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diff --git a/4531-h/4531-h.htm b/4531-h/4531-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fab6bc4 --- /dev/null +++ b/4531-h/4531-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,17006 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<HTML> +<HEAD> + +<META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> + +<TITLE> +The Project Gutenberg E-text of The Secret Passage, by Fergus Hume +</TITLE> + +<STYLE TYPE="text/css"> +BODY { color: Black; + background: White; + margin-right: 10%; + margin-left: 10%; + font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; + text-align: justify } + +P {text-indent: 4% } + +P.noindent {text-indent: 0% } + +P.poem {text-indent: 0%; + margin-left: 10%; + font-size: small } + +P.letter {text-indent: 0%; + font-size: small ; + margin-left: 10% ; + margin-right: 10% } + +P.finis { text-align: center ; + text-indent: 0% ; + font-size: larger ; + margin-left: 0% ; + margin-right: 0% } + +</STYLE> + +</HEAD> + +<BODY> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Secret Passage, by Fergus Hume + +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 Secret Passage + +Author: Fergus Hume + +Posting Date: January 26, 2009 [EBook #4531] +Release Date: October, 2003 +First Posted: February 2, 2002 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SECRET PASSAGE *** + + + + +Produced by an anonymous volunteer. HTML version by Al Haines. + + + + + +</pre> + + +<BR><BR> + +<H1 ALIGN="center"> +THE SECRET PASSAGE +</H1> + +<BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +by +</H3> + +<H2 ALIGN="center"> +Fergus Hume +</H2> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H2 ALIGN="center"> +CONTENTS +</H2> + +<TABLE ALIGN="center" WIDTH="80%"> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">I. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap01">THE COTTAGE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">II. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap02">THE CRIME</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">III. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap03">A MYSTERIOUS DEATH</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">IV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap04">DETAILS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">V. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap05">LORD CARANBY'S ROMANCE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap06">A PERPLEXING CASE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap07">THE DETECTIVE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap08">THE COURSE OF TRUE LOVE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">IX. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap09">ANOTHER MYSTERY</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">X. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap10">THE PARLOR-MAID'S STORY</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap11">ON THE TRACK</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap12">JENNINGS ASKS QUESTIONS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap13">JULIET AT BAY</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap14">MRS. OCTAGON EXPLAINS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap15">A DANGEROUS ADMISSION</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XVI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap16">JULIET'S STORY</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XVII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap17">JULIET'S STORY CONTINUED</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XVIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap18">THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIX. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap19">SUSAN'S DISCOVERY</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XX. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap20">BASIL</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap21">AN EXPERIMENT</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap22">THE SECRET ENTRANCE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap23">A SCAMP'S HISTORY</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXIV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap24">REVENGE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap25">NEMESIS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXVI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap26">CUTHBERT'S ENEMY</A></TD> +</TR> + +</TABLE> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H1 ALIGN="center"> +THE SECRET PASSAGE +</H1> + +<BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap01"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER I +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE COTTAGE +</H3> + +<P> +"What IS your name?" +</P> + +<P> +"Susan Grant, Miss Loach." +</P> + +<P> +"Call me ma'am. I am Miss Loach only to my equals. Your age?" +</P> + +<P> +"Twenty-five, ma'am." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you know your work as parlor-maid thoroughly?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, ma'am. I was two years in one place and six months in another, +ma'am. Here are my characters from both places, ma'am." +</P> + +<P> +As the girl spoke she laid two papers before the sharp old lady who +questioned her. But Miss Loach did not look at them immediately. She +examined the applicant with such close attention that a faint color +tinted the girl's cheeks and she dropped her eyes. But, in her turn, +by stealthy glances, Susan Grant tactfully managed to acquaint herself +with the looks of her possible mistress. The thoughts of each woman +ran as follows,— +</P> + +<P> +Miss Loach to herself. "Humph! Plain-looking, sallow skin, rather +fine eyes and a slack mouth. Not badly dressed for a servant, and +displays some taste. She might turn my old dresses at a pinch. Sad +expression, as though she had something on her mind. Honest-looking, +but I think a trifle inquisitive, seeing how she examined the room and +is stealing glances at me. Talks sufficiently, but in a low voice. +Fairly intelligent, but not too much so. Might be secretive. Humph!" +</P> + +<P> +The thoughts of Susan Grant. "Handsome old lady, probably nearly +sixty. Funny dress for ten o'clock in the morning. She must be rich, +to wear purple silk and old lace and lovely rings at this hour. A hard +mouth, thin nose, very white hair and very black eyebrows. Got a +temper I should say, and is likely to prove an exacting mistress. But +I want a quiet home, and the salary is good. I'll try it, if she'll +take me." +</P> + +<P> +Had either mistress or maid known of each other's thoughts, a +conclusion to do business might not have been arrived at. As it was, +Miss Loach, after a few more questions, appeared satisfied. All the +time she kept a pair of very black eyes piercingly fixed on the girl's +face, as though she would read her very soul. But Susan had nothing to +conceal, so far as Miss Loach could gather, so in the end she resolved +to engage her. +</P> + +<P> +"I think you'll do," she said nodding, and poking up the fire, with a +shiver, although the month was June. "The situation is a quiet one. I +hope you have no followers." +</P> + +<P> +"No, ma'am," said Susan and flushed crimson. +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" thought Miss Loach, "she has been in love—jilted probably. All +the better, as she won't bring any young men about my quiet house." +</P> + +<P> +"Will you not read my characters, ma'am?" +</P> + +<P> +Miss Loach pushed the two papers towards the applicant. "I judge for +myself," said she calmly. "Most characters I read are full of lies. +Your looks are enough for me. Where were you last?" +</P> + +<P> +"With a Spanish lady, ma'am!" +</P> + +<P> +"A Spanish lady!" Miss Loach dropped the poker she was holding, with a +clatter, and frowned so deeply that her black eyebrows met over her +high nose. "And her name?" +</P> + +<P> +"Senora Gredos, ma'am!" +</P> + +<P> +The eyes of the old maid glittered, and she made a clutch at her breast +as though the reply had taken away her breath. "Why did you leave?" she +asked, regaining her composure. +</P> + +<P> +Susan looked uncomfortable. "I thought the house was too gay, ma'am." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean by that? Can any house be too gay for a girl of your +years?" +</P> + +<P> +"I have been well brought up, ma'am," said Susan quietly; "and my +religious principles are dear to me. Although she is an invalid, +ma'am, Senora Gredos was very gay. Many people came to her house and +played cards, even on Sunday," added Susan under her breath. But low +as she spoke, Miss Loach heard. +</P> + +<P> +"I have whist parties here frequently," she said drily; "nearly every +evening four friends of mine call to play. Have you any objection to +enter my service on that account?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, no, ma'am. I don't mind a game of cards. I play 'Patience' +myself when alone. I mean gambling—there was a lot of money lost and +won at Senora Gredos' house!" +</P> + +<P> +"Yet she is an invalid I think you said?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, ma'am. She was a dancer, I believe, and fell in some way, so as +to break her leg or hurt her back. She has been lying on a couch for +two years unable to move. Yet she has herself wheeled into the +drawing-room and watches the gentlemen play cards. She plays herself +sometimes!" +</P> + +<P> +Miss Loach again directed one of her piercing looks at the pale face of +the girl. "You are too inquisitive and too talkative," she said +suddenly, "therefore you won't suit me. Good-day." +</P> + +<P> +Susan was quite taken aback. "Oh, ma'am, I hope I've said nothing +wrong. I only answered your questions." +</P> + +<P> +"You evidently take note of everything you see, and talk about it." +</P> + +<P> +"No, ma'am," said the girl earnestly. "I really hold my tongue." +</P> + +<P> +"When it suits you," retorted Miss Loach. "Hold it now and let me +think!" +</P> + +<P> +While Miss Loach, staring frowningly into the fire, debated inwardly as +to the advisability of engaging the girl, Susan looked timidly round +the room. Curiously enough, it was placed in the basement of the +cottage, and was therefore below the level of the garden. Two fairly +large windows looked on to the area, which had been roofed with glass +and turned into a conservatory. Here appeared scarlet geraniums and +other bright-hued flowers, interspersed with ferns and delicate +grasses. Owing to the position of the room and the presence of the +glass roof, only a subdued light filtered into the place, but, as the +day was brilliant with sunshine, the apartment was fairly well +illuminated. Still, on a cloudy day, Susan could imagine how dull it +would be. In winter time the room must be perfectly dark. +</P> + +<P> +It was luxuriously furnished, in red and gold. The carpet and curtains +were of bright scarlet, threaded with gold. The furniture, strangely +enough, was of white polished wood upholstered in crimson satin fringed +with gold. There were many pictures in large gilded frames and many +mirrors similarly encircled with gilded wood. The grate, fender and +fire-irons were of polished brass, and round the walls were numerous +electric lamps with yellow shades. The whole room represented a +bizarre appearance, flamboyant and rather tropical in looks. +Apparently Miss Loach was fond of vivid colors. There was no piano, +nor were there books or papers, and the only evidence as to how Miss +Loach passed her time revealed itself in a work-basket and a pack of +cards. Yet, at her age, Susan thought that needlework would be rather +trying, even though she wore no glasses and her eyes seemed bright and +keen. She was an odd old lady and appeared to be rich. "I'll engage +you," said Miss Loach abruptly; "get your box and be here before five +o'clock this afternoon. I am expecting some friends at eight o'clock. +You must be ready to admit them. Now go!" +</P> + +<P> +"But, ma'am, I—" +</P> + +<P> +"In this house," interrupted Miss Loach imperiously, "no one speaks to +me, unless spoken to by me. You understand!" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, ma'am," replied Susan timidly, and obeyed the finger which +pointed to the door. Miss Loach listened to the girl's footsteps on +the stairs, and sat down when she heard the front door close. But she +was up again almost in a moment and pacing the room. Apparently the +conversation with Susan Grant afforded her food for reflection. And +not very palatable food either, judging from her expression. +</P> + +<P> +The newly-engaged servant returned that same afternoon to the suburban +station, which tapped the district of Rexton. A trunk, a bandbox and a +bag formed her humble belongings, and she arranged with a porter that +these should be wheeled in a barrow to Rose Cottage, as Miss Loach's +abode was primly called. Having come to terms, Susan left the station +and set out to walk to the place. Apart from the fact that she saved a +cab fare, she wished to obtain some idea of her surroundings, and +therefore did not hurry herself. +</P> + +<P> +It was a bright June day with a warm green earth basking under a blue +and cloudless sky. But even the sunshine could not render Rexton +beautiful. It stretched out on all sides from the station new and raw. +The roads were finished, with asphalt footpaths and stone curbing, the +lamp-posts had apparently only been lately erected, and lines of white +fences divided the roads from gardens yet in their infancy. Fronting +these were damp-looking red brick villas, belonging to small clerks and +petty tradesmen. Down one street was a row of shops filled with the +necessaries of civilization; and round the corner, an aggressively new +church of yellow brick with a tin roof and a wooden steeple stood in +the middle of an untilled space. At the end of one street a glimpse +could be caught of the waste country beyond, not yet claimed by the +ferry-builder. A railway embankment bulked against the horizon, and +closed the view in an unsightly manner. Rexton was as ugly as it was +new. +</P> + +<P> +Losing her way, Susan came to the ragged fringe of country environing +the new suburb, and paused there, to take in her surroundings. Across +the fields to the left she saw an unfinished mansion, large and +stately, rising amidst a forest of pines. This was girdled by a high +brick wall which looked older than the suburb itself. Remembering that +she had seen this house behind the cottage of Miss Loach, the girl used +it as a landmark, and turning down a side street managed to find the +top of a crooked lane at the bottom of which Rose Cottage was situated. +This lane showed by its very crookedness that it belonged to the +ancient civilization of the district. Here were no paths, no lamps, no +aggressively new fences and raw brick houses. Susan, stepping down the +slight incline, passed into quite an old world, smacking of the +Georgian times, leisurely and quaint. On either side of the lane, +old-fashioned cottages, with whitewash walls and thatched roofs, stood +amidst gardens filled with unclipped greenery and homely flowers. +Quickset hedges, ragged and untrimmed, divided these from the roadway, +and to add to the rural look one garden possessed straw bee-hives. +Here and there rose ancient elm-trees and grass grew in the roadway. +It was a blind lane and terminated in a hedge, which bordered a field +of corn. To the left was a narrow path running between hedges past the +cottages and into the country. +</P> + +<P> +Miss Loach's house was a mixture of old and new. Formerly it had been +an unpretentious cottage like the others, but she had added a new wing +of red brick built in the most approved style of the jerry-builder, and +looking like the villas in the more modern parts of Rexton. The +crabbed age and the uncultured youth of the old and new portions, +planted together cheek by jowl, appeared like ill-coupled clogs and +quite out of harmony. The thatched and tiled roofs did not seem meet +neighbors, and the whitewash walls of the old-world cottage looked +dingy beside the glaring redness of the new villa. The front door in +the new part was reached by a flight of dazzling white steps. From +this, a veranda ran across the front of the cottage, its rustic posts +supporting rose-trees and ivy. On the cottage side appeared an old +garden, but the new wing was surrounded by lawns and decorated with +carpet bedding. A gravel walk divided the old from the new, and +intersected the garden. At the back, Susan noted again the high brick +wall surrounding the half-completed mansion. Above this rose tall +trees, and the wall itself was overgrown with ivy. It apparently was +old and concealed an unfinished palace of the sleeping beauty, so +ragged and wild appeared the growth which peeped over the guardian wall. +</P> + +<P> +With a quickness of perception unusual in her class, Susan took all +this in, then rang the bell. There was no back door, so far as she +could see, and she thought it best to enter as she had done in the +morning. But the large fat woman who opened the door gave her to +understand that she had taken a liberty. +</P> + +<P> +"Of course this morning and before engaging, you were a lady," said the +cook, hustling the girl into the hall, "but now being the housemaid, +Miss Loach won't be pleased at your touching the front bell." +</P> + +<P> +"I did not see any other entrance," protested Susan. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah," said the cook, leading the way down a few steps into the thatched +cottage, which, it appeared was the servants' quarters, "you looked +down the area as is natural-like. But there ain't none, it being a +conservitery!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why does Miss Loach live in the basement?" asked Susan, on being shown +into a comfortable room which answered the purpose of a servants' hall. +</P> + +<P> +The cook resented this question. "Ah!" said she with a snort, "and why +does a miller wear a white 'at, Miss Grant, that being your name I take +it. Don't you ask no questions but if you must know, Miss Loach have +weak eyes and don't like glare. She lives like a rabbit in a burrow, +and though the rooms on the ground floor are sich as the King might +in'abit, she don't come up often save to eat. She lives in the +basement room where you saw her, Miss Grant, and she sleeps in the room +orf. When she eats, the dining-room above is at her service. An' I +don't see why she shouldn't," snorted the cook. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't mean any—" +</P> + +<P> +"No offence being given none is taken," interrupted cook, who seemed +fond of hearing her own wheezy voice. "Emily Pill's my name, and I +ain't ashamed of it, me having been cook to Miss Loach for years an' +years and years. But if you had wished to behave like a servant, as +you are," added she with emphasis, "why didn't you run round by the +veranda and so get to the back where the kitchen is. But you're one of +the new class of servants, Miss Grant, 'aughty and upsetting." +</P> + +<P> +"I know my place," said Susan, taking off her hat. +</P> + +<P> +"And I know mine," said Emily Pill, "me being cook and consequently the +mistress of this servants' 'all. An' I'm an old-fashioned servant +myself, plain in my 'abits and dress." This with a disparaging look at +the rather smart costume of the newly-arrived housemaid. "I don't 'old +with cockes feathers and fal-de-dals on 'umble folk myself, not but +what I could afford 'em if I liked, being of saving 'abits and a +receiver of good wages. But I'm a friendly pusson and not 'ard on a +good-lookin' gal, not that you are what I call 'andsome." +</P> + +<P> +Susan seated beside the table, looked weary and forlorn, and the +good-natured heart of the cook was touched, especially when Susan +requested her to refrain from the stiff name of Miss Grant. +</P> + +<P> +"You an' me will be good friends, I've no doubt," said Emily, "an' you +can call me Mrs. Pill, that being the name of my late 'usband, who died +of gin in excess. The other servants is housemaid and page, though to +be sure he's more of a man-of-all-work, being forty if he's a day, and +likewise coachman, when he drives out Miss Loach in her donkey +carriage. Thomas is his name, my love." The cook was rapidly becoming +more and more friendly, "and the housemaid is called Geraldine, for +which 'eaven forgives her parents, she bein' spotty and un'ealthy and +by no means a Bow-Bell's 'eroine, which 'er name makes you think of. +But there's a dear, I'm talking brilliant, when you're dying for a cup +of tea, and need to get your box unpacked, by which I mean that I sees +the porter with the barrer." +</P> + +<P> +The newly-arrived parlor-maid was pleased by this friendly if +ungrammatical reception, and thought she would like the cook in spite +of her somewhat tiresome tongue. For the next hour she was unpacking +her box and arranging a pleasant little room at the back. She shared +this with the spotty Geraldine, who seemed to be a good-natured girl. +Apparently Miss Loach looked after her servants and made them +comfortable. Thomas proved to be amiable if somewhat stupid, and +welcomed Susan to tea affably but with sheepish looks. As the servants +seemed pleasant, the house comfortable, and as the salary was +excellent, Susan concluded that she had—as the saying is—fallen on +her feet. +</P> + +<P> +The quartette had tea in the servants' hall, and there was plenty of +well-cooked if plain victuals. Miss Loach dined at half-past six and +Susan assumed her dress and cap. She laid the table in a handsome +dining-room, equally as garish in color as the apartment below. The +table appointments were elegant, and Mrs. Pill served a nice little +meal to which Miss Loach did full justice. She wore the same purple +dress, but with the addition of more jewellery. Her sharp eyes +followed Susan about the room as she waited, and at the end of the +dinner she made her first observation. "You know your work I see," she +said. "I hope you will be happy here!" +</P> + +<P> +"I think I will, ma'am," said Susan, with a faint sigh. +</P> + +<P> +"You have had trouble?" asked Miss Loach quickly. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, ma'am!" +</P> + +<P> +"You must tell me about it to-morrow," said the old lady rising. "I +like to gain the confidence of my servants. Now bring my coffee to the +room below. At eight, three people will arrive—a lady and two +gentlemen. You will show them into the sitting-room and put out the +card-table. Then you can go to the kitchen and wait till I ring. Be +sure you don't come till I do ring," and Miss Loach emphasized this +last order with a flash of her brilliant eyes. +</P> + +<P> +Susan took the coffee to the sitting-room in the basement and then +cleared the table. Shortly before eight o'clock there was a ring at +the front door. She opened it to a tall lady, with gray hair, who +leaned on an ebony cane. With her were two men, one a rather rough +foolish-looking fellow, and the other tall, dark, and well-dressed in +an evening suit. A carriage was just driving away from the gate. As +the tall lady entered, a breath of strong perfume saluted Susan's +nostrils. The girl started and peered into the visitor's face. When +she returned to the kitchen her own was as white as chalk. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap02"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER II +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE CRIME +</H3> + +<P> +The kitchen was rather spacious, and as neat and clean as the busy +hands of Mrs. Pill could make it. An excellent range polished to +excess occupied one end of the room; a dresser with blue and white +china adorned the other. On the outside wall copper pots and pans, +glittering redly in the firelight, were ranged in a shining row. +Opposite this wall, a door led into the interior of the house, and in +it was the outer entrance. A large deal table stood in the center of +the room, and at this with their chairs drawn up, Geraldine and the +cook worked. The former was trimming a picture-hat of the cheapest and +most flamboyant style, and the latter darned a coarse white stocking +intended for her own use. By the fire sat Thomas, fair-haired and +stupid in looks, who read tit-bits from the Daily Mail for the +delectation of Mrs. Pill and Geraldine. +</P> + +<P> +"Gracious 'eavens, Susan," cried the cook, when Susan returned, after +admitting the visitors, "whatever's come to you?" +</P> + +<P> +"I've had a turn," said Susan faintly, sitting by the fire and rubbing +her white cheeks. +</P> + +<P> +At once Mrs. Pill was alive with curiosity. She questioned the new +parlor-maid closely, but was unable to extract information. Susan +simply said that she had a weak heart, and set down her wan appearance +to the heat. "An' on that accounts you sits by the fire," said Mrs. +Pill scathingly. "You're one of the secret ones you are. Well, it +ain't no business of mine, thank 'eaven, me being above board in +everythink. I 'spose the usual lot arrived, Susan?" +</P> + +<P> +"Two gentlemen and a lady," replied Susan, glad to see that the cooks +thoughts were turning in another direction. +</P> + +<P> +"Gentlemen!" snorted Mrs. Pill, "that Clancy one ain't. Why the missus +should hobnob with sich as he, I don't know nohow." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, but the other's a real masher," chimed in Geraldine, looking up +from her millinery; "such black eyes, that go through you like a +gimlet, and such a lovely moustache. He dresses elegant too." +</P> + +<P> +"Being Miss Loach's lawyer, he have a right to dress well," said Mrs. +Pill, rubbing her nose with the stocking, "and Mr. Clancy, I thinks, is +someone Mr. Jarvey Hale's helpin', he being good and kind." +</P> + +<P> +Here Geraldine gave unexpected information. +</P> + +<P> +"He's a client of Mr. Hale's," she said indistinctly, with her mouth +full of pins, "and has come in for a lot of money. Mr. Hale's +introducing him into good society, to make a gent of him." +</P> + +<P> +"Silk purses can't be made out of sows' ears," growled the cook, "an' +who told you all this Geraldine?" +</P> + +<P> +"Miss Loach herself, at different times." +</P> + +<P> +Susan thought it was strange that a lady should gossip to this extent +with her housemaid, but she did not take much interest in the +conversation, being occupied with her own sad thoughts. But the next +remark of Geraldine made her start. "Mr. Clancy's father was a +carpenter," said the girl. +</P> + +<P> +"My father was a carpenter," remarked Susan, sadly. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah," cried Mrs. Pill with alacrity, "now you're speaking sense. Ain't +he alive?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. He was poisoned!" +</P> + +<P> +The three servants, having the love of horrors peculiar to the lower +classes, looked up with interest. "Lor!" said Thomas, speaking for the +first time and in a thick voice, "who poisoned him?" +</P> + +<P> +"No one knows. He died five years ago, and left mother with me and +four little brothers to bring up. They're all doing well now, though, +and I help mother, as they do. They didn't want me to go out to +service, you know," added Susan, warming on finding sympathetic +listeners. "I could have stopped at home with mother in Stepney, but I +did not want to be idle, and took a situation with a widow lady at +Hampstead. I stopped there a year. Then she died and I went as +parlor-maid to a Senora Gredos. I was only there six months," and she +sighed. +</P> + +<P> +"Why did you leave?" asked Geraldine. +</P> + +<P> +Susan grew red. "I wished for a change," she said curtly. +</P> + +<P> +But the housemaid did not believe her. She was a sharp girl and her +feelings were not refined. "It's just like these men—" +</P> + +<P> +"I said nothing about men," interrupted Susan, sharply. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, then, a man. You've been in love, Susan, and—" +</P> + +<P> +"No. I am not in love," and Susan colored more than ever. +</P> + +<P> +"Why, it's as plain as cook that you are, now," tittered Geraldine. +</P> + +<P> +"Hold your noise and leave the gal be," said Mrs. Pill, offended by the +allusion to her looks, "if she's in love she ain't married, and no more +she ought to be; if she'd had a husband like mine, who drank every day +in the week and lived on my earnings. He's dead now, an' I gave 'im a +'andsome tombstone with the text: 'Go thou and do likewise' on it, +being a short remark, lead letterin' being expensive. Ah well, as I +allays say, 'Flesh is grass with us all.'" +</P> + +<P> +While the cook maundered on Thomas sat with his dull eyes fixed on the +flushed face of Susan. "What about the poisoning?" he demanded. +</P> + +<P> +"It was this way," said Susan. "Father was working at some house in +these parts—" +</P> + +<P> +"What! Down here?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, at Rexton, which was then just rising into notice as a place for +gentlefolks. He had just finished with a house when he came home one +day with his wages. He was taken ill and died. The doctor said he had +taken poison, and he died of it. Arsenic it was," explained Susan to +her horrified audience. +</P> + +<P> +"But why did he poison himself?" asked Geraldine. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know: no one knew. He was gettin' good wages, and said he +would make us all rich." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah," chimed in Thomas suddenly, "in what way, Susan?" +</P> + +<P> +"He had a scheme to make our fortunes. What it was, I don't know. But +he said he would soon be worth plenty of money. Mother thought someone +must have poisoned him, but she could not find out. As we had a lot of +trouble then, it was thought father had killed himself to escape it, +but I know better. If he had lived, we should have been rich. He was +on an extra job down here," she ended. +</P> + +<P> +"What was the extra job?" asked Thomas curiously. +</P> + +<P> +Susan shook her head. "Mother never found out. She went to the house +he worked on, which is near the station. They said father always went +away for three hours every afternoon by an arrangement with the +foreman. Where he went, no one knew. He came straight from this extra +job home and died of poison. Mother thought," added Susan, looking +round cautiously, "that someone must have had a wish to get rid of +father, he knowing too much." +</P> + +<P> +"Too much of what, my gal?" asked Mrs. Pill, with open mouth. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah! That's what I'd like to find out," said Susan garrulously, "but +nothing was ever known, and father was buried as a suicide. Then +mother, having me and my four brothers, married again, and I took the +name of her new husband." +</P> + +<P> +"Then your name ain't really Grant?" asked Geraldine. +</P> + +<P> +"No! It's Maxwell, father being Scotch and a clever workman. Susan +Maxwell is my name, but after the suicide—if it was one—mother felt +the disgrace so, that she made us all call ourselves Grant. So Susan +Grant I am, and my brothers of the old family are Grant also." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean by the old family?" +</P> + +<P> +"Mother has three children by her second husband, and that's the new +family," explained Susan, "but we are all Grants, though me and my four +brothers are really Maxwells. But there," she said, looking round +quietly and rather pleased at the interest with which she was regarded, +"I've told you a lot. Tell me something!" +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Pill was unwilling to leave the fascinating subject of suicide, +but her desire to talk got the better of her, and she launched into a +long account of her married life. It seemed she had buried the late +Mr. Pill ten years before, and since that time had been with Miss Loach +as cook. She had saved money and could leave service at once, if she +so chose. "But I should never be happy out of my kitchen, my love," +said Mrs. Pill, biting a piece of darning-cotton, "so here I stay till +missus goes under." +</P> + +<P> +"And she won't do that for a long time," said Thomas. "Missus is +strong. A good, kind, healthy lady." +</P> + +<P> +Geraldine followed with an account of herself, which related chiefly to +her good looks and many lovers, and the tyranny of mistresses. "I will +say, however, that after being here a year, I have nothing to complain +of." +</P> + +<P> +"I should think not," grunted Thomas. "I've been twenty years with +Miss Loach, and a good 'un she is. I entered her service when I was +fifteen, and she could have married an earl—Lord Caranby wanted to +marry her—but she wouldn't." +</P> + +<P> +"Lor," said Mrs. Pill, "and ain't that his lordship's nephew who comes +here at times?" +</P> + +<P> +"Mr. Mallow? Yes! That's him. He's fond of the old lady." +</P> + +<P> +"And fond of her niece, too," giggled Geraldine; "not but what Miss +Saxon is rather sweet." +</P> + +<P> +"Rather sweet," growled the cook, "why, she's a lovely gal, sich as +you'll never be, in spite of your fine name. An' her brother, Mr. +Basil, is near as 'andsome as she." +</P> + +<P> +"He ain't got the go about him Miss Juliet have," said Thomas. +</P> + +<P> +"A lot you know," was the cook's retort. "Why Mr. Basil quarrelled +with missus a week ago and gave her proper, and missus ain't no easy +person to fight with, as I knows. Mr. Basil left the house and ain't +been near since." +</P> + +<P> +"He's a fool, then," said Thomas. "Missus won't leave him a penny." +</P> + +<P> +"She'll leave it to Miss Juliet Saxon, which is just the same. I never +did see brother and sister so fond of one another as those two. I +believe she'd put the 'air of 'er head—and lovely 'air it is, +too—under his blessed feet to show him she loves him." +</P> + +<P> +"She'd do the same by Mr. Mallow," said Geraldine, tittering. +</P> + +<P> +Here Susan interrupted. "Who is the old lady who comes here?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, she's Mrs. Herne," said the cook. "A cross, 'aughty old thing, +who fights always. She's been coming here with Mr. Jarvey Hale and Mr. +Clancy for the last three years. They play whist every evening and go +away regular about ten. Missus let's 'em out themselves or else rings +for me. Why, there's the bell now," and Mrs. Pill rose. +</P> + +<P> +"No! I go," said Susan, rising also. "Miss Loach told me to come when +she rang." +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Pill nodded and resumed her seat and her darning. "Lor bless you, +my love, I ain't jealous," she said. "My legs ain't as young as they +was. 'Urry, my dear, missus is a bad 'un to be kept waitin'." +</P> + +<P> +Thus urged, Susan hastened to the front part of the house and down the +stairs. The door of the sitting-room was open. She knocked and +entered, to find Mr. Clancy, who looked rougher and more foolish than +ever, standing by the table. Miss Loach, with a pack of cards on her +lap, was talking, and Susan heard the concluding sentence as she +entered the room. +</P> + +<P> +"You're a fool, Clancy," said Miss Loach, emphatically. "You know Mrs. +Herne doesn't like to be contradicted. You've sent her away in a fine +rage, and she's taken Hale with her. Quite spoilt our game of—ah, +here's Susan. Off with you, Clancy. I wish to be alone." +</P> + +<P> +The man would have spoken, but Miss Loach silenced him with a sharp +gesture and pointed to the door. In silence he went upstairs with +Susan, and in silence left the house. It was a fine night, and Susan +stopped for a moment at the door to drink in the fresh air. She heard +the heavy footsteps of a policeman draw near and he passed the house, +to disappear into the path on the opposite side of the road. When +Susan returned to the kitchen she found supper ready. Soon the +servants were seated at the table and talking brightly. +</P> + +<P> +"Who does that house at the back belong to?" asked Susan. +</P> + +<P> +"To Lord Caranby," said Thomas, although not directly addressed. "It's +unfinished." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes and shut up. Lord Caranby was in love with a lady and built that +house for her. Before it was ready the lady died and Lord Caranby left +the house as it was and built a high wall round it. He then went +travelling and has been travelling ever since. He never married +either, and his nephew, Mr. Cuthbert Mallow, is heir to the title." +</P> + +<P> +"I thought you said Lord Caranby loved Miss Loach?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, I didn't. I said she could have married him had she played her +cards properly. But she didn't, and Lord Caranby went away. The lady +who died was a friend of missus, and they were always together. I +think missus and she were jealous of Lord Caranby, both loving him. +But Miss Saul—that was the other lady—died, and Lord Caranby left the +house as it stands, to go away." +</P> + +<P> +"He won't allow anyone to set a foot in the house or grounds," said +Mrs. Pill, "there ain't no gate in the wall—" +</P> + +<P> +"No gate," echoed Susan astonished. +</P> + +<P> +"Not a single 'ole as you could get a cat through. Round and round the +place that fifteen-feet wall is built, and the park, as they calls it, +is running as wild as a cow. Not a soul has set foot in that place for +the last fifteen years. But I expect when Mr. Mallow comes in for the +title he'll pull it down and build 'ouses. I'm sure he ought to: it's +a shame seeing land wasted like that." +</P> + +<P> +"Where is Lord Caranby now?" +</P> + +<P> +"He lives in London and never comes near this place," said Thomas. +</P> + +<P> +"Is Miss Loach friendly with him now?" "No, she ain't. He treated her +badly. She'd have been a better Lady Caranby than Miss Saul"—here +Thomas started and raised a finger. "Eh! wasn't that the front door +closing?" +</P> + +<P> +All listened, but no sound could be heard. "Perhaps missus has gone to +walk in the garding," said cook, "she do that at times." +</P> + +<P> +"Did you show 'ern out?" asked Thomas, looking at Susan. +</P> + +<P> +"Only Mr. Clancy," she answered, "the others had gone before. I heard +what Miss Loach was saying. Mr. Clancy had quarrelled with Mrs. Herne +and she had gone away with Mr. Hale. Then Miss Loach gave it to him +hot and sent him away. She's all alone." +</P> + +<P> +"I must have been mistaken about the door then," said he. +</P> + +<P> +"Not at all," chimed in Mrs. Pill. "Missus is walking as she do do in +the garding, singing and adornin' self with flowers." +</P> + +<P> +After this poetic flight of fancy on the part of the cook, the supper +ended. Thomas smoked a pipe and the housemaid cleared away. Mrs. Pill +occupied her time in putting her few straggling locks in curl-papers. +</P> + +<P> +While Susan was assisting Geraldine, the bell rang. All started. "I +thought missus had gone to bed," cried the cook, getting up hurriedly. +"She'll be in a fine rage if she finds us up. Go to bed, Geraldine, +and you, Thomas. Susan, answer the bell. She don't like us not to be +gettin' our beauty sleep. Bless me it's eleving." +</P> + +<P> +The clock had just struck as Susan left the kitchen, and the three +servants were bustling about so as to get to bed before their +sharp-eyed old mistress found them. Susan went down the stairs. The +door of the sitting-room was closed. She knocked but no voice told her +to enter. Wondering if the bell had been rung by mistake, Susan +knocked again, and again received no answer. She had a mind to retreat +rather than face the anger of Miss Loach. But remembering that the +bell had rung, she opened the door, determined to explain. Miss Loach +was seated in her usual chair, but leaning back with a ghastly face. +The glare of the electric lamp fixed in the ceiling, shone full on her +white countenance, and also on something else. The bosom of her purple +gown was disarranged, and the lace which adorned it was stained with +blood. Startled by her looks Susan hurried forward and gazed +searchingly into the face. There was no sign of recognition in the +wide, staring eyes. Susan, quivering with dread, touched Miss Loach's +shoulder. Her touch upset the body and it rolled on the floor. The +woman was dead. With a shriek Susan recoiled and fell on her knees. +Her cry speedily brought the other servants. +</P> + +<P> +"Look!" cried Susan pointing, "she is dead—murdered!" +</P> + +<P> +Geraldine and Mrs. Pill shrieked with horror. Thomas preserved his +stolid look of composure. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap03"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER III +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A MYSTERIOUS DEATH +</H3> + +<P> +To be the husband of a celebrated woman is not an unmixed blessing. +Mr. Peter Octagon found it to be so, when he married Mrs. Saxon, the +widow of an eminent Q.C. She was a fine Junoesque tragic woman, who +modelled herself on the portraits of the late Mrs. Siddons. Peter, on +the contrary, was a small, meek, light-haired, short-sighted man, who +had never done anything in his unromantic life, save accumulate a +fortune as a law-stationer. For many years he lived in single +blessedness, but when he retired with an assured income of three +thousand a year, he thought he would marry. He had no relatives, +having been brought up in a Foundling Hospital, and consequently, found +life rather lonely in his fine Kensington house. He really did not +care about living in such a mansion, and had purchased the property as +a speculation, intending to sell it at a profit. But having fallen in +with Mrs. Saxon, then a hard-up widow, she not only induced him to +marry her, but, when married, she insisted that the house should be +retained, so that she could dispense hospitality to a literary circle. +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Octagon was very literary. She had published several novels under +the nom-de-plume of "Rowena." She had produced a volume of poems; she +had written a play which had been produced at a matinee; and finally +her pamphlets on political questions stamped her, in the opinion of her +immediate circle, as a William Pitt in petticoats. She looked upon +herself as the George Eliot of the twentieth century, and dated events +from the time of her first success. "That happened before I became +famous," she would say. "No, it was after I took the public by storm." +And her immediate circle, who appreciated her cakes and ale, would +agree with everything she said. The Kensington house was called "The +Shrine of the Muses!" and this title was stamped on her envelopes and +writing-paper, to the bewilderment of illiterate postmen. It sounded +like the name of a public-house to them. +</P> + +<P> +Peter was quite lost in the blaze of his wife's literary glory. He was +a plain, homely, small man, as meek as a rabbit, fond of his garden and +fireside, and nervous in society. Had he not committed the fatal +mistake of wedding Mrs. Saxon, he would have taken a cottage in the +country and cultivated flowers. As it was, he dwelt in town and was +ordered to escort Mrs. Octagon when she chose to "blaze," as she put +it, in her friends' houses. Also there was a reception every Friday +when literary London gathered round "Rowena," and lamented the decline +of Art. These people had never done anything to speak of, none of them +were famous in any wide sense, but they talked of art with a big "A," +though what they meant was not clear even to themselves. So far as +could be ascertained Art, with a big "A," was concerned with something +which did not sell, save to a select circle. Mrs. Octagon's circle +would have shuddered collectively and individually at the idea of +writing anything interesting, likely to be enjoyed by the toilers of +modern days. Whatever pictures, songs, books or plays were written by +anyone who did not belong to "The Circle," these were considered +"pretty, but not Tart!" Anything successful was pronounced "Vulgar!" +To be artistic in Mrs. Octagon's sense, a work had to possess +obscurity, it had to be printed on the finest paper with selected type, +and it had to be sold at a prohibitive price. In this way "Rowena" had +produced her works, and her name was not known beyond her small +coterie. All the same, she intimated that her renown was world-wide +and that her fame would be commensurate with the existence of the +Anglo-Saxon race. Mrs. Lee Hunter in the Pickwick Papers, also labored +under the same delusion. +</P> + +<P> +With Peter lived Mrs. Saxon's children by the eminent Q.C. Basil, who +was twenty-five, and Juliet age twenty-two. They were both handsome +and clever, but Juliet was the more sensible of the two. She detested +the sham enthusiasm of The Circle, and appreciated Peter more than her +mother did. Basil had been spoilt by his mother, who considered him a +genius, and had produced a book of weak verse. Juliet was fond of her +brother, but she saw his faults and tried to correct them. She wished +to make him more of a man and less of an artistic fraud, for the young +man really did possess talents. But the hothouse atmosphere of "The +Shrine of the Muses!" would have ruined anyone possessed of genius, +unless he had a strong enough nature to withstand the sickly adulation +and false judgments of those who came there. Basil was not strong. He +was pleasant, idle, rather vain, and a little inclined to be +dissipated. Mrs. Octagon did not know that Basil was fond of +dissipation. She thought him a model young Oxford man, and hoped he +would one day be Laureate of England. +</P> + +<P> +Afternoon tea was just ended, and several of Mrs. Octagon's friends had +departed. Basil and Mr. Octagon were out, but the latter entered with +a paper in his hand shortly after the last visitor took her leave. +Mrs. Octagon, in a ruby-colored velvet, looking majestic and +self-satisfied, was enthroned—the word is not too strong—in an +arm-chair, and Juliet was seated opposite to her turning over the +leaves of a new novel produced by one of The Circle. It was +beautifully printed and bound, and beautifully written in "precious" +English, but its perusal did not seem to afford her any satisfaction. +Her attention wandered, and every now and then she looked at the door +as though expecting someone to enter. Mrs. Octagon disapproved of +Juliet's pale cheeks and want of attention to her own fascinating +conversation, so, when alone, she took the opportunity to correct her. +</P> + +<P> +"My child," said Mrs. Octagon, who always spoke in a tragic manner, and +in a kind of blank-verse way, "to me it seems your cheeks are somewhat +pale." +</P> + +<P> +"I had no sleep last night," said Juliet, throwing down the book. +</P> + +<P> +"Your thoughts concerned themselves with Cuthbert's face, no doubt, my +love," said her mother fondly. +</P> + +<P> +"No, I was not thinking of him. I was worried about—about—my new +dress," she finished, after vainly casting about for some more sensible +reason. +</P> + +<P> +"How foolish children are. You trouble about your dress when you +should have been thinking of the man who loves you." +</P> + +<P> +"Does Cuthbert love me?" asked Juliet, flushing. +</P> + +<P> +"As Romeo loved your namesake, sweetest child. And a very good match +it is too," added Mrs. Octagon, relapsing into prose. "He is Lord +Caranby's heir, and will have a title and a fortune some day. But I +would not force you to wed against your will, my dear." +</P> + +<P> +"I love Cuthbert and Cuthbert loves me," said Juliet quickly, "we quite +understand one another. I wonder why he did not come to-day." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah," said her mother playfully, "I saw that your thoughts were +otherwhere. Your eyes wandered constantly to the door. He may come +late. By the way, where is my dearest son?" +</P> + +<P> +"Basil? He went out this morning. I believe he intended to call on +Aunt Selina." +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Octagon lost a trifle of her suave manner, and became decidedly +more human. "Then I wish he would not call there," she said sharply. +"Selina Loach is my own sister, but I do not approve of her." +</P> + +<P> +"She is a poor, lonely dear, mother." +</P> + +<P> +"Poor, my child, she is not, as I have every reason to believe she is +well endowed with this world's goods. Lonely she may be, but that is +her own fault. Had she behaved as she should have done, Lady Caranby +would have been her proud title. As to dear," Mrs. Octagon shrugged +her fine shoulders, "she is not a woman to win or retain love. Look at +the company she keeps. Mr. Hale, her lawyer, is not a nice man. I +have espied something evil in his eye. That Clancy creature is said to +be rich. He needs to be, if only to compensate for his rough way. +They visit her constantly." +</P> + +<P> +"You have forgotten Mrs. Herne," said Juliet, rising, and beginning to +pace the room restlessly and watch out of the window. +</P> + +<P> +"I have never met Mrs. Herne. And, indeed, you know, that for private +reasons I have never visited Selina at that ridiculous house of hers. +When were you there last, Juliet, my child?" +</P> + +<P> +The girl started and appeared embarrassed. "Oh, a week ago," she said +hurriedly, then added restlessly, "I wonder why Basil does not come +back. He has been away all day." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you know why he has called on your aunt, my dear?" +</P> + +<P> +"No," said Juliet, in a hesitating manner, and turned again to look out +of the window. Then she added, as though to escape further +questioning, "I have seen Mrs. Herne only once, but she seemed to me a +very nice, clever old woman." +</P> + +<P> +"Clever," said Mrs. Octagon, raising her eyebrows, which were as +strongly marked as those of her sister, "no. She does not belong to +The Circle." +</P> + +<P> +"A person can be clever without that," said Juliet impatiently. +</P> + +<P> +"No. All the clever people in London come here, Juliet. If Mrs. Herne +had been brilliant, she would have found her way to our Shrine." +</P> + +<P> +Juliet shrugged her shoulders and curled her pretty lip. She did not +appreciate her privileges in that house. In fact, a word distinctly +resembling "Bother!" escaped from her mouth. However, she went on +talking of Mrs. Herne, as though to keep her mother from questioning +her further. +</P> + +<P> +"There is a mystery about Mrs. Herne," she said, coming to the fire; +"for I asked Aunt Selina who she was, and she could not tell me." +</P> + +<P> +"That is so like Selina," rejoined Mrs. Octagon tartly, "receiving a +person of whom she knows nothing." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, she does know a little. Mrs. Herne is the widow of a Spanish +merchant, and she struck me as being foreign herself. Aunt Selina has +known her for three years, and she has come almost every week to play +whist at Rose Cottage. I believe she lives at Hampstead!" +</P> + +<P> +"It seems to me, Juliet, that your aunt told you a great deal about +this person. Why did you ask?" +</P> + +<P> +Juliet stared into the fire. "There is something so strange about Mrs. +Herne," she murmured. "In spite of her gray hair she looks quite +young. She does not walk as an old woman. She confessed to being over +fifty. To be sure, I saw her only once." +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Octagon grew rather cross. "I am over fifty, and I'm sure I don't +look old, you undutiful child. When the soul is young, what matters +the house of clay. But, as I was saying," she added hastily, not +choosing to talk of her age, which was a tender point with her, "Selina +Loach likes low company. I know nothing of Mrs. Herne, but what you +say of her does not sound refined." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, she is quite a lady." +</P> + +<P> +"And as to Mr. Clancy and Mr. Jarvey Hale," added Mrs. Octagon, taking +no notice, "I mistrust them. That Hale man looked as though he would +do a deed of darkness on the slightest provocation." +</P> + +<P> +So tragic was her mother's manner, that Juliet turned even paler than +she was. "Whatever do you mean?" she asked quickly. +</P> + +<P> +"I mean murder, if I must use so vulgar and melodramatic a word." +</P> + +<P> +"But I don't understand—" +</P> + +<P> +"Bless me," cried Mrs. Octagon, becoming more prosaic than ever, "there +is nothing to understand. But Selina lives in quite a lonely house, +and has a lot of money. I never open the papers but what I expect to +read of her death by violence." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh," murmured Juliet, again crossing to the window, "you should not +talk like that, mother!" +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Octagon laughed good-naturedly. "Nonsense, child. I am only +telling you my thoughts. Selina is such a strange woman and keeps such +strange company that she won't end in the usual way. You may be sure +of that. But, after all, if she does die, you will come in for her +money and then, can marry Cuthbert Mallow." +</P> + +<P> +Juliet shuddered. "I hope Aunt Selina will live for many a long day, +if that is what you think," she said sharply. "I want none of her +money. Cuthbert has money of his own, and his uncle is rich also." +</P> + +<P> +"I really hope Cuthbert has enough to justify him gambling." +</P> + +<P> +"He does not gamble," said Juliet quickly. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes he does," insisted Mrs. Octagon. "I have heard rumors; it is but +right you should hear about—" +</P> + +<P> +"I want to hear nothing. I thought you liked Cuthbert." +</P> + +<P> +"I do, and he is a good match. But I should like to see you accept the +Poet Arkwright, who will yet be the Shakespeare of England." +</P> + +<P> +"England has quite enough glory with the Shakespeare she has," rejoined +Juliet tartly, "and as to Mr. Arkwright, I wouldn't marry him if he had +a million. A silly, ugly, weak—" +</P> + +<P> +"Stop!" cried Mrs. Octagon, rising majestically from her throne. "Do +not malign genius, lest the gods strike you dumb. Child—" +</P> + +<P> +What Mrs. Octagon was about to say further must remain ever a mystery, +for it was at this moment that her husband hurried into the room with +an evening paper in his hand. "My dear," he said, his scanty hair +almost standing on end with horror, "such dreadful news. Your aunt, +Juliet, my dear—" +</P> + +<P> +"Selina," said Mrs. Octagon quietly, "go on. There is nothing bad I +don't expect to hear about Selina. What is it?" +</P> + +<P> +"She is dead!" +</P> + +<P> +"Dead!" cried Juliet, clasping her hands nervously. "No!" +</P> + +<P> +"Not only dead, but murdered!" cried Mr. Octagon. His wife suddenly +dropped into her throne and, being a large fleshly woman, her fall +shook the room. Then she burst into tears. "I never liked Selina," she +sniffed, "even though she was my own sister, but I am sorry—I am +dreadfully—oh, dear me! Poor Selina!" +</P> + +<P> +By this time all the dramatic posing of Mrs. Octagon had gone by the +wall, and she showed herself in her true colors as a kind-hearted +woman. Juliet hurried to her mother and took one of her hands. The +elder woman started, even in the midst of her tears. "My child, your +hand is as cold as ice," she said anxiously. "Are you ill." +</P> + +<P> +"No," said the girl hurriedly and evidently trying to suppress her +emotion, "but this dreadful news! Do you remember what you said?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes—but I never expected I would be a true prophetess," sobbed Mrs. +Octagon. "Peter," with sudden tartness, "why don't you give me the +details. Poor Selina dead, and here am I in ruby velvet!" +</P> + +<P> +"There are not many details to give," said Peter, reading from the +newspaper, "the police are keeping quiet about the matter." +</P> + +<P> +"Who killed her?" +</P> + +<P> +Juliet rose suddenly and turned on the electric light, so that her +step-father could see to read more clearly. "Yes," she said in a firm +voice, belied by the ghastly whiteness of her face, "who killed her?" +</P> + +<P> +"It is not known," said Mr. Octagon. "Last night she entertained a few +friends—to be precise, three, and she was found by her new parlor-maid +dead in her chair, stabbed to the heart. The weapon has not been +found, nor has any trace of the murderer been discovered." +</P> + +<P> +"Entertained friends," muttered Mrs. Octagon weeping, "the usual lot. +Mr. Hale, Mrs. Herne and Mr. Clancy—" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," said Peter, somewhat surprised, "how do you know?" +</P> + +<P> +"My soul, whispered me," said Mrs. Octagon tragically, and becoming +melodramatic again, now that the first shock was over. "One of those +three killed her. Who struck the fatal blow?—the villain Hale I doubt +not." +</P> + +<P> +"No," cried Juliet, "it was not Mr. Hale. He would not harm a fly." +</P> + +<P> +"Probably not," said her mother tartly, "a fly has no property—your +Aunt Selina had. Oh, my dear," she added, darting away at a tangent, +"to think that last night you and Basil should have been witnesses of a +melodrama at the Marlow Theatre, at the very time this real tragedy was +taking place in the rural country." +</P> + +<P> +"It's a most dreadful affair," murmured Peter, laying aside the paper. +"Had I not better go down to Rose Cottage and offer my services?" +</P> + +<P> +"No," said Mrs. Octagon sharply, "don't mix yourself up in this +dreadful affair. Few people know that Selina was my sister, and I +don't want everyone to be condoling with me on this tragedy." +</P> + +<P> +"But we must do something," said Juliet quickly. +</P> + +<P> +"We will wait, my dear. But I don't want more publicity than is +necessary." +</P> + +<P> +"But I have told some of our friends that Aunt Selina is a relative." +</P> + +<P> +"Then you should not have done so," replied her mother, annoyed. +"However, people soon forget names, and the thing may not be noticed." +</P> + +<P> +"My dear," said Octagon, seriously, "you should not be ashamed of your +sister. She may not have your renown nor rank, still—" +</P> + +<P> +"I know my own knowing," interrupted the lady rather violently, and +crushing her meek husband with a look. "Selina and I are strangers, +and have been for years. What are the circumstances of the case? I +have not seen Selina for over fifteen years. I hear nothing about her. +She suddenly writes to me, asking if my dear children may call and see +her—that was a year ago. You insisted that they should go, Peter, +because relatives should be friendly. I consented, as I heard from Mr. +Hale that Selina was rich, and fancied she might leave her money to my +children. Juliet has called several times—" +</P> + +<P> +"More than that," interrupted Juliet in her turn, "both Basil and I +have called nearly every month. We sometimes went and did not tell +you, mother, as you seemed so annoyed that we should visit her." +</P> + +<P> +"I consented only that you might retain her goodwill and get what money +she might leave," said Mrs. Octagon obstinately. "There is nothing in +common between Selina and me." +</P> + +<P> +"There was nothing in common," put in Octagon softly. +</P> + +<P> +"I know she is dead. You need not remind me of that unpleasant fact, +sir. And her death is worthy of her strange, and I fear not altogether +reputable life." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, mother, how can you? Aunt Selina was the most particular—" +</P> + +<P> +"There—there," said her mother who was much agitated, "I know more +than you do. And between ourselves, I believe I know who killed her. +Yes! You may look. And this death, Juliet, ends your engagement with +Cuthbert." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap04"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER IV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +DETAILS +</H3> + +<P> +What Mrs. Octagon meant by her last enigmatic remark it is impossible +to say. After delivering it in her usual dramatic manner, she swept +from the room, leaving Juliet and her step-father staring at one +another. Peter was the first to break the silence. +</P> + +<P> +"Your mother appears to be very positive," said he. +</P> + +<P> +"About my giving up Cuthbert?" asked Juliet sharply. +</P> + +<P> +"About the crime. She hinted that she guessed who killed the poor +lady. I never knew Miss Loach myself," added Mr. Octagon, seating +himself and ruffling his scanty locks, a habit with him when perplexed, +"but you said you liked her." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, Aunt Selina was always very nice to me. She had strange ways, +and, to tell you the truth, father," Juliet always addressed Peter +thus, to his great delight, "she was not so refined as mother—" +</P> + +<P> +"Few people are so refined as my wife, my dear." +</P> + +<P> +"As to mother knowing who killed her," pursued Juliet, taking no notice +of this interpolation, "it's nonsense. She said she believed Mr. Hale +or Mr. Clancy—" +</P> + +<P> +"Surely not," interposed Mr. Octagon anxiously, "both these gentlemen +have participated in the delights of our literary Circle, and I should +be loath to credit them with violence." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't believe either has anything to do with the matter. Mother +doesn't like them because they were such good friends to Aunt Selina. +Can you guess why mother quarrelled with aunt, father?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, my dear. Your mother has some grudge against her. What it is I +do not know. She never told me. But for over fifteen years your +mother spoke little of your aunt and never called to see her. I was +quite astonished when she consented that you and Basil should call. +Did your aunt ever speak of your mother?" +</P> + +<P> +"Very little, and then she was cautious—what she said. But this is +not the question," continued the girl, leaning her chin on her hand and +staring into the fire; "why does mother say I must break my engagement +with Cuthbert on account of this death?" +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps she will explain." +</P> + +<P> +"No; she left the room to avoid an explanation. Cuthbert certainly saw +Aunt Selina once or twice, but he did not care for her. But he can +have nothing to do with the matter. Then again, mother, up till now, +was always pleased that I should marry Cuthbert." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," said Octagon, twiddling his thumbs; "she has known Mr. Mallow +ever since he was a child. Both your aunt and your mother were great +friends of Lord Caranby's in their youth, over twenty years ago. I +believe at one time Selina was engaged to him, but he was in love with +a young lady called Miss Saul, who died unexpectedly." +</P> + +<P> +"I know," said Juliet; "and then Lord Caranby abandoned the house he +was building at Rexton, and it has been shut up all these years. Aunt +Selina told me the story. When I asked mother for details, she refused +to speak." +</P> + +<P> +"Your mother is very firm when she likes." +</P> + +<P> +"Very obstinate, you mean," said Juliet, undutifully. "However, I am +not going to give up Cuthbert. I love him and he loves me. I intend +to marry him whatever mother may say." +</P> + +<P> +"But if your mother refuses her consent?" +</P> + +<P> +"I am over age." +</P> + +<P> +As she spoke her brother entered the room hurriedly. Basil Saxon was +as fair and weak-looking as his sister was dark and strong in +appearance. He was smartly dressed, and in a rather affected way. His +hair was long, he wore a moustache and a short imperial, and talked in +a languid way in a somewhat obscure manner. These were the traits +Juliet disliked in Basil. She would rather have seen him a spruce +well-groomed man about town like Cuthbert. But at the present moment +Basil's face was flushed, and he spoke hurriedly, evidently laboring +under great stress of emotion. +</P> + +<P> +"Have you heard the news?" he said, dropping into a chair and casting a +side look at the evening paper which Peter still held. +</P> + +<P> +"If you mean about the death—" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; Aunt Selina has been murdered. I called to see her this morning, +and found the house in the possession of the police. All day I have +been down there with Mallow." +</P> + +<P> +"With Cuthbert," said Juliet, starting and growing red. "What was he +doing there?" +</P> + +<P> +"He came down to Rexton to see about the unfinished house. Lord Caranby +has returned to England, and he has thoughts of pulling it down. +Mallow came to have a look at the place." +</P> + +<P> +"But he can't get in. There is a wall round the grounds." +</P> + +<P> +"He climbed over the wall," said Basil, quickly, "and after looking +through the house he came out. Then he saw me, and I told him what had +happened. He appeared dreadfully shocked." +</P> + +<P> +Juliet shivered in spite of the heat of the day and the fire, near +which she was seated. "It is strange he should have been there." +</P> + +<P> +Her brother threw a keen glance at her. "I don't see that!" he +exclaimed. "He gave his reason for being in the neighborhood. He came +up with me, and is coming on here in a few moments. This is why he did +not turn up this afternoon." +</P> + +<P> +Juliet nodded and appeared satisfied with this explanation. But she +kept her eyes on her brother when he entered into details about the +crime. Her emotions during the recital betrayed themselves markedly. +</P> + +<P> +"I saw the detective," said Basil, with quicker speech than usual. "He +is a first-rate chap called Jennings, and when he heard I was Miss +Loach's nephew he didn't mind speaking freely." +</P> + +<P> +"What did you learn?" asked Mr. Octagon. +</P> + +<P> +"Enough to make the mystery surrounding the death deeper than ever." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean?" asked his sister, restlessly. "Can't the murderer +be found?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not a trace of him can be discovered." +</P> + +<P> +"Why do you say 'him.' It might have been a woman." +</P> + +<P> +"No," rejoined Basil positively, "no woman could have struck so hard a +blow. Aunt Selina was stabbed to the heart. She must have been killed +as she was rising from her chair, and death, so the doctor says, must +have been instantaneous." +</P> + +<P> +"Has the weapon been found?" asked Juliet in a low voice. +</P> + +<P> +Basil turned quickly in his chair, and looked at her sharply. "No!" he +said, "not a sign of any weapon can be found, nor can it be discovered +how anyone got into the house. Though to be sure, she might have +admitted her visitor." +</P> + +<P> +"Explain! explain," cried Mr. Octagon, ruffling his hair. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, to tell the story in detail," said his step-son, "the way it +happened is this. Aunt Selina had Mr. Hale and Mr. Clancy and Mrs. +Herne to their usual game of whist. Clancy, as it appears from the +report of what the new parlor-maid overheard, quarrelled with Hale and +Mrs. Herne. They left before ten o'clock. At all events, when she +entered the room in answer to my aunt's summons, she found only Mr. +Clancy, and aunt was scolding him for having provoked Mrs. Herne by +contradicting her. Apparently Mrs. Herne had gone away under the wing +of Hale. Then aunt sent Clancy away at ten o'clock. The parlor-maid +returned to the kitchen and there had supper. She heard the bell ring +at eleven, and found aunt dead in the sitting-room, stabbed to the +heart." +</P> + +<P> +"Heard the bell ring?" echoed Juliet. "But how could aunt ring if she +had been killed?" +</P> + +<P> +"She might have rung as she was dying," said Basil, after a pause. "It +seems she was seated near the button of the bell and could have touched +it without rising. She might have rung with a last effort, and then +have died before the parlor-maid could get to the room." +</P> + +<P> +"Or else," said Mr. Octagon, anxious to prove his perspicuity, "the +assassin may have stabbed her and then have touched the bell." +</P> + +<P> +"What!" cried his step-son derisively, "to summon a witness. I don't +think the assassin would be such a fool. However, that's all that can +be discovered. Aunt Selina is dead, and no one knows who killed her." +</P> + +<P> +"Was the house locked up?" "The front door was closed, and the windows +were bolted and barred. Besides, a policeman was walking down Crooked +Lane a few minutes before eleven, and would have seen anyone leaving +the house. He reported that all was quiet." +</P> + +<P> +"Then the assassin might have rung the bell at eleven," said Peter. +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly not, for he could never have escaped immediately afterwards, +without the policeman seeing him." +</P> + +<P> +"He might have got out by the back," suggested Juliet. +</P> + +<P> +"My dear girl, what are you thinking of. That wall round Lord +Caranby's mansion blocks any exit at the back. Anyone leaving the +house must go up the lane or through that part at the bottom. The +policeman was near there shortly before eleven and saw no one leaving +the house." +</P> + +<P> +"But, look here," said Mr. Octagon, who had been ruminating; "if, as +the doctor says, death was instantaneous, how could your aunt have rung +the bell?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," added Juliet. "And even had death not taken place at once, it +could not have been more than a few minutes before eleven when the blow +was struck. Aunt might have had strength to crawl to the bell and +touch it, but the assassin could not have escaped from the house, +seeing—as you say—the policeman was on guard." +</P> + +<P> +"Aunt died instantaneously," insisted Basil. +</P> + +<P> +"Then she could not have sounded the bell," said Juliet triumphantly. +</P> + +<P> +"The assassin did that," said Peter. +</P> + +<P> +"And thus called a witness," cried Basil. "Ridiculous!" +</P> + +<P> +"Then how do you explain the matter?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't explain. Neither can the detective Jennings. It's a mystery." +</P> + +<P> +"Could any of the servants—" began Peter. +</P> + +<P> +"No," interrupted Saxon. "The four servants were having supper in the +kitchen. They are innocent. Well, we'll see what the inquest reveals. +Something may be found before then likely to elucidate the mystery. +But here comes Mallow. He questioned Jennings also, so you can +question him if you like. Does mother know?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. And she doesn't want the fact of her relationship to your aunt +talked about." +</P> + +<P> +Basil understood at once. "No wonder," he said, shrugging his +shoulders. "It is not a pleasant affair for a woman of mother's +celebrity to be mixed up with." +</P> + +<P> +Meantime, Juliet having heard the ring at the front door, escaped from +the room to see her lover. She met him divesting himself of his +overcoat in the hall, and ran to him with outstretched hands. "But why +have you got on an overcoat this warm day?" she asked. +</P> + +<P> +"I have a cold. I caught one last night," said Cuthbert, kissing her. +</P> + +<P> +"Where were you last night?" asked Juliet, drawing him into a side +room. "I thought you were coming to the Marlow Theatre with Basil and +me." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. But my uncle arrived unexpectedly in England and sent for me to +his hotel in Guelph street—the Avon Hotel, you know. He will insist +on a fire even in June, and the room was so hot that I caught cold when +I came out. I had to go down to Rexton to-day on his business, and put +on a coat so as to avoid catching further cold. But why this room, +Juliet?" +</P> + +<P> +"Father and Basil are in the drawing-room. They are talking of the +murder, and I don't want to hear any more about it." +</P> + +<P> +"There are pleasanter things to talk about," said Mallow. "I knew +Basil would come crammed with news. Has he told you—" +</P> + +<P> +"He told us everything he could gather from the detective. It seems +that the crime is quite a mystery." +</P> + +<P> +"Quite. Why your aunt should be killed, or how the assassin escaped, +after killing her, cannot be discovered. Jennings is in high glee +about it. He loves a puzzle of this sort." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you know him?" asked Juliet anxiously. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, yes. Jennings is a gentleman. He was at Eton with me. But he ran +through his money and took up the detective business. He is very +clever, and if anyone will learn the truth, he will. Now, my theory—" +</P> + +<P> +Juliet put her hand over his mouth. "Don't," she said. "I have had +enough horrors for this afternoon. Let us talk of ourselves." +</P> + +<P> +"I would rather do this," said Mallow, and kissed her. +</P> + +<P> +Mallow was a handsome fellow, tall and slim, with a rather military +carriage. His face was clean-shaven save for a small straw-colored +moustache, which showed up almost white against the bronze of his face. +He was more of an athlete than a student, and this was one reason why +Juliet was fond of him. She had seen so much of literary circles that +she always vowed she would marry a man who never opened a book. +Cuthbert nearly fulfilled this requirement, as he read little, save +novels and newspapers. He was well known in sporting circles, and +having a good private income, owned race-horses. He was always +irreproachably dressed, good-humored and cheerful. Consequently he was +popular, and if not overburdened with brains, managed to make himself +agreeable to the world, and to have what the Americans call "a good +time." He had travelled much and was fond of big-game shooting. To +complete his characterization, it is necessary to mention that he had +served in the Boer War, and had gained a D.S.O. But that was in the +days before he met Juliet or he might not have risked a life so +precious to her. +</P> + +<P> +Juliet was dark and rather little, not at all like her Junoesque +mother. She was extremely pretty and dressed to perfection. Having +more brains and a stronger will than Mallow, she guided him in every +way, and had already succeeded in improving his morals. With so gentle +and charming a mentor, Cuthbert was quite willing to be led into the +paths of virtue. He adored Juliet and she loved him, so it appeared +that the marriage would be quite ideal. +</P> + +<P> +"Much as we love one another," said Cuthbert when the lovers were +seated on the sofa. "I wonder you can talk of anything but this horrid +murder." +</P> + +<P> +"Because there is nothing to talk of," rejoined the girl impatiently; +"according to Basil, the case is most mysterious, so it is useless for +us to worry over it until something tangible is discovered. But I want +to speak to you seriously—" here Juliet hesitated. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, go on," said Cuthbert, taking her hand. +</P> + +<P> +"Mother says—" began Juliet, then hesitated again. "Promise me you +will keep to yourself what I am about to tell you." +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly. I never was a fellow to chatter." +</P> + +<P> +"Then mother says that this murder will put a stop to our marriage." +</P> + +<P> +Mallow stared, then flushed up to his ears. "What on earth does she +mean by that?" he asked aghast. +</P> + +<P> +Juliet looked searchingly at him. "Do you know of any impediment?" +</P> + +<P> +"I? Of course I don't. I am sorry for the death of your aunt, but I +really don't see what it has to do with you and me." +</P> + +<P> +Juliet drew a breath of relief. "Mother hints that she knows who +committed the crime, and—" +</P> + +<P> +"What! She knows. How does she know?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't say. She refuses to speak. She was not on good terms with +Aunt Selina and they never saw one another for over fifteen years. But +mother is much disturbed about the murder—" +</P> + +<P> +"That is natural. A sister is a sister however much one may have +quarrelled. But why should this death stop our marriage?" +</P> + +<P> +"I know no more than you do. Here is mother. Ask her yourself." +</P> + +<P> +It was indeed Mrs. Octagon who entered the room. She looked very pale, +but otherwise was perfectly composed. In silence she gave her hand to +Cuthbert, and kept her black eyes fixed steadily on his face. The +young man flushed and turned away, whereat Mrs. Octagon sighed. Juliet +broke an embarrassed silence. +</P> + +<P> +"Mother," she said, "I have told Cuthbert what you said." +</P> + +<P> +"Then you had no right to," said Mrs. Octagon sternly. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I think she had," said Mallow, rather annoyed. "Seeing you hint +that this crime will stop our marriage." +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Octagon did not answer. "Is your uncle in town?" she asked. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. He arrived from the continent a day or two ago." +</P> + +<P> +"I thought so," she said, half to herself, and strove to repress her +agitation. "Mr. Mallow, my daughter can't marry you." +</P> + +<P> +"Why not? Give your reason." +</P> + +<P> +"I have no reason to give." +</P> + +<P> +"But you must. Is it on account of this murder?" +</P> + +<P> +"It is. I told Juliet so. But I cannot explain." +</P> + +<P> +The lovers looked at one another in a dazed fashion. The woman's +objection seemed to be senseless. "Surely you don't think Cuthbert +killed Aunt Selina?" said Juliet, laughing in a forced manner. +</P> + +<P> +"No. I don't suspect him." +</P> + +<P> +"Then whom do you suspect?" demanded Mallow. +</P> + +<P> +"That I decline to say." +</P> + +<P> +"Will you decline to say it to the police?" +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Octagon stepped back a pace. "Yes, I should," she faltered. +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert Mallow looked at her, wondering why she was so agitated, and +Juliet stole her hand into his. Then he addressed her seriously. +</P> + +<P> +"Mrs. Octagon," he said, "your remark about my uncle leads me to think +you suspect him." +</P> + +<P> +"No I don't. But you can't marry Juliet on account of this crime." +</P> + +<P> +"Then you hear me," said Mallow, driven into a corner, "from this +moment I devote myself to finding out who killed your unfortunate +sister. When the assassin is discovered you may consent to our +marriage." +</P> + +<P> +But he spoke to empty air. Mrs. Octagon had left the room, almost +before the first words left his mouth. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap05"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER V +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +LORD CARANBY'S ROMANCE +</H3> + +<P> +Cuthbert was considerably perplexed by the attitude of Juliet's mother. +She had always been more than kind to him. On the announcement that he +wished to marry her daughter, she had expressed herself well pleased, +and during the engagement, which had lasted some six months, she had +received him as Juliet's intended husband, with almost ostentatious +delight. Now, for some inexplicable reason, she suddenly changed her +mind and declined to explain. But rack his brains as he might, +Cuthbert could not see how the death of a sister she had quarrelled +with, and to whom she had been a stranger for so long, could affect the +engagement. +</P> + +<P> +However, there was no doubt in his mind that the refusal of Mrs. +Octagon to approve of the marriage lay in the fact that her sister had +met with a violent end. Therefore Mallow was determined to see +Jennings, and help him to the best of his ability to discover the +assassin. When the criminal was brought to justice, either Mrs. +Octagon's opposition would be at an end, or the true reason for its +existence would be revealed. Meantime, he was sure that she would keep +Juliet out of his way, and that in future he would be refused +admittance to the "Shrine of the Muses." This was annoying, but so +long as Juliet remained true, Cuthbert thought he could bear the +exclusion. His betrothed—as he still regarded the girl—could meet +him in the Park, at the houses of mutual friends, and in a thousand and +one places which a clever woman like her could think of. And although +Cuthbert knew that Mrs. Octagon had frequently regretted the refusal of +her daughter to marry Arkwright, and would probably try and induce her +to do so now that matters stood thus, yet he was not afraid in his own +heart. Juliet was as staunch as steel, and he was certain that Mr. +Octagon would be on his side. Basil probably would agree with his +mother, whose lead he slavishly followed. But Mallow had rather a +contempt for Basil, and did not count his opposition as dangerous. +</P> + +<P> +On leaving the "Shrine of the Muses," the young man's first intention +was to seek out Jennings and see what progress he was making in the +matter. But on reflection he thought he would call again on his uncle +and question him regarding his knowledge of Mrs. Octagon. It seemed to +Cuthbert that, from the woman's question as to whether Lord Caranby had +returned from abroad, and her remark on hearing that he had, some +suspicion was in her mind as to his being concerned in the crime. Yet, +beyond the fact that the unfinished house stood behind the cottage +where the crime had been committed and belonged to Lord Caranby who had +known the dead woman in the past, Cuthbert could not see how Mrs. +Octagon could constitute a latter-day connection between her dead +sister and her old friend. But Lord Caranby might be induced to +talk—no easy matter—and from what he said, the mystery of Mrs. +Octagon's attitude might be elucidated. Only in the past—so far as +the perplexed young man could conjecture—could be found the reason for +her sudden change of front. +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert therefore sent a wire to his uncle, stating that he wished to +see him after eight o'clock on special business, and then went home to +dress. +</P> + +<P> +While thus employed, he thought over means and ways to make Caranby +open his mouth. The old lord was a silent, grave man, who never +uttered an unnecessary word, and it was difficult to induce him to be +confidential. But invariably he had approved of his nephew's +engagement, although he had never seen Juliet, so it might be that he +would speak out—if there was anything to say—in order to remove any +impediment to the match. It depended upon what information he received +as to how Mallow would act. +</P> + +<P> +At half-past eight he drove to the Avon Hotel and was shown up at once +to his uncle's sitting-room. That he should live in an hotel was +another of Caranby's eccentricities. He had a house in town and three +in the country, yet for years he had lived—as the saying is—on his +portmanteau. Even the villa at Nice he owned was unoccupied by this +strange nobleman, and was usually let to rich Americans. When in +England he stopped at the Avon Hotel and when in the country remained +at any inn of the neighborhood in which he might chance to find himself +wandering. And wandering is an excellent word to apply to Lord +Caranby's peregrinations. He was as restless as a gipsy and far more +aimless. He never appeared to take an interest in anything: he was +always moving here, there and everywhere, and had—so far as Cuthbert +knew—no object in life. His reason for this Cainlike behavior, +Caranby never condescended to explain. +</P> + +<P> +When his nephew entered the room, looking smart and handsome in his +accurate evening suit, Caranby, who was seated near the fire, stood up +courteously to welcome him, leaning on his cane. He suffered from +sciatica, and could not walk save with the assistance of his stick. +And on this account also, he always insisted on the room being heated +to an extraordinary degree. Like a salamander he basked in the heat, +and would not allow either door or window to be opened, even in the +midst of summer, when a large fire made the apartment almost +unendurable. Cuthbert felt as though he were walking into a Turkish +bath, and sat as far away from the fire as he could. After saluting +him, his uncle sank back into his seat and looked at him inquiringly. +</P> + +<P> +Lord Caranby was tall and thin—almost emaciated—with a lean, sallow, +clean-shaven face, and a scanty crop of fair hair mixed with gray. His +eyes were sunken but full of vitality, although usually they were grave +and somewhat sad. His hands were deformed with gout, but for all that +he wore several costly rings. He was perfectly dressed, and as quiet +and composed as an artist's model. When he spoke it was in an +unemotional way, as though he had exhausted all expression of his +feelings early in life. Perhaps he had, for from what Cuthbert had +heard from his uncle, the past of that nobleman was not without +excitement. But Caranby's name was rarely mentioned in London. He +remained so much abroad that he had quite dropped out of the circle to +the entry of which his rank entitled him. His age was sixty-five. +</P> + +<P> +"You are surprised at seeing me again to-night," said Cuthbert. +</P> + +<P> +"I am never surprised at anything," replied his uncle dryly, "but we +exhausted all we had to say to one another before eight o'clock last +night, at which time you left. I therefore don't know why you have +come this evening. Our conversation is bound to be dull, and—excuse +me—I can't afford to be bored at my age." +</P> + +<P> +"I cannot say that our conversation was particularly agreeable last +night," rejoined Mallow, equally dryly, "we talked business and money +matters, and about your will." +</P> + +<P> +"And about your engagement also," said Caranby without a vestige of a +smile. "That should interest a young man of your ardent temperament. +I certainly thought the subject amused you." +</P> + +<P> +"Would you be surprised to learn that my engagement has been broken off +since our conversation," said Cuthbert, crossing his legs. +</P> + +<P> +"No! Who can account for the whims of a woman. After all, perhaps you +are to be congratulated on not marrying a weathercock." +</P> + +<P> +"Juliet has nothing to do with the breaking of our engagement. Her +mother objects." +</P> + +<P> +"I understood for the last six months that her mother not only +approved, but was delighted." +</P> + +<P> +"That is the strange part, sir. On hearing of the death of her sister, +Mrs. Octagon suddenly changed her mind, and told me that the marriage +could not take place." +</P> + +<P> +"Did she give any reason?" +</P> + +<P> +"She declined to do so." +</P> + +<P> +"The same woman," muttered Caranby, "always mysterious and +unsatisfactory. You say her sister is dead?" +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert cast a look at the Globe, which lay on a small table near +Caranby's elbow. "If you have read the papers, sir—" "Yes! I have +read that Miss Loach has been murdered. You went down to Rexton +to-day. I presume you heard something more than the details set forth +by the press." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert nodded. "It appears to be a mystery." +</P> + +<P> +Caranby did not reply, but looked into the fire. "Poor Selina!" he +said half to himself. "A sad end for such a charming woman." +</P> + +<P> +"I should hardly apply that word to Miss Loach, sir. She did not +appear to be a lady, and was by no means refined." +</P> + +<P> +"She must have changed then. In her young days she and her sister were +the handsomest women in London." +</P> + +<P> +"I believe you were engaged to one of them," said Mallow politely. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," replied his uncle grimly. "But I escaped." +</P> + +<P> +"Escaped?" +</P> + +<P> +"A strange word is it not, but a suitable one." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert did not know what to make of this speech. "Have I your +permission to smoke?" he asked, taking out his case. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes! Will you have some coffee?" +</P> + +<P> +"Thank you. I had some before I came here. Will you—" he extended +the case of cigarettes, which Caranby declined. +</P> + +<P> +"Ring for Fletcher to get me my chibouque." +</P> + +<P> +"It is in the corner. We will dispense with Fletcher with your +permission." And Cuthbert brought the chibouque to his uncle's side. +In another minute the old man was smoking as gravely as any Turk. This +method of consuming tobacco was another eccentricity. For a few +moments neither spoke. Then Caranby broke the silence. +</P> + +<P> +"So you want me to help you to find out Mrs. Octagon's reason?" +</P> + +<P> +"I do," said Mallow, rather surprised by Caranby's perspicuity. +</P> + +<P> +"What makes you think I can explain?" +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert looked at his cigarette. "I asked you on the chance that you +may be able to do so," he said gravely. "The fact is, to be frank, +Mrs. Octagon appears to think you might have something to do with the +crime." +</P> + +<P> +Caranby did not seem surprised, but smoked imperturbably. "I don't +quite understand." +</P> + +<P> +The young man related how Mrs. Octagon had inquired if the Earl was +back from the Continent, and her subsequent remark. "Of course I may be +unduly suspicious," said he. "But it suggested—" +</P> + +<P> +"Quite so," interrupted the old gentleman gravely. "You are quick at +putting two and two together. Isabella Octagon hates me so much that +she would gladly see me on the scaffold. I am not astonished that she +suspects me." +</P> + +<P> +"But what motive can she impute—" +</P> + +<P> +Caranby laid aside the long coil he was holding and laughed quietly to +himself. "Oh, she'll find a motive if it suits her. But what I cannot +understand is, why she should accuse me now. She has had ample +opportunity during the past twenty years, since the death of Miss Saul, +for instance." +</P> + +<P> +"She did not exactly accuse you." +</P> + +<P> +"No, a woman like that would not. And then of course, her sister dying +only last night affords her the opportunity of getting me into trouble. +But I am afraid Mrs. Octagon will be disappointed of her revenge, long +though she has waited." +</P> + +<P> +"Revenge! remember, sir, she is the mother of Juliet." +</P> + +<P> +"I sincerely hope Juliet does not take after her, then," said Lord +Caranby, tartly. "To be perfectly plain with you, Cuthbert, I could +never understand why Mrs. Octagon sanctioned your engagement with her +daughter, considering you are my nephew." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't understand," said Mallow, staring and uneasily. +</P> + +<P> +Caranby did not answer immediately. He rose and walked painfully up +and down the room leaning heavily on his cane. Mallow offered his arm +but was impatiently waved aside. When the old man sat down again he +turned a serious face to his nephew. "Do you love this girl?" +</P> + +<P> +"With all my heart and soul." +</P> + +<P> +"And she loves you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Of course. We were made for one another." +</P> + +<P> +"But Mrs. Octagon—" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't like Mrs. Octagon—I never did," said Mallow, impetuously, +"but I don't care two straws for her opposition. I shall marry Juliet +in spite of this revenge she seems to be practising on you. Though why +she should hope to vex you by meddling with my marriage, I cannot +understand." +</P> + +<P> +"I can put the matter in a nutshell," said Caranby, and quoted +Congreve— +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> + "'Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned<BR> + Nor Hell a fury like a woman scorned.'"<BR> +</P> + +<P> +"Oh," said Mallow, dropping his cigarette, and a whole story was +revealed to him in the quotation. +</P> + +<P> +"A gentleman doesn't talk of these things," said Caranby abruptly, "and +for years I have held my tongue. Still, as Mrs. Octagon does not +hesitate to strike at me through you, and as your happiness is at +stake, and the happiness of the girl you love, I shall tell you—so far +as I can guess—why the woman behaves in this way." +</P> + +<P> +"If you please, sir," and Cuthbert settled himself to listen. +</P> + +<P> +"About twenty years ago," said Caranby, plunging headfirst into his +subject, "Isabella and Selina Loach were well-known in society. They +were the daughters of a country squire—Kent, I remember—and created a +sensation with their beauty when they came to town. I fell in love +with Selina, and Isabella—if you will pardon my vanity—fell in love +with me. She hated her sister on my account. I would have married +Selina, but her father, who was hard up, wished her to marry a wealthy +American. Isabella, to part Selina from me, helped her father. What +arguments they used I do not know, but Selina suddenly changed in her +manner towards me. Out of pique—you may think this weak of me, +Cuthbert, but I was a fool in those days—I became engaged to a girl +who was a singer. Her name was Emilia Saul, and I believe she was of +Jewish extraction. I liked her in a way, and she had a wonderful power +over me. I proposed and was accepted." +</P> + +<P> +"But if you had really loved Miss Loach—" +</P> + +<P> +"I should have worn the willow. I told you I was foolish, and, +moreover, Miss Saul fascinated me. Selina was cold, Emilia was +charming, and I was weak. Therefore, I became engaged to Emilia, and +Selina—as I heard, arranged to marry her wealthy American. I believe +she was angry at my apparently forgetting her so soon. But she was in +fault, not I." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert looked at his smart shoes. "Had I loved Selina," said he +slowly, "I should have remained true to her, and have married her in +spite of the objection of her father—" +</P> + +<P> +"And of her sister Isabella—Mrs. Octagon that is; don't forget that, +Cuthbert. And I could scarcely run away with a girl who believed +stories about me." +</P> + +<P> +"What sort of stories?" asked Mallow, remembering certain rumors. +</P> + +<P> +"The sort that one always does tell of an unmarried man," retorted +Caranby. "Scandalous stories, which Isabella picked up and retailed to +Selina. But I never pretended to be a saint, and had Selina really +loved me she would have overlooked certain faults. I did love her, +Cuthbert. I did all in my power to prove my love. For a time I was +engaged to her, and when she expressed a wish that I should build her a +house after her own design, I consented." +</P> + +<P> +"The house at Rexton!" exclaimed the young man. +</P> + +<P> +"Exactly. I got an architect to build it according to designs +suggested by Selina. When our engagement was broken and I became—out +of pique, remember—engaged to Miss Saul, I still went on building the +house. Selina, I believe, was very angry. One week when I was out of +London she went down with her sister to see the house, and there met +Emilia." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah! then there was trouble?" +</P> + +<P> +"No; there was no time for a quarrel, if that is what you mean. When +the three met, Emilia was walking across a plank on the unfinished +second story. On seeing the Loach girls—this is Isabella's +tale—Emilia lost her footing and fell thirty feet. She was killed +almost instantaneously, and her face was much disfigured. This took +place during the dinner hour when the workmen were absent. When they +returned, the body was found and recognized by the clothes." +</P> + +<P> +"Did not the girls remain?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. They took fright at the accident and returned home. But here a +fresh disaster awaited them. Mr. Loach was dead. He died suddenly of +heart disease. Selina at once broke her engagement with the American, +and—" +</P> + +<P> +"And returned to you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Strangely enough she did not. I never saw her again. After the death +of the father the girls went to the Continent, and only came back after +two years abroad. Then Isabella, after vainly trying to get me to +marry her, became the wife of Saxon, then a rising barrister. Selina +went to Rexton and shut herself up in the house she now has." +</P> + +<P> +"The house she did have," corrected Cuthbert, "you forget she is dead." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. I tried to see her, but she refused to look on my face again, +alleging that I had treated her badly by becoming engaged to Miss Saul. +That poor soul was buried, and then I shut up the house and left it as +it is now. I travelled, as you know, for years, and I am travelling +still, for the matter of that," added Caranby with a sigh, "all +Selina's fault. She was the only woman I ever loved." +</P> + +<P> +"But was there not an inquest held on Emilia's body?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh yes, and Isabella gave evidence as to the accident. Selina was too +ill to appear. But there was no need. The cause of the death was +plain enough. Moreover, Emilia had no relatives who cared to make +inquiries. She left very little money, so those she had, did not +trouble themselves." +</P> + +<P> +"It is a strange story," said Cuthbert, looking puzzled. "Had you an +idea that Emilia may have been pushed off the plank by Selina?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly not," rejoined Caranby indignantly. "She was a good and +kind girl. She would not do such a thing." +</P> + +<P> +"Humph!" said Mallow, remembering the eagle nose and thin lips of Miss +Loach. "I'm not so sure of that." +</P> + +<P> +"Isabella, who was passionate, might have done it," resumed Caranby, +"often did I wish to speak to her on the subject, but I never did. And +after all, the jury brought in a verdict of accidental death, so there +was no use making trouble." +</P> + +<P> +"Had Emilia no relatives who might have made inquiries?" +</P> + +<P> +"I believe she had a brother who was a clerk in an office, but, as I +said, she left no money, so he did not bother himself. I saw him after +the death, and the sight of him made me glad I had not married his +sister. He looked a thorough blackguard, sly and dangerous. But, as I +said, Emilia came of low people. It was only her fine voice and great +talents that brought her into the society where I met her. I have +never heard of her brother since. I expect he is dead by this time. It +is over twenty years ago. But you can now understand why Mrs. Octagon +objects to the marriage. She has never forgiven me for not making her +my wife." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert nodded again. "But I can't understand why she should have +consented at all, only to alter her mind when Selina died." +</P> + +<P> +"I can't understand that myself. But I decline to mix myself up in the +matter. You will have to learn the reason yourself." +</P> + +<P> +"I intend to," said Mallow rising, "and the reason I am certain is +connected with the violent death of her sister!" A speech to which +Caranby replied by shaking his head. He did not agree with the idea. +</P> + +<P> +"And you see, in spite of Mrs. Octagon's hint, I had no reason to kill +Selina," said Caranby gravely. "I cannot understand why Isabella +should accuse me—" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap06"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER VI +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A PERPLEXING CASE +</H3> + +<P> +The morning after his visit to Lord Caranby, Mallow was unexpectedly +called to Devonshire on account of his mother's illness. Mrs. Mallow +was a fretful hypochondriac, who always imagined herself worse than she +really was. Cuthbert had often been summoned to her dying bed, only to +find that she was alive and well. He expected that this summons would +be another false alarm, but being a dutiful son, he tore himself away +from town and took the mid-day express to Exeter. As he expected, Mrs. +Mallow was by no means so bad as she hinted in her wire, and Cuthbert +was vexed that she should have called him down, but she insisted that +he should remain, and, unwilling to cause her pain, he did so. It was +four days before he returned to London. But his visit to Exeter was +not without results, for he asked his mother about Caranby's romance. +Mrs. Mallow knew all about it, and highly disapproved of her +brother-in-law. +</P> + +<P> +"He's crazy," she said vigorously, when the subject was brought up one +evening. "All his life he has been queer. Your father should have had +the title, Cuthbert!" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I shall have it some day," said her son soothingly. "Caranby is +not likely to marry." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, but I'll never be Lady Caranby," lamented Mrs. Mallow, who was +intensely selfish and egotistical. "And I should have adorned the +title. Such an old one as it is, too. But I'm glad that horrid Selina +Loach never became his wife. Even that Saul girl would have been +better." +</P> + +<P> +"Don't speak evil of the dead, mother." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't see why we should praise the bad dead," snapped Mrs. Mallow. +"I never liked either Isabella nor Selina. They were both horrid girls +and constantly quarrelling. They hardly ever spoke to one another, and +how you can contemplate marrying the daughter of Isabella, I really +don't know. Such a slight to me. But there, I've said all I had to +say on the subject." +</P> + +<P> +To do her justice, Mrs. Mallow certainly had, and never ceased nagging +at Cuthbert to break the engagement. Had she known that Mrs. Octagon +had forbidden the marriage she would have rejoiced, but to save making +awkward explanations to a woman who would not hold her tongue, Cuthbert +said nothing about the breach. +</P> + +<P> +"Did you like Miss Saul, mother?" he asked. +</P> + +<P> +"I only saw her on the concert platform," said Mrs. Mallow, opening her +eyes, "gracious, Cuthbert, I never associated myself with those sort of +people. Caranby was infatuated with her. To be sure, he got engaged +to spite Selina, and she really did treat him badly, but I believe Miss +Saul—such a horrid Hebrew name, isn't it—hypnotized him. He forgot +her almost as soon as she died, in spite of his ridiculous idea of +shutting up that house. And such valuable land as there is at Rexton +too. Well, I hope this violent death of Selina will be a warning to +Caranby. Not that I wish him any harm, in spite of your being next +heir to the title, and we do need money." +</P> + +<P> +While Mrs. Mallow rambled on in this diffusive manner, Cuthbert was +thinking. When she ended, "Why should this death be a warning to +Caranby?" he asked quickly. +</P> + +<P> +"Good gracious, Cuthbert, don't get on my nerves. Why?—because I +believe that Selina pushed Miss Saul off that plank and killed her. +She was just the kind of violent girl who would do a thing like that. +And Miss Saul's relatives have waited all these years to kill Selina, +and now she's dead, they will kill Caranby because he did not marry the +wretched girl." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert stared. "Mother, what are you talking about? Caranby told me +that Miss Saul had only one brother, and that probably he was dead." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah," said Mrs. Mallow, "he didn't tell you that Miss Saul's father was +arrested for coining or passing false money, I forget which. I believe +the brother was involved also, but I can't be sure. But I only know +the girl was dead then, and the Saul family did not move in the matter, +as the police knew too much about them. +</P> + +<P> +"Good gracious!" shuddered the lady, "to think if she had lived, +Caranby would have married into that family and have cheated you of the +title." +</P> + +<P> +"Are you sure of what you say, mother?" +</P> + +<P> +"Of course I am. Look up any old file of newspapers and you'll read +all about the matter. It's old history now. But I really won't talk +any more of these things, Cuthbert. If I do, there will be no sleep +for me to-night. Oh dear me, such nerves as I have." +</P> + +<P> +"Did you ever see Miss Saul, mother?" +</P> + +<P> +"I told you I did on the platform. She was a fine, large, big girl, +with a hook nose and big black eyes. Rather like Selina and Isabella, +for I'm sure they have Jewish blood in their veins. Miss Saul—if that +was her real name—might have passed as a relative of those horrid +Loach girls." +</P> + +<P> +"Mrs. Octagon and her sister who died are certainly much alike." +</P> + +<P> +"Of course they are, and if Miss Saul had lived they would have been a +kind of triplets. I hate that style of beauty myself," said Mrs. +Mallow, who was slim and fair, "so coarse. Everyone called those Loach +girls pretty, but I never did myself. I never liked them, and I won't +call on Mrs. Octagon—such a vulgar name—if you marry fifty of her +wretched daughters, Cuthbert." +</P> + +<P> +"Don't say that, mother. Juliet is an angel!" +</P> + +<P> +"Then she can't be her mother's daughter," said Mrs. Mallow obscurely, +and finished the discussion in what she considered to be a triumphant +manner. Nor would she renew it, though her son tried to learn more +about the Loach and Saul families. However, he was satisfied with the +knowledge he had acquired. +</P> + +<P> +While returning next day to London, he had ample time to think over +what he had been told. Miss Selina Loach had certainly shut herself up +for many years in Rose Cottage, and it seemed as though she was afraid +of being hurt in some way. Perhaps she even anticipated a violent +death. And then Mrs. Octagon hinted that she knew who had killed her +sister. It might not have been Caranby after all, whom she meant, but +one of the Saul family, as Mrs. Mallow suggested. +</P> + +<P> +"I wonder if it is as my mother thinks," mused Cuthbert, staring out of +the window at the panorama of the landscape moving swiftly past. +"Perhaps Selina did kill Miss Saul, and shut herself up to avoid being +murdered by one of the relatives. Caranby said that Selina did not go +to the inquest, but pretended she was ill. Then she and her sister +went to the continent for two years, and finally, when they returned, +Selina instead of taking her proper place in society as Isabella did, +shut herself up as a recluse in Rose Cottage. The Saul family appear to +have been a bad lot. I should like to look up that coining case. I +wonder if I dare tell Jennings." +</P> + +<P> +He was doubtful of the wisdom of doing this. If he told what he knew, +and set Jennings on the track, it might be that a scandal would arise +implicating Mrs. Octagon. Not that Cuthbert cared much for her, but +she was Juliet's mother, and he wanted to avert any trouble likely to +cause the girl pain. A dozen times on the journey Cuthbert altered his +mind. First he thought he would tell Jennings, then he decided to hold +his peace. This indecision was not like him, but the case was so +perplexing, and such serious issues were involved, that the young man +felt thoroughly worried. +</P> + +<P> +Hitherto he had seen nothing new about the case in the papers, but on +reaching Swindon he bought a few and looked through them. His search +was rewarded by finding an article on the crime. The inquest had been +held, and the jury had brought in a verdict of "Murder against some +person or persons unknown!" But it was plainly stated that the police +could not find a clue to the assassin. The article in question did not +pretend to solve the mystery, but collocated the facts so as to put the +case in a nutshell. +</P> + +<P> +"The facts are these," said the journal, after a preliminary +introduction. "A quiet maiden lady living at Rose Cottage, Rexton, +received three friends to a card-party. Difference arising—and such +things will arise amongst the best when cards are in question—two of +the friends, Mrs. Herne, an old lady and life-long friend of the +deceased, and Mr. Hale, a lawyer of repute and the legal adviser of +Miss Loach, depart before ten o'clock. In her evidence Mrs. Herne +stated that she and Mr. Hale left at half-past nine, and her assertion +was corroborated by Mr. Hale himself. Mr. Clancy, the third friend, +left at ten, being shown out by the maid Susan Grant, who then returned +to the kitchen. She left Miss Loach seated in her usual chair near the +fire, and with a pack of cards on her lap. Probably the deceased lady +intended to play a game of 'Patience'! +</P> + +<P> +"The four servants, three women and a man, had their supper. During the +supper the man asserted that he heard the front door open, but as Miss +Loach was in the habit of walking in the garden before retiring, it was +thought that she had gone out to take her usual stroll. Whether the +man heard the door open or shut he was not quite sure. However, +thinking his mistress was walking in the garden as usual, the man paid +no further attention to the incident. At eleven (precisely at eleven, +for the kitchen clock struck), the sitting-room bell rang. Susan Grant +entered the room, and found Miss Loach seated in her chair exactly as +she had left her, even to the fact that the cards were in her lap. But +she had been stabbed to the heart with some sharp instrument and was +quite dead. The front door was closed and the windows barred. +</P> + +<P> +"Now it is certain that Miss Loach met her death between the hours of +ten and eleven. Susan Grant saw her alive at ten, seated in her usual +chair with the cards on her lap, and at eleven, she there found her +dead, still with the cards. It would seem as though immediately after +the servants left the room someone had stabbed the deceased to the +heart, before she had time to rise or even alter her position. But +Susan Grant asserts that no one was in the room. There was only one +door, out of which she departed. The bedroom of Miss Loach on the +basement floor had a door which opened into the passage, as did the +sitting-room door. No one could have entered until the servant +departed. The passage was lighted with electricity, but she did not +observe anyone about, nor did she hear a sound. She showed out Mr. +Clancy and then returned to the kitchen. Certainly the assassin may +have been concealed in the bedroom and have stolen into the +sitting-room when Susan Grant was showing out Mr. Clancy. Perhaps then +he killed the deceased suddenly, as we said before. He could have then +come up the stairs and have escaped while the servants were at supper. +It might have been the murderer who opened the door, and was overheard +by Thomas. +</P> + +<P> +"The policeman was on duty about ten, as he was seen by Susan Grant +when she showed Mr. Clancy to the door. The policeman also asserted +that he was again on the spot—i.e., in the roadway opposite the +cottage—at eleven. At these times the assassin could not have escaped +without being seen. There is no exit at the back, as a high wall +running round an unfinished house belonging to the eccentric Lord +Caranby blocks the way. Therefore the assassin must have ventured into +the roadway. He could then have walked up the lane into the main +streets of Rexton, or have taken a path opposite to the gate of Rose +Cottage, which leads to the railway station. Probably, after executing +the crime, he took this latter way. The path runs between quickset +hedges, rather high, for a long distance, past houses, and ends within +fifty yards of the railway station. The criminal could take the first +train and get to town, there to lose himself in the wilderness of +London. +</P> + +<P> +"So far so good. But the strangest thing about this most mysterious +affair is that the bell in the sitting-room rang two minutes before +Susan Grant entered the room to find her mistress dead. This was some +time after the closing of the door overheard by Thomas; therefore the +assassin could not have escaped that way. Moreover, by this time the +policeman was standing blocking the pathway to the station. Again, the +alarm was given immediately by the other servants, who rushed to the +sitting-room on hearing Susan's scream, and the policeman at once +searched the house. No one was found. +</P> + +<P> +"Now what are we to make of all this? The doctor declares that Miss +Loach when discovered had been dead half an hour, which corresponds +with the time the door was heard to open or shut by Thomas. So far, it +would seem that the assassin had escaped then, having committed the +crime and found the coast inside and outside the house clear for his +flight. But who rang the bell? That is the question we ask. The +deceased could not have done so, as, according to the doctor, the poor +lady must have died immediately. Again, the assassin would not have +been so foolish as to ring and thus draw attention to his crime, +letting alone the question that he could not have escaped at that late +hour. We can only offer this solution. +</P> + +<P> +"The assassin must have been concealed in the bedroom, and after Susan +ascended the stairs to let Mr. Clancy out, he must have stolen into the +sitting-room and have killed the old lady before she could even rise. +She might have touched the bell, and the button (the bell is an +electric one) may have got fixed. Later on, the heat of the room, +warping the wood round the ivory button, may have caused it to slip +out, and thus the bell would have rung. Of course our readers may say +that when pressed down the bell would have rung continuously, but an +examination has revealed that the wires were out of order. It is not +improbable that the sudden release of the button may have touched the +wires and have set them ringing. The peal is described as being short +and sharp. This theory is a weak one, we are aware, but the whole case +is so mysterious that, weak as it is, we can offer no other solution. +</P> + +<P> +"Mrs. Herne, the servants, and Messrs. Hale and Clancy were examined. +All insist that Miss Loach was in her usual health and spirits, and had +no idea of committing suicide, or of being in any danger of sudden +death. The weapon cannot be discovered, nor the means—save as we +suggest above—whereby the assassin can have made his escape. The +whole affair is one of the most mysterious of late years, and will +doubtless be relegated to the list of undiscovered crimes. The police +have no clue, and apparently despair of finding one. But the discovery +of the mystery lies in the bell. Who rang it? or did it ring of +itself, as we suggest above." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert laid down the paper with a shrug. The article did not commend +itself to him, save as the means of making a precis of the case. The +theory of the bell appeared excessively weak, and he could not +understand a man being so foolish as to put it forward. +</P> + +<P> +"If the button was pressed down by Miss Loach, the bell would have rung +at once," argued Cuthbert; "and when it slipped up, even with the heat, +the ringing would have stopped. But the bell rang at eleven, and the +girl was in the room two minutes later. Someone must have rung it. +But why did someone do this, and how did someone escape after ringing +in so fool-hardy a manner?" +</P> + +<P> +He could not find an answer to this question. The whole case was +indeed most perplexing. There seemed absolutely no answer to the +riddle. Even supposing Miss Loach had been murdered out of a +long-delayed revenge by a member of the Saul family—and that theory +appeared ridiculous to Mallow—the question was how did the assassin +escape? Certainly, having regard to the cards still being on the lap +of the deceased, and the closing of the door at a time when the +policeman was not in the vicinity, the assassin may have escaped in +that way. But how did he come to be hidden in the bedroom, and how did +he kill the old lady before she had time to call out or even rise, +seeing that he had the whole length of the room to cross before +reaching her? And again, the escape of the assassin at this hour did +not explain the ringing of the bell. Cuthbert was deeply interested, +and wondered if the mystery would ever be solved. "I must see Jennings +after all," he thought as the train steamed into Paddington. +</P> + +<P> +And see Jennings he did, sooner than he expected. That same evening +when he was dressing to go out, a card was brought. It was inscribed +"Miles Jennings." Rather surprised that the detective should seek him +out so promptly, Cuthbert entered his sitting-room. Jennings, who was +standing with his back to the window, saluted him with a pleasant +smile, and spoke to him as to an equal. Of course he had every right +to do so since he had been at school with Mallow, but somehow the +familiarity irritated Cuthbert. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, Jennings, what is it?" +</P> + +<P> +"I came to ask you a few questions, Mallow." +</P> + +<P> +"About what?" +</P> + +<P> +"About the murder at Rose Cottage." +</P> + +<P> +"But, my dear fellow, I know nothing about it." +</P> + +<P> +"You knew Miss Loach?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. I saw her once or twice. But I did not like her." +</P> + +<P> +"She is the aunt of the young lady you are engaged to marry?" +</P> + +<P> +Mallow drew himself up stiffly. "As a matter of fact she is," he said +with marked coldness. "But I don't see—" +</P> + +<P> +"You will in a minute," said Jennings briskly. "Pardon me, but are +you in love with another woman?" +</P> + +<P> +Mallow grew red. "What the devil do you mean by coming here to ask me +such a question?" he demanded. +</P> + +<P> +"Gently, Mallow, I am your friend, and you may need one." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean. Do you accuse me of—" +</P> + +<P> +"I accuse you of nothing," said Jennings quickly, "but I ask you, why +did you give this photograph, with an inscription, to the servant of +the murdered woman." +</P> + +<P> +"I recognize my photograph, but the servant—" +</P> + +<P> +"Susan Grant. The picture was found in her possession. She refuses to +speak," here the detective spoke lower, "in case you get into trouble +with the police." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap07"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER VII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE DETECTIVE +</H3> + +<P> +The two men looked at one another, Jennings searchingly, and Cuthbert +with a look of mingled amazement and indignation. They were rather like +in looks, both being tall, slim and fair-haired. But Mallow wore a +mustache, whereas the detective, possibly for the sake of disguising +himself on occasions, was clean-shaven. But although Jennings' +profession was scarcely that of a gentleman, he looked well-bred, and +was dressed with the same quiet taste and refinement as characterized +Mallow. The public-school stamp was on both, and they might have been +a couple of young men about town discussing sport rather than an +officer of the law and a man who (it seemed from Jennings' hints) was +suspected of complicity in a crime. +</P> + +<P> +"Do you mean this for a jest?" said Cuthbert at length. +</P> + +<P> +"I never jest on matters connected with my profession, Mallow. It is +too serious a one." +</P> + +<P> +"Naturally. It so often involves the issues of life and death." +</P> + +<P> +"In this case I hope it does not," said Jennings, significantly. +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert, who was recovering his composure, sat down with a shrug. "I +assure you, you have found a mare's nest this time. Whatever my follies +may have been, I am not a criminal." +</P> + +<P> +"I never thought you were," rejoined the other, also taking a seat, +"but you may have become involved with people who are criminals." +</P> + +<P> +"I dare say half of those one meets in society are worthy of jail, did +one know what is done under the rose," returned Cuthbert; "by the way, +how did you come so opportunely?" +</P> + +<P> +"I knew you had gone out of town, as I came a few days ago to see you +about this matter, and inquired. Your servant said you were in +Devonshire—" +</P> + +<P> +"I went to see my mother who was ill," said Mallow quickly. +</P> + +<P> +"I guessed as much. You said something about your mother living in +Exeter when we met last. Well, I had Paddington watch for your return, +and my messenger—" +</P> + +<P> +"Your spy, you mean," said Mallow angrily. +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly, if you prefer the term. Well, your spy—I mean my spy, +reported that you were back, so I came on here. Are you going out?" +</P> + +<P> +"I was, but if you wish to arrest me—" +</P> + +<P> +"Nonsense, man. I have only come to have a quiet chat with you. +Believe me, I wish you well. I have not forgotten the old Eton days." +</P> + +<P> +"I tell you what, Jennings, I won't stand this talk from any man. Are +you here as a gentleman or as a detective?" +</P> + +<P> +"As both, I hope," replied the other dryly, "but are we not wasting +valuable time? If you wish to go out this evening, the sooner we get +to business the better. Will you answer my questions?" +</P> + +<P> +"I must know what they are first," said Cuthbert defiantly. +</P> + +<P> +Jennings looked irritated. "If you won't treat me properly, I may as +well leave the matter alone," he said coldly. "My position is quite +unpleasant enough as it is. I came here to an old schoolfellow as a +friend—" +</P> + +<P> +"To try and implicate him in a crime. Thanks for nothing." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings, whose patience appeared to be exhausted, rose. "Very well, +then, Mallow. I shall go away and hand over the matter to someone +else. I assure you the questions must be answered." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert made a sign to the other to be seated, which Jennings seemed +by no means inclined to obey. He stood stiffly by his chair as Mallow +paced the room reflectively. "After all, I don't see why we should +quarrel," said the latter at length. +</P> + +<P> +"That's just what I've been driving at for the last ten minutes." +</P> + +<P> +"Very good," said Mallow soothingly, "let us sit down and smoke. I +have no particular engagement, and if you will have some coffee—" +</P> + +<P> +"I will have both cigarette and coffee if you will help me to unravel +this case," said Jennings, sitting down with a smoother brow. +</P> + +<P> +"But I don't see what I can—" +</P> + +<P> +"You'll see shortly. Will you be open with me?" +</P> + +<P> +"That requires reflection." +</P> + +<P> +"Reflect as long as you like. But if you decline, I will hand the case +over to the next man on the Scotland Yard list. He may not deal with +you so gently." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't care how he deals with me," returned Mallow, haughtily; +"having done no wrong, I am not afraid. And, what is more, Jennings, I +was coming to see you as soon as I returned. You have only forestalled +our interview." +</P> + +<P> +"What did you wish to see me about?" +</P> + +<P> +"This case," said Cuthbert, getting out a box of cigarettes and +touching the bell. "The deuce!" said Jennings briskly, "then you do +know something?" +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert handed him the box and gave an order for coffee. "Any +liqueur?" he asked in friendly tones. +</P> + +<P> +"No. I never drink when on—ah—er—pleasure," said the other, +substituting another word since the servant was in the room. "Well," +he asked when the door closed, "why did you wish to see me?" +</P> + +<P> +"To ask if you remember a coining case that took place some twenty +years ago?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. That was before my time. What case is it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Some people called Saul were mixed up in it." +</P> + +<P> +"Humph! Never heard of them," said Jennings, lighting his cigarette, +"but it is strange you should talk of coining. I and several other +fellows are looking for a set of coiners now. There are a lot of false +coins circulating, and they are marvellously made. If I can only lay +my hands on the coiners and their factory, there will be a sensation." +</P> + +<P> +"And your reputation will be enhanced." +</P> + +<P> +"I hope so," replied the detective, reddening. "I want a rise in my +salary, as I wish to marry. By the way, how is Miss Saxon?" +</P> + +<P> +"Very well. You met her, did you not?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes! You took me to that queer house. What do they call it? +the—'Shrine of the Muses'—where all the sham art exists. Why do you +look so grave, old boy?" +</P> + +<P> +The two men, getting more confidential, were dropping into the language +of school-days and speaking more familiarly. Mallow did not reply at +once, as his servant had just brought in the coffee. But when each +gentleman was supplied with a cup and they were again alone, he looked +gravely at Miles. "I want to ask your advice," he said, "and if you +are my friend—" +</P> + +<P> +"I am, of course I am." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, then, I am as interested in finding out who killed Miss Loach as +you are." +</P> + +<P> +"Why is that?" demanded Jennings, puzzled. +</P> + +<P> +"Before I answer and make a clean breast of it, I should like you to +promise that you will get no one I know into trouble." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings hesitated. "That is a difficult matter. Of course, if I find +the assassin, even if he or she is one of your friends, I must do my +duty." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I don't expect anything of that sort," said Mallow easily, "but +why do you say 'he' or 'she'?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, the person who killed Miss Loach might be a woman." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't see how you make that out," said Cuthbert reflectively. "I +read the case coming up in the train to-day, and it seems to me from +what The Planet says that the whole thing is a mystery." +</P> + +<P> +"One which I mean to dive into and discover," replied Miles. "I do not +care for an ordinary murder case, but this is one after my own heart. +It is a criminal problem which I should like to work out." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you see your way as yet?" asked Cuthbert. +</P> + +<P> +"No," confessed Jennings, "I do not. I saw the report you speak of. +The writer theorizes without having facts to go on. What he says about +the bell is absurd. All the same, the bell did ring and the assassin +could not have escaped at the time it sounded. Nor could the deceased +have rung it. Therein lies the mystery, and I can't guess how the +business was managed." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you believe the assassin rang the bell?" +</P> + +<P> +Miles shrugged his shoulders and sipped his coffee. "It is impossible +to say. I will wait until I have more facts before me before I venture +an opinion. It is only in detective novels that the heaven-born Vidocq +can guess the truth on a few stray clues. But what were you going to +tell me?" +</P> + +<P> +"Will you keep what I say to yourself?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," said Jennings, readily enough, "so long as it doesn't mean the +escape of the person who is guilty." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't ask you to betray the confidence placed in you by the +authorities to that extent," said Mallow, "just wait a moment." +</P> + +<P> +He leaned his chin on his hand and thought. If he wished to gain the +hand of Juliet, it was necessary he should clear up the mystery of the +death. Unaided, he could not do so, but with the assistance of his old +schoolfellow—following his lead in fact—he might get at the truth. +Then, when the name of the assassin of her sister was known, the reason +of Mrs. Octagon's strange behavior might be learned, and, moreover, the +discovery might remove her objection. On the other hand, Cuthbert +could not help feeling uneasy, lest Mrs. Octagon had some secret +connected with the death which made her refuse her consent to the +match, and which, if he explained to Jennings what he knew, might +become known in a quarter which she might not approve of. However, +Mallow was certain that, in spite of Mrs. Octagon's hint, his uncle had +nothing to do with the matter, and he had already warned her—although +she refused to listen—that he intended to trace the assassin. Under +these circumstances, and also because Jennings was his friend and more +likely to aid him, than get anyone he knew and respected into trouble, +the young man made up his mind to tell everything. +</P> + +<P> +"The fact is, I am engaged to Juliet Saxon," he began, hesitatingly. +</P> + +<P> +"I know that. She is the daughter of that absurd Mrs. Octagon, with +the meek husband and the fine opinion of herself." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. But Juliet is the niece of Miss Loach." +</P> + +<P> +"What!" Jennings sprang from his chair with a look of surprise; "do you +mean to tell me that Mrs. Octagon is Miss Loach's sister." +</P> + +<P> +"I do. They quarrelled many years ago, and have not been friendly for +years. Mrs. Octagon would never go and see her sister, but she did not +forbid her children being friendly. As you may guess, Mrs. Octagon is +much distressed about the murder, but the strange thing is that she +declares this death renders it impossible for me to marry her daughter." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings looked searchingly at his friend. "That is strange. Does she +give no reason?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. But knowing my uncle knew her when she was a girl, I thought I +would ask him what he thought. He told me that he had once been +engaged to Miss Loach, and—" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, go on," said Miles, seeing Cuthbert hesitating. +</P> + +<P> +"There was another lady in the case." +</P> + +<P> +"There usually is," said Jennings dryly. "Well?" +</P> + +<P> +"The other lady's name was Saul—Emilia Saul." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh," Miles sat down again. He had remained standing for a few +moments. "Saul was the name you mentioned in connection with the +coining case of twenty years ago." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert nodded, and now, being fully convinced that he badly needed +Jennings' aid, he told all that he had heard from Caranby, and detailed +what his mother had said. Also, he touched on the speech of Mrs. +Octagon, and repeated the warning he had given her. Miles listened +quietly, but made no remark till his friend finished. +</P> + +<P> +"You have told me all you know?" he asked. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. I want you to help me. Not that I think what I have learned has +anything to do with the case." +</P> + +<P> +"I'm not so sure of that," said Jennings musingly, his eyes on the +carpet. "Mrs. Octagon bases her refusal to allow the marriage on the +fact of the death. However, you have warned her, and she must take the +consequence." +</P> + +<P> +"But, my dear Jennings, you don't think she has anything to do with the +matter. I assure you she is a good, kind woman—" +</P> + +<P> +"With a violent temper, according to your mother," finished Jennings +dryly. "However, don't alarm yourself. I don't think she is guilty." +</P> + +<P> +"I should think not," cried Mallow, indignantly. "Juliet's mother!" +</P> + +<P> +"But she may have something to do with the matter all the same. +However, you have been plain with me, and I will do all I can to help +you. The first thing is for us to follow up the clue of the portrait." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, yes! I had quite forgotten that," said Mallow, casting a look on +the photograph which lay near at hand. "Just pass it, will you." +</P> + +<P> +Miles did so. "You say you recognize it," he said. +</P> + +<P> +"I recognize my own face. I had several portraits done like this. I +think this one—" Mallow looked at the inscription which he read for +the first time, and his face grew pale. +</P> + +<P> +"What is it?" asked Miles eagerly. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know," faltered the other uneasily. +</P> + +<P> +"You recognize the inscription?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I certainly wrote that." +</P> + +<P> +"It is quite a tender inscription," said Miles, his eyes on the +disturbed face of the other. "'With my dear love,' it reads." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert laid down the portrait and nodded. "Yes! That is the +inscription," he said in low tones, and his eyes sought the carpet. +</P> + +<P> +"You wrote that to a servant." +</P> + +<P> +"What servant?" +</P> + +<P> +"The new parlor-maid engaged by Miss Loach on the day of her +death—Susan Grant." +</P> + +<P> +"I remember the name. I saw it in the papers." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you know the girl well?" asked Jennings. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know her at all." +</P> + +<P> +"Come now. A man doesn't give a portrait with such an inscription to +any unknown girl, nor to one he is not in love with." +</P> + +<P> +"Jennings," cried Mallow indignantly, "how can you think—" his voice +died away and he clenched his hands. +</P> + +<P> +"What am I to think then?" demanded the detective. +</P> + +<P> +"What you like." +</P> + +<P> +"That you love this Susan Grant?" +</P> + +<P> +"I tell you I never set eyes on her," said Cuthbert violently. +</P> + +<P> +"Then how does she come into possession of your portrait?" asked the +other. Then seeing that Mallow refused to speak, he laid a persuasive +hand on his shoulder. "You must speak out," he said quickly, "you have +told me so much you must tell me all. Matters can't stand as they are. +No," here Jennings looked straight into Mallow's eyes, "you did not +give that portrait to Susan Grant." +</P> + +<P> +"I never said so." +</P> + +<P> +"Don't be an ass, Mallow. You say you don't know the girl, therefore +you can hardly have given her the photograph. Now the inscription +shows that it was given to a woman you are in love with. You told me +when you introduced me to Miss Saxon that she was the only woman you +ever loved. Therefore you gave this portrait with its tender +inscription to her." +</P> + +<P> +"I—I can't say." +</P> + +<P> +"You mean you won't trust me," said Jennings. +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert rose quickly and flung off his friend's arm. "I wish to +Heaven I had never opened my mouth to you," he said. +</P> + +<P> +"My dear fellow, you should show more confidence in me. I know quite +well why you won't acknowledge that you gave this photograph to Miss +Saxon. You think it will implicate her in the matter." +</P> + +<P> +"Jennings!" cried Cuthbert, his face growing red and fierce. +</P> + +<P> +"Wait a moment," resumed the other calmly and without flinching. "I +can explain. You gave the photograph to Miss Saxon. She gave it to +Miss Loach, and Susan Grant falling in love with your face, took +possession of it. It was found in her trunk." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes—yes, that's it!" cried Mallow, catching at a straw. "I did give +the photograph to Juliet, and no doubt she gave it to her aunt. It +would be easy for this girl to take it. Though why she should steal +it," said Cuthbert perplexed, "I really can't say!" +</P> + +<P> +"You don't know her?" asked Jennings. +</P> + +<P> +"No. Really, I don't. The name is quite unknown to me. What is the +girl like in appearance?" Jennings described Susan to the best of his +ability, but Cuthbert shook his head. "No, I never saw her. You say +she had this photograph in her trunk?" Then, on receiving an +affirmative reply, "She may have found it lying about and have taken +it, though why she should I can't say." +</P> + +<P> +"So you said before," said Jennings dryly. "But strange as it may +appear, Mallow, this girl is in love with you." +</P> + +<P> +"How do you know that?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, you see," said Miles, slowly. "After the murder I searched the +boxes of the servants in the house for the weapon." +</P> + +<P> +"But there was no danger of them being accused?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. Nor would I have searched their boxes had they not insisted. But +they were all so afraid of being accused, that they wished to exonerate +themselves as much as possible. The fact that the whole four were in +the kitchen together at the time the crime was committed quite clears +them. However, they insisted, so I looked into their boxes. I found +this photograph in the box of the new housemaid. She refused to state +how it came into her possession, and became so red, and wept so much, +that I soon saw that she loved you." +</P> + +<P> +"But I tell you it's ridiculous. I don't know the girl—and a servant, +too. Pshaw!" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, then, I must get her to see you, and possibly some explanation +may be made. I took possession of the photograph—" +</P> + +<P> +"Why? On what grounds should my photograph interest you, Jennings?" +</P> + +<P> +"On the grounds that you are a friend of mine, and that I knew your +face the moment I saw it. I naturally asked the girl how it came into +her possession, as I know your tastes don't lie in the way of pretty +parlor-maids, however attractive. It was her reply which made me take +the portrait and come to ask you for an explanation." +</P> + +<P> +"What reply did she make?" demanded Cuthbert, exasperated by the false +position he was placed in. +</P> + +<P> +"She said that she would explain nothing in case you should get into +trouble with the police. Can you explain that?" +</P> + +<P> +"No," said Mallow, perplexed. "I really cannot be responsible for the +vagaries of a parlor-maid. I don't know the name Susan Grant, and from +your description of her appearance, I never set eyes on her. I am +quite sure your explanation is the correct one. Juliet gave it to her +aunt, and for some ridiculous reason this girl stole it." +</P> + +<P> +"But her remark about the police." +</P> + +<P> +Mallow made a gesture of helplessness, and leaned his elbow on the +mantelpiece. "I can't guess what she means. Well, what will you do +now, Jennings?" +</P> + +<P> +"First, I shall get the girl to come here and see you. Then I shall +ask Miss Saxon why she gave the photograph to Miss Loach. You were not +a favorite with the old lady, I gather." +</P> + +<P> +"On the contrary, she liked me much more than I did her." +</P> + +<P> +"You see. She liked you so much that she insisted on having your +photograph. I must ask Miss Saxon when she gave it. Will you let me +bring this girl to see you to-morrow?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly. But it's all very unpleasant." +</P> + +<P> +The detective rose to go. "Most matters connected with a crime are, my +dear fellow," said he calmly. "I only hope there will not be any more +unpleasantness." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't say what I mean—yet." +</P> + +<P> +"You are mysterious, Jennings." +</P> + +<P> +"I am perplexed. I don't seem to advance. However, I intend to follow +up the clue of your photograph, though if the explanation I suggest is +the true one, there's nothing more to be said. But the girl, Susan +Grant, has not the look of a thief." +</P> + +<P> +"That means, I gave her the photograph," said Cuthbert haughtily. +</P> + +<P> +"Not necessarily," rejoined Jennings, putting on his overcoat. "But I +will not theorize any more. Wait till I confront the girl with you in +a few days. Then we may force her to speak." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert shrugged his shoulders. "As you please. But I really am at a +loss to think what she will say." +</P> + +<P> +"So am I," said Jennings, as they walked to the door. "That is why I +am anxious to see her and you together. And, after all, I may have +found only a mare's nest." +</P> + +<P> +"You certainly have so far as I am concerned. By the way, when is the +body to be buried?" +</P> + +<P> +"The day after to-morrow. Then the will has to be read. I hope the +old lady will leave you some money, Mallow. She was reported to be +rich. Oh, by the way, I'll look up that Saul coining case you speak +of." +</P> + +<P> +"Why?" asked Mallow, bluntly and uneasily. +</P> + +<P> +"It may have some bearing on this matter. Only in the past will we +find the truth. And Miss Selina Loach certainly knew Miss Saul." +</P> + +<P> +As Jennings departed the postman came up the stairs with the late +letters. Cuthbert found one from Juliet and opened it at once. It +contained one line— +</P> + +<P> +"Don't see the police about aunt's death—JULIET." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert Mallow slept very badly that night. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap08"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER VIII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE COURSE OF TRUE LOVE +</H3> + +<P> +The most obvious thing for Cuthbert to do was to seek Juliet and ask +for an explanation of her mysterious note. He went to the "Shrine of +the Muses" the very next day, but was informed that Miss Saxon and her +mother had gone out of town and would not be back for a few days. He +could not learn where they were, and was leaving the house somewhat +disconsolately when he met Basil. +</P> + +<P> +"You here, Mallow," said that young gentleman, stopping short, "have +you been to see my mother?" +</P> + +<P> +"I went to see Juliet," replied Cuthbert, not sorry that the meeting +had taken place, "but I hear she is out of town." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, not exactly. The fact is, she and my mother have gone down to +Rose Cottage and intend to stop there until the funeral is over and the +will is read." +</P> + +<P> +"The will?" echoed Mallow. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. Aunt Selina is likely to leave a great deal of money. I expect +it will all go to Juliet. She never liked me." +</P> + +<P> +"Yet you were frequently at her house." +</P> + +<P> +"I was," confessed Basil candidly. "I tried to make myself as civil as +possible, so that she might remember me. Between ourselves, Mallow, I +am deuced hard up. My mother hasn't much money, I have none of my own, +and old Octagon is as stingy as he well can be." +</P> + +<P> +This sounded well coming from an idler who never did a stroke of work, +and who lived on the charity of his step-father. But Basil had +peculiar views as to money. He considered himself a genius, and that +Peter should be proud to support him until, as he phrased it, he had +"stamped his name on the age"! But the stamping took a long time, and +Basil troubled himself very little about the matter. He remarked that +genius should not be forced, and loafed away the greater portion of his +days. His mother kept him in pocket-money and clothes, Peter supplied +board and lodging, and Basil got through life very pleasantly. He +wished to be famous, to have his name in every mouth and his portrait +in every paper; but the work that was necessary to obtain these +desirable things he was unwilling to do. Cuthbert knew that the young +fellow had been "born tired"! and although something of an idler +himself, liked Basil none the more for his laziness. Had Mallow been +poor he would certainly have earned his bread, but he had a good income +and did not work. And, after all, he only pursued the way of life in +which he had been brought up. But Basil was poor and had his career to +make, therefore he certainly should have labored. However, for +Juliet's sake, Cuthbert was as polite as possible. +</P> + +<P> +"If I were you, Saxon, I should leave cards alone," said Mallow. +</P> + +<P> +"Nonsense! I don't play high. Besides, I have seen you at Maraquito's +also losing a lot." +</P> + +<P> +"I can afford to lose," said Cuthbert dryly, "you can't." +</P> + +<P> +"No, by Jove, you're right there. But don't preach, Mallow, you ain't +such a saint yourself." +</P> + +<P> +"Can I help you with a cheque?" +</P> + +<P> +Basil had good breeding enough to color. +</P> + +<P> +"No! I didn't explain myself for that," he said coldly, "and besides, +if Juliet comes in for Aunt Selina's money, I'll get some. Juliet and +I always share." +</P> + +<P> +This meant that Juliet was to give the money and Basil to spend it. +Mallow was disgusted with this candid selfishness. However, he did not +wish to quarrel with Basil, as he knew Juliet was fond of him, and +moreover, in the present state of affairs, he was anxious to have +another friend besides Mr. Octagon in the house. "Perhaps Miss Loach +may have left you some money after all," he remarked. +</P> + +<P> +"By Jove, I hope so. I'll be in a hole if she has not. There's a +bill—" here he stopped, as though conscious of having said too much. +"But that will come into Juliet's possession," he murmured. +</P> + +<P> +"What's that?" asked Cuthbert sharply. +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing—nothing—only a tailor's bill. As to getting money by the +will, don't you know I quarrelled with Aunt Selina a week before her +death. Yes, she turned me out of the house." Here Basil's face +assumed what may be described as an ugly look. "I should like to have +got even with the old cat. She insulted me." +</P> + +<P> +"Gently, old fellow," said Mallow, seeing that Basil was losing his +temper, and having occasionally seen him in fits of uncontrollable +passion, "we're in the public street." +</P> + +<P> +Basil's brow cleared. "All right," he said, "don't bother, I'll be all +right when Juliet gets the money. By the way, mother tells me you are +not going to marry her." +</P> + +<P> +"Your mother is mistaken," rejoined Mallow gravely. "Juliet and I are +still engaged. I do not intend to give her up." +</P> + +<P> +"I told mother you would not give in easily," said Basil, frowning, +"but you can't marry Juliet." +</P> + +<P> +"Why not?" asked Cuthbert sharply; "do you know the reason?" +</P> + +<P> +Basil appeared about to say something, then suddenly closed his mouth +and shook his head. +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert pressed him. "If you know the reason, tell me," he said, "and +I'll help you out of your difficulties. You know I love Juliet, and +your mother does not seem to have any excuse to forbid the marriage." +</P> + +<P> +"I would help you if I could, but I can't. You had better ask Juliet +herself. She may tell you the reason." +</P> + +<P> +"How can I find her?" +</P> + +<P> +"Go down to Rose Cottage and ask to see her," suggested Basil. +</P> + +<P> +"Your mother will not admit me." +</P> + +<P> +"That's true enough. Well, I'll tell you what, Mallow, I'll speak to +Juliet and get her to make an appointment to see you." +</P> + +<P> +"I could write and ask her for one myself." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, no, you couldn't. Mother will intercept all letters." +</P> + +<P> +"Upon my word—" began Mallow angrily, then stopped. It was useless to +show his wrath before this silly boy, who could do no good and might do +a deal of harm. "Very well, then," he said more mildly, "ask Juliet to +meet me on the other side of Rexton, under the wall which runs round +the unfinished house." +</P> + +<P> +Basil started. "Why that place?" he asked nervously. +</P> + +<P> +"It is as good as any other." +</P> + +<P> +"You can't get inside." +</P> + +<P> +"That's true enough. But we can meet outside. I have been inside +though, and I made a mess of myself climbing the wall." +</P> + +<P> +"You were inside," began Basil, then suddenly appeared relieved. "I +remember; you were there on the day after Aunt Selina was killed." +</P> + +<P> +"I have been there before that," said Cuthbert, wondering why the young +man avoided his eye in so nervous a manner. +</P> + +<P> +"Not at—at night?" murmured Saxon, looking away. +</P> + +<P> +"Once I was there at night. Why do you ask?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, nothing—nothing. I was just thinking it's a wild place in which +to find one's self at night. By the way," added Basil, as though +anxious to change a disagreeable subject, "do you think Jarvey Hale a +nice fellow?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, I don't. I have met him at Maraquito's, and I don't like him. +He's a bounder. Moreover, a respectable lawyer has no right to gamble +to the extent he does. I wonder Miss Loach trusted him." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps she didn't know of his gambling," said Basil, his eyes +wandering everywhere but to the face of his companion; "but, should you +think Hale would be hard on a fellow?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I should. Do you owe him money?" +</P> + +<P> +"A few pounds. He won't give me time to pay. And I say, Mallow, I +suppose all Aunt Selina's affairs will be left in Hale's hands?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't say. It depends upon the will. If everything is left to +Juliet, unconditionally, she may take her affairs out of Hale's hands. +I should certainly advise her to do so. He's too intimate with +Maraquito and her gambling salon to be a decent lawyer." +</P> + +<P> +"You do seem down on gambling," said Basil, "yet you gamble yourself a +lot. But I expect Juliet will change her lawyer. I hope she will." +</P> + +<P> +"Why?" asked Cuthbert sharply. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh," replied Basil, confused, "because I agree with you. A gambler +will not make a good lawyer—or a good husband either," he added in an +abrupt tone. "Good-day. I'll tell Juliet," and he was off before +Mallow could find words to answer his last remark. +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert, walking back to his rooms, wondered if it was on account of +the gambling that Mrs. Octagon objected to the marriage. He really did +not gamble much, but occasionally he dropped into Maraquito's house, +and there lost or won a few pounds. Here he had often met Basil, and +without doubt the young man had told his mother. But he could hardly +do this without incriminating himself. All the same, Basil was a +thorough liar, and a confirmed tattler. He might have blackened +Mallow's character, and yet have told a story to exonerate himself. +His friendship appeared feigned, and Cuthbert doubted if he would +really tell Juliet of the appointment. +</P> + +<P> +"That young man's in trouble," thought Mallow, "he is anxious about +Hale, and I shouldn't wonder if that respectable person had lent him a +large sum of money. Probably he counts on getting the money from +Juliet, should she inherit the fortune of Miss Loach. Also he seems +annoyed that I should have been in Caranby's unfinished house at night. +I wonder what he would say if he knew my reason for going there. +Humph! I must keep that quiet. The only person I dare tell is Juliet; +but I can't speak to her about the matter just yet. And after all, +there is no need to mention my visit. It does not concern her in the +least. I wonder," here Cuthbert stopped, struck with an idea. "By +George! can it be that Basil was near Rose Cottage on the night the +crime was committed? Juliet may know that, and so, fearful lest he +should be accused of the murder, asked me to stop proceedings. Can +Basil Saxon be guilty? No," Mallow shook his head and resumed his +walk, "he has not pluck enough to kill a fly." +</P> + +<P> +After this he dismissed the matter from his thoughts and waited +expectant of a letter from Juliet. None came, and he was convinced +that Basil had not delivered the message. This being the case, +Cuthbert determined to act for himself, and one afternoon went down to +Rexton. That same evening he had an appointment with Jennings, who was +to bring Susan Grant to Mallow's rooms. But the young man quite +expected to be back in time to keep the appointment, and meantime he +spent an hour wandering round Rexton in the vicinity of Rose Cottage. +But afraid lest Mrs. Octagon should see him and keep Juliet within +doors, he abstained from passing in front of the house and waited on +the path which led to the station. +</P> + +<P> +While watching the cottage, a young woman came along the path. She was +neatly dressed and looked like a servant. Cuthbert pressed himself +against the quickset hedge to allow her to pass, as there was very +little room. The girl started as she murmured her thanks, and grew +crimson on seeing his face. Cuthbert, not thinking, gave a passing +thought to her looks and wondered why she had blushed. But when he saw +her enter the gate of Rose Cottage—she looked back twice—he recalled +the description of Jennings. +</P> + +<P> +"By George!" he thought, "that was Susan Grant. I wish I had spoken to +her. I wonder why she blushed. She can't be in love with me, as I +never saw her before. All the same, it is strange about the portrait." +</P> + +<P> +It was now about four o'clock, and Cuthbert fancied that after all it +would be best to boldly ring at the door and ask admission, in spite of +Mrs. Octagon. +</P> + +<P> +But while hesitating to risk all his chances of seeing Juliet on one +throw of fortune's dice, the matter was decided for him by the +appearance of Juliet herself. She came out of the gate and walked +directly towards the path. It would seem as though she expected to +find Cuthbert, for she walked straight up to him and caught his hand. +There was no one about to see their meeting, but Juliet was not +disposed to behave tenderly. +</P> + +<P> +"Why are you here?" she asked. "Susan Grant told me you—" +</P> + +<P> +"Susan Grant!" echoed Cuthbert, resolved not to know too much in the +presence of Juliet. "I saw her name in the papers. How does she know +me?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't say," said Juliet quickly; "come along this way." She hurried +along the narrow path, talking all the time. "She came in just now and +said you were waiting in the by-path. I came out at once. I don't +want my mother to see you." +</P> + +<P> +"Really!" cried Cuthbert, rather nettled. "I don't see that I have any +reason to avoid Mrs. Octagon." +</P> + +<P> +"She will not allow me to see you. If she knew I was meeting you she +would be very angry. We are here only till to-morrow. Now that Aunt +Selina is buried and the will read, we return to Kensington at once. +Come this way. Let us get into the open. I don't wish my mother to +follow and find me speaking to you." +</P> + +<P> +They emerged into a waste piece of land, distant a stone-throw from the +railway station, but secluded by reason of many trees and shrubs. +These, belonging to the old Rexton estate, had not yet been rooted up +by the builder, and there ran a path through the heart of the miniature +wood leading to the station. When quite screened from observation by +the friendly leafage, Juliet turned quickly. She was pale and ill in +looks, and there were dark circles under her eyes which told of +sleepless nights. But she was dressed with her usual care and behaved +in a composed manner. +</P> + +<P> +"I wish you had not come, Cuthbert," she said, again taking his hand, +"at least not at present. Later on—" +</P> + +<P> +"I wanted to see you at once," said Mallow, determinedly. "Did not +Basil tell you so?" +</P> + +<P> +Juliet shook her head. "He said he met you the other day, but gave me +no message." +</P> + +<P> +"Then he is not the friend I took him to be," said Mallow angrily. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't be angry with Basil," said Juliet, gently. "The poor boy has +quite enough trouble." +</P> + +<P> +"Of his own making," finished Cuthbert, thoroughly annoyed. "See here, +Juliet, this sort of thing can't go on. I have done nothing to warrant +my being treated like this. Your mother is mad to behave as she is +doing. I insist on an explanation." +</P> + +<P> +Juliet did not pay attention to this hasty speech. "How do you know +Basil has troubles?" she asked hurriedly. +</P> + +<P> +"Because I know he's a dissipated young ass," returned Mallow roughly; +"and I daresay you know it also." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you allude to his playing cards?" she asked quickly. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. He has no right to tell you these things. But I know he is in +debt to Hale—he hinted as much the other day. I would say nothing of +this to you, but that I know he counts on your paying his debts. I +tell you, Juliet, it is wrong for you to do so." +</P> + +<P> +"How do you know I can?" she asked. +</P> + +<P> +"I know nothing," said Cuthbert doggedly, "not even if you have +inherited the money of Miss Loach." +</P> + +<P> +"I have inherited it. She left everything to me, save legacies to +Thomas her servant, and to Emily Pill, the cook. It is a large fortune. +The will was read on the day of the funeral. I have now six thousand a +year." +</P> + +<P> +"So much as that? How did your aunt make such a lot of money?" +</P> + +<P> +"Mr. Hale speculated a great deal on her account, and, he is very +lucky. At least so he told me. But the money is well invested and +there are no restrictions. I can easily pay the few debts Basil owes, +poor boy. You are too hard on him." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps I am. But he is so foolish, and he doesn't like me. I believe +he puts you against me, Juliet." +</P> + +<P> +The girl threw her arms round his neck. "Nothing in the world would +ever put me against you, Cuthbert," she whispered vehemently. "I love +you—I love you—with all my heart and soul, with every fibre of my +being do I love you. I don't care what mother says, I love you." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, then," said Cuthbert, between kisses, "since you are now rich +and your own mistress—not that I care about the money—why not marry +me at once?" +</P> + +<P> +Juliet drew back, and her eyes dilated with fear. "I dare not—I dare +not," she whispered. "You don't know what you ask." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes I do. Juliet, what is all this mystery about? I could not +understand the meaning of your letter." +</P> + +<P> +"Did you do what I asked?" she panted. +</P> + +<P> +"It was too late. I had told Jennings the detective all I knew." +</P> + +<P> +"You were not afraid?" +</P> + +<P> +"Afraid!" echoed Cuthbert, opening his eyes. "What do you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +She looked into his eyes. "No," she said to herself, "he is not +afraid." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert lost his temper. "I don't understand all this," he declared, +"if you would only speak out. But I can guess why you wish me to stop +the proceedings—you fear for Basil!" +</P> + +<P> +She stepped back a pace. "For Basil?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. From what he hinted the other day I believe he was about this +place on the night of the—" +</P> + +<P> +"Where are your proofs?" she gasped, recoiling. +</P> + +<P> +"I have none. I am only speaking on chance. But Basil is in monetary +difficulties—he is in debt to Hale—he counted on you inheriting the +money of Miss Loach to pay his debts. He—" +</P> + +<P> +"Stop! stop!" cried Juliet, the blood rising to her face, "this is only +supposition. You can prove nothing." +</P> + +<P> +"Then why do you wish me to hold my tongue?" +</P> + +<P> +"There is nothing for you to hold your tongue about," she answered +evasively. "You know nothing." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert caught her hands and looked into her troubled eyes. "Do you, +Juliet—do you? Put an end to this mystery and speak out." +</P> + +<P> +She broke from him and fled. "No," she cried, "for your sake I keep +silent. For your own sake stop the action of the detective." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap09"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER IX +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +ANOTHER MYSTERY +</H3> + +<P> +When Jennings arrived that evening according to appointment, he found +Mallow in a state of desperation. Juliet's conduct perplexed the young +man to such an extent that he felt as though on the point of losing his +reason. He was quite delighted when he saw Jennings and thus had +someone with a clear head in whom to confide. +</P> + +<P> +"What's the matter?" asked Jennings, who at once saw that something was +wrong from Cuthbert's anxious face. +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing, save that I am being driven out of my senses. I am glad you +have come, Jennings. Things are getting more mysterious every day. I +am determined to get to the bottom of this murder case if only for my +own peace of mind. I am with you heart and soul. I have the detective +fever with a vengeance. You can count on my assistance in every way." +</P> + +<P> +"All right, my dear chap," said the other soothingly, "sit down and let +us have a quiet talk before this girl arrives." +</P> + +<P> +"Susan Grant. I saw her to-day." +</P> + +<P> +"Did you speak to her?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. I only guessed that she was the girl you talked about from your +description and from the fact that she entered Rose Cottage." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah," said Jennings, taking a seat, "so you have been down there?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. I'll tell you all about it. I don't know if I'm sane or insane, +Jennings. When does this girl arrive?" +</P> + +<P> +The detective glanced at his watch. "At half-past eight. She'll be +here in half an hour. Go on. What's up?" +</P> + +<P> +"Read this," said Cuthbert, and passed along the note from Juliet. "I +received that immediately after you went the other night." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings read the note with a thoughtful look, then laid it aside and +stared at his friend. "It is strange that she should write in that +way," said he. "I should have thought she would wish to learn who +killed her aunt. What does she mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't tell you. I met her to-day," and Cuthbert gave details of his +visit to Rexton and the interview with Juliet. "Now what does she +mean," he added in his turn, "talking as though I had something to do +with the matter?" +</P> + +<P> +"Someone's been poisoning her mind. That brother of hers, perhaps." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you know of him?" asked Cuthbert quickly. +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing good. He's an hysterical idiot. Gambles a lot and falls into +rages when he loses. At times I don't think he's responsible for his +actions." +</P> + +<P> +Mallow threw himself back in his chair biting his moustache. Every word +Jennings spoke made him more confident that Basil had something to do +with the crime. But why Juliet should hint at his own guilt Cuthbert +could not imagine. Had he been calmer he might have hesitated to tell +Jennings about Basil. But, exasperated by Juliet's half confidence, and +anxious to learn the truth, he gave the detective a full account of his +meeting with the young man. "What do you make of that?" he asked. +</P> + +<P> +"Well," said Jennings doubtfully, "there's nothing much to go upon in +what he said. He's in difficulties with Hale certainly—" +</P> + +<P> +"And he seemed anxious about my having been in Caranby's grounds at +night." "Were you there?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. I did not intend to say anything about it, but I must tell you +everything so that you can put things straight between me and Juliet. +I can't understand her. But I am sure her mother and Basil are trying +to influence her against me. I should not be surprised to learn that +they accused me of this murder." +</P> + +<P> +"But on what grounds?" asked Jennings quickly. +</P> + +<P> +"We'll come to that presently. But I now see why neither Basil nor his +mother want the marriage to take place. By the will of Miss Loach +Juliet comes in for six thousand a year, which is completely at her own +disposal. Mrs. Octagon and her pet boy want to have the handling of +that. They know if Juliet becomes my wife I won't let them prey on +her, so immediately Miss Loach died the mother withdrew her consent to +the marriage, and now she is being backed up by Basil." +</P> + +<P> +"But I thought Mrs. Octagon was well off?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. Saxon, her late husband, left her very little, and Octagon, for +all his meekness, knows how to keep his money. Both mother and son are +extravagant, so they hope to make poor Juliet their banker. In some +way they have implicated me in the crime, and Juliet thinks that I am +in danger of the gallows. That is why she wrote that mysterious note, +Jennings. To-day she asked me to stop proceedings for my own sake, +which shows that she thinks me guilty. I could not get a further +explanation from her, as she ran away. Hang it!" Cuthbert jumped up +angrily, "if she'd only tell me the truth and speak straight out. I +can't understand this silence on her part." +</P> + +<P> +"I can," said Jennings promptly, "in some way Basil is mixed up in the +matter, and his accusing you means his acknowledging that he was near +Rose Cottage on the night of the crime. He funks making so damaging an +admission." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, I daresay," said Cuthbert, "particularly as he quarrelled with his +aunt a week before the death." +</P> + +<P> +"Did he quarrel with her?" +</P> + +<P> +"Of course. Didn't I tell you what he said to-day. He's in a fine +rage with the dead woman. And you know what an uncontrollable temper +he has. I've seen him rage at Maraquito's when he lost at baccarat. +Silly ass! He can't play decently and lose his money like a gentleman. +How Juliet ever came to have such a bounder for a brother I can't +imagine. She's the soul of honor, and Basil—bah!" +</P> + +<P> +"He quarrelled with his aunt," murmured Jennings, "and he has a violent +temper, as we both knew. Humph! He may have something to do with the +matter. Do you know where he was on that night?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. Juliet and he went to the Marlow Theatre to see a melodrama by a +new playwright." +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" said Jennings half to himself, "and the Marlow Theatre is not far +from Rexton. I'll make a note of that. Had they a box?" +</P> + +<P> +"I believe so. It was sent by the man who wrote the play." +</P> + +<P> +"Who is he?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't say. One of that lot who play at being poets in Octagon +House. A set of idiots. But what do you make of all this, Jennings?" +</P> + +<P> +"I think with you that Mrs. Octagon and her cub of a son are trying to +stop the marriage by bringing you into the matter of the crime. Were +you down there on that night?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," said Cuthbert with hesitation, and to Jennings' surprise, "I did +not intend to say anything about it, as my uncle asked me to hold my +tongue. But since things have come to this pass, you may as well know +that I was there—and about the time of the murder too." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings sat up and stared. "Great heavens! Mallow, why didn't you +tell me this the other night?" +</P> + +<P> +"You might have arrested me then and there," retorted Cuthbert. "I +promised my uncle to hold my tongue. But now—" +</P> + +<P> +"You will tell me all. My dear fellow, make a clean breast of it." +</P> + +<P> +"Rest easy, you shall learn everything. You know that the house at the +back of Rose Cottage has been deserted for something like twenty years +more or less." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. You told me about it the other night." +</P> + +<P> +"Caranby ran a fifteen-feet wall round it and the inside is a regular +jungle. Well, the house is supposed to be haunted. Lights have been +seen moving about and strange noises have been heard." +</P> + +<P> +"What kind of noises?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, moans and clanking chains and all that sort of thing. I heard +indirectly about this, through Juliet." +</P> + +<P> +"Where did she hear the report?" +</P> + +<P> +"From Miss Loach's cook. A woman called Pill. The cook asserted that +the house was haunted, and described the noises and the lights. I +don't believe in spooks myself, and thought some tricks were being +played, so one day I went down and had a look." +</P> + +<P> +"That day I was there?" asked Jennings, recalling Cuthbert's presence. +</P> + +<P> +"Before that—a week or two. I saw nothing. The house is rotting and +nothing appeared to be disturbed. I examined the park and found no +footmarks. In fact, there wasn't a sign of anyone about." +</P> + +<P> +"You should have gone at night when the ghost was larking." +</P> + +<P> +"That's what Caranby said. I told him when he came back to London. He +was very annoyed. You know his romance about that house—an absurd +thing it is. All the same, Caranby is tender on the point. I advised +him to pull the house down and let the land out for building leases. +He thought he would, but asked me to go at night and stir up the ghost. +I went on the night of the murder, and got into the grounds by climbing +the wall. There's no gate, you know." +</P> + +<P> +"At what time?" +</P> + +<P> +"Some time between ten and eleven. I'm not quite sure." +</P> + +<P> +"Good heavens! man, that is the very hour the woman was killed!" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. And for that reason I held my tongue; particularly as I got over +the wall near the cottage." +</P> + +<P> +"Where do you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, there's a field of corn nearly ready to be cut near the cottage. +It's divided from the garden by a fence. I came along the foot-path +that leads from the station and jumped the fence." +</P> + +<P> +"Did you enter Miss Loach's grounds?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. I had no right to. I saw a light in the basement, but I did not +take much notice. I was too anxious to find the ghost. Well, I ran +along the fence—on the field-of-corn side, remember, and got over the +wall. Then I dodged through the park, scratching myself a lot. I +could find nothing. The house seemed quiet enough, so after a quarter +of an hour I had enough of it. I got out over the wall on the other +side and came home. I caught a cold which necessitated my wearing a +great-coat the next day. So there you have my ghost-hunting, and a +fine fool I was to go." +</P> + +<P> +"I wish you had told me this before, Mallow." +</P> + +<P> +"If I had, you would have thought I'd killed the old woman. But I tell +you now, as I want this matter sifted to the bottom. I refused to +speak before, as I didn't wish to be dragged into the case." +</P> + +<P> +"Did you see anything in the cottage?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not a thing. I saw no one—I heard no sound." +</P> + +<P> +"Not even a scream?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not even a scream," said Mallow; "had I heard anything I should have +gone to see what was the matter." +</P> + +<P> +"Strange!" murmured Jennings, "can't you tell the exact time?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not to a minute. It was shortly after ten. I can't say how many +minutes. Perhaps a quarter of an hour. But not suspecting anything +was going to happen, I didn't look at my watch." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings looked thoughtfully at the carpet. "I wonder if the assassin +escaped that way," he murmured. +</P> + +<P> +"Which way?" +</P> + +<P> +"Over the wall and through the park. You see, he could not have gone +up the lane or through the railway path without stumbling against that +policeman. But he might have slipped out of the front door at +half-past ten and climbed as you did over the wall to cross the park +and drop over the other. In this way he would elude the police." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps," said Cuthbert disbelievingly; "but it was nearly eleven when +I left the park. If anyone had been at my heels I would have noticed." +</P> + +<P> +"I am not so sure of that. The park, as you say, is a kind of jungle. +The man might have seen you and have taken his precautions. Moreover," +added the detective, sitting up alertly, "he might have written to Miss +Saxon saying he saw you on that night. And she—" +</P> + +<P> +"Bosh!" interrupted Mallow roughly, "he would give himself away." +</P> + +<P> +"Not if the letter was anonymous." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps," said the other again; "but Basil may have been about the +place and have accused me." +</P> + +<P> +"In that case he must explain his reason for being in the neighborhood +at that hour. But he won't, and you may be sure Miss Saxon, for his +sake, will hold her tongue. No, Mallow. Someone accuses you to Miss +Saxon—Basil or another. If we could only make her speak—" +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert shook his head. "I fear it's impossible." +</P> + +<P> +"Why not let me arrest you," suggested Jennings, "and then, if at +anytime, she would speak." +</P> + +<P> +"Hang it, no!" cried Mallow in dismay, "that would be too realistic, +Jennings. I don't want it known that I was hanging about the place on +that night. My explanation might not be believed. In any case, people +would throw mud at me, considering I am engaged to the niece of the +dead woman." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes! I can see that. Well," Jennings rose and stretched himself. "I +must see what Susan has to say"; he glanced at his watch; "she should +be here in a few minutes." +</P> + +<P> +A silence ensued which was broken by Jennings. "Oh, by the way," he +said, taking some papers out of his pocket, "I looked up the Saul case." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, what about it?" asked Cuthbert indolently +</P> + +<P> +Jennings referred to his notes. "The Saul family" he said, "seem to +have been a bad lot. There was a mother, a brother and a daughter—" +</P> + +<P> +"Emilia!" +</P> + +<P> +"Just so. They were all coiners. Somewhere in Hampstead they had a +regular factory. Others were mixed up in the matter also, but Mrs. +Saul was the head of the gang. Then Emilia grew tired of the life—I +expect it told on her nerves. She went on the concert platform and met +Caranby. Then she died, as you know. Afterwards the mother and +brother were caught. They bolted. The mother, I believe, died—it was +believed she was poisoned for having betrayed secrets. The brother +went to jail, got out years afterwards on ticket-of-leave, and then +died also. The rest of the gang were put in jail, but I can't say what +became of them." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert shrugged his shoulders. "This does not help us much." +</P> + +<P> +"No. But it shows you what an escape your uncle had from marrying the +woman. I can't understand—" +</P> + +<P> +"No more can Caranby," said Mallow, smiling; "he loved Miss Loach, but +Emilia exercised a kind of hypnotic influence over him. However, she +is dead, and I can see no connection between her and this crime." +</P> + +<P> +"Well," said Jennings soberly, "it appears that some other person +besides the mother gave a clue to the breaking up of the gang and the +whereabouts of the factory. Supposing that person was Selina Loach, +who hated Emilia for having taken Caranby from her. One of the gang +released lately from prison may have killed the old lady out of +revenge." +</P> + +<P> +"What! after all these years?" +</P> + +<P> +"Revenge is a passion that grows with years," said Jennings grimly; "at +all events, I intend to go on ferreting out evidence about this old +coining case, particularly as there are many false coins circulating +now. I should not be surprised to learn that the factory had been set +up again; Miss Loach may have known and—" +</P> + +<P> +"This is all supposition," cried Mallow. "I can't see the slightest +connection between the coiners and this murder. Besides, it does not +explain why Juliet hints at my being implicated." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings did not reply. "There's the bell, too," he murmured, his eyes +on the ground, "that might be explained." He looked up briskly. "I +tell you what, Mallow, this case may turn out to be a bigger thing than +either of us suspect." +</P> + +<P> +"It's quite big enough for me as it is," retorted Cuthbert, "although I +don't know what you mean. All I desire is to get to the root of the +matter and marry Juliet. Find Miss Loach's assassin, Jennings, and +don't bother about this dead-and-gone coining case." +</P> + +<P> +"There's a connection between the two," said Jennings, obstinately; +"it's impossible to say how the connection comes about, but I feel that +a discovery in one case entails a discovery in the other. If I can +prove that Miss Loach was killed by one of the old coiners—" +</P> + +<P> +"What will happen then?" +</P> + +<P> +"I may stumble on the factory that is in existence now." +</P> + +<P> +He would have gone on to explain himself more fully, but that Mallow's +man entered with the information that a young person was waiting and +asked for Mr. Jennings. Mallow ordered the servant to admit her, and +shortly Susan Grant, nervous and blushing, entered the room. +</P> + +<P> +"I am glad to see you," said Jennings, placing a chair for her. "This +is Mr. Mallow. We wish to ask you a few questions." +</P> + +<P> +"I have seen Mr. Mallow before," said Susan, gasping and flushing. +</P> + +<P> +"At Rose Cottage?" said Mallow inquiringly. +</P> + +<P> +"No. When I was with Senora Gredos as parlor-maid." +</P> + +<P> +"Senora Gredos?" said Jennings, before Cuthbert could speak. "Do you +mean Maraquito?" +</P> + +<P> +"I have heard that her name was Maraquito, sir," said Susan calmly. "A +lame lady and fond of cards. She lives in—" +</P> + +<P> +"I know where she lives," said Cuthbert, flushing in his turn. "I went +there occasionally to play cards. I never saw you." +</P> + +<P> +"But I saw you, sir," said the girl fervently. "Often I have watched +you when you thought I wasn't, and—" +</P> + +<P> +"One moment," said Jennings, interrupting. "Let's us get to the pith +of the matter at once. Where did you get Mr. Mallow's portrait?" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't want to say," murmured the girl. +</P> + +<P> +"But you must say," said Mallow angrily. "I order you to confess." +</P> + +<P> +"I kept silent for your sake, sir," she said, her eyes filled with +tears, "but if you must know, I took the portrait from Senora Gredos' +dressing-room when I left her house. And I left it on your account, +sir," she finished defiantly. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap10"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER X +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE PARLOR-MAID'S STORY +</H3> + +<P> +On hearing the confession of the girl, both men looked at one another +in amazement. How could Cuthbert's photograph have come into the +possession of Senora Gredos, and why had Susan Grant stolen it? And +again, why did she hint that she had held her tongue about the matter +for the sake of Mallow? Jennings at once proceeded to get at the truth. +While being examined Susan wept, with an occasional glance at the +bewildered Cuthbert. +</P> + +<P> +"You were with Maraquito as parlor-maid?" +</P> + +<P> +"With Senora Gredos? Yes, sir, for six months." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you know what went on in that house?" +</P> + +<P> +Susan ceased her sobs and stared. "I don't know what you mean," she +said, looking puzzled. "It was a gay house, I know; but there was +nothing wrong that I ever saw, save that I don't hold with cards being +played on Sunday." +</P> + +<P> +"And on every other night of the week," muttered Jennings. "Did you +ever hear Senora Gredos called Maraquito?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sometimes the gentlemen who came to play cards called her by that +name. But she told her maid, who was my friend, that they were old +friends of hers. And I think they were sorry for poor Senora Gredos, +sir," added Miss Grant, naively, "as she suffered so much with her +back. You know, she rarely moved from her couch. It was always +wheeled into the room where the gambling took place." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah. You knew that gambling went on," said Jennings, snapping her up +sharply. "Don't you know that is against the law?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir. Do you know?" +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert could not restrain a laugh. "That's one for you, Jennings," +said he, nodding, "you often went to the Soho house." +</P> + +<P> +"I had my reasons for saying nothing," replied the detective hastily. +"You may be sure I could have ended the matter at once had I spoken to +my chief about it. As it was, I judged it best to let matters remain +as they were, so long as the house was respectably conducted." +</P> + +<P> +"I'm sure it was conducted well, sir," said Susan, who appeared rather +indignant. "Senora Gredos was a most respectable lady." +</P> + +<P> +"She lived alone always, I believe?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir." Then Susan hesitated. "I wonder if she had a mother?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why do you wonder?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, sir, the lady who came to see Miss Loach—" +</P> + +<P> +"Mrs. Herne?" +</P> + +<P> +"I heard her name was Mrs. Herne, but she was as like Senora Gredos as +two peas, save that she was older and had gray hair." +</P> + +<P> +"Hum!" said Jennings, pondering. "Did you ever hear Senora Gredos +speak of Mrs. Herne?" +</P> + +<P> +"Never, sir. But Mrs. Pill—the cook of Miss Loach—said that Mrs. +Herne lived at Hampstead. But she was like my old mistress. When I +opened the door to her I thought she was Senora Gredos. But then the +scent may have made me think that." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings looked up sharply. "The scent? What do you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"Senora Gredos," explained Susan quietly, "used a very nice scent—a +Japanese scent called Hikui. She used no other, and I never met any +lady who did, save Mrs. Herne." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, so Mrs. Herne used it." +</P> + +<P> +"She did, sir. When I opened the door on that night," Susan shuddered, +"the first thing I knew was the smell of Hikui making the passage like +a hairdresser's shop. I leaned forward to see if the lady was Senora +Gredos, and she turned her face away. But I caught sight of it, and if +she isn't some relative of my last mistress, may I never eat bread +again." +</P> + +<P> +"Did Mrs. Herne seem offended when you examined her face?" +</P> + +<P> +"She gave a kind of start—" +</P> + +<P> +"At the sight of you," said Jennings quickly. +</P> + +<P> +"La, no, sir. She never saw me before." +</P> + +<P> +"I'm not so sure of that," muttered the detective. "Did you also +recognize Mr. Clancy and Mr. Hale as having visited the Soho house?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir. I never set eyes on them before." +</P> + +<P> +"But as parlor-maid, you must have opened the door to—" +</P> + +<P> +"Just a moment, sir," said Susan quickly. "I opened the door in the +day when few people came. After eight the page, Gibber, took my place. +And I hardly ever went upstairs, as Senora Gredos told me to keep +below. One evening I did come up and saw—" here her eyes rested on +Cuthbert with a look which made him turn crimson. "I wish I had never +come up on that night." +</P> + +<P> +"See here, my girl," said Mallow irritably, "do you mean to say—" +</P> + +<P> +"Hold on, Mallow," interposed Jennings, "let me ask a question." He +turned to Susan, now weeping again with downcast eyes. "Mr. Mallow's +face made an impression on you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir. But then I knew every line of it before." +</P> + +<P> +"How was that?" +</P> + +<P> +Susan looked up surprised. "The photograph in Senora Gredos' +dressing-room. I often looked at it, and when I left I could not bear +to leave it behind. It was stealing, I know," cried Miss Grant +tearfully, "and I have been brought up respectably, but I couldn't help +myself." +</P> + +<P> +By this time Cuthbert was the color of an autumn sunset. He was a +modest young man, and these barefaced confessions made him wince. He +was about to interpose irritably when Jennings turned on him with a +leading question. "Why did you give that photograph to—" +</P> + +<P> +"Confound it!" cried Mallow, jumping up, "I did no such thing. I knew +Maraquito only as the keeper of the gambling house. There was nothing +between—" +</P> + +<P> +"Don't, sir," said Susan, rising in her turn with a flush of jealousy. +"I saw her kissing the photograph." +</P> + +<P> +"Then she must be crazy," cried Mallow: "I never gave her any occasion +to behave so foolishly. For months I have been engaged, and—" he here +became aware that he was acting foolishly in talking like this to a +love-sick servant, and turned on his heel abruptly. "I'll go in the +next room," said he, "call me when you wish for my presence, Jennings. +I can't possibly stay and listen to this rubbish," and going out, he +banged the door, thereby bringing a fresh burst of tears from Susan +Grant. Every word he said pierced her heart. +</P> + +<P> +"Now I've made him cross," she wailed, "and I would lay down my life +for him—that I would." +</P> + +<P> +"See here, my girl," said Jennings, soothingly and fully prepared to +make use of the girl's infatuation, "it is absurd your being in love +with a gentleman of Mr. Mallow's position." +</P> + +<P> +Miss Grant tossed her head. "I've read Bow-Bells and the Family +Herald, sir," she said positively, "and many a time have I read of a +governess, which is no more than a servant, marrying an earl. And that +Mr. Mallow isn't, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"He will be when Lord Caranby dies," said Jennings, hardly knowing what +to say, "and fiction isn't truth. Besides, Mr. Mallow is engaged." +</P> + +<P> +"I know, sir—to Miss Saxon. Well," poor Susan sighed, "she is a sweet +young lady. I suppose he loves her." +</P> + +<P> +"Devotedly. He will be married soon." +</P> + +<P> +"And she's got Miss Loach's money too," sighed Susan again, "what a +lucky young lady. Handsome looks in a husband and gold galore. A poor +servant like me has to look on and keep her heart up with the Church +Service. But I tell you what, sir," she added, drying her eyes and +apparently becoming resigned, "if I ain't a lady, Senora Gredos is, and +she won't let Mr. Mallow marry Miss Saxon." +</P> + +<P> +"But Mr. Mallow is not in love with Senora Gredos." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps not, sir, but she's in love with him. Yes. You may look and +look, Mr. Jennings, but lame as she is and weak in the back and unable +to move from that couch, she loves him. She had that photograph in her +room and kissed it, as it I saw with my own eyes. I took it the last +thing before I went, as I loved Mr. Mallow too, and I was not going to +let that Spanish lady kiss him even in a picture." +</P> + +<P> +"Upon my word," murmured Jennings, taken aback by this vehemence, "it +is very strange all this." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, yes, you gentlemen don't think a poor girl has a heart. I couldn't +help falling in love, though he never looked my way. But that Miss +Saxon is a sweet, kind, young lady put upon by her mother, I wouldn't +give him up even to her. But I can see there's no chance for me," wept +Susan, "seeing the way he has gone out, banging the door in a temper, +so I'll give him up. And I'll go now. My heart's broken." +</P> + +<P> +But Jennings made her sit down again. "Not yet, my girl," he said +firmly, "if you wish to do Mr. Mallow a good turn—" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I'll do that," she interrupted with sparkling eyes, "after all, he +can't help giving his heart elsewhere. It's just my foolishness to +think otherwise. But how can I help him, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"He wants to find out who killed Miss Loach." +</P> + +<P> +"I can't help him there, sir. I don't know who killed her. Mrs. Herne +and Mr. Clancy and Mr. Hale were all gone, and when the bell rang she +was alone, dead in her chair with them cards on her lap. Oh," Susan's +voice became shrill and hysterical, "what a horrible sight!" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, yes," said Jennings soothingly, "we'll come to that shortly, my +girl. But about this photograph. Was it in Senora Gredos' +dressing-room long?" +</P> + +<P> +"For about three months, sir. I saw it one morning when I took up her +breakfast and fell in love with the handsome face. Then Gibber told me +the gentleman came to the house sometimes, and I went up the stairs +against orders after eight to watch. I saw him and found him more +good-looking than the photograph. Often did I watch him and envy Senora +Gredos the picture with them loving words. Sir," said Susan, sitting +up stiffly, "if Mr. Mallow is engaged to Miss Saxon and doesn't love +Senora Gredos, why did he write those words?" +</P> + +<P> +"He did not write them for her," said Jennings doubtfully, "at least I +don't think so. It is impossible to say how the photograph came into +the possession of that lady." +</P> + +<P> +"Will you ask him, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, when you are gone. But he won't speak while you are in the room." +</P> + +<P> +Susan drooped her head and rose dolefully. "My dream is gone," she +said mournfully, "though I was improving myself in spelling and figures +so that I might go out as a governess and perhaps meet him in high +circles." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, that's all Family Herald fiction," said Jennings, not unkindly. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes! I know now, sir. My delusions are gone. But I will do anything +I can to help Mr. Mallow and I hope he'll always think kindly of me." +</P> + +<P> +"I'm sure he will. By the way, what are you doing now?" +</P> + +<P> +"I go home to help mother at Stepney, sir, me having no call to go out +to service. I have a happy home, though not fashionable. And after my +heart being crushed I can't go out again," sighed Susan sadly. +</P> + +<P> +"Are you sorry to leave Rose Cottage?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir," Susan shuddered, "that dead body with the blood and the +cards will haunt me always. Mrs. Pill, as is going to marry Thomas +Barnes and rent the cottage, wanted me to stay, but I couldn't." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings pricked up his ears. "What's that? How can Mrs. Pill rent so +expensive a place." +</P> + +<P> +"It's by arrangement with Miss Saxon, sir. Mrs. Pill told me all about +it. Miss Saxon wished to sell the place, but Thomas Barnes spoke to +her and said he had saved money while in Miss Loach's service for +twenty years—" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah," said Jennings thoughtfully, "he was that time in Miss Loach's +service, was he?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir. And got good wages. Well, sir, Miss Saxon hearing he +wished to marry the cook and take the cottage and keep boarders, let +him rent it with furniture as it stands. She and Mrs. Octagon are +going back to town, and Mrs. Pill is going to have the cottage cleaned +from cellar to attic before she marries Thomas and receives the +boarder." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh. So she has a boarder?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir. She wouldn't agree to Thomas taking the cottage as her +husband, unless she had a boarder to start with, being afraid she and +Thomas could not pay the rent. So Thomas saw Mr. Clancy and he is +coming to stop. He has taken all the part where Miss Loach lived, and +doesn't want anyone else in the house, being a quiet man and retired." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah! Ah! Ah!" said Jennings in three different tones of voice. "I think +Mrs. Pill is very wise. I hope she and Thomas will do well. By the +way, what do you think of Mr. Barnes?" +</P> + +<P> +Susan did not leave him long in doubt as to her opinion. "I think he +is a stupid fool," she said, "and it's a good thing Mrs. Pill is going +to marry him. He was guided by Miss Loach all his life, and now she's +dead, he goes about like a gaby. One of those men, sir," explained +Susan, "as needs a woman to look after them. Not like that gentleman," +she cast a tender glance at the door, "who can protect the weakest of +my sex." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings having learned all he could, rose. "Well, Miss Grant," he +said quietly, "I am obliged to you for your frank speaking. My advice +to you is to go home and think no more of Mr. Mallow. You might as +well love the moon. But you know my address, and should you hear of +anything likely to lead you to suspect who killed Miss Loach, Mr. +Mallow will make it worth your while to come to me with the +information." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll do all I can," said Susan resolutely, "but I won't take a penny +piece, me having my feelings as other and higher ladies." +</P> + +<P> +"Just as you please. But Mr. Mallow is about to offer a reward on +behalf of his uncle, Lord Caranby." +</P> + +<P> +"He that was in love with Miss Loach, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. On account of that old love, Lord Caranby desires to learn who +killed her. And Mr. Mallow also wishes to know, for a private reason. +I expect you will be calling to see Mrs. Pill?" +</P> + +<P> +"When she's Mrs. Barnes, I think so, sir. I go to the wedding, and me +and Geraldine are going to be bridesmaids." +</P> + +<P> +"Then if you hear or see anything likely to lead to a revelation of the +truth, you will remember. By the way, you don't know how Senora Gredos +got that photograph?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir, I do not." +</P> + +<P> +"And you think Mrs. Herne is Senora Gredos' mother?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir, I do." +</P> + +<P> +"Thank you, that will do for the present. Keep your eyes open and your +mouth closed, and when you hear of anything likely to interest me, call +at the address I gave you." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir," said Susan, and took her leave, not without another +lingering glance at the door behind which Mallow waited impatiently. +</P> + +<P> +When she was gone, Jennings went into the next room to find Cuthbert +smoking. He jumped up when he saw the detective. "Well, has that silly +girl gone?" he asked angrily. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, poor soul. You needn't get in a wax, Mallow. The girl can't +help falling in love with you. Poor people have feelings as well as +rich." +</P> + +<P> +"I know that, but it's ridiculous: especially as I never saw the girl +before, and then I love only Juliet." +</P> + +<P> +"You are sure of that?" +</P> + +<P> +"Jennings" +</P> + +<P> +"There—there, don't get angry. We must get to the bottom of this +affair which is getting more complicated every day. Did you give that +photograph to Senora Gredos?" +</P> + +<P> +"To Maraquito. No, I didn't. I gave it to Juliet." +</P> + +<P> +"You are certain?" +</P> + +<P> +"Positive! I can't make out how it came into Maraquito's house." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings pondered. "Perhaps Basil may have given it to her. It is to +his interest on behalf of his mother to make trouble between you and +Miss Saxon. Moreover, if it is as I surmise, it shows that Mrs. +Octagon intended to stop the marriage, if she could, even before her +sister died." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah! And it shows that the death of Miss Loach gave her a chance of +asserting herself and stopping the marriage." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, she might have hesitated to do that before, as Miss Loach might +not have left her fortune to Juliet if the marriage did not take place." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert nodded and spoke musingly: "After all, the old woman liked me, +and I was the nephew of the man who loved her in her youth. Her heart +may have been set on the match, and she might have threatened to leave +her fortune elsewhere if Mrs. Octagon did not agree. Failing this, +Mrs. Octagon, through Basil, gave that photograph to Maraquito in the +hope that Juliet would ask questions of me—" +</P> + +<P> +"And if she had asked questions?" asked Jennings quickly. +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert looked uncomfortable. "Don't think me a conceited ass," he +said, trying to laugh, "but Maraquito is in love with me. I stayed +away from her house because she became too attentive. I never told you +this, as no man has a right to reveal a woman's weakness. But, as +matters are so serious, it is right you should know." +</P> + +<P> +"I am glad I do know. By the way, Cuthbert, what between Miss Saxon, +Susan Grant and Maraquito, you will have a hard time." +</P> + +<P> +"How absurd!" said Mallow angrily. "Juliet is the only woman I love +and Juliet I intend to marry." +</P> + +<P> +"Maraquito will prevent your marriage." +</P> + +<P> +"If she can," scoffed Cuthbert. +</P> + +<P> +Jennings looked grave. "I am not so sure but what she can make +mischief. There's Mrs. Herne who may or may not be the mother of this +Spanish demon—" +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps the demon herself," ventured Mallow. +</P> + +<P> +"No!" said the detective positively. "Maraquito can't move from her +couch. You know that. However, I shall call on Mrs. Herne at +Hampstead. She was a witness, you know? Keep quiet, Mallow, and let +me make inquiries. Meantime, ask Miss Saxon when she missed that +photograph." +</P> + +<P> +"Can you see your way now?" +</P> + +<P> +"I have a slight clue. But it will be a long time before I learn the +truth. There is a lot at the back of that murder, Mallow." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap11"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XI +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +ON THE TRACK +</H3> + +<P> +Professor Le Beau kept a school of dancing in Pimlico, and incessantly +trained pupils for the stage. Many of them had appeared with more or +less success in the ballets at the Empire and Alhambra, and he was +widely known amongst stage-struck aspirants as charging moderately and +teaching in a most painstaking manner. He thus made an income which, +if not large, was at least secure, and was assisted in the school by +his niece, Peggy Garthorne. She was the manager of his house and +looked after the money, otherwise the little professor would never have +been able to lay aside for the future. But when the brother of the +late Madame Le Beau—an Englishwoman—died, his sister took charge of +the orphan. Now that Madame herself was dead, Peggy looked after the +professor out of gratitude and love. She was fond of the excitable +little Frenchman, and knew how to manage him to a nicety. +</P> + +<P> +It was to the Dancing Academy that Jennings turned his steps a few days +after the interview with Susan. He had been a constant visitor there +for eighteen months and was deeply in love with Peggy. On a Bank +Holiday he had been fortunate enough to rescue her from a noisy crowd, +half-drunk and indulging in horse-play, and had escorted her home to +receive the profuse thanks of the Professor. The detective was +attracted by the quaint little man, and he called again to inquire for +Peggy. A friendship thus inaugurated ripened into a deeper feeling, +and within nine months Jennings proposed for the hand of the humble +girl. She consented and so did Le Beau, although he was rather rueful +at the thought of losing his mainstay. But Peggy promised him that she +would still look after him until he retired, and with this promise Le +Beau was content. He was now close on seventy, and could not hope to +teach much longer. But, thanks to Peggy's clever head and saving +habits, he had—as the French say—"plenty of bread baked" to eat +during days of dearth. +</P> + +<P> +The Academy was situated down a narrow street far removed from the main +thoroughfares. Quiet houses belonging to poor people stood on either +side of this lane—for that it was—and at the end appeared the +Academy, blocking the exit from that quarter. It stood right in the +middle of the street and turned the lane into a blind alley, but a +narrow right-of-way passed along the side and round to the back where +the street began again under a new name. The position of the place was +quaint, and often it had been intended to remove the obstruction, but +the owner, an eccentric person of great wealth, had hitherto refused to +allow it to be pulled down. But the owner was now old, and it was +expected his heirs would take away the building and allow the lane to +run freely through to the other street. Still it would last Professor +Le Beau's time, for his heart would have broken had he been compelled +to move. He had taught here for the last thirty years, and had become +part and parcel of the neighborhood. +</P> + +<P> +Jennings, quietly dressed in blue serge with brown boots and a bowler +hat, turned down the lane and advanced towards the double door of the +Academy, which was surmounted by an allegorical group of plaster +figures designed by Le Beau himself, and representing Orpheus teaching +trees and animals to dance. The allusion was not complimentary to his +pupils, for if Le Beau figured as Orpheus, what were the animals? +However, the hot-tempered little man refused to change his allegory and +the group remained. Jennings passed under it and into the building +with a smile which the sight of those figures always evoked. Within, +the building on the ground floor was divided into two rooms—a large +hall for the dancing lessons and a small apartment used indifferently +as a reception-room and an office. Above, on the first story, were the +sitting-room, the dining-room and the kitchen; and on the third, under +a high conical roof, the two bedrooms of the Professor and Peggy, with +an extra one for any stranger who might remain. Where Margot, the +French cook and maid-of-all-work, slept, was a mystery. So it will be +seen that the accommodation of the house was extremely limited. +However, Le Beau, looked after by Peggy and Margot, who was devoted to +him, was extremely well pleased, and extremely happy in his light airy +French way. +</P> + +<P> +In the office was Peggy, making up some accounts. She was a pretty, +small maiden of twenty-five, neatly dressed in a clean print gown, and +looking like a dewy daisy. Her eyes were blue, her hair the color of +ripe corn, and her cheeks were of a delicate rose. There was something +pastoral about Peggy, smacking of meadow lands and milking time. She +should have been a shepherdess looking after her flock rather than a +girl toiling in a dingy office. How such a rural flower ever sprung up +amongst London houses was a mystery Jennings could not make out. And +according to her own tale, Peggy had never lived in the country. What +with the noise of fiddling which came from the large hall, and the fact +of being absorbed in her work, Peggy never heard the entrance of her +lover. Jennings stole quietly towards her, admiring the pretty picture +she made with a ray of dusky sunlight making glory of her hair. +</P> + +<P> +"Who is it?" he asked, putting his hands over her eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh," cried Peggy, dropping her pen and removing his hands, "the only +man who would dare to take such a liberty with me. Miles, my darling +pig!" and she kissed him, laughing. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't like the last word, Peggy!" +</P> + +<P> +"It's Papa Le Beau's favorite word with his pupils," said Peggy, who +always spoke of the dancing-master thus. +</P> + +<P> +"With the addition of darling?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, that is an addition of my own. But I can remove it if you like." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't like," said Miles, sitting down and pulling her towards him, +"come and talk to me, Pegtop." +</P> + +<P> +"I won't be called Pegtop, and as to talking, I have far too much work +to do. The lesson will soon be over, and some of the pupils have to +take these accounts home. Then dejeuner will soon be ready, and you +know how Margot hates having her well-cooked dishes spoilt by waiting. +But why are you here instead of at work?" +</P> + +<P> +"Hush!" said Miles, laying a finger on her lips. "Papa will hear you." +</P> + +<P> +"Not he. Hear the noise his fiddle is making, and he is scolding the +poor little wretches like a game-cock." +</P> + +<P> +"Does a game-cock scold?" asked Jennings gravely. "I hope he is not in +a bad temper, Peggy. I have come to ask him a few questions." +</P> + +<P> +"About your own business?" asked she in a lower tone. +</P> + +<P> +Jennings nodded. Peggy knew his occupation, but as yet he had not been +able to tell Le Beau. +</P> + +<P> +The Frenchman cherished all the traditional hatred of his race for the +profession of "mouchard," and would not be able to understand that a +detective was of a higher standing. Miles was therefore supposed to be +a gentleman of independent fortune, and both he and Peggy decided to +inform Le Beau of the truth when he had retired from business. +Meanwhile, Miles often talked over his business with Peggy, and usually +found her clear way of looking at things of infinite assistance to him +in the sometimes difficult cases which he dealt with. Peggy knew all +about the murder in Crooked Lane, and how Miles was dealing with the +matter. But even she had not been able to suggest a clue to the +assassin, although she was in full possession of the facts. "It's +about this new case I wish to speak," said Jennings. "By the way, +Peggy, you know that woman Maraquito I have talked of?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. The gambling-house. What of her?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, she seems to be implicated in the matter." +</P> + +<P> +"In what way?" +</P> + +<P> +Jennings related the episode of the photograph, and the incident of the +same perfume being used by Mrs. Herne and Maraquito. Peggy nodded. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't see how the photograph connects her with the case," she said +at length, "but the same perfume certainly is strange. All the same, +the scent may be fashionable. Hikui! Hikui! I never heard of it." +</P> + +<P> +"It is a Japanese perfume, and Maraquito got it from some foreign +admirer. It is strange, as you say." +</P> + +<P> +"Have you seen Mrs. Herne?" +</P> + +<P> +"I saw her at the inquest. She gave evidence. But I had no +conversation with her myself." +</P> + +<P> +"Why don't you look her up? You mentioned you had her address." +</P> + +<P> +"I haven't it now," said Jennings gloomily. "I called at the Hampstead +house, and learned that Mrs. Herne had received such a shock from the +death of her friend, Miss Loach, that she had gone abroad and would not +return for an indefinite time. So I can do nothing in that quarter +just now. It is for this reason that I have come here to ask about +Maraquito." +</P> + +<P> +"From Papa Le Beau," said Peggy, wrinkling her pretty brows. "What can +he know of this woman?" +</P> + +<P> +"She was a dancer until she had an accident. Le Beau may have had her +through his hands." +</P> + +<P> +"Maraquito, Maraquito," murmured Peggy, and shook her head. "No, I do +not remember her. How old is she?" +</P> + +<P> +"About thirty, I think; a fine, handsome woman like a tropical flower +for coloring." +</P> + +<P> +"Spanish. The name is Spanish." +</P> + +<P> +"I think that is all the Spanish about her. She talks English without +the least accent. Hush! here is papa." +</P> + +<P> +It was indeed the little Professor, who rushed into the room and threw +himself, blowing and panting, on the dingy sofa. He was small and dry, +with black eyes and a wrinkled face. He wore a blonde wig which did +not match his yellow complexion, and was neatly dressed in black, with +an old-fashioned swallow-tail coat of blue. He carried a small fiddle +and spoke volubly without regarding the presence of Miles. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, these cochons of English, my dear," he exclaimed to Peggy, "so +steef—so wood-steef in the limbs. Wis 'em I kin do noozzn', no, not a +leetle bit. Zey would make ze angils swear. Ah, mon Dieu, quel +dommage I haf to teach zem." +</P> + +<P> +"I must see about these accounts," said Peggy, picking up a sheaf of +papers and running out. "Stay to dejeuner, Miles." +</P> + +<P> +"Eh, mon ami," cried papa, rising. "My excuses, but ze pigs make me to +be mooch enrage. Zey are ze steef dolls on the Strasburg clock. You +are veil—ah, yis—quite veil cheerup." +</P> + +<P> +The Professor had picked up a number of English slang words with which +he interlarded his conversation. He meant to be kind, and indeed liked +Miles greatly. In proof of his recovered temper, he offered the young +man a pinch of snuff. Jennings hated snuff, but to keep Papa Le Beau in +a good temper he accepted the offer and sneezed violently. +</P> + +<P> +"Professor," he said, when somewhat better, "I have come to ask you +about a lady. A friend of mine has fallen in love with her, and he +thought you might know of her." +</P> + +<P> +"Eh, wha-a-at, mon cher? I understands nozzin'. Ze lady, quel nom?" +</P> + +<P> +"Maraquito Gredos." +</P> + +<P> +"Espagnole," murmured Le Beau, shaking his wig. "Non. I do not know +ze name. Dancers of Spain. Ah, yis—I haf had miny—zey are not steef +like ze cochon Englees. Describe ze looks, mon ami." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings did so, to the best of his ability, but the old man still +appeared undecided. "But she has been ill for three years," added +Jennings. "She fell and hurt her back, and—" +</P> + +<P> +"Eh—wha-a-at Celestine!" cried Le Beau excitedly. "She did fall and +hurt hersilf—eh, yis—mos' dredfil. Conceive to yoursilf, my frien', +she slip on orange peels in ze streets and whacks comes she down. Tree +year back—yis—tree year. Celestine Durand, mon fil." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings wondered. "But she says she is Spanish." +</P> + +<P> +Le Beau flipped a pinch of snuff in the air. "Ah, bah! She no Spain." +</P> + +<P> +"So she is French," murmured Jennings to himself. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, non; by no means," cried the Frenchman unexpectedly. "She no +French. She Englees—yis—I remembers. A ver' fine and big +demoiselle. She wish to come out at de opera. But she too large—mooch +too large. Englees—yis—La Juive." +</P> + +<P> +"A Jewess?" cried Jennings in his turn. +</P> + +<P> +"I swear to you, mon ami. Englees Jewess, mais oui! For ten months +she dance here, tree year gone. Zen zee orange peels and pouf! I see +her no mores. But never dance—no—too large, une grande demoiselle." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you know where she came from?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. I know nozzin' but what I tell you." +</P> + +<P> +"Did you like her?" +</P> + +<P> +Le Beau shrugged his shoulders. "I am too old, mon ami. Les femmes +like me not. I haf had mes affairs—ah, yis. Conceive—" and he +rattled out an adventure of his youth which was more amusing than moral. +</P> + +<P> +But Jennings paid very little attention to him. He was thinking that +Maraquito-Celestine was a more mysterious woman than he had thought +her. While Jennings was wondering what use he could make of the +information he had received, Le Beau suddenly flushed crimson. A new +thought had occurred to him. "Do you know zis one—zis Celestine +Durand? Tell her I vish money—" +</P> + +<P> +"Did she not pay you?" +</P> + +<P> +Le Beau seized Jennings' arm and shook it violently. "Yis. Tree pound; +quite raight; oh, certainly. But ze four piece of gold, a +louis—non—ze Englees sufferin—" +</P> + +<P> +"The English sovereign. Yes." +</P> + +<P> +"It was bad money—ver bad." +</P> + +<P> +"Have you got it?" asked Jennings, feeling that he was on the brink of +a discovery. +</P> + +<P> +"Non. I pitch him far off in rages. I know now, Celestine Durand. I +admire her; oh, yis. Fine womans—a viecked eye. Mais une—no, not +zat. Bad, I tell you. If your frien' love, haf nozzin' wis her. She +gif ze bad money, one piece—" he held up a lean finger, and then, +"Aha! ze bell for ze tables. Allons, marchons. We dine—we eat," and +he dashed out of the room as rapidly as he had entered it. +</P> + +<P> +But Jennings did not follow him. He scribbled a note to Peggy, stating +that he had to go away on business, and left the Academy. He felt that +it would be impossible to sit down and talk of trivial things—as he +would have to do in the presence of Le Beau—when he had made such a +discovery. The case was beginning to take shape. "Can Maraquito have +anything to do with the coiners?" he asked himself. "She is English—a +Jewess—Saul is a Jewish name. Can she be of that family? It seems to +me that this case is a bigger one than I imagine. I wonder what I had +better do?" +</P> + +<P> +It was not easy to say. However, by the time Jennings reached his +home—he had chambers in Duke Street, St. James'—he decided to see +Maraquito. For this purpose he arrayed himself in accurate evening +dress. Senora Gredos thought he was a mere idler, a man-about-town. +Had she known of his real profession she might not have welcomed him so +freely to her house. Maraquito, for obvious reasons, had no desire to +come into touch with the authorities. +</P> + +<P> +But it must not be thought that she violated the law in any very +flagrant way. She was too clever for that. Her house was conducted in +a most respectable manner. It was situated in Golden Square, and was a +fine old mansion of the days when that locality was fashionable. Her +servants were all neat and demure. Maraquito received a few friends +every evening for a quiet game of cards, so on the surface no one could +object to that. But when the doors were closed, high play went on and +well-known people ventured large sums on the chances of baccarat. +Also, people not quite so respectable came, and it was for that reason +Scotland Yard left the house alone. When any member of the detective +staff wished to see anyone of a shady description, the person could be +found at Maraquito's. Certainly, only the aristocracy of crime came +here, and never a woman. Maraquito did not appear to love her own sex. +She received only gentlemen, and as she was an invalid and attended +constantly by a duenna in the form of a nurse, no one could say +anything. The police knew in an underhand way that the Soho house was +a gambling saloon, but the knowledge had not come officially, therefore +no notice was taken. But Maraquito's servants suspected nothing, +neither did the gossips of the neighborhood. Senora Gredos was simply +looked upon as an invalid fond of entertaining because of her weariness +in being confined to her couch. +</P> + +<P> +Jennings had appointed a meeting with Mallow in this semi-respectable +establishment, and looked round when he entered the room. It was a +large apartment, decorated in the Adams style and furnished as a +luxurious drawing-room. At the side near the window there was a long +table covered with green baize. Round this several gentlemen in +evening dress were standing. Others played games of their own at +separate small tables, but most of them devoted themselves to baccarat. +Maraquito held the bank. Her couch was drawn up against the wall, and +the red silk curtains of the window made a vivid background to her dark +beauty. +</P> + +<P> +She was, indeed, a handsome woman—so much of her as could be seen. +Half-sitting, half-reclining on her couch, the lower part of her frame +was swathed in eastern stuffs sparkling with gold threads. She wore a +yellow silk dress trimmed about the shoulders with black lace and +glittering with valuable jewels. Her neck and arms were finely moulded +and of a dazzling whiteness. Her small head was proudly set on her +shoulders, and her magnificent black hair smoothly coiled in lustrous +tresses above her white forehead. Her lips were full and rich, her +eyes large and black, and her nose was thin and high. The most marked +feature of her face were the eyebrows, which almost met over her nose. +She had delicate hands and beautiful arms which showed themselves to +advantage as she manipulated the cards. From the gorgeous coverlet her +bust rose like a splendid flower, and for an invalid she had a +surprising color. She was indeed, as Jennings had remarked, like a +tropical flower. But there was something sensual and evil about her +exuberance. But not a whisper had been heard against her reputation. +Everyone, sorry for the misfortune which condemned this lovely woman to +a sickbed, treated her with respect. Maraquito, as some people said, +may have been wicked, but no anchorite could have led, on the face of +it, a more austere life. Her smile was alluring, and she looked like +the Lurline drawing men to destruction. Fortunes had been lost in that +quiet room. +</P> + +<P> +When Jennings entered, Maraquito was opening a fresh pack of cards, +while the players counted their losses or winnings and fiddled with the +red chips used in the game. On seeing the newcomer, Senora Gredos gave +him a gracious smile, and said something to the pale, thin woman in +black who stood at the head of her couch. The nurse, or duenna—she +served for both—crossed to Jennings as he advanced towards the buffet, +on which stood glasses and decanters of wine. +</P> + +<P> +"Madame wishes to know why you have not brought Mr. Mallow." +</P> + +<P> +"Tell madame that he will be here soon. I have to meet him in this +place," said the detective to the duenna, and watched the effect of the +message on Maraquito. +</P> + +<P> +Her face flushed, her eyes brightened, but she did not look again in +Jennings' direction. On the contrary, she gave all her attention to +the game which was now in progress, but Jennings guessed that her +thoughts were with Mallow, and occasionally he caught her looking for +his appearance at the door. "How that woman loves him," he thought, "I +wonder I never noticed it before. Quite an infatuation." For a time +he watched the players staking large amounts, and saw the pile of gold +at Maraquito's elbow steadily increasing. She seemed to have all the +luck. The bank was winning and its opponents losing, but the play went +on steadily for at least half an hour. At the end of that time a +newcomer entered the room. Jennings, who had glanced at his watch, +quite expected to see Cuthbert. But, to his surprise, he came face to +face with Lord Caranby. +</P> + +<P> +"I did not expect to see you here," said the detective. +</P> + +<P> +"I come in place of my nephew. He is unwell," said Caranby; "present +me to Senora Gredos, if you please, Mr. Jennings." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap12"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +JENNINGS ASKS QUESTIONS +</H3> + +<P> +"Will you play, Lord Caranby?" asked Maraquito, when the introduction +had been accomplished. +</P> + +<P> +"Pardon me, not at present: in a little time," said the old nobleman, +with a polite bow and his eyes on the beautiful face. +</P> + +<P> +"As you like," she answered carelessly; "everyone who comes here does +just as he pleases. Is your nephew coming?" +</P> + +<P> +"I fear not. He is unwell." +</P> + +<P> +Maraquito started. "Unwell. Nothing serious, I hope?" +</P> + +<P> +"A slight cold." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah! Everyone has colds just now. Well, Lord Caranby, I hope to have +a conversation with you later when someone else takes the bank." +</P> + +<P> +Caranby bowed and moved away slowly, leaning on his cane. Jennings, who +was beside him, threw a glance over his shoulder at Senora Gredos. +</P> + +<P> +Maraquito's face was pale, and there was a frightened look in her eyes. +Catching Jennings' inquisitive look she frowned and again addressed +herself to the game. Wondering why Lord Caranby should produce such an +effect, Jennings rejoined him at the end of the room, where they sat on +a sofa and smoked. "Have you been here before?" asked the detective. +</P> + +<P> +"No," answered the other, lighting his cigar, "and it is improbable +that I shall come again. My reason for coming—" he broke off—"I can +tell you that later. It is sufficient to say that it has to do with +your conduct of this case." +</P> + +<P> +"Hush!" whispered Jennings quickly, "my profession is not known here." +</P> + +<P> +"I fear it will be if these two have tongues in their heads." +</P> + +<P> +The detective glanced towards the door and saw Hale enter with Clancy +at his heels. Jennings had not seen them since the inquest on the body +of Miss Loach, when they had given their evidence with great grief and +frankness. He was annoyed at meeting them here, for although he had +seen them in Maraquito's salon before, yet at that time they had not +known his profession. But since the inquest the knowledge was common +property, and doubtless they would tell Senora Gredos if they had not +done so already. Jennings' chances of learning what he wished would +therefore be slight, as everyone is not willing to speak freely before +an officer of the law. +</P> + +<P> +"It can't be helped," said Jennings with a shrug; "and, in any case, +Maraquito is too anxious to stand well with the police to make any +trouble about my coming here." +</P> + +<P> +Caranby did not reply, but looked steadily at the two men who were +walking slowly up the room. Hale was slender, tall, and dark in color, +with a nose like the beak of an eagle. He was perfectly dressed and +had even an elegant appearance. His age might have been forty, but in +the artificial light he looked even younger. Clancy, on the other +hand, wore his clothes with the air of a man unaccustomed to evening +dress. He was light in color, with weak blue eyes and a foolish +expression about his slack mouth. Jennings wondered why a man like +Hale should connect himself with such a creature. The men nodded to +Senora Gredos, who took little notice of them, and then repaired to the +buffet. Owing to the position of the detective and Caranby, the new +arrivals did not see them. Nor for the present was the detective +anxious to attract their notice. Indeed, he would have stolen away +unperceived, but that he wished to question Hale as to the whereabouts +of Mrs. Herne. +</P> + +<P> +"It is a long time since I have seen you," said Caranby, removing his +eyes from the newcomers, and addressing the detective; "you were not +an—er—an official when we last met." +</P> + +<P> +"It is three years ago," said Jennings; "no. I had money then, but +circumstances over which I had no control soon reduced me to the +necessity of earning my living. As all professions were crowded, I +thought I would turn my talents of observation and deduction to this +business." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you find it lucrative?" +</P> + +<P> +Jennings smiled and shrugged his shoulders again. "I do very well," he +said, "but I have not yet made a fortune." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah! And Cuthbert told me you wished to marry." +</P> + +<P> +"I do. But when my fortune will allow me to marry, I don't know." +</P> + +<P> +Caranby, without raising his voice or looking at his companion, +supplied the information. "I can tell you that," said he, "when you +learn who killed Miss Loach." +</P> + +<P> +"How is that?" +</P> + +<P> +"On the day you lay your hand on the assassin of that poor woman I +shall give you five thousand pounds." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings' breath was taken away. "A large sum," he murmured. +</P> + +<P> +"She was very dear to me at one time," said Caranby with emotion. "I +would have married her but for the machinations of her sister." +</P> + +<P> +"Mrs. Octagon?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes! She wanted to become my wife. The story is a long one." +</P> + +<P> +"Cuthbert told it to me." +</P> + +<P> +"Quite right," said Caranby, nodding, "I asked him to. It seems to me +that in my romance may be found the motive for the death of Selina +Loach." +</P> + +<P> +The detective thought over the story. "I don't quite see—" +</P> + +<P> +"Nor do I. All the same—" Caranby waved his hand and abruptly changed +the subject. "Do you know why I came here to-night?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. I did not know you ever came to such places." +</P> + +<P> +"Nor do I. My life is a quiet one now. I came to see this woman you +call Maraquito." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you call her?" asked Jennings alertly. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, that I can't tell you. But she is no Spaniard." +</P> + +<P> +"Is she a Jewess by any chance?" +</P> + +<P> +Caranby turned to look directly at his companion. "You ought to be +able to tell that from her face," he said, "can you not see the seal of +Jacob impressed there—that strange look which stamps a Hebrew?" +</P> + +<P> +"No," confessed Jennings, "that is, I can see it now, but I came here +for many a long day before I did guess she was a Jewess. And then it +was only because I learned the truth." +</P> + +<P> +"How did you learn it?" +</P> + +<P> +The detective related details of his visit to Monsieur Le Beau and the +discovery that Maraquito Gredos was one and the same as Celestine +Durand. Caranby listened attentively. "Yes, that is all right," he +said, "but her name is Bathsheba Saul." +</P> + +<P> +"What?" said Jennings, so loud that several people turned to look. +</P> + +<P> +"Hush!" said Caranby, sinking his voice, "you attract notice. Yes, I +made Cuthbert describe the appearance of this woman. His description +vaguely suggested Emilia Saul. I came here to-night to satisfy myself, +and I have no doubt but what she is the niece of Emilia—the daughter +of Emilia's brother." +</P> + +<P> +"Who was connected with the coining gang?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, you heard of that, did you? Exactly. Her father is dead, I +believe, but there sits his daughter. You see in her the image of +Emilia as I loved her twenty years ago." +</P> + +<P> +"Loved her?" echoed Jennings, significantly. +</P> + +<P> +"You are right," responded Caranby with a keen look. "I see Cuthbert +has told you all. I never did love Emilia. But she hypnotized me in +some way. She was one of those women who could make a man do what +pleased her. And this Bathsheba—Maraquito—Celestine, can do the +same. It is a pity she is an invalid, but on the whole, as she looks +rather wicked, mankind is to be congratulated. Were she able to move +about like an ordinary woman, she would set the world on fire after the +fashion of Cleopatra. You need not mention this." +</P> + +<P> +"I know how to hold my tongue," said Jennings, rather offended by the +imputation that he was a chatterer, "can I come and see you to talk +over this matter?" +</P> + +<P> +"By all means. I am at the Avon Hotel." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, and by the way, will you allow me to go over that house of yours +at Rexton?" +</P> + +<P> +"If you like. Are you a ghost-hunter also?" +</P> + +<P> +"I am a detective!" whispered Jennings quietly, and with such a look +that Caranby became suddenly attentive. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah! You think you may discover something in that house likely to lead +to the discovery of the assassin." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes I do. I can't explain my reasons now. The explanation would take +too long. However, I see Senora Gredos is beckoning to you. I will +speak to Hale and Clancy. Would you mind telling me what she says to +you?" +</P> + +<P> +"A difficult question to answer," said Caranby, rising, "as a +gentleman, I am not in the habit of repeating conversations, especially +with women. Besides, she can have no connection with this case." +</P> + +<P> +"On the face of it—no," replied Jennings doubtfully, "but there is a +link—" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, you mean that she is Emilia's niece." +</P> + +<P> +"Not exactly that," answered Jennings, thinking of the photograph. "I +will tell you what I mean when we next meet." +</P> + +<P> +At this moment, in response to the imperative beckoning of Maraquito's +fan, Caranby was compelled to go to her. The couch had been wheeled +away from the green table, and a gentleman had taken charge of the +bank. Maraquito with her couch retreated to a quiet corner of the +room, and had a small table placed beside her. Here were served +champagne and cakes, while Lord Caranby, after bowing in his +old-fashioned way, took a seat near the beautiful woman. She gazed +smilingly at Lord Caranby, yet there was a nervous look in her eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"I have heard of you from Mr. Mallow," she said flushing. +</P> + +<P> +"My nephew. He comes here at times. Indeed," said Caranby gallantly, +"it was his report of your beauty that brought me here to-night." +</P> + +<P> +Maraquito sighed. "The wreck of a beauty," said she bitterly, "three +years ago indeed—but I met with an accident." +</P> + +<P> +"So I heard. A piece of orange peel." +</P> + +<P> +The woman started. "Who told you that?" +</P> + +<P> +"I heard it indirectly from a professor of dancing. You were a dancer, +I believe?" +</P> + +<P> +"Scarcely that," said Senora Gredos, nervously playing with her fan; "I +was learning. It was Le Beau who told you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Indirectly," responded Caranby. +</P> + +<P> +"I should like to know," said Maraquito deliberately, "who has taken +the trouble to tell you this. My life—the life of a shattered +invalid—can scarcely interest anyone." +</P> + +<P> +"I really forget to whom I am indebted for the information," said Lord +Caranby mendaciously, "and a lady of your beauty must always interest +men while they have eyes to see. I have seen ladies like you in +Andalusia, but no one so lovely. Let me see, was it in Andalusia or +Jerusalem?" mused Lord Caranby. +</P> + +<P> +"I am a Spanish Jewess," said Maraquito, quickly and uneasily, "I have +only been in London five years." +</P> + +<P> +"And met with an accident a year or two after you arrived," murmured +Caranby; "how very sad." +</P> + +<P> +Maraquito did not know what to make of the ironical old gentleman. It +seemed to her that he was hostile, but she could take no offence at +what he said. Moreover, as he was Mallow's uncle, she did not wish to +quarrel with him. With a graceful gesture she indicated a glass of +champagne. "Will you not drink to our better acquaintance?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly," said Caranby without emotion, and sipped a few drops of +the golden-colored wine. "I hope to see much of you." +</P> + +<P> +"I reciprocate the hope," said Maraquito radiantly, "and I'll tell you +a secret. I have been consulting specialists, and I find that in a few +months I shall be able to walk as well as ever I did." +</P> + +<P> +"Excellent news," said Caranby, "I hope you will." +</P> + +<P> +"And, moreover," added Maraquito, looking at him from behind her fan; +"I shall then give up this place. I have plenty of money, and—" +</P> + +<P> +"You will go back to Spain?" +</P> + +<P> +"That depends. Should I leave my heart in England—" +</P> + +<P> +"How I envy the man you leave it with." +</P> + +<P> +Maraquito looked down moodily. "He doesn't care for my heart." +</P> + +<P> +"What a stone he must be. Now I—upon my word I feel inclined to marry +and cut my nephew out of the title." +</P> + +<P> +"Your nephew," stammered Maraquito, with a flash of her big eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"You know him well, he tells me," chatted Caranby garrulously, "a +handsome fellow is Cuthbert. I am sure the lady he is engaged to +thinks as much, and very rightly too." +</P> + +<P> +"Miss Saxon!" cried Maraquito, breaking her fan and looking furious. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah!" said Caranby coolly, "you know her?" +</P> + +<P> +"I know of her," said Maraquito bitterly. "Her brother Basil comes +here sometimes, and said his sister was engaged to—but they will never +marry—never!" she said vehemently. +</P> + +<P> +"How can you tell that?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because the mother objects to the match." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah! And who told you so? Mr. Basil Saxon?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. He does not approve of it either." +</P> + +<P> +"I fear that will make little difference. Mallow is set on the +marriage. He loves Miss Saxon with all his heart." +</P> + +<P> +Maraquito uttered a low cry of rage, but managed to control herself +with an effort. "Do you?" she asked. +</P> + +<P> +Caranby shrugged his thin shoulders. "I am neutral. So long as +Cuthbert marries the woman he loves, I do not mind." +</P> + +<P> +"And what about the woman who loves him?" +</P> + +<P> +"Miss Saxon? Oh, I am sure—" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't mean Miss Saxon, and he will never marry her—never. You know +that Mr. Mallow is poor. Miss Saxon has no money—" +</P> + +<P> +"Pardon me. I hear her aunt, Miss Loach, who was unfortunately +murdered at Rexton, has left her six thousand a year." +</P> + +<P> +Senora Gredos turned quite pale and clenched her hands, but she managed +to control herself again with a powerful effort and masked the rage she +felt under a bland, false smile. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, that makes a difference," she said calmly. "I hope they will be +happy—if they marry," she added significantly. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, that is quite settled," said Caranby. +</P> + +<P> +"There's many a slip between the cup and the lip," said Maraquito +viciously. "Yonder is Mr. Saxon. Tell him to come to me." +</P> + +<P> +Caranby bowed and crossed the room to where Basil was talking with a +frowning face to Hale. "Don't bother me," he was saying, "it will be +all right now that the will has been read." +</P> + +<P> +"For your own sake I hope it will be all right," replied Hale, and +Caranby caught the words as he came up. After giving his message, he +sauntered round, watching the play, and seemingly listened to no one. +But all the time he kept his ears open to hear what Hale and Clancy +were talking about. +</P> + +<P> +The two men were in a corner of the room, and Clancy was expostulating +angrily with Hale. They held their peace when Caranby drifted near +them, he saw that they were on their guard. Looking round, he espied +Jennings playing at a side table, and crossed to him. +</P> + +<P> +"Permit me to take your place," said Caranby, and added in a low tone, +"watch Hale and Clancy!" +</P> + +<P> +Jennings seized the idea at once and surrendered the chair to the old +nobleman. Then he lighted a cigarette and by degrees strolled across +the room to where the two were again talking vigorously. "I tell you +if Basil is pressed too hard he will—" Clancy was saying, but shut his +mouth as he saw Jennings at his elbow. The detective came forward with +a smile, inwardly vexed that he had not been able to hear more. As he +advanced he saw Clancy touch Hale on the arm. +</P> + +<P> +"How are you?" said Jennings, taking the initiative, "we met at that +inquest, I believe." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," said Hale, polite and smiling, "I remember, Mr. Jennings! I had +seen you here before, but I never knew your calling." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't tell it to everyone," said Jennings, "How do you do, Mr. +Clancy? I hope you are well. An amusing place this." +</P> + +<P> +"I need amusement," said Clancy, again assuming his silly smile, "since +the death of my dear friend. By the way, have you found out who killed +her, Mr. Jennings?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. I fear the assassin will never be discovered." Here the two men +exchanged a glance. "I am engaged on other cases. There was only one +point I wished to learn in connection with Miss Loach's death." +</P> + +<P> +"What is that?" asked Hale calmly. +</P> + +<P> +"Was Mrs. Herne in Miss Loach's bedroom on that night?" +</P> + +<P> +"I forget," said Clancy before Hale could speak. +</P> + +<P> +"That's a pity," resumed Jennings. "You see from the fact of the bell +having been sounded, it struck me that the assassin may have been +concealed in the bedroom. Now if Mrs. Herne was in that room, she +might have noticed something." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't think she did," said Hale hastily. "Mrs. Herne and I left +early, owing to Clancy here having offended her. Besides, Mrs. Herne +told all she knew at the inquest." +</P> + +<P> +"All save that point." +</P> + +<P> +"The question was not asked," said Clancy. +</P> + +<P> +"No. I should like to ask Mrs. Herne now, but it seems she has gone +away from Hampstead." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't care if she has," grumbled Clancy, "I hated Mrs. Herne. She +was always quarrelling. Did you call to see her?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, but I could not learn where she was. Now, as you are her lawyer, +Mr. Hale, you may know." +</P> + +<P> +"She is at Brighton," replied Hale readily, "at the Metropolitan Hotel, +but she returns to Hampstead in a week." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings was secretly astonished at his question being thus answered, +as he was inclined to suspect the men. However, he took a note of the +address, and said he would attend to the matter. "But, to tell you the +truth, it is useless," he said. "The assassin will never be discovered. +Moreover, there is no reward, and I should only work for no wages. You +stay at Rose Cottage now, I believe, Mr. Clancy?" +</P> + +<P> +"I do. Mrs. Pill has taken the place. Who told you?" +</P> + +<P> +"I heard from Susan Grant. She was witness, if you remember. And has +Mrs. Pill married Barnes yet?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't say," said Clancy, looking keenly at the detective. "I am not +yet a boarder. I move in after a fortnight. I expect the marriage +will take place before then. Susan Grant told you that also?" +</P> + +<P> +"She did. But I don't expect I'll see her again. Well, gentlemen, I +must go away. I hope you will be lucky." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings moved away and saw from the eager manner in which the two men +began to converse that he was the subject of the conversation. He +looked round for Caranby, but could not see him. When he was out of +the house, however, and on the pavement lighting a cigarette, he felt a +touch on his arm and found Caranby waiting for him. The old gentleman +pointed with his cane to a brougham! "Get in," he said, "I have been +waiting to see you. There is much to talk about." +</P> + +<P> +"Maraquito?" asked Jennings eagerly. +</P> + +<P> +"She has something to do with the matter. Love for Cuthbert has made +her involve herself. How far or in what way I do not know. And what +of Clancy and Hale?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I have put them off the scent. They think I have given up the +case. But they and Maraquito are connected with the matter somehow. I +can't for the life of me see in what way though." +</P> + +<P> +"There is another woman connected with the matter—Mrs. Octagon." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean?" asked Jennings quickly. +</P> + +<P> +"I saw her enter Maraquito's house a few moments before you came down." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap13"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XIII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +JULIET AT BAY +</H3> + +<P> +Caranby's reply took away Jennings' breath. The case was one of +surprises, but he was not quite prepared for such an announcement. He +was in the brougham and driving towards the Avon Hotel with the old +nobleman before he found his tongue. +</P> + +<P> +"What can Mrs. Octagon have to do with Maraquito?" he asked amazed. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah! that is the question," replied Caranby, affording no clue. +</P> + +<P> +"I did not even know she was acquainted with her." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps she gambles." +</P> + +<P> +"Even if she did, Maraquito's salon would hardly be the place she would +choose for her amusement. Moreover, Maraquito does not receive ladies. +She has no love for her own sex." +</P> + +<P> +"What woman has?" murmured Caranby, ironically. Then he added after a +pause, "You know that Mrs. Octagon was present when Emilia fell from +the plank in the Rexton house?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. She gave evidence at the inquest I understand. But Selina did +not, if Cuthbert informed me rightly." +</P> + +<P> +"Selina was ill in bed. She could not come. Afterwards she went +abroad. I have often wondered," added Caranby, "why Selina didn't seek +me out when death broke my engagement to Emilia. She loved me, and her +father being dead, there would have been no bar to our marriage. As it +was, she threw over her American and dedicated herself to a hermit's +life at Rexton." +</P> + +<P> +"You never saw her again?" +</P> + +<P> +"Never. I started to travel, and came to London only at rare +intervals. I did write to Selina, asking her to see me, but she always +refused, so I became philosophic and took to celibacy also." +</P> + +<P> +"Very strange," murmured Jennings, his thoughts elsewhere, "but this +does not explain Mrs. Octagon's visit to the house." +</P> + +<P> +"I am not so sure of that, if you mean Maraquito's house. Mrs. Octagon +may know, as I do, that Maraquito is the niece of Emilia." +</P> + +<P> +"Are you sure of that?" asked the detective eagerly. +</P> + +<P> +"As sure as I am that she is no Spaniard, nor even a Spanish Jewess, as +she claims to be. She doesn't even know the language. Her name, to +fit a woman, should terminate in a feminine manner. She should be +called Maraquita, not Maraquito. That little grammatical error +doubtless escaped her notice. But as I was saying, Maraquito—we will +still call her so—may have sent for Mrs. Octagon." +</P> + +<P> +"Mrs. Octagon, so far as I have seen, is not the woman to obey such a +call," said Jennings grimly. +</P> + +<P> +"Maraquito may have compelled her to come." +</P> + +<P> +"For what reason?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, you see, Emilia was said by Isabella Loach—Mrs. Octagon that +is—to have fallen from the plank. But Mrs. Octagon may have pushed +her off." +</P> + +<P> +"May have murdered her in fact." +</P> + +<P> +"Quite so. Isabella loved me, and was, and is, a very violent woman. +It may be that she pushed Emilia off the plank, and Maraquito, through +her dead father, may have learned the truth. This would give her a +hold over Mrs. Octagon." +</P> + +<P> +"But Selina may have killed Emilia. That would explain her hermit +life, inexplicable in any other way." +</P> + +<P> +"No," said Caranby in a shaking voice, "I am sure the woman I loved +would never have behaved in that way. Isabella killed Emilia—if it +was a murder—and then threatened to denounce Selina unless she gave up +the idea of marrying me. And that," added Caranby, as though struck +with a new idea, "may be the cause why Selina never answered my letter, +and always refused to see or marry me. She may have been—no, I am +sure she was—under the thumb of Isabella. Now that Selina is dead, +Isabella is under the thumb of Maraquito." +</P> + +<P> +"This is all theory," said Jennings impatiently. +</P> + +<P> +"We can only theorize in our present state of uncertainty," was the +reply of the nobleman. "But my explanation is a reasonable one." +</P> + +<P> +"I do not deny that. But why should Maraquito send for Mrs. Octagon?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why?" echoed Caranby in surprise, "in order to stop the marriage with +Cuthbert. Maraquito loves Cuthbert and hates Juliet. I daresay this +is the solution of Mrs. Octagon's strange behavior since the death. It +is Maraquito who is stopping the marriage by threatening to denounce +Mrs. Octagon for the murder of her aunt. Juliet knows this, and hence +her reticence." +</P> + +<P> +"It might be so," murmured Jennings, more and more perplexed. "But Miss +Saxon won't be reticent with me. I'll see her to-morrow." +</P> + +<P> +"What means will you use to make her speak?" +</P> + +<P> +"I'll tell her that Cuthbert may be arrested for the crime. You know he +was about the place on the night of the murder." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. He went down to look after a possible ghost. But I hope you +will not bring Cuthbert into the matter unless it is absolutely +necessary. I don't want a scandal." +</P> + +<P> +"Rest easy, Lord Caranby. I have the complete control of this affair, +and I'll only use Cuthbert's presence at Rexton to make Miss Saxon +speak out. But then, she may not be keeping silence for Cuthbert's +sake, as she can't possibly know he was at Rexton on that night. My +own opinion is that she is shielding her brother." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you suspect him?" asked Caranby quickly. +</P> + +<P> +"He may not be guilty of the crime, but he knows something about it, I +am sure." Here Jennings related how Clancy had said Basil would speak +out if pressed too hard. "Now Basil, for some reason, is in +difficulties with Hale, who is a scoundrel. But Basil knows something +which Hale and Clancy wish to be kept silent. Hale has been using +threats to Basil, and the young man has turned restive. Clancy, who is +by no means such a fool as he looks, warned Hale to-night. Therefore I +take it, that Basil has some information about the murder. Miss Saxon +knows he has, and she is shielding him." +</P> + +<P> +"But Clancy, Hale and Mrs. Herne were all out of the house when the +woman was stabbed," said Caranby, "they cannot have anything to do with +it." +</P> + +<P> +"Quite so, on the face of it. But that bell—" Jennings broke off. "I +don't think those three are so innocent as appears. However, Mrs. +Herne is coming back to her Hampstead house next week; I'll see her and +put questions." +</P> + +<P> +"Which she will not answer," said Caranby drily. "Besides, you should +have put them at the inquest." +</P> + +<P> +"The case had not developed so far. I had not so much information as I +have now," argued Jennings. +</P> + +<P> +"Did you examine Mrs. Herne at the inquest?" +</P> + +<P> +"No; she gave her evidence." Jennings hesitated. "She also wore a veil +when she spoke, and refused to raise it on account of weak eyes. By +the way, do you notice that Maraquito uses a strong scent?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. Clancy and Hale also use it." +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" said Jennings, surprised. "I never knew that. Decidedly, I am +growing stupid. Well, Mrs. Herne uses that scent also. It is a rare +scent." Then Jennings told what Susan Grant had said. "Now I think +there is some significance in this scent which is connected with the +association of Clancy, Hale, Maraquito and Mrs. Herne." +</P> + +<P> +"But Mrs. Herne doesn't know Maraquito." +</P> + +<P> +"I am not so sure of that. Susan Grant thinks she may be Maraquito's +mother, she is so like her in an elderly way. Did you know this Mrs. +Saul?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. I knew the brother who came to speak to me after the death of his +sister, and who afterwards was put in jail for coining. His wife I +never met. I never even heard of her. But Maraquito takes after her +father in looks and he was like Emilia." +</P> + +<P> +"It is a difficult matter to unravel," said Jennings. "I think Mrs. +Herne refused to raise her veil at the inquest so that the likeness +between her and Maraquito might not be observed. I was there, and if +Mrs. Herne is what I say, she would have been put on her guard by +Maraquito. Though to be sure," added Jennings in a vexed tone, +"Maraquito did not know then, and perhaps does not know now, that I am +a detective." +</P> + +<P> +"Clancy and Hale will enlighten her," said Caranby, as the vehicle +stopped, "will you not come in?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not to-night. I will do myself the honor of calling on you later, +when I have more to say. At present I am going to sort out what +evidence I have. To-morrow I'll call on Miss Saxon." +</P> + +<P> +"Call on Mrs. Octagon," were Caranby's parting words, "believe me, she +knows the truth, but I'll tell you one thing. Maraquito did not kill +Miss Loach, for the death of Selina has given Juliet enough money to +marry Cuthbert, independent of Mrs. Octagon's wishes, and Maraquito +would never have brought that about." +</P> + +<P> +"Yet all the same Miss Saxon will not marry." +</P> + +<P> +Caranby made a gesture to show that the matter was beyond his +comprehension, and ascended the steps of the hotel. Jennings, deep in +thought, walked away, wondering how he was to disentangle the skein +which Fate had placed in his hand to unravel. +</P> + +<P> +That night the detective surveyed the situation. So far as he could +see, he seemed no further advanced than he had been at the inquest. +Certainly he had accumulated a mass of evidence, but it threw no light +on the case. From Caranby's romance, it seemed that the dead woman had +been connected with the Saul family. That seemed to link her with +Maraquito, who appeared to be the sole surviving member. In her turn, +Maraquito was connected in some underhand way with Mrs. Octagon, seeing +that the elder woman came by stealth to the Soho house. Mrs. Octagon +was connected with the late Emilia Saul by a crime, if what Caranby +surmised was correct, and her daughter was forbidden to marry Mallow, +who was the nephew of the man who had been the lover both of Miss Loach +and Emilia Saul. Hale and Clancy were playing some game with Basil +Saxon, who was the son of Mrs. Octagon, and he was associated with +Maraquito. Thus it would seem that all these people were connected in +various ways with the dead woman. But the questions were: Had one of +them struck the fatal blow, and if so, who had been daring enough to do +so? +</P> + +<P> +"Again," murmured Jennings, "who touched that bell? Not the assassin, +who would scarcely have been fool enough to call anyone to examine his +work before he had time to escape. Certainly it may have been a woman! +Yes! I believe a man killed Miss Loach, for some reason I have yet to +learn, and a woman, out of jealousy, wishing to get him into the grip +of the law, touched the bell so that witnesses might appear before the +assassin could escape. But who struck the blow?" +</P> + +<P> +This was a difficult question. It could not have been Basil Saxon, for +he was at the Marlow Theatre on that night with his sister. Cuthbert +had no motive, and Jennings quite believed his explanation as to his +exploration of the park between the hours of ten and eleven. Hale, +Clancy and Mrs. Herne were all out of the house before the blow had +been struck, and, moreover, there was no reason why they should murder +a harmless old lady. Maraquito confined to her couch could not +possibly have anything to do with the crime. Mrs. Octagon did hate her +sister, but she certainly would not risk killing her. In fact, Jennings +examining into the motives and movements of those mentioned, could find +no clue to the right person. He began to believe that the crime had +been committed by someone who had not yet appeared—someone whose +motive might be found in the past of the dead woman. Say a member of +the Saul family. +</P> + +<P> +But Maraquito was the sole surviving member, and on the face of it was +innocent. As yet Jennings did not know whether Mrs. Herne was her +mother, in spite of the resemblance which Susan claimed to have seen. +Also, Caranby said that Maraquito resembled her father, and the +features of the Saul family were so strongly marked that it was +impossible the elder Saul could have married a woman resembling him. +"Though, to be sure, he might have married a relative," said Jennings, +and went to bed more perplexed than ever. +</P> + +<P> +Next day, before calling at the "Shrine of the Muses," he went to +Scotland Yard, and there made inquiries about the rumor of false coins +being in circulation. These appeared to be numerous and were admirably +made. Also from France and Russia and Italy came reports that false +money was being scattered about. The chief of the detective staff +possessed these coins of all sorts, and Jennings was forced to own that +they were admirable imitations. He went away, wondering if this crime +could be connected in any way with the circulation of false money. +"Maraquito is a member of the Saul family, who appear to have been +expert coiners," said Jennings, on his way to Kensington, "and, +according to Le Beau, she gave him a false sovereign. I wonder if she +keeps up the business, and if Clancy and Hale, together with Mrs. +Herne, this supposititious mother, have to do with the matter. That +unfinished house would make an admirable factory, and the presence of +the ghosts would be accounted for if a gang of coiners was discovered +there. But there is a fifteen-feet wall round the house, and the park +is a regular jungle. Cuthbert examined the place by day and night and +could see nothing suspicious. I wonder if Miss Loach, living near the +place, learned that a gang was there. If so, it is quite conceivable +that she might have been murdered by one of them. But how the deuce +did anyone enter the house? The door certainly opened at half-past ten +o'clock, either to let someone in or someone out. But the bell did not +sound for half an hour later. Can there be any outlet to that house, +and is it connected with the unfinished mansion of Lord Caranby, used +as a factory?" +</P> + +<P> +This was all theory, but Jennings could deduce no other explanation +from the evidence he had collected. He determined to search the +unfinished house, since Caranby had given him permission, and also to +make an inspection of Rose Cottage, though how he was to enter on a +plausible excuse he did not know. But Fate gave him a chance which he +was far from expecting. On arriving at the "Shrine of the Muses" he +was informed that Miss Saxon had gone to Rexton. This was natural +enough, since she owned the cottage, but Jennings was inclined to +suspect Juliet from her refusal to marry Cuthbert or to explain her +reason, and saw something suspicious in all she did. He therefore took +the underground railway at once to Rexton, and, alighting at the +station, went to Crooked Lane through the by-path, which ran through +the small wood of pines. On looking at the cottage he saw that the +windows were open, that carpets were spread on the lawn, and that the +door was ajar. It seemed that Mrs. Pill was indulging in the spring +cleaning alluded to by Susan Grant. +</P> + +<P> +At the door Jennings met Mrs. Pill herself, with her arms bare and a +large coarse apron protecting her dress. She was dusty and untidy and +cross. Nor did her temper grow better when she saw the detective, whom +she recognized as having been present at the inquest. +</P> + +<P> +"Whyever 'ave you come 'ere, sir?" asked she. "I'm sure there ain't no +more corpses for you to discover." +</P> + +<P> +"I wish to see Miss Saxon. I was told she was here." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, she is," admitted Mrs. Pill, placing her red arms akimbo, "not +as I feel bound to tell it, me not being in the witness-box. She 'ave +come to see me about my rent. An' you, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"I wish to speak to Miss Saxon," said Jennings patiently. +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Pill rubbed her nose and grumbled. "She's up in the attics," said +she, "lookin' at some dresses left by pore Miss Loach, and there ain't +a room in the 'ouse fit to let you sit down in, by reason of no chairs +being about. 'Ave you come to tell me who killed mistress?" +</P> + +<P> +"No! I don't think the assassin will ever be discovered." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, well. We're all grass," wailed Mrs. Pill; "but if you wish to see +Miss Saxon, see her you will. Come this way to the lower room, an' +I'll go up to the attics." +</P> + +<P> +"Let me go, too, and it will save Miss Saxon coming down," said +Jennings, wishing to take Juliet unawares. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, now you speaks sense. Legs is legs when stairs are about, +whatever you may say," said Mrs. Pill, leading the way, "an' you'll +excuse me, Mr. Policeman, if I don't stop, me 'avin' a lot of work to +do, as Susan's gone and Geraldine with 'er, not to speak of my 'usbin' +that is to be, he havin' gone to see Mrs. Herne, drat her!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why has he gone to see Mrs. Herne?" asked Jennings quickly. +</P> + +<P> +"Arsk me another," said the cook querulously, "he's a secret one is +Thomas Barnes, whatever you may say. He comes and he goes and makes +money by 'is doin's, whatever they may be. For not a word do I 'ear of +'is pranks. I've a good mind to remain Pill to the end of my days, +seein' as he keeps secrets." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings said no more, but secretly wondered why Thomas had gone to +visit Mrs. Herne. He determined to call on that lady at once and see +if he could learn what message Thomas had taken her and from whom. But +he had not much time for thought as Mrs. Pill opened a door to the +right of a narrow passage and pushed him in. "An' now I'll go back to +my dustin'," said the cook, hurrying away. +</P> + +<P> +Jennings found himself face to face with Juliet. She was standing on a +chair with her hand up on the cornice. As soon as she saw him she came +down with rather a white face. The room was filled with trunks and +large deal boxes, and some were open, revealing clothes. Dust lay +thick on others apparently locked, and untouched for many years. The +light filtered into the dusty attic through a dirty window, and the +floor was strewn with straw and other rubbish. Miss Saxon did not know +the detective and her face resumed its normal color and expression. +</P> + +<P> +"Who are you and what do you want?" she asked, casting a nervous look +at the cornice. +</P> + +<P> +Jennings removed his hat. "I beg your pardon," he said politely. +"Mrs. Pill showed me up here when I asked to see you." +</P> + +<P> +"She had no right," said Juliet, looking at her dress, which was rather +dusty, "come downstairs and tell me who you are." +</P> + +<P> +She appeared anxious to get him out of the room, and walked before him +out of the door. As she passed through Jennings contrived to shut it +as though her dress had caught the lower part. Then he lightly turned +the key. He could hear Juliet fumbling at the lock. "What is the +matter?" she called through. +</P> + +<P> +"The lock has got hampered in some way," said Jennings, rattling the +key, "one moment, I'll look at it carefully." +</P> + +<P> +As he said this he made one bound to the chair upon which she had been +standing and reached his hand to the cornice at which she had looked. +Passing his hand rapidly along it came into contact with an object long +and sharp. He drew it down. It was a brand-new knife of the sort +called bowie. Jennings started on seeing this object, but having no +time to think (for he did not wish to rouse her suspicions), he slipped +the knife in his vest and ran again to the door. After a lot of +ostentatious fumbling he managed to turn the key again and open the +door. Juliet was flushed and looked at him angrily. But she cast no +second look at the cornice, which showed Jennings that she did not +suspect his ruse. +</P> + +<P> +"Your dress caught the door and shut it," he explained, "the lock seems +to be out of order." +</P> + +<P> +"I never knew it was," said Juliet, examining it; "it always locked +easy enough before." +</P> + +<P> +"Hum," thought Jennings, "so you have been here before and you have +kept the door locked on account of the knife probably," but he looked +smilingly at the girl all the time. +</P> + +<P> +"I am sorry," he said, when she desisted from her examination. +</P> + +<P> +"It's my fault," said Juliet unsuspiciously, and closed the door. She +led the way along the passage and down the stairs. "Who are you?" she +asked, turning round half way down. +</P> + +<P> +"I am a friend of Mallow's," said the detective. +</P> + +<P> +"I have never met you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yet I have been to your house, Miss Saxon. Perhaps my name, Miles +Jennings, may—" +</P> + +<P> +The girl started with a cry. "You are a detective!" she gasped. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap14"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XIV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +MRS. OCTAGON EXPLAINS +</H3> + +<P> +The young girl leaned against the wall, white, and with closed eyes. +Alarmed by her appearance, Jennings would have assisted her, but she +waved him off and staggered down the stairs. By a powerful effort she +managed to subdue her feelings, and when in the hall turned to him with +a sickly smile. "I am glad to see you," she said. "Mr. Mallow has +often spoken to you of me. You are his friend, I know." +</P> + +<P> +"His best friend, in spite of the difference in our position." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh," Juliet waved that objection aside, "I know you are a gentleman +and took up this work merely as a hobby." +</P> + +<P> +"I fear not," smiled Jennings. "To make money." +</P> + +<P> +"Not in a very pleasant way. However, as you are Mr. Mallow's friend, +I am glad you have this case in hand," she fixed her eyes on the +detective. "Have you discovered anything?" she asked anxiously. +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing much," replied Jennings, who rapidly decided to say nothing +about his discovery of the knife. "I fear the truth will never be +found out, Miss Saxon. I suppose you have no idea?" +</P> + +<P> +"I," she said, coloring, "what put such a thing into your head? I am +absolutely ignorant of the truth. Did you come to ask me about—" +</P> + +<P> +"That amongst other things," interrupted Jennings, seeing Mrs. Pill's +bulky figure at the door. "Can we not talk in some quieter place?" +</P> + +<P> +"Come downstairs," said Juliet, moving, "but the rooms are unfurnished +as Mrs. Pill is cleaning them. The house is quiet enough." +</P> + +<P> +"So I see," said the detective, following his companion down to the +basement, "only yourself and Mrs. Pill." +</P> + +<P> +"And my mother," she answered. "We came here to see about some +business connected with the letting of the cottage. My mother is lying +down in the old part of the house. Do you wish to see her?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. I wish to see you." +</P> + +<P> +By this time they had entered the sitting-room in which the crime had +been committed. The carpets were up, the furniture had been removed, +the walls were bare. Jennings could have had no better opportunity of +seeking for any secret entrance, the existence of which he suspected by +reason of the untimely sounding of the bell. But everything seemed to +be in order. The floor was of oak, and there was—strangely enough—no +hearth-stone. The French windows opened into the conservatory, now +denuded of its flowers, and stepping into this Jennings found that the +glass roof was entirely closed, save for a space for ventilation. The +assassin could not have entered or escaped in that way, and there was +no exit from the room save by the door. +</P> + +<P> +"Would you like to see the bedroom?" asked Juliet sarcastically. "I +see you are examining the place, though I should have thought you would +have done so before." +</P> + +<P> +"I did at the time," replied Jennings calmly, "but the place was then +full of furniture and the carpets were down. Let me see the bedroom by +all means." +</P> + +<P> +Juliet led the way into the next room, which was also bare. There was +one window hermetically sealed and with iron shutters. This looked out +on to a kind of well, and light was reflected from above by means of a +sheet of silvered tin. No one could have got out by the window, and +even then, it would have been difficult to have climbed up the well +which led to the surface of the ground. The floor and walls had no +marks of entrances, and Jennings returned to the sitting-room +completely baffled. Then Juliet spoke again. "I cannot help wondering +what you expect to find," she observed. +</P> + +<P> +"I thought there might be a secret entrance," said Jennings, looking at +her keenly, "but there seems to be none." +</P> + +<P> +Miss Saxon appeared genuinely astonished and looked round. "I never +heard of such a thing," she said, puzzled. "And what would a quiet old +lady like my aunt need with a secret entrance?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, you see, the assassin could not have sounded that bell and have +escaped by the front door. Had he done so, he would have met Susan +Grant answering the call. Therefore, he must have escaped in some +other way. The windows of both rooms are out of the question." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. But I understood that the assassin escaped at half-past ten." +</P> + +<P> +"According to the evidence it looks like that. But who then sounded +the bell?" +</P> + +<P> +Juliet shook her head. "I can't say," she said with a sigh. "The whole +case is a mystery to me." +</P> + +<P> +"You don't know who killed Miss Loach? Please do not look so +indignant, Miss Saxon. I am only doing my duty." +</P> + +<P> +The girl forced a smile. "I really do not know, nor can I think what +motive the assassin can have had. He must have had some reason, you +know, Mr. Jennings." +</P> + +<P> +"You say 'he.' Was the assassin then a man?" +</P> + +<P> +"I suppose so. At the inquest the doctor said that no woman could have +struck such a blow. But I am really ignorant of all, save what +appeared in the papers. I am the worst person in the world to apply to +for information, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps you are, so far as the crime is concerned. But there is one +question I should like to ask you. An impertinent one." +</P> + +<P> +"What is it?" demanded the girl, visibly nervous. +</P> + +<P> +"Why do you refuse to marry Mallow?" +</P> + +<P> +"That is very impertinent," said Juliet, controlling herself; "so much +so that I refuse to reply." +</P> + +<P> +"As a gentleman, I take that answer," said Jennings mildly, "but as a +detective I ask again for your reason." +</P> + +<P> +"I fail to see what my private affairs have to do with the law." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings smiled at this answer and thought of the knife which he had +found. A less cautious man would have produced it at once and have +insisted on an explanation. But Jennings wished to learn to whom the +knife belonged before he ventured. He was sure that it was not the +property of Juliet, who had no need for such a dangerous article, and +he was equally sure that as she was shielding someone, she would +acknowledge that she had bought the weapon. He was treading on +egg-shells, and it behooved him to be cautious. "Very good," he said +at length, "we will pass that question for the present, though as +Mallow's friend I am sorry. Will you tell me to whom you gave the +photograph of Mallow which he presented to you?" +</P> + +<P> +"How do you know about that?" asked Miss Saxon quickly. "And why do +you ask?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because I have seen the photograph." +</P> + +<P> +"That is impossible," she answered coldly; "unless you were in this +house before the death of my aunt." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah! then it was to Miss Loach you gave it," said Jennings, wondering +how Maraquito had become possessed of it. +</P> + +<P> +"It was; though I do not recognize your right to ask such a question, +Mr. Jennings. My late aunt was very devoted to Mr. Mallow and anxious +that our marriage should take place. He gave me the photograph—" +</P> + +<P> +"With an inscription," put in the detective. +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly," she rejoined, flushing, "with an inscription intended for +me alone. I was unwilling to part with the photograph, but my aunt +begged so eagerly for it that I could not refuse it." +</P> + +<P> +"How did she see it in the first instance?" +</P> + +<P> +"I brought it to show her after Mr. Mallow gave it to me. May I ask +where you saw it?" +</P> + +<P> +Jennings looked at her with marked significance. "I saw it in the +house of a woman called Maraquito." +</P> + +<P> +"And how did it get there?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't tell you. Do you know this woman?" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't even know her name. Who is she?" +</P> + +<P> +"Her real name is Senora Gredos and she claims to be a Spanish Jewess. +She keeps a kind of gambling salon. To be plain with you, Miss Saxon, +I really did not see the photograph in her house. But a girl called +Susan Grant—" +</P> + +<P> +"I know. My late aunt's parlor-maid." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, the photograph was in her box. I found it when the servants +insisted on their boxes being searched. She confessed that she had +taken it from her last mistress, who was Senora Gredos. As you gave it +to Miss Loach, I should be glad to know how it came into the possession +of this woman." +</P> + +<P> +"I really can't tell you, no more than I can say why Susan took it. +What was her reason?" +</P> + +<P> +"Mr. Mallow is a handsome man—" began Jennings, when she stopped him +with a gesture. +</P> + +<P> +"Do you mean to say—no, I'll never believe it." +</P> + +<P> +"I was not going to say anything against Mallow's character. But this +foolish girl cherished a foolish infatuation for Mallow. She saw him +at Senora Gredos' house—" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah!" said Juliet, turning pale. "I remember now. Basil mentioned +that Cuthbert gambled, but he did not say where." +</P> + +<P> +"Mallow gambled a little at Maraquito's, as did your brother. The only +difference is that Mallow could afford to lose and your brother could +not. Are you sure you never heard the name of Maraquito?" +</P> + +<P> +"Quite sure," said Juliet, meeting his gaze so calmly that he saw she +was speaking the truth. "Well, I understand how you got the +photograph, but how did this woman get it? I never heard my aunt +mention her, either as Maraquito or as Senora Gredos." +</P> + +<P> +"Was your aunt open with you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Perfectly open. She had nothing in her life to conceal." +</P> + +<P> +"I am not so sure of that," murmured the detective. "Well, I cannot +say how Maraquito became possessed of this photograph." +</P> + +<P> +Juliet shrugged her shoulders. "In that case we may dismiss the +matter," she said, wiping her dry lips; "and I can't see what the +photograph has to do with this crime." +</P> + +<P> +"I can't see it myself, but one never knows." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you accuse Mr. Mallow?" +</P> + +<P> +"Supposing I did. I know Mr. Mallow was near this place on the night +of the murder and about the hour." +</P> + +<P> +Juliet leaned against the wall and turned away her face. "It is not +true. What should bring him there?" +</P> + +<P> +"He had business connected with the unfinished house at the back owned +by Lord Caranby. But I don't suppose anyone saw him." +</P> + +<P> +"How do you know he was here then?" asked Juliet, gray and agitated. +</P> + +<P> +"He confessed to me that he had been here. But we can talk of that +later—" +</P> + +<P> +Juliet interposed. "One moment," she cried, "do you accuse him?" +</P> + +<P> +"As yet I accuse no one. I must get more facts together. By the way, +Miss Saxon, will you tell the where you were on that night?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly," she replied in a muffled voice, "at the Marlow Theatre +with my brother Basil." +</P> + +<P> +"Quite so. But I don't think the play was to your liking." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean by that?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well," said Jennings slowly, and watching the changing color of her +face, "in your house you do not favor melodrama. I wonder you went to +see this one at the Marlow Theatre." +</P> + +<P> +"The writer is a friend of ours," said Juliet defiantly. +</P> + +<P> +"In that case, you might have paid him the compliment of remaining till +the fall of the curtain." +</P> + +<P> +Juliet trembled violently and clung to the wall. "Go on," she said +faintly. +</P> + +<P> +"You had a box, as I learned from the business manager. But shortly +after eight your brother left the theatre: you departed after nine." +</P> + +<P> +"I went to see an old friend in the neighborhood," stammered Juliet. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, and was that neighborhood this one, by any chance? In a +hansom—which I believe you drove away in—one can reach this place +from the Marlow Theatre in a quarter of an hour." +</P> + +<P> +"I—I—did not come here." +</P> + +<P> +"Then where did you go?" +</P> + +<P> +"I decline to say." +</P> + +<P> +"Where did your brother go?" +</P> + +<P> +"He did not tell me. Did the manager inform you of anything else?" +</P> + +<P> +"He merely told me that you and your brother left the theatre as I +stated. You decline to reveal your movements." +</P> + +<P> +"I do," said Juliet, clenching her hands and looking pale but defiant. +"My private business can have nothing to do with you. As you seek to +connect me with this case, it is your business to prove what you say. +I refuse to speak." +</P> + +<P> +"Will your brother refuse?" +</P> + +<P> +"You had better ask him," said Miss Saxon carelessly, but with an +effort to appear light-hearted. "I don't inquire into my brother's +doings, Mr. Jennings." +</P> + +<P> +"Yet you heard about his gambling." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't see what that has to do with the matter in hand. Do you +accuse me and Basil of having killed my aunt?" +</P> + +<P> +"I accuse no one, as yet," said Jennings, chagrined at her reticence, +"I said that before. Did you not speak with your aunt on that night?" +</P> + +<P> +"No," said Juliet positively. "I certainly did not." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings changed his tactics, and became apparently friendly. "Well, +Miss Saxon, I won't bother you any more. I am sure you have told me +all you know." Juliet winced. "Have you any idea if the weapon with +which the crime was committed has been discovered?" +</P> + +<P> +"That is a strange question for a detective to ask." +</P> + +<P> +"A very necessary one. Well?" +</P> + +<P> +"I know nothing about it," she said in an almost inaudible voice. +</P> + +<P> +"Do you know Mrs. Herne?" +</P> + +<P> +"I have met her once or twice here." +</P> + +<P> +"Did you like her?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can hardly say. I did not take much notice of her. She appeared to +be agreeable, but she was over-dressed and used a perfume which I +disliked." +</P> + +<P> +"Had you ever met anyone using such a perfume before?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. It was strong and heavy. Quite a new scent to me. The odor gave +me a headache!" +</P> + +<P> +"Was Mrs. Herne a great friend of your aunt's?" +</P> + +<P> +"I believe so. She came here with Mr. Hale and Mr. Clancy to play." +</P> + +<P> +"Hale," said Jennings, "I forgot Hale. Does he still retain your +business, Miss Saxon?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. I have given over the management of my property to our own +lawyer. Mr. Hale was quite willing." +</P> + +<P> +"Does your brother Basil still make a friend of Mr. Hale?" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know," said Juliet, changing color again. "I do not ask about +Basil's doings. I said that before. Hark," she added, anxious to put +an end to the conversation, "my mother is coming." +</P> + +<P> +"I should like to see Mrs. Octagon," said Jennings. +</P> + +<P> +"She will be here in a few minutes. I shall tell her," and Juliet, +without a look, left the room, evidently glad to get away. +</P> + +<P> +Jennings frowned and took out the knife at which he looked. "She knows +a good deal about this affair," he murmured. "Who is she shielding? I +suspect her brother. Otherwise she would not have hidden the knife. I +wonder to whom it belongs. Here are three notches cut in the +handle—there is a stain on the blade—blood, I suppose." +</P> + +<P> +He got no further in his soliloquy, for Mrs. Octagon swept into the +room in her most impressive manner. She was calm and cool, and her +face wore a smile as she advanced to the detective. "My dear Mr. +Jennings," she said, shaking him warmly by the hand, "I am so glad to +see you, though I really ought to be angry, seeing you came to my house +so often and never told me what you did." +</P> + +<P> +"You mightn't have welcomed me had you known," said he dryly. +</P> + +<P> +"I am above such vulgar prejudices," said Mrs. Octagon, waving her hand +airily, "and I am sure your profession is an arduous one. When Juliet +told me that you were looking into this tragic death of my poor sister +I was delighted. So consoling to have to do with a gentleman in an +unpleasant matter like this. Why have you come?" +</P> + +<P> +This last question was put sharply, and Mrs. Octagon fastened her big +black eyes on the calm face of the detective. "Just to have a look at +the house," he said readily, for he was certain Juliet would not report +their conversation to her mother. +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Octagon shrugged her shoulders. "A very nice little house, though +rather commonplace in its decoration; but my poor sister never did have +much taste. Have you discovered anything likely to lead to the +discovery of her assassin?" +</P> + +<P> +"I am ashamed to say I am quite in the dark," replied Jennings. "I +don't suppose the truth will ever be discovered." +</P> + +<P> +The woman appeared relieved, but tried to assume a sad expression. +"Oh, how very dreadful," she said, "she will lie in her untimely grave, +unavenged. Alas! Alas!" +</P> + +<P> +But Jennings was not mystified by her tragic airs. +</P> + +<P> +He was certain she knew something and feared lest it should come to his +knowledge. Therefore he resolved to startle her by a blunt question. +"I never knew you were acquainted with Maraquito!" +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Octagon was not at all taken aback. "I don't know such creatures +as a rule," she said calmly. "What makes you think I do?" +</P> + +<P> +"I saw you enter her house one night." +</P> + +<P> +"Last night," said Mrs. Octagon coolly. "Yes. Maraquito, or Senora +Gredos, or whatever she calls herself, told me you had just gone. I +saw her in a little room off the salon where the play went on." +</P> + +<P> +The detective was surprised by this ready admission, and at once became +suspicious. It would seem that Mrs. Octagon, expecting such a +question, was uncommonly ready to answer it. "May I ask why you went to +see this woman?" he demanded. +</P> + +<P> +An innocent woman would have resented this question, but Mrs. Octagon +ostentatiously seized the opportunity to clear herself, and thereby +increased Jennings' suspicions. "Certainly," she said in an open manner +and with a rather theatrical air, "I went to beg my son's life from +this fair siren." +</P> + +<P> +"What on earth do you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"Basil," said Mrs. Octagon, in her deep, rich voice, "is too fond of +this fair stranger—Spanish, is she not?" +</P> + +<P> +"She says she is," said the cautious Jennings. +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Octagon shot a glance of suspicion at him, but at once resumed her +engaging manner. "The foolish boy loves her," she went on, clasping +her hands and becoming poetical, "his heart is captured by her starry +eyes and he would wed her for her loveliness. But I can't have that +sort of thing," she added, becoming prosaic, "so I went and told her I +would denounce her gambling salon to the police if she did not +surrender my son. She has done so, and I am happy. Ah, Mr. Jennings, +had you a mother's heart," she laid her hand on her own, "you would +know to what lengths it will lead a woman!" +</P> + +<P> +"I am glad your son is safe," said Jennings, with apparent cordiality, +though he wondered how much of this was true. "Maraquito is not a good +wife for him. Besides, she is a cripple." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," said Mrs. Octagon tragically, "she is a cripple." +</P> + +<P> +Something in the tone of her voice made Jennings look up and created a +new suspicion in his heart. However, he said no more, having learned +as much as was possible from this tricky woman. "I must go now," he +said, "I have examined the house." +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Octagon led the way upstairs. "And have you any clue?" +</P> + +<P> +"None! None! I wish you could assist me." +</P> + +<P> +"I?" she exclaimed indignantly, "no, my sister and I were not friends, +and I will have nothing to do with the matter. Good-day," and Mrs. +Octagon sailed away, after ushering the detective out of the door. +</P> + +<P> +Jennings departed, wondering at this change of front. As he passed +through the gate a fair, stupid-looking man entered. He nodded to +Jennings, touching his hat, and at the same time a strong perfume +saluted the detective's nostrils. "Thomas Barnes uses Hikui also," +murmured Jennings, walking away. "Humph! Is he a member of the gang?" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap15"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A DANGEROUS ADMISSION +</H3> + +<P> +Jennings had once witnessed a drama by Victorien Sardou, entitled—in +the English version—Diplomacy. Therein a woman was unmasked by means +of a scent. It seemed to him that perfume also played a part in this +case. Why should Clancy, Mrs. Herne, Hale, Maraquito and Thomas use a +special odor? "I wonder if they meet in the dark?" thought the +detective, "and recognize each other by the scent. It seems very +improbable, yet I can't see why they use it otherwise. That women +should use perfumes, even the same perfume, is right enough. They love +that sort of thing, but why should men do so, especially a man in the +position of Thomas? I'll follow up this clue, if clue it is!" +</P> + +<P> +The conversation with Juliet convinced Jennings that she knew of +something connected with the matter, but was determined to hold her +tongue. The fact that this knife was in her possession showed that she +was aware of some fact likely to lead to the detection of the assassin. +She might have found it when she came after the death to Rose Cottage, +but in that case, had she nothing to conceal, she would have shown it +to the police. Instead of this, she hid it in the attic. Jennings +congratulated himself on his dexterity in securing this piece of +evidence. There was no doubt in his mind that this was the very knife +with which Miss Loach had been stabbed. +</P> + +<P> +"And by a man," thought Jennings. "No woman would have such a weapon +in her possession; and if she bought one to accomplish a crime, she +would purchase a stiletto or a pistol. It would take a considerable +exercise of muscle to drive this heavy knife home." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings considered that the only person who could make Juliet speak +was Cuthbert. It was true that she already had declined to make a +confidant of him, but now, when there was a chance of his being +arrested—as Jennings had hinted—she might be inclined to confess all, +especially if it was Cuthbert she was shielding. But the detective +fancied her brother might be the culprit. On the night of the murder, +both had left the Marlow Theatre, which was near Rexton, and Juliet +declined to say where they went. It might be that both had been on the +spot about the time of the commission of the crime. Again, unless Miss +Loach had admitted her assailant, he must have had a latch-key to let +himself in. From the fact that the poor woman had been found with the +cards on her lap in the same position in which Susan had left her, +Jennings was inclined to think that the assassin had struck the blow at +once, and then had left the house at the half hour. But how had he +entered? There did not appear to be any secret entrance, and no one +could enter by the windows; nor by the door either without a latch-key. +The further Jennings examined into the matter, the more he was puzzled. +Never had he undertaken so difficult a case. But the very difficulty +made him the more resolute to unravel the mystery. +</P> + +<P> +For two or three days he went about, asking for information concerning +the coining, and reading up details in old newspapers about the +exploits of the Saul family. Also, he went occasionally to the salon +of Senora Gredos. There he constantly met Hale and Clancy. Also Basil +came at times. That young man now adopted a somewhat insolent demeanor +towards the pair, which showed that he was now out of their clutches +and no longer had cause to fear them. Jennings felt sure that Basil +could explain much, and he half determined to get a warrant out for his +arrest in the hope that fear might make him confess. But, +unfortunately, he had not sufficient information to procure such a +thing, and was obliged to content himself with keeping a watch on young +Saxon. But the man sent to spy reported nothing suspicious about +Basil's doings. +</P> + +<P> +In this perplexity of mind Jennings thought he would see Cuthbert and +relate what he had discovered. Also he hoped that Mallow might +interview Juliet and learn the truth from her. But an inquiry at +Mallow's rooms showed that he had gone out of town for a few days with +his uncle, and would not be back for another two. Pending this return, +Jennings sorted his evidence. +</P> + +<P> +Then he was surprised to receive a letter from Mrs. Herne, stating that +she had returned to her place at Hampstead, and asking him to call. "I +understand from Mr. Clancy," wrote Mrs. Herne, "that you wish to see me +in connection with the death of my poor friend. I shall be at home +to-morrow at four." Then followed the signature, and Jennings put away +the note with a rather disappointed feeling. If he was right in +suspecting Mrs. Herne, she certainly felt little fear, else she would +have declined to see him. After all, his supposition that the two +women and the four men formed a gang of coiners, who worked in the +unfinished house, might turn out to be wrong. "But I'll see Mrs. Herne +and have a long talk with her," said Jennings to himself. "And then +I'll show the knife to Cuthbert Mallow. Also I may examine the +unfinished house. If coiners have been there, or are there, I'll soon +find out. Mallow hunting for ghosts, probably, made only a cursory +examination. And I'll take Drudge to Hampstead with me." +</P> + +<P> +Drudge was a detective who adored Jennings and thought him the very +greatest man in England. He was usually employed in watching those +whom his superior suspected, and Jennings could always rely on his +orders being honestly executed. In this instance Drudge was to wait +some distance from the house of Mrs. Herne until Jennings came out +again. Then on the conversation which had taken place would depend +further orders. The man was silent and lean, with a pair of sad eyes. +He followed Jennings like a dog and never spoke unless he was required +to answer a question. +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Herne did not possess a house of her own, which struck the +detective as strange, considering she appeared to be a wealthy woman. +She always wore costly dresses and much jewellery, yet she was content +with two rooms, one to sit in and the other to sleep in. Certainly the +sitting-room (which was all Jennings saw) was well furnished, and she +apparently thoroughly appreciated the luxuries of life. There was a +bow-window which commanded a fine prospect of the Heath, and here Mrs. +Herne was seated. The blinds were half-way down, so that the brilliant +sunlight could not penetrate into the somewhat dusky room. When the +detective entered Mrs. Herne excused the semi-darkness. "But my eyes +are somewhat weak," she said, motioning him to a seat. "However, if +you wish for more light—" she laid her hand on the blind-cord. +</P> + +<P> +"Not on my account," said Jennings, who did not wish to appear unduly +suspicious. "I am quite satisfied." +</P> + +<P> +"Very well, then," replied Mrs. Herne, resuming her seat and crossing +her delicate hands on her lap. "We can talk. I am at your orders." +</P> + +<P> +She was arrayed in a blue silk dress of a somewhat vivid hue, but +softened with black lace. She had a brooch of diamonds at her throat, +a diamond necklace round it, bracelets set with the same gems and many +costly rings. Such a mass of jewelry looked rather out of place in the +daylight, but the twilight of the room made the glitter less +pronounced. Jennings thought that Mrs. Herne must have Jewish blood in +her veins, seeing she was so fond of gems. Certainly she was very like +Maraquito, even to having eyebrows almost meeting over her thin high +nose. But these, as was her hair, were gray, and her skin lacked the +rich coloring of the younger woman. Jennings rapidly took in the +resemblance, and commenced the conversation, more convinced than ever +that there was some bond of blood between Mrs. Herne and Senora Gredos. +This belief helped him not a little. +</P> + +<P> +"I daresay Mr. Clancy told you why I wished to see you?" +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Herne nodded in a stately way. "Yes. You wish to know if I was +in the bedroom of my friend on that evening. Well, I was. I went in +for a few minutes to take off my cloak and hat, and then I went in +again to resume them." +</P> + +<P> +"Did you see anyone in the room?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. Had there been anyone I should certainly have seen the person. +But there is no place where anyone could hide." +</P> + +<P> +"Not even a cupboard?" +</P> + +<P> +"There was a wardrobe, for Miss Loach disliked cupboards, as she +thought clothes did not get sufficiently aired in them. A wardrobe, +and of course anyone might have hid under the bed, but I did not look. +And I don't think," added Mrs. Herne, examining her rings, "that anyone +was about. Miss Loach was always very suspicious, and searched the +house regularly." +</P> + +<P> +"Did she, then, anticipate anyone hiding—a burglar, for instance?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I think she did. Her nature was warped from certain events which +happened in her early life, and she suspected everyone." +</P> + +<P> +"Was she on bad terms with anyone?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. She never quarrelled. I am the quarrelsome person," said the +lady, smiling. "I quarrelled with Mr. Clancy, who is a rude man. But +we have made it up since, as he has apologized. It was Mr. Clancy who +told me of your wish to see me. Do you want to ask anything else?" +</P> + +<P> +"If you do not mind." +</P> + +<P> +"On the contrary, I am anxious to afford you all the information in my +power. Nothing would give me more satisfaction than to see the +murderer of my dear friend brought to justice." +</P> + +<P> +She spoke with great feeling, and there was an unmistakable ring of +truth about her speech. Jennings began to think he must be wrong in +suspecting her to have anything to do with the death. All the same, he +was on his guard. It would not do to let Mrs. Herne, clever as she +was, pull wool over his eyes. "Have you any idea who killed Miss +Loach?" he asked. +</P> + +<P> +"No. She was quite well on that evening, and did not anticipate death +in any way—least of all in a violent form. Mr. Hale, Mr. Clancy and +myself would have been with her till nearly midnight had I not +quarrelled with Mr. Clancy. As it was, Mr. Hale escorted me home about +half-past nine, and I understand Mr. Clancy left about ten. When Miss +Loach was not playing whist or bridge she never cared about having +anyone in her house. She was rather a misanthrope." +</P> + +<P> +"Did she expect anyone that evening?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. At all events, she said nothing about expecting anyone." +</P> + +<P> +"Did she expect her nephew?" +</P> + +<P> +"Mr. Basil Saxon?" said Mrs. Herne, looking surprised. "Not that I am +aware of. She did not mention his name. To be sure, they were on bad +terms, and she had forbidden him the house. No, I do not think she +expected him." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you know the cause of the quarrel?" +</P> + +<P> +"It had something to do with money. I believe Miss Loach helped Mr. +Saxon, who was rather extravagant, but she grew weary of his demands +and refused to help him further. He lost his temper and said things +which forced her to order him out of the house." +</P> + +<P> +"Did he utter any threats?" +</P> + +<P> +"Miss Loach never said that he did. Mr. Jennings," remarked the old +lady, bending her brows, "is it possible you suspect that young man?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. I suspect no one at present. But I am bound to make inquiries in +every direction, and of course, if Mr. Saxon is of a passionate temper, +he might wish to avenge himself for being forbidden the house." +</P> + +<P> +"He has a temper," said Mrs. Herne, thoughtfully, "but I never saw it +exhibited, though I met him once at Miss Loach's. She said he had a +lot of bad blood in him, but that may have been because she hated her +sister, Isabella Octagon." +</P> + +<P> +"Did she hate her?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. And I think she had cause. Mrs. Octagon behaved very badly in +connection with some romantic episode of the past." +</P> + +<P> +"I fancy I know about that," said Jennings quickly, then added, "You +are fond of perfumes?" +</P> + +<P> +"What a strange question," laughed Mrs. Herne. "Yes, I am. Do you like +this scent. It is called Hikui, and was given to me by a dear friend +who received it from a Japanese attache." +</P> + +<P> +"From a friend or relative?" +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Herne frowned. "What do you mean by that?" +</P> + +<P> +Jennings shrugged his shoulders. "Oh, nothing. Only you are very like +a lady called Senora Gredos." +</P> + +<P> +"Maraquito," said Mrs. Herne unexpectedly. "Of course I am. Her father +was my brother." +</P> + +<P> +"You are then her aunt?" +</P> + +<P> +"Naturally. But the fact is, I do not proclaim the relationship, as I +do not approve of Maraquito's gambling. Of course the poor thing is +confined to her couch and must have something to amuse her. All the +same, gambling on a large scale is against my principles. But, if +asked, I do not disown the relationship. Now you understand why I am +like Maraquito." +</P> + +<P> +"I understand," hesitated Jennings, "you belong to a Spanish family?" +</P> + +<P> +"Spanish Jews. I am a Jewess, so is Maraquito." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you speak Spanish?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. Do you wish to speak it with me?" +</P> + +<P> +"Unfortunately I do not know the language," said Jennings, profoundly +regretting the fact. "And your niece?" +</P> + +<P> +"She does not speak it. She was brought up in England." +</P> + +<P> +"In that case she should ask you if her name is masculine or feminine, +Mrs. Herne?" +</P> + +<P> +The old lady started. "I should like to know what you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"Senora Gredos' Christian name should be Maraquita, not Maraquito!" +</P> + +<P> +"Really. I never gave the matter a thought. I will tell her about it +if you like. I said she did not speak Spanish! She has led a strange +life. At one time she wished to dance and took the name of Celestine +Durand. She was taught by a professor of dancing called Le Beau, who +lives in Pimlico, but while learning she slipped in the street and +became the wreck you see her." +</P> + +<P> +Certainly Mrs. Herne was very frank, and spoke the truth, as all this +bore out the statements of Le Beau and Lord Caranby. "Her maiden name +was Saul, I believe," said Jennings, thinking Mrs. Herne would deny +this promptly. +</P> + +<P> +To his astonishment she did nothing of the sort. "My maiden name is +Saul," she said gravely. "But as Maraquito is the daughter of my +unfortunate brother, her true name is the same—not her maiden name, +you understand. I do not know how you learned this, but—" +</P> + +<P> +"Lord Caranby paid a visit to Maraquito's salon and recognized that she +was a Saul from her likeness to Emilia, with whom—" +</P> + +<P> +"With whom he was in love," finished Mrs. Herne, crossing her hands; +"that painful story is well known to me. Emilia was my sister." +</P> + +<P> +"Lord Caranby never told me she had one," said Jennings. +</P> + +<P> +"Lord Caranby does not know the history of our family." +</P> + +<P> +"Save what appeared in the papers," put in the detective. +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Herne flushed through her sallow skin. "It is not well bred of +you to refer to the misfortunes of my family," she said; "my mother and +brother were unlucky. They were innocent of this charge of coining, +brought against them by an enemy." +</P> + +<P> +"The evidence was very plain, Mrs. Herne." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah!" she flashed out, "you have been looking up the case. Why?" +</P> + +<P> +"From what Lord Caranby said—" +</P> + +<P> +"He has no right to say anything," cried Mrs. Herne, rising and +speaking vehemently; "he loved my sister, and she lost her life at that +dreadful house. I was abroad at the time, and had only just married. +My husband was a jeweller. We cut ourselves off from the family when +the misfortune came. Only of late years did I recognize Maraquito when +she came to me for assistance. Her father died and she had no money. +I helped her to pay for her dancing—" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh," said Jennings, recalling the false money, "you paid." +</P> + +<P> +"Have you anything to say on that point?" she asked haughtily. +</P> + +<P> +"No! No! I merely congratulate you on your generosity." +</P> + +<P> +"I could not allow my own niece to starve. I helped her, and then she +met with the accident. After that—" +</P> + +<P> +"You assisted her to start this gambling-house." +</P> + +<P> +"By no means. Mr. Hale found the money for that. He is in love with +Maraquito. But you can understand why I do not proclaim my +relationship with her. The past of our family is too painful. I +became acquainted with Miss Loach through Mrs. Octagon—she was then +the wife of Mr. Saxon—when I went to inquire into my sister's death. +I liked Miss Loach and frequently went to see her. Now that she is +dead I shall leave England. I have arranged to do so next week, and +you will not see me here again. That is why I gave you this chance of +making inquiries." +</P> + +<P> +"I am much obliged," said Jennings quite believing her story, since she +told it so earnestly: "but does Maraquito love Hale?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. She loves Mr. Mallow, Lord Caranby's nephew." +</P> + +<P> +"She has a rival in Miss Saxon," said the detective. +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Herne turned red. "My niece fears no rival," she said haughtily. +"Miss Saxon shall never be the wife of Mr. Mallow." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings shrugged his shoulders. "I do not see how she can stop the +affair." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh yes, she can. The mother is on her side." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah! I thought there was some work of that kind." +</P> + +<P> +"Hear me!" cried Mrs. Herne, imposing silence with a gesture. "Basil +Saxon is in love with Maraquito and she can twist the poor fool round +her finger. She agrees to send him away if Mrs. Octagon stops this +most absurd marriage." +</P> + +<P> +"Which she has done." +</P> + +<P> +"And which she will continue to do," said Mrs. Herne decisively; "the +mother does not wish Basil to marry my niece, though she is quite as +good as they if not better." +</P> + +<P> +"Well," drawled Jennings, rising, "I now know why Mrs. Octagon has +acted in this way. There's no more to be said." +</P> + +<P> +"Are there any further questions you wish to ask me? Remember I go +abroad forever next week. You will never see me again." +</P> + +<P> +"I think I have asked you everything. By the why," Jennings balanced +his hat between two forefingers, "I suppose your niece's complaint is +incurable?" +</P> + +<P> +"She thought so until lately. But she has consulted a specialist, who +tells her she will walk again in a few months." +</P> + +<P> +"Then I suppose since she has made money through Hale's gambling-house +she will marry him out of gratitude." +</P> + +<P> +"She will marry Mallow," said Mrs. Herne, closing her mouth firmly. +</P> + +<P> +"Lord Caranby may object." +</P> + +<P> +"His objections will be overcome," she replied, with a crafty smile. +</P> + +<P> +"In what way? I am not curious, but—" +</P> + +<P> +"I have my own opinion of that, Mr. Jennings." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I should like to know how the obstinate objections of a firm old +man like Caranby are to be overcome." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, now you wish to know too much," said Mrs. Herne, laughing and +moving towards the center of the room. "I refuse to tell you that. +But if you are friendly with Miss Saxon, tell her to give up Mr. +Mallow. Otherwise—" +</P> + +<P> +"Otherwise," echoed Jennings, curious to know why she paused. +</P> + +<P> +"She will lose what is dearest to her." +</P> + +<P> +"Humph! I wonder what that can be. Had you not better threaten Miss +Saxon personally, Mrs. Herne?" +</P> + +<P> +"I have no need to, Maraquito will do that. With my niece as an enemy, +Miss Saxon has no chance of gaining the prize she desires." +</P> + +<P> +"But you reckon without the feelings of Mr. Mallow. He loves—" +</P> + +<P> +"He does not—he does not!" cried Mrs. Herne, pressing one hand to her +heart and speaking fiercely; "he loves Maraquito. And is she not worthy +to be loved? Is she—go—go." Mrs. Herne waved her hand. "I have +told you everything you asked, and more. Should you require further +information about Maraquito's love, I refer you to herself." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I am not interested enough in the matter to ask her," said the +detective, and bowing to the lady who had sunk on the sofa, took his +departure. A strange idea occurred to him, suggested by the agitation +of Mrs. Herne. +</P> + +<P> +When he met Drudge, who was partaking of a glass of gin, he gave him +instructions to watch the Hampstead house and follow Mrs. Herne when +she came out. Then having posted his spy—for Drudge was nothing +else—Jennings hurried back to town. That same evening he sent a wire +to Cuthbert to the address given by the servant, asking him to come up +to town next morning. +</P> + +<P> +At eleven Jennings presented himself and found Cuthbert waiting for +him, rather surprised and agitated. "Why did you wire me in so +peremptory a manner?" asked Mallow; "have you discovered anything?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes! I am sorry to break your holiday. By the way, you have been at +Brighton. Did you stop at the Metropolitan?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. I and Uncle Caranby have been there for a few days." +</P> + +<P> +"Did you see Mrs. Herne there?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. Why do you ask?" +</P> + +<P> +"For a reason I'll tell you later." Jennings glanced round the room +and his eyes became fixed on a trophy of arms. "You are fond of these +sort of things?" he demanded. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, in a way. Yonder are war-spears, revolvers, swords, and—" +</P> + +<P> +"I see—I see. Here is an empty space. What was here?" +</P> + +<P> +"By Jove, I never noticed that before. I forget!" +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps this will supply the gap," said Jennings, and held out the +knife. "Do you recognize this?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly. There are three notches in the handle. It is my knife. +Did you take it off the wall?" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap16"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XVI +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +JULIET'S STORY +</H3> + +<P> +Instead of answering, Jennings looked at Mallow. "It was the merest +chance I glanced at the wall and saw that one of the arms which form +that trophy was missing. It was also a chance that I suggested the +blank space might be filled up with this knife. Are you sure it is +your property?" +</P> + +<P> +Mallow with a puzzled expression took the weapon in his hand and +examined it closely. "It is mine," he admitted, "on the butts of my +revolvers you will find I carve these notches. I also did so on this +bowie, which I bought in New York when I went on my last big-game shoot +to the Rockies. I marked my things in this way so that the other +fellows should not use them by mistake. I brought back this knife, and +although it is not a pretty ornament, I fixed it up on the wall yonder. +I used it to cut up game. But if you did not take it off the wall—and +I confess I never missed it until you drew my attention to the fact +that it was missing—where did you get it?" +</P> + +<P> +Jennings scarcely knew what to say. Cuthbert talked of the matter in +so easy a manner that it was impossible to think he had killed Miss +Loach. Also he was not the sort of man to murder an inoffensive old +woman, the more especially as he—on the face of it—had no motive to +commit so brutal an act, or to jeopardize his neck. Struck by his +friend's silence, Mallow looked up suddenly. Whether he read the truth +in Jennings' eyes or the recollection of Jennings' profession brought +the Crooked Lane crime into his mind, it is impossible to say. But he +suddenly grew pale and dropped the knife with a look of abhorrence. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," said Jennings, in reply to his mute inquiry, "that is the knife +that was used to stab Miss Loach." +</P> + +<P> +"This knife?" said Mallow, with a gasp, "but how the dickens," he used +a stronger word, "did my knife come to be used in that way?" +</P> + +<P> +"I should like you to explain that," said the detective icily. +</P> + +<P> +"Good heavens, Jennings, you don't think—" +</P> + +<P> +"What am I to think," said Jennings coldly, "I swear I never suspected +you, Mallow. To own the truth, I don't suspect you now, but for your +own sake—for your own safety, explain how that knife came to be in +Miss Loach's house." +</P> + +<P> +"I can't say," cried Cuthbert, vehemently, "really I can't. I swear I +never missed it until you drew my attention to the blank left in the +trophy of arms yonder." He flung himself into a seat, and passed his +hand through his hair with a bewildered air. "Surely, Jennings, you do +not think me guilty of killing that poor wretch?" +</P> + +<P> +Jennings stretched out his hand, which Mallow grasped. "There is my +answer," said the detective, "of course I don't suspect you. The mere +fact that you own the knife is yours shows me that you are innocent. +But the fact that this particular weapon was used reveals to me the +strange behavior of Miss Saxon—her motive, I mean." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert jumped up. "What has Juliet to do with this?" he asked. +</P> + +<P> +"I went to see her," explained Jennings rapidly, "and was shown up to +the attic of Rose Cottage by Mrs. Pill. Miss Saxon was standing on a +chair with her hand on the cornice. I managed to place my hand in the +same place—it matters not how—and there I found that." +</P> + +<P> +"This knife?" Cuthbert, still bewildered, took up the formidable +weapon. "But how did she become possessed of it?" +</P> + +<P> +"You must ask her that." +</P> + +<P> +"I? Why did you not ask her yourself?" +</P> + +<P> +"She would have lied to me—for your sake." +</P> + +<P> +"For my sake? Do you mean to say she thinks I am guilty?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I do," said Jennings decisively. +</P> + +<P> +"It's an infernal lie! I don't believe Juliet would think me such a +blackguard unless she did not love me—and she does love me." +</P> + +<P> +"Of course," interposed Jennings swiftly, "so much so that she has +concealed this knife so as to—as she thinks—save you. Now, can you +not see why she asked you to proceed no further in the case for +your—own sake. I thought she was shielding her brother. It is you +she believes guilty—" +</P> + +<P> +"And therefore will not marry me?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. I don't think for one moment she cares about that. When a woman +loves a man she will stick to him through thick and thin. If he is a +regular Cain, she will marry him. Bless the whole sex, they are the +staunchest of friends when they love. No, Mallow, in some way Mrs. +Octagon has learned that you have killed her—" +</P> + +<P> +"But I never did—I never did. I told you everything." +</P> + +<P> +"What you told me may have been told to Mrs. Octagon with additions. +She thinks you guilty, and therefore has threatened to denounce you +unless Juliet gives you up. She has done so, therefore Mrs. Octagon +holds her bitter tongue." +</P> + +<P> +"But her reason for wishing to break off the marriage." +</P> + +<P> +"We discussed that before. In the first place, you are Caranby's +nephew and she hates him. In the second, she and Basil want the +fingering of the six thousand a year left by Miss Loach. Should you +marry Miss Saxon, they know well you will look after her interests, +therefore they don't wish the match to take place. I am not quite sure +if this is Basil's plan, or if he knows so much, but I am quite certain +that the scheme is of Mrs. Octagon's concoction. But now you can see +why Miss Saxon behaved so strangely." +</P> + +<P> +"She has no right to take up such a position," cried Cuthbert, with a +fierce look. "She should have been plain with me and have accused me +to my face." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you think a woman cares to accuse the man she loves? Besides, Mrs. +Octagon may have forced her to keep silence, so as to make the matter +more difficult for you. The only way in which you can clear up matters +is to see Miss Saxon and insist on an explanation." +</P> + +<P> +"And if she won't give it?" +</P> + +<P> +"I think she will this time," said Jennings with a grim smile. "By now +she must have discovered her loss, and she knows well enough that the +knife is in my possession. Already she knows that I threatened to +arrest you—" +</P> + +<P> +"But you would never do that." +</P> + +<P> +"I would if it meant the clearing of your character. I tell you, +Mallow, you are in danger. There is a conspiracy against you, and the +using of your knife to kill that old woman proves it. To prepare the +ground for an accusation, someone stole it. You must fight, man, or +your enemies may bring about your arrest, in spite of all I can do." +</P> + +<P> +Mallow dropped into his seat, flushed and angry. +</P> + +<P> +"I have no enemies," he muttered, trying to collect his wits. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, you have, and of the worst kind. Two women are against you." +</P> + +<P> +"Two women? Mrs. Octagon, I know, hates me as Caranby's nephew and +because she wants to handle this money. But the other?" +</P> + +<P> +"Maraquito Gredos." +</P> + +<P> +"Bosh! She loves me. I am sure she has worried me enough." +</P> + +<P> +"Of course she loves," said Jennings satirically. "She loves you so +deeply that she would see you on the scaffold rather than let you marry +Miss Saxon. That is why Mrs. Octagon went the other night to see her. +Mrs. Herne gave a different version, but—" +</P> + +<P> +"How do you know Mrs. Octagon went to see Maraquito?" +</P> + +<P> +"Your uncle saw her. Sit down, Mallow." Jennings gently pushed back +the astonished man into his seat. "Listen while I tell you all I have +discovered lately." +</P> + +<P> +Mallow listened in silence, and saw very truly that Maraquito would +stick at nothing to gain her ends. However, he made no remark. "Now," +went on Jennings, "it may be that Maraquito hired someone to kill Miss +Loach and is trying to put the blame on you so that she may entangle +you in her net. It will be either the gallows or marriage with you. +Of course she could not kill the woman herself, but her aunt, Mrs. +Herne—" +</P> + +<P> +"She was out of the house an hour before the blow was struck." +</P> + +<P> +"Quite so," rejoined Jennings dryly, "but she may have come back again. +However, the main point is, that Maraquito in some way is working with +Mrs. Octagon on this basis to prevent your marriage. In this way they +have impressed Miss Saxon that you are guilty, and they have shown her +this knife. This evidence she retained in order to save you and at the +price of her marriage." +</P> + +<P> +"It might be so," said Mallow, dazed with this view of the case. "I +certainly seem to be in a hole. If I could see Juliet—but her mother +prevents me." +</P> + +<P> +"I have a plan to bring you together. I am engaged to a girl called +Miss Garthorne. She is the niece of an old dancing master who taught +Maraquito—" +</P> + +<P> +"Le Beau?" +</P> + +<P> +"The same. Well, I learn from Peggy—that is Miss Garthorne's +name—that she was at school for a few months with Miss Saxon. Peggy, +in spite of her poverty, has had a good education, thanks to Le Beau, +who loves her like a father. Hence, in spite of the difference in +rank, she was brought into contact with Miss Saxon." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes! Yes! I see. But the scheme?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, Peggy must write to Miss Saxon and ask her to come and see her +at the Pimlico Academy. As Miss Saxon was great friends with Peggy, +she will come. Then you can talk to her there and learn the truth. +Find out who gave her the knife. She will answer, especially if you +tell her that, owing to my finding the knife, I am inclined to have you +arrested. You understand?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," said Cuthbert, a new fire in his eyes, and drawing himself up +firmly. "I'll get at the truth somehow, and Juliet will not leave that +Academy until I learn it. I have had more than enough of this kind of +thing. But how did the knife leave my rooms?" +</P> + +<P> +"Who has called to see you within the last month?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, dozens of people." +</P> + +<P> +"Has Mrs. Octagon?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. She never liked me enough to pay me a visit. But Basil—" +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" cried Jennings, slapping his knee. "I believe Basil may have +taken it. He is working with his mother to stop the marriage, and—" +</P> + +<P> +"Stop—stop!" interposed Mallow, coloring, "you are accusing Juliet's +mother and brother of being accomplices to a crime. Basil is a fool and +Mrs. Octagon is not a nice woman, but I don't think either would kill a +woman in cold blood." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings had his own opinion about this. Mrs. Octagon—as was proved +by her early history—was capable of doing much, when number one was in +question, and Basil was an irresponsible, hysterical fool. In a moment +of rage he might have—"But no," said Jennings, breaking off this train +of thought. "I can't see the truth. Miss Saxon knows it. You must +ask her. Be careful, for your life may depend upon it." +</P> + +<P> +"Bunkum!" said Mallow roughly, "I am not afraid." +</P> + +<P> +"Then you ought to be," said Jennings quickly, "you were down at Rose +Cottage on that night and the knife is yours. Certainly you have no +motive, but Mrs. Octagon and Maraquito will soon find one, if you don't +fall in with their wishes. However, you know what you have to do," and +Jennings rose to take his leave, first slipping the knife into his +pocket. +</P> + +<P> +"Wait a bit," said Cuthbert, rising. "I'll do what you say. Just drop +me a line when the meeting is to be. But I want to tell you—At the +Metropolitan Hotel at Brighton I met with my bank manager." +</P> + +<P> +"What of that?" +</P> + +<P> +"He happens to be the manager of the bank where Miss Loach kept her +money and where Juliet keeps it now." +</P> + +<P> +"Well," said Jennings, becoming suddenly attentive. +</P> + +<P> +"He didn't tell secrets," went on Mallow, "but we got talking of Basil, +and the manager hinted that Basil had had a lucky escape." +</P> + +<P> +"From what?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't say. The manager—French, his name is—refused to speak more +openly, and of course he couldn't. But if Miss Loach had not died, +Basil would have got into trouble. He didn't put the matter exactly in +these words, but I gathered as much." +</P> + +<P> +"Humph!" said Jennings, his eyes on the carpet, "that supplies a motive +for Basil killing the old woman." +</P> + +<P> +"Nonsense, Basil would not kill anything. He is a coward." +</P> + +<P> +"When a rat is in the corner it fights," said the detective +significantly. "Basil may have been between the devil, represented by +Miss Loach, and the deep sea, which we may call Hale. He may have—" +</P> + +<P> +"No! No! No!" said Mallow, "nothing will ever persuade me that Basil +is guilty." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings looked doubtful. He had his own opinion as to young Saxon's +capability for crime. "However, the whole case is so perplexing that I +fear to name any particular person," said he, taking his hat. "Now I +shall see Miss Garthorne and get her to write to Miss Saxon." +</P> + +<P> +Apparently there was no difficulty about this, for in three days he +wrote to Mallow, telling him to come to Pimlico on Friday at four +o'clock. Juliet was surprised when she received an invitation from an +old schoolfellow of whom she had lost sight for years. However, owing +to her troubles, she felt the need of some sympathetic soul in whom she +could safely confide, and knowing Peggy was one of those rare friends +who could keep her own counsel, Juliet readily agreed to pay the visit. +She arrived at the Academy shortly before three o'clock, and the two +girls had a long talk of their old days. Also Juliet told some of her +difficulties—but not all—to Peggy. "And I don't know how things will +turn out," said Miss Saxon disconsolately, "everything seems to be +wrong." +</P> + +<P> +"They will continue to be wrong unless you act wisely," said Peggy. +</P> + +<P> +"In what way should I act?" +</P> + +<P> +"Stick to Mr. Mallow. He loves you and you love him. I do not see why +you should surrender your life's happiness for the sake of your family. +Of course you have not told me all," and Peggy looked at her +inquiringly. +</P> + +<P> +Juliet shuddered. "I dare not tell you all," she said faintly. "I +have to think of other people." +</P> + +<P> +"Think of Mr. Mallow first." +</P> + +<P> +"I am thinking of him." +</P> + +<P> +"Then it is on his account you keep silence." +</P> + +<P> +Juliet nodded. "I must hold my tongue. If you could advise me—" +</P> + +<P> +"My dear," said clear-headed Miss Garthorne, rather impatiently, "I +can't advise unless I know all, and you will not trust me." +</P> + +<P> +"I have to consider others," repeated Juliet obstinately; "if Cuthbert +knew what I feel—" +</P> + +<P> +"Why don't you tell him? See here, Juliet, you are keeping something +back from me. On my part, I have kept something back from you. But I +see it is necessary to speak plainly. Juliet, I am engaged." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I am so glad," cried Miss Saxon, embracing her friend. "Is he +nice?" +</P> + +<P> +"I think so; but I am not sure if you will be of that opinion." +</P> + +<P> +"Do I know him?" asked Juliet, opening her eyes widely. +</P> + +<P> +"You do. Not very well, perhaps, but you know him." +</P> + +<P> +"What is his name?" +</P> + +<P> +"I'll tell you that after you have seen Mr. Mallow." +</P> + +<P> +Miss Saxon rose with rather an offended look. "I have no intention of +seeing Mr. Mallow." +</P> + +<P> +"Supposing he was here, would you consent to an interview?" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't dare—I dare not! If he asked questions!—what do you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing," said Peggy briskly. "We have joined issue, as the lawyers +say. I advise you to speak out and you refuse." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't understand all this. Is Cuthbert here?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. To be plain with you, Juliet, a person I know arranged that I +should write to you and that Mr. Mallow should meet you here." +</P> + +<P> +Juliet looked annoyed. "Who is interfering with my private business?" +</P> + +<P> +"Someone who can help you." +</P> + +<P> +"No one can help me," retorted Juliet. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, yes, and the advice of this person is that you should tell the +truth to Mr. Mallow." +</P> + +<P> +"Who is this person?" +</P> + +<P> +"I'll tell you that after you have seen Mr. Mallow. He is in the room +below." +</P> + +<P> +"This interfering person you refer to?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, Mr. Mallow. Will you come downstairs and see him?" +</P> + +<P> +Juliet drew back as Peggy opened the door. "I dare not." +</P> + +<P> +"In that case you will have to consent to the arrest of Mr. Mallow." +</P> + +<P> +Juliet shrieked. "Cuthbert arrested! For what?" +</P> + +<P> +"For the murder of Miss Loach." +</P> + +<P> +"It is not true—it is not true," gasped Juliet. "Oh, Peggy, what does +it all mean? How do you come to know—?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because I'm engaged to Miles Jennings." +</P> + +<P> +"The detective! The man who behaved so badly to me?" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know what you call behaving badly," said Miss Garthorne in an +offended way. "Miles wishes to help you out of your difficulties, and +you will not allow him. No! Don't ask questions. I refuse to answer. +Miles told me all about the case and I know everything—" +</P> + +<P> +"Then you know that he came the other day to Rose Cottage and—" +</P> + +<P> +"I know everything," said Peggy, leaving the room; "and if you are wise +you will come with me." +</P> + +<P> +When Peggy disappeared, Juliet hesitated. She really could not speak +to Cuthbert, and resolved to steal out of the trap into which she had +been inveigled by the treacherous Peggy. On the other hand, things were +becoming so serious that she knew she would have to speak out sooner or +later, especially as Cuthbert was in danger of arrest. But even if she +confessed all, could she save him? "I should only make matters worse," +thought Juliet, descending the stairs, "he'll thank me some day for +holding my tongue. I'll go." +</P> + +<P> +So she arranged, but meantime Peggy had informed the waiting Mallow of +Juliet's strange behavior. Determined to make her speak, and anxious +to arrive at some understanding, Cuthbert waited at the foot of the +stairs. Juliet, coming down, ran straight into his arms, and turned +white. +</P> + +<P> +"You!" she gasped, retreating, "you are here after all." +</P> + +<P> +"Did you not hear Miss Garthorne tell you so?" asked Cuthbert. +</P> + +<P> +"Peggy is behaving very wickedly." +</P> + +<P> +"It is you who are behaving badly," said Mallow bluntly, "you know much +about this case and you are keeping me in the dark." +</P> + +<P> +"It is for your own good," murmured Juliet. +</P> + +<P> +"You should allow me to be the best judge of that. Come in here," and +Cuthbert drew her towards the open door of the dancing-room, "tell me +what you know and how it affects me." +</P> + +<P> +The room was large and bare and empty. At one end there was a kind of +dais on which was placed a few chairs. The young man walked up to this +and turned to beckon Juliet, for whom he placed a chair. She still +lingered at the door and seemed disposed to fly. +</P> + +<P> +"Juliet, if you go now, all is over," he said determinedly. +</P> + +<P> +"Cuthbert, how can you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because I mean what I say. Things can't go on like this. You think of +your brother—of your mother. You never give a thought to me." +</P> + +<P> +Juliet came up the room hurriedly. "I am thinking of you all the time, +Cuthbert," she said angrily, "I keep silence for your good." +</P> + +<P> +"In what way?" +</P> + +<P> +"This murder—" she began. Then her voice died away, "you know—" +</P> + +<P> +"I know that Miss Loach was murdered, but who did it I don't know." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh," Juliet dropped into a chair, "are you innocent?" +</P> + +<P> +"Surely you never thought me guilty?" +</P> + +<P> +"I—I—don't think you are, and yet—" +</P> + +<P> +"You are going to accuse me of having been on the spot?" +</P> + +<P> +Juliet could restrain herself no longer. "I saw you myself," she burst +out; "I was there also." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap17"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XVII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +JULIET'S STORY CONTINUED +</H3> + +<P> +Cuthbert was so surprised by this admission that astonishment held him +silent for a moment. He never expected to hear that Juliet herself had +been on the spot. Seeing this, she went on quickly. "Now you can +understand why I held my tongue. You were at Rose Cottage on that +night. You have enemies who know you were there. I have been +threatened should I insist on our engagement being fulfilled that you +will be arrested. Therefore I kept away and held my tongue." +</P> + +<P> +"But if you had told me this long ago—" +</P> + +<P> +"How could I?" she cried vehemently. "Could I come and say to you, I +believe you are a murderer?" +</P> + +<P> +"Did you believe that, Juliet?" he asked in a grieved tone. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes and no," she faltered. "Oh, Cuthbert, you know how I love you. I +could not bring myself to think you were guilty—and yet the proofs are +so strong. You were at Rose Cottage at a quarter to eleven—" +</P> + +<P> +"No. I was there at a quarter past ten." +</P> + +<P> +"I tell you I saw you at a quarter to eleven. You were getting over +the wall into the park. Then there was the knife—your knife." +</P> + +<P> +"How did you know it was mine?" +</P> + +<P> +"By the notches. You told me you always cut three notches on the +handle of any weapon you possessed. One day when mother and I came to +afternoon tea at your place you showed me some of your weapons—the +knife amongst them. One knife is much like another, and I would not +have noticed but for the notches and for the fact that I saw you on +that night. I hid the knife and Mr. Jennings—" +</P> + +<P> +"He found it," said Mallow. "Quite so. He told me he did. When you +left the attic he contrived to—" +</P> + +<P> +"Then the closing of the door was a trick," said Juliet in an agitated +tone. "I might have guessed that. He took the knife. He has +threatened to arrest you, so Miss Garthorne says." +</P> + +<P> +"She says rightly," replied Mallow, thinking it best to make use of all +he knew, so as to force her to speak freely. "But of course, if you +can explain—" +</P> + +<P> +"Explain!" she cried wildly and sinking into a chair. "What can I +explain? That I saw you climbing that wall, running away apparently +from the scene of your crime. That I found the knife by the body?" +</P> + +<P> +"What!" Cuthbert started up and looked at her. "You saw the body?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. I was in the house—in the room. I found my aunt dead in her +chair, with the cards on her lap, exactly as the parlor-maid saw her. +Near her on the floor was the knife. There was blood on the blade. I +picked it up—I saw the handle was notched in three places, and then—" +</P> + +<P> +"Then you suspected me." +</P> + +<P> +"No. Not till I saw you outside." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert took a turn up and down the dais much perplexed. "Juliet," he +said. "I swear to you I never killed this woman." +</P> + +<P> +Juliet flew to him and folded him in her arms. "I knew it—I knew it," +she said, "in spite of the letter—" +</P> + +<P> +"What letter?" +</P> + +<P> +"That accusing you and threatening to tell the police about you if I +did not break the engagement." +</P> + +<P> +"Who wrote it?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't say, save that it must have been some enemy." +</P> + +<P> +"Naturally," replied Mallow cynically. "A friend does not write in +that way. Have you the letter with you." +</P> + +<P> +"No. It is at home. I never thought of bringing it. But I will show +it to you soon. I wish now I had spoken before." +</P> + +<P> +"I wish to heaven you had!" +</P> + +<P> +"I thought it best to be silent," said Juliet, trying to argue. "I +feared lest if I spoke to you, this enemy, whosoever he is, might carry +out the threat in the letter." +</P> + +<P> +"Is the letter written by a man or a woman?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't say. Women write in so masculine a way nowadays. It might be +either. But why were you at the cottage—" +</P> + +<P> +"I was not. I went to explore the unfinished house on behalf of Lord +Caranby. I was ghost-hunting. Do you remember how you asked me next +day why I wore an overcoat and I explained that I had a cold—" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. You said you got it from sitting in a hot room." +</P> + +<P> +"I got it from hunting round the unfinished house at Rexton. I did not +think it necessary to explain further." +</P> + +<P> +Juliet put her hand to her head. "Oh, how I suffered on that day," she +said. "I was watching for you all the afternoon. When you came I +thought you might voluntarily explain why you were at Rexton on the +previous night. But you did not, and I believed your silence to be a +guilty one. Then, when the letter arrived—" +</P> + +<P> +"When did it arrive?" +</P> + +<P> +"A week after the crime was committed." +</P> + +<P> +"Well," said Cuthbert, rather pained, "I can hardly blame you. But if +you loved me—" +</P> + +<P> +"I do love you," she said with a passionate cry. "Have I not proved my +love by bearing—as I thought—your burden? Could I do more? Would a +woman who loves as I do accuse the man she loves of a horrible crime? +I strove to shield you from your enemies." +</P> + +<P> +"I thought you were shielding Basil. Jennings thought so also." +</P> + +<P> +Juliet drew back, looking paler than ever. "What do you know of him." +</P> + +<P> +"Very little," said Cuthbert quickly. "Was he at Rose Cottage on the +night in question?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. He was not there. I did not see him." +</P> + +<P> +"Yet he was at the Marlow Theatre with you." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. He left the theatre before I did." +</P> + +<P> +"Sit down, Juliet, and tell me exactly how you came to be at Rose +Cottage on that night and why you went." +</P> + +<P> +Miss Saxon seated herself and told all she knew. "It was this way," +she said, with more calmness than she had hitherto shown. "Basil and I +went to see this new melodrama written by Mr. Arkwright—" +</P> + +<P> +"What? The man Mrs. Octagon wishes you to marry?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. He has written a play to make money. My mother was angry, as +she thought such a thing was not worthy of him. He sent her a box. +She refused to go, so Basil and I went. But the play was so dull that +Basil left early, saying he would come back for me." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you know where he went?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. He did not say. Well, the play became worse instead of better. +I was weary to death, so I thought as the theatre was near Rexton, that +I would go and see Aunt Selina. Then I hoped to return to the box and +meet Basil. I was told the play, being a long one, would not be over +till midnight. I left the theatre at a quarter past ten. It took +fifteen minutes to drive to the cottage. Then I entered quietly to +give aunt a surprise." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah! It was you opening the door that Thomas heard." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes! At half-past ten; I had a latch-key. Aunt Selina loved me very +much and wanted me to come and see her whenever I could. So that I +could come and go at pleasure without troubling the servants, she gave +me a latch-key. I happened to have it in my pocket. I really wished +to see her about this quarrel she had with Basil." +</P> + +<P> +"What was this quarrel about?" +</P> + +<P> +Juliet deliberated before replying. "It was a small thing," she said +at length. "Aunt Selina was fond of Basil and often gave him money. +Mr. Octagon doesn't allow Basil much, and mother has enough to do to +make both ends meet. Basil is, I fear, extravagant. I know he +gambles, though he never told me where he went—" +</P> + +<P> +"To Maraquito's," said Cuthbert. "I have met him there." +</P> + +<P> +"I know," said Juliet in rather a reproachful tone. "I wish you would +not gamble, Cuthbert." +</P> + +<P> +"I have given it up now. I only played for the excitement, but since +our engagement I have hardly touched a card. I shall not play for +money again. My visits to Maraquito's now are purely in the interests +of this case." +</P> + +<P> +"Does she know anything about it?" asked Juliet, astonished. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," replied Mallow, wondering if the girl knew that Mrs. Octagon had +paid a visit to Senora Gredos. "Mrs. Herne, who was your aunt's +friend, is the aunt of Senora Gredos." +</P> + +<P> +"I never knew that. But about this quarrel. Basil spent more money +than he could afford, poor boy—" +</P> + +<P> +"Young scamp," murmured Cuthbert. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't blame him. He means well," expostulated Juliet. "Well, aunt +gave him a lot of money, but he always wanted more. Then she refused. +About a week before Aunt Selina died, Basil wanted money, and she +declined. They had words and she ordered Basil out of the house. It +was to try and make it up between them that I called on that night." +</P> + +<P> +"Are you sure Basil did not go also?" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't think so," said Juliet doubtfully. "He was on bad terms with +Aunt Selina and knew he would not be welcomed. Besides, he had not a +latch-key. Well, Cuthbert, I reached Rose Cottage at half-past ten and +let myself in. I went downstairs quietly. I found Aunt Selina seated +in her chair near the fire with the cards on her lap, as though she had +been playing 'Patience.' I saw that she was dead." +</P> + +<P> +"Why did you not give the alarm?" +</P> + +<P> +Juliet hesitated. "I thought it best not to," she said faintly. +</P> + +<P> +It seemed to Mallow that she was keeping something back. However, she +was very frank as it was, so he thought it best not to say anything. +"Well, you saw she was dead?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. She had been stabbed to the heart. There was a knife on the +floor. I picked it up and saw it was yours. Then I thought—" +</P> + +<P> +"That I had killed her. Thank you, Juliet." +</P> + +<P> +"No, no!" she protested. "Really, I did not believe that at the time. +I could not think why you should kill Aunt Selina. I was bewildered at +the time and then—" here Juliet turned away her head, "I fancied +someone else might have killed her." +</P> + +<P> +"Who?" +</P> + +<P> +"Don't ask me. I have no grounds on which to accuse anyone. Let me +tell you what I can. Then you may think—but that's impossible. +Cuthbert, ask me no more questions." +</P> + +<P> +Mallow thought her demeanor strangely suspicious, and wondered if she +was shielding her mother. Mrs. Octagon, who hated Selina Loach, might +have struck the blow, but there was absolutely no proof of this. +Mallow decided to ask nothing, as Juliet requested. "Tell me what you +will, my dear," he said, "so long as you don't believe me guilty." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't—I don't—really I don't. I picked up the knife and left the +room after ten minutes. I stole up the stairs and shut the door so +quietly that no one heard. You see, the first time I did not trouble +to do that, but when I found that aunt was dead I was afraid lest the +servants should come and find me there. I fancied, as I had the knife +in my hand and had entered by means of the latch-key, that I might be +suspected. Besides, it would have been difficult to account for my +unexpected presence in the house at that hour." +</P> + +<P> +"I quite comprehend!" said Mallow grimly. "We can't all keep our heads +in these difficult situations. Well?" +</P> + +<P> +"I came out into the garden. I heard the policeman coming down the +lane, and knew I could not escape unobserved that way. Then if I took +the path to the station I fancied he might see me in the moonlight. I +ran across the garden by the wall and got over the fence amongst the +corn, where I lay concealed. Then I saw you coming round the corner. +You climbed the wall and went into the park. After that I waited till +after eleven, when the policeman entered the house, summoned by the +servants. I then ran round the field, sheltered from observation by +the corn, which, as you know, was then high, and I got out at the +further side. I walked to Keighley, the next place to Rexton, and took +a cab home. I went straight to bed, and did not see Basil till the +next morning. He told me he had come home later, but he did not say +where he had been, nor did I ask him." +</P> + +<P> +"But I am sure—unless my watch was wrong, that I climbed the wall at a +quarter past ten," insisted Mallow. +</P> + +<P> +"You might have climbed it again at a quarter to eleven." +</P> + +<P> +"No! I climbed it only once. Which way did I come?" +</P> + +<P> +"Along the path from the station. Then you walked beside the fence on +the corn side, and jumping over, you climbed the wall." +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly I did that," murmured Mallow, remembering what he had told +Jennings. "Did you see my face?" +</P> + +<P> +"No! But I knew you by your height and by the light overcoat you wore. +That long, sporting overcoat which is down to your heels. Oh, +Cuthbert, what is the matter?" +</P> + +<P> +She might well ask this question, for Mallow had started and turned +pale. "Nothing! nothing," he said irritably. "I certainly did wear +such an overcoat. I was with Caranby before I went to Rexton, and +knowing his room would be heated like a furnace, I took every +precaution against cold." +</P> + +<P> +Juliet doubted this, as she knew Mallow did not coddle himself in any +way. However, she had seen the overcoat too often to mistake to whom +it belonged. Moreover, Cuthbert did not deny that he had jumped the +wall in the way she explained. "Well, now you know all, what will you +do?" she asked. +</P> + +<P> +"I really can't say," said Mallow, who was trying to conceal his +agitation. "I can't think who took the knife out of my room. It was +in a trophy of arms on the wall, and I never noticed that it was +missing, till Jennings drew my attention to the loss. Certainly Miss +Loach was killed with that knife." +</P> + +<P> +"I am positive of that," said Juliet. "There is blood on the handle. +But you understand why I kept silence?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. But there was really no need. I shall call and see your mother +and insist on her giving her consent to our marriage. She has no +reason to refuse. Do you know why she objects?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. She simply says she does not wish me to marry you." +</P> + +<P> +"Did you not tell her what you have told me?" +</P> + +<P> +"I did not. What was the use? It was because of my discovery of the +knife and seeing you, and receiving that letter, that I refused to +marry, and so fell in with my mother's plans." +</P> + +<P> +"Juliet, you are not engaged to Arkwright?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. I am engaged to you and you only. I mean I only pretended that I +would not marry you. My mother thought I was obeying her, but I was +really shielding you on account of that letter." +</P> + +<P> +"Give me the letter, love, and I'll show it to Jennings." +</P> + +<P> +"No," said Miss Saxon, shrinking back; "get him to drop the case." +</P> + +<P> +"Why?" asked Cuthbert dryly. "I could understand that request when you +thought me guilty, but now that you know I am innocent, and that +Jennings is aware I was at Rose Cottage on that night, surely there is +no bar to his proceeding with the case." +</P> + +<P> +"I do not wish it," faltered Juliet. +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert looked at her steadily and turned away with a sigh. "You are +keeping something from me," he said. +</P> + +<P> +"And you from me," she retorted. "Why did you start when I spoke of +the overcoat?" +</P> + +<P> +"Juliet, my own," Cuthbert took her hands earnestly, "there are +circumstances in this case which are very strange. Innocent persons may +be sacrificed. It is best for you and me to have nothing more to do +with the matter. Miss Loach is dead. Who killed her will never be +known. Let us marry, dear heart, and leave the case alone." +</P> + +<P> +"I am quite willing. But my mother?" +</P> + +<P> +"I shall persuade her to consent." +</P> + +<P> +"I hope so; but I fear she hates you because you are Lord Caranby's +nephew. She hinted as much. I don't know the reason." +</P> + +<P> +"I do," said Mallow calmly, "and I think I may be able to persuade her +to see reason. I shall meddle no more with the case." +</P> + +<P> +"What about Mr. Jennings?" +</P> + +<P> +"I will tell him what I have told you, and what you have told me. Then +I will point out the futility of looking for a needle in a haystack. +He may be inclined to let the case drop. He ought to be weary of it by +this time." +</P> + +<P> +Juliet looked wistfully at him. "Can't we be plain with one another?" +</P> + +<P> +"No," said Mallow, shaking his head, "you have your suspicions and I +mine. Let us refrain from talking about the matter." +</P> + +<P> +Miss Saxon drew a breath of relief. "I think that is best," she said, +and her expression was reflected in the eyes of her lover. "When will +you come and see mother?" +</P> + +<P> +"Next week. If her objection is a question of money, you can hand over +the whole of that income you have inherited." +</P> + +<P> +"Aunt Selina's six thousand a year! Why?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because I have enough money for us both, and when Caranby dies I shall +be almost a millionaire. I don't like you having this money." +</P> + +<P> +"But your reason?" +</P> + +<P> +"I have none that I can tell you. Besides, if we can buy Mrs. +Octagon's consent with even six thousand a year—" +</P> + +<P> +"I do not mind," said Juliet. "But now that I know you are really +innocent, and I take shame to myself for having doubted you, I am +willing to marry you, even though my mother withholds her consent." +</P> + +<P> +"My darling!" Cuthbert folded the girl in his arms and kissed her. "I +now know that you truly love me. Indeed, I never doubted you." +</P> + +<P> +"But I doubted myself," said Juliet tearfully. "I should never have +suspected you, even though the evidence was so strong." +</P> + +<P> +"You lost your head for the moment," said her lover, "but don't let us +talk any more about the matter. I shall pacify Jennings and get him to +drop the case. Then we will marry and take a tour round the world so +as to forget these unpleasant matters." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, that is best," said Juliet, and the two walked towards the door. +</P> + +<P> +They should have been completely happy now that all misunderstandings +were cleared up, but each wore a gloomy expression. Apparently the +shadow of Miss Loach's death still clouded the sunshine of their lives. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap18"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XVIII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENS +</H3> + +<P> +Jennings was at breakfast in his rooms, considering what he should do +next in connection with the case. As yet he had not heard from +Cuthbert with regard to the interview with Juliet. The detective waited +upstairs in Le Beau's sitting-room for the conclusion of the meeting, +but when Mallow never appeared he went down. Then he learned from +Peggy, who was in the office, that the lovers had been gone for some +time "I thought you knew," said Miss Garthorne. +</P> + +<P> +"No," replied Jennings, "I did not know," and then, since he had no +further reason to remain, he took his departure also, wondering why +Mallow had not come to report the matter. +</P> + +<P> +That same evening he sought out Mallow, but was unable to find him at +his accustomed haunts. More perplexed than ever, Jennings, leaving a +note at Mallow's rooms, had returned to his own. He could make no new +move until he heard from Mallow, and the young man did not appear +inclined to give any assistance. Next morning, while at breakfast, he +expected his friend, but still there was no appearance of the visitor. +A ring came to the door and Jennings thought that this was Cuthbert at +last. He was distinctly disappointed when Drudge made his appearance. +</P> + +<P> +"Well," said Jennings sharply, "what is it?" +</P> + +<P> +"I followed the lady you saw, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Mrs. Herne? Yes." +</P> + +<P> +"She left her house in Hampstead and walked down the hill. There she +took a cab. I followed in another. Her cab stopped at the house of +Maraquito in Soho. Since then I have been watching the house, but I +have not seen Mrs. Herne again." +</P> + +<P> +"She is Senora Gredos' aunt," explained Jennings, "so I expect she is +stopping with her." +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir, she isn't. I made friends with a boy called Gibber—" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. He is a page in the house. Well?" +</P> + +<P> +"I gave him a drink or two," said Drudge, "and a few stamps, as he is a +collector. He become friendly with me, and I asked him about the +house. He was very frank, but he said nothing about the gambling." +</P> + +<P> +"Humph! I expect he has been told to hold his tongue. Well, did you +hear anything at all?" +</P> + +<P> +"I heard that Gibber had never seen Mrs. Herne. He did not even know +her name. Now, sir," went on Drudge, laying a finger in the palm of +his hand, "if Mrs. Herne was stopping at the Soho house, Gibber would +have seen her." +</P> + +<P> +A flash of joy passed across the countenance of Jennings, but he turned +away from his underling so that he might not betray the satisfaction he +felt. "Mrs. Herne is Maraquito's aunt," he said again. +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir, pardon me. Maraquito hasn't got an aunt. Leastways the +aunt, if there is such a person, has never set foot in the house." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps Maraquito sees her secretly." +</P> + +<P> +"Well," said Drudge pensively, "she certainly went in by a side door, +Mr. Jennings. Do you want me to watch further, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. Keep your eye on the Soho house, and should Mrs. Herne reappear, +follow her. Anything else?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir. Mrs. Herne when walking down the hill dropped a small bag." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah! Have you got it?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. She was too sharp for me. I was picking it up when she missed it +and came to claim it. But before she reached me I had opened it. Only +her handkerchief was inside. I gave it back, and she gave me a +shilling. But the queer thing, sir, is the scent." +</P> + +<P> +"What scent?" asked Jennings, looking keenly at the man. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, a strange strong scent, fit to knock you down, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, and why shouldn't a lady use scent. It is customary." +</P> + +<P> +"It is, sir. My wife uses scent. But this was a queer smell. And then +a man shouldn't use scent," burst out Drudge. +</P> + +<P> +"Some men are effeminate enough to do so," said Jennings drily. "But I +don't quite understand all this." +</P> + +<P> +"I can tell you what puzzled me at once," said the underling, "after +watching Maraquito's house for some time, I put another fellow on, and +went to the office. I had to go to see the police about some matter, +and I spoke to Inspector Twining of the Rexton district. He had on his +desk a handkerchief and a few articles which had just been taken from a +man who had been arrested for passing false coins." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh!" Jennings looked very interested, "go on." +</P> + +<P> +"This man was in one of the cells, and he is to be brought before the +magistrate this morning. They searched him and took his handkerchief +from him." +</P> + +<P> +"It is not customary to do that?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, Sir. But this man—I don't know his name—had two handkerchiefs. +The searcher thought that was one too many," said Drudge, with the +glimmer of a smile, "and took one." +</P> + +<P> +"Why do you tell me all this?" asked Jennings impatiently. +</P> + +<P> +"Because the handkerchief was scented with the same perfume as the +handkerchief of Mrs. Herne I picked up. The moment I smelt it I +thought of her coming back for the bag. The scent is so strange and +strong that I thought it just as well to mention it to you. You are +interested in Mrs. Herne, sir, so if this man uses the same scent—" +</P> + +<P> +"Quite so. You have acted very wisely. Where was the man arrested?" +</P> + +<P> +"At a place near Rexton. He was trying to get a drink and gave a +shilling—it was false. The inspector will show it to you, sir. And +another queer thing, Mr. Jennings, this man had some rags and a bottle +of petroleum on him." +</P> + +<P> +"Humph! Perhaps he intended to set fire to some place. Have you heard +of any fire?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir, not near Rexton." +</P> + +<P> +"At what time was the man arrested?" +</P> + +<P> +"At nine last night. He is in jail now, and will be brought up this +morning on a charge of passing false money." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll look into it, Drudge. It is strange about the scent: but there +may be nothing in the matter. The man could easily buy scent of the +kind Mrs. Herne uses. Go back to Soho and watch the house. Let me +know if Mrs. Herne comes out, and where she goes." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir," said Drudge, and bowed himself out. +</P> + +<P> +When the man was gone Jennings walked up and down his room in a great +state of excitement. He was beginning to see the end of the matter. +That the scent should be used by a man who was passing false coins +confirmed his idea that it was some peculiar sign whereby the members +of the gang recognized one another. If Mrs. Herne really was the aunt +of Maraquito, this matter implicated her as well as the niece. And +Mrs. Herne had been accustomed to go to Rose Cottage, which hinted that +Miss Loach had perhaps learned of the existence of the gang and had +suffered for her indiscreet curiosity. +</P> + +<P> +"I believe Miss Loach threatened to disclose what she knew. She may +have learned that the gang worked in that house from the fact of the +ghosts, in which so strongminded an old lady would not believe. I +daresay she threatened exposure, and someone killed her. Perhaps Mrs. +Herne herself. No, confound it, she was out of the house. Well, I'll +see this man now in jail. I may be able to force him to tell. And +I'll call on Lord Caranby to-day, and get permission to search the +unfinished house. I am quite sure there is a factory there. I wish +Mallow would come and tell me if he has learned anything." +</P> + +<P> +Again there was a ring at the door, and this time Jennings, expecting +no one else, certainly hoped to see Cuthbert. But, to his surprise, +the servant showed in Lord Caranby. The old gentleman was calm and +composed as usual, but Jennings thought he looked ill and frail. The +dark circles round his eyes were more pronounced than ever, and he +leaned heavily on his cane. He was perfectly dressed as usual, and +seemed disposed to be friendly. +</P> + +<P> +"I am glad to see you, Lord Caranby," said the detective, when the old +gentleman was accommodated with the chair, "have you had breakfast?" +</P> + +<P> +"Thank you, yes. But I could not eat any," said Caranby, breathing +heavily. "Those stairs of yours are trying, Mr. Jennings. I am not +so young or so strong as I was." +</P> + +<P> +"You don't look the picture of health, my lord." +</P> + +<P> +"Can you expect a dying man to?" +</P> + +<P> +"Dying—oh, no, you—" +</P> + +<P> +"Dying," insisted Caranby, rapping his stick on the ground. "I know +that I have not many months to live, and I sha'n't be sorry when the +end comes. I have had a hard time. Cuthbert will soon be standing in +my shoes. I suffer from an incurable complaint, Mr. Jennings, and my +doctor tells me I shall die soon." +</P> + +<P> +"I am sure Mallow will be sorry," said Jennings, wondering why Caranby, +ordinarily the most reticent of men, should tell him all this. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes—yes, Cuthbert is a good fellow. I should like to see him happy +and settled with Miss Saxon before I die. But Maraquito will do her +best to hinder the match." +</P> + +<P> +"She may soon have enough to do to look after herself," said Jennings +grimly. "I shall see that she gets her deserts." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you suspect her of?" asked Caranby hastily. +</P> + +<P> +"I can't tell you yet. I have no proofs. But I am suspicious." +</P> + +<P> +"She is a bad woman," said the old man. "I am certain of that. And +she will stop at nothing to marry Cuthbert. But this is not what I +came to see you about, Mr. Jennings. You asked my permission to go +over my house at Rexton?" +</P> + +<P> +"I did. And I was coming to-day to get the permission confirmed." +</P> + +<P> +"Then I am sorry to say you cannot go over it." +</P> + +<P> +"Why not?" asked Jennings, wondering why Lord Caranby had changed his +mind—a thing he rarely did. "I only want to—" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes! Yes!" Caranby waved his hand impatiently, "but the fact is, the +house has been burnt down." +</P> + +<P> +"Burnt down—at Rexton!" cried Jennings, jumping from his seat. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. It caught fire in some way last night, about eight o'clock. +There was a high wind blowing, and the house has been burnt to the +ground. Not only that, but, as the weather has been dry, the whole of +the trees and shrubs and undergrowth in the park have gone likewise. I +am informed that everything within the circle of that wall is a heap of +ashes. Quite a burning of Rome," chuckled Caranby. +</P> + +<P> +"Do you suspect the house was set on fire?" +</P> + +<P> +"Of course I do. Even though the weather is hot, I don't think this +can be a case of spontaneous combustion. Probably some tramp—" +</P> + +<P> +"No," said Jennings decisively, "it is strange you should come to me +with this news. One of my men has lately been here, and he tells me +that a man was arrested near Rexton last night for passing false money. +He had on him a bottle of petroleum and some rags." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah!" said Caranby, quite serene, "so you think—" +</P> + +<P> +"There can be no doubt about it, my lord. This man set fire to the +house. People don't carry bottles of petroleum about for nothing." +</P> + +<P> +"But why should he set fire deliberately to my house?" +</P> + +<P> +"At the instance of the Saul family?" +</P> + +<P> +Lord Caranby sat bolt upright. "What do you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"Humph! It is rather a long story. But this man who was caught used a +particular kind of scent called Hikui. Maraquito uses it also, and her +aunt, Mrs. Herne." +</P> + +<P> +"Mrs. Herne? She is not Maraquito's aunt." +</P> + +<P> +"She told me herself that she was." +</P> + +<P> +"And I tell you that Emilia, who is dead, was the only aunt Maraquito +ever had. Why does Mrs. Herne say this?" +</P> + +<P> +"That is what I am trying to find out. She said that you did not know +the whole history of the Saul family." +</P> + +<P> +"I know quite enough," said Caranby gloomily, "the members were +abominably wicked. Maraquito's father died after he was discharged +from jail for coining; and the mother also." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, my lord, this man, who apparently fired your house, was trying +to pass false coins. He uses the same scent as Maraquito does, leaving +mysterious Mrs. Herne out of the question." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, and what do you deduce from that?" +</P> + +<P> +"I believe that there is a gang of coiners in existence, of which this +man, Clancy, Hale, Maraquito and Mrs. Herne are members. All use the +scent Hikui, which probably is a sign amongst them. In what way it is +utilized I cannot say, unless they meet one another in the dark, and +recognize their confreres by the scent." +</P> + +<P> +"I see. It might be so. But why should this man burn my house?" +</P> + +<P> +Jennings shrugged his shoulders. "I can hardly say. I think the +coiners used that house as a factory. But since it is burnt down, that +seems impossible. This man may have fired it out of revenge, on +account of some row with the gang." +</P> + +<P> +"Or else," said Caranby deliberately, "knowing that you were going to +search the house, perhaps it was fired to destroy all traces of the +factory. Do you connect this with Selina's death?" +</P> + +<P> +"I do. I believe that she learned of the existence of the factory, and +that she threatened to denounce Clancy, Hale and Mrs. Herne. Then, to +silence her, she was stabbed." +</P> + +<P> +"But the three you mention were out of the house before the death." +</P> + +<P> +"I know that, and they gave their evidence freely enough at the +inquest. I have not yet fitted the pieces of the puzzle into one +another, but I am certain the lot are connected from their use of the +perfume. Also, as this man who has been caught was passing false +money, and as Maraquito and probably Mrs. Herne are surviving members +of the Saul family who practised coining, I should not be surprised to +find that my theories are correct. But how could anyone know that I +intended to go over your house?" +</P> + +<P> +"You asked me in Maraquito's salon. Clancy and Hale were about." +</P> + +<P> +"Humph!" said Jennings, "you see the various parts of the puzzle are +fitting together excellently. Probably one of those two overheard." +</P> + +<P> +"Probably. That Hale looks a sly creature and capable of much. I +wonder if he is related to the Saul family. He has the same nose." +</P> + +<P> +"And the same eyebrows meeting over the nose," said Jennings. "Mrs. +Herne has a similar mark. I am sure she is a relative of Maraquito's." +</P> + +<P> +"If she is her aunt, I give you leave to call me a fool," said Caranby, +rising. "I know that Emilia told me she had no sister. What will you +do next, Jennings?" +</P> + +<P> +"I shall see this man who fired the house and try to get at the truth. +Then I am having Mrs. Herne watched—" +</P> + +<P> +"And Maraquito?" +</P> + +<P> +"She can't move from her couch, so there is no danger of her escaping. +But now that the coining factory is destroyed, I shall find it +difficult to bring home the crime to anyone. I wish Cuthbert would +come." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you expect him?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. Listen, Lord Caranby," and Jennings related the episode of the +knife, and how he had brought Mallow and Juliet together. "And it +seems to me," went on the detective, "that Cuthbert learned something +from Miss Saxon which he does not wish to tell me." +</P> + +<P> +"Something to do with Mrs. Octagon." +</P> + +<P> +"Why with her?" demanded Jennings suddenly. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, because I think Isabella capable of much. She is a fatal woman!" +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean by that phrase?" +</P> + +<P> +"Isabella exercised a bad influence on my life. But for her I should +have married Selina and should not have fallen in with Emilia Saul. I +should have been happy, and probably Selina would not have met with her +tragic death." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you think the sister has anything to do with it?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't say. All I know is that whomsoever Isabella came into contact +with had trouble. I do well to call her a fatal woman." +</P> + +<P> +"Humph!" said Jennings, "I would rather call Maraquito a fatal woman, +as I believe she brought about the death in some way for the double +purpose of silencing Miss Loach regarding the factory of coins and of +stopping the marriage of her rival with Cuthbert." +</P> + +<P> +Curiously enough, Cuthbert was shown into the room at this moment. So +interested had Caranby and Jennings been in their conversation that +they had not heard the bell. Mallow looked in good health, but his +face wore a worried expression. Without preamble, and after greeting +his uncle, he walked up to his friend. +</P> + +<P> +"Jennings," he said calmly, "I have seen Juliet, and she agrees with me +that this case should not be gone on with." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah! does she, and on what grounds?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because she has consented to marry me. She intends, at my request, to +make over Miss Loach's money to her mother. We have had quite enough +dabbling in crime, and we are both sick of it." +</P> + +<P> +"I think you are very wise," said Caranby unexpectedly, "let the case +be, Mr. Jennings." +</P> + +<P> +"What did Miss Saxon tell you?" asked the detective irrelevantly. +</P> + +<P> +Mallow sat down and in a calm voice detailed all that he had learned +from Juliet. "So you see it throws no light on the subject." Had +Mallow mentioned the time at which Juliet asserted she saw him climb +over the wall a new light would certainly have been thrown. But he +purposely omitted this, and simply said that Juliet had seen him. "I +told you I was there, Jennings," he added. "Quite so," said the +detective. "Certainly, nothing new has come out." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, then leave the case alone." +</P> + +<P> +"I fear I shall have to, now that the Rexton house has been burnt +down," and Jennings related in his turn what had taken place. +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert listened moodily. "You see," he said, "everything is against +us. I only wanted the mystery cleared up so that Juliet might marry +me, but now that she wishes to do so, without searching further, I am +not going to do anything else." +</P> + +<P> +"Nor I," said Jennings sadly, "nothing is to be learned. The case will +remain a mystery to the end of time." +</P> + +<P> +Caranby rose and took Cuthbert's arm. "You young men are +faint-hearted," he said, with a shrug. +</P> + +<P> +"If you want my opinion, Mrs. Octagon killed her sister. A fatal +woman, I tell you both—a fatal woman." +</P> + +<P> +"And a clever one," said Jennings gloomily, "she has baffled me." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap19"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XIX +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +SUSAN'S DISCOVERY +</H3> + +<P> +Although Jennings appeared to acquiesce in Mallow's suggestion that the +case should be abandoned, he had not the slightest intention of leaving +the matter alone. His professional pride was irritated by the +difficulties, and he swore that he would in some way learn the truth. +Moreover, the matter did not only deal with the death of Miss Loach, +but with the discovery of a coining gang. From various obvious facts +connected with the Crooked Lane crime, Jennings made sure that such a +gang was in existence, and that the factory had been in the unfinished +house. Now that the house was burnt down, it would seem that the +coiners had lost their city of refuge, and would probably give up their +nefarious trade. As the gang—judging from the number of false coins +circulated during the past five years—had been in existence for a long +time, it was probable that the members had made sufficient money to +retire from so dangerous a business. +</P> + +<P> +"I wonder if the house was set on fire by this arrested man, out of +revenge," thought Jennings, as he dressed to go out, "or whether the +gang, finding things were growing dangerous since the death of Miss +Loach, ordered him to destroy the factory? I can hardly think that, as +to preserve the secret, Miss Loach was assassinated. It is not likely +that after paying so terrible a price, such destruction would be agreed +upon. Certainly the factory may be removed to another place. Humph! I +wonder if I can trace it. The best thing for me to do will be to go to +Rexton and look at the ruins." +</P> + +<P> +So to Rexton the detective went, and found a large crowd round the wall +of the park. This had been broken down in several places so as to +admit the fire engines, and Jennings found a policeman on duty who had +been one of the first to see the fire, and who had indeed summoned the +brigade. On telling his name and position, the man was willing to +state all he knew. +</P> + +<P> +"I was on duty about eight o'clock," he said officially. "There was a +high wind blowing, but the night was fine and dry. While walking down +Crooked Lane, intending to take the path to the station, I saw a light +behind the wall of the park. Then a tongue of flame shot up, and it +didn't need much cleverness to see that the old house was on fire. +Almost before I could collect my wits, sir, the place was in a blaze. +You see the dry weather, the heat and the high wind, made everything +blaze finely. I signalled for the brigade, and it came up as soon as +possible. But as there is no gate in the wall, we had to break it down +to get the engines in. There was a large crowd by this time, and we +had all the help we needed. By this time the whole house was flaming +like a bonfire. When we got the wall down the most part of the house +was gone, and the fire had caught the surrounding shrubs, so all we +could do was to halt on the edge of the mass and squirt water, in the +hope of putting out the flames. But, Lord bless you!" said the officer +with good-humored contempt, "you might as well have tried with a +child's squirt. As you see, sir, everything is gone within the wall. +Leastways, all but that big oak near the wall." +</P> + +<P> +It was as the man said. House, trees, shrubs, even the grass had been +swept away by the fierce flames. Within the walls which had secluded +the place from the world was a blackened space covered with debris. +Where the house had stood was a mound of twisted iron girders, charred +beams and broken slates. And everywhere the wind was lifting the fine +gray ashes and scattering them abroad, as though in sorrow for the +destruction of the previous night. Jennings took all this in at a +glance. Policemen were on guard at the various gaps in the wall, as no +one was allowed to enter. But the detective, by virtue of his office, +walked across the bare expanse with the inspector, and trod under foot +the black ashes. There was nothing to be gained, however, by this +inspection. All that could be seen were the destroyed park and the +mound where the house had been. "What of the cellars?" asked Jennings. +</P> + +<P> +"Well," said Inspector Twining genially, "I suppose there are cellars, +but there's nothing in them. The house was shut up for years by a +queer nobleman." +</P> + +<P> +"By Lord Caranby," replied the detective. "I know. I suppose the +cellars are under that heap. I must get Lord Caranby to allow me to +clear it away." +</P> + +<P> +"I expect that will be done, whether or no. Lord Caranby came down and +told one of our men that he intended to throw down the wall and let the +place as a building site. So when the building begins the heap will +soon be cleared away and the cellars laid bare. But there's nothing +there," said the inspector again. +</P> + +<P> +"I am not so sure of that." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing. I have an idea," answered the detective, who did not wish to +tell the man how he now began to fancy that the factory for safety had +been placed in the cellars. "By the way, did this man who was arrested +give his name?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. He refuses to answer any questions. He was, as you know, Mr. +Jennings, arrested for trying to pass a bad shilling, but there is no +doubt he fired the place. The bottle of petroleum he had in his +possession was empty, and—" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes! I heard all that. Where is he now?" +</P> + +<P> +The inspector named a place near Rexton where the man had been +incarcerated, pending being brought before the magistrate. "I am going +that way," said the inspector. "If you like to come—" +</P> + +<P> +"I'll come," said Jennings. "I intended to see this man. There has +been a lot of talk about false coins being passed lately." +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Twining nodded, and began to tell of various cases which had taken +place in the district. The two took the train to the place where the +police station to which the inspector belonged was situated. It was +now after twelve o'clock, and Jennings thought he would have some +luncheon before going to the station. But, unexpectedly, a constable +seeing the inspector, came hurriedly towards him, saluting as he spoke. +</P> + +<P> +"Please, sir, you're wanted at the station," he said. "A message was +sent to Rexton." +</P> + +<P> +"I have just come from Rexton. What is it?" +</P> + +<P> +"That man who was arrested for coining, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"What about him?" asked the inspector, while Jennings listened with all +his ears. He was far from expecting to hear the reply. +</P> + +<P> +"He is dead, sir," said the policeman. +</P> + +<P> +"Dead! What do you mean? He was well enough this morning." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, sir, he's dead now—poisoned!" +</P> + +<P> +"Poisoned!" echoed Jennings, and thought—"Ha! here's an undesirable +witness got out of the way." Then he followed in the wake of the +inspector, who on hearing the news, hurriedly walked towards the police +station. Here they found that the news was true. The constable left +in charge of the office was greatly agitated, as it seemed he had been +lax in doing his duty. But he made a faithful report. +</P> + +<P> +"It was this way, sir," he said, trying to speak calmly. "A boy of +fifteen, very poorly dressed—in rags almost—came crying and asking +for the prisoner. He said the prisoner was his father." +</P> + +<P> +"How did he know that, when the prisoner gave no name and was arrested +only last night?" +</P> + +<P> +"The boy—Billy Tyke his name is, so I suppose the father is called +Tyke also—says his father went out last night. He was always a +drunkard, and left the boy to starve. The boy followed him later, and +knowing he would be on the burst, went to the public-house, where the +man was arrested for passing the bad shilling. There, he was told that +his father was in jail, and came here to ask us to let him see him." +</P> + +<P> +"You should have refused and have detained the boy. Well?" +</P> + +<P> +"I was moved by the little chap's tears," said the constable, abashed, +"so I let him go into the cell." +</P> + +<P> +"Were you with him?" asked the inspector sharply. +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir. We left them alone for a few minutes. As the boy was so sad +and cut up, I thought there would be no harm in doing that. Well, sir, +the boy came out again in ten minutes, still crying, and said he would +get a lawyer to defend his father. He did not believe his father had +passed the money. Then he went away. Later—about half an hour later, +we went into the cell and found the man lying groaning, with an empty +bottle of whisky beside him. The doctor came and said he thought the +man had been poisoned. The man groaned and said the young shaver had +done for him. Then he became unconscious and died." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings listened to this statement calmly. He saw again the hand of +the coiners. The person who controlled the members evidently thought +that the man would blab, and accordingly took precautionary measures to +silence him. Without doubt, the man had been poisoned, and the boy had +been sent to do it. "What is the boy like?" he asked. +</P> + +<P> +"Billy Tyke, sir?" said the constable, replying on a nod from his +chief, to whom he looked for instructions, "a thin boy, fair and with +red rims round his eyes—looks half starved, sir, and has a scarred +mouth, as though he had been cut on the upper lip with a knife." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings started, but suppressed his emotion under the keen eyes of the +observant Twining. He had an idea that he knew who the boy was, but as +yet could not be sure. "I'll cut along to the public-house where this +man was arrested," said Jennings, "I suppose you'll hold an inquest." +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly, seeing the man has been poisoned." Then the inspector +proceeded to rebuke the constable who had performed his duty so ill, +and threatened him with dismissal. Jennings left in the midst of the +trouble, after getting the inspector to promise that he would report +the result of the inquest. +</P> + +<P> +At the public-house—it was the "White Horse," Keighley, an adjoining +suburb—Jennings learned that the man who called himself—or rather who +was called by his presumed son—Tyke, was not an habitue of the place. +Therefore, the boy could not have known that his supposed father was +there. Apparently some information had reached the lad, whereby he was +able to trace Tyke to the prison, and had carried to him there the +bottle of poisoned whisky. Jennings returned to town quite satisfied +that he had another clue to the existence of the coiners. Also, he +determined to satisfy himself on a point concerning Maraquito, about +which he had long been in doubt. +</P> + +<P> +For the next few days Jennings did nothing. He kept away from Mallow, +as he did not wish that young man to know that he was still going on +with the case. Sometimes he went to Maraquito's place, and learned +incidentally that, as there was a chance of her being cured, she was +about to give up the gambling salon. Jennings quite expected this +information, and assured Hale, who gave it to him, that it was the best +thing Maraquito could do. "Sooner or later the police will pounce down +on this place," he said. +</P> + +<P> +"As you are a detective, I wonder you haven't stopped it before," said +Hale, with an unpleasant smile. +</P> + +<P> +"I had my reasons," said Jennings calmly, "besides, Maraquito has +conducted the place quite respectably. I suppose," he added idly, "you +will go abroad also?" +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean by that?" demanded Hale in silky tones. +</P> + +<P> +"Mrs. Herne has gone to the Continent," said Jennings quietly, "and if +Senora Gredos gives up this very dangerous business, she may go also. +As you will be deprived of two of your friends, Mr. Hale, doubtless you +will go also." +</P> + +<P> +"I might. One never knows," replied Hale coolly. +</P> + +<P> +"By the way?" asked Jennings, looking round, "I was admitted by a +parlor-maid this evening. Where is Gibber?" +</P> + +<P> +"I believe Senora Gredos has dismissed him for dishonesty." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, really," replied the detective, who had his own opinion. "So it +seems Senora Gredos is getting rid of her household already." +</P> + +<P> +Hale winced under the eye of Jennings and turned away with a shrug. He +was apparently glad to get away. Jennings looked after him with a +smile. "I'll catch the whole gang," he murmured, and took his +departure, having learned what he wished to know—to wit, that Gibber +had disappeared. +</P> + +<P> +"Without doubt he was the boy who poisoned Tyke," said Jennings, as he +walked home with a cigar for company. "I believe Maraquito is the head +of the gang, and the fatal woman that Caranby talks about. She heard +that Tyke had been arrested, and sent the boy to poison him lest he +should blab. I wonder if it was by her direction that the house was +fired. Well, I'll wait. As yet I cannot get a warrant, having nothing +but theory to go on. But the nets are being spread, and unless +Maraquito and her friends clear out with Mrs. Herne, they will be +caught. When they are all in jail there may be some chance of learning +who murdered that unfortunate woman in Rose Cottage." +</P> + +<P> +Later on, Jennings received the report of the inquest, which appeared +also that evening in the newspapers. It seemed that Tyke had been +poisoned with arsenic, administered in the whisky bottle. From his +appearance he was a hard drinker, and doubtless the boy had no +difficulty in inducing him to drink. Tyke had drank freely—indeed the +doctor said he had taken enough to kill three men,—and therefore he +had died almost immediately the boy left, and before he had time to +speak. The inspector, who wrote to Jennings, stated that the constable +who had admitted the boy had been dismissed the force, but the boy +himself could not be traced. "I shouldn't be surprised if he had taken +refuge in the cellars of the house," said Jennings, "that is, if the +factory is there. I must see Caranby and get his permission to remove +the rubbish. Only when I have searched the foundation of that house, +will my suspicions be set at rest." +</P> + +<P> +Unexpected aid came to help him in this quarter, as Caranby sent a +note, stating that the rubbish and debris of the fire would be removed +next week, and inviting Jennings to be present. Caranby added that +Mallow had resumed his visits to the "Shrine of the Muses," but that +Mrs. Octagon still continued hostile. Basil, however, was more +friendly. "I daresay," commented Jennings, on reading this last +sentence, "he has his own axe to grind over that money." +</P> + +<P> +It was about this time that the detective received a visit from Susan +Grant. She looked as neat and timid as usual, and appeared at his +rooms one morning with a request for an interview. "I said I would +help Mr. Mallow if I could," she said when seated. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, and have you anything likely to help him,-" +</P> + +<P> +"Not exactly," said Susan, "but I found some old papers of father's." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't quite understand," said the detective, who did not see what +the girl's father had to do in the matter. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, it's this way, sir. Father was poisoned five years ago." +</P> + +<P> +"Who poisoned him?" +</P> + +<P> +"That we never knew," explained Susan. "Father's name was Maxwell, but +when mother married Mr. Grant she made me take that name. It was +supposed that father committed suicide, and mother felt the disgrace +dreadful. That was why she married and changed the name. But I don't +believe father, when on the point of making us rich, would swallow so +much arsenic as he did." +</P> + +<P> +"What's that—arsenic?" said Jennings, recalling the death of Tyke. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir. It was this way. Father was working at Rexton—" +</P> + +<P> +"At Rexton?" said Jennings impatiently, "yes, yes, go on." +</P> + +<P> +"At a house near the railway station which I can point out, mother +having seen it when she went to inquire." +</P> + +<P> +"Inquire about what?" +</P> + +<P> +"About father's secret job. He had one he used to go to for three +hours every day by agreement with the foreman. Father was very clever +and could do all sorts of things. Mother never knew what the job was, +but father said it would make us all rich." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, go on." Jennings looked at her, nursing his chin. +</P> + +<P> +"The other day I came across some papers," said Susan, taking a roll +out of her pocket. "And it proved to be plans of father's secret job. +And you might have knocked me down with a feather, Mr. Jennings, when I +saw on the plans the name of Rose Cottage." +</P> + +<P> +The detective jumped up, greatly excited. "Rose Cottage!" he cried, +holding out his hands. "The plans—the plans!" +</P> + +<P> +"I brought them, as I know Miss Saxon who now has Rose Cottage, is +engaged to Mr. Mallow—" +</P> + +<P> +"Haven't you got over that nonsense yet?" said Jennings, who was +looking eagerly at the plans. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I have," replied Miss Grant, confidentially. "I am engaged to a +rising young baker who is just a foreman just now, but we hope to save +and start a shop. Still, I promised to help Mr. Mallow, and I thought +he would like to see those plans. You see, sir, they have to do with +Rose Cottage." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I do see," almost shouted Jennings, "and I'll bag the whole lot." +</P> + +<P> +"What are you talking about, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, I forgot you don't know," said the detective subsiding, "I'll tell +you later. But you have made a discovery, Susan. This plan shows a +secret entrance into Rose Cottage." +</P> + +<P> +"I know it does, sir, and I thought Miss Saxon would like to see it. I +don't know what Miss Loach wanted with a secret entrance, though." +</P> + +<P> +"I fancy I do," said Jennings, rolling up the plans. "Your father was +a very clever man, Susan. Too clever for some people. He made this +secret entrance when the new wing of the cottage was built five years +ago, and those who employed him gave him arsenic by way of a reward. +Tyke died of arsenic also, so they are carrying on the same game." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh dear, oh dear!" wept Susan, not hearing the latter part of the +sentence. "So father was poisoned after all. Who did it, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't tell you that," said Jennings, becoming cautious. "You had +better say nothing about this, Susan, till I give you leave. You have +done Mr. Mallow a great service. These plans may lead to a discovery +of the murderer." +</P> + +<P> +"And then Miss Saxon will marry Mr. Mallow." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. Will you be sorry?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, Mr. Jennings. I am quite satisfied with my baker." +</P> + +<P> +"Then I tell you what, Susan. Lord Caranby has offered a reward for +the detection of the murderer. If these plans lead to his detection, +you will receive a sufficient sum to set up in business." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap20"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XX +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +BASIL +</H3> + +<P> +While Jennings was thus working at the case, and hoping to bring it to +a successful issue, Cuthbert was resting in the happy belief that no +further steps were being taken. The detective had appeared so +despondent when Mallow called with Caranby that the former thought with +some show of reason that he meant what he said. Had he known that +Jennings was still active he would have been much disturbed. +</P> + +<P> +Agreeably to Cuthbert's suggestion, Juliet had offered the money of +Miss Loach to her mother. But Mrs. Octagon refused to be bribed—as +she put it—into consenting to the match. In the presence of Mallow +himself, she expressed the greatest detestation for him and for his +uncle, and told Juliet she would never acknowledge her as a daughter if +she married the young man. The poor girl was thus between two +fires—that of her love for Cuthbert, and that of her mother's hearty +hatred for the Earl and his nephew. Under the circumstances Cuthbert +thought it best to remain away from the "Shrine of the Muses" for a +time until Mrs. Octagon could be brought to see reason. But she was so +obstinate a woman that it was doubtful if she would ever behave in an +agreeable manner. Cuthbert returned to his rooms in a rather low state +of mind. He knew that Juliet, whatever happened, would remain true to +him, and had quite hoped to bribe Mrs. Octagon into consenting by means +of the inherited money. But now things seemed more hopeless than ever. +Juliet, although not very fond of her mother, was a devoted daughter +from a sense of duty, and it would be difficult to bring her to consent +to a match against which the elder woman so obstinately set her face. +</P> + +<P> +Certainly Juliet had said she would marry with or without her mother's +consent, but now that the consent was withheld with violent words, she +seemed inclined to wait. However, if she did not marry Mallow, he knew +well that she would marry no one else, least of all the objectionable +Arkwright, Cuthbert derived some degree of comfort from this small +fact. He wondered if there was any chance of forcing Mrs. Octagon into +giving her consent, but after surveying the situation could see no +opportunity. +</P> + +<P> +After dinner that night, Cuthbert was thinking of going to see his +uncle, who still stopped at the Avon Hotel. When Hale was announced. +Mallow was surprised. The lawyer was not a friend of his, and he had +no liking for his company. However, he felt a certain curiosity as to +the reason of this unexpected visit and welcomed the man with civility. +But he did not ask him to have any coffee though it was on the table. +Cuthbert held to the traditions of the East regarding bread and salt, +and he wished to leave himself free to deal with Hale as an enemy, +should occasion arise, as it might. Hale was far too intimate with +Maraquito to please the young man. And Maraquito's attentions were far +too pressing to make Cuthbert feel comfortable in her presence. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, Mr. Hale," said Mallow coldly, "why have you come?" +</P> + +<P> +The lawyer, who was in an evening suit and dressed with taste and care, +took a seat, although not invited to do so. He looked cold and calm, +but there was an excited gleam in his large eyes which showed that his +calmness masked some emotion, the cause of which Cuthbert could not +fathom. "I have come to see you about young Saxon," he said. +</P> + +<P> +"Really," answered Mallow coolly, although surprised, "what can you +have to say to me about him." +</P> + +<P> +"He is your friend—" +</P> + +<P> +"Pardon me. I can hardly call him so. We are acquaintances only." +</P> + +<P> +"But you are engaged to his sister," persisted Hale. +</P> + +<P> +Mallow threw away the cigarette he was lighting and jumped up. "I see +no reason why Miss Saxon's name should be mentioned, Mr. Hale." +</P> + +<P> +"Don't you, Mr. Mallow? I do." +</P> + +<P> +"Then I object to your mentioning it. State your business and go, Mr. +Hale. I have no acquaintance with you." +</P> + +<P> +"I can't state my business unless I mention Miss Saxon's name." +</P> + +<P> +"Then you will please to take yourself off," said Mallow. +</P> + +<P> +Hale smiled coldly, though evidently annoyed. "I think it is to your +interest to hear me," he said deliberately, "and to the interest of the +lady whom you hope to call your wife." +</P> + +<P> +"Does this business concern Miss Saxon?" +</P> + +<P> +"Indirectly it does. But it rather has to do with her brother." +</P> + +<P> +Mallow frowned. The conversation was taking a turn of which he did not +approve. However, he knew well the dangerous ground upon which he +stood with regard to the case, and thought it best to hear what his +unexpected visitor had to say. "State your business," he said curtly. +</P> + +<P> +"Very good," replied Hale, nursing his silk hat on his knee. "I see you +don't offer me coffee or a cigarette." +</P> + +<P> +"We are not friends, sir. And let me remind you that you thrust +yourself uninvited on me." +</P> + +<P> +"To do you a service," said Hale quickly. "I think, therefore, that I +deserve a better reception." +</P> + +<P> +"Will you please come to the point?" said Mallow coldly, "whatever the +service may be, I am quite sure it is two for you if one for me. You +are not the man to go out of your way, Mr. Hale, to help anyone." +</P> + +<P> +Hale nodded and smiled grimly. "You are quite right. Now, then, Mr. +Mallow, do you know that Basil Saxon was to have inherited the money of +my late client, Miss Loach?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, I never knew that. I understood that Miss Loach always intended +to leave the money to Miss Saxon." +</P> + +<P> +Hale shook his well-oiled head. "On the contrary, Mr. Saxon was her +favorite. In spite of his wild ways she liked him. However, she was +also fond of Miss Saxon, and you may thank Miss Loach, Mr. Mallow, for +having been the means of forwarding your engagement." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean by that?" asked Cuthbert angrily. +</P> + +<P> +"Mrs. Octagon," went on the lawyer deliberately, "would never have +consented to Miss Saxon becoming engaged to you had not Miss Loach +insisted that she should agree." +</P> + +<P> +"Seeing that Mrs. Octagon hated her sister and was not likely, to be +influenced by her, I do not see how that can be." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps not. Nevertheless, such is the case. You saw how, when Miss +Loach died, Mrs. Octagon seized the first opportunity to place +obstacles in the way of your marriage." +</P> + +<P> +"I believe she did that on Maraquito's account, Mr. Hale. I know +perfectly well that Mrs. Octagon called on Maraquito." +</P> + +<P> +"Quite so—to ask Maraquito not to let Basil Saxon play beyond his +means. Certainly, Maraquito having a strange fancy for you, agreed, on +condition that Mrs. Octagon refuse to let Miss Saxon marry you. But, +in any case, Mrs. Octagon hates your uncle too much to allow her +daughter to become your wife. You will never get Mrs. Octagon's consent +unless I help you." +</P> + +<P> +"You!" echoed Mallow, astonished and annoyed. "What possible influence +can you have with Mrs. Octagon. I have certainly seen you at her +house, but I scarcely think you know her well enough—" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, yes, I do." Hale rose in his earnestness. "See here, sir; I love +Maraquito and I wish to marry her." +</P> + +<P> +"You can, so far as I am concerned," +</P> + +<P> +"So you say," said Hale bitterly, "but you cannot be ignorant that +Maraquito loves you." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't see what that has to do with our conversation," replied +Mallow, growing red and restless. +</P> + +<P> +"It has everything to do with the matter. I want to marry Maraquito, +as I am rich and deeply in love with her. She would have become my +wife long ago but that you crossed her path. Lord knows why she should +love a commonplace man like you, but she does." +</P> + +<P> +"Isn't that rather personal?" said Mallow dryly. +</P> + +<P> +"I beg your pardon. But what I wish to say is this. If you marry Miss +Saxon and place yourself beyond Maraquito's reach, I will be able to +induce her to marry me. Our interests are bound up together. Now, to +do this you must have Mrs. Octagon's consent. I can get it." +</P> + +<P> +"In what way?" +</P> + +<P> +"She loves Basil, her son, more than she does herself," went on Hale, +paying no attention to the remark. "To save him she would do much." +</P> + +<P> +"To save him from what?" +</P> + +<P> +"Basil;" continued the lawyer, still not noticing the interruption, "is +a young fool. He thought himself sure of Miss Loach's money—and he +was until a week before she died. Then he came to Rose Cottage and +insulted her—" +</P> + +<P> +"I have heard that. She ordered him out of the house." +</P> + +<P> +"She did. Miss Loach was a bitter, acrid old woman when the fit took +her. However, Basil insulted her so grossly that she made a new will +and left all the money to Miss Saxon. Now it happens that Basil, to +supply himself with funds, when his aunt refused to aid his +extravagance further, forged her name to a bill—What's the matter?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing," said Mallow, who had started from his chair, "only your +intelligence is sufficiently unpleasant." +</P> + +<P> +"I can understand that," sneered the lawyer, "since you wish to marry +his sister. You don't want a forger for a brother-in-law." +</P> + +<P> +"Who does?" said Cuthbert, not telling that he was thinking of Basil in +connection with a still darker crime. "Go on, Mr. Hale." +</P> + +<P> +"The bill fell into my hands. When Miss Saxon got the money she +transferred the business to her own lawyer. I had to give the bill up." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah!" said Mallow meaningly, "I see now the hold you had over Basil." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, that was my hold. I did not want to give up the bill. But it had +been met, and as Miss Loach is dead, there was a difficulty in proving +the signature to be a forgery. I therefore gave the bill to Miss +Saxon. She knew of her brother's guilt—" +</P> + +<P> +"I see—I see," murmured Cuthbert, wondering if she had been shielding +Basil as well as him. "My poor girl!" +</P> + +<P> +"She is a brave girl," said Hale, in a voice of reluctant admiration. +"She met me and fought for her brother. I gave way, as I did not wish +to make trouble. Why, it doesn't matter. However, you see how things +stand. Basil is a forger. If his mother knew that he was in danger of +being arrested she would consent to your marriage, and then I might +marry Maraquito. I have come here to tell you this." +</P> + +<P> +"But if Miss Saxon has the bill, and there is a difficulty of proving +the signature, owing to Miss Loach's death, I don't see—" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, not in this case. But Basil Saxon forged my name also. I hold a +forged check. I met it and said nothing about it. Basil, thinking +because his sister held the bill that he was out of my power, was most +insolent. But I said nothing of the check which he thought I never +detected. The more fool he. He must have a fine opinion of my business +capacity. However, as the check is only for fifty pounds, he probably +thought that it would escape my notice. Well, you see how I can force +Mrs. Octagon's hand. What do you say?" +</P> + +<P> +Mallow put his hands to his head quite bewildered by the information. +</P> + +<P> +"You must give me time to think," he said, "but if I consent—" +</P> + +<P> +"You marry Miss Saxon. I ask no reward for my services. All I want is +to get you out of my way as regards Maraquito. I will give you the +forged check on the day you wed Miss Saxon. I can see," added Hale, +rising, "that you are somewhat upset with this news, and no wonder. +You never thought Basil was such a scoundrel." +</P> + +<P> +"I thought him a fool, never a knave." +</P> + +<P> +"My dear sir, he is a thoroughly bad man," said Hale cynically, "though +I daresay other people are just as bad. However, I will give you a week +to think over the matter. Good-night." +</P> + +<P> +"Good-night," said Mallow, touching the bell, but without meeting the +gaze of Hale, "I will think over what you have said." +</P> + +<P> +"You will find it to your advantage to do so," replied Hale, and went +out of the room at the heels of the servant. +</P> + +<P> +Mallow remained where he was in deep thought. It was terrible to think +that the brother of Juliet should be such a scamp. A forger and +perhaps something else. Here, indeed, was a motive for Miss Loach to +meet with her death at her nephew's hand. Probably on the night in +question she threatened to let the law take its course, and then +Basil—but at this point of his meditations a ring came at the door. +In a few moments Cuthbert heard a step he knew and rose with an +agitated air. Basil entered the room. +</P> + +<P> +The young man was carefully dressed as usual in his rather affected +way, but his face was pale and he seemed uneasy. "I see you have had a +visit from Hale," he said, trying to appear at his ease. +</P> + +<P> +"How do you know that?" asked Mallow abruptly, and declining to see the +proffered hand. +</P> + +<P> +"I saw Hale enter a cab as I came up the stairs," said Basil, drawing +back; "and even had I not seen him I would know that he has been +telling you a lot of lies because you refuse to shake hands." +</P> + +<P> +"Are they lies?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, then, he has been talking. He is my enemy. He comes here to do +me harm," said Basil, his eyes flashing. +</P> + +<P> +"He came here as your friend," replied Mallow abruptly, "Hale wishes me +to marry your sister. He offers to hand over to me a certain check if +I marry her." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know what you are talking about," cried Basil petulantly, and +threw himself into a chair, very pale. +</P> + +<P> +"I think you know very well. Why have you come here?" +</P> + +<P> +Basil looked sullen. "I want you to marry Juliet also. And I came to +say that I thought I could get my mother to take that money and to +withdraw her opposition." +</P> + +<P> +"So that you may have the fingering of the money?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I suppose she will give me some," said Basil airily, and began to +roll a cigarette with deft fingers. +</P> + +<P> +Mallow was enraged at this coolness. "Basil, you are a scoundrel!" +</P> + +<P> +"Am I, indeed? Nice words to use to your future relative." +</P> + +<P> +"How do you know I will ever be your relative. Suppose I refuse Hale's +demand, and let him proceed on this check?" +</P> + +<P> +Basil's cigarette dropped our of his hand. "I don't know what check +you mean," he declared with alarm, "there was a bill—I couldn't help +myself. My aunt—" +</P> + +<P> +"Gave you a lot of money and you repaid her by forging her name. But +you also forged Hale's name." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, I know what you mean now. It was only for fifty pounds." +</P> + +<P> +"Had it been for fifty pence the crime is the same," said Mallow +vehemently, "why did you not let me help you? I offered to. But you +preferred to commit a crime." +</P> + +<P> +"Such a fuss to make," muttered the youth discontentedly, "the bill is +in the possession of Juliet, and no steps can be taken on that. If +mother accepts this six thousand a year, she will buy the check back +from Hale. He's a scoundrel and will do anything for money. Then you +can marry Juliet, and I can go abroad for a few years on an income of +three thousand. Mother will allow me that." +</P> + +<P> +The coolness of this speech almost took Mallow's breath away. The man +did not seem to be at all affected by his crime. So long as he was not +found out he appeared to think nothing about the matter. "And I know +you will marry Juliet," proceeded Basil, "you love her too well to give +her up." +</P> + +<P> +"That is true enough," said Cuthbert, who, having already spared him +too long, now determined to punish him, "but I may love her so well +that I may not wish to buy her." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean by buying her?" demanded Basil sulkily. +</P> + +<P> +"What I say. Is it only to save you that I am to marry Juliet? My +marriage must be one of love—" +</P> + +<P> +"She does love you. And I don't see," added Basil complainingly, "why +you should jump on a chap for wishing for your happiness—" +</P> + +<P> +"And your own safety." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, bosh! The bill is destroyed. Juliet put it into the fire, and +Hale will sell the check at his own price." +</P> + +<P> +"His price is that I am to marry Juliet." +</P> + +<P> +"So that he can marry Maraquito, I suppose. I know that she loves you +and that Hale is crazy about her. It's very hard on me," whined the +egotistical youth, "for I want to marry her myself, only mother put her +spoke in my wheel." +</P> + +<P> +"Dare you offer yourself to Maraquito, bad as she is, knowing what you +are?" cried Mallow, fairly disgusted. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, the forgeries. What of them? It's nothing." Basil snapped his +fingers. "Maraquito won't mind. But I suppose I'll have to give her +up on account of that infernal check. Such a small one as it was too. +I wish I had made it one hundred and fifty. I could have done so." +</P> + +<P> +In the face of this callous behavior it was sheer wrongdoing to spare +the man. "I do not allude to the forgery, though that is bad enough," +said Cuthbert, glancing round to see that the door was closed, "but to +the murder of your aunt. You killed her." +</P> + +<P> +Basil leaped from his chair with great indignation. "I did not. How +dare you accuse me?" he panted. +</P> + +<P> +"Because I have proofs." +</P> + +<P> +"Proofs?" Basil dropped back as though he had been shot. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. I learned from my man that you took the bowie knife which used +to hang on the wall yonder. He saw you take it, and thought you had +received my permission. You went to the Marlow Theatre with your +sister. You left her in the box and went out after eight o'clock. You +went to Rexton to Rose Cottage. After Clancy left the house your aunt +admitted you and you killed her—" +</P> + +<P> +"I swear I did not!" said Basil, perfectly white and trembling. +</P> + +<P> +"You did, you liar! Juliet followed you to the cottage." +</P> + +<P> +"Juliet? She did not know I had gone." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah! you see, you were there. Yes, she said she went in order to try +and make it up between your aunt and you. But I believe now she went +to see if you were committing a crime. I am not aware how much Juliet +knows of your wickedness, Basil, but—" +</P> + +<P> +"She knows only about the forgery. I was not at the cottage." +</P> + +<P> +Mallow made a weary gesture. "Why do you tell these falsehoods?" he +said with scorn. "Juliet entered the cottage by means of her +latch-key. She found Miss Loach dead and the knife on the floor. You +dropped it there. She came out and saw a man of my height—which you +are, and of my appearance (you are not unlike me at a distance) +climbing the wall into the park. He had on alight overcoat—my +overcoat. Juliet thought I was the man. I did not say no. But the +moment she mentioned the coat I knew it was you. You borrowed the coat +from me, and returned it the other day. Now then—" +</P> + +<P> +"Stop! stop!" cried Basil, rising with pale lips and shaking hands, "I +admit that I went to Rexton on that night, but I swear I am innocent." +</P> + +<P> +"Pah!" cried Mallow, thinking this was another lie, and a weak one too. +</P> + +<P> +Basil seized him by the arm. "Mallow, I swear by all that I hold most +sacred that I did not kill Aunt Selina. I own I took the knife. I +wished to frighten her into giving me money. I left the theatre in +order to go to Rexton. I thought I might be spotted if I came by the +lane. I climbed the wall of the park on the other side after nine, +some time after nine. I was crossing when a man chased me. I don't +know who it was. I could not see in the bushes, and the night was +rather dark at the moment, though clear later. I dropped the knife, it +fell out of my pocket, and I scrambled over the wall and bolted." +</P> + +<P> +"Then how did Juliet see you shortly before eleven?" +</P> + +<P> +"I came back for the knife. I thought it might be traced to you and +that you might get into trouble. Really I did," said Basil, seeing +Mallow make a gesture of dissent. "I came back by the railway path, +and along by the corn. Where Juliet could have been, I don't know. I +climbed the wall and crossed the park. I could not find the knife +where I thought I had dropped it, near the house. I then climbed the +opposite wall and got away home. Next day I heard of the death and +went down to look for the knife again. I never thought she had been +killed with that knife, as no weapon was found. Juliet said nothing to +me about the matter—" +</P> + +<P> +"No. Because she thought the knife was mine, as it is, and that I was +the man who climbed the wall. I was on the spot. I remember telling +you that, when we met in the street, and you were afraid. I see now +why you asked me if I had been in the park at night." +</P> + +<P> +"I thought you might have spotted me. When were you there?" +</P> + +<P> +"About twenty minutes past ten." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, then, I was there at ten or a few minutes later. I got away +from the man who chased me some time before you came. It was, as you +say, at a quarter to eleven when I came back, and by that time I +suppose you had gone." +</P> + +<P> +"I went over the opposite wall as you did," said Cuthbert, "we must +have run each other very close." +</P> + +<P> +"I expect we were in different parts of the park," said Basil, "but I +swear that I am telling you the truth. I said nothing about this, as I +was afraid of being arrested. But, if you like, I'll tell that +detective Jennings what I told you. He will help me." +</P> + +<P> +"My advice to you is to hold your tongue and keep silent." +</P> + +<P> +"But if I am traced?" stammered Basil. +</P> + +<P> +"I shall say nothing," said Mallow, "and Jennings has dropped the case. +I shall get the check from Hale, and you must go abroad. I believe you +are innocent." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, thank you—thank you—" +</P> + +<P> +"But you are a scoundrel for all that. When I get you sent abroad and +marry your sister, neither she nor I will have anything to do with you. +And if you come back to England, look out." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap21"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXI +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +AN EXPERIMENT +</H3> + +<P> +Next day Cuthbert received a letter from Jennings. It intimated that +Maraquito wished to see him that evening. "If you will call at nine +o'clock," wrote the detective, "she will be alone. The police have +decided to close the gambling-house, and she is making preparations to +leave England. I understand she has something to tell you in +connection with the death of Miss Loach, which it is as well you should +hear. A confession on her part may save you a lot of trouble in the +future." +</P> + +<P> +Mallow hesitated to obey this summons. He thought it was strange that +Maraquito should get the detective to write to him, as he knew she +mistrusted the man. And, apart from this, he had no wish to see Senora +Gredos again. Things were now smooth between him and +Juliet—comparatively so—and it would not do to rouse the girl's +jealousy. Maraquito was a dangerous woman, and if he paid her a +solitary visit, he might fall into some snare which she was quite +capable of laying. Such was her infatuation, that he knew she would +stop at nothing to gain her ends. +</P> + +<P> +On the other hand, Maraquito, to all appearances, knew of something in +connection with the case which it behooved him to learn if he wished +for peace in the future. So far as Mallow knew, the matter was at an +end. He believed that Jennings had shelved the affair, and that no +further inquiries would be made. This belief calmed his anxiety, as he +greatly desired to save Basil Saxon from arrest. Certainly, the young +scamp protested his innocence, and told a plausible tale, but he was +such a liar that Mallow could not be satisfied. He might be innocent +as he said, yet the facts of the visit to the cottage, the possession +of the knife and of the overcoat which he wore when seen by Juliet, +hinted at his guilt. Also the forged bill and check might implicate +him in the matter. Did Jennings learn of these things, he would +certainly arrest Saxon on suspicion, and, for Juliet's sake, Cuthbert +did not wish such a thing to happen. +</P> + +<P> +It struck Mallow that Hale might have confided in Maraquito, with whom +he was in love. Being unscrupulous, she would probably use this +information, and might threaten to denounce Basil, to the subsequent +disgrace of Juliet, if Cuthbert refused to marry her. Taking these +things into consideration, Mallow decided that it would be best to pay +the visit and learn what Maraquito had to say. +</P> + +<P> +It was a wild, blustering evening, rainy and damp. When Mallow stepped +out of the door he shivered as the keen wind whistled down the street. +Few people were abroad, as they preferred, very sensibly, the comfort +of a fireside to the windy, gleaming thoroughfares. Wishing his visit +to be as secret as possible, Mallow walked to Soho and turned into +Golden Square shortly before the appointed hour. He did not expect a +pleasant interview, as Maraquito was an uncivilized sort of woman with +little control over her very violent emotions. Altogether, he +anticipated a disagreeable quarter of an hour. +</P> + +<P> +He was admitted smilingly by a woman, and noticed with some surprise +that Gibber the page was not at his accustomed post. But he put this +down to the fact that there was no gambling on this particular evening. +The windows of the great salon were dark, and Senora Gredos received +him in a small apartment which she used as a sitting-room. Her couch +was drawn up close to the fire, and she appeared to be in better health +than usual. Standing at the door, Mallow thought she made a pretty +picture. She had on a white wrapper trimmed with gold lace, and as +usual, wore a profusion of jewelry. Across the lower part of the couch +was flung a gorgeous purple coverlet of eastern manufacture, and what +with the brilliant colors and the glitter of precious stones, she +looked remarkably eastern herself. Mallow noticed particularly how +Jewish she was in appearance, and wondered how he could have been so +blind as not to have remarked it before. The room looked cheerful and +warm, and was welcome after the chilly, dreary streets. Mallow, having +taken off his overcoat in the hall, came forward and bowed somewhat +formally, but Maraquito was not to be put off with so frigid a +greeting. Holding out both hands, she shook his warmly and pointed to +a chair near her couch. It was now a few minutes after nine. +</P> + +<P> +"How good of you to come and see me," she said in her deep, rich voice. +"The evening was so dull." +</P> + +<P> +"You are not having any play this evening?" +</P> + +<P> +Maraquito shrugged her fine shoulders and unfurled a quite unnecessary +fan, which, to keep up her fiction of being a Spanish lady, she always +carried. "Some idiot told the police what was going on and I received +a notice to close." +</P> + +<P> +"But the police knew long ago." +</P> + +<P> +"Not officially. The police can be silent when it suits. And I always +kept things very quiet here. I can't understand why any objection +should be made. I suspect that man Jennings told." +</P> + +<P> +"I thought you liked him." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I fancied he was a friend of yours and so I made the best of him. +But, to tell you the truth, Mr. Mallow, I always mistrusted him. He is +much too fond of asking questions for my taste. Then Mr. Hale told me +that the man was a detective, so I understood his unwarrantable +curiosity. I shall have nothing to do with him in future." +</P> + +<P> +"In that case," said Mallow, anxious to arrive at the truth, "I wonder +you employ him to write letters for you." +</P> + +<P> +The woman raised herself on one rounded elbow and looked surprised at +this speech. "Really, I don't think I am so foolish," said she dryly. +"Why do you say that?" +</P> + +<P> +Mallow looked puzzled. "Jennings wrote me a letter, asking me to come +here this evening at nine. He said you wished to see me." +</P> + +<P> +Maraquito's eyes flashed. "I always wish to see you," she said, +sinking her voice to a tender tone, "and I am much obliged that Mr. +Jennings' note should have brought you here. But I gave him no +authority to write it." +</P> + +<P> +"Have you seen Jennings lately?" asked Cuthbert, more and more puzzled. +</P> + +<P> +"A few nights ago. But he said nothing about you. He simply played +cards for a time and then took himself off." +</P> + +<P> +"Are you leaving England?" +</P> + +<P> +"I am. Being an invalid as you see, I have no amusement but +card-playing. Now that the Puritan authorities have stopped that, I +cannot stay in this dull country to be bored. But who told you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Jennings said you were making preparations to leave." +</P> + +<P> +"In this letter he wrote you?" asked Maraquito, frowning. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. I am sorry I did not bring the letter with me. But I can show +it to you on another occasion. He also said you had something to tell +me." +</P> + +<P> +Maraquito fastened her brilliant eyes on his face. "Mr. Jennings seems +to know much about my affairs and to take a deep interest in them. But +I assure you, I never gave him any authority to meddle." +</P> + +<P> +"Then why did he write and bring me here?" +</P> + +<P> +Senora Gredos frowned and then her face cleared. "The man is such a +secretive creature that I don't trust him," she said; "and yet he +declared himself to be my friend. He knows I like you, and hinted that +he should be glad to bring us together." +</P> + +<P> +"Jennings is a gentleman in spite of his profession," said Mallow in +cutting tones. "I scarcely think he would take so great a liberty." +</P> + +<P> +"Is it a liberty?" asked Maraquito softly. +</P> + +<P> +"I consider it to be one. Jennings knows that I am engaged." +</P> + +<P> +"Stop!" she cried, gripping her fan so tightly that her knuckles grew +white. "Do you dare to tell me this?" +</P> + +<P> +"Senora—Maraquito—don't let us have a scene. I told you before that +I could not give you the love you asked." +</P> + +<P> +"And I told you that I would have that love in spite of your +unwillingness," said the woman doggedly. "You have scorned me, and I +ought to have sufficient pride to let you go your own way. But I am +such an infatuated fool that I am content to let you tread on me." +</P> + +<P> +"I have no wish to do that, but—" +</P> + +<P> +"You do—you do—you do!" she said, vehemently. "Why can you not love +me? I would be a better wife than that doll you—" +</P> + +<P> +"Drop that, Maraquito. Leave Miss Saxon's name out of the question." +</P> + +<P> +"I shall talk of Miss Saxon as long as I like," cried Maraquito, +snapping the fan and growing flushed. "You scorn me because I am an +invalid—" +</P> + +<P> +"I do not. If you were perfectly restored to health I would give you +the same answer." Mallow was on his feet by this time. "I think it +would be wise of me to go." +</P> + +<P> +But Senora Gredos, stretching out her hand, caught him by the coat +convulsively. "No! no! no!" she muttered fiercely. "I did not ask you +to come here. I did not send for you. But now that you are here, you +will stop. We must understand one another." +</P> + +<P> +"We do understand one another," said Cuthbert, who was growing angry at +this unreasonable attitude. "You must know that I am engaged to Miss +Saxon!" +</P> + +<P> +"You will never marry her—never!" cried Maraquito passionately; "oh, +cruel man, can you not see that I am dying of love for you." +</P> + +<P> +"Maraquito—" +</P> + +<P> +"If I were not chained to this couch," she said between her teeth, "I +should go after her and throw vitriol in her face. I would give her +cause to repent having lured you from me with her miserable doll's +face. Pah! the minx!" +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert grew really angry. "How dare you speak like this?" he said. +"If you were able to attack Miss Saxon in the vile way you say, I +should show you no mercy." +</P> + +<P> +"What would you do—what would you do?" she panted. +</P> + +<P> +"Put you in jail. That sort of thing may do abroad but we don't allow +it here. I thought you were merely a foolish woman. Now I know you +are bad and wicked." +</P> + +<P> +"Cuthbert—Cuthbert." +</P> + +<P> +"My name is Mallow to you, Senora Gredos. I'll go now and never see +you again. I was foolish to come here." +</P> + +<P> +"Wait—wait," she cried savagely, "it is just as well that you are +here—just as well that we should come to an understanding." +</P> + +<P> +"There can be no understanding. I marry Miss Saxon and—" +</P> + +<P> +"Never, never, never! Listen, I can ruin her—" +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"Her brother—" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, Basil, I know all about that." +</P> + +<P> +Maraquito threw herself back on her couch, evidently baffled. "What do +you know?" she demanded sullenly. +</P> + +<P> +"That you are about to accuse him of the death of Miss Loach." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I do. He killed her. There is a forged bill in—" +</P> + +<P> +"I know all about that also," said Cuthbert, making a gesture for her +to be silent. "If you hope to stop my marriage with Miss Saxon by such +means, you have wasted your time," he moved again towards the door. +"It is time this interview ended," he said. +</P> + +<P> +"Why did you seek it then?" she flashed out. +</P> + +<P> +"I did not. Jennings wrote, asking me to call and see you. I +understood that you had something to say to me." +</P> + +<P> +"I have much—though how that detestable man knew I can't think. But I +can disgrace that doll of a girl through her brother." +</P> + +<P> +"No, you cannot. Basil is perfectly innocent of murder." +</P> + +<P> +"You have to prove that," she sneered, her features quivering and one +white hand clutching the purple drapery, "and you know—so you say, +that Basil is a forger." +</P> + +<P> +"He is a fool. I don't condone his folly, but his sister shall not +suffer on his account. The bill to which Miss Loach's name was forged +is in the possession of Miss Saxon—in fact I may tell you that Basil +himself assured me it had been destroyed." +</P> + +<P> +"Of course he would say that," scoffed Maraquito, her eyes flashing, +"but the check to which Hale's name is affixed is not destroyed, and +Hale shall proceed on that." +</P> + +<P> +"Hale shall not do so," said Cuthbert resolutely. He did not wish to +betray Hale's confidence, as a confession would entail the man's loss +of the woman he loved. But it was necessary to stop Maraquito somehow; +and Cuthbert attempted to do so in his next words, which conveyed a +distinct threat. "And you will not move in the matter." +</P> + +<P> +Maraquito laughed in an evil manner. "Won't I?" she taunted. "I just +will. Hale will do what I want, and he will have Basil arrested unless +you promise to give up this girl and marry me." +</P> + +<P> +"Hale will do nothing, neither will you," retorted Cuthbert. "I don't +care about threatening a woman, but you must not think that you are +able to play fast and loose with me." +</P> + +<P> +"How can you hurt me?" asked Maraquito with a scornful smile, although +her lips quivered at his tone. +</P> + +<P> +"I can tell Jennings that you are Bathsheba Saul!" +</P> + +<P> +She turned quite pale. "I? My name is Maraquito Gredos." +</P> + +<P> +"It is nothing of the sort. My uncle Lord Caranby came here and +recognized you from your likeness to the woman Emilia he was once +engaged to. He can state that in court." +</P> + +<P> +"Where is his proof?" +</P> + +<P> +"Proof will be forthcoming when necessary." +</P> + +<P> +"Not to prove that I am Bathsheba Saul. I know nothing of the name." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert shrugged his shoulders. He had said what was necessary and, +unwilling to speak further, prepared to go. Maraquito saw him slipping +from her grasp. Once gone, she knew he would never come back. With a +cry of despair she stretched out her hands. "Cuthbert, do not leave +me!" she cried in anguish. +</P> + +<P> +"I must leave you. I was foolish to come. But you know now, that if +you move in this matter I can move too. I doubt very much, madam, if +your past life will bear looking into." +</P> + +<P> +"You coward!" she moaned. +</P> + +<P> +"I know I am a coward," said Mallow uncomfortably; "it is not my way to +threaten a woman—I said that before. But I love Juliet so much that +at any cost I must protect her." +</P> + +<P> +"And my love counts for nothing." +</P> + +<P> +"I am sorry, Maraquito, but I cannot respond. A man's heart is not his +own to give." +</P> + +<P> +"Nor a woman's," she moaned bitterly; "oh, heaven, how I suffer. Help!" +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert heard footsteps ascending the stairs—the light footsteps of a +hasty man. But Maraquito's head had fallen back, her face was as white +as snow and her mouth was twisted in an expression of anguish. She +seemed to be on the point of death, and moved by her pain—for she +really appeared to be suffering, he sprang forward to catch her in his +arms. Had he not done so she would have fallen from the sofa. But +hardly had he seized her form when she flung her arms round his neck +and pressed her mouth to his. Then she threw back her head, not now +white, but flushed with color and triumph. "I have you now," she said +breathlessly. "I love you—I love you—I will not let you go!" +</P> + +<P> +What Cuthbert would have done it is hard to say. Apparently Maraquito +was determined to hold him there. But at this moment Jennings appeared +at the door. On seeing him arrive so unexpectedly, Maraquito uttered a +cry of rage and dismay, and released Mallow. "Send him away—send him +away!" she cried, pointing to Jennings, who looked cold and stern. +"How dare he come here." +</P> + +<P> +"I come on an unpleasant errand," said Jennings, stepping forward. "I +want you, Mallow!" +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert, who had moved forward, stopped. "Why do you want me?" +</P> + +<P> +Jennings placed his hand on the young man's shoulder. "I arrest you on +the charge of murdering Selina Loach!" +</P> + +<P> +Maraquito uttered a shriek, and Cuthbert's face grew red. The latter +spoke first. "Is this a jest?" he asked harshly. +</P> + +<P> +"You will not find it so." +</P> + +<P> +"Let me pass. I refuse to allow you to arrest me." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings still continued to keep his hand on Cuthbert's shoulder, +whereupon the young man flung it aside. At the same moment Jennings +closed with him, and a hand-to-hand struggle ensued. Maraquito, with +straining eyes, watched the fight. With stiffened muscles the two +reeled across the room. Cuthbert was almost too amazed to fight. That +Jennings should accuse him and attack him in this way was incredible. +But his blood was up and he wrestled with the detective vigorously. He +was an excellent athlete, but Jennings was a west-country-man and knew +all that was to be known about wrestling. With a quick twist of his +foot he tripped up his opponent, and in a minute Cuthbert was lying on +his back with Jennings over him. The two men breathed hard. Cuthbert +struggled to rise, but Jennings held him down until he was suddenly +dragged away by Maraquito, who was watching the fight eagerly. There +she stood in the centre of the room which she had reached with a bound. +</P> + +<P> +"I thought so," said Jennings, releasing Mallow and rising quickly. +</P> + +<P> +Maraquito threw a small knife at Cuthbert's feet. "Kill him—kill +him!" she said with hysterical force. +</P> + +<P> +"There is no need to," said the detective, feeling his arms, which were +rather sore. "Mallow, I beg your pardon for having fought you, but I +knew you would not lend yourself to a deception, and the only way in +which I could force this lady to show that she was able to walk was by +a feigned fight." +</P> + +<P> +"Then you don't intend to arrest me?" said Mallow, rising and staring. +</P> + +<P> +"Never had any idea of doing so," rejoined Jennings coolly. "I wished +to learn the truth about Mrs. Herne." +</P> + +<P> +"Mrs. Herne!" +</P> + +<P> +"Or Maraquito Gredos or Bathsheba Saul. She has a variety of names, my +dear fellow. Which one do you prefer?" he asked, turning to the +discovered woman. +</P> + +<P> +Maraquito looked like the goddess of war. Her eyes flashed and her +face was red with anger. Standing in a striking attitude, with one +foot thrust forward, her active brain was searching for some means of +escape. "I don't know what you mean by calling me these names!" +</P> + +<P> +"I mean that you are to be arrested. You are Mrs. Herne. Your accident +was merely a sham to avert suspicion." +</P> + +<P> +"Mrs. Herne is my aunt." +</P> + +<P> +"Pardon me, no. The only aunt you ever had was Emilia Saul, who died +in Caranby's house. In our interview at Hampstead you betrayed +yourself when we talked of Mallow. I had you watched. You were seen +to enter this house, and out of it Mrs. Herne never came. Your +servants do not know Mrs. Herne—only their invalid mistress." +</P> + +<P> +Maraquito, seeing her danger, panted with rage, and looked like a +trapped animal. "Even if this is true, which I deny," she said in a +voice tremulous with rage, "how dare you arrest me, and for what?" +</P> + +<P> +"For setting that boy Gibber to poison the man who called himself Tyke. +The lad has left your service—which means he is in hiding." +</P> + +<P> +"I know nothing about this," said Maraquito, suddenly becoming cool. +"Do you mean to arrest me now?" +</P> + +<P> +"I have the warrant and a couple of plain-dress detectives below. You +can't escape." +</P> + +<P> +"I have no wish to escape," she retorted, moving towards a door which +led into an inner room. "I can meet and dispose of this ridiculous +charge. The doctor told me that a sudden shock might bring back my +strength. And that it has done. I am not Mrs. Herne—I am not +Bathsheba Saul. I am Maraquito Gredos, a Spanish lady—" +</P> + +<P> +"Who doesn't know her own language," said Jennings. +</P> + +<P> +"I pass over your insults," said the woman with dignity. "But as you +intend to take me away, will you please let me enter my bedroom to +change my dress?" +</P> + +<P> +Jennings drew aside and permitted her to pass. "I am not afraid you +will escape," he said politely. "If you attempt to leave you will fall +into the hands of my men. They watch every door." +</P> + +<P> +Maraquito winced, and with a last look at the astounded Mallow, passed +into the room. When she shut the door Mallow looked at Jennings. "I +don't know what all this means," he said. +</P> + +<P> +"I have told you," replied Jennings, rather impatiently, "the letter I +sent you was to bring you here. The struggle was a feigned one on my +side to make Maraquito defend you. I knew she would never let you be +worsted if she could help; exactly as I knew you would never consent to +play such a trick on her." +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly not. With all her faults, she loves me." +</P> + +<P> +"So well that she will kill Juliet Saxon rather than see her in your +arms. Don't frown, Mallow, Maraquito is a dangerous woman, and it is +time she was laid by the heels. You don't know what I have found out." +</P> + +<P> +"Have you learned who killed Miss Loach?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. But I am on the way to learn it. I'll tell you everything +another time. Meanwhile, I must get this woman safely locked up. +Confound her, she is a long time." +</P> + +<P> +"She may have escaped," said Mallow, as Jennings knocked at the door. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't see how she can. There are men at the front door and at a +secret entrance she used to enter as Mrs. Herne." He knocked again, +but there was no reply. Finally Jennings grew exasperated and tried to +open the door. It was locked. "I believe she is escaping," he said, +"help me, Mallow." +</P> + +<P> +The two men put their shoulders to the door and burst it in. When they +entered the bedroom it was empty. There was no sign of Maraquito +anywhere, and no sign, either, of how she had managed to evade the law. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap22"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE SECRET ENTRANCE +</H3> + +<P> +AS may be guessed, Jennings was very vexed that Maraquito had escaped. +He had posted his men at the front and back doors and also at the side +entrance through which Senora Gredos in her disguise as Mrs. Herne had +entered. He never considered for the moment that so clever a woman +might have some way of escape other than he had guessed. "Yet I might +have thought it," he said, when Cuthbert and he left the house. "I +expect that place is like a rabbit-burrow. Maraquito always expected +to be taken some day in spite of her clever assumption of helplessness. +That was a smart dodge." +</P> + +<P> +"How did you learn that she was shamming?" +</P> + +<P> +"I only guessed so. I had no proof. But when I interviewed the pseudo +Mrs. Herne at her Hampstead lodgings, she betrayed so much emotion when +speaking of you that I guessed it was the woman herself. I only tried +that experiment to see if she was really ill. If she had not moved I +should have been done." +</P> + +<P> +"It seems to me that you are done now," said Cuthbert angrily. He was +not very pleased at the use Jennings had made of him. +</P> + +<P> +"By no means. Maraquito will take refuge in a place I know of. She +does not fancy I am aware of its existence. But I am on my way there +now. You can come also if you like." +</P> + +<P> +"No," said Mallow decisively, "so far as I am concerned, I have no +further interest in these matters. I told you so the other day." +</P> + +<P> +"Don't you wish to know who killed Miss Loach?" +</P> + +<P> +Mallow hesitated, and wondered how much the detective knew. "Have you +any clue to the assassin?" he asked. +</P> + +<P> +Jennings shrugged his shoulders. "I can't say that. But I suspect the +coiners have something to do with the matter." +</P> + +<P> +"The coiners?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah! I know you have not learned much about them. I have no time now +to talk, but you will see everything in the papers shortly. I can tell +you, Mallow, there's going to be a row." +</P> + +<P> +Mallow, like all young Englishmen, was fond of fighting, and his blood +was at once afire to join in, but, on second thoughts, he resolved to +stick to his original determination and stay away. It would be better, +he thought, to let Jennings carry out his plans unhampered. In order, +therefore, to preserve Basil's secret, Mallow nodded to the detective +and went home. That night he spent wondering what had become of +Maraquito. +</P> + +<P> +Meantime, Jennings, with a dozen men, was on his way to Rexton. It was +now after eleven, and the clock struck the half hour as they landed at +Rexton Station. The police force of the suburb had been notified of +the raid about to be made, and Inspector Twining was on the spot. He +guided the party through the side path which terminated near Rose +Cottage. The night was dark and rainy, but there were occasional +gleams of moonlight. There was no light in the windows of Rose +Cottage, and everything appeared to be quiet. Behind loomed the ruins +of the unfinished house beneath which was the coining factory. +</P> + +<P> +On the way to the spot Jennings conversed with Twining in low tones and +detailed his experience with Maraquito. +</P> + +<P> +"I am quite sure that she has gone to the factory," he said; "she does +not think that I know about it. I fancy she will tell her pals that +the game is up and the lot will light out for America." +</P> + +<P> +"They may have gone by this time," suggested the inspector. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't think so. Maraquito must have just arrived, if indeed she has +come here. Besides, she will never guess that I know how to get into +the place, or indeed think that I know of its existence." +</P> + +<P> +"How did you guess?" +</P> + +<P> +"Guess is a good word. I just did guess, Twining. From various facts +which there is no time to tell you, I became convinced that there was a +factory in existence. Also I fancied that the death of that old lady +was connected with the preservation of the secret. But I only got at +the hard facts the other day, when a girl called Grant—" +</P> + +<P> +"I remember. She gave evidence at the inquest." +</P> + +<P> +"Precisely. Well, she brought me some plans belonging to her father +which she found. He was engaged in a quiet job hereabouts five years +ago, and died when it was finished. He was poisoned with arsenic." +</P> + +<P> +"What! like that man Tyke?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. The person who runs this show—Maraquito, I think—evidently has +a partiality for that extremely painful poison. Well, this workman +having constructed the secret entrance, was got out of the way by +death, so that the secret might be preserved. And I guess Miss Loach +was settled also in case she might give the alarm." +</P> + +<P> +"But if the secret entrance is in the cottage," said Twining, "this old +woman may have been aware of its existence." +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly, and was about to split when she was killed. At least, that +is my theory." +</P> + +<P> +"She must have been in with the gang." +</P> + +<P> +"I have never been able to fix that," said Jennings thoughtfully. "I +know she was a lady and of good birth. Also she had money, although +she condemned herself to this existence as a hermit. Why she should +let Maraquito and her lot construct a secret entrance I can't +understand. However, we'll know the truth to-night. But you can now +guess, Twining, how the bell came to be sounded." +</P> + +<P> +"No, I can't," said the inspector, promptly. +</P> + +<P> +"I forgot. You don't know that the secret entrance is in the room +where Miss Loach was murdered. Well, one of the gang, after the death, +sounded the bell to call attention to the corpse, and then slipped away +before Susan Grant could get to the room." +</P> + +<P> +"But why should this person have sounded the bell?" +</P> + +<P> +"That is what I have to find out. There's a lot to learn here." +</P> + +<P> +"Have you any idea who killed Miss Loach?" +</P> + +<P> +"Maraquito, under the disguise of Mrs. Herne." +</P> + +<P> +"Was she Mrs. Herne?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. She masqueraded as an invalid who could not leave her couch, but +I managed to get at the truth to-night." +</P> + +<P> +"But from the evidence at the inquest, Mrs. Herne was out of the house +when the blow was struck." +</P> + +<P> +"Quite so: But we did not know of this secret entrance then. I fancy +she came back—" +</P> + +<P> +"But how can you—" +</P> + +<P> +"There's no more time to talk," interrupted Jennings. "We must get to +work as soon as possible. Order your men to surround the house." +</P> + +<P> +"And the park also?" +</P> + +<P> +"We have not enough men for that. And I don't think there's any other +exit from the factory save that through Rose Cottage. If there was, +Maraquito and her two friends would not have played whist so +persistently with Miss Loach every night." +</P> + +<P> +"It was three times a week, I think." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, it doesn't matter. Here we are." Jennings opened the garden +gate and walked boldly up the path towards the silent house. The men, +under the low-spoken directions of Twining, spread themselves round the +house so as to arrest any coiner who might attempt escape. Then the +detective rang the bell. There was no answer for a few minutes. He +rang again. +</P> + +<P> +A window in the cottage was opened cautiously, and the head of Mrs. +Pill, in a frilled nightcap of gigantic size, was thrust out. "Is that +you, Thomas, coming home at this late hour the worse for drink, you +idle wretch, and me almost dead with want of sleep." +</P> + +<P> +"It's a message from your husband, Mrs. Barnes," said Jennings, signing +to Twining to keep out of sight. "Come and open the door, and I'll +tell you what has happened." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, lor! is Thomas gone the way of flesh?" wailed Mrs. Barnes, +formerly Pill. "Come to the cottage door." +</P> + +<P> +"No. Open this one," said Jennings, who had his own reasons for this +particular entrance being made use of. "You know me—" +</P> + +<P> +"Mr. Jennings, as was in the case of my pore, dear, dead lady. Of +course I knows you, sir, and the fact as you are police makes me +shudder to think as Thomas is jailed for drink. Wait one moment, sir. +I'll hurry on a petticoat and shawl. How good of you to come, sir." +</P> + +<P> +When the window shut down, Jennings bent towards the inspector, who was +crouching on the other side of the steps. "This woman is innocent," he +whispered. "She knows nothing, else she would not admit us so quickly." +</P> + +<P> +"It may be a blind, Jennings. She may have gone to give the gang +warning, you know." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know," retorted the detective sharply. "I am quite sure that +Mrs. Barnes doesn't even know her husband Thomas is one of the lot. I +don't care if she does give warning either, if your surmise is correct. +All our men are round the house, and if any of the gang escape we can +collar them." +</P> + +<P> +"That is supposing there isn't another exit from the unfinished house," +muttered Twining, anxious to have the last word. +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Barnes appeared at the door in a brilliant red petticoat, a white +woollen shawl, and the cap aforesaid. Her feet were thrust into carpet +slippers and she carried a candle. "An' it is good of you, sir, to +come 'ere and tell me that Thomas is in jail, he being-" +</P> + +<P> +"We can talk of that inside," said the detective, pushing past her. "I +suppose you don't mind my friend coming in." +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Barnes almost dropped when she saw the second person, especially +when she noted the uniform. "It must be murder at least," she wailed, +almost dropping the candle in her fright; "lor! do tell me, sir, that +Thomas have not murdered anyone." +</P> + +<P> +"Lead us down to the sitting-room and we'll tell you, Mrs. Barnes." +</P> + +<P> +"I can't do that, sir, Mr. Clancy may be 'ome any moment" +</P> + +<P> +"Isn't he at home now?" +</P> + +<P> +"Bless you, no, Mr. Jennings, he being fond of goin' out, not that he's +an old man, and why shouldn't he enjoy hisself. Not that a woman could +wish for a better lodger, though he only bin 'ere a week or so, he +givin' no trouble and havin' a latch-key." +</P> + +<P> +"I want to see Mr. Clancy also," said Jennings impatiently, while +Twining turned on the electric light in the hall. "Take us down to the +basement." +</P> + +<P> +The woman would have objected again, but from the stern expression on +her visitors' faces she judged that it would be wiser to obey. She +descended, candle in hand, turning on the lights as she went down. In +the sitting-room she paused and faced the detective. "Do tell me +what's wrong, sir?" she asked. "Thomas is a fool, but we're newly wed +and I shouldn't like anything to 'appen to 'im, though he do take +fondly-like to the bottle." +</P> + +<P> +"When did Thomas go out?" +</P> + +<P> +"At eight, and Mr. Clancy at nine, though Mr. Clancy havin' a +latch-key, don't give me trouble lettin' him in which Thomas does." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah!" said Jennings, with a side-glance at the inspector, "so your +husband goes out often?" +</P> + +<P> +"He do, sir. Three times a week. I 'ave tried to break 'im of these +larky 'abits but he won't do what I arsks him. I wish I'd stopped at +bein' Pill," wailed Mrs. Barnes, wiping her eyes. "An' if Thomas is +drunk and bail bein' required—" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know if your husband is drunk or sober," interrupted Jennings. +"We are on a different errand. Tell me, Mrs. Barnes, do you know if +Miss Loach had a secret entrance to this room?" +</P> + +<P> +"Lor no, sir," cried the woman, casting a surprised glance round, +"whatever would she 'ave that for, pore dear?" +</P> + +<P> +"The furniture is oddly placed," said Twining. +</P> + +<P> +And indeed it was. Tables and chairs and sofa were ranged in two lines +on either side of the room, leaving the middle portion bare. The floor +was covered with a Turkey carpet down the centre, but the sides of the +floor were without covering. Mrs. Barnes explained this. +</P> + +<P> +"Miss Loach liked to 'ave things straight this way for the night, bein' +of tidy 'abits. She thought the floor bein' clear left the 'ousemaid, +who was Geraldine, room to sweep and dust thoroughly. Mr. Clancy 'ave +the same fancy, though being a man as tidy as ever was." +</P> + +<P> +"Strange Mr. Clancy should be tidy," said Jennings drily. "He +certainly is not so in his dress. Now the best thing you can do, Mrs. +Barnes, is to go to bed." +</P> + +<P> +"An' leave you 'ere," screeched the cook indignantly. "Why, whatever +would Mr. Clancy say, he being respectable." +</P> + +<P> +"Very good then, you can stop here. Stand on one side, Twining, and +you, Mrs. Barnes. Both of you stand on the bare floor near the wall." +</P> + +<P> +Considerably surprised, Mrs. Barnes did as she was told, and uttered a +cry when she saw the floor begin to move. Jennings, who was pressing a +button at the end of the room, stopped. "Take her upstairs, Twining. +She will alarm the gang!" +</P> + +<P> +"Alarm who?" cried the cook, struggling with the inspector. "Whatever +do you mean? Shame—shame to 'old a defenceless lady. 'Elp!" +</P> + +<P> +But her cries for help were unheeded. Twining bore her up the stairs +and summoned one of his men. In a few minutes Mrs. Barnes was safely +locked up in her own bedroom in the cottage, a prey to terrors. Poor +woman, being innocent, she could not understand the meaning of this +midnight visit, nor indeed the mysterious moving of the floor. It had +never happened so before within her recollection. +</P> + +<P> +Twining came down with six men, leaving the others to guard the exits +from the house and garden. At the door of the sitting-room he stopped +at the head of those he was bringing. At his feet yawned a gulf in +which steps appeared. The whole of the centre of the floor had +disappeared into the wall opposite to the fireplace, and the rough +steps led down into a kind of passage that ran in the direction of the +unfinished house. "This is the entrance," said Jennings, "it works +from a concealed button on the wall. Electricity is used. You see why +the sides of the floor are left bare; the carpet has quite disappeared. +But we have no time to lose," he jumped down lightly. "Come along men, +hurry up." +</P> + +<P> +"As we will be at a disadvantage, we may as well get our barkers out," +said the inspector, and the men produced revolvers. Then they went +into the burrow at the tail of the intrepid Jennings. +</P> + +<P> +That gentleman stole along the narrow passage: It ran straightly for a +few yards and then took a turn to the right. The ground continued to +slope for some distance until it terminated in a heavy door of wood. +Jennings fancied this might be locked, and felt a pang of +disappointment. But it proved to be merely closed to. Apparently the +coiners were so sure of their safety that they did not trouble to keep +the door locked. The detective opened it gently, and with the men +close at his heels stole forward. He held his revolver lightly in his +right hand, ready for emergencies. The passage was quite dark, but +being narrow, the men had no hesitation in going forward. Some way +down, after leaving the door, the passage branched into two ways, for +Jennings came against a wall directly ahead. Wondering what this +meant, he struck a match, and the blue light revealed one passage +running down to the left and another opening up to the right. While +the detective hesitated which to take, the darkness was suddenly +illuminated with the glare of lamps. From a dozen electric lights at +the sides of the passage sprang a white glow. At the further end of +the sloping passage appeared the figure of a man. He gave a shout when +the figures of the police were revealed in the sudden illumination and +vanished suddenly. There was not a moment to be lost. Jennings, crying +to his men, dashed ahead. As he neared the end of the burrow, for it +was nothing else, a pistol shot rang out and he felt as though his +shoulder had been pierced with a red-hot iron. But the wound did not +stop him. +</P> + +<P> +"Quick, men—quick! Some stop and guard the double way. They will try +and escape that way." +</P> + +<P> +His orders were obeyed with precision, and two men stopped behind, +while the rest, with Twining at their head, pressed forward. They ran +against another door, but it also was open, as the watching man had not +had time to close it. Through this the police poured, and found +themselves in a large, dry cellar, brilliantly lighted. On every hand +were the evidences of the pursuits of the gang. But no one had time to +take in details. The startled and infuriated coiners were fighting for +their liberty. In a moment the lights were out, but not before +Jennings saw Clancy and Hale at the far end of the cellar, with white +faces and levelled revolvers. There were other men also. Shots rang +out, but in the darkness everyone fired at random. The coiners strove +to force their way to the door, evidently anxious to gain the forked +passage, so that they could escape by one of the two exits. Twining +uncovered his lantern and flashed the light round. It converted him +into a target and he fell, shot through the heart by Hale. The other +men made a dash for liberty, but the police also producing their +lights, managed to seize them. At last Hale, apparently seeing there +was no chance of escaping in the gloom, turned on the electric lights +again, and the illumination revealed a cellar filled with struggling +men. Jennings made for Clancy, as it struck him that this man, in spite +of the foolish look on his face, was the prime agent. Clancy fired and +missed. Then he strove to close with Jennings. The latter hammered +him over the head with the butt of his revolver. Shouts and oaths came +from the infuriated thieves, but the police fought like bulldogs, with +tenacious courage, silent and grim. +</P> + +<P> +"Hold them—hold them!" cried Jennings, as he went down. +</P> + +<P> +"I'll do for you this time," said Hale between his teeth, and flung +himself forward, but Jennings struggled valiantly. The coiner was over +him, and trying to get at his revolver which had fallen in the fight. +Jennings waited till he stretched, then fired upward. Hale gave a yell +of agony, and throwing up his arms, fell on one side. Wounded, and in +great pain, Jennings rose. He had just time to see Clancy in the grip +of two policemen, fighting desperately, when his senses left him and he +fainted. The shouts and oaths and shots rang out wildly and confusedly +as he lost consciousness. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap23"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXIII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A SCAMP'S HISTORY +</H3> + +<P> +When Jennings came to himself he was lying on a sofa in the dining-room +on the ground-floor of the villa. His shoulder hurt him a trifle, but +otherwise he felt well, though slightly weak. The doctor was at his +side. It was the same man who had attended to the body of the late +occupant of the house. +</P> + +<P> +"Are you feeling better?" said Doctor Slane, when he saw the eyes of +the detective open. "You had better remain here for a time. Your men +have secured the rascals—all five of them." +</P> + +<P> +"And Twining?" asked Jennings, trying to sit up. +</P> + +<P> +"He is dead—shot through the heart. Clancy killed him." +</P> + +<P> +"Then he'll swing for it," said Jennings in a stronger tone, "we lose a +good man in poor Twining. And Hale?" +</P> + +<P> +"You have wounded him severely in the lungs. I fear he will die. We +have put him in Mrs. Barnes' room on her bed. The poor woman is wild +with grief and terror. I suppose you know her husband was amongst +those rascals." +</P> + +<P> +"I thought as much. His going out was merely a blind. But I must get +up and look at the factory. Send Atkins to me." +</P> + +<P> +Atkins was the man next in command now that the inspector was dead. +</P> + +<P> +The doctor tried to keep Jennings on his back, but the detective would +not listen. "There is much to do," he said, rising unsteadily. "You +have bound up my shoulder. I won't lose any more blood." +</P> + +<P> +"You have lost a good deal already." +</P> + +<P> +"It's my business. We detectives have our battles to fight as well as +soldiers have theirs. Give me some brandy and send Atkins." +</P> + +<P> +Seeing that the man was resolved, Slane gave him the drink and went +out. In a few minutes Atkins entered and saluted. Jennings, after +drinking the fiery spirit, felt much better, and was fairly steady on +his legs. "Did you see any women amongst the men we took?" he asked. +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir," replied the other, "there were five men. Two are +wounded—one slightly, and the other—Hale—severely. He wants to make +a confession to you, and I have sent to the office for a clerk to take +down his words. Dr. Slane says he will not live till morning." +</P> + +<P> +"He will cheat the law, I suppose," said Jennings, "give me your arm, +Atkins. I want to visit the factory." +</P> + +<P> +"Are you strong enough, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Quite strong enough. Don't bother," replied the other as a twinge of +pain made him wince. "We've made a good haul this time." +</P> + +<P> +"You'll say that, sir, when you see the factory. It is the most +complete thing of its kind." +</P> + +<P> +"Tell the clerk when he arrives not to take down Hale's confession till +I arrive. I won't be more than a quarter of an hour. Give me your arm +when you return." +</P> + +<P> +Atkins departed on his errand, and Jennings sat down, wondering what +had become of Maraquito. He made sure she would go to the factory, as +being a place of refuge which the police would find hard to discover. +But, apparently, she had taken earth in some other crib belonging to +the gang. However, he would have all the ports watched, and she would +find it hard to escape abroad. Maraquito was so striking a woman that +it was no easy matter for her to disguise herself. And Jennings swore +that he would capture her, for he truly believed that she had killed +Miss Loach, and was the prime mover in the whole business. Hitherto +she had baffled him by her dexterity, but when they next met he hoped +to get the upper hand. +</P> + +<P> +His underling returned and, resting on his arm, Jennings with some +difficulty managed to get down the stairs. The whole house now blazed +with light. Formerly the detective had wondered why Miss Loach had +been so fond of electric lamps, thinking that as an old lady she would +have preferred a softer glow. But now he knew that she required the +electricity for the illumination of the factory, and for manipulating +the metals required in the manufacture of coins. There was no doubt +that she was one of the gang also, but Jennings could not conceive why +she should take to such a business. However, the woman was dead and +the gang captured, so the detective moved along the narrow passage with +a sense of triumph. He never thought that he would be so lucky as to +make this discovery, and he knew well that such a triumph meant praise +and reward. "I'll be able to marry Peggy now," he thought. +</P> + +<P> +The coiners had been removed to the Rexton cells, and only Hale +remained under the charge of Mrs. Barnes and Dr. Slane. The body of +Twining lay in the dining-room of the villa. A policeman was on guard +at the door of the villa, and two remained at the forked passage. When +Jennings arrived here he felt inclined to turn off to the right and +explore the other passage, but he was also anxious to see the factory +and assure himself of the value of his discovery. He therefore +painfully hobbled along, clinging to Atkins, but sustained in his +efforts by an indomitable spirit. +</P> + +<P> +"Here you are, sir," said Atkins, turning on the light and revealing +the workshop. "A fine plant, isn't it?" +</P> + +<P> +"It is, indeed," said Jennings, glancing up to the rough roof where +five or six lamps blazed like suns, "and a nice hiding-place they +found. I'll sit here and look round, Atkins." +</P> + +<P> +He dropped into a chair near the bench and stared at the cellar. It +was large, and built of rough stones, so that it looked like a prison +cell of the Bastille. The floor was of beaten earth, the roof of +brick, built in the form of an arch, and the door was of heavy wood +clamped with iron. The brilliant illumination enabled Jennings to see +everything, even to the minutest detail of the place. +</P> + +<P> +In one corner were three large dynamos, and in another a smelting pot, +and many sheets of silver and copper. Also, there were moulds of +gutta-percha arranged to hold coins in immersion. On a bench were a +number of delicate tools and a strong vice. Jennings also saw various +appliances for making coins. On rough deal shelves ranged round the +walls stood flasks and jars containing powders, with tools and a great +many chemicals. Also there were piles of false money, gold and silver +and copper, and devices for sweating sovereigns. In a safe were lumps +of gold and silver. Beside it, a bath filled with some particular +liquid used in the trade. Electric cells, acids, wooden clips to hold +the coins could also be seen. In fact the whole factory was conducted +on the most scientific principles, and Jennings could understand how so +many cleverly-prepared coins came to be in circulation. There were even +moulds for the manufacture of francs and louis. +</P> + +<P> +"I daresay the gang have other places," he said to Atkins, "but this is +their headquarters, I fancy. If I can only get some of them to tell +the truth we might find the other places." +</P> + +<P> +"Hale wants to confess." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. But I fancy it is about the murder of Miss Loach. She was +apparently killed to ensure the safety of this den. We must root the +coiners out, Atkins. Maraquito, who is the head of the business, is at +large, and unless we can take her, she will continue to make false +money in some other place. However, I have seen enough for the time +being. Keep guard over this place till we hear from the Yard tomorrow." +</P> + +<P> +"You'll go home and lie down, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"No. I intend to hear Hale's confession. By to-morrow it will be too +late. I wouldn't miss hearing what he has to say for anything." +</P> + +<P> +"But can you keep up, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, yes—don't bother," said Jennings, rising, the pain making him +testy, "give me your arm, Atkins. By the way, where does the other +passage lead to? I have not enough strength to explore." +</P> + +<P> +"It leads to the top of the ground, sir, and comes out into the trunk +of a tree." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, sir, it's very clever. There's an old oak near the wall, and +the trunk is hollow. All anyone has to do is to climb up through the +trunk by means of stairs and drop over the wall. The coiners were +making for that when we captured them." +</P> + +<P> +"Humph! Have that place watched. Maraquito may come here to-night +after all. It is now one o'clock." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't think she'll come, Mr. Jennings. But we have every point +watched. No one can come or go unless we know." +</P> + +<P> +"Come along then," said Jennings, who was growing weak, "let us see +Hale. The sooner his confession is written and signed the better." +</P> + +<P> +Not another word did Jennings say till he got on to the ground floor of +the villa. But he had been thinking, for when there he turned to the +man who supported him. "How is it the oak with the hollow trunk still +stands?" he asked. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, it escaped the fire, sir. Some of the boughs were burnt off but +the trunk itself is all right. It is close to the wall too." +</P> + +<P> +"Humph!" said Jennings, setting his teeth with the pain, "give me a sup +of brandy out of your flask, Atkins. Now for Hale." +</P> + +<P> +When he arrived in the bedroom where Hale was lying groaning, Jennings +had the factitious strength of the spirit. A sleepy-eyed clerk was +seated at the table with sheets of paper before him. A lamp was on the +table. Mrs. Barnes was crouching in a chair near the bed. When she +saw Jennings she flung herself down weeping. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, sir, I knew no more of this than a babe unborn," she wailed, "I +never thought my second was a villing. To think that Thomas—" +</P> + +<P> +"That's all right, Mrs. Barnes, I quite acquit you." +</P> + +<P> +"Not Barnes. Pill I am again, and Mrs. Pill I'll be to the end of my +days. To think Thomas should be a blackguard. Pill drank, I don't +deny, but he didn't forge and coin, and—" +</P> + +<P> +"Wasn't clever enough, perhaps," said Hale from the bed in a weak +voice, "oh, there you are, Jennings. Get that fool out of the room and +listen to what I have to tell you. I haven't much time. I am going +fast." +</P> + +<P> +Jennings induced Mrs. Pill, as she now insisted on being called, to +leave the room. Then he sat down on the bed beside the dying man. +Atkins remained at the door, and the doctor seated himself by Hale's +head with a glass of brandy. It might be needed for the revival of +Hale, who, having lost much blood, was terribly weak. But the poor +wretch was bent upon confession, and even told his story with pride. +</P> + +<P> +"You had a job to take us, Jennings," he said with a weak chuckle. "I +don't know how you found us out though." +</P> + +<P> +"It's too long a story to tell. But, first of all, tell me did +Maraquito come here to-night?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. Are you after her?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I know she isn't an invalid." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, she diddled you there," said Hale with another chuckle, "a very +clever woman is Maraquito. I wished to marry her, but now I'm done +for. After all, I'm not sorry, since my pals are taken. But I did +think I'd have been able to go to South America and marry Maraquito. +I've made plenty of money by this game. Sometimes we sweated four +hundred sovereigns a day. The factory has been here for five years, +Jennings—" +</P> + +<P> +"I know. The man Maxwell, who was Susan Grant's father, made the +secret entrance, and you had him killed." +</P> + +<P> +"No, I didn't. Miss Loach did that. I thought she was a fool at the +time. I told her so. We could have taken Maxwell as a pal. He was +willing to come. But she thought death was best." +</P> + +<P> +"And Maraquito killed Tyke?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. I did that. I sent Gibber to fix him up. Tyke was a drunkard +and made a fool of himself in being arrested. He would have given the +show away, so I sent Gibber with a poisoned bottle of whisky. I knew +Tyke couldn't resist a drink. He died, and—" +</P> + +<P> +"Did you kill Miss Loach also?" interrupted Jennings, casting a glance +over his shoulder to make sure that the clerk was noting all this. +</P> + +<P> +Hale laughed weakly. +</P> + +<P> +"No!" he said. "I fancied you would ask that. I tell you honestly +that none of us know who killed her." +</P> + +<P> +"That's rubbish. You do know." +</P> + +<P> +"I swear I don't. Neither does Maraquito. You haven't caught her yet +and you never will. I'm not going to split on the pals I have left, +Jennings. You have nabbed some, but there are others, and other +factories also. I won't tell you about those." +</P> + +<P> +"Clancy is captured—he will." +</P> + +<P> +"Don't you make any mistake. Clancy is not the fool he looks. He has +the cleverest head of the lot of us. But I'd better get on with my +confession, though it won't do you much good." +</P> + +<P> +"So long as you say who killed Miss Loach—" +</P> + +<P> +"Miss Loach," sneered Hale, "why not Emilia Saul?" +</P> + +<P> +Jennings was almost too surprised to speak. "Do you mean to say—" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I do. All the time you and Miss Saxon and that idiot of a +brother thought she was Selina Loach. She wasn't, but she was very +like her. Emilia met Selina in the house that is now burnt and pushed +her off the plank. The face was disfigured and Selina was buried as +Emilia." +</P> + +<P> +"Then Mrs. Octagon must know—" +</P> + +<P> +"She knows a good deal. You'd better ask her for details. Give me a +sup of brandy, doctor. Yes," went on Hale, when he felt better, "I +laughed in my sleeve when I thought how Emilia tricked you all. She +was Maraquito's aunt. Her name—" +</P> + +<P> +"Maraquito's name is Bathsheba Saul." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. I expect Caranby told you that. He was too clever, that old +man. I was always afraid that he would find out about the factory. A +long while ago I wished Maraquito to give up the business and marry me. +Then we would have gone to South America and have lived in peace on no +end of money. Emilia left six thousand a year, so you may guess that +Maraquito and I made money also. But she was in love with Mallow, and +would not come away. I feared Caranby should take it into his head to +search the house—" +</P> + +<P> +"Was that why you had it burnt?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. Tyke did that out of revenge, because Maraquito marked him with a +knife. Do you think I would have been such a fool as to burn the +house. Why, Caranby would have probably let out the land, and +foundations would have been dug for new villas, when our plant would +have been discovered." +</P> + +<P> +"Who are you, Hale?" +</P> + +<P> +"Who do you think?" asked the dying man, chuckling. +</P> + +<P> +"One of the Saul family. You have the same eyebrows as Maraquito." +</P> + +<P> +"And as Mrs. Herne, who really was Maraquito." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I know that. But who are you?" +</P> + +<P> +"My real name is Daniel Saul." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah! I thought you were a member of the family. There is a likeness +to Maraquito—" +</P> + +<P> +"Nose and eyebrows and Hebrew looks. But I am only a distant cousin. +My father married a Christian, but I retain a certain look of his +people. He died when I was young. Emilia's mother brought me up. I +knew a lot about the coining in those days, and I was always in love +with Bathsheba, who is my cousin—" +</P> + +<P> +"Bathsheba?" +</P> + +<P> +"You know her best as Maraquito, so by that name I shall speak of her. +Jennings," said Hale, his voice growing weaker, "I have little time +left, so you had better not interrupt me." He took another sup of +brandy and the doctor felt his pulse. Then he began to talk so fast +that the clerk could hardly keep pace with his speech. Evidently he +was afraid lest he should die before his recital ended. +</P> + +<P> +"When old Mrs. Saul lost Emilia—" he began. +</P> + +<P> +"But she didn't lose Emilia," interrupted Jennings. +</P> + +<P> +"She thought she had. She never knew that Emilia took the name of +Selina Loach. You had better ask Mrs. Octagon for details on that +subject. Don't interrupt. Well, when Mrs. Saul lost Emilia, she took +more and more to coining. So did her son, Bathsheba's father. They +were caught and put in prison. I was taken in hand by a benevolent +gentleman who brought me up and gave me the profession of a lawyer. I +chose that because I thought it might be handy. Then Mrs. Saul came +out of prison and her son also. Both died. Maraquito tried various +professions and finally went in for dancing. She hurt her foot, and +that attempt to gain a living failed. I was in practice then and we +started the gambling-house together. But by this time I had found +Emilia living here as Selina Loach. Mrs. Octagon can tell you how we +met. Emilia persuaded me and Maraquito to go in for the coining. She +already had Clancy interested. He was a good man at getting the proper +ring of the coins. Well, we managed to make a tunnel to the cellars of +the unfinished house, and then Emilia built the extra wing to the +villa. The secret entrances were made by—" +</P> + +<P> +"By Maxwell. I know that. Go on." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, we started the concern. I haven't time to tell you in detail +how lucky we were. We counterfeited foreign coins also. We all made +plenty of money. Emilia suggested Maraquito feigning to be an invalid, +so as to make things safe. False coins were passed at the +gambling-house. Maraquito came here as Mrs. Herne and had a house—or +rather lodgings—at Hampstead. We came here three times a week, and +while supposed to be playing whist, we were at the factory. Emilia +kept guard. Sometimes we went out by the door of this house and at +times by another way—" +</P> + +<P> +"I know. Up the tree-trunk." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, you have found that out," said Hale in a weak voice; "what a place +it is," he murmured regretfully, "no one will ever get such another. I +can't understand how you came to find us out." +</P> + +<P> +"Tell me what happened on that night?" asked Jennings, seeing that the +man was growing weaker, and fearful lest he should die without telling +the secret of the death. +</P> + +<P> +"On that night," said the dying scamp, rousing himself; "well, +Maraquito quarrelled with Clancy, and went with me to the factory." +</P> + +<P> +"Then you were not out of the house?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. We went by the underground passage to work. Clancy went away, as +he had business elsewhere. The moment he had gone I came up from the +passage. Emilia was seated with the cards on her lap. She came with +me to the factory, and thinking Clancy might come back, she went out by +the tree-trunk way." +</P> + +<P> +"What, that old lady?" +</P> + +<P> +"She wasn't so very old, and as active as a cat. Besides, she did not +want Clancy to come down, as she was afraid there might be a fight +between him and Maraquito. They had quarrelled about the division of +some money, and Maraquito can use a knife on occasions." +</P> + +<P> +"She did on that night." +</P> + +<P> +"No. Miss Loach—I mean Emilia—never came back. We became alarmed, +as we knew people had been round the house of late—" +</P> + +<P> +"Mr. Mallow—" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, the fool. We knew he had come prowling after ghosts. But he +found nothing. Well, I—" here Hale's voice died away. The doctor +gave him some more brandy and looked significantly at Jennings. +</P> + +<P> +"Get him to tell all at once," he whispered, "he's going." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I'm going," murmured Hale. "I don't mind, though I am sorry to +leave Maraquito. Well," he added, in a stronger voice. "I went out to +see what was up. We found Emilia lying dead near the tree. She had +been stabbed to the heart. A bowie knife was near. In great alarm I +got Maraquito to come out, as the body could not be left there. We +dropped it down the tree-trunk and got it into the factory. Then we +wondered what was to be done. Maraquito suggested we should take it +back to the sitting-room, and then, people being ignorant of the +passage, no one would know how Emilia had met with her death. I +thought there was nothing else to be done. We carried the body through +the passage and placed it in the chair. I arranged the cards on the +lap, knowing the servant had seen Emilia in that position, and that it +would still further throw prying people"—here Hale glanced at +Jennings—"off the scent. Hardly had we arranged this and closed the +floor, over us when we heard that someone was in the room. It was a +woman, and we heard her speaking to the corpse, ignorant that the woman +was dead. Then we heard a suppressed shriek. We guessed it was a +woman, at least I did, but Maraquito was quicker and knew more. She +said it was Miss Saxon, and at once became anxious to fix the blame on +her. But I was afraid lest things should be discovered, so I dragged +Maraquito back to the factory. I believe Miss Saxon found the knife +and then ran out, being afraid lest she should be discovered and +accused. This was what Maraquito wanted. She suddenly escaped from me +and ran back to the secret entrance. By shifting the floor a little +she saw into the room. It was then eleven. She saw also that the +knife was gone, and it struck her that Miss Saxon could not be far off." +</P> + +<P> +"She was not," said Jennings, "she was hidden in the field of corn." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah. I thought so. Well, Maraquito fancied that if she was arrested +with the knife before she could leave the neighborhood she would be +charged with the murder." +</P> + +<P> +"But would Maraquito have let her suffer?" asked Jennings, horrified. +</P> + +<P> +"Of course she would," said Hale weakly, "she hated Miss Saxon because +she was engaged to Mallow, the fool. To get her caught, Maraquito +jumped up into the sitting-room and rang the bell." +</P> + +<P> +"At eleven o'clock?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I believe—I believe—" Hale's voice was getting weaker and +weaker. "She did ring—bell—then closed floor. Servant came—I—I—" +he stopped and his head fell back. Suddenly he half rose and looked +wildly into blank space. "Maraquito," he cried strongly, "the game's +at an end. Fly, my love, fly. We have fought and—and—lost. +Maraquito, oh my—" his voice died away. He stretched out his hand, +fell back and died with a look of tender love on his pallid face. +</P> + +<P> +"Poor wretch!" said Slane pityingly, "at least he loved truly." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap24"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXIV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +REVENGE +</H3> + +<P> +The capture of the coiners caused an immense sensation, and the papers +were filled with descriptions of the raid. Jennings came in for much +congratulation, and his feat considerably improved his position with +the authorities. He was confined to his bed for some days by his wound +and, meanwhile, events transpired in which he would have been +considerably interested had he heard of them. They had to do with +Maraquito. +</P> + +<P> +Since her flight from the Soho house nothing had been heard of her, +although every inquiry had been made. Guessing that Jennings knew much +more than was suspected, she was wise enough not to go to the Rexton +factory, and congratulated herself on her foresight when she read the +accounts of the raid in the papers. But she was furiously angry at +losing all, when on the point of realizing her desires. She had sent +her money to be banked abroad; she hoped, by means of threats to induce +Mallow to give up Juliet, and she had trusted to win his love by +assiduous attentions. But the trick played by Jennings which revealed +her deception, and the raid on the factory and the consequent death of +Hale, upset her plans, and caused her to take refuge in hiding. She +did not fear being arrested, especially as her arch-enemy, the +detective, was confined to bed, so she had time to make her plans. +Maraquito particularly wished to revenge herself on Mallow and Juliet. +She still loved the young man as much as ever, despite his contemptuous +rejection of her suit. But she blamed Juliet Saxon for the hardening +of his heart, and it was on the girl that she determined to revenge +herself. At first she intended to call at the "Shrine of the Muses," +but thinking she would meet with opposition from Mrs. Octagon, likely +to prevent the realization of her malignant wishes, she changed her +mind. It was no use visiting Mallow, as with him she could do nothing. +Therefore she resolved to write to Lord Caranby and arrange a meeting +with Juliet at his rooms in the Avon Hotel. Then, when in the presence +of the girl, she hoped to revenge herself in a way likely to cause +Mallow exquisite pain. +</P> + +<P> +Thus it happened that Lord Caranby, who was very ill and confined to +his rooms, received a letter from Maraquito, asking him to invite Miss +Saxon to a meeting with the writer. "I see that the game is up," wrote +the artful Maraquito, "and I am willing to put things straight. I know +much which will be of service in clearing up matters, as I was a +partner with Hale and Clancy in the coining. I do not mind admitting +this, as I am not afraid of the police arresting me. I can look after +myself, and I am quite sure that you will not betray me when I call at +your rooms. I also have something to tell you about my dead Aunt +Emilia whom you so deeply loved. Therefore, if you will arrange for me +to meet Miss Saxon, and allow me to make a clean breast of it, all will +be well." +</P> + +<P> +When Caranby received this letter his first idea was to send for +Mallow. But he reflected that Cuthbert was bitterly angered against +Maraquito, and would probably hand her over to the police. Caranby, +from a remembrance of his love for Emilia, did not wish this to happen; +therefore, he refrained from letting Mallow learn of Maraquito's +determination. He hoped to get the complete truth from her and arrange +matters once and for all. Also, there was another reason, and a very +strong one, which prevented the old gentleman from having his nephew +present at the projected interview. +</P> + +<P> +Maraquito soon received an answer to her letter. It stated that Lord +Caranby would be pleased to receive her on Sunday afternoon at three +o'clock, and that Miss Saxon would be present. When Maraquito read +this she smiled an evil smile and went out to make a certain purchase +which had to do with her visit. Had Lord Caranby known of her wicked +intention he would rather have cut off his right arm than have +subjected Juliet to the danger she was about to undergo. But he never +credited Maraquito with such calculated wickedness. +</P> + +<P> +On Sunday afternoon the old gentleman was seated near the fire, +carefully dressed as usual, but looking very ill. He suffered, as he +had told Jennings, from an incurable complaint, and there was no chance +of his recovering. But he refused to take to his bed, and insisted on +keeping his feet. Cuthbert often came to see him, but on this +particular afternoon Caranby had manoeuvred him out of the way by +sending him to see an old friend with a message about his illness. +Cuthbert never suspected what was in the wind or he certainly would not +have gone. Afterwards, he bitterly regretted that he had not told +Caranby of Maraquito's threat against Juliet. Had he done so, Caranby +would never have received her. As it was, the old lord waited +patiently for the woman who was about to bring disaster in her train. +Precisely at three o'clock his servant showed up a lady. "Madame +Durand," he announced, and then retired, leaving his master alone with +a bent, crooked old woman who walked with the aid of a cane, and seemed +very ill. +</P> + +<P> +"I should never have known you," said Caranby, admiring Maraquito's +talent for disguise. +</P> + +<P> +"Necessity has made me clever," she replied in a croaking voice, and +glanced at the door. +</P> + +<P> +Caranby interpreted the look and voice. "You can speak freely," he +said ironically, "I have no police concealed hereabouts." +</P> + +<P> +"And Miss Saxon?" asked Maraquito, speaking in her natural voice. +</P> + +<P> +"She will be here at half-past three. I wish to have a talk with you +first, Miss Saul." +</P> + +<P> +The woman darted a terrible look at her host. In spite of the mask of +age which she had assumed, her eyes filled with youthful vigor and fire +betrayed her. They shone brilliantly from her wrinkled face. Her hair +was concealed under a close cap, above which she wore a broad-brimmed +hat. This head-dress would have been remarkable a few years back, but +now that ladies are reverting to the fashions of their grandmothers, it +passed unnoticed. With a plain black dress, a black cloak trimmed +profusely with beads, mittened hands and an ebony cane, she looked +quite funereal. To complete the oddity of her dress a black satin bag +dangled by ribbons from her left arm. In this she carried her +handkerchief and—something else. As usual, she was perfumed with the +Hikui scent. Caranby noticed this, and when she did not reply to his +remark, pointed out its danger to her. +</P> + +<P> +"If you wish to escape the police, you must stop using so unusual a +perfume, Miss Saul—" +</P> + +<P> +"Call me Maraquito; I am used to that name," she said harshly, and +seated herself near the fire, shivering to keep up a character of old +age, with slowly circulating blood. +</P> + +<P> +"Let us say Maraquita," answered Caranby, smiling, "we may as well be +grammatical. But this perfume betrays you. Jennings knows that your +friends use it as a sign." +</P> + +<P> +"Quite so," she answered, "it was clever of Jennings to have guessed +its meaning. I invented the idea. But he is ill, and I don't think he +has told anyone else about it. He is fond of keeping his discoveries +to himself. He wants all the glory." +</P> + +<P> +"Surely he has had enough by this time, Maraquita. But the scent—" +</P> + +<P> +"You are quite right, I shall not use it for the future. But what do +you think of my disguise? Would anyone know me?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly not. But I wonder you have the courage to show yourself so +disfigured to the woman who is your rival." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, as to that, she is my rival no longer," said Maraquito, with a +gesture of disdain, "your nephew is not worthy of me. I surrender him +from this moment." +</P> + +<P> +"That is very wise of you. I expect you will go abroad and marry a +millionaire." +</P> + +<P> +"I might. But I have plenty of money of my own." +</P> + +<P> +"The way in which you made it is not creditable," said Caranby. +</P> + +<P> +"Bah!" she sneered. "I did not come here to hear you talk morality, +Lord Caranby. You were no saint in your young days. I have heard all +about you." +</P> + +<P> +"From whom?" +</P> + +<P> +"From my Aunt Emilia." +</P> + +<P> +"I scarcely think that. You were but a child when she died." +</P> + +<P> +"She did not die," said Maraquito coldly. "I have come to tell you +that she lived as Miss Loach at Rose Cottage." +</P> + +<P> +Caranby started to his feet. "What is this you tell me?" +</P> + +<P> +"The truth. Emilia is dead now, but she lived alone for many a long +day. I knew that Selina Loach was my aunt, and," Maraquito looked at +him with piercing eyes, "Mrs. Octagon knew also." +</P> + +<P> +By this time Caranby had recovered from his emotion. "There is nothing +bad I don't expect to hear of Isabella Octagon," he said, "so this then +was why she visited you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. I ordered her to come by threatening to reveal what she knew to +the police. I could have done so by an anonymous letter. She came and +then I forced her to promise to stop the marriage. I may as well add +that I wrote insisting on the marriage being stopped as soon as Emilia +died." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah! And I thought along with Cuthbert that it was hatred of me that +made Mrs. Octagon—" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, she hates you sure enough. But are you not astonished by my news?" +</P> + +<P> +"Very much astonished," responded Caranby thoughtfully, "how came it +that Selina died and Isabella lived?" +</P> + +<P> +"The three met in the unfinished house," explained Maraquito. "I had +the story from Emilia myself. There was a quarrel. All three were in +love with you. Selina was standing on a plank at a considerable height +from the ground. In a rage Emilia pushed her off. Isabella held her +tongue as she hated Selina." +</P> + +<P> +"But the substitution?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well. In the fall Selina's face was much mutilated. I believe," +added Maraquito, in a coldblooded manner, "that Emilia made it +worse"—here Caranby shuddered and Maraquito laughed—"oh, my aunt was +not a woman to stick at trifles. She insisted on changing dresses with +the dead. It was the workmen's dinner-hour and no one was about. She +forced Isabella to assist her by threatening to tell the police that +Isabella had murdered her sister. As the sisters were on bad terms, +Isabella knew that she might be accused, and so she held her tongue." +</P> + +<P> +"But she could have accused Emilia." +</P> + +<P> +"Emilia would have denied the accusation. Moreover, Isabella was +intimidated by the fierce nature of my aunt." +</P> + +<P> +"A fierce nature, indeed, that would mutilate the dead. But I do not +see how Emilia hoped that the substitution would pass undiscovered by +Selina's friends, to say nothing of her father." +</P> + +<P> +"The idea was that Emilia, as Selina, should go abroad and return to +England in a few years. Owing to the unexpected death of Mr. Loach, +the father, the substitution was easy. You know how Isabella alone +appeared at the inquest, and how Selina—really my aunt—pretended to +be sick. Then the two went abroad and came back; Emilia as Miss Loach +went to Rose Cottage, and Isabella married Mr. Saxon." +</P> + +<P> +"But why did Emilia take Selina's name and—" +</P> + +<P> +"Because Emilia was in danger of being arrested along with her mother +and brother for coining. You could not have saved her. The accident of +Selina's death—" +</P> + +<P> +"The murder of Selina, you mean." +</P> + +<P> +Maraquito made a gesture of indifference. "Call it what you like. It +happened opportunely however. It gave Emilia safety, and by +threatening to denounce Isabella, she stopped her from marrying you." +</P> + +<P> +Caranby looked up. "Ah! Now I see why Isabella left me alone. She made +one attempt, however." +</P> + +<P> +"And did not succeed in inducing you to marry her. But had she +succeeded, Emilia would have stopped the marriage. Emilia loved you." +</P> + +<P> +"No," said Caranby coldly, "she loved my title and my name and wealth. +I never loved her nor she me. She exercised a kind of hypnotic +influence over me, and I dare say I would have married her. But her +heart I am sure was always in the coining business." +</P> + +<P> +"You are quite right," said Maraquito, looking keenly at him, "though I +can't guess how you came to think so, seeing you thought my aunt dead. +Yes, she loved coining. When I grew up she sent for me and for Daniel +Saul—" +</P> + +<P> +"Who is he? Another of your precious family." +</P> + +<P> +"A distant cousin. You know him best as Hale the lawyer." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, indeed," said Caranby, considerably surprised, "and what did +Emilia do with you two?" +</P> + +<P> +"She got us to help her to coin. We made use of your house. I need not +tell you how we dug the tunnel and arranged the factory. Emilia knew +that you would not disturb the house—" +</P> + +<P> +"I was a sentimental fool. If I had been wiser you would not have +carried on your wickedness for so long." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, we have other factories," said Maraquito coolly, "Jennings has not +discovered everything. But your house was certainly an ideal place. I +can't understand how Jennings learned about the secret—" +</P> + +<P> +"The entrance. He learned that from plans left by Maxwell who designed +the same. Emilia poisoned him." +</P> + +<P> +"She did—to preserve her secret. Hale and I thought it was unwise; he +would have joined us. But it was all for the best." +</P> + +<P> +"Apparently you think so," returned Caranby, looking at her with +abhorrence, "seeing you poisoned Tyke in the same way." +</P> + +<P> +"Hale did that and I agreed. It was necessary," said the woman coldly, +"but you appear to know all about the matter." +</P> + +<P> +"Jennings has told me everything. Even to the fact, which he learned +from Hale that you rang that bell." +</P> + +<P> +"I did. I knew Juliet Saxon was in the room, and I wished to get her +arrested. She left the house and I rang the bell as soon as I could +get away from Hale, who did not wish me to draw attention to the +murder. But Juliet was too far away by that time to be caught." +</P> + +<P> +"Why did you wish to hang the poor girl?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because I loved Cuthbert. I would have hanged her with pleasure," +said Maraquito vindictively. "I hate her!" +</P> + +<P> +"Then why do you wish to see her to-day?" +</P> + +<P> +"To tell her that I give up your nephew." +</P> + +<P> +"That is not in accordance with the sentiments you expressed now." +</P> + +<P> +Maraquito made a gesture of indifference and made no reply. Caranby now +began to suspect that she intended harm to Juliet, and wondered if she +had any weapon about her. That dangling bag could easily carry a stout +knife or a neat little revolver. And Maraquito, as was evident from +the deaths of Maxwell and Tyke, had no idea of the sacredness of life. +Caranby wished he had kept Cuthbert at hand to avert any catastrophe. +He was about to ring and order his servant not to bring Miss Saxon into +the room when Maraquito roused herself from her reverie. +</P> + +<P> +"Do you wish to know anything further?" she asked. +</P> + +<P> +"No. I think you have told me everything." +</P> + +<P> +She smiled scornfully. "I have told you very little. But for the rest +of the information you must apply to Mrs. Octagon." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah! Supposing I wish to learn who killed Emilia?" +</P> + +<P> +"Mrs. Octagon can tell you!" said the woman significantly. +</P> + +<P> +"Do you mean to say—" +</P> + +<P> +"I say nothing. Emilia came to the factory and went out into the open +air by another exit to see if anyone was about. She never returned and +Hale and I went in search of her. We found her dead, and—" +</P> + +<P> +"I know all this. Hale confessed it. But he does not know who killed +her. Do you?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't say for certain. But I suspect Mrs. Octagon stabbed her." +</P> + +<P> +"But how could Mrs. Octagon get the knife?" +</P> + +<P> +"Basil got that from Mallow's room. He gave it to his mother, and—" +</P> + +<P> +"This is all theory," said Caranby angrily, "you have no grounds." +</P> + +<P> +"None at all," replied Maraquito calmly, "but if anyone had a wish to +kill my aunt, Mrs. Octagon had. Emilia kept a tight hold over that +woman, and made her do what she wished." +</P> + +<P> +"About the marriage?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, and other things. I have never been able to understand why Aunt +Emilia took such a fancy to Cuthbert and that girl. But she certainly +wished to see them married. She asked Juliet for a photograph of your +nephew, and Juliet gave her one. I took it, and that girl Susan Grant +stole it from me. It was strange that the photograph should have gone +back to the cottage. Aunt and I quarrelled over the marriage. She +knew I loved Cuthbert, but she would never help me to marry him. It +was all Juliet with her—pah! I detest the girl. I could do nothing +while Emilia lived. She knew too much. But after her death I made Mrs. +Octagon stop the marriage." +</P> + +<P> +"I think Mrs. Octagon will consent now," said Caranby, calmly. +</P> + +<P> +"I doubt it. She hates you too much. However, she can, for all I +care, Lord Caranby. I have done with Cuthbert." +</P> + +<P> +The old man hoped she had done with Juliet also, for he was still +uneasy. The expression of her face was most malignant. More than ever +persuaded that she intended harm, Caranby again was about to summon his +servant and forbid the entrance of the expected girl, when suddenly the +door opened and Juliet; looking bright and happy, entered. She started +back when she saw the supposed old woman, who rose. Caranby jumped off +the sofa with an activity he had not shown for years, and got between +Juliet and her enemy. Maraquito burst into tears. "Ah, you will be +happy with Cuthbert," she wailed, "while I-" a fresh burst of tears +stopped her speech and she groped in the satin bag for her handkerchief. +</P> + +<P> +Juliet looked amazed. "Who is this, Lord Caranby?" +</P> + +<P> +"Senora Gredos." +</P> + +<P> +"Maraquito!" cried Juliet, starting back with an indignant look. "I +never expected to meet that woman—" +</P> + +<P> +"You call me that?" cried Maraquito, flashing, up into a passion. "I +am the woman Cuthbert loves." +</P> + +<P> +"He does not. He loves me. You, so old and—" +</P> + +<P> +"Old!" shrieked Maraquito, snatching off her hat and cap. "I am young +and much more beautiful than you. Look at my hair." It came streaming +down in a glorious mass on her shoulders. "My face is as beautiful as +yours. I disguised myself to see you. I hate you!—I loathe you! I +forbid you to marry Cuthbert." +</P> + +<P> +"How dare you—how dare—" +</P> + +<P> +"I dare all things—even this." Maraquito raised her arm, and in her +hand Caranby saw a small bottle she had taken out of the bag. "What +will Cuthbert say to your beauty now?" +</P> + +<P> +She flung the bottle straight at Juliet. It would have struck her in +the face, but Caranby, throwing himself between the two, received it +fair on his cheek. It smashed, and he uttered a cry. "Vitriol! +Vitriol!" he shrieked, his hands to his face, and fell prone on the +hearth-rug. His head struck against the bars of the grate, and a spurt +of flame caught his hair. Juliet seized him and dragged him away, +calling loudly for help. +</P> + +<P> +"You devil—you devil!" cried Maraquito, striking the girl on the face. +"I dare not stay now. But I'll spoil your beauty yet. Wait—wait!" +</P> + +<P> +She hastily put on her hat and ran out of the room. The servant of +Lord Caranby burst into the room, followed by some waiters. "Send for +the doctor," cried Juliet, trying to raise Caranby—"and that woman-" +</P> + +<P> +"She has left the hotel," said a waiter, but at this moment there was a +loud shout in the street, followed by a shriek and a crash. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap25"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +NEMESIS +</H3> + +<P> +In the midst of the confusion caused by Maraquito's wickedness Cuthbert +arrived. Juliet flew to him at once and flung herself sobbing into his +arms. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, Cuthbert—Cuthbert!" she cried, her head on his shoulder, "that +woman has been here. She tried to throw vitriol at me, and the bottle +broke on Lord Caranby's face. He has burnt his head also; he is dying." +</P> + +<P> +"Good heavens!" cried Mallow, pressing her to his heart, "thank God you +are safe! How did Maraquito come here?" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know—I don't know," sobbed Juliet, completely unstrung; "he +asked me to see him, and she arrived disguised as an old woman. Oh, +where is the doctor!" +</P> + +<P> +"He has just arrived, miss. Here he comes," said an excited waiter. +</P> + +<P> +While the doctor examined Caranby's injuries, Cuthbert, very pale, led +Juliet out of the room, and taking her into an adjoining apartment, +made her drink a glass of port wine. "An old woman," he repeated, "it +must have been the disguised Maraquito then who was killed." +</P> + +<P> +"Killed! She is not killed. She came here and—" +</P> + +<P> +Juliet began to tell the story over again, for she was badly +frightened. Mallow interrupted her gently. +</P> + +<P> +"Maraquito is dead," he said, "she was run over by a motor-car a +quarter of an hour ago." +</P> + +<P> +"Was that her cry we heard?" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know," replied Cuthbert gloomily. "I was coming round the +corner of the street and saw a woman flying along the pavement. A car +was tearing towards me. I had just time to see the woman as she passed +and note that she was old. She caught a glimpse of my face, and with a +cry ran into the centre of the street. I never thought she was +Maraquito, and could not understand why she acted as she did. I cried +out in alarm, and ran forward to drag her back from before the +approaching motor. But it was too late, the car went over her and she +shrieked when crushed under the wheels. The impediment made the car +swerve and it ran into a lamp-post. The occupants were thrown out. I +fancy someone else is hurt also. Maraquito is dead. I heard a +policeman say so. I then saw a waiter gesticulating at the door of the +hotel, and fancied something was wrong; I ran along and up the stairs. +But I never expected to find you here, Juliet, much less to witness the +death of that wretched woman." +</P> + +<P> +"I am sorry," faltered Juliet, as she sat with his arms round her, "I +don't know why she wanted to throw vitriol at me. She failed to hurt +me, and I think she has killed Lord Caranby, and—" +</P> + +<P> +"I must see to my uncle," said Mallow, rising, "stay here, Juliet." +</P> + +<P> +"No! no," she said, clinging to him, "let me go home. Get a cab. I +dare not stop. That terrible woman—" +</P> + +<P> +"She will never hurt you again. She is dead." +</P> + +<P> +"I wish to go home—I wish to go home." +</P> + +<P> +Mallow saw that the poor girl was quite ill with fright; and small +wonder, considering the catastrophe of the last half hour. To have +vitriol thrown is bad enough, but when the act leads to two deaths—for +Maraquito was already dead, and it seemed probable that Lord Caranby +would follow—it is enough to shake the nerves of the strongest. +Mallow took Juliet down and placed her in a cab. Then he promised to +see her that same evening, and to tell her of Lord Caranby's progress. +When the cab drove away he went again upstairs. As he went he could +not help shuddering at the thought of the danger from which Juliet had +escaped. He remembered how Maraquito had threatened to spoil the +beauty of the girl, but he never thought she would have held to her +devilish purpose. Moreover, he could not understand how Maraquito in +disguise came to see Caranby. The disguise itself was an obvious +necessity to escape the police. But why should she have been with his +uncle and why should Juliet have come also? It was to gain an answer +to these questions that Cuthbert hurried to the sitting-room. +</P> + +<P> +Lord Caranby was no longer there. The doctor had ordered him to be +taken to his bedroom, and when Mallow went thither he met him at the +door, "He is still unconscious," said the doctor, "I must send for his +regular medical attendant, as I was only called in as an emergency +physician." +</P> + +<P> +"Is he very ill?" +</P> + +<P> +"I think the shock will kill him. He is extremely weak, and besides +the shock of the vitriol being thrown, he has sustained severe injuries +about the head from fire. I don't think he will live. To whom am I +speaking?" asked the young man. +</P> + +<P> +"My name is Mallow. I am Lord Caranby's nephew." +</P> + +<P> +"And the next heir to the title. I fancy you will be called `my lord' +before midnight." +</P> + +<P> +Mallow did not display any pleasure on hearing this. He valued a title +very little and, so far as money was concerned, had ample for his +needs. Besides, he was really fond of his uncle who, although +consistently eccentric, had always been a kind, good friend. "Will he +recover consciousness?" +</P> + +<P> +"I think so," said the doctor doubtfully, "I am not quite sure. His +own medical attendant, knowing his constitution and its resisting +power, will be able to speak more assuredly. How did this happen?" +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert, for obvious reasons, explained as little as he could. "Some +old woman came to see my uncle and threw vitriol at Miss Saxon, the +young lady who was with him. He intercepted the stuff and fell into +the fire." +</P> + +<P> +"What a demon! I hope she will be caught." +</P> + +<P> +"She is dead," and Cuthbert related the accident in the street. The +doctor had strong nerves, but he shuddered when he heard the dreadful +story. Nemesis had been less leaden-footed than usual. +</P> + +<P> +In due time Dr. Yeo, who usually attended Caranby, made his appearance +and stated that his patient would not live many hours. "He was always +weak," said Yeo, "and of late his weakness increased. The two severe +shocks he has sustained would almost kill a stronger man, let alone an +old man of so delicate an organization. He will die." +</P> + +<P> +"I hope not," said Cuthbert, impulsively. +</P> + +<P> +The physician looked at him benignly. "I differ from you," he +declared, "death will come as a happy release to Lord Caranby. For +years he has been suffering from an incurable complaint which gave him +great pain. But that he had so much courage, he would have killed +himself." +</P> + +<P> +"He never complained." +</P> + +<P> +"A brave man like that never does complain. Besides, he took great +care of himself. When he came back to London he was fairly well. I +think he must have done something rash to bring on a recurrence of his +illness. Within a few days of his arrival he grew sick again. In some +way he over-exerted himself." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't think he ever did," said Mallow, doubtfully. +</P> + +<P> +"But I am certain of it. Within a week of his arrival here he had a +relapse. I taxed him with going out too much and with over-exertion, +but he declined to answer me." +</P> + +<P> +"Will he become conscious again?" +</P> + +<P> +"I think so, in a few hours, but I cannot be sure. However, you need +not be alarmed, Mr. Mallow. His affairs are all right. In view of his +illness I advised him to make his will. He said that he had done so, +and that everything was in apple-pie order." +</P> + +<P> +"It is not that, doctor. I wish to ask him some questions. Will you +remain here?" +</P> + +<P> +"Till the end," replied Yeo, significantly; "but it will not take place +for a few hours, so far as I can see." +</P> + +<P> +"I wish to go out for an hour. Can I, with safety?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly. Lord Caranby will live for some time yet." +</P> + +<P> +Mallow nodded and left the bedroom, while Yeo returned to the bed upon +which lay the unconscious form of the old man. Cuthbert took a walk to +the end of the street where the wreckage of the motor car had now been +removed, and asked the policeman what had become of the victims. He +was informed that the chauffeur, in a dying condition, had been removed +to the Charing Cross Hospital, and that the body of the old woman—so +the constable spoke—had been taken to the police station near at hand. +"She's quite dead and very much smashed up," was the man's report. +</P> + +<P> +Mallow thanked him with half-a-crown and, having learned the +whereabouts of the police station, he went there. He introduced +himself to the inspector and, as the nephew of Lord Caranby, received +every attention, particularly when he described how the vitriol had +been thrown. Cuthbert thought it as well to say this, as the waiters +at the Avon Hotel would certainly inform the police if he did not. He +looked at the body of the miserable woman in its strange mask of age. +"She went to see Lord Caranby in disguise," said the inspector, "you +can see her face is made up. Does his lordship know who she is?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. And Mr. Jennings, the detective, knows also." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps you do yourself, Mr. Mallow?" +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert nodded. "She is Maraquito, the—" +</P> + +<P> +"What! the gambling-house coiner we have been looking for?" +</P> + +<P> +"The same. Jennings can tell you more about the matter than I can." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll get Mr. Jennings to come here as soon as he is on his feet, and +that will be to-morrow most probably. But why did Maraquito throw +vitriol at Lord Caranby?" +</P> + +<P> +"Jennings can tell you that," said Mallow, suppressing the fact that +the vitriol had been meant for Juliet. "Perhaps it had something to do +with the raid made on the unfinished house which, you know, belonged to +my uncle." +</P> + +<P> +"Bless me, so it did. I expect, enraged by the factory being +discovered, Maraquito wished to revenge herself on your uncle. She may +have thought that he gave information to Jennings about the place." +</P> + +<P> +"She might have thought so," said Mallow. "I am returning to the Avon +Hotel. If you want to see me you can send for me there. But Jennings +knows everything." +</P> + +<P> +"What about his lordship?" +</P> + +<P> +"He will die," said Cuthbert abruptly, and departed, leaving the +inspector full of regrets that Maraquito had not lived to figure in the +police court. He looked at the matter purely from a professional +standpoint, and would have liked the sensation such an affair would +have caused. +</P> + +<P> +When Mallow came back to the hotel he found that his uncle had +recovered consciousness and was asking for him. Yeo would not allow +his patient to talk much, so Cuthbert sat by the bedside holding the +hand of the dying man. Caranby had been badly burnt about the temples, +and the sight of one eye was completely gone. Occasionally Yeo gave +him a reviving cordial which made him feel better. Towards evening +Caranby expressed a wish to talk. The doctor would have prevented him, +but the dying man disregarded these orders. +</P> + +<P> +"I must talk," he whispered faintly. "Cuthbert, get a sheet of paper." +</P> + +<P> +"But you have made your will," said Yeo, rebukingly. +</P> + +<P> +"This is not a will. It is a confession. Cuthbert will write it out +and you will witness my signature along with him, Yeo." +</P> + +<P> +"A confession!" murmured Cuthbert, going out of the room to get pen, +ink and paper. "What about?" +</P> + +<P> +He soon knew, for when he was established by the side of the bed with +his writing materials on a small table, Caranby laughed to himself +quietly. "Do you know what I am about to say?" he gasped. +</P> + +<P> +"No. If it is nothing important you had better not exhaust yourself." +</P> + +<P> +"It is most important, as you will hear. I know who murdered the +supposed Miss Loach." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert nearly dropped the pen. "Who was it?" he asked, expecting to +hear the name of Mrs. Octagon. +</P> + +<P> +"I did!" said Caranby, quietly. +</P> + +<P> +"You!—that's impossible." +</P> + +<P> +"Unfortunately it is true. It was an accident, though. Yeo, give me +more drink; I must tell everything." +</P> + +<P> +Yeo was quite calm. He had known Caranby for many years, and was not +at all disposed to shrink from him because he confessed to having +committed a murder. He knew that the Earl was a kind-hearted man and +had been shamefully treated by three women. In fact, he was secretly +glad to hear that Emilia Saul had met her death at the hand of a man +she had injured. But he kept these sentiments to himself, and after +giving his patient a strong tonic to revive his energies, he sat by the +bedside with his fingers on the pulse of the dying man. Caranby +rallied considerably, and when he began his recital spoke in stronger +tones. +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert dipped his pen in the ink, but did not dare even to think. He +was wondering how the death of Emilia had come about, and also how his +uncle had gone to the unfinished house on the same night as he had +done. Remembering how Basil stated he had been chased by someone +unknown, Cuthbert began to fancy he saw light. However, at this moment +Caranby began to speak, and as every moment was precious, both men +forbore to interrupt him unless desirous to have a clearer +understanding on certain points. +</P> + +<P> +"When I came back to England," said Caranby, "I never thought that +Emilia was alive. Owing to the clever way in which the substitution +was effected by Isabella, I always thought Selina lived at Rose +Cottage. Several times I tried to see her, hoping she would marry me. +But she always refused. I was puzzled at the time, but now I know the +reason. I never thought of looking at the unfinished house. It was a +piece of sentimental folly my shutting it up, but afterwards, as time +slipped by, I never troubled about looking into the matter. As Cuthbert +will tell you, Yeo, laziness is a vice with me." +</P> + +<P> +"Go on with the story and save your strength," said Yeo softly. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes." Caranby heaved a sigh. "I haven't much left. Well, Cuthbert, +you told me about the ghosts supposed to be haunting the house. I +asked you to go down and see. You came here one night and left at +eight o'clock to go down to Rexton." +</P> + +<P> +"I never expected you to follow. Why did you not come with me?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because I was keeping something back from you. On the previous day I +received a letter. There was no name to it, and the writing was +disguised. It advised me to see Selina Loach, and said I would be +surprised when she spoke to me." +</P> + +<P> +"Because then you would recognize the woman you believed to be dead." +</P> + +<P> +"Exactly," said Caranby faintly, "but at the time I knew nothing, and +was much puzzled with the letter. On that night I intended to tell +you, but I did not. Then I thought I would go down to Rose Cottage and +prove the truth of the letter. I went almost immediately after you, +Cuthbert." +</P> + +<P> +"What, in your state of health?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. I was stronger then." +</P> + +<P> +"And have been less strong since," murmured Yeo. "I understand now why +you refused to tell me how you had over-exerted yourself." +</P> + +<P> +"I had my secret to keep," said Caranby coldly, "some more drink, +please." Then, when he felt better, he continued "Yes! I was +wonderfully well and strong on that night. I climbed the wall—" +</P> + +<P> +"Impossible!" said Mallow, "I can't believe that." +</P> + +<P> +"Nevertheless it is the truth. I expect the excitement made me +unnaturally strong. I suffered greatly when it was over." +</P> + +<P> +"You were a wreck," said the physician bluntly. +</P> + +<P> +"When what was over?" asked Mallow, anxiously. +</P> + +<P> +"The event of the night to which I am coming. It took me some time to +get to Rexton, and a long time to walk to the unfinished house. I did +not go down Crooked Lane, but round by the wall." +</P> + +<P> +"Did you come by the railway station path?" +</P> + +<P> +"I did not. I took a wide detour and arrived at the unfinished house +on the side opposite to where Rose Cottage stood." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah!" murmured the young man. "No wonder I missed you. But I thought +you were calling on Miss Loach." +</P> + +<P> +"I intended to, but first I thought I would assure myself about the +ghosts. Certainly I had set you to perform that task, but, as I was on +the spot, I determined to see for myself. I climbed the wall, not +without difficulty, and found myself in the park—" +</P> + +<P> +"About what time was this?" +</P> + +<P> +"After ten. I can't say how long. But I really cannot be precise as +to the time. I wandered aimlessly about the park, threading my way +amongst the trees and shrubs and undergrowth. I was astonished to find +paths, and it struck me that someone used the park." +</P> + +<P> +"I believe Miss Loach did—that is, Emilia," said Cuthbert. "Jennings +learned that in some way. She always was on the watch for anyone +coming into the park and learning the secret of the factory." +</P> + +<P> +"I did not know that at the time," said Caranby, his voice growing +weaker. "Well, I walked about. Sometimes it was moonlight and at +other times the moon would be obscured by clouds. I struggled to get +near the house and succeeded. Then I saw a man standing in the shadow. +At once I went up to him—he fled. I don't know who it was?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can tell you," said Mallow, quietly, "young Saxon." +</P> + +<P> +"Then why did he fly?" +</P> + +<P> +"He was there with no very good purpose and his conscience smote the +miserable creature," said Cuthbert, "go on—or will you wait?" +</P> + +<P> +"No! no! no!" said Caranby, vehemently; "if I stop now you will never +know the truth. I don't want anyone else to be accused of the crime. +I know Maraquito hinted that Isabella Octagon was guilty, but she is +not. I don't want even Isabella to suffer, though she has been a fatal +woman to me and wrecked my life's happiness." +</P> + +<P> +His voice was growing so weak that Yeo gave him more cordial. After a +pause Caranby resumed with a last effort, and very swiftly, as though +he thought his strength would fail him before he reached the end of his +dismal story. +</P> + +<P> +"I followed the man, though I did not know who he was, and wondered why +he should be trespassing. He fled rapidly and I soon lost him. But +when the moonlight was bright I saw that he had dropped a knife from +his pocket. In stooping to pick it up I lost sight of the man." +</P> + +<P> +"Basil crossed the park and ran away. But he came back for the knife +afterwards," explained Mallow. "Juliet saw him. He had on my coat. I +wonder you didn't think Basil was me, as Juliet did." +</P> + +<P> +"I am not acquainted with your clothes," said Caranby, dryly, "as I +have been absent from England for so long. But no wonder Saxon did not +find the knife. I picked it up. It was a bowie—" +</P> + +<P> +"Belonging to me, which Basil had stolen." +</P> + +<P> +"I didn't know that either. Well, I went again towards the wall +surrounding the park. I thought I might meet you." +</P> + +<P> +"I wonder you didn't. I was about at that time." +</P> + +<P> +"The park was so thickly filled with trees and shrubs that we missed +one another I suppose. Don't interrupt—I am going. Write quickly, +Cuthbert." Then with a gasp Caranby resumed: "I halted to get breath +near the large oak which the fire spared. I heard a rustling, and a +woman came out of the shadow of the tree. I wondered who she was and +where she had come from. The moon then came out brightly, and I +recognized her face with a sensation almost of terror. It was Emilia." +</P> + +<P> +"How did you recognize her after all these years?" +</P> + +<P> +"By her Jewish look, and especially by the eyebrows. Moreover, she +revealed herself to me when dying." +</P> + +<P> +"What happened?" asked Yeo, sharply. +</P> + +<P> +"I was standing with the knife in my hand. Emilia, seeing that I was +an intruder, came swiftly towards me. She had a revolver in her hand +but did not fire. She cried out something and rushed at me. In doing +this she came straight against the knife. I was holding it +instinctively in an attitude of defence, with the point outward. She +rushed at me to bear me down by the weight and force of her charge, and +the next moment she dropped to the ground dying." +</P> + +<P> +"She was not dead then?" +</P> + +<P> +"No! not for the moment. I knelt beside her and whispered 'Emilia!' +She opened her eyes and smiled. Then she replied, 'Emilia—yes!' and +died. I did not know what to do. Then it struck me that I might be +arrested for the crime, though it really was no crime. Had she not +rushed at me, had I not been holding the knife, she would not have met +with her death. I wonder she did not fire, seeing she had a pistol." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps she recognized you," said Yeo, glancing at Cuthbert, who was +writing rapidly. +</P> + +<P> +"No. Had she done so, she would never have attempted to hurt me. She +thought I was some spy searching for the factory, and without giving +herself time to think dashed forward, believing I would give way and +fly. It was all over in a second. I made up my mind to go at once. I +did not even wait to pick up the knife, but climbed the wall and came +home here. What happened then I don't know." +</P> + +<P> +"I can tell you," said Mallow. "Maraquito and Hale came to look for +Miss Loach and took her body into the villa sitting-room. They placed +the knife at her feet and the cards in her lap, thinking it would be +thought she had been stabbed in the room, and—" +</P> + +<P> +"Sign, sign!" said Caranby, unexpectedly, and Mallow hastily brought +him the written document and the ink. He signed feebly, and the two +men signed as witnesses. Yeo then turned to his patient, but he drew +back. Death was stamped on the face. +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert called in the servant. "Lord Caranby is dead," he said +quietly. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, my lord," replied the servant, and Mallow started on hearing the +title. But he was now Lord Caranby and his uncle was dead. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap26"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXVI +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CUTHBERT'S ENEMY +</H3> + +<P> +Before leaving the death-chamber, Mallow—now Lord Caranby—sealed the +confession in the presence of Yeo, and went with him into the +sitting-room. "What will you do with that?" asked the doctor, +indicating the envelope with a nod. +</P> + +<P> +"I shall place it in the hand of my lawyers to be put with family +papers," replied Cuthbert. "I am sure you agree with me, Yeo, that it +is unnecessary to make the contents public. My uncle is dead." +</P> + +<P> +"Even were he still alive, I should advise you to say nothing," replied +Yeo, grimly; "the woman deserved her fate, even though it was an +accident. She destroyed Caranby's life. He would have married Selina +Loach and have been a happy man but for her." +</P> + +<P> +"There I think you wrong her. It is Isabella Octagon who is to blame. +She has indeed been a fatal woman to my poor uncle. But for her, he +would not have been prevented from marrying Selina and thus have fallen +into the toils of Emilia. Emilia would not have murdered Selina, and +the result would not have come out after all these years in the death +of my uncle at the hands of Bathsheba Saul." +</P> + +<P> +"Who is she?" +</P> + +<P> +"Maraquito. But you don't know the whole story, nor do I think there +is any need to repeat the sordid tragedy. I will put this paper away +and say nothing about it to anyone save to Jennings." +</P> + +<P> +"The detective!" said Yeo, surprised and startled. "Do you think that +is wise? He may make the matter public." +</P> + +<P> +"No, he won't. He has traced the coiners to their lair, and that is +enough glory for him. When he knows the truth he will stop searching +further into the case. If I hold my tongue, he may go on, and make +awkward discoveries." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I see it is best you should tell him. But Miss Saxon?" +</P> + +<P> +"She shall never know. Let her think Maraquito killed Emilia. Only +you, I and Jennings will know the truth." +</P> + +<P> +"You can depend upon my silence," said Yeo, shaking Cuthbert by the +hand; "well, and what will you do now?" +</P> + +<P> +"With your permission, I shall ask you to stop here and arrange about +necessary matters in connection with the laying-out of the body. I +wish to interview Mrs. Octagon this evening. To-morrow I shall see +about Caranby's remains being taken down to our family seat in Essex." +</P> + +<P> +"There will be an inquest first." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't mind. Maraquito is dead and nothing detrimental to the honor +of the Mallows can transpire. You need say nothing at the inquest as +to the bottle being thrown at Juliet." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll do my best. But she will be questioned." +</P> + +<P> +"I intend to see her this evening myself." +</P> + +<P> +"What about Mrs. Octagon?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh," said the new Lord Caranby with a grim smile, "I intend to settle +Mrs. Octagon once and for all." +</P> + +<P> +"Surely you don't intend to tell her of the murder." +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly not. She would make the matter public at once. But her +knowledge of the real name of Emilia, and her hushing up of the murder +of her sister, will be quite enough to bring her to her knees. I don't +intend that Juliet shall have anything more to do with her mother. But +I'll say very little." +</P> + +<P> +After this Cuthbert departed and took a hansom to the "Shrine of the +Muses." He arrived there at ten o'clock, and was informed by the +butler that Miss Saxon was in bed with a headache, and that Mrs. +Octagon had given orders that Mr. Mallow was not to be admitted. Basil +was out, and Mr. Octagon likewise. Cuthbert listened quietly, and then +gave the man, whom he knew well, half a sovereign. "Tell Mrs. Octagon +that Lord Caranby wishes to see her." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir, but I don't—" +</P> + +<P> +"I am Lord Caranby. My uncle died this evening." +</P> + +<P> +The butler opened his eyes. "Yes, m'lord," he said promptly, and +admitted Cuthbert into the hall. "I suppose I needn't say it is really +you, m'lord," he remarked, when the visitor was seated in the +drawing-room, "I am afraid the mistress will be angry." +</P> + +<P> +"Don't trouble about that, Somes. Tell her Lord Caranby is here," and +the butler, bursting to tell the news in the servants' hall, went away +in a great hurry. +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert remained seated near the table on which stood an electric +lamp. He had the confession in his pocket, and smiled to think how +glad Mrs. Octagon would be to read it. However, he had quite enough +evidence to force her into decent behavior. He did not intend to leave +that room till he had Mrs. Octagon's free consent to the marriage and a +promise that she would go abroad for an indefinite period with her +hopeful son, Basil. In this way Cuthbert hoped to get rid of these +undesirable relatives and to start his married life in peace. "Nothing +less than exile will settle matters," he muttered. +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Octagon, in a gorgeous tea-gown, swept into the room with a frown +on her strongly-marked face. She looked rather like Maraquito, and +apparently was in a bad temper. Mallow could see that she was +surprised when she entered, as, thinking Lord Caranby was incapacitated +by the accident described by Juliet, she did not know how he came to +call at so late an hour. Moreover, Lord Caranby had never visited her +before. However, she apparently was bent on receiving him in a tragic +manner, and swept forward with the mien of a Siddons. When she came +into the room she caught sight of Cuthbert's face in the blaze of the +lamp and stopped short. "How—" she said in her deepest tone, and then +became prosaic and very angry. "What is the meaning of this, Mr. +Mallow? I hoped to see—" +</P> + +<P> +"My uncle. I know you did. But he is dead." +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Octagon caught at a chair to stop herself from falling, and wiped +away a tear. "Dead!" she muttered, and dropped on to the sofa. +</P> + +<P> +"He died two hours ago. I am now Lord Caranby." +</P> + +<P> +"You won't grace the position," said Mrs. Octagon viciously, and then +her face became gloomy. "Dead!—Walter Mallow. Ah! I loved him so." +</P> + +<P> +"You had a strange way of showing it then," said Cuthbert, calmly, and +he also took a seat. +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Octagon immediately rose. "I forbid you to sit down in my house, +Lord Caranby. We are strangers." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, no, we aren't, Mrs. Octagon. I came here to arrange matters." +</P> + +<P> +"What matters?" she asked disdainfully, and apparently certain he had +nothing against her. +</P> + +<P> +"Matters connected with my marriage with Juliet." +</P> + +<P> +"Miss Saxon, if you please. She shall never marry you." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, yes, she will. What is your objection to the marriage?" +</P> + +<P> +"I refuse to tell you," said Mrs. Octagon violently, and then somewhat +inconsistently went on: +</P> + +<P> +"If you must know, I hated your uncle." +</P> + +<P> +"You said you loved him just now." +</P> + +<P> +"And so I did," cried the woman, spreading out her arms, "I loved him +intensely. I would have placed the hair of my head under his feet. +But he was never worthy of me. He loved Selina, a poor, weak, silly +fool. But I stopped that marriage," she ended triumphantly, "as I will +stop yours." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't think you will stop mine," replied Cuthbert tranquilly, "I am +not to be coerced, Mrs. Octagon." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't seek to coerce you," she retorted, "but my daughter will obey +me, and she will refuse your hand. I don't care if you are fifty times +Lord Caranby. Juliet should not marry you if you had all the money in +the world. I hated Walter Mallow, your uncle. He treated me +shamefully, and I swore that never would any child of mine be connected +with him. Selina wished it, and forced me to agree while she was +alive. But she is dead and Lord Caranby is dead, and you can do +nothing. I defy you—I defy you!" +</P> + +<P> +"We may as well conduct this interview reasonably." +</P> + +<P> +"I shall not let you remain here any longer. Go." +</P> + +<P> +She pointed to the door with a dramatic gesture. Cuthbert took up his +hat. +</P> + +<P> +"I shall go if you insist," he said, moving towards the door, "and I +shall return with a policeman." +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Octagon gave a gasp and went gray. "What do you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"You know well what I mean. Am I to go?" +</P> + +<P> +"You have nothing against me," she said violently, "stop, if you will, +and tell me the reason of that speech." +</P> + +<P> +"I think you understand what I mean perfectly well," said Mallow again, +and returning to his seat. "I know that your sister died years ago," +Mrs. Octagon gasped, "and that Emilia feigned to be Selina Loach. And +perhaps, Mrs. Octagon, you will remember how your sister died." +</P> + +<P> +"I didn't touch her," gasped Mrs. Octagon, trembling. +</P> + +<P> +"No, but Emilia Saul did, and you condoned the crime." +</P> + +<P> +"I deny everything! Go and get a policeman if you like." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert walked to the door and there turned. "The statement of Emilia +will make pleasant reading in court," he said. +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Octagon bounded after him and pulled him back by the coat-tails +into the centre of the room. Then she locked the door and sat down. +"We won't be disturbed," she said, wiping her face upon which the +perspiration stood, "what do you know?" +</P> + +<P> +"Everything, even to that letter you wrote to my uncle, stating he +should see the pretended Selina Loach." +</P> + +<P> +This was a chance shot on Mallow's part, but it told, for he saw her +face change. In fact, Mrs. Octagon was the only woman who could have +sent the letter. She did not attempt to deny it. "I sent that letter, +as I was weary of that woman's tyranny. I thought it would get her +into trouble." +</P> + +<P> +"She would have got you into trouble also. Suppose she had lived and +had told the story of Selina's death." +</P> + +<P> +"She would have put the rope round her own neck," said Mrs. Octagon in +a hollow tone, all her theatrical airs gone. "I was a fool to wait so +long. For twenty years that woman has held me under her thumb. It was +Emilia that made me consent to your engagement to Juliet. Otherwise," +she added malevolently, "I should have died rather than have consented. +Oh," she shook her hands in the air, "how I hate you and your uncle and +the whole of the Mallows." +</P> + +<P> +"A woman scorned, I see," said Cuthbert, rather cruelly, "well, you +must be aware that I know everything." +</P> + +<P> +"You don't know who killed Emilia?" +</P> + +<P> +"Maraquito said it was you." +</P> + +<P> +"I" shrieked Mrs. Octagon, "how dare she? But that she is dead, as +Juliet told me, I would have her up for libel. Maraquito herself killed +the woman. I am sure of it. That coining factory—" +</P> + +<P> +"Did you know of its existence?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, I didn't," snapped Mrs. Octagon. "I knew nothing of Emilia's +criminal doings. I let her bear the name of my sister—" +</P> + +<P> +"Why?" asked Mallow, quickly, and not knowing what Maraquito had said +to Caranby. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know," replied Mrs. Octagon, sullenly, "Emilia was in some +trouble with the law. Her brother and mother were afterwards arrested +for coining. She might have been arrested also, but that I agreed to +hold my tongue. Emilia pushed Selina off the plank. Then she turned +and accused me. As it was known that I was on bad terms with Selina, I +might have been accused of the crime, and Emilia would have sworn the +rope round my neck. Emilia made me help her to change the dress, and +said that as the face of the dead was disfigured, and she was rather +like Selina—which she certainly was, she could arrange. I did not +know how she intended to blind my father. But my father died +unexpectedly. Had he not done so, the deception could not have been +kept up. As it was, I went to the inquest, and Emilia as Selina +pretended to be ill. I saw after her and we had a strange doctor. +Then we went abroad, and she came back to shut herself up in Rose +Cottage. I tried to marry Caranby, but Emilia stopped that." +</P> + +<P> +"Why did she?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because she loved Caranby in her tiger way. That was why she insisted +you should marry Juliet. She always threatened to tell that I had +killed Selina, though I was innocent." +</P> + +<P> +"If you were, why need you have been afraid?" +</P> + +<P> +"Circumstances were too strong for me," said Mrs. Octagon, wiping her +dry lips and glaring like a demon. "I had to give in. Had I known of +that factory I would have spoken out. As it was, I wrote to Caranby +when in a fit of rage; but afterwards I was afraid of what I had done, +as I thought Emilia would tell." +</P> + +<P> +"She certainly would have done so had she not died so opportunely." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you mean to say that I killed her? I tell you, Maraquito did so." +</P> + +<P> +"What makes you think that?" asked Mallow, delighted at the mistake. +</P> + +<P> +"Because she was always fighting with Emilia about you. Maraquito +wished to marry you, and Emilia would not let her. After Emilia died, +Maraquito saw me, and we arranged to stop the marriage, and—" +</P> + +<P> +"I know all about that. I saw you—or rather my uncle saw you—enter +Maraquito's Soho house." +</P> + +<P> +"I went on Basil's account also," said Mrs. Octagon, sullenly, +"however, I have told you all. What do you wish to do?" +</P> + +<P> +"I wish to marry Juliet." +</P> + +<P> +"Then I refuse," said Mrs. Octagon, savagely. +</P> + +<P> +"In that case I'll tell." +</P> + +<P> +"You will disgrace Juliet. Besides, the law can't touch me." +</P> + +<P> +"I am not so sure of that. You were an accessory after the fact. And +if the public knew that you had acquiesced in the death of your sister +and had held your tongue for years, you would not be popular. I fear +your books would not sell then." +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Octagon saw all this, and glared savagely at Cuthbert. She would +have liked to kill him, but he was the stronger of the two, and knew +much which she wished kept silent. Mallow saw the impression he was +making and went on persuasively. "And think, Mrs. Octagon, Juliet can +give you up the six thousand a year—" +</P> + +<P> +"Not she," laughed Mrs. Octagon, sneering. +</P> + +<P> +"She will, at my request. I don't want my wife to possess money made +out of coining. The income will be made over to you by deed of gift." +</P> + +<P> +"Six thousand a year," mused the lady, "and you will hold your tongue?" +</P> + +<P> +"Of course, for Juliet's sake as well as for yours. But I think it +will be advisable for you to travel for a few years." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll take up my abode in America forever," said Mrs. Octagon, rising, +"do you think I'll stop here and see you my daughter's husband? Not +for all the money in the world. Besides, Mr. Octagon has been insolent +over money, and I sha'n't stay with him. Basil and myself will go to +America and there we will become famous." +</P> + +<P> +"It is certainly better than becoming famous in another way," said +Mallow, dryly, "you will, of course be quite amiable to Juliet. Also +to me, in public." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh," she replied, with a short laugh, "I'll kiss you if you like." +</P> + +<P> +"There is no need to go so far. I am sorry for you." +</P> + +<P> +"And I hate you—hate you! Leave me now at least. You can come +to-morrow, and I'll consent publicly to the marriage. But I hope you +will both be miserable. Juliet does not love me or she would despise +you. I wish you had died along with your uncle." +</P> + +<P> +She was becoming so wild in her looks that Cuthbert thought it best to +leave the room. The key was in the door, so he departed, quite sure +that Mrs. Octagon, to avoid scandal about her shady doings, would be +most agreeable towards him in public, however much of a demon she might +be in private. Thus ended the interview. +</P> + +<P> +Next morning Mallow drove to Jennings and related everything, including +the confession of Caranby regarding the accident, and added details of +the interview with Mrs. Octagon. Jennings listened, astonished. +</P> + +<P> +"I am glad you told me," he said, "of course I don't want you to make +all this public. The general impression is the same as that of Mrs. +Octagon, that Maraquito murdered Miss Loach. It need not be known that +Emilia was masquerading under a false name. She need not be brought +into the case at all. What a wonderful case, Mallow." +</P> + +<P> +Cuthbert assented. "It's more like fiction than fact." +</P> + +<P> +"Fact is always like fiction," said Jennings epigrammatically, +"however, we've got a confession from Clancy about the other factories. +The whole gang will be caught sooner or later. And, by the way, Mallow, +on second thoughts, I think it will be best to state the real name of +Emilia." +</P> + +<P> +"I think so too. If she is pilloried as Miss Loach, everyone will know +that she is the aunt of Juliet. Tell the truth, Jennings." +</P> + +<P> +"We'll tell everything, save that Lord Caranby inadvertently murdered +that woman. She was the fatal woman—" +</P> + +<P> +"No," said the new Lord Caranby, "Mrs. Octagon is the fatal woman. She +was at the bottom of everything." +</P> + +<P> +"And has been rewarded with six thousand a year. I don't suppose the +State can seize that money. However, I'll see. I should like to +punish Isabella Octagon in some way. And Susan Grant?" +</P> + +<P> +"You can give her a thousand pounds on my behalf, and she can marry her +baker. Then there's Mrs. Barnes—Mrs. Pill that was. She is quite +innocent. Thomas her husband will be punished, so you had better tell +her, I'll provide for her. As to yourself—" +</P> + +<P> +"That's all right, Mallow, this coining case means a rise of salary." +</P> + +<P> +"All the same, I intend to give you a few thousands on behalf of myself +and Juliet. Without you I would probably have been accused of the +crime. And, in any case, things would have been awkward. There might +have been a scandal." +</P> + +<P> +"There won't be one now," said Jennings. "I'll settle everything. +Mrs. Octagon will go to the States with that young cub, and you can +make Miss Saxon Lady Caranby. It is good of you giving me a reward. I +can now marry Peggy." +</P> + +<P> +"We all seem to be bent on marriage," said Mallow, rising to take his +leave. "How's the shoulder?" +</P> + +<P> +"All right," said the detective, "and it's worth the wound to have +Peggy nursing me. She is the dearest—" +</P> + +<P> +"No, pardon me," said Cuthbert, "by no means. Juliet is the dearest +girl in the wide world," and he departed laughing. +</P> + +<P> +Needless to say, under the careful supervision of Jennings, all scandal +was averted. The gang with Clancy at its head were sentenced to years +of imprisonment, likely to put a stop to all pranks. Maraquito was +buried quietly and Mallow erected a gravestone to her, in spite of her +wicked designs against Juliet. In six months Jennings married Peggy +and took a house at Gunnersbury, where Peggy and he live in the +congenial company of Le Beau, who has become quite reconciled to +Jennings' profession. The old professor teaches dancing to the +children of the neighborhood. Susan Grant also married her baker, and +the two now possess one of the finest shops in Stepney. Mrs. Octagon +went to America almost immediately. She managed to keep the six +thousand a year, in spite of Jennings. No one knows how she managed to +do this, but envious people hinted at Government influence. However, +with Basil she departed to the States, as she confessed to being weary +of constant triumphs in England. Mrs. Octagon now has a literary salon +in Boston, and is regarded as one of the leading spirits of the age. +Basil married an heiress. Peter, weary of playing the part of husband +to a celebrity, remained in England but not in London. He sold the +"Shrine of the Muses" and took a cottage on an estate in Kent belonging +to Lord Caranby. Here he cultivates flowers and calls frequently on +his step-daughter and her husband, when they are in the neighborhood. +Peter never knew the true history of his wife. He always refers to Mrs. +Octagon with respect, but shows no disposition to join her in America. +Peter has had quite enough of sham art and sham enthusiasm. +</P> + +<P> +And Cuthbert was married to Juliet within the year. The wedding was +quiet on account of his uncle's death, and then Lord Caranby took his +bride for a tour round the world. To this day Lady Caranby believes +that Maraquito murdered Miss Loach, and knows also from newspaper +reports that the pretended aunt was really Emilia Saul. Mrs. Octagon +also expressed surprise at the infamous imposture, and quite deceived +Juliet, who never learned what part her mother had taken in the +business. In fact Juliet thought her mother was quite glad she had +married Cuthbert. +</P> + +<P> +"Mother really liked you all the time," she said to her husband when +they set off on their honeymoon. +</P> + +<P> +"I doubt that," replied Lord Caranby, dryly. +</P> + +<P> +"She told me that it was always the dream of her life to see me your +wife, but that Maraquito had threatened to ruin Basil if—" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, that is the story, is it? Well, Juliet, I am much obliged to Mrs. +Octagon for loving me so much, but, with your permission, we will not +see more of her than we can help." +</P> + +<P> +"As she is in America we will see very little of her," sighed Lady +Caranby, "besides, she loves Basil more than me. Poor boy, I hope he +will get on in America." +</P> + +<P> +"Of course he will. He will marry an heiress—" And Cuthbert's +prophecy proved to be correct—"Don't let us talk of these things any +more, Juliet. This dreadful murder nearly wrecked our life. My poor +uncle talked of a fatal woman. Maraquito was that to us." +</P> + +<P> +"And I?" asked Juliet, nestling to her husband. +</P> + +<P> +"You are the dearest and sweetest angel in the world." +</P> + +<P> +"And you are the greatest goose," said she, kissing her husband fondly, +"we have had enough of fatal women. Let us never mention the subject +again." +</P> + +<P> +And they never did. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<P CLASS="finis"> +THE END +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR><BR> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Secret Passage, by Fergus Hume + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SECRET PASSAGE *** + +***** This file should be named 4531-h.htm or 4531-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/4/5/3/4531/ + +Produced by an anonymous volunteer. 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