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diff --git a/old/24837-h.htm.2021-01-25 b/old/24837-h.htm.2021-01-25 new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9473e16 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/24837-h.htm.2021-01-25 @@ -0,0 +1,1892 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Trader's Wife, by Louis Becke + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Trader's Wife, by Louis Becke + +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 Trader's Wife + 1901 + +Author: Louis Becke + +Release Date: March 15, 2008 [EBook #24837] +Last Updated: March 8, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TRADER'S WIFE *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE TRADER'S WIFE + </h1> + <h2> + By Louis Becke + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h4> + Unwin Brothers 1901 + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto"> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <p> + Brabant's wife was sitting on the shady verandah of her house on the hills + overlooking Levuka harbour, and watching a large fore and aft schooner + being towed in by two boats, for the wind had died away early in the + morning and left the smooth sea to swelter and steam under a sky of brass. + </p> + <p> + The schooner was named the <i>Maritana</i>, and was owned and commanded by + Mrs. Brabant's husband, John Brabant, who at that moment was standing on + the after-deck looking through his glasses at the house on the hill, and + at the white-robed figure of his wife. + </p> + <p> + “Can you see Mrs. Brabant, sir?” asked the chief mate, a short, dark-faced + man of about thirty years of age, as he came aft and stood beside his + captain. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I can see her quite plainly, Lester,” he replied, as he handed the + glasses to his officer; “she is sitting on the verandah watching us.” + </p> + <p> + The mate took the glasses and directed them upon the house for a few + moments. “Perhaps she will come off to us, sir?” + </p> + <p> + Brabant shook his head. “It is a terribly hot day, you see, Lester, and + she can't stand the sun at all. And then we shall be at anchor in another + hour or so.” + </p> + <p> + “Just so, sir,” replied the mate politely. He did not like Mrs. Brabant, + had never liked her from the very first day he saw her a year before, when + Brabant had brought her down on board the <i>Maritana</i> in Auckland, and + introduced her as his future wife. Why he did not like her he could not + tell, and did not waste time in trying to analyse his feelings. He knew + that his old friend and shipmate was passionately fond of his fair young + wife, and was intensely proud of her beauty, and now, at the conclusion of + a wearisome five months' voyage among the sun-baked islands of the + Equatorial Pacific, was returning home more in love with her than ever. + Not that he ever talked of her effusively, even to Lester, tried and true + comrade as he was, for was naturally a self-contained and somewhat + reserved man, as one could tell by his deep-set, stern grey eyes, and + square jaw and chin. + </p> + <p> + “Damn her!” muttered Lester to himself, as he stood on the topgallant + foc'scle watching the two boats with their toiling crews of brown-skinned + natives; “nearly five months since she last saw him, and there she sits + calmly watching us as if we had only sailed yesterday. Afraid of the sun! + She's too selfish and too frightened of spoiling her pretty pink-and-white + skin—that's what it is.” + </p> + <p> + An hour later the boats came alongside, and then, as the chain rattled + through the hawse-pipes, Brabant came on deck dressed in a suit of + spotless white. + </p> + <p> + “Shall we see you this evening, Jim?” he asked, as he stood waiting to + receive the Customs officer and doctor, whose boats were approaching. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you very much, sir, but I would rather stay on board this evening, + as Dr. Bruce is sure to come into town some time to-day, as soon as he + hears the <i>Maritana</i> is here, and I should not like to miss him.” + </p> + <p> + “Just as you please, Jim. But why not take a run on shore with him, and + both of you come up for an hour or two after dinner?” + </p> + <p> + The mate nodded. “Yes, we could do that, I think; but at the same time, + Mrs. Brabant won't much care about visitors this evening, I'm afraid.” + </p> + <p> + “My wife will be only too delighted, Jim,” replied the captain in his + grave manner; “you and Bruce are my oldest friends—that is quite + enough for her.” + </p> + <p> + The port doctor and Customs officer came on board and warmly greeted the + captain of the <i>Maritana</i> for, apart from his being one of the + wealthiest traders in the South Seas, John Brabant was essentially a man + who made friends—made them insensibly, and then his beautiful young + wife was the acknowledged belle of the small European community in Fiji, + and his house, when he returned from one of his trading voyages, was + literally an open house, for every one—traders, storekeepers, cotton + planters, naval men or merchant skippers—knew there was a welcome + awaiting them in the big bungalow on the hillside at whatever time they + called, day or night. Such hospitality was customary in those old Fijian + days, when every cotton planter saw before him the shining portals of the + City of Fortune inviting him to enter and be rich, and every trader and + trading captain made money so easily that it was hard to spend it as + quickly as it was made; and Manton's Hotel on Levuka beach was filled + night after night with crowds of hilarious and excited people, and the + popping of the champagne corks went on from dusk till dawn of the tropic + day, and men talked and drank and talked and drank again, and told each + other of the lucky strokes they had made; and sun-tanned skippers from the + wild and murderous Solomons and the fever-stricken New Hebrides spoke of + the cargoes of “blackbirds” they had sold at two hundred and fifty dollars + a head, and dashed down a handful of yellow sovereigns on Manton's bar + “for a drink all round.” And then, sometimes, a long snaky-looking + brigantine, with the name <i>Atlantic</i> on her stern, and the Stars and + Stripes flying from her gaff, would sail into the noisy little port + nestling under the verdured hills of Ovalau Island, and a big man, with a + black, flowing beard, and a deep but merry voice, would be rowed ashore by + a crew of wild-eyed, brown-skinned Polynesians, and “'Bully' Hayes has + come! 'Bully' Hayes has come!” would be cried from one end of Levuka to + the other, as every one, white, black, and brown, ran to the beach to see + the famous and much-maligned “pirate” land, with a smile on his handsome + face, his pockets full of gold, and he himself ready for anything or + everything—a <i>liaison</i> with some other man's wife, a story of + his last cruise, a fight “for love” with some recently discovered pugilist + of local renown; a sentimental Spanish song to the strumming of his + guitar; or the reading of the burial service according to the rites of + either the Roman Catholic Church, or that of the Church of England, over + the remains of some acquaintance or stranger who had succumbed to fever or + a bullet, or Levuka whiskey. Brave, halcyon days were those, when men + lived their lives quickly, and then disappeared or were ruined, or + committed suicide, and were soon forgotten. + </p> + <p> + Brabant had gone ashore, and Lester and the second mate—a thin, + sallow-faced Chileno named Diaz—were seated under the awning, + smoking, and occasionally watching the progress of a small cutter which + was about a mile distant, and under the influence of a light air which had + sprung up, was heading towards the <i>Maritana</i>. She was owned by Dr. + Bruce, a planter friend of Lester. His estate was some miles down the + coast, and he had been an old shipmate of Lester's ten years before, when + Brabant was living in Samoa as manager of the American Plantation Company, + and Lester had first made his acquaintance—an acquaintance which had + resulted in a firm and lasting friendship. Brabant wanted an overseer—a + man who understood the native language—and Lester, then a youth of + twenty, and idling about Samoa, waiting a berth as second mate, had been + sent to him by an old seafaring friend. For three years they had worked + together, and then Brabant, having saved enough money, threw up his shore + berth and bought the <i>Maritana</i> to resume his former vocation of + trader, and took Lester with him as mate, and Diaz, who had also been + employed on the plantation, as second mate. That was seven years ago, and + the schooner, during that time, had traversed the Pacific from one end to + the other over and over again. Sometimes Brabant would take his cargo to + San Francisco, sometimes to Singapore, and at rare intervals to Auckland. + During one of his ship's visits to Fiji his chief mate found his old + friend Bruce settled there as a planter, and Bruce had induced Brabant to + make Fiji his head-quarters. So he bought land and built a house, and + then, a year before the opening of this story, brought a wife to rule over + it, much to the surprise and delight of the white residents of Levuka and + the group generally, for John Brabant had always been looked upon as a man + whose soul was wrapped up in his extensive business, and as a woman hater. + This latter conclusion was arrived at from purely deductive reasoning—he + despised and loathed the current idea that living in the South Seas + palliated the most glaring licentiousness, and permitted a man to “do as + he liked.” Therefore he had been set down as a non-marrying man—“an + awfully good fellow, but with queer ideas, you know,” his many friends + would say, and “Bully” Hayes, who knew him well, said that John Brabant + was the only clean-living, single man in Fiji, and that if he ever did + marry his wife would be “some bony Scotch person of about forty, with her + hair screwed up into a Turk's knot at the back of her long head, and with + a cold, steely eye like a gimlet. Nine out of ten of good fellows like + Jack Brabant do get mated with ghastly wives.” + </p> + <p> + So when the <i>Maritana</i> one day sailed into Levuka harbour, and + Brabant brought his young wife ashore, the community simply gasped in + pleased astonishment, and even the exclusive wives of the leading + merchants and planters made haste to call on Mrs. Brabant when they saw in + the marriage announcement, published in the Auckland <i>Herald</i>, that + she was “a daughter of the late General Deighton Ransome, + Commander-in-Chief of the Straits Settlements,” etc. + </p> + <p> + In a few months Mrs. Brabant was equally the best-liked and best-hated + woman in Fiji—the men paying her the most undivided attention, + because she liked it and was Brabant's wife, and the women hating her + because she would be, at times, languidly insolent to them, and + practically monopolised even the attentions of the naval officers when a + dance was given. That nine out of ten of her lady friends detested her + merely afforded her secret pleasure—secret, that is, so far as her + husband went, for she feared but one thing in the world, and that was that + John Brabant would discover her true and worthless nature. + </p> + <p> + For some minutes the two mates smoked on in silence, then Diaz made a + backward gesture towards the bungalow on the hills: “Are you going there + to-night?” + </p> + <p> + Lester nodded. “I think so. He asked me, you see.” + </p> + <p> + The Chileno remained silent for a minute or so, then said, “She is the + most beautiful fair woman I have ever seen.” + </p> + <p> + Again Lester nodded, but made no remark. He was well aware that Pedro Diaz + shared his dislike for the captain's wife, though he had never openly said + so. The Chileno, morose and grim as he was, was intensely devoted to + Brabant, who had twice saved his life—once under a heavy rifle fire + in the Solomon Islands, when Diaz and his boat's crew were all but cut off + and massacred by the natives, and Brabant came out of the fray with a + broken arm and a bullet through his shoulder; and once at sea, when he was + knocked overboard by the parting of a boom guy, and his captain sprang + overboard after him, though the night was as dark as pitch, and the <i>Maritana</i> + was like to have been smothered by the heavy, lumping seas which fell upon + her decks when she was brought to. + </p> + <p> + “He is a doomed man,” resumed the second mate presently, with a sullen yet + emphatic tone; “that woman will be his doom. She is beautiful, and as + false as she is beautiful. I can see it in her eyes; <i>he</i> cannot see. + But were I in his place I should not leave her alone. She is not to be + trusted.” + </p> + <p> + Lester thought the same, but said nothing, and he and Diaz rose and went + on the main deck to welcome Bruce, whose cutter was now coming alongside. + </p> + <p> + “How are you, Jim? How are you, Mr. Diaz?” said the doctor, a big, + bronzed-faced Scotsman with kindly blue eyes, as he sprang over the side + and shook hands with them. “I saw the <i>Maritana</i> early this morning + in tow of the boats, so I started off in the cutter at once. Brabant gone + ashore?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, about an hour ago,” replied the chief mate. “Almost a newly-married + man, you see,” he added, with a laugh. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Bruce gave his friend a quick, penetrating glance, but there was no + answering smile on his lips. He knew Brabant well, and knew <i>of</i> Mrs. + Brabant more than did her husband. + </p> + <p> + The three men sat down under the awning for nearly an hour, smoking and + drinking their whiskey-and-soda, and talking freely together. Bruce—much + the oldest man of the three—was aware that both his companions were + devoted to Brabant, and knew him far better than himself, and so, being a + straightforward, purposeful man, he said what he had to say about Mrs. + Brabant in very plain language. + </p> + <p> + “You, Jim, <i>can</i> and ought to give him a hint. I can't. If I did he + would most likely haul off and knock me down. But he ought to stay ashore + this time. She may be only a brainless little fool of a flirt, but there's + a lot' of talk about her, especially since that young sweep of a Danvers + came here.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is he?” asked Lester. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Bruce leant back in his seat, and flicked the ash off his cigar. “He's + the manager of the new Land and Trading Company here—a little, + pretty-faced fellow, with a yellow moustache, curly hair, and as much + principle in him as a damned rat. He has the command of any amount of + money, and the women here think no end of him. Was in the army—Rifles, + I think—but believe, though I can't be sure of it, was kicked out. + Thorough beast, but just the kind of man to get along too well with women + who don't know him. Now I'll take another whiskey-and-soda after thus + traducing Mr. Danvers, who I'm perfectly willing to boot along Levuka + beach from one end to the other if he gives me a chance to do it on my own + account. And, by Jove, I'll give him a chance to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” asked Pedro Diaz, with a gleam of sombre light in his dark eyes. + 189 + </p> + <p> + The Trader's Wife + </p> + <p> + “At Manton's. He's sure to come in there about eleven to-night. Goodbye + for the present. I'll meet you there about eight.” + </p> + <p> + As the doctor went over the side again the Chilian turned to Lester. + </p> + <p> + “What did I tell you?” he said gloomily. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <p> + AT five o'clock in the afternoon, as Dr. Bruce was seated on the wide + verandah of Manton's Hotel, smoking his pipe, and wondering in a lazy sort + of a way whether Brabant would hear any of the current scandal about his + wife and Danvers, the voice of the latter person broke in upon his + musings. + </p> + <p> + “Hallo, Bruce, how are you?” he exclaimed genially as he sprang up the + steps, and extended his hand to the doctor; “I see that Brabant is back.” + </p> + <p> + Bruce answered him curtly enough. “Yes; but you don't know him, do you?” + </p> + <p> + Danvers clasped his hands over one knee and leant back in his chair. “No; + but I see Mrs. Brabant a good deal, and naturally should like to meet her + husband. You know him pretty well, don't you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I do—have known him for nearly ten years.” Then he moved his + chair slightly so that he might face Danvers. He was not an impulsive man, + but as he looked into Danvers's smiling, handsome face the dislike he had + always felt towards him, and his keen regard for Brabant, urged him to + speak on the subject that was uppermost in his mind, there and then. + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad I have met you, Captain Danvers,” he said quietly, “as I + particularly wished to speak to you about a certain matter, and, as you + know, I am not often in town.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, my dear fellow. What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Your question to me just now saves me a lot of explanation. You asked me + if I knew Brabant, and I told you that I have known him for ten years. And + I must tell you further that he is a man for whom I have the deepest + regard and respect. Therefore,” and he emphasised the 'therefore,' “you + can of course guess the nature of the matter upon which I wish to speak + with you.” + </p> + <p> + “'Pon my soul, I can't,” and Danvers elevated his eyebrows in pretended + astonishment, though his face flushed as he met the doctor's steady, + unnerving glance. + </p> + <p> + Still keeping his eyes on Danvers's face, Bruce went on: “Brabant is a + valued friend of mine. He is as unsuspecting and confiding a man as ever + lived, but he is a dangerous man to be trifled with. Do you understand + me?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm hanged if I do,” replied Danvers, though the angry flash of his clear + blue eyes belied his words; “what are you driving at? Just say in plain + words what you have to say, and be done with it.” + </p> + <p> + “Right. Plain words. And as few as possible. You have paid Mrs. Brabant + such attention that her husband is like to hear of it. Isn't that enough?” + </p> + <p> + Danvers laughed insolently. “Enough to show me that you are meddling with + affairs which do not concern you, Dr. Bruce. I rather imagine that the + lady's husband would be the proper person to resent any undue attention + being paid by me to his wife—which I deny—than you. Did he + commission you to speak to me? I've heard that the Brabant family have + always had a strain of insanity running through it.” + </p> + <p> + Bruce started. He knew that what Danvers had said was perfectly true, but + had thought that he himself was the one man in Fiji who did know. Brabant + had himself told him that several of his family on the father's side had + “gone a bit wrong,” as he put it. + </p> + <p> + The contemptuous tone of Danvers stung him to the quick. + </p> + <p> + “That's a beastly thing to say of a man whose house you visit almost daily—and + visit when you have never even met him. You must have been brought up in a + blackguardly school.” + </p> + <p> + Danvers sprang to his feet with blazing eyes. “You want to pick a quarrel + with me. Very good. I'm your man.” + </p> + <p> + “That's where you are wrong. I don't want to quarrel with you. I wish to + warn you. And I tell you again that John Brabant is a dangerous man.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you his deputy? What right have you to interfere in my private + affairs?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not his deputy; and my interference, if you like to so call it, will + certainly save you from a well-deserved kicking. Don't, don't, don't! No + heroics with me, my boy. You haven't a clean record, and <i>I</i> know <i>why</i> + you left the army. Now listen to me. Just put a stop to this business. If + you don't, I'll tell both Mrs. Brabant and her husband in your presence + that you are not altogether the right sort of man to be accepted as a + friend—especially by a young and utterly unsuspicious woman.” + </p> + <p> + Danvers sank back into his seat, white with passion, as Bruce went on + relentlessly. + </p> + <p> + “And I'll tell what I do know of you to every planter and decent white man + in the group. I'll make Fiji too hot for you, and your business will go to + the deuce. Now, let us have an understanding. Will you put an end to this + dallying about after another man's wife? You can do the thing properly, + pay a call or two at the house whilst Brabant is at home, and accept + general invitations if you like; but——” + </p> + <p> + “But what?” Danvers's voice was hoarse with suppressed fury. + </p> + <p> + “Stop visiting Mrs. Brabant whilst her husband is away. No gentleman would + act as you have acted. You know what a place this is for scandal. And I + believe you have as much of the fool as the <i>roué</i> in your mental + composition.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I decline to entertain your infernal——” + </p> + <p> + “Steady. No language, please. If you decline to make me that promise here + on the spot, I shall do what I have said—tell husband and wife that + you're not the kind of man to receive as a friend.” + </p> + <p> + “And by Heavens, I'll shoot you like a rat.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor rose to his feet, and the two men faced each other—the + one outwardly calm and collected, the other shaking with passion. + </p> + <p> + “What is it to be, Captain Danvers?” + </p> + <p> + “This, you sneaking Scotch sawbones!” and raising his cane Danvers struck + the elder man a savage blow across the face. + </p> + <p> + In another moment Bruce had closed with him, wrenched the cane from his + hand, and drawing back struck him between the eyes with such force that he + was sent flying backwards off the verandah, to fall heavily upon the + shrubs of the garden beneath, where he lay huddled up in a heap. + </p> + <p> + A score of people—white and coloured—rushed to the spot. + Bruce, carefully standing the cane against the side of the lounge on which + he had been reclining, walked down the steps and pushed his way into the + little crowd surrounding the fallen man. + </p> + <p> + “Let me look at him,” he said, with grim humour, “as a medical man. I'm + afraid I've hurt him more than I intended.” + </p> + <p> + The landlord joined them. “What is the matter, Doctor?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing serious, Manton. Ye see, Captain Danvers rang that old gag on me + about a surgical operation being necessary for a Scotsman to understand a + joke; then I lost my temper and called him a fool, and he tickled me with + his cane across my face, and I hit him harder than I intended. But he'll + be all right soon. He's only stunned. Carry him into his room.” + </p> + <p> + Manton knew his business. “Just so, Doctor. I'll see to him. But he's + given you a fearful bruise on your cheek.” + </p> + <p> + “A mere trifle, Manton,” and then without another word he returned to his + seat on the lounge, not altogether satisfied with what had happened, and + hoping that Danvers would at least have sense enough to corroborate the + story he had told Manton as to the cause of the quarrel. + </p> + <p> + Between seven and eight o'clock Lester and Pedro Diaz came ashore, the <i>Maritana</i> + being left in charge of the boatswain. By the judicious application of a + strip of fresh goat's meat the long bruise on the doctor's cheek had + almost disappeared, and he was in his usual placid mood. + </p> + <p> + “We're a bit too late,” remarked Lester, with a laugh, as he and Diaz + shook hands; “why couldn't you wait? We heard that you had thrown the new + chum Danvers over the verandah an hour or two ago.” + </p> + <p> + Bruce told them the story. “Just as well, Jim. I think he'll take a plain + hint that he's sailing on the wrong tack. He went away from here as soon + as he came to, and I think will have sense enough to keep away. Of course + there'll be a lot of talk about the row, and Brabant is sure to have + already heard of it, but we must stick to the surgical operation yarn. Now + settle yourselves for a chat. Touch that bell there.” + </p> + <p> + As the three smoked and talked a pretty Samoan girl appeared on the + verandah, holding a note in her hand. She was Mrs. Brabant's maid, and the + note was directed to Lester, bidding him, the doctor, and Pedro come up. + It was written by Mrs. Brabant herself. + </p> + <p> + “We must go, Bruce. Your face doesn't look much the worse. Come on.” + </p> + <p> + The walk to Brabant's bungalow took but a few minutes, and both the + captain of the <i>Maritana</i> and his wife met them at the gate; Brabant + looking supremely happy in his quiet way. His wife, however, Bruce at once + saw, seemed pale, and spoke her greetings in a hurried, nervous manner, + very unlike her usual self. + </p> + <p> + “What's all the row been about, Bruce?” said Brabant, as they seated + themselves on the wide, airy sitting-room. “We heard of it quick enough, I + can tell you. My wife seems rather distressed about it, as she quite + expected Captain Danvers to call this evening, and I'd like to make his + acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + Bruce gave Mrs. Brabant one swift, sweeping glance which filled her with + an undefined terror. Then he laughed. + </p> + <p> + “Just nothing at all. We quarrelled over what was simply a trifling matter + to him, but a good deal to older men like you and I, and that's the whole + thing. Now tell me all about the voyage of the <i>Maritana</i>.” + </p> + <p> + Brabant saw that there was something beneath the surface, so at once did + begin to talk about his voyage; and presently some other people—men + and women—dropped in, and the conversation became general, and about + ten o'clock Mrs. Brabant, under the plea of a bad headache, bade her + guests good-night. She shook hands with some gracious words with Lester + and the second mate, but, much to her husband's distress, simply bowed + coldly to his friend Bruce, and ignored his proffered hand. The honest, + loyal-hearted Scotsman flushed to the roots of his hair, but pretended not + to notice the slight. + </p> + <p> + Long after midnight, when all his guests except Bruce and Lester and his + fellow-officer had gone home, Brabant and they walked to and fro under the + coco-palms which surrounded the bungalow. Brabant talked most. He was full + of future trading schemes, and outlined his plans to his two officers + freely. + </p> + <p> + “It's a bit awkward this affair happening between you and Danvers,” he + said to Bruce, “for I've had letters from his principals in Sydney which + possibly points to a combination of their business and mine as one + company, with myself at the head of affairs.” + </p> + <p> + “My row with Danvers won't affect that, Brabant. I know that he represents + people in Australia with any amount of money at their backs, and you are + the one man in the Pacific to make a 'combine,' as the Yankees say, and + found a trading company that will wipe the Germans out of the Pacific. + But, apart from business, don't have anything to do with Danvers. He's no + good.” + </p> + <p> + “No good?” + </p> + <p> + “Not a straight man outside of business—not to be trusted. You can + tell him I said this of him if you care to do so.” + </p> + <p> + Brabant stopped in his walk, and Lester and Pedro Diaz drew aside a + little. + </p> + <p> + “There must be something wrong about him, Bruce, else I am sure you would + not speak as you do. We four are all old friends. Speak freely.” + </p> + <p> + “That's just the thing I cannot do, Brabant. I don't like him, and can + only repeat what I have said just now—he's not a straight man—not + a man I would bring into my house as a <i>friend!</i> Now I must be going. + Good-night, old fellow. I'm off again to my place in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + Brabant took his outstretched hand. “Goodnight, Bruce. I wish there were + more outspoken men like you in the world. <i>I under stand.</i>” + </p> + <p> + He spoke the last two words with such a look in his deep-set eyes, that + Bruce felt that he did at least understand that Captain Danvers was not a + man to be trusted—outside of business matters. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> + <p> + About a week after Dr. Bruce had returned to his plantation Brabant and + his wife were talking in their dining-room, from the wide-open windows of + which the little harbour of Levuka lay basking in the fervid glow of the + westering sun. + </p> + <p> + Pipe in mouth, and with a smile on his bronzed, rugged face, Brabant was + scanning a heap of accounts which were lying on the table. His wife, + seated in an easy-chair near the window, fanned herself languidly. + </p> + <p> + “You've spent a lot of money, Nell, in five months—nearly a thousand + pounds. Two hundred a month is a big item to a man in my position.” + </p> + <p> + “But you are very well off, Jack. You told me yesterday that you will + clear three thousand pounds from this last voyage.” + </p> + <p> + She spoke in a petulant, irritated manner, and her brows drew together as + she looked out over the sea. + </p> + <p> + “Just so, my dear girl; but we cannot afford to live at such a rate as two + hundred pounds a month.” + </p> + <p> + “I have entertained a great many people.” This was said with a sullen + inflexion in her voice. + </p> + <p> + “So I see, Nell. But you need not have done so. We don't want such a lot + of visitors.” + </p> + <p> + “It is all very well for you to talk like that, Jack, but you must + remember that I have to keep myself alive in this wretched place whilst + you are away.” + </p> + <p> + Brabant turned his deep-set eyes upon her. “Did you find it so very dull + then, Nell?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I did. I hate the place, and hate the people, and so I suppose I + spent more of your money than I should have done had I been living + anywhere else.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't say '<i>your</i> money,' Nell. I am only too happy to know that I + am able to meet all these bills, heavy as they are; and I want you to + enjoy yourself as much as possible. But we cannot spend money at this + rate, my girl.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke with a certain grave tenderness that only served to irritate her. + </p> + <p> + “Am I to live here like the wife of one of the common shopkeepers on the + beach—see no one, go out nowhere?” + </p> + <p> + “As my wife, Nell, I expect you to go out a good deal, and see a lot of + people. It gives me pleasure to know that the people here like you, and + that you have given all these dances and things. But, Nell, my dear, don't + be so lavish. After all, I am only a trader, and it seems rather absurd + for us to spend more money than any one else does in the matter of + entertaining people who, after all, are merely acquaintances. You see, + Nell, I want to make money, make it as quickly as I can, so that we can go + home to the old country and settle down. But we can't do it if we live at + the rate of two hundred pounds a month.” + </p> + <p> + “But if you amalgamate your business with that of Captain Danvers's + company, you will make £25,000.” + </p> + <p> + “But I may not amalgamate with Captain Danvers's company, Nell. I am quite + satisfied that they can pay me the £25,000, but I am not satisfied as to + the <i>bond-fides</i> of the company. Danvers himself admitted to me that + it is proposed to float the new company in London at a figure which + represents four times the value of my own and his own company's + properties. I don't like it, Nell. My business as it stands I could sell + to the Germans for £20,000, cash down. But I won't associate myself with + an enterprise that is not absolutely fair and square, for the sake of an + extra £5,000.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose Dr. Bruce has prejudiced you against Captain Danvers.” + </p> + <p> + “Bruce! No, certainly not, Nell. Why should he? Bruce has nothing to do + with the thing. He quarrelled with Danvers over some matter that has + nothing to do with me, and Danvers got the worst of it. Certainly, + however, before I decide to sell my business to Danvers's company I shall + consult Bruce.” + </p> + <p> + “Why consult him?” + </p> + <p> + “Because he is a man in whose business judgment I have great faith. And + he's an honest man.” + </p> + <p> + “And you think Captain Danvers is not?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all. But I do think that Captain Danvers attaches an exaggerated + value to the prospects of the new trading company. He's very young, you + see, Nell, and takes too rosy a view of everything. And I'd rather die in + poverty than be the indirect means of making money at the expense of other + people. I'm old-fashioned Nell, and when I die, I want to die with the + knowledge that I have left a clean sheet behind me.” + </p> + <p> + Nell Brabant rose with an angry light in her eyes. “I hate talking about + money and such horrid things. But I do hope you will come to terms with + Captain Danvers and his company.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait a moment, Nell. I want to tell you something which I think will + please you. Would you like a trip to Sydney?” + </p> + <p> + “Very much indeed,” she answered, with sudden graciousness. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'm thinking of sending the <i>Maritana</i> there, to be docked and + to be overhauled, with Lester in command. Then whilst you are away I shall + charter the <i>Loelia</i>, cutter, and make a trip through the Line + Islands. You will have at least two months in Sydney, and Lester will take + good care of you on the voyage.” + </p> + <p> + “It will be a nice change for me, Jack? But why cannot you come?” + </p> + <p> + “I must make this cruise through the Line Islands before I decide to sell + out to Danvers's company.” + </p> + <p> + That evening Brabant announced his plans to his chief officer, and a week + later both the <i>Maritana</i> and the <i>Loelia</i> were ready for sea. + During this time Captain Danvers was an occasional visitor to the bungalow + on the hill, but he and Brabant met very frequently in the town to discuss + business together, and it soon became known that the latter either + intended to sell out to, or amalgamate with, the Danvers company. + </p> + <p> + Ten days before the <i>Maritana</i> left Brabant bade his wife goodbye, + for the <i>Loelia</i> was to sail first. He kissed her but once, and + looked so searchingly into her eyes as he held her hand that every vestige + of colour left her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “You must try and enjoy yourself,” he said. “Minea” (her Samoan maid) “and + you will be very comfortable on board. You'll have the entire cabin to + yourselves, as Lester will take up his quarters in the deck-house.” + </p> + <p> + Half an hour later he was giving Lester his final instructions. + </p> + <p> + “You will not leave Sydney till either you hear from me or see me. I may + follow you in the <i>Loelia</i> in a month. But no one else is to know + this—not even Mrs. Brabant.” + </p> + <p> + “You may depend on me,” replied Lester. + </p> + <p> + “I know it well. Goodbye, Lester.” + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + That evening the <i>Loelia</i> sailed from Levuka. Pedro Diaz had been + transferred from the <i>Maritana</i> and was now mate of the cutter. + </p> + <p> + As night came on, and the green hills of Ovalau Island changed to purple, + Brabant turned suddenly to his officer. + </p> + <p> + “Come below, Pedro, I want to talk to you.” + </p> + <p> + The Chileno followed him in silence, and the two men remained conversing + in almost whispered tones for some time. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me,” asked the Chileno, fixing his dark eyes on the captain's face; + “when did you first begin to suspect?” + </p> + <p> + “From the very first day that I saw her and Danvers together. He betrayed + himself—fool that he is—by being too formally polite to her, + before me.” + </p> + <p> + “And then you read this letter of his to her. How did you get hold of it?” + </p> + <p> + “I was coming back from my bathe in Totoga Creek about six in the morning. + Went into Manton's for a few minutes' rest and a smoke. Danvers's door was + open, and though he was not in the room, I could hear his voice talking to + Manton. I stepped inside to sit down and wait for him. He had been writing + a letter, which was but half finished. It was to my wife, and began, 'My + darling Helen.'” + </p> + <p> + “Ah-h-h!” said Diaz, in a savage, hissing whisper. + </p> + <p> + “I left it there, strolled out into the dining-room where Manton and + Danvers were having their morning coffee. I joined them, and chatted with + them for half an hour. Then I went home, and told Minea what to do when + the letter came. It was delivered by Danvers's native servant. Minea met + him at the garden gate. He asked if I was in. She said I was out; he gave + her the letter, and told her to give it to her mistress, who was still in + bed. The girl brought it to me to where I was waiting. I opened it, took a + copy of it, and gave it back to her to give to her mistress.” + </p> + <p> + He paused, and then smiled grimly at the Chileno. Then he smoked on in + silence. + </p> + <p> + “You will kill them both?” asked Diaz. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think so, Pedro. I must wait. And you will stand to me?” + </p> + <p> + The officer's hand met his in a steady grip. + </p> + <p> + “That is all for the present, Pedro. She—and he, too—thinks + that the <i>Loelia</i> will not be back in Levuka for three months. But we + shall be here in less than a month. And if I find that Danvers has gone to + Sydney in the monthly steamer, then I shall know how to act,” and he + tapped the copy of the letter that was in his breast pocket. + </p> + <p> + Then Pedro told him the real cause of the quarrel between Dr. Bruce and + Danvers. Brabant heard him with an unmoved face. “I thought as much,” he + said briefly. + </p> + <p> + A few days later, the <i>Loelia</i>, instead of laying northwards for the + Line Islands, was at anchor in Apia Harbour in Samoa, and Brabant, leaving + the vessel in charge of his mate, paid a round of visits to several of his + old friends in various parts of the island. At the end of three weeks he + returned on board as calm as usual, and told Diaz to heave up anchor. By + sunset that evening the <i>Loelia</i> was sailing between the islands of + Savaii and Manono, and heading due west for Fiji before the strong + south-east trade wind. Just four weeks from the date of her departure she + re-entered Levuka harbour, and the first news that Brabant heard was that + the <i>Eagle</i>, the monthly steamer to Sydney, had sailed a few days + previously, and that among her passengers was Captain Danvers, who had + “been called to Melbourne on matters connected with his business,” but + would be returning in a couple of months. He had left a letter for + Brabant, in which, after speaking of company matters, he said: “I do hope + I shall have the pleasure of seeing Mrs. Brabant in Sydney before she + leaves. I daresay I can get her address from your agents there.” As he was + reading his letters Bruce came on board. + </p> + <p> + “You are back sooner than you thought, Brabant.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. When I got to Samoa I met a German brig bound to the line Islands, + and arranged with her captain to see all my traders for me, as the <i>Loelia</i> + is as leaky as a basket. I'm going to give her a good overhaul here.” + </p> + <p> + There were of course the usual sneering comments made by the local female + gossips on Captain Danvers's sudden departure for Sydney, so soon after + Mrs. Brabant had left in the <i>Maritana</i>. If Brabant knew of them he + took no heed. He went about his work as usual, met his friends, and + attended to the <i>Loelia's</i> repairs in his methodical manner. + </p> + <p> + Eight weeks passed by, and then the <i>Eagle</i>, a slow-crawling old + ex-collier, which did duty as a mail and passenger steamer, entered the + port, and Danvers, jauntier and handsomer than ever, stepped ashore and + took up his old quarters at Manton's Hotel. Here he soon learnt the reason + of Brabant's early return, and in less than an hour he was up at the + bungalow, and seated opposite Nell Brabant's husband, whom he had found + reading his letters. + </p> + <p> + “I met Mrs. Brabant quite a number of times,” he said effusively; “she was + looking very well, but I think was getting tired of Sydney when I last saw + her. Said that she thought that Fiji after all was the best place, you + know.” + </p> + <p> + Brabant nodded. “Just so. Well, we'll see her before another couple of + months, I hope.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so,” said Danvers genially, as he raised his glass of + brandy-and-soda and nodded “good luck” to his host. + </p> + <p> + “I was thinking, Danvers,” said Brabant, as he laid down unopened the rest + of his letters, “that it would be just as well if you came round with me + in the <i>Loelia</i> and saw my stations in the New Hebrides. It would + facilitate matters a good deal, and the cutter is all ready for sea. In + anticipation of your coming I have fitted up your quarters on board.” + </p> + <p> + “Delighted, my dear fellow. When do you propose sailing?” + </p> + <p> + “As soon as ever you like.” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow, then. I'm anxious to get this matter pulled through. As you + will see by your letters from my people, they are prepared to pay ten + thousand down at once, and fifteen thousand in three bills, at one, two, + and three years.” + </p> + <p> + “That is all right. Shall you be ready tomorrow, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite.” + </p> + <p> + After Danvers had gone to his hotel Brabant went on board the <i>Loelia</i>, + and he and Pedro Diaz again talked together. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + At nine o'clock next morning the cutter Loelia weighed anchor, and made + sail for “a cruise among the New Hebrides. With Captain Brabant” (so said + the tiny weekly newspaper published in Levuka) “was Captain Harold + Danvers, who is making a tour of inspection of the captain's properties + before taking possession of them on behalf of the new Trading Company.” + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Forty-eight hours after leaving Levuka the cutter was clear of the land, + and leaping and spinning before the trade wind which was blowing lustily. + Danvers, as he sat in a deck-chair smoking a cigar, took a lazy interest + in the crew, who were all natives of the Line Islands—short, + square-built, half-naked savages, with jet-black hair and huge pendulous + ear-lobes filled with coiled-up leaves. There were but eight of them—the + <i>Loelia</i> was a vessel of ninety tons—and Diaz was the only + white man on board except Brabant and Danvers. + </p> + <p> + It was four o'clock in the afternoon. A native seaman struck eight bells + and Brabant came on deck. Pedro was standing aft beside the helmsman. + </p> + <p> + “We're going along at a jolly good pace, are we not——” began + Danvers. Then his voice failed him suddenly, and his face turned white as + he saw that Brabant was looking at him with the deadliest hatred in his + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter with you, Brabant? Why do you——” + </p> + <p> + Brabant raised his hand, and Pedro came and stood beside him, and then two + of the wild-looking crew suddenly sprang upon Danvers, seized him by the + arms, and handcuffed him. + </p> + <p> + “Away with him below,” said Brabant, turning on his heel and walking aft. + </p> + <p> + Too utterly astounded to offer any resistance, Danvers was hurried along + the deck to the main hatch and made to descend. The hold was empty, but an + armed native was there awaiting the prisoner. + </p> + <p> + Diaz followed him below. + </p> + <p> + “You are to make no noise, nor speak to the sentry,” he said, with a + sullen savageness; “if you do I shall put on the hatches.” + </p> + <p> + Danvers was no coward, but his heart sank within him. “Is this a joke, or + has Captain Brabant gone mad?” + </p> + <p> + The Chileno looked at him with blazing eyes, and half raised his hand as + if to strike. Then, without a word, he turned away and went on deck. + </p> + <p> + Brabant was seated on the skylight with an outspread chart before him. + </p> + <p> + “Keep her S.S.W., Pedro. We are steering for Hunter's Island. Set the + squaresail.” + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + For five days the <i>Loelia</i> steered steadily before the trade wind, + till one morning there lay before her a huge, treeless cone, whose barren, + rugged sides rose blackly from the sea. + </p> + <p> + Not a vestige of vegetation was visible anywhere from the cutter, and from + the summit of the cone, and from long, gaping fissures in the sides, + ascended thin, wavering clouds of dull, sulphurous smoke. Here and there + were small bays, whose shores showed narrow beaches of black sand, upon + which the surf thundered and clamoured unceasingly. Not even a wandering + sea-bird was to be seen, and the only sound that disturbed the dread + silence of the place was the roar of the breakers mingling with the + muffled groanings and heavings of the still struggling and mighty forces + of Nature in the heart of the island—forces which, ninety-five years + before, had found a vent and destroyed every living thing, man and beast, + in one dreadful outburst of flame, whose awful reflection was seen a + hundred leagues away. + </p> + <p> + It was a place of horror and desolation, set in a lonely sea, appalling in + appearance to the human eye. + </p> + <p> + But at one point on the western side, as the <i>Loelia</i> crept in under + the lee, there opened out a small bay less than fifty fathoms in width + from head to head, where, instead of the roaring surf which beat so + fiercely against the rest of the island, as if it sought to burst in its + rocky walls and extinguish for ever the raging fires hidden deep down in + its heart, there was but a gentle swell which broke softly upon a beach + less dismal to the eye than the others. For instead of the black volcanic + sand the shore was strewn with rough boulders of rock, whose sides were + covered in places with a thick, green creeper. Above, the sides of the + mountain showed here and there a scanty foliage, low, stunted, and dull + tinted; and in the centre of the beach a tiny stream of fresh water + trickled through sand and rock and mingled itself with the sea. + </p> + <p> + Abreast of this spot the cutter's jib-sheet was hauled to windward. Then + the boat was lowered and filled with provisions in cases and casks, and + Diaz, with four hands, went ashore and carried everything up beyond high + water-mark. Brabant watched them unconcernedly from the ship. + </p> + <p> + The boat returned and Diaz came on deck, and looked at the captain + expectantly. Brabant made a gesture towards the main hatch, then stepped + forward. Diaz, with two seamen, descended the hold. In two minutes they + reappeared with Danvers, who, the moment he came on deck, looked wildly + about him. + </p> + <p> + “For God's sake, listen to me!” he said hoarsely to the Chileno. “Are you, + too, and these men, as mad as your captain, or am I mad myself? Where is + he? Let me see him. What are you doing with me?” + </p> + <p> + No answer was made. The native sailors seized him by the arms and dragged + him to the side. Then he was lowered into the boat, which at once pushed + off and was headed towards the land. He looked, with horror in his eyes, + at the dreadful aspect before him, then turned his face towards the + cutter. Brabant was leaning on the rail watching him. + </p> + <p> + The five grim, silent men landed him on the beach, and Diaz pointed + without a word to the pile of stores, and then, grasping his steer-oar, + motioned to his crew to push off. + </p> + <p> + “You devils! You fiends incarnate! Are you going to leave me here to die + alone in this awful place?” cried Danvers, as with clenched and uplifted + hands he saw Diaz swing the boat's head seaward. + </p> + <p> + The Chileno turned his face slowly towards him. + </p> + <p> + “You shall not die alone, Señor Danvers. You shall have company—good + company.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> + <p> + One evening Captain Lester of the <i>Maritana</i>, then lying in Sydney + harbour “awaiting orders,” called on Mrs. Brabant at the Royal Hotel. + </p> + <p> + “I have just received this from Captain Brabant, madam,” he said with + studied, but cold politeness, as he handed her a letter. + </p> + <p> + She took it with an impatient gesture. “A letter to you and none to me! + Surely he must have written, and the letter has miscarried.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt, madam,” replied the captain of the <i>Maritana</i> in the same + stiff tones. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Brabant motioned him to a seat as she read the letter, first telling + Minea, the Samoan maid, who was present, to leave the room. The girl + obeyed, and as she passed Lester she gave him such a curious but friendly + glance, that now for the first time he began to have a suspicion that she + was not false to her master. Then, too, it suddenly flashed across his + mind that according to Samoan custom, unknown to her mistress, Minea was a + “sister” to Brabant, who had exchanged names with her father, a minor + chief of a good family, on whose land Brabant had settled when he first + came to Samoa. That alone, he knew, would ensure the girl's unswerving + loyalty and devotion to her “brother”—she could not conceal from him + anything that affected his honour or reputation. + </p> + <p> + “She'll tell him,” he thought, as he watched Mrs. Brabant read the letter; + “thank God I shall be spared the task.” + </p> + <p> + Brabant's letter to Lester was very short. It was dated from Vavau, + Friendly Islands, and was as follows:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Dear Lester,—I send you this hurried note by the Tongan + Government schooner <i>Taufaahau</i>. I am here in the <i>Loelia</i>, + inspecting my stations in connection with their transference + to Captain Danvers's company. He is very anxious to realise + his ideal, and I do not wish to keep him waiting. If Mrs. + Brabant is not in Sydney when this reaches you, please + communicate with her as quickly as possible. No doubt she + will be quite anxious to return to Fiji now, and I shall be + here awaiting the <i>Maritana</i>. I hope to see you within three + weeks after you receive this. Make the <i>Maritana</i> sail for + all she is worth. + + “Yours sincerely, + + “John Brabant.” + </pre> + <p> + She handed him the letter. “Thank you, Captain Lester. When do you propose + sailing?” + </p> + <p> + “I am ready for sea now, madam. I only await your pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + He did not look at her as he spoke, for he feared that the hatred and + contempt with which he regarded her would show itself in his face. + </p> + <p> + “I can come on board to-morrow. Will that do?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, madam, if it will not hurry you too much.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, Captain; I am sick of Sydney, and am only too glad to come on + board the <i>Maritana</i> again.” She spoke with a friendly warmth, but + Lester's distantly polite manner gave her no encouragement. + </p> + <p> + “Will you not stay and dine with me?” she asked, with a smile; “do say + yes. I feel quite angry that my husband has not written to me. I am really + a deserted wife. Don't you think so, Captain Lester?” + </p> + <p> + Her forced pleasantry was thrown away. + </p> + <p> + “I am very sorry, Mrs. Brabant, but as we are to sail to-morrow, I must + hasten on board at once. There are many matters to which I must attend.” + </p> + <p> + He rose and bowed stiffly, and Nell Brabant extended her hand. He touched + it, and in another moment was gone. She sank back in her chair with a + white face and terror in her eyes. What did he mean by his cold and + distant manner? Did he suspect anything? Did he know anything? How could + he? Minea alone knew that she had left Sydney for a month with Danvers, + and Minea would not betray her! What need to fear anything? + </p> + <p> + Then, satisfied with her own powers of intrigue, she smiled to herself, + and dismissed Lester's cold face and unresponsive manner from her mind. + </p> + <p> + When Lester went on board again he took from his pocket a second letter + from Brabant, which was marked “Private and Confidential,” and with a + puzzled brow read it over again. “I want you, Lester, to attend carefully + to my instructions. <i>You are to consider my other letter as cancelled</i>. + I wish you, instead of coming to Tonga, to make all possible haste to 22 + 10' S. and 170 25' E. I shall meet you there or thereabouts in the <i>Loelia</i>.—Yours + sincerely. J. B.” + </p> + <p> + “What does all this mystery mean, I wonder?” he muttered, as he looked at + an outspread chart on the table; “why should he pick upon the vicinity of + such a God-forsaken spot as Hunter's Island for a rendezvous? But it's + none of my business.” Then he turned in and slept. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Sunset in the South Seas. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Loelia</i> was lazily head-reaching towards Hunter's Island, about + six miles distant, its grim and rugged outlines showing out clearly under + the yellow streaks of the sinking sun, Pedro Diaz was on deck, drinking + his coffee, when the native seaman who was on the lookout cried— + </p> + <p> + “Sail ho, sir! Away there on the weather beam.” + </p> + <p> + Diaz stepped below to Brabant, who was lying in his bunk reading a book. + </p> + <p> + “Here she is, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! three days sooner than I expected her, Pedro. You know what to do, + don't you? Here is the letter for Lester. Get away as quickly as you can. + The night will be fine and clear, and there will be no need to hoist a + light for you.” + </p> + <p> + He handed the officer a letter addressed to “Captain James Lester, + schooner <i>Maritana</i>,” and then rose and began to dress himself. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes the cutter's boat, with Pedro Diaz and four hands, was + pulling towards the <i>Maritana</i> which was coming along under a + six-knot breeze. The moment the boat left the side Brabant set the gaff + topsail and square-sail, and headed the Loelia towards the north end of + the island. Just as she disappeared from the view of those on board the + approaching vessel, Pedro Diaz came within hailing distance. He stood up. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Maritana</i> ahoy!” + </p> + <p> + Lester's voice replied to his hail, the schooner was brought to the wind, + the boat ranged alongside, and Diaz ascended. + </p> + <p> + “How are you, Lester?” he said, shaking hands with his friend. “I have no + time to talk. Read this letter at once, and let me get away with all + speed.” + </p> + <p> + Lester was impressed with the emphatic manner in which he spoke, and + without a single question opened Brabant's letter. Then an exclamation of + astonishment burst from him. + </p> + <p> + “What does it all mean, Pedro? I——” + </p> + <p> + The Chileno waved his hand impatiently, and shrugged his shoulders. “We + must obey orders, Lester.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course. I shall let Mrs. Brabant know at once.” Then he read the + letter a second time. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Dear Lester,—Please ask Mrs. Brabant to get together some + of her luggage as quickly as possible, and come on board the + <i>Loelia</i>, which is the better vessel of the two as far as + comfort goes. Minea can remain on board the <i>Maritana</i>. You + will find further orders awaiting you at Levuka.” + </pre> + <p> + That was all. Lester stepped below, and found his passenger seated at the + cabin table. + </p> + <p> + “That vessel is the <i>Loelia</i> madam, and Diaz has just come aboard + with this letter;” and he handed it to her. + </p> + <p> + “What an extraordinary thing! Why did not my husband come for me himself + if he is so anxious for me to join him on the <i>Loelia</i>. Is she + close-to?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but not in sight. I think Captain Brabant was afraid of the wind + failing, and the cutter drifting in on the weather side of the island, for + he has gone round to the lee side.” + </p> + <p> + Calling Minea, Mrs. Brabant hurriedly packed some necessary clothing, + telling the girl the reason for such haste, and in a few minutes she sent + word on deck that she was ready. Diaz was already in the boat, steer-oar + in hand, and talking to Lester, who was leaning over the rail, wondering + why his former comrade seemed so embarrassed, and impatient to get away. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Brabant held out her hand. “Good-bye, Captain Lester. I hope you will + have a quick passage to Levuka. Goodbye, Minea.” + </p> + <p> + She descended the ladder into the boat, and took her seat, Diaz lifted his + hat, and then gave the word to push off. + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, Pedro,” said Lester. + </p> + <p> + The Chileno looked up. + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, Jim, old comrade.” + </p> + <p> + The men stretched to their oars, and the whaleboat shot out towards the + dark shadow of the island as the crew of the <i>Maritana</i> went to the + braces, the yards swung round, and she stood away to the eastward, and + Lester, with a strange feeling of unrest oppressing him, leant with folded + arms upon the rail, and wondered why Pedro Diaz had given such a tone of + sadness to his last words. + </p> + <p> + The night was clear with the light of myriad stars, as the boat swept + through the gently heaving sea. Diaz, standing grim and sombre-faced at + the steer-oar, had not spoken a word since the boat left the ship. His + eyes looked straight ahead. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Brabant had never liked the dark, sullen-faced Chilian, but now there + came into her heart such a sudden, horrible feeling of loneliness that she + felt she would be glad to hear him speak. + </p> + <p> + “Is my husband quite well, Mr. Diaz?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite well, madam,” he replied, still staring straight before him. + </p> + <p> + His voice appalled her, and she made no further effort to break the + dreadful silence as she looked at the black bulk of the island, along + whose fissured sides there every now and then ran ragged sheets of smoky + flame. The boat rounded the island, and then when opposite the little bay, + Diaz swung her head round, and headed directly for the shore. + </p> + <p> + “Are we landing here?” asked the woman in a faint, terrified voice. + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + The boat touched the shore, the crew jumped out, carried Mrs. Brabant's + two boxes to the beach, placed a lighted boat-lantern on one, and then + Diaz silently held out his hand to assist her on shore. + </p> + <p> + She stepped out, and then stood facing him for a moment, her cheek showing + the pallor of deadly fear. Then the seaman thrust his hand in the breast + of his coat, and handed her a letter. In another instant, without a word + of farewell, he had leapt into the boat again, which at once pushed off—and + she was alone. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + When daylight broke it revealed two figures on the lonely beach—one + a woman, who lay prone upon the ground, and wept in silent anguish, and + the other a man, whose frightful aspect made him look scarcely human. He + was kneeling beside one of the boxes, glaring with the eyes of one almost + mad with horror at a letter he had taken from the woman's hand when he + discovered her lying unconscious. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “I have known everything from the very first. Danvers said + in one of his letters to you that life with you would be + happiness unutterable, even in a desert place. I have + brought you here to meet him. He has waited long. + + “John Brabant.” + </pre> + <p> + And never again were Danvers and Nell Brabant seen by men, and John + Brabant and the <i>Loelia</i> and her crew were supposed to have been lost + at sea. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Trader's Wife, by Louis Becke + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TRADER'S WIFE *** + +***** This file should be named 24837-h.htm or 24837-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/8/3/24837/ + +Produced by David Widger + +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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