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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..dbbb58c --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #55748 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/55748) diff --git a/old/55748-h.zip b/old/55748-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 88940b2..0000000 --- a/old/55748-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55748-h/55748-h.htm b/old/55748-h/55748-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 561ad88..0000000 --- a/old/55748-h/55748-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8142 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> -<html> -<head> -<title>The Red Bicycle.</title> - -<meta name="Author" content="Fergus Hume"> - -<meta name="Publisher" content="Taranaki Herald (New Zealand)"> -<meta name="Date" content="1915"> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1"> -<style type="text/css"> -body {margin-left:10%; - margin-right:10%; background-color:#FFFFFF; - text-align: justify} - - -p.normal {text-indent:.25in; text-align: justify;} - -p.right {text-align:right; margin-right:20%;} -p.center {text-align: center;} -p.continue {text-indent: 0in; margin-top:9pt;} - -h1,h2,h3,h4,h5 {text-align: center;} - - -.t0 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:0em; margin-right:0em;} -.t1 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:1em; margin-right:0em;} -.t2 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2em; margin-right:0em;} -.t3 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:3em; margin-right:0em;} -.t4 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4em; margin-right:0em;} -.t5 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:5em; margin-right:0em;} - - -span.sc {font-variant: small-caps; font-size:110%;} -span.sc2 {font-variant: small-caps; font-size:90%;} - -hr.W10 {width:10%; color:black; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt} - -hr.W20 {width:20%; color:black; margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:12pt} - -hr.W50 {width:50%; color:black;} -hr.W90 {width:90%; color:black;} - -p.hang1 {margin-left:3em; text-indent:-3em;} -p.hang2 {margin-left:3em; text-indent:0em;} - -</style> - -</head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Red Bicycle, by Fergus Hume - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Red Bicycle - -Author: Fergus Hume - -Release Date: October 13, 2017 [EBook #55748] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RED BICYCLE *** - - - - -Produced by Charles Bowen from images provided by the -Taranaki Herald and Papers Past, National Library of New -Zealand - - - - - - -</pre> - - - -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p class="hang1">Transcriber's Notes: From page scans of this book which was -published -as a serial in the Taranaki Herald (New Zealand), Vol. LXIII, Issue -144753, 9 August 1915 through Volume LXIII, Issue 144793, 24 -September 1915 (Papers Past, National Library of New Zealand). -See web site -https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TH19150807.2.57</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h3>THE RED BICYCLE.</h3> -<br> -<h4>By FERGUS HUME.</h4> -<h5>Author of "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab," "The Turnpike House," -"Tracked by a Tattoo," "The Crowned Skull," etc.</h5> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<div style="margin-left:20%"> - -<p> -<a name="div1Ref_01" href="#div1_01">CHAPTER I.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_02" href="#div1_02">CHAPTER II.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_03" href="#div1_03">CHAPTER III.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_04" href="#div1_04">CHAPTER IV.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_05" href="#div1_05">CHAPTER V.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_06" href="#div1_06">CHAPTER VI.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_07" href="#div1_07">CHAPTER VII.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_08" href="#div1_08">CHAPTER VIII.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_09" href="#div1_09">CHAPTER IX.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_10" href="#div1_10">CHAPTER X.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_11" href="#div1_11">CHAPTER XI.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_12" href="#div1_12">CHAPTER XII.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_13" href="#div1_13">CHAPTER XIII.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_14" href="#div1_14">CHAPTER XIV.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_15" href="#div1_15">CHAPTER XV.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_16" href="#div1_16">CHAPTER XVI.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_17" href="#div1_17">CHAPTER XVII.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_18" href="#div1_18">CHAPTER XVIII.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_19" href="#div1_19">CHAPTER XIX.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_20" href="#div1_20">CHAPTER XX.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_21" href="#div1_21">CHAPTER XXI.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_22" href="#div1_22">CHAPTER XXII.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_23" href="#div1_23">CHAPTER XXIII.</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_24" href="#div1_24">CHAPTER XXIV</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_25" href="#div1_25">CHAPTER XXV</a><br> -<a name="div1Ref_26" href="#div1_26">CHAPTER XXVI</a></p> -</div> - -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h3>THE RED BICYCLE.</h3> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_01" href="#div1Ref_01">CHAPTER I.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>The dingy little cart containing the clean linen of the Rectory, was -on its way by an unusually roundabout route. Neddy Mellin, the washer -woman's son, who disliked work as much as he liked play, which was -natural in a lad of thirteen, grumbled openly at the uncongenial task -of driving the large white donkey. The animal herself, who answered -to the name of Nelly, grumbled also in her own way, as she objected to -innovations. Hitherto she had been allowed to take the short road to -the parson's residence; now she was compelled to go by the long one, -which was particularly annoying on this damp, misty November -afternoon. With the obstinacy of her race she refused to trot, and -although Neddy whipped her, coaxed her, and threatened her, Nelly -tstill behaved as though she were attending a funeral. Mrs. Mellin did -not mind. Throned amidst the bundles of linen, she peered through the -fog for something she particularly wished to see. Only when the cart -arrived midway down a melancholy, deserted thoroughfare, bordered by -dripping elm-trees, did she speak. Then the cart stopped as she -fancied she heard an order.</p> - -<p>"There," said Mrs. Mellin, pointing with a fat, red finger at a dreary -mansion which stood in a disorderly garden. "Maranatha! I never did -'ear of sich a queer name in all my born days."</p> - -<p>"It's a scripter name, and has to do with cursing," explained her son, -who, being a choir-boy, knew something about the Bible.</p> - -<p>"Then don't let me 'ear you use sich a wicked word, or I'll take the -skin off your back," said his mother, wiping her large crimson face -with a corner of her tartan shawl. "Maranatha! it gives me the -shivers, it do."</p> - -<p>"You're using it yourself," murmured Neddy, in an injured tone.</p> - -<p>"Me, being your elder and your ma, has a right to use words as ain't -fit for you," said Mrs. Mellin, tartly, "and as we've got the washing -of the new gent as has come to live there, I'll say the name often -enough. I'll be bound. But not you, Neddy. Say the 'Ouse, and I'll -know what you mean. And for 'Eaven's sake, child don't 'it the donkey. -I want to look at the place."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Mellin craned forward so as to get a better view, and stared at -the square, ugly building, the damp red bricks of which were almost -hidden by dark curtains of untrimmed ivy. Smoke came from one chimney, -which showed that the house was inhabited, but as the shutters were up -and the door closed, there was a sinister look about the whole place -which made the washerwoman shiver. In its wilderness of shrubs and -long grass, girdled by gigantic elms, all sopping and dripping, the -mansion loomed portentously through the mists. It looked like a house -with an evil history, and the queer name on the gate suited it -extraordinarily well. Mrs. Mellin was not imaginative, yet she -shivered again as she signed that Nelly could proceed. Tired of -standing and anxious to get her day's work over, Nelly changed her -funeral pace for a more active one.</p> - -<p>"Maranatha!" murmured Mrs. Mellin, as the cart turned into the Parade. -"Well, baronet or no baronet, he won't get much good out of Maranatha. -Arter suicides you may paint a 'ouse, you may furnish a 'ouse, and you -may advertise 'ouses till you're sick, but them as comes to live in -sich allays leaves afore the term's out. An' no wonder 'ow long he'll -stay?"</p> - -<p>"Who'll stay?" asked Neddy curiously.</p> - -<p>"I wasn't speaking to you, child. 'Old your tongue and drive on. I do -'ope as Mrs. Craver ain't 'eard. This will be news for 'er. And that -Emily Pyne is sich a gossip, as never was."</p> - -<p>All the way to the Rectory, Mrs. Mellin continued to talk in this way -to herself, while Neddy kept his ears open to drink in every word. He -was a slender boy with a wonderfully delicate complexion, curly golden -hair, and innocent blue eyes, looking, on the whole, like a stray -angel. And when in the choir he not only looked like an angel but sang -like one, as his voice was remarkably beautiful.</p> - -<p>But all Neddy's goods were in the shop-window, since he was as naughty -an urchin as ever existed, to worry a hard-working mother. He told -lies, he played truant, he associated with the worst boys in the -parish, smoked on the sly, and behaved like the unscrupulous young -rascal he truly was. Yet, when necessary, Neddy could play the saint -so perfectly that his conduct, taken in conjuncture with his angelic -looks, quite imposed upon the Rector, who believed him to be a modern -Samuel.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Mellin had her doubts, as experience told her otherwise, but -naturally, she kept them to herself, and proclaimed on all and every -occasion that Neddy was too good to live. All the same she was on her -guard against his wiles, and rebuked him sharply when she noticed that -he was listening to her soliloquy. By the time she had finished -telling him where bad boys went and how they fared when they died, the -cart appeared at the Rectory and Mrs. Craver appeared at the back -door.</p> - -<p>The parson's wife was a busy, little sharp-faced woman, arrayed in a -shabby black silk, with collar and cuffs of ragged white lace, -carefully mended. The stipend for looking after the souls of the -Hedgerton people was by no means large, and the Rev. George Craver -found it difficult to make both ends meet. Indeed, they would not have -met at all had not Mrs. Craver been a notable housewife, who looked at -both sides of a penny before parting with it, and who made shillings -do the work of pounds. She scraped and screwed and pinched, and buzzed -about the house from dawn till darkness like a busy bee, keeping her -eye on everything and on everyone. According to custom she welcomed -Mrs. Mellin into the kitchen and proceeded to count the washing, while -Neddy sat outside in the cart and smoked a surreptitious cigarette. -After the usual weekly wrangle over missing articles, scanty -starching, bad ironing, and excessive charging, Mrs. Craver gave the -woman a cup of tea and asked questions.</p> - -<p>It was her duty, as she conceived it as the Rector's wife, to know all -that went on in the dull, seaside parish, and Mrs. Mellin could supply -her with more information than most people. Therefore, Mrs. Craver -sent the general servant, who was her solitary factotum, into the -wood-shed to clean knives and brush boots while she listened to the -weekly report. Mrs. Mellin began by a reference to her sister-gossip -and rival spy.</p> - -<p>"I do 'ope, ma'am, as that Emily Pyne ain't been tellin' you things, -as she ain't to be depended on, with her silly tongue and blind eye." -The washerwoman spoke as if the lady in question had only one organ of -vision, whereas she had two, and very sharp eyes they were.</p> - -<p>"No. I haven't seen Miss Pyne," said Mrs. Craver, briskly. "Has she -been doing anything wrong?"</p> - -<p>"'Eaven forgive her, ma'am; she never does anything right," said Mrs. -Mellin, piously. "Not that I've got anything against her, for the time -being, 'cept her gossiping constant when she should be working, and -dressing above her station to which she 'ave been called. No, ma'am, -never do I speak against Emily, though she did try to catch Mellin, -when we was gels, failing, nater'ly, when she 'ave a game leg, and -remaining a spinster through 'Eaven's 'and being 'eavy on 'er, may she -be forgiven."</p> - -<p>"Well, well; what's the news?" Mrs. Craver had heard all about Miss -Pyne's wickedness before, and spoke impatiently.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Mellin wiped her face, sipped her tea, and shook her head. "There -ain't no news as is startling, ma'am, as bombs and bloodshed don't -come 'ere while we 'ave the King--long may he reign over us. But that -'ouse in Ladysmith Road, as is so unlucky, is let at last."</p> - -<p>"Maranatha?"</p> - -<p>"Which the very name do give me the shudders, ma'am. It's a wicked -name."</p> - -<p>"It is an odd name," agreed the sharp little woman, "and I asked the -Rector about it. He says it is a Syriac word, meaning the Lord comes, -or has come."</p> - -<p>"Neddy told me it was a cuss, ma'am."</p> - -<p>"He shouldn't know anything about curses at his age, Mrs. Mellin. Mr. -Craver said that St. Paul used the word as expressing a curse."</p> - -<p>"There now"--Mrs. Mellin was admiringly triumphant--"to think as how -Neddy do pick up things. And a curse is on that 'ouse, Mrs. Craver, -ma'am, for never 'ave it been lucky. The gent as built it fifty years -back lost his arm, as my mother told me; the family as come after him -buried two children in a year; a suicide was the nex' pusson as lived -there, and it stayed empty for years till Mrs. Splurge took it to be -ruined by the breaking of the bank her cash was in and 'ave her -daughter run away with a young man as wasn't what he ought to be. It's -a cussed 'ouse, and looks like one."</p> - -<p>"H'm! It has a bad history. Well, and who has taken it now?"</p> - -<p>"A baronet."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense! Why should a baronet take a furnished house in this dull -town?"</p> - -<p>Mrs. Mellin set down her cup and folded her tartan shawl round her in -quite a tragic manner. "That's what I arsk myself, ma'am," she said, -impressively. "Mrs. Splurge, 'oping to make money after losing her -all, advertised the 'ouse to be let furnished. But for two years it -hev been standing as empty as my 'usband's 'ead, people fighting shy -of its bad luck, as you might say, Mrs. Craver, ma'am. And now Sir -'Ector Wyke hev come, bag and baggage, with a 'ousekeeper as I hevn't -seen, though write me she did, saying as she'd engaged me to do the -washin'."</p> - -<p>"Sir Hector Wyke?" Mrs. Craver searched her memory. "I seem to have -heard the name before."</p> - -<p>"'Ave he done anything bad?" inquired the washerwoman, eagerly. -"Anything as would make 'im 'ide his guilty 'ead. Baronets is bad, as -we know."</p> - -<p>"Rubbish! Baronets are no worse than other people. But I fancy I have -heard my son, Mr. Edwin, mention the name. I'll ask him about Sir -Hector when he comes down at the week end."</p> - -<p>"Shouldn't be surprised if Mr. Edwin 'ad quite a gory story to tell." -said Mrs. Mellin, hopefully, for, like all her class, she loved -horrors. Anyhow. I'll keep my eye on the 'ouse and the 'ousekeeper."</p> - -<p>"What is her name?"</p> - -<p>"Vence, she writes it. Jane Vence, and a heathen name it is, ma'am. I -haven't set eyes on her myself; but one as hev tole me ses as she's an -old witch in looks, with a tongue as wicked as that of Emily Pyne's, -and I can't say wuss nor that."</p> - -<p>"Mrs. Vence." The Rector's wife repeated the name so as to remember -it. "And what other servants?"</p> - -<p>"None." burst out Mrs. Mellin, triumphantly, "And that's the wust of -it, ma'am. I do say as a baronet should be'ave as a baronet, and not -come to live in a musty, fusty old 'ouse with one old woman."</p> - -<p>"It is strange. When did Sir Hector come?"</p> - -<p>"Two days ago, ma'am. I wonder you 'aven't 'eard."</p> - -<p>"No. You bring the news to me."</p> - -<p>"And proud I am to do so, me thinking as Emily Pyne would be -before'and. I s'pose the Rector will call, ma'am?"</p> - -<p>"I suppose he will. We don't often have a baronet come to Hedgerton."</p> - -<p>"And the Rector 'ull find out all about Sir 'Ector, I s'pose?"</p> - -<p>"Mrs. Mellin, you are much too curious about your neighbours," said -Mrs. Craver, severely, and quite overlooking the fact that she was -encouraging the woman to gossip. "Learn to mind your own business, and -don't pry into other people's concerns. Probably Sir Hector has heard -that the air is good here, and has come down for the benefit of his -health."</p> - -<p>"Ho!" Mrs. Mellin rubbed her nose and took no notice of the rebuke. -"He's ill then, is he?"</p> - -<p>"Now I come to think of it, Edwin did mention his name," murmured Mrs. -Craver to herself, while the washerwoman strained her ears to listen. -"Sir Hector Wyke? Yes. He is a rich man, very popular and fashionable -in London. Not so young as he was, and engaged to a young lady."</p> - -<p>"She hev throwed him over." cried Mrs. Mellin, eagerly, "and his 'eart -is broke, so he hev come down 'ere to pine away and die. 'Eaven, what -grass we are, and 'ow soon we're cast inter the oven!"</p> - -<p>"Don't be silly, Mrs. Mellin. Sir Hector has probably come down for -his health, and wishing to be quiet has only brought his housekeeper -with him. There is no mystery about the matter."</p> - -<p>"Baronets who live in style don't come to cussed 'ouses with one old -woman to look after them." said Mrs. Mellin doggedly. "Mark my words, -ma'am, there's going to be a tragity at Maranatha, and it won't be the -fust, ma'am."</p> - -<p>"We don't have tragedies here, you foolish woman."</p> - -<p>"Oh, don't we, ma'am?" Mrs. Mellin stood up to give her words due -effect. "Why, that 'ouse in Ladysmith Road is full of 'em. And, if you -remember, Richard Jones beat his wife to death only five years back, -and Mrs. Warner ran away with the purser of a ship as went to Chiner; -while the children as hev been scalded to death and drownded is -'undreds, you might put it. No tragity!" Mrs. Mellin snorted. "Why, -ma'am, my own sister Laura was in one."</p> - -<p>"She only ran away." said Mrs. Craver, also standing up to intimate -that the conference was ended.</p> - -<p>"And 'oo did she run with?" inquired the washerwoman mysteriously, -"She was 'ere to-day and gone to-morrer, as you might say. Twenty and -more years ago she was as lovely a gel as you ever see, but disappear -she did, leaving nothing be'ind to tell her whereabouts, and not a -line hev I 'ad since. Why, you remember Laura yourself, ma'am, as you -was only a five year bride when you come 'ere with Mr. Craver."</p> - -<p>"I remember that your sister disappeared during the first year of my -husband becoming Rector of Hedgerton," said Mrs. Craver, drily. "She -was a pretty girl, but flighty and discontented. And as she was always -fond of the theatre, I daresay she went on the stage. Of course, as -she was twenty-five when she disappeared, she was old enough to choose -her own way, although I can't say that either I or Mr. Craver approved -of her choice."</p> - -<p>"'Ow do you know, ma'am, that she made that choice?" questioned Mrs. -Mellin, with dignity. "Play-acting Laura loved, there's no denying, -but she mightn't have gone play-acting after all. No, ma'am, some -villain lured 'er away when she was parlourmaid in Maranatha with the -wife of the gent as cut 'is throat in the back room. No wonder I -shiver when I 'ears the name, ma'am, for that 'ouse was the ruin of my -lovely, innercent sister."</p> - -<p>"Mrs. Mellin, you are allowing that house to get on your nerves----"</p> - -<p>"Me being a marter to 'em and taking 'og-'ead's of physic." murmured -Mrs. Mellin.</p> - -<p>"So think no more about the matter. Take Sir Hector Wyke's washing and -be thankful. Meanwhile, tell me more news, and be as quick as you -can."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Craver made this request so as to lure Mrs. Mellin from the -subject of the house in Ladysmith Road, as she saw plainly enough that -the woman was becoming quite hysterical over the place. The laundress -fell into the trap and talked of this person and of that with great -gusto, telling what he said and what they said and what she said, with -full details of what all said. Mrs. Craver examined and cross-examined -and re-examined the good lady, and there was scarcely a person in the -place who was not discussed thoroughly. At the end of half-an-hour the -Rector's wife was in full possession of all that had taken place in -the parish during the week, and mentally arranged the facts so that -she might report to her husband. Not that he wished to hear, being -something of a book-worm. But Mrs. Craver always presented her -seven-days' budget regularly, because she thought that it assisted him -in his clerical work. Perhaps it did, as it certainly kept him advised -of all that went on. When the examination was concluded Mrs. Mellin -retired with many blessings on the head of her hostess and climbed -back into the dingy cart. Neddy, having tossed aside the fag-end of -his surreptitious cigarette, drove away meekly, while Mrs. Craver -witnessed the departure. The washerwoman, still haunted by the memory -of the newly-tenanted house, cried back a warning.</p> - -<p>"You'll see, ma'am, as a tragity will 'appen at Maranatha. Mark me, -ma'am."</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_02" href="#div1Ref_02">CHAPTER II.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>When it became known--chiefly through the agency of Mrs. Mellin--that -a baronet was living at Maranatha the excitement was very great. It -appeared strange to one and all that a titled and wealthy gentleman -should leave the pleasures of London to take up his residence in a -dull place such as Hedgerton truly was. Originally a rude fishing -village, it had of late years been exploited by the jerry-builder, so -that it might be improved into a watering-place and a play-ground for -trippers. A huddle of quaint houses was buried in a hollow by the -shore and faced the estuary of the Thames into which stretched for no -great distance a rough stone pier. Sometimes floating on water and -sometimes stranded on mud were many fishing-smacks, which went out -regularly to the harvest of the sea, while river steamers occasionally -called to discharge cargoes or to land passengers. Since Hedgerton had -been dignified by the name of a watering-place the steamers called -more frequently, especially in summer, and on the whole did fairly -well. But somehow they did not bring to Hedgerton the prosperity -anticipated by the jerry-builder.</p> - -<p>The place did not thrive in spite of doctors' recommendations, cheap -fares, and lavish advertisement. Above the hollow wherein nestled the -original town stretched a flat, well-wooded country, dotted sparsely -with houses, and there was a railway station at Redleigh, three miles -away. New Hedgerton, as it was called, consisted of many hastily-built -bungalows extending in a lean line along the cliffs, but those were -occupied only in summer, and therefore remained empty for the greater -part of the year. There was an asphalt esplanade running spaciously -from east to west in front of these bungalows, a small bandstand, and -a crude hall for public entertainments roofed with galvanised iron. At -intervals roads branched at right angles from the esplanade, passing -between houses old and new to run finally through woodlands or between -the hedges which divided vast meadows from the highway. In spring and -summer the country looked very picturesque with the foliage of trees, -the blossom of orchards, and the rainbow hue of multitudinous flowers, -but the change was marked in autumn and winter. Then the balmy air -grew raw and chill; there were damp mists overlying the land morning -and evening, while the lack of life gave the place a melancholy -aspect. At the fall of the year the inhabitants of the district -retired into their houses like rabbits in burrows, as the climate of -this particular part of England did not tempt them to lead an -out-of-door life. On the whole, therefore, Hedgerton was not a -desirable locality either for a pleasure-seeker or for an invalid in -summer.</p> - -<p>This being the case, the Hedgerton gossips asked one another daily why -Sir Hector Wyke had come down to the place during the season of mists -and rain, of leafless boughs and ruined orchards. No one was able to -give an answer, although it was frequently suggested that the -baronet's health was bad. But a man in bad health would scarcely come -to so unhealthy a place at so unhealthy a time.</p> - -<p>Therefore, there must be some other reason. Everyone tried to learn -what it was, and everyone failed. No information was supplied by the -tenant of Maranatha, who lived a very secluded life and appeared -greatly desirous to be left to himself. He saw no one, and when he -took his solitary walks he spoke to no one. Even Mr. Craver was denied -admittance when he sought to welcome the stranger to his parish and he -returned home to tell his wife that Wyke was probably a misanthropic -creature, who disliked his fellow-men.</p> - -<p>The description aroused Mrs. Craver's curiosity, and she was even more -particular than usual in examining Mrs. Mellin when that spy came to -report what had taken place in the parish during the week. The -washerwoman could only state, after three weeks watching, that her -bills and the bills of the tradespeople were paid regularly, and she -saw no one but Mrs. Vence, who as not inclined to be communicative, -and that the house appeared to be as neglected now as it was when Sir -Hector first went to live in it. It would seem that the mysterious -baronet did not so much live in Maranatha as camp in it, since no -attempt was made to brush up the residence or improve the garden in -any way. Sir Hector, save for occasional walks, stayed indoors, like a -snail in a shell, and Mrs. Mellin augured ill from this suspicious -retirement. She chiefly blamed the house itself for the doings of its -tenant.</p> - -<p>"There's a cuss on it," she declared with relish, when Mrs. Craver was -speculating as to the meaning of the whole queer business. "If Solomon -hisself, as was 'appy with a thousand wives, lived in that 'ouse he'd -ha' been miserable within the week. Why, the name tells you what it -is, ma'am. What do Maranatha whisper to you but ruin, which there 'as -been, and suicide, which 'appened, and bankruptcy, with the elopement -of gels--which we know is common there. No ma'am, say what you like, -it'll be murder nex'; and 'Eaven be betwixt us and 'arm, save and -bless us." Mrs. Mellin always ended these dismal prognostications with -the observation that she hoped she would not be called upon to give -evidence at the inquest, as murders got on her nerves.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Craver was little less fortunate with her son when she asked -questions, for all that Edwin could say amounted to nothing. Sir -Hector Wyke was a rich man, and a popular man, who had been in the -army, and was now a gentleman at large. Edwin had met him in Society, -and liked him fairly well although--as he put it--Wyke was not a man -he would care to make a chum of.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Craver suggested that he should call on the baronet and renew his -acquaintance, but this Edwin refused to do. He said that if Wyke -wished to improve the acquaintance he could call at the Rectory, and -as the recluse showed no disposition to do this, it would be best to -leave him alone. The Rector agreed with his son, and Mrs. Craver -therefore found herself in the minority. All the same, she remained -intensely curious, and frequently wondered what mystery lay behind the -whole business. She even questioned, in a delicate way, Hall the -postman and Jervis the policeman, but was unable to learn anything -from either. Hall simply said that he delivered very few letters, -which were received by Mrs. Vence--whom he described as an old hag, -while Jervis declared that he saw nothing and knew nothing and heard -nothing likely to say why the tenant of Maranatha lived so -hermit-like. It was quite painful for brisk little Mrs. Craver to -learn that she could discover nothing--she knew the history and daily -doings of every soul in Hedgerton.</p> - -<p>"I'm sure, George." she said plaintively, to the Rector, "one-half the -world does not know how the other half lives."</p> - -<p>"Then I'm sure it isn't your fault or Mrs. Mellin's or Miss Pyne's -either," retorted her husband, whereat she was offended, and wondered -more than ever if she would discover the truth.</p> - -<p>To inflame her curiosity still more an event occurred at the end -of four weeks which startled her and startled everyone with its -far-reaching consequences. Sir Hector had been leading his secluded -life for quite a month when the event happened. It began in quite a -commonplace way with the delivery of a letter by Hall at Maranatha. -About seven o'clock on a foggy November evening Hall was travelling -along the esplanade on his red-painted Government bicycle when he -alighted to examine his bag. He knew that he had delivered all letters -save one, and searched his bag to find the last missive. By the light -of the lamp the postman looked at the address, and saw that it was -directed to Sir Hector Wyke at Maranatha. With a grunt of satisfaction -that his duties for the day would soon be over, Hall was about to -mount his machine again when Jervis appeared. The bulky form of the -constable loomed portentously through the mists, and Hall guessed who -he was.</p> - -<p>"Jervis," said the postman, pausing for a moment.</p> - -<p>"Hall," answered the officer, as if delivering a countersign, and -flashed his bull's-eye on the weather-beaten face of the first -speaker, "a shocking night, ain't it? Rain and fog, and bitter cold."</p> - -<p>"Why not? 'Tain't June roses as you'll smell in November, Jervis."</p> - -<p>"No, worse luck, and night dooty ain't no catch at this time of the -year. Now, I'll be bound, Hall, as you're nearly finished, and can get -home to your warm bed sharp."</p> - -<p>"And to tripe and onions, as my old woman does do a turn, Jervis," -said Hall, licking his lips. "I've only got this one letter to deliver -to Sir Hector Wyke, as folks is talking about so."</p> - -<p>"Don't see why they should talk," said the officer bluffly. "Sir -Hector pays his way and keeps himself quiet. Ain't any of my business, -or of yours."</p> - -<p>"But he never sees no one, and never comes out, and never has any -callers."</p> - -<p>"He's got one to-night," said Jervis unexpectedly. "You know Sankey?"</p> - -<p>"Him as drives the trap to and fro this place and Redleigh?"</p> - -<p>Jervis nodded and stuck his big thumbs in his belt. "Got a rotten old -fly on the job. Well, I saw it to-night with a fare in it, when Sankey -stopped to ask me where Maranatha was. I gave him the tip as it was in -Ladysmith Road, so Sankey drove off. I wonder his blessed old nag did -the three miles without falling a corpse."</p> - -<p>"Did you see who was the fare?" asked Hall, pondering.</p> - -<p>"No. Wasn't any of my business. I see you're as curious as the rest of -'em about that bar'nit. Why, Mrs. Craver herself has asked questions -by the dozen, as you might say. Anyhow, Sankey left his passenger at -Maranatha and drove back to Redleigh, for I see him returning."</p> - -<p>"Oh," remarked Hall, in guttural tones, "so his fare stops all night -with Sir Hector, I s'pose."</p> - -<p>"Why shouldn't he or her, for whether the fare was a male or a female -I don't rightly know."</p> - -<p>"Well, Sir Hector ain't 'ad no one to stay with him before."</p> - -<p>"Dessay," returned the policeman, carelessly, "but he has to make a -start. I just tell you what, Hall, you're getting like the rest of the -folk hereabouts with their jaw."</p> - -<p>"Sir Hector do live such a queer life, Jervis."</p> - -<p>"He lives the life as pleases him, as I s'pose he's got the right to."</p> - -<p>"I tell you there's something strange in a baronet coming down to -this dull place when the weather's so bad," persisted the postman, -ominously. "Have you seen the gent?"</p> - -<p>"Twice. A little gent with a waxed moustache and dressed up to the -nines with fine clothes. I touched my helmet but he only nodded, and -never stopped to pass the time o' day."</p> - -<p>"Well, he wouldn't, he being a swell and you only a copper, Jervis."</p> - -<p>"That's a nasty way of talking, Hall. S'pose I was to report you to -your superior for idling when your letter should be delivered."</p> - -<p>"And s'pose I was to tell Sergeant Purse at Redleigh as you stopped me -on the esplanade to gossip about what ain't any business of yours," -retorted Hall, tartly. "Two can play at that game, policeman."</p> - -<p>"Go and earn your salary." said Jervis, loftily, and walked away.</p> - -<p>"You go and hang yourself," was the not very obvious reply of the -postman; and the two opponents were parted by the heavy fog which -dropped its curtain between them.</p> - -<p>Chuckling over having had the last word, Hall mounted his machine and -pedalled slowly round the corner, only too anxious to deliver the last -letter and get home to his tripe and onions. He knew that the next -turning was in Ladysmith Road, and it was as well that he did, for the -mists were so thick that he proceeded with some difficulty. The man -could hear the noise of the waves through the fog, and shivered in the -chill, raw air. As there were few lamps he found himself in complete -darkness when he bicycled up the road, and therefore had to ride -cautiously. Finally, he was compelled to dismount, and take his -machine on to the pavement, feeling for guidance along the fence on -the right-hand side. Shortly he came to the first gate, and the -electric torch he carried showed him in black-painted letters "The -Firs," but he passed that gate as not being the one he wanted. The -second gate he also passed, as it was inscribed "The Elms," and then -he walked for quite a long way in the dense gloom to find Maranatha -which stood by itself. Finally, he stumbled on the third gate, the -inscription of which told him that he had reached his goal when he -flashed the electric torch on to the black letters. Hall left his -machine leaning against the fence in the dim light of the street -lamp--for at this point there was one--and opened the gate to walk -slowly up the path between the tangled herbage and under the dripping -trees. It curved gradually--a cobble-stone path overgrown with -weeds--until it ended in an open space before the house. Through the -mists a light beamed from a fanlight over the door, and Hall, anxious -to get home, rapped loudly in the approved style of the postman. There -was no answer, although he waited for quite a minute, and he searched -with his torch for the letterbox. Just as he found it and was about to -slip in the letter the door suddenly opened. A stream of radiance -poured forth to illuminate the untidy garden, and a man dashed out in -a violent hurry. In his exit, he drove Hall against one of the brick -pillars of the porch, and by the time the postman recovered his breath -the man had disappeared, running swiftly.</p> - -<p>"Here's a rum go," said Hall, speaking to himself. "I wonder if that's -the blessed baronite, and what he's up to? Here!"--he raised his voice -as he faced the open door--"anyone in? I can't wait here all night!"</p> - -<p>There was no reply. The house preserved an ominous silence, which made -Hall shiver, as Mrs. Mellin had done. Fearing that there was something -wrong, and remembering the sinister chatter of the neighbourhood, Hall -stepped hastily into the hall. It was of no great size, carpeted -throughout, and furnished with a black oak settle on one side and a -small rosewood table on the other, together with a hat-rack and an -umbrella-stand. Doors were visible right and left; while beyond were -stairs and a narrow passage beside them leading towards the back of -the house. A swinging lamp illuminated the hall, and in its light -everything appeared to be dusty and uncared for. Mrs. Vence certainly -was not a particularly good housekeeper, or she would not have -neglected her work in this fashion.</p> - -<p>Astonished by the continued silence, the postman stood hesitating in -the hall, while the sea-fog poured in like smoke through the open -door. He did not know what to do. The sudden opening of the door, and -the violent exit of the unknown man, and now this ominous silence -disconcerted Hall. He had just opened his mouth to call again, when -there came the sound of a long, faint sigh, and the door on the left -opened slowly to reveal the tottering figure of an old woman. She -gasped when she saw the postman, and suddenly appeared to gather -strength as she moved forward to seize his arm.</p> - -<p>"Where is he?" she demanded, faintly, and with a gasp. "Did you catch -him?"</p> - -<p>"Catch who, Mrs. Vence?" asked Hall, placing the letter on the -rosewood table, since Mrs. Vence did not seem capable of taking it.</p> - -<p>"The man who ran out."</p> - -<p>"No. He opened the door and pushed past me, and bolted."</p> - -<p>"Bolted!" Mrs. Vence screamed. "The villain!"</p> - -<p>"Come!" With unnatural strength she dragged the startled postman -through the door on the left and into a comfortable study, cleaner in -looks than was the hall. On the hearthrug before the fire lay a man in -evening dress face upward with a knife in his heart. Hall uttered a -cry of horror, and his teeth chattered like castanets. "Murder!" he -gasped.</p> - -<p>"Murder!" echoed Mrs. Vence, with a shrill scream. "He did it--the man -who bolted. Catch him. Catch him!" She pushed the postman fiercely out -of the room in a tremendous hurry. "Get a policeman. Catch him. Quick! -Quick!"</p> - -<p>Hall did not need much urging. With a pale face and dry lips he ran -out of the house, down the path, and through the gate, intending to -mount his bicycle and race for Jervis, who could not be far away. Then -he made a startling discovery. His bicycle was gone. Not a sign of it -remained.</p> - -<p>"The murderer has gone off on it," said Hall, blankly.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_03" href="#div1Ref_03">CHAPTER III.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>Hall was astonished to find that his bicycle had vanished. Taken by -surprise he could only stand at the gate and stare helplessly about -him. At last, thinking that something must be done, he shouted wildly -for Jervis. In his agitation it never occurred to him that the -policeman might be at the other end of the esplanade. As it happened, -however, Jervis was close at hand, and shortly his voice boomed -strangely out of the mists.</p> - -<p>"What's the trouble? Is that you Hall?"</p> - -<p>"He's dead! He's got a knife in his heart!" gasped the postman, who -was clinging to the fence and feeling sick.</p> - -<p>Jervis suddenly loomed hugely out of the fog, and entered into the -circle of blurred light cast by the street-lamp. "Who is dead?" he -asked, in surprise.</p> - -<p>"Sir Hector Wyke," babbled Hall, whose nerves were very much shaken. -"I saw him lying dead. Mrs. Vence showed me his corpse. My bicycle is -gone----"</p> - -<p>"Gone!" Jervis shook the terrified man. "Why I saw your bicycle slip -along under the lamp nigh which we were talking on the esplanade. I -come here straight when I hear your voice, wondering why you should be -in the Ladysmith Road and your bicycle----"</p> - -<p>"It was the murderer, Jervis. He dashed past me when I stopped at the -door yonder to deliver the letter you saw. He has taken my bicycle. -Stop him. He ought to be hanged. Oh, oh, oh!" He broke down, shivering -and crying.</p> - -<p>"Don't be a fool. Pull yourself together," commanded Jervis, gruffly. -"How can I follow in this fog, and with no machine to catch him up -with? Go to the telegraph-office, and wire Sergeant Purse at Redleigh -that a murder has been committed at Maranatha, and that the criminal -has escaped on a Government machine. He can't go far on a red-painted -bicycle without being captured, though the fog may help him to win -clear. Off with you, Hall, and I'll go into the house."</p> - -<p>Hall nodded feebly, "I always thought that there was something strange -about the baronet."</p> - -<p>"We ain't got time to talk about the bar'nit. You go and do what I -tell you."</p> - -<p>Thus commanded, the postman, whose nerves were all unstrung by the -sight he had seen and the tragedy which had occurred, crawled slowly -down the road into the misty darkness, clinging to the fence to aid -his progress. Jervis listened for a minute or so until the footfalls -of his messenger had died away, then assumed an official expression of -stern determination, and strode up the weedy path.</p> - -<p>The door was still open, and Mrs. Vence stood upon the threshold. From -her first words it was very evident that she had overheard the order. -"Do you think Sergeant Purse will stop the bicycle at Redleigh?" she -asked, feverishly, and laid a trembling old hand on the policeman's -arm.</p> - -<p>"I can't say. Don't seem to me as a likely thing to happen in this -fog, to say nothing of the fact that this criminal mayn't go through -Redleigh. I suppose the man who escaped is the criminal?"</p> - -<p>"If sticking knives in folks' hearts is murder, he is," retorted Mrs. -Vence, in a tart way, "any you oughter go after him at once."</p> - -<p>"I ought to see the body at once," was the gruff reply. "'Taint much -good my going on a wild goose chase in this fog. Don't you tell me my -dooty, ma'am, for I know it; none better. And be careful what you say. -as anything you do say will be used as evidence against you."</p> - -<p>"Against me?" cried the housekeeper, shrilly. "Me is as innercent as -an unborn babe. Well I never," and she looked furious enough to claw -the ruddy face of the gigantic constable.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Vence was a small and stout woman, with a brown, withered face -seamed with innumerable wrinkles. She had abundant white hair, -unbrushed and tangled, which added to her witchlike aspect as she -peered indignantly at Jervis through horn rimmed spectacles. A stuff -dress of faded blue, a dingy knitted shawl of red wool tightened over -rounded shoulders, and a pair of ragged slippers formed her attire, so -that she looked a perfect fright, maliciously observant, and -aggressively disagreeable. The constable paused for a single moment to -wonder why a gentleman should engage such a dirty and disreputable -female as a housekeeper.</p> - -<p>"You haven't touched it?" queried the policeman, examining the body of -the dead man.</p> - -<p>"Me?" Mrs. Vence began to thrill again. "Why, I haven't had time to -touch it, and I wouldn't have touched it if I had had time. I just -came in with a tray and let it fall when I saw him bending over my -poor master as he'd killed. I dropped myself and dropped the tray when -I fainted, more or less, but not quite. I heard as in a dream," -exclaimed the housekeeper, dramatically, "the postman's knock. He -waited for a minute until a second knock came, and then ran out of the -house for dear life."</p> - -<p>"By him you mean the criminal. I s'pose?" said Jervis, stolidly. "Why -didn't you stop him?"</p> - -<p>"How could I, drat you?" demanded Mrs. Vence, in querulous tones. "I -wasn't myself altogether, being in a faint, and yet not in one, as you -might say. Why, I gathered myself together us soon as I could and -tottered to the door. Then, seeing the post in the hall, I knowed as -I'd got a friend, and shoved him out to catch the rascal, drat him, -and drat you asking me why I didn't."</p> - -<p>Jervis hastily noted this statement down in his book, still kneeling, -and would have asked questions, but there came an interruption.</p> - -<p>It was Mrs. Vence who mentioned that a third person was present. -"Lawks!" said the old woman, wiping her face with her apron. "Thought -you was gone sir."</p> - -<p>At the door stood a tall man, arrayed in a fashionable overcoat, with -a knitted white silk scarf round his neck and a silk hat in his hand. -He had large, powerful limbs, a large nose, a large face, and was -large altogether. His hair and beard and moustache were iron-grey, and -his eyes were as black as the night outside.</p> - -<p>Wondering who he was, Jervis noted that he looked a truculent kind of -buccaneer, and rose to confront him, thereby revealing the body on the -hearthrug.</p> - -<p>The newcomer at the door uttered a startled ejaculation, scarcely -scriptural, and strode forward in quite a masterful way. He looked at -the dead man aghast, then turned towards the policeman with an -indignant expression, as if he suspected him of being the culprit. -"What does this mean?" demanded the buccaneer, fiercely, and pointed -to the corpse with a silver-headed cane which he held in his hand.</p> - -<p>"Sir Hector Wyke has been stabbed, as you see, sir," said Jervis, -curtly.</p> - -<p>"Good heavens!" cried the stranger. "My poor friend."</p> - -<p>"Was Sir Hector your friend, sir?" The gentleman nodded. "I came here -to see him, and hoped that he would give me a bed for the night. Dead. -Stabbed! Who killed him?"</p> - -<p>"The other gent as come," chimed in Mrs. Vence, promptly; "and a -murdering villain he is, sir. Clever too; seeing as he's got away on -the postman's bike."</p> - -<p>"Do you know anything about him?" asked Jervis, sharply.</p> - -<p>"Lawks! and how should I? I never set eyes on him afore this blessed -night."</p> - -<p>"The other gent as come," said the stranger, repeating Mrs. Vence's -earlier remark, word for word. "Nonsense. I was the only visitor Sir -Hector had to-night."</p> - -<p>"Makin' me out a liar, indeed," cried Mrs. Vence, much offended by the -imputation. "Well, I do say as you've got a face, sir. Impudence and -crime. Oh, little did I think as I'd come to sich a situation, and me -so respectable."</p> - -<p>"Hold your tongue," said Jervis, so ferociously that the old creature -started and trembled. "Let us get to the bottom of this. Who are you, -sir?"</p> - -<p>The other man produced a card. "I am Oliver Lemby," he declared, in -his deep, rich voice. "And dash you, policeman, don't look at me as -I'd got anything to do with this infernal business. I came down here -to see my friend----"</p> - -<p>"In a trap from Redleigh."</p> - -<p>"Not all the way," said Lemby, drily. "I travelled by train from -London to Redleigh. Oh! I remember. The driver of the trap stopped to -ask a policeman the way to this house. And you----"</p> - -<p>"I am the constable of Hedgerton--the only constable," said Jervis, -stiffly and a trifle imperiously. "Well, sir, and what do you know of -this?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing, dash and confound you!" snarled the truculent Mr. Lemby, who -was as aggressive as Mrs. Vence. "I sent the trap away, hoping that -Sir Hector would put me up for the night. This old hag showed me into -the drawing room."</p> - -<p>"Did you hear," said Jervis, "anything likely to make you think that a -crime was being committed?"</p> - -<p>"Hang you officer! Would I have stayed quietly in the drawing-room had -I guessed for one moment that a murder was being committed?" demanded -Lemby fiercely, and clenching his fist as if about to strike. "Wyke -saw me in the drawing-room when he arrived, and while we were talking -there came a ring at the door. Excusing himself, and asking me to stay -where I was until he came back, he went down the stairs. I waited and -waited until I was tired. Then I heard the woman shrieking, although I -did not hear what she said."</p> - -<p>"I said 'murder,'" observed Mrs. Vence, "and said it loudly, too."</p> - -<p>"Not loud enough for me to hear, however," retorted Lemby, "or I -should have been down before. However, as Wyke did not return, I -suspected, from the voices and the shrieks of this old thing, that -something was wrong, so came down to investigate. Well?"</p> - -<p>"Ho!" said Jervis, as he saw no reason to disbelieve the plain -statement. "You will have to wait, sir, until my superior officer -comes along. I have sent the postman to the telegraph office to wire -for him."</p> - -<p>"Of course I'll wait, dash you! Do you think I am going to leave this -house without finding who has murdered my poor friend? Why are you -waiting here, officer? Why don't you catch the villain?"</p> - -<p>"'Taint easy to catch a man as has gone off on a foggy night on a -bicycle, sir," said Jervis, drily. "I can't tell in which direction -he's gone."</p> - -<p>"You could trace a Government bicycle because of the colour."</p> - -<p>"I have wired to my sergeant to watch Redleigh Station for a -red-painted bike, sir. The assassin may go to Redleigh to catch the -express to London."</p> - -<p>"Not he, unless he's a born fool," retorted Lemby contemptuously, "and -his action in using the bike to escape shows that he isn't a fool by -any means. I don't think that you'll nab him easily." He stopped, then -looked at the corpse at his feet with marked emotion. "I suppose poor -Wyke is dead?"</p> - -<p>"Stone dead. He's been stabbed to the heart, as you see. Look for -yourself."</p> - -<p>"No." Lemby shrank back. "I don't meddle with corpses in charge of the -law. I think you should get a doctor."</p> - -<p>"Go for a doctor, Mrs. Vence," said Jervis, quickly, and thinking that -this was good advice. "Bring him here immediately."</p> - -<p>"Me!" cried Mrs. Vence, in her usually shrill tones. "Why, I'm a -stranger in this place but a month. I don't know where the doctor's to -be found, 'specially I on this misty night. Go yourself, or send this -gent."</p> - -<p>"I can't go myself, and the gent doesn't leave this house until my -sergeant arrives," said Jervis, grimly.</p> - -<p>Lemby drew himself up. "Officer, do you suspect me, dash you?"</p> - -<p>"I suspect no one, at present. I don't know enough."</p> - -<p>"Know enough," echoed the housekeeper contemptuously. "Why, ain't you -heard all what I've told you? It was the beast as went off on the bike -as stabbed my poor master. I saw him bending over the body when I -dropped the tray and the glasses and the wine," and Mrs. Vence pointed -to the tray and the various fragments of glass on the carpet.</p> - -<p>"But who is he?"</p> - -<p>"I dunno. I never saw him afore."</p> - -<p>"Describe him?"</p> - -<p>"He was a short man with red hair and rather stout, like me. I -couldn't see much of him, as he was muffled up in a long black -overcoat with a blue scarf round his mouth and a soft hat pulled over -his eyes. I took him to my master into this very room, and was told to -bring wine and cake in 1/2 of an hour. I was coming in with the wine, -having been waiting on the clock in the kitchen, when I see my poor -master dead and him bending over him afore I faints."</p> - -<p>"It's my opinion that we ought to have a doctor," said Lemby.</p> - -<p>Jervis agreed with Mr. Lemby; but as Mrs. Vence did not know where any -doctor lived, and as he was unable to go himself, and did not intend -to let the buccaneer leave the house, it was difficult to know what to -do. But here Providence stepped in to extricate the trio from this -dilemma. A light, quick step was heard in the hall, and a high, -silvery voice called on the housekeeper.</p> - -<p>"It's that imp, Neddy Mellin, with the washing," said Mrs. Vence, -hurrying towards the door. "Don't let the child see the corpse."</p> - -<p>She was too late. Neddy suddenly shot into the room, smiling and -angelic in his looks. But the smile died away when he saw the body. -"Crikey!" breathed the lad, turning white, "is the cove a deader?"</p> - -<p>"You leave the washing in the hall and cut!" commanded the old woman. -"How dare you come in by the front door?"</p> - -<p>"Neddy," said Jervis, who knew the lad well, as did everyone else in -Hedgerton, "go to Dr. Quin, and ask him to come here at once."</p> - -<p>"And I'll give you a shilling," said Lemby, sitting down.</p> - -<p>"I'm fly," said Neddy, promptly, and reluctantly backed out of the -room. He was anxious to earn the shilling, but still more anxious to -gaze on the body. "Let me see the deader when I come back," he called -out.</p> - -<p>"Get along with you; get along!" vociferated Mrs. Vence, and chased -him out of the front door into the mists. When she turned back after -closing the door she glanced at the rosewood table on which Hall had -placed the letter. It was gone. There was not a sign of it to be seen. -And the front door had been open from the time the man had escaped -until now. It was very strange.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_04" href="#div1Ref_04">CHAPTER IV.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>Sergeant Purse, who had come over from Redleigh to take charge of the -matter, was a foxy-faced little man, lean and dried up in appearance, -with beady black eyes like those of a rat. He was immensely interested -in the matter, as he recognised that this was no common crime, and -hoped by tracing the assassin to make a big reputation as a zealous -officer and gain advancement. The description of the murderer given by -Mrs. Vence was largely advertised, and pointed mention was made of the -red-painted bicycle. In the illustrated daily papers pictures of -Hedgerton and Maranatha appeared, both the inside and the outside of -the house being delineated. Mrs. Vence also shared the honour of this -painful publicity, and her portrait looked like that of an old witch. -She was very much annoyed by this caricature.</p> - -<p>"Me like that," screamed the housekeeper, when Sergeant Purse showed -her the picture. "Why, 'taint me at all. 'Tisn't saucy, and I always -had a bit of sauciness about me."</p> - -<p>The sergeant, laughed drily. "You were not as young as you were."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I'm growing old, I don't deny," snapped Mrs. Vence, crushing up -the paper wrathfully. "Sixty's getting on, say what you will. But I -ain't so bad-looking when all's said and done, although not so -handsome as when a gel. I'm active, too, cooking like an angel and -celebrated for my tidiness."</p> - -<p>Purse had his own opinion about this, and, staring at the disreputable -dirty old beldame, wondering for the hundredth time why a fastidious -gentleman had engaged her. "Did you know Sir Hector before you came -here?" he asked, wondering in his own mind why he had not put the -question before.</p> - -<p>"No, I didn't," retorted Mrs. Vence, alertly. "I saw an advertisement -in the paper as I picked up in a friend's house, and applied for the -situation, saying I could cook and hold my tongue, so Sir Hector -engaged me. I came down here a few days afore he did, quite a month -ago, to get the house ready, and dirty it was, with that, old Peddler, -the caretaker, as didn't half look after the furniture."</p> - -<p>"Why was it necessary for you to hold your tongue?" asked Purse, -seizing on the only phrase in the speech which seemed to be important.</p> - -<p>"Lawks! How should I know? Sir Hector, he says to me, he says, 'Hold -your tongue and don't talk, for I wants to be secret and quiet like -for a bit.' Them were his words, and inquisitions won't make me say -otherwise."</p> - -<p>"Did he explain why he wished to be secret and quiet like?"</p> - -<p>"No, he didn't drat you!" grunted the old woman, who was in a vile -temper. "He just had his dinner about six, when Mr. Lemby arrived, and -I showed him into the drorin'-room. I don't think Sir Hector, expected -him, for he seemed surprised like when I took the card of the gent -into the dinin'-room. But he said nothing to me, and went up to the -drorin'-room to have a chat, s'pose. Afore seven there was a ring at -the door, and the other gent arrived. While I was asking his business -Sir Hector came flying down the stairs and took him into the study, -telling me to come with cake and wine in a quarter of an hour. I went -to the kitchen and watched the clock, and about seven I walks in, -happy-like, into the study, knowing as I was doing my duty. There I -saw Sir Hector a corpse, and the gent bending over him, and----"</p> - -<p>"You explained all that before," interrupted the sergeant, who knew -the sequel to the statement.</p> - -<p>"Then why did you bother me to say it again?" demanded Mrs. Vence, -crabbedly.</p> - -<p>"What was the exact time when the second gentleman arrived?"</p> - -<p>"About twenty to seven; and a gent I call him, though I don't see if -he was one when he was muffled up like a Christmas-pudding. It was -twenty to seven, as I know from the kitchen clock, which I had my eye -on so's to bring in the wine and cake punctual-like."</p> - -<p>"Hall, the postman, says that he arrived at the door about seven, or a -trifle afterwards," said Purse, meditatively, "I expect the murder -took place about that time. You heard no noise?"</p> - -<p>"Drat you, how could I when in the kitchen at the back of the house, -and me not expecting horrors and corpses. I came into the study with -the victuals and drinks, as I says, and the postman knocked twice, as -I more or, less fainted, while the gent cut like the wind."</p> - -<p>"Did Sir Hector appear to be afraid of his second visitor?" -"No. He seemed to expect him, for he says, 'Oh, you've come,' or -something like that, as he drawed him into the study and sent me about -my business."</p> - -<p>"He expected him, then, and was quite friendly."</p> - -<p>"You can put it like that if you likes," snarled Mrs. Vence, hugging -herself, and rocking to and fro, "but I'd like to know when I'm to be -let go?"</p> - -<p>"After the inquest, which takes place to-morrow."</p> - -<p>"And who's going to pay me for what I've had to put up with? I didn't -get no wages from Sir Hector, me having arranged for monthly -payments."</p> - -<p>"Well, I suppose Sir Hector's heir will pay you, Mrs. Vence."</p> - -<p>"Who's he?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know. I'm off to see Mr. Lemby, who is a friend of Sir -Hector's. I may learn something about the heir from him."</p> - -<p>"Well," said Mrs. Vence, rising with an ill-humoured look, "the sooner -you get information and them wages the better. I'm travelling to -London myself after the inquest to-morrer, and I do hope as my next -situation won't be police news and chamber of horrors." She paused, -then remarked significantly, "There's the letter, you know, Mr. -Purse."</p> - -<p>"What letter?" asked the sergeant, alertly, and pricking up his ears. -"That as the post delivered when he come. He put it on the table in -the hall when talking to me. I shoved him out, and the policeman came. -Afterwards, that imp, Neddy Mellin. When things was quieter, I looked -for the letter. Never a sign of it, Mr. Purse, though I hunted -careful."</p> - -<p>"Who took it?"</p> - -<p>"Ask me another," said Mrs. Vence, cunningly. "All I can say is as the -door was open from the time the post came to the time I chased that -imp out, me being too worried to shut it."</p> - -<p>"Did the boy take it?" asked the sergeant, rather foolishly.</p> - -<p>"Lawks! and why should he? It wasn't nothing to do with him. I did ask -him, and he said as he never saw no letter on the table."</p> - -<p>"Did Mr. Lemby----"</p> - -<p>"He was in the study with the policeman, and with me and the corpse," -said Mrs. Vence, truculently. "I don't go for to tell lies, do I? But -the door was open all the time, and the fog was pouring in like steam. -If you ask me," added the old woman, slowly, "I do say as the -murderer came back for that letter."</p> - -<p>Purse jumped. "Why do you say that?"</p> - -<p>"'Cause I don't see as anyone else could have taken it. 'Course it -ain't no business o' mine, but the murderer might have slipped round -the corner on the bicycle and waited his chance to steal."</p> - -<p>"He would have acted like a fool had he done that," said Purse, -incredulously.</p> - -<p>"Well, well, it's only an idea, as you might say."</p> - -<p>"Have you any reason to----"</p> - -<p>"No, I ain't got reasons. But the letter's gone, and as no one we know -took it, someone as we don't know did. And that's sense. Well, I'm -going to make myself some tea, and trim up my popping-out bonnet, so -as to look smart for the sitting on the corpse to-morrow. This me?" -Mrs. Vance glared at the crushed newspaper. "I'll have the -law on him as did it."</p> - -<p>"Oh, go away and hold your tongue," said Purse, impatiently.</p> - -<p>"I was engaged to hold my tongue," said Mrs. Vence, with great -dignity, and tottered out of the room along the passage and into the -kitchen.</p> - -<p>Her repetition of the phrase dwelt in the sergeant's memory as he -walked to the inn where Mr. Lemby was staying pending the inquest.</p> - -<p>Purse entered the little dark and damp sitting-room, where the -buccaneer bulked largely in the twilight atmosphere. It was a gloomy, -grey day, by no means cheerful, and the sergeant was glad to warm his -hands at the fire which Lemby's desire for comfort had provided. He -also suggested a lamp.</p> - -<p>"What the dickens should I do with a lamp at twelve o'clock," asked -Lemby, bluffly. "It's darkish here I don't deny. But if you think that -I'm afraid to show my blamed face let's go outside."</p> - -<p>"I never suggested such a thing."</p> - -<p>"You hint at it because you think I have something to do with this -confounded murder, sergeant," roared the big man, garnishing his -speech with oaths after his usual fashion.</p> - -<p>"Don't talk rubbish, sir," said the sergeant, imperiously, for -although a small man he had a great idea of his own importance. -"There's no evidence to implicate you. All the same, I'm bound to say -that anything you say will be used as evidence against you, if -suspicions are aroused."</p> - -<p>"There, dash you! Didn't I say you suspect me?" growled Lemby. "Well, -you have stumbled on a mare's nest, hang you! No one was more -surprised than I was when I stumbled on that policeman and that old -hag dealing with a corpse."</p> - -<p>"No one says otherwise," remarked Purse drily. "Undoubtedly the man -who stole the bicycle is the guilty person. Do you know who he is?"</p> - -<p>"No, dash you, I don't. Wyke said nothing to me about seeing anyone."</p> - -<p>"Did he tell you that he expected a visitor?"</p> - -<p>"No. The ring came at the door about twenty or fifteen minutes to -seven, and he bolted away, asking me to wait."</p> - -<p>"And he did not return?" said the officer, musingly.</p> - -<p>"How the deuce could he, when the man had knifed him?"</p> - -<p>"No, of course not," said the sergeant, soothingly, for Lemby was a -difficult witness to deal with. "You were a friend of Sir Hector's?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, great friend."</p> - -<p>"What do you know about him?"</p> - -<p>"What everybody else knows. Everything I know is in the newspapers, as -these infernal reporters have been smelling round here."</p> - -<p>"Was there anything in Sir Hector's past life to lead you to suppose -that he had some secret likely to bring about his violent death?"</p> - -<p>"No. What a dashed roundabout way you have of asking questions! Why -don't you trace that bicycle and catch the assassin?"</p> - -<p>"All over the country I have people on the watch. They may----"</p> - -<p>"Yes, and they mayn't," interrupted the buccaneer. "And how long am I -to stay in this rotten hole?"</p> - -<p>"Until the inquest is over. It will be held to-morrow. It's strange," -went on the sergeant, "that no relative of Sir Hector's has appeared -to look after his interests. Yet the case is set forth in the -newspapers."</p> - -<p>"Wyke has no relatives," said Lemby, grimly plucking at his beard. -"The title becomes extinct. If you don't believe me ask Mr. Sandal, of -Lincoln's Inn Fields, sergeant. He is Sir Hector's lawyer. I wrote and -asked him to come down."</p> - -<p>Purse nodded approvingly. "Very wise of you, sir. But why take this -trouble?"</p> - -<p>"Because I wish to know where the property goes to. Sir Hector should, -by rights, leave it to my daughter. He was engaged to marry her."</p> - -<p>"Your daughter!" Purse started and stared.</p> - -<p>"Yes, dash you! Why shouldn't I have a daughter? Here's the case in a -nutshell, and you can make what you can of it." Lemby paused, cleared -his throat, and continued. "Sir Hector was engaged to marry my -daughter Claudia, though she wasn't overfond of him, since she loved a -chap called Craver."</p> - -<p>"That's the name of the Rector of this parish!" exclaimed Purse, -staring hard.</p> - -<p>"It's the son I mean, not the father. Well, then, Edwin Craver loved -Claudia; but I refused to allow the marriage as I wanted my daughter -to become a lady of title. Sir Hector proposed, and the marriage was -to have taken place a month ago, as I insisted that Claudia should -become Lady Wyke. Then Sir Hector wrote postponing the marriage, and -came down here."</p> - -<p>"What reason did he give?"</p> - -<p>"Said his health was bad. I tried to see him and he refused. I -couldn't find out his address for a long time, as he wrote from his -London house. Finally I got it from Craver--Edwin, I mean--and came -down the other night to force Wyke to explain his dashed impudence. -While he was explaining the ring came at the door and he bolted. The -rest you know. Well?"</p> - -<p>"Well," echoed Purse, vaguely and rather distraught. He did not know -very well what to say, as this new complication took him by surprise. -Edwin Craver loved the girl, Edwin Craver was the son of the Rector in -whose parish the crime had been committed. "Could it be that Edwin -Craver----"</p> - -<p>"No," said Lemby, reading suspicion in the sergeant's eyes. "Edwin is -innocent. I'll swear. In my opinion it was----" He hesitated, faltered -and broke down, while Purse waited for him to complete the sentence.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_05" href="#div1Ref_05">CHAPTER V.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>Lemby had some difficulty in speaking freely, and hesitated so -pointedly that Purse impatiently assisted him. "Are you going to tell -me who is the criminal?"</p> - -<p>"No," said Lemby, promptly, and now speaking readily enough. "I was -about to say that I believe it was a case of suicide."</p> - -<p>The sergeant expressed his surprise. "Suicide, when Mrs. Vence saw the -assassin bending over his victim? Ridiculous!"</p> - -<p>"It may be ridiculous, or it may not be," replied the buccaneer, -doggedly; "but from what I know of Wyke, he was in no danger from -anyone. Who the man is that Mrs. Vence saw I don't know. But Wyke -might have killed himself and the man might have been bending over his -body to afford succour."</p> - -<p>"Ridiculous," replied the sergeant. "If the strange man was innocent -he would scarcely have fled. His flight on the bicycle proves his -guilt. Besides, what reason had Wyke to commit suicide?"</p> - -<p>"What reason had he to postpone his marriage and come down to this -dismal place?" demanded Lemby, sourly. "You are asking me questions -which I cannot answer. Evidently, although I did not know it, there -was some secret in Wyke's life which made him act so strangely and -drove him to suicide."</p> - -<p>"I don't believe for one moment that he committed suicide," persisted -Purse, after a pause, and remembering how Mrs. Vence had been engaged -to hold her tongue; "but he evidently came down here to escape the man -who slew him."</p> - -<p>"He might have done so, sergeant." Lemby made a gesture, as if -brushing aside the whole subject. "Anyhow it is a sore blow to me and -to my daughter."</p> - -<p>"To you, no doubt, Mr. Lemby, as you lose the gratification of seeing -your daughter bearing a title. But, if she loves young Craver, as you -hint, I think she will be glad that Wyke is gone."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps. She's dashed obstinate. Anyhow, from what I have told you, -sergeant, you must see how absurd it is to suspect me."</p> - -<p>"I don't suspect you at all," cried Purse, rising. "When you are -examined at the inquest you will no doubt be able to explain more."</p> - -<p>"I can't explain more than I have already done." growled Lemby, -sullenly. "Is not my explanation satisfactory?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. I think it is. From the evidence given by Mrs. Vence, you did -not come down the stairs until the man was dead."</p> - -<p>"That policeman of yours can back up that statement," said Lemby, -eagerly, "and, of course, Mrs. Vence saw the assassin."</p> - -<p>"Hullo!" Purse turned sharply at the door, "I thought you believed it -was a case of suicide."</p> - -<p>"It was merely an idea," protested the other.</p> - -<p>"A very silly idea," retorted the sergeant, and took his departure, -leaving Mr. Lemby to his own thoughts, which were those of -disappointment, as he would never see his daughter Lady Wyke.</p> - -<p>During the twenty-four hours which elapsed before the inquest the -sergeant walked round Hedgerton, asking innumerable questions and -noting down innumerable answers. He learnt all about Sir Hector's way -of living, how he kept very much to himself, walked out alone, spoke -to no one, and remained indoors as a rule. He inquired at the -post-office, and discovered that the baronet had received but few -letters, newspapers, and parcels, which were generally redirected from -his town residence. Wyke evidently had made no secret of his stay in -Hedgerton, and in no way could Purse find that he was in hiding. The -man had come down, so it was supposed, for the sake of the Hedgerton -air, and had taken Maranatha on the three months' lease. Therefore, it -might be supposed that, had he not been killed he would have returned -to London at the expiration of that period to resume his ordinary -life. From Mrs. Vence's hint that she had been engaged to hold her -tongue it would appear that there was some mystery in the baronet's -life; but no mystery could be discovered in spite the sergeant's -persistent questioning. He left off as wise as he was when he began.</p> - -<p>Purse also called to see the Rector and his wife, ostensibly to ask if -they knew anything about the gentleman who had come to reside in the -parish, but really to learn what he could of young Craver. The -intimation of Lemby that his daughter loved the young man, and that he -wished to marry her, gave Purse the idea that rivalry might be the -cause of the tragedy. But on inquiry the sergeant learnt that Craver -came down to see his parents only now and then at a weeks'-end and had -not been in Hedgerton at the time, that his rival in love was killed. -Moreover, it appeared that the young man had not spoken about Miss -Lemby to his father or mother, and they were quite surprised to hear -that he had any intention of marrying. In fact, Mrs. Craver, was -indignant when she heard the story told by Mr. Lemby, and said that -Edwin would certainly have told her had he been in love. She admitted, -as did the Rector, that Edwin knew Wyke, but insisted that he knew him -merely as an acquaintance. If he had been a rival, as the Rector's -wife declared her son would assuredly have spoken against him, whereas -he only mentioned him indifferently when questioned. But, as Purse -pointed out, if young Craver kept his wooing of Miss Lemby secret from -his parents, he would scarcely have talked about the man she was being -forced to marry. The sergeant left the rectory with a feeling of -disappointment. So far as he could gather from the frank speech of Mr. -and Mrs. Craver, their son had nothing to do with the crime.</p> - -<p>The inquest took place in the Entertainment Hall--that shabby building -with the roof of galvanised iron, which was on the esplanade. Sergeant -Purse stated all that he knew, which was little enough, and terminated -his evidence with the surprising information that a telegram had -arrived from the Waking police-office saying that the bicycle had been -found. The constable who had found it would appear in due course to -relate how it had been discovered. But, as the sergeant added, there -was no trace to be found of the man who had stolen the same. This -announcement caused some excitement, as there appeared a chance of -getting at the truth, but, on the whole, Purse's statement caused -prosaic, and his evidence was anything but sensational.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Vence was then questioned, and repeated her story much in the -same words as she had used when telling it to Jervis and his superior -officer.</p> - -<p>From her evidence the jury gathered that she had been engaged by Sir -Hector, who told her to do her work and hold her tongue. She had come -down a few days before her master had taken over Maranatha from -Pedder, the caretaker, so as to put it in order. The Coroner, weary of -hearing nothings, pointedly asked her why Wyke had requested her to -hold her tongue.</p> - -<p>"He didn't ask me to hold my tongue," said Mrs. Vence, tartly. "He -asked me if I could hold my tongue; and that's a different pair of -shoes."</p> - -<p>"Well, and why did he?"</p> - -<p>"How should I know? I never was one to chatter; and there wasn't -anything to chatter about, so far as I could see. I did my work, and -he read and walked and slept, seeing no one, and keeping silent."</p> - -<p>"He saw no one save Mr. Lemby and the man who escaped on the bicycle?"</p> - -<p>"You're right there, if ever you was right in your life," was Mrs. -Vence's reply.</p> - -<p>"Did he expect Mr. Lemby?"</p> - -<p>"No, he didn't. He was quite surprised when he came unexpected, as you -might say. But he told me to show him into the drorin'-room, and went -up himself to have a chat."</p> - -<p>"And the second visitor?'</p> - -<p>"Oh, he expected him," said the witness, with emphasis, "for I heard -him say, friendly-like: 'Oh, you've come!' or something like that. He -took him into the study when he came, flying down the stairs at the -ring. Then--"</p> - -<p>Here Mrs. Vence went on to repeat how she had been sent to the kitchen -to return later with cake and wine. Afterwards she related what had -occurred until the arrival of Hall and the escape of the presumed -criminal.</p> - -<p>"Did you hear any noise of quarrelling while you were in the kitchen?"</p> - -<p>"No. I didn't. The kitchen's too far off."</p> - -<p>The Coroner asked other questions, and received more or less -satisfactory answers, as Mrs. Vence seemed anxiously eager to be -frank. But, curiously enough, no mention was made of the missing -letter left by Hall. Either Purse had not told the Coroner about this, -or it had slipped his memory. Finally Mrs. Vence left the witness-box -to give place to Mr. Oliver Lemby.</p> - -<p>He stated that he was a colonial from Australia, and had come to -England with his daughter three years ago. Having money, he had taken -his daughter into society, and there she had met the deceased, who had -proposed marriage. Witness frankly said that he approved of the -marriage, as Wyke was titled and wealthy, and, his daughter, on these -advantages being pointed out to her, was willing enough to do what she -was told. The marriage day was duly fixed, and then Sir Hector, for no -apparent reason, postponed the same and came down to live at -Hedgerton. Lemby stated how he had procured the address from Edwin -Craver, who had heard from his parents that Wyke was staying in the -parish, and related how he had come down on the night of the murder to -force Sir Hector to give an explanation. The rest of his evidence was -much the same as he had told Purse.</p> - -<p>"So that's all I know," said the witness, fiercely. "My address is -Tenby Mansions, Earl's Court, and you can find me there any dashed -time you like. I am not afraid."</p> - -<p>"There is no reason that I can see why you should be afraid," said the -Coroner, rather coldly. "You have given your evidence frankly enough. -But I ask you if you heard any noise or quarrelling while you were in -the drawing-room?"</p> - -<p>"No, I did not. Had I done so I should have come down at once, as I -never object to being in a row."</p> - -<p>"Did Sir Hector ever tell you that he was in danger of death?"</p> - -<p>"Never. I should have dashed well protected him had he said that. I -wanted him to marry my daughter, and not to die in this infernal silly -way."</p> - -<p>Afterwards the postman gave his evidence, saying he had knocked twice -at the door of Maranatha, and that at the second knock the door had -suddenly been opened, then a man had dashed out to disappear on the -bicycle into the fog. He also said that he had left the letter on the -hall table; but the Coroner did not take much notice of this -statement, little thinking how important it was.</p> - -<p>Jervis followed, and related all that he knew, which mainly was a -repetition of what Sergeant Purse had said.</p> - -<p>Then the doctor stepped into the witness-box. In his evidence he said -that a post-mortem examination had revealed the fact that deceased had -suffered from cancer.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" said the Coroner, quickly, "that is a disease impossible to -cure. Do you think. Dr. Quin, that deceased may have taken his own -life on that account?"</p> - -<p>"No," said the doctor, positively, "such a weak old man could not have -delivered so violent a blow. The knife was buried up to the hilt in -his heart, and had to pierce through a starched shirt-front and a -quilted jacket, both of which would have broken the force of the blow. -The body was clothed in a smoking-suit, if you remember, sir."</p> - -<p>"Then you don't think that Sir Hector committed suicide?"</p> - -<p>"No. I am quite certain that he did not."</p> - -<p>The final witness was the police officer who had arrived from Waking. -It appeared that the red bicycle had been found in the stable of Jonas -Sorley, who had come to the police-office to confess this. Sorley was -a carrier, and saw the advertisement about the bicycle in the -newspapers. Therefore, he had communicated with the police. Sorley, -being ill, could not come to the inquest, but the officer brought his -sworn deposition.</p> - -<p>From this it appeared that on the night when the crime was committed -at Hedgerton Sorley was jogging along in his cart from Bethley to -Waking, some twenty miles away. When he left Bethley there was no -bicycle in his cart, but when he arrived at Waking there was.</p> - -<p>"The bicycle of Hall, the postman?" asked the Coroner.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir. It's the same number. But Sorley cannot say how the bicycle -came to be in his cart. It was nearly midnight when he arrived at -Waking."</p> - -<p>This unsatisfactory statement completed the evidence, and there was -nothing for it but that the jury should bring in an open verdict, -which they accordingly did. Everyone agreed with this but the -buccaneer, who insisted to Sergeant Purse, when the proceedings were -over, that the escaped man was the assassin, and should be directly -accused.</p> - -<p>"But we don't know his name, so how can a verdict be given against -him?" was the sergeant's reply. "An open verdict is sufficient. We can -search for the man, and when we find him we can hang him."</p> - -<p>"Yes, when you find him," jeered Lemby, contemptuously. "You'll never -find him!"</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_06" href="#div1Ref_06">CHAPTER VI.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>With the open verdict, the red bicycle case, as it was called, ended -for the time being, as no new evidence was forthcoming likely to -elucidate the problem. Wyke's assassin had suddenly emerged out of the -mists to commit the crime, and had as suddenly vanished into them -again. In spite of all efforts it was impossible for the police -authorities to find him.</p> - -<p>Some society papers gave many details regarding the life of the dead -baronet, but stated nothing of any moment. Sir Hector had a good -income and a good position, apparently being a harmless old -trifler, who idled luxuriously day after day. He had no relations, -therefore the title became extinct, while the property--so said the -newspapers--lapsed to the Crown. For a time the old dandy was missed -in certain circles, but, as usual, was speedily forgotten. Even the -hinted romance of Miss Lemby being engaged against her will to Wyke -ceased to interest people, and the girl herself was very glad that -this should be the case.</p> - -<p>At Hedgerton the sensation lasted longer. But when Mrs. Vence departed -bag and baggage, when Sergeant Purse took his leave, and Lemby -returned to London, the excitement gradually died away. Maranatha was -again placed in the hands of old Pedder as caretaker, and again was -advertised to let furnished.</p> - -<p>When Christmas was over and the New Year dawned, Oliver Lemby proposed -to his daughter that they should return to the Antipodes. The -buccaneer was now weary of the restraints of civilisation, and having -failed to marry Claudia to a titled husband, desired to go back to -his old free life. Father and daughter discussed the matter in the -drawing-room of their Tenby Mansion flat, and quarrelled openly. This -was scarcely to be wondered at, as Lemby had a violent temper, while -Claudia was not the girl likely to submit to being bullied. The pirate -was half annoyed and half pleased by her opposition.</p> - -<p>"You're a chip of the old block, my girl," he said, smoking furiously, -"and can hold your dashed own with anyone; but you ain't going to hold -it with me."</p> - -<p>"Oh, you'll listen to sense, dad," said Claudia, coolly.</p> - -<p>"That's so," Lemby assured her, in quite a dry American style; "but -then you ain't talking sense. What's the use of staying longer in -this worn-out country when you can't get a husband."</p> - -<p>"I've got a husband," declared the girl, equably.</p> - -<p>"I take your meaning. But the husband you've spotted ain't got no -handle to his name. That Craver chap you mean, don't you? Not much. -Rank and riches for you, Claudia, and if you don't hook them, back you -go with me to the South Seas."</p> - -<p>"I won't," said Claudia, firmly. "Go yourself, dad, and leave me -here."</p> - -<p>Lemby, lounging in a deep chair with a pipe between his teeth and a -glass of whisky at his elbow, stared at her with half-closed eyes. He -privately decided that she was much too handsome to be allowed to -throw herself away in a hurry. Claudia had a fine figure, hair like -sunshine, and laughing azure eyes, together with a perfect complexion, -very red lips, and the whitest of teeth. She was tall and largely -made, most imposing in her looks, and carried herself so haughtily -that the stately Roman name suited her exactly. If Lemby was not a -gentleman, his daughter was emphatically a lady, for race showed -itself plainly in her slender hands and feet, as in her finely-cut -features. From her father she inherited her large frame and shapely -body, while her ripe beauty came from her mother. The buccaneer had -captured a gentlewoman, who was lured into marriage by his dare-devil -looks. But for many years he had been a widower.</p> - -<p>"It was a mighty pity Wyke died," said Lemby, regretfully, and -ignoring his daughter's defiance. "He had a title, five thousand a -year, and a fine house in Devonshire, besides a position in society. I -reckon you'd have fitted the position first-class, Claudia. Blamed bad -luck, I call it, his pegging out under the knife."</p> - -<p>"Well, dad, he's dead, so there's no more to be said," said the girl, -impatiently.</p> - -<p>"There's a heap more to be said, my dear. No one gets the title, I -guess, as the old man had no relatives. But the cash, Claudia?"</p> - -<p>"I saw in some society paper that it goes to the Crown," said Claudia, -carelessly, for she was young enough to care little for money, never -having felt the need of it.</p> - -<p>"I ain't so sure of that," muttered her father, slowly drinking the -whisky to inspire him; "the old man was so much in love with you that -he told me he intended to leave you the dibs."</p> - -<p>"If I married him, I suppose--not otherwise."</p> - -<p>"That ain't certain, my girl. You were willing to marry him, so----"</p> - -<p>"I wasn't!" she flashed out, sharply. "You forced me."</p> - -<p>"Why shouldn't I force you? You are my daughter, ain't you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; but I'm not your slave. I didn't want to be Lady Wyke."</p> - -<p>"No. You wish to be Mrs. Edwin Craver, and I'll jolly well see as you -don't. Seems to me, Claudia, that it would be only fair for him to -leave you his pile."</p> - -<p>"Didn't he give you an explanation when you called?"</p> - -<p>"No. I told you before that he didn't. Said as he'd come back to the -drawing-room to clear things up, and naturally didn't when he pegged -out in the study below. Anyhow, it's on the cards as he might have -made a will in your favour. And," added the buccaneer, emphatically, -"I'm dashed well determined to see the sharp as handles his business."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Sandal, in Lincoln's Inn Fields?"</p> - -<p>"That's him. Wyke told you as he told me about Sandal when he -mentioned that marriage settlements were to be drawn up. I guess I'll -look him up to see if the old man did the right thing by you. It's -dashed queer as he should have postponed the marriage when he -worshipped the blamed ground you walked on, Claudia, my girl."</p> - -<p>"It is strange; it was strange," admitted Claudia, pondering. "I can't -understand it myself, although I am glad that he acted as he did. -Perhaps, knowing that I loved Edwin, he changed his mind about making -me his miserable wife."</p> - -<p>"Miserable!" jeered the pirate, contemptuously. "Miserable with a -title and five thousand a year. Shucks! my girl, you're talking -through your hat. Well, I reckon I'll see Sandal, and learn if there's -a will in your favour."</p> - -<p>"I don't want Sir Hector's money," said Claudia, setting her mouth -obstinately. "I don't accept a penny of his money, will or no will."</p> - -<p>"Then I'll accept it for you," said Lemby, coolly, and heaved his big -body out of the chair. "We can't live on nothing, can we?"</p> - -<p>Claudia turned sharply from the window, out of which she was looking. -"Live on nothing?" she repeated, blankly, for the words conveyed no -sense to her.</p> - -<p>"That's it, my girl." Lemby stretched himself with a yawn. "My pile -never was a big one. It's time for us to get back to the Sunny South -and make dollars, failing the old man's cash dropping in."</p> - -<p>"But I thought we were rich," expostulated Claudia, in dismay. "If -not, why did we come to England to live in so expensive a style?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I wanted to do the right thing by you, my girl," said the pirate, -truculently. "I saw as you were a high-stepper when I looked you up at -that blamed school in Sydney. I had enough to give us a few years of -luxury, so I yanked you home to snatch a husband of the sort I -wanted."</p> - -<p>"In plain English," cried Claudia, turning very red, and clenching her -hands as she faced her father, "you took me into the slave-market; to -sell me to the highest bidder?"</p> - -<p>"Shucks!" said Lemby, uneasily, for Claudia had a whirlwind temper, -which was rising rapidly.</p> - -<p>"It's not shucks, or anything like shucks," she retorted, stamping her -foot. "I don't recognise your right to choose mv husband. I am a human -being as well as your daughter, and I intend to arrange my life for -myself."</p> - -<p>"What about the ten commandments?" sneered Lemby, hedging. "'Children, -obey your parents,' ain't it?"</p> - -<p>"'Parents, respect your children,'" counter-quoted the girl. "And how -can I respect you, dad, when you tried to force me into a disagreeable -marriage. Like a fool, I allowed you to bully me into promising to -marry Sir Hector. But now that he is dead and buried I shall act as I -please."</p> - -<p>"I shan't let you."</p> - -<p>"I shan't ask you to let me. See here, dad, it's time we understood -one another, as you are going the wrong way to work with me. Have you -any money?"</p> - -<p>"Enough to get back first-class to Australia with a few dollars to see -the year out. And I guess I can raise enough in Sydney to hire a -schooner and to take up the copra business again. If I stay here I -can't get along anyhow. It depends if Wyke left you the dibs."</p> - -<p>"I don't believe he has left me any dibs, as you call it," said -Claudia, who was now very pale, for the revelation had startled her -considerably. "Can't you leave me enough to live on for six months? I -can get a situation as a governess until Edwin is rich enough to marry -me."</p> - -<p>"He shan't marry you," declared Lemby, looking fierce. "Craver's only -a manager in that blamed motor-car factory. He ain't even a partner."</p> - -<p>"He will be a partner one day when he gets money to put into the -firm," said the girl in a low voice and keeping her temper well in -hand.</p> - -<p>"And where's he going to get the cash? His father's just a blamed -sky-pilot in a dashed township, the place where Wyke handed in his -cheques. Craver will never be rich, and will never have a title, so he -don't marry you."</p> - -<p>She clenched her hands, hardened her face, and stepped up to her -tyrannical parent looking just as fierce as he did. "I don't want a -title, and I don't want money," she said, passionately. "I want to -marry the man I love, and Edwin is that man. I intend to become his -wife, in spite of you."</p> - -<p>"You just try it, that's all."</p> - -<p>"I intend to try. I have begun to try."</p> - -<p>"You'll obey me."</p> - -<p>"I shan't. I'll obey my conscience."</p> - -<p>"I'll twist your neck, dash you!" roared the buccaneer, infuriated by -this opposition, which he quite expected.</p> - -<p>"Oh, no you won't!" Claudia slipped aside, as he lunged forward, and -placed the breadth of the room between them. "You were always a bully -father, and are just the kind of slave-driver who should be in the -forecastle of a tramp steamer. But you don't bully me. I'll die first. -So there," and she stamped.</p> - -<p>"Dashed spitfire, you are," he growled. "Have it your own silly way. -But you don't marry that engineer bounder, mind."</p> - -<p>"Edwin is not a bounder!" cried Claudia, indignantly. "He's a -bred-and-born gentleman. While I," she added, bitingly, "I am your -daughter."</p> - -<p>"Oh"--Lemby began to laugh good-humouredly--"I see what you're getting -at, my girl. No, I ain't a gilded Lord, for sure, and never pretended -to be. I'm just plain Oliver Lemby, as deals square by them as deals -square with him. But your mother was a lady, Claudia, so your blood -ain't all mud, remember."</p> - -<p>"Why don't you remember, dad," she retorted, angrily, "and treat me -with some sort of respect? I know you're kind-hearted, and mean well: -but your manners are awful. Be civil."</p> - -<p>"I am civil--as civil as I need be to my own daughter."</p> - -<p>"Because I am your daughter, that's no reason why I should be bullied. -But it's no use talking, dada," she ended wearily, "you'll never -understand."</p> - -<p>"I understand this--that I'm going to move heaven and earth to get -that cash of Wyke's which ought to come to you," said Lemby, sullenly; -"and whether I get it or not, I've got to get out of this country, and -you too."</p> - -<p>"Why have you to get out?" asked Claudia, stuck by the queer -expression on her father's florid face.</p> - -<p>Lemby shuffled and twisted, evading a direct answer. "I ain't got any -dibs, for one thing. I told you so."</p> - -<p>"But if you get this money of Sir Hector's?" asked the girl, trying to -arrive at his meaning, for she saw that there was something behind his -speech.</p> - -<p>"I'll go, all the same." Lemby looked at the carpet and scowled.</p> - -<p>"But why?"</p> - -<p>"Because I choose to. That's why," he burst out furiously.</p> - -<p>"Now, dad"--Claudia held up a warning hand--"we have had one scene, so -don't let us have another. You won't succeed in getting your way with -me."</p> - -<p>"You are an ungrateful minx!"</p> - -<p>"Oh" Claudia sat down with a careless shrug--"call me as many names as -you like. That matters little. But don't go too far."</p> - -<p>"What will you do if--"</p> - -<p>"If you go too far," interrupted the girl, her breast heaving with -passion, and her eyes flashing, "I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll -leave this flat and go out to find a situation."</p> - -<p>"Nobody will take you," said Lemby, uneasily, for he knew, what she -was capable of when her temper was aroused, as it certainly was at -present.</p> - -<p>"That's my business, dad."</p> - -<p>The buccaneer walked towards the door, halted there irresolutely, and -then looked round the room cautiously. After a long pause, he stole -forward lightly to bend down and whisper in his daughter's ear. "If -you don't come with me and light out straight, you'll see me in -trouble."</p> - -<p>"What kind of trouble asked Claudia, shrinking back.</p> - -<p>"Trouble of the worst. I've risked a lot to get that cash of Sir -Hector's."</p> - -<p>"Risked what?" Claudia shivered and faltered.</p> - -<p>"My good name, my liberty, my life."</p> - -<p>"Dad!" She sprang up with a cry.</p> - -<p>"My life," repeated Lemby, emphatically, and walked out of the room.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_07" href="#div1Ref_07">CHAPTER VII.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>When her father left the room after giving his ominous hint, the girl -throw herself full-length on the sofa and covered her face.</p> - -<p>In a frank manner Lemby had stated that he wanted money, and that he -had risked much to obtain the same. His reference to the chance of -losing good name, liberty, and life, could only mean that he was in -some way concerned in the Hedgerton crime. Claudia knew that he had -gone down to see Sir Hector and to demand an explanation--she knew -that he had actually been in the house when the death took place. -Certainly, on the face of it, he was exonerated by the evidence of the -policeman and the housekeeper; yet it now appeared that he was less -innocent than was supposed. The girl did not dare to think that he was -the guilty person, for, rough as were his manners, she could not -believe that he would so callously slay an old and feeble man. Still, -in a moment of impatience he might have had something to do with the -sinister affair. His own words hinted as much, and he had said just -enough to make Claudia long for her own peace of mind to know more. -The girl, with her face buried in the sofa-cushion, raged silently and -strongly.</p> - -<p>Suddenly, a touch on her shoulder brought her to her feet with a loud -scream, and she quite startled the person who had thus aroused her. He -was a tall and handsome young man, with closely-cropped, brown hair, a -clean-shaven face, and shrewd eyes of hazel, merry and bright, but now -he looked quite dismayed at the dishevelled aspect of the girl. "My -dearest Claudia, what is the matter?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, Edwin!" At the sound if his kind voice she broke down altogether, -and in a moment she burst into tears. "Oh, Edwin!" That was all she -could gasp out as she threw herself into his arms.</p> - -<p>"My dear! My dear!" Craver sat down on the sofa and gently drew the -girl on to his knee to soothe her. "What is the matter? There! there! -Don't speak. Let me get you a glass of water."</p> - -<p>"No," sobbed Claudia, hastily drying her eyes. "I'm behaving like a -fool. I'll feel better in a few minutes. But hold me tightly, Edwin. -Let me feel that I have someone who loves me."</p> - -<p>Without a word the young man petted her and calmed her, and gradually -restored her to reason. Claudia's sobs grew less violent, her limbs -ceased to tremble, and shortly she slipped out of her lover's arms to -stand up. "I am silly," she confessed, and walked across the room to -look at her disorder in a mirror over the fireplace. "You beast!" -said Claudia, staring at her red eyes and tumbled hair. "Why can't you -behave," and she stamped viciously.</p> - -<p>Craver rose and moved gently behind her to lay his arm across her -shoulder with a smile. Claudia appreciated the diplomatic way in which -he was dealing with her, and now that she was more composed turned to -face him squarely and take his two hands within her own.</p> - -<p>"My dear," cried Claudia, bending forward to kiss him, "you always do -me good."</p> - -<p>"I'm glad" Edwin returned the kiss with interest. "But what is the -matter?"</p> - -<p>"Dad's the matter. He always is the matter, I don't mind his raging, I -am quite used to that, and he really can't help it. But when he -says----" She hesitated.</p> - -<p>"Says what?"</p> - -<p>"I can't tell you just now, as it upset me altogether. Wait for a -time, Edwin, and let us talk all round the shop. Then I can gradually -lead up to what he said. Oh, it's awful!"</p> - -<p>"It must be," rejoined Craver, with a perplexed look, "to upset you so -much. I know you are not an hysterical girl, Claudia. Come and sit -down, so that we can talk at our ease, and, you can give me some tea -in half ah hour. I'm dying of thirst."</p> - -<p>"You shall have some tea now, or you may die," said Claudia in a -lively tone, and touching the bell. "Luckily your father has gone out, -and will not be back for a long time. We'll be all alone."</p> - -<p>"That will be Paradise," said Craver, gaily, and dropped into the deep -armchair, lately occupied by the pirate; while Claudia gave orders to -the neat maid-servant who appeared. "Come and sit down, dear."</p> - -<p>"In this chair," replied Claudia, seating herself opposite to him, and -placing a light bamboo table between them. "We must be sensible."</p> - -<p>"I get so much sense in business," sighed the young man, "that I come -here to indulge in a little delicious folly. Do you feel better, -darling?" and he leant his elbows on the table to touch her hand.</p> - -<p>"Much better. You have given me strength, which I needed. And you are -so very strong, Edwin. Much stronger than father, as you don't waste -your powers in boasting and swanking."</p> - -<p>"My dearest girl, you must not talk of your father in that way."</p> - -<p>"What is the use of blinking at facts?" retorted Claudia, with a -pretty shrug. "I love dad, who is kind to me after his truculent -fashion. But he really does swank, as you know. Admit it at once, -sir."</p> - -<p>"I admit it right enough. But he's a real good sort, you know, -Claudia."</p> - -<p>"So long as he gets his own way he's a good sort," retorted the girl, -sharply; "but it never strikes him that I want my own way sometimes."</p> - -<p>"As how?"</p> - -<p>"I want to marry you."</p> - -<p>"Well, now that poor old Wyke is dead, that's all settled, isn't it?"</p> - -<p>"Not so far as dad is concerned. He wants me to marry money. I was -weak enough to give in to him over Sir Hector, but now I have to -fight, for my freedom, and you must help me."</p> - -<p>Craver looked rather grim and very determined. "Oh, I'll do that. No -one marries you but me. You never would have become engaged to Wyke -had you----"</p> - -<p>"Had I really and truly loved you," finished Claudia swiftly. "I know -quite well what you mean, Edwin. But you have never lived with my dad. -He would wear out the Archangel Gabriel to get his own way. I fought -and fought till I could fight no longer. Then I gave in. But fate has -now cut the knot, and I'll see that it isn't tied again."</p> - -<p>"Your father will worry you, of course?"</p> - -<p>"He's certain to. But I'll run away and become a governess. Oh, here's -Jane." She swept some papers off the bamboo table and helped to lay -the cloth and adjust the tea-things. "Thank you, Jane. I shan't want -anything more."</p> - -<p>"I don't like the idea of your being a governess," said Edwin, who had -been carefully considering the proposition while the parlourmaid was -present, and argued about it now that she was gone. "You are too -handsome to be a governess."</p> - -<p>"And not clever enough, you might add," retorted Claudia, pouring out -the tea; "but I must do something. Dad worries and worries and -worries. He wants to return to the South Seas to make more money, and -insists that I shall go with him."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Claudia!" Craver dropped the piece of bread and butter he had -picked up. "Oh, Claudia!"</p> - -<p>"It's all very well saying, 'Oh, Claudia'; but facts have to be faced. -And very uncomfortable facts, too, now that I am coming to them."</p> - -<p>"Coming to what?"</p> - -<p>"To the facts which upset me," Claudia pushed back her chair, and -leant her elbow on her knee and her chin on her hand. "Edwin, what do -you know about this dreadful murder of Sir Hector?"</p> - -<p>Craver started so violently that he spilt his tea and had to set the -cup down in a hurry. "Good heavens, Claudia, what do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"What I say. I speak plainly enough don't I?"</p> - -<p>"What should I know about the murder except what I read in the -newspapers?" was Craver's reluctant reply. "Because it took place in -my father's parish that does not mean my having anything to do with -it."</p> - -<p>"I never suggested your having," said Claudia, in a cross tone. "How -you do jump to conclusions. But dad was in the house when Sir Hector -was killed."</p> - -<p>"Yes. Upstairs in the drawing-room. He came down when----"</p> - -<p>"When the crime was committed. Mrs. Vence and the policeman said that -Sir Hector was dead before dad appeared in the study."</p> - -<p>"Yes. So I read in the report of the inquest proceedings. Well?"</p> - -<p>"Well if that is the case dad is innocent."</p> - -<p>Craver stared. When Claudia first broached the unpleasant subject he -had turned pale, but now the colour was slowly creeping back into his -sunburnt face. "Of course, Mr. Lemby is innocent," he said, after a -pause. "There never was any question of his having anything to do with -the death."</p> - -<p>"Sir Hector was rich," said Claudia, in apparently an irrelevant -manner.</p> - -<p>Craver nodded, wondering what she meant. "Five thousand a year -according to the gossip of the newspapers."</p> - -<p>"Well," continued the girl, "dad is poor, and wants money. He hoped to -get it by making me marry Sir Hector. But as I did not become Lady and -as I never can be owing to the death, dad is in a hole."</p> - -<p>"My dear Claudia, I really don't know what you mean?"</p> - -<p>"I'm just coming to the point now," said the girl, nervously, and her -lips quivered. "You know that dad went down to ask Sir Hector why he -had postponed the marriage?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. Did he receive an explanation?"</p> - -<p>"No. Sir Hector was about to give him one when the ring came at the -door, and Sir Hector went down to see the man who murdered him."</p> - -<p>"He might not have murdered him," murmured Craver looking down at his -cup.</p> - -<p>"Nonsense! Why should he have fled if he was innocent?" said Claudia, -hurriedly. "But let that pass, Edwin. The point is that dad did not -get an explanation; but somehow he has got it into his head that Sir -Hector may have left me the money by will."</p> - -<p>"On what grounds does he believe that?"</p> - -<p>"I can't tell you. He did not say. But to-day he has gone to see Mr. -Sandal in Lincoln's Inn Field, who is Sir Hector's lawyer. And when he -left this very room." continued Claudia, sinking her voice to a -frightened whisper, "he said that he had risked his reputation, his -liberty, and his life to get money."</p> - -<p>Craver looked hard at the girl, and seemed to be about as nervous as -she was herself. "Did he say that, he had risked so much to get this -particular money of Sir Hector's?"</p> - -<p>"No. But he more or less implied it."</p> - -<p>"And you took it to mean that he had killed----"</p> - -<p>"No." Claudia leapt to her feet with a look of positive terror on her -face, so greatly was she moved. "Don't say it. It's impossible. Dad is -rough and fierce but he would never kill a feeble old man like Sir -Hector. Besides, there was no reason why he should, as when I married -Sir Hector the money would have come to me as the wife while he lived -and afterwards the widow. And what I had I should, of course, share -with dad."</p> - -<p>"You forget," remarked Craver politely, "that as the marriage was -postponed there was every chance that it might not take place."</p> - -<p>Claudia's nostrils dilated and her bosom heaved. "Are you against -dad?" she asked sharply. "If you are, I wish you had let me know. Then -I could have held my tongue."</p> - -<p>"I am not against your father," said Craver, steadily; "but I wish to -place all points before you. I do not believe Mr. Lemby is guilty, -although his sayings are dark and ominous."</p> - -<p>"They upset me altogether!" cried the girl, restlessly. "Therefore, -Edwin, until you find out who stabbed Sir Hector, we cannot marry."</p> - -<p>"Claudia!" He was dismayed by this speech.</p> - -<p>"I mean it!" she declared, waving him back. "I shall never be happy -until the truth is known. Learn who murdered Sir Hector, and exonerate -my dad."</p> - -<p>"I'll do my best, although you set me a hard task. But this money----"</p> - -<p>"Well?" demanded the girl, seeing how nervous her lover was.</p> - -<p>Craver moved slowly towards the door. "You will never get it. Nor will -your father. Sir Hector did not leave his fortune to either of you."</p> - -<p>Claudia stared when her lover disappeared. She wondered if he knew -more about the crime than he admitted. Her father, her lover--was one -or the other guilty?</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_08" href="#div1Ref_08">CHAPTER VIII.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>When in the street, Craver turned over in his mind what the girl had -said relative to the hint given by her father. Undoubtedly Lemby had a -superlatively bad temper, and undoubtedly he had been in the house -when the crime was committed. Adding to this the fact that Wyke -disliked Claudia's father and had a bitter tongue, it did not seem -impossible that the pirate might have struck the blow in a moment of -anger. Before the arrival of the postman, and while Mrs. Vence was in -the kitchen, Lemby might have slipped down from the upstairs -drawing-room to commit the crime and then have slipped up again. But -against this was to be placed the fact that a second visitor was not -only in the house, but in the company of the baronet. Lemby could -scarcely have used the knife while the other man was present. On the -whole, Craver was perplexed by the situation, and wondered what he -should do. If Lemby took his daughter to Australia, Craver felt sure -that he would never see her again, as he himself was unable to leave -England. And Lemby, if implicated in the death of his proposed -son-in-law, would certainly return to his native land to escape -possible arrest. For quite ten minutes Craver stood by the Underground -Station at Earl's Court considering how be act. Finally, he made up -his mind as to his next step, and took a ticket to Blackfriars.</p> - -<p>When in the train the young man reflected on the conclusion he had -arrived at. This was to follow Lemby to Mr. Sandal's office, and -frankly offer his assistance in extricating the pirate from his -dilemma on condition that Claudia should be allowed to marry him. It -was difficult to see how he could help the pirate since he knew so -little. Two heads are always better than one, and Craver believed that -Lemby would consent to the marriage in order to gain a friend while in -trouble. Craver alighted on the Blackfriars platform with the -conviction that he was going on a wild-goose chase. Nevertheless, -failing all else, he believed it was worth while to act as he -intended.</p> - -<p>Edwin knew where Mr. Sandal's office was situated, as Sir Hector had -mentioned on a momentous occasion the name and address of his lawyer. -So the young man walked up to the Strand, and soon found himself in -Lincoln's Inn Fields. In a few minutes he was at the door of the -building in which Mr. Sandal's office was situated, and was mounting -the stairs. On inquiry it appeared that Lemby had arrived, and was -awaiting the interview with Mr. Sandal, who was engaged for the time -being. Craver rejoiced that there was a chance of seeing the pirate -before he interviewed the lawyer, and requested to be shown into the -waiting-room. The clerk opened a side door to admit him into the same, -and then closed it again. Seated near a table covered with magazines -and newspapers for the convenience of waiting clients was Lemby -reading one of the newspapers. He raised his eyes when the door -opened, and rose to his foot when he saw Craver. The astonishment of -the buccaneer was very apparent.</p> - -<p>"What on earth are you doing here, Craver?" he asked in his truculent -way. "I did not know that Sandal was your lawyer?"</p> - -<p>"Nor is he," replied Craver, taking a seat and thus forcing Lemby to -resume his former position. "I came here to see you."</p> - -<p>"Oh, did you? And who told you that I was here?"</p> - -<p>"Claudia."</p> - -<p>"Miss Lemby to you, Craver," said the pirate, gruffly. "I suppose you -slipped in to see my daughter immediately my back was turned. A nice -way of behaving, I must say."</p> - -<p>"I am behaving in a perfectly honourable way," retorted Craver, much -nettled.</p> - -<p>"Well, I don't think so, dash you! I refuse to allow you to make love -to Claudia, as I don't intend you shall marry her. I told you so -before."</p> - -<p>"You did, while Sir Hector was alive. Now that he is dead there is no -reason why I should not marry your daughter."</p> - -<p>"There is every reason, and one confoundedly strong one." snarled -Lemby, glaring furiously. "You have no money. When Wyke was alive I -told you to keep away from my flat, and now that he is dead you might -have had the decency to do what I asked you to do."</p> - -<p>"See here, Mr. Lemby." said Craver, steadily. "I love Claudia, and I -intend to marry her. She yielded to your pressing wishes and became -engaged to marry Sir Hector. He is dead now, and I intend to have my -innings."</p> - -<p>"Like your dashed impertinence to think so!"</p> - -<p>"Speeches of that kind won't turn me from my resolution, Mr. Lemby," -said the young man, coldly.</p> - -<p>Lemby appeared confused for the moment, and cast down his eyes. "I -won't have it," he declared with a growl. "Claudia's my daughter, and -she shall marry whom I choose."</p> - -<p>"She won't. She shall marry me. It is about that matter I have come to -see you, Mr. Lemby."</p> - -<p>"Oh, have you? And do you think that I am going to be spied upon and -followed and worried and chased? Well, you are mistaken. Clear out, -and mind your own dashed business."</p> - -<p>Lemby was on the point of losing his temper, according to his usual -fashion; but Craver did not mind. The hotter Lemby got the cooler was -the young man, and the more composed was his speech. "I have come to -see after your business, Mr. Lemby," he said, significantly.</p> - -<p>"I shan't allow you to meddle with that," snapped the angry pirate.</p> - -<p>"It is better that I should meddle with it than that the police----"</p> - -<p>"Here"--Lemby jumped up in a violent hurry--"drop it! You are going -too far, Craver. What the deuce have the police to do with me?"</p> - -<p>"This much. They want to know exactly what took place at Maranatha -while you were in the house."</p> - -<p>Lemby winced but still kept up his defiance. "I told all that I knew -at the inquest," he blustered, "and Sergeant Purse was quite -satisfied."</p> - -<p>"Ah, so you think," hinted Craver, bluffing boldly; "but he may have -his suspicious of you. If he takes action----"</p> - -<p>"Takes action." Lemby rose up, and sat down with a positive look of -terror on his face. "I don't know what you mean," he ended, doggedly.</p> - -<p>"I mean that you want money, and that you risked reputation, liberty -and life to, get it." Craver looked significantly at his proposed -father-in-law.</p> - -<p>Lemby recognised his own speech to Claudia. "You have been listening -to the conversation between me and my daughter," he said, fiercely.</p> - -<p>"No, I have not. But after you left the flat I saw Claudia, and she -sought my counsel."</p> - -<p>"It's none of your business, Craver, and Claudia is a minx for talking -to you about my affairs."</p> - -<p>"It is my business," insisted the young man, firmly. "I hear that you -want Claudia to go with you to Australia, and I don't intend her to -go."</p> - -<p>"Oh! don't you," sneered the other, "And how do you intend to stop her -going?"</p> - -<p>"Ah! that remains to be seen."</p> - -<p>"You're a confounded scoundrel!"</p> - -<p>"Gently, Mr. Lemby," said Edwin, resolutely, keeping his temper. "If I -were what you call me, I could easily stop your projected journey to -Australia by informing Sergeant Purse what you said to Claudia. But I -don't intend to do that. I followed you here as your friend to offer -my services."</p> - -<p>"I don't want them," vociferated the pirate, looking uneasy.</p> - -<p>"Think again, Mr. Lemby. You are in a difficult position, and -notwithstanding your frankness at the inquest. Sergeant Purse may have -suspicions that you did not reveal all. You need a friend, and I am -willing to be that friend."</p> - -<p>"At a price, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"Naturally. I wish you to consent to my marriage with Claudia if I -succeed in getting you out of this trouble."</p> - -<p>Lemby rose again, and began to walk up and down the room like a caged -beast. "I am in no trouble," he raged fiercely.</p> - -<p>"No, not now; but you may be. And your words to Claudia hint that you -expect some sort of trouble."</p> - -<p>"She had no right to speak to you."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I think she had," rejoined Craver, equably. "Claudia knows that I -love her and am her true friend. You have caused her much distress by -your hints that you are in danger, so it is right that she should seek -comfort from me. And as you are her father, it is not likely that I -will jeopardise your freedom."</p> - -<p>"I am in no danger of losing my freedom," was the angry reply.</p> - -<p>"Then why did you use those words to Claudia?"</p> - -<p>"To make her do what I want."</p> - -<p>"Well, Mr. Lemby"--Edwin rose with an air of finality--"you know your -own business best. I came here to offer my services on condition that -you allow me to marry your daughter. But as you refuse to listen to -sense you must be content to risk the suspicions of Purse. I apologise -for having troubled you."</p> - -<p>"Here"--Lemby stopped the young man as he moved towards the -door--"don't be in a hurry. I expect to see Mr. Sandal every moment, -but we can talk for a few minutes. Are you honest?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I, am, and you know that I am."</p> - -<p>"Well, then, leave matters as they are for a day or so until we can -have a long and exhaustive talk. I have come here, to see if Wyke has -left his money to Claudia, which he should do, considering how badly -he treated her. If he has acted fairly and squarely Claudia and I will -be in clover; if not, I may require your assistance."</p> - -<p>"I am willing to give it if you will promise to remain in England."</p> - -<p>"For the time being I shall remain," said the pirate, grudgingly. "I -have no reason to run away in spite of my speech to my daughter of -which you have made such clever use, dash you."</p> - -<p>"Then I take it that you have nothing to do with the murder?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, you can take it that way; I am perfectly innocent."</p> - -<p>"Then why do you accept my assistance?" asked Edwin, calmly.</p> - -<p>"I shall explain that when we have our talk later. Meanwhile, as I -have to see Sandal and arrange about the money, perhaps you will clear -out. It is necessary for me to think over matters before interviewing -the sharp."</p> - -<p>"I should have thought you would have arranged matters by this time," -commented Craver, sarcastically. "However. I will go. Remember you -have promised to remain in London for the time being."</p> - -<p>"Yes," growled Lemby, savagely, "you've got the whip-hand of me."</p> - -<p>"If you mean that I am likely to use the information supplied by -Claudia, to prevent your leaving, Mr. Lemby, I have not got the -whip-hand of you. I am not so mean as to employ tactics of a -dishonourable nature. All I say is that if you will stay in England I -am willing to help you in every way."</p> - -<p>"Well, we'll leave it at that," said Lemby, ungraciously. "But, mind, -I don't say that you will marry Claudia."</p> - -<p>"I am content to wait," replied Craver, coolly, and passed through the -door of the waiting-room at the same moment that a clerk opened it to -say that Mr. Sandal was ready to see Mr. Oliver Lemby.</p> - -<p>The lawyer was a tall, thin, dried-up man, with a clean-shaven face -and two shrewd, twinkling black eyes. He had met Lemby before in -connection with the marriage settlements of Claudia, and did not like -him. Therefore Sandal received him coldly, and, having seated himself -at his desk, waited to hear what he had called about. Lemby, by no -means disconcerted by this chilly reception, plunged at once into the -matter. And, being nervous, he was the more truculent.</p> - -<p>"This is a pretty kettle of fish," he said, in his gruff way.</p> - -<p>"If you are referring to the sad death of Sir Hector Wyke," said -Sandal, in his dry, precise style, "it is a very painful matter."</p> - -<p>"Why didn't you come down to Hedgerton to look into the affair?" asked -Lemby. "Don't you know that I wrote to you?"</p> - -<p>"I received your letter, Mr. Lemby; there was no need for me to go -down personally. I sent a representative, who saw Sergeant Purse, and -did what was required. My representative was at the inquest, at the -burial, and at the police-office in Redleigh, where he learnt that no -trace could be found of the assassin. But you, Mr. Lemby," added the -lawyer pointedly, "were in the house when my late client was murdered. -Have you come to tell me something likely to lead to the detection of -the criminal?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir, I haven't. I am as much in the dark as you are about the -matter."</p> - -<p>"Then I fail to understand why you have come to see me," said Sandal, -coldly.</p> - -<p>"Why?" Lemby grew angry. "I want to know what Sir Hector has done for -my daughter."</p> - -<p>"Nothing." Sandal raised his eyebrows. "Why should he do anything."</p> - -<p>"My daughter was engaged to marry him, and the marriage settlements -were drawn up by you."</p> - -<p>"But they were not signed by Sir Hector," Sandal reminded him: "nor -did the marriage take place. Well?"</p> - -<p>"Well," echoed the pirate, viciously. "Surely Sir Hector has provided -for my daughter in his will."</p> - -<p>"No, he has not. There is a will dated many years ago, before Sir -Hector met your daughter. That will leaves all the property, real and -personal, to quite another person."</p> - -<p>"Who to?" asked Lemby, rather ungrammatically.</p> - -<p>"To Sir Hector's wife."</p> - -<p>"What!" Lemby rose with a dazed air, scarcely believing his ears.</p> - -<p>"To his wife. To Lady Wyke." The lawyer smiled grimly.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<h4><a name="div1_09" href="#div1Ref_09">CHAPTER IX.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>Having in his adventurous life become accustomed to unexpected -surprises, Lemby was rarely startled, and frequently boasted that -nothing could astonish him. But on this occasion he was not only -astonished but enraged. At the outset he blankly refused to believe -the lawyer.</p> - -<p>"You are talking nonsense," he declared, roughly. "How -could Wyke have a wife when he was engaged to be married to my -daughter?"</p> - -<p>"That is a fair question, which I shall endeavour to answer fairly," -replied Mr. Sandal, ignoring the crudity of speech. "Sir Hector, it -appears, was married some twenty years ago to an actress. They did not -get on well together, and parted by mutual consent. Lady Wyke, under -her stage name of Miss Maisie Chain, went to America, and, after a -long silence, news came to Sir Hector that she had perished in a -theatre fire at Chicago. He quite believed that he was a widower, and -therefore felt himself at liberty to propose to Miss Lemby."</p> - -<p>"It's all nonsense," repeated the pirate, furiously.</p> - -<p>"Well, I don't wonder at your saying so," said Sandal, calmly. "I was -surprised myself when Lady Wyke turned up again. She has altered -little."</p> - -<p>"Oh! So you have seen her before!"</p> - -<p>"Yes. I have been Sir Hector's lawyer for many years, as we were at -school together and have always been friends. When he wished to marry -Miss Chain I tried to persuade him not to, but he was wilful, and -persisted in doing so. As I foretold, the match turned out to be an -unhappy one. When Sir Hector came to me with the news that Lady Wyke -was dead, I congratulated him on his release. She was a very -determined and trying woman."</p> - -<p>Lemby clutched his head with both hands, leant his elbows on his -knees, and stared at the carpet. "You are telling me the truth, I -suppose?"</p> - -<p>"Why, should I tell you a lie?" demanded Sandal, drily. "I wish myself -that Sir Hector could have married your daughter, who is a sweet girl. -She would have made him happy."</p> - -<p>"How dare he make love to Claudia when he was already a married man!"</p> - -<p>"Let me remind you, Mr. Lemby, that when Sir Hector asked your -daughter to be his wife he was a widower, or, at least, believed -himself to be so."</p> - -<p>"Then why didn't he tell me so?"</p> - -<p>"There was no need to tell you. Sir Hector very naturally wished to -forget the mistake he had made with regard to his marriage."</p> - -<p>"It's a plot to rob my daughter of her rights!" shouted Lemby, -savagely.</p> - -<p>"Lower your voice, if you please," said Sandal, sternly. "If you -cannot speak quietly I shall put an end to this interview. There is no -plot. I have the newspaper in which is the report of the fire at the -Chicago theatre and the death of Maisie Chain, who was really Lady -Wyke. Sir Hector left that with me, and it has remained in his deed -box ever since. As to your daughter's rights, she had none, seeing -that she was not married to my client."</p> - -<p>"Are you sure, that this woman is Lady Wyke?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I am. I knew her well in the old days, when Sir Hector and I -were young men. I was present at the marriage, and there is a -certificate of that in the deed box also. I knew Lady Wyke immediately -she walked into this office some days after her husband was buried."</p> - -<p>"How did she escape from the fire?" asked Lemby, sullenly, for he felt -that a fortune was slipping away from him.</p> - -<p>"She was rescued, but owing to being stifled more or loss by the -smoke, it was reported that she had died. But being nursed carefully -she recovered, and remained quiet. Owing to the shock she did not -resume her stage career, so that is why neither Sir Hector nor myself -saw her name again. Had we done so, we should have known that she was -still living, and then Sir Hector, being an honourable man, would not -have courted your daughter."</p> - -<p>"An honourable man!" snarled Lemby, who made no attempt to contain his -wrath. "Oh, yes, very honourable to leave my daughter without a -penny!"</p> - -<p>"He had no reason to leave her anything," expostulated the lawyer, -mildly.</p> - -<p>"Yes, he had. She was engaged to him, and he dodged the marriage."</p> - -<p>"He did so because Lady Wyke in America saw a statement in an English -society paper which was sent to her that Sir Hector contemplated a -second marriage. She came over to England at once and let him know -that she was alive. For that reason Sir Hector postponed the -marriage."</p> - -<p>"Then you knew why he did so?" foamed Lemby, clenching his hands and -looking dangerously savage.</p> - -<p>"Not at the time. I was amazed to hear that the marriage was -postponed, as I knew how deeply my old friend was in love with Miss -Lemby. Only when Lady Wyke came here after his burial did I learn that -her letter to him, saying she was alive, made him put off the day of -his marriage with Miss Lemby."</p> - -<p>"When he learnt that this woman was alive he should have made over a -good income to my daughter, so as to recompense her for the -disappointment."</p> - -<p>"I don't agree with you," said Sandal, "for Sir Hector had no call to -do what you suggest. And I don't think that your daughter is -disappointed, seeing that she never cared for Sir Hector, and only -yielded to your wish that, the marriage should take place."</p> - -<p>"That's a lie."</p> - -<p>"It is not a lie. And I beg that you will not speak to me in that way. -Sir Hector told me himself that Miss Lemby was in love with a young -engineer calling himself Edwin Craver, and that it was you who were -compelling her to marry him. I pointed out to my friend that as he had -made one mistake it was foolish for him to make a second, since Miss -Lemby did not love him. But he was so infatuated with her that he -insisted upon getting his own way."</p> - -<p>"He made a fool of my girl," said the visitor, sullenly.</p> - -<p>"Indeed, he did not. His intentions were strictly honourable, and he -would have fulfilled them had not Lady Wyke made her appearance."</p> - -<p>"Seeing now things stood, Wyke; should have told me all about them."</p> - -<p>"I agree with you there. But he told no one, not even me. I knew -nothing until Lady Wyke walked into this office and explained -matters."</p> - -<p>Lemby rose and stamped about the room. "It's all a lie! I don't -believe a word of what you say."</p> - -<p>"Well, it is natural that you should have your doubts," rejoined -Sandal, coolly, and glanced at his watch. "But Lady Wyke will be here -in a few minutes, as I have to see her to-day in regard to the -property. Then she can tell you herself that what I say is true."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I'll wait," snapped Lemby, and sat down again with a -determination to have it out with this undesirable woman, who had -risen from the dead to upset his selfish plans. "She sees you with -regard to the property?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. By a will made shortly after his marriage Sir Hector left all -his property to his wife. That will has never been changed, and, -therefore, holds good."</p> - -<p>Lemby contradicted. "Wyke told me that when he married Claudia he -intended to make a will leaving all his property to her."</p> - -<p>"Quite so," said the solicitor, suavely. "And he would have done so -when he was married. But as the marriage did not take place, there was -no new will made."</p> - -<p>"Wyke should have made the will before marriage."</p> - -<p>Sandal laughed. "You are very ignorant of English law, Mr. Lemby," he -observed drily. "A will made before marriage is waste paper when that -marriage takes place. Until your daughter was Lady Wyke no disposition -of the property on the lines of marriage, save in settlements, could -have been made. Those settlements were drawn up, but not signed, -therefore they are useless. And now that Sir Hector is dead the -property goes to Lady Wyke by the only will which is in existence."</p> - -<p>"Cannot it be upset?"</p> - -<p>"No. The will is sound in law. I drew it up myself. And remember, Mr. -Lemby, that in justice the widow of Sir Hector should inherit the five -thousand a year which he died possessed of."</p> - -<p>Lemby scowled at the carpet and revolved schemes. He wanted the money -badly, as he was worse off than Claudia knew, even though he had given -her a hint of coming poverty. But he saw no means of securing again -what he had lost unless Lady Wyke was disposed to be gracious, and -recompensed Claudia for her presumed disappointment. He therefore -determined to wait and see if Lady Wyke was a person whom he could -manage. Possibly he might coax or bully her into what he called -justice. And it was at this stage of his meditations that the wife of -Sir Hector entered the room.</p> - -<p>"Good-day, Mr. Sandal," said Lady Wyke, in a high, shrill voice, hard -and rather rasping in its tone. "I fear that I am late."</p> - -<p>Mr. Sandal assured the newcomer that she was not late, and placed a -chair for her near his desk. Lemby rose in a lumpish, ungracious -fashion and glared at the fashionable little woman as though he could -have slain her with a look. She cast a careless glance at him, looked -him over from head to foot, and then glanced inquiringly at the -lawyer.</p> - -<p>"Is there any reason why this gentleman should wait?" asked Lady Wyke, -and raised a lorgnette to her fine dark eyes to criticise the pirate.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Lemby will explain himself why he is here, Lady Wyke."</p> - -<p>Mr. Lemby was in no hurry to explain himself. He stared wolfishly at -the woman who had put an end to his greedy hopes, and did not speak, -for quite two minutes. He noted that Lady Wyke was a smallish woman, -by no means in her first youth, with a slender figure and a very -perfect pink-and-white complexion, which was probably due to art. Her -features were cleanly cut, her teeth were white and regular, and she -had a pair of large dark eyes, which suggested those of an Andalusian -beauty. Nothing could have been more fashionable or accurate than -mourning.</p> - -<p>Lemby, being a big man, liked little women, and could not conceal from -himself that Lady Wyke was particularly attractive. Yet he judged from -the hardness of her bright eyes and the unemotional tones of her -shrill voice that she was a cat. So he called her in his own mind, and -decided that only personal violence could reduce her to reason, and to -get the money by personal violence was quite, what the buccaneer would -do. He loathed Lady Wyke as a marplot, yet he could not deny her -attractions. At one the same time he would have liked to kiss her and -to strangle her.</p> - -<p>"Well, Mr. Lemby," said Lady Wyke, sharply, for she objected to his -insolent scrutiny, "and why are you here?"</p> - -<p>"To stand up for Claudia's rights," growled Lemby, in a surly manner.</p> - -<p>"Claudia? And who is Claudia?" She stared impertinently through the -lorgnette.</p> - -<p>"My daughter, who would have married Sir Hector had you not been -alive."</p> - -<p>Lady Wyke dropped her glasses and burst into a shrill, unpleasant -laugh. "Oh, I remember"--she clapped her elegantly-gloved hands--"I -saw the announcement of the proposed marriage in a society paper which -I picked up in New York, and it was that which brought me over, to -tell Hector that he must not commit bigamy. Well, I'm sorry for your -daughter, Mr. Lemby, but I am Sir Hector Wyke's wife."</p> - -<p>"Pardon me," put in Sandal, "you are his widow."</p> - -<p>"Pooh!" said Lady Wyke, contemptuously. "How precise you are."</p> - -<p>"It is just as well to call things by their proper names," said Lemby, -grimly.</p> - -<p>"Oh, I'm a thing am I! Don't you think he is very ungallant, Mr. -Lemby?"</p> - -<p>"I don't think anything about it," snarled the pirate, crossly.</p> - -<p>Lady Wyke put up her lorgnette again. "No? You look as though you -acted rather than thought. I wonder if your daughter is like you."</p> - -<p>"No, she dashed well ain't."</p> - -<p>"I thought not. My late husband was a fool, but he was always a -gentleman, and would not have cared to marry a girl who used oaths and -bad grammar.</p> - -<p>"Claudia speaks as well as you do, and is much handsomer and younger," -retorted Lemby, spitefully.</p> - -<p>"Really! You make me long to see this paragon. What is your Mr. Lemby, -as I should like to call," and Lady Wyke took out a set of ivory -tablets.</p> - -<p>"I don't want you to call, nor does Claudia," growled Lemby, who was -exasperated the way in which the woman spoke.</p> - -<p>"If you don't want to see me, why are you here, then?"</p> - -<p>"I want justice done to my daughter. Wyke intended to marry her, and -settle money on her; and he's done neither."</p> - -<p>"You can't expect a dead man to perform impossibilities, Mr. Lemby." -rejoined the widow sarcastically. "I understand what you mean. If you -will give me your address, I should call and talk the matter over."</p> - -<p>Lemby shook his head. "There's not much to be got out of you."</p> - -<p>"Dear me! how accurately you judge my character in five minutes. -However, I leave the matter to your own discretion. Give me your -address, and I shall pay a visit to see my rival and adjust matters."</p> - -<p>Lemby, in a grudging tone, supplied the required information, which -the widow noted down swiftly.</p> - -<p>"That is all I want," she said, with a nod, as she replaced the -tablets in her pocket. "I shall call to-morrow or the next day, Mr. -Lemby, Good-afternoon."</p> - -<p>Lemby rose and stood, fingering his silk hat like a schoolboy. He felt -abashed in the presence of this domineering little woman.</p> - -<p>She became impatient. "Don't stand there gawking. Go away. -Good-afternoon, Mr. Lemby," And without a word, Lemby shambled from -the room, snubbed into silence for once, in his life.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_10" href="#div1Ref_10">CHAPTER X.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>A week went by and things remained as they were. Claudia attended to -her household duties, went shopping, and visited friends, while her -father smoked and ate and slept in somewhat animal fashion. All his -restlessness seemed to have departed since the failure of his scheme -to marry Claudia to Sir Hector, and he was content to live a listless -existence devoid of excitement. She had received a letter from Craver -relating what had taken place in the Lincoln's Inn Fields office, and -quite expected that her father would be angry with her for telling -secrets. But as he held his peace she avoided any further reference to -the ominous words he had uttered, and possessed her soul in patience -until such time as Edwin would be able to help her. Everything was as -dull as ditchwater, and Claudia disliked the whole position extremely. -But so far as she could see there was nothing to be done.</p> - -<p>Lemby's real reason for staying so much at home was that he hoped to -be within doors to receive Lady Wyke. But as day after day went by and -she never put in an appearance, the buccaneer began to believe in his -own phrase, that she was "kidding him." Finally, when the week was -ended, he shaved and dressed to go out and enjoy himself, for things -were getting on his nerves, and he felt the need of change and fresh -air. Claudia suggested that she should go with him, as she felt hipped -herself. Lemby, however, roundly said that he wished to be by himself, -and therefore went off alone. But he was punished for his selfishness, -for during his absence Lady Wyke paid her promised call. She sent in -her card while Claudia was enjoying her solitary afternoon tea, and -the girl was very much amazed when she read the name. As her father -had not informed her that Sir Hector had been previously married, and -that his wife still lived. Miss Lemby believed that someone was -playing a game. Out of sheer curiosity she told the parlourmaid to -show in the visitor.</p> - -<p>"You did not expect me?" questioned Lady Wyke, on arrival.</p> - -<p>"No," answered Miss Lemby. "I am surprised to read the name on this -card."</p> - -<p>"Strange," said the newcomer, thoughtfully. "Yet I explained -everything to your father a week ago in Mr. Sandal's office, and said -that I would call."</p> - -<p>"My father told me nothing about the matter, Lady----" She hesitated.</p> - -<p>"Lady Wyke," said the visitor, politely.</p> - -<p>"Are you Lady Wyke?"</p> - -<p>"I am."</p> - -<p>"But I did not know there was any Lady Wyke."</p> - -<p>"You know now."</p> - -<p>"Had Sir Hector a brother, then? Has he come in for the title, and are -you his wife?" Claudia asked all these questions in one breath.</p> - -<p>"Oh dear me, no, Miss Lemby. I was Sir Hector's wife, and I am his -widow. I see that your father has kept you quite in the dark. Why, I -don t know." Lady Wyke laughed in an amused manner, and selected a -comfortable chair. "As you have sat down, Miss Lemby, I presume that I -may sit also."</p> - -<p>Claudia had indeed sunk into a chair, as the announcement took her so -greatly by surprise that she was unable to stand. "Are you in -earnest?" she asked her visitor, and taking no notice of the last -remark.</p> - -<p>"Of course I am in earnest. If you doubt me, you can see Mr. Sandal, -who will show you my marriage certificate, and will tell you that, as -Sir Hector's widow, I inherit all his property."</p> - -<p>"But Sir Hector was engaged to marry me," stammered the girl, feeling -dazed.</p> - -<p>Lady Wyke waved her daintily-gloved hands airily. "Ah, poor man. He -believed that I was dead, and that he was free to marry again. I -learnt from a society newspaper in America, that such was the case, -and came over to tell him not to commit bigamy. For that reason he -postponed the wedding, and retired to Hedgerton."</p> - -<p>"But why did he not tell me?" asked Claudia, growing crimson with -anger. "Well, my dear"--Lady Wyke shrugged her elegant shoulders--"it -might be that he hoped to gain time and think matters over. Perhaps he -would have divorced me, although without cause he could not have done -so. Perhaps he might have murdered me."</p> - -<p>"I think he has behaved very badly!" cried the girl, with great -indignation.</p> - -<p>"All men behave badly, Miss Lemby; they can't help themselves. But as -Sir Hector is dead, suppose we say no more about the matter. After -all"--she raised her glasses--"you don't look very broken-hearted."</p> - -<p>"I am not," Claudia assured her. "I never loved your husband."</p> - -<p>"Indeed! Then the title and the money attracted you."</p> - -<p>"No. I was worried by my father into the position."</p> - -<p>"I see. You love another."</p> - -<p>"Yes." Claudia's eyes, from habit, wandered to a side table, on which -stood a silver frame containing the photograph of Edwin.</p> - -<p>With the swiftness and grace of a swallow Lady Wyke swooped to the -other end of the room and took up the photograph. Then her face -changed, and, a variety of emotions displayed themselves rapidly. -Love, jealousy, fear, astonishment, and suspicion were all written -plainly for Claudia to see. "Why, it's him!"</p> - -<p>"It is Mr. Edwin Craver, to whom I am engaged."</p> - -<p>"That's a lie!" cried Lady Wyke, and threw down the photograph to face -The girl with a flushed face and hard eyes.</p> - -<p>"Seeing that you do not know Mr. Craver, I do not see why you should -speak in that way," was Claudia's dignified reply.</p> - -<p>"I do know him. I say that the photograph is one of 'Him.' I call him -that to myself, although until now I never heard his name," and she -clenched her hands so tightly that one glove split.</p> - -<p>The more angry Lady Wyke grew the cooler Claudia became, she had -received two great shocks; one was when Lady Wyke announced who she -was, and the other on hearing about the recognition of the photo. -Danger was in the air and it was Claudia's nature to face danger -calmly. "Where did you meet him?" she asked.</p> - -<p>"Oh, my dear," Lady Wyke was now quite her self-possessed self, "it is -quite a romance. I went to a motor-factory to buy a car, and there I -saw Mr. Craver, although I did not know his name, as I never asked it. -It was another man who attended to me, and I only saw Mr. Craver at a -distance. But he was so very handsome that I admired him exceedingly. -Although I am not so young as you are, Miss Lemby, I have the heart -and fresh feelings of a girl. After I left the factory I thought a -great deal about Mr. Craver."</p> - -<p>"Did you indeed?" said. Claudia, hardly relishing this frank -confession.</p> - -<p>"Now you are jealous. Well, I don't wonder at it. If I was engaged to -such a splendid young lover I should be jealous of everyone who looked -at him. However, I was beginning to forget him when I went to Hendon -to see the flying, and there saw Mr. Craver in an aeroplane."</p> - -<p>"You never did," said Claudia, excitedly. "Edwin does not go in for -aviation."</p> - -<p>"Indeed he does. He went up in an aeroplane and spun about the place -like a tee-to-tum, looping the loop, and soaring and all the rest of -it. It made me so giddy that I had to close my eyes. But when he came -down safely I went up to his machine and congratulated him on his -courage. Then, my dear"--Lady Wyke made a gesture of despair--"my -heart was wholly lost to him. His good looks, his bravery, his -charming manners--can you blame me?"</p> - -<p>Claudia declined to say whether she blamed her or not. "You must be -making a mistake," she said, in a disturbed manner. "Edwin certainly -is in a motor factory, and you might have seen him in one. But he does -not go in for aviation. He would have told me had he taken up that -profession."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I don't say that he is a professional," said Lady Wyke, readily. -"He is only an amateur, I fancy, and perhaps he did not tell you what -he was doing, lest you should worry. I know it would break my heart to -think that the man I loved was up in the air risking his darling -neck."</p> - -<p>"I don't see why you should talk of Mr. Craver in that way, Lady Wyke. -He is engaged to me."</p> - -<p>"For the time being, that is."</p> - -<p>"For ever. How dare you hint at our parting."</p> - -<p>"Well, my dear girl," said the visitor, impertinently, "you took my -husband, so why should I not take your lover?"</p> - -<p>Claudia rose indignantly, and her mien was that of a queen in a truly -royal rage. "I won't allow you to talk to me in that way," she -declared, heatedly. "So far as I am concerned, I did not wish to marry -your husband, and I never knew that he had a wife already. My father -forced me to consent, but now that Sir Hector is dead I am going to -have my own way and marry Edwin. You have caused quite enough -mischief, Lady Wyke."</p> - -<p>"Mischief, when I saved you from a marriage you disliked?"</p> - -<p>"You did not save me. Sir Hector was murdered, and that saved me."</p> - -<p>"One moment," said Lady Wyke, in cool tones, "you forgot that it was -my interposition which sent Sir Hector down to Hedgerton to consider -matters. Had he not gone there he might not have been murdered, so I -have saved you, in spite of all you say."</p> - -<p>"Did you send him to Hedgerton to got him murdered?" asked Claudia, -scornfully.</p> - -<p>Lady Wyke lost her breath at this insinuation, and rose indignantly. -When she got it again it was to protest. "You go too for. Miss Lemby."</p> - -<p>"Not so far as you go, madam. How dare you come here and tell me that -you love the man I am going to marry?"</p> - -<p>"And how dare you accuse me of murdering my husband?"</p> - -<p>The two women faced one another and looked into one another's eyes, -each trying to bear the other down. The widow felt her inferiority -under the girl's indignant gaze, but managed to retreat gracefully.</p> - -<p>"Oh, my dear, there is no use our quarrelling like two fishwives. Sit -down and let us talk."</p> - -<p>"We have nothing to talk about, said Claudia, refusing to obey, for by -this time she had taken a deep dislike to Lady Wyke.</p> - -<p>"Oh, but we have. Let us leave Mr. Craver on one side for the time -being. I told your father that I would call and see you. I am sorry -for you."</p> - -<p>"Really. And why?"</p> - -<p>"Because, by my reappearance and my husband's death you have lost a -title and a good income. I wish to make amends."</p> - -<p>"I refuse to allow you to make amends."</p> - -<p>"Now that I see you"--Lady Wyke put up her lorgnette again--"I am not -surprised. But your father wants money to compensate him for failure, -and I came here to offer it.</p> - -<p>"My father is not at home," said Miss Lemby, coldly. "If you will make -an appointment you and he can talk the matter over. With my father's -concerns I have nothing to do."</p> - -<p>Lady Wyke silently acknowledged that she was beaten, for the time -being at all events. Nevertheless, she as silently determined to get -the whip hand of this haughty girl and make her pay for such -insolence. The little woman liked no one to be insolent but herself. -Still, for the moment she veiled her enmity with Judas smiles. "We -part friends, I hope?" she said, with her sweetest expression.</p> - -<p>"No," returned Claudia, uncompromisingly. "We part as we met--merely -as acquaintances."</p> - -<p>"I am sorry." Lady Wyke became plaintive. "I like you, and I don t see -why you should not like me. And you know, Miss Lemby, we shall meet -often in Hedgerton when we go to live there.</p> - -<p>"You may be going to live there, I am not."</p> - -<p>"Oh, but you will. Now that you have mentioned Mr. Craver's name, I -remember that his father is the Rector of Hedgerton. Mr. Sandal told -me so, amongst other matters, when I made inquiries about the death of -Hector. And when you marry Mr. Craver, or course you will take up your -residence near his people.</p> - -<p>"Will I?" said Claudia, unsmilingly.</p> - -<p>"I think you should, so as to make friends with his parents. And I -shall be in the parish also, as I have taken that house my husband -died in."</p> - -<p>"Maranatha?" Miss Lemby looked astonished.</p> - -<p>"Yes." Lady Wyke shot a keen glance at her. "It is said to be unlucky, -but, of course, I think that is rubbish. I intend to stay there on the -spot, in order to search for the murderer of my late husband. We were -not particularly good friends; but I owe it to his memory to avenge -his death. And perhaps, when the truth is known to me, it need not be -known to others--if you give up the idea of marrying Mr. Craver."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?" Claudia turned cold as Lady Wyke halted at the -door.</p> - -<p>"I mean,", said the other, "that your father was in the house when my -husband was killed. Think it over," and with a significant smile she -disappeared quickly.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_11" href="#div1Ref_11">CHAPTER XI.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>The last words of Lady Wyke, taken in conjunction with the last words -of her father before he paid his visit to Sandal, alarmed Claudia -exceedingly.</p> - -<p>The high-spirited girl spent a miserable time alone before her father -appeared on the scene. She employed a few minutes in wiring to Craver, -saying that she wished him to call. In one way or another Claudia -determined to have an explanation, so that she might know where she -was. At present she did not.</p> - -<p>Mr. Lemby made his appearance shortly before seven o'clock, and seemed -to be in very good spirits. He asked for his dinner, declared that he -felt better, and treated himself to a sherry and bitters so as to give -zest to his meal. Then, the dinner having been cleared away, the two -sat down to talk. Claudia began abruptly.</p> - -<p>"Lady Wyke was here this afternoon," she said, hurling the bombshell -at her father in the hope of startling him.</p> - -<p>She failed to do so. "Yes, I know," he said, coolly. "I was wondering -when you would tell me about the matter."</p> - -<p>"I waited for you to speak first," said Claudia, rather annoyed. "You -should have explained things to me long ago."</p> - -<p>"I didn't think it was necessary," protested the pirate.</p> - -<p>"Not necessary? Why, dad. Sir Hector wanted to marry me while he had a -wife living, and for that reason postponed our marriage."</p> - -<p>"I know, confound you," growled Lemby. "But Wyke didn't know that his -wife was alive. If he had he would not have proposed to you. I suppose -she told you all about the dashed thing?"</p> - -<p>"She explained much, but not all. I think you might speak, dad."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I don't mind," rejoined the old man, good-humouredly, and then -and there related the past of the dead man. He stated how Lady Wyke -had been the actress Maisie Chain, and how Sandal had witnessed the -ill-omened wedding. Then he told Claudia about the separation, the -journey to America, the presumed death in the fire at the Chicago -theatre, and finally described how Lady Wyke had learnt her husband's -determination to marry again. "So she came over to prevent that," he -concluded, "and so completely knocked the old man off his perch that -he ran away to hide from her at Hedgerton."</p> - -<p>"What did he intend to do?" asked Claudia, after she had digested the -story. Lemby shrugged his shoulders. "Ask me another, my girl? I don't -know. Whether he intended to lie low until he could get rid of her and -marry you, or whether he intended to stick to her and chuck you I -can't say. Seeing that she's a bit of a tartar, I guess he wanted to -divorce her if possible."</p> - -<p>"Could he have done so?"</p> - -<p>"Lady Wyke says he couldn't, as she has always kept herself -respectable."</p> - -<p>"I don't think that Sir Hector was to blame," said Claudia, after a -pause "except in not telling me and you before he went to Hedgerton."</p> - -<p>"I should have squeezed the explanation out of him when I paid him -that visit, my girl, if he hadn't gone to see the man who killed him."</p> - -<p>"Do you know the girl who killed him?" asked the girl in a low voice.</p> - -<p>"No, I don't," denied the pirate, roundly, but looking uneasy, "and I -wish you'd stop harping on that dashed murder, Claudia. Wyke's dead -and buried, and his widow has got the cash, so let the whole shoot -slide."</p> - -<p>"How can I when you hinted that you were mixed up in the matter?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I only said that to get you to come to Australia with me," said -her father, rising with a yawn and stretching himself lazily.</p> - -<p>"But Lady Wyke says the same thing."</p> - -<p>Lemby dropped his arms and his mouth shut like a steel trap. "Tell me -what that dashed woman said."</p> - -<p>Claudia repeated Lady Wyke's last words verbatim. "And she said that, -although the truth was known to her, it need not be known to others -if----"</p> - -<p>"If what; if what? Don't stop," rapped out the buccaneer, sharply.</p> - -<p>"If I refused to marry Edwin."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" Lemby's black eyes grew larger and rounder. "Why did she say -that? She doesn't know Craver."</p> - -<p>"Yes, she does. She saw him at the factory and at Hendon."</p> - -<p>"What was she doing at Hendon?"</p> - -<p>"Flying," said Claudia, curtly.</p> - -<p>"You don't say so. I never thought he'd have the pluck to go up in an -aeroplane, my girl. I wish he'd break his dashed neck."</p> - -<p>"How dare you say that, dad! Edwin is the bravest man in the world, -and if he broke his neck I should die. I love him. I love him and she -shall never, never take him from me."</p> - -<p>"She. Who?"</p> - -<p>"Lady Wyke. She has fallen in love with Edwin."</p> - -<p>Lemby's face grew evil and lowering. "Then I again say that I wish -he'd break his dashed neck," he cried with an oath. "Confound the -fellow, he comes up against me at every turn. First, he tried to spoil -my plans with regard to your marriage with Wyke, and now he is my -rival."</p> - -<p>"Your rival?" Claudia looked puzzled.</p> - -<p>"Yes, hang him. I can't get the money for you by will, as everything -has been left to that woman. So I've got an idea that she might marry -me."</p> - -<p>"Marry you?" Claudia started up from the chair she was seated in. "I -hope you won't be so silly as to marry at your age."</p> - -<p>"Don't be insolent, my girl," retorted Lemby, for his vanity was hurt. -"I'm by no means an old man. There's many a kick left in me yet. Why -shouldn't I marry Lady Wyke? She isn't bad-looking, and has the five -thousand a year we want so badly."</p> - -<p>"I don't want it!" cried Claudia, vehemently? "I wouldn't take a penny -of it, dad. She's a horrid and dangerous woman. I object to having her -for a stepmother, There!" and she stamped after her usual fashion.</p> - -<p>"Well, then," snarled Lemby, crossly, "you can prevent my having my -own way by letting her marry Craver, since it seems he is in love with -her."</p> - -<p>"He isn't in love with her. I never said so. She is in love with him. -As to letting her marry him, she shan't! You are cruel to suggest such -a thing."</p> - -<p>Lemby clutched his head. "Dash it, things are so crooked that I must -straighten them out somehow by suggesting," he said, angrily. "And if -this young jackaroo is trying to spoil my plans again, I'll make it -hot for him. Upon my word, Claudia, I think it best that you should -marry the fellow, so that I may be able to make Lady Wyke my wife and -collar the dibs."</p> - -<p>"She won't have you, dad."</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, she will." Lemby glanced at the nearest mirror, and admired -his big body, his black hair, his stalwart looks and general virility. -"I may as well tell you that I met her when she came downstairs after -seeing you, and I took her to a teashop to have a talk. We got on -famously."</p> - -<p>"Did she tell you that she suspected you of committing the murder?" -asked Claudia, acidly, and not approving of this escapade.</p> - -<p>"No, she didn't. If she had I'd have brought her to her senses."</p> - -<p>"You'll never do that. She's too clever for you, dad."</p> - -<p>Claudia had just uttered this remark in a very positive way when Jane, -the parlourmaid, showed young Craver into the drawing-room. Lemby was -by no means so pleased to see him as Claudia was, and looked at their -greeting glumly. He was quite annoyed when he heard that his daughter -had summoned this inconvenient third by telegram. Edwin, who looked -smart and well-groomed in evening dress, nodded coolly to his -prospective father-in-law and sat down. Then Lemby could contain -himself no longer.</p> - -<p>"What the deuce do you mean by treating me as nothing in my own -house?" he demanded, clenching his big fists with a truculent air.</p> - -<p>"I apologise if I have treated you impolitely," said Edwin, raising -his eyebrows; "but as you have never shaken hands with me, or bid me -welcome; I do not see what you expect me to do."</p> - -<p>"Be civil," growled the buccaneer, and dropped into an armchair to -fill his pipe. "I'd have dropped you at sight with my little gun had -you behaved in this cheeky way to me in Australia."</p> - -<p>"I'm not so easily dropped." retorted Craver, laughing, for the man's -childish behaviour was not worth noticing. "Two can play at that game, -Mr. Lemby. But as Claudia wants to tell me something, don't you think -you can treat me as your guest and with courtesy for a few minutes?"</p> - -<p>Turning towards her lover, Claudia rapidly told him all about Lady -Wyke and her visit. Craver was amazed by the story, and could not -believe, that Wyke had been married.</p> - -<p>"How do you know that this woman is not an impostor?" he asked Mr. -Lemby over Claudia's shoulder.</p> - -<p>The pirate grunted. "She ain't," he declared, decisively. "Sandal -knows all about the marriage, and knows her and knows about the will -leaving the cash to her, hang her! She's not an impostor, worse luck. -And, what's more, she's a dashed pretty woman."</p> - -<p>"Do you think so, Edwin?" asked Claudia, anxiously and significantly.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" The young man smiled broadly. "Then she told you that she had -met me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. Both at Hendon and at your factory. Edwin, you did not tell me -that you went in for aviation."</p> - -<p>"I was keeping it as a surprise for you. But I can explain all about -my reasons later. Meanwhile we have ample to talk about. Yes, I did -see Lady Wyke at the factory, where she came to buy a car. Afterwards -I saw her at Hendon, when she congratulated me on a successful flight. -She's a pretty woman created by her own art."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean by that?" demanded Lemby, growling like a dog over a -bone.</p> - -<p>"I mean that she is painted and powdered, and padded and overdressed, -and all the rest of it. She is mutton trying to look like lamb."</p> - -<p>"Then you don't love her?" said Claudia, with a sob of relief.</p> - -<p>"Darling," said the astonished young man, "are you mad? How could I -love a woman of that kind? And, remember, I have only seen her twice."</p> - -<p>"She loves you, however," said Lemby, grimly.</p> - -<p>Edwin stared at him. "Is this a joke?" he asked, sternly. "If so it is -not a good one, and you display bad taste in making it, Mr. Lemby."</p> - -<p>"I am in earnest, as it happens," said the old man, drily, "and don't -tell me what's good taste or bad taste, dash you! Lady Wyke saw your -photograph over there, and recognised you, Claudia told her your name, -which she said she had never heard."</p> - -<p>"Then she is telling lies," said Craver, calmly. "I was introduced to -her at the factory when I sold her the car."</p> - -<p>"She said that another person attended to her," said Claudia, quickly.</p> - -<p>"I attended to her. Lady Wyke is evidently an accomplished liar. As to -being in love with a man she has only seen twice, she must be joking."</p> - -<p>"It didn't sound like joking," remarked the girl, wretchedly. "She -hinted that dad was concerned in the death of her husband, but that -she would say nothing if I refused to marry you."</p> - -<p>"I'll twist her neck if she accuses me of a crime of which I am -innocent," was Lemby's observation; "and when, I marry her I'll soon -bring her to heel."</p> - -<p>"Are you going to marry her?"</p> - -<p>"Why shouldn't I, Craver? She's rich and dashed pretty, in my opinion. -I want money, and I can put up with her. Do you object?" he asked, -with a sneer.</p> - -<p>"Not at all," rejoined Edwin, promptly, "I don't want her. I shall -tell her so if she makes advances to me--on one condition, that is."</p> - -<p>Lemby scowled. "What condition?"</p> - -<p>"That you allow Claudia to pay a month's visit to my parents at -Hedgerton Rectory. I have told them that I love her, and they are -anxious to see her."</p> - -<p>Claudia, longing for peace and quietness, clapped her hands. "Oh, I -should like that above all things. Do say yes, dad."</p> - -<p>To the surprise of both young people, the pirate agreed very amicably. -"The fact is, I haven't enough money to run this flat much longer," he -explained, coolly; "so if Claudia goes away for a month, I can stay -here on short commons. Mind, I don't say that I agree to your marrying -her, Craver. I let her go to Hedgerton for my convenience, not for -yours."</p> - -<p>"Dad, how excessively rude," cried the girl, colouring.</p> - -<p>"Rude or not, you can go. As to Lady Wyke, if Craver will sheer off, I -think I can bring her to reason. Wyke should have left the five -thousand a year to you, Claudia. So, as we can't get it by will, we'll -get it by marriage."</p> - -<p>"I rather think you will find Lady Wyke a difficult woman to manage," -said Edwin, warningly. "She's an adventuress of the worst type."</p> - -<p>"Well, I'm an adventurer," retorted Lemby, "I know how to size her -up."</p> - -<p>"What about her accusation, dad?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, a wife can't give evidence against her husband," said Lemby, -coolly.</p> - -<p>The young people, still mystified by the ambiguous way in which Lemby -spoke, glanced at one another.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_12" href="#div1Ref_12">CHAPTER XII.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>It was with a heavy heart that Claudia went to Hedgerton. She could by -no means understand the behaviour of her father, who certainly talked, -in a most contradictory manner. At one moment he denied that he had -anything to do with the death of his old friend, yet the next hinted -at mysterious risks undertaken to obtain money.</p> - -<p>Naturally, the change of scene, with new people to talk to, and with -new occupations, did her infinite good. To her the rectory was a haven -of peace, and Edwin a strong-armed man, who could and would defend -her. The welcome of Mr. and Mrs. Craver comforted her exceedingly, as -they were charmed with their visitor, and thoroughly approved of her -in every way, The Rector, who was a white-haired, gentle-faced old -gentleman, fonder of literature than of humanity, admired her beauty -greatly, while little Mrs. Craver pronounced her to be an uncommonly -sensible girl. Within the week, Claudia was comfortably settled in her -new surroundings, and was happier than she had been since her arrival -in England. On the plea that Mrs. Craver could teach her housekeeping, -she took her share of the work and became quite a busy bee. Her -prospective mother-in-law found her quite an able assistant. Poor, -weary Mrs. Craver had toiled and struggled and scrimped and screwed -for so many years alone that it was quite a relief for her to see a -younger person attend to the work. And Claudia enjoyed this -domesticity, greatly.</p> - -<p>Lemby displayed no desire to call at the Rectory and see the parents -of the young man whom his daughter desired to marry, He remained in -London, as a gentleman-at-large, and still continued to live in Tenby -Mansions--that is, he camped there, for his hours were generally -passed elsewhere, although he returned nightly to sleep in the flat. -When he did write to Claudia, which was rarely, it was to congratulate -her that she had free board and lodging at the Hedgerton Rectory, -since money was so scarce. These letters made the girl work all the -harder, as she was too proud to live on strangers, and wished on all -and every occasion to make some return for bed and board and fire. -Ardent as, Mrs. Craver was about work, she took it upon herself to -restrain Claudia's zeal, and insisted that she should not do much.</p> - -<p>"As a rule I have to drive people to work," said Mrs. Craver at -afternoon tea, "but you, my dear, require to be checked. I never met -anyone like you."</p> - -<p>"So Edwin thinks," remarked the Rector, who had a book on his knee and -a cup of tea in his hand. "He says that Claudia is a pearl and far -above rubies in value. I quite agree with him."</p> - -<p>"Oh, you must not think so highly, of me," said the girl with a blush. -"I am really a very ordinary kind of person. I love work."</p> - -<p>"Then you are not an ordinary person," said the Rev. George Craver. -"It is very rarely one meets with people who love work. If Hedgerton -was filled with such people my task would be easier than it is."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Craver shook her brisk little head, and her sharp face looked -sharper than ever. "The Hedgerton people are too self-complacent, -George. You can talk and talk and talk, but no impression can be -made."</p> - -<p>"I think, that I am making an impression on Lady Wyke, Emma. She -attends the services regularly, and has done so since she came here a -month ago."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Craver straightened her slim figure, which was clothed in the -shabby black silk, and looked severe. "Lady Wyke comes, to show off -her frocks. She is sinfully extravagant in dress."</p> - -<p>"Oh, my dear Emma, you must not assign such a reason for her -attendance at church. She really is most attentive to the services, -and also she desires to help in the parish work. She told me so."</p> - -<p>"She would tell you anything, George, and you would believe her. Who -is she?"</p> - -<p>"Sir Hector's widow," said Claudia, looking surprised, at this -unnecessary remark. "Everyone knows that."</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes," agreed Mrs. Craver, significantly. "She is the widow of -that poor man, sure enough. But who is she? Where does she come from?"</p> - -<p>"She comes from London, Emma," said the Rector, humorously, "and she -lives in Hedgerton."</p> - -<p>"Why does she live here, George?"</p> - -<p>"Well, she must live somewhere."</p> - -<p>"But not in the very house in which her husband was murdered, To my -mind, it is a ghoulish idea for her to rent Maranatha, seeing, what -took place there."</p> - -<p>"It is odd," admitted Claudia, musingly. "I wonder why?"</p> - -<p>Mr. Craver reached forward to take another slice of bread. "It may be -that she wishes to learn who murdered Sir Hector, and, therefore, -thinks that she will be more successful if she remains in the house -where the crime was committed."</p> - -<p>Claudia winced, and her thoughts flew to her father and his mysterious -remarks; to Lady Wyke and her ominous hints. "Has she discovered -anything yet?"</p> - -<p>"No!" observed Mrs. Craver, sharply. "At least, she has said nothing -to us, although she has been here a month. And that reminds me, -George, that she has not called again since Claudia arrived."</p> - -<p>"Well, Emma, she called on you and you called on her. The demands of -courtesy have been satisfied. We are dull people, you know, and she is -a smart lady. It is not to be supposed that she will find much -enjoyment in our society."</p> - -<p>"Indeed, George, she would find our society very instructive. She may -be smart, as you say, but she certainly is not a lady."</p> - -<p>Claudia nodded. "I did not think so myself when I saw her in Loudon."</p> - -<p>"Ah, yes"--Mrs. Craver turned briskly--"of course, you saw her. -Considering how badly Sir Hector behaved to you, my dear, I wonder she -had the impudence to call. What courage she must have."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I don't know, Mrs. Craver," Claudia shrugged, carelessly. -"Naturally Lady Wyke was anxious to see me, seeing that I was to marry -her husband. He was not to blame, poor man, as he quite believed that -she was dead."</p> - -<p>"She had no business to come alive again," retorted Mrs. Craver. "Yet -I am glad, for Edwin's sake, that things have turned out as they have -done."</p> - -<p>"My dear Emma, you couldn't expect Lady Wyke to allow her husband to -commit bigamy. Why shouldn't she come alive again, as you put it?"</p> - -<p>"She should have remained always with her husband, as a true and -faithful wife should," replied Mrs. Craver, drawing up her spare -figure.</p> - -<p>"I don't think that the separation was Sir Hector's fault," said -Claudia, after a pause. "He was a very polite and amiable old man. I -certainly did not wish to marry him, as I always loved Edwin. But my -father made me accept."</p> - -<p>"Strange, my dear, seeing how strong-minded you are."</p> - -<p>"You have not met my father," rejoined the girl, briefly.</p> - -<p>"I don't think I want to. Of course, when you marry Edwin, he must -come to the wedding, I suppose, and give you away. But he is much too -dashing a gentleman for quiet people such as we are."</p> - -<p>"Why, Emma," said the Rector, surprised, "I did not know you had seen -him."</p> - -<p>"I saw him outside the doors of the Entertainment Hall when the -inquest was taking place. I happened to be passing on that day. Your -father, my dear"--she addressed Claudia--"is a handsome man; but I -should think he has a temper."</p> - -<p>"He has," said the man's daughter, significantly. "Perhaps, if you -knew my father you would not want me to marry Edwin."</p> - -<p>"What nonsense. I love you for your own sweet sake. Your father will -go back to Australia, I hope, and then we need not be bothered with -him."</p> - -<p>"Emma! Emma!"</p> - -<p>"Well, I can't help it, George. After all, in trying to make Claudia -marry that old man who died, Mr. Lemby did not behave very well."</p> - -<p>"All the same, he is Claudia's father," said the Rector, reprovingly.</p> - -<p>The girl flushed, and then turned rather pale, as she felt a trifle -embarrassed during this discussion. If Mrs. Craver talked of her -father in this way when he was absent, what would she say when he was -present. The precise, refined little lady would never get on with the -pirate, who was all that she was not.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Craver, less observant than the Rector, accepted the reproof, -although she did not notice Claudia's change of colour, and went on to -make other remarks dealing with another subject.</p> - -<p>"I only hope that Lady Wyke's example will not ruin the parish," she -observed. "She is an extravagant woman, and you wouldn't know -Maranatha now that she is living there. I'm sure when I called and saw -the quantity of new furniture she has, and the silk curtains, and the -fine pictures to say nothing of the many flowers and the expensive -china, I thought how rich she must be."</p> - -<p>"She has five thousand a year," said Claudia. "That was the amount of -money left to her by her husband."</p> - -<p>"Which would have been yours, my dear, had you married him. However, -it is just as well since you love Edwin."</p> - -<p>"What is just as well, Emma?" asked Mr. Craver, who found his wife's -remarks a trifle confusing on occasions.</p> - -<p>"That Lady Wyke should have come to life, and that Claudia should be -poor. I am sure that Edwin will become a partner in that motor firm, -and then he will be well able to support a wife. By the way, Lady -Wyke's motor-car was manufactured by Edwin's firm. Before you came -down, Claudia, she asked Edwin to show her how to drive."</p> - -<p>"And did he?" asked Claudia, wincing when she thought of Lady Wyke's -admiration for her lover.</p> - -<p>"No. He said that he was too busy and had to get back to town. And now -that I come to think of it George, Edwin really went back to London, -as he had to fly. My heart sinks when I hear of these aviation -accidents. A man with a mother should not fly."</p> - -<p>"Nor should, an engaged man," chimed in the Rector, "and Edwin is -engaged. Don't you think, Claudia, that you could persuade him to give -up aviation?"</p> - -<p>"I'll try." said the girl, with a faint sigh. "I don't like the idea -myself, but Edwin is very determined when he likes."</p> - -<p>"Just like me," said Mrs. Craver, complacently. "I am always firm."</p> - -<p>"Obstinate," said Mr. Craver, with a laugh.</p> - -<p>Before his wife could argue that obstinacy and firmness were entirely -different, the parlourmaid entered with the information that Mrs. -Mellin wished to speak to her mistress. Mrs. Craver was surprised, as -this was not the day when washing arrived and the report of various -doings in the parish was made. Something unusual must have caused Mrs. -Mellin to come unexpectedly to the Rectory, so the eager little woman -hurried out to learn what was the matter. Mr. Craver frankly laughed -when alone with Claudia. His wife's energy, always amused him.</p> - -<p>"Emma should have been a detective," he remarked to Claudia. "She is -always on the look-out for information, and knows everything that is -going on in the parish. Depend upon it, Mrs. Mellin, who is her -assistant-detective, has come with startling news, and Emma will -return to startle us with some kind of a storm in a tea-cup."</p> - -<p>"Mrs. Craver is the dearest woman in the world," said Claudia, with a -sympathetic laugh, "and I like her mannerisms. To me she is kindness -itself."</p> - -<p>"Who would not be kind to you, my dear."</p> - -<p>Claudia was not emotional as a rule, but her eyes filled with tears at -the paternal tone of the Rector's speech. She leant forward -impetuously and took his hand. "You don't know how happy I am here," -she cried, impulsively. "This place is like heaven to me. And yet -perhaps it would be wiser for me to go away and forget Edwin."</p> - -<p>Mr. Craver patted her hand. "Why should you?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, my father and I are a kind of stormy petrel pair of birds. -Wherever we go there is sure to be trouble. I should not like to bring -trouble into this haven of peace."</p> - -<p>"We'll take the risk, Claudia. We all love you, and now that you are -here, here you will remain until Edwin makes you his wife. There is no -reason why you should go away."</p> - -<p>"I shall stay here willingly," she said, with a sigh of relief. "I am -only too glad to stay here."</p> - -<p>Just as she made this speech the door opened, and Mrs. Craver rushed -into the room with flushed face and startled eyes. Evidently Mrs. -Mellin had told her something of moment. "Oh, George"--she spoke while -moving into the room--"do you remember Laura Bright? I wonder I did -not recognise her."</p> - -<p>"Laura Bright, Mrs. Mellin's sister, who ran away twenty and more -years ago?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes! The same. I wonder I did not recognise her. She is Lady -Wyke. I mean Lady Wyke is Laura. And I never recognised her."</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_13" href="#div1Ref_13">CHAPTER XIII.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>Little Mrs. Craver was greatly excited over the discovery that Lady -Wyke was none other than flighty Laura Bright, the sister of the -humble washerwoman. It was not surprising that the Rector's wife had -not recognised her, as the brilliant woman of the world was very -different from the pretty, discontented, and unformed girl who had -gone away from Hedgerton some twenty and more years previous. Indeed, -Mrs. Mellin herself confessed that she would never have recognised her -sister, had not that sister called upon her to proclaim her identity. -Evidently Lady Wyke had no false pride, for she calmly stated who she -was, and talked over family affairs with Mrs. Mellin. Old James -Bright, who had been the father of the two women, was dead, and so was -the mother. The washerwoman's husband had passed away, leaving her -with one son, and Lady Wyke was a widow, with no child at all. It was -for this reason that she had called on Mrs. Mellin.</p> - -<p>"You could have knocked me down with a feather, ma'am, when that grand -lady come along, saying as she was my very own sister Laura. Not a bit -of pride about her, ma'am, for she sat down and took tea, just as if -she was no one in pertic'ler."</p> - -<p>"It does her credit," said Mrs. Craver, approvingly. "I think the -better of Lady Wyke for not being ashamed of her humble origin. She -has greatly improved from the flighty girl she was."</p> - -<p>"Clever, ma'am," interposed Mrs. Mellin, proudly, "never flighty."</p> - -<p>"Pooh, pooh! She was a very feather, Mrs. Mellin. But we won't discuss -her weaknesses. I suppose she called in order to help you?"</p> - -<p>Mrs. Mellin rubbed her nose. "She did and she didn't, ma'am. So far as -I'm concerned, she said she didn't mind giving me a pound or so when -wanted. But she really called about Neddy."</p> - -<p>"Oh, indeed. And what about Neddy?"</p> - -<p>"Laura ses," Pursued Mrs. Mellin, wiping her mouth with a corner of -her well-known tartan shawl, "as Neddy is the only one of our family -left, and is as bewtiful as a angel and 'ave a voice like a bird. A -skylark she called 'im, and wants to git 'im singing in London."</p> - -<p>"Ridiculous!" cried the Rector's wife, vigorously. "Let her give him a -good education and apprentice him to some trade."</p> - -<p>"So I ses, ma'am, me bein' 'umble and Neddy my boy. But bless you, -ma'am, Laura wouldn't 'ear of it, sayin' as 'is voice was wonnerful, -and the gift of 'Eaven, which it 'ud be a shame not to 'ave 'eard. Had -a long tork with 'her I did, ma'am, and Laura ses, as she was on the -music-'all stage 'erself, and didn't see no-'arm in it, nohow. So she -ses as she's goin' to send Neddy to London to appear as the Skylark at -the Tit-Bits Music 'All."</p> - -<p>"Ridiculous! Ridiculous!" said Mrs. Craver, again. "A choir-boy and a -music-hall. The two things don't go together."</p> - -<p>"They won't, ma'am." retorted Mrs. Mellin, rather defiantly. "Neddy -'ull leave the choir when he becomes the Tit-Bits Skylark. Laura's -goin' to 'ave 'is voice trained with a pal of 'er's as sings 'isself, -and with 'im Neddy can stay, Laura payin' 'is board and lodgin'. -Week-ends he can come down 'ere for me to 'ave a look at 'im and look -arter 'is washing, never trustin' them London laundresses as I don't -no'ow. So there you are, ma'am. Fortune hev come to me and Neddy at -larst."</p> - -<p>"I don't approve of it, Mrs. Mellin, and the Rector won't approve of -it either, you may be sure. I'll speak to him and to Lady Wyke -myself."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Craver did so, but gained small satisfaction, for Lady Wyke -firmly held to her opinion and refused to listen to the little woman's -entreaties. As to the Rector, he also ventured on a mild remonstrance, -but Neddy's aunt quickly routed him. She declared that it was better -for Neddy to earn his bread by means of his great gift than to remain -in Hedgerton, loafing about and consorting with bad boys. In the end -Lady Wyke got her own way, as such a hard and determined woman would, -so Neddy arrayed in a new suit of clothes, was packed off to London -forthwith. He was more than willing to go, as he looked forward to a -life of excitement, while his mother was willing that he should try -his luck, as she hoped that his voice would win sufficient money for -him to support her in her old age. And as the two sisters were thus -agreed, neither Mrs. Craver nor the Rector could do anything, although -they highly disapproved of the step taken. But they fought desperately -that Neddy should learn a trade, and the battle was prolonged for -quite a month. At the end of that exciting time, the young scamp went -to London, and the fight ended in the triumph of his mother and aunt. -Mrs. Craver was much grieved over her defeat.</p> - -<p>During the month things went on very smoothly. Edwin came and went, -attended to his motor work, and between times essayed flying with more -or less success.</p> - -<p>Lady Wyke never came near the rectory during the four weeks, rather to -Miss Lemby's surprise. Claudia quite expected that after the visit -paid to the flat and the hint given that Lady Wyke would seek her out -again and still pursue her object, which was to take possession of -young Craver. But Sir Hector's widow remained ostentatiously away, and -Claudia saw her only in church and occasionally on the esplanade. -Short as was the time which had elapsed since her husband's death, -the widow was already changing her mourning for dresses less -aggressively dismal. From black her gowns turned into violet, and on -some days she appeared in grey, always looking smart and fashionable, -well-turned-out, and remarkably young.</p> - -<p>With keen feminine instinct, Claudia guessed that Lady Wyke was on the -warpath, and still cherished a desire to marry Edwin. Seeing that she -had only met him once or twice, and that she knew he was engaged to -Claudia, it seemed ridiculous that she should hope to win him. Yet her -coming down to Hedgerton, her amelioration of mourning-frocks, and her -frequent attendance at church to win over Edwin's parents, all -suggested to Miss Lemby's clever and rather jealous nature that the -widow had not got over her infatuation. Those superior residents of -Hedgerton, who knew something of the outside world, invariably spoke -of her as "The Merry Widow." Claudia frankly hated her.</p> - -<p>This being the case, it was unpleasant that she should meet with the -schemer unexpectedly and be forced to have a conversation.</p> - -<p>It was now March and there crept into the keen air a breath of spring. -The sky was intensely blue, the chestnut buds were glummy, and the -wayside hedges were greening over with tiny leaves. As the village, -with its ancient fish-like smells, was not inviting, the girl often -walked along the verge of the cliffs beyond the Rectory, and watched -the murmuring waves ebbing and flowing on the sandy beach below. On -the day she met Lady Wyke the sunshine was unusually warm and -brilliant, and the azure of the sky, the deep blue of the sea, the -reddish stretch of cliffs, and the delicate, green budding of the -trees made up an uncommonly pretty picture. Claudia walked along for -quite a mile and then sat down to rest near a coastguard station. The -winds brought colour to her cheeks, sunshine light to her eyes, and -the girl looked extremely young and extremely pretty.</p> - -<p>"A penny for your thoughts, Miss Lemby," said Lady Wyke, in her -shrill, sharp, and unpleasant voice.</p> - -<p>Claudia started violently, as the newcomer had stolen up so quietly -behind that she was not aware, of her proximity until she spoke. -"Good-day, Lady Wyke," she answered, quietly, "I fear my thoughts are -not worth even the small sum you offer."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I don't know so much about that." Lady Wyke, a brilliant figure -in black touched here and there with orange ribbons, leant with both -hands on the smart silver-headed cane which she carried. "Young girls -dream of satin frocks and orange-wreaths, of handsome bridegrooms and -the wedding march."</p> - -<p>"You are not a good thought-reader," said Claudia, coldly.</p> - -<p>"Ha! we all make mistakes. Then you were thinking of your father, and -of----"</p> - -<p>"Of things which it is not necessary for you to know," interrupted the -girl, with provoking calmness. "My thoughts are my own."</p> - -<p>"What an obvious remark." Lady Wyke put up her lorgnette and surveyed -Claudia, inquisitively. "Very obvious for so clever a girl."</p> - -<p>"How do you know that I am clever?"</p> - -<p>"Well, I think a girl with a shady father, who does her best to -ingratiate herself with prejudiced people because she wants to marry -their son is clever."</p> - -<p>"What right have you to say that my father is shady?" asked Claudia, -still composed, and mistress of herself.</p> - -<p>Lady Wyke laughed. "Oh, your father and I have had quite a -correspondence," she said, airily. "He was a great friend of my late -husband's, you know, and professes anxiety to help me discover who -killed poor Hector. He writes suggesting theories, and I write back to -say that he is talking rubbish. But I rather think," added the woman, -shrewdly, "that there is more in your father's attentions to me than -zeal for revenge on the man who murdered Hector."</p> - -<p>"Indeed!" Claudia coloured as she knew very well what her father's -intentions were. "But all this does not warrant your calling him -shady."</p> - -<p>"Well, no. All the same, I may have other reasons. Miss Lemby. I think -you are a nice honest girl----"</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, but isn't this conversation rather personal?"</p> - -<p>"I mean it to be," replied Lady Wyke, serenely. "You see, it is just -as well that you and I should understand one another."</p> - -<p>"I see no reason why we should. We are strangers," retorted Claudia, -very much annoyed by the brazen impudence of the speaker. "Oh, I don't -think we are strangers, Miss Lemby, seeing that you were on the eve of -marrying my husband."</p> - -<p>"Well, I didn t marry him, and what is more, I never wished to marry -him. It was my father's scheme to----"</p> - -<p>"To get money," interposed Lady Wyke, softly. "Didn't I say that he -was shady, Miss Lemby? You, in a way, admit as much yourself."</p> - -<p>"I admit nothing"--Claudia rose abruptly to her feet--"and I really do -not see, Lady Wyke, why you should force your company on me in this -way."</p> - -<p>"There are many things you don't see, but will be made to see, my -dear," said the elder woman, insolently. "I saw you leave the Rectory -and followed you to this place so that I might talk to you quietly."</p> - -<p>"I see no reason why I should listen," shaffed Claudia, restlessly.</p> - -<p>"Oh, I think you will when I say what I have come to say," answered -Lady Wyke. "To tell, you the truth I quite expected you to call and -see me at Maranatha."</p> - -<p>"I never had the least idea of continuing our acquaintance," retorted -the girl, pointedly. "Our last meeting in London did not make me long -to meet you again, Lady Wyke. Your last words hinted----"</p> - -<p>"I shall talk about my hints on another occasion," interrupted the -other in sharp tones. "Meanwhile I have sought you out to make you an -offer."</p> - -<p>"Indeed?" Claudia was quite unmoved.</p> - -<p>"Yes. You are poor."</p> - -<p>"That is my own affair."</p> - -<p>"And your father is poor," continued Lady 'Wyke, taking no notice of -the interruption. "You both want money. Your father, as I can see very -well, is paying attentions to me in the hope that I may look -favourably upon his advances."</p> - -<p>Claudia was persistently blind. "What advances?"</p> - -<p>"Well, if you will have it, my dear, your father has more than hinted -that he desires to marry me. He could not get Sir Hector's money -through you, so he is now trying to get it through me."</p> - -<p>"Is he? Well, Lady Wyke, with what my father says or does or thinks, I -have nothing to do. If he wishes to marry you, and accept him, I have -nothing to say. It is none of my business."</p> - -<p>"But as your father's daughter----"</p> - -<p>"Yes. I know all about that," flashed out the girl quickly, and with -flushed cheeks; "but there is no more to be said."</p> - -<p>"There is this. That I do not intend to marry your father."</p> - -<p>"That is his and your affair. It has nothing to do with me. What have -I to do with your intentions, Lady Wyke?"</p> - -<p>"You may guess," rejoined the woman, in silky tones, "when I tell you -that I wish to marry Mr. Craver."</p> - -<p>Claudia flushed still deeper, and looked indignant. Then the humour of -this insolence calmed her and made her laugh. And laugh she did, right -in the face of Lady Wyke's artificial beauty. "I am not afraid," said -Claudia, after looking her rival up and down with all the contempt of -youth for age.</p> - -<p>The woman clenched her hands, grew a deep red, and quivered from head -to foot, as nothing could have been said, calculated to wound her -more. However, having an object to gain she kept her temper. "I said -before that you are poor, and so is your father. He can't get money by -marrying me, as I wish to marry Mr. Craver. But your father can get -money, and so can you, if you will stand on one side and refuse to -become Mr. Craver's wife."</p> - -<p>"Oh, indeed! And how much do you propose to offer me as a bribe?"</p> - -<p>Lady Wyke, thinking from the soft tone that Claudia was willing to -consider her proposal, became eager. "I shall give you a thousand a -year," she said rapidly, and advancing a step. "Think what you can do -with that! It is quite a fortune in Australia. You can return there -with your father, and keep him in his old age. Think, Miss Lemby--a -thousand a year!"</p> - -<p>Claudia laughed again, and again Lady Wyke winced. "I don't think that -there, is any need to say more. Good-day," and she moved away.</p> - -<p>"Stop, stop!" screamed Lady Wyke. "I want my answer."</p> - -<p>Claudia looked over her shoulder laughing persistently. "There is no -answer."</p> - -<p>"Very good." Lady Wyke quivered and turned pale under her rouge. "I -have made you a fair offer, and you have refused even to consider it. -Now look out for yourself and for your father."</p> - -<p>Claudia laughed still louder, and continued to walk away. "Good-day, -Lady Wyke!"</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_14" href="#div1Ref_14">CHAPTER XIV.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>Needless to say Claudia did not report the conversation with Lady Wyke -to the Rector or to his wife, as neither of them would have -understood, so shameless a chase of age after youth. But the girl was -anxious to disburden her mind, and looked forward anxiously for the -arrival of Edwin, who was expected down to spend the usual week-end. -After luncheon the Rector retired to write his sermon, while Mrs. -Craver found that she had household duties to do. The young couple -were left alone, and forthwith Claudia related all that had taken -place on the cliffs. Her lover was greatly annoyed.</p> - -<p>"But we can't talk over things quietly here," he said, taking -Claudia's arm and moving towards the dining-room door. "Mother is sure -to pop in and out when least expected, and I don't want her to hear -about Lady Wyke's vagaries."</p> - -<p>"I have said nothing, Edwin."</p> - -<p>He squeezed her arm. "That is wise of you, dearest. Let us go into the -garden and thresh the matter out. I have something to tell you also."</p> - -<p>They found a secluded arbour at the bottom of what was called the -Laurel Walk from its hedges, and there sat down comfortably. It was -quite a place for lovers, and being springtime, they should have paid -their devotions to Cupid. But matters were much too serious for -trifling of this sort, and the golden hour was filled with the -discussion of important matters. Edwin's very first remark made -Claudia angry--and with her lover.</p> - -<p>"Lady Wyke has ben persecuting me with personal attentions and with -letters."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" The girl's eyes flashed and her cheeks grew red. "Why didn't you -tell me, Edwin?"</p> - -<p>"I didn't wish to worry you, dear."</p> - -<p>"Your worries are my worries, Edwin. I wish to be your comrade as well -as your wife. I think it is very unkind of you to keep silent."</p> - -<p>"Well, you know, Claudia, a fellow does feel a bit of an ass in -talking about a woman running after him. Spare my blushes!"</p> - -<p>"It's all very well turning it into a joke, Edwin," cried the girl, -indignantly, "but it is no joke. Lady Wyke is a most dangerous woman."</p> - -<p>"Why, what harm can she do?"</p> - -<p>"She can hurt my father, if her last threat is to be believed."</p> - -<p>"Ah, but is it to be believed?" questioned the young man shrewdly.</p> - -<p>"Yes it is. Lady Wyke is growing old, and, as you know, there is no -fool like an old fool. She has fallen in love with you, and will move -and earth to get you as her husband."</p> - -<p>Edwin frowned. "That is quite true." Then he smiled. "She has asked me -to afternoon tea."</p> - -<p>"Oh, what impertinence! You won't go."</p> - -<p>"I leave the decision to you, Claudia," said Craver, drily.</p> - -<p>"What does she wish to see you about?"</p> - -<p>"I understand from her that she will explain when I call, not -before." There was silence for quite a minute. "You had better go, -Edwin," said, Claudia, becoming more her reasonable resolute self, and -speaking decisively. "I am quite sure that Lady Wyke suspects my -father with something in connection with the death of her husband. She -may even believe that he is guilty. Perhaps I was foolish not to stay -on the cliffs and hear what she had to say. But I was in a rage. I -only wanted to hurt her, and did so by laughing."</p> - -<p>"You cut off your nose to spite your face." said Edwin, with a shrug. -"That is not like you, Claudia."</p> - -<p>"No, it isn't," she answered penitently. "Usually I am calm and -self-possessed when there is trouble. But Lady Wyke makes me so angry -with her insolence that I lose control of myself. How has she -persecuted you, Edwin."</p> - -<p>"I told you. Nearly every day she has written to me at the factory, -saying a great deal without making clear what she really does mean. -Three or four times she has been in town, and I have had interviews -with regard to the motor she bought. This was wrong, and that was -wrong, when, as a matter of fact, nothing was wrong. Then she wrote -inviting me to take her to the theatre; she asked me to dinner; she -sent me a box of cigarettes----"</p> - -<p>"Oh!" Claudia was furious. "You returned the cigarettes?"</p> - -<p>"Well, dear; I couldn't do that without appearing to be rude."</p> - -<p>"Then you should have been rude, very rude. She deserves rudeness."</p> - -<p>"But I refused the dinners and the theatres on the plea that I was -busy. I did not intend to see her to-day, but after her conversation -with you, I think it is just as well that she should understand -things."</p> - -<p>"I agree. Tell her you intend to marry me and not her. Oh, what a cat -she is! What a persistent, spiteful cat!"</p> - -<p>"She is showing her claws at any rate," said Craver, with a shrug. "It -is puzzling to know why she has taken this mad fancy to me."</p> - -<p>"It's not puzzling at all," rejoined Claudia, promptly. "I took a -fancy to you myself. You are handsome and clever and----"</p> - -<p>"Oh, spare my blushes!" interrupted Edwin again, and really did grow -crimson at these crude compliments. "You make me feel an ass. But -there is no doubt," he continued seriously, "that she means mischief -with regard to your father."</p> - -<p>"You don't think that he is guilty, Edwin?" faltered the girl, -wincing.</p> - -<p>"No, no! Certainly he is innocent. But he was in the house when Wyke -was murdered, and Lady Wyke may try to implicate him in the matter. -Sergeant Purse isn't very clever, you know, while she is; so she may -be able to twist him, round her finger. I'd better pay the visit, -Claudia."</p> - -<p>"Yes. But don't--don't--kiss--her."</p> - -<p>"Claudia!"</p> - -<p>"I know I'm silly," said Miss Lemby, dismally; "but she's old and -desperately in love with you. I don't say that you'll kiss her----"</p> - -<p>"Which you did," interpolated Edwin.</p> - -<p>"But she may kiss you."</p> - -<p>Very much amused, Edwin jumped up and swung Claudia to her feet, "You -are a silly child," he said fondly. "You are the only woman I ever -loved, or ever shall love. Will you come with me and keep guard?"</p> - -<p>"No!" Claudia stamped viciously, "I couldn't keep my temper. She -certainly means mischief with regard to my father, Edwin, for she is -keeping him on the string."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean by that?"</p> - -<p>"I mean what I say. Dad wants to marry her and get the money. He said -so. She guesses that, and is allowing him to write her silly letters -so that she may keep in touch with him. For all I know she may ask him -to dinners and theatres, as she asks you. Dad is clever in some ways -but a fool in others."</p> - -<p>Craver remembered the truculent manners of the buccaneer, and recalled -his dominating personality. "I don't think Lady Wyke will find him -such a fool as she imagines. He is quite capable of twisting her -neck."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" Claudia turned pale. "That sounds as though dad was capable of -stabbing Sir Hector."</p> - -<p>"He didn't do that," said Edwin decisively.</p> - -<p>"How can you be sure?"</p> - -<p>Craver hesitated in a most unaccountable manner. "Well, it might be -the other fellow who bolted on the bicycle, you know. If there had -been any evidence against your father he would have been arrested -after the inquest."</p> - -<p>"That is true," sighed Claudia, with relief, "But what does Lady Wyke -mean by her hints?"</p> - -<p>"I'm going to find out. Don't worry."</p> - -<p>It was all very well for Craver to give this sound advice, but hard -for the girl to take it. Usually she was sensible, but the long -continued strain on her nerves was breaking her down. Also she was -jealous of her elderly rival, who was clever, rich, and persistent. Of -course, Edwin could be trusted, still he was only a man, and men are -wax in the hands of women.</p> - -<p>Claudia would have liked to go also to Maranatha in order to protect -her man from the vile machinations of Lady Wyke, But she could not -trust herself. She would be sure to say something or do something -which would give her hostess the advantage, so it was wiser to risk -nothing. Edwin went alone, and then Claudia returned to her room to -spend an uncomfortable hour or so of suspense.</p> - -<p>The young man walked briskly along the road and turned into Ladysmith -Road about four o'clock. He soon arrived at the square, red bricked -mansion and paused to stare at it. Maranatha had been greatly improved -by its present tenant. The lawns were trim and clean-shaven; the elms -were clipped, and looked more civilised, while the house itself had a -more inhabited and less dismal look.</p> - -<p>Edwin nodded to himself in approval of Lady Wyke's cleaning-up and -restoration, then walked up the neat path and rang the bell. When a. -sedate-looking footman introduced him into the hall he shivered a -little, at the memory of the late tragedy, but recovered himself when -shown into the drawing-room. This, was upstairs, the very room where -Oliver Lemby had been waiting on that fatal night. But it presented -quite a different appearance now from what it did then, although the -visitor did not know this. Formerly dusty and untidy when attended to -by Mrs. Vence, it was now cheerful, bright, and comfortable. A fire -was burning in the grate, there was a new and brilliant carpet, while -the old-fashioned furniture had been renovated and polished so as to -look like new. Showy coloured rugs and draperies made the vast -apartment look gay, and everywhere there were hothouse flowers of -rainbow hues. The scent of pastilles burning in bronze vases made the -atmosphere languid, indisposing those who breathed it to -transformation from gloom to brightness as had taken place in -Maranatha.</p> - -<p>And the author of the transformation rose from a sofa on which she was -reclining to greet her visitor. "I am so glad to see you," she said -softly, and he noted that her shrill voice was now low and gentle. "I -feared you would not come."</p> - -<p>But Edwin was not to be taken in by her wiles, and only lightly -touched her hand outstretched in greeting. "I certainly came, Lady -Wyke," he observed, coldly, "because your letter intimated that you -wished to speak to me about something connected with the death of your -late husband."</p> - -<p>"Does that interest you?" she asked, indicating a seat and sinking -down on to the sofa.</p> - -<p>"Surely. You hinted to Miss Lemby that her father had something to do -with the matter, and for Miss Lemby's sake I am interested."</p> - -<p>"Can't we leave the name of that girl out of the conversation?"</p> - -<p>"I think not," said Craver, still coldly. "You forget that it is on -behalf of her father that I have come. You threatened, both in London -and on the cliffs the other day to do him harm."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" Lady Wyke's brows contracted in a frown, "so that girl told you -of our conversation on the cliffs?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. About an hour or so ago. In fact, the moment I arrived as you -might say, she told me everything."</p> - -<p>"Everything?" repeated the woman, with emphasis.</p> - -<p>Edwin nodded. "Even to the offer of one thousand a year."</p> - -<p>"She should have had more sense than to say that," snapped Lady Wyke.</p> - -<p>"Don't you think that we had better leave Miss Lemby's name out of -this conversation?" said Craver, tartly.</p> - -<p>"I asked you to," she reminded him swiftly, "and you refused."</p> - -<p>Craver could not deny this, and looked uncomfortable. "I have not much -time to wait, Lady Wyke," he remarked, looking at his watch with -pointed rudeness. "I must ask you to come to the point."</p> - -<p>"Oh, there is plenty of time for that," she answered sweetly. "You -must have some tea first."</p> - -<p>"Thank you. I am due back to tea at the Rectory."</p> - -<p>"I think not. We have much to say to one another."</p> - -<p>"About Mr. Lemby?"</p> - -<p>"No." Lady Wyke looked at him so pointedly that he blushed. "About -yourself."</p> - -<p>"I wish you wouldn't," he exclaimed, just like an unformed schoolboy.</p> - -<p>"You wish I wouldn't what?"</p> - -<p>"Talk like that."</p> - -<p>"Talk like what?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, we are speaking in a circle. See here, Lady Wyke. You asked me -here to say something about Mr. Lemby. I understand from your hints to -Claudia that you accuse him of murdering your husband."</p> - -<p>"How crudely you put it." She raised her eyebrows. "I don't accuse -him."</p> - -<p>"Then why I am here I don't know."</p> - -<p>"You will know soon, Mr. Craver. I accuse someone else."</p> - -<p>"Who is it?" The young man suddenly shivered, in spite of the warm -atmosphere.</p> - -<p>"Who is he, you mean. Well; then, ask yourself who murdered my -husband."</p> - -<p>"I don't know. How should I know?"</p> - -<p>"Because you murdered him. It was you who escaped on that bicycle, Mr. -Craver, and it was you who stabbed Sir Hector in this very house."</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_15" href="#div1Ref_15">CHAPTER XV.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>Lady Wyke's sudden accusation of murder came like a bolt from the -blue, and so stunned Craver that he had not a word to say. While he -sat silent in the deep armchair, as white and cold and motionless as -any corpse, she touched the bell-button and ordered the footman who -appeared to bring in tea immediately, The footman arranged the -tea-table near the fire, and Lady Wyke sat down to attend to her -hospitable duties.</p> - -<p>"Sugar, Mr. Craver?" she asked, when the tea was poured out.</p> - -<p>If she could be composed so could he.</p> - -<p>"Thank you. Two lumps," he said, and bent forward to accept the cup.</p> - -<p>"You take it very well," said Lady Wyke, approvingly. "But then I know -you have plenty of courage. All aviators must be courageous, and you -are very successful I hear. I wonder if you would take me for a flight -one day?"</p> - -<p>"Would you risk one with me?" asked Craver.</p> - -<p>Lady Wyke laughed, settled herself amongst the cushions of the sofa, -and stirred her tea. "Oh, you mean that you might be inclined to tip -me out of the machine," she observed, looking at him straightly. "Very -naturally you should, seeing what I know. Still, I am willing to risk -a flight."</p> - -<p>"What do you know?"</p> - -<p>"I told you. I know that you murdered Sir Hector."</p> - -<p>"I did not murder him," said Craver, steadily.</p> - -<p>Lady Wyke shrugged her elegant shoulders. "Of course you say that. I -don't very well see what else you can say if you want to save your -neck."</p> - -<p>"My neck isn't in danger."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I think it is, and at my discretion"</p> - -<p>"So you think."</p> - -<p>"And so I believe, with every reason to believe," she retorted, and -yet looked uneasy. This calm way of taking so heinous an accusation -surprised and irritated her greatly. "Well, what have you to say?"</p> - -<p>"A great deal."</p> - -<p>"Hum! I told you that you would not get back to tea at the Rectory. -After all, we are very comfortable--at least I am."</p> - -<p>"Well, I can't say that I am comfortable in the presence of a woman -who stoops so low to gain her ends; but let us get down to business."</p> - -<p>"Business? You mean you wish to know why I act in this way?"</p> - -<p>"Well, I have a sort of idea of your motive. Still--"</p> - -<p>"Still, you must be blind," she interrupted, "not to see that I am in -love with you and wish to marry you."</p> - -<p>"You go the right way about getting me to be your husband, I must -say," said the young man, sarcastically. "I shall love you immensely -if you succeed in leading me to the altar against my will. Get someone -else to woo you," he ended.</p> - -<p>"No; I want you."</p> - -<p>"You can't have me."</p> - -<p>"Edwin"--she leant forward and extended her arms imploringly--"don't -be so cruel. It is not my fault that I have fallen in love with you. -The moment I met you I wished you to become my husband. After all, I -am not so old and not so ugly that you should scorn me. Also, I am -rich; I have brains----"</p> - -<p>"With regard to that last," he interrupted, "I don't think you have. -Otherwise, you would scarcely proceed with your love-making in this -way."</p> - -<p>"It is the man who should make love;" she panted, fiercely.</p> - -<p>"I agree with you. Why, then, do you usurp the privilege of the male -sex?"</p> - -<p>"I hate you!" Lady Wyke clenched her fists, as if about to strike him, -and glared viciously. "I hate you!"</p> - -<p>"I prefer that," said Craver, serenely, and kept a cool eye on her -doings.</p> - -<p>"Ah"--Lady Wyke looked up to the ceiling--"has this man any feeling? -How can he sit there and see a loving woman tear her heart to lay it -at his feet for him to trample on."</p> - -<p>"Silly! Silly!" was Edwin's comment.</p> - -<p>"Take care." The woman bent over him and hissed the word into his ear. -"I can hang you!"</p> - -<p>"So you say," he replied, unmoved.</p> - -<p>"So I say, and so I know," she shouted. "I know that you came down to -this house on the night when Hector was murdered. You stabbed him, so -that he might not marry that Lemby girl. You escaped on the bicycle. -You----"</p> - -<p>"Stop. How can you prove all this?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I can prove it right enough. But I don't want to go--to--such -lengths." Lady Wyke burst into tears and took out her handkerchief. "I -wish you wouldn't force me to--to behave in this way. Oh, my darling, -I love you with all my heart and soul, I want to--to----"</p> - -<p>Edwin sprang up as she stumbled forward, with the idea of throwing her -arms around his neck. "Don't go on acting like a fool," he said, -sternly. "If you must talk, talk sensibly. Otherwise I shall leave -immediately."</p> - -<p>"I'll send the police after you," she threatened, furiously.</p> - -<p>"Do so. You'll be no nearer to gaining your object."</p> - -<p>Then Lady Wyke broke down. "Oh, Edwin! Edwin! Edwin!"</p> - -<p>Purposely cool and pointedly rude Craver resumed his seat, lighted a -fresh cigarette and looked at her critically. "I wouldn't cry if I -were you, Lady Wyke. You can't afford to do so at your age without -spoiling your face."</p> - -<p>"Oh, you brute!"</p> - -<p>"Quite so; and, knowing that I am a brute, why, try to force me to -become your husband?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I don't know." She dabbed her eyes carefully with her -handkerchief. "Perhaps to make you smart for having treated me so -insolently. I won't give you up to that girl."</p> - -<p>"There is no question of giving up. I am hers; I never was yours. -Come, Lady Wyke, don't you think we had better discuss matters -calmly."</p> - -<p>"What matters?" she asked, wilfully dense.</p> - -<p>"Well; the accusation, for one thing."</p> - -<p>Lady Wyke did not reply. She was thinking how best to get the better -of this iceberg. Threats did not move him; passion did not appeal to -him; tears had no effect. Strange to say, the more he held out the -more she admired him. However, if she wished to gain him against his -will, and that she intended to manage, being so infatuated, the sole -thing to do was to talk business. He must be forced to see that she -had the upper hand, and if he did grasp that fact he might yield. But -even then she was not very sure of victory.</p> - -<p>"Let us talk calmly," said Lady Wyke, lighting a fresh cigarette. "I -want to marry you, and I mean to have you. That is not an easy thing -for a woman to say to the man she loves."</p> - -<p>Edwin admitted this, and suggested that she should lay her cards on -the table forthwith. "Then I shall show you my hand."</p> - -<p>With an ironical smile she fumbled under the cushion and produced a -letter deliberately to pass over to him. "It's a copy," she observed, -while he read it. "You see, I can't trust you with the original."</p> - -<p>"Well, perhaps it is as wise not to do so. H'm!" Edwin glanced over -the four or five lines and nodded. "This is my letter to Sir Hector -saying that I was coming down to see him that night at seven o'clock. -I wrote this letter--the original one, I mean--in answer to one which -your husband wrote me asking me to call. How did you get the original -of this?"</p> - -<p>"From Neddy Mellin, my nephew. He took the letter from the hall table, -where it had been left by the postman on that night. He did not show -it to his mother, as he is clever, and hoped to get money for it."</p> - -<p>"He read it, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes. The boy is far in advance of his years, and knows a thing or -two. He guessed that you were guilty, since the letter said that you -were calling to see Sir Hector. However, Neddy gave the letter to me, -thinking I could get some money for it for him. I told him to hold his -tongue, and, lest he should not, I sent him to London. He is quite -safe. Well, now, Mr. Craver, do you deny that you were in his house on -that night?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, no," said Edwin, smoothly. "I came before my letter arrived, it -seems, as Hall brought it while I was in the house. Wyke wished to see -me with regard to his discovery that you were alive. He told me that -he could not marry Claudia, because you had turned up. But he loved -Claudia, and not being able to marry her thought he would make her -happy by giving her to me."</p> - -<p>"He could, not help himself," said Lady Wyke, tartly.</p> - -<p>"So he said. He heard my ring at the door, and came down to the study, -leaving Lemby in the drawing-room. Wyke told me that he hated you, and -did not intend that you should have his fortune. He intended, so he -said, to make a new will, leaving the five thousand a year to me, on -condition that I should marry Claudia. I agreed, and he took me out of -the study into the dining-room adjoining to show me some notes he had -made for a new will."</p> - -<p>"Rather strange that he should keep those notes in the dining-room," -sneered Lady Wyke, who was listening intently.</p> - -<p>"It was strange. But then Wyke was not quite himself that night. Your -unexpected reappearance gave him a shock, because he hated you. Anyhow -he took me into the dining-room and showed me some papers. Afterwards -he went back to the study for other papers, and was away for some -time. I heard a cry and a fall, and after waiting for a moment or so I -went back to the study. There I saw Wyke lying dead on the hearthrug. -While I was bending over him, to see if he was really dead, Mrs. Vence -came in, dropped the tray, and fainted. Then came the postman's knock. -I lost my head, for in a flash I saw in what a dangerous position I -stood if I were discovered with the dead man."</p> - -<p>"It seems to me," said Lady Wyke, deliberately, "that you kept your -head very cleverly, seeing how you saved yourself."</p> - -<p>"I did that on the spur of the moment. I was very much afraid, and ran -into the hall, opened the front door, and dashed down the path. All I -wanted to do was to escape being recognised by Hall. Then I saw his -bicycle leaning against the fence, and immediately the idea came to me -of escaping. I used it as you know--and as everyone else knows. Where -I rode in the fog and the gloom, I scarcely knew; all I wanted to do -was to escape. Then I found myself on the Bethley Road, and saw the -carrier's cart joggling along with the man half asleep while driving. -I jumped off the bicycle and hoisted it on to the back of the cart, so -that no one should know where I had dropped off the machine. Sorley, -the carrier, found it, as you know, when he reached home at Waking. I -then walked back to the Bethley railway station and took the train to -town. That is the whole story, so you see that I am innocent."</p> - -<p>"You make out a very good case for yourself," she said, coolly; "but -who will believe such a story? It is known that the Lemby girl wished -to marry you, and that you hated Hector for taking her from you."</p> - -<p>"That is quite true. But I did not hate him after our interview in the -study and the dining-room. Of course, I pitied him."</p> - -<p>"Yes, of course you did," scoffed the woman, "Anyhow, you are known to -have hated him as your rival, and the original letter I hold will -prove that you came down to murder him."</p> - -<p>"I don't see that?"</p> - -<p>"Sergeant Purse may see it."</p> - -<p>"Well, then, show it to Sergeant Purse," said Craver, in desperation.</p> - -<p>"Oh, no. I shall give you time to reflect. Take a week or a fortnight. -If you agree then to marry me I shall destroy the letter. If not----" -She paused and smiled.</p> - -<p>"I'll take the fortnight," said Craver, heavily. "You are top dog this -time."</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_16" href="#div1Ref_16">CHAPTER XVI.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>At the Rectory, dinner was always placed on the table at seven -o'clock, it being a law of the Medes and Persians that everyone should -be in time. Yet, much to Claudia's distress, Edwin did not put in an -appearance until the meal was half over. His parents were speculating -as to what could be delaying him when he entered, cool and calm, but -somewhat pale. With an apology for his late arrival, and for not -having changed his dress, he sat down to cool soup and lukewarm fish.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Craver felt annoyed, and said that she was. "Why did Lady Wyke -keep you such a long time?" she asked, indignantly. "It was most -inconsiderate of her. But, there, you can't expect manners from a -person of that class."</p> - -<p>"She did not keep me, mother," answered, Edwin, without raising his -eyes, "for I left Maranatha some time ago, and have been walking about -ever since thinking things over in detail."</p> - -<p>"What things?" asked the Rector, curiously, and Claudia's eyes mutely -put the same question.</p> - -<p>"Those concerned with the murder of her husband."</p> - -<p>"Then she did wish to see you about that crime?" said Mrs. Craver, -sharply.</p> - -<p>Edwin nodded. "She to have a good opinion of my qualities as a -detective and asked me to help her to discover the truth."</p> - -<p>"Well, I'm sure! And what next? As if you were in a position to waste -your time attending to that business."</p> - -<p>"Well, mother, I nave promised to do so. After all, Lady Wyke is a -widow, and has no one to help her. Also, on behalf of the firm, since -she is a good customer, it is policy on my part to keep in with her."</p> - -<p>"I don't see that, Edwin," observed the Rector, shrewdly. "After all, -you are an engineer, and not a detective."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I don't mean to say that I am going to give up the substance for -the shadow," said Edwin, cheerfully; "that is, I don't intend to leave -my business to start on what may prove to be a wild-goose chase. But, -between times, and when I have an unoccupied minute or so, it is easy -for me to look round. And I think you are rather hard on Lady Wyke, -mother. She isn't at all a bad sort."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Craver sniffed and straightened her spare figure. "I don't like -the woman."</p> - -<p>"Well," remarked Edwin, with the air of a man closing a discussion, "I -have given her my promise to look into things, and I must keep it. For -that reason, I have not changed my clothes, mother. I have to return -to town to-night."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Edwin!" cried Claudia, with dismay and with some reproach. "Can't -you stay until Monday?"</p> - -<p>"Not if I have to keep my promise to Lady Wyke."</p> - -<p>"Well, Edwin"--Mrs. Craver stood up to go--"a promise is a promise, -and you must not break your word."</p> - -<p>After the dinner was finished, the young couple were left alone, and -Edwin poured himself out a glass of port wine, which he felt sadly in -need of. Claudia said nothing, but watched her lover carefully.</p> - -<p>"I hate telling lies, in any case," said Craver, abruptly, "but it is -particularly difficult with regard to my own parents. Yet I can do -nothing else."</p> - -<p>"You can tell the truth to me," suggested Claudia, quietly.</p> - -<p>"I intend to. We won't be interrupted for at least fifteen minutes, so -we can talk without arousing the suspicions of father and mother."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Can't you guess after what I have said, Claudia? I lulled my mother's -suspicions regarding a possible flirtation of Lady Wyke with me by -telling a lie; and I said that it was Christianity to help the poor -widow--hang her!"</p> - -<p>"Oh!" Claudia started and winced. "So she----"</p> - -<p>"Exactly. Her flirtation is more serious than ever. She wants to marry -me and asked me to tea so that she might put the case plainly."</p> - -<p>"She can't force you to marry her, Edwin?"</p> - -<p>"She'll try to; and there is no doubt that she has me on toast."</p> - -<p>Claudia rose from her chair, and came round the table to sit beside -him. "Do you mean to say that she can implicate my father in the -crime, and demand your hand as a promise of silence?"</p> - -<p>"No. I mean to say that she can drag me into the matter."</p> - -<p>"Impossible!" Claudia stared aghast. "What have you to do with the -death?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing; and Lady Wyke knows as much. All the same, she can make -things very unpleasant for me, and will, unless I give you up and -marry her."</p> - -<p>Claudia looked puzzled. "But how can she?"</p> - -<p>"I'll toll you, dear." He took her hand and drew her to him. "Do you -remember the letter which Hall, the postman, delivered that night?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. My father told me something about it, although it was not -mentioned at the inquest."</p> - -<p>"Luckily for me it was not."</p> - -<p>"Why? Oh, why?"</p> - -<p>"Because I wrote it."</p> - -<p>"You. And to Sir Hector?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. Wyke wrote asking me to go down and see him at Maranatha -privately. I replied, saying that I would, and fixed the time. But, -owing to the lateness of the post, I arrived before my letter did. -Hall brought it, and left it on the table in the hall. It disappeared, -and Lady Wyke told me that Neddy Mellin took it when he came with the -washing just after the crime was committed. What his object was, I -can't say, although Lady Wyke hinted that he desired to get money. -However, the boy read the letter, and knew that I was coming to the -house. I can't say if he thought that I had already arrived, and was -the man who escaped on the bicycle. Lady Wyke got that letter from -Neddy, and made him promise to hold his tongue. She sent him to London -so as to get him out of the way. She now holds my letter making the -appointment, and threatens to show it to Sergeant Purse if I don't -throw you over."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" Claudia stared straight in front of her, pale and dismayed. "It -is very terrible, and very complicated. Why did Sir Hector write to -you?" Craver told her rapidly and without further preamble. Thus, -Claudia learnt how the dead man intended to leave his money to Edwin, -and how he hated his wife. "It was to prevent her finding out his -intentions regarding the disposal of his property that he asked me to -come secretly to Maranatha," finished Edwin, quietly. "I did so."</p> - -<p>"No one saw you; no one recognised you?"</p> - -<p>"No one. I was muffled up in a heavy top-coat when I got to Redleigh -Station, and pulled my cap over my eyes so that the station-master and -the porters should not recognise, me. They did not, and then I walked -to Hedgerton to enter that accursed house, and--well you know the -rest."</p> - -<p>"But how did you escape?"</p> - -<p>This also Craver told her, and shortly Claudia was in possession of -the whole terrible story. Of course, she immediately saw in what peril -her lover stood, and how easily Lady Wyke could have him arrested. -"Oh, what is to be done?" she wailed, clasping her hands.</p> - -<p>"The first thing to be done is for you and me to keep cool. The second -is to prevent father and mother knowing anything that we know. For -that reason I was obliged to tell lies, much as I dislike doing so. -The third thing, to be done is for me to go to London to-night and see -your father at Tenby Mansions the first thing in the morning."</p> - -<p>"What good will that do?"</p> - -<p>"Your father was in the house, and may know something of moment."</p> - -<p>"You believe that he may be able to prove your innocence?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I think so. He was in the drawing-room sure enough; but I -can't believe that a man of your father's restless disposition -would stay quietly there. I believe that he came down the stairs and -saw--saw----" Edwin hesitated.</p> - -<p>"Saw what?" asked Claudia, faintly.</p> - -<p>"Saw who murdered Wyke."</p> - -<p>"But who could have done so. Surely you don't believe that dad is -guilty?"</p> - -<p>"No. Certainly I don't."</p> - -<p>"And you are innocent also?"</p> - -<p>"Absolutely."</p> - -<p>"Then there was only Mrs. Vence in the house. Do you think that -she----"</p> - -<p>"No," said Craver, decisively. "She had every reason to keep him -alive, and no reason at all to wish him dead. She didn't strike the -blow. Who did I can't say. I'm going to find out. Now you see, -Claudia, why I told my father and mother that I wished to assist Lady -Wyke. I must assist her, as otherwise I shall be put in gaol on a -charge of murder."</p> - -<p>"She would never do that," exclaimed Claudia, flushing angrily.</p> - -<p>"Oh, indeed she would. The woman is a perfect nuisance, and, although -I was as rude as possible to her, she would not sheer off."</p> - -<p>"If I gave you up would she let you have that letter and hold her -tongue?"</p> - -<p>"She says she would," was Edwin's cautions reply, as he rose and -glanced at his watch. "Anyhow, I have a fortnight to think over -things. In order to got the better of Lady Wyke and clear my character -I'm off to-night to begin my search for the true assassin. Come to the -gate and see me off, Claudia."</p> - -<p>Neither the Rector nor his wife really learnt why Edwin took so abrupt -a departure. He made his apologies anew, shook hands with his father -and kissed his mother. Mrs. Craver accorded him a rather chilly -forgiveness, and remarked that he could not be so very fond of -Claudia, seeing that he preferred to leave her and go about Laura -Bright's business. However, Edwin laughed her into a better humour, -and then went off to Redleigh, on his motorcycle, to catch the nine -o'clock train to town.</p> - -<p>The Rectory was very dull after this untoward departure. Mrs. Craver -being upset, retired early to bed, and insisted that her husband -should come likewise. As he had to rise for early celebration next -morning, he was not averse to doing what she asked, and the old couple -were safely tucked in by ten o'clock. Claudia, left alone, read a book -for a time, but was unable to fix her attention on the story, as she -was actually living a much more exciting one. Then she saw that the -servants were all in bed, and retired herself in the hope of getting -to sleep. Only in that way could she forget her troubles. But she -woo'd sleep in vain; she tossed and turned restlessly for quite thirty -minutes. At the end of that time she took a sudden resolution, and -rose to dress herself. It was not yet so late but what Lady Wyke might -still be up and about, so Claudia decided to call and see her. -Considering the primitive habits of Hedgerton, the project was rather -a mad one. Still, strong diseases require strong remedies, and in a -very short time Claudia, with the latch-key in her pocket, had slipped -out of the dark Rectory, and was on her way to Maranatha.</p> - -<p>It was a bright, star-lit night, although there was no moon, and the -girl walked swiftly along the Esplanade towards Ladysmith Road. -Luckily, she met no one, not even Jervis, the policeman, as his -attentions on Saturday night were always given to the village in the -hollow. Claudia boldly rang the bell, and when the footman appeared, -sent in her card. The man seemed rather astonished at so late a -visitor, but took up the card to his mistress, and shortly returned -with the information that Lady Wyke would be pleased to see Miss -Lemby.</p> - -<p>Claudia followed the servant up the stairs; she was ushered into the -drawing-room, and the door was shut behind her. So here she was in the -lion's den, alone and unsupported.</p> - -<p>"This is a pleasant surprise, Miss Lemby," said Lady Wyke, moving -forward with outstretched hands. "Do tell me why you have come to see -me at this hour?" Claudia rejected the outstretched hands, and, -folding her own, spoke sternly to the point. "I have come to give up -Edwin to you," she said, calmly.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" Lady Wyke laughed shrilly. "On what condition?"</p> - -<p>"On condition that you save his life!"</p> - -<p>"I accept!" said Lady Wyke. "His life is safe when he becomes my -husband."</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_17" href="#div1Ref_17">CHAPTER XVII.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>After the excitement of the evening and her swift walk in the keen air -at so late an hour, Claudia felt faint. Nor did the languid atmosphere -of the tropical drawing-room tend to restore her. The heat of the -large fire, the brilliance of the many lights, the multiplicity of -colours, and the odour of flowers mixed with the scent of the burning -pastilles, all made her sense reel and her eye grow dim. With a -violent effort she cleared her head of vapours, and became as composed -as formerly she had been agitated. Lady Wyke was pleased.</p> - -<p>"You are worth fighting, Miss Lemby." she said, approvingly.</p> - -<p>"Thank you for the compliment," retorted Claudia, sitting bolt upright -with a stern white face and steady eyes.</p> - -<p>"Oh, it's no compliment," trilled Lady Wyke, like a bird, "it is the -truth. If you were a namby-pamby of the weeping kind I should despise -you. As it is, I respect you immensely. Few girls of your age would -act so sensibly."</p> - -<p>"I am acting sensibly, as you call it, because I see no other way in -which to act. But although I have yielded for the moment, Lady Wyke, -don't think that I have given up all hope of regaining Edwin. That -Edwin will be my husband is a foregone conclusion. Aren't you ashamed -to get a husband on such terms?"</p> - -<p>"Not a bit," said Lady Wyke, coolly. "He doesn't love me now, but he -will learn to love me. I suppose he is annoyed at you throwing him -over."</p> - -<p>"I haven't told him," retorted Claudia, curtly. "He has gone to town."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" Lady Wyke started and looked suspiciously at her visitor. "I -know that you can implicate Edwin in the murder by showing that letter -to Sergeant Purse," said Claudia, steadily. "All the same you know that -he is guiltless."</p> - -<p>"Do I? Then who is guilty?"</p> - -<p>"I can't say."</p> - -<p>"Your father?" asked Lady Wyke, impertinently and with meaning.</p> - -<p>"No!" Claudia started to her feet. "My father would never stab an old -man."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I think he would to get money," retorted the hostess, leaning -back in her chair and smiling. "He is very much the man who would slay -and stab in order to get money. And from all accounts he needs money -very badly."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I think he does," said Claudia, coolly, "else he would scarcely -have thought of marrying you."</p> - -<p>The shot told, and Lady Wyke grew angry. "Look here, Miss Lemby, I am -scrupulously polite to you, and I expect politeness in return. If you -have nothing more to say you had better go."</p> - -<p>"Oh! I have ever so much more to say. I will go when it suits me."</p> - -<p>"You defy me," cried Lady Wyke.</p> - -<p>"I do. I have given in over one thing because I can't help myself. I -am not going to give in over the question of staying or going. After -we have had an explanation, it is just on the cards that I may rescind -my surrender."</p> - -<p>"Oh, indeed. Well, Miss Lemby, as it seems we are to have a talk, let -me offer you some refreshment. There is wine on yonder table."</p> - -<p>"No, thanks."</p> - -<p>"Well; then, go on; what have you to say?"</p> - -<p>"This. That Edwin is innocent."</p> - -<p>"Prove it," said Lady Wyke. "Edwin has told me everything," pursued -Claudia. "He came down here in answer to a letter from your husband -inviting him to an interview."</p> - -<p>"Quite correct. The letter I hold is written in answer to one sent by -Sir Hector."</p> - -<p>"Very good," remarked Miss Lemby, "we are agreed so far. Well, then, -Edwin told you, I presume, why Sir Hector wished to see him?"</p> - -<p>Lady Wyke nodded. "Yes. I appeared and spoilt Hector's plan to marry -you. He knew that he had made a will years ago leaving his property to -me, and, as he hated me like poison he wished to make another will. He -would have done so after marriage, had you become his wife, since he -could not make it before the ceremony. But as I prevented the -marriage, and Hector did not wish to see me benefit in any way, he -proposed to make Edwin his heir on condition that he married you."</p> - -<p>"I take it, then, that the will was not made when Edwin came here."</p> - -<p>"No. What are you getting at? Do you mean to say that there is a will, -and that I have destroyed it?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, no. But I merely point out that as no will was made Edwin had no -reason to murder Sir Hector."</p> - -<p>"He murdered him because he did not wish Hector to marry you."</p> - -<p>"You forget," said Claudia, coolly. "Your reappearance prevented Sir -Hector from making me his wife. Edwin had no reason to fear the -prevention of his marriage with me from that quarter. And as Sir -Hector wished to make a will in Edwin's favour, Edwin would scarcely -have been such a fool as to murder the man and spoil the chance of his -getting five thousand a year."</p> - -<p>"I think you should have been a lawyer, Miss Lemby; you argue so -well."</p> - -<p>"Thank you. But I should like to know, what you think of the case as I -have put it? You must see that Edwin had no reason to murder Sir -Hector."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I see that!" sneered Lady Wyke, crossly. "The question is, would -a jury see it?"</p> - -<p>"I think so. Absence of motive for the commission of a crime goes a -long way towards proving the innocence or an accused person. And -remember all the evidence is purely circumstantial."</p> - -<p>"Circumstantial or not, I have the whip hand, and I mean to use the -whip."</p> - -<p>"And I mean to try and get my lover as you are trying to do."</p> - -<p>"As I have done," gasped Lady Wyke with fury. "He is mine! He is -mine!"</p> - -<p>"Not yet! Oh, you thought I was in earnest when I surrendered him to -you." Claudia laughed insultingly. "What a fool you are. I have been, -bluffing you all along, you silly creature."</p> - -<p>This series of insults made Lady Wyke lose her temper altogether, and -she became the fisherman's daughter straight away. She rushed across -the room to throw herself on Claudia and scratch her eyes out; but -Miss Lemby was prepared for the onset, and immediately grabbed her -hands so that she could not use them. Being much the stronger of the -two, she forced Lady Wyke over to the chair she had risen from and -made her sit down. Claudia was silent herself, but Lady Wyke screamed -so loudly that it was a wonder the servants did not come up to see -what was the matter. Lady Wyke bit and twisted; and cried and writhed; -but Claudia held her down firmly in the chair until she was exhausted.</p> - -<p>"I think you will be quiet now, said Claudia, suddenly, as Lady Wyke -became weak, ceased to kick, and began to sob.</p> - -<p>"I'd like to kill you," wept the beaten woman, crying her heart out.</p> - -<p>"I daresay you would, if you had a knife or a pistol." jeered Claudia, -who was panting with her exertions; "but as you have only your hands, -and I am ever so much stronger than you are, it is just as well that -you have given in."</p> - -<p>"I haven't given in, you common, vulgar creature," snarled Lady Wyke. -"I intend to marry Edwin in a month."</p> - -<p>"You won't. He marries me."</p> - -<p>"You have surrendered him to me to save his life."</p> - -<p>"Oh no, I haven't. I have been bluffing you, as I said. Edwin's life -is quite safe from you, Lady Wyke."</p> - -<p>"Is it, when I have that letter?"</p> - -<p>"I defy you to produce that letter." retorted Claudia, arranging the -veil round her head, and looking in the mirror over the fireplace. "If -you do, there will be trouble. Edwin has a good defence, as I have -proved to you. No jury would convict him when no reason can be shown -for the commission of the crime of which you accuse him."</p> - -<p>"He ran away; he ran away," panted Lady Wyke, who felt her defeat -sorely and physically.</p> - -<p>"I daresay he did, because he lost his head for the moment. But he has -found it now, remember."</p> - -<p>"I shall see Sergeant Purse to-morrow and show him that letter," said -the hostess, viciously, and stood up to smooth her ruffled plumes at -the mirror as her rival had done.</p> - -<p>"Well, do so. You won't get Edwin in that way?"</p> - -<p>"We'll see."</p> - -<p>"Yes. We'll see. Good-bye, Lady Wyke, you'd better go to bed. I shan't -detain you any longer," and Claudia moved majestically towards the -door.</p> - -<p>"Wait, I won't show that letter."</p> - -<p>"That's your affair, and not mine."</p> - -<p>"But," said Lady Wyke, with an evil smile, "I shall make it my -business to discover how your father murdered Hector."</p> - -<p>"That will be difficult. He had no reason to murder him," so Claudia -said, but she winced for all that at the threat.</p> - -<p>Lady Wyke saw her wincing, and regained a little of her former -dominance. "Yes, he had. Hector was going to leave the money to Edwin, -and your father knows that Edwin wouldn't have given him a shilling."</p> - -<p>"He would have given me a shilling, and I would have given it to -father. I know you are trying hard to make me surrender, Lady Wyke, -but it won't do. Edwin has gone to London to see my father and make -things straight."</p> - -<p>"He can't, he can't!"</p> - -<p>"That remains to be seen. I defy you."</p> - -<p>"I hear you," Lady Wyke burst out into a shrill laughter. "You defy -me, do you. Well, then I shall hang your father and marry Edwin and -see you ruined."</p> - -<p>"Oh, so you admit that Edwin is innocent," cried Claudia, seizing this -admission. "I admit nothing, I shall act."</p> - -<p>"Act as soon as you please." Claudia opened the door. "Good-night, -Lady Wyke."</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_18" href="#div1Ref_18">CHAPTER XVIII.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>Having, reduced her enemy to impotence, Claudia returned to the -Rectory, and slept the sleep of the just. But her slumber was due -rather to exhaustion than to placidity of mind; and on waking in the -morning, she began to realise that she had acted rather rashly. -Impulsively the girl had sought out her enemy, and impulsively, had -carried the war into the same enemy's camp. But had she been wise in -thus driving Lady Wyke into a corner? Sir Hector's widow was clever, -persistent, and dangerous, so that Claudia had no mean antagonist to -deal with. Enraged by an ignominious defeat, Lady Wyke might see Purse -and ruin Edwin without further delay. It was possible, if not quite -probable, that she would act in this way; and Claudia went, down to -breakfast, wishing fervently that the record of the previous night -could be obliterated. The girl recognised that she had been in too -much of a hurry to right the wrong.</p> - -<p>All Sunday Claudia was worried and anxious, both in church and out of -church, before meals, during meals, and after meals. Of course, since -the Rector and his wife were to be kept in the dark, she had to feign -a cheerfulness which she was a long way from feeling. Even sharp Mrs. -Craver noticed nothing in the girl's manner likely to suggest -questions, and privately thought that if Claudia was quieter than -usual it was because Edwin had gone back to London so abruptly. Lady -Wyke did not come either to the morning or evening service, and the -Rector's wife speculated as to why she was absent.</p> - -<p>In the afternoon, Claudia found it impossible to remain at home, so -she went for a brisk walk along the cliffs. Emerging from the Rectory -grounds she passed through a small wood, which sheltered the house -from the sea breezes, and took the meandering path along the verge of -the cliffs. On arriving at the coastguard station she paused for a -quarter of an hour to remove her hat and let the air breathe its cool -kiss on her locks. She had a headache, caused by her perplexity and -the peace around did it good, soothing the lingering pain and finally -taking it away altogether. Claudia set out on her return journey -feeling much better, and began to think that she was making a mountain -out of a molehill. But before she quite made up her mind to this -course she suddenly came across Neddy Mellin.</p> - -<p>The boy was descending the zig-zag path which led to the beach -immediately below the Rectory, and, not being far distant, Claudia -recognised him at once. She then remembered, how Neddy had stolen the -fatal letter which implicated Edwin in the crime, and forthwith -resolved to ask questions. It required some diplomacy to ask the right -ones, so as to get right answers, for Master Mellin was a clever brat, -extraordinary sharp and suspicious. However, Claudia thought that she -could manage him, and, to attract his attention, raised her voice in -the Australian "Cooee!" Neddy turned his head and halted when he saw -her coming down the path. He liked Miss Lemby, as she was a "very -scrumptious gal"--his own words--and, moreover, had given him a packet -of cigarettes, which was wrong of Claudia, considering the boy's -tender years. Neddy looked uncommonly smart in an Eton suit, which -suited his slim, well-knit figure perfectly. Decidedly, he was a -handsome lad, so angelic in appearance, that she wondered how he -managed to keep his shady character out of his face. Neddy was an -unscrupulous little wretch, he stopped at nothing to get his own way -and his own enjoyment, thereby greatly resembling his elders.</p> - -<p>"You do look smart, Neddy," said Claudia, when she reached the boy. -"Why are you not in London?"</p> - -<p>"I came down to see mother," said Neddy, whose diction, as the -listener noted, was much improved, even in the short time he had been -under tuition. "She always wants to see me every week, so that she may -know that I am safe. Coming down on to the beach, miss?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. I am out for a walk. I have not been down this way before."</p> - -<p>"It's just as well, miss," said Neddy, sagely, and led the way down to -the sands. "This place here is dangerous."</p> - -<p>"Dangerous!" Claudia looked, at the billowy sand-mounds.</p> - -<p>"Yes. See," and Neddy pointed to a distant patch of glistening sand, -which looked oozy and damp and treacherous. "Quicksands, miss."</p> - -<p>Claudia stared and shivered. "What a nasty-looking place."</p> - -<p>"Aye, and it is nasty, too, miss. Folks have told me again and again -how other folk have, been swallowed up yonder."</p> - -<p>"There should be a sign that it is dangerous."</p> - -<p>"There was a sign," chuckled Neddy, "but it was swallowed up also, if -you or me got in there," he added, fixing his innocent blue eyes on -the gleaming expanse, "we'd go down to hell."</p> - -<p>"Don't talk like that, you horrid little boy."</p> - -<p>"I'm not little, though I may be horrid, miss. I'm grown up, I am, and -next week I sing at the Tit-Bits, Music-Hall. 'Sally in our Alley's' -what I'm going to sing. The chap as teaches me says I'll make a hit. -It's good pay, too, miss, I do say. But there"--Neddy's face -fell--"I've got to hand over the dibs to my blessed mother."</p> - -<p>"Why do you speak of your mother in that way?"</p> - -<p>"Well, I can't call her my cussed mother, can I miss?"</p> - -<p>Claudia laughed, and then became grave to rebuke him. "You are a -wicked boy to talk of your mother in that way. It is just as well that -she should get your salary. You are too young to know the value of -money."</p> - -<p>"Oh, am I? Well, that's a good one. May I smoke?"</p> - -<p>Claudia laughed again at this politeness, and sat down on a convenient -boulder. "You shouldn't smoke at your age."</p> - -<p>"Who gave me cigarettes?" asked Neddy, shyly.</p> - -<p>"I was very wrong to encourage you. I don't think," added Claudia, -with a view to arriving at the point she aimed at, "that your aunt -would give you tobacco."</p> - -<p>Neddy sat down and lighted up with the impudent air of a robin. "I -take it," he remarked, coolly, "she smokes herself, and I sneak what I -want. Aunt Laura ain't bad. A dashing sort of woman, ain't she?"</p> - -<p>"She'd box your ears if she heard you say that, Neddy."</p> - -<p>"She wouldn't. Aunt Laura daren't lay a finger on me."</p> - -<p>"Why not?" Claudia became aware that there was a threat hidden here.</p> - -<p>"Because I know----" Neddy hesitated, and stole a cunning glance at -his companion. "Well, I know what I know."</p> - -<p>"Lady Wyke has been very kind to you, Neddy."</p> - -<p>"Kind? Oh, yes, very kind," Neddy sneered, and then smiled blandly.</p> - -<p>"You're a wicked little boy, you know, to steal letters."</p> - -<p>Master Mellin dropped his cigarette and looked startled. "She told -you?"</p> - -<p>Claudia nodded. "Yes. She wants----"</p> - -<p>"You needn't talk." Neddy waved his hand grandly. "I know. Aunt Laura -wants to marry the nut you're sweet on. I twigged that ages ago. She -didn't know how to manage to nab him, so I helped her."</p> - -<p>"By giving her that letter?"</p> - -<p>Neddy nodded in his turn. "I read it, you know miss," and he leered so -significantly that Claudia looked upon him as the leading pupil in Mr. -Fagin's evil Academy. "I'm rather sorry I did," went on Neddy, "as the -nut belongs to you, but only in that way could I make the old gal help -me."</p> - -<p>"You unscrupulous little animal!" burst out Claudia, positively afraid -of the lad's shrewdness. "You have made a lot of mischief."</p> - -<p>"I could have made more, miss. 'Spose I'd given that letter to old -Purse?"</p> - -<p>Claudia shivered, and saw the necessity of propitiating him. "You -didn't do that, I am glad to say."</p> - -<p>"No. 'Cause I like Mr. Craver. He's a good sort, and has promised to -give me a ride in his aeroplane."</p> - -<p>"Why did you steal the letter at all?" asked Claudia, nervously.</p> - -<p>"Well, you see, I arrived just when that old cove was slaughtered. Old -Mrs. Vence, she wouldn't let me see the corpse as much as I wanted to, -so I nicked the letter lying on the hall table just to punish her. You -see, if the letter was missing I guessed she'd get beans. When she did -I intended to bring the letter back."</p> - -<p>"But she didn't get beans as you call it."</p> - -<p>"No. Rum thing, as nothing was about that letter, miss. Well, then, -when I saw that nothing was asked at the inquest, I opened the letter -and read it. I'm fly enough to know as it meant Mr. Craver was in the -house when the old cove died, seeing the letter said as he was coming. -But I didn't go for to say a thing, knowing Mr. Craver ain't at all a -bad sort, nor his pa and ma either. I stowed away the letter, telling -no one, not even mother, and only showed it to Aunt Laura when she was -sweet on Mr. Craver."</p> - -<p>"You might have thought of me, Neddy."</p> - -<p>"Didn't know you then, though it was Hedgerton talk as you were going -to marry Mr. Craver. Aunt Laura she got the letter before you came -down. When you came and were nice to me and gave me cigarettes. I was -sorry. But don't you be afeared, miss. Mr. Craver didn't do it."</p> - -<p>"How do you know?" asked Claudia, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"Ah, that's tellings." Master Mellin winked.</p> - -<p>"I shall ask Sergeant Purse to make you say what you mean!" cried -Claudia.</p> - -<p>Neddy laughed. "Then all about the letter will come out, and Mr. -Craver will be put in chokey. There ain't no sense, in that."</p> - -<p>"Do you know the truth?"</p> - -<p>"No." Neddy looked innocently surprised. "How should I know the truth? -I only come to Maranatha just after the old cove had been murdered. -But I'm uncommonly certain as Mr. Craver hadn't no hand in the -business."</p> - -<p>"Can you help me to prove that?" pleaded Claudia, who saw very well -that the boy was a valuable witness if dealt with diplomatically.</p> - -<p>"I can give you a tip," said Neddy, after a pause.</p> - -<p>"Give it to me, then."</p> - -<p>"Go and ask Sergeant Purse to show you the knife as was used."</p> - -<p>"What good will that do?"</p> - -<p>"Well," said Master Mellin, shrewdly, "it seems to me, though, I'm -only a boy, as Sergeant Purse ought to hunt for the cove as owns that -knife. It was sticking in the heart of the old cove you know, and the -sergeant has it. I saw it at the inquest, and it don't seem to be the -kind of knife Mr. Craver would use, nohow. Mr. Craver, he cut on -Hall's bike; but the cove as did the trick, miss, cleared out in -another way."</p> - -<p>Claudia asked further questions, and received evasive answers. Master -Mellin evidently had said all that he intended to say at the moment, -so there was little use in prolonging the conversation. Along with the -boy, Claudia climbed up the path again, and left Neddy again at the -Rectory gate. In a most polite way, he lifted his straw hat in -farewell; but she detained him for a few minutes, in the hope of -getting him to say more. He smiled like an angel, shook his head like -an old man, and resolutely refused to open his mouth. There was -nothing for it but to let him go, which Claudia did.</p> - -<p>All the same, his hint about the knife dwelt in her memory. It was -indeed, strange, that the police authorities had not followed up this -important clue. Without doubt, if the knife was a peculiar one, which -Neddy hinted, its owner might be discovered; and once he was found, -then the truth would become known. Miss Lemby retired to bed on that -night resolved to see Sergeant Purse on the morrow and learn what she -could. Having been engaged to Sir Hector, there was ample excuse for -her to ask questions. In the anxiety and interest caused by Neddy's -conversation Claudia quite forgot her tussle with Lady Wyke, and -passed a better night in consequence.</p> - -<p>By three o'clock next day she found herself standing with her bicycle -before the door of the Redleigh Police-office, and entered to ask for -the sergeant. Luck stood her friend, for the sergeant, usually out on -his rounds, happened to be in and disengaged. Claudia was admitted -into the sanctum of the official, and was amiably received by the -foxy-faced little man. As usual, he was as dry as a mummy in his -looks, and his eyes were more than ever like those of a rat. He was -uncommonly polite to Miss Lemby, since he knew her story, and was -sorry for her.</p> - -<p>"I hope you've got over it, miss," said the sergeant, placing a chair -for his visitor. "It was a hot time for you, that same murder."</p> - -<p>"I am getting over it," Claudia assured him with a faint smile. "And -it was a very painful time as I respected Sir Hector."</p> - -<p>"I don't think he behaved very well, Miss Lemby."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I think he did. After all, sergeant, he did not know that his -wife was alive, you know. It was all a mistake. But I have called to -ask if you have a clue to the assassin?"</p> - -<p>"No, Miss Lemby. I quite understand why you should come and ask, as -naturally, you'd like to see the villain hanged. Lady Wyke would like -to see it also. I can't catch him, however. He went off on that -bicycle, and vanished into thin air, like those witches in the play."</p> - -<p>"Well, Mr. Purse. I have been thinking over the matter," said Claudia, -with diplomatic frankness, "and it occurred to me that you should -follow the clue of the knife. You have it, I believe?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes," Sergeant Purse rose and went to a shelf at the further end -of his office to fumble there, "but I don't see, how we can follow -that clue."</p> - -<p>"Why not? Someone told me that the knife was a peculiar one. Can't you -trace it to the shop where it was bought?"</p> - -<p>"It's an idea certainly, Miss Lemby," said Purse, returning with a -parcel in his hand. "Look at the knife yourself. It is a peculiar -one."</p> - -<p>He untied a string and unrolled several sheets of paper. Then Claudia -saw a sailors clasp-knife with a handle of black bone decorated with -three broad stripes of inlaid silver. "This is the knife, Miss Lemby." -said the officer. Claudia gasped and felt herself grow faint. The -knife belonged to her father.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_19" href="#div1Ref_19">CHAPTER XIX.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>How Claudia managed to leave the office of Sergeant Purse and reach -homo she never clearly knew. In some extraordinary way she contrived -to keep from fainting and maintain her composure, so that the officer -suspected nothing. After a time she complained that the room was -close, and she felt that the fresh air would do her good. Purse, quite -ignorant of the true cause of this unexpected nervousness, accompanied -her outside and helped her to mount her bicycle in a most amiable way. -As she rode off he thanked her for the suggestion she had made, and -declared his intention of following the clue of the knife. All the way -to Hedgerton Claudia thought over what she had done, and reached the -Rectory in quite a fainting condition. Little Mrs. Craver met her at -the door and ascribed her pale looks and nerveless limbs to the long -ride. Claudia gladly accepted the excuse and the scolding and the -order that she should lie down, as she wished to avert suspicion, and -also to be alone to think over matters. Never in after years did the -girl forget that next hour.</p> - -<p>Lying on her bed, with her face pressed against the pillow, Claudia -kept assuring herself that she was mistaken. It was sinful of her to -suspect her father of such wickedness, and she deserved to be punished -for even thinking of such a thing. But the question which agonised her -was: What did this particular knife mean in relation to Wyke's death? -There was only one answer to the question. The knife had been found -sticking in Wyke's heart, and the man who thrust it into that same -heart was the criminal. Her father was the man--her father was the -criminal. Claudia remained all that evening in bed, and again Mrs. -Craver ascribed the weakness to the exhausting ride on the bicycle to -Redleigh.</p> - -<p>All the long night she pondered and thought and reasoned, and cried -out against her reason. When the dawn came she rose and took a cold -bath, which refreshed her. There was no excuse for her to remain in -bed for the day, so Claudia, wan and haggard, went down to breakfast. -There she heard news which cheered her up.</p> - -<p>"Edwin is coming here to-day in his aeroplane, my dear," said Mr. -Craver, who was reading his letters. "He will be here at two o'clock -this afternoon. What excitement this will cause in Hedgerton."</p> - -<p>"I only hope Edwin won't break his neck," cried Mrs. Craver, -wrathfully. "Oh, how foolish the rising generation is! There's nothing -to hold on by in one of these airships, and if he falls he will be -killed."</p> - -<p>Naturally, the Rector, wishing to give the villagers pleasure, did not -keep the news to himself. He told his wife to tell the servants, and -the servants told everyone that came on that morning to the Rectory. -By noon the whole of Hedgerton knew that Master Edwin was arriving in -an airship, and great was the excitement. From what the young man had -said in his letter it was known that he would alight on the cliffs, -where there were vast spaces along which the aeroplane could run when -it settled down like a bird. Consequently, long before two o'clock the -coastguard station was surrounded by crowds people. In their anxiety -to see the latest invention of science and to witness the conquest of -the air by man, the whole population of the little village assembled -on the cliffs. Claudia came also with the Rector and Mrs. Craver, who -were both very anxious and very proud of the coming event. The girl -glanced round to see if Lady Wyke was present, but could not see her. -She did not even catch a glimpse of Neddy, and learnt later from his -mother that the boy had returned to town on the previous day. Claudia -drew a deep breath of relief at the news. She knew very well that -Neddy could be trusted to be silent; yet it was a comfort to know that -he was absent. Miss Lemby could not explain to herself why it was a -comfort; but somehow she felt more at ease without this Puck in an -Eton suit hovering round. And, as Lady Wyke was also conspicuous by -her absence, Claudia abandoned herself to the general excitement of -the coming arrival of Edwin from the skies.</p> - -<p>"I do wish Edwin would come," said Mrs. Craver again and again as the -hour drew near. "Do you think he has met with an accident, George?"</p> - -<p>"Let us hope he hasn't, my dear," answered the Rector, who was -likewise anxious. "But he is not due yet, so we have no reason to -think that anything sad has happened!"</p> - -<p>"There he is! There he is!" shouted a keen-sighted coastguard, who had -a spyglass at his eye. "Yonder he comes."</p> - -<p>"Where? Where? Where?" shouted everyone, much excited, and looked -north, south, east and west without seeing anything.</p> - -<p>The coastguard ran with his spyglass to the Rector. "Look, sir! Over -yonder--over yonder!" and he pointed seaward.</p> - -<p>With a trembling hand, the Rector adjusted the glass, then uttered' -and ejaculation of thankfulness. "Yes. The aeroplane is coming along -like a great bird. Emma----"</p> - -<p>"Don't ask me to look, George. I am trembling all over."</p> - -<p>But Claudia looked and saw a black speck glowing larger as it came -nearer. In a few minutes the hum of the aeroplane was distinctly -heard, and with the naked eye everyone could see the machine swinging -towards the cliffs high in the blue. The excitement was intense. Mrs. -Craver had to be supported by Claudia, so weak did she feel at her son -soaring in space. Nearer and nearer came the black dot, louder and -louder became the burr of the aeroplane, and finally, like a great -dragonfly it swept in huge circles over the land, and settled like a -feather, running along the ground swiftly in its impetus until willing -hands laid hold of it to bring it to a standstill. Then the crowd -rushed to gather round, to cheer, to ask questions, and to examine the -first aeroplane which had ever been in this out-of-the-way parish.</p> - -<p>Mr. Craver, with his wife on his arm, pushed his way to the front, -with his usually dreamy eyes alight with excitement. "I congratulate -you, my son."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Edwin! Edwin!" sobbed the usually unemotional mother, and clasped -him in her arms as he alighted from the machine. "It's wonderful, but -horrid. I know you'll be killed."</p> - -<p>"I'm safe enough now, anyhow, mother," said Edwin, cheerfully.</p> - -<p>"Where's Claudia?"</p> - -<p>"Here," said the girl in a low voice, for she felt faint now that the -strain was over, and all her old fears began to reassert themselves.</p> - -<p>"Why, darling, what is the matter?" asked her lover, hastily.</p> - -<p>"Nothing--nothing--that is, I'll tell you when you come home."</p> - -<p>It was not easy for the hero to reach home. He had to submit to -incessant handshaking; he had to get his aeroplane under shelter; and -it had to be attended to in other ways connected with the engine and -wide-spread wings. There was an old barn on the cliffs which Edwin had -arranged to use for his machine long ago, so it was run into this, and -the doors were closed, much to the regret of the crowd anxious to -contemplate the wonder. Edwin promised to give an exhibition on the -morrow, and then walked home with his parents and Claudia.</p> - -<p>As Mr. and Mrs. Craver were both asking questions concerning his -flight from Hendon all the way, Claudia had no opportunity of speaking -to her lover. But on arrival at the Rectory the watchful mother gave -the girl the opportunity of having a quiet moment with Edwin. Mrs. -Craver drew her husband away, saying that it was best to leave the -young people to themselves, and so the couple found themselves in the -drawing-room. Edwin at once demanded why Claudia looked so ill, and -she explained how she had bearded Lady Wyke, how Neddy had advised her -to search for the owner of the knife, and how the sight of the knife -in the Redleigh Police-office had informed her that the owner was none -other than her own father.</p> - -<p>"Isn't it dreadful," Edwin? sobbed flic girl, when she had finished -her breathless narrative; "but father can't have murdered that poor -old man."</p> - -<p>"Of course he didn't," said Edwin, cheerfully, although he was more -startled by the news than Claudia guessed. "We shall ask for an -explanation. I am sure he will give one."</p> - -<p>"You don't think he is guilty, Edwin?"</p> - -<p>"No, I don't, dear. Appearances are rather against him, as they are -against me. But I am innocent, and so is your father."</p> - -<p>"Did you see him in London? You went up to see him, remember."</p> - -<p>"No, I did not. He was absent when I called at Tenby Mansions."</p> - -<p>"Oh we must see him! We must see him!" cried Claudia, wringing her -hands.</p> - -<p>"We shall see him together," said Craver, soothing her gently. Don't -worry, my darling. I feel sure that everything will come out right.</p> - -<p>"But Lady Wyke?"</p> - -<p>"She won't do anything. She is not sure of her ground. All the same, -Claudia, it was a risk going."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I know. But I wanted to hear what she knew."</p> - -<p>"There is another person who knows more. We must see her, Claudia. If -anyone knows the truth of this crime, it is Mrs. Vence."</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_20" href="#div1Ref_20">CHAPTER XX.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>The company of Edwin was very welcome to Claudia, as she now had an -outlet for her grief. She could talk freely to him and receive the -comfort which she very greatly needed, although even his consoling -words did not entirely quieten her. Like the girl, Craver could not -bring himself to believe that the buccaneer was guilty. There seemed -nothing for it but to see the man and question him closely.</p> - -<p>Claudia therefore determined to journey to London, not only to -interview her father, but also to see Mrs. Vence. Edwin's suggestion -that the old housekeeper should be questioned struck the girl as -remarkably sensible. Mrs. Vence had been in the house when the crime -took place, and although she had given evidence with apparent -frankness at the inquest, it was just possible that she might have -withheld certain facts. If forced to speak she might say something or -suggest something likely to throw more light on the darkness which -environed the tragedy. She resolved to see the housekeeper first and -her father afterwards. What with Mrs. Vence's story and the pirate's -explanation the truth might come to light.</p> - -<p>The difficulty was to find Mis. Vence, who had disappeared into the -unknown immediately after the inquest. Since leaving Hedgerton, so far -as was known, she had given no sign of her existence, and Claudia -wondered how the address of the old creature could be found. Finally, -she resolved to ask Mrs. Mellin when that good lady came with the -washing to the Rectory.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Mellin had never seen Mrs. Vence, as Neddy had always taken the -clean linen to Maranatha and had conducted the business between the -housekeeper and the laundress. But Mrs. Mellin might have learnt -something from Neddy, who was always very inquisitive regarding other -people's affairs. It was possible that Mrs. Vence had mentioned her -destination to the boy in which case he would certainly have repeated -the information to his mother. Therefore she waited for the coming of -the washerwoman to carry out her scheme.</p> - -<p>For over a week Edwin remained in Hedgerton, and daily flew the -aeroplane over land and sea, much to the delight of the parishioners. -The spectacle attracted man, woman, and child so greatly that there -was little work done in the village during these exciting days. They -talked of northing else, and the faces were always turned skyward to -see the aeroplane skimming and rising and sinking and falling, and -generally disporting itself into space. The Rector and his wife, -seeing what command their son had over his machine, lost much of their -dread of an accident. It was mainly for this reason that the young man -brought tie aeroplane to Hedgerton, and gave daily exhibitions of his -skill. Once his parents became used to aviation, he guessed that they -would not worry over his ascents at Hendon.</p> - -<p>Claudia, of, course, never believed that any accident would befall her -lover and did not need any proof that he was a competent pilot. It was -firmly fixed in her mind that Edwin was destined to save her father, -to cut the claws of Lady Wyke, and to marry her. Nothing would happen -to him likely to prevent his carrying out this programme, as she felt -convinced. Therefore, she saw Edwin soar without feeling the slightest -anxiety, and even offered to accompany him. But this her lover would -not agree to. His nerves were not strong enough to permit his carrying -in the perilous machine all that he valued on earth. So Claudia -remained on the ground and Edwin skimmed the clouds, both resting -content in the knowledge that everything was alright, or would be -right in future.</p> - -<p>Lady Wyke had not come to see the arrival of Craver because business -had taken her to, London. When she returned, a note inviting the young -man to Maranatha arrived at the Rectory, Claudia did not wish Edwin to -go, but the visit was paid all the same, as Craver thought it was just -as well to try and learn what Lady Wyke intended to do. Claudia's -interview must have enraged her, and it was possible that she had gone -to London to take steps likely to make immediately public things best -kept private. After some discussion Miss Lemby saw that it was best -Edwin should have the interview, and accordingly, she gave him -permission. So Edwin sought Maranatha towards the end of the week; and -Claudia, during his absence, questioned Mrs. Mellin.</p> - -<p>The washerwoman arrived on her usual day, and Claudia managed to -attend to the sorting of the clean linen herself. As there was no time -to be lost and the kitchen was empty for the time being, Claudia put a -point-blank question. "Do you know where Mrs. Vence is to be found?" -she-asked abruptly.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Mellin stared. "Lor' bless my soul, miss, 'ow should I know?"</p> - -<p>"I thought Mrs. Vence might have told you where she was going when she -left Hedgerton."</p> - -<p>"Well, she never did, miss. I didn't 'ave much truck with Mrs. Vence, -for Neddy took the washing to the 'ouse and brought it back again. -Never did I set eyes on that ole woman, 'cept I saw 'er in the -distance at the inquest. An' may I be so bold, miss, as to know why -you was so wishful to find 'er?"</p> - -<p>Claudia was quite prepared for this leading question, and saw no -reason for making a secret of her intentions. "Well, you know, Mrs. -Mellin, I was engaged to marry Sir Hector, when it appeared that his -wife was already--I mean, still in existence."</p> - -<p>"An' a good thing she turned up, miss," said Mrs. Mellin, with -dignity, "else a wicked case of bigamy would 'ave bin in the papers, -my sister Laura not bein' a lamb to lie down quiet-like.</p> - -<p>"Well, then," pursued Claudia, when she was allowed to speak, "I -naturally feel that the assassin of Sir Hector should be captured and -punished. It struck me that Mrs. Vence may know."</p> - -<p>"Lor' bless me, miss, she said all she could say at the inquest."</p> - -<p>"Ah, but did she? That is what I wish to find out, Mrs. Mellin. -However if you don't know her address--"</p> - -<p>"I really don't, miss," interrupted the washerwoman; "but Laura might -know."</p> - -<p>"Lady Wyke?"</p> - -<p>"My sister, miss. Lor to think as I should be connected with the -gentry. Long may they live in the land. Not as Laura's proud, she -'avin' proved otherwise by comin' to me, who am 'er own born relative, -an' taking Neddy in 'and. Yuss, miss. Laura might know, as she 'unted -up Mrs. Vence arter the inquest to 'ear what she'd to say concernin' -the tragidy. It ain t much use you seein' Mrs. Vence, miss, if I may -be so bold as to say so. Laura didn't find nothin' to 'elp catch the -gory villain who bolted on the bike, so I don't expect as you'll git -anythin' out of 'er."</p> - -<p>"All the same if you can get the address I should be glad."</p> - -<p>"I'll try my hardest, miss, Heaven bless, you," said Mrs. Mellin, and -this particular conversation ended with the entrance of the Rector's -wife, to whom the washerwoman dropped a curtsey. Claudia, having done -the best she could, went away to attend to other work, leaving Mrs. -Craver to count the washing and hear the news. There was much to be -done upstairs, as spring-cleaning was in progress, so Claudia worked -like a Trojan, both to help her prospective mother-in-law and the -aching of her own heart. While working and giving her attention to -every-day things, she could not worry, and managed to pass the time -profitably, and tolerably easily until Edwin returned. She heard his -step in the hall immediately he opened the front door and flew down -swiftly, all agog for news.</p> - -<p>"Well? Well?" she asked, I anxiously, and drawing him into the -sitting-room.</p> - -<p>Edwin put his arm round her waist and looked at her queerly. "I am -coming in for a fortune," he observed, in an abrupt manner.</p> - -<p>Claudia stared. "What do you mean? Sit down and explain."</p> - -<p>Edwin sat down and did as he was told. "Lady Wyke is furious at you, -and wants to make you suffer for shaking her as you did. She told me -that she never did believe me guilty, and only said so to annoy you -and to trap me into marriage. She thought that I would give in, and -make her my wife rather than face the worst."</p> - -<p>"Well, she found out when I saw her that she was mistaken," said -Claudia, tartly. "Yes, she did, and now has gone on a new tack. She -doesn't intend to force me into marriage, because she cannot. But she -went to London the other day to make a will in my favour. Yes, you may -stare, Claudia, but Lady Wyke told me that if she dies I got five -thousand a year. The will is made, signed, and witnessed, and Mr. -Sandal holds it."</p> - -<p>"Pouf!" said Claudia, contemptuously. "Mr. Sandal knows that the will -is wastepaper. I wonder Lady Wyke thinks you are such a fool as to be -taken in with that bluff."</p> - -<p>"Is it bluff!" asked Edwin, looking puzzled. "How?"</p> - -<p>"Why, don't you know that a will made before marriage is null and void -if the marriage takes place?"</p> - -<p>"No. I never knew that. Few people do know it, I fancy."</p> - -<p>"Lady Wyke believed that you were ignorant, and so has simply been -trying to bluff you into marriage with her. She has made the will to -bribe you; but she knows that if you marry her the will becomes -wastepaper. See?"</p> - -<p>"I see. Anyhow, whether the will is destroyed by her or not, I don't -intend to marry her. Therefore, unless she alters the will, it stands -in my favour. Not that I want the money, Claudia."</p> - -<p>"Nor I," said the girl. "However, you made Lady Wyke understand that -you would remain true to me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. And she made me understand that she was heartbroken, and had -done what she could to help me by making this ridiculous will. And she -won't proceed about my affair, as she sees that by so doing she will -be no closer to her goal. For the time being she intends to remain -quiet, in the hope that this business will soften me."</p> - -<p>"But you told her it wouldn't?"</p> - -<p>"I did. Only she won't believe me. However, Lady Wyke is safe for the -time being, so meanwhile we can see your father and Mrs. Vence, and -get at the truth of the matter. As to the will, we needn't think -anything more about it."</p> - -<p>Claudia agreed with this, and wondered that so clever a woman as Lady -Wyke was should act foolishly. Then she related the conversation with -Mrs. Mellin to Edwin, and hopefully said that the address of Mrs. -Vence would surely be forthcoming.</p> - -<p>Edwin demurred. "Not if Lady Wyke has to give it," he said. "She ii -not such a fool as to let you find out anything from Mrs. Vence likely -to spoil her game."</p> - -<p>But the young man proved to be a false prophet, for Mrs. Mellin -arrived on that same evening with the address. It appeared that Mrs. -Vence was living in a Pimlico lodging-house, and for the time being -was out of work. Possessed of this information, Claudia arranged to go -to London next day with her lover.</p> - -<p>Next morning Edwin fixed a sidecar to his motor-bicycle, and ran -Claudia into Redleigh in time to catch the ten-thirty London express. -In an hour and a-half they arrived in town. Then Edwin went to Tenby -Mansions at Earl's Court to prepare Lemby for his daughter's visit, -and Claudia took an Underground train for Victoria, in order to seek -Mrs. Vence in Pimlico. Craver wished to come also, but Claudia -insisted that he should look after her father. It was necessary that -she should see him as soon as possible, and as the buccaneer was here, -there, and everywhere, she urged that Edwin would find him and watch -him and hold him at home. With this agreement the young people parted, -Claudia promising to be at the flat at three o clock, or a trifle -later.</p> - -<p>There was no difficulty in finding the whereabouts of Mrs. Vence, as -the very dingy lodging-house she lived in was not far from Victoria. A -slatternly woman with a suspicious eye admitted grudgingly that Mrs. -Vence was indoors, and, after some arguing, conducted the visitor into -a dirty bedroom on the third floor. Here sat Mrs. Vence near the -window, coughing and sneezing and groaning and moaning. Her ancient -face was more withered and brown and seamed with wrinkles than -formerly, and on the whole she looked very old and worn and -disagreeable. With a shawl round her head, and a little table covered -with medicine bottles at her elbow, the old woman sat with her back to -the window, shivering with ague and whimpering with pain. Claudia's -stately beauty seemed to annoy her, for she snarled when her visitor -sat down, and they were left alone by the slatternly landlady.</p> - -<p>"I don't want fine ladies to come and see me, drat you," grumbled the -old creature, crossly. "I'm ill with inflewinzy, I am, and I do hope -as you'll get it."</p> - -<p>Claudia smiled at this amiable wish, and apologised. "I am sorry you -are ill, Mrs. Vence. But I have called--"</p> - -<p>"About gitting me to look arter your house?" interrupted Mrs. Vence. -"Well, then, I can't, me being that ill as never was."</p> - -<p>"No. Don't you know my name? I gave it to the landlady. Lemby is--"</p> - -<p>"Ho!" Mrs. Vance coughed and stared and grunted after her scrutiny. -"So you're his daughter, are you?"</p> - -<p>"I am the daughter of Mr. Oliver Lemby, if you mean that," said -Claudia, with dignity, "and I have called to----"</p> - -<p>"Ho!" Mrs. Vence coughed and for the third time. "I know why you've -called, my lady. And it 'ud hev been better if you didn't hev called."</p> - -<p>"Why?" Claudia was startled.</p> - -<p>"'Cause I thought as every think was dead and done with about that -murder. I hev 'ad it on my nerves day and night, wondering if I should -speak or not."</p> - -<p>"Speak?" The girl rose and turned white with emotion. "My father----"</p> - -<p>"Yuss," said Mrs. Vence with relish, "your dear par murdered him sure -enough."</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_21" href="#div1Ref_21">CHAPTER XXI.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>"That's a lie," said Claudia, calmly, and without rising.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Vence spluttered and shook with wrath, in her rage it seemed as -though she were about to rise up and denounce her visitor. But a fit -of coughing prevented her, and by the time it was over she felt too -weak to scold. "It's the truth," she muttered sulkily, and took a -wineglassful of medicine.</p> - -<p>"Prove it!"</p> - -<p>Claudia, who had entered the room anxious and perturbed, was now quite -calm in asking questions.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Vence was patently surprised to see how quietly the girl took the -dreadful charge. "You don't seem much upset!" she croaked. "I thought -you loved that par of yours, as a gel should."</p> - -<p>"I do love my father," was Miss Lemby's steady reply, "and for that -reason I decline to believe what you say."</p> - -<p>"Then why come here to worrit me?" gasped the old woman, crossly. -"Ain't I got enuff to put up with at my age without silly gels coming -to tell me as I'm a liar. I can't say nothin' else."</p> - -<p>"You can; you must. My father explained his movements at the inquest, -and his testimony was accepted as exonerating him. And let me remind -you. Mrs. Vence, that at the inquest you brought no charge against -him."</p> - -<p>"'Cause I warn't certain," retorted the old woman, promptly. "'Twas a -nasty case, and I didn't want to be mixed up in it more'n I could -help. I said as little as I could, and afterwards, when that Lady Wyke -come and see me----</p> - -<p>"Did she come and see you?" interposed Claudia, anxiously.</p> - -<p>"Don't I say she did, cuss you?" growled Mrs. Vence hoarsely. "Of -course she come and see me, to arsk if I know'd of anything likely to -show who killed her old man. I told her what I told you, and she said -as I'd better keep silent till she wanted me."</p> - -<p>"She intended to accuse my father, then?"</p> - -<p>"Yus. I s'pose so, when she was ready. And I thinks," added Mrs. -Vence, with a dry cough, "as she's gitting ready; for she's arsked me -down to Hedgerton at the end of the week--four days off, that is, -miss."</p> - -<p>"Are you going?"</p> - -<p>"How can I say. If the inflewenzy lets me. I may. It means money in my -pocket, and, not having a sitivation for months, I want money."</p> - -<p>"What have you to say?" demanded Claudia, sternly.</p> - -<p>"Say? The truth!" snarled Mrs. Vence, crossly. "And don't arsk me to -say anything else, I beg, my mother having bin a Baptist and perticler -proper."</p> - -<p>"What is the truth?" -"Well, your par was in the droring-room with the barnit when he come, -and I crep up to listen to what they was saying, as I don't hold with -folk heving secrets fro' me. I had my eye and my ear at the keyhole -time and time about."</p> - -<p>"What did you hear? What did you see?"</p> - -<p>"I heard my master explaining as he couldn't marry you 'cause he was -married already. Then your par guv a screech and swore awful. I peeped -in at the keyhole, and saw him take out a clasp-knife and run at the -old man. The barnit, he just laughed and waited, so your par didn't -know what to do. Then at that moment come the ring at the door. I -tumbled down the stairs and let in that gent as bolted on the bike -later."</p> - -<p>"Do you know who he was?" asked Claudia, anxiously.</p> - -<p>"No, I didn't, him being muffled up," growled Mrs. Vence.</p> - -<p>"What happened then?" asked Claudia, quickly.</p> - -<p>"What I said at the inquest. Sir Hector, he took the new gent into his -study, and told me to bring cake and wine in a quarter of an hour. I -said I was in the kitchen, but," said Mrs. Vence, with a leer, "I -wasn't there the whole time. Oh, no, bless you. I wanted to see what -it all meant!"</p> - -<p>"And you listened?"</p> - -<p>"I listened and looked," retorted the housekeeper, shamelessly. "My -master and the new gent talked about some will, and then the barnit -took the gent into the dining-room to show him some papers. Then," -said Mrs. Vence, earnestly, "I saw that par of yours coming down the -stairs; with the clasp-knife open in his hand, looking savage-like. I -was so feared that I ran back to the kitchen just as I heard Sir -Hector returning to the study. Then I comes in with the cake and wine -some time later, and found my master lying dead on the rug, and the -gent as bolted on the bike bending over him."</p> - -<p>"And my father?" faltered Claudia, with a sinking heart. "Oh, he got -back up the stairs, and didn't come down until that there postman and -the police came. Clever, he was. But he didn't know as I'd seen him -coming down to stick the old man. You know, miss, how the post come, -and how the gent opened the door?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes; I know." Claudia rose with an effort. "All you say sounds -reasonable, enough, from your point of view."</p> - -<p>"It'll be the same fro' the jury's point of view," snapped Mrs. Vence.</p> - -<p>"I don't believe it," cried Miss Lemby in despair. "Whatever you may -say, my father is innocent. You didn't see him strike the blow."</p> - -<p>"But he comed down the stairs with the knife," grinned the -housekeeper. "Oh, he did it right enuff--your par, I mean. I believe -that boy saw it, too."</p> - -<p>"What boy? Do you mean Neddy Mellin?"</p> - -<p>"Yus. He was in the house--in the kitchen with me."</p> - -<p>"But he said he came with the washing later."</p> - -<p>"Then he's a liar," said Mrs. Vence, morosely. "He come earlier, and -was keeping me company in the kitchen. An imp, he is; not as you knows -him, miss."</p> - -<p>"I know him very well," said Claudia, secretly glad to hear that the -boy had been on the scene, as his evidence would be valuable. "He is a -great friend of mine. I shall see him and make him tell me -everything."</p> - -<p>"He won't; he won't," said Mrs. Vence, hurriedly, and appeared to be -somewhat discomposed, as if she feared she had let out too much.</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, he will, Mrs. Vence. I saw him the other day, and he -half-promised to tell me the truth. I'm going now."</p> - -<p>"Pity you ever came," snarled the old woman, restlessly. "You're only -bringing your par to the gallers. If you speak to that imp, he'll put -a rope round the neck of your par for sure."</p> - -<p>"Neddy will do nothing to harm me and mine, as he is fond of me."</p> - -<p>"Oh, is he? Then he'll hev to tell lies to save your par."</p> - -<p>Claudia hesitated at the door. "I tell you what, Mrs. Vence," she -said. "When you come to Maranatha I shall got my father and Mr. Craver -to meet you and Lady Wyke and Neddy. Then we can thresh the matter -out."</p> - -<p>"You'd better bring that Sergeant Purse also," taunted Mrs. Vence, "as -he'll be on the spot to gaol that par of yours. Git on; git out. -You've worrited me with your cussed nonsense."</p> - -<p>Claudia, having executed her purpose, left the woman still coughing, -and swiftly ran down the stairs. At the end of the narrow street, and -when she emerged into the main thoroughfare, she hailed a taxi. -Shortly she was driving towards Earl's Court, anxiously considering -what was best to be done. It was a very pale-faced girl who entered -the tiny drawing-room in the Tenby Mansions flat. Mr. Oliver Lemby was -there stretched at length in his favourite chair, and smoking his big -pipe. He looked unkempt and uncivilised, while the room had a -neglected look. Claudia felt as though she was entering into the den -of a bear, and the growl with which Lemby received her aided the -illusion. But that Edwin was sitting in an adjacent chair and was -ready to support her, Claudia would probably have burst into tears -over this reception. What with the wear and tear of the last week, and -the trying interview with Mrs. Vence, her nerves were worn thin. She -felt that she could not bear much more strain on them.</p> - -<p>"Well, my gal," roared The pirate, "you've making a nice hash of -things."</p> - -<p>"Don't talk like that to Claudia, Lemby," said Edwin, sternly, as the -girl sank exhausted in a chair. "Don't you see she is worn out."</p> - -<p>"I shall talk to my own daughter as I please, hang you!"</p> - -<p>"No you won't! Claudia is engaged to me, and I shall protect her, let -me tell you, Lemby, that your position is not so safe that you can -afford to go on in this way."</p> - -<p>"My position is as safe as yours," growled the buccaneer.</p> - -<p>"That isn't saying much," replied Craver, with a shrug. "I am in a -difficult position also. I have explained to you that I was in the -house."</p> - -<p>"Yes; and I believe you scragged the old man."</p> - -<p>"Mrs. Vence says it was you, father," said Claudia, faintly. Lemby -rose and dashed his pipe to the ground, opening and shutting his hands -in ungovernable rage. "Where is the old wretch?" he shouted. "Only let -me got a grip of her and I'll send her to kingdom come."</p> - -<p>"Claudia, you are quite faint. Don't say another word for a few -minutes, and drink this glass of wine, it will revive you."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Edwin." Claudia willingly accepted the offer and sipped -the port, while her father strode up and down the room like a caged -beast, cursing and storming, and generally conducting himself like a -wild man of the woods. Edwin sat beside Claudia and attended to the -girl, occasionally glancing at the buccaneer with a contemptuous -smile. The sight of this somewhat calmed Lemby, who became ashamed of -his want of self-control. With a final oath he flung himself into his -chair and sulkily demanded what was to be done. Since his daughter was -still too upset to speak, Edwin spoke for her.</p> - -<p>"Let us hear Claudia's report of her interview with Mrs. Vence," he -suggested.</p> - -<p>The wine did Claudia good, and shortly she felt much more like her -ordinary self. Without wasting further time she related tersely what -had passed between herself and the housekeeper, Edwin listened -attentively without making any remark; but Lemby growled and cursed -under his breath the whole time. "Before I left," concluded Claudia, -"I suggested that dad and Edwin and I should meet Lady Wyke, Mrs. -Vence, and Neddy at Maranatha to come to an understanding. Mrs. Vence -goes down to Hedgerton at the end of the week."</p> - -<p>"I'll go, too," cried the pirate, rising to again stalk up and down -the room. "Do you think that I'm going to have these lies told about -me?"</p> - -<p>"Are they lies?" asked Edwin, quietly.</p> - -<p>Lemby hesitated, "The most part are lies," he said, sulkily.</p> - -<p>"And what part is the truth?"</p> - -<p>"That about my drawing my knife on Wyke," admitted Lemby, after a -pause. "I did get in a rage when Wyke told me that he was already -married, and I did take out my knife to frighten him. But I didn't -mean a dashed thing, you know, as it ain't my way to kill silly old -buffers. 'Sides, he'd pluck, he had, as he stood quite still when I -made a run at him, and only laughed."</p> - -<p>"So Mrs. Vence said, dad."</p> - -<p>"Well, she told the truth for once. I was in a rage, but I couldn't -hit a man who stood up to me unarmed. I'm a white man, I am."</p> - -<p>"You said at the inquest that Wyke did not explain anything to you in -the drawing-room," said Edwin, refusing to endorse Lemby's good -opinion of himself. "Yes, I did--and for why? Wyke waited till I -cooled down and took the knife from me, still laughing. Then came the -ring at the door. He was in a hurry to see you, Craver, I expect, for -he blamed well bolted down the stairs and forgot to lay down my -knife."</p> - -<p>"He took it with him?" gasped Claudia, leaning forward.</p> - -<p>"Don't I say he did?" growled her amiable parent. "Yes, he took the -knife with him, being in such a hurry. I didn't leave the drawing-room -for ever so long, and Mrs. Vence is a liar in saying that I did. I -waited until I heard voices, then came down and found that the old man -had passed in his cheques. When I saw it was my knife sticking in his -blessed old heart I made up my mind to say as little as I could. And -that," ended Lemby, turning towards Edwin, "was the reason as I lied -about his making explanations in the drawing-room. What else could I -do?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing," said Craver, promptly; "being innocent, there was no need -for you to incriminate yourself. This is the truth, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"Yes it is. Why should I tell lies."</p> - -<p>"Well, you did, you know, at the inquest. Anyhow, we have your story -and the housekeeper's story. Now we must learn what Neddy Mellin has -to say."</p> - -<p>"I am sure that the boy knows the truth," said Claudia, positively. -"Mrs. Vence admitted that he was in the kitchen all the time. She -seemed sorry that she told me so."</p> - -<p>"I daresay," remarked Edwin, "she has said too much. Well, Lemby?"</p> - -<p>"I'll come down to Hedgerton with you," said the pirate, promptly.</p> - -<p>And in this practical way the matter was settled.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_22" href="#div1Ref_22">CHAPTER XXII.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>All this time Lady Wyke gave no sign of her intentions. After her -interview with Craver, when she assured him that a will had been made, -in his favour the wily woman remained silent. Perhaps she was waiting -for the young man to take the bribe and marry her, trusting to his -ignorance of the law concerning wills being rendered null and void by -marriage. Perhaps she was waiting for the arrival of Mrs. Vence, in -order to collect evidence and send Claudia's father to the gallows. No -one could tell what she meant to do.</p> - -<p>In spite of the dark clouds by which she was surrounded, Claudia felt -happier when she returned to Hedgerton Rectory. Her father was with -her, and Edwin also; so, protected in this way, she somehow felt safe. -Assured by Lemby that he was guiltless, and believing implicitly that -he had spoken the truth, Claudia felt convinced that Lady Wyke would -not be able to ruin him. Doubtless her father had his faults; and his -foolish rage, which had led him to draw his knife on Wyke, had placed -him in an awkward position. All the same, it was not to be thought of -for one moment that he would be allowed to suffer for a crime, of -which he was wholly innocent. And, indeed, as the girl reflected, Lady -Wyke could not herself be positive of his guilt, or she would long ago -have had him arrested. Much of the truth had come to light concerning -the Hedgerton tragedy; but more had to come before the assassin of -Wyke could be placed in the dock. Since her father was innocent and -Edwin was innocent, Claudia could not think who was guilty. In the -railway carriage, when on the way to Redleigh, she asked Edwin's -opinion.</p> - -<p>"H'm!" said the young man when thus appealed to. "It is difficult to -say, my dear girl. The truth may be found in Lady Wyke's past life."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean, Edwin?"</p> - -<p>"Well, you see, Lady Wyke knew that her husband had made a will in her -favour, for when she called on Sandal to say that she was alive, and -to stop the marriage with you, she made sure that there was no new -will. Now let us suppose that she learnt Wyke's intention of leaving -the money to me, so that I could marry you, is it not likely that she -would try and stop him making the new will?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Lemby, from his corner of the compartment, "it blamed well -is. Do you mean to say, Craver, that Lady Wyke murdered the man -herself?"</p> - -<p>"No. Because, so far as we know, she did not come down to Hedgerton -until after the murder. If she had, her sister, Mrs. Mellin, would -have recognised her. But Lady Wyke might have hired someone to stab -Sir Hector."</p> - -<p>"Pigs might fly," said the pirate, disbelievingly and vulgarly. "Why. -beyond yourself and myself, there was no one in the house at the -time."</p> - -<p>"Neddy was in the house," suggested Claudia.</p> - -<p>"Pouf!" said her father, contemptuously. "You don't mean to say that -such a small boy struck so vigorous a blow."</p> - -<p>"No, I don't. But Neddy might know if a third person came to Maranatha -on that night."</p> - -<p>"I wonder if Mrs. Vence killed the man herself?" murmured Edwin, -thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>"Of course not!" cried Claudia, quickly. "She had every reason to keep -Sir Hector alive, seeing that she had lost a good situation by his -death."</p> - -<p>"Well, I give it up in despair. What do you think, Lemby?"</p> - -<p>"I don't think at all," growled the big man, truculently. "It's a -dashed mystery, it is. If your theory is correct, and Lady Wyke hired -someone to stab the old man so that he mightn't make a new will, the -cove must have sneaked in by the back door."</p> - -<p>"If he did Neddy will know, because he was in the kitchen long before -the crime was committed," said Miss Lemby. "Mrs. Vence admitted as -much."</p> - -<p>"If Neddy saw any third person enter in that way, Mrs. Vence saw him -too," declared Edwin, positively, "for she was in the kitchen also."</p> - -<p>"Not all the time, Edwin. She was running about the house listening, -and looking through keyholes, as I told you."</p> - -<p>"It is a mystery," sighed the young man, after a pause. "All we can do -is to wait for the arrival of Neddy and Mrs. Vence."</p> - -<p>"Mrs. Vence will be down on Saturday and Neddy on Sunday," said -Claudia. "You know he sings at the Tit-Bits Music Hall this week."</p> - -<p>"He hasn't made his appearance yet," growled Lemby. "Since you spoke -of the brat I have looked at the newspapers for his appearance. -Anyhow, whether he comes or not I'm going to see Lady Wyke."</p> - -<p>"What for?"</p> - -<p>"To ask her to many me," said Lemby, coolly.</p> - -<p>"She won't," said Craver with a stare of astonishment. "You are the -most hopeful man in the world if you think so, Lemby."</p> - -<p>"It's cheek as does it, Craver. Anyhow, I'm going to have a shot at -it. She can but say no."</p> - -<p>"It strikes me, Lemby," said the young man, drily, "that she'll say -much more." By the time the conversation reached this point, the train -was slowing down alongside the Redleigh platform. Edwin got his -motorcycle out of the luggage-room where he had stowed it, and, -placing Claudia in the sidecar, whirled off to Hedgerton. Lemby -engaged the same trap as he had formerly taken when paying his visit -to Wyke, and hoisted his portmanteau on to the seat beside Sankey. He -did not intend to go to the rectory, as knew that he would feel -uncomfortable in the company of two such precise people as the Rector -and his wife. Therefore he ordered Sankey to drive to the Jack Ashore -Inn, where he had talked with Sergeant Purse.</p> - -<p>Claudia and Edwin were welcomed back joyfully to the Rectory, for the -old couple had missed them sorely. Mrs. Craver, being the soul of -hospitality, was vexed to hear that the girl's father had gone to the -inn instead of coming to the Rectory. She was anxious to make his -acquaintance and see at close quarters what he was like. Of course, -she had beheld him afar off when the inquest was taking place; but she -naturally desired to talk to him and examine him and learn all about -him. She little guessed that Claudia was relieved at her father's -decision to go to the Jack Ashore. The girl had an uneasy feeling that -prim Mrs. Craver would not approve of the tyrant. It was with some -uneasiness that she waited for the call Lemby proposed to pay, for the -purpose of making acquaintance with the Rector and his wife. But he -never came, either to dinner nor after dinner. Although Claudia was -relieved in one way, she was annoyed in another, as she did not wish -Mrs. Craver to think that her father was entirely devoid of manners.</p> - -<p>The fact is that Lemby quite intended to go to the Rectory for his -meal and to meet his prospective relatives. But after he had settled -himself at the inn, he began to think that it would be just as well to -get the interview over. There was no doubt about it that Lady Wyke was -in a position to make things hot for him if she used the evidence of -Mrs. Vence, so that the buccaneer thought that he would close her -mouth by requesting her hand in marriage. It was ridiculous to think -for one moment that she would prefer a battered old pirate such as he -was to a smart and handsome young fellow like Craver. But Lemby had -always made his way by sheer audacity, and he hoped to storm Lady Wyke -into submission. In this truculent frame of mind he set out for -Maranatha shortly after six o'clock.</p> - -<p>When he sent in his card Lady Wyke received him at once, and he looked -upon this reception as a good omen. He little knew that the little -woman wished to learn the plans of her enemies, and had received him -so blandly with the object of pumping him. For the purpose of -conquest, and to show that he knew what civilisation was, Lemby had -arrayed himself in evening dress. He looked a fine, handsome man, when -he entered the big drawing-room, and the mellow light of the lamps -took years off his life, as they did off the life of Lady Wyke. She -came forward with a smile to greet him, looking remarkably attractive -and well preserved in a gorgeous dinner-gown of crimson and black.</p> - -<p>"I am so glad to see you, Mr. Lemby," she said, graciously. "We have -not met for ever so long, although we have had much correspondence."</p> - -<p>"I reckon," said the pirate, coolly, "that the correspondence wasn't -over-satisfactory to me."</p> - -<p>"Ah, but you must make allowances for a woman's whims," said Lady -Wyke, with equal coolness. "I read between the lines, you know."</p> - -<p>"Then you must guess why I have called."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps I do, and perhaps I don t. Anyhow, Mr. Lemby, as you are -here, you may as well have dinner with me."</p> - -<p>"I thought you'd ask me," said the buccaneer, with has ineffable -audacity, "so I got tidied up on purpose."</p> - -<p>"So clever of you," said his hostess, with a queer smile, and rang the -bell to order that another knife and fork should be placed on the -table.</p> - -<p>The two chatted about this matter and that. They discussed the news in -the daily papers, they talked about various other experiences in -America and in the South Seas, and touched upon every subject save on -that which was nearest to their hearts. Both wished to break the ice -and converse about the murder, but neither would speak first on so -serious a subject. By the time the dinner-gong thundered both were -quite friendly yet got quite watchful. It, seemed as though the -good-fellowship of the meal was necessary to break down the reserve -between them. But the moment had not yet come.</p> - -<p>"Give me your arm, Mr. Lemby," said Lady Wyke, languidly graceful, and -showing nothing of the vicious cat who had fought with the man's -daughter. "I'm sure you must be hungry."</p> - -<p>"I live on love," said the pirate, gruffly, and, as he thought, -gallantly. "You must be hungry, then, as there is nothing for you to -eat of that nature."</p> - -<p>Lemby turned aside the arrow with a laugh, and shortly found himself -seated at a beautifully-decorated table, to eat a delicately-cooked -dinner. He did full justice to the admirable dishes and to the very -excellent wine, while Lady Wyke ate little and amused him with -desultory conversation. All the time she was watching him, wondering -why he had called and what he was trying to do. So far she could not -fathom his motives; but when champagne had loosened his tongue and -tobacco had soothed his nerves--if he had any--she hoped to learn all -she desired to learn. But during dinner she purposely kept off the -subject of the murder, and it was only when they returned to the -scented drawing-room that she spoke. Then the pirate, in a comfortable -armchair, sipped his coffee and smoked an excellent cigar, while his -hostess trifled with a cigarette and began to talk sense for the first -time during the evening.</p> - -<p>"Well, Mr. Lemby," she said, resolutely, "let us get to business."</p> - -<p>"What business?" asked the buccaneer, wilfully dense.</p> - -<p>"That about which we correspond," said Lady Wyke, promptly. "You said -that you would assist me to learn who murdered my husband so I presume -you have come to tell me something about your discoveries."</p> - -<p>"I haven't made any you don't know anything about," said Lemby, -incoherently.</p> - -<p>"What do I know?"</p> - -<p>"You dashed well know that Craver was the man who sloped on the -postman's bike on that night. You tried to rope him into the business, -hut failed."</p> - -<p>"For the time being I have failed, Mr. Lemby; but I may rope him in, -as you put it, later. Well, and what else do I know?"</p> - -<p>"You know that Mrs. Vence is a liar."</p> - -<p>"Oh, do I?" Lady Wyke raised her eyebrows.</p> - -<p>"Yes. Claudia saw Mrs. Vence the other day--yesterday, in fact, and -she said----"</p> - -<p>"Mrs. Vence or Claudia? Do be accurate."</p> - -<p>"The old woman," growled Lemby, who did not like to be interrupted. -"She said as how I came down the stairs with my knife and murdered -Wyke."</p> - -<p>"Well, the knife with which the crime was committed is yours, you -know."</p> - -<p>"Who says so? How do you know?"</p> - -<p>"Mrs. Vence says so. She told me."</p> - -<p>"Then she's a liar."</p> - -<p>Lady Wyke shrugged her shoulders. "You'll have to make a stronger -defence than that Mr. Lemby. We may as well be plain with one another. -I have asked Mrs. Vence to come down here, and she will be in this -house on Friday evening. I shan't be here to receive her, -unfortunately, as I have to go to London to get that will of mine -destroyed."</p> - -<p>"What will?"</p> - -<p>"One I made in favour of Mr. Craver."</p> - -<p>"He told me," nodded Lemby. "Silly business, seeing that a marriage -makes it so much waste paper."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Mr. Craver has found that out, has he?" said Lady Wyke calmly. "I -thought he wasn't clever enough. Yes, it was a false move on my part, -and I'm going to tear up the will. It's of no use now. I only made it -to try and get Mr. Craver to marry me. Well, then, I'm going up on -Friday for that purpose, and will return on Saturday evening. But you -must not see Mrs. Vence in the meantime, and I shall leave word that -she is not to see you. When I return, then, in my presence, you can -meet her and defend yourself."</p> - -<p>"It's all dashed rot!" cried Lemby, with disgust. "I never killed the -man, nor did Craver."</p> - -<p>"Then who did?"</p> - -<p>"Might have been Mrs. Vence."</p> - -<p>"Rubbish! It was her interest to keep him alive. She lost a good -situation by my husband's death remember."</p> - -<p>"It might have been Neddy. He was in the house all the time."</p> - -<p>"So Mrs. Vence says. But a boy like that--pooh!"</p> - -<p>"Might have been yourself."</p> - -<p>Lady Wyke laughed. "I was in London at the time, and can prove that I -was. I don't think, however, that I'll be called upon to defend -myself."</p> - -<p>"Why not?" said Lemby, significantly. "I might suggest that to -Purse----"</p> - -<p>"And you will unless I agree to marry you," finished the woman, -coolly.</p> - -<p>"That's right smart of you," Lemby assured her. "I came here to ask -you to marry me. Craver won't have you; he set on Claudia."</p> - -<p>"I haven't lost all hope yet of getting him," said Lady Wyke through -her clenched teeth, and looked at the man in a lowering way.</p> - -<p>"Shucks! There's no chance there. Marry me."</p> - -<p>"No. But I'll make a bargain with you."</p> - -<p>"What is it?"</p> - -<p>"If Edwin will not marry me he must be hanged. Help me to hang him, -and I'll become your wife."</p> - -<p>Lemby was quite unmoved by this villainous proposal. "No, ma'am, that -wouldn't be dealing square. I must think of my gal, you know. Try -another man for the job. I'm no saint, but I draw the line at your -suggestion."</p> - -<p>"I shall try no other man," cried Lady Wyke, standing up and smiling -strangely; "and, indeed, I need no assistance. I can prove Mr. -Craver's guilt. Mrs. Vence is coming down, Neddy is coming down, -and I have him in a trap. If Mr. Craver is not in gaol by Monday -afternoon----"</p> - -<p>"Well, ma'am?" Questioned the pirate, roughly, and bending forward.</p> - -<p>"I'll marry you when and where you like."</p> - -<p>"It's a bargain," said Lemby, gruffly; "and I'll twist your neck if -you break it."</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_23" href="#div1Ref_23">CHAPTER XXIII.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>Mr. Oliver Lemby did not trouble to see Lady Wyke again. The two quite -understood one another, and there was no need for further -conversation. Seeing what Claudia had learnt from Mrs. Vence, the -pirate was indeed surprised that Sir Hector's widow intended to leave -him alone and get Edwin arrested. Being so passionate and vindictive a -woman, it was natural enough that she desired rather to see Craver in -the dock than at the altar beside Claudia. Since she could not get him -herself--and she had tried every means in her power to win him--it was -plain that she intended to see him hanged rather than permit him to -marry her rival. Her motive was easily guessed, but what puzzled Lemby -was how she meant to bring about her aim. The evidence of Mrs. Vence, -as the pirate knew, was against him, and involved him deeply in the -crime. Therefore it did not seem much good for the widow to bring the -housekeeper down to Hedgerton in order to implicate Edwin, which, on -the face of it, she could not do. The sole way in which Lemby could -conjecture Lady Wyke intended to act was that Neddy would be used to -accuse Craver. But then Neddy liked Craver, and was friendly to -Claudia, so he might not be inclined to the woman's bidding. And, so -far as could be seen. Lady Wyke had no means of compelling the boy, or -Mrs. Vence either, to give false evidence. It was all a mystery.</p> - -<p>It said a good deal for Lemby's nerves that he was able to enjoy -himself in Hedgerton with the sword of Damocles hanging over his head. -But enjoy himself he did, and made himself very agreeable to the old -people. Claudia's fears proved to be groundless, for her father -behaved with unusual meekness, and showed the best side of his -character. Lemby was not altogether bad, and had many good points. -Refined he assuredly was not, but he had the breezy, gay air of a -soldier of fortune, which fascinated the Rector and his wife. They had -never before met with such a one, and the novelty of his conversation -charmed them. The pirate talked of adventures in the South Seas, of -wanderings in Patagonia, Peru, and Brazil, and of strange doings in -Australia. A tendency to exaggeration and boastfulness which -characterised his speech made Mr. Craver dub him Parolles, after the -personage in Shakespeare's comedy. But Lemby, ignorant of literature, -took this as a compliment, which amused the Rector greatly. On the -whole, Claudia found that her father was a greater success than might -have been hoped for, and therefore breathed more freely. He certainly -behaved very well for a man of his loose habits and loose upbringing.</p> - -<p>The pirate did not tell his daughter how Lady Wyke had arranged to -marry him if Edwin was arrested. In the first place, he did not see -how she was going to bring about such a catastrophe, and in the second -he saw no reason to worry Claudia. If nothing happened before Sunday, -then Craver determined to force his way into Maranatha, along with -Claudia and Lemby, in order to face Mrs. Vence in Lady Wyke's -presence. Matters, as he said, must come to a climax somehow and at -some time. Things could not go on as they were doing.</p> - -<p>"Didn't Lady Wyke, say what she intended to do?" Edwin asked Lemby for -the fourth or fifth time on Saturday morning.</p> - -<p>"No," said the buccaneer, with an unmoved face, and lying glibly. "I -called to see her. I had dinner with her, and after dinner I asked her -to marry me. She said that she would think about it."</p> - -<p>"Rather strange, Lemby, considering Lady Wyke must know how Mrs. Vence -accuses you of committing the crime."</p> - -<p>"I told her that the woman was a liar, and she believed me," said -Lemby.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" replied Craver, doubtfully. "I don't think that Lady Wyke is a -woman to be so easily convinced. She'll have you arrested, my friend."</p> - -<p>"She may do the same to you, Craver."</p> - -<p>"Well, she might. Going by circumstantial evidence, things look very -black against us both. Your use of the knife and my use of the -postman's bicycle both go to show that each had a finger in the pie. -If Sergeant Purse knew----"</p> - -<p>"I don't care whether he knows or not," broke in Lemby. "I'm willing -to stand my trial if you are."</p> - -<p>"Well," said Craver, with a shrug, "we may both be placed in the dock. -It all depends upon Lady Wyke and Mrs. Vence. I suppose you know that -she arrived at Maranatha last night. Mrs. Mellin told Mrs. Craver, and -added that Lady Wyke had gone to town. It is strange that Lady Wyke -didn't wait to see her visitor."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I can explain that," said Lemby, stolidly. "Lady Wyke told me she -was going to London to destroy that silly will she made in your -favour. She admitted that it didn't work since you refused to marry -her."</p> - -<p>"I should think I did refuse," said Edwin, heatedly. "I marry Claudia, -or no one, Lemby. However, Lady Wyke went to London at mid-day on -Friday, and Mrs. Vence arrived at Maranatha late last night. I wish -you could see her."</p> - -<p>"I can't. Lady Wyke said that she would give orders that Mrs. Vence -was not to see me except in her presence."</p> - -<p>"She'll see the lot of us in her presence," said Edwin, grimly. -"To-morrow or on Monday we go to Maranatha and thresh the whole matter -out."</p> - -<p>"I'm agreeable," said Lemby. "What are you going to do to-day?"</p> - -<p>"I have to see about some repairs to my aeroplane, and late in the -afternoon I intend to take a flight. Will you come with me?"</p> - -<p>"No, thank you."</p> - -<p>Craver then left the buccaneer with the Rector, and walked along the -cliffs to the barn where his aeroplane was sheltered. The building was -a tithe barn standing on glebe land belonging to the Rector of -Hedgerton, but, being little used, had fallen into decay. As it was a -very large erection with brick walls and thatched roof, Edwin had -cleverly turned it into a shelter for his aeroplane by breaking down -the front and adding huge double doors. There was ample room for the -machine, notwithstanding the wide spread of its wings, and it slipped -in and out very easily. In the barn there was a loft which nobody -used, and the rude ladder from the ground to the opening overhead had -long since been taken away. Mr. Craver did not trouble about the loft, -but left it to the rats and owls, to the nesting of starlings and -swallows. He was content to have the roof rainproof and the doors -stout, so that the machine could be kept dry and wholly safe from -robbers. On the whole, it was a most convenient place for the -aeroplane, as the machine had plenty of room outside when it emerged -to run for the time before ascending. Nothing could have suited -Craver's purpose better.</p> - -<p>To Edwin's surprise he found Neddy Mellin hovering round the barn when -he arrived, trying the doors and peeping in at various points. The lad -looked rather pale, but was as smart as ever in his Eton suit. Craver -wondered why he had come to Hedgerton, considering that he was engaged -to sing at the Tit-Bits Music Hall, and might necessarily be supposed -to have remained in town for the Saturday matinee.</p> - -<p>"What the dickens are you doing here, Neddy?" he asked, sharply.</p> - -<p>"I'm trying to get a squint at your aeroplane, sir," said Neddy, -smartly touching his hat. "There isn't any harm in that, is there, -sir?"</p> - -<p>"No. I don't mean that. Neddy. But why aren't you singing?"</p> - -<p>"Well, sir, I've got a touch of hoarseness, and the cove as teaches me -said I'd better wait until next week. I was going to sing 'Sally in -Our Alley' this week, but I didn't. I'm choky, sir."</p> - -<p>The boy certainly spoke in rather a hoarse manner, and Edwin advised -him to go homo and surrender himself to his mother's care. "The wind -is rather keen, Neddy, and you might catch a fresh cold." -"Oh, I'm all right, sir," said the lad, indifferently. "Mother only -bothers me with her medicine and coddling. Do let me have a look at -the machine, sir, and do take me up with you this afternoon."</p> - -<p>"I can't do that unless your mother consents, Neddy." said Craver, -kindly. "But by all means you can look at the aeroplane."</p> - -<p>He unlocked the doors and conducted the delighted boy into the vast -interior of the barn. The next two hours were spent joyfully by Neddy -in assisting Craver to do the necessary repairs, and he proved to be -very useful in getting what was wanted. With the eager curiosity of -his age the lad examined every portion of the machine and asked -innumerable questions. All these Edwin answered good-naturedly. Once -or twice it was on the tip of his tongue to question Neddy about the -events of the night when Wyke met with his death, but on swift -reflection he decided to wait for a more fitting occasion. As the boy -was devoted to Claudia and very grateful to himself for being allowed -to help with the repairs, Edwin believed that he would not side with -Lady Wyke, however much she wished it. Therefore he was quite content -to wait. Later on, when Claudia was with him, they could examine the -boy together and learn what he really knew likely to reveal the truth.</p> - -<p>About twelve o'clock Edwin found that he had left a particular screw -at home, and went back for it. Neddy offered to go readily; but Craver -alone knew where the screw was to be found, and went himself. He left -Neddy in charge of the barn and the aeroplane, warning him not to -allow anyone to enter. With great pride the lad took up his post as -sentry, and Edwin ran back across the wide spaces of land to the -rectory, intending to return immediately. But he was prevented from -doing so.</p> - -<p>"I saw Mrs. Vence on the esplanade," said Claudia, meeting her lover -at the gate. "I saw her when I went out for an errand for your -mother."</p> - -<p>"Did you speak to her?"</p> - -<p>"No. I was some distance away, and when she saw me she ran off."</p> - -<p>"Ran off! That old woman?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, Edwin, she is very quick on her legs, and got out of the way in a -most surprising manner. Afterwards I met Mrs. Mellin down in the -village, and she told me that Mrs. Vence was looking for Neddy."</p> - -<p>"What does she want with him?" asked Craver, suspiciously. "I don't -know. Perhaps she wants to tell him to hold his tongue, and is afraid -lest we should question him."</p> - -<p>"I haven't questioned him yet, Claudia; but now that I know Mrs. Vence -is on the warpath I shall ask him immediately I return to the barn. It -is just as well for us to learn what he knows before Mrs. Vence gets -hold of him. All the same, I don't see why she should tell him to hold -his tongue."</p> - -<p>"We don't know if she intends to do so, Edwin. It is only a guess on -my part, dear. Is Neddy still with you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. He has been with me for the last two hours helping with the -repairs. I suppose his mother knows where he is."</p> - -<p>"Yes. She said that Mrs. Vence sent a message from Maranatha asking -that Neddy should come to see her, and Mrs. Mellin replied that he was -at the barn on the cliffs with you. He told his mother that he was -going to try and see the aeroplane. Then, I suppose, Mrs. Vence came -out to look for him."</p> - -<p>"She hasn't been near the barn, at any rate. Claudia, I am very -suspicious of that old woman. It seems to me that she wants to make -Neddy hold his tongue."</p> - -<p>"Why should she?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I don't know," Craver pondered, deeply. "After all, she may have -slipped the knife into Wyke herself. Remember, he brought it down the -stairs and may have laid it on the study table when speaking to me. -Now that I come to think of it." added Edwin with a start, "he did. I -remember distinctly."</p> - -<p>"Why didn't you say so before?"</p> - -<p>"I forgot. All this business is refreshing my memory. Remember, -Claudia, I was very upset at the moment, and my mind was somewhat -clouded. It's only coming back to me bit by bit. Yes, Wyke did have -the knife, and did throw it on the table before he took me into the -dining-room. He returned there, and perhaps Mrs. Vence met him with -the knife in her hand to----"</p> - -<p>"Edwin! Edwin! We can't be sure. She had no reason to murder Sir -Hector."</p> - -<p>"Has she any reason to force Neddy to hold his tongue?"</p> - -<p>"We don't know if she has any such intention, Edwin."</p> - -<p>"Let us find out, Claudia. Wait for a minute. I want to find a screw, -and then we can both go back to question the boy. We must examine him -before Mrs. Vence puts her oar in."</p> - -<p>Claudia consented, and Edwin ran into the rectory. He was a long time -away, as he could not find the screw. When he did return, he set out -at once for the barn with Claudia. By this time he had been absent -fully three-quarters of an hour. Never thinking of the shock that was -waiting for them, the young couple walked leisurely towards the barn -and along the cliffs, chatting easily. Shortly they arrived at the -building, but could see no sign of Neddy outside, although Edwin -expected to find him doing sentry-go. With an exclamation of vexation -at Neddy's negligence, he stepped within, and then cried out; -"Claudia! Come quick."</p> - -<p>The girl, who was listening behind, ran in to see Craver stooping over -the insensible form of the lad. Neddy was lying face downwards and -bleeding from an ugly wound in the head, evidently inflicted by some -blunt instrument. To all appearances he was dead.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Edwin! who has done this?" cried Claudia, piteously, as she knelt -beside the poor boy's body.</p> - -<p>"I suspect Mrs. Vance, although I have no reason to believe so. We -must carry him to the rectory, Claudia, as we can do nothing with him -here."</p> - -<p>"Is he dead?"</p> - -<p>"I think not. Only stunned. Wait a minute. Claudia, I'll ask one of -the coastguards to watch the barn and get another to help."</p> - -<p>Edwin ran off, while Claudia tried to staunch the wound with her -handkerchief. Shortly the young man came back with the two men, and -while one remained to guard the machine, the other assisted Edwin to -carry the insensible hoy to the rectory. Mrs. Craver received them at -the door, and was loud in her expressions of regret. A messenger was -sent off for the doctor and for Mrs. Mellin, while Neddy was attended -to by the rector's wife and by Claudia.</p> - -<p>The two did all they could to revive him. But the blow had been so -heavy that the boy was quite stunned. Nevertheless, after much trouble -with brandy, and bathing and smelling-salts, the boy vaguely opened -his blue eyes. At once his gaze fell on Claudia bending over him. His -lips moved.</p> - -<p>"She did it."</p> - -<p>"Who?"</p> - -<p>"Mrs. Vence."</p> - -<p>"Why, Neddy?"</p> - -<p>The boy's gaze wandered, and he showed signs of relapsing into -insensibility again. But Claudia, knowing what was at stake, asked the -question again.</p> - -<p>"Mrs.--Vence--murdered--the--old 'un!" Then Neddy's eyes closed and -again he became insensible.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_24" href="#div1Ref_24">CHAPTER XXIV.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>After that momentary gleam of consciousness, Neddy relapsed into -insensibility, and became dead to the world for a long time. Mrs. -Mellin arrived in tears, and insisted that the boy should be removed -to her own poor home, so that he might be nursed and looked after. But -the doctor, who was by this time on the spot, urged that the poor lad -should be taken at once to the Redleigh Hospital, as it was probable -that an operation would be necessary. The rector agreed with this -suggestion, and after a lengthy argument Mrs. Mellin was induced to -consent to the arrangement. A motor-car carried both Neddy and his -mother to Redleigh, and everything possible having thus been done for -the victim, it now remained to find the assailant. It was fortunate -that the boy had been able to give the name of the person who struck -him down, as it made things easier for the police. While Neddy was -being attended to, Edwin wired to Redleigh for Sergeant Purse, and he -was expected to arrive every moment. But before the officer came the -injured boy was removed to the hospital.</p> - -<p>While the rector and his wife were talking over the untoward event, -Claudia managed to draw her lover into another room for a private -conversation. This privacy was necessary, as, knowing what they did, -the young couple could not converse freely in the presence of Mr. and -Mrs. Craver. Edwin still wished to keep them in ignorance of what was -going on, as things were not yet shipshape. When Claudia had Edwin to -herself, and bluntly asked what he was going to do, he quite as -bluntly answered her.</p> - -<p>"I'm going to tell the whole story to Sergeant Purse," he said, -firmly.</p> - -<p>"But you and dad may be arrested if you tell the truth," protested the -girl uneasily.</p> - -<p>"I don't think so. Remember, in your presence and in the presence of -my mother, Neddy has accused Mrs. Vence of the crime. Until she is -caught, and the truth of the statement is proved, Purse may have us -watched, but he certainly will not arrest us."</p> - -<p>"Do you think that Mrs. Vence is guilty, Edwin?"</p> - -<p>"I am sure of it. Otherwise, why should the boy say so."</p> - -<p>"Mrs. Vence was certainly uneasy when she let slip the fact that Neddy -was in the house all the time," said Miss Lemby, thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>"I quite understand that," replied the young man, promptly. "In the -heat of the conversation she said too much. Like many another clever -criminal, she gave herself away."</p> - -<p>"But why should she murder Sir Hector?"</p> - -<p>"That is what we have to find out, and will learn when she is -arrested."</p> - -<p>"Hiding somewhere, Claudia. From what Mrs. Mellin said, she knew where -the boy was to be found, and probably followed him. I daresay she was -lurking round the barn while Neddy was assisting me with the repairs, -but, owing to my presence, did not get a chance of harming him. Then, -when I came back for the screw, she took the opportunity and, as she -thought, killed the one witness who could prove her guilt."</p> - -<p>Claudia nodded. "It seems to be plain enough. But are you wise in -telling the sergeant what you and dad have had to do with the crime? -Would it not be better to wait until Mrs. Vence is arrested and -confesses her guilt?"</p> - -<p>"No, Claudia," said Edwin, positively. "I must speak out now. There -has been quite enough of this hole-and-corner work. Your father and I -are both quite innocent, and for our own safety we must put ourselves -under the protection of the law; otherwise the deuce, knows what will -happen."</p> - -<p>Claudia, after some consideration, agreed with this view, but begged -Edwin not to confess until her father was consulted. The young man had -no objection to taking this course, and in order to lose no time he -set out for the inn with the intention of bringing Lemby back to the -rectory. Then the three could wait for the arrival of Purse and the -statement could be made. So matters were arranged; but, as Fate would -have it, Claudia and her lover met the sergeant driving along the -esplanade while on their way to the village. He stopped the trap when -he saw them and made inquiries.</p> - -<p>"What's this about your having found out who murdered Sir Hector -Wyke?" asked the lean little man, abruptly. "I just received your -message, Mr. Craver, and came on at once. Three or four policemen are -following."</p> - -<p>"You will need them all, and need Jervis, too, in order to catch Mrs. -Vence," said Craver, promptly. "She is the culprit."</p> - -<p>"Who says so?"</p> - -<p>"Neddy Mellin." And Edwin gave a hasty sketch of what had happened, so -as to put Purse in full possession of the facts.</p> - -<p>When he had concluded, the sergeant whistled. "Fancy that, now. I -never should have suspected that old woman. She gave her evidence very -clearly at the inquest, and put me off the scent by her very -clearness. I should like to see the boy and question him."</p> - -<p>"You can't," said Claudia, quickly. "He only became conscious enough -to tell, in my presence, and in the presence of Mrs. Craver, who had -struck him down. Now he is insensible again, and has been taken to the -Redleigh Hospital."</p> - -<p>"Oh, has he? I wish I had seen him before he went. However, I can call -at the hospital when I return."</p> - -<p>"That won't do much good, sergeant," said Craver, with a shrug. "The -boy is not able to recognise anyone or to talk at all. Better come -with me and with Miss Lemby, here, to see her father, who is at the -Jack Ashore."</p> - -<p>"What for?" asked Purse, suspiciously.</p> - -<p>"We have something to tell you."</p> - -<p>"In connection with the death of Sir Hector Wyke?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. It won't take long to put you in possession of what we know, and -then you can search for Mrs. Vence." Purse drew out his watch. "I'll -give you half an hour," he said, pompously. "We can then go back to -the Rectory. I have told my men to meet me there. In fact, Mr. Craver, -I expected to find you there also."</p> - -<p>"You would have," said Edwin drily, "but that the necessity arose of -my going to see Mr. Lemby about what we have to tell you."</p> - -<p>"And Miss Lemby?"</p> - -<p>"She wishes to be present, although she has nothing to do with the -mater."</p> - -<p>"Oh, but I have," chimed in Claudia. "I can tell the sergeant what -Mrs. Vence said to me the other day."</p> - -<p>Purse grunted and looked suspiciously at the girl, then, with a nod, -agreed to do as he was asked. The Redleigh trap was dismissed, and the -trio walked on to the inn. There, in the very room wherein the officer -had seen Lemby prior to the inquest, he saw him again. The pirate was -startled and disturbed by this invasion of his privacy, and when Edwin -privately told him of the determination he had arrived at, he hoarsely -objected. But matters had gone too far for these objections to have -any weight, so in the end Mr. Lemby was quite agreeable to say what he -knew. Then the quartette took their seats, and Purse produced his -pocket-book.</p> - -<p>"Anything you say will be used in evidence against you," he recited, -in quite a mechanical way. "Now, Mr. Craver."</p> - -<p>Edwin related in what way he was connected in the matter, and Purse -started when he heard that the man before him was the hero of the red -bicycle escapade. But he did not interrupt, and speedily noted down -all details. Lemby followed immediately on Edwin's heels, and -recounted the episode of the knife, which he bluntly acknowledged to -be his. Then Claudia took up the tale, and put the sergeant in -possession of all facts connected with the hunt for the assassin, -including her visit to Mrs. Vence and the statement of Neddy that the -old woman was the culprit. All these things the officer took down, and -scribbled furiously. When he had finished, and his book was replaced -in his pocket, he looked steadily at the three people before him.</p> - -<p>"You have all acted wrongly," said the sergeant, in a harsh, official -voice. "I should have known of these things long ago."</p> - -<p>"We were not bound to incriminate ourselves," said Edwin, smartly.</p> - -<p>"I could have helped you."</p> - -<p>"Not you, confound it!" growled Lemby, aggressively. "If we had owned -up before the truth became known you would have run us in. Come now, -confess."</p> - -<p>"Well, it is probable that I should," admitted the sergeant, -reluctantly. "After all, things look black against you and against Mr. -Craver here."</p> - -<p>"Of course. And that is the dashed reason why we held our tongues."</p> - -<p>Purse, after reflection, made no answer to this, and rose to intimate -that the conference was at an end.</p> - -<p>"The next thing to be done is to find this old woman," said the -sergeant.</p> - -<p>"Wait a moment," said Lemby, rising. "How do we stand?"</p> - -<p>"Where you were," said Purse, gruffly. "I don't intend to have you -arrested, if you mean that. But until this business is cleared up by -the arrest of Mrs. Vence, I'll keep an eye on you."</p> - -<p>"That is only reasonable," said Edwin, readily. "However, I beg one -boon of you, sergeant. Don t let my father or my mother know anything -about what we have told you."</p> - -<p>"If Mrs. Vence is arrested, the whole story must come out, sir."</p> - -<p>"Then wait until you do arrest the woman. But until Mr. Lemby and I -are free from danger, I don't wish my parents to know."</p> - -<p>"Fair enough," growled the sergeant "I'll hold my tongue. Now come -along. She can't have gone far, and we'll soon lay hands on her. The -old wretch, to cheat me so! Hang her! She has pulled the wool over my -eyes."</p> - -<p>There was no doubt of this. Mrs. Vence had proved too clever for Purse -at the inquest, and it seemed as though she would again escape him. -All that afternoon search was made throughout Hedgerton, but without -success. The servants at Maranatha stated that Mrs. Vence had left the -house hours ago and had not returned. An inquiry at Mrs. Mellin's -cottage showed that the old woman had not been there. Various people, -questioned by the police, stated that they had seen the housekeeper -wandering about the esplanade, and a coastguard remembered to have -noticed her on the cliffs. These were searched, the beach was -examined, the woods round Hedgerton were explored, and the village -itself was beaten for the fugitive, but all unsuccessfully. It seemed -as though Mrs. Vence had taken wings to herself and had flown away. -Yet it seemed ridiculous to think that so old and so infirm a woman -could escape so easily. By the time it was four o'clock the sergeant -was furious at being made to look such a fool. But swearing did not -help him. Mrs. Vence had vanished, and was nowhere to be found.</p> - -<p>"Well," said Purse, when he came across Edwin and Claudia at the barn, -whither they had gone to look at the aeroplane, "what's to be done -now?"</p> - -<p>"You can't find her?" said Miss Lemby, anxiously.</p> - -<p>"No. You know the old wretch by sight. See here, take this police -whistle, and if you spot her, blow for all you are worth."</p> - -<p>"But I am not likely to see her," protested Claudia. "If a clever man -like you can't find her, how do you expect me to?"</p> - -<p>"See here, young lady," broke in the irate officer. "Mrs. Vence is -hiding. While the police are about she'll not show. I intend to -collect my men at the rectory and then come along to have a talk with -the coastguard yonder. There is a man there I want to examine. Now, -when Mrs. Vence sees that the coast is clear she may venture out, as -she won't take any notice of you. Keep your eyes open and blow the -whistle if you see her. That's all I ask."</p> - -<p>"You ask a great deal, sergeant," said Claudia, drily. "And my -father?"</p> - -<p>"He will remain at the rectory with my men. Will you do what I ask?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. But I warn you that I don't anticipate success," said Claudia, -slipping the whistle into her pocket.</p> - -<p>"Neither do I. But I'm grasping at straws," growled the sergeant, who -was very hot and very angry.</p> - -<p>He was turning away from the barn to go to the rectory and collect his -men, when Edwin stopped him for a moment. "Have you any objection to -my taking a flight, sergeant?" he asked. "I want to try my machine now -it is repaired?"</p> - -<p>Edwin quite expected the man to object, but, to his surprise, the -sergeant at once assented. "Seeing you going away on the aeroplane -will make Mrs. Vence think that we have given up the hunt, and she -will venture out to escape. Go, by all means, Mr. Craver. I'll come -back to see you start."</p> - -<p>Purse hurried away, and Edwin made ready his machine. He only intended -to take a short flight over the water and then return, as he merely -wished to see if the repairs were all right. To provide against -accidents he placed a coil of rope on the pilot's seat. It might be -wanted, and it might not. All the same, it was just as well that it -should be there. Shortly, and just when Purse returned from the -rectory, Edwin was ready, and called two or three coastguards from -their station to assist in the ascent. While they ran the aeroplane -along the ground to give it the impetus to rise, Purse cast his eyes -here, there, and everywhere, in the hope of seeing Mrs. Vence. Why he -expected her to remain in the vicinity of her crime it is impossible -to say. But he could not help thinking that she was lurking about -close at hand. However, his attention was called from watching by the -ascent of the great machine, which rose majestically into the air, -swept round in a great circle, and then turned its nose seaward. -Looking up and following its flight, Purse walked along towards the -coastguard station, leaving Claudia seated in the shadow near the -front of the barn. She was behind one of the double doors, and could -not be seen from within.</p> - -<p>For a time Claudia watched the aeroplane swooping and soaring and -dipping and rising in the rainbow-coloured sunset sky. When it -dwindled to a mere black dot she let her eyes sink to the ground, and -blinked to got the dazzle out of them. Suddenly she heard a stealthy -noise, and looked through the aperture between the door and the barn, -where it swung on its hinges. To her surprise, she saw someone -climbing actively down the wall, having emerged from the trapdoor -leading to the loft. There was no ladder, as has been explained, so -the person in question had to descend like a monkey, using feet and -hands to cling to the rough wail, A glint of sunshine showed Claudia a -blue dress and a red knitted shawl, so she was not long in doubt as to -whom the individual was. Evidently Mrs. Vence, after striking down the -boy, had climbed up into the loft in order to hide, and now that she -believed the coast to be clear was trying to escape into the open. No -one had ever thought of searching the loft, so the astute old woman -had shown uncommon sense in choosing her hiding-place.</p> - -<p>With bated breath Claudia rose silently and waited patiently, drawing -the whistle from her pocket, Mrs. Vence, quite ignorant that she was -being watched, crept down like a huge bat, and then made a run for the -door. Just as she emerged, Claudia sprang at her and the old woman -uttered a shriek like the cry of a trapped animal. Afterwards she -became silent and fought viciously. But Claudia, knowing what was at -stake, held on tightly. In the struggle the woman's spectacles fell -off, then her bonnet and a mass of false hair. She was unmasked.</p> - -<p>"Lady Wyke!" gasped Claudia, "Lady Wyke!"</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_25" href="#div1Ref_25">CHAPTER XXV.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>"Lady Wyke! Lady Wyke!" babbled Claudia, dazed by the amazing -discovery.</p> - -<p>"You beast!" snarled the detected murderess, and wrenched herself -free, to run swiftly across the open space between the barn and the -zig-zag path which led down to the beach.</p> - -<p>Claudia, seeing her quarry escaping, recovered her senses promptly, -and blew a shrill call on the police whistle. In a moment Sergeant -Purse, at the not too distant coastguard station, heard the signal, -and came running out. He saw in a moment the flying figure of the -woman, and sped towards her like a deer, in order to intercept her -before she reached the cliffs. At the same time Claudia sprang forward -also, and reached the fugitive almost at the same time as the officer. -Purse laid hands on his prey just as she reached the opening of the -path, and dexterously flung her on the ground. Lady Wyke, seeing that -she was lost, howled like a wild beast, and swore like several -troopers in her anger and baffled rage. But the sergeant paid no -attention to her curses. When he rose she was lying on the ground with -handcuffs on her wrists. Claudia silently stood looking down on her -captured enemy, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, so unstrung did -she feel. Unable to say a word, she turned red and white alternately, -and awaited events.</p> - -<p>"Get up, Mrs. Vence," said Purse, briefly.</p> - -<p>"It's--not--Mrs. Vence," quavered Claudia, in a shaky voice. "It's -Lady Wyke."</p> - -<p>"Gosh!" gasped the sergeant, astonished for once in his official life. -"Do you mean to say that she murdered her husband?"</p> - -<p>There was no answer from either woman. Lady Wyke rolled on the dry -grass cursing freely, while Claudia sat down on a convenient rock to -clasp her hands tightly and keep herself from trembling--in fact, from -breaking down altogether. No one else was at hand, as the policemen at -the rectory had not heard the whistle, and Purse had waved back the -coastguards who seemed disposed to approach. He did not wish anyone -should share the glory of his capture, and desired then and there to -hear Lady Wyke's story, so that he could be sure he had arrested the -right person.</p> - -<p>"Now, then," said Purse, shaking his finger at her sternly, "what have -you to say, madam? Remember, anything you do say will be used in -evidence against you."</p> - -<p>"Oh," sneered Lady Wyke, looking very white and very vicious, "and you -think that I'll be fool enough to speak after that warning. How dare -you arrest an innocent person such as I am!"</p> - -<p>"You are guilty," said Claudia, hoarsely. "You murdered Sir Hector."</p> - -<p>"It's a lie."</p> - -<p>"Neddy Mellin can prove it."</p> - -<p>"Then until he does, I am guiltless," raged the woman, furiously. -"Take these handcuffs off, man."</p> - -<p>"Oh, no," said the sergeant, smoothly. "I have arrested you as Mrs. -Vence, who struck down that boy. Afterwards you can be arrested for -the murder of your husband as Lady Wyke."</p> - -<p>"I didn't kill him, I tell you," she snarled viciously. "As to the -boy, I never saw him."</p> - -<p>"Rats!" growled Purse inelegantly. "If you are innocent of assault, -why did you hide in that loft?"</p> - -<p>Lady Wyke scowled, and saw that there was no escape from the lesser -crime. "I only hit the boy lightly to punish him for telling lies."</p> - -<p>"You stunned him. He is dangerously ill," said Claudia, quickly.</p> - -<p>"Then how can he accuse me if he hasn't his senses about him?"</p> - -<p>"He recovered for a moment to say that you had struck him, and he gave -the reason why you did so."</p> - -<p>"And the reason?" demanded the woman, with a sneer.</p> - -<p>"You murdered your husband."</p> - -<p>"Did he say that in those exact words?"</p> - -<p>"No. He said that Mrs. Vence had murdered Sir Hector."</p> - -<p>"Well, I am not Mrs. Vence, I am Lady Wyke."</p> - -<p>"Rot!" said the sergeant, angrily. "What the deuce are you wasting my -time for in telling lies? You are Lady Wyke sure enough, but you have -been masquerading for some purpose as an old woman under the name of -Mrs. Vence."</p> - -<p>"You can prove nothing against me, said Lady Wyke, sullenly.</p> - -<p>"Yes, we can. An operation will restore young Mellin to health, and -his evidence will hang you."</p> - -<p>"Hang me?" Lady Wyke shivered.</p> - -<p>"Yes. There is no escape, But you had better not say any more. I don't -want to trap you into a confession. Get up and come along with me. I -must take you to Redleigh Goal."</p> - -<p>"Oh," groaned the woman, looking at her handcuffs and then wrathfully -at the white face of Miss Lemby, "and to think that the girl should -get the better of me! But I'm not beaten yet."</p> - -<p>"Here, get up and come along," said Purse, harshly, and bent to lift -her.</p> - -<p>"Wait!" shrieked Lady Wyke, who now saw that there was indeed no -escape, and that the time had come for her to pay in full for her -wickedness. "I have a word to say first."</p> - -<p>"Say it then," growled the officer, sharply, "and be quick about it."</p> - -<p>The captured woman thought for a few moments, and then began with a -sigh to confess her wickedness, and continued with frequent sobs. Bad -as she was, Claudia was quite sorry for her apparent misery.</p> - -<p>"I'll tell the truth," said Lady Wyke, in a melancholy tone, but it -became sharper when Purse began to recite his formula. "Don't bother -me," she said, tartly, "but take out your pocket-book and note down -what I say."</p> - -<p>"I'm ready," said the sergeant, stolidly, when her command was -complied with. Lady Wyke nodded, looked at her fettered hands, and -shivered. "I never thought that I'd live to have these on," she said, -sullenly. "However, the game's up, and that girl yonder has won. It's -no use beating about the bush any longer. I did murder my husband."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" gasped Claudia, shrinking and wincing.</p> - -<p>"Yes," went on the woman plaintively. "I killed him, with the knife of -your father. To begin at the beginning"--her voice shook, but she made -an effort and continued slowly--"when I saw in America that Hector was -going to marry you. Miss Lemby, I came back to stop him from -committing bigamy."</p> - -<p>"He thought that you were dead." -"Well, I wasn't. I returned and saw Sandal to prove my identity. I -also learnt that the will made by Hector shortly after our marriage, -which left his property to me, was still in existence. Then I -interviewed Hector, and we had an unpleasant scene, as you may guess. -He did not want to tell you the truth immediately, but wished for time -to think over matters. To do so he proposed to go into hiding in the -country, because he was afraid lest your father should come and worry -him."</p> - -<p>"My father did find him out," said Claudia, while Purse went on busily -taking notes. "He learnt from Edwin where Sir Hector was."</p> - -<p>"Add Edwin knew because his father was Rector of Hedgerton. Well, -than, as you may guess, I was not going to let my husband give me the -slip, so I said that I would go with him. He objected, as he had fixed -upon Maranatha, in Hedgerton, as his hiding-place, and knew that I -came from there. He did not wish my sister, who was only a -washerwoman, to know that I was his wife. I therefore said that I -would make myself up as an old woman, and go as his housekeeper."</p> - -<p>"And your husband consented to this absurd idea?" I asked Purse, -doubtfully.</p> - -<p>Lady Wyke smiled drily. "He couldn't very well object, could he," she -demanded, "seeing that I had the inside running? Since he was anxious -to hide the truth about his first marriage from that girl yonder, he -had to do what I wished, as he knew that I could give the show away.</p> - -<p>"Well, then, being an actress, I was quite able to turn myself into an -old hag. I was Lady Wyke in London, but I arrived at Maranatha as Mrs. -Vence. Afterwards, when the house was more or less ready, Hector -arrived, and we pigged it there for some time. Hector could not -make up his mind to tell you of my reappearance, Miss Lemby, and so -dilly-dallied day after day. I kept mostly indoors, while occasionally -Hector walked out, although he discouraged people calling, which was -natural, considering he did not feel inclined for company. I -particularly refused to see my sister, Mrs. Mellin, lest she should -recognise me through my disguise. But I got Neddy to bring the -washing, and my nephew and I became very friendly."</p> - -<p>"Did he know, then, that you were his aunt?" asked Claudia, and Purse -mutely put the same question.</p> - -<p>"No. He never knew at all that Mrs. Vence and Lady Wyke were one -and the same person, which said a good deal for my cleverness in -making-up."</p> - -<p>"I never guessed myself," said Miss Lemby, shaking her head.</p> - -<p>"Another tribute to my talents," cried Lady Wyke, ironically. "Well, -then, the whole reason why I disguised myself at Hector's request, and -watched him, was to prevent him from making another will. I fancied -that he wanted to leave the money to you, Miss Lemby, and naturally I -hated you. I pigged it as my husband's housekeeper for some time, as -you know, and watched him carefully. Then, on that particular night -Mr. Oliver Lemby arrived, and saw my husband in the drawing-room. I -then----"</p> - -<p>"Wait a bit," broke in Purse. "Was the boy Mellin in the house then?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. He arrived early with the washing, and was eating some bread and -honey in the kitchen. I excused myself, and left him there while I -went up to spy at the drawing-room door keyhole. I wished to find out -if Hector was saying anything about leaving the money to you, Miss -Lemby. I saw what I told you in London, when you truly believed that I -was Mrs. Vence. Your father threatened Hector with his knife, and then -came the ring at the door. I ran down to open it, but did not know -that the newcomer was Mr. Craver. While he asked for my husband, -Hector came running downstairs with your father's knife in his hand. -He pushed me aside, told me to go to the kitchen and bring -refreshments in a quarter of an hour, and then took the stranger into -his study. I did not go to the kitchen, but listened. Then I heard -Hector say that he intended to leave the money to MV. Craver, and knew -that the stranger was Edwin. Afterwards Hector conducted Mr. Craver -into the dining-room to show him some papers. What they were I don't -know, and why they should be in the dining-room I don't know either. -But then Hector's papers and letters were always all over the place. -He was a most untidy man.</p> - -<p>"I stole into the study, and saw Mr. Lemby's knife on the table, where -Hector had left it. I was furious at the thought of Hector making a -new will and leaving the money to another person. The devil entered -into me, for I swear that I had no idea of killing him until then. -Hector came back for a moment and faced me as I was holding the -knife. Without waiting, I sent the knife straight into his false -heart. He gave a cry and fell. Then I heard Mr. Craver move in the -next room--the dining-room. I turned to fly, and saw Neddy Mellin -looking at me. He had seen all. I dragged him into the kitchen, and -made him promise to hold his tongue. He was scared, and did so. Then, -while Mr. Craver was bending over the body, I came in with the tray -and dropped it. The postman's knock----"</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes, yes!" said Purse, closing his pocket-book; "we know all the -rest. Mr. Craver escaped on the bicycle. Hall and Jervis and Lemby -arrived, and you played the innocent goat."</p> - -<p>"She did more than that," said Claudia, looking very sick and white. -"She tried to implicate my father and Edwin when she knew they were -innocent."</p> - -<p>"Oh, that was a part of my game," said Lady Wyke, lightly. "But you -know now why I went to buy a motor. It was to make Edwin's -acquaintance. Then Neddy gave me the letter he had taken from the hall -table, and I knew that I had the upper hand of your lover. I must say -that, seeing how I could have ruined him, he was brave to stick to -you, Claudia. As to that pirate Lemby----"</p> - -<p>"That's enough," said Sergeant Purse, suddenly. "I have heard all that -I want to hear. Now come to Redleigh Gaol."</p> - -<p>"One minute," said Lady Wyke, staring across the water. "There is the -aeroplane, sergeant. Won't you wait for its arrival, and let we say -good-bye to the man I love, and for whose sake I have ruined myself?"</p> - -<p>"No. Come along," and Purse laid his hand lightly on her arm, never -thinking but what she would obey, "come to Redleigh Gaol."</p> - -<p>"Death rather!" shrieked Lady Wyke and, handcuffed as she was, sprang -down the path in a moment. How she kept, her balance was a wonder but -keep it she did, and before the two on the cliffs could gather their -senses together she was down on the beach. The aeroplane came nearer -and nearer.</p> - -<p>"She means to drown herself!" cried Claudia, and sprang in pursuit, -while Purse, wholly taken by surprise, blew his whistle loudly.</p> - -<p>At once three or four men came running from the coastguard station, -and followed the sergeant down the path. But Claudia, determined to -prevent her rival from escaping punishment, was already in pursuit. -She soon dropped to the level of the beach, and scrambled over the -boulders on to the smooth sands. Lady Wyke was speeding ahead like a -swallow, but lingered when she saw Claudia at her heels. The girl got -within touching distance of her, when the woman, with an insulting -laugh, darted off again. Claudia followed unthinkingly, and almost -before she knew what had happened, found herself in the middle of the -fatal quicksands, which had been pointed out to her by Neddy.</p> - -<p>Lady Wyke was already sinking fast, and laughing loudly. "I've got -you; you are trapped! No Redleigh Gaol for me, and no Edwin for you! -I'm not beaten yet, I'm not beaten yet!"</p> - -<p>Claudia shrieked as she felt herself in the grip of the cruel sands. -Purse and the coastguards uttered shouts of dismay, for it appeared to -be impossible to save the two women. At once two of the men scrambled -back up the cliff to get ropes and boards for the rescue. But all the -time Claudia and the rival who had lured her to destruction were -sinking deeper and deeper, Lady Wyke, in particular, going down -swiftly, as she had ran on to the sands first. Claudia was following -quickly. All at once both women heard the buzz of the machine, and -looked up to see the aeroplane directly overhead. Edwin dropped -swiftly downwards as he recognised the peril, and soon came near -enough to recognise who were in danger. With a white face, but -perfectly calm, he dropped the rope coiled on the pilot seat, and -guided the aeroplane down a short distance above the heads of the two. -Lady Wyke uttered a cry of rage as she saw Claudia grasp the rope, and -cling to it for dear life.</p> - -<p>"It's not fair; it's not fair!" she screamed. "She shan't be saved! Me -too; me too!" and she shook her ironbound hands impotently at the -aeroplane. Purse and his men looked on aghast, for Lady Wyke was now -up to her middle in the sand.</p> - -<p>There was no word, from Craver, and no cry from Claudia. The rope had -dropped truly, and one end was in her hands, while the other was -fastened to the seat of the machine. Edwin kept his engine going at -full speed, swung low, and then curved for the ascent. The rope -tightened, there came a steady pull, and Claudia was plucked from -peril, just as the sands had her in their grip up to the knees. With -an angry, despairing cry, Lady Wyke saw her hated rival swinging in -the air and borne out of danger as the aeroplane slanted skywards with -a rush. Then the pilot descended lower and lower gradually, until the -rescued girl, now on firm ground, was able to let go her hold. With a -faint moan she did so, and sank insensible on the sands, while the -aeroplane rose in the air to sweep upward majestically, to skim over -the cliffs, and finally to alight with a run near the barn.</p> - -<p>But Lady Wyke saw nothing of this. Swiftly and surely the greedy sands -sucked her down into their depths. Her waist, her shoulders, her neck -disappeared, while the sergeant and the coastguards looked on -helplessly. With ropes and board the rescuers scrambled down the -cliffs just as the miserable woman's black head vanished for ever. -Without a sound, she went down into the halls of death, by a far more -cruel road than the one she had forced her husband to travel. And when -Claudia awoke from her death-like trance she was lying in the -sheltering arms of her lover.</p> - -<p>"Lady Wyke?" she murmured, feebly. Edwin silently pointed to the -quicksands, which gleamed and glittered, and appeared to smile in the -evening light. There was not a sign of the evil woman who had been -swallowed up by them. And the incoming tide began to break in little -waves over her nameless grave.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4><a name="div1_26" href="#div1Ref_26">CHAPTER XXVI.</a></h4> -<br> - -<p>With the death of Lady Wyke and the discovery of her wickedness came -the end of trouble. There certainly remained a little to be endured by -those connected with the tragedy, for the whole strange story was made -public. That led to an invasion of Hedgerton by reporters, -photographers, and many morbid-minded people in search of sensation. -The Rectory was besieged, and Edwin, to protect Claudia from worry, -was compelled to grant interviews. The girl herself remained in her -room for some days, as she had received a severe shock. But that did -not prevent her portrait from appearing in the illustrated papers, -since it was procured from Mr. Lemby.</p> - -<p>The pirate was in his element. Far from disliking such publicity he -gloried in it, and turned it, to good account. Money was what he -wanted, and money was what he intended to get--as much as he could -conveniently screw of this person and that. He charged for interviews; -he had his photograph sold in the streets and in shops; he swanked and -swaggered all over the place with a view to impress everyone with his -importance. And he succeeded; for the case caused such a sensation -that an enterprising music-hall manager offered the buccaneer an -engagement at a large weekly salary. Mr. Lemby, therefore, appeared in -a kind of Captain Kidd costume to relate wild adventures in the South -Seas and in Australia. Both Edwin and Claudia were horribly ashamed. -As for Mrs. Craver, her indignation knew no bounds.</p> - -<p>"What kind of a man is this," she wrathfully demanded, "to have such a -daughter as you, Claudia? People didn't do these things when I was a -girl."</p> - -<p>"It won't last long," replied Claudia with a sigh. "Very soon the -novelty will wear off, and then father will go back to Australia."</p> - -<p>"I'm sure I shall be glad." said the little lady, drawing herself up -in a dignified way. "And I don't mean any disrespect to you, my dear, -when I say so. You are a sweet girl, and will make Edwin an ideal -wife. Your father is fascinating in some ways, and has many good -qualities. All the same, he should not try and make capital out of -this dreadful case."</p> - -<p>Claudia quite agreed with this view. But it was impossible to stop the -pirate from taking every advantage of what had happened. As he had -entered upon this new career within a week from the death of Lady -Wyke, he was absent from Hedgerton and did not remain to worry her. -That was something gained, as she had Edwin to herself, and in many -ways was perfectly happy. After the storm had come the sunshine, and -now that there was no bar to their union the young couple determined -to get married as soon as possible. Only when she was Mrs. Craver -junior did Claudia feel that she would be safe from the vagaries of -her piratical father.</p> - -<p>The Rector and his wife were both shocked when they learnt the truth. -In fact, the whole parish was shocked, as everyone knew Laura Bright, -although, as Lady Wyke, she was a comparative stranger to the friends -of her youth. Poor Mrs. Mellin wept at the outset over her sister's -terrible fate; but when she learnt that it was Laura that had tried to -kill Neddy she dried her tears and refused to mourn. People talked to -her and asked questions, but the old washerwoman behaved with great -dignity, and declined to say a word about the dead. She could not say -good and she did not wish to say bad, so she wisely held her tongue, -and was greatly commended for her reticence by Mrs. Craver, who -approved of her attitude.</p> - -<p>As for Neddy, he gradually recovered his health. An operation restored -his senses, and careful nursing at Redleigh Hospital did the rest. In -a remarkably short space of time, considering the nature of the -injury, he was quite his old bright, clever self. Then Mrs. Mellin -took him home again with the intention of keeping him under her eye -for the rest of her life. But the lad, having tasted the joys of -London, refused to remain at Hedgerton. As soon as he was well enough -he returned to town and sought out the music-teacher with whom he had -been placed by his dead aunt. The man gladly took him in charge, and -in due time Neddy appeared at the Tit-Bits Music Hall with immense -success. Known as "The Skylark" he became quite a favourite, and made -a great ideal of money. To his honour, it must be said that he gave -the greater portion of his earnings to his mother, and these she -placed in a bank to his credit, refusing to touch a shilling herself. -The shock sustained by the boy did him much good, as it sobered his -character, and gave him experience. On the whole, he turned out very -well, and Mrs. Mellin never regretted letting him have his own way; -with regard to the singing. And, like his mother, Neddy never spoke of -Lady Wyke. She was dead and buried in the quicksand, so there was no -more to be said.</p> - -<p>The quicksand had a wonderful fascination for morbid people. Many came -down to Hedgerton during the summer for the express purpose of staring -at the terrible grave of the miserable woman. Consequently all the -lodging houses in Hedgerton were full, and the season was the best, -ever known. In fact, the publicity given to the quiet little place by -the tragedy induced strangers to come down and stay there. When they -found what a charming resort it was, and how good the air was for -nerves, many remained, and building operations on a large scale took -place. Within a few years the locality was quite populous, so Lady -Wyke did good for her native village by her death, although she had -done nothing for it while living. But in this connection it may be -mentioned that Maranatha was pulled down. No one would rent it owing -to its ill-omened history, so it was finally destroyed, which was the -most sensible thing to be done. Its site became tea-gardens, and the -proprietors of these did a large business, notwithstanding the fact -that, many people shook their heads and declared that even the ground -was accursed.</p> - -<p>But all this improvement of Hedgerton, which made it a thriving -seaside resort, took place long after Claudia and her lover were -happily married. After the first shock was over, and the greedy desire -of the public for further details was satisfied, Edwin broached the -subject of marriage with Claudia in the drawing-room of the Rectory. -Mr. and Mrs. Craver were present and thoroughly approved of their -son's wish that the ceremony should take place as soon as possible. -They loved Claudia, and, sympathising greatly with what she had gone -through, were anxious to make her happy. And what better fortune could -they wish her than to be the wife of the man she loved?</p> - -<p>"I shall never be quite satisfied until I call you my wife, darling," -said the young man, fondly. "There is no reason why we should not -marry at once."</p> - -<p>"I have no money," faltered Claudia, "and my father----"</p> - -<p>"Oh, never mind your father, my dear," interrupted little Mrs. Craver. -"If I have said anything about him to wound you, I'm sure I'm very -sorry. Let him go his own way, for he has many good qualities. We want -you. As to money, Edwin earns enough to keep you in tolerable luxury."</p> - -<p>"I don't want that, I want Edwin."</p> - -<p>"You shall have both, dear. And as a wedding-present," added the young -man with a smile. "I am going to give you a promise that I shall not -fly any more."</p> - -<p>"Oh," cried Mrs. Craver, clasping her hands tightly, "I am glad. Of -course, I am used to it now, but really, Edwin, my heart is in my -mouth every time you go up in that horrid aeroplane."</p> - -<p>"Oh, don't call it horrid, Mrs. Craver," expostulated Claudia, -hurriedly. "Think of how it saved my life. Nothing but the aeroplane -could have rescued me."</p> - -<p>"Along with Edwin's presence of mind, of course," said the Rector, -thoughtfully. "And it was providential Edwin, that you took that coil -of rope along with you, otherwise----" He shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Otherwise I should have gone down with Lady Wyke," said Claudia, -trembling.</p> - -<p>"Don't talk of her dear," said Mrs. Craver, trembling also. "I wish to -forget Laura Bright entirely. To think of her wickedness in luring you -on to that quicksand! It was cruelly clever. She meant to kill you."</p> - -<p>Edwin nodded. "I suppose the sight of the quicksands from the top of -the path suggested that way of hurting Claudia," he remarked. -"Handcuffed as she was, Lady Wyke saw no other way of getting even -with us. And it was wonderful to think how she got down that steep -path without breaking her neck."</p> - -<p>"Didn't you guess what she intended to do, Claudia?" asked the Rector.</p> - -<p>"No. I ran after her believing that she intended to throw herself into -the sea and escape punishment. But she waited until I nearly reached -her, and then ran fairly into the quicksand. I followed unthinkingly, -and then----" The girl shivered, for the recollection of her escape -was very dreadful.</p> - -<p>"Don't let us talk any more about it," said Edwin, soothingly.</p> - -<p>They could not, for at that moment a visitor was announced. This was -none other than Mr. Sandal, who stalked into the drawing-room, tall, -thin, and dried up in his looks. Edwin and Claudia were surprised to -see him, and when he was introduced to the Rector and Mrs. Craver they -looked at him apprehensively. He saw their dismay, and smiled in his -dry way.</p> - -<p>"I am not always a bird of ill-omen, Mr. Craver," he said to Edwin; -"and on this occasion I come as the dove of peace rather than as the -raven of misfortune."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?" asked the young man, doubtfully. "I mean," said -the solicitor, taking an official-looking document out of his pocket, -"that I have here the will of Lady Wyke made in your favour."</p> - -<p>"Oh, but that was all nonsense," said Craver, quite taken aback. "Lady -Wyke only, told me that she made a will in my favour to trick me into -marriage. I did not know, until Claudia here explained, that marriage -destroyed a will."</p> - -<p>"It does, Mr. Craver; but, as no marriage took place, this will holds -good. It was none of my business to contradict my late client; and, as -she insisted on making you her heir, she did so. Of course," added the -lawyer quietly, "I did not know that she intended to marry you, or I -should have pointed out that the will should be executed after the -ceremony."</p> - -<p>"Well, Mr. Sandal," asked Claudia, impatiently, "what does it mean?"</p> - -<p>"It means that Mr. Craver here inherits five thousand a year." There -were exclamations, and everyone looked startled. "I won't take a penny -of that miserable woman's money!" cried Edwin, violently. "Don't be -silly, Edwin!" said Mrs. Craver, sensibly. "You will do move good with -the money than she ever did. Take what you can get, and be thankful." -"What do you say, father?"</p> - -<p>"I say accept, my son. Although she did not mean it. Providence, in a -wonderful way, has guided her to make reparation to you and to Claudia -for all the misery she has brought on you."</p> - -<p>"Claudia?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know what to say," said the girl, nervously. "I leave it to -you, Edwin."</p> - -<p>"Be wise, my dear sir; be wise," warned Sandal, seeing the young man -still hesitate. "I accept," said Edwin, after a few moments' thought. -"After all, I have acted honourably, and there is no reason why I -should be quixotic."</p> - -<p>"None in the world," said Sandal, drily. "I congratulate you on your -good sense, Mr. Craver. Come up to town when you can, and I shall -place you in possession of the property." He rose to go.</p> - -<p>"Stay to dinner," urged the Rector, hospitably.</p> - -<p>"No, my dear sir, no. I have to return to London at once. The trap -which brought me from Redleigh is waiting to take me back again. I -hope to come down on another and still happier occasion."</p> - -<p>"What is that?" asked little Mrs. Craver, sharply.</p> - -<p>"When Miss Lemby and Mr. Craver are married," complimented the old -lawyer, with a courtly bow, and took his leave in his usual stately -fashion.</p> - -<p>Amidst the loud congratulations of the Rector and his wife on the -great wealth which had come to them, the young couple saw the -friendly lawyer down to the gate.</p> - -<p>Sandal refused to say a word about Lady Wyke, even though Edwin gave -him a hint. He stepped into Sanky's trap and drove off, leaving two -very happy people behind him.</p> - -<p>"Five thousand a year!" said Claudia, drawing a deep breath. "I can -scarcely believe it. Why do you laugh, Edwin?"</p> - -<p>"My darling, I was thinking how annoyed your father will be. He -schemed for this money, and has lost it. We have not schemed, and it -has come to us."</p> - -<p>Claudia laughed also, "I really cannot sympathise with dad," she -observed. "I tell you what, Edwin. After dad gets over this music-hall -craze of his, let us allow him an income, on condition that he goes to -Australia. He will be much happier there, while he will only worry us -here. I hope," ended Claudia, remorsefully, "that I am not a bad -daughter in saying this?"</p> - -<p>"'No, dear, no." Edwin petted her. "Your father is a trial, and is one -of those parents who make one wonder why the fifth commandment was -ever given."</p> - -<p>"He means well, Edwin."</p> - -<p>"To himself he does. No, Claudia, don't try to cry up your father's -virtues, for he has very, very few. I shall be glad to see the last of -him, and so will you." Claudia could not deny this, and they leant -comfortably over the gate to talk of more agreeable subjects.</p> - -<p>"What will you do with all this money?" said the girl. "Oh, that is -easily settled," said her lover, putting his arm round her waist. -"First we get married; second, we shall go a trip round the world for -a couple of years, so as to make us forget all these terrible -troubles. Then we shall return when your father is safely settled in -Australia, and build a house near this rectory. I shall go back to the -motor factory, and live the steady life of a business man who has a -charming wife to welcome him home."</p> - -<p>"And you won't fly any more, Edwin."</p> - -<p>"No; never again. The aeroplane will go back to town by rail. Seeing -what happiness has come to us, I shall not tempt Providence. Hullo, -here's the post!" It was indeed Hall, who came up the road on his -bicycle. Edwin took the letters, which were all for the Rector. After -a word or two, the postman got on his machine, and moved swiftly away. -Edwin watched the red bicycle pass out of sight. "A machine like that -saved my life," he said, gravely. "If I hadn't got away on that night -I should have been hanged by this time." Claudia threw her arms round -his neck. "Don't Edwin! Let us try and forget all about that terrible -time. Come inside."</p> - -<p>"All right. We can pass the evening along with father and mother, -building castles in the air."</p> - -<p>"Come in, dear, come in. I never wish to see a red bicycle again."</p> - -<p>"Nor do I," said the young man, laughing; "bat we can't abolish -post-men, you know, dearest. There, I shan't say another word. All our -trouble has gone down the road with the rod bicycle. And now----"</p> - -<p>"Now I have you, and you have me," said Claudia, with a kiss. "Come -inside."</p> -<br> -<br> -<h4>[THE END.]</h4> -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<br> -<br> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Red Bicycle, by Fergus Hume - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RED BICYCLE *** - -***** This file should be named 55748-h.htm or 55748-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/5/7/4/55748/ - -Produced by Charles Bowen from images provided by the -Taranaki Herald and Papers Past, National Library of New -Zealand - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Red Bicycle - -Author: Fergus Hume - -Release Date: October 13, 2017 [EBook #55748] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RED BICYCLE *** - - - - -Produced by Charles Bowen from images provided by the -Taranaki Herald and Papers Past, National Library of New -Zealand - - - - - - - - - - - -Transcriber's Notes: From page scans of this book which was published -as a serial in the Taranaki Herald (New Zealand), Vol. LXIII, Issue -144753, 9 August 1915 through Volume LXIII, Issue 144793, 24 -September 1915 (Papers Past, National Library of New Zealand). -See web site -https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TH19150807.2.57 - - - - - - -THE RED BICYCLE. - -By FERGUS HUME. -Author of "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab," "The Turnpike House," -"Tracked by a Tattoo," "The Crowned Skull," etc. - - - - - - -THE RED BICYCLE. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - - -The dingy little cart containing the clean linen of the Rectory, was -on its way by an unusually roundabout route. Neddy Mellin, the washer -woman's son, who disliked work as much as he liked play, which was -natural in a lad of thirteen, grumbled openly at the uncongenial task -of driving the large white donkey. The animal herself, who answered -to the name of Nelly, grumbled also in her own way, as she objected to -innovations. Hitherto she had been allowed to take the short road to -the parson's residence; now she was compelled to go by the long one, -which was particularly annoying on this damp, misty November -afternoon. With the obstinacy of her race she refused to trot, and -although Neddy whipped her, coaxed her, and threatened her, Nelly -tstill behaved as though she were attending a funeral. Mrs. Mellin did -not mind. Throned amidst the bundles of linen, she peered through the -fog for something she particularly wished to see. Only when the cart -arrived midway down a melancholy, deserted thoroughfare, bordered by -dripping elm-trees, did she speak. Then the cart stopped as she -fancied she heard an order. - -"There," said Mrs. Mellin, pointing with a fat, red finger at a dreary -mansion which stood in a disorderly garden. "Maranatha! I never did -'ear of sich a queer name in all my born days." - -"It's a scripter name, and has to do with cursing," explained her son, -who, being a choir-boy, knew something about the Bible. - -"Then don't let me 'ear you use sich a wicked word, or I'll take the -skin off your back," said his mother, wiping her large crimson face -with a corner of her tartan shawl. "Maranatha! it gives me the -shivers, it do." - -"You're using it yourself," murmured Neddy, in an injured tone. - -"Me, being your elder and your ma, has a right to use words as ain't -fit for you," said Mrs. Mellin, tartly, "and as we've got the washing -of the new gent as has come to live there, I'll say the name often -enough. I'll be bound. But not you, Neddy. Say the 'Ouse, and I'll -know what you mean. And for 'Eaven's sake, child don't 'it the donkey. -I want to look at the place." - -Mrs. Mellin craned forward so as to get a better view, and stared at -the square, ugly building, the damp red bricks of which were almost -hidden by dark curtains of untrimmed ivy. Smoke came from one chimney, -which showed that the house was inhabited, but as the shutters were up -and the door closed, there was a sinister look about the whole place -which made the washerwoman shiver. In its wilderness of shrubs and -long grass, girdled by gigantic elms, all sopping and dripping, the -mansion loomed portentously through the mists. It looked like a house -with an evil history, and the queer name on the gate suited it -extraordinarily well. Mrs. Mellin was not imaginative, yet she -shivered again as she signed that Nelly could proceed. Tired of -standing and anxious to get her day's work over, Nelly changed her -funeral pace for a more active one. - -"Maranatha!" murmured Mrs. Mellin, as the cart turned into the Parade. -"Well, baronet or no baronet, he won't get much good out of Maranatha. -Arter suicides you may paint a 'ouse, you may furnish a 'ouse, and you -may advertise 'ouses till you're sick, but them as comes to live in -sich allays leaves afore the term's out. An' no wonder 'ow long he'll -stay?" - -"Who'll stay?" asked Neddy curiously. - -"I wasn't speaking to you, child. 'Old your tongue and drive on. I do -'ope as Mrs. Craver ain't 'eard. This will be news for 'er. And that -Emily Pyne is sich a gossip, as never was." - -All the way to the Rectory, Mrs. Mellin continued to talk in this way -to herself, while Neddy kept his ears open to drink in every word. He -was a slender boy with a wonderfully delicate complexion, curly golden -hair, and innocent blue eyes, looking, on the whole, like a stray -angel. And when in the choir he not only looked like an angel but sang -like one, as his voice was remarkably beautiful. - -But all Neddy's goods were in the shop-window, since he was as naughty -an urchin as ever existed, to worry a hard-working mother. He told -lies, he played truant, he associated with the worst boys in the -parish, smoked on the sly, and behaved like the unscrupulous young -rascal he truly was. Yet, when necessary, Neddy could play the saint -so perfectly that his conduct, taken in conjuncture with his angelic -looks, quite imposed upon the Rector, who believed him to be a modern -Samuel. - -Mrs. Mellin had her doubts, as experience told her otherwise, but -naturally, she kept them to herself, and proclaimed on all and every -occasion that Neddy was too good to live. All the same she was on her -guard against his wiles, and rebuked him sharply when she noticed that -he was listening to her soliloquy. By the time she had finished -telling him where bad boys went and how they fared when they died, the -cart appeared at the Rectory and Mrs. Craver appeared at the back -door. - -The parson's wife was a busy, little sharp-faced woman, arrayed in a -shabby black silk, with collar and cuffs of ragged white lace, -carefully mended. The stipend for looking after the souls of the -Hedgerton people was by no means large, and the Rev. George Craver -found it difficult to make both ends meet. Indeed, they would not have -met at all had not Mrs. Craver been a notable housewife, who looked at -both sides of a penny before parting with it, and who made shillings -do the work of pounds. She scraped and screwed and pinched, and buzzed -about the house from dawn till darkness like a busy bee, keeping her -eye on everything and on everyone. According to custom she welcomed -Mrs. Mellin into the kitchen and proceeded to count the washing, while -Neddy sat outside in the cart and smoked a surreptitious cigarette. -After the usual weekly wrangle over missing articles, scanty -starching, bad ironing, and excessive charging, Mrs. Craver gave the -woman a cup of tea and asked questions. - -It was her duty, as she conceived it as the Rector's wife, to know all -that went on in the dull, seaside parish, and Mrs. Mellin could supply -her with more information than most people. Therefore, Mrs. Craver -sent the general servant, who was her solitary factotum, into the -wood-shed to clean knives and brush boots while she listened to the -weekly report. Mrs. Mellin began by a reference to her sister-gossip -and rival spy. - -"I do 'ope, ma'am, as that Emily Pyne ain't been tellin' you things, -as she ain't to be depended on, with her silly tongue and blind eye." -The washerwoman spoke as if the lady in question had only one organ of -vision, whereas she had two, and very sharp eyes they were. - -"No. I haven't seen Miss Pyne," said Mrs. Craver, briskly. "Has she -been doing anything wrong?" - -"'Eaven forgive her, ma'am; she never does anything right," said Mrs. -Mellin, piously. "Not that I've got anything against her, for the time -being, 'cept her gossiping constant when she should be working, and -dressing above her station to which she 'ave been called. No, ma'am, -never do I speak against Emily, though she did try to catch Mellin, -when we was gels, failing, nater'ly, when she 'ave a game leg, and -remaining a spinster through 'Eaven's 'and being 'eavy on 'er, may she -be forgiven." - -"Well, well; what's the news?" Mrs. Craver had heard all about Miss -Pyne's wickedness before, and spoke impatiently. - -Mrs. Mellin wiped her face, sipped her tea, and shook her head. "There -ain't no news as is startling, ma'am, as bombs and bloodshed don't -come 'ere while we 'ave the King--long may he reign over us. But that -'ouse in Ladysmith Road, as is so unlucky, is let at last." - -"Maranatha?" - -"Which the very name do give me the shudders, ma'am. It's a wicked -name." - -"It is an odd name," agreed the sharp little woman, "and I asked the -Rector about it. He says it is a Syriac word, meaning the Lord comes, -or has come." - -"Neddy told me it was a cuss, ma'am." - -"He shouldn't know anything about curses at his age, Mrs. Mellin. Mr. -Craver said that St. Paul used the word as expressing a curse." - -"There now"--Mrs. Mellin was admiringly triumphant--"to think as how -Neddy do pick up things. And a curse is on that 'ouse, Mrs. Craver, -ma'am, for never 'ave it been lucky. The gent as built it fifty years -back lost his arm, as my mother told me; the family as come after him -buried two children in a year; a suicide was the nex' pusson as lived -there, and it stayed empty for years till Mrs. Splurge took it to be -ruined by the breaking of the bank her cash was in and 'ave her -daughter run away with a young man as wasn't what he ought to be. It's -a cussed 'ouse, and looks like one." - -"H'm! It has a bad history. Well, and who has taken it now?" - -"A baronet." - -"Nonsense! Why should a baronet take a furnished house in this dull -town?" - -Mrs. Mellin set down her cup and folded her tartan shawl round her in -quite a tragic manner. "That's what I arsk myself, ma'am," she said, -impressively. "Mrs. Splurge, 'oping to make money after losing her -all, advertised the 'ouse to be let furnished. But for two years it -hev been standing as empty as my 'usband's 'ead, people fighting shy -of its bad luck, as you might say, Mrs. Craver, ma'am. And now Sir -'Ector Wyke hev come, bag and baggage, with a 'ousekeeper as I hevn't -seen, though write me she did, saying as she'd engaged me to do the -washin'." - -"Sir Hector Wyke?" Mrs. Craver searched her memory. "I seem to have -heard the name before." - -"'Ave he done anything bad?" inquired the washerwoman, eagerly. -"Anything as would make 'im 'ide his guilty 'ead. Baronets is bad, as -we know." - -"Rubbish! Baronets are no worse than other people. But I fancy I have -heard my son, Mr. Edwin, mention the name. I'll ask him about Sir -Hector when he comes down at the week end." - -"Shouldn't be surprised if Mr. Edwin 'ad quite a gory story to tell." -said Mrs. Mellin, hopefully, for, like all her class, she loved -horrors. Anyhow. I'll keep my eye on the 'ouse and the 'ousekeeper." - -"What is her name?" - -"Vence, she writes it. Jane Vence, and a heathen name it is, ma'am. I -haven't set eyes on her myself; but one as hev tole me ses as she's an -old witch in looks, with a tongue as wicked as that of Emily Pyne's, -and I can't say wuss nor that." - -"Mrs. Vence." The Rector's wife repeated the name so as to remember -it. "And what other servants?" - -"None." burst out Mrs. Mellin, triumphantly, "And that's the wust of -it, ma'am. I do say as a baronet should be'ave as a baronet, and not -come to live in a musty, fusty old 'ouse with one old woman." - -"It is strange. When did Sir Hector come?" - -"Two days ago, ma'am. I wonder you 'aven't 'eard." - -"No. You bring the news to me." - -"And proud I am to do so, me thinking as Emily Pyne would be -before'and. I s'pose the Rector will call, ma'am?" - -"I suppose he will. We don't often have a baronet come to Hedgerton." - -"And the Rector 'ull find out all about Sir 'Ector, I s'pose?" - -"Mrs. Mellin, you are much too curious about your neighbours," said -Mrs. Craver, severely, and quite overlooking the fact that she was -encouraging the woman to gossip. "Learn to mind your own business, and -don't pry into other people's concerns. Probably Sir Hector has heard -that the air is good here, and has come down for the benefit of his -health." - -"Ho!" Mrs. Mellin rubbed her nose and took no notice of the rebuke. -"He's ill then, is he?" - -"Now I come to think of it, Edwin did mention his name," murmured Mrs. -Craver to herself, while the washerwoman strained her ears to listen. -"Sir Hector Wyke? Yes. He is a rich man, very popular and fashionable -in London. Not so young as he was, and engaged to a young lady." - -"She hev throwed him over." cried Mrs. Mellin, eagerly, "and his 'eart -is broke, so he hev come down 'ere to pine away and die. 'Eaven, what -grass we are, and 'ow soon we're cast inter the oven!" - -"Don't be silly, Mrs. Mellin. Sir Hector has probably come down for -his health, and wishing to be quiet has only brought his housekeeper -with him. There is no mystery about the matter." - -"Baronets who live in style don't come to cussed 'ouses with one old -woman to look after them." said Mrs. Mellin doggedly. "Mark my words, -ma'am, there's going to be a tragity at Maranatha, and it won't be the -fust, ma'am." - -"We don't have tragedies here, you foolish woman." - -"Oh, don't we, ma'am?" Mrs. Mellin stood up to give her words due -effect. "Why, that 'ouse in Ladysmith Road is full of 'em. And, if you -remember, Richard Jones beat his wife to death only five years back, -and Mrs. Warner ran away with the purser of a ship as went to Chiner; -while the children as hev been scalded to death and drownded is -'undreds, you might put it. No tragity!" Mrs. Mellin snorted. "Why, -ma'am, my own sister Laura was in one." - -"She only ran away." said Mrs. Craver, also standing up to intimate -that the conference was ended. - -"And 'oo did she run with?" inquired the washerwoman mysteriously, -"She was 'ere to-day and gone to-morrer, as you might say. Twenty and -more years ago she was as lovely a gel as you ever see, but disappear -she did, leaving nothing be'ind to tell her whereabouts, and not a -line hev I 'ad since. Why, you remember Laura yourself, ma'am, as you -was only a five year bride when you come 'ere with Mr. Craver." - -"I remember that your sister disappeared during the first year of my -husband becoming Rector of Hedgerton," said Mrs. Craver, drily. "She -was a pretty girl, but flighty and discontented. And as she was always -fond of the theatre, I daresay she went on the stage. Of course, as -she was twenty-five when she disappeared, she was old enough to choose -her own way, although I can't say that either I or Mr. Craver approved -of her choice." - -"'Ow do you know, ma'am, that she made that choice?" questioned Mrs. -Mellin, with dignity. "Play-acting Laura loved, there's no denying, -but she mightn't have gone play-acting after all. No, ma'am, some -villain lured 'er away when she was parlourmaid in Maranatha with the -wife of the gent as cut 'is throat in the back room. No wonder I -shiver when I 'ears the name, ma'am, for that 'ouse was the ruin of my -lovely, innercent sister." - -"Mrs. Mellin, you are allowing that house to get on your nerves----" - -"Me being a marter to 'em and taking 'og-'ead's of physic." murmured -Mrs. Mellin. - -"So think no more about the matter. Take Sir Hector Wyke's washing and -be thankful. Meanwhile, tell me more news, and be as quick as you -can." - -Mrs. Craver made this request so as to lure Mrs. Mellin from the -subject of the house in Ladysmith Road, as she saw plainly enough that -the woman was becoming quite hysterical over the place. The laundress -fell into the trap and talked of this person and of that with great -gusto, telling what he said and what they said and what she said, with -full details of what all said. Mrs. Craver examined and cross-examined -and re-examined the good lady, and there was scarcely a person in the -place who was not discussed thoroughly. At the end of half-an-hour the -Rector's wife was in full possession of all that had taken place in -the parish during the week, and mentally arranged the facts so that -she might report to her husband. Not that he wished to hear, being -something of a book-worm. But Mrs. Craver always presented her -seven-days' budget regularly, because she thought that it assisted him -in his clerical work. Perhaps it did, as it certainly kept him advised -of all that went on. When the examination was concluded Mrs. Mellin -retired with many blessings on the head of her hostess and climbed -back into the dingy cart. Neddy, having tossed aside the fag-end of -his surreptitious cigarette, drove away meekly, while Mrs. Craver -witnessed the departure. The washerwoman, still haunted by the memory -of the newly-tenanted house, cried back a warning. - -"You'll see, ma'am, as a tragity will 'appen at Maranatha. Mark me, -ma'am." - - - - -CHAPTER II. - - -When it became known--chiefly through the agency of Mrs. Mellin--that -a baronet was living at Maranatha the excitement was very great. It -appeared strange to one and all that a titled and wealthy gentleman -should leave the pleasures of London to take up his residence in a -dull place such as Hedgerton truly was. Originally a rude fishing -village, it had of late years been exploited by the jerry-builder, so -that it might be improved into a watering-place and a play-ground for -trippers. A huddle of quaint houses was buried in a hollow by the -shore and faced the estuary of the Thames into which stretched for no -great distance a rough stone pier. Sometimes floating on water and -sometimes stranded on mud were many fishing-smacks, which went out -regularly to the harvest of the sea, while river steamers occasionally -called to discharge cargoes or to land passengers. Since Hedgerton had -been dignified by the name of a watering-place the steamers called -more frequently, especially in summer, and on the whole did fairly -well. But somehow they did not bring to Hedgerton the prosperity -anticipated by the jerry-builder. - -The place did not thrive in spite of doctors' recommendations, cheap -fares, and lavish advertisement. Above the hollow wherein nestled the -original town stretched a flat, well-wooded country, dotted sparsely -with houses, and there was a railway station at Redleigh, three miles -away. New Hedgerton, as it was called, consisted of many hastily-built -bungalows extending in a lean line along the cliffs, but those were -occupied only in summer, and therefore remained empty for the greater -part of the year. There was an asphalt esplanade running spaciously -from east to west in front of these bungalows, a small bandstand, and -a crude hall for public entertainments roofed with galvanised iron. At -intervals roads branched at right angles from the esplanade, passing -between houses old and new to run finally through woodlands or between -the hedges which divided vast meadows from the highway. In spring and -summer the country looked very picturesque with the foliage of trees, -the blossom of orchards, and the rainbow hue of multitudinous flowers, -but the change was marked in autumn and winter. Then the balmy air -grew raw and chill; there were damp mists overlying the land morning -and evening, while the lack of life gave the place a melancholy -aspect. At the fall of the year the inhabitants of the district -retired into their houses like rabbits in burrows, as the climate of -this particular part of England did not tempt them to lead an -out-of-door life. On the whole, therefore, Hedgerton was not a -desirable locality either for a pleasure-seeker or for an invalid in -summer. - -This being the case, the Hedgerton gossips asked one another daily why -Sir Hector Wyke had come down to the place during the season of mists -and rain, of leafless boughs and ruined orchards. No one was able to -give an answer, although it was frequently suggested that the -baronet's health was bad. But a man in bad health would scarcely come -to so unhealthy a place at so unhealthy a time. - -Therefore, there must be some other reason. Everyone tried to learn -what it was, and everyone failed. No information was supplied by the -tenant of Maranatha, who lived a very secluded life and appeared -greatly desirous to be left to himself. He saw no one, and when he -took his solitary walks he spoke to no one. Even Mr. Craver was denied -admittance when he sought to welcome the stranger to his parish and he -returned home to tell his wife that Wyke was probably a misanthropic -creature, who disliked his fellow-men. - -The description aroused Mrs. Craver's curiosity, and she was even more -particular than usual in examining Mrs. Mellin when that spy came to -report what had taken place in the parish during the week. The -washerwoman could only state, after three weeks watching, that her -bills and the bills of the tradespeople were paid regularly, and she -saw no one but Mrs. Vence, who as not inclined to be communicative, -and that the house appeared to be as neglected now as it was when Sir -Hector first went to live in it. It would seem that the mysterious -baronet did not so much live in Maranatha as camp in it, since no -attempt was made to brush up the residence or improve the garden in -any way. Sir Hector, save for occasional walks, stayed indoors, like a -snail in a shell, and Mrs. Mellin augured ill from this suspicious -retirement. She chiefly blamed the house itself for the doings of its -tenant. - -"There's a cuss on it," she declared with relish, when Mrs. Craver was -speculating as to the meaning of the whole queer business. "If Solomon -hisself, as was 'appy with a thousand wives, lived in that 'ouse he'd -ha' been miserable within the week. Why, the name tells you what it -is, ma'am. What do Maranatha whisper to you but ruin, which there 'as -been, and suicide, which 'appened, and bankruptcy, with the elopement -of gels--which we know is common there. No ma'am, say what you like, -it'll be murder nex'; and 'Eaven be betwixt us and 'arm, save and -bless us." Mrs. Mellin always ended these dismal prognostications with -the observation that she hoped she would not be called upon to give -evidence at the inquest, as murders got on her nerves. - -Mrs. Craver was little less fortunate with her son when she asked -questions, for all that Edwin could say amounted to nothing. Sir -Hector Wyke was a rich man, and a popular man, who had been in the -army, and was now a gentleman at large. Edwin had met him in Society, -and liked him fairly well although--as he put it--Wyke was not a man -he would care to make a chum of. - -Mrs. Craver suggested that he should call on the baronet and renew his -acquaintance, but this Edwin refused to do. He said that if Wyke -wished to improve the acquaintance he could call at the Rectory, and -as the recluse showed no disposition to do this, it would be best to -leave him alone. The Rector agreed with his son, and Mrs. Craver -therefore found herself in the minority. All the same, she remained -intensely curious, and frequently wondered what mystery lay behind the -whole business. She even questioned, in a delicate way, Hall the -postman and Jervis the policeman, but was unable to learn anything -from either. Hall simply said that he delivered very few letters, -which were received by Mrs. Vence--whom he described as an old hag, -while Jervis declared that he saw nothing and knew nothing and heard -nothing likely to say why the tenant of Maranatha lived so -hermit-like. It was quite painful for brisk little Mrs. Craver to -learn that she could discover nothing--she knew the history and daily -doings of every soul in Hedgerton. - -"I'm sure, George." she said plaintively, to the Rector, "one-half the -world does not know how the other half lives." - -"Then I'm sure it isn't your fault or Mrs. Mellin's or Miss Pyne's -either," retorted her husband, whereat she was offended, and wondered -more than ever if she would discover the truth. - -To inflame her curiosity still more an event occurred at the end -of four weeks which startled her and startled everyone with its -far-reaching consequences. Sir Hector had been leading his secluded -life for quite a month when the event happened. It began in quite a -commonplace way with the delivery of a letter by Hall at Maranatha. -About seven o'clock on a foggy November evening Hall was travelling -along the esplanade on his red-painted Government bicycle when he -alighted to examine his bag. He knew that he had delivered all letters -save one, and searched his bag to find the last missive. By the light -of the lamp the postman looked at the address, and saw that it was -directed to Sir Hector Wyke at Maranatha. With a grunt of satisfaction -that his duties for the day would soon be over, Hall was about to -mount his machine again when Jervis appeared. The bulky form of the -constable loomed portentously through the mists, and Hall guessed who -he was. - -"Jervis," said the postman, pausing for a moment. - -"Hall," answered the officer, as if delivering a countersign, and -flashed his bull's-eye on the weather-beaten face of the first -speaker, "a shocking night, ain't it? Rain and fog, and bitter cold." - -"Why not? 'Tain't June roses as you'll smell in November, Jervis." - -"No, worse luck, and night dooty ain't no catch at this time of the -year. Now, I'll be bound, Hall, as you're nearly finished, and can get -home to your warm bed sharp." - -"And to tripe and onions, as my old woman does do a turn, Jervis," -said Hall, licking his lips. "I've only got this one letter to deliver -to Sir Hector Wyke, as folks is talking about so." - -"Don't see why they should talk," said the officer bluffly. "Sir -Hector pays his way and keeps himself quiet. Ain't any of my business, -or of yours." - -"But he never sees no one, and never comes out, and never has any -callers." - -"He's got one to-night," said Jervis unexpectedly. "You know Sankey?" - -"Him as drives the trap to and fro this place and Redleigh?" - -Jervis nodded and stuck his big thumbs in his belt. "Got a rotten old -fly on the job. Well, I saw it to-night with a fare in it, when Sankey -stopped to ask me where Maranatha was. I gave him the tip as it was in -Ladysmith Road, so Sankey drove off. I wonder his blessed old nag did -the three miles without falling a corpse." - -"Did you see who was the fare?" asked Hall, pondering. - -"No. Wasn't any of my business. I see you're as curious as the rest of -'em about that bar'nit. Why, Mrs. Craver herself has asked questions -by the dozen, as you might say. Anyhow, Sankey left his passenger at -Maranatha and drove back to Redleigh, for I see him returning." - -"Oh," remarked Hall, in guttural tones, "so his fare stops all night -with Sir Hector, I s'pose." - -"Why shouldn't he or her, for whether the fare was a male or a female -I don't rightly know." - -"Well, Sir Hector ain't 'ad no one to stay with him before." - -"Dessay," returned the policeman, carelessly, "but he has to make a -start. I just tell you what, Hall, you're getting like the rest of the -folk hereabouts with their jaw." - -"Sir Hector do live such a queer life, Jervis." - -"He lives the life as pleases him, as I s'pose he's got the right to." - -"I tell you there's something strange in a baronet coming down to -this dull place when the weather's so bad," persisted the postman, -ominously. "Have you seen the gent?" - -"Twice. A little gent with a waxed moustache and dressed up to the -nines with fine clothes. I touched my helmet but he only nodded, and -never stopped to pass the time o' day." - -"Well, he wouldn't, he being a swell and you only a copper, Jervis." - -"That's a nasty way of talking, Hall. S'pose I was to report you to -your superior for idling when your letter should be delivered." - -"And s'pose I was to tell Sergeant Purse at Redleigh as you stopped me -on the esplanade to gossip about what ain't any business of yours," -retorted Hall, tartly. "Two can play at that game, policeman." - -"Go and earn your salary." said Jervis, loftily, and walked away. - -"You go and hang yourself," was the not very obvious reply of the -postman; and the two opponents were parted by the heavy fog which -dropped its curtain between them. - -Chuckling over having had the last word, Hall mounted his machine and -pedalled slowly round the corner, only too anxious to deliver the last -letter and get home to his tripe and onions. He knew that the next -turning was in Ladysmith Road, and it was as well that he did, for the -mists were so thick that he proceeded with some difficulty. The man -could hear the noise of the waves through the fog, and shivered in the -chill, raw air. As there were few lamps he found himself in complete -darkness when he bicycled up the road, and therefore had to ride -cautiously. Finally, he was compelled to dismount, and take his -machine on to the pavement, feeling for guidance along the fence on -the right-hand side. Shortly he came to the first gate, and the -electric torch he carried showed him in black-painted letters "The -Firs," but he passed that gate as not being the one he wanted. The -second gate he also passed, as it was inscribed "The Elms," and then -he walked for quite a long way in the dense gloom to find Maranatha -which stood by itself. Finally, he stumbled on the third gate, the -inscription of which told him that he had reached his goal when he -flashed the electric torch on to the black letters. Hall left his -machine leaning against the fence in the dim light of the street -lamp--for at this point there was one--and opened the gate to walk -slowly up the path between the tangled herbage and under the dripping -trees. It curved gradually--a cobble-stone path overgrown with -weeds--until it ended in an open space before the house. Through the -mists a light beamed from a fanlight over the door, and Hall, anxious -to get home, rapped loudly in the approved style of the postman. There -was no answer, although he waited for quite a minute, and he searched -with his torch for the letterbox. Just as he found it and was about to -slip in the letter the door suddenly opened. A stream of radiance -poured forth to illuminate the untidy garden, and a man dashed out in -a violent hurry. In his exit, he drove Hall against one of the brick -pillars of the porch, and by the time the postman recovered his breath -the man had disappeared, running swiftly. - -"Here's a rum go," said Hall, speaking to himself. "I wonder if that's -the blessed baronite, and what he's up to? Here!"--he raised his voice -as he faced the open door--"anyone in? I can't wait here all night!" - -There was no reply. The house preserved an ominous silence, which made -Hall shiver, as Mrs. Mellin had done. Fearing that there was something -wrong, and remembering the sinister chatter of the neighbourhood, Hall -stepped hastily into the hall. It was of no great size, carpeted -throughout, and furnished with a black oak settle on one side and a -small rosewood table on the other, together with a hat-rack and an -umbrella-stand. Doors were visible right and left; while beyond were -stairs and a narrow passage beside them leading towards the back of -the house. A swinging lamp illuminated the hall, and in its light -everything appeared to be dusty and uncared for. Mrs. Vence certainly -was not a particularly good housekeeper, or she would not have -neglected her work in this fashion. - -Astonished by the continued silence, the postman stood hesitating in -the hall, while the sea-fog poured in like smoke through the open -door. He did not know what to do. The sudden opening of the door, and -the violent exit of the unknown man, and now this ominous silence -disconcerted Hall. He had just opened his mouth to call again, when -there came the sound of a long, faint sigh, and the door on the left -opened slowly to reveal the tottering figure of an old woman. She -gasped when she saw the postman, and suddenly appeared to gather -strength as she moved forward to seize his arm. - -"Where is he?" she demanded, faintly, and with a gasp. "Did you catch -him?" - -"Catch who, Mrs. Vence?" asked Hall, placing the letter on the -rosewood table, since Mrs. Vence did not seem capable of taking it. - -"The man who ran out." - -"No. He opened the door and pushed past me, and bolted." - -"Bolted!" Mrs. Vence screamed. "The villain!" - -"Come!" With unnatural strength she dragged the startled postman -through the door on the left and into a comfortable study, cleaner in -looks than was the hall. On the hearthrug before the fire lay a man in -evening dress face upward with a knife in his heart. Hall uttered a -cry of horror, and his teeth chattered like castanets. "Murder!" he -gasped. - -"Murder!" echoed Mrs. Vence, with a shrill scream. "He did it--the man -who bolted. Catch him. Catch him!" She pushed the postman fiercely out -of the room in a tremendous hurry. "Get a policeman. Catch him. Quick! -Quick!" - -Hall did not need much urging. With a pale face and dry lips he ran -out of the house, down the path, and through the gate, intending to -mount his bicycle and race for Jervis, who could not be far away. Then -he made a startling discovery. His bicycle was gone. Not a sign of it -remained. - -"The murderer has gone off on it," said Hall, blankly. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - - -Hall was astonished to find that his bicycle had vanished. Taken by -surprise he could only stand at the gate and stare helplessly about -him. At last, thinking that something must be done, he shouted wildly -for Jervis. In his agitation it never occurred to him that the -policeman might be at the other end of the esplanade. As it happened, -however, Jervis was close at hand, and shortly his voice boomed -strangely out of the mists. - -"What's the trouble? Is that you Hall?" - -"He's dead! He's got a knife in his heart!" gasped the postman, who -was clinging to the fence and feeling sick. - -Jervis suddenly loomed hugely out of the fog, and entered into the -circle of blurred light cast by the street-lamp. "Who is dead?" he -asked, in surprise. - -"Sir Hector Wyke," babbled Hall, whose nerves were very much shaken. -"I saw him lying dead. Mrs. Vence showed me his corpse. My bicycle is -gone----" - -"Gone!" Jervis shook the terrified man. "Why I saw your bicycle slip -along under the lamp nigh which we were talking on the esplanade. I -come here straight when I hear your voice, wondering why you should be -in the Ladysmith Road and your bicycle----" - -"It was the murderer, Jervis. He dashed past me when I stopped at the -door yonder to deliver the letter you saw. He has taken my bicycle. -Stop him. He ought to be hanged. Oh, oh, oh!" He broke down, shivering -and crying. - -"Don't be a fool. Pull yourself together," commanded Jervis, gruffly. -"How can I follow in this fog, and with no machine to catch him up -with? Go to the telegraph-office, and wire Sergeant Purse at Redleigh -that a murder has been committed at Maranatha, and that the criminal -has escaped on a Government machine. He can't go far on a red-painted -bicycle without being captured, though the fog may help him to win -clear. Off with you, Hall, and I'll go into the house." - -Hall nodded feebly, "I always thought that there was something strange -about the baronet." - -"We ain't got time to talk about the bar'nit. You go and do what I -tell you." - -Thus commanded, the postman, whose nerves were all unstrung by the -sight he had seen and the tragedy which had occurred, crawled slowly -down the road into the misty darkness, clinging to the fence to aid -his progress. Jervis listened for a minute or so until the footfalls -of his messenger had died away, then assumed an official expression of -stern determination, and strode up the weedy path. - -The door was still open, and Mrs. Vence stood upon the threshold. From -her first words it was very evident that she had overheard the order. -"Do you think Sergeant Purse will stop the bicycle at Redleigh?" she -asked, feverishly, and laid a trembling old hand on the policeman's -arm. - -"I can't say. Don't seem to me as a likely thing to happen in this -fog, to say nothing of the fact that this criminal mayn't go through -Redleigh. I suppose the man who escaped is the criminal?" - -"If sticking knives in folks' hearts is murder, he is," retorted Mrs. -Vence, in a tart way, "any you oughter go after him at once." - -"I ought to see the body at once," was the gruff reply. "'Taint much -good my going on a wild goose chase in this fog. Don't you tell me my -dooty, ma'am, for I know it; none better. And be careful what you say. -as anything you do say will be used as evidence against you." - -"Against me?" cried the housekeeper, shrilly. "Me is as innercent as -an unborn babe. Well I never," and she looked furious enough to claw -the ruddy face of the gigantic constable. - -Mrs. Vence was a small and stout woman, with a brown, withered face -seamed with innumerable wrinkles. She had abundant white hair, -unbrushed and tangled, which added to her witchlike aspect as she -peered indignantly at Jervis through horn rimmed spectacles. A stuff -dress of faded blue, a dingy knitted shawl of red wool tightened over -rounded shoulders, and a pair of ragged slippers formed her attire, so -that she looked a perfect fright, maliciously observant, and -aggressively disagreeable. The constable paused for a single moment to -wonder why a gentleman should engage such a dirty and disreputable -female as a housekeeper. - -"You haven't touched it?" queried the policeman, examining the body of -the dead man. - -"Me?" Mrs. Vence began to thrill again. "Why, I haven't had time to -touch it, and I wouldn't have touched it if I had had time. I just -came in with a tray and let it fall when I saw him bending over my -poor master as he'd killed. I dropped myself and dropped the tray when -I fainted, more or less, but not quite. I heard as in a dream," -exclaimed the housekeeper, dramatically, "the postman's knock. He -waited for a minute until a second knock came, and then ran out of the -house for dear life." - -"By him you mean the criminal. I s'pose?" said Jervis, stolidly. "Why -didn't you stop him?" - -"How could I, drat you?" demanded Mrs. Vence, in querulous tones. "I -wasn't myself altogether, being in a faint, and yet not in one, as you -might say. Why, I gathered myself together us soon as I could and -tottered to the door. Then, seeing the post in the hall, I knowed as -I'd got a friend, and shoved him out to catch the rascal, drat him, -and drat you asking me why I didn't." - -Jervis hastily noted this statement down in his book, still kneeling, -and would have asked questions, but there came an interruption. - -It was Mrs. Vence who mentioned that a third person was present. -"Lawks!" said the old woman, wiping her face with her apron. "Thought -you was gone sir." - -At the door stood a tall man, arrayed in a fashionable overcoat, with -a knitted white silk scarf round his neck and a silk hat in his hand. -He had large, powerful limbs, a large nose, a large face, and was -large altogether. His hair and beard and moustache were iron-grey, and -his eyes were as black as the night outside. - -Wondering who he was, Jervis noted that he looked a truculent kind of -buccaneer, and rose to confront him, thereby revealing the body on the -hearthrug. - -The newcomer at the door uttered a startled ejaculation, scarcely -scriptural, and strode forward in quite a masterful way. He looked at -the dead man aghast, then turned towards the policeman with an -indignant expression, as if he suspected him of being the culprit. -"What does this mean?" demanded the buccaneer, fiercely, and pointed -to the corpse with a silver-headed cane which he held in his hand. - -"Sir Hector Wyke has been stabbed, as you see, sir," said Jervis, -curtly. - -"Good heavens!" cried the stranger. "My poor friend." - -"Was Sir Hector your friend, sir?" The gentleman nodded. "I came here -to see him, and hoped that he would give me a bed for the night. Dead. -Stabbed! Who killed him?" - -"The other gent as come," chimed in Mrs. Vence, promptly; "and a -murdering villain he is, sir. Clever too; seeing as he's got away on -the postman's bike." - -"Do you know anything about him?" asked Jervis, sharply. - -"Lawks! and how should I? I never set eyes on him afore this blessed -night." - -"The other gent as come," said the stranger, repeating Mrs. Vence's -earlier remark, word for word. "Nonsense. I was the only visitor Sir -Hector had to-night." - -"Makin' me out a liar, indeed," cried Mrs. Vence, much offended by the -imputation. "Well, I do say as you've got a face, sir. Impudence and -crime. Oh, little did I think as I'd come to sich a situation, and me -so respectable." - -"Hold your tongue," said Jervis, so ferociously that the old creature -started and trembled. "Let us get to the bottom of this. Who are you, -sir?" - -The other man produced a card. "I am Oliver Lemby," he declared, in -his deep, rich voice. "And dash you, policeman, don't look at me as -I'd got anything to do with this infernal business. I came down here -to see my friend----" - -"In a trap from Redleigh." - -"Not all the way," said Lemby, drily. "I travelled by train from -London to Redleigh. Oh! I remember. The driver of the trap stopped to -ask a policeman the way to this house. And you----" - -"I am the constable of Hedgerton--the only constable," said Jervis, -stiffly and a trifle imperiously. "Well, sir, and what do you know of -this?" - -"Nothing, dash and confound you!" snarled the truculent Mr. Lemby, who -was as aggressive as Mrs. Vence. "I sent the trap away, hoping that -Sir Hector would put me up for the night. This old hag showed me into -the drawing room." - -"Did you hear," said Jervis, "anything likely to make you think that a -crime was being committed?" - -"Hang you officer! Would I have stayed quietly in the drawing-room had -I guessed for one moment that a murder was being committed?" demanded -Lemby fiercely, and clenching his fist as if about to strike. "Wyke -saw me in the drawing-room when he arrived, and while we were talking -there came a ring at the door. Excusing himself, and asking me to stay -where I was until he came back, he went down the stairs. I waited and -waited until I was tired. Then I heard the woman shrieking, although I -did not hear what she said." - -"I said 'murder,'" observed Mrs. Vence, "and said it loudly, too." - -"Not loud enough for me to hear, however," retorted Lemby, "or I -should have been down before. However, as Wyke did not return, I -suspected, from the voices and the shrieks of this old thing, that -something was wrong, so came down to investigate. Well?" - -"Ho!" said Jervis, as he saw no reason to disbelieve the plain -statement. "You will have to wait, sir, until my superior officer -comes along. I have sent the postman to the telegraph office to wire -for him." - -"Of course I'll wait, dash you! Do you think I am going to leave this -house without finding who has murdered my poor friend? Why are you -waiting here, officer? Why don't you catch the villain?" - -"'Taint easy to catch a man as has gone off on a foggy night on a -bicycle, sir," said Jervis, drily. "I can't tell in which direction -he's gone." - -"You could trace a Government bicycle because of the colour." - -"I have wired to my sergeant to watch Redleigh Station for a -red-painted bike, sir. The assassin may go to Redleigh to catch the -express to London." - -"Not he, unless he's a born fool," retorted Lemby contemptuously, "and -his action in using the bike to escape shows that he isn't a fool by -any means. I don't think that you'll nab him easily." He stopped, then -looked at the corpse at his feet with marked emotion. "I suppose poor -Wyke is dead?" - -"Stone dead. He's been stabbed to the heart, as you see. Look for -yourself." - -"No." Lemby shrank back. "I don't meddle with corpses in charge of the -law. I think you should get a doctor." - -"Go for a doctor, Mrs. Vence," said Jervis, quickly, and thinking that -this was good advice. "Bring him here immediately." - -"Me!" cried Mrs. Vence, in her usually shrill tones. "Why, I'm a -stranger in this place but a month. I don't know where the doctor's to -be found, 'specially I on this misty night. Go yourself, or send this -gent." - -"I can't go myself, and the gent doesn't leave this house until my -sergeant arrives," said Jervis, grimly. - -Lemby drew himself up. "Officer, do you suspect me, dash you?" - -"I suspect no one, at present. I don't know enough." - -"Know enough," echoed the housekeeper contemptuously. "Why, ain't you -heard all what I've told you? It was the beast as went off on the bike -as stabbed my poor master. I saw him bending over the body when I -dropped the tray and the glasses and the wine," and Mrs. Vence pointed -to the tray and the various fragments of glass on the carpet. - -"But who is he?" - -"I dunno. I never saw him afore." - -"Describe him?" - -"He was a short man with red hair and rather stout, like me. I -couldn't see much of him, as he was muffled up in a long black -overcoat with a blue scarf round his mouth and a soft hat pulled over -his eyes. I took him to my master into this very room, and was told to -bring wine and cake in 1/2 of an hour. I was coming in with the wine, -having been waiting on the clock in the kitchen, when I see my poor -master dead and him bending over him afore I faints." - -"It's my opinion that we ought to have a doctor," said Lemby. - -Jervis agreed with Mr. Lemby; but as Mrs. Vence did not know where any -doctor lived, and as he was unable to go himself, and did not intend -to let the buccaneer leave the house, it was difficult to know what to -do. But here Providence stepped in to extricate the trio from this -dilemma. A light, quick step was heard in the hall, and a high, -silvery voice called on the housekeeper. - -"It's that imp, Neddy Mellin, with the washing," said Mrs. Vence, -hurrying towards the door. "Don't let the child see the corpse." - -She was too late. Neddy suddenly shot into the room, smiling and -angelic in his looks. But the smile died away when he saw the body. -"Crikey!" breathed the lad, turning white, "is the cove a deader?" - -"You leave the washing in the hall and cut!" commanded the old woman. -"How dare you come in by the front door?" - -"Neddy," said Jervis, who knew the lad well, as did everyone else in -Hedgerton, "go to Dr. Quin, and ask him to come here at once." - -"And I'll give you a shilling," said Lemby, sitting down. - -"I'm fly," said Neddy, promptly, and reluctantly backed out of the -room. He was anxious to earn the shilling, but still more anxious to -gaze on the body. "Let me see the deader when I come back," he called -out. - -"Get along with you; get along!" vociferated Mrs. Vence, and chased -him out of the front door into the mists. When she turned back after -closing the door she glanced at the rosewood table on which Hall had -placed the letter. It was gone. There was not a sign of it to be seen. -And the front door had been open from the time the man had escaped -until now. It was very strange. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - - -Sergeant Purse, who had come over from Redleigh to take charge of the -matter, was a foxy-faced little man, lean and dried up in appearance, -with beady black eyes like those of a rat. He was immensely interested -in the matter, as he recognised that this was no common crime, and -hoped by tracing the assassin to make a big reputation as a zealous -officer and gain advancement. The description of the murderer given by -Mrs. Vence was largely advertised, and pointed mention was made of the -red-painted bicycle. In the illustrated daily papers pictures of -Hedgerton and Maranatha appeared, both the inside and the outside of -the house being delineated. Mrs. Vence also shared the honour of this -painful publicity, and her portrait looked like that of an old witch. -She was very much annoyed by this caricature. - -"Me like that," screamed the housekeeper, when Sergeant Purse showed -her the picture. "Why, 'taint me at all. 'Tisn't saucy, and I always -had a bit of sauciness about me." - -The sergeant, laughed drily. "You were not as young as you were." - -"Oh, I'm growing old, I don't deny," snapped Mrs. Vence, crushing up -the paper wrathfully. "Sixty's getting on, say what you will. But I -ain't so bad-looking when all's said and done, although not so -handsome as when a gel. I'm active, too, cooking like an angel and -celebrated for my tidiness." - -Purse had his own opinion about this, and, staring at the disreputable -dirty old beldame, wondering for the hundredth time why a fastidious -gentleman had engaged her. "Did you know Sir Hector before you came -here?" he asked, wondering in his own mind why he had not put the -question before. - -"No, I didn't," retorted Mrs. Vence, alertly. "I saw an advertisement -in the paper as I picked up in a friend's house, and applied for the -situation, saying I could cook and hold my tongue, so Sir Hector -engaged me. I came down here a few days afore he did, quite a month -ago, to get the house ready, and dirty it was, with that, old Peddler, -the caretaker, as didn't half look after the furniture." - -"Why was it necessary for you to hold your tongue?" asked Purse, -seizing on the only phrase in the speech which seemed to be important. - -"Lawks! How should I know? Sir Hector, he says to me, he says, 'Hold -your tongue and don't talk, for I wants to be secret and quiet like -for a bit.' Them were his words, and inquisitions won't make me say -otherwise." - -"Did he explain why he wished to be secret and quiet like?" - -"No, he didn't drat you!" grunted the old woman, who was in a vile -temper. "He just had his dinner about six, when Mr. Lemby arrived, and -I showed him into the drorin'-room. I don't think Sir Hector, expected -him, for he seemed surprised like when I took the card of the gent -into the dinin'-room. But he said nothing to me, and went up to the -drorin'-room to have a chat, s'pose. Afore seven there was a ring at -the door, and the other gent arrived. While I was asking his business -Sir Hector came flying down the stairs and took him into the study, -telling me to come with cake and wine in a quarter of an hour. I went -to the kitchen and watched the clock, and about seven I walks in, -happy-like, into the study, knowing as I was doing my duty. There I -saw Sir Hector a corpse, and the gent bending over him, and----" - -"You explained all that before," interrupted the sergeant, who knew -the sequel to the statement. - -"Then why did you bother me to say it again?" demanded Mrs. Vence, -crabbedly. - -"What was the exact time when the second gentleman arrived?" - -"About twenty to seven; and a gent I call him, though I don't see if -he was one when he was muffled up like a Christmas-pudding. It was -twenty to seven, as I know from the kitchen clock, which I had my eye -on so's to bring in the wine and cake punctual-like." - -"Hall, the postman, says that he arrived at the door about seven, or a -trifle afterwards," said Purse, meditatively, "I expect the murder -took place about that time. You heard no noise?" - -"Drat you, how could I when in the kitchen at the back of the house, -and me not expecting horrors and corpses. I came into the study with -the victuals and drinks, as I says, and the postman knocked twice, as -I more or, less fainted, while the gent cut like the wind." - -"Did Sir Hector appear to be afraid of his second visitor?" -"No. He seemed to expect him, for he says, 'Oh, you've come,' or -something like that, as he drawed him into the study and sent me about -my business." - -"He expected him, then, and was quite friendly." - -"You can put it like that if you likes," snarled Mrs. Vence, hugging -herself, and rocking to and fro, "but I'd like to know when I'm to be -let go?" - -"After the inquest, which takes place to-morrow." - -"And who's going to pay me for what I've had to put up with? I didn't -get no wages from Sir Hector, me having arranged for monthly -payments." - -"Well, I suppose Sir Hector's heir will pay you, Mrs. Vence." - -"Who's he?" - -"I don't know. I'm off to see Mr. Lemby, who is a friend of Sir -Hector's. I may learn something about the heir from him." - -"Well," said Mrs. Vence, rising with an ill-humoured look, "the sooner -you get information and them wages the better. I'm travelling to -London myself after the inquest to-morrer, and I do hope as my next -situation won't be police news and chamber of horrors." She paused, -then remarked significantly, "There's the letter, you know, Mr. -Purse." - -"What letter?" asked the sergeant, alertly, and pricking up his ears. -"That as the post delivered when he come. He put it on the table in -the hall when talking to me. I shoved him out, and the policeman came. -Afterwards, that imp, Neddy Mellin. When things was quieter, I looked -for the letter. Never a sign of it, Mr. Purse, though I hunted -careful." - -"Who took it?" - -"Ask me another," said Mrs. Vence, cunningly. "All I can say is as the -door was open from the time the post came to the time I chased that -imp out, me being too worried to shut it." - -"Did the boy take it?" asked the sergeant, rather foolishly. - -"Lawks! and why should he? It wasn't nothing to do with him. I did ask -him, and he said as he never saw no letter on the table." - -"Did Mr. Lemby----" - -"He was in the study with the policeman, and with me and the corpse," -said Mrs. Vence, truculently. "I don't go for to tell lies, do I? But -the door was open all the time, and the fog was pouring in like steam. -If you ask me," added the old woman, slowly, "I do say as the -murderer came back for that letter." - -Purse jumped. "Why do you say that?" - -"'Cause I don't see as anyone else could have taken it. 'Course it -ain't no business o' mine, but the murderer might have slipped round -the corner on the bicycle and waited his chance to steal." - -"He would have acted like a fool had he done that," said Purse, -incredulously. - -"Well, well, it's only an idea, as you might say." - -"Have you any reason to----" - -"No, I ain't got reasons. But the letter's gone, and as no one we know -took it, someone as we don't know did. And that's sense. Well, I'm -going to make myself some tea, and trim up my popping-out bonnet, so -as to look smart for the sitting on the corpse to-morrow. This me?" -Mrs. Vance glared at the crushed newspaper. "I'll have the -law on him as did it." - -"Oh, go away and hold your tongue," said Purse, impatiently. - -"I was engaged to hold my tongue," said Mrs. Vence, with great -dignity, and tottered out of the room along the passage and into the -kitchen. - -Her repetition of the phrase dwelt in the sergeant's memory as he -walked to the inn where Mr. Lemby was staying pending the inquest. - -Purse entered the little dark and damp sitting-room, where the -buccaneer bulked largely in the twilight atmosphere. It was a gloomy, -grey day, by no means cheerful, and the sergeant was glad to warm his -hands at the fire which Lemby's desire for comfort had provided. He -also suggested a lamp. - -"What the dickens should I do with a lamp at twelve o'clock," asked -Lemby, bluffly. "It's darkish here I don't deny. But if you think that -I'm afraid to show my blamed face let's go outside." - -"I never suggested such a thing." - -"You hint at it because you think I have something to do with this -confounded murder, sergeant," roared the big man, garnishing his -speech with oaths after his usual fashion. - -"Don't talk rubbish, sir," said the sergeant, imperiously, for -although a small man he had a great idea of his own importance. -"There's no evidence to implicate you. All the same, I'm bound to say -that anything you say will be used as evidence against you, if -suspicions are aroused." - -"There, dash you! Didn't I say you suspect me?" growled Lemby. "Well, -you have stumbled on a mare's nest, hang you! No one was more -surprised than I was when I stumbled on that policeman and that old -hag dealing with a corpse." - -"No one says otherwise," remarked Purse drily. "Undoubtedly the man -who stole the bicycle is the guilty person. Do you know who he is?" - -"No, dash you, I don't. Wyke said nothing to me about seeing anyone." - -"Did he tell you that he expected a visitor?" - -"No. The ring came at the door about twenty or fifteen minutes to -seven, and he bolted away, asking me to wait." - -"And he did not return?" said the officer, musingly. - -"How the deuce could he, when the man had knifed him?" - -"No, of course not," said the sergeant, soothingly, for Lemby was a -difficult witness to deal with. "You were a friend of Sir Hector's?" - -"Yes, great friend." - -"What do you know about him?" - -"What everybody else knows. Everything I know is in the newspapers, as -these infernal reporters have been smelling round here." - -"Was there anything in Sir Hector's past life to lead you to suppose -that he had some secret likely to bring about his violent death?" - -"No. What a dashed roundabout way you have of asking questions! Why -don't you trace that bicycle and catch the assassin?" - -"All over the country I have people on the watch. They may----" - -"Yes, and they mayn't," interrupted the buccaneer. "And how long am I -to stay in this rotten hole?" - -"Until the inquest is over. It will be held to-morrow. It's strange," -went on the sergeant, "that no relative of Sir Hector's has appeared -to look after his interests. Yet the case is set forth in the -newspapers." - -"Wyke has no relatives," said Lemby, grimly plucking at his beard. -"The title becomes extinct. If you don't believe me ask Mr. Sandal, of -Lincoln's Inn Fields, sergeant. He is Sir Hector's lawyer. I wrote and -asked him to come down." - -Purse nodded approvingly. "Very wise of you, sir. But why take this -trouble?" - -"Because I wish to know where the property goes to. Sir Hector should, -by rights, leave it to my daughter. He was engaged to marry her." - -"Your daughter!" Purse started and stared. - -"Yes, dash you! Why shouldn't I have a daughter? Here's the case in a -nutshell, and you can make what you can of it." Lemby paused, cleared -his throat, and continued. "Sir Hector was engaged to marry my -daughter Claudia, though she wasn't overfond of him, since she loved a -chap called Craver." - -"That's the name of the Rector of this parish!" exclaimed Purse, -staring hard. - -"It's the son I mean, not the father. Well, then, Edwin Craver loved -Claudia; but I refused to allow the marriage as I wanted my daughter -to become a lady of title. Sir Hector proposed, and the marriage was -to have taken place a month ago, as I insisted that Claudia should -become Lady Wyke. Then Sir Hector wrote postponing the marriage, and -came down here." - -"What reason did he give?" - -"Said his health was bad. I tried to see him and he refused. I -couldn't find out his address for a long time, as he wrote from his -London house. Finally I got it from Craver--Edwin, I mean--and came -down the other night to force Wyke to explain his dashed impudence. -While he was explaining the ring came at the door and he bolted. The -rest you know. Well?" - -"Well," echoed Purse, vaguely and rather distraught. He did not know -very well what to say, as this new complication took him by surprise. -Edwin Craver loved the girl, Edwin Craver was the son of the Rector in -whose parish the crime had been committed. "Could it be that Edwin -Craver----" - -"No," said Lemby, reading suspicion in the sergeant's eyes. "Edwin is -innocent. I'll swear. In my opinion it was----" He hesitated, faltered -and broke down, while Purse waited for him to complete the sentence. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - - -Lemby had some difficulty in speaking freely, and hesitated so -pointedly that Purse impatiently assisted him. "Are you going to tell -me who is the criminal?" - -"No," said Lemby, promptly, and now speaking readily enough. "I was -about to say that I believe it was a case of suicide." - -The sergeant expressed his surprise. "Suicide, when Mrs. Vence saw the -assassin bending over his victim? Ridiculous!" - -"It may be ridiculous, or it may not be," replied the buccaneer, -doggedly; "but from what I know of Wyke, he was in no danger from -anyone. Who the man is that Mrs. Vence saw I don't know. But Wyke -might have killed himself and the man might have been bending over his -body to afford succour." - -"Ridiculous," replied the sergeant. "If the strange man was innocent -he would scarcely have fled. His flight on the bicycle proves his -guilt. Besides, what reason had Wyke to commit suicide?" - -"What reason had he to postpone his marriage and come down to this -dismal place?" demanded Lemby, sourly. "You are asking me questions -which I cannot answer. Evidently, although I did not know it, there -was some secret in Wyke's life which made him act so strangely and -drove him to suicide." - -"I don't believe for one moment that he committed suicide," persisted -Purse, after a pause, and remembering how Mrs. Vence had been engaged -to hold her tongue; "but he evidently came down here to escape the man -who slew him." - -"He might have done so, sergeant." Lemby made a gesture, as if -brushing aside the whole subject. "Anyhow it is a sore blow to me and -to my daughter." - -"To you, no doubt, Mr. Lemby, as you lose the gratification of seeing -your daughter bearing a title. But, if she loves young Craver, as you -hint, I think she will be glad that Wyke is gone." - -"Perhaps. She's dashed obstinate. Anyhow, from what I have told you, -sergeant, you must see how absurd it is to suspect me." - -"I don't suspect you at all," cried Purse, rising. "When you are -examined at the inquest you will no doubt be able to explain more." - -"I can't explain more than I have already done." growled Lemby, -sullenly. "Is not my explanation satisfactory?" - -"Yes. I think it is. From the evidence given by Mrs. Vence, you did -not come down the stairs until the man was dead." - -"That policeman of yours can back up that statement," said Lemby, -eagerly, "and, of course, Mrs. Vence saw the assassin." - -"Hullo!" Purse turned sharply at the door, "I thought you believed it -was a case of suicide." - -"It was merely an idea," protested the other. - -"A very silly idea," retorted the sergeant, and took his departure, -leaving Mr. Lemby to his own thoughts, which were those of -disappointment, as he would never see his daughter Lady Wyke. - -During the twenty-four hours which elapsed before the inquest the -sergeant walked round Hedgerton, asking innumerable questions and -noting down innumerable answers. He learnt all about Sir Hector's way -of living, how he kept very much to himself, walked out alone, spoke -to no one, and remained indoors as a rule. He inquired at the -post-office, and discovered that the baronet had received but few -letters, newspapers, and parcels, which were generally redirected from -his town residence. Wyke evidently had made no secret of his stay in -Hedgerton, and in no way could Purse find that he was in hiding. The -man had come down, so it was supposed, for the sake of the Hedgerton -air, and had taken Maranatha on the three months' lease. Therefore, it -might be supposed that, had he not been killed he would have returned -to London at the expiration of that period to resume his ordinary -life. From Mrs. Vence's hint that she had been engaged to hold her -tongue it would appear that there was some mystery in the baronet's -life; but no mystery could be discovered in spite the sergeant's -persistent questioning. He left off as wise as he was when he began. - -Purse also called to see the Rector and his wife, ostensibly to ask if -they knew anything about the gentleman who had come to reside in the -parish, but really to learn what he could of young Craver. The -intimation of Lemby that his daughter loved the young man, and that he -wished to marry her, gave Purse the idea that rivalry might be the -cause of the tragedy. But on inquiry the sergeant learnt that Craver -came down to see his parents only now and then at a weeks'-end and had -not been in Hedgerton at the time, that his rival in love was killed. -Moreover, it appeared that the young man had not spoken about Miss -Lemby to his father or mother, and they were quite surprised to hear -that he had any intention of marrying. In fact, Mrs. Craver, was -indignant when she heard the story told by Mr. Lemby, and said that -Edwin would certainly have told her had he been in love. She admitted, -as did the Rector, that Edwin knew Wyke, but insisted that he knew him -merely as an acquaintance. If he had been a rival, as the Rector's -wife declared her son would assuredly have spoken against him, whereas -he only mentioned him indifferently when questioned. But, as Purse -pointed out, if young Craver kept his wooing of Miss Lemby secret from -his parents, he would scarcely have talked about the man she was being -forced to marry. The sergeant left the rectory with a feeling of -disappointment. So far as he could gather from the frank speech of Mr. -and Mrs. Craver, their son had nothing to do with the crime. - -The inquest took place in the Entertainment Hall--that shabby building -with the roof of galvanised iron, which was on the esplanade. Sergeant -Purse stated all that he knew, which was little enough, and terminated -his evidence with the surprising information that a telegram had -arrived from the Waking police-office saying that the bicycle had been -found. The constable who had found it would appear in due course to -relate how it had been discovered. But, as the sergeant added, there -was no trace to be found of the man who had stolen the same. This -announcement caused some excitement, as there appeared a chance of -getting at the truth, but, on the whole, Purse's statement caused -prosaic, and his evidence was anything but sensational. - -Mrs. Vence was then questioned, and repeated her story much in the -same words as she had used when telling it to Jervis and his superior -officer. - -From her evidence the jury gathered that she had been engaged by Sir -Hector, who told her to do her work and hold her tongue. She had come -down a few days before her master had taken over Maranatha from -Pedder, the caretaker, so as to put it in order. The Coroner, weary of -hearing nothings, pointedly asked her why Wyke had requested her to -hold her tongue. - -"He didn't ask me to hold my tongue," said Mrs. Vence, tartly. "He -asked me if I could hold my tongue; and that's a different pair of -shoes." - -"Well, and why did he?" - -"How should I know? I never was one to chatter; and there wasn't -anything to chatter about, so far as I could see. I did my work, and -he read and walked and slept, seeing no one, and keeping silent." - -"He saw no one save Mr. Lemby and the man who escaped on the bicycle?" - -"You're right there, if ever you was right in your life," was Mrs. -Vence's reply. - -"Did he expect Mr. Lemby?" - -"No, he didn't. He was quite surprised when he came unexpected, as you -might say. But he told me to show him into the drorin'-room, and went -up himself to have a chat." - -"And the second visitor?' - -"Oh, he expected him," said the witness, with emphasis, "for I heard -him say, friendly-like: 'Oh, you've come!' or something like that. He -took him into the study when he came, flying down the stairs at the -ring. Then--" - -Here Mrs. Vence went on to repeat how she had been sent to the kitchen -to return later with cake and wine. Afterwards she related what had -occurred until the arrival of Hall and the escape of the presumed -criminal. - -"Did you hear any noise of quarrelling while you were in the kitchen?" - -"No. I didn't. The kitchen's too far off." - -The Coroner asked other questions, and received more or less -satisfactory answers, as Mrs. Vence seemed anxiously eager to be -frank. But, curiously enough, no mention was made of the missing -letter left by Hall. Either Purse had not told the Coroner about this, -or it had slipped his memory. Finally Mrs. Vence left the witness-box -to give place to Mr. Oliver Lemby. - -He stated that he was a colonial from Australia, and had come to -England with his daughter three years ago. Having money, he had taken -his daughter into society, and there she had met the deceased, who had -proposed marriage. Witness frankly said that he approved of the -marriage, as Wyke was titled and wealthy, and, his daughter, on these -advantages being pointed out to her, was willing enough to do what she -was told. The marriage day was duly fixed, and then Sir Hector, for no -apparent reason, postponed the same and came down to live at -Hedgerton. Lemby stated how he had procured the address from Edwin -Craver, who had heard from his parents that Wyke was staying in the -parish, and related how he had come down on the night of the murder to -force Sir Hector to give an explanation. The rest of his evidence was -much the same as he had told Purse. - -"So that's all I know," said the witness, fiercely. "My address is -Tenby Mansions, Earl's Court, and you can find me there any dashed -time you like. I am not afraid." - -"There is no reason that I can see why you should be afraid," said the -Coroner, rather coldly. "You have given your evidence frankly enough. -But I ask you if you heard any noise or quarrelling while you were in -the drawing-room?" - -"No, I did not. Had I done so I should have come down at once, as I -never object to being in a row." - -"Did Sir Hector ever tell you that he was in danger of death?" - -"Never. I should have dashed well protected him had he said that. I -wanted him to marry my daughter, and not to die in this infernal silly -way." - -Afterwards the postman gave his evidence, saying he had knocked twice -at the door of Maranatha, and that at the second knock the door had -suddenly been opened, then a man had dashed out to disappear on the -bicycle into the fog. He also said that he had left the letter on the -hall table; but the Coroner did not take much notice of this -statement, little thinking how important it was. - -Jervis followed, and related all that he knew, which mainly was a -repetition of what Sergeant Purse had said. - -Then the doctor stepped into the witness-box. In his evidence he said -that a post-mortem examination had revealed the fact that deceased had -suffered from cancer. - -"Ah!" said the Coroner, quickly, "that is a disease impossible to -cure. Do you think. Dr. Quin, that deceased may have taken his own -life on that account?" - -"No," said the doctor, positively, "such a weak old man could not have -delivered so violent a blow. The knife was buried up to the hilt in -his heart, and had to pierce through a starched shirt-front and a -quilted jacket, both of which would have broken the force of the blow. -The body was clothed in a smoking-suit, if you remember, sir." - -"Then you don't think that Sir Hector committed suicide?" - -"No. I am quite certain that he did not." - -The final witness was the police officer who had arrived from Waking. -It appeared that the red bicycle had been found in the stable of Jonas -Sorley, who had come to the police-office to confess this. Sorley was -a carrier, and saw the advertisement about the bicycle in the -newspapers. Therefore, he had communicated with the police. Sorley, -being ill, could not come to the inquest, but the officer brought his -sworn deposition. - -From this it appeared that on the night when the crime was committed -at Hedgerton Sorley was jogging along in his cart from Bethley to -Waking, some twenty miles away. When he left Bethley there was no -bicycle in his cart, but when he arrived at Waking there was. - -"The bicycle of Hall, the postman?" asked the Coroner. - -"Yes, sir. It's the same number. But Sorley cannot say how the bicycle -came to be in his cart. It was nearly midnight when he arrived at -Waking." - -This unsatisfactory statement completed the evidence, and there was -nothing for it but that the jury should bring in an open verdict, -which they accordingly did. Everyone agreed with this but the -buccaneer, who insisted to Sergeant Purse, when the proceedings were -over, that the escaped man was the assassin, and should be directly -accused. - -"But we don't know his name, so how can a verdict be given against -him?" was the sergeant's reply. "An open verdict is sufficient. We can -search for the man, and when we find him we can hang him." - -"Yes, when you find him," jeered Lemby, contemptuously. "You'll never -find him!" - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - - -With the open verdict, the red bicycle case, as it was called, ended -for the time being, as no new evidence was forthcoming likely to -elucidate the problem. Wyke's assassin had suddenly emerged out of the -mists to commit the crime, and had as suddenly vanished into them -again. In spite of all efforts it was impossible for the police -authorities to find him. - -Some society papers gave many details regarding the life of the dead -baronet, but stated nothing of any moment. Sir Hector had a good -income and a good position, apparently being a harmless old -trifler, who idled luxuriously day after day. He had no relations, -therefore the title became extinct, while the property--so said the -newspapers--lapsed to the Crown. For a time the old dandy was missed -in certain circles, but, as usual, was speedily forgotten. Even the -hinted romance of Miss Lemby being engaged against her will to Wyke -ceased to interest people, and the girl herself was very glad that -this should be the case. - -At Hedgerton the sensation lasted longer. But when Mrs. Vence departed -bag and baggage, when Sergeant Purse took his leave, and Lemby -returned to London, the excitement gradually died away. Maranatha was -again placed in the hands of old Pedder as caretaker, and again was -advertised to let furnished. - -When Christmas was over and the New Year dawned, Oliver Lemby proposed -to his daughter that they should return to the Antipodes. The -buccaneer was now weary of the restraints of civilisation, and having -failed to marry Claudia to a titled husband, desired to go back to -his old free life. Father and daughter discussed the matter in the -drawing-room of their Tenby Mansion flat, and quarrelled openly. This -was scarcely to be wondered at, as Lemby had a violent temper, while -Claudia was not the girl likely to submit to being bullied. The pirate -was half annoyed and half pleased by her opposition. - -"You're a chip of the old block, my girl," he said, smoking furiously, -"and can hold your dashed own with anyone; but you ain't going to hold -it with me." - -"Oh, you'll listen to sense, dad," said Claudia, coolly. - -"That's so," Lemby assured her, in quite a dry American style; "but -then you ain't talking sense. What's the use of staying longer in -this worn-out country when you can't get a husband." - -"I've got a husband," declared the girl, equably. - -"I take your meaning. But the husband you've spotted ain't got no -handle to his name. That Craver chap you mean, don't you? Not much. -Rank and riches for you, Claudia, and if you don't hook them, back you -go with me to the South Seas." - -"I won't," said Claudia, firmly. "Go yourself, dad, and leave me -here." - -Lemby, lounging in a deep chair with a pipe between his teeth and a -glass of whisky at his elbow, stared at her with half-closed eyes. He -privately decided that she was much too handsome to be allowed to -throw herself away in a hurry. Claudia had a fine figure, hair like -sunshine, and laughing azure eyes, together with a perfect complexion, -very red lips, and the whitest of teeth. She was tall and largely -made, most imposing in her looks, and carried herself so haughtily -that the stately Roman name suited her exactly. If Lemby was not a -gentleman, his daughter was emphatically a lady, for race showed -itself plainly in her slender hands and feet, as in her finely-cut -features. From her father she inherited her large frame and shapely -body, while her ripe beauty came from her mother. The buccaneer had -captured a gentlewoman, who was lured into marriage by his dare-devil -looks. But for many years he had been a widower. - -"It was a mighty pity Wyke died," said Lemby, regretfully, and -ignoring his daughter's defiance. "He had a title, five thousand a -year, and a fine house in Devonshire, besides a position in society. I -reckon you'd have fitted the position first-class, Claudia. Blamed bad -luck, I call it, his pegging out under the knife." - -"Well, dad, he's dead, so there's no more to be said," said the girl, -impatiently. - -"There's a heap more to be said, my dear. No one gets the title, I -guess, as the old man had no relatives. But the cash, Claudia?" - -"I saw in some society paper that it goes to the Crown," said Claudia, -carelessly, for she was young enough to care little for money, never -having felt the need of it. - -"I ain't so sure of that," muttered her father, slowly drinking the -whisky to inspire him; "the old man was so much in love with you that -he told me he intended to leave you the dibs." - -"If I married him, I suppose--not otherwise." - -"That ain't certain, my girl. You were willing to marry him, so----" - -"I wasn't!" she flashed out, sharply. "You forced me." - -"Why shouldn't I force you? You are my daughter, ain't you?" - -"Yes; but I'm not your slave. I didn't want to be Lady Wyke." - -"No. You wish to be Mrs. Edwin Craver, and I'll jolly well see as you -don't. Seems to me, Claudia, that it would be only fair for him to -leave you his pile." - -"Didn't he give you an explanation when you called?" - -"No. I told you before that he didn't. Said as he'd come back to the -drawing-room to clear things up, and naturally didn't when he pegged -out in the study below. Anyhow, it's on the cards as he might have -made a will in your favour. And," added the buccaneer, emphatically, -"I'm dashed well determined to see the sharp as handles his business." - -"Mr. Sandal, in Lincoln's Inn Fields?" - -"That's him. Wyke told you as he told me about Sandal when he -mentioned that marriage settlements were to be drawn up. I guess I'll -look him up to see if the old man did the right thing by you. It's -dashed queer as he should have postponed the marriage when he -worshipped the blamed ground you walked on, Claudia, my girl." - -"It is strange; it was strange," admitted Claudia, pondering. "I can't -understand it myself, although I am glad that he acted as he did. -Perhaps, knowing that I loved Edwin, he changed his mind about making -me his miserable wife." - -"Miserable!" jeered the pirate, contemptuously. "Miserable with a -title and five thousand a year. Shucks! my girl, you're talking -through your hat. Well, I reckon I'll see Sandal, and learn if there's -a will in your favour." - -"I don't want Sir Hector's money," said Claudia, setting her mouth -obstinately. "I don't accept a penny of his money, will or no will." - -"Then I'll accept it for you," said Lemby, coolly, and heaved his big -body out of the chair. "We can't live on nothing, can we?" - -Claudia turned sharply from the window, out of which she was looking. -"Live on nothing?" she repeated, blankly, for the words conveyed no -sense to her. - -"That's it, my girl." Lemby stretched himself with a yawn. "My pile -never was a big one. It's time for us to get back to the Sunny South -and make dollars, failing the old man's cash dropping in." - -"But I thought we were rich," expostulated Claudia, in dismay. "If -not, why did we come to England to live in so expensive a style?" - -"Oh, I wanted to do the right thing by you, my girl," said the pirate, -truculently. "I saw as you were a high-stepper when I looked you up at -that blamed school in Sydney. I had enough to give us a few years of -luxury, so I yanked you home to snatch a husband of the sort I -wanted." - -"In plain English," cried Claudia, turning very red, and clenching her -hands as she faced her father, "you took me into the slave-market; to -sell me to the highest bidder?" - -"Shucks!" said Lemby, uneasily, for Claudia had a whirlwind temper, -which was rising rapidly. - -"It's not shucks, or anything like shucks," she retorted, stamping her -foot. "I don't recognise your right to choose mv husband. I am a human -being as well as your daughter, and I intend to arrange my life for -myself." - -"What about the ten commandments?" sneered Lemby, hedging. "'Children, -obey your parents,' ain't it?" - -"'Parents, respect your children,'" counter-quoted the girl. "And how -can I respect you, dad, when you tried to force me into a disagreeable -marriage. Like a fool, I allowed you to bully me into promising to -marry Sir Hector. But now that he is dead and buried I shall act as I -please." - -"I shan't let you." - -"I shan't ask you to let me. See here, dad, it's time we understood -one another, as you are going the wrong way to work with me. Have you -any money?" - -"Enough to get back first-class to Australia with a few dollars to see -the year out. And I guess I can raise enough in Sydney to hire a -schooner and to take up the copra business again. If I stay here I -can't get along anyhow. It depends if Wyke left you the dibs." - -"I don't believe he has left me any dibs, as you call it," said -Claudia, who was now very pale, for the revelation had startled her -considerably. "Can't you leave me enough to live on for six months? I -can get a situation as a governess until Edwin is rich enough to marry -me." - -"He shan't marry you," declared Lemby, looking fierce. "Craver's only -a manager in that blamed motor-car factory. He ain't even a partner." - -"He will be a partner one day when he gets money to put into the -firm," said the girl in a low voice and keeping her temper well in -hand. - -"And where's he going to get the cash? His father's just a blamed -sky-pilot in a dashed township, the place where Wyke handed in his -cheques. Craver will never be rich, and will never have a title, so he -don't marry you." - -She clenched her hands, hardened her face, and stepped up to her -tyrannical parent looking just as fierce as he did. "I don't want a -title, and I don't want money," she said, passionately. "I want to -marry the man I love, and Edwin is that man. I intend to become his -wife, in spite of you." - -"You just try it, that's all." - -"I intend to try. I have begun to try." - -"You'll obey me." - -"I shan't. I'll obey my conscience." - -"I'll twist your neck, dash you!" roared the buccaneer, infuriated by -this opposition, which he quite expected. - -"Oh, no you won't!" Claudia slipped aside, as he lunged forward, and -placed the breadth of the room between them. "You were always a bully -father, and are just the kind of slave-driver who should be in the -forecastle of a tramp steamer. But you don't bully me. I'll die first. -So there," and she stamped. - -"Dashed spitfire, you are," he growled. "Have it your own silly way. -But you don't marry that engineer bounder, mind." - -"Edwin is not a bounder!" cried Claudia, indignantly. "He's a -bred-and-born gentleman. While I," she added, bitingly, "I am your -daughter." - -"Oh"--Lemby began to laugh good-humouredly--"I see what you're getting -at, my girl. No, I ain't a gilded Lord, for sure, and never pretended -to be. I'm just plain Oliver Lemby, as deals square by them as deals -square with him. But your mother was a lady, Claudia, so your blood -ain't all mud, remember." - -"Why don't you remember, dad," she retorted, angrily, "and treat me -with some sort of respect? I know you're kind-hearted, and mean well: -but your manners are awful. Be civil." - -"I am civil--as civil as I need be to my own daughter." - -"Because I am your daughter, that's no reason why I should be bullied. -But it's no use talking, dada," she ended wearily, "you'll never -understand." - -"I understand this--that I'm going to move heaven and earth to get -that cash of Wyke's which ought to come to you," said Lemby, sullenly; -"and whether I get it or not, I've got to get out of this country, and -you too." - -"Why have you to get out?" asked Claudia, stuck by the queer -expression on her father's florid face. - -Lemby shuffled and twisted, evading a direct answer. "I ain't got any -dibs, for one thing. I told you so." - -"But if you get this money of Sir Hector's?" asked the girl, trying to -arrive at his meaning, for she saw that there was something behind his -speech. - -"I'll go, all the same." Lemby looked at the carpet and scowled. - -"But why?" - -"Because I choose to. That's why," he burst out furiously. - -"Now, dad"--Claudia held up a warning hand--"we have had one scene, so -don't let us have another. You won't succeed in getting your way with -me." - -"You are an ungrateful minx!" - -"Oh" Claudia sat down with a careless shrug--"call me as many names as -you like. That matters little. But don't go too far." - -"What will you do if--" - -"If you go too far," interrupted the girl, her breast heaving with -passion, and her eyes flashing, "I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll -leave this flat and go out to find a situation." - -"Nobody will take you," said Lemby, uneasily, for he knew, what she -was capable of when her temper was aroused, as it certainly was at -present. - -"That's my business, dad." - -The buccaneer walked towards the door, halted there irresolutely, and -then looked round the room cautiously. After a long pause, he stole -forward lightly to bend down and whisper in his daughter's ear. "If -you don't come with me and light out straight, you'll see me in -trouble." - -"What kind of trouble asked Claudia, shrinking back. - -"Trouble of the worst. I've risked a lot to get that cash of Sir -Hector's." - -"Risked what?" Claudia shivered and faltered. - -"My good name, my liberty, my life." - -"Dad!" She sprang up with a cry. - -"My life," repeated Lemby, emphatically, and walked out of the room. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - - -When her father left the room after giving his ominous hint, the girl -throw herself full-length on the sofa and covered her face. - -In a frank manner Lemby had stated that he wanted money, and that he -had risked much to obtain the same. His reference to the chance of -losing good name, liberty, and life, could only mean that he was in -some way concerned in the Hedgerton crime. Claudia knew that he had -gone down to see Sir Hector and to demand an explanation--she knew -that he had actually been in the house when the death took place. -Certainly, on the face of it, he was exonerated by the evidence of the -policeman and the housekeeper; yet it now appeared that he was less -innocent than was supposed. The girl did not dare to think that he was -the guilty person, for, rough as were his manners, she could not -believe that he would so callously slay an old and feeble man. Still, -in a moment of impatience he might have had something to do with the -sinister affair. His own words hinted as much, and he had said just -enough to make Claudia long for her own peace of mind to know more. -The girl, with her face buried in the sofa-cushion, raged silently and -strongly. - -Suddenly, a touch on her shoulder brought her to her feet with a loud -scream, and she quite startled the person who had thus aroused her. He -was a tall and handsome young man, with closely-cropped, brown hair, a -clean-shaven face, and shrewd eyes of hazel, merry and bright, but now -he looked quite dismayed at the dishevelled aspect of the girl. "My -dearest Claudia, what is the matter?" - -"Oh, Edwin!" At the sound if his kind voice she broke down altogether, -and in a moment she burst into tears. "Oh, Edwin!" That was all she -could gasp out as she threw herself into his arms. - -"My dear! My dear!" Craver sat down on the sofa and gently drew the -girl on to his knee to soothe her. "What is the matter? There! there! -Don't speak. Let me get you a glass of water." - -"No," sobbed Claudia, hastily drying her eyes. "I'm behaving like a -fool. I'll feel better in a few minutes. But hold me tightly, Edwin. -Let me feel that I have someone who loves me." - -Without a word the young man petted her and calmed her, and gradually -restored her to reason. Claudia's sobs grew less violent, her limbs -ceased to tremble, and shortly she slipped out of her lover's arms to -stand up. "I am silly," she confessed, and walked across the room to -look at her disorder in a mirror over the fireplace. "You beast!" -said Claudia, staring at her red eyes and tumbled hair. "Why can't you -behave," and she stamped viciously. - -Craver rose and moved gently behind her to lay his arm across her -shoulder with a smile. Claudia appreciated the diplomatic way in which -he was dealing with her, and now that she was more composed turned to -face him squarely and take his two hands within her own. - -"My dear," cried Claudia, bending forward to kiss him, "you always do -me good." - -"I'm glad" Edwin returned the kiss with interest. "But what is the -matter?" - -"Dad's the matter. He always is the matter, I don't mind his raging, I -am quite used to that, and he really can't help it. But when he -says----" She hesitated. - -"Says what?" - -"I can't tell you just now, as it upset me altogether. Wait for a -time, Edwin, and let us talk all round the shop. Then I can gradually -lead up to what he said. Oh, it's awful!" - -"It must be," rejoined Craver, with a perplexed look, "to upset you so -much. I know you are not an hysterical girl, Claudia. Come and sit -down, so that we can talk at our ease, and, you can give me some tea -in half ah hour. I'm dying of thirst." - -"You shall have some tea now, or you may die," said Claudia in a -lively tone, and touching the bell. "Luckily your father has gone out, -and will not be back for a long time. We'll be all alone." - -"That will be Paradise," said Craver, gaily, and dropped into the deep -armchair, lately occupied by the pirate; while Claudia gave orders to -the neat maid-servant who appeared. "Come and sit down, dear." - -"In this chair," replied Claudia, seating herself opposite to him, and -placing a light bamboo table between them. "We must be sensible." - -"I get so much sense in business," sighed the young man, "that I come -here to indulge in a little delicious folly. Do you feel better, -darling?" and he leant his elbows on the table to touch her hand. - -"Much better. You have given me strength, which I needed. And you are -so very strong, Edwin. Much stronger than father, as you don't waste -your powers in boasting and swanking." - -"My dearest girl, you must not talk of your father in that way." - -"What is the use of blinking at facts?" retorted Claudia, with a -pretty shrug. "I love dad, who is kind to me after his truculent -fashion. But he really does swank, as you know. Admit it at once, -sir." - -"I admit it right enough. But he's a real good sort, you know, -Claudia." - -"So long as he gets his own way he's a good sort," retorted the girl, -sharply; "but it never strikes him that I want my own way sometimes." - -"As how?" - -"I want to marry you." - -"Well, now that poor old Wyke is dead, that's all settled, isn't it?" - -"Not so far as dad is concerned. He wants me to marry money. I was -weak enough to give in to him over Sir Hector, but now I have to -fight, for my freedom, and you must help me." - -Craver looked rather grim and very determined. "Oh, I'll do that. No -one marries you but me. You never would have become engaged to Wyke -had you----" - -"Had I really and truly loved you," finished Claudia swiftly. "I know -quite well what you mean, Edwin. But you have never lived with my dad. -He would wear out the Archangel Gabriel to get his own way. I fought -and fought till I could fight no longer. Then I gave in. But fate has -now cut the knot, and I'll see that it isn't tied again." - -"Your father will worry you, of course?" - -"He's certain to. But I'll run away and become a governess. Oh, here's -Jane." She swept some papers off the bamboo table and helped to lay -the cloth and adjust the tea-things. "Thank you, Jane. I shan't want -anything more." - -"I don't like the idea of your being a governess," said Edwin, who had -been carefully considering the proposition while the parlourmaid was -present, and argued about it now that she was gone. "You are too -handsome to be a governess." - -"And not clever enough, you might add," retorted Claudia, pouring out -the tea; "but I must do something. Dad worries and worries and -worries. He wants to return to the South Seas to make more money, and -insists that I shall go with him." - -"Oh, Claudia!" Craver dropped the piece of bread and butter he had -picked up. "Oh, Claudia!" - -"It's all very well saying, 'Oh, Claudia'; but facts have to be faced. -And very uncomfortable facts, too, now that I am coming to them." - -"Coming to what?" - -"To the facts which upset me," Claudia pushed back her chair, and -leant her elbow on her knee and her chin on her hand. "Edwin, what do -you know about this dreadful murder of Sir Hector?" - -Craver started so violently that he spilt his tea and had to set the -cup down in a hurry. "Good heavens, Claudia, what do you mean?" - -"What I say. I speak plainly enough don't I?" - -"What should I know about the murder except what I read in the -newspapers?" was Craver's reluctant reply. "Because it took place in -my father's parish that does not mean my having anything to do with -it." - -"I never suggested your having," said Claudia, in a cross tone. "How -you do jump to conclusions. But dad was in the house when Sir Hector -was killed." - -"Yes. Upstairs in the drawing-room. He came down when----" - -"When the crime was committed. Mrs. Vence and the policeman said that -Sir Hector was dead before dad appeared in the study." - -"Yes. So I read in the report of the inquest proceedings. Well?" - -"Well if that is the case dad is innocent." - -Craver stared. When Claudia first broached the unpleasant subject he -had turned pale, but now the colour was slowly creeping back into his -sunburnt face. "Of course, Mr. Lemby is innocent," he said, after a -pause. "There never was any question of his having anything to do with -the death." - -"Sir Hector was rich," said Claudia, in apparently an irrelevant -manner. - -Craver nodded, wondering what she meant. "Five thousand a year -according to the gossip of the newspapers." - -"Well," continued the girl, "dad is poor, and wants money. He hoped to -get it by making me marry Sir Hector. But as I did not become Lady and -as I never can be owing to the death, dad is in a hole." - -"My dear Claudia, I really don't know what you mean?" - -"I'm just coming to the point now," said the girl, nervously, and her -lips quivered. "You know that dad went down to ask Sir Hector why he -had postponed the marriage?" - -"Yes. Did he receive an explanation?" - -"No. Sir Hector was about to give him one when the ring came at the -door, and Sir Hector went down to see the man who murdered him." - -"He might not have murdered him," murmured Craver looking down at his -cup. - -"Nonsense! Why should he have fled if he was innocent?" said Claudia, -hurriedly. "But let that pass, Edwin. The point is that dad did not -get an explanation; but somehow he has got it into his head that Sir -Hector may have left me the money by will." - -"On what grounds does he believe that?" - -"I can't tell you. He did not say. But to-day he has gone to see Mr. -Sandal in Lincoln's Inn Field, who is Sir Hector's lawyer. And when he -left this very room." continued Claudia, sinking her voice to a -frightened whisper, "he said that he had risked his reputation, his -liberty, and his life to get money." - -Craver looked hard at the girl, and seemed to be about as nervous as -she was herself. "Did he say that, he had risked so much to get this -particular money of Sir Hector's?" - -"No. But he more or less implied it." - -"And you took it to mean that he had killed----" - -"No." Claudia leapt to her feet with a look of positive terror on her -face, so greatly was she moved. "Don't say it. It's impossible. Dad is -rough and fierce but he would never kill a feeble old man like Sir -Hector. Besides, there was no reason why he should, as when I married -Sir Hector the money would have come to me as the wife while he lived -and afterwards the widow. And what I had I should, of course, share -with dad." - -"You forget," remarked Craver politely, "that as the marriage was -postponed there was every chance that it might not take place." - -Claudia's nostrils dilated and her bosom heaved. "Are you against -dad?" she asked sharply. "If you are, I wish you had let me know. Then -I could have held my tongue." - -"I am not against your father," said Craver, steadily; "but I wish to -place all points before you. I do not believe Mr. Lemby is guilty, -although his sayings are dark and ominous." - -"They upset me altogether!" cried the girl, restlessly. "Therefore, -Edwin, until you find out who stabbed Sir Hector, we cannot marry." - -"Claudia!" He was dismayed by this speech. - -"I mean it!" she declared, waving him back. "I shall never be happy -until the truth is known. Learn who murdered Sir Hector, and exonerate -my dad." - -"I'll do my best, although you set me a hard task. But this money----" - -"Well?" demanded the girl, seeing how nervous her lover was. - -Craver moved slowly towards the door. "You will never get it. Nor will -your father. Sir Hector did not leave his fortune to either of you." - -Claudia stared when her lover disappeared. She wondered if he knew -more about the crime than he admitted. Her father, her lover--was one -or the other guilty? - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - - -When in the street, Craver turned over in his mind what the girl had -said relative to the hint given by her father. Undoubtedly Lemby had a -superlatively bad temper, and undoubtedly he had been in the house -when the crime was committed. Adding to this the fact that Wyke -disliked Claudia's father and had a bitter tongue, it did not seem -impossible that the pirate might have struck the blow in a moment of -anger. Before the arrival of the postman, and while Mrs. Vence was in -the kitchen, Lemby might have slipped down from the upstairs -drawing-room to commit the crime and then have slipped up again. But -against this was to be placed the fact that a second visitor was not -only in the house, but in the company of the baronet. Lemby could -scarcely have used the knife while the other man was present. On the -whole, Craver was perplexed by the situation, and wondered what he -should do. If Lemby took his daughter to Australia, Craver felt sure -that he would never see her again, as he himself was unable to leave -England. And Lemby, if implicated in the death of his proposed -son-in-law, would certainly return to his native land to escape -possible arrest. For quite ten minutes Craver stood by the Underground -Station at Earl's Court considering how be act. Finally, he made up -his mind as to his next step, and took a ticket to Blackfriars. - -When in the train the young man reflected on the conclusion he had -arrived at. This was to follow Lemby to Mr. Sandal's office, and -frankly offer his assistance in extricating the pirate from his -dilemma on condition that Claudia should be allowed to marry him. It -was difficult to see how he could help the pirate since he knew so -little. Two heads are always better than one, and Craver believed that -Lemby would consent to the marriage in order to gain a friend while in -trouble. Craver alighted on the Blackfriars platform with the -conviction that he was going on a wild-goose chase. Nevertheless, -failing all else, he believed it was worth while to act as he -intended. - -Edwin knew where Mr. Sandal's office was situated, as Sir Hector had -mentioned on a momentous occasion the name and address of his lawyer. -So the young man walked up to the Strand, and soon found himself in -Lincoln's Inn Fields. In a few minutes he was at the door of the -building in which Mr. Sandal's office was situated, and was mounting -the stairs. On inquiry it appeared that Lemby had arrived, and was -awaiting the interview with Mr. Sandal, who was engaged for the time -being. Craver rejoiced that there was a chance of seeing the pirate -before he interviewed the lawyer, and requested to be shown into the -waiting-room. The clerk opened a side door to admit him into the same, -and then closed it again. Seated near a table covered with magazines -and newspapers for the convenience of waiting clients was Lemby -reading one of the newspapers. He raised his eyes when the door -opened, and rose to his foot when he saw Craver. The astonishment of -the buccaneer was very apparent. - -"What on earth are you doing here, Craver?" he asked in his truculent -way. "I did not know that Sandal was your lawyer?" - -"Nor is he," replied Craver, taking a seat and thus forcing Lemby to -resume his former position. "I came here to see you." - -"Oh, did you? And who told you that I was here?" - -"Claudia." - -"Miss Lemby to you, Craver," said the pirate, gruffly. "I suppose you -slipped in to see my daughter immediately my back was turned. A nice -way of behaving, I must say." - -"I am behaving in a perfectly honourable way," retorted Craver, much -nettled. - -"Well, I don't think so, dash you! I refuse to allow you to make love -to Claudia, as I don't intend you shall marry her. I told you so -before." - -"You did, while Sir Hector was alive. Now that he is dead there is no -reason why I should not marry your daughter." - -"There is every reason, and one confoundedly strong one." snarled -Lemby, glaring furiously. "You have no money. When Wyke was alive I -told you to keep away from my flat, and now that he is dead you might -have had the decency to do what I asked you to do." - -"See here, Mr. Lemby." said Craver, steadily. "I love Claudia, and I -intend to marry her. She yielded to your pressing wishes and became -engaged to marry Sir Hector. He is dead now, and I intend to have my -innings." - -"Like your dashed impertinence to think so!" - -"Speeches of that kind won't turn me from my resolution, Mr. Lemby," -said the young man, coldly. - -Lemby appeared confused for the moment, and cast down his eyes. "I -won't have it," he declared with a growl. "Claudia's my daughter, and -she shall marry whom I choose." - -"She won't. She shall marry me. It is about that matter I have come to -see you, Mr. Lemby." - -"Oh, have you? And do you think that I am going to be spied upon and -followed and worried and chased? Well, you are mistaken. Clear out, -and mind your own dashed business." - -Lemby was on the point of losing his temper, according to his usual -fashion; but Craver did not mind. The hotter Lemby got the cooler was -the young man, and the more composed was his speech. "I have come to -see after your business, Mr. Lemby," he said, significantly. - -"I shan't allow you to meddle with that," snapped the angry pirate. - -"It is better that I should meddle with it than that the police----" - -"Here"--Lemby jumped up in a violent hurry--"drop it! You are going -too far, Craver. What the deuce have the police to do with me?" - -"This much. They want to know exactly what took place at Maranatha -while you were in the house." - -Lemby winced but still kept up his defiance. "I told all that I knew -at the inquest," he blustered, "and Sergeant Purse was quite -satisfied." - -"Ah, so you think," hinted Craver, bluffing boldly; "but he may have -his suspicious of you. If he takes action----" - -"Takes action." Lemby rose up, and sat down with a positive look of -terror on his face. "I don't know what you mean," he ended, doggedly. - -"I mean that you want money, and that you risked reputation, liberty -and life to, get it." Craver looked significantly at his proposed -father-in-law. - -Lemby recognised his own speech to Claudia. "You have been listening -to the conversation between me and my daughter," he said, fiercely. - -"No, I have not. But after you left the flat I saw Claudia, and she -sought my counsel." - -"It's none of your business, Craver, and Claudia is a minx for talking -to you about my affairs." - -"It is my business," insisted the young man, firmly. "I hear that you -want Claudia to go with you to Australia, and I don't intend her to -go." - -"Oh! don't you," sneered the other, "And how do you intend to stop her -going?" - -"Ah! that remains to be seen." - -"You're a confounded scoundrel!" - -"Gently, Mr. Lemby," said Edwin, resolutely, keeping his temper. "If I -were what you call me, I could easily stop your projected journey to -Australia by informing Sergeant Purse what you said to Claudia. But I -don't intend to do that. I followed you here as your friend to offer -my services." - -"I don't want them," vociferated the pirate, looking uneasy. - -"Think again, Mr. Lemby. You are in a difficult position, and -notwithstanding your frankness at the inquest. Sergeant Purse may have -suspicions that you did not reveal all. You need a friend, and I am -willing to be that friend." - -"At a price, I suppose?" - -"Naturally. I wish you to consent to my marriage with Claudia if I -succeed in getting you out of this trouble." - -Lemby rose again, and began to walk up and down the room like a caged -beast. "I am in no trouble," he raged fiercely. - -"No, not now; but you may be. And your words to Claudia hint that you -expect some sort of trouble." - -"She had no right to speak to you." - -"Oh, I think she had," rejoined Craver, equably. "Claudia knows that I -love her and am her true friend. You have caused her much distress by -your hints that you are in danger, so it is right that she should seek -comfort from me. And as you are her father, it is not likely that I -will jeopardise your freedom." - -"I am in no danger of losing my freedom," was the angry reply. - -"Then why did you use those words to Claudia?" - -"To make her do what I want." - -"Well, Mr. Lemby"--Edwin rose with an air of finality--"you know your -own business best. I came here to offer my services on condition that -you allow me to marry your daughter. But as you refuse to listen to -sense you must be content to risk the suspicions of Purse. I apologise -for having troubled you." - -"Here"--Lemby stopped the young man as he moved towards the -door--"don't be in a hurry. I expect to see Mr. Sandal every moment, -but we can talk for a few minutes. Are you honest?" - -"Yes, I, am, and you know that I am." - -"Well, then, leave matters as they are for a day or so until we can -have a long and exhaustive talk. I have come here, to see if Wyke has -left his money to Claudia, which he should do, considering how badly -he treated her. If he has acted fairly and squarely Claudia and I will -be in clover; if not, I may require your assistance." - -"I am willing to give it if you will promise to remain in England." - -"For the time being I shall remain," said the pirate, grudgingly. "I -have no reason to run away in spite of my speech to my daughter of -which you have made such clever use, dash you." - -"Then I take it that you have nothing to do with the murder?" - -"Yes, you can take it that way; I am perfectly innocent." - -"Then why do you accept my assistance?" asked Edwin, calmly. - -"I shall explain that when we have our talk later. Meanwhile, as I -have to see Sandal and arrange about the money, perhaps you will clear -out. It is necessary for me to think over matters before interviewing -the sharp." - -"I should have thought you would have arranged matters by this time," -commented Craver, sarcastically. "However. I will go. Remember you -have promised to remain in London for the time being." - -"Yes," growled Lemby, savagely, "you've got the whip-hand of me." - -"If you mean that I am likely to use the information supplied by -Claudia, to prevent your leaving, Mr. Lemby, I have not got the -whip-hand of you. I am not so mean as to employ tactics of a -dishonourable nature. All I say is that if you will stay in England I -am willing to help you in every way." - -"Well, we'll leave it at that," said Lemby, ungraciously. "But, mind, -I don't say that you will marry Claudia." - -"I am content to wait," replied Craver, coolly, and passed through the -door of the waiting-room at the same moment that a clerk opened it to -say that Mr. Sandal was ready to see Mr. Oliver Lemby. - -The lawyer was a tall, thin, dried-up man, with a clean-shaven face -and two shrewd, twinkling black eyes. He had met Lemby before in -connection with the marriage settlements of Claudia, and did not like -him. Therefore Sandal received him coldly, and, having seated himself -at his desk, waited to hear what he had called about. Lemby, by no -means disconcerted by this chilly reception, plunged at once into the -matter. And, being nervous, he was the more truculent. - -"This is a pretty kettle of fish," he said, in his gruff way. - -"If you are referring to the sad death of Sir Hector Wyke," said -Sandal, in his dry, precise style, "it is a very painful matter." - -"Why didn't you come down to Hedgerton to look into the affair?" asked -Lemby. "Don't you know that I wrote to you?" - -"I received your letter, Mr. Lemby; there was no need for me to go -down personally. I sent a representative, who saw Sergeant Purse, and -did what was required. My representative was at the inquest, at the -burial, and at the police-office in Redleigh, where he learnt that no -trace could be found of the assassin. But you, Mr. Lemby," added the -lawyer pointedly, "were in the house when my late client was murdered. -Have you come to tell me something likely to lead to the detection of -the criminal?" - -"No, sir, I haven't. I am as much in the dark as you are about the -matter." - -"Then I fail to understand why you have come to see me," said Sandal, -coldly. - -"Why?" Lemby grew angry. "I want to know what Sir Hector has done for -my daughter." - -"Nothing." Sandal raised his eyebrows. "Why should he do anything." - -"My daughter was engaged to marry him, and the marriage settlements -were drawn up by you." - -"But they were not signed by Sir Hector," Sandal reminded him: "nor -did the marriage take place. Well?" - -"Well," echoed the pirate, viciously. "Surely Sir Hector has provided -for my daughter in his will." - -"No, he has not. There is a will dated many years ago, before Sir -Hector met your daughter. That will leaves all the property, real and -personal, to quite another person." - -"Who to?" asked Lemby, rather ungrammatically. - -"To Sir Hector's wife." - -"What!" Lemby rose with a dazed air, scarcely believing his ears. - -"To his wife. To Lady Wyke." The lawyer smiled grimly. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - - -Having in his adventurous life become accustomed to unexpected -surprises, Lemby was rarely startled, and frequently boasted that -nothing could astonish him. But on this occasion he was not only -astonished but enraged. At the outset he blankly refused to believe -the lawyer. - -"You are talking nonsense," he declared, roughly. "How -could Wyke have a wife when he was engaged to be married to my -daughter?" - -"That is a fair question, which I shall endeavour to answer fairly," -replied Mr. Sandal, ignoring the crudity of speech. "Sir Hector, it -appears, was married some twenty years ago to an actress. They did not -get on well together, and parted by mutual consent. Lady Wyke, under -her stage name of Miss Maisie Chain, went to America, and, after a -long silence, news came to Sir Hector that she had perished in a -theatre fire at Chicago. He quite believed that he was a widower, and -therefore felt himself at liberty to propose to Miss Lemby." - -"It's all nonsense," repeated the pirate, furiously. - -"Well, I don't wonder at your saying so," said Sandal, calmly. "I was -surprised myself when Lady Wyke turned up again. She has altered -little." - -"Oh! So you have seen her before!" - -"Yes. I have been Sir Hector's lawyer for many years, as we were at -school together and have always been friends. When he wished to marry -Miss Chain I tried to persuade him not to, but he was wilful, and -persisted in doing so. As I foretold, the match turned out to be an -unhappy one. When Sir Hector came to me with the news that Lady Wyke -was dead, I congratulated him on his release. She was a very -determined and trying woman." - -Lemby clutched his head with both hands, leant his elbows on his -knees, and stared at the carpet. "You are telling me the truth, I -suppose?" - -"Why, should I tell you a lie?" demanded Sandal, drily. "I wish myself -that Sir Hector could have married your daughter, who is a sweet girl. -She would have made him happy." - -"How dare he make love to Claudia when he was already a married man!" - -"Let me remind you, Mr. Lemby, that when Sir Hector asked your -daughter to be his wife he was a widower, or, at least, believed -himself to be so." - -"Then why didn't he tell me so?" - -"There was no need to tell you. Sir Hector very naturally wished to -forget the mistake he had made with regard to his marriage." - -"It's a plot to rob my daughter of her rights!" shouted Lemby, -savagely. - -"Lower your voice, if you please," said Sandal, sternly. "If you -cannot speak quietly I shall put an end to this interview. There is no -plot. I have the newspaper in which is the report of the fire at the -Chicago theatre and the death of Maisie Chain, who was really Lady -Wyke. Sir Hector left that with me, and it has remained in his deed -box ever since. As to your daughter's rights, she had none, seeing -that she was not married to my client." - -"Are you sure, that this woman is Lady Wyke?" - -"Yes, I am. I knew her well in the old days, when Sir Hector and I -were young men. I was present at the marriage, and there is a -certificate of that in the deed box also. I knew Lady Wyke immediately -she walked into this office some days after her husband was buried." - -"How did she escape from the fire?" asked Lemby, sullenly, for he felt -that a fortune was slipping away from him. - -"She was rescued, but owing to being stifled more or loss by the -smoke, it was reported that she had died. But being nursed carefully -she recovered, and remained quiet. Owing to the shock she did not -resume her stage career, so that is why neither Sir Hector nor myself -saw her name again. Had we done so, we should have known that she was -still living, and then Sir Hector, being an honourable man, would not -have courted your daughter." - -"An honourable man!" snarled Lemby, who made no attempt to contain his -wrath. "Oh, yes, very honourable to leave my daughter without a -penny!" - -"He had no reason to leave her anything," expostulated the lawyer, -mildly. - -"Yes, he had. She was engaged to him, and he dodged the marriage." - -"He did so because Lady Wyke in America saw a statement in an English -society paper which was sent to her that Sir Hector contemplated a -second marriage. She came over to England at once and let him know -that she was alive. For that reason Sir Hector postponed the -marriage." - -"Then you knew why he did so?" foamed Lemby, clenching his hands and -looking dangerously savage. - -"Not at the time. I was amazed to hear that the marriage was -postponed, as I knew how deeply my old friend was in love with Miss -Lemby. Only when Lady Wyke came here after his burial did I learn that -her letter to him, saying she was alive, made him put off the day of -his marriage with Miss Lemby." - -"When he learnt that this woman was alive he should have made over a -good income to my daughter, so as to recompense her for the -disappointment." - -"I don't agree with you," said Sandal, "for Sir Hector had no call to -do what you suggest. And I don't think that your daughter is -disappointed, seeing that she never cared for Sir Hector, and only -yielded to your wish that, the marriage should take place." - -"That's a lie." - -"It is not a lie. And I beg that you will not speak to me in that way. -Sir Hector told me himself that Miss Lemby was in love with a young -engineer calling himself Edwin Craver, and that it was you who were -compelling her to marry him. I pointed out to my friend that as he had -made one mistake it was foolish for him to make a second, since Miss -Lemby did not love him. But he was so infatuated with her that he -insisted upon getting his own way." - -"He made a fool of my girl," said the visitor, sullenly. - -"Indeed, he did not. His intentions were strictly honourable, and he -would have fulfilled them had not Lady Wyke made her appearance." - -"Seeing now things stood, Wyke; should have told me all about them." - -"I agree with you there. But he told no one, not even me. I knew -nothing until Lady Wyke walked into this office and explained -matters." - -Lemby rose and stamped about the room. "It's all a lie! I don't -believe a word of what you say." - -"Well, it is natural that you should have your doubts," rejoined -Sandal, coolly, and glanced at his watch. "But Lady Wyke will be here -in a few minutes, as I have to see her to-day in regard to the -property. Then she can tell you herself that what I say is true." - -"Yes, I'll wait," snapped Lemby, and sat down again with a -determination to have it out with this undesirable woman, who had -risen from the dead to upset his selfish plans. "She sees you with -regard to the property?" - -"Yes. By a will made shortly after his marriage Sir Hector left all -his property to his wife. That will has never been changed, and, -therefore, holds good." - -Lemby contradicted. "Wyke told me that when he married Claudia he -intended to make a will leaving all his property to her." - -"Quite so," said the solicitor, suavely. "And he would have done so -when he was married. But as the marriage did not take place, there was -no new will made." - -"Wyke should have made the will before marriage." - -Sandal laughed. "You are very ignorant of English law, Mr. Lemby," he -observed drily. "A will made before marriage is waste paper when that -marriage takes place. Until your daughter was Lady Wyke no disposition -of the property on the lines of marriage, save in settlements, could -have been made. Those settlements were drawn up, but not signed, -therefore they are useless. And now that Sir Hector is dead the -property goes to Lady Wyke by the only will which is in existence." - -"Cannot it be upset?" - -"No. The will is sound in law. I drew it up myself. And remember, Mr. -Lemby, that in justice the widow of Sir Hector should inherit the five -thousand a year which he died possessed of." - -Lemby scowled at the carpet and revolved schemes. He wanted the money -badly, as he was worse off than Claudia knew, even though he had given -her a hint of coming poverty. But he saw no means of securing again -what he had lost unless Lady Wyke was disposed to be gracious, and -recompensed Claudia for her presumed disappointment. He therefore -determined to wait and see if Lady Wyke was a person whom he could -manage. Possibly he might coax or bully her into what he called -justice. And it was at this stage of his meditations that the wife of -Sir Hector entered the room. - -"Good-day, Mr. Sandal," said Lady Wyke, in a high, shrill voice, hard -and rather rasping in its tone. "I fear that I am late." - - -Mr. Sandal assured the newcomer that she was not late, and placed a -chair for her near his desk. Lemby rose in a lumpish, ungracious -fashion and glared at the fashionable little woman as though he could -have slain her with a look. She cast a careless glance at him, looked -him over from head to foot, and then glanced inquiringly at the -lawyer. - -"Is there any reason why this gentleman should wait?" asked Lady Wyke, -and raised a lorgnette to her fine dark eyes to criticise the pirate. - -"Mr. Lemby will explain himself why he is here, Lady Wyke." - -Mr. Lemby was in no hurry to explain himself. He stared wolfishly at -the woman who had put an end to his greedy hopes, and did not speak, -for quite two minutes. He noted that Lady Wyke was a smallish woman, -by no means in her first youth, with a slender figure and a very -perfect pink-and-white complexion, which was probably due to art. Her -features were cleanly cut, her teeth were white and regular, and she -had a pair of large dark eyes, which suggested those of an Andalusian -beauty. Nothing could have been more fashionable or accurate than -mourning. - -Lemby, being a big man, liked little women, and could not conceal from -himself that Lady Wyke was particularly attractive. Yet he judged from -the hardness of her bright eyes and the unemotional tones of her -shrill voice that she was a cat. So he called her in his own mind, and -decided that only personal violence could reduce her to reason, and to -get the money by personal violence was quite, what the buccaneer would -do. He loathed Lady Wyke as a marplot, yet he could not deny her -attractions. At one the same time he would have liked to kiss her and -to strangle her. - -"Well, Mr. Lemby," said Lady Wyke, sharply, for she objected to his -insolent scrutiny, "and why are you here?" - -"To stand up for Claudia's rights," growled Lemby, in a surly manner. - -"Claudia? And who is Claudia?" She stared impertinently through the -lorgnette. - -"My daughter, who would have married Sir Hector had you not been -alive." - -Lady Wyke dropped her glasses and burst into a shrill, unpleasant -laugh. "Oh, I remember"--she clapped her elegantly-gloved hands--"I -saw the announcement of the proposed marriage in a society paper which -I picked up in New York, and it was that which brought me over, to -tell Hector that he must not commit bigamy. Well, I'm sorry for your -daughter, Mr. Lemby, but I am Sir Hector Wyke's wife." - -"Pardon me," put in Sandal, "you are his widow." - -"Pooh!" said Lady Wyke, contemptuously. "How precise you are." - -"It is just as well to call things by their proper names," said Lemby, -grimly. - -"Oh, I'm a thing am I! Don't you think he is very ungallant, Mr. -Lemby?" - -"I don't think anything about it," snarled the pirate, crossly. - -Lady Wyke put up her lorgnette again. "No? You look as though you -acted rather than thought. I wonder if your daughter is like you." - -"No, she dashed well ain't." - -"I thought not. My late husband was a fool, but he was always a -gentleman, and would not have cared to marry a girl who used oaths and -bad grammar. - -"Claudia speaks as well as you do, and is much handsomer and younger," -retorted Lemby, spitefully. - -"Really! You make me long to see this paragon. What is your Mr. Lemby, -as I should like to call," and Lady Wyke took out a set of ivory -tablets. - -"I don't want you to call, nor does Claudia," growled Lemby, who was -exasperated the way in which the woman spoke. - -"If you don't want to see me, why are you here, then?" - -"I want justice done to my daughter. Wyke intended to marry her, and -settle money on her; and he's done neither." - -"You can't expect a dead man to perform impossibilities, Mr. Lemby." -rejoined the widow sarcastically. "I understand what you mean. If you -will give me your address, I should call and talk the matter over." - -Lemby shook his head. "There's not much to be got out of you." - -"Dear me! how accurately you judge my character in five minutes. -However, I leave the matter to your own discretion. Give me your -address, and I shall pay a visit to see my rival and adjust matters." - -Lemby, in a grudging tone, supplied the required information, which -the widow noted down swiftly. - -"That is all I want," she said, with a nod, as she replaced the -tablets in her pocket. "I shall call to-morrow or the next day, Mr. -Lemby, Good-afternoon." - -Lemby rose and stood, fingering his silk hat like a schoolboy. He felt -abashed in the presence of this domineering little woman. - -She became impatient. "Don't stand there gawking. Go away. -Good-afternoon, Mr. Lemby," And without a word, Lemby shambled from -the room, snubbed into silence for once, in his life. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - - -A week went by and things remained as they were. Claudia attended to -her household duties, went shopping, and visited friends, while her -father smoked and ate and slept in somewhat animal fashion. All his -restlessness seemed to have departed since the failure of his scheme -to marry Claudia to Sir Hector, and he was content to live a listless -existence devoid of excitement. She had received a letter from Craver -relating what had taken place in the Lincoln's Inn Fields office, and -quite expected that her father would be angry with her for telling -secrets. But as he held his peace she avoided any further reference to -the ominous words he had uttered, and possessed her soul in patience -until such time as Edwin would be able to help her. Everything was as -dull as ditchwater, and Claudia disliked the whole position extremely. -But so far as she could see there was nothing to be done. - -Lemby's real reason for staying so much at home was that he hoped to -be within doors to receive Lady Wyke. But as day after day went by and -she never put in an appearance, the buccaneer began to believe in his -own phrase, that she was "kidding him." Finally, when the week was -ended, he shaved and dressed to go out and enjoy himself, for things -were getting on his nerves, and he felt the need of change and fresh -air. Claudia suggested that she should go with him, as she felt hipped -herself. Lemby, however, roundly said that he wished to be by himself, -and therefore went off alone. But he was punished for his selfishness, -for during his absence Lady Wyke paid her promised call. She sent in -her card while Claudia was enjoying her solitary afternoon tea, and -the girl was very much amazed when she read the name. As her father -had not informed her that Sir Hector had been previously married, and -that his wife still lived. Miss Lemby believed that someone was -playing a game. Out of sheer curiosity she told the parlourmaid to -show in the visitor. - -"You did not expect me?" questioned Lady Wyke, on arrival. - -"No," answered Miss Lemby. "I am surprised to read the name on this -card." - -"Strange," said the newcomer, thoughtfully. "Yet I explained -everything to your father a week ago in Mr. Sandal's office, and said -that I would call." - -"My father told me nothing about the matter, Lady----" She hesitated. - -"Lady Wyke," said the visitor, politely. - -"Are you Lady Wyke?" - -"I am." - -"But I did not know there was any Lady Wyke." - -"You know now." - -"Had Sir Hector a brother, then? Has he come in for the title, and are -you his wife?" Claudia asked all these questions in one breath. - -"Oh dear me, no, Miss Lemby. I was Sir Hector's wife, and I am his -widow. I see that your father has kept you quite in the dark. Why, I -don t know." Lady Wyke laughed in an amused manner, and selected a -comfortable chair. "As you have sat down, Miss Lemby, I presume that I -may sit also." - -Claudia had indeed sunk into a chair, as the announcement took her so -greatly by surprise that she was unable to stand. "Are you in -earnest?" she asked her visitor, and taking no notice of the last -remark. - -"Of course I am in earnest. If you doubt me, you can see Mr. Sandal, -who will show you my marriage certificate, and will tell you that, as -Sir Hector's widow, I inherit all his property." - -"But Sir Hector was engaged to marry me," stammered the girl, feeling -dazed. - -Lady Wyke waved her daintily-gloved hands airily. "Ah, poor man. He -believed that I was dead, and that he was free to marry again. I -learnt from a society newspaper in America, that such was the case, -and came over to tell him not to commit bigamy. For that reason he -postponed the wedding, and retired to Hedgerton." - -"But why did he not tell me?" asked Claudia, growing crimson with -anger. "Well, my dear"--Lady Wyke shrugged her elegant shoulders--"it -might be that he hoped to gain time and think matters over. Perhaps he -would have divorced me, although without cause he could not have done -so. Perhaps he might have murdered me." - -"I think he has behaved very badly!" cried the girl, with great -indignation. - -"All men behave badly, Miss Lemby; they can't help themselves. But as -Sir Hector is dead, suppose we say no more about the matter. After -all"--she raised her glasses--"you don't look very broken-hearted." - -"I am not," Claudia assured her. "I never loved your husband." - -"Indeed! Then the title and the money attracted you." - -"No. I was worried by my father into the position." - -"I see. You love another." - -"Yes." Claudia's eyes, from habit, wandered to a side table, on which -stood a silver frame containing the photograph of Edwin. - -With the swiftness and grace of a swallow Lady Wyke swooped to the -other end of the room and took up the photograph. Then her face -changed, and, a variety of emotions displayed themselves rapidly. -Love, jealousy, fear, astonishment, and suspicion were all written -plainly for Claudia to see. "Why, it's him!" - -"It is Mr. Edwin Craver, to whom I am engaged." - -"That's a lie!" cried Lady Wyke, and threw down the photograph to face -The girl with a flushed face and hard eyes. - -"Seeing that you do not know Mr. Craver, I do not see why you should -speak in that way," was Claudia's dignified reply. - -"I do know him. I say that the photograph is one of 'Him.' I call him -that to myself, although until now I never heard his name," and she -clenched her hands so tightly that one glove split. - -The more angry Lady Wyke grew the cooler Claudia became, she had -received two great shocks; one was when Lady Wyke announced who she -was, and the other on hearing about the recognition of the photo. -Danger was in the air and it was Claudia's nature to face danger -calmly. "Where did you meet him?" she asked. - -"Oh, my dear," Lady Wyke was now quite her self-possessed self, "it is -quite a romance. I went to a motor-factory to buy a car, and there I -saw Mr. Craver, although I did not know his name, as I never asked it. -It was another man who attended to me, and I only saw Mr. Craver at a -distance. But he was so very handsome that I admired him exceedingly. -Although I am not so young as you are, Miss Lemby, I have the heart -and fresh feelings of a girl. After I left the factory I thought a -great deal about Mr. Craver." - -"Did you indeed?" said. Claudia, hardly relishing this frank -confession. - -"Now you are jealous. Well, I don't wonder at it. If I was engaged to -such a splendid young lover I should be jealous of everyone who looked -at him. However, I was beginning to forget him when I went to Hendon -to see the flying, and there saw Mr. Craver in an aeroplane." - -"You never did," said Claudia, excitedly. "Edwin does not go in for -aviation." - -"Indeed he does. He went up in an aeroplane and spun about the place -like a tee-to-tum, looping the loop, and soaring and all the rest of -it. It made me so giddy that I had to close my eyes. But when he came -down safely I went up to his machine and congratulated him on his -courage. Then, my dear"--Lady Wyke made a gesture of despair--"my -heart was wholly lost to him. His good looks, his bravery, his -charming manners--can you blame me?" - -Claudia declined to say whether she blamed her or not. "You must be -making a mistake," she said, in a disturbed manner. "Edwin certainly -is in a motor factory, and you might have seen him in one. But he does -not go in for aviation. He would have told me had he taken up that -profession." - -"Oh, I don't say that he is a professional," said Lady Wyke, readily. -"He is only an amateur, I fancy, and perhaps he did not tell you what -he was doing, lest you should worry. I know it would break my heart to -think that the man I loved was up in the air risking his darling -neck." - -"I don't see why you should talk of Mr. Craver in that way, Lady Wyke. -He is engaged to me." - -"For the time being, that is." - -"For ever. How dare you hint at our parting." - -"Well, my dear girl," said the visitor, impertinently, "you took my -husband, so why should I not take your lover?" - -Claudia rose indignantly, and her mien was that of a queen in a truly -royal rage. "I won't allow you to talk to me in that way," she -declared, heatedly. "So far as I am concerned, I did not wish to marry -your husband, and I never knew that he had a wife already. My father -forced me to consent, but now that Sir Hector is dead I am going to -have my own way and marry Edwin. You have caused quite enough -mischief, Lady Wyke." - -"Mischief, when I saved you from a marriage you disliked?" - -"You did not save me. Sir Hector was murdered, and that saved me." - -"One moment," said Lady Wyke, in cool tones, "you forgot that it was -my interposition which sent Sir Hector down to Hedgerton to consider -matters. Had he not gone there he might not have been murdered, so I -have saved you, in spite of all you say." - -"Did you send him to Hedgerton to got him murdered?" asked Claudia, -scornfully. - -Lady Wyke lost her breath at this insinuation, and rose indignantly. -When she got it again it was to protest. "You go too for. Miss Lemby." - -"Not so far as you go, madam. How dare you come here and tell me that -you love the man I am going to marry?" - -"And how dare you accuse me of murdering my husband?" - -The two women faced one another and looked into one another's eyes, -each trying to bear the other down. The widow felt her inferiority -under the girl's indignant gaze, but managed to retreat gracefully. - -"Oh, my dear, there is no use our quarrelling like two fishwives. Sit -down and let us talk." - -"We have nothing to talk about, said Claudia, refusing to obey, for by -this time she had taken a deep dislike to Lady Wyke. - -"Oh, but we have. Let us leave Mr. Craver on one side for the time -being. I told your father that I would call and see you. I am sorry -for you." - -"Really. And why?" - -"Because, by my reappearance and my husband's death you have lost a -title and a good income. I wish to make amends." - -"I refuse to allow you to make amends." - -"Now that I see you"--Lady Wyke put up her lorgnette again--"I am not -surprised. But your father wants money to compensate him for failure, -and I came here to offer it. - -"My father is not at home," said Miss Lemby, coldly. "If you will make -an appointment you and he can talk the matter over. With my father's -concerns I have nothing to do." - -Lady Wyke silently acknowledged that she was beaten, for the time -being at all events. Nevertheless, she as silently determined to get -the whip hand of this haughty girl and make her pay for such -insolence. The little woman liked no one to be insolent but herself. -Still, for the moment she veiled her enmity with Judas smiles. "We -part friends, I hope?" she said, with her sweetest expression. - -"No," returned Claudia, uncompromisingly. "We part as we met--merely -as acquaintances." - -"I am sorry." Lady Wyke became plaintive. "I like you, and I don t see -why you should not like me. And you know, Miss Lemby, we shall meet -often in Hedgerton when we go to live there. - -"You may be going to live there, I am not." - -"Oh, but you will. Now that you have mentioned Mr. Craver's name, I -remember that his father is the Rector of Hedgerton. Mr. Sandal told -me so, amongst other matters, when I made inquiries about the death of -Hector. And when you marry Mr. Craver, or course you will take up your -residence near his people. - -"Will I?" said Claudia, unsmilingly. - -"I think you should, so as to make friends with his parents. And I -shall be in the parish also, as I have taken that house my husband -died in." - -"Maranatha?" Miss Lemby looked astonished. - -"Yes." Lady Wyke shot a keen glance at her. "It is said to be unlucky, -but, of course, I think that is rubbish. I intend to stay there on the -spot, in order to search for the murderer of my late husband. We were -not particularly good friends; but I owe it to his memory to avenge -his death. And perhaps, when the truth is known to me, it need not be -known to others--if you give up the idea of marrying Mr. Craver." - -"What do you mean?" Claudia turned cold as Lady Wyke halted at the -door. - -"I mean,", said the other, "that your father was in the house when my -husband was killed. Think it over," and with a significant smile she -disappeared quickly. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - - -The last words of Lady Wyke, taken in conjunction with the last words -of her father before he paid his visit to Sandal, alarmed Claudia -exceedingly. - -The high-spirited girl spent a miserable time alone before her father -appeared on the scene. She employed a few minutes in wiring to Craver, -saying that she wished him to call. In one way or another Claudia -determined to have an explanation, so that she might know where she -was. At present she did not. - -Mr. Lemby made his appearance shortly before seven o'clock, and seemed -to be in very good spirits. He asked for his dinner, declared that he -felt better, and treated himself to a sherry and bitters so as to give -zest to his meal. Then, the dinner having been cleared away, the two -sat down to talk. Claudia began abruptly. - -"Lady Wyke was here this afternoon," she said, hurling the bombshell -at her father in the hope of startling him. - -She failed to do so. "Yes, I know," he said, coolly. "I was wondering -when you would tell me about the matter." - -"I waited for you to speak first," said Claudia, rather annoyed. "You -should have explained things to me long ago." - -"I didn't think it was necessary," protested the pirate. - -"Not necessary? Why, dad. Sir Hector wanted to marry me while he had a -wife living, and for that reason postponed our marriage." - -"I know, confound you," growled Lemby. "But Wyke didn't know that his -wife was alive. If he had he would not have proposed to you. I suppose -she told you all about the dashed thing?" - -"She explained much, but not all. I think you might speak, dad." - -"Oh, I don't mind," rejoined the old man, good-humouredly, and then -and there related the past of the dead man. He stated how Lady Wyke -had been the actress Maisie Chain, and how Sandal had witnessed the -ill-omened wedding. Then he told Claudia about the separation, the -journey to America, the presumed death in the fire at the Chicago -theatre, and finally described how Lady Wyke had learnt her husband's -determination to marry again. "So she came over to prevent that," he -concluded, "and so completely knocked the old man off his perch that -he ran away to hide from her at Hedgerton." - -"What did he intend to do?" asked Claudia, after she had digested the -story. Lemby shrugged his shoulders. "Ask me another, my girl? I don't -know. Whether he intended to lie low until he could get rid of her and -marry you, or whether he intended to stick to her and chuck you I -can't say. Seeing that she's a bit of a tartar, I guess he wanted to -divorce her if possible." - -"Could he have done so?" - -"Lady Wyke says he couldn't, as she has always kept herself -respectable." - -"I don't think that Sir Hector was to blame," said Claudia, after a -pause "except in not telling me and you before he went to Hedgerton." - -"I should have squeezed the explanation out of him when I paid him -that visit, my girl, if he hadn't gone to see the man who killed him." - -"Do you know the girl who killed him?" asked the girl in a low voice. - -"No, I don't," denied the pirate, roundly, but looking uneasy, "and I -wish you'd stop harping on that dashed murder, Claudia. Wyke's dead -and buried, and his widow has got the cash, so let the whole shoot -slide." - -"How can I when you hinted that you were mixed up in the matter?" - -"Oh, I only said that to get you to come to Australia with me," said -her father, rising with a yawn and stretching himself lazily. - -"But Lady Wyke says the same thing." - -Lemby dropped his arms and his mouth shut like a steel trap. "Tell me -what that dashed woman said." - -Claudia repeated Lady Wyke's last words verbatim. "And she said that, -although the truth was known to her, it need not be known to others -if----" - -"If what; if what? Don't stop," rapped out the buccaneer, sharply. - -"If I refused to marry Edwin." - -"Oh!" Lemby's black eyes grew larger and rounder. "Why did she say -that? She doesn't know Craver." - -"Yes, she does. She saw him at the factory and at Hendon." - -"What was she doing at Hendon?" - -"Flying," said Claudia, curtly. - -"You don't say so. I never thought he'd have the pluck to go up in an -aeroplane, my girl. I wish he'd break his dashed neck." - -"How dare you say that, dad! Edwin is the bravest man in the world, -and if he broke his neck I should die. I love him. I love him and she -shall never, never take him from me." - -"She. Who?" - -"Lady Wyke. She has fallen in love with Edwin." - -Lemby's face grew evil and lowering. "Then I again say that I wish -he'd break his dashed neck," he cried with an oath. "Confound the -fellow, he comes up against me at every turn. First, he tried to spoil -my plans with regard to your marriage with Wyke, and now he is my -rival." - -"Your rival?" Claudia looked puzzled. - -"Yes, hang him. I can't get the money for you by will, as everything -has been left to that woman. So I've got an idea that she might marry -me." - -"Marry you?" Claudia started up from the chair she was seated in. "I -hope you won't be so silly as to marry at your age." - -"Don't be insolent, my girl," retorted Lemby, for his vanity was hurt. -"I'm by no means an old man. There's many a kick left in me yet. Why -shouldn't I marry Lady Wyke? She isn't bad-looking, and has the five -thousand a year we want so badly." - -"I don't want it!" cried Claudia, vehemently? "I wouldn't take a penny -of it, dad. She's a horrid and dangerous woman. I object to having her -for a stepmother, There!" and she stamped after her usual fashion. - -"Well, then," snarled Lemby, crossly, "you can prevent my having my -own way by letting her marry Craver, since it seems he is in love with -her." - -"He isn't in love with her. I never said so. She is in love with him. -As to letting her marry him, she shan't! You are cruel to suggest such -a thing." - -Lemby clutched his head. "Dash it, things are so crooked that I must -straighten them out somehow by suggesting," he said, angrily. "And if -this young jackaroo is trying to spoil my plans again, I'll make it -hot for him. Upon my word, Claudia, I think it best that you should -marry the fellow, so that I may be able to make Lady Wyke my wife and -collar the dibs." - -"She won't have you, dad." - -"Oh, yes, she will." Lemby glanced at the nearest mirror, and admired -his big body, his black hair, his stalwart looks and general virility. -"I may as well tell you that I met her when she came downstairs after -seeing you, and I took her to a teashop to have a talk. We got on -famously." - -"Did she tell you that she suspected you of committing the murder?" -asked Claudia, acidly, and not approving of this escapade. - -"No, she didn't. If she had I'd have brought her to her senses." - -"You'll never do that. She's too clever for you, dad." - -Claudia had just uttered this remark in a very positive way when Jane, -the parlourmaid, showed young Craver into the drawing-room. Lemby was -by no means so pleased to see him as Claudia was, and looked at their -greeting glumly. He was quite annoyed when he heard that his daughter -had summoned this inconvenient third by telegram. Edwin, who looked -smart and well-groomed in evening dress, nodded coolly to his -prospective father-in-law and sat down. Then Lemby could contain -himself no longer. - -"What the deuce do you mean by treating me as nothing in my own -house?" he demanded, clenching his big fists with a truculent air. - -"I apologise if I have treated you impolitely," said Edwin, raising -his eyebrows; "but as you have never shaken hands with me, or bid me -welcome; I do not see what you expect me to do." - -"Be civil," growled the buccaneer, and dropped into an armchair to -fill his pipe. "I'd have dropped you at sight with my little gun had -you behaved in this cheeky way to me in Australia." - -"I'm not so easily dropped." retorted Craver, laughing, for the man's -childish behaviour was not worth noticing. "Two can play at that game, -Mr. Lemby. But as Claudia wants to tell me something, don't you think -you can treat me as your guest and with courtesy for a few minutes?" - -Turning towards her lover, Claudia rapidly told him all about Lady -Wyke and her visit. Craver was amazed by the story, and could not -believe, that Wyke had been married. - -"How do you know that this woman is not an impostor?" he asked Mr. -Lemby over Claudia's shoulder. - -The pirate grunted. "She ain't," he declared, decisively. "Sandal -knows all about the marriage, and knows her and knows about the will -leaving the cash to her, hang her! She's not an impostor, worse luck. -And, what's more, she's a dashed pretty woman." - -"Do you think so, Edwin?" asked Claudia, anxiously and significantly. - -"Oh!" The young man smiled broadly. "Then she told you that she had -met me?" - -"Yes. Both at Hendon and at your factory. Edwin, you did not tell me -that you went in for aviation." - -"I was keeping it as a surprise for you. But I can explain all about -my reasons later. Meanwhile we have ample to talk about. Yes, I did -see Lady Wyke at the factory, where she came to buy a car. Afterwards -I saw her at Hendon, when she congratulated me on a successful flight. -She's a pretty woman created by her own art." - -"What do you mean by that?" demanded Lemby, growling like a dog over a -bone. - -"I mean that she is painted and powdered, and padded and overdressed, -and all the rest of it. She is mutton trying to look like lamb." - -"Then you don't love her?" said Claudia, with a sob of relief. - -"Darling," said the astonished young man, "are you mad? How could I -love a woman of that kind? And, remember, I have only seen her twice." - -"She loves you, however," said Lemby, grimly. - -Edwin stared at him. "Is this a joke?" he asked, sternly. "If so it is -not a good one, and you display bad taste in making it, Mr. Lemby." - -"I am in earnest, as it happens," said the old man, drily, "and don't -tell me what's good taste or bad taste, dash you! Lady Wyke saw your -photograph over there, and recognised you, Claudia told her your name, -which she said she had never heard." - -"Then she is telling lies," said Craver, calmly. "I was introduced to -her at the factory when I sold her the car." - -"She said that another person attended to her," said Claudia, quickly. - -"I attended to her. Lady Wyke is evidently an accomplished liar. As to -being in love with a man she has only seen twice, she must be joking." - -"It didn't sound like joking," remarked the girl, wretchedly. "She -hinted that dad was concerned in the death of her husband, but that -she would say nothing if I refused to marry you." - -"I'll twist her neck if she accuses me of a crime of which I am -innocent," was Lemby's observation; "and when, I marry her I'll soon -bring her to heel." - -"Are you going to marry her?" - -"Why shouldn't I, Craver? She's rich and dashed pretty, in my opinion. -I want money, and I can put up with her. Do you object?" he asked, -with a sneer. - -"Not at all," rejoined Edwin, promptly, "I don't want her. I shall -tell her so if she makes advances to me--on one condition, that is." - -Lemby scowled. "What condition?" - -"That you allow Claudia to pay a month's visit to my parents at -Hedgerton Rectory. I have told them that I love her, and they are -anxious to see her." - -Claudia, longing for peace and quietness, clapped her hands. "Oh, I -should like that above all things. Do say yes, dad." - -To the surprise of both young people, the pirate agreed very amicably. -"The fact is, I haven't enough money to run this flat much longer," he -explained, coolly; "so if Claudia goes away for a month, I can stay -here on short commons. Mind, I don't say that I agree to your marrying -her, Craver. I let her go to Hedgerton for my convenience, not for -yours." - -"Dad, how excessively rude," cried the girl, colouring. - -"Rude or not, you can go. As to Lady Wyke, if Craver will sheer off, I -think I can bring her to reason. Wyke should have left the five -thousand a year to you, Claudia. So, as we can't get it by will, we'll -get it by marriage." - -"I rather think you will find Lady Wyke a difficult woman to manage," -said Edwin, warningly. "She's an adventuress of the worst type." - -"Well, I'm an adventurer," retorted Lemby, "I know how to size her -up." - -"What about her accusation, dad?" - -"Oh, a wife can't give evidence against her husband," said Lemby, -coolly. - -The young people, still mystified by the ambiguous way in which Lemby -spoke, glanced at one another. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - - -It was with a heavy heart that Claudia went to Hedgerton. She could by -no means understand the behaviour of her father, who certainly talked, -in a most contradictory manner. At one moment he denied that he had -anything to do with the death of his old friend, yet the next hinted -at mysterious risks undertaken to obtain money. - -Naturally, the change of scene, with new people to talk to, and with -new occupations, did her infinite good. To her the rectory was a haven -of peace, and Edwin a strong-armed man, who could and would defend -her. The welcome of Mr. and Mrs. Craver comforted her exceedingly, as -they were charmed with their visitor, and thoroughly approved of her -in every way, The Rector, who was a white-haired, gentle-faced old -gentleman, fonder of literature than of humanity, admired her beauty -greatly, while little Mrs. Craver pronounced her to be an uncommonly -sensible girl. Within the week, Claudia was comfortably settled in her -new surroundings, and was happier than she had been since her arrival -in England. On the plea that Mrs. Craver could teach her housekeeping, -she took her share of the work and became quite a busy bee. Her -prospective mother-in-law found her quite an able assistant. Poor, -weary Mrs. Craver had toiled and struggled and scrimped and screwed -for so many years alone that it was quite a relief for her to see a -younger person attend to the work. And Claudia enjoyed this -domesticity, greatly. - -Lemby displayed no desire to call at the Rectory and see the parents -of the young man whom his daughter desired to marry, He remained in -London, as a gentleman-at-large, and still continued to live in Tenby -Mansions--that is, he camped there, for his hours were generally -passed elsewhere, although he returned nightly to sleep in the flat. -When he did write to Claudia, which was rarely, it was to congratulate -her that she had free board and lodging at the Hedgerton Rectory, -since money was so scarce. These letters made the girl work all the -harder, as she was too proud to live on strangers, and wished on all -and every occasion to make some return for bed and board and fire. -Ardent as, Mrs. Craver was about work, she took it upon herself to -restrain Claudia's zeal, and insisted that she should not do much. - -"As a rule I have to drive people to work," said Mrs. Craver at -afternoon tea, "but you, my dear, require to be checked. I never met -anyone like you." - -"So Edwin thinks," remarked the Rector, who had a book on his knee and -a cup of tea in his hand. "He says that Claudia is a pearl and far -above rubies in value. I quite agree with him." - -"Oh, you must not think so highly, of me," said the girl with a blush. -"I am really a very ordinary kind of person. I love work." - -"Then you are not an ordinary person," said the Rev. George Craver. -"It is very rarely one meets with people who love work. If Hedgerton -was filled with such people my task would be easier than it is." - -Mrs. Craver shook her brisk little head, and her sharp face looked -sharper than ever. "The Hedgerton people are too self-complacent, -George. You can talk and talk and talk, but no impression can be -made." - -"I think, that I am making an impression on Lady Wyke, Emma. She -attends the services regularly, and has done so since she came here a -month ago." - -Mrs. Craver straightened her slim figure, which was clothed in the -shabby black silk, and looked severe. "Lady Wyke comes, to show off -her frocks. She is sinfully extravagant in dress." - -"Oh, my dear Emma, you must not assign such a reason for her -attendance at church. She really is most attentive to the services, -and also she desires to help in the parish work. She told me so." - -"She would tell you anything, George, and you would believe her. Who -is she?" - -"Sir Hector's widow," said Claudia, looking surprised, at this -unnecessary remark. "Everyone knows that." - -"Oh, yes," agreed Mrs. Craver, significantly. "She is the widow of -that poor man, sure enough. But who is she? Where does she come from?" - -"She comes from London, Emma," said the Rector, humorously, "and she -lives in Hedgerton." - -"Why does she live here, George?" - -"Well, she must live somewhere." - -"But not in the very house in which her husband was murdered, To my -mind, it is a ghoulish idea for her to rent Maranatha, seeing, what -took place there." - -"It is odd," admitted Claudia, musingly. "I wonder why?" - -Mr. Craver reached forward to take another slice of bread. "It may be -that she wishes to learn who murdered Sir Hector, and, therefore, -thinks that she will be more successful if she remains in the house -where the crime was committed." - -Claudia winced, and her thoughts flew to her father and his mysterious -remarks; to Lady Wyke and her ominous hints. "Has she discovered -anything yet?" - -"No!" observed Mrs. Craver, sharply. "At least, she has said nothing -to us, although she has been here a month. And that reminds me, -George, that she has not called again since Claudia arrived." - -"Well, Emma, she called on you and you called on her. The demands of -courtesy have been satisfied. We are dull people, you know, and she is -a smart lady. It is not to be supposed that she will find much -enjoyment in our society." - -"Indeed, George, she would find our society very instructive. She may -be smart, as you say, but she certainly is not a lady." - -Claudia nodded. "I did not think so myself when I saw her in Loudon." - -"Ah, yes"--Mrs. Craver turned briskly--"of course, you saw her. -Considering how badly Sir Hector behaved to you, my dear, I wonder she -had the impudence to call. What courage she must have." - -"Oh, I don't know, Mrs. Craver," Claudia shrugged, carelessly. -"Naturally Lady Wyke was anxious to see me, seeing that I was to marry -her husband. He was not to blame, poor man, as he quite believed that -she was dead." - -"She had no business to come alive again," retorted Mrs. Craver. "Yet -I am glad, for Edwin's sake, that things have turned out as they have -done." - -"My dear Emma, you couldn't expect Lady Wyke to allow her husband to -commit bigamy. Why shouldn't she come alive again, as you put it?" - -"She should have remained always with her husband, as a true and -faithful wife should," replied Mrs. Craver, drawing up her spare -figure. - -"I don't think that the separation was Sir Hector's fault," said -Claudia, after a pause. "He was a very polite and amiable old man. I -certainly did not wish to marry him, as I always loved Edwin. But my -father made me accept." - -"Strange, my dear, seeing how strong-minded you are." - -"You have not met my father," rejoined the girl, briefly. - -"I don't think I want to. Of course, when you marry Edwin, he must -come to the wedding, I suppose, and give you away. But he is much too -dashing a gentleman for quiet people such as we are." - -"Why, Emma," said the Rector, surprised, "I did not know you had seen -him." - -"I saw him outside the doors of the Entertainment Hall when the -inquest was taking place. I happened to be passing on that day. Your -father, my dear"--she addressed Claudia--"is a handsome man; but I -should think he has a temper." - -"He has," said the man's daughter, significantly. "Perhaps, if you -knew my father you would not want me to marry Edwin." - -"What nonsense. I love you for your own sweet sake. Your father will -go back to Australia, I hope, and then we need not be bothered with -him." - -"Emma! Emma!" - -"Well, I can't help it, George. After all, in trying to make Claudia -marry that old man who died, Mr. Lemby did not behave very well." - -"All the same, he is Claudia's father," said the Rector, reprovingly. - -The girl flushed, and then turned rather pale, as she felt a trifle -embarrassed during this discussion. If Mrs. Craver talked of her -father in this way when he was absent, what would she say when he was -present. The precise, refined little lady would never get on with the -pirate, who was all that she was not. - -Mrs. Craver, less observant than the Rector, accepted the reproof, -although she did not notice Claudia's change of colour, and went on to -make other remarks dealing with another subject. - -"I only hope that Lady Wyke's example will not ruin the parish," she -observed. "She is an extravagant woman, and you wouldn't know -Maranatha now that she is living there. I'm sure when I called and saw -the quantity of new furniture she has, and the silk curtains, and the -fine pictures to say nothing of the many flowers and the expensive -china, I thought how rich she must be." - -"She has five thousand a year," said Claudia. "That was the amount of -money left to her by her husband." - -"Which would have been yours, my dear, had you married him. However, -it is just as well since you love Edwin." - -"What is just as well, Emma?" asked Mr. Craver, who found his wife's -remarks a trifle confusing on occasions. - -"That Lady Wyke should have come to life, and that Claudia should be -poor. I am sure that Edwin will become a partner in that motor firm, -and then he will be well able to support a wife. By the way, Lady -Wyke's motor-car was manufactured by Edwin's firm. Before you came -down, Claudia, she asked Edwin to show her how to drive." - -"And did he?" asked Claudia, wincing when she thought of Lady Wyke's -admiration for her lover. - -"No. He said that he was too busy and had to get back to town. And now -that I come to think of it George, Edwin really went back to London, -as he had to fly. My heart sinks when I hear of these aviation -accidents. A man with a mother should not fly." - -"Nor should, an engaged man," chimed in the Rector, "and Edwin is -engaged. Don't you think, Claudia, that you could persuade him to give -up aviation?" - -"I'll try." said the girl, with a faint sigh. "I don't like the idea -myself, but Edwin is very determined when he likes." - -"Just like me," said Mrs. Craver, complacently. "I am always firm." - -"Obstinate," said Mr. Craver, with a laugh. - -Before his wife could argue that obstinacy and firmness were entirely -different, the parlourmaid entered with the information that Mrs. -Mellin wished to speak to her mistress. Mrs. Craver was surprised, as -this was not the day when washing arrived and the report of various -doings in the parish was made. Something unusual must have caused Mrs. -Mellin to come unexpectedly to the Rectory, so the eager little woman -hurried out to learn what was the matter. Mr. Craver frankly laughed -when alone with Claudia. His wife's energy, always amused him. - -"Emma should have been a detective," he remarked to Claudia. "She is -always on the look-out for information, and knows everything that is -going on in the parish. Depend upon it, Mrs. Mellin, who is her -assistant-detective, has come with startling news, and Emma will -return to startle us with some kind of a storm in a tea-cup." - -"Mrs. Craver is the dearest woman in the world," said Claudia, with a -sympathetic laugh, "and I like her mannerisms. To me she is kindness -itself." - -"Who would not be kind to you, my dear." - -Claudia was not emotional as a rule, but her eyes filled with tears at -the paternal tone of the Rector's speech. She leant forward -impetuously and took his hand. "You don't know how happy I am here," -she cried, impulsively. "This place is like heaven to me. And yet -perhaps it would be wiser for me to go away and forget Edwin." - -Mr. Craver patted her hand. "Why should you?" - -"Oh, my father and I are a kind of stormy petrel pair of birds. -Wherever we go there is sure to be trouble. I should not like to bring -trouble into this haven of peace." - -"We'll take the risk, Claudia. We all love you, and now that you are -here, here you will remain until Edwin makes you his wife. There is no -reason why you should go away." - -"I shall stay here willingly," she said, with a sigh of relief. "I am -only too glad to stay here." - -Just as she made this speech the door opened, and Mrs. Craver rushed -into the room with flushed face and startled eyes. Evidently Mrs. -Mellin had told her something of moment. "Oh, George"--she spoke while -moving into the room--"do you remember Laura Bright? I wonder I did -not recognise her." - -"Laura Bright, Mrs. Mellin's sister, who ran away twenty and more -years ago?" - -"Yes, yes! The same. I wonder I did not recognise her. She is Lady -Wyke. I mean Lady Wyke is Laura. And I never recognised her." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - - -Little Mrs. Craver was greatly excited over the discovery that Lady -Wyke was none other than flighty Laura Bright, the sister of the -humble washerwoman. It was not surprising that the Rector's wife had -not recognised her, as the brilliant woman of the world was very -different from the pretty, discontented, and unformed girl who had -gone away from Hedgerton some twenty and more years previous. Indeed, -Mrs. Mellin herself confessed that she would never have recognised her -sister, had not that sister called upon her to proclaim her identity. -Evidently Lady Wyke had no false pride, for she calmly stated who she -was, and talked over family affairs with Mrs. Mellin. Old James -Bright, who had been the father of the two women, was dead, and so was -the mother. The washerwoman's husband had passed away, leaving her -with one son, and Lady Wyke was a widow, with no child at all. It was -for this reason that she had called on Mrs. Mellin. - -"You could have knocked me down with a feather, ma'am, when that grand -lady come along, saying as she was my very own sister Laura. Not a bit -of pride about her, ma'am, for she sat down and took tea, just as if -she was no one in pertic'ler." - -"It does her credit," said Mrs. Craver, approvingly. "I think the -better of Lady Wyke for not being ashamed of her humble origin. She -has greatly improved from the flighty girl she was." - -"Clever, ma'am," interposed Mrs. Mellin, proudly, "never flighty." - -"Pooh, pooh! She was a very feather, Mrs. Mellin. But we won't discuss -her weaknesses. I suppose she called in order to help you?" - -Mrs. Mellin rubbed her nose. "She did and she didn't, ma'am. So far as -I'm concerned, she said she didn't mind giving me a pound or so when -wanted. But she really called about Neddy." - -"Oh, indeed. And what about Neddy?" - -"Laura ses," Pursued Mrs. Mellin, wiping her mouth with a corner of -her well-known tartan shawl, "as Neddy is the only one of our family -left, and is as bewtiful as a angel and 'ave a voice like a bird. A -skylark she called 'im, and wants to git 'im singing in London." - -"Ridiculous!" cried the Rector's wife, vigorously. "Let her give him a -good education and apprentice him to some trade." - -"So I ses, ma'am, me bein' 'umble and Neddy my boy. But bless you, -ma'am, Laura wouldn't 'ear of it, sayin' as 'is voice was wonnerful, -and the gift of 'Eaven, which it 'ud be a shame not to 'ave 'eard. Had -a long tork with 'her I did, ma'am, and Laura ses, as she was on the -music-'all stage 'erself, and didn't see no-'arm in it, nohow. So she -ses as she's goin' to send Neddy to London to appear as the Skylark at -the Tit-Bits Music 'All." - -"Ridiculous! Ridiculous!" said Mrs. Craver, again. "A choir-boy and a -music-hall. The two things don't go together." - -"They won't, ma'am." retorted Mrs. Mellin, rather defiantly. "Neddy -'ull leave the choir when he becomes the Tit-Bits Skylark. Laura's -goin' to 'ave 'is voice trained with a pal of 'er's as sings 'isself, -and with 'im Neddy can stay, Laura payin' 'is board and lodgin'. -Week-ends he can come down 'ere for me to 'ave a look at 'im and look -arter 'is washing, never trustin' them London laundresses as I don't -no'ow. So there you are, ma'am. Fortune hev come to me and Neddy at -larst." - -"I don't approve of it, Mrs. Mellin, and the Rector won't approve of -it either, you may be sure. I'll speak to him and to Lady Wyke -myself." - -Mrs. Craver did so, but gained small satisfaction, for Lady Wyke -firmly held to her opinion and refused to listen to the little woman's -entreaties. As to the Rector, he also ventured on a mild remonstrance, -but Neddy's aunt quickly routed him. She declared that it was better -for Neddy to earn his bread by means of his great gift than to remain -in Hedgerton, loafing about and consorting with bad boys. In the end -Lady Wyke got her own way, as such a hard and determined woman would, -so Neddy arrayed in a new suit of clothes, was packed off to London -forthwith. He was more than willing to go, as he looked forward to a -life of excitement, while his mother was willing that he should try -his luck, as she hoped that his voice would win sufficient money for -him to support her in her old age. And as the two sisters were thus -agreed, neither Mrs. Craver nor the Rector could do anything, although -they highly disapproved of the step taken. But they fought desperately -that Neddy should learn a trade, and the battle was prolonged for -quite a month. At the end of that exciting time, the young scamp went -to London, and the fight ended in the triumph of his mother and aunt. -Mrs. Craver was much grieved over her defeat. - -During the month things went on very smoothly. Edwin came and went, -attended to his motor work, and between times essayed flying with more -or less success. - -Lady Wyke never came near the rectory during the four weeks, rather to -Miss Lemby's surprise. Claudia quite expected that after the visit -paid to the flat and the hint given that Lady Wyke would seek her out -again and still pursue her object, which was to take possession of -young Craver. But Sir Hector's widow remained ostentatiously away, and -Claudia saw her only in church and occasionally on the esplanade. -Short as was the time which had elapsed since her husband's death, -the widow was already changing her mourning for dresses less -aggressively dismal. From black her gowns turned into violet, and on -some days she appeared in grey, always looking smart and fashionable, -well-turned-out, and remarkably young. - -With keen feminine instinct, Claudia guessed that Lady Wyke was on the -warpath, and still cherished a desire to marry Edwin. Seeing that she -had only met him once or twice, and that she knew he was engaged to -Claudia, it seemed ridiculous that she should hope to win him. Yet her -coming down to Hedgerton, her amelioration of mourning-frocks, and her -frequent attendance at church to win over Edwin's parents, all -suggested to Miss Lemby's clever and rather jealous nature that the -widow had not got over her infatuation. Those superior residents of -Hedgerton, who knew something of the outside world, invariably spoke -of her as "The Merry Widow." Claudia frankly hated her. - -This being the case, it was unpleasant that she should meet with the -schemer unexpectedly and be forced to have a conversation. - -It was now March and there crept into the keen air a breath of spring. -The sky was intensely blue, the chestnut buds were glummy, and the -wayside hedges were greening over with tiny leaves. As the village, -with its ancient fish-like smells, was not inviting, the girl often -walked along the verge of the cliffs beyond the Rectory, and watched -the murmuring waves ebbing and flowing on the sandy beach below. On -the day she met Lady Wyke the sunshine was unusually warm and -brilliant, and the azure of the sky, the deep blue of the sea, the -reddish stretch of cliffs, and the delicate, green budding of the -trees made up an uncommonly pretty picture. Claudia walked along for -quite a mile and then sat down to rest near a coastguard station. The -winds brought colour to her cheeks, sunshine light to her eyes, and -the girl looked extremely young and extremely pretty. - -"A penny for your thoughts, Miss Lemby," said Lady Wyke, in her -shrill, sharp, and unpleasant voice. - -Claudia started violently, as the newcomer had stolen up so quietly -behind that she was not aware, of her proximity until she spoke. -"Good-day, Lady Wyke," she answered, quietly, "I fear my thoughts are -not worth even the small sum you offer." - -"Oh, I don't know so much about that." Lady Wyke, a brilliant figure -in black touched here and there with orange ribbons, leant with both -hands on the smart silver-headed cane which she carried. "Young girls -dream of satin frocks and orange-wreaths, of handsome bridegrooms and -the wedding march." - -"You are not a good thought-reader," said Claudia, coldly. - -"Ha! we all make mistakes. Then you were thinking of your father, and -of----" - -"Of things which it is not necessary for you to know," interrupted the -girl, with provoking calmness. "My thoughts are my own." - -"What an obvious remark." Lady Wyke put up her lorgnette and surveyed -Claudia, inquisitively. "Very obvious for so clever a girl." - -"How do you know that I am clever?" - -"Well, I think a girl with a shady father, who does her best to -ingratiate herself with prejudiced people because she wants to marry -their son is clever." - -"What right have you to say that my father is shady?" asked Claudia, -still composed, and mistress of herself. - -Lady Wyke laughed. "Oh, your father and I have had quite a -correspondence," she said, airily. "He was a great friend of my late -husband's, you know, and professes anxiety to help me discover who -killed poor Hector. He writes suggesting theories, and I write back to -say that he is talking rubbish. But I rather think," added the woman, -shrewdly, "that there is more in your father's attentions to me than -zeal for revenge on the man who murdered Hector." - -"Indeed!" Claudia coloured as she knew very well what her father's -intentions were. "But all this does not warrant your calling him -shady." - -"Well, no. All the same, I may have other reasons. Miss Lemby. I think -you are a nice honest girl----" - -"Pardon me, but isn't this conversation rather personal?" - -"I mean it to be," replied Lady Wyke, serenely. "You see, it is just -as well that you and I should understand one another." - -"I see no reason why we should. We are strangers," retorted Claudia, -very much annoyed by the brazen impudence of the speaker. "Oh, I don't -think we are strangers, Miss Lemby, seeing that you were on the eve of -marrying my husband." - -"Well, I didn t marry him, and what is more, I never wished to marry -him. It was my father's scheme to----" - -"To get money," interposed Lady Wyke, softly. "Didn't I say that he -was shady, Miss Lemby? You, in a way, admit as much yourself." - -"I admit nothing"--Claudia rose abruptly to her feet--"and I really do -not see, Lady Wyke, why you should force your company on me in this -way." - -"There are many things you don't see, but will be made to see, my -dear," said the elder woman, insolently. "I saw you leave the Rectory -and followed you to this place so that I might talk to you quietly." - -"I see no reason why I should listen," shaffed Claudia, restlessly. - -"Oh, I think you will when I say what I have come to say," answered -Lady Wyke. "To tell, you the truth I quite expected you to call and -see me at Maranatha." - -"I never had the least idea of continuing our acquaintance," retorted -the girl, pointedly. "Our last meeting in London did not make me long -to meet you again, Lady Wyke. Your last words hinted----" - -"I shall talk about my hints on another occasion," interrupted the -other in sharp tones. "Meanwhile I have sought you out to make you an -offer." - -"Indeed?" Claudia was quite unmoved. - -"Yes. You are poor." - -"That is my own affair." - -"And your father is poor," continued Lady 'Wyke, taking no notice of -the interruption. "You both want money. Your father, as I can see very -well, is paying attentions to me in the hope that I may look -favourably upon his advances." - -Claudia was persistently blind. "What advances?" - -"Well, if you will have it, my dear, your father has more than hinted -that he desires to marry me. He could not get Sir Hector's money -through you, so he is now trying to get it through me." - -"Is he? Well, Lady Wyke, with what my father says or does or thinks, I -have nothing to do. If he wishes to marry you, and accept him, I have -nothing to say. It is none of my business." - -"But as your father's daughter----" - -"Yes. I know all about that," flashed out the girl quickly, and with -flushed cheeks; "but there is no more to be said." - -"There is this. That I do not intend to marry your father." - -"That is his and your affair. It has nothing to do with me. What have -I to do with your intentions, Lady Wyke?" - -"You may guess," rejoined the woman, in silky tones, "when I tell you -that I wish to marry Mr. Craver." - -Claudia flushed still deeper, and looked indignant. Then the humour of -this insolence calmed her and made her laugh. And laugh she did, right -in the face of Lady Wyke's artificial beauty. "I am not afraid," said -Claudia, after looking her rival up and down with all the contempt of -youth for age. - -The woman clenched her hands, grew a deep red, and quivered from head -to foot, as nothing could have been said, calculated to wound her -more. However, having an object to gain she kept her temper. "I said -before that you are poor, and so is your father. He can't get money by -marrying me, as I wish to marry Mr. Craver. But your father can get -money, and so can you, if you will stand on one side and refuse to -become Mr. Craver's wife." - -"Oh, indeed! And how much do you propose to offer me as a bribe?" - -Lady Wyke, thinking from the soft tone that Claudia was willing to -consider her proposal, became eager. "I shall give you a thousand a -year," she said rapidly, and advancing a step. "Think what you can do -with that! It is quite a fortune in Australia. You can return there -with your father, and keep him in his old age. Think, Miss Lemby--a -thousand a year!" - -Claudia laughed again, and again Lady Wyke winced. "I don't think that -there, is any need to say more. Good-day," and she moved away. - -"Stop, stop!" screamed Lady Wyke. "I want my answer." - -Claudia looked over her shoulder laughing persistently. "There is no -answer." - -"Very good." Lady Wyke quivered and turned pale under her rouge. "I -have made you a fair offer, and you have refused even to consider it. -Now look out for yourself and for your father." - -Claudia laughed still louder, and continued to walk away. "Good-day, -Lady Wyke!" - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - - -Needless to say Claudia did not report the conversation with Lady Wyke -to the Rector or to his wife, as neither of them would have -understood, so shameless a chase of age after youth. But the girl was -anxious to disburden her mind, and looked forward anxiously for the -arrival of Edwin, who was expected down to spend the usual week-end. -After luncheon the Rector retired to write his sermon, while Mrs. -Craver found that she had household duties to do. The young couple -were left alone, and forthwith Claudia related all that had taken -place on the cliffs. Her lover was greatly annoyed. - -"But we can't talk over things quietly here," he said, taking -Claudia's arm and moving towards the dining-room door. "Mother is sure -to pop in and out when least expected, and I don't want her to hear -about Lady Wyke's vagaries." - -"I have said nothing, Edwin." - -He squeezed her arm. "That is wise of you, dearest. Let us go into the -garden and thresh the matter out. I have something to tell you also." - -They found a secluded arbour at the bottom of what was called the -Laurel Walk from its hedges, and there sat down comfortably. It was -quite a place for lovers, and being springtime, they should have paid -their devotions to Cupid. But matters were much too serious for -trifling of this sort, and the golden hour was filled with the -discussion of important matters. Edwin's very first remark made -Claudia angry--and with her lover. - -"Lady Wyke has ben persecuting me with personal attentions and with -letters." - -"Oh!" The girl's eyes flashed and her cheeks grew red. "Why didn't you -tell me, Edwin?" - -"I didn't wish to worry you, dear." - -"Your worries are my worries, Edwin. I wish to be your comrade as well -as your wife. I think it is very unkind of you to keep silent." - -"Well, you know, Claudia, a fellow does feel a bit of an ass in -talking about a woman running after him. Spare my blushes!" - -"It's all very well turning it into a joke, Edwin," cried the girl, -indignantly, "but it is no joke. Lady Wyke is a most dangerous woman." - -"Why, what harm can she do?" - -"She can hurt my father, if her last threat is to be believed." - -"Ah, but is it to be believed?" questioned the young man shrewdly. - -"Yes it is. Lady Wyke is growing old, and, as you know, there is no -fool like an old fool. She has fallen in love with you, and will move -and earth to get you as her husband." - -Edwin frowned. "That is quite true." Then he smiled. "She has asked me -to afternoon tea." - -"Oh, what impertinence! You won't go." - -"I leave the decision to you, Claudia," said Craver, drily. - -"What does she wish to see you about?" - -"I understand from her that she will explain when I call, not -before." There was silence for quite a minute. "You had better go, -Edwin," said, Claudia, becoming more her reasonable resolute self, and -speaking decisively. "I am quite sure that Lady Wyke suspects my -father with something in connection with the death of her husband. She -may even believe that he is guilty. Perhaps I was foolish not to stay -on the cliffs and hear what she had to say. But I was in a rage. I -only wanted to hurt her, and did so by laughing." - -"You cut off your nose to spite your face." said Edwin, with a shrug. -"That is not like you, Claudia." - -"No, it isn't," she answered penitently. "Usually I am calm and -self-possessed when there is trouble. But Lady Wyke makes me so angry -with her insolence that I lose control of myself. How has she -persecuted you, Edwin." - -"I told you. Nearly every day she has written to me at the factory, -saying a great deal without making clear what she really does mean. -Three or four times she has been in town, and I have had interviews -with regard to the motor she bought. This was wrong, and that was -wrong, when, as a matter of fact, nothing was wrong. Then she wrote -inviting me to take her to the theatre; she asked me to dinner; she -sent me a box of cigarettes----" - -"Oh!" Claudia was furious. "You returned the cigarettes?" - -"Well, dear; I couldn't do that without appearing to be rude." - -"Then you should have been rude, very rude. She deserves rudeness." - -"But I refused the dinners and the theatres on the plea that I was -busy. I did not intend to see her to-day, but after her conversation -with you, I think it is just as well that she should understand -things." - -"I agree. Tell her you intend to marry me and not her. Oh, what a cat -she is! What a persistent, spiteful cat!" - -"She is showing her claws at any rate," said Craver, with a shrug. "It -is puzzling to know why she has taken this mad fancy to me." - -"It's not puzzling at all," rejoined Claudia, promptly. "I took a -fancy to you myself. You are handsome and clever and----" - -"Oh, spare my blushes!" interrupted Edwin again, and really did grow -crimson at these crude compliments. "You make me feel an ass. But -there is no doubt," he continued seriously, "that she means mischief -with regard to your father." - -"You don't think that he is guilty, Edwin?" faltered the girl, -wincing. - -"No, no! Certainly he is innocent. But he was in the house when Wyke -was murdered, and Lady Wyke may try to implicate him in the matter. -Sergeant Purse isn't very clever, you know, while she is; so she may -be able to twist him, round her finger. I'd better pay the visit, -Claudia." - -"Yes. But don't--don't--kiss--her." - -"Claudia!" - -"I know I'm silly," said Miss Lemby, dismally; "but she's old and -desperately in love with you. I don't say that you'll kiss her----" - -"Which you did," interpolated Edwin. - -"But she may kiss you." - -Very much amused, Edwin jumped up and swung Claudia to her feet, "You -are a silly child," he said fondly. "You are the only woman I ever -loved, or ever shall love. Will you come with me and keep guard?" - -"No!" Claudia stamped viciously, "I couldn't keep my temper. She -certainly means mischief with regard to my father, Edwin, for she is -keeping him on the string." - -"What do you mean by that?" - -"I mean what I say. Dad wants to marry her and get the money. He said -so. She guesses that, and is allowing him to write her silly letters -so that she may keep in touch with him. For all I know she may ask him -to dinners and theatres, as she asks you. Dad is clever in some ways -but a fool in others." - -Craver remembered the truculent manners of the buccaneer, and recalled -his dominating personality. "I don't think Lady Wyke will find him -such a fool as she imagines. He is quite capable of twisting her -neck." - -"Oh!" Claudia turned pale. "That sounds as though dad was capable of -stabbing Sir Hector." - -"He didn't do that," said Edwin decisively. - -"How can you be sure?" - -Craver hesitated in a most unaccountable manner. "Well, it might be -the other fellow who bolted on the bicycle, you know. If there had -been any evidence against your father he would have been arrested -after the inquest." - -"That is true," sighed Claudia, with relief, "But what does Lady Wyke -mean by her hints?" - -"I'm going to find out. Don't worry." - -It was all very well for Craver to give this sound advice, but hard -for the girl to take it. Usually she was sensible, but the long -continued strain on her nerves was breaking her down. Also she was -jealous of her elderly rival, who was clever, rich, and persistent. Of -course, Edwin could be trusted, still he was only a man, and men are -wax in the hands of women. - -Claudia would have liked to go also to Maranatha in order to protect -her man from the vile machinations of Lady Wyke, But she could not -trust herself. She would be sure to say something or do something -which would give her hostess the advantage, so it was wiser to risk -nothing. Edwin went alone, and then Claudia returned to her room to -spend an uncomfortable hour or so of suspense. - -The young man walked briskly along the road and turned into Ladysmith -Road about four o'clock. He soon arrived at the square, red bricked -mansion and paused to stare at it. Maranatha had been greatly improved -by its present tenant. The lawns were trim and clean-shaven; the elms -were clipped, and looked more civilised, while the house itself had a -more inhabited and less dismal look. - -Edwin nodded to himself in approval of Lady Wyke's cleaning-up and -restoration, then walked up the neat path and rang the bell. When a. -sedate-looking footman introduced him into the hall he shivered a -little, at the memory of the late tragedy, but recovered himself when -shown into the drawing-room. This, was upstairs, the very room where -Oliver Lemby had been waiting on that fatal night. But it presented -quite a different appearance now from what it did then, although the -visitor did not know this. Formerly dusty and untidy when attended to -by Mrs. Vence, it was now cheerful, bright, and comfortable. A fire -was burning in the grate, there was a new and brilliant carpet, while -the old-fashioned furniture had been renovated and polished so as to -look like new. Showy coloured rugs and draperies made the vast -apartment look gay, and everywhere there were hothouse flowers of -rainbow hues. The scent of pastilles burning in bronze vases made the -atmosphere languid, indisposing those who breathed it to -transformation from gloom to brightness as had taken place in -Maranatha. - -And the author of the transformation rose from a sofa on which she was -reclining to greet her visitor. "I am so glad to see you," she said -softly, and he noted that her shrill voice was now low and gentle. "I -feared you would not come." - -But Edwin was not to be taken in by her wiles, and only lightly -touched her hand outstretched in greeting. "I certainly came, Lady -Wyke," he observed, coldly, "because your letter intimated that you -wished to speak to me about something connected with the death of your -late husband." - -"Does that interest you?" she asked, indicating a seat and sinking -down on to the sofa. - -"Surely. You hinted to Miss Lemby that her father had something to do -with the matter, and for Miss Lemby's sake I am interested." - -"Can't we leave the name of that girl out of the conversation?" - -"I think not," said Craver, still coldly. "You forget that it is on -behalf of her father that I have come. You threatened, both in London -and on the cliffs the other day to do him harm." - -"Oh!" Lady Wyke's brows contracted in a frown, "so that girl told you -of our conversation on the cliffs?" - -"Yes. About an hour or so ago. In fact, the moment I arrived as you -might say, she told me everything." - -"Everything?" repeated the woman, with emphasis. - -Edwin nodded. "Even to the offer of one thousand a year." - -"She should have had more sense than to say that," snapped Lady Wyke. - -"Don't you think that we had better leave Miss Lemby's name out of -this conversation?" said Craver, tartly. - -"I asked you to," she reminded him swiftly, "and you refused." - -Craver could not deny this, and looked uncomfortable. "I have not much -time to wait, Lady Wyke," he remarked, looking at his watch with -pointed rudeness. "I must ask you to come to the point." - -"Oh, there is plenty of time for that," she answered sweetly. "You -must have some tea first." - -"Thank you. I am due back to tea at the Rectory." - -"I think not. We have much to say to one another." - -"About Mr. Lemby?" - -"No." Lady Wyke looked at him so pointedly that he blushed. "About -yourself." - -"I wish you wouldn't," he exclaimed, just like an unformed schoolboy. - -"You wish I wouldn't what?" - -"Talk like that." - -"Talk like what?" - -"Oh, we are speaking in a circle. See here, Lady Wyke. You asked me -here to say something about Mr. Lemby. I understand from your hints to -Claudia that you accuse him of murdering your husband." - -"How crudely you put it." She raised her eyebrows. "I don't accuse -him." - -"Then why I am here I don't know." - -"You will know soon, Mr. Craver. I accuse someone else." - -"Who is it?" The young man suddenly shivered, in spite of the warm -atmosphere. - -"Who is he, you mean. Well; then, ask yourself who murdered my -husband." - -"I don't know. How should I know?" - -"Because you murdered him. It was you who escaped on that bicycle, Mr. -Craver, and it was you who stabbed Sir Hector in this very house." - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - - -Lady Wyke's sudden accusation of murder came like a bolt from the -blue, and so stunned Craver that he had not a word to say. While he -sat silent in the deep armchair, as white and cold and motionless as -any corpse, she touched the bell-button and ordered the footman who -appeared to bring in tea immediately, The footman arranged the -tea-table near the fire, and Lady Wyke sat down to attend to her -hospitable duties. - -"Sugar, Mr. Craver?" she asked, when the tea was poured out. - -If she could be composed so could he. - -"Thank you. Two lumps," he said, and bent forward to accept the cup. - -"You take it very well," said Lady Wyke, approvingly. "But then I know -you have plenty of courage. All aviators must be courageous, and you -are very successful I hear. I wonder if you would take me for a flight -one day?" - -"Would you risk one with me?" asked Craver. - -Lady Wyke laughed, settled herself amongst the cushions of the sofa, -and stirred her tea. "Oh, you mean that you might be inclined to tip -me out of the machine," she observed, looking at him straightly. "Very -naturally you should, seeing what I know. Still, I am willing to risk -a flight." - -"What do you know?" - -"I told you. I know that you murdered Sir Hector." - -"I did not murder him," said Craver, steadily. - -Lady Wyke shrugged her elegant shoulders. "Of course you say that. I -don't very well see what else you can say if you want to save your -neck." - -"My neck isn't in danger." - -"Oh, I think it is, and at my discretion" - -"So you think." - -"And so I believe, with every reason to believe," she retorted, and -yet looked uneasy. This calm way of taking so heinous an accusation -surprised and irritated her greatly. "Well, what have you to say?" - -"A great deal." - -"Hum! I told you that you would not get back to tea at the Rectory. -After all, we are very comfortable--at least I am." - -"Well, I can't say that I am comfortable in the presence of a woman -who stoops so low to gain her ends; but let us get down to business." - -"Business? You mean you wish to know why I act in this way?" - -"Well, I have a sort of idea of your motive. Still--" - -"Still, you must be blind," she interrupted, "not to see that I am in -love with you and wish to marry you." - -"You go the right way about getting me to be your husband, I must -say," said the young man, sarcastically. "I shall love you immensely -if you succeed in leading me to the altar against my will. Get someone -else to woo you," he ended. - -"No; I want you." - -"You can't have me." - -"Edwin"--she leant forward and extended her arms imploringly--"don't -be so cruel. It is not my fault that I have fallen in love with you. -The moment I met you I wished you to become my husband. After all, I -am not so old and not so ugly that you should scorn me. Also, I am -rich; I have brains----" - -"With regard to that last," he interrupted, "I don't think you have. -Otherwise, you would scarcely proceed with your love-making in this -way." - -"It is the man who should make love;" she panted, fiercely. - -"I agree with you. Why, then, do you usurp the privilege of the male -sex?" - -"I hate you!" Lady Wyke clenched her fists, as if about to strike him, -and glared viciously. "I hate you!" - -"I prefer that," said Craver, serenely, and kept a cool eye on her -doings. - -"Ah"--Lady Wyke looked up to the ceiling--"has this man any feeling? -How can he sit there and see a loving woman tear her heart to lay it -at his feet for him to trample on." - -"Silly! Silly!" was Edwin's comment. - -"Take care." The woman bent over him and hissed the word into his ear. -"I can hang you!" - -"So you say," he replied, unmoved. - -"So I say, and so I know," she shouted. "I know that you came down to -this house on the night when Hector was murdered. You stabbed him, so -that he might not marry that Lemby girl. You escaped on the bicycle. -You----" - -"Stop. How can you prove all this?" - -"Oh, I can prove it right enough. But I don't want to go--to--such -lengths." Lady Wyke burst into tears and took out her handkerchief. "I -wish you wouldn't force me to--to behave in this way. Oh, my darling, -I love you with all my heart and soul, I want to--to----" - -Edwin sprang up as she stumbled forward, with the idea of throwing her -arms around his neck. "Don't go on acting like a fool," he said, -sternly. "If you must talk, talk sensibly. Otherwise I shall leave -immediately." - -"I'll send the police after you," she threatened, furiously. - -"Do so. You'll be no nearer to gaining your object." - -Then Lady Wyke broke down. "Oh, Edwin! Edwin! Edwin!" - -Purposely cool and pointedly rude Craver resumed his seat, lighted a -fresh cigarette and looked at her critically. "I wouldn't cry if I -were you, Lady Wyke. You can't afford to do so at your age without -spoiling your face." - -"Oh, you brute!" - -"Quite so; and, knowing that I am a brute, why, try to force me to -become your husband?" - -"Oh, I don't know." She dabbed her eyes carefully with her -handkerchief. "Perhaps to make you smart for having treated me so -insolently. I won't give you up to that girl." - -"There is no question of giving up. I am hers; I never was yours. -Come, Lady Wyke, don't you think we had better discuss matters -calmly." - -"What matters?" she asked, wilfully dense. - -"Well; the accusation, for one thing." - -Lady Wyke did not reply. She was thinking how best to get the better -of this iceberg. Threats did not move him; passion did not appeal to -him; tears had no effect. Strange to say, the more he held out the -more she admired him. However, if she wished to gain him against his -will, and that she intended to manage, being so infatuated, the sole -thing to do was to talk business. He must be forced to see that she -had the upper hand, and if he did grasp that fact he might yield. But -even then she was not very sure of victory. - -"Let us talk calmly," said Lady Wyke, lighting a fresh cigarette. "I -want to marry you, and I mean to have you. That is not an easy thing -for a woman to say to the man she loves." - -Edwin admitted this, and suggested that she should lay her cards on -the table forthwith. "Then I shall show you my hand." - -With an ironical smile she fumbled under the cushion and produced a -letter deliberately to pass over to him. "It's a copy," she observed, -while he read it. "You see, I can't trust you with the original." - -"Well, perhaps it is as wise not to do so. H'm!" Edwin glanced over -the four or five lines and nodded. "This is my letter to Sir Hector -saying that I was coming down to see him that night at seven o'clock. -I wrote this letter--the original one, I mean--in answer to one which -your husband wrote me asking me to call. How did you get the original -of this?" - -"From Neddy Mellin, my nephew. He took the letter from the hall table, -where it had been left by the postman on that night. He did not show -it to his mother, as he is clever, and hoped to get money for it." - -"He read it, I suppose?" - -"Oh, yes. The boy is far in advance of his years, and knows a thing or -two. He guessed that you were guilty, since the letter said that you -were calling to see Sir Hector. However, Neddy gave the letter to me, -thinking I could get some money for it for him. I told him to hold his -tongue, and, lest he should not, I sent him to London. He is quite -safe. Well, now, Mr. Craver, do you deny that you were in his house on -that night?" - -"Oh, no," said Edwin, smoothly. "I came before my letter arrived, it -seems, as Hall brought it while I was in the house. Wyke wished to see -me with regard to his discovery that you were alive. He told me that -he could not marry Claudia, because you had turned up. But he loved -Claudia, and not being able to marry her thought he would make her -happy by giving her to me." - -"He could, not help himself," said Lady Wyke, tartly. - -"So he said. He heard my ring at the door, and came down to the study, -leaving Lemby in the drawing-room. Wyke told me that he hated you, and -did not intend that you should have his fortune. He intended, so he -said, to make a new will, leaving the five thousand a year to me, on -condition that I should marry Claudia. I agreed, and he took me out of -the study into the dining-room adjoining to show me some notes he had -made for a new will." - -"Rather strange that he should keep those notes in the dining-room," -sneered Lady Wyke, who was listening intently. - -"It was strange. But then Wyke was not quite himself that night. Your -unexpected reappearance gave him a shock, because he hated you. Anyhow -he took me into the dining-room and showed me some papers. Afterwards -he went back to the study for other papers, and was away for some -time. I heard a cry and a fall, and after waiting for a moment or so I -went back to the study. There I saw Wyke lying dead on the hearthrug. -While I was bending over him, to see if he was really dead, Mrs. Vence -came in, dropped the tray, and fainted. Then came the postman's knock. -I lost my head, for in a flash I saw in what a dangerous position I -stood if I were discovered with the dead man." - -"It seems to me," said Lady Wyke, deliberately, "that you kept your -head very cleverly, seeing how you saved yourself." - -"I did that on the spur of the moment. I was very much afraid, and ran -into the hall, opened the front door, and dashed down the path. All I -wanted to do was to escape being recognised by Hall. Then I saw his -bicycle leaning against the fence, and immediately the idea came to me -of escaping. I used it as you know--and as everyone else knows. Where -I rode in the fog and the gloom, I scarcely knew; all I wanted to do -was to escape. Then I found myself on the Bethley Road, and saw the -carrier's cart joggling along with the man half asleep while driving. -I jumped off the bicycle and hoisted it on to the back of the cart, so -that no one should know where I had dropped off the machine. Sorley, -the carrier, found it, as you know, when he reached home at Waking. I -then walked back to the Bethley railway station and took the train to -town. That is the whole story, so you see that I am innocent." - -"You make out a very good case for yourself," she said, coolly; "but -who will believe such a story? It is known that the Lemby girl wished -to marry you, and that you hated Hector for taking her from you." - -"That is quite true. But I did not hate him after our interview in the -study and the dining-room. Of course, I pitied him." - -"Yes, of course you did," scoffed the woman, "Anyhow, you are known to -have hated him as your rival, and the original letter I hold will -prove that you came down to murder him." - -"I don't see that?" - -"Sergeant Purse may see it." - -"Well, then, show it to Sergeant Purse," said Craver, in desperation. - -"Oh, no. I shall give you time to reflect. Take a week or a fortnight. -If you agree then to marry me I shall destroy the letter. If not----" -She paused and smiled. - -"I'll take the fortnight," said Craver, heavily. "You are top dog this -time." - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - - -At the Rectory, dinner was always placed on the table at seven -o'clock, it being a law of the Medes and Persians that everyone should -be in time. Yet, much to Claudia's distress, Edwin did not put in an -appearance until the meal was half over. His parents were speculating -as to what could be delaying him when he entered, cool and calm, but -somewhat pale. With an apology for his late arrival, and for not -having changed his dress, he sat down to cool soup and lukewarm fish. - -Mrs. Craver felt annoyed, and said that she was. "Why did Lady Wyke -keep you such a long time?" she asked, indignantly. "It was most -inconsiderate of her. But, there, you can't expect manners from a -person of that class." - -"She did not keep me, mother," answered, Edwin, without raising his -eyes, "for I left Maranatha some time ago, and have been walking about -ever since thinking things over in detail." - -"What things?" asked the Rector, curiously, and Claudia's eyes mutely -put the same question. - -"Those concerned with the murder of her husband." - -"Then she did wish to see you about that crime?" said Mrs. Craver, -sharply. - -Edwin nodded. "She to have a good opinion of my qualities as a -detective and asked me to help her to discover the truth." - -"Well, I'm sure! And what next? As if you were in a position to waste -your time attending to that business." - -"Well, mother, I nave promised to do so. After all, Lady Wyke is a -widow, and has no one to help her. Also, on behalf of the firm, since -she is a good customer, it is policy on my part to keep in with her." - -"I don't see that, Edwin," observed the Rector, shrewdly. "After all, -you are an engineer, and not a detective." - -"Oh, I don't mean to say that I am going to give up the substance for -the shadow," said Edwin, cheerfully; "that is, I don't intend to leave -my business to start on what may prove to be a wild-goose chase. But, -between times, and when I have an unoccupied minute or so, it is easy -for me to look round. And I think you are rather hard on Lady Wyke, -mother. She isn't at all a bad sort." - -Mrs. Craver sniffed and straightened her spare figure. "I don't like -the woman." - -"Well," remarked Edwin, with the air of a man closing a discussion, "I -have given her my promise to look into things, and I must keep it. For -that reason, I have not changed my clothes, mother. I have to return -to town to-night." - -"Oh, Edwin!" cried Claudia, with dismay and with some reproach. "Can't -you stay until Monday?" - -"Not if I have to keep my promise to Lady Wyke." - -"Well, Edwin"--Mrs. Craver stood up to go--"a promise is a promise, -and you must not break your word." - -After the dinner was finished, the young couple were left alone, and -Edwin poured himself out a glass of port wine, which he felt sadly in -need of. Claudia said nothing, but watched her lover carefully. - -"I hate telling lies, in any case," said Craver, abruptly, "but it is -particularly difficult with regard to my own parents. Yet I can do -nothing else." - -"You can tell the truth to me," suggested Claudia, quietly. - -"I intend to. We won't be interrupted for at least fifteen minutes, so -we can talk without arousing the suspicions of father and mother." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Can't you guess after what I have said, Claudia? I lulled my mother's -suspicions regarding a possible flirtation of Lady Wyke with me by -telling a lie; and I said that it was Christianity to help the poor -widow--hang her!" - -"Oh!" Claudia started and winced. "So she----" - -"Exactly. Her flirtation is more serious than ever. She wants to marry -me and asked me to tea so that she might put the case plainly." - -"She can't force you to marry her, Edwin?" - -"She'll try to; and there is no doubt that she has me on toast." - -Claudia rose from her chair, and came round the table to sit beside -him. "Do you mean to say that she can implicate my father in the -crime, and demand your hand as a promise of silence?" - -"No. I mean to say that she can drag me into the matter." - -"Impossible!" Claudia stared aghast. "What have you to do with the -death?" - -"Nothing; and Lady Wyke knows as much. All the same, she can make -things very unpleasant for me, and will, unless I give you up and -marry her." - -Claudia looked puzzled. "But how can she?" - -"I'll toll you, dear." He took her hand and drew her to him. "Do you -remember the letter which Hall, the postman, delivered that night?" - -"Yes. My father told me something about it, although it was not -mentioned at the inquest." - -"Luckily for me it was not." - -"Why? Oh, why?" - -"Because I wrote it." - -"You. And to Sir Hector?" - -"Yes. Wyke wrote asking me to go down and see him at Maranatha -privately. I replied, saying that I would, and fixed the time. But, -owing to the lateness of the post, I arrived before my letter did. -Hall brought it, and left it on the table in the hall. It disappeared, -and Lady Wyke told me that Neddy Mellin took it when he came with the -washing just after the crime was committed. What his object was, I -can't say, although Lady Wyke hinted that he desired to get money. -However, the boy read the letter, and knew that I was coming to the -house. I can't say if he thought that I had already arrived, and was -the man who escaped on the bicycle. Lady Wyke got that letter from -Neddy, and made him promise to hold his tongue. She sent him to London -so as to get him out of the way. She now holds my letter making the -appointment, and threatens to show it to Sergeant Purse if I don't -throw you over." - -"Oh!" Claudia stared straight in front of her, pale and dismayed. "It -is very terrible, and very complicated. Why did Sir Hector write to -you?" Craver told her rapidly and without further preamble. Thus, -Claudia learnt how the dead man intended to leave his money to Edwin, -and how he hated his wife. "It was to prevent her finding out his -intentions regarding the disposal of his property that he asked me to -come secretly to Maranatha," finished Edwin, quietly. "I did so." - -"No one saw you; no one recognised you?" - -"No one. I was muffled up in a heavy top-coat when I got to Redleigh -Station, and pulled my cap over my eyes so that the station-master and -the porters should not recognise, me. They did not, and then I walked -to Hedgerton to enter that accursed house, and--well you know the -rest." - -"But how did you escape?" - -This also Craver told her, and shortly Claudia was in possession of -the whole terrible story. Of course, she immediately saw in what peril -her lover stood, and how easily Lady Wyke could have him arrested. -"Oh, what is to be done?" she wailed, clasping her hands. - -"The first thing to be done is for you and me to keep cool. The second -is to prevent father and mother knowing anything that we know. For -that reason I was obliged to tell lies, much as I dislike doing so. -The third thing, to be done is for me to go to London to-night and see -your father at Tenby Mansions the first thing in the morning." - -"What good will that do?" - -"Your father was in the house, and may know something of moment." - -"You believe that he may be able to prove your innocence?" - -"Yes, I think so. He was in the drawing-room sure enough; but I -can't believe that a man of your father's restless disposition -would stay quietly there. I believe that he came down the stairs and -saw--saw----" Edwin hesitated. - -"Saw what?" asked Claudia, faintly. - -"Saw who murdered Wyke." - -"But who could have done so. Surely you don't believe that dad is -guilty?" - -"No. Certainly I don't." - -"And you are innocent also?" - -"Absolutely." - -"Then there was only Mrs. Vence in the house. Do you think that -she----" - -"No," said Craver, decisively. "She had every reason to keep him -alive, and no reason at all to wish him dead. She didn't strike the -blow. Who did I can't say. I'm going to find out. Now you see, -Claudia, why I told my father and mother that I wished to assist Lady -Wyke. I must assist her, as otherwise I shall be put in gaol on a -charge of murder." - -"She would never do that," exclaimed Claudia, flushing angrily. - -"Oh, indeed she would. The woman is a perfect nuisance, and, although -I was as rude as possible to her, she would not sheer off." - -"If I gave you up would she let you have that letter and hold her -tongue?" - -"She says she would," was Edwin's cautions reply, as he rose and -glanced at his watch. "Anyhow, I have a fortnight to think over -things. In order to got the better of Lady Wyke and clear my character -I'm off to-night to begin my search for the true assassin. Come to the -gate and see me off, Claudia." - -Neither the Rector nor his wife really learnt why Edwin took so abrupt -a departure. He made his apologies anew, shook hands with his father -and kissed his mother. Mrs. Craver accorded him a rather chilly -forgiveness, and remarked that he could not be so very fond of -Claudia, seeing that he preferred to leave her and go about Laura -Bright's business. However, Edwin laughed her into a better humour, -and then went off to Redleigh, on his motorcycle, to catch the nine -o'clock train to town. - -The Rectory was very dull after this untoward departure. Mrs. Craver -being upset, retired early to bed, and insisted that her husband -should come likewise. As he had to rise for early celebration next -morning, he was not averse to doing what she asked, and the old couple -were safely tucked in by ten o'clock. Claudia, left alone, read a book -for a time, but was unable to fix her attention on the story, as she -was actually living a much more exciting one. Then she saw that the -servants were all in bed, and retired herself in the hope of getting -to sleep. Only in that way could she forget her troubles. But she -woo'd sleep in vain; she tossed and turned restlessly for quite thirty -minutes. At the end of that time she took a sudden resolution, and -rose to dress herself. It was not yet so late but what Lady Wyke might -still be up and about, so Claudia decided to call and see her. -Considering the primitive habits of Hedgerton, the project was rather -a mad one. Still, strong diseases require strong remedies, and in a -very short time Claudia, with the latch-key in her pocket, had slipped -out of the dark Rectory, and was on her way to Maranatha. - -It was a bright, star-lit night, although there was no moon, and the -girl walked swiftly along the Esplanade towards Ladysmith Road. -Luckily, she met no one, not even Jervis, the policeman, as his -attentions on Saturday night were always given to the village in the -hollow. Claudia boldly rang the bell, and when the footman appeared, -sent in her card. The man seemed rather astonished at so late a -visitor, but took up the card to his mistress, and shortly returned -with the information that Lady Wyke would be pleased to see Miss -Lemby. - -Claudia followed the servant up the stairs; she was ushered into the -drawing-room, and the door was shut behind her. So here she was in the -lion's den, alone and unsupported. - -"This is a pleasant surprise, Miss Lemby," said Lady Wyke, moving -forward with outstretched hands. "Do tell me why you have come to see -me at this hour?" Claudia rejected the outstretched hands, and, -folding her own, spoke sternly to the point. "I have come to give up -Edwin to you," she said, calmly. - -"Oh!" Lady Wyke laughed shrilly. "On what condition?" - -"On condition that you save his life!" - -"I accept!" said Lady Wyke. "His life is safe when he becomes my -husband." - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - - -After the excitement of the evening and her swift walk in the keen air -at so late an hour, Claudia felt faint. Nor did the languid atmosphere -of the tropical drawing-room tend to restore her. The heat of the -large fire, the brilliance of the many lights, the multiplicity of -colours, and the odour of flowers mixed with the scent of the burning -pastilles, all made her sense reel and her eye grow dim. With a -violent effort she cleared her head of vapours, and became as composed -as formerly she had been agitated. Lady Wyke was pleased. - -"You are worth fighting, Miss Lemby." she said, approvingly. - -"Thank you for the compliment," retorted Claudia, sitting bolt upright -with a stern white face and steady eyes. - -"Oh, it's no compliment," trilled Lady Wyke, like a bird, "it is the -truth. If you were a namby-pamby of the weeping kind I should despise -you. As it is, I respect you immensely. Few girls of your age would -act so sensibly." - -"I am acting sensibly, as you call it, because I see no other way in -which to act. But although I have yielded for the moment, Lady Wyke, -don't think that I have given up all hope of regaining Edwin. That -Edwin will be my husband is a foregone conclusion. Aren't you ashamed -to get a husband on such terms?" - -"Not a bit," said Lady Wyke, coolly. "He doesn't love me now, but he -will learn to love me. I suppose he is annoyed at you throwing him -over." - -"I haven't told him," retorted Claudia, curtly. "He has gone to town." - -"Oh!" Lady Wyke started and looked suspiciously at her visitor. "I -know that you can implicate Edwin in the murder by showing that letter -to Sergeant Purse," said Claudia, steadily. "All the same you know that -he is guiltless." - -"Do I? Then who is guilty?" - -"I can't say." - -"Your father?" asked Lady Wyke, impertinently and with meaning. - -"No!" Claudia started to her feet. "My father would never stab an old -man." - -"Oh, I think he would to get money," retorted the hostess, leaning -back in her chair and smiling. "He is very much the man who would slay -and stab in order to get money. And from all accounts he needs money -very badly." - -"Yes, I think he does," said Claudia, coolly, "else he would scarcely -have thought of marrying you." - -The shot told, and Lady Wyke grew angry. "Look here, Miss Lemby, I am -scrupulously polite to you, and I expect politeness in return. If you -have nothing more to say you had better go." - -"Oh! I have ever so much more to say. I will go when it suits me." - -"You defy me," cried Lady Wyke. - -"I do. I have given in over one thing because I can't help myself. I -am not going to give in over the question of staying or going. After -we have had an explanation, it is just on the cards that I may rescind -my surrender." - -"Oh, indeed. Well, Miss Lemby, as it seems we are to have a talk, let -me offer you some refreshment. There is wine on yonder table." - -"No, thanks." - -"Well; then, go on; what have you to say?" - -"This. That Edwin is innocent." - -"Prove it," said Lady Wyke. "Edwin has told me everything," pursued -Claudia. "He came down here in answer to a letter from your husband -inviting him to an interview." - -"Quite correct. The letter I hold is written in answer to one sent by -Sir Hector." - -"Very good," remarked Miss Lemby, "we are agreed so far. Well, then, -Edwin told you, I presume, why Sir Hector wished to see him?" - -Lady Wyke nodded. "Yes. I appeared and spoilt Hector's plan to marry -you. He knew that he had made a will years ago leaving his property to -me, and, as he hated me like poison he wished to make another will. He -would have done so after marriage, had you become his wife, since he -could not make it before the ceremony. But as I prevented the -marriage, and Hector did not wish to see me benefit in any way, he -proposed to make Edwin his heir on condition that he married you." - -"I take it, then, that the will was not made when Edwin came here." - -"No. What are you getting at? Do you mean to say that there is a will, -and that I have destroyed it?" - -"Oh, no. But I merely point out that as no will was made Edwin had no -reason to murder Sir Hector." - -"He murdered him because he did not wish Hector to marry you." - -"You forget," said Claudia, coolly. "Your reappearance prevented Sir -Hector from making me his wife. Edwin had no reason to fear the -prevention of his marriage with me from that quarter. And as Sir -Hector wished to make a will in Edwin's favour, Edwin would scarcely -have been such a fool as to murder the man and spoil the chance of his -getting five thousand a year." - -"I think you should have been a lawyer, Miss Lemby; you argue so -well." - -"Thank you. But I should like to know, what you think of the case as I -have put it? You must see that Edwin had no reason to murder Sir -Hector." - -"Oh, I see that!" sneered Lady Wyke, crossly. "The question is, would -a jury see it?" - -"I think so. Absence of motive for the commission of a crime goes a -long way towards proving the innocence or an accused person. And -remember all the evidence is purely circumstantial." - -"Circumstantial or not, I have the whip hand, and I mean to use the -whip." - -"And I mean to try and get my lover as you are trying to do." - -"As I have done," gasped Lady Wyke with fury. "He is mine! He is -mine!" - -"Not yet! Oh, you thought I was in earnest when I surrendered him to -you." Claudia laughed insultingly. "What a fool you are. I have been, -bluffing you all along, you silly creature." - -This series of insults made Lady Wyke lose her temper altogether, and -she became the fisherman's daughter straight away. She rushed across -the room to throw herself on Claudia and scratch her eyes out; but -Miss Lemby was prepared for the onset, and immediately grabbed her -hands so that she could not use them. Being much the stronger of the -two, she forced Lady Wyke over to the chair she had risen from and -made her sit down. Claudia was silent herself, but Lady Wyke screamed -so loudly that it was a wonder the servants did not come up to see -what was the matter. Lady Wyke bit and twisted; and cried and writhed; -but Claudia held her down firmly in the chair until she was exhausted. - -"I think you will be quiet now, said Claudia, suddenly, as Lady Wyke -became weak, ceased to kick, and began to sob. - -"I'd like to kill you," wept the beaten woman, crying her heart out. - -"I daresay you would, if you had a knife or a pistol." jeered Claudia, -who was panting with her exertions; "but as you have only your hands, -and I am ever so much stronger than you are, it is just as well that -you have given in." - -"I haven't given in, you common, vulgar creature," snarled Lady Wyke. -"I intend to marry Edwin in a month." - -"You won't. He marries me." - -"You have surrendered him to me to save his life." - -"Oh no, I haven't. I have been bluffing you, as I said. Edwin's life -is quite safe from you, Lady Wyke." - -"Is it, when I have that letter?" - -"I defy you to produce that letter." retorted Claudia, arranging the -veil round her head, and looking in the mirror over the fireplace. "If -you do, there will be trouble. Edwin has a good defence, as I have -proved to you. No jury would convict him when no reason can be shown -for the commission of the crime of which you accuse him." - -"He ran away; he ran away," panted Lady Wyke, who felt her defeat -sorely and physically. - -"I daresay he did, because he lost his head for the moment. But he has -found it now, remember." - -"I shall see Sergeant Purse to-morrow and show him that letter," said -the hostess, viciously, and stood up to smooth her ruffled plumes at -the mirror as her rival had done. - -"Well, do so. You won't get Edwin in that way?" - -"We'll see." - -"Yes. We'll see. Good-bye, Lady Wyke, you'd better go to bed. I shan't -detain you any longer," and Claudia moved majestically towards the -door. - -"Wait, I won't show that letter." - -"That's your affair, and not mine." - -"But," said Lady Wyke, with an evil smile, "I shall make it my -business to discover how your father murdered Hector." - -"That will be difficult. He had no reason to murder him," so Claudia -said, but she winced for all that at the threat. - -Lady Wyke saw her wincing, and regained a little of her former -dominance. "Yes, he had. Hector was going to leave the money to Edwin, -and your father knows that Edwin wouldn't have given him a shilling." - -"He would have given me a shilling, and I would have given it to -father. I know you are trying hard to make me surrender, Lady Wyke, -but it won't do. Edwin has gone to London to see my father and make -things straight." - -"He can't, he can't!" - -"That remains to be seen. I defy you." - -"I hear you," Lady Wyke burst out into a shrill laughter. "You defy -me, do you. Well, then I shall hang your father and marry Edwin and -see you ruined." - -"Oh, so you admit that Edwin is innocent," cried Claudia, seizing this -admission. "I admit nothing, I shall act." - -"Act as soon as you please." Claudia opened the door. "Good-night, -Lady Wyke." - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - - -Having, reduced her enemy to impotence, Claudia returned to the -Rectory, and slept the sleep of the just. But her slumber was due -rather to exhaustion than to placidity of mind; and on waking in the -morning, she began to realise that she had acted rather rashly. -Impulsively the girl had sought out her enemy, and impulsively, had -carried the war into the same enemy's camp. But had she been wise in -thus driving Lady Wyke into a corner? Sir Hector's widow was clever, -persistent, and dangerous, so that Claudia had no mean antagonist to -deal with. Enraged by an ignominious defeat, Lady Wyke might see Purse -and ruin Edwin without further delay. It was possible, if not quite -probable, that she would act in this way; and Claudia went, down to -breakfast, wishing fervently that the record of the previous night -could be obliterated. The girl recognised that she had been in too -much of a hurry to right the wrong. - -All Sunday Claudia was worried and anxious, both in church and out of -church, before meals, during meals, and after meals. Of course, since -the Rector and his wife were to be kept in the dark, she had to feign -a cheerfulness which she was a long way from feeling. Even sharp Mrs. -Craver noticed nothing in the girl's manner likely to suggest -questions, and privately thought that if Claudia was quieter than -usual it was because Edwin had gone back to London so abruptly. Lady -Wyke did not come either to the morning or evening service, and the -Rector's wife speculated as to why she was absent. - -In the afternoon, Claudia found it impossible to remain at home, so -she went for a brisk walk along the cliffs. Emerging from the Rectory -grounds she passed through a small wood, which sheltered the house -from the sea breezes, and took the meandering path along the verge of -the cliffs. On arriving at the coastguard station she paused for a -quarter of an hour to remove her hat and let the air breathe its cool -kiss on her locks. She had a headache, caused by her perplexity and -the peace around did it good, soothing the lingering pain and finally -taking it away altogether. Claudia set out on her return journey -feeling much better, and began to think that she was making a mountain -out of a molehill. But before she quite made up her mind to this -course she suddenly came across Neddy Mellin. - -The boy was descending the zig-zag path which led to the beach -immediately below the Rectory, and, not being far distant, Claudia -recognised him at once. She then remembered, how Neddy had stolen the -fatal letter which implicated Edwin in the crime, and forthwith -resolved to ask questions. It required some diplomacy to ask the right -ones, so as to get right answers, for Master Mellin was a clever brat, -extraordinary sharp and suspicious. However, Claudia thought that she -could manage him, and, to attract his attention, raised her voice in -the Australian "Cooee!" Neddy turned his head and halted when he saw -her coming down the path. He liked Miss Lemby, as she was a "very -scrumptious gal"--his own words--and, moreover, had given him a packet -of cigarettes, which was wrong of Claudia, considering the boy's -tender years. Neddy looked uncommonly smart in an Eton suit, which -suited his slim, well-knit figure perfectly. Decidedly, he was a -handsome lad, so angelic in appearance, that she wondered how he -managed to keep his shady character out of his face. Neddy was an -unscrupulous little wretch, he stopped at nothing to get his own way -and his own enjoyment, thereby greatly resembling his elders. - -"You do look smart, Neddy," said Claudia, when she reached the boy. -"Why are you not in London?" - -"I came down to see mother," said Neddy, whose diction, as the -listener noted, was much improved, even in the short time he had been -under tuition. "She always wants to see me every week, so that she may -know that I am safe. Coming down on to the beach, miss?" - -"Yes. I am out for a walk. I have not been down this way before." - -"It's just as well, miss," said Neddy, sagely, and led the way down to -the sands. "This place here is dangerous." - -"Dangerous!" Claudia looked, at the billowy sand-mounds. - -"Yes. See," and Neddy pointed to a distant patch of glistening sand, -which looked oozy and damp and treacherous. "Quicksands, miss." - -Claudia stared and shivered. "What a nasty-looking place." - -"Aye, and it is nasty, too, miss. Folks have told me again and again -how other folk have, been swallowed up yonder." - -"There should be a sign that it is dangerous." - -"There was a sign," chuckled Neddy, "but it was swallowed up also, if -you or me got in there," he added, fixing his innocent blue eyes on -the gleaming expanse, "we'd go down to hell." - -"Don't talk like that, you horrid little boy." - -"I'm not little, though I may be horrid, miss. I'm grown up, I am, and -next week I sing at the Tit-Bits, Music-Hall. 'Sally in our Alley's' -what I'm going to sing. The chap as teaches me says I'll make a hit. -It's good pay, too, miss, I do say. But there"--Neddy's face -fell--"I've got to hand over the dibs to my blessed mother." - -"Why do you speak of your mother in that way?" - -"Well, I can't call her my cussed mother, can I miss?" - -Claudia laughed, and then became grave to rebuke him. "You are a -wicked boy to talk of your mother in that way. It is just as well that -she should get your salary. You are too young to know the value of -money." - -"Oh, am I? Well, that's a good one. May I smoke?" - -Claudia laughed again at this politeness, and sat down on a convenient -boulder. "You shouldn't smoke at your age." - -"Who gave me cigarettes?" asked Neddy, shyly. - -"I was very wrong to encourage you. I don't think," added Claudia, -with a view to arriving at the point she aimed at, "that your aunt -would give you tobacco." - -Neddy sat down and lighted up with the impudent air of a robin. "I -take it," he remarked, coolly, "she smokes herself, and I sneak what I -want. Aunt Laura ain't bad. A dashing sort of woman, ain't she?" - -"She'd box your ears if she heard you say that, Neddy." - -"She wouldn't. Aunt Laura daren't lay a finger on me." - -"Why not?" Claudia became aware that there was a threat hidden here. - -"Because I know----" Neddy hesitated, and stole a cunning glance at -his companion. "Well, I know what I know." - -"Lady Wyke has been very kind to you, Neddy." - -"Kind? Oh, yes, very kind," Neddy sneered, and then smiled blandly. - -"You're a wicked little boy, you know, to steal letters." - -Master Mellin dropped his cigarette and looked startled. "She told -you?" - -Claudia nodded. "Yes. She wants----" - -"You needn't talk." Neddy waved his hand grandly. "I know. Aunt Laura -wants to marry the nut you're sweet on. I twigged that ages ago. She -didn't know how to manage to nab him, so I helped her." - -"By giving her that letter?" - -Neddy nodded in his turn. "I read it, you know miss," and he leered so -significantly that Claudia looked upon him as the leading pupil in Mr. -Fagin's evil Academy. "I'm rather sorry I did," went on Neddy, "as the -nut belongs to you, but only in that way could I make the old gal help -me." - -"You unscrupulous little animal!" burst out Claudia, positively afraid -of the lad's shrewdness. "You have made a lot of mischief." - -"I could have made more, miss. 'Spose I'd given that letter to old -Purse?" - -Claudia shivered, and saw the necessity of propitiating him. "You -didn't do that, I am glad to say." - -"No. 'Cause I like Mr. Craver. He's a good sort, and has promised to -give me a ride in his aeroplane." - -"Why did you steal the letter at all?" asked Claudia, nervously. - -"Well, you see, I arrived just when that old cove was slaughtered. Old -Mrs. Vence, she wouldn't let me see the corpse as much as I wanted to, -so I nicked the letter lying on the hall table just to punish her. You -see, if the letter was missing I guessed she'd get beans. When she did -I intended to bring the letter back." - -"But she didn't get beans as you call it." - -"No. Rum thing, as nothing was about that letter, miss. Well, then, -when I saw that nothing was asked at the inquest, I opened the letter -and read it. I'm fly enough to know as it meant Mr. Craver was in the -house when the old cove died, seeing the letter said as he was coming. -But I didn't go for to say a thing, knowing Mr. Craver ain't at all a -bad sort, nor his pa and ma either. I stowed away the letter, telling -no one, not even mother, and only showed it to Aunt Laura when she was -sweet on Mr. Craver." - -"You might have thought of me, Neddy." - -"Didn't know you then, though it was Hedgerton talk as you were going -to marry Mr. Craver. Aunt Laura she got the letter before you came -down. When you came and were nice to me and gave me cigarettes. I was -sorry. But don't you be afeared, miss. Mr. Craver didn't do it." - -"How do you know?" asked Claudia, eagerly. - -"Ah, that's tellings." Master Mellin winked. - -"I shall ask Sergeant Purse to make you say what you mean!" cried -Claudia. - -Neddy laughed. "Then all about the letter will come out, and Mr. -Craver will be put in chokey. There ain't no sense, in that." - -"Do you know the truth?" - -"No." Neddy looked innocently surprised. "How should I know the truth? -I only come to Maranatha just after the old cove had been murdered. -But I'm uncommonly certain as Mr. Craver hadn't no hand in the -business." - -"Can you help me to prove that?" pleaded Claudia, who saw very well -that the boy was a valuable witness if dealt with diplomatically. - -"I can give you a tip," said Neddy, after a pause. - -"Give it to me, then." - -"Go and ask Sergeant Purse to show you the knife as was used." - -"What good will that do?" - -"Well," said Master Mellin, shrewdly, "it seems to me, though, I'm -only a boy, as Sergeant Purse ought to hunt for the cove as owns that -knife. It was sticking in the heart of the old cove you know, and the -sergeant has it. I saw it at the inquest, and it don't seem to be the -kind of knife Mr. Craver would use, nohow. Mr. Craver, he cut on -Hall's bike; but the cove as did the trick, miss, cleared out in -another way." - -Claudia asked further questions, and received evasive answers. Master -Mellin evidently had said all that he intended to say at the moment, -so there was little use in prolonging the conversation. Along with the -boy, Claudia climbed up the path again, and left Neddy again at the -Rectory gate. In a most polite way, he lifted his straw hat in -farewell; but she detained him for a few minutes, in the hope of -getting him to say more. He smiled like an angel, shook his head like -an old man, and resolutely refused to open his mouth. There was -nothing for it but to let him go, which Claudia did. - -All the same, his hint about the knife dwelt in her memory. It was -indeed, strange, that the police authorities had not followed up this -important clue. Without doubt, if the knife was a peculiar one, which -Neddy hinted, its owner might be discovered; and once he was found, -then the truth would become known. Miss Lemby retired to bed on that -night resolved to see Sergeant Purse on the morrow and learn what she -could. Having been engaged to Sir Hector, there was ample excuse for -her to ask questions. In the anxiety and interest caused by Neddy's -conversation Claudia quite forgot her tussle with Lady Wyke, and -passed a better night in consequence. - -By three o'clock next day she found herself standing with her bicycle -before the door of the Redleigh Police-office, and entered to ask for -the sergeant. Luck stood her friend, for the sergeant, usually out on -his rounds, happened to be in and disengaged. Claudia was admitted -into the sanctum of the official, and was amiably received by the -foxy-faced little man. As usual, he was as dry as a mummy in his -looks, and his eyes were more than ever like those of a rat. He was -uncommonly polite to Miss Lemby, since he knew her story, and was -sorry for her. - -"I hope you've got over it, miss," said the sergeant, placing a chair -for his visitor. "It was a hot time for you, that same murder." - -"I am getting over it," Claudia assured him with a faint smile. "And -it was a very painful time as I respected Sir Hector." - -"I don't think he behaved very well, Miss Lemby." - -"Oh, I think he did. After all, sergeant, he did not know that his -wife was alive, you know. It was all a mistake. But I have called to -ask if you have a clue to the assassin?" - -"No, Miss Lemby. I quite understand why you should come and ask, as -naturally, you'd like to see the villain hanged. Lady Wyke would like -to see it also. I can't catch him, however. He went off on that -bicycle, and vanished into thin air, like those witches in the play." - -"Well, Mr. Purse. I have been thinking over the matter," said Claudia, -with diplomatic frankness, "and it occurred to me that you should -follow the clue of the knife. You have it, I believe?" - -"Oh, yes," Sergeant Purse rose and went to a shelf at the further end -of his office to fumble there, "but I don't see, how we can follow -that clue." - -"Why not? Someone told me that the knife was a peculiar one. Can't you -trace it to the shop where it was bought?" - -"It's an idea certainly, Miss Lemby," said Purse, returning with a -parcel in his hand. "Look at the knife yourself. It is a peculiar -one." - -He untied a string and unrolled several sheets of paper. Then Claudia -saw a sailors clasp-knife with a handle of black bone decorated with -three broad stripes of inlaid silver. "This is the knife, Miss Lemby." -said the officer. Claudia gasped and felt herself grow faint. The -knife belonged to her father. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - - -How Claudia managed to leave the office of Sergeant Purse and reach -homo she never clearly knew. In some extraordinary way she contrived -to keep from fainting and maintain her composure, so that the officer -suspected nothing. After a time she complained that the room was -close, and she felt that the fresh air would do her good. Purse, quite -ignorant of the true cause of this unexpected nervousness, accompanied -her outside and helped her to mount her bicycle in a most amiable way. -As she rode off he thanked her for the suggestion she had made, and -declared his intention of following the clue of the knife. All the way -to Hedgerton Claudia thought over what she had done, and reached the -Rectory in quite a fainting condition. Little Mrs. Craver met her at -the door and ascribed her pale looks and nerveless limbs to the long -ride. Claudia gladly accepted the excuse and the scolding and the -order that she should lie down, as she wished to avert suspicion, and -also to be alone to think over matters. Never in after years did the -girl forget that next hour. - -Lying on her bed, with her face pressed against the pillow, Claudia -kept assuring herself that she was mistaken. It was sinful of her to -suspect her father of such wickedness, and she deserved to be punished -for even thinking of such a thing. But the question which agonised her -was: What did this particular knife mean in relation to Wyke's death? -There was only one answer to the question. The knife had been found -sticking in Wyke's heart, and the man who thrust it into that same -heart was the criminal. Her father was the man--her father was the -criminal. Claudia remained all that evening in bed, and again Mrs. -Craver ascribed the weakness to the exhausting ride on the bicycle to -Redleigh. - -All the long night she pondered and thought and reasoned, and cried -out against her reason. When the dawn came she rose and took a cold -bath, which refreshed her. There was no excuse for her to remain in -bed for the day, so Claudia, wan and haggard, went down to breakfast. -There she heard news which cheered her up. - -"Edwin is coming here to-day in his aeroplane, my dear," said Mr. -Craver, who was reading his letters. "He will be here at two o'clock -this afternoon. What excitement this will cause in Hedgerton." - -"I only hope Edwin won't break his neck," cried Mrs. Craver, -wrathfully. "Oh, how foolish the rising generation is! There's nothing -to hold on by in one of these airships, and if he falls he will be -killed." - -Naturally, the Rector, wishing to give the villagers pleasure, did not -keep the news to himself. He told his wife to tell the servants, and -the servants told everyone that came on that morning to the Rectory. -By noon the whole of Hedgerton knew that Master Edwin was arriving in -an airship, and great was the excitement. From what the young man had -said in his letter it was known that he would alight on the cliffs, -where there were vast spaces along which the aeroplane could run when -it settled down like a bird. Consequently, long before two o'clock the -coastguard station was surrounded by crowds people. In their anxiety -to see the latest invention of science and to witness the conquest of -the air by man, the whole population of the little village assembled -on the cliffs. Claudia came also with the Rector and Mrs. Craver, who -were both very anxious and very proud of the coming event. The girl -glanced round to see if Lady Wyke was present, but could not see her. -She did not even catch a glimpse of Neddy, and learnt later from his -mother that the boy had returned to town on the previous day. Claudia -drew a deep breath of relief at the news. She knew very well that -Neddy could be trusted to be silent; yet it was a comfort to know that -he was absent. Miss Lemby could not explain to herself why it was a -comfort; but somehow she felt more at ease without this Puck in an -Eton suit hovering round. And, as Lady Wyke was also conspicuous by -her absence, Claudia abandoned herself to the general excitement of -the coming arrival of Edwin from the skies. - -"I do wish Edwin would come," said Mrs. Craver again and again as the -hour drew near. "Do you think he has met with an accident, George?" - -"Let us hope he hasn't, my dear," answered the Rector, who was -likewise anxious. "But he is not due yet, so we have no reason to -think that anything sad has happened!" - -"There he is! There he is!" shouted a keen-sighted coastguard, who had -a spyglass at his eye. "Yonder he comes." - -"Where? Where? Where?" shouted everyone, much excited, and looked -north, south, east and west without seeing anything. - -The coastguard ran with his spyglass to the Rector. "Look, sir! Over -yonder--over yonder!" and he pointed seaward. - -With a trembling hand, the Rector adjusted the glass, then uttered' -and ejaculation of thankfulness. "Yes. The aeroplane is coming along -like a great bird. Emma----" - -"Don't ask me to look, George. I am trembling all over." - -But Claudia looked and saw a black speck glowing larger as it came -nearer. In a few minutes the hum of the aeroplane was distinctly -heard, and with the naked eye everyone could see the machine swinging -towards the cliffs high in the blue. The excitement was intense. Mrs. -Craver had to be supported by Claudia, so weak did she feel at her son -soaring in space. Nearer and nearer came the black dot, louder and -louder became the burr of the aeroplane, and finally, like a great -dragonfly it swept in huge circles over the land, and settled like a -feather, running along the ground swiftly in its impetus until willing -hands laid hold of it to bring it to a standstill. Then the crowd -rushed to gather round, to cheer, to ask questions, and to examine the -first aeroplane which had ever been in this out-of-the-way parish. - -Mr. Craver, with his wife on his arm, pushed his way to the front, -with his usually dreamy eyes alight with excitement. "I congratulate -you, my son." - -"Oh, Edwin! Edwin!" sobbed the usually unemotional mother, and clasped -him in her arms as he alighted from the machine. "It's wonderful, but -horrid. I know you'll be killed." - -"I'm safe enough now, anyhow, mother," said Edwin, cheerfully. - -"Where's Claudia?" - -"Here," said the girl in a low voice, for she felt faint now that the -strain was over, and all her old fears began to reassert themselves. - -"Why, darling, what is the matter?" asked her lover, hastily. - -"Nothing--nothing--that is, I'll tell you when you come home." - -It was not easy for the hero to reach home. He had to submit to -incessant handshaking; he had to get his aeroplane under shelter; and -it had to be attended to in other ways connected with the engine and -wide-spread wings. There was an old barn on the cliffs which Edwin had -arranged to use for his machine long ago, so it was run into this, and -the doors were closed, much to the regret of the crowd anxious to -contemplate the wonder. Edwin promised to give an exhibition on the -morrow, and then walked home with his parents and Claudia. - -As Mr. and Mrs. Craver were both asking questions concerning his -flight from Hendon all the way, Claudia had no opportunity of speaking -to her lover. But on arrival at the Rectory the watchful mother gave -the girl the opportunity of having a quiet moment with Edwin. Mrs. -Craver drew her husband away, saying that it was best to leave the -young people to themselves, and so the couple found themselves in the -drawing-room. Edwin at once demanded why Claudia looked so ill, and -she explained how she had bearded Lady Wyke, how Neddy had advised her -to search for the owner of the knife, and how the sight of the knife -in the Redleigh Police-office had informed her that the owner was none -other than her own father. - -"Isn't it dreadful," Edwin? sobbed flic girl, when she had finished -her breathless narrative; "but father can't have murdered that poor -old man." - -"Of course he didn't," said Edwin, cheerfully, although he was more -startled by the news than Claudia guessed. "We shall ask for an -explanation. I am sure he will give one." - -"You don't think he is guilty, Edwin?" - -"No, I don't, dear. Appearances are rather against him, as they are -against me. But I am innocent, and so is your father." - -"Did you see him in London? You went up to see him, remember." - -"No, I did not. He was absent when I called at Tenby Mansions." - -"Oh we must see him! We must see him!" cried Claudia, wringing her -hands. - -"We shall see him together," said Craver, soothing her gently. Don't -worry, my darling. I feel sure that everything will come out right. - -"But Lady Wyke?" - -"She won't do anything. She is not sure of her ground. All the same, -Claudia, it was a risk going." - -"Yes, I know. But I wanted to hear what she knew." - -"There is another person who knows more. We must see her, Claudia. If -anyone knows the truth of this crime, it is Mrs. Vence." - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - - -The company of Edwin was very welcome to Claudia, as she now had an -outlet for her grief. She could talk freely to him and receive the -comfort which she very greatly needed, although even his consoling -words did not entirely quieten her. Like the girl, Craver could not -bring himself to believe that the buccaneer was guilty. There seemed -nothing for it but to see the man and question him closely. - -Claudia therefore determined to journey to London, not only to -interview her father, but also to see Mrs. Vence. Edwin's suggestion -that the old housekeeper should be questioned struck the girl as -remarkably sensible. Mrs. Vence had been in the house when the crime -took place, and although she had given evidence with apparent -frankness at the inquest, it was just possible that she might have -withheld certain facts. If forced to speak she might say something or -suggest something likely to throw more light on the darkness which -environed the tragedy. She resolved to see the housekeeper first and -her father afterwards. What with Mrs. Vence's story and the pirate's -explanation the truth might come to light. - -The difficulty was to find Mis. Vence, who had disappeared into the -unknown immediately after the inquest. Since leaving Hedgerton, so far -as was known, she had given no sign of her existence, and Claudia -wondered how the address of the old creature could be found. Finally, -she resolved to ask Mrs. Mellin when that good lady came with the -washing to the Rectory. - -Mrs. Mellin had never seen Mrs. Vence, as Neddy had always taken the -clean linen to Maranatha and had conducted the business between the -housekeeper and the laundress. But Mrs. Mellin might have learnt -something from Neddy, who was always very inquisitive regarding other -people's affairs. It was possible that Mrs. Vence had mentioned her -destination to the boy in which case he would certainly have repeated -the information to his mother. Therefore she waited for the coming of -the washerwoman to carry out her scheme. - -For over a week Edwin remained in Hedgerton, and daily flew the -aeroplane over land and sea, much to the delight of the parishioners. -The spectacle attracted man, woman, and child so greatly that there -was little work done in the village during these exciting days. They -talked of northing else, and the faces were always turned skyward to -see the aeroplane skimming and rising and sinking and falling, and -generally disporting itself into space. The Rector and his wife, -seeing what command their son had over his machine, lost much of their -dread of an accident. It was mainly for this reason that the young man -brought tie aeroplane to Hedgerton, and gave daily exhibitions of his -skill. Once his parents became used to aviation, he guessed that they -would not worry over his ascents at Hendon. - -Claudia, of, course, never believed that any accident would befall her -lover and did not need any proof that he was a competent pilot. It was -firmly fixed in her mind that Edwin was destined to save her father, -to cut the claws of Lady Wyke, and to marry her. Nothing would happen -to him likely to prevent his carrying out this programme, as she felt -convinced. Therefore, she saw Edwin soar without feeling the slightest -anxiety, and even offered to accompany him. But this her lover would -not agree to. His nerves were not strong enough to permit his carrying -in the perilous machine all that he valued on earth. So Claudia -remained on the ground and Edwin skimmed the clouds, both resting -content in the knowledge that everything was alright, or would be -right in future. - -Lady Wyke had not come to see the arrival of Craver because business -had taken her to, London. When she returned, a note inviting the young -man to Maranatha arrived at the Rectory, Claudia did not wish Edwin to -go, but the visit was paid all the same, as Craver thought it was just -as well to try and learn what Lady Wyke intended to do. Claudia's -interview must have enraged her, and it was possible that she had gone -to London to take steps likely to make immediately public things best -kept private. After some discussion Miss Lemby saw that it was best -Edwin should have the interview, and accordingly, she gave him -permission. So Edwin sought Maranatha towards the end of the week; and -Claudia, during his absence, questioned Mrs. Mellin. - -The washerwoman arrived on her usual day, and Claudia managed to -attend to the sorting of the clean linen herself. As there was no time -to be lost and the kitchen was empty for the time being, Claudia put a -point-blank question. "Do you know where Mrs. Vence is to be found?" -she-asked abruptly. - -Mrs. Mellin stared. "Lor' bless my soul, miss, 'ow should I know?" - -"I thought Mrs. Vence might have told you where she was going when she -left Hedgerton." - -"Well, she never did, miss. I didn't 'ave much truck with Mrs. Vence, -for Neddy took the washing to the 'ouse and brought it back again. -Never did I set eyes on that ole woman, 'cept I saw 'er in the -distance at the inquest. An' may I be so bold, miss, as to know why -you was so wishful to find 'er?" - -Claudia was quite prepared for this leading question, and saw no -reason for making a secret of her intentions. "Well, you know, Mrs. -Mellin, I was engaged to marry Sir Hector, when it appeared that his -wife was already--I mean, still in existence." - -"An' a good thing she turned up, miss," said Mrs. Mellin, with -dignity, "else a wicked case of bigamy would 'ave bin in the papers, -my sister Laura not bein' a lamb to lie down quiet-like. - -"Well, then," pursued Claudia, when she was allowed to speak, "I -naturally feel that the assassin of Sir Hector should be captured and -punished. It struck me that Mrs. Vence may know." - -"Lor' bless me, miss, she said all she could say at the inquest." - -"Ah, but did she? That is what I wish to find out, Mrs. Mellin. -However if you don't know her address--" - -"I really don't, miss," interrupted the washerwoman; "but Laura might -know." - -"Lady Wyke?" - -"My sister, miss. Lor to think as I should be connected with the -gentry. Long may they live in the land. Not as Laura's proud, she -'avin' proved otherwise by comin' to me, who am 'er own born relative, -an' taking Neddy in 'and. Yuss, miss. Laura might know, as she 'unted -up Mrs. Vence arter the inquest to 'ear what she'd to say concernin' -the tragidy. It ain t much use you seein' Mrs. Vence, miss, if I may -be so bold as to say so. Laura didn't find nothin' to 'elp catch the -gory villain who bolted on the bike, so I don't expect as you'll git -anythin' out of 'er." - -"All the same if you can get the address I should be glad." - -"I'll try my hardest, miss, Heaven bless, you," said Mrs. Mellin, and -this particular conversation ended with the entrance of the Rector's -wife, to whom the washerwoman dropped a curtsey. Claudia, having done -the best she could, went away to attend to other work, leaving Mrs. -Craver to count the washing and hear the news. There was much to be -done upstairs, as spring-cleaning was in progress, so Claudia worked -like a Trojan, both to help her prospective mother-in-law and the -aching of her own heart. While working and giving her attention to -every-day things, she could not worry, and managed to pass the time -profitably, and tolerably easily until Edwin returned. She heard his -step in the hall immediately he opened the front door and flew down -swiftly, all agog for news. - -"Well? Well?" she asked, I anxiously, and drawing him into the -sitting-room. - -Edwin put his arm round her waist and looked at her queerly. "I am -coming in for a fortune," he observed, in an abrupt manner. - -Claudia stared. "What do you mean? Sit down and explain." - -Edwin sat down and did as he was told. "Lady Wyke is furious at you, -and wants to make you suffer for shaking her as you did. She told me -that she never did believe me guilty, and only said so to annoy you -and to trap me into marriage. She thought that I would give in, and -make her my wife rather than face the worst." - -"Well, she found out when I saw her that she was mistaken," said -Claudia, tartly. "Yes, she did, and now has gone on a new tack. She -doesn't intend to force me into marriage, because she cannot. But she -went to London the other day to make a will in my favour. Yes, you may -stare, Claudia, but Lady Wyke told me that if she dies I got five -thousand a year. The will is made, signed, and witnessed, and Mr. -Sandal holds it." - -"Pouf!" said Claudia, contemptuously. "Mr. Sandal knows that the will -is wastepaper. I wonder Lady Wyke thinks you are such a fool as to be -taken in with that bluff." - -"Is it bluff!" asked Edwin, looking puzzled. "How?" - -"Why, don't you know that a will made before marriage is null and void -if the marriage takes place?" - -"No. I never knew that. Few people do know it, I fancy." - -"Lady Wyke believed that you were ignorant, and so has simply been -trying to bluff you into marriage with her. She has made the will to -bribe you; but she knows that if you marry her the will becomes -wastepaper. See?" - -"I see. Anyhow, whether the will is destroyed by her or not, I don't -intend to marry her. Therefore, unless she alters the will, it stands -in my favour. Not that I want the money, Claudia." - -"Nor I," said the girl. "However, you made Lady Wyke understand that -you would remain true to me?" - -"Yes. And she made me understand that she was heartbroken, and had -done what she could to help me by making this ridiculous will. And she -won't proceed about my affair, as she sees that by so doing she will -be no closer to her goal. For the time being she intends to remain -quiet, in the hope that this business will soften me." - -"But you told her it wouldn't?" - -"I did. Only she won't believe me. However, Lady Wyke is safe for the -time being, so meanwhile we can see your father and Mrs. Vence, and -get at the truth of the matter. As to the will, we needn't think -anything more about it." - -Claudia agreed with this, and wondered that so clever a woman as Lady -Wyke was should act foolishly. Then she related the conversation with -Mrs. Mellin to Edwin, and hopefully said that the address of Mrs. -Vence would surely be forthcoming. - -Edwin demurred. "Not if Lady Wyke has to give it," he said. "She ii -not such a fool as to let you find out anything from Mrs. Vence likely -to spoil her game." - -But the young man proved to be a false prophet, for Mrs. Mellin -arrived on that same evening with the address. It appeared that Mrs. -Vence was living in a Pimlico lodging-house, and for the time being -was out of work. Possessed of this information, Claudia arranged to go -to London next day with her lover. - -Next morning Edwin fixed a sidecar to his motor-bicycle, and ran -Claudia into Redleigh in time to catch the ten-thirty London express. -In an hour and a-half they arrived in town. Then Edwin went to Tenby -Mansions at Earl's Court to prepare Lemby for his daughter's visit, -and Claudia took an Underground train for Victoria, in order to seek -Mrs. Vence in Pimlico. Craver wished to come also, but Claudia -insisted that he should look after her father. It was necessary that -she should see him as soon as possible, and as the buccaneer was here, -there, and everywhere, she urged that Edwin would find him and watch -him and hold him at home. With this agreement the young people parted, -Claudia promising to be at the flat at three o clock, or a trifle -later. - -There was no difficulty in finding the whereabouts of Mrs. Vence, as -the very dingy lodging-house she lived in was not far from Victoria. A -slatternly woman with a suspicious eye admitted grudgingly that Mrs. -Vence was indoors, and, after some arguing, conducted the visitor into -a dirty bedroom on the third floor. Here sat Mrs. Vence near the -window, coughing and sneezing and groaning and moaning. Her ancient -face was more withered and brown and seamed with wrinkles than -formerly, and on the whole she looked very old and worn and -disagreeable. With a shawl round her head, and a little table covered -with medicine bottles at her elbow, the old woman sat with her back to -the window, shivering with ague and whimpering with pain. Claudia's -stately beauty seemed to annoy her, for she snarled when her visitor -sat down, and they were left alone by the slatternly landlady. - -"I don't want fine ladies to come and see me, drat you," grumbled the -old creature, crossly. "I'm ill with inflewinzy, I am, and I do hope -as you'll get it." - -Claudia smiled at this amiable wish, and apologised. "I am sorry you -are ill, Mrs. Vence. But I have called--" - -"About gitting me to look arter your house?" interrupted Mrs. Vence. -"Well, then, I can't, me being that ill as never was." - -"No. Don't you know my name? I gave it to the landlady. Lemby is--" - -"Ho!" Mrs. Vance coughed and stared and grunted after her scrutiny. -"So you're his daughter, are you?" - -"I am the daughter of Mr. Oliver Lemby, if you mean that," said -Claudia, with dignity, "and I have called to----" - -"Ho!" Mrs. Vence coughed and for the third time. "I know why you've -called, my lady. And it 'ud hev been better if you didn't hev called." - -"Why?" Claudia was startled. - -"'Cause I thought as every think was dead and done with about that -murder. I hev 'ad it on my nerves day and night, wondering if I should -speak or not." - -"Speak?" The girl rose and turned white with emotion. "My father----" - -"Yuss," said Mrs. Vence with relish, "your dear par murdered him sure -enough." - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -"That's a lie," said Claudia, calmly, and without rising. - -Mrs. Vence spluttered and shook with wrath, in her rage it seemed as -though she were about to rise up and denounce her visitor. But a fit -of coughing prevented her, and by the time it was over she felt too -weak to scold. "It's the truth," she muttered sulkily, and took a -wineglassful of medicine. - -"Prove it!" - -Claudia, who had entered the room anxious and perturbed, was now quite -calm in asking questions. - -Mrs. Vence was patently surprised to see how quietly the girl took the -dreadful charge. "You don't seem much upset!" she croaked. "I thought -you loved that par of yours, as a gel should." - -"I do love my father," was Miss Lemby's steady reply, "and for that -reason I decline to believe what you say." - -"Then why come here to worrit me?" gasped the old woman, crossly. -"Ain't I got enuff to put up with at my age without silly gels coming -to tell me as I'm a liar. I can't say nothin' else." - -"You can; you must. My father explained his movements at the inquest, -and his testimony was accepted as exonerating him. And let me remind -you. Mrs. Vence, that at the inquest you brought no charge against -him." - -"'Cause I warn't certain," retorted the old woman, promptly. "'Twas a -nasty case, and I didn't want to be mixed up in it more'n I could -help. I said as little as I could, and afterwards, when that Lady Wyke -come and see me---- - -"Did she come and see you?" interposed Claudia, anxiously. - -"Don't I say she did, cuss you?" growled Mrs. Vence hoarsely. "Of -course she come and see me, to arsk if I know'd of anything likely to -show who killed her old man. I told her what I told you, and she said -as I'd better keep silent till she wanted me." - -"She intended to accuse my father, then?" - -"Yus. I s'pose so, when she was ready. And I thinks," added Mrs. -Vence, with a dry cough, "as she's gitting ready; for she's arsked me -down to Hedgerton at the end of the week--four days off, that is, -miss." - -"Are you going?" - -"How can I say. If the inflewenzy lets me. I may. It means money in my -pocket, and, not having a sitivation for months, I want money." - -"What have you to say?" demanded Claudia, sternly. - -"Say? The truth!" snarled Mrs. Vence, crossly. "And don't arsk me to -say anything else, I beg, my mother having bin a Baptist and perticler -proper." - -"What is the truth?" -"Well, your par was in the droring-room with the barnit when he come, -and I crep up to listen to what they was saying, as I don't hold with -folk heving secrets fro' me. I had my eye and my ear at the keyhole -time and time about." - -"What did you hear? What did you see?" - -"I heard my master explaining as he couldn't marry you 'cause he was -married already. Then your par guv a screech and swore awful. I peeped -in at the keyhole, and saw him take out a clasp-knife and run at the -old man. The barnit, he just laughed and waited, so your par didn't -know what to do. Then at that moment come the ring at the door. I -tumbled down the stairs and let in that gent as bolted on the bike -later." - -"Do you know who he was?" asked Claudia, anxiously. - -"No, I didn't, him being muffled up," growled Mrs. Vence. - -"What happened then?" asked Claudia, quickly. - -"What I said at the inquest. Sir Hector, he took the new gent into his -study, and told me to bring cake and wine in a quarter of an hour. I -said I was in the kitchen, but," said Mrs. Vence, with a leer, "I -wasn't there the whole time. Oh, no, bless you. I wanted to see what -it all meant!" - -"And you listened?" - -"I listened and looked," retorted the housekeeper, shamelessly. "My -master and the new gent talked about some will, and then the barnit -took the gent into the dining-room to show him some papers. Then," -said Mrs. Vence, earnestly, "I saw that par of yours coming down the -stairs; with the clasp-knife open in his hand, looking savage-like. I -was so feared that I ran back to the kitchen just as I heard Sir -Hector returning to the study. Then I comes in with the cake and wine -some time later, and found my master lying dead on the rug, and the -gent as bolted on the bike bending over him." - -"And my father?" faltered Claudia, with a sinking heart. "Oh, he got -back up the stairs, and didn't come down until that there postman and -the police came. Clever, he was. But he didn't know as I'd seen him -coming down to stick the old man. You know, miss, how the post come, -and how the gent opened the door?" - -"Yes, yes; I know." Claudia rose with an effort. "All you say sounds -reasonable, enough, from your point of view." - -"It'll be the same fro' the jury's point of view," snapped Mrs. Vence. - -"I don't believe it," cried Miss Lemby in despair. "Whatever you may -say, my father is innocent. You didn't see him strike the blow." - -"But he comed down the stairs with the knife," grinned the -housekeeper. "Oh, he did it right enuff--your par, I mean. I believe -that boy saw it, too." - -"What boy? Do you mean Neddy Mellin?" - -"Yus. He was in the house--in the kitchen with me." - -"But he said he came with the washing later." - -"Then he's a liar," said Mrs. Vence, morosely. "He come earlier, and -was keeping me company in the kitchen. An imp, he is; not as you knows -him, miss." - -"I know him very well," said Claudia, secretly glad to hear that the -boy had been on the scene, as his evidence would be valuable. "He is a -great friend of mine. I shall see him and make him tell me -everything." - -"He won't; he won't," said Mrs. Vence, hurriedly, and appeared to be -somewhat discomposed, as if she feared she had let out too much. - -"Oh, yes, he will, Mrs. Vence. I saw him the other day, and he -half-promised to tell me the truth. I'm going now." - -"Pity you ever came," snarled the old woman, restlessly. "You're only -bringing your par to the gallers. If you speak to that imp, he'll put -a rope round the neck of your par for sure." - -"Neddy will do nothing to harm me and mine, as he is fond of me." - -"Oh, is he? Then he'll hev to tell lies to save your par." - -Claudia hesitated at the door. "I tell you what, Mrs. Vence," she -said. "When you come to Maranatha I shall got my father and Mr. Craver -to meet you and Lady Wyke and Neddy. Then we can thresh the matter -out." - -"You'd better bring that Sergeant Purse also," taunted Mrs. Vence, "as -he'll be on the spot to gaol that par of yours. Git on; git out. -You've worrited me with your cussed nonsense." - -Claudia, having executed her purpose, left the woman still coughing, -and swiftly ran down the stairs. At the end of the narrow street, and -when she emerged into the main thoroughfare, she hailed a taxi. -Shortly she was driving towards Earl's Court, anxiously considering -what was best to be done. It was a very pale-faced girl who entered -the tiny drawing-room in the Tenby Mansions flat. Mr. Oliver Lemby was -there stretched at length in his favourite chair, and smoking his big -pipe. He looked unkempt and uncivilised, while the room had a -neglected look. Claudia felt as though she was entering into the den -of a bear, and the growl with which Lemby received her aided the -illusion. But that Edwin was sitting in an adjacent chair and was -ready to support her, Claudia would probably have burst into tears -over this reception. What with the wear and tear of the last week, and -the trying interview with Mrs. Vence, her nerves were worn thin. She -felt that she could not bear much more strain on them. - -"Well, my gal," roared The pirate, "you've making a nice hash of -things." - -"Don't talk like that to Claudia, Lemby," said Edwin, sternly, as the -girl sank exhausted in a chair. "Don't you see she is worn out." - -"I shall talk to my own daughter as I please, hang you!" - -"No you won't! Claudia is engaged to me, and I shall protect her, let -me tell you, Lemby, that your position is not so safe that you can -afford to go on in this way." - -"My position is as safe as yours," growled the buccaneer. - -"That isn't saying much," replied Craver, with a shrug. "I am in a -difficult position also. I have explained to you that I was in the -house." - -"Yes; and I believe you scragged the old man." - -"Mrs. Vence says it was you, father," said Claudia, faintly. Lemby -rose and dashed his pipe to the ground, opening and shutting his hands -in ungovernable rage. "Where is the old wretch?" he shouted. "Only let -me got a grip of her and I'll send her to kingdom come." - -"Claudia, you are quite faint. Don't say another word for a few -minutes, and drink this glass of wine, it will revive you." - -"Thank you, Edwin." Claudia willingly accepted the offer and sipped -the port, while her father strode up and down the room like a caged -beast, cursing and storming, and generally conducting himself like a -wild man of the woods. Edwin sat beside Claudia and attended to the -girl, occasionally glancing at the buccaneer with a contemptuous -smile. The sight of this somewhat calmed Lemby, who became ashamed of -his want of self-control. With a final oath he flung himself into his -chair and sulkily demanded what was to be done. Since his daughter was -still too upset to speak, Edwin spoke for her. - -"Let us hear Claudia's report of her interview with Mrs. Vence," he -suggested. - -The wine did Claudia good, and shortly she felt much more like her -ordinary self. Without wasting further time she related tersely what -had passed between herself and the housekeeper, Edwin listened -attentively without making any remark; but Lemby growled and cursed -under his breath the whole time. "Before I left," concluded Claudia, -"I suggested that dad and Edwin and I should meet Lady Wyke, Mrs. -Vence, and Neddy at Maranatha to come to an understanding. Mrs. Vence -goes down to Hedgerton at the end of the week." - -"I'll go, too," cried the pirate, rising to again stalk up and down -the room. "Do you think that I'm going to have these lies told about -me?" - -"Are they lies?" asked Edwin, quietly. - -Lemby hesitated, "The most part are lies," he said, sulkily. - -"And what part is the truth?" - -"That about my drawing my knife on Wyke," admitted Lemby, after a -pause. "I did get in a rage when Wyke told me that he was already -married, and I did take out my knife to frighten him. But I didn't -mean a dashed thing, you know, as it ain't my way to kill silly old -buffers. 'Sides, he'd pluck, he had, as he stood quite still when I -made a run at him, and only laughed." - -"So Mrs. Vence said, dad." - -"Well, she told the truth for once. I was in a rage, but I couldn't -hit a man who stood up to me unarmed. I'm a white man, I am." - -"You said at the inquest that Wyke did not explain anything to you in -the drawing-room," said Edwin, refusing to endorse Lemby's good -opinion of himself. "Yes, I did--and for why? Wyke waited till I -cooled down and took the knife from me, still laughing. Then came the -ring at the door. He was in a hurry to see you, Craver, I expect, for -he blamed well bolted down the stairs and forgot to lay down my -knife." - -"He took it with him?" gasped Claudia, leaning forward. - -"Don't I say he did?" growled her amiable parent. "Yes, he took the -knife with him, being in such a hurry. I didn't leave the drawing-room -for ever so long, and Mrs. Vence is a liar in saying that I did. I -waited until I heard voices, then came down and found that the old man -had passed in his cheques. When I saw it was my knife sticking in his -blessed old heart I made up my mind to say as little as I could. And -that," ended Lemby, turning towards Edwin, "was the reason as I lied -about his making explanations in the drawing-room. What else could I -do?" - -"Nothing," said Craver, promptly; "being innocent, there was no need -for you to incriminate yourself. This is the truth, I suppose?" - -"Yes it is. Why should I tell lies." - -"Well, you did, you know, at the inquest. Anyhow, we have your story -and the housekeeper's story. Now we must learn what Neddy Mellin has -to say." - -"I am sure that the boy knows the truth," said Claudia, positively. -"Mrs. Vence admitted that he was in the kitchen all the time. She -seemed sorry that she told me so." - -"I daresay," remarked Edwin, "she has said too much. Well, Lemby?" - -"I'll come down to Hedgerton with you," said the pirate, promptly. - -And in this practical way the matter was settled. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - - -All this time Lady Wyke gave no sign of her intentions. After her -interview with Craver, when she assured him that a will had been made, -in his favour the wily woman remained silent. Perhaps she was waiting -for the young man to take the bribe and marry her, trusting to his -ignorance of the law concerning wills being rendered null and void by -marriage. Perhaps she was waiting for the arrival of Mrs. Vence, in -order to collect evidence and send Claudia's father to the gallows. No -one could tell what she meant to do. - -In spite of the dark clouds by which she was surrounded, Claudia felt -happier when she returned to Hedgerton Rectory. Her father was with -her, and Edwin also; so, protected in this way, she somehow felt safe. -Assured by Lemby that he was guiltless, and believing implicitly that -he had spoken the truth, Claudia felt convinced that Lady Wyke would -not be able to ruin him. Doubtless her father had his faults; and his -foolish rage, which had led him to draw his knife on Wyke, had placed -him in an awkward position. All the same, it was not to be thought of -for one moment that he would be allowed to suffer for a crime, of -which he was wholly innocent. And, indeed, as the girl reflected, Lady -Wyke could not herself be positive of his guilt, or she would long ago -have had him arrested. Much of the truth had come to light concerning -the Hedgerton tragedy; but more had to come before the assassin of -Wyke could be placed in the dock. Since her father was innocent and -Edwin was innocent, Claudia could not think who was guilty. In the -railway carriage, when on the way to Redleigh, she asked Edwin's -opinion. - -"H'm!" said the young man when thus appealed to. "It is difficult to -say, my dear girl. The truth may be found in Lady Wyke's past life." - -"What do you mean, Edwin?" - -"Well, you see, Lady Wyke knew that her husband had made a will in her -favour, for when she called on Sandal to say that she was alive, and -to stop the marriage with you, she made sure that there was no new -will. Now let us suppose that she learnt Wyke's intention of leaving -the money to me, so that I could marry you, is it not likely that she -would try and stop him making the new will?" - -"Yes," said Lemby, from his corner of the compartment, "it blamed well -is. Do you mean to say, Craver, that Lady Wyke murdered the man -herself?" - -"No. Because, so far as we know, she did not come down to Hedgerton -until after the murder. If she had, her sister, Mrs. Mellin, would -have recognised her. But Lady Wyke might have hired someone to stab -Sir Hector." - -"Pigs might fly," said the pirate, disbelievingly and vulgarly. "Why. -beyond yourself and myself, there was no one in the house at the -time." - -"Neddy was in the house," suggested Claudia. - -"Pouf!" said her father, contemptuously. "You don't mean to say that -such a small boy struck so vigorous a blow." - -"No, I don't. But Neddy might know if a third person came to Maranatha -on that night." - -"I wonder if Mrs. Vence killed the man herself?" murmured Edwin, -thoughtfully. - -"Of course not!" cried Claudia, quickly. "She had every reason to keep -Sir Hector alive, seeing that she had lost a good situation by his -death." - -"Well, I give it up in despair. What do you think, Lemby?" - -"I don't think at all," growled the big man, truculently. "It's a -dashed mystery, it is. If your theory is correct, and Lady Wyke hired -someone to stab the old man so that he mightn't make a new will, the -cove must have sneaked in by the back door." - -"If he did Neddy will know, because he was in the kitchen long before -the crime was committed," said Miss Lemby. "Mrs. Vence admitted as -much." - -"If Neddy saw any third person enter in that way, Mrs. Vence saw him -too," declared Edwin, positively, "for she was in the kitchen also." - -"Not all the time, Edwin. She was running about the house listening, -and looking through keyholes, as I told you." - -"It is a mystery," sighed the young man, after a pause. "All we can do -is to wait for the arrival of Neddy and Mrs. Vence." - -"Mrs. Vence will be down on Saturday and Neddy on Sunday," said -Claudia. "You know he sings at the Tit-Bits Music Hall this week." - -"He hasn't made his appearance yet," growled Lemby. "Since you spoke -of the brat I have looked at the newspapers for his appearance. -Anyhow, whether he comes or not I'm going to see Lady Wyke." - -"What for?" - -"To ask her to many me," said Lemby, coolly. - -"She won't," said Craver with a stare of astonishment. "You are the -most hopeful man in the world if you think so, Lemby." - -"It's cheek as does it, Craver. Anyhow, I'm going to have a shot at -it. She can but say no." - -"It strikes me, Lemby," said the young man, drily, "that she'll say -much more." By the time the conversation reached this point, the train -was slowing down alongside the Redleigh platform. Edwin got his -motorcycle out of the luggage-room where he had stowed it, and, -placing Claudia in the sidecar, whirled off to Hedgerton. Lemby -engaged the same trap as he had formerly taken when paying his visit -to Wyke, and hoisted his portmanteau on to the seat beside Sankey. He -did not intend to go to the rectory, as knew that he would feel -uncomfortable in the company of two such precise people as the Rector -and his wife. Therefore he ordered Sankey to drive to the Jack Ashore -Inn, where he had talked with Sergeant Purse. - -Claudia and Edwin were welcomed back joyfully to the Rectory, for the -old couple had missed them sorely. Mrs. Craver, being the soul of -hospitality, was vexed to hear that the girl's father had gone to the -inn instead of coming to the Rectory. She was anxious to make his -acquaintance and see at close quarters what he was like. Of course, -she had beheld him afar off when the inquest was taking place; but she -naturally desired to talk to him and examine him and learn all about -him. She little guessed that Claudia was relieved at her father's -decision to go to the Jack Ashore. The girl had an uneasy feeling that -prim Mrs. Craver would not approve of the tyrant. It was with some -uneasiness that she waited for the call Lemby proposed to pay, for the -purpose of making acquaintance with the Rector and his wife. But he -never came, either to dinner nor after dinner. Although Claudia was -relieved in one way, she was annoyed in another, as she did not wish -Mrs. Craver to think that her father was entirely devoid of manners. - -The fact is that Lemby quite intended to go to the Rectory for his -meal and to meet his prospective relatives. But after he had settled -himself at the inn, he began to think that it would be just as well to -get the interview over. There was no doubt about it that Lady Wyke was -in a position to make things hot for him if she used the evidence of -Mrs. Vence, so that the buccaneer thought that he would close her -mouth by requesting her hand in marriage. It was ridiculous to think -for one moment that she would prefer a battered old pirate such as he -was to a smart and handsome young fellow like Craver. But Lemby had -always made his way by sheer audacity, and he hoped to storm Lady Wyke -into submission. In this truculent frame of mind he set out for -Maranatha shortly after six o'clock. - -When he sent in his card Lady Wyke received him at once, and he looked -upon this reception as a good omen. He little knew that the little -woman wished to learn the plans of her enemies, and had received him -so blandly with the object of pumping him. For the purpose of -conquest, and to show that he knew what civilisation was, Lemby had -arrayed himself in evening dress. He looked a fine, handsome man, when -he entered the big drawing-room, and the mellow light of the lamps -took years off his life, as they did off the life of Lady Wyke. She -came forward with a smile to greet him, looking remarkably attractive -and well preserved in a gorgeous dinner-gown of crimson and black. - -"I am so glad to see you, Mr. Lemby," she said, graciously. "We have -not met for ever so long, although we have had much correspondence." - -"I reckon," said the pirate, coolly, "that the correspondence wasn't -over-satisfactory to me." - -"Ah, but you must make allowances for a woman's whims," said Lady -Wyke, with equal coolness. "I read between the lines, you know." - -"Then you must guess why I have called." - -"Perhaps I do, and perhaps I don t. Anyhow, Mr. Lemby, as you are -here, you may as well have dinner with me." - -"I thought you'd ask me," said the buccaneer, with has ineffable -audacity, "so I got tidied up on purpose." - -"So clever of you," said his hostess, with a queer smile, and rang the -bell to order that another knife and fork should be placed on the -table. - -The two chatted about this matter and that. They discussed the news in -the daily papers, they talked about various other experiences in -America and in the South Seas, and touched upon every subject save on -that which was nearest to their hearts. Both wished to break the ice -and converse about the murder, but neither would speak first on so -serious a subject. By the time the dinner-gong thundered both were -quite friendly yet got quite watchful. It, seemed as though the -good-fellowship of the meal was necessary to break down the reserve -between them. But the moment had not yet come. - -"Give me your arm, Mr. Lemby," said Lady Wyke, languidly graceful, and -showing nothing of the vicious cat who had fought with the man's -daughter. "I'm sure you must be hungry." - -"I live on love," said the pirate, gruffly, and, as he thought, -gallantly. "You must be hungry, then, as there is nothing for you to -eat of that nature." - -Lemby turned aside the arrow with a laugh, and shortly found himself -seated at a beautifully-decorated table, to eat a delicately-cooked -dinner. He did full justice to the admirable dishes and to the very -excellent wine, while Lady Wyke ate little and amused him with -desultory conversation. All the time she was watching him, wondering -why he had called and what he was trying to do. So far she could not -fathom his motives; but when champagne had loosened his tongue and -tobacco had soothed his nerves--if he had any--she hoped to learn all -she desired to learn. But during dinner she purposely kept off the -subject of the murder, and it was only when they returned to the -scented drawing-room that she spoke. Then the pirate, in a comfortable -armchair, sipped his coffee and smoked an excellent cigar, while his -hostess trifled with a cigarette and began to talk sense for the first -time during the evening. - -"Well, Mr. Lemby," she said, resolutely, "let us get to business." - -"What business?" asked the buccaneer, wilfully dense. - -"That about which we correspond," said Lady Wyke, promptly. "You said -that you would assist me to learn who murdered my husband so I presume -you have come to tell me something about your discoveries." - -"I haven't made any you don't know anything about," said Lemby, -incoherently. - -"What do I know?" - -"You dashed well know that Craver was the man who sloped on the -postman's bike on that night. You tried to rope him into the business, -hut failed." - -"For the time being I have failed, Mr. Lemby; but I may rope him in, -as you put it, later. Well, and what else do I know?" - -"You know that Mrs. Vence is a liar." - -"Oh, do I?" Lady Wyke raised her eyebrows. - -"Yes. Claudia saw Mrs. Vence the other day--yesterday, in fact, and -she said----" - -"Mrs. Vence or Claudia? Do be accurate." - -"The old woman," growled Lemby, who did not like to be interrupted. -"She said as how I came down the stairs with my knife and murdered -Wyke." - -"Well, the knife with which the crime was committed is yours, you -know." - -"Who says so? How do you know?" - -"Mrs. Vence says so. She told me." - -"Then she's a liar." - -Lady Wyke shrugged her shoulders. "You'll have to make a stronger -defence than that Mr. Lemby. We may as well be plain with one another. -I have asked Mrs. Vence to come down here, and she will be in this -house on Friday evening. I shan't be here to receive her, -unfortunately, as I have to go to London to get that will of mine -destroyed." - -"What will?" - -"One I made in favour of Mr. Craver." - -"He told me," nodded Lemby. "Silly business, seeing that a marriage -makes it so much waste paper." - -"Oh, Mr. Craver has found that out, has he?" said Lady Wyke calmly. "I -thought he wasn't clever enough. Yes, it was a false move on my part, -and I'm going to tear up the will. It's of no use now. I only made it -to try and get Mr. Craver to marry me. Well, then, I'm going up on -Friday for that purpose, and will return on Saturday evening. But you -must not see Mrs. Vence in the meantime, and I shall leave word that -she is not to see you. When I return, then, in my presence, you can -meet her and defend yourself." - -"It's all dashed rot!" cried Lemby, with disgust. "I never killed the -man, nor did Craver." - -"Then who did?" - -"Might have been Mrs. Vence." - -"Rubbish! It was her interest to keep him alive. She lost a good -situation by my husband's death remember." - -"It might have been Neddy. He was in the house all the time." - -"So Mrs. Vence says. But a boy like that--pooh!" - -"Might have been yourself." - -Lady Wyke laughed. "I was in London at the time, and can prove that I -was. I don't think, however, that I'll be called upon to defend -myself." - -"Why not?" said Lemby, significantly. "I might suggest that to -Purse----" - -"And you will unless I agree to marry you," finished the woman, -coolly. - -"That's right smart of you," Lemby assured her. "I came here to ask -you to marry me. Craver won't have you; he set on Claudia." - -"I haven't lost all hope yet of getting him," said Lady Wyke through -her clenched teeth, and looked at the man in a lowering way. - -"Shucks! There's no chance there. Marry me." - -"No. But I'll make a bargain with you." - -"What is it?" - -"If Edwin will not marry me he must be hanged. Help me to hang him, -and I'll become your wife." - -Lemby was quite unmoved by this villainous proposal. "No, ma'am, that -wouldn't be dealing square. I must think of my gal, you know. Try -another man for the job. I'm no saint, but I draw the line at your -suggestion." - -"I shall try no other man," cried Lady Wyke, standing up and smiling -strangely; "and, indeed, I need no assistance. I can prove Mr. -Craver's guilt. Mrs. Vence is coming down, Neddy is coming down, -and I have him in a trap. If Mr. Craver is not in gaol by Monday -afternoon----" - -"Well, ma'am?" Questioned the pirate, roughly, and bending forward. - -"I'll marry you when and where you like." - -"It's a bargain," said Lemby, gruffly; "and I'll twist your neck if -you break it." - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - - -Mr. Oliver Lemby did not trouble to see Lady Wyke again. The two quite -understood one another, and there was no need for further -conversation. Seeing what Claudia had learnt from Mrs. Vence, the -pirate was indeed surprised that Sir Hector's widow intended to leave -him alone and get Edwin arrested. Being so passionate and vindictive a -woman, it was natural enough that she desired rather to see Craver in -the dock than at the altar beside Claudia. Since she could not get him -herself--and she had tried every means in her power to win him--it was -plain that she intended to see him hanged rather than permit him to -marry her rival. Her motive was easily guessed, but what puzzled Lemby -was how she meant to bring about her aim. The evidence of Mrs. Vence, -as the pirate knew, was against him, and involved him deeply in the -crime. Therefore it did not seem much good for the widow to bring the -housekeeper down to Hedgerton in order to implicate Edwin, which, on -the face of it, she could not do. The sole way in which Lemby could -conjecture Lady Wyke intended to act was that Neddy would be used to -accuse Craver. But then Neddy liked Craver, and was friendly to -Claudia, so he might not be inclined to the woman's bidding. And, so -far as could be seen. Lady Wyke had no means of compelling the boy, or -Mrs. Vence either, to give false evidence. It was all a mystery. - -It said a good deal for Lemby's nerves that he was able to enjoy -himself in Hedgerton with the sword of Damocles hanging over his head. -But enjoy himself he did, and made himself very agreeable to the old -people. Claudia's fears proved to be groundless, for her father -behaved with unusual meekness, and showed the best side of his -character. Lemby was not altogether bad, and had many good points. -Refined he assuredly was not, but he had the breezy, gay air of a -soldier of fortune, which fascinated the Rector and his wife. They had -never before met with such a one, and the novelty of his conversation -charmed them. The pirate talked of adventures in the South Seas, of -wanderings in Patagonia, Peru, and Brazil, and of strange doings in -Australia. A tendency to exaggeration and boastfulness which -characterised his speech made Mr. Craver dub him Parolles, after the -personage in Shakespeare's comedy. But Lemby, ignorant of literature, -took this as a compliment, which amused the Rector greatly. On the -whole, Claudia found that her father was a greater success than might -have been hoped for, and therefore breathed more freely. He certainly -behaved very well for a man of his loose habits and loose upbringing. - -The pirate did not tell his daughter how Lady Wyke had arranged to -marry him if Edwin was arrested. In the first place, he did not see -how she was going to bring about such a catastrophe, and in the second -he saw no reason to worry Claudia. If nothing happened before Sunday, -then Craver determined to force his way into Maranatha, along with -Claudia and Lemby, in order to face Mrs. Vence in Lady Wyke's -presence. Matters, as he said, must come to a climax somehow and at -some time. Things could not go on as they were doing. - -"Didn't Lady Wyke, say what she intended to do?" Edwin asked Lemby for -the fourth or fifth time on Saturday morning. - -"No," said the buccaneer, with an unmoved face, and lying glibly. "I -called to see her. I had dinner with her, and after dinner I asked her -to marry me. She said that she would think about it." - -"Rather strange, Lemby, considering Lady Wyke must know how Mrs. Vence -accuses you of committing the crime." - -"I told her that the woman was a liar, and she believed me," said -Lemby. - -"Hum!" replied Craver, doubtfully. "I don't think that Lady Wyke is a -woman to be so easily convinced. She'll have you arrested, my friend." - -"She may do the same to you, Craver." - -"Well, she might. Going by circumstantial evidence, things look very -black against us both. Your use of the knife and my use of the -postman's bicycle both go to show that each had a finger in the pie. -If Sergeant Purse knew----" - -"I don't care whether he knows or not," broke in Lemby. "I'm willing -to stand my trial if you are." - -"Well," said Craver, with a shrug, "we may both be placed in the dock. -It all depends upon Lady Wyke and Mrs. Vence. I suppose you know that -she arrived at Maranatha last night. Mrs. Mellin told Mrs. Craver, and -added that Lady Wyke had gone to town. It is strange that Lady Wyke -didn't wait to see her visitor." - -"Oh, I can explain that," said Lemby, stolidly. "Lady Wyke told me she -was going to London to destroy that silly will she made in your -favour. She admitted that it didn't work since you refused to marry -her." - -"I should think I did refuse," said Edwin, heatedly. "I marry Claudia, -or no one, Lemby. However, Lady Wyke went to London at mid-day on -Friday, and Mrs. Vence arrived at Maranatha late last night. I wish -you could see her." - -"I can't. Lady Wyke said that she would give orders that Mrs. Vence -was not to see me except in her presence." - -"She'll see the lot of us in her presence," said Edwin, grimly. -"To-morrow or on Monday we go to Maranatha and thresh the whole matter -out." - -"I'm agreeable," said Lemby. "What are you going to do to-day?" - -"I have to see about some repairs to my aeroplane, and late in the -afternoon I intend to take a flight. Will you come with me?" - -"No, thank you." - -Craver then left the buccaneer with the Rector, and walked along the -cliffs to the barn where his aeroplane was sheltered. The building was -a tithe barn standing on glebe land belonging to the Rector of -Hedgerton, but, being little used, had fallen into decay. As it was a -very large erection with brick walls and thatched roof, Edwin had -cleverly turned it into a shelter for his aeroplane by breaking down -the front and adding huge double doors. There was ample room for the -machine, notwithstanding the wide spread of its wings, and it slipped -in and out very easily. In the barn there was a loft which nobody -used, and the rude ladder from the ground to the opening overhead had -long since been taken away. Mr. Craver did not trouble about the loft, -but left it to the rats and owls, to the nesting of starlings and -swallows. He was content to have the roof rainproof and the doors -stout, so that the machine could be kept dry and wholly safe from -robbers. On the whole, it was a most convenient place for the -aeroplane, as the machine had plenty of room outside when it emerged -to run for the time before ascending. Nothing could have suited -Craver's purpose better. - -To Edwin's surprise he found Neddy Mellin hovering round the barn when -he arrived, trying the doors and peeping in at various points. The lad -looked rather pale, but was as smart as ever in his Eton suit. Craver -wondered why he had come to Hedgerton, considering that he was engaged -to sing at the Tit-Bits Music Hall, and might necessarily be supposed -to have remained in town for the Saturday matinee. - -"What the dickens are you doing here, Neddy?" he asked, sharply. - -"I'm trying to get a squint at your aeroplane, sir," said Neddy, -smartly touching his hat. "There isn't any harm in that, is there, -sir?" - -"No. I don't mean that. Neddy. But why aren't you singing?" - -"Well, sir, I've got a touch of hoarseness, and the cove as teaches me -said I'd better wait until next week. I was going to sing 'Sally in -Our Alley' this week, but I didn't. I'm choky, sir." - -The boy certainly spoke in rather a hoarse manner, and Edwin advised -him to go homo and surrender himself to his mother's care. "The wind -is rather keen, Neddy, and you might catch a fresh cold." -"Oh, I'm all right, sir," said the lad, indifferently. "Mother only -bothers me with her medicine and coddling. Do let me have a look at -the machine, sir, and do take me up with you this afternoon." - -"I can't do that unless your mother consents, Neddy." said Craver, -kindly. "But by all means you can look at the aeroplane." - -He unlocked the doors and conducted the delighted boy into the vast -interior of the barn. The next two hours were spent joyfully by Neddy -in assisting Craver to do the necessary repairs, and he proved to be -very useful in getting what was wanted. With the eager curiosity of -his age the lad examined every portion of the machine and asked -innumerable questions. All these Edwin answered good-naturedly. Once -or twice it was on the tip of his tongue to question Neddy about the -events of the night when Wyke met with his death, but on swift -reflection he decided to wait for a more fitting occasion. As the boy -was devoted to Claudia and very grateful to himself for being allowed -to help with the repairs, Edwin believed that he would not side with -Lady Wyke, however much she wished it. Therefore he was quite content -to wait. Later on, when Claudia was with him, they could examine the -boy together and learn what he really knew likely to reveal the truth. - -About twelve o'clock Edwin found that he had left a particular screw -at home, and went back for it. Neddy offered to go readily; but Craver -alone knew where the screw was to be found, and went himself. He left -Neddy in charge of the barn and the aeroplane, warning him not to -allow anyone to enter. With great pride the lad took up his post as -sentry, and Edwin ran back across the wide spaces of land to the -rectory, intending to return immediately. But he was prevented from -doing so. - -"I saw Mrs. Vence on the esplanade," said Claudia, meeting her lover -at the gate. "I saw her when I went out for an errand for your -mother." - -"Did you speak to her?" - -"No. I was some distance away, and when she saw me she ran off." - -"Ran off! That old woman?" - -"Oh, Edwin, she is very quick on her legs, and got out of the way in a -most surprising manner. Afterwards I met Mrs. Mellin down in the -village, and she told me that Mrs. Vence was looking for Neddy." - -"What does she want with him?" asked Craver, suspiciously. "I don't -know. Perhaps she wants to tell him to hold his tongue, and is afraid -lest we should question him." - -"I haven't questioned him yet, Claudia; but now that I know Mrs. Vence -is on the warpath I shall ask him immediately I return to the barn. It -is just as well for us to learn what he knows before Mrs. Vence gets -hold of him. All the same, I don't see why she should tell him to hold -his tongue." - -"We don't know if she intends to do so, Edwin. It is only a guess on -my part, dear. Is Neddy still with you?" - -"Yes. He has been with me for the last two hours helping with the -repairs. I suppose his mother knows where he is." - -"Yes. She said that Mrs. Vence sent a message from Maranatha asking -that Neddy should come to see her, and Mrs. Mellin replied that he was -at the barn on the cliffs with you. He told his mother that he was -going to try and see the aeroplane. Then, I suppose, Mrs. Vence came -out to look for him." - -"She hasn't been near the barn, at any rate. Claudia, I am very -suspicious of that old woman. It seems to me that she wants to make -Neddy hold his tongue." - -"Why should she?" - -"Oh, I don't know," Craver pondered, deeply. "After all, she may have -slipped the knife into Wyke herself. Remember, he brought it down the -stairs and may have laid it on the study table when speaking to me. -Now that I come to think of it." added Edwin with a start, "he did. I -remember distinctly." - -"Why didn't you say so before?" - -"I forgot. All this business is refreshing my memory. Remember, -Claudia, I was very upset at the moment, and my mind was somewhat -clouded. It's only coming back to me bit by bit. Yes, Wyke did have -the knife, and did throw it on the table before he took me into the -dining-room. He returned there, and perhaps Mrs. Vence met him with -the knife in her hand to----" - -"Edwin! Edwin! We can't be sure. She had no reason to murder Sir -Hector." - -"Has she any reason to force Neddy to hold his tongue?" - -"We don't know if she has any such intention, Edwin." - -"Let us find out, Claudia. Wait for a minute. I want to find a screw, -and then we can both go back to question the boy. We must examine him -before Mrs. Vence puts her oar in." - -Claudia consented, and Edwin ran into the rectory. He was a long time -away, as he could not find the screw. When he did return, he set out -at once for the barn with Claudia. By this time he had been absent -fully three-quarters of an hour. Never thinking of the shock that was -waiting for them, the young couple walked leisurely towards the barn -and along the cliffs, chatting easily. Shortly they arrived at the -building, but could see no sign of Neddy outside, although Edwin -expected to find him doing sentry-go. With an exclamation of vexation -at Neddy's negligence, he stepped within, and then cried out; -"Claudia! Come quick." - -The girl, who was listening behind, ran in to see Craver stooping over -the insensible form of the lad. Neddy was lying face downwards and -bleeding from an ugly wound in the head, evidently inflicted by some -blunt instrument. To all appearances he was dead. - -"Oh, Edwin! who has done this?" cried Claudia, piteously, as she knelt -beside the poor boy's body. - -"I suspect Mrs. Vance, although I have no reason to believe so. We -must carry him to the rectory, Claudia, as we can do nothing with him -here." - -"Is he dead?" - -"I think not. Only stunned. Wait a minute. Claudia, I'll ask one of -the coastguards to watch the barn and get another to help." - -Edwin ran off, while Claudia tried to staunch the wound with her -handkerchief. Shortly the young man came back with the two men, and -while one remained to guard the machine, the other assisted Edwin to -carry the insensible hoy to the rectory. Mrs. Craver received them at -the door, and was loud in her expressions of regret. A messenger was -sent off for the doctor and for Mrs. Mellin, while Neddy was attended -to by the rector's wife and by Claudia. - -The two did all they could to revive him. But the blow had been so -heavy that the boy was quite stunned. Nevertheless, after much trouble -with brandy, and bathing and smelling-salts, the boy vaguely opened -his blue eyes. At once his gaze fell on Claudia bending over him. His -lips moved. - -"She did it." - -"Who?" - -"Mrs. Vence." - -"Why, Neddy?" - -The boy's gaze wandered, and he showed signs of relapsing into -insensibility again. But Claudia, knowing what was at stake, asked the -question again. - -"Mrs.--Vence--murdered--the--old 'un!" Then Neddy's eyes closed and -again he became insensible. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - - -After that momentary gleam of consciousness, Neddy relapsed into -insensibility, and became dead to the world for a long time. Mrs. -Mellin arrived in tears, and insisted that the boy should be removed -to her own poor home, so that he might be nursed and looked after. But -the doctor, who was by this time on the spot, urged that the poor lad -should be taken at once to the Redleigh Hospital, as it was probable -that an operation would be necessary. The rector agreed with this -suggestion, and after a lengthy argument Mrs. Mellin was induced to -consent to the arrangement. A motor-car carried both Neddy and his -mother to Redleigh, and everything possible having thus been done for -the victim, it now remained to find the assailant. It was fortunate -that the boy had been able to give the name of the person who struck -him down, as it made things easier for the police. While Neddy was -being attended to, Edwin wired to Redleigh for Sergeant Purse, and he -was expected to arrive every moment. But before the officer came the -injured boy was removed to the hospital. - -While the rector and his wife were talking over the untoward event, -Claudia managed to draw her lover into another room for a private -conversation. This privacy was necessary, as, knowing what they did, -the young couple could not converse freely in the presence of Mr. and -Mrs. Craver. Edwin still wished to keep them in ignorance of what was -going on, as things were not yet shipshape. When Claudia had Edwin to -herself, and bluntly asked what he was going to do, he quite as -bluntly answered her. - -"I'm going to tell the whole story to Sergeant Purse," he said, -firmly. - -"But you and dad may be arrested if you tell the truth," protested the -girl uneasily. - -"I don't think so. Remember, in your presence and in the presence of -my mother, Neddy has accused Mrs. Vence of the crime. Until she is -caught, and the truth of the statement is proved, Purse may have us -watched, but he certainly will not arrest us." - -"Do you think that Mrs. Vence is guilty, Edwin?" - -"I am sure of it. Otherwise, why should the boy say so." - -"Mrs. Vence was certainly uneasy when she let slip the fact that Neddy -was in the house all the time," said Miss Lemby, thoughtfully. - -"I quite understand that," replied the young man, promptly. "In the -heat of the conversation she said too much. Like many another clever -criminal, she gave herself away." - -"But why should she murder Sir Hector?" - -"That is what we have to find out, and will learn when she is -arrested." - -"Hiding somewhere, Claudia. From what Mrs. Mellin said, she knew where -the boy was to be found, and probably followed him. I daresay she was -lurking round the barn while Neddy was assisting me with the repairs, -but, owing to my presence, did not get a chance of harming him. Then, -when I came back for the screw, she took the opportunity and, as she -thought, killed the one witness who could prove her guilt." - -Claudia nodded. "It seems to be plain enough. But are you wise in -telling the sergeant what you and dad have had to do with the crime? -Would it not be better to wait until Mrs. Vence is arrested and -confesses her guilt?" - -"No, Claudia," said Edwin, positively. "I must speak out now. There -has been quite enough of this hole-and-corner work. Your father and I -are both quite innocent, and for our own safety we must put ourselves -under the protection of the law; otherwise the deuce, knows what will -happen." - -Claudia, after some consideration, agreed with this view, but begged -Edwin not to confess until her father was consulted. The young man had -no objection to taking this course, and in order to lose no time he -set out for the inn with the intention of bringing Lemby back to the -rectory. Then the three could wait for the arrival of Purse and the -statement could be made. So matters were arranged; but, as Fate would -have it, Claudia and her lover met the sergeant driving along the -esplanade while on their way to the village. He stopped the trap when -he saw them and made inquiries. - -"What's this about your having found out who murdered Sir Hector -Wyke?" asked the lean little man, abruptly. "I just received your -message, Mr. Craver, and came on at once. Three or four policemen are -following." - -"You will need them all, and need Jervis, too, in order to catch Mrs. -Vence," said Craver, promptly. "She is the culprit." - -"Who says so?" - -"Neddy Mellin." And Edwin gave a hasty sketch of what had happened, so -as to put Purse in full possession of the facts. - -When he had concluded, the sergeant whistled. "Fancy that, now. I -never should have suspected that old woman. She gave her evidence very -clearly at the inquest, and put me off the scent by her very -clearness. I should like to see the boy and question him." - -"You can't," said Claudia, quickly. "He only became conscious enough -to tell, in my presence, and in the presence of Mrs. Craver, who had -struck him down. Now he is insensible again, and has been taken to the -Redleigh Hospital." - -"Oh, has he? I wish I had seen him before he went. However, I can call -at the hospital when I return." - -"That won't do much good, sergeant," said Craver, with a shrug. "The -boy is not able to recognise anyone or to talk at all. Better come -with me and with Miss Lemby, here, to see her father, who is at the -Jack Ashore." - -"What for?" asked Purse, suspiciously. - -"We have something to tell you." - -"In connection with the death of Sir Hector Wyke?" - -"Yes. It won't take long to put you in possession of what we know, and -then you can search for Mrs. Vence." Purse drew out his watch. "I'll -give you half an hour," he said, pompously. "We can then go back to -the Rectory. I have told my men to meet me there. In fact, Mr. Craver, -I expected to find you there also." - -"You would have," said Edwin drily, "but that the necessity arose of -my going to see Mr. Lemby about what we have to tell you." - -"And Miss Lemby?" - -"She wishes to be present, although she has nothing to do with the -mater." - -"Oh, but I have," chimed in Claudia. "I can tell the sergeant what -Mrs. Vence said to me the other day." - -Purse grunted and looked suspiciously at the girl, then, with a nod, -agreed to do as he was asked. The Redleigh trap was dismissed, and the -trio walked on to the inn. There, in the very room wherein the officer -had seen Lemby prior to the inquest, he saw him again. The pirate was -startled and disturbed by this invasion of his privacy, and when Edwin -privately told him of the determination he had arrived at, he hoarsely -objected. But matters had gone too far for these objections to have -any weight, so in the end Mr. Lemby was quite agreeable to say what he -knew. Then the quartette took their seats, and Purse produced his -pocket-book. - -"Anything you say will be used in evidence against you," he recited, -in quite a mechanical way. "Now, Mr. Craver." - -Edwin related in what way he was connected in the matter, and Purse -started when he heard that the man before him was the hero of the red -bicycle escapade. But he did not interrupt, and speedily noted down -all details. Lemby followed immediately on Edwin's heels, and -recounted the episode of the knife, which he bluntly acknowledged to -be his. Then Claudia took up the tale, and put the sergeant in -possession of all facts connected with the hunt for the assassin, -including her visit to Mrs. Vence and the statement of Neddy that the -old woman was the culprit. All these things the officer took down, and -scribbled furiously. When he had finished, and his book was replaced -in his pocket, he looked steadily at the three people before him. - -"You have all acted wrongly," said the sergeant, in a harsh, official -voice. "I should have known of these things long ago." - -"We were not bound to incriminate ourselves," said Edwin, smartly. - -"I could have helped you." - -"Not you, confound it!" growled Lemby, aggressively. "If we had owned -up before the truth became known you would have run us in. Come now, -confess." - -"Well, it is probable that I should," admitted the sergeant, -reluctantly. "After all, things look black against you and against Mr. -Craver here." - -"Of course. And that is the dashed reason why we held our tongues." - -Purse, after reflection, made no answer to this, and rose to intimate -that the conference was at an end. - -"The next thing to be done is to find this old woman," said the -sergeant. - -"Wait a moment," said Lemby, rising. "How do we stand?" - -"Where you were," said Purse, gruffly. "I don't intend to have you -arrested, if you mean that. But until this business is cleared up by -the arrest of Mrs. Vence, I'll keep an eye on you." - -"That is only reasonable," said Edwin, readily. "However, I beg one -boon of you, sergeant. Don t let my father or my mother know anything -about what we have told you." - -"If Mrs. Vence is arrested, the whole story must come out, sir." - -"Then wait until you do arrest the woman. But until Mr. Lemby and I -are free from danger, I don't wish my parents to know." - -"Fair enough," growled the sergeant "I'll hold my tongue. Now come -along. She can't have gone far, and we'll soon lay hands on her. The -old wretch, to cheat me so! Hang her! She has pulled the wool over my -eyes." - -There was no doubt of this. Mrs. Vence had proved too clever for Purse -at the inquest, and it seemed as though she would again escape him. -All that afternoon search was made throughout Hedgerton, but without -success. The servants at Maranatha stated that Mrs. Vence had left the -house hours ago and had not returned. An inquiry at Mrs. Mellin's -cottage showed that the old woman had not been there. Various people, -questioned by the police, stated that they had seen the housekeeper -wandering about the esplanade, and a coastguard remembered to have -noticed her on the cliffs. These were searched, the beach was -examined, the woods round Hedgerton were explored, and the village -itself was beaten for the fugitive, but all unsuccessfully. It seemed -as though Mrs. Vence had taken wings to herself and had flown away. -Yet it seemed ridiculous to think that so old and so infirm a woman -could escape so easily. By the time it was four o'clock the sergeant -was furious at being made to look such a fool. But swearing did not -help him. Mrs. Vence had vanished, and was nowhere to be found. - -"Well," said Purse, when he came across Edwin and Claudia at the barn, -whither they had gone to look at the aeroplane, "what's to be done -now?" - -"You can't find her?" said Miss Lemby, anxiously. - -"No. You know the old wretch by sight. See here, take this police -whistle, and if you spot her, blow for all you are worth." - -"But I am not likely to see her," protested Claudia. "If a clever man -like you can't find her, how do you expect me to?" - -"See here, young lady," broke in the irate officer. "Mrs. Vence is -hiding. While the police are about she'll not show. I intend to -collect my men at the rectory and then come along to have a talk with -the coastguard yonder. There is a man there I want to examine. Now, -when Mrs. Vence sees that the coast is clear she may venture out, as -she won't take any notice of you. Keep your eyes open and blow the -whistle if you see her. That's all I ask." - -"You ask a great deal, sergeant," said Claudia, drily. "And my -father?" - -"He will remain at the rectory with my men. Will you do what I ask?" - -"Yes. But I warn you that I don't anticipate success," said Claudia, -slipping the whistle into her pocket. - -"Neither do I. But I'm grasping at straws," growled the sergeant, who -was very hot and very angry. - -He was turning away from the barn to go to the rectory and collect his -men, when Edwin stopped him for a moment. "Have you any objection to -my taking a flight, sergeant?" he asked. "I want to try my machine now -it is repaired?" - -Edwin quite expected the man to object, but, to his surprise, the -sergeant at once assented. "Seeing you going away on the aeroplane -will make Mrs. Vence think that we have given up the hunt, and she -will venture out to escape. Go, by all means, Mr. Craver. I'll come -back to see you start." - -Purse hurried away, and Edwin made ready his machine. He only intended -to take a short flight over the water and then return, as he merely -wished to see if the repairs were all right. To provide against -accidents he placed a coil of rope on the pilot's seat. It might be -wanted, and it might not. All the same, it was just as well that it -should be there. Shortly, and just when Purse returned from the -rectory, Edwin was ready, and called two or three coastguards from -their station to assist in the ascent. While they ran the aeroplane -along the ground to give it the impetus to rise, Purse cast his eyes -here, there, and everywhere, in the hope of seeing Mrs. Vence. Why he -expected her to remain in the vicinity of her crime it is impossible -to say. But he could not help thinking that she was lurking about -close at hand. However, his attention was called from watching by the -ascent of the great machine, which rose majestically into the air, -swept round in a great circle, and then turned its nose seaward. -Looking up and following its flight, Purse walked along towards the -coastguard station, leaving Claudia seated in the shadow near the -front of the barn. She was behind one of the double doors, and could -not be seen from within. - -For a time Claudia watched the aeroplane swooping and soaring and -dipping and rising in the rainbow-coloured sunset sky. When it -dwindled to a mere black dot she let her eyes sink to the ground, and -blinked to got the dazzle out of them. Suddenly she heard a stealthy -noise, and looked through the aperture between the door and the barn, -where it swung on its hinges. To her surprise, she saw someone -climbing actively down the wall, having emerged from the trapdoor -leading to the loft. There was no ladder, as has been explained, so -the person in question had to descend like a monkey, using feet and -hands to cling to the rough wail, A glint of sunshine showed Claudia a -blue dress and a red knitted shawl, so she was not long in doubt as to -whom the individual was. Evidently Mrs. Vence, after striking down the -boy, had climbed up into the loft in order to hide, and now that she -believed the coast to be clear was trying to escape into the open. No -one had ever thought of searching the loft, so the astute old woman -had shown uncommon sense in choosing her hiding-place. - -With bated breath Claudia rose silently and waited patiently, drawing -the whistle from her pocket, Mrs. Vence, quite ignorant that she was -being watched, crept down like a huge bat, and then made a run for the -door. Just as she emerged, Claudia sprang at her and the old woman -uttered a shriek like the cry of a trapped animal. Afterwards she -became silent and fought viciously. But Claudia, knowing what was at -stake, held on tightly. In the struggle the woman's spectacles fell -off, then her bonnet and a mass of false hair. She was unmasked. - -"Lady Wyke!" gasped Claudia, "Lady Wyke!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - - -"Lady Wyke! Lady Wyke!" babbled Claudia, dazed by the amazing -discovery. - -"You beast!" snarled the detected murderess, and wrenched herself -free, to run swiftly across the open space between the barn and the -zig-zag path which led down to the beach. - -Claudia, seeing her quarry escaping, recovered her senses promptly, -and blew a shrill call on the police whistle. In a moment Sergeant -Purse, at the not too distant coastguard station, heard the signal, -and came running out. He saw in a moment the flying figure of the -woman, and sped towards her like a deer, in order to intercept her -before she reached the cliffs. At the same time Claudia sprang forward -also, and reached the fugitive almost at the same time as the officer. -Purse laid hands on his prey just as she reached the opening of the -path, and dexterously flung her on the ground. Lady Wyke, seeing that -she was lost, howled like a wild beast, and swore like several -troopers in her anger and baffled rage. But the sergeant paid no -attention to her curses. When he rose she was lying on the ground with -handcuffs on her wrists. Claudia silently stood looking down on her -captured enemy, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, so unstrung did -she feel. Unable to say a word, she turned red and white alternately, -and awaited events. - -"Get up, Mrs. Vence," said Purse, briefly. - -"It's--not--Mrs. Vence," quavered Claudia, in a shaky voice. "It's -Lady Wyke." - -"Gosh!" gasped the sergeant, astonished for once in his official life. -"Do you mean to say that she murdered her husband?" - -There was no answer from either woman. Lady Wyke rolled on the dry -grass cursing freely, while Claudia sat down on a convenient rock to -clasp her hands tightly and keep herself from trembling--in fact, from -breaking down altogether. No one else was at hand, as the policemen at -the rectory had not heard the whistle, and Purse had waved back the -coastguards who seemed disposed to approach. He did not wish anyone -should share the glory of his capture, and desired then and there to -hear Lady Wyke's story, so that he could be sure he had arrested the -right person. - -"Now, then," said Purse, shaking his finger at her sternly, "what have -you to say, madam? Remember, anything you do say will be used in -evidence against you." - -"Oh," sneered Lady Wyke, looking very white and very vicious, "and you -think that I'll be fool enough to speak after that warning. How dare -you arrest an innocent person such as I am!" - -"You are guilty," said Claudia, hoarsely. "You murdered Sir Hector." - -"It's a lie." - -"Neddy Mellin can prove it." - -"Then until he does, I am guiltless," raged the woman, furiously. -"Take these handcuffs off, man." - -"Oh, no," said the sergeant, smoothly. "I have arrested you as Mrs. -Vence, who struck down that boy. Afterwards you can be arrested for -the murder of your husband as Lady Wyke." - -"I didn't kill him, I tell you," she snarled viciously. "As to the -boy, I never saw him." - -"Rats!" growled Purse inelegantly. "If you are innocent of assault, -why did you hide in that loft?" - -Lady Wyke scowled, and saw that there was no escape from the lesser -crime. "I only hit the boy lightly to punish him for telling lies." - -"You stunned him. He is dangerously ill," said Claudia, quickly. - -"Then how can he accuse me if he hasn't his senses about him?" - -"He recovered for a moment to say that you had struck him, and he gave -the reason why you did so." - -"And the reason?" demanded the woman, with a sneer. - -"You murdered your husband." - -"Did he say that in those exact words?" - -"No. He said that Mrs. Vence had murdered Sir Hector." - -"Well, I am not Mrs. Vence, I am Lady Wyke." - -"Rot!" said the sergeant, angrily. "What the deuce are you wasting my -time for in telling lies? You are Lady Wyke sure enough, but you have -been masquerading for some purpose as an old woman under the name of -Mrs. Vence." - -"You can prove nothing against me, said Lady Wyke, sullenly. - -"Yes, we can. An operation will restore young Mellin to health, and -his evidence will hang you." - -"Hang me?" Lady Wyke shivered. - -"Yes. There is no escape, But you had better not say any more. I don't -want to trap you into a confession. Get up and come along with me. I -must take you to Redleigh Goal." - -"Oh," groaned the woman, looking at her handcuffs and then wrathfully -at the white face of Miss Lemby, "and to think that the girl should -get the better of me! But I'm not beaten yet." - -"Here, get up and come along," said Purse, harshly, and bent to lift -her. - -"Wait!" shrieked Lady Wyke, who now saw that there was indeed no -escape, and that the time had come for her to pay in full for her -wickedness. "I have a word to say first." - -"Say it then," growled the officer, sharply, "and be quick about it." - -The captured woman thought for a few moments, and then began with a -sigh to confess her wickedness, and continued with frequent sobs. Bad -as she was, Claudia was quite sorry for her apparent misery. - -"I'll tell the truth," said Lady Wyke, in a melancholy tone, but it -became sharper when Purse began to recite his formula. "Don't bother -me," she said, tartly, "but take out your pocket-book and note down -what I say." - -"I'm ready," said the sergeant, stolidly, when her command was -complied with. Lady Wyke nodded, looked at her fettered hands, and -shivered. "I never thought that I'd live to have these on," she said, -sullenly. "However, the game's up, and that girl yonder has won. It's -no use beating about the bush any longer. I did murder my husband." - -"Oh!" gasped Claudia, shrinking and wincing. - -"Yes," went on the woman plaintively. "I killed him, with the knife of -your father. To begin at the beginning"--her voice shook, but she made -an effort and continued slowly--"when I saw in America that Hector was -going to marry you. Miss Lemby, I came back to stop him from -committing bigamy." - -"He thought that you were dead." -"Well, I wasn't. I returned and saw Sandal to prove my identity. I -also learnt that the will made by Hector shortly after our marriage, -which left his property to me, was still in existence. Then I -interviewed Hector, and we had an unpleasant scene, as you may guess. -He did not want to tell you the truth immediately, but wished for time -to think over matters. To do so he proposed to go into hiding in the -country, because he was afraid lest your father should come and worry -him." - -"My father did find him out," said Claudia, while Purse went on busily -taking notes. "He learnt from Edwin where Sir Hector was." - -"Add Edwin knew because his father was Rector of Hedgerton. Well, -than, as you may guess, I was not going to let my husband give me the -slip, so I said that I would go with him. He objected, as he had fixed -upon Maranatha, in Hedgerton, as his hiding-place, and knew that I -came from there. He did not wish my sister, who was only a -washerwoman, to know that I was his wife. I therefore said that I -would make myself up as an old woman, and go as his housekeeper." - -"And your husband consented to this absurd idea?" I asked Purse, -doubtfully. - -Lady Wyke smiled drily. "He couldn't very well object, could he," she -demanded, "seeing that I had the inside running? Since he was anxious -to hide the truth about his first marriage from that girl yonder, he -had to do what I wished, as he knew that I could give the show away. - -"Well, then, being an actress, I was quite able to turn myself into an -old hag. I was Lady Wyke in London, but I arrived at Maranatha as Mrs. -Vence. Afterwards, when the house was more or less ready, Hector -arrived, and we pigged it there for some time. Hector could not -make up his mind to tell you of my reappearance, Miss Lemby, and so -dilly-dallied day after day. I kept mostly indoors, while occasionally -Hector walked out, although he discouraged people calling, which was -natural, considering he did not feel inclined for company. I -particularly refused to see my sister, Mrs. Mellin, lest she should -recognise me through my disguise. But I got Neddy to bring the -washing, and my nephew and I became very friendly." - -"Did he know, then, that you were his aunt?" asked Claudia, and Purse -mutely put the same question. - -"No. He never knew at all that Mrs. Vence and Lady Wyke were one -and the same person, which said a good deal for my cleverness in -making-up." - -"I never guessed myself," said Miss Lemby, shaking her head. - -"Another tribute to my talents," cried Lady Wyke, ironically. "Well, -then, the whole reason why I disguised myself at Hector's request, and -watched him, was to prevent him from making another will. I fancied -that he wanted to leave the money to you, Miss Lemby, and naturally I -hated you. I pigged it as my husband's housekeeper for some time, as -you know, and watched him carefully. Then, on that particular night -Mr. Oliver Lemby arrived, and saw my husband in the drawing-room. I -then----" - -"Wait a bit," broke in Purse. "Was the boy Mellin in the house then?" - -"Yes. He arrived early with the washing, and was eating some bread and -honey in the kitchen. I excused myself, and left him there while I -went up to spy at the drawing-room door keyhole. I wished to find out -if Hector was saying anything about leaving the money to you, Miss -Lemby. I saw what I told you in London, when you truly believed that I -was Mrs. Vence. Your father threatened Hector with his knife, and then -came the ring at the door. I ran down to open it, but did not know -that the newcomer was Mr. Craver. While he asked for my husband, -Hector came running downstairs with your father's knife in his hand. -He pushed me aside, told me to go to the kitchen and bring -refreshments in a quarter of an hour, and then took the stranger into -his study. I did not go to the kitchen, but listened. Then I heard -Hector say that he intended to leave the money to MV. Craver, and knew -that the stranger was Edwin. Afterwards Hector conducted Mr. Craver -into the dining-room to show him some papers. What they were I don't -know, and why they should be in the dining-room I don't know either. -But then Hector's papers and letters were always all over the place. -He was a most untidy man. - -"I stole into the study, and saw Mr. Lemby's knife on the table, where -Hector had left it. I was furious at the thought of Hector making a -new will and leaving the money to another person. The devil entered -into me, for I swear that I had no idea of killing him until then. -Hector came back for a moment and faced me as I was holding the -knife. Without waiting, I sent the knife straight into his false -heart. He gave a cry and fell. Then I heard Mr. Craver move in the -next room--the dining-room. I turned to fly, and saw Neddy Mellin -looking at me. He had seen all. I dragged him into the kitchen, and -made him promise to hold his tongue. He was scared, and did so. Then, -while Mr. Craver was bending over the body, I came in with the tray -and dropped it. The postman's knock----" - - -"Yes, yes, yes!" said Purse, closing his pocket-book; "we know all the -rest. Mr. Craver escaped on the bicycle. Hall and Jervis and Lemby -arrived, and you played the innocent goat." - -"She did more than that," said Claudia, looking very sick and white. -"She tried to implicate my father and Edwin when she knew they were -innocent." - -"Oh, that was a part of my game," said Lady Wyke, lightly. "But you -know now why I went to buy a motor. It was to make Edwin's -acquaintance. Then Neddy gave me the letter he had taken from the hall -table, and I knew that I had the upper hand of your lover. I must say -that, seeing how I could have ruined him, he was brave to stick to -you, Claudia. As to that pirate Lemby----" - -"That's enough," said Sergeant Purse, suddenly. "I have heard all that -I want to hear. Now come to Redleigh Gaol." - -"One minute," said Lady Wyke, staring across the water. "There is the -aeroplane, sergeant. Won't you wait for its arrival, and let we say -good-bye to the man I love, and for whose sake I have ruined myself?" - -"No. Come along," and Purse laid his hand lightly on her arm, never -thinking but what she would obey, "come to Redleigh Gaol." - -"Death rather!" shrieked Lady Wyke and, handcuffed as she was, sprang -down the path in a moment. How she kept, her balance was a wonder but -keep it she did, and before the two on the cliffs could gather their -senses together she was down on the beach. The aeroplane came nearer -and nearer. - -"She means to drown herself!" cried Claudia, and sprang in pursuit, -while Purse, wholly taken by surprise, blew his whistle loudly. - -At once three or four men came running from the coastguard station, -and followed the sergeant down the path. But Claudia, determined to -prevent her rival from escaping punishment, was already in pursuit. -She soon dropped to the level of the beach, and scrambled over the -boulders on to the smooth sands. Lady Wyke was speeding ahead like a -swallow, but lingered when she saw Claudia at her heels. The girl got -within touching distance of her, when the woman, with an insulting -laugh, darted off again. Claudia followed unthinkingly, and almost -before she knew what had happened, found herself in the middle of the -fatal quicksands, which had been pointed out to her by Neddy. - -Lady Wyke was already sinking fast, and laughing loudly. "I've got -you; you are trapped! No Redleigh Gaol for me, and no Edwin for you! -I'm not beaten yet, I'm not beaten yet!" - -Claudia shrieked as she felt herself in the grip of the cruel sands. -Purse and the coastguards uttered shouts of dismay, for it appeared to -be impossible to save the two women. At once two of the men scrambled -back up the cliff to get ropes and boards for the rescue. But all the -time Claudia and the rival who had lured her to destruction were -sinking deeper and deeper, Lady Wyke, in particular, going down -swiftly, as she had ran on to the sands first. Claudia was following -quickly. All at once both women heard the buzz of the machine, and -looked up to see the aeroplane directly overhead. Edwin dropped -swiftly downwards as he recognised the peril, and soon came near -enough to recognise who were in danger. With a white face, but -perfectly calm, he dropped the rope coiled on the pilot seat, and -guided the aeroplane down a short distance above the heads of the two. -Lady Wyke uttered a cry of rage as she saw Claudia grasp the rope, and -cling to it for dear life. - -"It's not fair; it's not fair!" she screamed. "She shan't be saved! Me -too; me too!" and she shook her ironbound hands impotently at the -aeroplane. Purse and his men looked on aghast, for Lady Wyke was now -up to her middle in the sand. - -There was no word, from Craver, and no cry from Claudia. The rope had -dropped truly, and one end was in her hands, while the other was -fastened to the seat of the machine. Edwin kept his engine going at -full speed, swung low, and then curved for the ascent. The rope -tightened, there came a steady pull, and Claudia was plucked from -peril, just as the sands had her in their grip up to the knees. With -an angry, despairing cry, Lady Wyke saw her hated rival swinging in -the air and borne out of danger as the aeroplane slanted skywards with -a rush. Then the pilot descended lower and lower gradually, until the -rescued girl, now on firm ground, was able to let go her hold. With a -faint moan she did so, and sank insensible on the sands, while the -aeroplane rose in the air to sweep upward majestically, to skim over -the cliffs, and finally to alight with a run near the barn. - -But Lady Wyke saw nothing of this. Swiftly and surely the greedy sands -sucked her down into their depths. Her waist, her shoulders, her neck -disappeared, while the sergeant and the coastguards looked on -helplessly. With ropes and board the rescuers scrambled down the -cliffs just as the miserable woman's black head vanished for ever. -Without a sound, she went down into the halls of death, by a far more -cruel road than the one she had forced her husband to travel. And when -Claudia awoke from her death-like trance she was lying in the -sheltering arms of her lover. - -"Lady Wyke?" she murmured, feebly. Edwin silently pointed to the -quicksands, which gleamed and glittered, and appeared to smile in the -evening light. There was not a sign of the evil woman who had been -swallowed up by them. And the incoming tide began to break in little -waves over her nameless grave. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - - -With the death of Lady Wyke and the discovery of her wickedness came -the end of trouble. There certainly remained a little to be endured by -those connected with the tragedy, for the whole strange story was made -public. That led to an invasion of Hedgerton by reporters, -photographers, and many morbid-minded people in search of sensation. -The Rectory was besieged, and Edwin, to protect Claudia from worry, -was compelled to grant interviews. The girl herself remained in her -room for some days, as she had received a severe shock. But that did -not prevent her portrait from appearing in the illustrated papers, -since it was procured from Mr. Lemby. - -The pirate was in his element. Far from disliking such publicity he -gloried in it, and turned it, to good account. Money was what he -wanted, and money was what he intended to get--as much as he could -conveniently screw of this person and that. He charged for interviews; -he had his photograph sold in the streets and in shops; he swanked and -swaggered all over the place with a view to impress everyone with his -importance. And he succeeded; for the case caused such a sensation -that an enterprising music-hall manager offered the buccaneer an -engagement at a large weekly salary. Mr. Lemby, therefore, appeared in -a kind of Captain Kidd costume to relate wild adventures in the South -Seas and in Australia. Both Edwin and Claudia were horribly ashamed. -As for Mrs. Craver, her indignation knew no bounds. - -"What kind of a man is this," she wrathfully demanded, "to have such a -daughter as you, Claudia? People didn't do these things when I was a -girl." - -"It won't last long," replied Claudia with a sigh. "Very soon the -novelty will wear off, and then father will go back to Australia." - -"I'm sure I shall be glad." said the little lady, drawing herself up -in a dignified way. "And I don't mean any disrespect to you, my dear, -when I say so. You are a sweet girl, and will make Edwin an ideal -wife. Your father is fascinating in some ways, and has many good -qualities. All the same, he should not try and make capital out of -this dreadful case." - -Claudia quite agreed with this view. But it was impossible to stop the -pirate from taking every advantage of what had happened. As he had -entered upon this new career within a week from the death of Lady -Wyke, he was absent from Hedgerton and did not remain to worry her. -That was something gained, as she had Edwin to herself, and in many -ways was perfectly happy. After the storm had come the sunshine, and -now that there was no bar to their union the young couple determined -to get married as soon as possible. Only when she was Mrs. Craver -junior did Claudia feel that she would be safe from the vagaries of -her piratical father. - -The Rector and his wife were both shocked when they learnt the truth. -In fact, the whole parish was shocked, as everyone knew Laura Bright, -although, as Lady Wyke, she was a comparative stranger to the friends -of her youth. Poor Mrs. Mellin wept at the outset over her sister's -terrible fate; but when she learnt that it was Laura that had tried to -kill Neddy she dried her tears and refused to mourn. People talked to -her and asked questions, but the old washerwoman behaved with great -dignity, and declined to say a word about the dead. She could not say -good and she did not wish to say bad, so she wisely held her tongue, -and was greatly commended for her reticence by Mrs. Craver, who -approved of her attitude. - -As for Neddy, he gradually recovered his health. An operation restored -his senses, and careful nursing at Redleigh Hospital did the rest. In -a remarkably short space of time, considering the nature of the -injury, he was quite his old bright, clever self. Then Mrs. Mellin -took him home again with the intention of keeping him under her eye -for the rest of her life. But the lad, having tasted the joys of -London, refused to remain at Hedgerton. As soon as he was well enough -he returned to town and sought out the music-teacher with whom he had -been placed by his dead aunt. The man gladly took him in charge, and -in due time Neddy appeared at the Tit-Bits Music Hall with immense -success. Known as "The Skylark" he became quite a favourite, and made -a great ideal of money. To his honour, it must be said that he gave -the greater portion of his earnings to his mother, and these she -placed in a bank to his credit, refusing to touch a shilling herself. -The shock sustained by the boy did him much good, as it sobered his -character, and gave him experience. On the whole, he turned out very -well, and Mrs. Mellin never regretted letting him have his own way; -with regard to the singing. And, like his mother, Neddy never spoke of -Lady Wyke. She was dead and buried in the quicksand, so there was no -more to be said. - -The quicksand had a wonderful fascination for morbid people. Many came -down to Hedgerton during the summer for the express purpose of staring -at the terrible grave of the miserable woman. Consequently all the -lodging houses in Hedgerton were full, and the season was the best, -ever known. In fact, the publicity given to the quiet little place by -the tragedy induced strangers to come down and stay there. When they -found what a charming resort it was, and how good the air was for -nerves, many remained, and building operations on a large scale took -place. Within a few years the locality was quite populous, so Lady -Wyke did good for her native village by her death, although she had -done nothing for it while living. But in this connection it may be -mentioned that Maranatha was pulled down. No one would rent it owing -to its ill-omened history, so it was finally destroyed, which was the -most sensible thing to be done. Its site became tea-gardens, and the -proprietors of these did a large business, notwithstanding the fact -that, many people shook their heads and declared that even the ground -was accursed. - -But all this improvement of Hedgerton, which made it a thriving -seaside resort, took place long after Claudia and her lover were -happily married. After the first shock was over, and the greedy desire -of the public for further details was satisfied, Edwin broached the -subject of marriage with Claudia in the drawing-room of the Rectory. -Mr. and Mrs. Craver were present and thoroughly approved of their -son's wish that the ceremony should take place as soon as possible. -They loved Claudia, and, sympathising greatly with what she had gone -through, were anxious to make her happy. And what better fortune could -they wish her than to be the wife of the man she loved? - -"I shall never be quite satisfied until I call you my wife, darling," -said the young man, fondly. "There is no reason why we should not -marry at once." - -"I have no money," faltered Claudia, "and my father----" - -"Oh, never mind your father, my dear," interrupted little Mrs. Craver. -"If I have said anything about him to wound you, I'm sure I'm very -sorry. Let him go his own way, for he has many good qualities. We want -you. As to money, Edwin earns enough to keep you in tolerable luxury." - -"I don't want that, I want Edwin." - -"You shall have both, dear. And as a wedding-present," added the young -man with a smile. "I am going to give you a promise that I shall not -fly any more." - -"Oh," cried Mrs. Craver, clasping her hands tightly, "I am glad. Of -course, I am used to it now, but really, Edwin, my heart is in my -mouth every time you go up in that horrid aeroplane." - -"Oh, don't call it horrid, Mrs. Craver," expostulated Claudia, -hurriedly. "Think of how it saved my life. Nothing but the aeroplane -could have rescued me." - -"Along with Edwin's presence of mind, of course," said the Rector, -thoughtfully. "And it was providential Edwin, that you took that coil -of rope along with you, otherwise----" He shrugged his shoulders. - -"Otherwise I should have gone down with Lady Wyke," said Claudia, -trembling. - -"Don't talk of her dear," said Mrs. Craver, trembling also. "I wish to -forget Laura Bright entirely. To think of her wickedness in luring you -on to that quicksand! It was cruelly clever. She meant to kill you." - -Edwin nodded. "I suppose the sight of the quicksands from the top of -the path suggested that way of hurting Claudia," he remarked. -"Handcuffed as she was, Lady Wyke saw no other way of getting even -with us. And it was wonderful to think how she got down that steep -path without breaking her neck." - -"Didn't you guess what she intended to do, Claudia?" asked the Rector. - -"No. I ran after her believing that she intended to throw herself into -the sea and escape punishment. But she waited until I nearly reached -her, and then ran fairly into the quicksand. I followed unthinkingly, -and then----" The girl shivered, for the recollection of her escape -was very dreadful. - -"Don't let us talk any more about it," said Edwin, soothingly. - -They could not, for at that moment a visitor was announced. This was -none other than Mr. Sandal, who stalked into the drawing-room, tall, -thin, and dried up in his looks. Edwin and Claudia were surprised to -see him, and when he was introduced to the Rector and Mrs. Craver they -looked at him apprehensively. He saw their dismay, and smiled in his -dry way. - -"I am not always a bird of ill-omen, Mr. Craver," he said to Edwin; -"and on this occasion I come as the dove of peace rather than as the -raven of misfortune." - -"What do you mean?" asked the young man, doubtfully. "I mean," said -the solicitor, taking an official-looking document out of his pocket, -"that I have here the will of Lady Wyke made in your favour." - -"Oh, but that was all nonsense," said Craver, quite taken aback. "Lady -Wyke only, told me that she made a will in my favour to trick me into -marriage. I did not know, until Claudia here explained, that marriage -destroyed a will." - -"It does, Mr. Craver; but, as no marriage took place, this will holds -good. It was none of my business to contradict my late client; and, as -she insisted on making you her heir, she did so. Of course," added the -lawyer quietly, "I did not know that she intended to marry you, or I -should have pointed out that the will should be executed after the -ceremony." - -"Well, Mr. Sandal," asked Claudia, impatiently, "what does it mean?" - -"It means that Mr. Craver here inherits five thousand a year." There -were exclamations, and everyone looked startled. "I won't take a penny -of that miserable woman's money!" cried Edwin, violently. "Don't be -silly, Edwin!" said Mrs. Craver, sensibly. "You will do move good with -the money than she ever did. Take what you can get, and be thankful." -"What do you say, father?" - -"I say accept, my son. Although she did not mean it. Providence, in a -wonderful way, has guided her to make reparation to you and to Claudia -for all the misery she has brought on you." - -"Claudia?" - -"I don't know what to say," said the girl, nervously. "I leave it to -you, Edwin." - -"Be wise, my dear sir; be wise," warned Sandal, seeing the young man -still hesitate. "I accept," said Edwin, after a few moments' thought. -"After all, I have acted honourably, and there is no reason why I -should be quixotic." - -"None in the world," said Sandal, drily. "I congratulate you on your -good sense, Mr. Craver. Come up to town when you can, and I shall -place you in possession of the property." He rose to go. - -"Stay to dinner," urged the Rector, hospitably. - -"No, my dear sir, no. I have to return to London at once. The trap -which brought me from Redleigh is waiting to take me back again. I -hope to come down on another and still happier occasion." - -"What is that?" asked little Mrs. Craver, sharply. - -"When Miss Lemby and Mr. Craver are married," complimented the old -lawyer, with a courtly bow, and took his leave in his usual stately -fashion. - -Amidst the loud congratulations of the Rector and his wife on the -great wealth which had come to them, the young couple saw the -friendly lawyer down to the gate. - -Sandal refused to say a word about Lady Wyke, even though Edwin gave -him a hint. He stepped into Sanky's trap and drove off, leaving two -very happy people behind him. - -"Five thousand a year!" said Claudia, drawing a deep breath. "I can -scarcely believe it. Why do you laugh, Edwin?" - -"My darling, I was thinking how annoyed your father will be. He -schemed for this money, and has lost it. We have not schemed, and it -has come to us." - -Claudia laughed also, "I really cannot sympathise with dad," she -observed. "I tell you what, Edwin. After dad gets over this music-hall -craze of his, let us allow him an income, on condition that he goes to -Australia. He will be much happier there, while he will only worry us -here. I hope," ended Claudia, remorsefully, "that I am not a bad -daughter in saying this?" - -"'No, dear, no." Edwin petted her. "Your father is a trial, and is one -of those parents who make one wonder why the fifth commandment was -ever given." - -"He means well, Edwin." - -"To himself he does. No, Claudia, don't try to cry up your father's -virtues, for he has very, very few. I shall be glad to see the last of -him, and so will you." Claudia could not deny this, and they leant -comfortably over the gate to talk of more agreeable subjects. - -"What will you do with all this money?" said the girl. "Oh, that is -easily settled," said her lover, putting his arm round her waist. -"First we get married; second, we shall go a trip round the world for -a couple of years, so as to make us forget all these terrible -troubles. Then we shall return when your father is safely settled in -Australia, and build a house near this rectory. I shall go back to the -motor factory, and live the steady life of a business man who has a -charming wife to welcome him home." - -"And you won't fly any more, Edwin." - -"No; never again. The aeroplane will go back to town by rail. Seeing -what happiness has come to us, I shall not tempt Providence. Hullo, -here's the post!" It was indeed Hall, who came up the road on his -bicycle. Edwin took the letters, which were all for the Rector. After -a word or two, the postman got on his machine, and moved swiftly away. -Edwin watched the red bicycle pass out of sight. "A machine like that -saved my life," he said, gravely. "If I hadn't got away on that night -I should have been hanged by this time." Claudia threw her arms round -his neck. "Don't Edwin! Let us try and forget all about that terrible -time. Come inside." - -"All right. We can pass the evening along with father and mother, -building castles in the air." - -"Come in, dear, come in. I never wish to see a red bicycle again." - -"Nor do I," said the young man, laughing; "bat we can't abolish -post-men, you know, dearest. There, I shan't say another word. All our -trouble has gone down the road with the rod bicycle. And now----" - -"Now I have you, and you have me," said Claudia, with a kiss. "Come -inside." - - -[THE END.] - - - - - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Red Bicycle, by Fergus Hume - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RED BICYCLE *** - -***** This file should be named 55748.txt or 55748.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/5/7/4/55748/ - -Produced by Charles Bowen from images provided by the -Taranaki Herald and Papers Past, National Library of New -Zealand - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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