fallen in; it must have turned upside down and probably Carl was pinned +underneath. He felt no compunction; he thought Jane acted rightly. +The man was a spy and a villain; she and the country were well rid of +him. + +When Alan returned he told him what had happened. The matter was +reported to the police and to the proper authorities. The moat was +searched; it was difficult to drag the car out but it was soon done. +Carl Meason's body was found pinned beneath, as Tom anticipated. + +The usual inquest was held and strange facts were brought to light. On +Meason's body were documents proving he was in the pay of the Germans, +and had given much valuable information which was used for raiding +purposes. + +Jane's conduct was extolled. She would undoubtedly have paid the +penalty of betraying his secrets with her life; there was no pity for +Carl Meason. He met his death as a traitor; had he been caught he +would have undoubtedly been shot. + +Jane was searched out and interviewed; Tom made a handsome bargain with +the representatives of a Sunday weekly; when she read the account of +her life with Carl Meason she was amazed. Had all these things really +happened? Was it possible? She pointed out certain extraordinary +statements to Tom, saying she did not recollect such things and was +quite sure she had told the newspaper man nothing of the sort because +they had never happened. + +Tom smiled. + +"He said he'd write it up, and he has. He's made a good job of it and +we've been well paid for it. I think he was entitled to lay it on +thick, considering the price paid," he said. + +"Did this all really happen to you, Jane?" asked Eve. + +"Some of it," replied Jane, smiling. + +"And the rest?" + +"It is a bit far-fetched; he must have a vivid imagination," said Jane. + +Eve laughed. + +"You have caused quite a sensation," she said. + +Alan went back to general headquarters in France. Eve was as happy as +she knew how to be without him, but there was the constant anxiety of +what might happen to him. + +Alan was not a good correspondent, and he had not much time for +writing. Eve knew this and was always glad of a few lines. He came +home at intervals for a few days at a time. + +Eve loved him and he adored her. Since their marriage he discovered +new and surprising traits in her and wondered how he had been so blind +as to risk losing her by his delay in asking her to be his wife. + +Bernard Hallam and Ella were still at The Forest. + +"When am I going back to Australia?" said Mr. Hallam in answer to +Alan's question. "I cannot tell you, for I don't know. It's not safe. +I have no desire to see how a torpedo works at near quarters. I am +much safer here, and The Forest is a delightful place. There's another +thing, I want my revenge." + +Alan laughed as he said: + +"Another couple of races with Rainstorm and Southerly Buster?" + +"That's it. They were on a level last time; you only just got home +with your pair." + +"Bandmaster has probably lost some of his paces," said Alan. + +"Didn't look like it when you won the Steeplechase on him," answered +Mr. Hallam. + +"By Jove, that must have been a race!" exclaimed Alan. + +"It was. Don't you recollect much about it?" + +"Can't say I do," replied Alan, with a puzzled expression. + +"It's funny; you must have been in a queer state." + +"I was. I say, Hallam, I believe I went off my head for a bit," said +Alan. + +"I won't contradict you, but the head's all right now," said Mr. Hallam. + +Fred Skane was consulted. He thought Bandmaster quite equal to +tackling Rainstorm again, and The Duke doing the same by Southerly +Buster. Both would be ready for the next Newmarket meeting if the +matches could be included in the program. + +Alan communicated with the Jockey Club officials and there was no +difficulty about it; the former matches proved such an attraction they +were sure to be an addition to the card. + +In due course the matches came off and on this occasion honors were +divided, for Bandmaster beat Rainstorm, and Southerly Buster beat The +Duke. Mr. Hallam would have been more pleased had Rainstorm won, for +he was his favorite, but Alan was delighted at Bandmaster's success. + +Duncan Fraser was a frequent visitor at Trent Park and always went +across to The Forest during his stay. + +Eve said she was "watching developments," but Alan laughingly answered +that, "Fraser is not a marrying man; he's in love with the brewery, +which is much more prosaic." + +"We shall see," said Eve; "I'm open to support Ella against business." + +Captain Newport, invalided home an exchanged prisoner, came to Trent +Park for rest and change. He sorely needed it and Eve looked after him +well, also Captain Morby, severely wounded, and several more officers. +In fact, Trent Park was turned into a convalescent home, with Eve in +command. Ella and some friends were willing helpers, and Jane came +every day to do what she could for Mrs. Chesney, to whom she was much +attached. + +Captain Morby said the man who could not make a recovery at Trent Park +was very far gone indeed. + +"I say, Newport, I owe you a uniform," said Alan, laughing, and told +him how he took his in the house of Jean Baptistine. + +"A fine old chap," said Vincent. "He did what he could for me; had I +been fit he'd have got me away safely." + +"I hear the old fellow's had his place blown about his ears but he's +still there. I am trying to smuggle him over here. I'll fix up a +small farm for him where he can settle down and try and be contented; I +think I can manage it." + +"That's good of you," said Vincent. + +"Not at all; he deserves it, he risked much to try and save me, he did +his best," said Alan. + +During Alan's absence in France, Eve had plenty to do at home. The +wounded officers took up much of her time. When not attending to them, +or delegating the duty to others, she went about the home farm, the +stables and the gardens, often visiting Sam Kerridge at the Stud, where +Alfonso was doing well and most of the mares were still in possession. +Alan's racing establishment had been cut down, but this was not to be +wondered at, and Fred Skane had an easier time than usual. Many of the +lads had joined up, and more were waiting for the call. Alan +generously granted them a portion of their salaries during the time +they served. + +Eve looked longingly forward to the time when Alan would be free again +and live always at Trent Park and where children to be born would +increase their happiness tenfold. She wrote him long letters, giving +all the news and local gossip, also everything concerning their home. +Her latest letter roused Alan's interest more than usual. + +"You see, I was right," she wrote; "Duncan Fraser asked Ella Hallam to +be his wife and she consented. I am sure it is a good match, so is Mr. +Hallam, and Ella will be happy. Once upon a time I fancied you admired +her, I mean were half in love with her, and I am not quite certain yet +that she has forgiven me for snatching you away. We were always meant +for each other, Alan; it was our destiny, and in this case it has +proved very kind. + +"And what do you think? Mr. Hallam wants me to sell The Forest to him +in order to give it to Ella as a wedding present. Shall I? Tell me. +There are many pleasant associations connected with it--the best, that +you asked me to be your wife there." + +Then followed news which caused Alan to exclaim: + +"By Jove, I am glad! I hope it's a boy." + +Eve continued: + +"And there's something else, another match. Will Kerridge has asked +Jane to be his wife; her second matrimonial venture will not be as +stormy as her first. + +"We are all well here, and my wounded soldiers simply love the place" +("and their nurses," commented Alan, "lucky beggars!"). + +"I never pass the steeplechase course but it recalls vividly to mind +that never-to-be-forgotten day when you won on Bandmaster--the Rider in +Khaki." + + + + +THE END + + + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Rider in Khaki, by Nat Gould + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RIDER IN KHAKI *** + +***** This file should be named 24804-8.txt or 24804-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/8/0/24804/ + +Produced by Al Haines + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/24804-8.zip b/24804-8.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..81befce --- /dev/null +++ b/24804-8.zip diff --git a/24804.txt b/24804.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0abf93d --- /dev/null +++ b/24804.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8320 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Rider in Khaki, by Nat Gould + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Rider in Khaki + A Novel + +Author: Nat Gould + +Release Date: March 11, 2008 [EBook #24804] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RIDER IN KHAKI *** + + + + +Produced by Al Haines + + + + + + + + + + +THE RIDER IN KHAKI + +_A NOVEL_ + + +BY + +NAT GOULD + + + + +NEW YORK + +FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY + +PUBLISHERS + + + + +Copyright, 1918, by + +FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY + + +_All rights reserved_ + + + + +CONTENTS + + +CHAPTER + + I. "WILL HE MARRY HER?" + II. TRENT PARK + III. "HE'S A SPY" + IV. THE AUSTRALIAN GIRL + V. ROBIN HOOD'S SPEED + VI. A FLYING FILLY + VII. A WALK AND A TALK + VIII. FRASER'S INFORMATION + IX. THE MAN UNDER THE LAMP + X. CARL MAKES LOVE + XI. THE BARON'S TIP + XII. A FINE FINISH + XIII. ALAN IS BLIND + XIV. INSIDE THE KEEP + XV. A SUDDEN PROPOSAL + XVI. JANE'S LOVE AFFAIR + XVII. THE LAY OF THE LAND + XVIII. TOM'S WEAKNESS + XIX. HALF A HEAD + XX. TWO STAYERS + XXI. THE RAID + XXII. JANE SUSPECTS + XXIII. ALAN'S DANGER + XXIV. TAKEN PRISONER + XXV. ALIVE AND WELL + XXVI. THE RIDER IN KHAKI + XXVII. THE STEEPLECHASE + XXVIII. JANE'S DISCLOSURES + XXIX. A SPLASH IN THE DARK + XXX. NEWS FROM HOME + + + + +THE RIDER IN KHAKI + + +CHAPTER I + +"WILL HE MARRY HER?" + +"Do you think he will marry her?" asked Harry Morby. + +"Does anybody know what he will do," replied Vincent Newport, +discussing their host Alan Chesney, of Trent Park, a beautiful estate +in Nottinghamshire, close to the Dukeries, Sherwood Forest, and the +picturesque village of Ollerton. + +In the billiard room they had just finished a game of a hundred up, it +was an even battle but Morby won by a few points; they were Chesney's +friends, captains in the same regiment--the Guards--from which Alan +Chesney resigned his commission some twelve months ago. Why he +resigned was best known to himself; they had not heard the reason; +nobody in the regiment appeared to have any idea. + +"She's a splendid woman," said Harry, with a sigh. + +"Granted, perhaps one of the most conspicuous of the reigning beauties. +It may not be a question of will he marry her but whether she will have +him if he asks her," answered Vincent. + +Harry Morby shook his head. + +"She'll marry him right enough. Why not? By Jove, Vin, what a +handsome couple they'd make!" he said. + +"Yes, but I doubt if it would be a happy union," said Vincent. + +"Good Lord, man, why shouldn't it be? They'd have everything they +wanted: money on both sides, estates close together, many things in +common, love of racing, sport in general, hunting in particular; +they're made for each other." + +"What about temperaments?" + +"All right in that way. No doubt there'd be some friction at times, +but very few married people go through life without jars." + +"Evelyn Berkeley has had one or two affairs." + +"Nothing to her discredit. She's always been allowed to have her head; +her father was proud of her in his way, but he was a selfish man, +thought more of his pleasures than anything, a bit of an old rip too, +if all one hears be correct. As for her mother--you know the +story--possibly Berkeley drove her to it." + +"Yes, I've heard it. Of course everybody blames her; they always do, +the woman pays," said Vincent. + +"Marcus Berkeley left her his riches; everything he had went to her. +She can't be thirty, at least I should think not," said Harry. + +"Is her mother dead?" asked Vincent. + +"I don't know; if alive she is not likely to come into her life again," +said Harry. + +Alan Chesney generally had friends staying with him at Trent Park; it +was a hospitable house, where everything was done well. His father was +a successful man, head of a great brewery firm, a wonderful manager, a +staunch sportsman, the owner of a famous stud, and a conspicuous figure +on the turf; his death was a blow to racing, his colors were popular, +and his outlay lavish. + +Alan Chesney inherited his love for horses and racing, but the immense +business of William Chesney & Company, Limited, did not appeal to him, +although the bulk of his wealth came from that source. It was a +disappointment to his father when Alan elected to go into the army, but +as he was bent on it he gave way on condition he resign his commission +when he died and become the head of the firm. This was the real reason +for Alan's leaving the army; there were others also weighed with him. +He had the makings of a good soldier in him but "the piping times of +peace," did not bring out his best qualities; there was more pleasure +than work and the calls of duty were not very arduous for a rich man. + +The manager of William Chesney & Company was Duncan Fraser, a Scotsman, +whose whole life had been spent in England, the bulk of it with +Chesney. An upright, honorable, keen man of business, Duncan Fraser +was a tower of strength in the firm. Force of character was stamped on +him; he was unyielding when he felt he was in the right, and many +tussles William Chesney had with him about fresh moves connected with +new departments in the company's procedure. The two men were, however, +friends, and had respect for the abilities they both possessed. + +It was Duncan Fraser's opposition to Alan Chesney going into the army +induced William Chesney to protest against it and give way only upon +the stipulation stated. + +"He is your only son, and his place is at the head of the firm when you +think fit to retire," said Duncan. "He has no right to neglect his +responsibilities, and he ought to be trained for the position; if he +goes into a crack cavalry regiment he'll never settle down to the work +here." + +William Chesney agreed with Duncan Fraser, but made excuses for Alan. + +"I fancy he considers you will be capable of looking after things when +I am gone," he said. + +"That's not the point. I'm capable now, but you are the head, and he +ought to take your place." + +Alan Chesney and Duncan Fraser did not agree well, the former knew of +Fraser's opposition to his joining the army and resented it as an +impertinence. + +"After all he's a servant of the company," he said to his father. + +"And the best servant a company ever had. He's a big shareholder too; +don't forget that important fact, Alan," was the answer. + +Duncan Fraser was a careful man; he had a large salary, and, being a +bachelor, saved most of it and bought shares in the brewery. When +William Chesney died he held the second interest to Alan, which gave +him considerable power. + +To do Fraser justice he always desired, was anxious, that Alan Chesney +should be the active head of the firm; but his disinclination for the +work threw more and more responsibility on the manager, and although +Alan was nominally the head, Duncan Fraser was the man everybody looked +to. + +Alan recognized this and resented it, although he knew it was his fault. + +Duncan Fraser had the tact to handle the situation delicately; he +treated Alan with almost the same deference as his father, but did not +consult him to the same extent, or take so much notice of his +suggestions. + +Fraser was a good-looking man, verging on fifty, tall, well-built, an +athlete in his younger days, a good shot and an enthusiastic angler. +He was a frequent visitor at Trent Park, and to all outward appearances +he and Alan were the best of friends; there was a rift in the lute +which they concealed. + +Alan was popular in the county, his liberality was great, appeals to +him always met with a response. His fine commanding presence made him +noticeable, his military training had done him good, he was strong, +powerful, a good boxer, and no man could ride better. Despite his +height and strong frame, he could ride a reasonable weight on the flat, +and over fences, and he often mounted his horses and those of his +friends. Exercise kept his weight down; he walked miles at a stretch, +through the glorious forest, or over his estates. + +He had known Evelyn Berkeley since she was in her teens, and when he +came home from Harrow, and she was at "The Forest" for her holidays, +they were often together; their love for the country was strong and +they explored every nook and corner of Sherwood Forest. + +When Evelyn Berkeley was five and twenty it was reported, with some +semblance of authority, that William Chesney, the wealthy brewer, was +anxious to make her his wife, that he would willingly have done so but +she refused him. There was truth in this, but the whole facts were not +known. Evelyn Berkeley liked William Chesney but she was very fond of +Alan, and it seemed to her ridiculous that she should wed the father +when she admired the son, although Marcus Berkeley strongly urged her +to accept the brewer's offer. + +"You'll be safe with him, Eve," said her father. "He's a good sort; he +idolizes you. Oh yes, I know you prefer Alan, that's perhaps natural, +but he's not sown his wild oats yet and you'll have a long time to wait +before you can get him to the post. You're young, marry William +Chesney, and before the bloom's off your cheeks you'll be the richest +and handsomest widow in the land." + +Evelyn Berkeley was very sorry when William Chesney died. He proved a +better guide than her father, and her refusal of his offer made no +difference in his manner toward her. + +Alan Chesney knew of his father's partiality for Evelyn Berkeley but +did not know he proposed to her, and the rumors of it had not reached +him. He admired Evelyn, but was not at all certain he loved her, and +so far had not considered it conducive to his happiness that he should +take a wife; he was fond of his freedom, of the bachelor life he was +leading, he did many things that would be impossible if he married. + +He had a habit of doing unexpected things, and this was the reason +Vincent Newport said, "Does anybody know what he will do?" in answer to +Harry Morby's question. + +Alan Chesney came into the billiard room. + +"Did you beat him, Harry?" he asked. + +"Just pipped him on the post," was the answer. + +"I'm just going to have a look at the horses; will you come?" he said. + +"Only too pleased," said Vincent, and Harry acquiesced eagerly. + +"Think we'll drive; horses are more enjoyable than motors--that's if +you haven't to go any distance." + +A pair of beautiful bays were brought round, the shooting wagon was +spic and span, almost new, the groom smart and dapper, everything in +perfect style. + +Alan handled the reins and they drove along the well-kept road in the +direction of Trent Stud. + +Their way skirted past "The Forest" and as they passed the gates Evelyn +Berkeley came out in her motor. Alan pulled up, she stopped the car, +and greetings were exchanged. + +"We're going to see the horses. Will you come?" asked Alan. + +She thanked him, said she had an appointment in Nottingham, and from +there had to go to Newark. + +"You'll be in town for the Derby, I suppose?" said Alan. + +"Yes. Are you running anything at the meeting?" + +"Three or four. Might pick up a race or two." + +"You'll not forget to put me on," she said, smiling. + +"Oh no, I'll not forget. I'll call and see you and give you all +particulars; shall you have a house full?" said Alan. + +"Half a dozen single friends and two married couples; you can stay with +me if you like, it will be quite proper," she said, laughing. + +Alan did not give a direct answer; he merely repeated that he would +call. + +"By Jove, she is handsome!" said Harry enthusiastically. + +"Not a doubt about that," said Alan placidly, as he touched the horses +with the whip and they went along at a fast pace. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +TRENT PARK + +Trent Park was a wonderful place; the house was modern, the new mansion +having been built by William Chesney, but the park was full of ancient +trees and there were some old buildings. A venerable keep, surrounded +by a moat full of water and only reached by a boat, there being no +bridge, was not far from the stud buildings. + +It was a picturesque spot and many visitors came to see it. History +attached to it, romance threw a halo round, there were many stories +associated with it, some true, others doubtful, the more doubtful the +more interesting. Murder had been committed within its walls in the +time of the first Edward; and even down to the Georges; it possessed an +unenviable reputation for dark deeds and mysterious crimes. + +It was used as a prison in the Tudor times and tradition said many a +man had been done to death there without just cause. + +Men employed at Trent Park in various capacities reported having seen +weird sights: shadowy, wailing figures, mostly women, flitting about, +even rising out of the moat where, it was said, bodies had been found, +or, to be more correct, skeletons. + +The villagers of Little Trent shunned it after nightfall; youngsters +were frightened into obedience by threats to bring the moat ghosts +after them. + +It was a round keep, built of massive stone, the walls ivy-covered, the +base green with moss, damp and age. + +A massive oak door studded with large-headed nails creaked on its rusty +hinges when opened, which was seldom. + +A visitor from New York received permission to examine the keep, tower, +and moat in search of historical data and facts. He stayed at the +Sherwood Inn at Little Trent. One evening he returned from his +explorations with a white, frightened face; when questioned he shivered +but gave no answers. He hurriedly took his departure and, from stray +bits of paper in the fire-grate in his room, it was surmised he had +burnt his copious notes about the keep, no doubt being terrified by +some ghostly warning to destroy them. + +The ruins of a monastery stood at the other end of the Park. A stately +pile of crumbling mortar, and stones shifting from places they occupied +for centuries. The outer walls stood and inside the square was a +keeper's cottage hidden in a warm snug corner, concealed from prying +eyes, unnoticeable until the ruin was entered. + +A curious place to build a cottage, and nobody seemed to know who put +it up or for what purpose the place was selected. It was there when +William Chesney bought the estate and it was a long time before he knew +of its existence. + +Tom Thrush, head gamekeeper at Trent Park, occupied it, living there +with his daughter Jane, a pretty girl of twenty, a lonely place for +her; yet she liked it and loved to wander in the woods and roam about +in the great forest bordering on the Park. + +Tom Thrush, for many years, was employed at Chesney's Brewery; it was +at his own request he was sent to Trent Park and installed as second +keeper and then raised to head keeper in the course of a few years. He +was a strange man, lonely, taciturn, passionately fond of his daughter, +and spent the bulk of his time in the forest, where he studied +wood-craft and the habits of all wild birds and animals. There was +something almost uncanny in the way he made friends with the wild +things of the woods and forests; no living bird or animal seemed to +fear him, and he taught Jane much wild lore and how to make friends +with the denizens of the woods. + +The preserving of game was strictly carried out at Trent Park and +thousands of birds were killed every season; in this Tom Thrush was +most successful, a prince among keepers. + +The Park abounded with massive oaks, and no doubt at one time had been +part of Sherwood Forest, and these were ancient trees that had been +spared when others fell. Centuries old some of them, with vast trunks +and huge gnarled, twisted branches which seemed to have suffered from +terrible convulsions of nature, been put on the wrack, as it were, and +come forth mutilated in a hundred deformities. + +There were deer in the Park, and white cattle, almost wild, sometimes +dangerous, they were confined in a strong ring fence. + +One part of the Park was laid out in paddocks for the blood stock, and +here the young thoroughbreds from the Trent Stud galloped about and +played their games until it was time for them to be broken in and sent +to the trainer. + +Well-kept roads ran in various directions through the Park, there was +plenty of water, a minor river running through on its way to join the +Trent. It was indeed a glorious place and Alan Chesney might well be +counted a lucky man to own it. + +His two friends had gone, after staying a week, and it was arranged +they should meet at Epsom for the Derby. + +It was seldom Alan Chesney was alone in the big house; many times he +wished it smaller, not so roomy, more cosy, in keeping with his +bachelor habits. There were parts of it he had only been in once or +twice. The long picture gallery he shunned, although some exquisite +modern paintings hung there. + +When he came into possession he had some of the smaller and brighter +pictures removed into the living rooms and the spaces were still left +vacant. The windows in this gallery overlooked the Park, in the +distance the keep could be seen, and farther away a corner of the +monastery. There were large reception-rooms, and bedrooms the size of +the ground floor of a small house. The dining-room was oak panelled, +the ceiling oak, and it was furnished with massive chairs and a huge +table. There was a great sideboard, carved by Gibbons, which cost an +enormous sum, carvings adorned the wood mantelpiece over the open +fireplace. It was a room in which fifty guests might sit down with +ease. + +Alan had his favorite rooms, the smallest in the house; his study was a +model of comfort, and there was another room opening from it which +contained all his sporting paraphernalia. There were guns of various +makes, over a dozen; Harry Morby had tested some of them and expressed +the opinion that a bad shot might kill birds with such weapons. + +A case of fishing-rods occupied one side of the room. Half a dozen +saddles, some racing jackets, bridles, dog collars, boxing gloves, +foils, whips, boots, spurs, miscellaneous tools handy for sporting +purposes. + +Pictures of racing and hunting scenes hung on the walls; there was a +life-like painting of Fred Archer, the beautiful eyes being perfect, +also another of Tom Cannon, Mornington Cannon, George Fordham, +portraits of Maher, Frank Wotton and several well-known gentleman +riders who were friends of Alan's. + +This was the room where guests were wont to congregate and talk over +the day's shooting, or discuss the merits of horses and jockeys. + +Alan had breakfast, and came into this room to read the papers before +going for his customary ride; he was always ready and fit to accept a +mount in a welter race, or ride over the sticks in the hurdle and +chasing season. + +He looked carelessly at half a dozen papers but his attention wandered, +he could not concentrate his thoughts on anything he saw, he read bits +here and there but they were not fixed in his mind. He tossed the +papers in a heap on the table, filled his pipe and smoked dreamily. + +There were a dozen servants in the house but he was the only occupant +of the owner's quarters. He did not feel exactly lonely, but he liked +somebody to talk with, and having been a few days by himself he wished +for company. + +Evelyn Berkeley was at The Forest and he thought he would ride over and +see her; she was always good company and he liked her, but she was +dangerously charming and he acknowledged he felt the influence when in +her presence. + +Why not marry her? He was sure she would accept him if he proposed, +and there was no woman more fitted to be the mistress of Trent Park. + +More than once he had been on the verge of putting the question to her +but something prevented him and he was rather glad he had escaped. + +Over and over again he had asked himself if he loved her and found no +satisfactory answer. + +He knew many of his male friends accepted it as a foregone conclusion +he would marry Evelyn Berkeley, and he smiled as he thought how they +discussed him and his matrimonial prospects. + +It pleased him to think she preferred his society to that of other men, +it flattered him when he recalled she might have been a countess had +she wished. He asked her why she did not accept the titled suitor and +she replied that titles had no attraction for her, that her mind was +made up; there was somebody she liked very much, he might ask her to be +his wife some day and she would wait. + +He rode several miles at a fast pace in the Park before turning his +horse's head in the direction of The Forest. + +As he was passing the monastery ruins he saw Jane Thrush. She looked +very sweet and winsome in her plain brown frock which matched the color +of her hair; she had no hat, and its luxurious growth added to her +rather refined rustic beauty. + +Alan was always courteous to women, and Jane was one of his favorites; +so was her father, he had a sincere regard for the sturdy, silent +gamekeeper. + +"Beautiful morning, Jane," he said. "You love to be out in the sun?" + +She smiled at him. How handsome he looked on his horse, and how well +he sat the animal! + +"I am going to Little Trent to buy a few things for the house. I +generally go through the wood," she said. + +"You and your father live quiet lives here. Wouldn't you like to be in +the village?" he asked. + +"Oh no. I love the old ruin, and the cottage is so sweet I couldn't +bear to leave it, and I'm sure Father would sooner be here than +anywhere," said Jane eagerly. + +Alan laughed as he replied: + +"Don't be alarmed, you shall live in the cottage as long as you like. +Do you ever feel afraid when you are alone at night?" + +"No; why should I? No one ever comes here, and there's Jack always on +guard." + +"Wonderful dog, Jack," said Alan smiling. + +"He is. It's three years since you gave him to me. He is my constant +companion." + +"He's a well-bred dog anyway; these black retrievers are hard to beat." + +"If anything happened to him I don't know what I'd do," she said. + +"I do," he answered. "I'd give you another in his place." + +"That wouldn't be the same at all," she said. + +"You prefer old friends?" + +"Yes, indeed." + +"Then I hope Jack will live a long time to be your faithful companion," +said Alan. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +"HE'S A SPY" + +Evelyn Berkeley was at home, instructions were given that Mr. Chesney +was to be admitted when he called. She greeted him cordially; he saw +she was pleased to see him. + +"You bring the fresh air in with you. I suppose you have been riding +in the Park?" she said, as she gave him her hand and a bright smile. + +"It's the best part of the day for riding. I wonder you do not go out +more on horseback, you are a good rider." + +"You really think so?" + +"Yes--really." + +"I have no one to ride with." + +"There's me, won't I do?" he asked laughing. + +"Oh yes, you'll do very well indeed, but I have to be careful; I'm a +lone woman and people talk." + +"Let 'em," said Alan. + +"That's all very well from your standpoint; you're a man, that makes +all the difference." + +"Not in these days. Women are taking a hand in most things, giving the +men a lead. They are independent; probably they are right." + +"Yes, I think they are, but still there are some things they cannot do; +women are more likely to be talked about than men, it matters more to +them." + +"Why should it?" + +"Because women are women, I can't give you a better answer," she said +laughing. + +"I met Jane Thrush as I came past the monastery," he said. "Pretty +girl, is she not? She seems to like her lonely life at the cottage, at +least she says so." + +"A very pretty girl, and a good girl," was her reply. + +"Do you see her sometimes?" he asked. + +"Yes, very often; she comes here when she likes, Hannah is fond of her." + +"You're lucky to have Hannah Moss." + +"I am; she's a treasure." + +"Been at The Forest for years, hasn't she?" + +"She nursed me, that's a long time ago." + +He laughed as he said: + +"Not so very long ago, Eve; we were playmates, I am not very ancient." + +"Well, it seems a long time since I was a girl and you a boy." + +"We were good pals." + +"Always." + +"And we are now?" he questioned. + +"Pals? Does that fit the case?" she asked. + +"I hope so; I trust it always will." + +She hoped not, she wanted a deeper feeling to develop. + +Alan looked well, such a fine healthy man, strong, athletic, and she +loved him; he little knew the strength of her feelings for him, how she +longed to be his, to be conquered by him, to feel his strength pitted +against her woman weakness. She kept herself in check, there was very +little outward show of her love for him, although sometimes it would +not be banished from her eyes, and they were beautiful eyes, eloquent, +expressive, and this morning as she looked at him the love-light shone +there, and he felt its power. + +She was a beautiful woman, he would not have been the man he was had he +not felt her charm. She was a woman well developed in mind and body, +her taste in dress was exquisite, she knew what suited her and declined +to be fashioned by her dressmaker. She stood facing him, close to him, +and his senses were intoxicated by her fragrance. The scent she used +was delicate, the perfume exquisite, it was peculiar to her; a very +dangerous woman when she cared to exercise her powers. + +"By Jove, Eve, you do look splendid!" he exclaimed with genuine +enthusiasm. + +She flushed slightly. It was a tribute to her charm and she accepted +it; there could be no doubt about his sincerity. + +"Do I look better than usual?" she asked. + +"You always look well, but this morning you excel yourself, you are +grand! I mean it. What a prize for some lucky man to win!" + +She laughed. + +"The lucky man has not come along yet apparently; I am near thirty," +she said. + +"At the height of your charms; you'll meet the right man one day and +he'll be carried off his feet and surrender at once, he'll have no +option." + +"Can't he see, oh, can't he see he is the right man! I'd fling myself +into his arms if he asked me," she thought with longing. + +"He will have to hurry up," she answered smiling. + +He remained an hour or so and then left. + +"Be sure and come to my house in town in Derby week," she said. + +"I'll be there. You asked me to stay." + +"Will you?" + +"I dare not," he said with a laugh, as he mounted his horse and rode +away. She stood on the steps watching; at the gate he turned and +raised his hat, she waved her hand, and with a sigh, went into the +house. + +Hannah Moss, at one of the upstairs windows, saw him ride away. + +"Drat the man," she murmured, "why doesn't he marry her; they're made +for each other." + +Eve went for a walk after lunch and her way took her to the village of +Little Trent. She was popular with the villagers, the lady bountiful +of the district, and gave with a liberal hand. + +Abel Head stood outside the Sherwood Inn as she came along, he touched +his cap, she stopped. + +"We're having glorious weather," she said. "I suppose you are going to +the Derby?" + +"Never miss if I can help," he replied. "What's going to win, Miss +Berkeley?" + +"Merry Monarch," she answered promptly. + +"No!" exclaimed Abel. "Who told you?" + +"That's a secret," she said laughing. + +"He's at a good price." + +"A hundred to eight." + +"I'll risk a trifle on him," said Abel. + +"Don't back him because I've told you," she said; "he may lose." + +"He belongs to Baron Childs; he's a straight 'un." + +"He's as straight as they make them," said Eve. "How's Richard? Have +you heard from him?" + +"Not lately, thank you for asking. I wish he'd not joined the army; +he'd have done better to stay here and help me," said Abel. + +"Why did he join?" she asked. + +"Got restless, I suppose and----" he hesitated. + +"And what else?" + +"He was very fond of Jane Thrush," said Abel. + +"And Jane did not give him much encouragement?" + +"That's about the strength of it," said Abel. + +"Jane is devoted to her father," said Eve. + +"No doubt about that, but she'll wed someday, and Dick's not a bad +sort," said Abel. + +"He'll make a good soldier, Abel." + +"Perhaps he will; he'll be a fighter, and it looks to me as though +there'll be a burst up before long." + +"You think so?" + +"Certain sure I do; there'll be no peace anywhere until the Germans are +licked." + +Eve laughed. + +"I understood we were better friends than ever with Germany," she +replied. + +"Some folks will tell you that, but don't you believe them, Miss +Berkeley. They're a nasty spying lot, I'd trust none of 'em," said +Abel. + +"I hope you are wrong, war is a terrible thing," she said. + +"So it is in a way, but we've been asleep too long, it won't do us any +harm to be roused up," said Abel. "There's a man staying at my place I +have my doubts about," he said mysteriously. + +"What sort of doubts?" she asked. + +"He goes by the name of Carl Meason, but he's a German, I'm sure of it, +and he's a spy," said Abel. + +She looked surprised as she said: + +"What would a German spy find to do in Little Trent?" + +"That's more than I can tell; probably he's spying out the land." + +She laughed. + +"What sort of a man is he?" she asked. + +"Not a bad-looking chap, talks well, but there's something suspicious +about him. + +"Does he speak with a foreign accent?" + +"No; speaks English as well as I do," said Abel. + +Eve smiled: Abel's English was at times a trifle weird. + +"Then I'm sure he's not a German if he speaks as well as you, Abel," +she said. + +"Now you're chaffing me," he replied. + +"Not at all; I am sure you speak very well." + +"If he's not a German he's a spy of some sort I'm certain. He's always +looking at maps, drawing plans, making notes and figuring up things. +It's my belief he's hit on Little Trent by chance and came to my place +because it's quiet and out of the way. There's something wrong with +him; if he's not German he's in the pay of somebody connected with 'em. +I'd bet my last bob he's a spy of some sort, and I'll keep my eye on +him," said Abel. + +When Abel went into the Inn he found a map spread on the table in the +room occupied by Carl Meason. He glanced at it and saw small pins +stuck in various places where lines were printed. Putting on his +glasses he saw these were road lines and noticed most of them in which +the pins were sticking ran from the coast inland; he had no time for +further observation, as Meason entered the room. + +"Rather a good map, is it not?" asked the man. + +"Should think so; I don't know much about maps," said Abel. "What's +all these pins for?" + +"I am a surveyor. I am going through some of the roads on this map; I +shall have to inspect them shortly. I came here to do my work quietly. +I daresay you wondered what I was at Little Trent for?" said Carl. + +"I have been wondering," said Abel. "So you're a surveyor?" + +"Yes; I'm considered clever at the work." + +"You're a Government surveyor?" asked Abel. + +"I am." + +"I notice most of the roads you have marked run from the coast inland." + +"That's my division; I am doing this for army purposes." + +"Oh!" exclaimed Abel. "For our Government?" + +Carl Meason looked at him quickly; Abel's face made him smile, he did +not look extra sharp. + +"I'm not likely to survey roads for army purposes for any other +Government," he said. + +"No, I suppose not. It must be interesting work." + +"It is, very; the more you get into this business, the better you like +it," said Carl. + +Abel left him bending over the map. When Carl heard the door closed he +looked up, a scowl on his face. "Curse the old fool," he muttered. +"Wonder why he asked me if it was our Government I was working for?" + +He rolled up the map carefully, ticking the place where he had left the +pins in red ink. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +THE AUSTRALIAN GIRL + +Derby week, London hummed and bustled with excitement. Sport was in +the air, racing; everybody talking about the great event. There were +thousands of visitors in the city; it was easy to pick out the +strangers. + +Evelyn Berkeley's house overlooked Regent's Park. It was some way out +of town, but she found this recompensed by the view, and it was easy to +get about in her motor. Alan Chesney called when he arrived in London, +before her visitors came. + +Conversation turned on the Derby and the Epsom meeting generally. + +"Merry Monarch is my tip," she said. "I had it from the Baron; he +fancies his horse tremendously." + +"It would be a popular win," answered Alan. + +"Have you heard anything?" + +"The tip at the club last night was Gold Star," he said. + +"The favorite?" + +"A very hot favorite. I fancy he'll be even money on Wednesday. Have +you known Baron Childs long?" + +"Some months; I was introduced to him at Goodwood last year, in fact he +was one of the house party at Colonel Buxton's." + +"Very rich man, is he not?" asked Alan. + +"A millionaire I believe; he is very unassuming, I like him," she said. + +Alan smiled as he said: + +"He is a bachelor, the head of a great banking firm, I wonder he does +not marry." + +"He has a wide choice, many lovely women would be glad of a chance to +accept him." + +Alan wondered if the Baron had given a thought to Evelyn Berkeley; it +was highly probable. + +"The all-scarlet jacket has won many big races but not a Derby; perhaps +it's his turn this year," said Alan. + +"I hope so, I have backed Merry Monarch," she said. + +"I called to give you some information about my horses. I am likely to +win three races, so my trainer says, and he is not an over-confident +man." + +"Lucky fellow, three races in Derby week; your colors will be worth +following." + +"On the opening day Robin Hood should win the Epsom Plate," said Alan. + +"That will be a good beginning. We shall all have our pockets filled +for Derby Day," laughed Evelyn. + +"He's a pretty good horse, make a note of him." + +"I shan't forget, no need to write down the names of your horses," she +replied. + +"The Duke has a big chance in the Royal Stakes; I have a first-class +two-year-old running in the Acorn Stakes. It will be her first +appearance; she's a splendid creature, a real beauty," said Alan. + +"That's Robin Hood, The Duke, and what's this wonderful two-year-old's +name?" + +"Evelyn," he replied. + +Of course she knew it was named after her and she was gratified. + +"Oh, Alan!" she exclaimed, "that's splendid of you." + +"If she were not a real flyer, with every prospect of winning at the +first time of asking, I'd not have named her Evelyn. I waited until +Skane pronounced her one of the best before risking it," he said. + +"And you think she'll win?" asked Evelyn. + +"I shall be very disappointed if she fails. With such a name she can't +fail," he said, smiling. + +Alan stood near the window; he saw a lady coming up the walk. + +"A visitor," he said. "I'll be off." + +Evelyn laughed. + +"It is Ella Hallam; I don't think you have met her. She's an +Australian girl, I went to school with her. She returned to Sydney +when she finished her education, and only came to London a month ago. +We have corresponded regularly. I like her very much; perhaps you may +have heard me speak of her." + +"I don't think I have," he said. + +"Please don't go, I want to introduce you. She is coming to stay with +me at The Forest when the Epsom meeting is over; her father races in +Australia, I believe he once won the Melbourne Cup," she said. + +Ella Hallam came into the room. When she saw Alan she said: + +"I did not know you had a visitor. I ought to have asked. It is rude +of me." + +"Alan Chesney is an old friend," said Eve. "Allow me to introduce you." + +They shook hands, their eyes met, and Ella Hallam felt something in her +life was changed from that moment; as for Alan, he seemed quite +unconscious he had created any interest out of the common. + +"Yes, I come from Sydney," replied Ella, in answer to his question +about Australia. + +"And your father owns racers?" he asked. + +"Yes; racing is his chief amusement. He's always saying it is a very +expensive hobby, and exhorts me to economize in order that he may keep +things going," she replied, laughing. "He is coming to England. I +expect him in about a month. He may bring one or two horses, he was +thinking of doing so I know. He has a very high opinion of our +thoroughbreds, thinks they are equal to your best." + +Alan laughed as he replied: + +"I have seen some of your horses run here. They are good, but equal to +our best, no; at least I do not think so. I have two I'd like to match +against any colonial-bred horse." + +"Perhaps my father will give you a chance if he brings Rainstorm," she +said. + +"Is he a good horse?" + +"Rather, he won the Melbourne Cup," she replied. + +"Then I shall be taking something on if I tackle him?" he said. + +"You will--and you'll be beaten," she answered confidently. + +He shook his head. + +"I do not think so," he replied. + +"Mr. Chesney hopes to win three races at Epsom this week," said Eve. +She spoke sharply, she thought they were having the conversation to +themselves. It was evident they would soon be on a very friendly +footing if sufficient opportunity offered. + +"I'd love to see your horses win--and back them," said Ella, still +speaking to Alan. + +Eve looked at Alan, something in her expression warned him she was not +in the best of tempers--why? + +He spoke to her, answering Ella's remark. + +"I am glad your friend will be pleased to see my horses victorious," he +said. + +"It would be strange if she were not, especially as she says she will +back them--eh, Ella?" said Eve. + +"And you? You will back them?" she asked. + +"Of course; he has just given me the tips, that is what he called +about," said Eve. + +"And also to see you," thought Ella. + +"What do you think of Mr. Chesney?" asked Eve when Alan left. + +"He's a very good-looking man and I should think extremely agreeable +and excellent company. Is he an old friend?" said Ella. + +"We have known each other since we were children." + +"My goodness, how jolly! And I suppose you are quite chums still," +exclaimed Ella. + +Eve laughed as she replied: + +"We are staunch friends. His estate joins my little place where you +are coming to stay with me," said Eve. + +"I shall have opportunities of meeting him," thought Ella. "You must +see him often?" she said aloud. + +"Oh, yes; sometimes two or three times a week. He calls when he likes +and I am always at home to him." + +"It must be ripping to have a man friend like that; no silly sentiment, +no love business about it; but he would be blind if he did not admire +you, Eve," she said. + +Eve laughed. She wondered what Ella would think if she knew how she +loved Alan, loved him desperately. + +"I don't think love has ever entered into his calculations in +connection with me," she said. + +"But he must admire you, he couldn't help it," said Ella heartily. + +"I daresay he does. He has an eye for beauty in women and horses." + +"Couples them together, does he," said Ella; "and probably prefers the +four-legged creatures." + +"He looked you over pretty well," said Eve. + +She blushed slightly as she replied: + +"I didn't notice it. Do you think he was satisfied with the scrutiny?" + +"It's hard to tell when he's pleased, he takes everything as it comes, +but I think he has decided in your favor." + +"Do you? That's rather good of him, most condescending," said Ella. + +Next day they went to Epsom. There was a party of ten, a merry lot; +there was no mistaking they were on pleasure bent and on good terms +with themselves. + +Eve had a box. She always did things well, and took care when she went +racing she was comfortable and had plenty of elbow-room. Alan came +into the box after the first race; he was cordially greeted. + +"I expect Miss Berkeley has told you Robin Hood is likely to win the +Epsom Plate," he said. + +"Yes, we've got the straight tip," said one of the party. + +"I can confirm it, you can put a bit extra on him, it's a real good +thing," he said with a laugh. + +He stood close to Ella, his arm touched hers, she felt a thrill; +turning to him she said: + +"What a strange place Epsom is! Such a crowd, and there's no comfort; +we're all right here, thanks to Eve, but over there it's horrible," and +she pointed to the hill. + +"There will be twice as many people to-morrow," he said. "Perhaps +three or four times as many; Derby Day is one of the sights of the +world, it is never equalled anywhere." + +"We can beat you at Flemington," she replied, "and Randwick. Not so +many people, but as for comfort, well, you simply don't know what it is +here. Where's the paddock?" she asked, looking round. + +"Over there," said Alan, pointing in that direction. "Would you like +to go? There's more room to-day, it will be crowded to-morrow. It's +rather a good paddock, when you get to it, picturesque." + +"I should like to see it very much." + +"Then I'll take you there," he said, and turning to Eve asked: + +"Are you going to the paddock?" + +"It's hardly worth while. We'll go to-morrow and see the Derby +horses," she said. + +"Miss Hallam wishes to see it. I'll just take her and bring her back +safely; we shan't be long. Come along," he said to Ella. + +"You don't mind?" said Ella to Eve as they passed. + +"Not at all; why should I?" was the sharp reply, and from her tone Ella +gathered she did mind, and felt mischievous. + +"I'll take good care of her," said Alan. + +"No doubt," said Eve quietly. + +"What a trouble it is to get there!" said Ella as Alan led her through +the crowd. + +"Yes, a bit bumpy, but they're a good-natured lot, although a trifle +rough." + +There were not many people in the paddock. Alan pointed out The +Duddans and other points of interest. + +"Come and see Robin Hood and tell me what you think of him," he said. + +"Where is he?" + +"Over there." + +"Surrounded by his merry men," she said, laughing, as she saw a dozen +or more people looking at the horse. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +ROBIN HOOD'S SPEED + +Among the group looking at Robin Hood was Harry Morby. Alan introduced +him to Ella, he thought her very attractive. + +"He's a beauty," said Ella, as she patted the horse's neck. + +"And he'll win the Plate," said the trainer. + +"Your team looks like playing a strong part this week," said Harry. + +"I hope so," replied Alan, who took the trainer on one side. + +"So you're an Australian?" said Harry. + +"Yes, I hail from Sydney. I was educated here, at the same school as +Miss Berkeley. She has invited me to stay with her at The Forest." + +"That's jolly for you, she's one of the right sort, everybody likes +her." + +"Including Mr. Chesney?" + +Harry laughed as he replied: + +"We, that is Alan's male friends, think it will be a match in time. +They are great friends and much together." + +"It is not to be wondered at, she is a beautiful woman," said Ella. + +"Very; it is strange she has not married." + +"Perhaps she is waiting until Mr. Chesney asks her." + +"Pity he can't make up his mind," said Harry, smiling. + +"You think he'll win, Fred?" said Alan to his trainer. + +"Haven't much doubt about it; here's Tommy, ask him," was the reply. + +Tommy Colley was Alan's jockey. He came up wearing the brown jacket, +with blue sleeves and cap--the Chesney colors. He was one of the old +school, rode with longer stirrups than the modern jockeys, although he +had in a measure conformed to the crouching seat. Alan's friends +wondered why he stuck to Tommy, some of them considered he was getting +past it, but Alan had a knack of keeping to old hands who had done him +good service. In business this caused many a split with the manager, +Duncan Fraser. + +"Like his chance, Tommy?" asked Alan, looking at Robin. + +"Very much. I rode him in his gallop, he ought to win; and that filly +of yours is a hummer," said the jockey enthusiastically. + +"And The Duke?" + +"Good, but Evelyn and Robin Hood are better." + +"Is this your jockey?" asked Ella. + +"Yes; Tommy, this is Miss Hallam, an Australian, a friend of Miss +Berkeley's." + +"They bring some good horses from Australia," said Tommy. + +"And probably my father will have two or three of the best when he +arrives," she said. + +There was little time to spare and they returned to the stand, Harry +Morby with them. + +Having seen Ella to the box Alan went with Harry to the ring. The +second race was over and the numbers had been called out for the Epsom +Plate; the bookmakers were already shouting the odds. + +"Craker's horse is a hot pot," said Harry, "there'll be danger in that +quarter. When Peet puts his money down he generally has good reason +for it." + +Peet Craker was a big bookmaker, owner of horses, a heavy bettor on his +own animals; he had an enormous business on the course and off. + +The horse in question was Bittern, a champion over seven furlongs, he +could not quite stay the mile, and he was conceding ten pounds to Robin +Hood. + +Alan knew Craker well, the bookmaker often did business with him and +for him. Sometimes he went to Trent Park. He was a man of good +education, there was no coarseness about him. + +"Your horse is favorite, Peet," said Alan. + +"He has a big chance if he can beat yours," was the reply. + +"Ten pounds is a lot to give Robin Hood over seven furlongs," said Alan. + +"My fellow's very well." + +"So is mine." + +"I'll save a monkey with you," said the bookmaker. + +"All right, I'm agreeable," was Alan's reply. + +Peet Craker looked at him as he walked away. + +"Wonder if Robin Hood is as good as Skane thinks," he muttered. "If he +beats Bittern he's a good 'un. I'll stand mine, but I'm glad we're +saving a monkey." + +Alan put money on freely when he fancied his horses, but he seldom bet +on other people's. He backed Robin Hood to win a large sum. Having +finished his business in the ring he returned to Evelyn's box with +Harry Morby. + +The horses got away as they entered; a black jacket, white sash and +cap, in front. + +"Peet's luck's in, that's Bittern," said Alan; "a good start makes all +the difference over this distance." + +The field came down the slope at a great pace. There were fifteen +horses; in the center was Robin Hood, he seemed to be hemmed in. + +Tommy was savage. Not only had Robin Hood been kicked at the post, but +also badly bumped and knocked out of his stride when they were going. +He used forcible language to the offending jockey, who retaliated in +kind. + +Bittern liked to make the running, and his rider, Will Gunner, knew his +mount well. He had not the slightest doubt about winning; everything +was in the horse's favor. Peet Craker looked through his glasses, saw +his colors a couple of lengths in front, and lowered them, quite +satisfied. + +At the foot of the slope Bittern still led, followed by Lantern, Topsy, +and Retreat; Robin Hood seemed out of it. + +"Rotten luck, Alan," said Harry. "He was knocked about at the start." + +"Was he? I didn't see it," he replied. + +"He's coming now!" said Ella excitedly. + +"So he is!" said Eve. "He has a chance yet." + +Alan smiled as he said: + +"It's remote. He's a greater horse than I think if he can win." + +Tommy Colley's hopes revived. Robin Hood was going great guns, his +speed was tremendous. In a second or two he ran into third place, then +going on he came behind Bittern, and Will Gunner scented danger. The +two jockeys were old rivals, and great friends. Gunner's style was the +crouch seat for all it was worth; he often chaffed Tommy about his long +legs. The different attitudes of the two were apparent as they joined +issue at the distance. + +Robin Hood never flinched under the whip, and sometimes required a +reminder that a little extra exertion was required. Tommy gave him a +couple of sharp cuts, and the brown and blue drew level with the black +and white. + +Both jockeys were hard at it. Bittern was game, but the ten pounds he +was giving away began to tell. + +In Evelyn's box there was much excitement, the finish being watched +with breathless interest. Neck and neck the pair raced, and the +struggle was continued up to the winning-post. Nobody knew which won +until Robin Hood's number went up. + +There followed congratulations all round. The party had won, there was +much jubilation. + +In the evening Alan came round to Regent's House and found bridge in +full swing; he cared little for cards. Evelyn, who was playing, +greeted him with a smile; so did Ella, who sat at the same table as her +hostess. + +Later on there was music. Ella had a fine voice, she sang well, there +was evidence of careful training. Evelyn played as few amateurs play, +and as an accompanist she was hard to equal. + +"Thanks so much," said Ella. "You play splendidly." + +"And your singing is lovely," answered Eve. + +Ella received the compliments modestly. She knew she sang well and +there was no hesitation when asked. She found herself talking to Alan; +Evelyn was distributing her conversation among her guests. She knew +how to play the hostess, and it was easy to see how popular she was; +the men gathered round paying court to her. She saw Alan and his +companion at the head of the card-room and frowned slightly. Harry +Morby saw the direction of her glance, noted the expression of her +face, and thought: + +"Alan's making a mess of it. Can't he see she loves him? He must be +blind if he can't. She'll be taking on somebody else just to show him +she doesn't care, but she does very much indeed." + +It was not a late night. Evelyn said they must be fresh for Derby Day. + +Ella bade Evelyn good-night as she was about to enter her room. + +"I hope you have enjoyed your day," said Eve. + +"Very much indeed. How well you do everything!" answered Ella. + +"Glad you think so. Do you know, Ella, I fancy you've made a conquest!" + +"I haven't had much time," was the laughing reply, "but I don't mind +telling you I'm out for conquest if I come across the right man. I +have Dad's permission; he thinks I shall be left on his hands, and I +don't wish to be a burden to the poor dear." + +She spoke lightly, but Eve thought she meant more than she intended to +convey. + +"Mr. Chesney admires you I am sure," she said. + +"You're quite wrong, my dear; he has eyes for nobody but you. I +noticed it when he was talking to me to-night," said Ella. + +As Evelyn had seen Alan much interested in Ella's conversation, and +never had a glance from him, she had her doubts about this. + +"Don't talk nonsense," she answered. "You know very well you occupied +the whole of his attention, and one can't blame him; you are really +very charming, and looked quite winning to-night." + +Eve went along the corridor and Ella entered her room. She sat in an +easy-chair thinking over the events of the day. The scene at Epsom, +the racing, the excitement of winning did not occupy her; Alan Chesney +predominated to the exclusion of all else. From the first he had +roused her interest, if not something deeper. She found it easy to +tread love's way where he was concerned; she would race along it in her +gladness of heart hoping to win the prize in the end. He had already, +in so short a time, shown her many little attentions. It was his way +with women, but she accepted it exclusively for herself. That evening +he had been interested in what she said; she had been frank and candid, +telling him freely about herself and it had not bored him. She was in +doubt as to how he felt toward Eve. He did not show any special +feeling toward her, of that she was sure, yet some men conceal their +thoughts admirably. When she came to consider Eve it was different; +they were friends, comrades of many years' standing; she was Eve's +guest, had been invited to The Forest to spend some weeks. It would +never do to come between Eve and Alan Chesney if--if there was anything +between them. She hoped there was nothing, but was not sure. She +tried to persuade herself Chesney was nothing more to Eve than a good +friend, but in this she failed. She was almost sure Eve loved him, and +if so she must not attempt to rival her. She smiled, a little sadly, +as she thought it would be a difficult matter for any woman to rival +Eve in the affections of a man; also she had a conscience, and it was +apt to be particular on questions of principle. + +It was Derby Day to-morrow, there was no reason why she should not look +at her best, so, like a sensible woman, she went to rest. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +A FLYING FILLY + +A great crowd at Epsom, a Derby Day crowd bent on enjoyment and backing +winners. Ella gazed at the wonderful scene in astonishment; it was +different from anything she had seen. + +It was not a new sight to Eve, and she smiled at her friend's amazement. + +"I never expected anything like this," said Ella. + +"Is it equal to a Melbourne Cup crowd?" asked Eve. + +"More people, of course; but it is quite different." + +"In what way?" + +"I hardly know, everything is different, the course, the people, the +stands, the ring, that seething mass down there," and she pointed to +Tattersalls. + +"Wait till you see the favorite's number go up, then there'll be +something to look at," said Alan. + +"Is Merry Monarch favorite?" she asked. + +"No, Gold Star and he'll about win." + +"Don't you believe him," said Eve, "he's deceiving you; my tip will +win, Merry Monarch, I had it straight from the Baron." + +"Who's the Baron?" asked Ella. + +"A great admirer of Eve's," said Alan. + +"Is that true?" asked Ella. + +"Mr. Chesney states it as a fact; I am not aware of it," was the reply. + +They went into the paddock and inspected some of the horses, but the +crush was so great they were glad to return to the box. + +Half an hour before the great race there was a scene of unparalleled +excitement, for there had been much wagering for some weeks and several +of the runners were heavily backed. Orbit came with a rush in the +market and touched four to one; Merry Monarch was at eights, a good +price, for the Baron was a popular idol with the public. + +Nothing, however, shook the position of Gold Star, who was firm as a +rock, and Alan accepted five to four about him in thousands; somehow, +he was not inclined to save on Merry Monarch, was it because the Baron +had given Eve the tip? + +The parade was interesting; the new colors of the sixteen riders +flashed in the sun, the horses' coats shone like satin. + +Gunner was on the favorite. Tommy Colley rode Orbit, Ben Bradley Merry +Monarch. He was a great horseman, quite at the top of the tree. His +finishes were superb, he had snatched many a race out of the fire--on +the post. + +Nothing looked better than the Baron's horse as they went past on the +way to the post; the scarlet jacket glided along quickly, heading the +others. Gold Star and Orbit were much fancied. Curlew, Halton, and +Sniper had friends. Postman was the outsider, a two-hundred-to-one +chance; only a few pounds went on him for the sake of the odds. + +Thousands of people watched the horses, little dreaming that in another +twelve months Epsom Downs would be vacant on Derby Day and wounded +soldiers the only occupants of the stand, turned into a hospital. +There was, however, a shadow of war over the land, and rumors had been +ripe for some time that all was not well. Nobody on this wonderful +day, however, anticipated the storm would burst so soon. There had +been false alarms before, rumblings of thunder from Europe, but the +country was lulled with a sense of security which events completely +shattered. Hundreds of men watching the Derby were lying dead on the +battlefields before twelve months had passed. + +The race commenced, and after a roar of "They're off!" the shouting +ceased, there was a peculiar stillness for a few moments, then the +hubbub broke out again, gradually increasing as the horses came along. + +"What's that in white?" asked Eve. + +"Postman, a two-hundred-to-one chance," said Alan. + +The outsider was lengths in front, his jockey had been instructed to +come right away and do the best he could. It was a forlorn hope, such +tactics were more likely to succeed than others because they would not +be anticipated. + +Gold Star and Merry Monarch were racing together in good positions; so +were Orbit and Curlew; while Sniper was at the tail end of the field. + +Ella thought it a strange uphill and down course, very different from +the flat tracks of Flemington, Caulfield, and Ranwick. She would not +have been surprised to see a spill at one of the bends, and when +Tattenham Corner was reached she gave a gasp as she saw two or three +riders dangerously near the rails. Once in the straight the excitement +broke loose, the strange, wonderful excitement a race for the Derby +causes and which is like no other vast human emotion anywhere, and for +any cause. The Derby thrill has a hold upon people that nothing else +has, and is repeated year after year. There are men who have seen many +Derbies decided and for thirty years or more in succession have +experienced the thrill of the race. + +A Derby transplanted from Epsom is a mere ordinary race. It is the +famous surroundings cause the fascination, and Epsom Downs shares the +fame of Derby Day. + +Gold Star picked his way through to the front, and as he took the lead +there was a tremendous shout for the favorite. It made Ella start, and +Eve said: + +"Something worth seeing and hearing, is it not?" + +"Wonderful!" exclaimed Ella, her face eager with excitement. + +Although Gold Star held such a prominent position his victory was not +yet assured, for on the right, in the center of the course, came Merry +Monarch, and Orbit, with Postman still struggling gamely. They reached +the stands amid terrific din, a pandemonium of sound, and people +pressed hard on to the rails, five or six deep, in the vain hope of +seeing the tops of the riders' heads, and gleaning some information as +to the likely winner from the color of their caps. + +As they neared the Judge's box Ben Bradley prepared for his famous +rush. He had Merry Monarch well in hand, the horse had not yet felt +the pressure, that was to come suddenly, in a second. Gold Star strode +up the rise followed by Orbit, and again and again he was proclaimed +the winner. + +But a race is never won until the winning-post is passed, and much may +happen in a few strides. Tommy's vigorous riding gave his mount a +chance; but Bradley pushed Merry Monarch on, and inch by inch, yard by +yard, he raced up to the favorite, joined issue, and a great finish +began. + +The tumult was tremendous. Ella was amazed; she had seen the +excitement of a Melbourne Cup but it was nothing to this. The crowd +swayed in masses, the movement dazzled; it resembled a flickering film +before the "movies" were improved upon. + +Down the course thousands of people, commencing at Tattenham Corner +were running at top speed, anxious to discover what had won. Before +they knew, the result was out in Fleet Street and the boys were +careering toward the City and the West End spreading the tidings. + +Bradley's great rush proved effective. He got every ounce out of his +mount and Merry Monarch beat Gold Star by half a length. The usual +scene followed as the winner was turned round and came back to the +enclosure through a living lane, the Baron proudly leading his horse, +raising his hat in answer to the deafening cheers. It was the great +moment of his life, as it is to every man who has experienced the +sensation of leading in a Derby winner. + +Eve was delighted, she had a good win. She chaffed Alan unmercifully; +he took it in good part. Ella looked at him sympathetically, she had +lost her money. + +"I suppose you were on the winner?" said Harry Morby. + +"No, I followed Mr. Chesney's advice," said Ella ruefully. + +Eve heard her and said: + +"It's your own fault; I gave you the tip, the Baron's tip--it was worth +following." + +Next day The Duke won the Royal Stakes and Evelyn Berkeley's friends +had another good win. + +Oaks Day turned out most enjoyable. The sun shone brightly, the ladies +were in force, the dresses worthy of the occasion. + +Alan had paid particular attention to Eve after the Derby, and any +little jealousy she might have felt regarding Ella was dispelled. + +Harry Morby devoted himself to Ella, and they appeared to get on well +together. + +The Acorn Stakes brought out ten runners, a beautiful lot of fillies, +all trained to the hour; but Evelyn stood out from the rest as the gem +of the lot and was a raging hot favorite at even money. + +Eve wore the Chesney colors and never looked better; all eyes were on +her in the paddock as she moved gracefully about with Alan and her +friends. From the box they looked down into the ring and heard the +cries of "Even money the field." + +"The money is being piled on your namesake," said Harry. "She is +splendid; and by Jove, Miss Berkeley, you're more than a match for her! +You're positively dazzling! She must win--she can't help it. I saw +her eying you in the paddock--wonder what she thought?" + +Eve laughed heartily as she said: + +"So you think she will win. I hope so. Evelyn's a good name for a +winner." + +"It is, you are always a winner," said Harry. + +"I'm not so sure about that," replied Eve; and he saw her glance rested +on Alan. + +"He's having a wonderful week," said Harry, following her glance. + +"Splendid. Don't you think he deserves his luck?" + +"Yes; he's a generous, warm-hearted fellow, but in some things he's +blind." + +"Indeed? What are they?" + +"I will not venture to say; perhaps you can guess," answered Harry, +laughing. + +Baron Childs entered the box. He soon monopolized Eve; it was evident +he admired her. + +"Better chance it," said Harry to Alan; "you may lose her." + +He laughed as he said: + +"I can't compete with the Baron." + +When the tapes went up Evelyn jumped off in front, racing down the +slope at a great pace. + +Fred Skane had said it was the best thing of the meeting and he proved +right. It was marvelous how the flying filly galloped; there was no +fault in her movements. Tommy sat still, letting her run her own race. +It was her first appearance and she showed no signs of nervousness. + +She lead from start to finish, winning in a canter by five lengths in +very fast time; a great performance, recognized and cheered as such. + +"It was good of you, Alan, to call such a flyer Evelyn," said Eve. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +A WALK AND A TALK + +Carl Meason was active, traveling about the country in his motor, +waxing enthusiastic over the scenery, expatiating to Abel Head on the +beauties of Nottinghamshire. + +"Never been on such roads; they are splendid. You can go the pace, +there's plenty of room, not too much traffic. I like to bowl along +without endangering lives. I'm a careful driver and avoid danger." + +At night he still worked at his maps, the occupation being congenial. + +"The reason I'm a good surveyor," he said, "is because I like my work; +a man never does well when his occupation is against his inclinations." + +Abel listened, making few remarks. He had his opinion about Meason and +his motoring tours. Letters seldom came to the Sherwood Inn for +Meason, he had but little correspondence, his instructions were +explicit, requiring no reminders. He seemed fond of the country life, +walked in the parks when he had nothing special on hand. His figure +became familiar, but so far he had hardly spoken to anybody. + +Once or twice he met Jane Thrush and admired her good looks, but was +careful not to offend, and had not spoken to her although he wished to +do so. Jane took very little notice of people she did not know, but +she could not fail to see that Carl went out of his way to meet her. +This amused her. She wondered why he crossed her path. If he spoke to +her she would not be offended; in the country greetings were often +passed without an introduction. + +Meason saw her go into the old ruins and wondered what she did there. +Once he waited a long time for her to come out and she did not appear. + +Next time he was in that direction he went into the place and was +surprised to see a neat, pretty cottage almost hidden away in one +corner. He wondered who lived there, probably the girl and her +parents. He asked Abel about the place and found the head-keeper and +his daughter occupied it. + +"Is that the pretty girl I sometimes see in the Park?" he asked. + +"No doubt," said Abel: "that's Jane Thrush. She's lived there with her +father nearly all her life." + +"Queer place for a young girl; it must be lonely," said Carl. + +"She doesn't find it so. She'd rather live there than anywhere; and +she's quite safe, nobody would dare interfere with her. Tom's a +roughish customer; any slight or insult to his daughter would be +resented," said Abel, looking at him in a peculiar way. + +A few days later Carl met Jane Thrush going toward Little Trent. He +bade her good-morning and she replied. Her tone was friendly. He made +advances which she did not resent and said, in answer to his question, +she had no objection to his walking with her to the village. Carl was +delighted; he was never short of conversation, and he was the man to +interest such a girl. He spoke with deference, explaining he was +staying at the Sherwood Inn and found it lonely. It was quite a treat +to have somebody to talk to, Abel Head was not very loquacious. + +Jane laughed as she said: + +"Abel can talk fast enough sometimes; you ought to hear him and Father, +they are never at a loss for something to say." + +"I don't think I have met your father," he said. + +"He's seldom out in the daytime; his duties are mostly at night. He's +Mr. Chesney's game-keeper." + +"That's an important position I should think; there seems to be plenty +of game in Trent Park." + +"There is when you know where to find it. Do you know Mr. Chesney?" + +"I have not that pleasure. Of course you know him?" + +"Very well; he is a nice man, so friendly. He gave me Jack," said Jane. + +"Who's Jack?" + +"My dog, a big black retriever; he's generally with me but I left him +at home to-day; there have been tramps about lately." + +"Poachers?" + +"Oh no, they are quite different, but Father can't bear the sight of +such men. He says they are useless vagabonds and will steal anything +they can lay their hands on." + +Carl smiled. + +"I wonder if he thinks I'm one of that sort?" he said. + +"He knows you are not. Abel told him you are always very busy making +maps, that you are a surveyor." + +"So he's talked me over with Abel?" + +"Yes; I fancy they both wonder why you picked on Sherwood Inn to work +in." + +"That's easily explained; because it's quiet, and such a splendid +country. I love the country; I came across it quite by accident, I was +motoring and stopped there for lunch; it struck me as an ideal place to +work in," he said. + +"And when you are not at work you like to ramble about the country." + +"Yes, it is a pleasant relaxation. There are many charming spots about +here I have not seen, there is no one to guide me," he said. "That old +ruin where your cottage is must have an interesting history, and the +keep with the moat round." + +"It is, very interesting. I know a good deal about it. Mr. Chesney +lent me a book which gives a very good description of it and what it +used to be," said Jane. + +"Perhaps you will let me see it?" he said. + +"I cannot lend it to you, but I will show it to you if----" she +hesitated. + +"Will you allow me to call and see it?" he asked. + +"I do not know whether my father would like it; I will ask him." + +"Do, please; I shall be so much obliged. Perhaps he will show me round +when he has a little spare time?" + +"Father does not take to everybody, but I think he will like you," said +Jane naively. + +Carl Meason felt gratified at this remark. + +"Why do you think he will like me?" he asked. + +"Because you talk well; he likes a chat with a well-informed man." + +"You think I am well informed?" + +"Yes; you have traveled in many countries; it must be interesting. I +have not gone far from here, only Nottingham." + +"No farther, never been to London?" + +"Never." + +"Would you like to go?" + +"Yes, but not to stay there; I do not care for cities." + +They were in Little Trent and as they passed the Sherwood Inn Abel Head +saw them. + +"Well, I'm dashed!" he exclaimed. "I wonder what Tom would say to +that. Confound the fellow, he seems to make headway. Wonder how Jane +came across him?" + +Carl left her shortly after and went into the Inn. He knew Abel had +seen them, saw him looking through the window. + +"Nice girl, Jane Thrush," said Carl; "a very nice girl, and seems well +brought up." + +"She is a nice girl," replied Abel; "also well brought up. How came +you to know her?" + +"Quite casually; said good-morning; she responded. Asked her if I +might have the pleasure of walking to the village with her; no harm +done, I assure you. What I like about this country is people are so +free and easy; it's far better, much pleasanter, don't you think so?" +said Carl. + +"It all depends. It is as well not to trust strangers. I don't think +Tom Thrush would like his daughter to talk to anybody," said Abel. + +"Good Lord, why not? Why shouldn't she talk to me?" exclaimed Carl. + +"Ask him; perhaps he'll tell you," said Abel. + +"I will. She's promised to ask him to show me round when he has a bit +of spare time." + +"Has she now? Well, I'm blessed! I wonder what he'll say?" + +"I'll make it worth his while. I don't suppose he'll be too proud to +accept a fiver," said Carl. + +To this Abel said nothing. He knew Tom Thrush's failing--love of +money. The game-keeper was not miserly, but he dearly loved handling +gold, and Abel surmised he had saved a "tidy sum." + +As Jane walked home alone, she thought what a pleasant gentleman the +stranger was, and how nicely he talked; she never for a moment dreamed +there was any harm in speaking to him or allowing him to walk with her +to the village. Jane Thrush never knew a mother's care, at least not +long enough to influence her life, and her father left her very much to +herself. She was accustomed to talk to people she met, tourists, and +visitors to Trent Park and the Forest. Intercourse with them broadened +her views; she regarded Carl Meason as one of them and he had proved +agreeable. + +As for Carl Meason, he was eager to meet her again; he had few scruples +where such girls as Jane Thrush were concerned, and he felt he had made +a favorable impression which he meant to cultivate. + +"She's a very pretty lass indeed," he said to himself. "Quite +innocent, sees no harm in anything, not even me. I'll beard her father +in his cottage; it won't take me long to find out his weaknesses, I'm +used to it. I'm glad I spoke to her; she'll help to kill time in this +infernal slow hole. I shall be glad when things get a move on. By +Jove, if the folks round here ever find out what I am when the business +begins in earnest, there'll be ructions. I shall have to clear out +quick. There's a lot of risk in what I'm doing but the pay's good and +it will be a lot better later on. What fools they are in England! +Can't see danger, never suspect anybody." + +Jane spoke to her father about meeting Carl Meason. He did not +consider it anything out of the way for his daughter to walk to the +village with him; he knew she was often asked questions about the +neighborhood by strangers; sometimes he showed them round when they +made it worth his while; he was always eager to add a few pounds to his +store. He had every confidence in Jane; she was self-reliant, not a +"silly wench" whose head was likely to be turned by compliments. + +"What sort of man is he?" he asked. "Abel don't seem to think much of +him anyhow." + +"You'll like his company; he talks well, and knows a lot. Abel's not +accustomed to a man like this," said Jane. + +"It puzzles me what he is doing at a place like Little Trent," said her +father. + +"He told me he came across the Sherwood Inn when he was motoring and +thought it just the place for him to work quietly in," she said. + +"A surveyor, Abel says; not much he don't find out," said Tom. + +"There's company at The Forest," said Jane. "A beautiful lady, almost +a match for Miss Berkeley." + +"Never a match for her, there couldn't be; she's the most beautiful +woman of her time, and also a good 'un; I often think Mr. Chesney is a +fool not to marry her," said Tom. + +"Perhaps she'll not have him, Father; he may have asked her," answered +Jane. + +"I saw him to-day," said Tom. + +"Mr. Chesney?" + +"Yes; he gave me a present, and there's one for you, Jane. Here it is; +he never forgets folks when he has a win," said Tom, handing her a +small parcel. + +Jane opened it eagerly, then gave a gasp and an exclamation of +delighted surprise. + +"Isn't it beautiful, Father! How good of him!" And she showed him a +small horseshoe brooch set with rubies; it was an exquisite piece of +jewelry. + +"Must have cost a tidy bit," said Tom, as he handled it tenderly. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +FRASER'S INFORMATION + +Duncan Fraser sat in his private room at the brewery in deep thought; +no one interrupted him: he gave orders and they were never disobeyed. +A stern-looking man, not given to making many friends, yet there was a +kindly heart beneath a severe exterior. The manager of a great +concern, he was admirably suited to the position, accustomed to handle +and make decisions promptly, no shilly-shallying or "wait and see" +about his actions. Very few people were aware he possessed unique +opportunities of getting behind the scenes, learning government moves, +acquiring knowledge beforehand which was advantageous in his dealings. + +Information had recently come to him from a valued and trusted +correspondent in Germany, and he was considering how best to use it to +the advantage of the firm. The heavy taxes on the brewers hit +Chesney's hard, but they were able to stand them better than most +firms; still he knew there must be a considerable diminution in +dividends, consequently in Alan Chesney's income. + +It irritated him when he thought how careless the head of the firm was +in money matters. Alan appeared to regard the brewery as a huge +concern from which he could drain money as freely as beer ran into the +casks. He made up his mind to talk seriously to Alan; he had a high +opinion of his judgment and intelligence when he cared to exert those +qualities. He expected him to arrive in half an hour and knew what to +expect. Alan would rush up in his motor, say he had only a few minutes +to spare, then dash off again as he arrived--in a hurry. + +The head of the firm was always in a hurry; never seemed to have a +minute to spare; the "racing rush" took hold of him. Duncan Fraser +smiled grimly as he thought how Alan careered about the country in +pursuit of his favorite pastime. + +"Here he is," said Duncan, as he heard the powerful motor stop, and +thud. + +Alan came into the room in a hurry. He was not in the best of humors; +why the deuce couldn't Fraser manage without dragging him there? He +had carte blanche as to how he should act. + +"Suppose you'll not keep me long," said Alan impatiently. + +"Longer than usual," was the reply. + +"Hang it all, I want to go to the races this afternoon. You must cut +it short, please, Fraser." + +"This is more important than racing; I have just received some valuable +information from Berlin." + +Alan became interested. + +"Berlin!" he exclaimed. "What's up there?" + +"War; it will break out before long." + +"Who is your informant?" + +Fraser handed him the letter. + +"Read that," he said. + +Alan did so. + +"By Jove!" he exclaimed. "This looks serious. Can you rely upon it?" + +"Yes," said Fraser, with a characteristic snap of his firm lips. + +Alan put the letter down and a gloomy look settled on his face. + +"War," he said, "and I'll be out of it, confound the thing! I'm sorry +I don't hold a commission." + +"I am not. You can't be in the army and look after things here," said +Fraser. + +"You look after them. It's no use trying to convince me I'm necessary +to the existence of the firm, because I'm not; I haven't the governor's +capacity for business," said Alan. + +"I don't know so much about that; you've never been properly tested." + +Alan laughed. + +"And have no desire to be," he said. + +"I have drawn up some figures; they are formidable. If you agree to my +plans, and war breaks out, we shall save hundreds of thousands of +pounds. It means a tremendous outlay, but it's worth it; just go into +this, I'll be back in half an hour," said Fraser, as he placed some +long sheets on the table. + +"I'm no hand at figures," said Alan. + +"You'll see the force of these in five minutes," said Fraser. + +"Then why give me half an hour?" + +"Because I want you to thoroughly master them; I can't undertake the +responsibility alone." + +"Would you undertake it if you owned the brewery?" + +"Yes." + +"That's enough for me, but I'll go into them to satisfy you." + +"And yourself, you'll be more than satisfied," said Fraser as he left +the room. + +Alan became interested in the figures, which related to the buying of +barley, hops, and a variety of brewing necessaries. + +"What a grasp of figures he has!" muttered Alan. "Convincing too; I +can see it plain enough. Hundreds of thousands saved; he's right--if +there's war." + +That was the main point--war; and all depended on the information +Duncan Fraser had received from his correspondent in Berlin. He was +still studying the papers, making pencil notes, when Fraser entered the +room. The manager smiled as he saw him. + +"You're a wonderful man," said Alan, looking up. + +Fraser shook his head. + +"You're wrong; there's nothing wonderful about me. I'm a fair business +man, I look ahead, and I know my own mind once I see things clearly. +How does it work out?" he asked. + +"It's splendid, the outlay is enormous, it will be perfectly justified +if war breaks out; everything will rise rapidly, and there'll be a +tremendous taxation," said Alan. + +"What would you advise?" asked Fraser. + +"Risk it and buy as you suggest," said Alan. + +"There is no risk if you allude to war; it's bound to come. Do you +know there are thousands of German spies in this country? There are +two or three here in the firm, and they've got to go," said Fraser. + +Alan laughed. + +"You'll make a clean sweep of them?" he said. + +"Yes, and no delay about it. There's----" and he mentioned the names. +"Are you of my opinion?" + +"Yes; you must give them some reason, they work well." + +"They all do, but it's in their interests--I mean the interests of +their country. They worm out secrets, they are utterly unscrupulous, +nothing is safe from them," said Fraser. + +"Then out with them. I say, Fraser, you get hold of some remarkable +information; how do you manage it?" asked Alan. + +"I pick my friends; I am careful. What do you think that letter from +Berlin is worth?" asked Fraser. + +"A good round sum." + +"A thousand?" + +"Yes." + +"Then he shall have it." + +"You think it is worth that?" + +"I do." + +"Then we can't be far out in giving it," said Alan. + +"You think I am too careful?" + +"Yes." + +"It would be better if you were," was the answer. + +Alan moved impatiently in his chair. + +"I don't consider I spend too much." + +Duncan Fraser looked at him with a kindly light in his somewhat hard +eyes. + +"This is a great business," he said slowly, "or it would never stand +the strain. Take my advice and cut down expenses; we're in for lean +years." + +Alan laughed as he replied: + +"What an old croaker you are!" + +He got up, put on his motor coat and held out his hand. + +"I am glad you sent for me," he said. "I shall just have time to get +to the course before the first race." + +"Would it matter if you missed it?" said Fraser quietly. + +"No actual damage would be done if I did miss it. Still, I'd rather be +there; I promised to meet some friends." + +"Then I conclude you agree with me and will buy?" + +"Certainly; it will be a great stroke of business. I wonder if others +are thinking of the same thing?" + +"They do not know as much as we--yet," replied Fraser. + +"Will you join me at Trent Park for the weekend?" said Alan. "There +will be no visitors." + +"With pleasure," replied Fraser. "I always enjoy a few days at your +lovely place." + +On Friday Duncan went to Trent Park. Alan welcomed him cordially, +although he had half repented asking him: the manager's presence always +seemed to subdue everything, even Alan's exuberant spirits. This +feeling, however, quickly vanished on the present occasion, for Duncan +Fraser was in an unusually cheerful mood and for once in a way left +business behind him. + +Alan had to meet a prospective buyer at the Stud, and as Duncan knew +nothing, and cared less, about horses he preferred to go for a stroll +in the Park. During his walk he met Eve Berkeley and her friend, Ella +Hallam. The manager saw little of ladies' society, but he knew Eve and +liked her; he could hardly fail to be attracted by her. + +He went to The Forest with them and remained for lunch. He knew Alan +would not miss him, probably surmise where he was. He rather liked +Ella, she was unaffected and talked freely on many subjects; when he +left she told Eve she thought him a very agreeable man. + +Eve laughed as she replied: + +"He is a very sensible man. It is lucky for Alan he has him in charge +at Chesney's, or I'm afraid the business would be sadly neglected." + +"Is Mr. Chesney not a good business man?" asked Ella. + +"Not according to Mr. Fraser." + +Ella was rather disappointed she had not met Alan Chesney since her +stay at The Forest. She wondered why he did not call; Eve told her he +often came. + +Duncan Fraser explained where he had been and pronounced in favor of +Ella Hallam. + +"By Jove! I forgot all about her being at The Forest," said Alan. "I +met her in Derby week, a jolly girl; I daresay she improves on +acquaintance." + +"She evidently did not make much of an impression on you," said Duncan +smiling. + +"I wonder how long she will stay?" said Alan, half to himself. + +"I think she said she was going to London to meet her father." + +"He's bringing one or two horses from Australia; he has a great opinion +of them; I must try and convince him ours are better." + +"Strange how some men are so fascinated by horses," said Fraser. + +"You care nothing about them?" said Alan, with a tinge of contempt in +his voice. + +"No, they have never interested me; perhaps it is because I never had +any spare time for them; I've been a worker all my life." + +"You despise racing men?" + +"Oh no; I think some of them are uncommonly sharp," said Duncan. + +"They are too sharp sometimes," laughed Alan. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +THE MAN UNDER THE LAMP + +"Sorry I have not called before," said Alan, as he shook hands with +Ella Hallam, "but by way of a change I have been busy." + +"I thought you were always busy," she replied. + +"On the contrary, I am afraid I neglect my duties sometimes, but then I +have such an excellent manager." + +"Mr. Fraser?" + +"Yes. You have met him; what do you think of him?" asked Alan. + +"I like him. He struck me as a man of strong character," she answered. + +"He is. He has a wonderful grasp of everything connected with the +firm," said Alan. + +Eve entered the room. She said: + +"I thought you had forgotten I lived at The Forest." + +Alan laughed. + +"I'm not likely to forget that," he said. + +"My father arrives next week," said Ella. "I have written to him; he +will get the letter at Naples. I told him you were anxious to test the +merits of his horses." + +"He is coming here," said Eve. "I thought it would be nice for Ella to +welcome him at The Forest." + +"And I shall be delighted to show him round; he will be interested in +my stud," said Alan. + +"I hear it is one of the best in England," said Ella. + +"I think it compares favorably with most of them," he answered. + +He remained about an hour, declined to stay for lunch, and Eve did not +press him. + +He motored to the stud and found Sam Kerridge, his stud groom, waiting +for him. Sam had been at the stud since its foundation. He was a +clever man with horses, an excellent judge, and a shrewd buyer. + +"That American has been here again," he said. "He's dead set on buying +Mameluke; I have tried to convince him he's not for sale." + +"So have I," said Alan with a laugh. "Perhaps he thinks you can +persuade me to part with him; Valentine Braund is a persevering man." + +"Like most Americans, he has plenty of cheek," said Sam. "It's a big +offer he has made." + +"Thirty thousand, and Mameluke's not a young horse," said Alan. + +"It's tempting," said Sam. + +"I have half a mind to take it," said Alan. "There's Alfonso coming +on; he ought to make a name for himself." + +"He will. I think he'll beat Mameluke's record," said Sam. + +"That will be difficult. What did you say to Braund?" + +"Not much; he didn't seem to believe me when I said money would not buy +him." + +"I'll think it over; it's a big price," said Alan. + +He went round the stud with Sam and as usual found everything in order. +Mameluke was a splendid dark bay horse, Alfonso a bright chestnut; +there was little to choose between them in point of appearance. Alan +was very fond of Mameluke; the horse had done good service at the stud, +sired many big winners, and he was reluctant to part with him. Alfonso +was worthy to take his place as the leading sire. He was a much +younger horse and his stock already showed great promise. + +The mares were a splendid lot; the best blood in the world coursed +through their veins, and Alan never spared expense when he wished to +purchase. When he left, Sam Kerridge wondered what had induced him to +change his mind. + +"He's inclined to consider the American's offer," he thought. "It's a +tall price, and I don't think Mameluke, at his age, is worth any more. +I shan't be surprised if the deal comes off." + +The reason Alan was inclined to consider Valentine Braund's offer for +Mameluke favorably was because of the information he had received from +Duncan Fraser's Berlin correspondent. He knew if there was war it +would make a vast difference to racing, and that the price of +thoroughbreds would be considerably lowered. Thirty thousand is not a +sum to be ignored, even by a very rich man, and Alan knew Mameluke had +seen his best days. He did not care to part with an old favorite, but +it was folly to refuse such an offer when prospects, on looking ahead, +were not favorable to breeders. He decided to write to Braund and ask +if he were still inclined to make his offer for the horse. He did so, +and had not long to wait for a reply. + +Valentine Braund came to Trent Park next day and said he was ready to +pay the money and take Mameluke over when he had made arrangements to +ship him to New York. The bargain was concluded and, under the +circumstances, Alan thought he could do no better than invite the +purchaser to stay a few days with him. This Braund readily agreed to, +and Alan found him a pleasant companion. + +Valentine Braund was the head of an American steel trust, and a man of +many millions. Thirty thousand pounds for a horse, or for anything he +wanted, mattered little to him. A self-made man, he had worked up from +a humble position until he piled up wealth beyond his most sanguine +dreams. His energies were unbounded, he possessed a never-ending flow +of animal spirits, his confidence in himself was immense, he talked and +expressed his opinions freely. + +Alan could not help liking the man although his manners were hardly to +his taste. Braund did not brag, but it was easy to see that he +considered money a passport to any society. He was good-looking +although his features were somewhat coarse, and his abrupt manner of +speaking might have offended some fastidious people. + +Eve Berkeley heard the American was at Trent Park; Alan had already +described him to her, also told her of his offer for Mameluke. She was +interested, thought she would like to meet him. She invited Alan to +bring him to The Forest. He mentioned it to Braund, who was eager to +accept, and accordingly they went. + +Valentine thought American women "licked creation," and said so most +emphatically, but when he saw Eve Berkeley he was astonished at her +beauty, and acknowledged to himself that he had never seen a woman to +beat her, "not even in New York." Alan was amused at his open +admiration of Eve; he laughed when Braund said: + +"What a woman, splendid! She's a tip-top beauty; she'd create a +sensation in New York." + +"I thought you'd like her," said Alan. + +"Like her! Good heavens, she's past liking, miles beyond it; she's +adorable." + +"And her friend, Miss Hallam?" asked Alan. + +"A beauty, but not the equal of Miss Berkeley, not by a long way," said +Braund. + +This conversation took place before dinner when they were alone for a +few minutes. + +"I thought American women 'licked creation,'" said Alan, imitating him. + +"Now there you have me. As a rule they do, but Miss Berkeley--she's +superb," said Braund enthusiastically. + +The dinner was a success; they were lively. Braund devoted himself to +Eve, and Alan was occupied with Ella. + +"I've bought Mr. Chesney's horse Mameluke," said Braund. "I gave him +thirty thousand for him and I don't consider him dear. What do you +think of the horse?" + +"He's one of the best we have, and I am surprised Mr. Chesney has +parted with him," said Eve. + +"So am I, but then money is money and it was cash down," said Braund. + +"Mr. Chesney has plenty of money--I wonder why he sold him?" said Eve. + +"You don't think there's anything wrong with the horse?" asked Braund +sharply. + +"Oh no," laughed Eve; "don't be alarmed. Mr. Chesney would not have +sold him to you had such been the case." + +"No, I suppose not; but I've known men who would," said Braund. + +"In America?" asked Eve, with a merry twinkle in her eyes. + +"Yes; there's some pretty cute hands at a bargain in my country." + +"But it would be dishonest," protested Eve. + +"We don't call it that," said Braund. + +"Then what do you call it?" she asked. + +"It would be regarded as a cute bit of business. A man is supposed to +look after his interests; if another man gets the better of him, it's +all in the game. We admire the man who gets the better of another +man," said Braund. + +Eve laughed as she said: + +"I am afraid that is not my way of looking at things." + +"No, of course not; how could it be?" said Braund quickly. + +Eve was amused at him. He had an unending flow of conversation, his +remarks were original, he expressed opinions freely in a way she was +not accustomed to hear. On the whole he created, if not an altogether +favorable impression, at least a curiosity to know more of him. + +It was a pleasant evening, and as they motored back to Trent Park the +American expressed his entire approval of the visit. + +"Two very sensible women," he said; "also very charming. You're lucky +to live here; I suppose you see a good deal of them?" + +Alan said he did, and changed the subject. He was not inclined to +discuss Eve Berkeley with him. + +"We'll go through the village," said Alan. "It won't be dark for a +long time, in fact it's light almost all night now." + +He drove slowly through Little Trent. Abel Head was about to close the +Sherwood Inn; Carl Meason stood near him, full in the light of the +lamp, which Abel always lit, whether required or not, at the same hour. + +"Quaint inns and places you have in this country," said Braund, as he +noticed the sign. + +Abel recognized Alan and touched his cap. Carl Meason stared at them. +As his glance rested on the American he gave a slight start of surprise. + +"Who is that with Mr. Chesney?" he asked. + +"Don't know for sure; fancy a gentleman down here after buying one of +the horses. I heard it was likely Mameluke would be sold; it's a pity, +he's a great horse," said Abel. + +Carl gave what sounded like a sigh of relief. + +"Doesn't happen to come from America, does he?" he asked carelessly. + +"Not that I'm aware of," said Abel. + +Valentine Braund caught sight of Carl Meason's face in the light; he +turned quickly to look again as the motor went past. + +"Funny," he said. "Fancied I'd seen that fellow before." + +"Which fellow?" asked Alan. + +"The man under the lamp. I'm almost sure of it, but it can't be +possible in this quiet place," said Braund. + +"His name is Carl Meason, a surveyor I believe; he's studying maps, +planning road improvements, and he wants to be quiet," said Alan. + +When they arrived at the house and were seated for a quiet smoke Braund +said quickly: + +"I can't get that fellow out of my head--it's strange." + +"How strange?" asked Alan. + +"He reminds me of a man I had dealings with in America," said Braund +half to himself. + +"What sort of dealings?" questioned Alan. + +"It's impossible of course; what would he be doing here? He reminds me +of a man who once caused a lot of bloodshed at our steel works--a +strike leader, if not worse," said Braund. + +Alan smiled as he replied: + +"Such a man would not be likely to remain at the Sherwood Inn, Little +Trent, for many weeks. He'd find it too slow for him." + +"That's just it, he would; but I'd like to see him again just out of +curiosity," said Braund. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +CARL MAKES LOVE + +"I'm going away for a few days. You'll keep my room; I'll be back at +the end of the week," said Meason. + +"I'll keep your room," said Abel, wishing he was leaving altogether. + +Carl Meason left in his motor car. He took the road to Nottingham, +which skirted Trent Park, and ran past the old monastery; he slowed +down as he neared the ruin and hooted. + +Jane heard it and came out; there was a small door opening on to the +road. + +"Thought you'd know who it was," he said smiling. "I'm off for a few +days' tour, but I'll be back at the end of the week. Tell your father +I shall be glad if he'll show me round on my return." + +"Going away?" said Jane, rather surprised. + +"Not for good. Should you be sorry if I were?" + +"Yes." + +"I'm glad. We seem to be on good terms," he answered. + +"Why shouldn't we?" + +"No reason at all; on the contrary, I like you. I hope you like me?" + +"I do--that is, I think I do," said Jane. + +"Not quite sure, eh?" he asked, still smiling. + +She shook her head. She looked very charming in her homely dress, her +cheeks glowing with health. She was not at all abashed; the +self-confidence of innocence, purity of mind, protected her. At this +moment Carl Meason was really in love with her; he wanted her badly. +It flashed across his mind that he might do worse than marry her; she +would make an excellent wife, and not ask too many questions. His look +puzzled her; it meant something she did not understand. She lowered +her eyes. + +"Jane," he said softly, "you are a wonderful girl; I believe I am +desperately in love with you." + +So it was this caused him to look at her strangely; she understood now. +She never doubted what he said; she raised her eyes, they met his. + +"Love me?" she said quietly. "Why should you love me?" + +"Because you are adorable, lovely, the best little woman in the world," +he said. + +She laughed merrily as she replied: + +"Oh no, I'm not. Father says I have a temper." + +"That's not true; you have a very lovable disposition." + +"Yes, I think I have. I love lots of things; still that does not +prevent one from having a bad temper." + +"Jane?" + +"Yes." + +"Step on the car; let me have just one kiss," he spoke pleadingly. + +"No, it would not be right; we are strangers." + +"I hope not. I feel as though I were parting from an old and valued +friend." + +"I'll shake hands with you," she said. + +He leaned over the side of the car and took her hand; he drew her +toward him; she slipped away. + +"Not yet," she said. "Someday, perhaps, when I know who and what you +are." + +"And if I prove desirable in every way, what then?" he asked eagerly. + +"Who knows? You say you almost think you love me; perhaps, only +perhaps, I may come to love you," she said. + +He thought it not advisable to press her farther; he had made good +headway, she was prepossessed in his favor, that was evident from her +manner. He shook her hand again, then started the car; as he went +round a bend in the road he turned and waved to her; she responded, +then went inside and shut the gate. She sat down on a seat in the +garden; the smile on her face betokened pleasant thoughts. + +Carl Meason stopped the car at a well-known hotel facing the Market +Place; he had been there before. From the orders he gave it appeared +he had no intention of going on that day at any rate. He took his +dispatch box to his room; he always carried it, never trusted it to +anybody. + +"You can bring my bag to my room at once," he said as he passed through +the hall and went upstairs. When the hall porter put it down he was +about to unstrap it. + +"Never mind that; I'll do it," said Carl, handing him a tip. + +He locked the door and opened his case, taking out some letters and +several newspaper cuttings, which he proceeded to read carefully. + +"It's Valentine Braund right enough," he muttered. "What the deuce +brings him to Trent Park? Buying a horse, that's one reason. Wonder +if he heard I was at Little Trent? Don't see how he could as I'm not +sailing under my own name. Better perhaps if I'd not given Carl, but +it's far enough from Karl Shultz to be safe. He'd like to have me laid +by the heels, but he has no evidence to go upon. I got out of that +mess well. It was a blow up and no mistake; nearly a hundred killed, +and double the number injured. It had to be done; it frightened him +and a lot more; there's several men hate me like poison over that job. +They suffered while I got off free and had most of the money. Wonder +if he recognized me? Don't think so; he'd never expect to come across +me in such a place. Much better go away until the coast's clear. +He'll not stay at Trent Park long." + +He placed the letters and papers in his bag again. More than once he +had made up his mind to destroy them, but something stayed his hand; +they were dangerous if discovered but this was not likely to happen. + +His thoughts turned to a more pleasant subject--Jane Thrush. Utterly +unscrupulous though he was, even Carl Meason, as he chose to style +himself, had some hesitation in plotting her downfall. She fascinated +him. The women who had come into his life were totally different from +her; there wasn't a point of resemblance. It was her innocence, her +pure country charms, held him spellbound. Many women had helped him in +his nefarious designs; they fell easy victims to his blandishments and +his payments. He found them useful; one woman in particular had proved +invaluable in the case of the great explosion at the Valentine Steel +Works. It was Mannie Kerrnon who actually carried out his designs. He +had some of her letters in his case. There was no love between them, +there had been none between them; she reaped her reward in money, which +she much preferred to affections. + +Mannie Kerrnon was an Irishwoman on the mother's side. Her father was +a blackmailer, a despicable ruffian, in the pay of a notorious New York +Inspector of Police. She suspected him of killing her mother and she +hated him as a murderer. It was mainly because her father, Dirk +Kerrnon, was employed at the Valentine Steel Works that she undertook +to help Carl Meason in his nefarious plot. It was a sad disappointment +when Dirk Kerrnon escaped with a few scratches; he never suspected his +daughter's hand in the affair. He entered the steel works in order to +spy on Valentine Braund. The Inspector had given him some useful hints +to go upon, but Braund was a careful man and more than a match for half +a dozen Kerrnons. + +After the affair Mannie Kerrnon quarreled with Carl Meason over the +money due to her. She was outwitted and, being the woman she was, she +intended being revenged on him. So far she had not succeeded, nor had +she any idea where he was, or what he was doing; and he had no +intention of enlightening her if he could help it. He was safe as +regards the great explosion at the steel works. She could not "split" +on him without compromising herself. + +As Meason sat in his room at the hotel his mind went back to the old +days in New York, when he was hand and glove with the biggest set of +sharks in the city, and a pliable tool of Tammany when well paid for +his nasty work. What little conscience--and most men have some stored +away--he possessed revolted at his intentions toward Jane Thrush--not +that they were entirely dishonorable, but he knew a man with such a +past and present as his had no right to pollute the life of any bright, +happy, innocent woman. To be troubled with scruples was new to him; he +had sent innocent men to death without a tremor, had even seen men and +women go to long terms of imprisonment through his instrumentality, and +thought nothing of their misery; and here he was actually hesitating +about sacrificing Jane Thrush on the altar of his desires. Marry her, +he even went so far as to declare he would, and was astounded at his +honest intentions; he actually laughed, but it was uneasily. + +He went out, walked about; at night he turned into a music hall, but +variety turns did not interest him; he could not raise a laugh and +returned to the hotel by ten o'clock. Jane's face haunted him; no +woman had ever so obsessed him. It made him angry that he, Carl +Meason, should be caught in the toils, discover that a woman had a hold +over him. + +Gradually he pushed her into the background and thought over the work +he had in hand. It was of great importance and dangerous. When war +came he might be shot at any time if his doings were discovered. He +was accustomed to dangers; many times had he risked his life; bad +though he was, there was nothing cowardly about him. He had some +contempt for death, although he dearly loved life. There are bad men +who are brave, and such was he--brave, that is, in so far as he cared +little for risks so long as he reaped rewards. + +He passed a restless night. When he sank into a troubled sleep he +imagined he was laid by the heels and about to be shot suddenly. In +some unaccountable way Jane rushed up as the soldiers were about to +fire, with a reprieve. He awoke quivering with joyful excitement at +being saved from sudden death. It gave him an appetite for breakfast. + +The _Nottingham Guardian_ was perused; from it he learned that +Valentine Braund, the American steel magnate, had purchased Mr. Alan +Chesney's famous horse, Mameluke, for thirty thousand pounds and his +destination was New York. He was more interested in reading that Mr. +Braund had been Mr. Chesney's guest at Trent Park for a few days and +was returning to London on Saturday. + +"That suits me," said Carl to himself. "I'll get back to Little Trent +that day; I'll drop a note to surly Abel and advise him." + +Before noon he motored to Derby; from there he went to Haddon Hall and +Chatsworth. He was fond of beautiful scenery and Derbyshire pleased +him. He was, however, more familiar with Norfolk and the coast towns; +roads running from the coast interested him and he knew most of them +from Hunstanton as far north as Scarborough. He was later to make +sinister use of the knowledge. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +THE BARON'S TIP + +War clouds were gathering when the royal meeting began at Ascot, but +very few people imagined they would burst so soon. + +Alan Chesney had a strong team for the fashionable gathering; and, as +usual. Eve Berkeley had taken a house at Ascot, among her guests being +Ella Hallam, Harry Morby, and Vincent Newport, also Bernard Hallam, who +had just arrived from Australia. Alan stayed at the Royal Hotel, where +his horses were stabled. In the team were the Epsom winners, Robin +Hood, The Duke, and Evelyn; in the Hunt Cup he had Bandmaster, with the +light weight of seven stone. + +Fred Skane pronounced Bandmaster a pretty good thing for the popular +handicap; he was much surprised when the horse only had seven stone +allotted him. + +It was a brilliant Ascot; it always is, but on this occasion there +seemed to be more people than usual, and there was much gaiety in the +neighborhood. + +Eve Berkeley, however, did not seem in such high spirits as usual. Her +love for Alan Chesney grew and strengthened. She longed for him to ask +her to be his wife, and wondered why he hung back. Was it possible he +did not see how she loved him? Alan had not been to The Forest much +lately, and she wondered why. Her attachment to him caused her pain, +for she saw no signs that it was returned in the way she desired. Had +she offended him in any way? She was not aware of having done so! Her +surroundings at Ascot, however, dispelled these gloomy feelings before +the first day's racing was over, and Alan had been more attentive to +her than for some time past. + +On Hunt Cup Day there was a tremendous crowd, and thirty runners were +saddled for the big race. Spur was favorite, and even in such a big +field he touched four to one an hour before the race. Another well +backed was Manifest, while Hooker, Bird, and half a dozen more had +plenty of friends. Bandmaster stood at a hundred to five in the +betting, and at this price Alan and his friends secured some good +wagers. + +Bernard Hallam was impressed by the horses, and his remarks in the +paddock proved he was a good judge. The Australian had a free and easy +way that soon won him friends. He was more approachable than Valentine +Braund, although they seemed to have much in common. + +He was delighted with Eve Berkeley, and told his daughter she was the +most beautiful woman he had seen. + +"Don't fall in love with her," laughed Ella; "she's dangerous, has a +host of admirers, but it doesn't make her a bit conceited. She is my +best friend; I like her so much." + +Eve got on well with Bernard Hallam; he amused her. She liked him +better than the American; she thought him more genuine and reliable. + +Baron Childs was running White Legs in the Hunt Cup, a five-year-old +chestnut with four white legs, a useful horse, winner of three or four +good handicaps. He was talking to Eve Berkeley in the paddock as Alan +Chesney went across to Bandmaster. Eve did not see him; she was in +animated conversation. Alan smiled as he saw them, wondering if she +was requesting another tip, and if it would prove as good as Merry +Monarch. + +"Not half a bad horse," said Bernard Hallam as he looked at Bandmaster. + +"He's pretty good and he's got a very light weight. I fancy he'll just +about win," said Alan. + +Harry Morby and Vincent Newport had already backed the horse and were +enthusiastic about his chances. Valentine Braund pronounced Bandmaster +too light and said he would look elsewhere for the winner. + +"Better ask Miss Berkeley for the tip. She's talking to Baron +Childs--he owns White Legs," said Alan. + +"Not a bad idea," replied Braund. "Do you really think your horse has +a chance?" + +"Of course I do; I've backed him." + +"Scraggy animal, not my sort at all." + +"Sorry he does not please you," said Alan, laughing; "but your poor +opinion will not stop him." + +Skane was saddling the horse. Mark Colley, Tommy Colley's youngest +brother, stood close by. He was to ride, and had already donned the +brown and blue-sleeved jacket. Mark was a clever lightweight, and had +been well coached by his brother and Fred Skane, whose apprentice he +was, but he had already forfeited the five pound allowance, having +ridden the requisite number of winners. He was a merry little fellow, +and still retained his boyish ways, although Skane said he had the +wisdom of a man in his head. His brother, Tommy, was riding Manifest, +and Ben Bradley had the mount on White Legs. + +Half an hour before the horses went out there was a gay scene in the +paddock, animated conversations were going on, many tips were given, +and the interest in the race was intense. + +Baron Childs was confident about White Legs; the horse had been highly +tried, and Ben Bradley was sanguine of winning. + +"You gave me the Derby winner," said Eve, "and I shall back your colors +again to-day." + +"Mr. Chesney's horse must have a good chance; he has a very light +weight," said the Baron. + +"I believe he thinks it is a good thing; but he said Gold Star would +win the Derby and that did not come off," said Eve. + +"Do you like my horse?" he asked. + +"Very much. He is in splendid condition." + +"Then back him. I feel sure it will bring luck to my colors." + +"Have you met Mr. Hallam?" she asked. "He has recently come from +Australia, and is well known in the racing world there." + +"I should like to meet him." + +"Then I will introduce you; he is over there looking at Bandmaster," +said Eve, and they walked in that direction. + +"Here comes Eve with her escort," said Alan, laughing. + +"The Baron evidently enjoys her society," said Ella. Then as Eve +joined them she said: + +"Has Baron Childs given you another tip?" + +"Yes, White Legs; I shall back him," answered Eve, and then introduced +Mr. Hallam, who at once monopolized the Baron's attention. + +"So you are going to back the Baron's tip again?" said Alan. + +"Yes. Why not?" + +"Because I think my horse will win," said Alan. + +"Very well then; I will stick to White Legs," said Eve. + +"Quite right, follow the Baron; it was a favorite cry years ago," was +Alan's reply. + +"You do not appear to care whether I back your horse or not," said Eve +sharply. + +"I don't suppose it will make any difference to his winning chance," +said Alan. + +"The Baron says I bring him good luck when I back his horses," she +replied. + +"Very nice of him, I am sure. I suppose he puts Merry Monarch's Derby +win down to that cause." + +"Perhaps he does; anyhow he's more complimentary than you," snapped Eve. + +Alan was amused. What was she cross about? + +Eve saw he was amused and it irritated her. She began to think he +cared very little about her; this feeling hurt and caused her pain +mingled with anger. Why was he so blind when others acknowledged her +charms, sometimes made love to her; she had spurned them all for his +sake and he neglected her. She felt reckless; a plunge might relieve +the tension, cause excitement, make her forget these things. She +turned to the Baron and said: + +"Will you execute a commission for me?" + +"With pleasure. Are you going to back my horse?" + +"Yes; put me five hundred on," she said. + +He thought it a large sum but made no remark except to say she might +consider it done. + +"I will get the best price possible," he said, "and I hope he will win." + +"So do I," she replied. + +Alan overheard this; she intended he should, and when the Baron left he +said: + +"You have backed the wrong horse this time; the Baron will not win." + +"I suppose you think I ought to have backed your horse because you are +my next-door neighbor?" she answered sharply. + +He laughed. + +"Most of your friends are on Bandmaster." + +"Then I shall be able to chaff them when White Legs has won," she +answered. + +"I say, old man, your horse is coming with a rattle in the betting; +there's a pot of money going on," said Harry Morby. + +"Mine, no doubt," answered Alan. "I have sent out a late commission. +I am anxious to win; it will take Miss Berkeley down a peg; she always +pins her faith to the Baron's colors." + +"That's your fault," said Harry. + +"Why?" + +"Because you treat her with indifference and she doesn't deserve it." + +"I am not aware of doing so," said Alan. He would have resented this +from anybody except Morby, who was a privileged person. + +Captain Morby did not pursue the subject further. + +"You can keep a secret, Alan?" he asked. + +"I'll try. You're a mysterious fellow, Harry." + +"It's about the regiment," he said. "We're to hold ourselves ready at +a moment's notice--don't split--I might be court-martialled." + +"Whew!" whistled Alan. "This looks serious." + +"Bet you there's war before long; it's a bigger cert than Bandmaster," +said Harry. + +"And I'm out of it." + +"You needn't be. Join us again. You'll easily get your commission; +they'll want all the men they can get, especially officers." + +"If there is trouble I shall not be idle," said Alan. + +"I know that, old fellow; no need to tell me that." + +Something seemed to be in the air. There were many officers present +and they were talking in groups of three or four. Judging by their +faces it was not about racing; Alan noticed this and thought: + +"It's coming, the great upheaval; Fraser's man is right. By Jove, I'll +hustle, as Braund would say, when things begin to move." + +The horses were going to the post and the June sun shone on the thirty +bright jackets as they went past. The din in Tattersalls was +deafening. In the crowded enclosure there was hardly room to move; +eager backers jostled each other in their anxiety to get at the +bookmakers. + +Peet Craker left the rails for a moment as he saw Alan Chesney. + +"I've a matter of a couple of thousand left against Bandmaster," he +said. + +"I'll have it," answered Alan; and the bookmaker said, "at a hundred to +eight." + +"That's a fair price," said Alan. + +"Will he win, Mr. Chesney?" + +"He has a real good chance, Peet," replied Alan. + +The horses disappeared over the brow of the hill, cantered down the +slope, and ranged behind the barrier, with the trees for a background. +It was a beautiful line of color as seen from the top of the stands. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +A FINE FINISH + +The big field got away in an almost unbroken line, a splendid start; a +loud shout proclaimed the race had commenced. For a few minutes they +disappeared, then as they came up the rise the caps appeared over the +brow of the hill, and in a couple of seconds the thirty horses were in +full view, stretched across the wide course, advancing like a cavalry +charge. + +A wonderful race the Royal Hunt Cup, a beautiful sight. It has been +described scores of times and no description exaggerates its charm. +The course is grand, the surroundings picturesque; historical +associations cling to the famous heath, where kings and princes, lords +and commoners, have assembled year after year, and royal processions +have come up the course amid the enthusiastic plaudits of vast crowds. +Truly the sport of racing is the sport of kings, and no less of a huge +majority of the people. + +Bernard Hallam and Valentine Braund acknowledged its charm. There was +nothing quite like it anywhere, one of the racing sights of the world, +different from Epsom on Derby Day, Doncaster on Leger Day, or glorious +Goodwood, unique in its way; no such gathering can be seen in any other +country. + +The attention of thousands of people was riveted on the horses; all +other thoughts were excluded. For a few brief moments everything was +forgotten but the business in hand, the probable result, which horse +would be added to the long roll of Hunt Cup winners. + +The thirty horses were almost level as they came in sight, one or two +stragglers, but it was an even race so far. As they began the ascent, +the stiff pull to the winning-post, the field lengthened out, horse +after horse fell back, and a dozen only possessed chances. The rise +finds out the weak spots, and the lack of a final gallop makes a lot of +difference. It takes a good horse to win a Hunt Cup; no matter if he +does little after, he must be brilliant on the day. + +Alan stood with Captain Morby and Captain Newport high on the +grand-stand. They knew where to command the best view of the race; it +was a climb, a scramble to get there, but worth it. + +"Bandmaster's in the center," said Harry. "He's going strong, but +he'll have to make his run soon, there's a good many lengths between +him and Spur." + +The favorite was at the head of the field, traveling in great style. +There was just a suspicion he would not quite stay the course, but he +seemed to be giving it the lie. Close on his heels came Manifest, +Bird, Hooker, Peter's Lad, Beltan, and White Legs. + +The Baron's horse began slowly, but soon joined up with the rest. The +scarlet jacket was prominent, and as Eve saw it creeping toward the +front, she felt confident the Baron's tip would again come off. She +wondered why she did not feel enthusiastic at the prospect of a good +win. Was it because she would rather have had her money on Bandmaster +and see Alan's colors successful? Perhaps it was; anyhow it was absurd +to wish to see his colors in front when her money was on White Legs. + +Manifest shot to the front as they drew level with the lawn, followed +by Bird, and Peter's Lad; with a rush came Scout, an outsider. White +Legs was gaining ground. Right in the center of the course was +Bandmaster, who liked the stiff going and tackled the work like a good +'un, the seven stone gave him every chance. + +Alan was anxious to win; the Hunt Cup was a race he often had a shot +at; so far his horses had not run into a place. He had great hopes of +Bandmaster's changing his luck. + +Valentine Braund backed Manifest, not a bad pick; Bernard Hallam was on +Bandmaster; so was Ella, and most of Eve Berkeley's party followed the +brown and blue sleeves. + +A loud shout greeted the appearance of White Legs in the leading trio, +and Bradley looked so much at ease that all who had backed the horse +were confident; before the distance was reached the scarlet jacket held +the lead, and the Baron's horse appeared to have a mortgage on the race. + +Young Colley still had Bandmaster in the center of the track, clear of +the others. He was riding a cool, well-judged race, and had every +confidence in his mount. Yard by yard the horse crept up; his jockey +knew he was gaining at every stride. He measured the distance to the +winning-post with critical eyes and felt certain of victory. From the +stands Bandmaster seemed to be a long way behind the leaders, and Alan +thought his bad luck in the race was to continue. Gradually the sounds +increased until they culminated in a roar as White Legs came on at the +head of the field, followed by Manifest, and Spur, who had come again +in gallant style. + +A lull in the shouting for an infinitesimal moment, then a terrific +roar proclaimed Bandmaster was pulling hard. + +The brown and blue came along fast, very fast, and there was no sign of +faltering on the part of Bandmaster, who tackled his stiff work in +bull-dog style. + +"By gad, he'll do it!" exclaimed Harry excitedly. + +"Looks cheerful," said Vincent. + +Alan made no remark. He was not quite certain his horse would catch +White Legs and Manifest; he had given Spur the go by. + +There was considerable doubt as to which horse would win, although the +odds were in favor of White Legs. + +Bradley, riding a confident race, was on the alert; he never threw a +chance away. Tommy Colley got every ounce out of Manifest; and when +his brother drew alongside on Bandmaster he knew he must make the last +ounce a trifle over weight to win. + +For a second the pair hung together, then Manifest was beaten, but +struggled on. Roar upon roar came from the vast crowd as Bandmaster +got to White Legs' quarters, and the excitement was tremendous. + +Eve Berkeley looked on anxiously. At this critical point she hoped the +Baron's horse would be first past the post; she would draw a large sum, +and the prospect of winning was delightful. + +Bradley was the stronger rider, but he had not more determination than +his young rival. Bandmaster drew level, and in the next few strides +got his head in front. At this Alan's feelings grew too strong for him +and he shouted: + +"Bandmaster wins!" two or three times. + +It was a grand race and one to be remembered. + +Again White Legs held a slight advantage, but Bandmaster was not done +with, and the difference in weight told its tale. Colley was riding +hard; it was a very clever effort on his part, and recognized as such. +As they closed on to the winning-post Bandmaster again got his head in +front and this time White Legs could not wrest the advantage from him. + +A few more strides decided the race. Bandmaster won by half a length +from White Legs, with Manifest third. + +Although Alan's horse started at twelve to one he was heavily backed, +and his win was well received. There was much cheering as the horse +came in; the brown and blue was popular; the Chesney colors were always +out to win. + +Alan came in for a full share of congratulations, Baron Childs being +one of the first to greet him. + +"I suppose I must join in the paeans of victory," said Eve smiling. + +"You can't feel very delighted under the circumstances," said Alan. +"It would have suited you better had White Legs won." + +"Perhaps it would. Still I am very glad you have won a Hunt Cup at +last; you have had several tries," she replied. + +"It's good of you to say so," he said. "I told you my horse had a big +chance." + +"You did. I don't know what made me follow the Baron's tip." + +"I think I do." + +"What?" + +"You have more confidence in his advice than mine," he said. + +"I do not think that was the reason." + +"What other could there be?" + +"Obstinacy," she said. + +"I never thought of that--perversity would be better." + +"Much the same thing," she replied. + +"I am afraid I put you wrong," said the Baron. "If it had not been for +me you would no doubt have backed Mr. Chesney's horse." + +"You must not blame yourself for that. I am quite satisfied," she said. + +"You would have been more satisfied had the Baron's horse won," said +Alan. + +"Naturally; I backed it." + +"Not for that reason alone," answered Alan, as he walked away and +joined Ella and her father. + +"He leaves me for Ella always," thought Eve with a pang, "and yet I do +not think he cares for her that way. I believe he half loves me. I'll +put him to the test one of these days, it's worth the risk; nothing +venture, nothing have--an old saying which often comes true." + +When Alan returned to Trent Park he found Duncan Fraser waiting for him +and at once knew there was something important to communicate. Fraser +looked serious as he said: + +"I hope you had an enjoyable time at Ascot?" + +"Yes; won the Hunt Cup and another race. Made a few thousands in the +meeting," said Alan. + +"There'll be war in little over a month," said Fraser. + +"You have had more news from Berlin?" + +"This letter came this morning. I knew you were to be home to-day, so +thought I'd bring it over." + +Alan thanked him, read it, and said: + +"What on earth is the Government doing? It ought to be informed." + +"It is--has been for sometime. But we know how it is. They always +wait until their hands are forced--they are afraid." + +"Of what, of what can a British Government be afraid?" + +"First and foremost, of the anti-war party, the peace-at-any-price men; +then the labor party, votes are the chief consideration. It's +abominable," said Fraser. + +"Like sticking to office, I suppose?" + +"Yes; at all costs." + +"You are certain they know there will be war?" + +"They must." + +"And they will meet the shock unprepared?" + +"As regards the army, yes; not the navy. There never was a navy +stronger than ours at the present day, but it's been a tremendous fight +to get the money, men and ships," said Fraser. + +"You ought to be in the House," said Alan. + +Fraser laughed. + +"I should want a free hand from my constituents," he said. + +"And you'd get it; you're just the man," replied Alan. + +"What are you going to do?" asked Fraser. + +"If war breaks out?" + +"Yes." + +"Try and get the commission I threw up," said Alan. + +"I thought so, and really I can't blame you; we shall want every man we +can get," said Duncan Fraser. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +ALAN IS BLIND + +It was about a month later when Alan called at The Forest and found Eve +Berkeley alone. Ella was with her father in London; they had accepted +her invitation to pay another visit later on. She had been waiting for +him, wondering why he did not call. She soon heard the reason. + +"I have been awfully rushed," he said. "Lots of things to see to at +Chesney's before I go away." + +"Go away!" she exclaimed. "Where are you going? This is rather +sudden; I am surprised." + +"I have joined the army again. I have been fortunate enough to get a +commission as captain. I tried hard to get back in my old regiment, +but there was no vacancy. I shall be gazetted to the 'Sherwoods' in a +few days; they are at Derby now. There are stirring times ahead, and +I'm not sorry. It was bound to some sooner or later." + +"What?" + +"War." + +She looked incredulous. + +"Are you sure? What makes you so certain?" + +"Fraser has a reliable man in Berlin; he sent the information. We have +acted upon it--in the brewery--and I did not mean to wait weeks for a +chance when war is declared," he said. + +"Duncan Fraser seems to be a valuable mine of information," she said. + +"He is. Do you know, he's a wonderful man, Eve." + +She laughed as she replied: + +"Your father always had a high opinion of his abilities." + +"You and my father were jolly good friends." + +"We were on excellent terms; I liked him." + +"He could be very agreeable when he chose." + +"And in that respect his son resembles him." + +Alan laughed. + +"Then I suppose you do not think I always choose to be agreeable?" he +said. + +"You have lapses; sometimes you are almost rude, most abrupt, somewhat +neglectful of your best friends." + +"Oh, I say! That's not a very flattering picture. To which of my best +friends have I been neglectful?" he asked. + +"Myself--for one." + +He looked surprised. + +"That charge will not stand being put to the test," he answered. + +"You have not been to see me since Ascot," she said. + +"And that comes under the charge of neglect?" + +"Yes. You consider me one of your friends?" + +"Of course; don't ask foolish questions." + +Alan looked particularly well this morning. He was a picture of +health, a well-groomed man; his eyes were bright as he looked at her, +thinking how lovely she was. + +To Eve he was more attractive than ever. She loved him with her whole +heart and soul, every nerve in her body thrilled toward him; and there +he stood, smiling at her placidly, when she longed for him to take her +in his arms, crush her, pour out a tale of love into her waiting, +willing ears. Why could he not see it? + +She held herself in bounds, but it was difficult. + +"When do you join the Sherwoods?" she asked. + +"I have joined; I am on leave. I have to put a lot of things straight +at Trent Park. I had no idea there was so much to do." + +"But you are not in uniform," she said. + +"No; I thought I'd come over in ordinary attire--you might have been +startled to see me in khaki." + +"I certainly would have been." + +"Eve, I want you to do something for me when I go away," he said. + +Her heart beat fast, this was more promising. + +"You know I am only too willing to do anything I can for you." + +"That's good of you. I want you to keep an eye on things at Trent +Park." + +"You have a very capable housekeeper." + +"Oh, yes; but even she wants supervising sometimes." + +"And you think I can do it?" she asked with a smile. + +"Nobody can do it so well; you are accustomed to manage, always have +been. I've heard my father say so, and of course I've noticed it +myself," said Alan. + +He looked at her curiously, mischief in his eyes. + +"I believe my governor was more than half in love with you, Eve," he +said. + +She felt hot, uncomfortable; Alan's father had been very much in love, +or infatuated, with her. + +"How foolish! Don't be absurd, Alan," she said hastily. + +He had seen the change in her; he had sometimes wondered if his father +had paid attentions to her, then dismissed the idea as ridiculous. + +"Is it absurd?" he asked. + +"You must know it is," she said, with emphasis. + +"The governor was rather a ladies' man," he said smiling. He saw she +was uncomfortable, and teased her. + +"He was very polite and considerate," she replied. + +"More polite than his son, according to your version," he answered. + +"I never said so." + +"Not in so many words. You said I neglected my best friends." + +"And it is true; you haven't been to see me for a month." + +"I have explained why. I say, Eve----" + +"Yes." + +"Did you miss me? I mean did you want me to come and see you?" + +"I did." + +"You really missed me?" he asked again. + +"Very much. Are you not my nearest neighbor? Have we not been old +friends for many years? I do not like to lose old friends," she said. + +"There is no danger of losing me. That will rest with yourself; I am +always at your commands," he answered. + +"Always?" she asked. + +"Whenever you want me," he replied. + +Want him! Did she not always want him? Why was he so blind? + +"If there is war you will go on active service?" she said. + +"I hope so; I don't want to remain here, kicking my heels in idleness," +he replied with a laugh. + +"No; I suppose that is natural. I shall miss you very much." + +"It's nice to be missed. I'm a lucky fellow, Eve." + +"Are you?" + +"Yes; there's many a man would like to hear you say that--the Baron, +for instance," he said. + +She shrugged her shoulders. + +"I think you are mistaken about the Baron," she said. + +"He admires you, and didn't he give you the winner of the Derby?" + +"But not the Hunt Cup," she replied with a laugh. + +"No; but he wasn't far out," said Alan. "Then there's Harry Morby; +he's your devoted slave." + +"Is he? There's not much of the slave about him," she replied, +smiling. "I suppose he's sorry you are not in your old regiment." + +"He says so; I really believe he is." + +"The Sherwoods are a famous cavalry regiment?" she asked. + +"They bear an honored name, they have seen some service. I am lucky to +get in there." + +"You were always a good soldier." + +"Glad you think so. There'll be no feather-bed soldiering this time." + +"You seem positive there will be war?" + +"Yes; absolutely certain." + +"It will be a terrible thing." + +"Awful; the slaughter will be great." + +"And hundreds of thousands will lose their lives?" + +"Yes; no doubt about that." + +"I shall pray for your safety then, Alan." + +"Don't get solemn about it--I'm not gone yet. You'll do as I ask? +Just run over to Trent Park sometimes and let me know how things are +going on. Sam Kerridge said I must tell you he'd always be very +pleased to show you over the stud--good fellow, Sam. What else do you +think he said?" + +"I really can't guess." + +"And I daren't tell you." + +"Why not?" + +"It's personal. Sam has a habit of blurting out what he thinks." + +"Tell me what he said." + +"He asked me a question when I spoke about your visiting the stud in my +probable absence," said Alan. + +"What was it?" + +"'When's the wedding?'" he said. + +Eve lowered her eyes. + +"What a curious question," she said. "What did he mean, to whom did he +refer?" + +"Miss Eve Berkeley and my humble self," said Alan, laughing. + +"How funny," she said. + +"Yes; that's just what I thought. What the deuce put it into his head +I don't know," said Alan, laughing. + +"I suppose he thinks near neighbors sometimes marry," said Eve. + +"Perhaps so. They do; I've noticed it. I say, Eve, wouldn't it be +curious if we ended up that way?" said Alan. + +"Ended up which way?" + +"By marrying. How would you like it? Have you ever considered the +prospect?" + +"Have you?" she asked without looking at him. + +"No, I can't say I have. I don't suppose you'd have me in any case." + +"Oh! you don't think I'd have you! Well, consider it over--perhaps we +might do worse." + +"Eve, you're not serious! You haven't been looking at it from that +point of view?" he said. + +"I believe I'd marry you to-morrow if you asked me, Alan," she said +smiling, in a half-joking tone, but her heart beat painfully fast. + +"Good Lord, you don't say so!" exclaimed Alan, in such alarmed tones +she could not help laughing. + +"Please do not be alarmed," she said. + +"Of course you're not serious! For the moment I flattered myself you +were. You're joking. Funny, isn't it?" + +"Supposing I am serious?" she said. + +"By Jove, I believe I'd ask you! The temptation would be more than +mortal man could resist," he said. + +"Try! Let me see how you make love--I am sure you'd be eloquent." + +"Don't let us carry this game too far, Eve; it might develop into +something serious," said Alan. + +"Something serious--good heavens, if he only knew!" she thought. "But +what can a poor woman do with such a man. You are very blind, Alan." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +INSIDE THE KEEP + +Carl Meason was very busy. He sat up late, poring over maps, tracing +routes. Abel Head said: + +"He doesn't seem to have a minute to spare." + +He had minutes to spare and they were devoted to paying attentions to +Jane Thrush when he had an opportunity. She did not avoid him: he +interested her, and her father appeared to like him. + +Meason approached Thrush carefully, feeling his way gradually; he knew +it would be best to influence the father in order to ingratiate the +daughter. + +Tom took him through the forest, pointing out places of interest. He +found Meason a ready listener, who flattered him by remarking on the +knowledge he possessed. They walked many miles, but Meason noticed he +avoided going near the house in Trent Park. The moat aroused his +curiosity. It was filled with water, the depth being considerable; a +boat was moored to a small landing stage. Carl asked if his guide +could take him into the keep. + +Tom said: + +"I have brought the keys with me; I thought perhaps you'd like to see +it. I've seen strange sights hereabouts. I never come nigh the place +at night: there's things chill the marrow in one's bones," and he gave +a slight shudder. + +Carl laughed. He was no believer in ghosts and such-like superstitions. + +"Yer can laugh," said Tom irritably, "but I've seen 'em I tell ye. My +eyes are good evidence, I can't doubt 'em." + +"I was not laughing at what you thought you've seen," said Carl. + +"Thought!" exclaimed Tom. "There's no thought about it; it's gospel +truth." + +"What did you see?" + +"It's strange, beyond telling. There's been murder done in yon keep +many a time; it's a gruesome place," and he pointed across the dark +water to the round, ancient, tower-like building, whose stones gave +evidence of many centuries' battling with storm and tempest. + +"Looks a bit lonesome." + +"It is. You see that spot near the wall? Well, it's dark and deep, +and one night I saw her rise out from the depth. She wailed and threw +up her arms, then she sank. She came up again, and a third time; then +there was a splash and she disappeared. It was a great stone struck +her down. From yon small window, that slit in the wall, I saw a face +looking out. It was an awful face, must have been near kin to the +devil's; the thing groaned, broke into a harsh laugh, and it vanished. +Lord, I never want to see such sights again! My hair turned gray," +said Tom. + +Carl was amused. He humored him. + +"Strange happenings indeed," he said. "What's it like inside?" + +"I'll show you, but you had best go in alone. I've had enough of the +d----d place," answered Tom. + +He got into the boat, took the solitary oar and placed it in the +rollock [Transcriber's note: rowlock?] at the stern; Carl stepped in +and stood up. + +"Best sit," said Tom; "it's a crazy old craft." + +"Why doesn't Mr. Chesney have a new one?" + +"Don't know; thinks it's good enough for the job, I expect. He never +encourages folks' going to the keep." + +"But he allows you to carry the keys?" + +"Yes; he trusts me. He knows I'm none too fond of the devilish hole." +Tom ferried across to the broken-down landing-place near the door of +the keep. They got out. + +"Here you are," said Tom. "Go inside if you wish." + +Carl took the key. + +"I'll not be long," he said, as he put it in the lock. It turned with +difficulty, and as he pushed the nail-studded old oak door open there +was a cool, damp, vault-like smell. + +"Reckon you'll come out quick enough," said Tom. "Best be careful; +there's some old broken steps lead down under the moat--a dungeon or +summat's there." He swore as his foot slipped and he almost fell into +the water. + +"That's a sure sign we're not wanted here," said Tom gloomily. + +Carl smiled and went inside. It was a curious, gruesome place, and the +dank air was stifling. He climbed the stone steps upward until he came +to a small room. The walls were bare but there were a bed and chairs +and tables, all of oak, an iron ring in the wall, a rusty chain, and a +padlock of huge size lay on the stone floor, unlocked. The slit in the +wall gave enough light to see. Carl stood on a chair and looked out. +He saw Tom, waved his hand, but there was no response. + +"He can't see me," thought Carl. "It's strange; he's looking straight +here." + +There were more stairs. At the top he found another room exactly +similar to the one below, furnished in the same bare way. In one +corner he saw something gray. Examining it, it proved to be a flimsy +gauze-like wrap; it was not old, nor torn. There was a white cloth, +also a pair of soft slippers. + +"The ghost's attire," thought Carl. "Somebody comes here and frightens +people. Wonder what for? Probably to scare 'em away for some purpose +of his, or her, own. This is interesting." + +He replaced the garment, letting it fall and arranging it as nearly as +possible as he found it. He went down again, feeling the wall as he +descended. It was damp; drops stood out, burst and trickled down. He +found the stone steps leading to the dungeon under the moat; they were +smooth, broken in places. He was careful in stepping; a slip and he +might be landed at the bottom with a sprained ankle, a broken leg, or +worse. It was a slippery descent; once or twice he fell down; but he +intended seeing what was at the bottom and at last succeeded. + +The dark dungeon had a curious odor in it, probably due to the water +and lack of fresh air; but there was a scent undefinable as well. He +struck a match; it went out immediately, just as though somebody, or +something, had blown upon it. He was not a nervous man, but when the +second and third match went out in the same way he was inclined to beat +a retreat. + +"One more try," he thought, and struck three or four wax matches at +once; this proved effective and gave him time to see in the corner, +propped up, what looked like the body of a man. He must be mistaken; +he lit more matches, dropping the others on the floor, where they +spluttered in the wet and fizzled out. + +It was a man, could be nothing else. He went toward the body, for such +he supposed it, bent down to feel it, and found nothing. This was +strange. He lit more matches. Now he saw space; there was no body +there. He stepped back several paces, astonished, lost in wonder; then +he saw the thing again, saw it distinctly, and it seemed to move. It +came toward him, or in his excited state of mind he fancied so. His +light went out; he had no more matches. As he groped his way to the +steps, or where he thought they were, something touched him on the +shoulder. It was enough to startle any man, and he cried out in alarm. +There was a faint, squeaking noise and a fluttering, then the thing +touched his cheek and he smelt a deathlike odor. Thoroughly alarmed he +groped out. He felt the damp wall; he had lost the steps; he must walk +round, feeling until he came to them, being a circular dungeon he must +come to them. It seemed an interminable time before he came to the +opening and began to scramble up on his hands and knees. + +Tom Thrush waited in the boat. He thought him a long time gone and +hoped nothing had happened. He knew it was a queer place to roam +around. He whistled for company, then lit his pipe. Why didn't he +come out of the beastly place? What was that? It sounded like a +startled cry; it came from the tower. Tom shivered. He wasn't going +in there to look for Carl Meason, not for any money. The smoke came +from his pipe in jerky whiffs. + +Just as he was about to step out of the boat, go to the door and call, +Carl Meason came out with a quick movement. Tom stared at him in +amazement, not unmingled with fear. + +Meason was covered in dirt and damp from head to foot, there was blood +on his hands, his face was blanched, a wild look in his eyes. He had +no time to pull himself together before Tom saw it. His recovery +however was remarkably quick considering what he had gone through. He +had no desire to give himself away. He looked at his clothes and +laughed. In the open again his courage revived. + +"It's the dirtiest damp hole I ever was in!" he said; and Tom +recognized a difference in his voice. + +"Yer all over filth," said Tom. "Yer hands are bloody, ye've torn yer +trousers. Where've yer been? Have yer seen anything?" + +"Rotten place," said Carl. "If I were Chesney I'd blow it up." + +"Did yer see anything?" persisted Tom. + +"What the deuce is there to see except bare walls and some ancient oak +furniture, must be hundreds of years old." + +"It is," said Tom, "more--hundreds and hundreds. You looked a bit +scared when you came out--white as a sheet, eyes near shooting out of +yer head. Tell me what yer saw." + +"Nothing," said Carl. "The place gave me the horrors. I lost myself +in the dungeon, took me a long time to find the steps again, that gave +me a shock, I had no matches left." + +"There's folks been put in that place never saw the light o' day again. +Do you believe it's haunted?" + +Carl made no reply for a few moments, then said: + +"It may be; I shouldn't be surprised. I'm more inclined to believe you +since I've been inside." + +"I thought as how you would. Seeing's believing," said Tom. + +"But I tell you I did not see anything. I heard sounds." + +"Ah!" exclaimed Tom. "What like were they?" + +"Groans!" + +"It's them ye heard, the spirits of the dead; the poor devils never +rest in peace," said Tom. + +They were going across the moat. There was a splash and both started; +Tom almost dropped the oar. + +"What's that?" he said. "Look!" and he pointed to the ripples in the +dark water circling. + +"A fish rising," said Carl with a queer little laugh. + +"There's no fish in here, don't believe there's even a carp in." + +"Why not?" + +"What 'ud fish be doing in this beastly hole?" + +"Feeding." + +"Nothing to feed on." + +"You don't know what's at the bottom of that," said Carl, pointing +downward. + +"And I don't want to. If it's fish, I'd not eat them," said Tom. + +They walked back to the keeper's cottage. Jane met them at the door, +surprised to see the state of Carl's clothes. She asked where he had +been. + +"Exploring the moat and the keep," he replied, thinking her pretty face +was a great help to banish phantoms. + +Jane laughed as she said: + +"You've had a fright. Keep away from the place, it's haunted; there's +danger when you meddle with 'em." + +"I saw nothing in the keep. I told your father so." + +Jane shook her head as she replied: + +"Best say nothing about it; keep those things to yourself." + +"Have you ever seen things there?" asked Carl. + +"Telling's knowing," said Jane, but without smiling. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +A SUDDEN PROPOSAL + +War was declared against Germany on that fateful day in August; the +blow had fallen at last, the nations of the earth were about to measure +their millions, and England was unprepared. There was no doubt about +the strength of feeling in Britain; every man was for war, with the +exception of a few cranks and peacemongers, many of them little better +than traitors to their country. + +There was a call to arms; it echoed, reverberated, throughout the land; +and never was such a voluntary response by any nation. There is little +need to write about it; everybody knows how "Kitchener's chaps" rolled +up in thousands, to their everlasting honor. By their response they +showed the spirit of the nation, roused at last to a sense of horrible +danger. Throughout the land there were martial sounds--the hum of +camps, the tramp of men, the clang of horses' hoofs, the rattle of war +department wagons. Before people had time to rub their eyes and become +wide awake, an army had landed in France, eager to help gallant little +Belgium, and stop the rush of the enemy's vast hordes. + +The Sherwoods were mustered in Trent Park. A noble array they made, +splendid men, well mounted and equipped, eager to get at the foe. +Captain Alan Chesney was with them, his house the headquarters of the +regiment. They had not to wait long; they were in luck's way, one of +the first cavalry regiments ordered to the front. + +Alan, busy preparing for his departure, had barely a minute to spare, +but he made time to call on a few friends, and Eve Berkeley was one of +the last. He rode to The Forest in uniform, looking every inch a +soldier. He stood in the room waiting for her, his fingers drummed +impatiently on the mantelpiece; he wanted to be away, the fighting +spirit of the soldier was roused again when he put on khaki. He longed +for war--and the front. + +For some years he had been a peace soldier, spending money freely, +having plenty of spare time, although he was never a laggard and loved +the drill and discipline. Now it was different; they were off to the +front, where the battle already raged furiously and danger threatened +France, as in the former war and from the same source, with many times +the strength. + +Eve came in. She looked at her best. She knew he was coming and had +been thinking of him. There was danger ahead for the man she loved; it +was possible she might not see him again. She dare not think of that, +it was terrible. + +He turned round quickly and came to her, taking both her hands. +Looking into her eyes he could not fail to see the light in them; it +dazzled but did not blind; it opened his to what was hidden behind the +electric flashes in hers. For a few moments there was silence. Then +he said: + +"I am come to say goodbye, Eve, my old playmate, my best friend." + +His voice was well under control, no tremor, but it vibrated and played +on her heart-strings. She was agitated; she had been counting on this +parting, thinking what might happen, re-changing many things. + +"We leave to-morrow, or the next day. I go to London to-night. I +cannot tell you our destination, but I can guess it." + +Still she did not speak, and he went on: + +"We shall give a good account of ourselves, the Sherwoods. Many of us +will not return, but something tells me I shall come through it all and +live." + +"How I shall miss you!" she said. "It will be in fear and trembling I +open the paper each morning and scan the lists. But you are doing +right; no man can hang back at such a moment. You are glad to be in +uniform again?" + +"Indeed I am. I feel as though I had never been out of it," he +answered. + +"You look splendid," she said. + +"This morning you are at your best," he replied. + +"You were coming to see me, I wanted you to carry away a good +impression," she said, smiling. + +"I shall often think of you, Eve, and your many gracious actions. By +Jove, you are a brick--there's nobody like you," he said +enthusiastically. + +She was pleased and showed it. + +"Have you forgotten our last conversation?" he asked. "It was +perilously near the danger zone." + +"Why call it a danger zone?" she asked. + +"Eve, you don't mean it?" he asked. + +"Mean what?" + +"Oh, you know. By Jove, I'll risk it, although I can't imagine such +good fortune falling to my lot." + +"What are you going to risk?" she asked, strangely agitated. + +"Asking you to be my wife--there it's out--must I go?" he said. + +"Do you wish to go?" she asked archly. + +"No; there." + +He almost lifted her off her feet as he took her to him and kissed her +many times. She clung to him, her arms round his neck, her head +resting on his breast; she seemed loath to let him go. + +"Alan, oh Alan, it seems too good to be true! I thought you were never +going to ask me. I am afraid I have schemed for this. Forgive me, I +could not live without you," she said, and again he stopped her mouth +with kisses. + +"I have always loved you, Eve. When you were a girl you were different +from anybody else, the only girl for me. You have not answered my +question?" he said. + +"I will be your wife, Alan; it has been the dearest wish of my life. I +am almost afraid to say how much I love you," she said softly. + +"Never be afraid of that; tell me, I want to carry it away with me." + +She told him, and his body flamed in response, his heart beat fast. It +was the most thrilling moment of his life; she buried her blushing face +on his shoulder and panted for very joy. + +Alan recognized the depth of her love and wondered at it. She was his, +part of him. He felt it, henceforth they would be one. When he was +away she would be with him in the spirit. He was loath to part from +her, but it had to be. Duty called and that came first. He waited a +few minutes until they were calmer. + +"Marry me before I leave," he said impetuously. + +"There is no time," was the faint reply. "You go to-morrow." + +"I forgot; no, there is no time. It is not fair to ask you. Promise +me if I come home for a day or two you will consent?" + +"Readily, Alan. I am yours when you wish to take me," she answered. + +"Supposing we do not leave to-morrow, supposing it is a few more days, +that there is time?" he said, his eyes very bright and eager. + +"If there is time----" she hesitated. + +"You will?" + +"Yes." + +This was too much for him; he was overwhelmed at his happiness. He +clasped her in his arms again and crushed her until it pained, but it +was exquisite pain, she felt safe with those strong arms about her. + +"I feel as though I never want to let you go again," he said. + +She laughed happily. + +"If there is time, Alan, we can be quietly married," she said. + +"I shall try and make time. I must run no risks." + +"Risks of what?" + +"Losing you." + +"That can never be now. You will not lose me. I may lose you," and +she shivered. + +"I'm not going to be killed, wounded perhaps. What if I come home +minus an arm, or a leg, or with a mutilated face? You might wish to +cry off our compact. I can't risk that, Eve; I want to make sure of +you," he said earnestly. + +"And do you for a moment suppose that would make any difference?" she +asked. + +"No, I don't, although I said as much. I have great faith in you." + +They talked over the future for a long time. When he rose to go, he +said: + +"Remember, if there is time we are to be married before I leave for +France." + +"Yes; I hope there will be time," she said quietly. + +"You would make a charming widow," he said jokingly. + +"Don't say such horrible things," she replied. + +"I won't offend again. There's too much in life to even hint at +death," he said. + +"Let me know if I can see you in London before you go to-morrow?" she +said. + +"I will; I'll send a special messenger." + +"To my town house. I shall be there. I will go up to-night in order +to be ready." + +"You're the best of women!" he said, kissing her. + +He was gone. She sent for her maid and gave orders about traveling to +London in the afternoon. How happy she was! Alan had asked her to be +his wife at last! She had waited a long time; it seemed almost too +good to be true. She wished she could be married before he went away; +then she would be quite sure of him. Now he was gone she wondered if +her spell over him would ever be in danger of breaking. She blamed +herself for such thoughts, but they would intrude, causing little pangs +of uneasiness and doubt that irritated her. + +On the journey to London she was filled with hope and fears. Their +marriage would settle everything, give her the right to look after +Trent Park and all belonging to it, of which she was capable, and knew +it. There would be much to do in his absence; he had asked her before +and she consented, but there were difficulties. + +There were several stoppages on the way; inquiries elicited the +information that traffic was congested owing to the movements of +troops. Already war made a difference; what would it be in the course +of a year? + +Alan called late at night. There was no chance of a marriage, he was +to leave in the morning. He fretted and fumed at the delay, but Eve +dispelled his gloom and he went cheerfully after an affectionate +parting. After his departure she sat in a disconsolate mood in the +large room, longing for company. She wondered if she ought to make +their engagement known. He had said nothing about it; perhaps better +not until she heard from him. There was the satisfaction of knowing he +loved her, that she was to be his wife. Even this did not dispel the +shadows; she tried to convince herself all would be well--only +partially succeeding. + +As for Alan, in the rush and turmoil of departure he almost forgot the +question of an immediate marriage. It could not take place yet, so why +trouble about it? Eve was his and he was satisfied. On the whole he +considered it perhaps as well they were not married. There was no +telling what might happen to him and she would be in a better position +if he succumbed to the chances of war. Not that he had any fears on +that score; he looked forward to the coming struggle in a very +optimistic mood. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +JANE'S LOVE AFFAIR + +The battle raged; the German hordes pushed forward; the great retreat +began. Paris seemed about to fall and there was anxiety in the Allied +forces. Prodigies of valor were chronicled in a few lines of space; +the British army, greatly outnumbered, was holding the enemy. The +advance was slow, a wonderful retreat, perhaps the most heroic known +until almost equaled by the Russians later on. + +Then came the news that the enemy was checked, they in turn were driven +back when Paris seemed within their grasp. The Germans were held and +the situation saved. It was marvelous, and the "little army," under +Sir John French was covered in glory. Britain thrilled at the news of +her soldiers' bravery. They fought as of old, fought as at Waterloo, +at Inkerman, at the Alma, and Balaklava. They had not degenerated, the +same spirit animated them; they knew how to die, and how to win. For +forty years the Germans had been trained for war, and their masses were +held up by men who had known peace for many years. + +The Sherwoods had their chance and took it. The Uhlans were no match +for them; they were bowled over like ninepins. Men and horses fell in +heaps before the terrible charge. Captain Chesney was in the thick of +it all. Rash, brave, knowing no danger, he was a typical cavalry +officer; and that master of cavalry tactics, Sir John French, heard of +his bravery and recognized it. After their first action Alan Chesney +was the idol of the Sherwoods. The men followed him into the jaws of +death and cheered as he led them on. Nothing could stand before them, +their impetuosity overcame all obstacles; they lost many men but gained +imperishable renown. + +Eve Berkeley read the meager accounts of the fighting and grew +impatient, longing for more, wondering why publicity was not given to +the doings of the bravest of the brave. Alan's name cropped up once or +twice, she gathered from the vague lines that he had done wonders, that +his bravery was conspicuous, that his men loved him, and she was proud +of him. + +Week after week passed and she only had one or two lines from him. +There was no time to write long letters, she must wait until he was out +of the saddle for an hour or two. She knew how difficult it must be to +write, yet longed to hear, and each morning looked for a letter. When +it did not come she scanned the papers in fear and trembling. She +little knew the narrow escapes he had already experienced, and he came +out of terrible frays with hardly a scratch. When horses were shot +under him a trooper was always ready with another for him with a "take +mine, sir." Alan reveled in the fury of the charge; his whole body +thrilled as he galloped down on the Uhlans at headlong speed. This was +soldiering indeed; no playing; deadly, grim earnest, a toss-up for life +or death. He grieved at the loss of men, but the fewer in number the +more they were united and proved irresistible. During the retreat they +were here and there and everywhere, scouting, thwarting the enemy, +breaking up his plans, a thorn in his side pricking deep. Seldom out +of the saddle, he had little time to think of home and Eve Berkeley. + +At Trent Park things went on much as usual. Eve went over +occasionally; her visits were in no way resented, everything was made +smooth for her. + +At the stud she was always welcome. Sam Kerridge appreciated her at +her full worth; said she knew more about horses than half the men he +met, that she had an eye for a good 'un, and could fault the inferior +sort. + +"Blest if I couldn't leave her in charge for a month without the +slightest fear of anything going wrong," he said. + +Alfonso had taken the place of Mameluke, and there seemed every chance +of his being as popular with owners of mares, but the shadow of war +over the land was likely to have some effect on the big studs. Already +there was talk of cutting down expenses and selling off. + +Carl Meason still had his rooms at the Sherwood Inn and Abel Head +wondered if he were right in his surmise that he was a spy. He argued +that a spy would hardly bury himself at Little Trent in war time; +still, there was no telling. Meason went out in his motor at night +more than usual; moreover he carried a very powerful light and there +was an unusually strong one inside the car. + +"What's this for?" asked Abel as he examined it. + +"The police are very particular about lights, so I've got this ready in +case one of the others goes out," was the reply. + +"Must give a powerful glare," commented Abel. + +"It does. Nothing like seeing far enough ahead," said Carl. + +Abel was not satisfied. He had never seen such big lamps inside a car +before and he did not believe Meason's reason for having it. Although +he had plenty on hand Carl Meason found time to meet Jane Thrush. +After much persuasion he induced her to go in his car to Nottingham to +see the sights, and strange to say Tom raised no objections. Thrush +seemed favorably impressed with Meason; no doubt an occasional fiver +helped in this direction, for Tom was fond of money. + +"Where's the harm?" he said to himself. "Jane's a clever girl, knows +more than the ordinary, and she's good enough for any man. He seems +sweet on her. No reason why he should not marry her. There's money, +not a doubt or he couldn't sling fivers about like he does." + +All the same he questioned Jane closely after her return from +Nottingham; but she was reticent. Not given to talking much himself he +did not pay so much notice to this as he might otherwise have done. + +Carl Meason was a man to attract a girl like Jane Thrush. He could be +agreeable when he chose; his face concealed his real feelings--it was a +mask and effectually changed the man to outward appearances. Meason +was making the mistake of his life. He was fast becoming infatuated +with Jane Thrush, subordinating certain objects to her, spending time +in her company. The work he had in hand brooked no interference. It +was sufficiently dangerous; there must be no leakage. Not a hint or a +whisper must get about or he would be in grave danger on both sides. +His employers were ruthless, and the authorities in England would not +be likely to spare even his life if they got wind of his purpose and +how he was working. + +Jane Thrush held him in the hollow of her hand did she but know it. At +present she was too innocent to suspect his real nature and she never +dreamed what he was about. She would not have understood his affairs +had they been explained to her. Jane merely saw in him a well-to-do +man, who talked to her with respect, and was evidently more than half +in love with her. She was not conceited although she had a proper +sense of her importance and good looks, which was fostered by her +father. + +During the drive to Nottingham and back Carl Meason made love to her in +ardent fashion and she had not repulsed him although she was careful to +keep him within bounds. One thing Tom Thrush had effectually taught +his daughter and that was the perils to which pretty girls are exposed. +He had made no bones about it, spoke out plainly, and Jane learned the +lesson well. + +"Her's got no mother," Tom said to himself, "and it's my place to warn +her. She'd best know what's what and then she can't stumble with her +eyes open," and in his rough way he saw farther than people who avoided +responsibilities in this direction. + +Jane was therefore well armed against the wiles of unprincipled men, +although it had hitherto been her good fortune not to encounter any. +There had been kisses and embraces and Jane accepted them without much +enthusiasm or response. Carl Meason's lovemaking left her cold; +somehow she hardly thought it real. She did not tell Tom of these +embraces and he forebore to push inquiries. His occupation made him +suspicious and watchful; he was the terror of poachers and evil-doers +among the game, and had tracked many notorious men down. Although he +loved money he surmised that Carl Meason's occasional fivers were not +given for nothing, they were to smooth the way for Jane's favor. + +If the man meant well by his daughter there was no harm done; if ill, +then he would settle with him in a way that would astonish before any +damage was done. + +Carl Meason quickly discovered he would have to play straight with Jane +Thrush, also her father, and for once in a way he was inclined to do +this; it was after all the easiest to get what he wanted. + +So far he had never given much thought to taking a wife, but when he +considered everything, turning the pros and cons over, he came to the +conclusion Jane Thrush was worth some sort of sacrifice. He would not +surrender any of his liberty, once she was his he would mold her to his +will; he fancied this would be easy--he was mistaken, as better men +have been. + +It was a relief from his work to talk and make love to Jane, also to +think about her at night when touring round the country in his motor. +There were other things to think about, and sometimes he dreaded what +might happen when the time came for the devilish engines of destruction +to work. Carl valued human life little, except in the care of his own +body, and had been instrumental in sending many to death. He knew +there were thousands of Germans in the country; they had been spying +out the land for years, and he wondered at the supineness of the +authorities in allowing it. He cared little who won the war so long as +he reaped his reward. He would have been willing to accept pay from +both sides had it been feasible. + +If he had a better side to his nature Jane Thrush seemed likely to find +it, but even she would have to walk warily if in his power. Jane's +pretty face had won a sort of victory over him; he acknowledged his +submission with a wry grimace, thinking she would be called upon to +submit in her turn. + +Meanwhile Jane hesitated as to what she would do if he asked her to be +his wife, as she believed he would. To solve her doubts, she asked her +father. Tom eyed her curiously; he was sleepy and barely grasped her +question. + +"What did yer say, lass?" he asked. + +"If Mr. Meason asks me to be his wife what answer shall I give him?" + +Tom was awake now. This was important. + +"He'll ask, you reckon?" + +"I believe he will." + +"Then please yourself, lass. He's a well-favored man, seems well off, +he'd make a good husband," said Tom. + +"Perhaps he would," said Jane doubtfully. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +THE LAY OF THE LAND + +Race meetings gradually dropped out, they were few and far between; +there was more important business on hand. + +Fred Skane had sole control of Alan Chesney's horses during his absence +and picked up a race or two to meet expenses. Alan had given no +instructions to sell any of his horses, but Fred used his judgment and +let three or four go in selling races. Alan impressed upon him to +prepare a couple of horses to match against Bernard Hallam's Rainstorm +and Southerly Buster, for he was anxious to demonstrate the superiority +of the English horses. + +Mr. Hallam brought his trainer from Australia, and Jack Wrench--his +name--was granted permission to train at Newmarket. It was not long +before two sterling good horses, Catspaw and Bellringer, four and five +years old respectively, were purchased to lead the Australians in their +work. Both horses had won good handicaps and came into the market on +the departure of their owner for the front. Mr. Hallam paid a stiff +price for them, but Jack Wrench had been advised they were worth it. +The Australian trainer was anxious to prove that Rainstorm and +Southerly Buster were equal to the best handicap horses in England. + +It soon got about in racing circles that there was likely to be a match +between horses of Alan Chesney and those of Bernard Hallam. This news +spread far and wide, and the Australians in the fighting line were as +eager about it as anybody. The Anzacs had a terrible time in +Gallipoli, and the Dardanelles generally, but they were always eager to +discuss sport when the Turks gave them a rest for a few hours. + +Time passed quickly, and already the death roll on both sides was +terrible. Still Alan escaped unhurt, and Eve expected him home on +short leave; his latest letter, however, gave no hope of this for some +time, but he said he would make an effort later on when his horses were +fit to run. He fixed up a match with Mr. Hallam for a thousand a side +between The Duke and Southerly Buster, and Bandmaster and Rainstorm, +the distances a mile and two miles. The Hunt Cup winner developed into +a great stayer, and as he had a wonderful turn of speed he was sanguine +of beating Rainstorm. + +So many race meetings were abandoned that the Newmarket programs were +extended to take their place in some measure, and the headquarters of +the turf became very busy. Racing men were thankful for small mercies; +the extra meetings were well attended and big fields turned out for the +events. + +Mr. Hallam was often at Newmarket, taking great interest in the work of +his horses, and Wrench gave him encouraging accounts of their progress. +Both horses came well out of their gallops with Catspaw and Bellringer, +and the local touts were much impressed with them. + +Rainstorm was voted a beauty; the Australian horse became popular and +his portrait appeared in several papers, together with interviews with +Bernard Hallam. + +Ella Hallam spent much of her time at The Forest with Eve Berkeley and +they were firm friends. Ella knew of Eve's engagement to Alan and +heartily congratulated her. Whatever she might have thought about +Alan's attentions to herself she never for a moment doubted his +inclinations were toward Eve; being a loyal-hearted woman she accepted +the situation. + +Fred Skane came to Trent Park to see Sam Kerridge. They were cronies, +had been for years. + +"I suppose you'll win both matches," said Sam. + +"Pretty sure of it. Bandmaster will beat Rainstorm anyhow whichever +way the other goes," answered Fred. + +"Queer Bandmaster should turn out a stayer," said Sam. + +"He's bred to stay," replied Fred. + +"But he's a Hunt Cup winner and I'd hardly have expected him to be up +to two miles." + +"Well he is--no mistake about it. I've tried him and I know," said the +trainer. + +"And you don't often make mistakes, Fred." + +"I'm just as liable to be mistaken as other men, but when I've +something to go upon I'm not far out," replied the trainer. + +"Awful job, this war," growled Sam; "upsets everything. I've lost four +of my best men, and some of the others want to join up." + +"Can't wonder at it. We'll need every man we have to win outright." + +"Suppose we shall," said Sam. "All the same it's hard lines on a chap +when he's used to the men and they're used to him." + +In the evening they walked to Little Trent and went into the Sherwood +Inn for a chat with Abel Head, who gave them a cordial welcome. They +were favorites, and he liked a talk about racing. While they were +chatting, a motor horn was heard and Abel said: + +"That's Meason coming back. He's earlier than usual." + +The trainer and Sam had heard of Carl Meason and were aware of Abel's +opinion about him. + +"He's making a long stay with you," said Fred. + +"I'm about tired of him, although I'll not deny he's a good customer +and pays his way," said Abel. + +Carl Meason looked into the snuggery as he was passing the door. + +"Come in," said Sam. "You may as well join us." + +Carl entered, took off his coat, and sat down. + +"When's the great match to come off?" he asked. He was always posted +up on racing; he liked a flutter and never lost an opportunity of +getting a useful hint. + +"Hardly know yet," said Fred. "I expect we'll have to wait until Mr. +Chesney gets leave. He'll want to see both races run." + +"And I suppose his horses will win both matches?" said Carl. + +"I hope so," said the trainer. + +"You're not certain?" + +"One can never be sure where racing is concerned," said Fred. + +Carl laughed. + +"Then what about these big coups that come off? They're pretty sure +about them." + +"Of course there are real good things, but even they are bowled over," +said Fred. + +"Clever men, you trainers," said Carl. + +"Some of them," said Sam, with a wink at Abel. + +"No doubt about Mr. Skane's being one of the clever men," said Carl. + +"Don't know so much about that; I've been done more than once," said +Fred. + +"Shouldn't have thought it," said Carl. "The man who did you must have +got up very early in the morning." + +"Going out to-night again?" asked Abel. + +"Yes, walking; I have a little business on hand that concerns my +happiness," said Carl. + +"Sounds a bit like courting," said Sam. + +"You're not far out," was Carl's reply. "I'm thinking of getting +married," he added as he left the room. + +"Who's the girl?" asked Sam. + +"Can't say for certain. He's been thick with Jane Thrush for a long +time; they go out together. She's been in his motor to Nottingham. +Can't think what Tom's about to allow it." + +"He'd be a good match for her, eh?" asked Fred. + +"I'm none so sure about that. What do you say, Sam?" asked Abel. + +"I don't know much about the man. Jane's a very pretty girl; she's +quite good enough for him," said Sam. + +"I wish I could fathom him," said Abel. "He's mysterious; them roads +and maps is all a blind, I feel sure." + +"What makes you think so?" asked Sam. + +"Nothing in particular. He keeps on tracing and tracking, and marking +out spots in red ink, but I can't make head or tail of 'em," said Abel. + +"Leaves them about, does he?" asked the trainer. + +"Sometimes." + +"There can't be much harm in what he's doing," said Fred. + +Abel shook his head doubtfully. + +"If he hadn't been here before the war began I'd have him put down as a +spy--I'm not quite sure he isn't." + +"Spying what?" asked Sam. + +"The lay of the land," replied Abel. + +"What for? How will that help? You don't think the Germans will come +inside England?" laughed Fred. + +"Not by land. They may come overhead and do some damage. What about +these Zepplins they've been building for a long time?" said Abel. + +The trainer laughed; so did Sam Kerridge. + +"You can laugh," said Abel, "but it's my belief they'll do some damage +with 'em before long." + +"And you imagine Meason is planning out routes for them--is that it?" +asked the trainer. + +"Something of the sort. Wouldn't put it past him," said Abel. + +"I can't agree with you. If he were doing that he wouldn't leave his +work about," said Sam. + +"He leaves about what he likes. I'll bet he has some things he would +not like to be seen," said Abel. + +"It's a dangerous thing to be a spy," said Sam; "and I don't think he +looks like one. He'd have no time for courting if he'd a job like +that." + +"For two pins I'd give information against him," said Abel. "If I get +half a chance, and enough evidence to go on I'll do it." + +"It is a serious charge to make," said Sam, and the trainer agreed. + +As they walked home they continued the conversation, and Sam gave Fred +to understand there was something suspicious about Carl Meason's +movements. + +"But it doesn't look much like spying. He's after Jane Thrush and +means matrimony--he'd have no time on his hands for that," said Sam. + +Carl Meason left the Inn and walked to the keeper's cottage. He saw +him leave, gun under arm, and as he wanted the coast clear it suited +his purpose. Jane opened the door when he tapped--she had come to know +the sound. + +"Father's gone out," she said. + +"I saw him. I am glad; I want a few words with you alone," he replied. +"I am going away for a time on business and I want you to go with me. +I shall be lost without you." + +"I cannot go away with you; you know that," she answered. + +"Oh, yes, you can--as my wife?" he said. So he did wish to marry her. +She was gratified. She had thought of late such was not his intention. + +"You'll marry me?" she asked. + +"That's what I've come for to-night, to ask you to be my wife." + +She was silent. It was an important step to take. She liked him, but +she was not sure she loved him, and she was a little afraid of him. +She had caught glimpses of the brute in him once or twice; it revolted +her. + +"Where are you going?" she asked. + +"To the sea. We can spend our honeymoon there." + +"Where?" + +"I cannot tell you until we are on the way. I want nobody round here +to know my whereabouts," he said. + +"And you wish me to go with you as your wife?" + +"Yes." + +"When do you start?" + +"In a week or so." + +"Then I will give you my answer in a day or two," she said quietly. + +He remained late, trying to persuade her to say she would be his wife. +He had to leave without being satisfied, and he was annoyed. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +TOM'S WEAKNESS + +"Then he's come to the scratch! I thought he would. You're a clever +lass, Jane," said her father. + +"Nothing clever about it. I haven't given him much encouragement," she +said. + +"What are you going to do?" + +"That's for you to decide." + +"It concerns you more than me. Do you love him?" + +"I'm not sure." + +"Eh! Not sure--you've had time enough." + +"He's difficult to understand," said Jane. + +"In what way?" asked Tom. + +"I can hardly say; it's hard to explain. He seems fond of me; he might +make a good husband." + +"What's amiss with him?" + +"Oh, nothing; but sometimes he frightens me," she said. + +"Good Lord, how?" exclaimed Tom. + +"He's fierce at times--he's terribly determined even when he's making +love." + +"That proves he's in earnest." + +"Perhaps so; it shows he wants me, anyhow." + +"That's in his favor. He's offered marriage, so he means right by you." + +"It's his only chance," she replied. + +Tom thought there was a good deal of common-sense in her; he put it +down to his credit that he had brought her up well, opened her eyes. + +"He must have money. Perhaps I'd better have a talk with him." + +"What about?" + +"He ought to settle a sum on you," said Tom cautiously. + +Jane smiled as she thought: "You want money out of him, but you mean +well." + +"Men with cash generally give their wives a bit down," said Tom. + +"If he did that, wouldn't it be rather like buying me?" she asked. + +"Lord, no! Rich folk do it, the swells. Why shouldn't he?" + +"He's not what I'd call a swell--real gentleman--not like Mr. Chesney," +said Jane. + +"That's different; there's not many men like him." + +"No, that's true," said Jane with a sigh. + +"I'll put a few questions to him," said Tom. "Wonder what his business +is?" + +"Surveyor; he says so." + +"Can't make it out why he hangs about here so long without it's for +your sake, lass." + +"Perhaps that has something to do with it." + +"Must have," said Tom. + +He waited to see Carl Meason, who came the next morning, eager to have +Jane's answer. He had a long talk with Tom Thrush; they went for a +walk; Carl returned alone. He at once put the question to Jane, saying +he had her father's consent. She made up her mind quickly. It was a +chance she must not let slip--there were no eligible suitors in the +neighborhood. + +"I will marry you, Carl," she said. "You must be very good and kind to +me." + +He drew her to him, and kissed her passionately, vowing he would do +everything possible to make her happy. He would have promised anything +to gain his own ends. + +"I want to be married in Little Trent Church," she said. + +"I'll get a special license," he replied. "We've no time to wait." + +"You're in a hurry to be off," said Jane. + +"Business, my dear. I'd not have stayed so long at the Sherwood Inn if +it hadn't been for you." + +"You do love me--it's not make-believe?" + +"Is that make-believe," he said, crushing her in his arms, kissing her +many times. She recognized it was anything but make-believe; he wanted +her badly, he must love her. + +"Let me go," she said, panting. + +"You believe me?" + +"Yes, I believe you." + +"And you love me?" + +"Yes." + +He crushed her again, then reluctantly let her go and stood looking at +her. + +"I've seen the parson," he said. "He's a queer old fellow; said he +must see your father about it--and you." + +"That's quite right. We sort of belong to him; he's our guide. I go +to church." + +"I told him he'd have no difficulty with you, or your father, that +you'd both consent," he said. + +"But you didn't know we would!" she remonstrated. + +"I was sure of it," said Carl. + +When he left, Jane wondered if he had promised or given her father any +money; she half suspected there had been some bargaining and resented +the thought. She knew her father loved her dearly, but he also loved +money and would go far to get it. + +Tom Thrush came home, putting a bold face on, but looked rather +sheepish. + +"It's settled; I've taken him. We're to be married in Little Trent +Church. Parson's coming to see us about it," she said. + +"Drat him, what's he coming for?" said Tom irritably. + +"Carl says we're to be married as soon as possible by special license. +I suppose that's what he's coming about," replied Jane. + +"He's in a hurry." + +"We're going to the sea--for the honeymoon," said Jane, blushing +prettily. + +"She's a beauty," thought Tom. "I wonder if she could have done better +for herself?" He was seldom satisfied with anything. + +"Where to, what seaside?" he asked. + +"He said he could not tell me before we left. He didn't want the +people about here to know." + +"That's queer. Why shouldn't he?" growled Tom. + +"He's good reasons for it, no doubt," she answered. "Was anything said +about money?" + +Tom shuffled uneasily in his chair. + +"Well, yes, we had a few words about it." + +"What did you say to him?" + +"Told him it was usual for a man of means to settle something on his +wife." + +"Well, what did he say?" + +"Laughed; said he wasn't exactly a rich man but he could afford to keep +a wife in comfort. Then he offered to give me a hundred pounds to put +by for you in case anything happened to him. He said it would do for a +bit until his affairs were settled. I said it wasn't much. We argued +the thing out. He's promised two hundred; that's not so bad," said Tom +in a hesitating way. + +"Did he give you the money?" she asked, + +"No, he's bringing it to-night." + +"To hand it to me?" she asked. + +"I said I'd best keep it for you until you wanted it." + +Jane smiled. + +"You'll be sure and take care of it, Dad?" she said. + +"Upon my soul I will. You know I'm a careful man with money, Jane," he +said eagerly. + +"I shall want a little pocket money when I go away." + +"He'll give you some. He's sure to be generous." + +"I think he has been generous in giving you two hundred pounds. I +shall not ask him for any. You can spare some," said Jane. + +"Of course it's not mine; it's yours," protested Tom. "But where's the +harm in getting a bit more? He knows we're not well off." + +She shook her head. + +"No," she said. "I will not ask him, and you must not." + +"Very well, my lass. Suppose we say ten pounds." + +"Not enough; it must be twenty at the least." + +Tom gave in at once. She might refuse to let him hold the money for +her; that would be a calamity. Jane regarded this transaction with +Carl Meason doubtfully. It was too much like bargaining for her; but +she loved her father, knew his weakness, and forgave. After all, the +money was hers, and he was honest and would not touch a penny of it; he +merely wanted to gloat over its possession. + +Carl Meason saw Tom Thrush alone and handed over the two hundred +pounds. He was generally free with his money, and well supplied. + +"Jane'll have to go to Nottingham to buy a few things before she's +married," said Tom, feeling his way. He had promised Jane not to make +more demands on Carl, but this did not include broad hints. + +"I'll take her over," said Carl. + +"That's all right; I can't afford to give her much," said Tom. + +Carl grinned, rather savagely, inwardly cursing Tom for a greedy, +miserly man. Well, he'd have Jane--that was his reward. + +"I'll see to it my wife shall have all she wants," he answered. + +"You'll not find her extravagant; she's been well brought up," said Tom. + +"Trust her father for that," said Carl. + +Jane went to Nottingham with Carl Meason; she found him liberal. He +bought her expensive dresses and wraps; she began to have a sense of +importance. + +Tom Thrush was surprised. Jane had never seemed quite so good-looking; +he considered Carl Meason had secured a valuable prize. + +"I'll not deny he's dealt liberally with you," said Tom; "but you're +worth it." + +Carl Meason was satisfied when he saw Jane dressed at her best. She +was even prettier than he thought; her new clothes certainly brought +out her good points to perfection. The scruples of the parson were +overcome after he had talked freely with Tom and Jane. He had doubts +about the wisdom of the match, but kept them to himself. + +They were married in Little Trent Church and Eve Berkeley was present. +She had been much surprised when Jane told her she was to be married to +Carl Meason. + +"Are you quite sure you love him, Jane?" asked Eve. + +Jane was not quite sure, and said so. Eve warned her she was about to +try a dangerous experiment, run considerable risk. + +"I am very fond of you, Jane, and I want to see you happy," she said. +"Consider it well; there is time to draw back. You do not know much +about Mr. Meason--nobody does; he is rather mysterious." + +After this interview with Eve Berkeley, Jane had doubts as to the +wisdom of the course she was pursuing; they vanished when out of her +presence. + +There were several villagers in the church and Jane's appearance +created a mild sensation. She seemed quite the lady, exceedingly +pretty. They had hitherto considered her as one of themselves, now she +looked superior. + +Carl Meason was proud of his young bride, but he wanted her all to +himself, and after a brief stay of a couple of hours they left the +Sherwood Inn in his motor and started on their journey amidst the +cheers of the villagers. Carl had taken care to leave a liberal amount +of money with Abel Head for the villagers' benefit; he wished to create +a good impression and succeeded--for a time. + +Tom Thrush made the most of his hours at Sherwood Inn. He was a +temperate man, but this was a special occasion. There was an ample +supply of liquor, to which he did full justice. The thought of +returning to his cottage and finding no Jane there made him feel lonely +and he remained at the Inn until closing-time. + +Abel Head walked some of the way with him, and as they were about to +part, said: + +"I hope Jane will be happy. She's a good girl, far too good for Meason +I'm thinking." + +"Her'll be all right," said Tom. "The man's behaved well; he'll be +proud of her, you see if he's not." + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +HALF A HEAD + +The matches were to take place at Newmarket on the first two days. +They had been arranged so that Alan Chesney might be present; leave was +granted for five days, and he hurried home from the front. Since the +desperate cavalry fighting with the Uhlans he had been promoted to the +general staff in a special capacity kept a profound secret to all +except those immediately concerned, and had already done excellent +service. + +He arrived at Trent Park late in the evening, and at once went to The +Forest where Eve Berkeley anxiously awaited him. Bernard Hallam and +Ella were there but discreetly kept out of the way until they met. +Alan was bronzed and looked fit; Eve was proud of him. They had much +to talk over, and for an hour were left to themselves. No mention was +made of their marriage; it was understood it was to take place as soon +as possible. + +When Bernard Hallam and Alan were alone the matches between their +horses were the subject of conversation. + +"You've not seen 'em," said Bernard, alluding to Rainstorm and +Southerly Buster. "You'll be a bit surprised. I shall give you a good +run; it will probably result in winning one each." + +Alan smiled; he had frequently heard from his trainer and was confident +of success. + +"Skane tells me your horses are better than he expected, but he thinks +I shall win," he said. + +"And my man Wrench says I shall," was the reply. + +"There's a lot of interest in them, and the wagering will be close," +said Alan. + +"The odds will probably be on your horses; that's only natural. Would +you care to have a wager as well as the stake?" + +"I'm agreeable if you wish," said Alan. + +"Then suppose we say an even five hundred on each race?" said Hallam. + +"That will suit me," was Alan's reply. + +Ella greeted Alan without any embarrassment. She had at first been +touched by his attention to her, but directly she was certain he and +Eve were in love she relinquished any hopes she might have had. Alan +did not conceal his pleasure at meeting her, and Eve felt a slight +touch of jealousy which she quickly banished as a foolish fancy. They +were good friends, why should she not be pleased it was so? + +They went to Newmarket by motor early in the morning and drove direct +to the course. Alan was anxious to see the four horses; they were in +the paddock, although The Duke and Southerly Buster were only due to +run the mile that day. + +The Australians attracted a crowd and pleased the public; they were a +good-looking pair, Rainstorm being the favorite. + +Alan was much impressed. He recognized his horses would have to be at +their best to beat them; this Fred Skane assured him was the case. He +went to look at The Duke and Bandmaster, and his hopes of winning rose. +They were in splendid trim; the trainer had taken a lot of trouble with +them. Eve was naturally anxious for Alan to win. Ella was quite +convinced her father's horses would put up a good race; she had a +couple of small wagers on with her friends. + +Mr. Hallam found no difficulty in getting odds of six to four against +Southerly Buster in the ring; the bookmakers were disposed to field +against the Australian representatives. The match was regarded as an +important event and placed third on the card. When the horses came out +there was much cheering. It was a sporting affair in every sense of +the word. There were plenty of Australians in khaki, eager to show +their faith in Southerly Buster. Many of them were wounded, some known +to Bernard Hallam and Ella. + +The course was the straight mile, and there is no better galloping +ground. Southerly Buster cantered down with Bradley in the saddle; the +Baron's jockey fancied his mount, he had ridden him in several gallops. +Tommy Colley was, as usual, on Alan's horse. It seemed an equal match +both as regards the riders and horses. Naturally there was prejudice +in favor of The Duke, odds of five to four being laid on him, then six +to four was freely laid. + +"Going to beat you, Ben," said Tommy at the post. + +"You may, but you'll not find it easy; mine's a real good horse," was +the reply. + +They sprang off together, at top speed in a few strides, and it was +evident the mile would be covered in fast time. Southerly Buster was a +clinker over the distance, holding the Australian record for a mile, a +generous horse, always willing to do his best. The Duke had a temper, +but Colley knew his peculiarities and humored him. The horse had a bad +habit; getting off well, he generally slackened speed after going a +couple of furlongs. He did so on this occasion and Southerly Buster +gained a length or more, much to the consternation of backers of Alan's +horse. At the end of four furlongs the Australian had increased his +lead and still The Duke held back. Colley was anxious. The Duke had a +tremendous turn of speed, but nearly three lengths was a lot to make up +in half a mile. + +The black, orange hoops and cap were conspicuous; Bernard Hallam +fancied they would be as successful here as in Australia. + +Jack Wrench had a habit of giving a long and prolonged whoop when he +felt sure of a horse's victory. He proclaimed his confidence in +Southerly Buster in a manner causing people near to laugh heartily. +Hallam heard the well-known cry and it increased his hopes of winning. + +Alan was disappointed so far at The Duke's form. He knew Colley was +not quite as good as Bradley in a match, although his judgment was +excellent, hardly ever at fault. + +They were two furlongs from the winning-post and Tommy wondered when +The Duke would put on full pressure; it was high time if he were to +win. He dare not hit him, not at present; a few strides from the post +it was generally effective because The Duke had no time to think things +over and sulk. Just as Colley was beginning to despair and becoming +desperate he felt The Duke bound under him, and in a few seconds the +whole aspect of the race changed. So sudden was the move that Alan +gasped. Eve clutched his arm in her excitement. + +"By Jove, he's coming and no mistake!" exclaimed Alan. + +"Splendid!" said Eve. "What wonderful speed--but will he catch him?" + +"Whoop, whoop, whoop!" came from Jack Wrench--three sharp, piercing +cries; but there seemed to be a note of alarm in the last, it died away +suddenly. + +The Duke was now almost at Southerly Buster's quarters, and Bradley was +on the lookout for squalls; the advantage he possessed was greatly in +his favor at this critical point. Colley thrilled with excitement; +after the first part of the race the change was delightful. There was +no doubt about The Duke's doing his best now. A tremendous cheer came +from the crowd as he drew almost level with Southerly Buster. + +They were not many lengths from the winning-post; it was a terrific +set-to. There was nothing between the pair; they were evenly matched. +The Australian was a wonderful horse. How the colonials cheered! +There was nothing wrong with their lungs, whatever there might be with +their limbs. It was a glorious sight to watch these two horses, +representatives of all that was best in the sport on two sides of the +world, struggling for supremacy. There was the blue blood of the +English thoroughbred in both, although reared and trained under +different conditions. Cheering and counter-cheering echoed over the +heath as The Duke and Southerly Buster struggled on. Whichever won, +the honors were almost equal; this is as it ought to be on a match of +this kind. + +The whips were out; down they came, and still the horses were locked +together. The Duke tossed his head. Colley thought it was all up, +that he had given in; then to his surprise the horse's resentment took +another turn and he made a savage effort to get his head in front. + +The din was tremendous, and the excitement great; there was not likely +to be a better race than this in the four days. + +Bradley rode splendidly, so did Colley, and both horses put in all they +knew. + +They were just at the post when The Duke made his final stride. Had he +won? Nobody knew, not even the jockeys; each thought he had just got +it. The judge was certain; he alone could decide, and he did not +hesitate. + +There was a moment of silent suspense, then the hurricane of cheers as +number one, The Duke's number, went up. Alan's horse had won by half a +head in the last stride and Southerly Buster was only just vanquished. +"Honor's divided," was Mr. Hallam's comment when he met Alan in the +paddock. + +"They are," he replied; "there is nothing between them." + +"Only half a head," answered Mr. Hallam, smiling, "but it makes all the +difference." + +"I thought I'd just done it," said Bradley. + +"So did I," said Colley. "It was the last stride; they were dead level +next moment." + +"It was worth coming home for," said Alan enthusiastically. "There'll +be some fun at the front to-night. There were several wagers on. They +are all great sports." + +"Will they hear the result?" asked Eve. + +"Oh, yes; you've no idea how news gets round; it's remarkable where it +comes from--Lord only knows," said Alan. + +There was much speculation in Newmarket during the evening as to the +next day's match. Southerly Buster had run such a race that it was +considered Rainstorm, who was the better horse, had a splendid chance +of beating Bandmaster. Many people doubted the Hunt Cup winner's +capability to stay two miles. Mr. Hallam was so impressed with +Southerly Buster's performance that he laid several big wagers +Rainstorm would win. Alan was not oversanguine, although Fred Skane +declared Bandmaster's task was easier than The Duke's. + +Baron Childs invited Alan, Evelyn Berkeley, and the Hallams to stay +with him for the night; he also had other friends there. During the +evening there was some wagering on the next day's match and opinions +were about equally divided. + +The Baron was particularly attentive to Eve. Alan smiled as he said to +himself: + +"He does not know we are engaged. Eve is mine; there's no chance for +anybody else." + +Alan walked to Skane's after dinner and had a long talk with him over +the running of his horses. + +"Think we'd better put Robin Hood over the sticks," he said. "I've +found out he's a good fencer; there'll be some meetings under National +Hunt rules during the winter and next spring." + +Alan was pleased at the suggestion; he loved a ride over the sticks or +steeple-chase course, and Robin Hood was just the mount for him. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +TWO STAYERS + +When Rainstorm and Bandmaster cantered down the course they were +greeted with cheers; the second match was regarded with even more +interest than the first. + +The element of doubt about the staying powers of Bandmaster caused odds +to be laid on the Australian, who had the reputation of a long distance +winner. Alan was rather surprised at this, and supported his horse +freely in order to make him favorite. This he did not succeed in, as +the colonials laid short odds freely on Rainstorm. + +Both horses were fit; they went moving past in free and easy style. +Some said Bandmaster was a bit above himself; another gallop or two +would have made all the difference, but the trainer said no; the horse +always did better when a trifle big. + +They were to run over the last two miles of the Caesarewitch course, a +sure test of a horse's stamina. + +They were sent on their journey at once and Rainstorm made the running. +Wrench told Bradley he need not fear making as much use of him as he +thought fit. + +Colley was content to wait, keeping well in the track of the leader. +Skane said to him before he mounted: + +"Don't bustle him, let the other fellow make the pace; come as fast as +you like at the end of the first mile, he'll think it's another Hunt +Cup gallop. He's got the speed, we all know that, and I want to prove +he's a stayer as well." + +Rainstorm reveled in the going, which was fairly hard. He loved to +hear his feet rattle; this was the sort of ground he was used to. +Bandmaster seemed indifferent to the going, he galloped just as well +when the ground was heavy; his temper was of the best, an easy horse to +ride, always ready to run a genuine race. + +Colley knew he was going well, and was content to wait for the end of +the first mile as Skane had told him. + +There was much jubilation as Rainstorm came striding along in front; +this time no doubt the result would be in favor of the Australian. Mr. +Hallam was satisfied; his favorite was going in his best form; the +honor of Australia would be upheld, he felt certain of winning. + +Fred Skane looked on with a smile of satisfaction. At the end of the +first mile Bandmaster was going as strong as when he had started, and +had not been at full speed. He waited for Colley to bring him along, +thinking there would be a surprise for the folks who regarded the horse +as a non-stayer. + +Alan, despite the trainer's assurance, still had doubts about his +horse. He thought Bandmaster was running unkindly, and put it down to +his objections to going the distance. + +Colley still waited, and Fred Skane wondered if he had mistaken the +distance. The jockey had not, but it occurred to him Bandmaster's run +would come better at the six furlongs than the mile. Skane gave him +discretionary powers because he knew the horse and how to ride him. + +"Here he comes," said Skane to himself, as he fixed his glasses on the +horse. + +Bandmaster responded to Colley's call; he dashed forward at a great +pace and drew almost level with Rainstorm. This was a revelation to +doubters, and some wagers were laid that Alan's horse would win. + +Bradley, having been just beaten on Southerly Buster, was determined to +turn the tables this time. Jack Wrench told him what a great horse +Rainstorm was, one of the best stayers in Australia. "Nearly as good +as Carbine," he said. + +This, combined with his own opinion that Bandmaster was only a miler, +made him sanguine, and when Rainstorm made the running without an +effort he considered the race at the end of ten furlongs as good as won. + +It came as a surprise when Bandmaster drew alongside, but he considered +this effort a flash in the pan, anticipating the horse's falling back. +At the end of another furlong Bandmaster still stuck to his work, and +Colley appeared to be taking things easily. + +"He's trying to fox me," thought Bradley. + +Four furlongs from home Alan's horse was still going strong, showing no +signs of shirking or giving way under pressure. + +Bradley began to have doubts. Bandmaster traveled like a stayer, no +doubt about it; still he could not quite believe he would last it out. + +Rainstorm lacked one thing, a fine turn of speed to finish up with; +this was where Bandmaster came in. + +Colley urged his mount forward and headed his opponent. Bandmaster +showed in front, and Bradley began to niggle at Rainstorm in order to +keep his place. The Hunt Cup winner was traveling almost as fast as at +Ascot and so great was the pace that Rainstorm felt the pressure. +There seemed every possibility of this race's being as close as the +first; it was astonishing how well the horses were matched. If anybody +had doubts about the merits of Australian horses they were being +rapidly dispelled. + +There was a bigger crowd than the previous day, for the great race +between The Duke and Southerly Buster roused sporting enthusiasm to a +high pitch. The best patrons of racing were present, men who +thoroughly enjoyed a match of this kind and were content with a fiver +on the one they fancied. + +The cheering began when the pair reached the stands, and was renewed +again and again. + +Alan was keenly interested in the result. If Bandmaster beat Rainstorm +he would be delightfully surprised. He smiled as he pictured Fred +Skane crowing over the doubters and pronouncing Bandmaster the best +horse in the land. + +Eve was anxious. She wanted Alan to win both matches; at the same time +she was glad Mr. Hallam's horses showed such good form. She was quite +willing to accept his excuse that they would have done better had they +been thoroughly acclimatized. There was, however, little time to think +over these things; all attention was concentrated on the race, which +was now at the most exciting part, and the tumult at its height. The +brown jacket with the blue sleeves held the lead as they came up the +rise, but the black and orange hoops were close on to them, and +Rainstorm's head was at Bandmaster's girth. + +It was a punishing finish, but neither horse gave way--a splendid +display of dogged courage and endurance, it appealed to all that was +best in thousands of people witnessing it. + +Bradley roused himself for a final effort; few jockeys had his strength +at the end of a severe course; he had snatched races out of the fire by +sheer power of endurance. + +Tommy had beaten him yesterday; he was almost savagely determined not +to be placed second to-day. Every nerve was strained, all his +resources, and they were many, were called upon. He rode with his head +as well as his legs, and judged every little thing in favor of his +mount. + +If Rainstorm had a bit of brilliant dash in him all would be well, but +had he? From the way the horse had traveled Ben doubted but +nevertheless determined to test him to the utmost. He felt the horse +roll a trifle and held him firm. What caused this? He was certain +Rainstorm was not beaten. + +Then Bandmaster did the same thing, but it was more of a lurch and +Colley gasped in surprise. Both jockeys were straining to the utmost +but had not drawn their whips. Bradley was the first to raise his arm; +Colley saw it and immediately followed suit. The whips came down +simultaneously, the result was equal and the horses kept their +positions. Again the whips fell and this time it was Bandmaster made +the better response. + +It was not a cruel race; these reminders were not vicious, so sensitive +were the wonderfully bred horses that they answered to the least call. + +Alan's horse gained half a length and there was a terrific cheer; the +brown and blue was well in front, the black and orange hoops fell back. + +A look of disappointment stole over Bernard Hallam's face. Rainstorm +was his favorite; he would have given much to see him win. Two miles +was his best distance. What a horse Bandmaster must be to beat him! A +Hunt Cup winner giving Rainstorm the go-by over two miles--it was +hardly credible; but there was the hard fact. + +"Ah!" + +Mr. Hallam exclaimed loudly. + +"Hurrah!" + +He shouted at the top of his voice. + +"Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah!" + +The cry came again in three loud, victorious cheers. + +And what caused it? Why this sudden change from despondency to joyful +hope of victory? + +Rainstorm, after a prodigious effort on Bradley's part, drew level with +Bandmaster, got his head in front, kept it there, and the judge's box +was only a few yards away. A wonderful bit of riding, a great and +gallant effort on the part of a good horse. + +Tommy almost yelled as he drove Bandmaster along; to be defeated after +all, no, he couldn't stand that. He never rode a better race and he +had a good horse under him. + +The last effort made by Rainstorm seemed likely to carry him first past +the post, and Bernard Hallam was sure of winning. Bandmaster, however, +would not be denied, the horse divined there was danger of losing; +being full of courage he resented this and put forth his strength and +speed to stave off defeat. How he did it Colley could not tell, but by +some almost magical power he drew level with Rainstorm again and the +desperate struggle continued. + +The best thoroughbred never knows when he is beaten; so it was in the +case of Bandmaster, who hung on to his opponent with bulldog tenacity. +Bernard Hallam hardly believed it possible that Alan's horse had again +got on terms with Rainstorm. The angle was deceiving and his colors +still appeared to be in front; so thought hundreds of others. + +For a brief moment the eyes of the jockeys met; each saw grim +determination there, then they looked ahead and the judge's box loomed +up clear and close. + +The finish was thrilling. As they flashed past the post the question +was asked, "What's won?" and nobody could tell. + +"Close as The Duke's race," said one. + +"Gone one better; Rainstorm won," said one of the Australians. + +"Don't think so; that was a terrific run of Bandmaster's," replied +another. + +The numbers seemed a long time going up, then number one was slipped +in; before the roar of Bandmaster's supporters died away number two +appeared alongside it. The result was a dead heat--a mighty +struggle--a dead heat over two miles. The owners were not likely to +run it off, so which was the better horse was not settled and there +would be much food for argument. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +THE RAID + +"We shall have to make another match to settle the question," said Mr. +Hallam. + +"I'm willing," laughed Alan, "but give me time. I must go back at +once; there's some tough work to be done before long." + +"When you like," replied Mr. Hallam. "I am not going back to Australia +at present. I have no wish to be sent to the bottom of the sea." + +Alan said good-bye to Eve at The Forest. Before leaving for London he +saw Duncan Fraser. Everything was going well, no cause for anxiety, +and the manager spoke hopefully of the future. + +Alan was surprised when he heard of Jane Thrush's marriage and rated +Tom soundly for "throwing her away" on such a fellow. + +Tom remonstrated in a sullen way, saying he thought it a good match for +his daughter. + +"You'll find out it is not," said Alan sharply. "The man is probably +in the pay of the enemy, and will be laid by the heels before long; +then she will come back to you and you'll be glad to have her." + +Alan suspected Tom had been bribed by Meason; he knew his fondness for +money but did not question him on this subject. + +Tom Thrush thought over what Alan said. It caused him some uneasiness. +He had a great respect for him and his opinions and knew he would not +make an assertion without good grounds for doing so. + +Carl Meason and his wife arrived at a small resort on the East Coast +and stayed at an hotel. She wondered why he came here; there was not +much to see, it was dull. Once she had been to Scarboro' and enjoyed +the brief stay, but H---- was a different place. + +Meason left her alone a good deal. The excuse was he had work to do; +he did not explain what it was. + +After a week in Meason's company Jane already began to repent her +hurried marriage. Carl was rough; some of the veneer wore off rapidly. +He gave her money and told her to amuse herself, but there was little +chance of that in such a place. + +"Why don't you take me with you? I'd like to see the country," said +Jane. + +"Can't be done, my dear; not yet, at least. Wait a week or two and I +may be able to do so," he replied. + +"What are you so very busy about?" she asked. + +He declined to gratify her curiosity and said a wife ought to trust her +husband; to which she responded that he didn't seem to trust her. + +"Perhaps you'd rather go back to your father?" he sneered. + +"You are unkind; you know I would not, but I think you might be with me +more; it's lonely here," she said with tears in her eyes. + +He kissed her, talked soothingly, and she was pacified. When alone she +wondered what he was about. She thought the proprietor of the hotel +and others regarded him with suspicion; it made her uneasy; she began +to consider what Abel Head and others had said about him at Little +Trent. + +Already Zeppelin raids had been made on the coast, also S.E. counties, +but Jane paid little heed to them. She looked at the pictures but they +gave little information. + +Carl came back very late, or rather early in the morning; she had gone +to bed in a depressed state. What kept him out until this hour? It +was three o'clock when he came into the room. She sat up in bed, the +light was burning, and looked at him half frightened. + +"I thought you were never coming," she said. "Where have you been?" + +He locked the door, then sank into a chair exhausted. + +"I'm tired out," he said. + +"Where have you been?" she asked again. + +"I went to ----; the car broke down; I had to have it repaired. It's +all right now; I'll take you out to-morrow, Jane," he said. + +This pacified her, but as she looked at him she fancied she detected +signs of fear in his face; there was a furtive, hunted look about him. +There was startling news in the papers next morning. A Zeppelin raid +on the Norfolk coast was reported. Several people were killed and +injured. + +There was much excitement in the hotel; nothing else was talked about, +and Carl Meason was regarded with curiosity. It was known he had been +out in his motor until the early hours of the morning--perhaps he had +seen the Zeppelins. + +Questions were put to him. He replied that he saw nothing of them; his +car broke down and it was a long time before he got it repaired. He +was miles away in a lonely part of the country when it happened; +fortunately he knew all about cars and the works; it was a great +advantage to put your car right when it went wrong. He spoke freely, +courting questions, made comments on the raid. He had recovered his +self-possession during the few hours' rest and was willing to meet all +comers. + +Jane was packing in her room when he went downstairs; he told her they +would leave in the afternoon. After all it was a dull place for her +and another part of the country would suit her best, or would she +prefer to go to London for a few days? + +She said she would love to see London, she had never been there; it +must be a grand place. + +He promised to consider it over and left her in the room. + +Carl went out to examine his car; he was very particular about it. + +"Nobody's been meddling," he thought; "it's just as I brought it in. +It was a deuce of a run, exciting while it lasted. I don't think +anybody spotted me." + +When Jane reached the foot of the stairs she heard people talking in +the private bar. There were three or four of them, she concluded, but +the door was almost closed and she could not see inside. One voice she +recognized as the landlord's. + +The mention of her husband's name caused her to stand still and listen. +The men were discussing the raid, from which she gathered that it was +supposed the Zeppelins were guided by a motor car with a powerful +light. Strong remarks were passed and hopes expressed that the +scoundrel would be caught. It was surmised he was in the pay of the +Huns--a spy--and he deserved shooting. + +"He's a mysterious fellow," said the landlord, alluding to Carl Meason. +"He was out in his motor half the night, came home between two and +three. I'd like to know where he went; if I had something definite to +go on I'd give warning to the police." + +"You'd better do that in any case," said one of the men. "You'll be on +the safe side then." + +"That's all right," said the landlord, "but I might get into trouble if +there's nothing wrong with him." + +"Risk it, Frank; it's worth it. There's no end of these spies about, +and the sooner they're stopped the better." + +"I'll think it over--if he's a spy I'm sorry for his wife. She's a +pretty quiet little woman, far too good for him." + +Jane heard this conversation; she saw the door move and stepped into +the hall. It was the landlord looked out and wished her good-day. + +"I have been packing," she said, with a faint attempt at a smile. + +"You are leaving?" he asked. + +"I believe so. My husband talks about going this afternoon," she +replied. + +"He has not said anything to me at present. He's outside looking over +his motor; he had a breakdown yesterday--lucky he could put it right. +He was a long way from a town--Norwich would probably be the nearest," +said Frank Spatts, the landlord. + +Jane looked at him inquiringly. Carl told her he had the car repaired +at ----. This was another tale. + +"Yes, I believe he had a breakdown," she said hesitatingly. + +"You've heard of the Zeppelin raid last night? Some damage was done on +the Coast, a cowardly thing killing innocent people, women and +children." + +"Oh, I am sorry!" exclaimed Jane. "It is terrible. They must have +been near here. Perhaps that is why my husband is leaving." + +Spatts smiled as he said: + +"It may be the reason. I'll ask him when he comes in." + +Jane went out. The sea breeze blew refreshingly; she felt rather faint +and it revived her. She did not go direct to the garage but walked +along the front; there were few visitors about. She sat down +presently. Two men occupied the other end of the seat. + +"The police are almost certain the Zeppelins were guided by a motor +car. Wish they'd find it," said one of the men. + +Jane got up; she could not stand any more of this; she blamed herself +for connecting this motor car with Carl. Why did he tell her he had +the car repaired at ---- and the landlord that he did it himself? She +walked back to the hotel very uneasy and found Carl standing at the +door with the landlord; they were laughing--this relieved her. Carl +turned to her and said: + +"Have you packed? We leave after lunch." + +She said she had, and asked if he had read about the Zeppelin raid. + +"We were just talking about it," he replied. + +Spatts went inside, leaving them together. + +"The man's a fool," said Carl, jerking his head in the direction of the +landlord. + +"Is he? What were you laughing at?" asked Jane. + +"He said he thought it probable somebody in a motor car guided the +airships," said Carl. + +"And you think that is not correct?" + +"Of course it isn't; how could they do it? I soon proved to him it was +not possible, and it was then he laughed at the absurdity of the idea." + +"You told me you had the car repaired at ----," she said. + +"Well?" + +"You told him you did the repairs yourself, in a lonely part of the +country." + +"Don't be a fool, Jane. I don't wish everybody to know where I have +been." + +"You were at ----?" + +"Yes." + +"Did you see the airship over there?" + +"I saw something hovering in the air but of course I never dreamed it +was one of those things." + +"And you heard no bombs explode?" + +He laughed as he replied: + +"Not likely. I should hardly wait for that." + +She was not satisfied. When they started on their journey the landlord +said: + +"I hope you will not have another breakdown, Mr. Meason." + +"No fear of that. I've patched it up well; it will carry us to our +destination." + +"Where's that?" + +"Beyond York," said Carl. + +"Inquisitive beggar," he said to Jane when the car was away. + +"We are not going to York?" she asked. + +"No, you asked to go to London; we'll get there to-night," he said. + +"Then why did you tell him we were going to York?" + +"Because it suited my purpose," he replied. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +JANE SUSPECTS + +The journey to London was accomplished without mishap. Carl was a good +driver; the car sped along at a rapid pace. Jane enjoyed the ride; the +scenery was new to her, and she was observant. + +Arriving at the city he drove to the Fairfax Hotel, a quiet place +mostly used by families. There was no garage. Leaving Jane there, he +went to put up the car. + +She waited for him. He seemed a long time coming. She did not care to +leave the room in his absence. + +At last he came. He made no apology for being away so long; he seemed +preoccupied and said little. + +They dined together, and then he took her out. The streets were dull +and dark, very few lights in the shops, hardly any in the streets. The +noise and bustle confused her. + +"There's not much to see at night," he said; "we'll have a look round +to-morrow." + +"What's that?" she asked in alarm. + +"A searchlight," he replied laughing. "There's any amount of them but +they don't appear to be of much service." + +"What are they used for?" + +"To discover the whereabouts of Zeppelins." + +"It can't be very safe here?" + +"It's safe enough; they won't drop bombs near where we are staying." + +"How do you know?" + +"Oh well, it's not likely; they'll go for something more important than +the Fairfax Hotel," he replied. + +Jane was tired. They went to bed early. She awoke in the middle of +the night and found Carl missing. She thought this strange. There was +a dim light burning. She sat up; perhaps he had only gone out of the +room, then she noticed his clothes were not there; he had evidently +dressed. + +She tried to sleep but could not. She was afraid and shivered under +the bed-clothes. He had no right to leave her in the hotel at this +hour. His actions were mysterious; he always appeared to have +something to do in the night. She had no watch and wondered what time +it was; then she heard a clock strike one. He must have gone out when +she fell asleep. + +Soon after she heard an explosion. It sounded some distance away. +Then she heard movements in the house, people hurrying about, voices +calling. It was strange and disquieting. + +Some one paused outside her door; then she heard the handle turn and +Carl came into the room, swiftly, silently, closing the door after him +and locking it. + +She pretended to be asleep, heard him come to the bedside and breathed +heavily. He seemed satisfied she did not hear him. He moved away. +She opened her eyes and saw him unlocking his suitcase; his back was +toward her. He took out some papers, sorted them, put a couple on the +dressing-table, then placed the others in the case. + +He lit a candle but first turned round and looked at her. She breathed +heavily. + +She was cautious but she watched him over the top of the clothes, which +were drawn up to her face. She was surprised to see him carefully burn +the papers. He placed the candle on a newspaper so that the ashes +would fall on it. He pressed the pieces with his hand as they fell. +When they were consumed he wrapped the remains in a piece of the paper, +screwed it tightly, then put the small package in the case. He then +undressed and came to the bed. + +There was a knock at the door but he made no response. It was +repeated, this time louder, sharper. + +Carl said in a half-sleepy voice: + +"Who's there?" + +"It's me, the hall porter; I want to see you for a moment." + +Carl got out of bed grumbling. Jane thought he was a long time +unlocking the door. She moved restlessly but still pretended to be +asleep. + +"What is it? Why the deuce do you rouse me at this hour of the night?" +asked Carl angrily. + +"Mr. Hurd, the manager, said he thought he saw you come into the house +a few minutes ago; I said you had not, that you were in your room; I +did not see you and I was in the hall." + +"Confound him! I shan't stay here if I'm roused up at this unearthly +hour. It's abominable! You are disturbing my wife's rest. What are +the people tearing about the place for?" asked Carl as he heard +footsteps. + +"Didn't you hear the explosion? They are at it again." + +"Hush!" said Carl. "You'll wake my wife; it will frighten her. You've +all gone mad. I heard nothing." + +"I'm sorry, sir, but Mr. Hurd was so certain he saw you come in I +thought I'd see for myself." + +"And what the devil does it matter to him whether I was out or in?" +asked Carl sharply. + +"That's not my business, sir. Please excuse me. I'll tell him you are +in your room," said the man, shuffling away. "Queer smell of burning," +he muttered as he went along the landing; "seemed to be in his room." + +The manager was in the hall. With him were an inspector of police and +a detective. + +"Well?" asked Hurd. + +"He's in his room, undressed and in bed. I knew he didn't come in." + +"You're mistaken," said the Inspector. "He did. I saw him." + +"He gave me an accurate description of Mr. Meason," said Hurd, "and I +am certain I saw him come in." + +The hall porter shook his head. + +"I was here when you came downstairs and I didn't see him." + +"It's very strange," said the Inspector, looking at the detective. +"Are you sure he's the man you followed, that he came in here?" + +"We both saw him," said the detective dryly. + +"If it is the man, he's been precious quick undressing and getting into +bed," said the Inspector doubtfully. + +Several people were in the hall. The explosion roused them. They made +anxious inquiries; the manager assured them. + +Carl Meason listening upstairs little knew what a narrow escape he had. +He was not aware he was followed as he hurried back to the hotel nor +was he aware that an accurate description of him was in the hands of +the police. + +It was Valentine Braund, the American millionaire, who had given +information to the authorities. He had been to Little Trent the day +after Meason left the Sherwood Inn, and a piece of paper found in +Carl's room by Abel Head confirmed his suspicions that the man was Karl +Shultz who he was convinced was the organizer of the explosion at the +Valentine Steel Works. He had asked Head to give him the paper. It +did not appear to be of much importance but the name Mannie Kerrnon was +written on it. Braund knew this was the woman who worked with Shultz, +and his interest became active. He was a determined man and had made +up his mind never to forget Shultz. He had already spent money freely +trying to find him. He left Head very much mystified and proceeded to +interview Tom Thrush. + +Thrush recognized him and as usual scented money. Braund proceeded +cautiously, asking all sorts of questions about the country, Mr. +Chesney, and the stud, also speaking of the two matches at Newmarket +which he saw decided. + +Tom was completely off his guard and replied with a laugh to his +question as to Jane's marriage: + +"I don't think she's done amiss. He seems a good sort of man and he +has money." + +"Well, I hope it will turn out all right," said Braund. "Where did +they spend the honeymoon?" + +Tom explained. He had heard from Jane. They were at H----. + +Braund had some difficulty in restraining his impatience. + +"Nice place, isn't it?" he said. + +"Quiet, she found it a bit dull; expect they've left by this." + +Braund remained with him some little time and then drove away in his +motor. He did not return to the Sherwood Inn but told his chauffeur to +go the nearest way to H----, "and get there as fast as you can without +running into danger." + +He soon discovered where Meason and his wife stayed, made inquiries, +Frank Spatts gave him every information. + +"He was out till nearly three in the morning," said Spatts. + +"The night the Zeppelins were over?" + +"Yes; he left the next afternoon," said Spatts. + +Valentine Braund also discovered that Meason's car had not taken the +York road but had traveled London way. He followed quickly and arrived +in town not long after Meason. It was Braund who set the police on his +track. He was with them when he found they had allowed him to leave +the Fairfax Hotel. The Inspector told him they had not sufficient +evidence to go upon and were not justified in arresting him. + +"You might have stretched a point," grumbled Braund. + +"That's all very well. I don't say you're not right, but we have to be +very careful in such cases," said the Inspector. + +"You are so careful that you allow fellows in motor cars to scour the +country and pilot these raiders," snapped Braund. + +Carl Meason was alarmed. The police had been informed as to his +movements; he had very little doubt about that. He told Jane he must +leave London at once, it was very important; he was going to Margate, +but she must not tell anybody. + +She was disappointed. He had promised to take her about London; she +had seen nothing of it. + +He answered her sharply. His business was more important than tramping +about London. + +What was his business, she asked again, and her constant repetition +irritated him. He gave no satisfactory replies and she resented this. +Jane was sharp, her faculties developed. She was not so simple as he +imagined. He was surprised at her persistence. Was she beginning to +suspect him? If so what did she think? + +The journey to Margate by road was interesting. There was not much +conversation. When she spoke he answered in monosyllables. He drove +to the White Hart Hotel facing the harbor and engaged a front room. + +"You'll be able to pass the time watching the people," he said, "and +the harbor is always interesting." + +"What shall you be doing?" she asked. + +"Don't keep cross-examining me," he replied. "It puts me in a bad +temper." + +"You are generally in a bad temper," she said. + +"Look here, Jane, my girl, we'd better understand each other," he +replied. "I have work to do and I mean to carry it out whether you +like it or not." + +"Are you tired of me already?" she asked. + +"Not exactly, but you are going the right way to bring it about," he +answered. + +"I have a right to know what you are doing." + +"Some day if you are very good I may tell you," he said. + +Jane became suspicious. The more she was left to herself, the more +time she had to think matters over. It seemed strange that Carl was +always about where there were Zeppelin raids. She began to connect him +with them. Abel Head had called him a spy, perhaps he was, at any rate +his movements were suspicious. + +The conversations she had heard were disquieting. It was evident +several people had doubts about him. She was his wife and she was +determined if he did not treat her well not to put up with his conduct. +She had money--she took care of that--and she could always go home. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +ALAN'S DANGER + +Eve Berkeley was anxious, having not heard from Alan for several weeks. +She eagerly scanned the papers but found no mention of his name. Ella +Hallam was with her. Eve was glad of company, it cheered her, and +Duncan Fraser came frequently to The Forest, generally looking in at +Trent Park on the way. + +Eve surmised that Ella was the attraction and hoped that her friend +would recognize his many good qualities. She liked Fraser. He did so +much for Alan, and the business prospered under his management. He had +not heard from him and, like Eve, was growing anxious. + +"Perhaps he has been sent on an important mission," he said, "and is +unable to write. When he left he hinted at something of the kind." + +"The suspense is more than I can bear," she replied. + +"I am sure he is safe," said Ella. "Mr. Chesney is capable of taking +care of himself." + +"Under ordinary circumstances," said Eve; "but there is danger +everywhere in France." + +Captain Morby was home on leave. He came to see Eve. She welcomed him +cordially. Had he any news of Alan? + +He looked grave and her heart sank. + +"You will keep it secret?" he said. + +"Anything you will tell me I will not repeat," she replied. + +"He was sent to Brussels," said Harry. + +"Brussels!" exclaimed Eve. "Right into the enemy's quarters!" + +"Yes, a dangerous mission, but no one so competent to perform it +successfully as Alan." + +"But Brussels! He will never come out alive!" + +Harry smiled as he replied: + +"It is part of a great danger, but even if he were discovered I do not +suppose his life would be forfeited, although he might be detained." + +"Why did he go, who sent him?" she asked. + +"A highly placed member of the Belgian Government. I was told on best +authority he was specially requested to go," said Harry. + +"Then I am not surprised he placed his services at their disposal," +said Eve. + +"No more am I." + +It was quite true. Alan had accepted this dangerous mission which, if +successfully accomplished, would render great service. He had full +permission to go and did not underestimate the risk. + +Discarding his uniform he put on civilian clothes and posed as a +Belgian. He spoke French fairly well and this helped him. After many +narrow escapes he succeeded in reaching Brussels, where he was in +danger of discovery every hour. He walked about the streets openly, +sat in several cafes, and talked with the people. There were hundreds +of German officers and soldiers, but there was nothing particularly +suspicious about Alan's appearance. He was well disguised and did not +look at all like an Englishman. + +Despite this some officers looked at him curiously and in the course of +a few days he fancied he was followed. + +He succeeded in his mission and learned by heart what he had to say on +his return. There were many willing Belgians ready to help him at the +risk of their lives. In a fortnight he was ready to leave the city; +but this was more difficult than entering it. On every side were +Germans, and nobody was allowed to leave Brussels without a special +permit, and these were hard to get. He had to wait as patiently as +possible for a favorable opportunity. Every day he remained the +situation became more dangerous. + +So far he had avoided speaking to any of the Englishwomen who were +still in the city. He knew he was watched, that the first false step +might be fatal. + +He did not think there would be much risk in calling at the English +nursing home. Many Belgians went there, and he had so far passed as +such. + +He called, Nurse Ranger received him in her private room. She heard +who he was and why he was there. She volunteered to assist him in +getting away. + +She offered to procure him a permit to leave Brussels, but was afraid +it would take some time. When it was secured it would only take him to +Bruges or somewhere within the German occupied territory. + +Alan said his chief difficulty was to get out of Brussels. Once free +from the city he would have a chance of returning to the English lines. + +Nurse Ranger was a courageous, a fearless woman, who had rendered +valuable assistance to Belgians desirous of joining their comrades in +arms. + +After some difficulty she procured Alan a permit to leave the city +under the name of Armand Roche. This she obtained through a German +officer she had nursed back to life and who, for once in a way, proved +grateful. Alan did not immediately make use of it. + +The permit was countersigned by the Governor and therefore he +considered it would frank him anywhere. It expressly stated, however, +the limits in which it was available. At last he put it to the test, +and arrived as far as Bruges. He had been in the quaint old city +before and knew it well. What a contrast to the last time he was +there! He recalled it vividly. Now the old market-place was filled +with German troops and the hotel where he had formerly stayed tenanted +by German officers. It was lucky for him his permit was signed by the +Governor of Brussels; he soon found nothing less would have franked him. + +The risk would come when he tried to return to his own lines and he +prepared for it. All went well. He had a horse provided for him, a +fast one that had once been a racer, and he must trust to luck once he +got clear of the German lines. How to get clear was, however, a puzzle +and he tried to solve it as best he could. + +He met one or two German officers who spoke French, and seemed to get +on well with them. They were suspicious--he saw that--and of course he +did not trust them, but they proved useful as he went about with them. +They bragged about their conquests, and Alan urged them on until in +their boastfulness they gave him an account of the vast power of the +German Army on the Western front and he got valuable information as to +the best way to reach the scene of the fighting and the nearest +trenches. + +He made his attempt to leave Bruges one dark night and had not much +trouble in getting out of the town. The danger began when he came to +the outskirts and had to pass the cordon drawn round the town to +prevent people from leaving in certain directions. + +He made the attempt in several quarters and found it too risky; but on +this particular night fortune favored him. + +It was dark. He rode up to the guard and was challenged. He handed +his permit, and when it was being examined he made a bolt into the more +open country. For a few precious moments the Germans were surprised +and Alan was away in the dark at top speed. The horse was a flyer and +no mistake. His heart beat high with hope as he felt it bound under +him. Shots were fired but fell short. Then he heard a noise behind +him but it was too dark to see anything. + +He rode straight ahead, judging this would take him out of the Germans' +country. For several hours he went on at a great pace. Occasionally +his horse stumbled, but that gave him no anxiety, for he was used to +all kinds of situations when riding. + +When light began to steal over the landscape he took in the lay of the +land. He was in the middle of a wide flat country; the ground was wet +and marshy. He had no idea where he was but he seemed safe from +pursuit. Not a soul was to be seen. He slowed the horse down to a +walk, it was time the animal had a rest. + +Where was he? + +He went slowly on; then he saw in the distance what looked like a white +farm-house. It was a dwelling of some kind and he made for it. As he +came within hail an old man stepped out, a Belgian peasant, so Alan +judged him by his appearance. He spoke to him in French. The old man +regarded him curiously. As Alan looked at him he thought: + +"He's a better man than I imagined. Perhaps he's disguised." + +In answer to Alan's question he said in excellent French: + +"Who are you? You don't look like a civilian." + +Alan determined to be straight with him; it would probably be best. + +"I am a soldier. I wish to find the English lines." + +"Ah!" exclaimed the man. "Get down, come inside. Where are you from?" + +"Bruges." + +The man held up his hands, tears came into his eyes. He lamented the +fall of the city, its occupation by the Germans. He had a daughter in +Bruges when the enemy entered the city. He wrung his hands; his grief +was painful. He said no more, but Alan guessed and grasped his hands +in sympathy--and hate. + +Alan put the horse in the tumble-down stable, the roof was half off, +the rafters hanging down, the walls crumbling--an old place. It had +been in the family of Jean Baptistine for many years. He was a lone +man, no wife, three sons fighting, and his daughter--ah well, she was +where no harm could come to her. She had saved her honor and +sacrificed her life. He was glad of that, very glad, honor was more +than life. + +He gave Alan food, coarse but clean, which he enjoyed, for he was +hungry. + +Jean talked freely. He supposed he and his farmhouse were left alone +because they were out of the fire zone, or perhaps the barbarians did +not think it worth while to meddle with him. There was no wine in the +house. He procured a little brandy which he gave to Alan and sipped a +small quantity himself. + +Alan learned that he was in the enemies' country, that it would be +difficult for him to get to the Allied lines. He might be taken at any +moment and shot on the spot. He had left his permit in the hands of +the guard when he galloped away. + +Jean Baptistine said there was no immediate danger. Soldiers did not +often come his way. His guest had better lie concealed for a few days. +He would be glad of his company, something might happen, the Boches +might be driven back defeated. + +Alan being tired went upstairs to lie down. The bed was clean, the +room smelt fresh. Jean told him to rest comfortably. He threw himself +on the bed; before Jean left the room he was asleep. + +The sun streaming through the small windows woke him. He sat up, +wondering at first where he was. + +On the old-fashioned table he saw a pair of gloves and a cigar-case. +How came they there? + +He got off the bed, took the cigar-case in his hands, and stared in +amazement. The monogram V.N. was engraved on it, he recognized it, he +had given it to Vincent Newport when he resigned his commission; and +Captain Newport was posted among the missing. How came the case here, +and the glove? + +He was examining them when Jean came up the crazy stairs into the room. + +To Alan's rapid question he said: + +"He was an officer, he escaped from the escort, they tracked him down. +I hid him, but it was no use--they found him." + +"What became of him?" asked Alan. + +"They took him away," he said. "They would have shot me but he pleaded +for me, said I did not hide him, knew nothing about it, that he crept +into the house and took the clothes he was wearing himself." + +"Then he is alive?" said Alan. + +"I believe so. Look," said Jean. He pulled open a drawer and Alan saw +in it an officer's uniform. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +TAKEN PRISONER + +It was Vincent Newport's uniform. Alan did not hesitate to use it, he +felt he would be safer, as nobody would imagine him to be the man who +escaped through the line from Bruges. + +Jean raised no objections and Alan gave him the clothes he wore. He +offered to guide him to a spot where he might get through the enemy and +reach his friends. It would be difficult but there was risk +everywhere. Alan protested, if Jean were caught he would be shot, he +was sure he could find the way from directions. + +"I care little whether they shoot me," said Jean, "my life is ruined." + +"It will all come right again after the war," said Alan. + +Jean held up his hands, shaking his head despairingly. + +"After the war--God knows when that will be," he said sadly. + +They started at night. Alan was for leaving the horse behind but Jean +said a good steed might save his life. + +"It is not fair that you should walk," said Alan. "How far is it?" + +"Some thirty miles," said Jean. "That is nothing to me." + +They took flasks of brandy and a parcel of eatables. Alan walked with +him, leading the horse. + +It was a lonely, desolate country, treeless, a barren waste; but Jean +loved it. He said the land was better than it looked. + +They walked all night. In the early morning they came to an old barn +and walked inside with the horse. They were hungry and ate well, a few +drops of brandy revived them, some loose hay was given to the horse. A +low booming sound was heard, an artillery duel, it continued the +greater part of the day. At nightfall Alan mounted his horse and bade +good-bye to Jean Baptistine. + +"I will hunt you out when we have beaten the Huns," said Alan +cheerfully. + +"You will beat them," said Jean, "but they are strong, their sins will +hang heavy on them when the judgment comes, they are murderers." He +cursed them and Alan shivered as he heard what deadly hate there was in +the old man's breast. Was it to be wondered at? + +Alan rode in the direction of the booming. Jean told him to bear to +the right and that would give him more chance of passing the German +trenches. He carried his life in his hands but he was cheerful, the +sense of danger roused him, the true sporting spirit manifested itself, +he was against great odds and meant to succeed. As he went on at a +slow pace the heavy firing ceased for a time, then broke out in the +occasional boom of a gun. Alan thought they were knocking off for the +night; he might have a chance to get through. + +As the horse walked along he thought of home and wondered how things +were going on at Trent Park and The Forest. It was nearly two months +since he had been away from headquarters, and he was not able to write. +Eve would be anxious, he must let her know he was safe as soon as +possible. He was glad they were not married, it would not have been +fair to her; but he vowed she should be his wife if he came safely out +of the struggle. + +Just before he left for Brussels he had received a letter from Fred +Skane in which he said he was preparing Bandmaster for the big +steeplechase to be run in Trent Park over a course of four miles. This +would be a great event, a sort of Grand National on a small scale. He +hoped Alan would be able to come over and ride his horse; he must not +forget the date. With the owner up he thought Bandmaster had a chance +second to none. + +During the excitement and suspense of his journey and stay in Brussels +he had forgotten all this but it came to mind now as he rode quietly on +toward danger. He remembered the date and began to reckon up, he had +lost count during the past few days but he knew there was very little +time to spare. + +His message delivered, he would have no difficulty in obtaining leave. +He hoped to be home in time to ride Bandmaster a few gallops over the +course before the race took place. + +He gave himself up to pleasant ruminations over his chance of winning +until he was rudely roused by a bullet whistling past his ear. + +"Snipers about," was his first thought as he set his horse to a gallop. + +Another bullet whizzed above his head. He looked round, but saw +nobody. It was dark; the sniper must have heard the sound of his +horse's hoofs and fired in that direction. + +There were only two shots but they roused him out of his reverie and +put him on the alert. + +Then he wondered how it came about that the sniper was behind the +German trenches. Jean told him he would have to pass them somehow. +Had he by some strange piece of luck got past the trenches? Was he +between two fires? That was hardly possible, yet it might be so. + +He pulled his horse up and listened. A strange, buzzing sound was +heard--probably some aircraft, although it seemed too dark for aviators +to see their whereabouts. + +He heard voices and movements of men. A gust of wind carried them +toward him. The men spoke German; he had only just stopped in time. + +He had no idea where he was. To wait there until daylight would court +danger but in which direction ought he to go? + +Had he reached a strip of "no man's land," a space left unborrowed and +unbroken, lying between two fires? If so he was "between the devil and +the deep sea," for he might be fired on by friend and foe alike. + +It was a thrilling position, a solitary man on horseback on a dark +night on unknown ground and surrounded by enemies. Alan listened with +the keen ears of a sportsman, all his faculties alert. A false +movement and he was lost. + +A scrambling sound close on his left startled him. He fancied it was +the men quitting a trench and if so it could only be with one object in +view--a night attack. If this were the case it was well planned, for +there was very little noise. Alan, however, being near, heard that +faint peculiar sound of many men silently on the move. + +He would have given much to know where he was--the exact spot. He +wondered if old Jean Baptistine had made a mistake and given him wrong +directions. He was glad he wore uniform and had Newport's revolver on +him--it might be useful. + +A faint streak in the sky, a rosy tint wearing down the pale gray, +warned him day was breaking and he must be prepared. + +There were others waiting for daybreak as well as himself, for the +heavy boom of a huge gun sounded quite close at hand. Alan looked in +the direction, and saw a cloud of smoke. This was answered by a boom +and a cloud from the opposite side and he knew an artillery duel had +commenced. Suddenly four men sprang out of a hole formed by a bursting +shell. They were Germans. What they were doing there it was +impossible to say. They were as surprised to see Alan as he was to see +them. In the growing light as he sat on his horse he looked like a +phantom emerging out of the mist. + +A few minutes passed and the situation was summed up on both sides. A +dash was made at Alan, shots fired as he turned his horse to the right +and headed right straight at them. His charge was the last thing they +expected. He crashed into them, sending two to the ground; the others +hung to the horse and saddle. + +Alan drew his revolver and shot one man through the head. The horse +plunged, reared, but he kept his seat. The two Germans who were +knocked down were on him again, but he wrenched free and galloped away. +Over this vacant space before him men seemed to spring up like +mushrooms. It was impossible to get through and reach the English +lines, which he could now see. He made the most of it. His horse +faced the situation bravely, but he was pulled out of the saddle and +made prisoner. He had narrowly escaped being killed, as sundry bullet +tears in his uniform showed. He thanked Heaven he was not in mufti or +it would have gone hard with him. He was dragged into the crater-hole +from which the four men who had first attacked him emerged. He had +killed a man, would they kill him? + +A young officer ran up. He looked keenly at Alan, then, in excellent +English, asked him his name and regiment. A fire of questions followed +as to how he came there and what he was about, why he had left his +lines? He was searched but no paper found. + +The officer seemed rather a better class man. He ordered Alan to be +kept in the hole, and put three men to guard him; then he went away in +the direction his men were returning to their trench. + +Alan judged there must have been a night attack on the English lines +and these were the remnants returning scattered all over the place; if +so they must have suffered severely, been almost annihilated. + +His guards took very little notice of him. They knew he could not +escape; moreover, they had orders to shoot if he attempted it. + +It was a dull day and there was very little firing. He judged they +were resting after the night attack. It was an awkward fix he was in +but nothing daunted he puzzled his brains as to how to get out of it; +they had tethered his horse close by--that was in his favor. + +The officer did not return, and Alan had nothing to eat or drink--the +soldiers did not offer him anything. + +Night came on. He wondered whether he would be kept there or removed. +At last the young officer came, and with him a soldier carrying a bag +which contained food. Alan was handed some, also given a drink, and +the officer said he must remain there until next day. If he tried to +escape he would be shot. Alan wondered why they did not take him to a +more secure spot; something must have happened to prevent this. + +He settled himself down, after taking good stock of his position and +where the horse was. He pretended to sleep. The three soldiers were +left on guard. + +They seemed tired, they must have been many hours without sleep. They +spoke together in low voices. Presently one of them lay down--it was +evident they were to keep guard in turns. + +Alan was wide awake and alert now. If he could only make a dash for +his horse and spring into the saddle there would be a chance of +escaping. + +The two men on guard seemed drowsy. The man on the ground breathed +heavily. Alan moved and loosened some stones. The men were alert in a +moment and growled at him savagely. Alan waited about an hour--it +seemed much longer. He knew exactly where the men were: one on either +side, the other still on the ground. + +Without a moment's warning he sprang to his feet, let out right and +left, and by sheer good luck hit his men hard. He scrambled out of the +hole, reached his horse, broke the rope by which it was tied to a +stake, cutting his hands as he did so, sprang into the saddle and was +galloping away at a great pace before his guard recovered from the +shock. They dare not fire for fear of being discovered in the act of +letting the prisoner go. The two roused their sleeping comrade, +explained the situation, then marched off toward the enemy's lines. +They preferred surrender to the death awaiting them if they remained. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +ALIVE AND WELL + +Alan was far from being out of the wood, there was danger on every +side, and it was light. Fortune favored him, for the enemy had +suffered terrible losses and were occupied in beating a hasty retreat, +what was left of them. The ground was covered with dead, dying, and +wounded. As he rode rapidly to the right he got clear of them; several +shots were fired and missed him. + +A feeling of exultation possessed him as he neared his lines a couple +of miles away. Once there he was safe, his perilous mission +accomplished. + +His horse shied. Looking ahead he saw half a dozen forms hidden behind +some stunted bushes. The enemy again. Rifles were pointed at him. It +meant death if he went on. + +He halted and faced his enemies, but showed no signs of giving in. The +men crept forward, still covering him with their rifles. He was angry +at the thought of being taken prisoner again. If recognized he would +be shot off-hand. This was not at all likely although he was not aware +of it. + +Providence intervened in the shape of a shell which hurtled into the +midst of the creeping men. There was a terrific explosion. Alan +reeled in the saddle, recovered by a great effort, and managed to +control his frightened horse. He was struck on the forehead but +fortunately the peak of his cap saved him. Still the effect was +stunning, stupefying. A whistling in the air and another shell burst, +throwing up a cloud of mud and dirt round him, thus lessening the +danger of being badly hit. + +His enemies were cut up, shattered; but he had to ride for his life to +avoid the shells. He was in danger from his friends. + +The horse was equal to the emergency and sped across the open space at +a great pace. + +The solitary horseman seemed to puzzle the gunners, for they ceased +firing. Probably he had been recognized as an officer escaping from +the enemy. + +He waved his cap and, taking all risks, galloped toward the Allies' +lines. He knew where he was now. These trenches were the nearest to +headquarters and in a few minutes he would be in safety. + +Something trickled down his face. He brushed it aside with his +hand--blood--his wound was more serious than he thought. + +His left arm pained--blood on the sleeve. His left thigh twinged +sharply--there was blood here also. + +"Must have had a narrow squeak," he thought. He felt faint, inclined +to swoon, but held on to his horse firmly. + +His head swam, his sight grew dim, he heard a roar from the front +trench and then--oblivion. + +When he came to he was being attended behind the firing line. He +wondered where he was, and tried to sit up, but fell back exhausted. +The doctor told him to keep still. + +He slept several hours. When he awoke he was in the ambulance, jolting +farther away from the line. + +It was twenty-four hours or more before he was able to stand. Once on +his legs he quickly recovered and, asking for his horse, which was near +at hand, declared his intention of riding to headquarters. + +The doctor protested; but when Alan explained who he was and the nature +of his mission no further objections were raised. + +"You have had a marvelous escape," said the doctor, looking at him +admiringly. "You are a brave man." + +Alan smiled as he thanked him, saying there would have been many +officers who would have been glad of the chance to take his place and +run the risks. + +He rode to headquarters and was heartily welcomed. In a few moments he +stood before his chief, who held out his hand, shook his heartily, and +congratulated him. + +It was then Alan learned it had been reported that he was shot in +Bruges as a spy. No doubt this report had been made in order to save +the men responsible for his escape through the lines. + +"Shot as a spy," thought Alan. "I wonder if it has been made public in +England. If so, what a terrible shock to Eve and all my friends." + +He suppressed his feelings and gave an account of how he fulfilled his +mission. + +"You must see King Albert at once," said the chief. "It was a blow to +him when he heard you were shot." + +The news of Captain Chesney's return was soon noised abroad, and on all +sides he was congratulated. + +He hunted up Skane's letter and found the date of the Trent Park Grand +Steeplechase would give him ample time to get home and ride Bandmaster +over the course two or three times. He must see about his leave at +once. + +He supposed his safe arrival would be at once reported at home and that +Eve would see it and others. + +There was a budget of letters for him some six weeks old. One of the +last he opened came from his trainer. The date of the Steeplechase had +been altered because the troops camped in the Park had left earlier +than was expected. + +Alan was uncertain about the date. He asked, and found he had just a +couple of days to spare to get there in time. + +Then came another thought which made him gasp. Had Bandmaster been +struck out when he was reported shot? + +Every minute was precious. + +He wired to Skane at once, imposing secrecy, and asking it Bandmaster +was still in the race. If so he would be home to ride. + +"Not a word about this." + +Fred Skane had not scratched Bandmaster. He would not believe Alan +Chesney had been shot, and this firm conviction cheered Eve Berkeley +wonderfully. Then came the news that Captain Chesney had returned to +headquarters after many hairbreadth escapes and that he was severely +wounded. + +The reaction set in at Trent Park, The Forest, and Little Trent. Gloom +turned to joy; everybody was gay and festive. Captain Chesney was +safe, he would soon recover from a few wounds, these were trifles to a +brave strong man. + +"There you are," said Fred Skane. "What did I tell you, Miss Berkeley. +I knew he was not shot--not likely. Supposing I'd scratched +Bandmaster--there'd have been a row and no mistake. 'Scratch the horse +out of respect,' says Abel Head. 'Memory,' says I, 'what memory? He's +alive. There's no memory about Captain Chesney yet, I'll bet, or I'm a +Dutchman.'" + +Eve laughed. + +"Splendid, Fred, splendid! You were right; we were all wrong. But he +was reported shot." + +"Reported be----" said Fred, checking himself. "Who believes reports? +Not me! We get too much or too little, and it came from a German +source; not good enough, says I, not half good enough for this child." + +When the trainer received Alan's telegram he chuckled, then laughed +heartily. + +"By Jove, this is grand! Won't there be a double distilled surprise +for 'em all. If he can get home--if? He must!--and ride, wounds or no +wounds--and he'll win, I can see him doing it--what a day it will be! +Not a word, not me; I wouldn't miss the shock of his appearance on the +course, in an unexpected way, not for a thousand." + +"Fred's a bit above himself," said Abel Head. "He's confounded cheeky +because his opinion has turned out correct. I never thought Captain +Chesney was shot, did you?" + +"No," said Tom Thrush, "not likely." + +"And Fred takes it all on himself. He goes about with his 'What did I +tell you?' until I'm sick of hearing it," said Abel. + +"The main thing is, the master's alive; nowt else matters," said Tom. + +"Heard from Jane lately?" asked Abel. + +"No; can't make it out," said Tom gloomily. + +"I hope it's all right with her. You were a fool to let her marry +him," said Abel. + +"What's the sense in pitching that into me now?" growled Tom. + +"I pitched it into you before it was too late, but you took no notice." + +"Do you always follow good advice?" asked Tom. + +"Maybe not, not always." + +"Then dry up about me. I'm sorry, Abel, sorry for my lass; but he'd +best behave well to her or he'll know about it," said Tom savagely. + +"Where are they?" + +"Don't know; haven't heard from her since they left Margate." + +"I'll tell you another thing, Tom. It's what I've always said, Carl +Meason's a German spy and it's my belief Jane's found him out." + +"If that's so and she has you can lay she'll give him away, it's her +duty to do it," said Tom. + +"Probably she will if he gives her a chance," was Abel's reply. + +"What chance? He can't interfere with her." + +"There's no telling what a man like that will do," answered Abel. + +To return to Alan Chesney, he was anxious in the extreme. His wounds +troubled him but he endeavored to shake off the feeling. He had no +wish to be invalided at home. He wanted the change on his own account +and for a particular purpose, to ride Bandmaster in the Steeplechase. +He applied for leave, which was readily granted, and was ordered not to +return until quite well. + +He told two or three of his brother officers why he was anxious to get +home and of course they were determined to have "a bet on" Bandmaster. +His servant heard the news and it quickly got about among the rank and +file. + +A vexatious delay occurred--one of those small but important matters to +be attended to at the last minute which are forever turning up at +important moments. + +Alan motored to Calais; and here again there was delay, no steamer +being available for several hours. He fretted and fumed about. If +this sort of thing continued there would be little chance of being home +in time to see the race, let alone ride. + +He passed a restless time but at last the boat started and he was +fairly on the way. All being well he would reach Little Trent in good +time on the morning of the meeting. + +None of his friends knew he was coming except Fred Skane, the trainer. +His brief telegram to Eve said nothing about it. She was overwhelmed +with joy to hear from him that he was really safe and well. + +Being a sensible woman she determined to celebrate Alan's good news by +taking a large party of friends to Trent Park to see Bandmaster win. +Fred Skane said to her: + +"I think he'll win, but I wish Captain Chesney was here to ride him. +It would be 'a cert' then." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +THE RIDER IN KHAKI + +A splendid four-mile was planned out at Trent Park, a real test for +chasers, almost up to the famous Aintree Grand National journey. There +were stiff fences, two water jumps, some plough lane, and excellent +going on grass. The horse that won would be a good 'un. + +Bandmaster had done a great preparation. The trainer did not spare +him; he had been over the course three or four times. + +Sam Kerridge's son Will was to ride in the event of Captain Chesney's +not being able to do so. + +It was a clear, bright, sharp morning, and from an early hour motors +and buses came by road. There was every promise of a big gathering +even without the use of train service. Keen sportsmen were not to be +denied the pleasure of such a meeting by any inconveniences they might +have to put up with. + +Eve Berkeley and her house party arrived in good time. Duncan Fraser +was one, he attached himself to Ella Hallam. She could not fail to +notice he was attracted. She liked him, his sterling worth appealed to +her and Eve was always singing his praises. + +Bernard Hallam was friendly with him. He was not at all displeased to +notice Fraser and Ella were on excellent terms. He was partial to keen +business men and such an one was Duncan Fraser. + +There were three events before the Trent Grand Steeplechase, but the +chief interest was centered in the big event, on which there was a lot +of wagering. + +Baron Childs was running Handy Man, a formidable steeplechaser who had +missed the Grand National by an ace on two occasions. He was fully +expected to make amends for two unlucky seconds at Aintree. + +There was an interval of nearly an hour between the third event and the +Steeplechase. The time was occupied in wagering and looking at the +twenty-seven runners. + +Bandmaster was favorite, the popularity of his owner had much to do +with this. An official account of Alan's mission to Brussels had been +made public, and he was the hero of the hour; much was given out but it +was guessed more remained to be disclosed. + +Apart from this, Bandmaster was regarded as a great horse. If half as +good over a steeplechase course as on the flat he must possess a great +chance. His speed was undeniable. If he proved a safe jumper nothing +would be able to live with him on the flat at the finish. Fred Skane's +opinion was known. The trainer had little fear of defeat. He said +confidently that Bandmaster would carry the brown and blue to victory. + +Eve Berkeley never looked better. Her cheeks glowed with health. She +was happy--Alan was safe, what else mattered? She was radiant. Baron +Childs did not conceal his admiration. She wore costly furs; they +became her well. She walked proudly because of her hero, the man of +the hour, the bravest of the brave. + +There was only one thing lacking. If Alan could have ridden Bandmaster +how glorious it would have been. + +The party from The Forest caught her enthusiasm and exuberance of +spirits. Their merry laughter rang clear and joyous. + +Captain Morby was there, paying a flying visit from the front to see +Bandmaster win. He had not met Alan since his return from his +adventure. + +It was half an hour before the race and a bustling scene took place as +the twenty-seven horses were put to rights. + +Riders hurried across the enclosure, stopping to speak to friends, +colors just showing through the half-open coats, for the air was +nipping. Most of them were gentlemen jockeys, five or six officers who +had won their spurs over stiff courses and had capped this by brave +actions at the front. Everybody recognized that racing, sport +generally, had much to do with the wonderful heroism displayed in the +war. + +Will Kerridge was anxious. He hoped Bandmaster would win. He wanted +the ride badly, but would have stood down gladly to let Alan Chesney +have the mount. Fred Skane said nothing to him about Alan's intention +to arrive home in time to have the ride on his horse. He was glad he +had not mentioned it now; he thought Alan was detained, that he had not +sufficiently recovered from his wounds to bear the journey. + +A quarter of an hour more it was hopeless to expect him and yet even +now Fred did not quite give up hope. + +He looked anxiously about, raised his glasses and fixed them on the +road from Trent Park house. Nobody was coming. After all, Kerridge +must ride--and win. He had given particular instructions how +Bandmaster was to be handled. The riding of the horse had been +discussed at the stud groom's house on several occasions. Sam was very +anxious his son should win. + +While the bustle and excitement was at its height at Trent Park a +powerful motor car was speeding along the high-road at top pace. The +driver was experienced and working under pressure, he had been promised +a liberal tip if he arrived in time. + +Behind sat Alan, endeavoring to restrain his feelings and keep quiet. +From time to time he looked at his watch and replaced it in his pocket +with an impatient movement. + +The car stopped with a jerk. The driver was out in a moment. Alan +followed. What was wrong? + +The tool box was relied upon. The man knew his work. In a quarter of +an hour the car moved on, but precious time had been lost. + +"We'll do it all right," said the driver. + +Alan doubted, but held his peace. It would be a terrible +disappointment to arrive too late. + +He must keep as calm as possible, excitement was bad for him, his nerve +had been severely tried. + +The landscape became more familiar with each mile passed. He was lucky +to be home again. He gave a few thoughts to his recent adventures and +was thankful he had pulled through. + +The Park appeared in the distance. A glance at the watch showed it +would be "neck or nothing," he might just do it. + +Something went wrong with the steering gear, the car swerved and the +front wheels stuck in the ditch. The driver was shot out and Alan +flung against the back of the front seat. The man was unhurt and on +his feet in a few seconds. + +Alan swore; he could not help it. + +"Lost by a few seconds," he said. + +"I'll have her out," said the driver, who was in the car. By much +display of skill and force he backed it out, fixed the steering gear, +and said: + +"Get in, sir, we'll do it yet. Is that the course?" and he pointed to +where the flags waved. + +"That's it," said Alan excitedly. + +"Is the going on the grass good?" + +"Yes." + +"Then I'll steer straight for it." + +The car bounded over the turf with occasional jumps. Alan held on to +the seat, no chance, the race was timed for three-thirty. The horses +must be going out. He hoped they would be late. Probably there were +many runners, a big field, and the weighing facilities improvised for +the occasion would not conduce to rapidity. + +Fred Skane took a final sweep over the Park through his glasses. He +saw the car, guessed who it was and, calling to Will Kerridge not to go +out on to the course for a minute, made a bolt to the entrance gate. + +The car pulled up quickly. Alan sprang out. + +"You, Fred, am I in time?" he said. + +"Just follow me," replied Fred as he ran toward the weighing room. + +"Get into the scales. Eleven stone," he yelled, then bolted to find +the stewards. + +There was a hurried consultation. Major Daven consulted for a few +minutes, then went to the weighing room. + +"God bless me--Chesney! This is a surprise," he gasped. + +"Can I ride Bandmaster?" asked Alan breathlessly. + +"Yes, of course; I'll tell 'em. They're not all out yet. God bless my +soul, this is a surprise! How do you feel?" said the Major, giving out +orders between gasps, sending attendants flying in all directions. + +"No time to change; I'll have to ride in khaki," said Alan. + +"And there's no better color," said the Major. + +"How about the weight?" said the trainer, stumbling and gasping. + +"All right; two pounds over weight," said the clerk of the scales. + +"Declare it," said Fred. + +"Two pounds over," shouted the Major; "up with it on the board, owner +up, don't stand there gaping. Bandmaster's the horse--fly! God bless +my soul, what a surprise it will be!" + +Alan pitched his cap in a corner. + +"You've spurs on, don't use them." + +"All right," said Alan. + +"And I say, mind the water jumps--they're stiff." + +"All right," said Alan as he was rushing out, the trainer on his heels +shouting hints and instructions. + +"Something's causing delay," said the Baron, noticing three or four +horses still in the paddock. + +Eve looked. + +"Bandmaster is still there," she said, "and Kerridge has dismounted." + +"There's a regular bustle round the weighing room," said Harry Morby. + +They saw attendants running in and out and Fred Skane hurriedly +appearing, making for Bandmaster. + +A buzz of excitement rose; inquiries were made; a feeling of suspense +was in the air. + +A man climbed up to the number board. Eve saw him. + +"A rider changed at the last minute," she said. + +Then she noticed Will Kerridge's name taken out and her heart almost +stopped beating. She trembled, became pale with excitement. + +"Good Lord, what's up?" exclaimed Mr. Hallam. "Shall I go and find +out?" + +"No occasion," said Harry excitedly. "Look!" + +A khaki-clad figure, a soldier in officer's uniform, much worn and +travel-stained, with no cap, came tearing out of the weighing room and +across the paddock to where Bandmaster stood. + +"By all that's wonderful, it's Alan!" exclaimed Duncan Fraser. + +"Yes, yes!" said Eve, and felt on the verge of fainting. She could +hardly believe her eyes. It was Alan sure enough, marvelous. How had +he got there? She quivered with the tumult of her feelings. The +surprise was too much for her, the exquisite joy of seeing him again +overcame her. + +Alan shook hands hurriedly with Will Kerridge. + +"Sorry to take the mount from you, Will," he said with a smile. + +"You're welcome, Captain; I'm right glad you came in time," was the +reply. + +Alan mounted and rode Bandmaster on to the course. + +"Who is the rider in khaki?" asked a well-known man. + +"Blest if I know. He's riding Bandmaster too." He turned to look at +the board. + +"Well, of all the wonderful things!" he exclaimed. "It's Captain +Chesney, the owner; he must have just arrived from the front in time." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +THE STEEPLECHASE + +Alan was recognized by scores of people, deafening cheers greeted his +appearance on Bandmaster. He walked the horse past the stand and saw +Eve and her friends. Stopping for a moment he waved his hand. There +was a flutter of handkerchiefs in response. Eve was a proud woman. +Her hero, everybody's hero, was there sitting his horse well, eager for +the fray, ready to show how he could ride. + +The horses were at the post as he cantered down. The starter wondered +why the favorite was late. He could not let them go without him. + +The riders looked at the khaki-clad horseman and some of them +recognizing him cheered wildly. + +"It's Captain Chesney," said Dan Rowton, rider of Handy Man. + +When he came up there was a general cheer and many of them expressed +pleasure that he was riding. There was no time to talk. Alan smiled +his thanks and took his place in the center. In a minute or two they +were off, Frosty going away with the lead. + +Alan's feelings can be imagined. He was excited, small wonder at it. +He thought how wonderful that he was there in Trent Park, riding in the +steeplechase. + +The tension of the motor ride against time strung him to the highest +possible pitch and he had not quite recovered from his wounds. + +How glorious it was to be on Bandmaster! How much had happened since +the horse won the Hunt Cup! Many startling events had crowded one +another in rapid succession. + +Bandmaster moved well. Alan was already on good terms with his mount. +The first fence was reached, not a formidable obstacle. All the horses +got over but three or four jumped wildly. Bandmaster flew it like a +bird. + +There were three spills before the stand was reached. As they swept +past there was much cheering. Bandmaster's rider was singled out for a +tremendous reception as the horse cleared the stiff fence in grand +style. + +The rider in khaki looked conspicuous among the bright-colored racing +jackets--hatless, his uniform well worn. + +They swung round the bend, then entered some ploughed land which found +out the weak spots. Two fields were crossed and the first water jump +reached. There was a wide ditch in front of the high fence; the water +gleamed in the bright light. + +Frosty refused and whipped round, causing three more to swerve out. +True Blue stopped short, then sprang into the water, where he remained, +much to the annoyance of many riders, but they managed to steer clear. +Alan let Bandmaster go. The horse made a grand leap, landing safely. +He was delighted at the performance and his hopes of winning were high. +The pace was strong, testing the power of the horses and already a +dozen were hopelessly out of it. + +From the stand there was a good view of the race and when Eve saw +Bandmaster clear the water jump in gallant style she cheered. + +"Beautifully done," said the Baron. "Captain Chesney has a real good +horse under him." + +He noticed Eve's heightened color and how excited she was. Her eyes +flashed and sparkled; there was more than ordinary interest in them. +He wondered if Captain Chesney were first favorite. + +"He is a splendid rider," said Eve. + +"None better," said Captain Morby. + +"He's handicapped heavily," said Mr. Hallam. "It will be extraordinary +if he can last out such a severe race after all he has gone through." + +"Wonderful pluck," said Duncan Fraser. "Always had." + +"I want to hear how he arrived in time. It will be interesting. He +must have had a race for it," said Ella. + +"And won on the post. I hope he'll win this race," said Duncan. + +The horses were almost out of sight as they passed some trees but the +colors could be seen dodging between them. When they were in full view +again Handy Man led, with Milkmaid, Picket, Fright, and Sparrow close +behind. Bandmaster came next, alone, followed by the rest. Seven had +fallen and there was a long tail. + +Handy Man was a grand jumper and Dan Rowton a good rider. The pair +seemed to get on well. So far the horse had not made a mistake. + +The last mile and a half was a severe test, the jumps being all stiff, +and the pace began to tell. + +A thorn hedge faced the field at this point. Handy Man flew it safely, +so did Milkmaid, Fright, and Sparrow, but Picket came down with a +crash, rolled over, flung his rider out of danger, and was struggling +to rise as Alan on Bandmaster came along. It was an awkward, dangerous +situation; a less experienced horseman might have lost his head. Alan, +however, was accustomed to act quickly in emergencies. He pulled his +mount to the left and just cleared the struggling horse. Picket, +however, was so near Bandmaster that he put him out of his stride; this +caused loss of ground and he fell back. + +Eve noticed the danger and gave a slight cry of alarm, followed by a +sigh of relief as she saw Bandmaster safe. + +"A narrow squeak," said Harry. "Nobody but a good rider would have +escaped." + +The pace was tremendous, considering a mile had to be covered, and not +more than ten of the twenty-seven starters were within striking +distance. + +It was a formidable mile to the winning post, a stiff fence, then the +water jump, bigger than the first, and two hurdles brushed in the +straight, the last being close to the winning post. + +Alan felt faint but kept hard at it. He was not so strong as he +thought. His wounds and all he had gone through sapped his strength. +He possessed indomitable courage, a stubborn will which stood him in +good stead. + +Bandmaster tipped the first fence but it did no harm and he raced after +Handy Man, Milkmaid, and Sparrow at his best pace. + +The water jump loomed in front a formidable obstacle. Handy Man +scrambled over, narrowly escaping a fall. Alan thought the Baron's +horse was about done. Sparrow fell. Milkmaid cleared it well. Alan +had a clear course and steadied his mount. Once over the water he had +a great chance, for on the flat Bandmaster had tremendous pace. His +eyes were misty, he could not see clearly, his head swam, something +trickled down his leg; the wound in his thigh had opened and was +bleeding. He felt Bandmaster rise under him, knew he was in the air +over the water, topped the fence, and came down safely; but it was +almost a miracle he did not fall off, he swayed in the saddle, it was +only by a tremendous effort he retained his seat. Bandmaster was a +wonder. Alan was not able to give him any assistance at the jump. + +The easy going on the flat gave him a chance but his eyes were dim and +his head ached. The reins were loose in his hands. + +From the stand it was easy to see there was something wrong with the +rider in khaki, and Eve became very anxious. Rapidly she thought of +all Alan had gone through and wondered if it were telling on him. If +so would he be able to ride his horse out, handle him skillfully over +two rather treacherous hurdles, they were the easiest jumps in the +course to look at. + +Everybody was excited. Alan's condition was palpable, he seemed +suddenly to have lost his strength and with it the control of his mount. + +Fred Skane looked on aghast. He knew the danger better than any one. +If Alan was spent, Bandmaster might blunder and there would be a nasty +spill. He hoped for the best as he watched with his feelings strung to +the highest pitch. + +Handy Man, Milkmaid, and Bandmaster were running in the order named as +the first of the two hurdles was reached. The Baron's horse was tiring +fast, and Milkmaid had about enough of it. Bandmaster traveled well +but did not gain much ground. + +All three scrambled over, their style being slovenly, quite different +from the early part of the race. + +Alan swayed in the saddle, then bent forward. It seemed every minute +as though he must fall off. It was a terrible strain on him after all +he had gone through. + +Eve was trembling with the intensity of her feelings, expecting every +moment to see him collapse--what mattered losing the race if he escaped +unhurt? + +Backers of the favorite were anxious. They sympathized with Alan, at +the same time thought it would have been better had young Kerridge been +allowed to ride. + +As they raced up to the last hurdle every eye was fixed on the horses. +Handy Man stumbled on to his knees as he landed, but Dan Rowton +cleverly kept his seat, made a fine recovery, set his mount going +again, and was deservedly applauded. Milkmaid landed clumsily, +staggering along for the winning post---beaten but in front. + +Bandmaster, with the reins loose in Alan's hands, pricked up his ears +and took off too soon. There was a moment of intense suspense; then, +as the horse crashed into it, Alan seemed to be roused to make a +supreme effort. He clutched the reins, held Bandmaster together, and +stopped a bad fall; the hurdle was knocked down but the horse retained +his feet. All three were tired but Bandmaster had most go in him for a +run on the flat. By degrees he overhauled Milkmaid, who had fallen +back, and passing her went in pursuit of Handy Man. + +The race became desperately exciting. Alan appeared to have had a +relapse after his momentary rousing, and gave Bandmaster no help. It +was painful for Eve to watch him. As she looked she saw a red splash +on the khaki breeches and exclaimed: + +"He's hurt! There's blood on him!" then sank backward. The Baron +steadied her in time. It was hardly a faint; she felt dizzy, and +quickly recovering thanked him. + +Bandmaster ran his own race. He seemed to know what was required, it +was exciting to watch him. + +Nearer and nearer he drew to Handy Man and Rowton had to ride hard. +The odds were in favor of the Baron's horse but Bandmaster, despite all +disadvantages, stuck to his guns and at last reached his girth. + +The cheering was loud, it gave encouragement to Alan, he sat up in the +saddle and urged his mount to make a final effort. + +It was just in time; another moment and Handy Man, driven hard by Dan, +would have won. + +Bandmaster drew level. The pair were head and head for a couple of +strides. The crowd watched breathlessly, too excited to cheer for the +moment. + +The winning post was only a few yards ahead. Alan saw it dimly and +held on to his work with grim determination. + +Bandmaster's head was in front, then his neck, in another stride he was +half a length to the good. As he passed the post in front of Handy Man +cheering broke out wildly. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +JANE'S DISCLOSURES + +It was a sensational finish. As Alan rode in he hardly knew where he +was or what had happened. He managed to get out of the saddle, +unbuckle the girths and carry it into the weighing room. He sank into +the scale; when "all right" was declared he staggered to his feet, +outside they were waiting for him. + +The crowd stood back, making way for Eve Berkeley and her friends. She +went quickly to Alan, took his arm firmly, Duncan Fraser the other side +helped him to limp along. The cheering was deafening, but Alan did not +notice it. When Eve spoke he made no reply. + +It was evident he was not in a condition to remain on the course. Eve +insisted upon taking him to The Forest in her motor; she said there +would be more comfort than at Trent Park because he was not expected +home. + +Alan was helped into the motor in a dazed condition. Eve and Duncan +Fraser went with him, She had her arm in his, pressing it +sympathetically, but he did not seem to be aware of it, or know where +he was. Before they arrived at The Forest he was asleep, they had some +difficulty in rousing him. + +In the dining-room he went straight to the sofa, threw himself down +heavily, and was asleep in a moment. + +"He's tired out," said Eve, placing her hand on his head. "He will be +better for a rest. We must take care the others do not wake him when +they return." + +They covered him with rugs. Duncan Fraser remained in the room while +Eve went to telephone for the doctor, who on his arrival said sleep was +the best possible thing for him and he must on no account be disturbed. + +Alan slept until the next morning, Harry Morby remaining in the room +all night. When he awoke he remained quite still for some time, +wondering where he was and what had happened. Had he been ill? If so +how long? No recollection of the race came to him; he fancied he was +at headquarters, but the surroundings were strange--much more luxurious. + +Captain Morby was asleep in the armchair; he had been awake most of the +night. Alan saw him as he lay on the sofa and recognized him. What +was Harry Morby doing here? He was not on the staff. Perhaps he had +been promoted. Gradually his faculties became cleared. The sleep had +done good, his brain worked, the dull sensation vanished. He sat up. +As he did so, Harry Morby awoke. + +"Better, old chap?" he asked with a smile. Then he noticed Alan +looking round and went on: + +"Don't know where you are, eh? I'll enlighten you. You're at The +Forest, the home of that most beautiful lady, Evelyn Berkeley. You're +a fortunate man to have won her sympathy so completely. By Jove, old +man, you rode a great race yesterday! But you were clean done up at +the finish and no wonder." + +"What the deuce are you doing here?" asked Alan. + +"I'm home for a few days, made up my mind to see Bandmaster win the +steeplechase." + +"And did he?" asked Alan. + +"Did he! I should rather think so. Don't you remember?" said Harry. + +"I have some recollection of a race. Did I ride him?" + +"Of course you did, but it took you all your time to stick on at the +finish." + +"I remember," said Alan. "I was pretty right till I got to the last +water jump. I don't recollect much after that." + +"No, I don't suppose you do. You were certainly dazed when you +dismounted." + +"And he really won?" + +"He did." + +"Bandmaster is a great horse, a wonderful horse," said Alan +enthusiastically. "I didn't help him a bit; he won the race on his +own. Tell me all about it." + +Captain Morby, nothing loath, gave a good description of the race. +Alan listened attentively, as though it were the first he had heard of +it. + +"It was a race to get there in time," said Alan, and described +hurriedly how he came from France and motored to the course. He stood +up, looked at himself in the glass, and said: + +"I'm a nice object. I want cleaning up. I'm smothered in dirt and +dust. What time is it?" + +"Half-past six." + +"Then we'll scrub before they're up. How did I get here?" + +Harry told him and added: + +"Miss Berkeley left me on guard for the night. I believe she wanted to +remain but thought it better not." + +"Come along," said Alan. "I'm for a tub; I feel a heap better now, +it's good to be home again after all I've gone through." + +"You'll have to tell us about your adventures," said Harry. + +"It's a long story; by Jove, old fellow, I wonder I'm alive!" said Alan. + +Eve Berkeley was down in good time, anxious to learn how Alan was. She +found the door open, looked in, there was nobody in the room. She rang +the bell. + +"Have you seen Captain Chesney?" she asked. + +Johnson smiled. + +"He's in the bathroom," he said. + +"You have seen him?" + +"I met him on the stairs." + +"What did he say?" + +"'How are you, Johnson? I'm going down for a tub. It will take some +time to get clean, but I'll try and be down for breakfast. I'm +hungry.'" + +"That was all?" + +"Yes." + +"Did he look ill?" + +"No, a bit tired. He's a wonderful man." + +"He is, Johnson; you are quite right, a very wonderful man," said Eve +with a bright smile. + +When Alan came down he found her in the morning-room. He held out his +arms. + +"Come to me, Eve, come! I want you badly--I love you so. I thought +once I should never see you again and it nearly killed me. I dreaded +the idea of never seeing you more than the danger or the bullets." + +She came; he took her to him and kissed her passionately. Johnson +discreetly closed the door, he was an admirable servant. They were +alone for an hour, a blessed time, more united than they had been, +their hearts beating in unison; they were one. + +Hurriedly he gave her a brief outline of his adventures. She listened +breathlessly. He was indeed a hero, a brave man, and he was hers; her +happiness was almost too much, she simply sighed and nestled to him. +He punctuated his tale with kisses. He ended by saying in determined +tones: + +"We must be married before I return. I can't risk it again, after all +I have gone through. I dare not. You will consent, Eve; you will?" + +She said yes and he was soothed and satisfied. + +"Perhaps it will be as well to tell them all at breakfast," she said. + +"All who?" + +She laughed and gave him the names of her guests. + +"What an ordeal!" he said. "Who will tell them?" + +"You must, Alan, and spare my blushes." + +Not much surprise was manifested when Alan made the announcement. +There was a chorus of congratulations; everybody thought it an +excellent match. Captain Morby said to himself: + +"I knew they'd do it, but they have been a long time about it." + +Alan had to relate his adventures in Brussels and Bruges. He thrilled +his listeners as he described his hair-breadth escapes on his return to +headquarters. + +He was not due back for a few weeks; during that time he and Eve were +quietly married at Little Trent Church, only a few persons being +present. They went for a brief honeymoon to the South and on their +return to Trent Park met with a great reception. + +Mr. Hallam arranged with Eve to remain at The Forest until his return +to Australia. He seemed in no hurry to leave England. + +It was during Alan's stay at Trent Park that Jane Meason surprised her +father by returning home alone. + +"I have left him," she said. "He has behaved shamefully; he is a spy. +I have found him out. I will never live with him again." + +"What's he done?" said Tom gloomily. + +"Many things. Abel Head was quite right: he is in the pay of the +Germans; I can prove it," said Jane. + +She was reticent and Tom did not get much information from her. He +found out, however, that Carl had threatened her if she disclosed +anything about his work or what he was doing. + +"What did he say?" asked Tom. + +"He told me if I got him into trouble he would do for me," said Jane. + +"We'll see about that," answered Tom angrily. "Threatened your life, +did he? Well, he'll have me to deal with first." + +Jane did not show any alarm at her husband's threats; for one thing she +did not believe in them. He might risk coming to find her at Little +Trent Park, at least she thought so. + +Tom told Alan what his daughter said. + +"I'll see her," he said, "and find out all about him. We'll put a +spoke in his wheel before long; if he's caught red-handed he'll be shot +and she will be well rid of him." + +"The Government ought to reward her," said Tom. + +Alan smiled; Tom was after the money again. + +"I have no doubt she will be recompensed for what she has gone +through," he said. + +Eve sent for Jane to come to Trent Park and persuaded her to tell Alan +what she knew. This she was willing to do; Alan was different from her +father, he was a soldier and had a right to know. + +Jane stated that Carl Meason had signaled to the raiders from his motor +car. She had no doubt about it; he did so when they left Margate. She +was sure of it now although at the time he gave a plausible explanation +as to why he showed two such large bright lights. She knew the +Zeppelins were guided by the signals he flashed; when she found out she +was frightened but later on after a quarrel she taxed him with it. +Carl was in a terrible rage, she thought he would have struck her. His +threats daunted her for a time and she kept quiet, but when she read +about the murderous bombs and destruction of innocent lives she +determined to disclose all she knew at the proper time. + +Alan and Eve listened to her story. They had no doubt as to its truth. +Carl Meason must be caught. Had she any idea where he was? She had +not but expected he would seek her out at the cottage. She had left +him a note in which she said she was going home and would never live +with him again. She handed Alan a document she had taken from his case +before she left. It clearly implicated him; there was no doubt he had +been in the pay of the enemy for months, that he had mapped out raids +for them, organized a system of spying in England. + +"This is sufficient to condemn him," said Alan. "You really think he +will dare to seek you here?" + +Jane said she felt sure of it. + +"Then we'll watch for him. He shall not escape," said Alan, but he was +doubtful if Carl Meason would run his head into a hornets' nest. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +A SPLASH IN THE DARK + +Carl Meason was angry because Jane left him, but he did not think she +would betray him. He was well paid for his villainy: large remittances +reached him by a round-about route. He was flush of money. He was +lost without Jane. She appealed to him. He did not love her but he +wanted her; she was his and he meant to get her back. + +There would not be much risk in going to Trent Park, he thought. He +had warned her he would be dangerous if she gave him away, that she +would come to harm; she seemed frightened by his threats. It was not +likely she would brave them. + +He understood why she left him, or thought so; it was because she knew +he undertook risks and might suffer as his accomplice if they were +caught. + +"She'll have to come away with me," he said. "I'll square her father; +it's only a matter of cash." + +It was some time after she left him he decided to take her away. He +wrote; she had not answered his letters. He cursed her for an +obstinate jade, vowing he would pay her out. + +Jane showed her father his letters and he duly reported to Alan, who +ordered a watch to be kept round the Park and near the cottage. Abel +Head, Tom Thrush and several of the men at Trent Park were special +constables. They thought it would be a feather in their cap if they +caught a spy. + +Carl Meason was cunning. He wished to find out how the land lay before +venturing there. He sent one of his confidential agents to make +inquiries. He returned in a couple of days, saying there were men +about, watching the place, evidently on the lookout for somebody. + +From this Carl gathered Jane had given information against him and flew +into a terrible rage. Come of it what might he decided to punish her +even if he ran risks. + +He made elaborate preparations for his journey, hired a small but +powerful car, disguised himself thoroughly. He was an adept at making +up. In New York he had more than once saved his life owing to his +skill. He knew the country well. He journeyed down in the daytime, +passing through Little Trent slowly, saw Abel Head at the door of the +Sherwood Inn, smiled as he noticed he was unrecognized. He went at the +same pace along the road leading past the wall where the door opened +near Tom Thrush's cottage. + +Jane heard the motor, opened the door, and looked out. So well was he +disguised that she failed to recognize him or the car. + +Motorists often went through the road in Trent Park and no notice was +taken of Meason and his car. + +It so happened that Alan and his wife were in London and as there had +been no signs of Meason the watchers relaxed their vigilance. Tom +Thrush was of opinion Meason had cleared out because he was in danger +of being discovered; and Abel Head was of the same mind. + +Jane felt safer. Perhaps he divined she had told of his doings and in +consequence he thought it safer to hide for a time. She was, however, +careful not to go far away from home, nor did she walk outside the +Park. There was no telling what a desperate man would do. + +Fortune favored Carl Meason. The night was dark, misty; a dense white +stream covered the park, strangely thick and wetting. Leaving his +motor under the wall some distance from the door where it was hidden by +creepers overhanging, he concealed himself in one of the thick +embrasures and watched. He was well protected by his motor coat, light +but warm and water-proof. + +He looked at his wrist watch. The illuminated figures showed it was +eight o'clock. He wondered at the pitchy blackness of the night, +unusual for the time of the year. + +Listening intently he heard the door latch click; then it swung back +with a bang. It was opened again and Jane called out: + +"Don't be late, Father. It's a bad night. I don't care to be left +alone." + +"I'll be back in an hour, my lass, and bring Abel Head along with me. +He's plenty of time on his hands with these new restrictions in force." +It was Tom Thrush's voice; he was going to the Sherwood Inn. What a +stroke of luck! Such a chance would not occur again. + +Carl Meason chuckled savagely as he heard Tom's footsteps die away in +the distance. Creeping out he felt his way back to the motor along the +wall, made sure all was right; the lights were low and covered by a +dark protection which entirely obliterated them. He had taken every +precaution and knew the way in the dark; he had only to keep to the +road and get clear away with Jane. Nobody was likely to be motoring on +such a night. He was still disguised. He wondered if she would +recognize his voice, he could alter it cleverly. + +He banged at the door as though he had stumbled against it in the dark. +Jane was nervous, more so than she had been since her return. The +noise startled her; it could not be her father returning, still there +was a chance. + +She listened. The knock came again, louder. She opened the cottage +door; the light from the lamp shone on the outer door leading to the +road. + +"Who's there?" she asked, bravely, although her heart quaked. + +"I've lost my way. I want to get to Little Trent," said Carl, in a +muffled voice. + +"Go straight on," she said; "it's not far." + +"Who lives here?" + +"Thomas Thrush, Captain Chesney's gamekeeper." + +"That's lucky; I know him. May I come in for a few minutes? I'm +tired." + +She hardly knew what to say. If she refused he could force his way in; +whoever he was, she thought it better to grant his request; it was a +bad night to be out. + +She opened the door and Carl stepped through. He walked into the +cottage. + +"Thanks," he said; "is Mr. Thrush in?" + +Jane hesitated a moment; then said: + +"He's gone out; he will not be long. You know my father?" + +"Quite well." + +Something in his appearance was familiar; she looked at him curiously. +His eyes fascinated her; they were like a snake's, the eyes of Carl +Meason, her husband, as she remembered them to have looked several +times. It suddenly occurred to her that he might be her husband +disguised; she was almost certain it was. What must she do? + +Carl watched her. He caught signs that she recognized him, he had not +much time to lose, he must make good use of it and act at once. + +"It's me, my lady; I see you know me. Why did you run away from me?" +he said. + +"What have you come here for in this disguise?" she said. + +"To take you away. I am running great risks, but I want you, Jane, and +I think you're worth it. You ought to be flattered." + +She must parley with him until her father and Abel were at hand. + +"I shall not go with you," she said firmly. + +"Oh, yes, you will; I think I can persuade you," he said, looking +threateningly at her. "You have given me away; that was not proper for +a wife." + +She said nothing. If only she could detain him. + +"Come, hurry up. Your father will not be back yet; he's gone to Little +Trent, I heard him say so," he said. + +"I will not go," said Jane. + +"You will, and now. There's your hat and coat. Put them on." + +"No!" + +He came toward her, looking terrible in his disguise. + +"You see this," he said, taking a large knife from his pocket, +unsheathing it. "If you do not come at once I will kill you." + +She shuddered. She knew he would do it; this was no empty threat. +Mechanically she took her hat and cloak and put them on. + +"If you cry out I will use it," he said, holding up the knife. She did +not speak. He took her by the wrist and led her out; she was not so +afraid now, probably it was the safest plan to go with him--she could +escape again. + +He pulled her rapidly along by the wall until he reached the motor. + +"Get in," he said, turning on the small inside lamps. + +Jane entered; she heard him fixing the starter; he got in and in a few +minutes the car moved. + +"It all depends on yourself whether you come out of this alive," he +said savagely. + +"Where are you going?" she asked. + +"Anywhere on to the main road; you can say good-bye to Trent Park, +you'll never see it again," he said. + +He intended to kill her when it was safe; she felt sure such was his +intention. Her faculties were alert. Was there a way out? + +Her heart gave a throb, her hopes rose; if she could make him steer a +wrong course. + +"You are not making for the main road," she said. + +"Oh, yes, I am." + +"You are not. If you upset the car you may be killed too," said Jane. + +He hesitated; she might be right, there were several roads in the Park. +He wanted to get away as quickly as possible. He had no head lights; +it was safer. + +"Which way ought I to go?" he asked. + +"More to the left." + +Jane knew the ground well; she could find her way in the dark almost as +certainly as her father. The car was nearing the road leading past the +moat and tower; it was not often used, but he would not be aware of +this in the dark. + +"To the left?" he said. "There's no road there." + +"Yes; a little farther on." + +"You can see?" he said in surprise. + +"I know the park as well in the dark as in the daytime," she answered. + +He thought this not improbable; her father had taught her woodcraft, +the ways of the forest and the park. + +"If you put me wrong you're done for," he said. "You'd better not play +tricks with me." + +"Why should I when you threaten my life?" she replied quietly. + +Her feelings were strung to the highest pitch; she was playing a +desperate game. She might lose her life, it was worth the risk. He +intended to kill her anyhow because she had given him away. + +He thought her thoroughly frightened; she would hardly play him tricks, +she dare not. He underestimated her courage. + +Jane peered into the blackness; she saw a faint line ahead and knew it +was the water in the moat. Her father had taught her to see water in +the dark--it comes easy when familiar with nature. Every sense was +alert; if she made a mistake he would not hesitate to kill her, for he +would know what she had tried to do. + +The car jolted. Carl said angrily: + +"We're off the road; what's your game? Take care." + +"It's all right--a short cut to the main road. That's where you want +to go?" she said. + +"The main road, yes." + +"I'll tell you in a moment; turn sharp to the right then," said Jane. + +The car went on. Jane's heart beat fast, her pulses throbbed +painfully. Would he do it, would he find out? It was an awful risk to +run. + +"Now," she said as calmly and steadily as possible, "to the right." + +Carl turned the steering wheel; the car swerved, bumped on the rough +grass; for a moment he seemed to lose control of it. He heard Jane +leap out; he could not see her. + +She had played him a trick; where was he? His brain was on fire. He +acted like a madman, wild with rage; he tried to stop the car. In his +fumbling haste he failed. + +There was a plunge, a great splash. + +Jane, bruised and shaken on the ground where she had fallen, listened. + + + + +CHAPTER XXX + +NEWS FROM HOME + +When Tom Thrush returned home alone--Abel declined to accompany him--he +found the doors open, the cottage in darkness, the lamp having been +blown out, and Jane gone. He called her, searched the cottage, took +his lantern and examined the garden. Somebody, a man, had been there. +He went out on to the road, traced footsteps along the wall until he +came to where the car had stood, then he knew it was Carl Meason who +had carried her off and given them the slip. + +Lantern in hand he followed the tracks easily seen in the damp dust +covering the road. He walked rapidly. When he came to the turning +leading to the moat he stopped and wondered what had taken him this +way. A feeling of horror swept over him as he thought Meason might +have had an object in taking her to the moat. This vanished when he +considered he would not know the way in the dark, but how to account +for the tire imprints? He followed them; as he neared the moat he +listened. Footsteps drawing near, light treading; not a man, perhaps +Jane; if so, what had become of Meason? + +It was Jane, moving slowly and painfully. He held up the light. + +"What are you doing here, lass? Where is he?" asked Tom. + +She stumbled upon him, knocking the lantern from his hand. She had +fainted. He laid her gently down and picked up the light, holding it +to her face. There was a cut on her forehead; he wiped the blood away, +saw it was not serious. She came round quickly. He helped her to her +feet. + +"How came you here?" he asked. + +"Carl came to the cottage. He forced me to go with him. He had a +car--he meant to kill me--it was his life or mine," she said, shivering. + +"Where is he?" asked Tom. + +"In the moat." + +He was bewildered, did not understand. Jane could not have pushed him +into the water. + +She explained hurriedly; he listened wonderingly. She was plucky, had +run a great risk. He gave no thought to the man. + +"I jumped out and fell on the grass. He seemed to lose his head; the +car rushed on--I heard nothing more," she said. + +"Then he's in the water and the car too?" + +"Must be." + +"Come home. I'll have a look round in the morning. If he's drowned +it's too good for him; he ought to have been hanged. Drowning they say +is an easy death." + +Jane went to bed and slept the sleep of exhaustion and excitement. She +was only a girl and had already gone through startling experiences. +Tom, leaving her, went to the moat early. He saw where the car had +fallen in; it must have turned upside down and probably Carl was pinned +underneath. He felt no compunction; he thought Jane acted rightly. +The man was a spy and a villain; she and the country were well rid of +him. + +When Alan returned he told him what had happened. The matter was +reported to the police and to the proper authorities. The moat was +searched; it was difficult to drag the car out but it was soon done. +Carl Meason's body was found pinned beneath, as Tom anticipated. + +The usual inquest was held and strange facts were brought to light. On +Meason's body were documents proving he was in the pay of the Germans, +and had given much valuable information which was used for raiding +purposes. + +Jane's conduct was extolled. She would undoubtedly have paid the +penalty of betraying his secrets with her life; there was no pity for +Carl Meason. He met his death as a traitor; had he been caught he +would have undoubtedly been shot. + +Jane was searched out and interviewed; Tom made a handsome bargain with +the representatives of a Sunday weekly; when she read the account of +her life with Carl Meason she was amazed. Had all these things really +happened? Was it possible? She pointed out certain extraordinary +statements to Tom, saying she did not recollect such things and was +quite sure she had told the newspaper man nothing of the sort because +they had never happened. + +Tom smiled. + +"He said he'd write it up, and he has. He's made a good job of it and +we've been well paid for it. I think he was entitled to lay it on +thick, considering the price paid," he said. + +"Did this all really happen to you, Jane?" asked Eve. + +"Some of it," replied Jane, smiling. + +"And the rest?" + +"It is a bit far-fetched; he must have a vivid imagination," said Jane. + +Eve laughed. + +"You have caused quite a sensation," she said. + +Alan went back to general headquarters in France. Eve was as happy as +she knew how to be without him, but there was the constant anxiety of +what might happen to him. + +Alan was not a good correspondent, and he had not much time for +writing. Eve knew this and was always glad of a few lines. He came +home at intervals for a few days at a time. + +Eve loved him and he adored her. Since their marriage he discovered +new and surprising traits in her and wondered how he had been so blind +as to risk losing her by his delay in asking her to be his wife. + +Bernard Hallam and Ella were still at The Forest. + +"When am I going back to Australia?" said Mr. Hallam in answer to +Alan's question. "I cannot tell you, for I don't know. It's not safe. +I have no desire to see how a torpedo works at near quarters. I am +much safer here, and The Forest is a delightful place. There's another +thing, I want my revenge." + +Alan laughed as he said: + +"Another couple of races with Rainstorm and Southerly Buster?" + +"That's it. They were on a level last time; you only just got home +with your pair." + +"Bandmaster has probably lost some of his paces," said Alan. + +"Didn't look like it when you won the Steeplechase on him," answered +Mr. Hallam. + +"By Jove, that must have been a race!" exclaimed Alan. + +"It was. Don't you recollect much about it?" + +"Can't say I do," replied Alan, with a puzzled expression. + +"It's funny; you must have been in a queer state." + +"I was. I say, Hallam, I believe I went off my head for a bit," said +Alan. + +"I won't contradict you, but the head's all right now," said Mr. Hallam. + +Fred Skane was consulted. He thought Bandmaster quite equal to +tackling Rainstorm again, and The Duke doing the same by Southerly +Buster. Both would be ready for the next Newmarket meeting if the +matches could be included in the program. + +Alan communicated with the Jockey Club officials and there was no +difficulty about it; the former matches proved such an attraction they +were sure to be an addition to the card. + +In due course the matches came off and on this occasion honors were +divided, for Bandmaster beat Rainstorm, and Southerly Buster beat The +Duke. Mr. Hallam would have been more pleased had Rainstorm won, for +he was his favorite, but Alan was delighted at Bandmaster's success. + +Duncan Fraser was a frequent visitor at Trent Park and always went +across to The Forest during his stay. + +Eve said she was "watching developments," but Alan laughingly answered +that, "Fraser is not a marrying man; he's in love with the brewery, +which is much more prosaic." + +"We shall see," said Eve; "I'm open to support Ella against business." + +Captain Newport, invalided home an exchanged prisoner, came to Trent +Park for rest and change. He sorely needed it and Eve looked after him +well, also Captain Morby, severely wounded, and several more officers. +In fact, Trent Park was turned into a convalescent home, with Eve in +command. Ella and some friends were willing helpers, and Jane came +every day to do what she could for Mrs. Chesney, to whom she was much +attached. + +Captain Morby said the man who could not make a recovery at Trent Park +was very far gone indeed. + +"I say, Newport, I owe you a uniform," said Alan, laughing, and told +him how he took his in the house of Jean Baptistine. + +"A fine old chap," said Vincent. "He did what he could for me; had I +been fit he'd have got me away safely." + +"I hear the old fellow's had his place blown about his ears but he's +still there. I am trying to smuggle him over here. I'll fix up a +small farm for him where he can settle down and try and be contented; I +think I can manage it." + +"That's good of you," said Vincent. + +"Not at all; he deserves it, he risked much to try and save me, he did +his best," said Alan. + +During Alan's absence in France, Eve had plenty to do at home. The +wounded officers took up much of her time. When not attending to them, +or delegating the duty to others, she went about the home farm, the +stables and the gardens, often visiting Sam Kerridge at the Stud, where +Alfonso was doing well and most of the mares were still in possession. +Alan's racing establishment had been cut down, but this was not to be +wondered at, and Fred Skane had an easier time than usual. Many of the +lads had joined up, and more were waiting for the call. Alan +generously granted them a portion of their salaries during the time +they served. + +Eve looked longingly forward to the time when Alan would be free again +and live always at Trent Park and where children to be born would +increase their happiness tenfold. She wrote him long letters, giving +all the news and local gossip, also everything concerning their home. +Her latest letter roused Alan's interest more than usual. + +"You see, I was right," she wrote; "Duncan Fraser asked Ella Hallam to +be his wife and she consented. I am sure it is a good match, so is Mr. +Hallam, and Ella will be happy. Once upon a time I fancied you admired +her, I mean were half in love with her, and I am not quite certain yet +that she has forgiven me for snatching you away. We were always meant +for each other, Alan; it was our destiny, and in this case it has +proved very kind. + +"And what do you think? Mr. Hallam wants me to sell The Forest to him +in order to give it to Ella as a wedding present. Shall I? Tell me. +There are many pleasant associations connected with it--the best, that +you asked me to be your wife there." + +Then followed news which caused Alan to exclaim: + +"By Jove, I am glad! I hope it's a boy." + +Eve continued: + +"And there's something else, another match. Will Kerridge has asked +Jane to be his wife; her second matrimonial venture will not be as +stormy as her first. + +"We are all well here, and my wounded soldiers simply love the place" +("and their nurses," commented Alan, "lucky beggars!"). + +"I never pass the steeplechase course but it recalls vividly to mind +that never-to-be-forgotten day when you won on Bandmaster--the Rider in +Khaki." + + + + +THE END + + + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Rider in Khaki, by Nat Gould + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RIDER IN KHAKI *** + +***** This file should be named 24804.txt or 24804.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/8/0/24804/ + +Produced by Al Haines + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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