diff options
| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:26:21 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:26:21 -0700 |
| commit | 3dd2479dceaed97627d88e3f208fab1c97c6d934 (patch) | |
| tree | 1da18a54f25b61735393e7098ab585b49086f798 /5871-h | |
Diffstat (limited to '5871-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 5871-h/5871-h.htm | 12332 |
1 files changed, 12332 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/5871-h/5871-h.htm b/5871-h/5871-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..07c3b7a --- /dev/null +++ b/5871-h/5871-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,12332 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta content="pg2html (binary v0.17)" name="linkgenerator" /> + <title> + Green Fancy, by George Barr Mccutcheon + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; font-size: 80%; font-style: italic;} + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .xx-small {font-size: 60%;} + .x-small {font-size: 75%;} + .small {font-size: 85%;} + .large {font-size: 115%;} + .x-large {font-size: 130%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent25 { margin-left: 25%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + .indent35 { margin-left: 35%;} + .indent40 { margin-left: 40%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; right: 1%; font-size: 0.6em; + font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; + text-align: right; background-color: #FFFACD; + border: 1px solid; padding: 0.3em;text-indent: 0em;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 15%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + .head { float: left; font-size: 90%; width: 98%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Green Fancy, by George Barr McCutcheon + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Green Fancy + +Author: George Barr McCutcheon + +Release Date: June, 2004 [EBook #5871] +First Posted: September 15, 2002 +Last Updated: May 10, 2019 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GREEN FANCY *** + + + + +Etext produced by Charles Aldarondo, Charles Franks and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + GREEN FANCY + </h1> + <h2> + By George Barr Mccutcheon + </h2> + <h3> + 1917 + </h3> + <hr /> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I — THE FIRST WAYFARER AND THE + SECOND WAYFARER MEET AND PART ON THE HIGHWAY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II — THE FIRST WAYFARER LAYS HIS + PACK ASIDE AND FALLS IN WITH FRIENDS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III — MR. RUSHCROFT DISSOLVES, MR. + JONES INTERVENES, AND TWO MEN RIDE AWAY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV — AN EXTRAORDINARY CHAMBERMAID, + A MIDNIGHT TRAGEDY, AND A MAN WHO SAID "THANK YOU" </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V — THE FARM-BOY TELLS A GHASTLY + STORY AND AN IRISHMAN ENTERS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI — CHARITY BEGINS FAR FROM HOME, + AND A STROLL IN THE WILDWOOD FOLLOWS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII — SPUN-GOLD HAIR, BLUE EYES, + AND VARIOUS ENCOUNTERS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII — A NOTE, SOME FANCIES, AND AN + EXPEDITION IN QUEST OF FACTS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX — THE FIRST WAYFARER, THE SECOND + WAYFARER, AND THE SPIRIT OF CHIVALRY ASCENDANT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X — THE PRISONER OF GEEEN FANCY, + AND THE LAMENT OF PETER THE CHAUFFEUR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI — MR. SPROUSE ABANDONS + LITERATURE AT AN EARLY HOUR IN THE MORNING </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII — THE FIRST WAYFARER ACCEPTS AN + INVITATION, AND MR. DILLINGFORD BELABOURS A PROXY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII — THE SECOND WAYFARER RECEIVES + TWO VISITORS AT MIDNIGHT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV — A FLIGHT, A STONE-CUTTER'S + SHED, AND A VOICE OUTSIDE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV — LARGE BODIES MOVE SLOWLY,—BUT + MR. SPROUSE WAS SMALLER THAN THE AVERAGE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI — THE FIRST WAYFARER VISITS A + SHRINE, CONFESSES, AND TAKES AN OATH </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII — THE SECOND WAYFARER IS + TRANSFORMED, AND MARRIAGE IS FLOUTED </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII — MR. SPROUSE CONTINUES TO BE + PERPLEXING, BUT PUTS HIS NOSE TO THE GROUND </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX — A TRIP BY NIGHT, A SUPPER, + AND A LATE ARRIVAL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX — THE FIRST WAYFARER HAS ONE + TREASURE THRUST UPON HIM—AND FORTHWITH CLAIMS ANOTHER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI — THE END IN SIGHT </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I — THE FIRST WAYFARER AND THE SECOND WAYFARER MEET AND PART + ON THE HIGHWAY + </h2> + <p> + A solitary figure trudged along the narrow road that wound its + serpentinous way through the dismal, forbidding depths of the forest: a + man who, though weary and footsore, lagged not in his swift, resolute + advance. Night was coming on, and with it the no uncertain prospects of + storm. Through the foliage that overhung the wretched road, his + ever-lifting and apprehensive eye caught sight of the thunder-black, + low-lying clouds that swept over the mountain and bore down upon the + green, whistling tops of the trees. At a cross-road below he had + encountered a small girl driving homeward the cows. She was afraid of the + big, strange man with the bundle on his back and the stout walking stick + in his hand: to her a remarkable creature who wore "knee pants" and + stockings like a boy on Sunday, and hob-nail shoes, and a funny coat with + "pleats" and a belt, and a green hat with a feather sticking up from the + band. His agreeable voice and his amiable smile had no charm for her. He + merely wanted to know how far it was to the nearest village, but she + stared in alarm and edged away as if preparing to break into mad flight + the instant she was safely past him with a clear way ahead. + </p> + <p> + "Don't be afraid," he said gently. "And here! Catch it if you can." He + tossed a coin across the road. It struck at her feet and rolled into the + high grass. She did not divert her gaze for the fraction of a second. "I'm + a stranger up here and I want to find some place to sleep for the night. + Surely you have a tongue, haven't you?" By dint of persuasive smiles and + smirks that would have sickened him at any other time he finally induced + her to say that if he kept right on until he came to the turnpike he would + find a sign-post telling him where to get gasolene. + </p> + <p> + "But I don't want gasolene. I want bread and butter," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Well, you can git bread an' butter there too," she said. "Food fer man + an' beast, it says." + </p> + <p> + "A hotel?" + </p> + <p> + "Whut?" + </p> + <p> + "A boarding-house?" he substituted. + </p> + <p> + "It's a shindy," she said, painfully. "Men get drunk there. Pap calls it a + tavern, but Ma says it's a shindy." + </p> + <p> + "A road-house, eh?" She was puzzled—and silent. "Thank you. You'll + find the quarter in the grass. Good-bye." + </p> + <p> + He lifted his queer green hat and strode away, too much of a gentleman to + embarrass her by looking back. If he had done so he would have seen her + grubbing stealthily in the grass, not with her brown little hands, but + with the wriggling toes of a bare foot on which the mud, perhaps of + yesterday, had caked. She was too proud to stoop. + </p> + <p> + At last he came to the "pike" and there, sure enough, was the sign-post. A + huge, crudely painted hand pointed to the left, and on what was intended + to be the sleeve of a very stiff and unflinching arm these words were + printed in scaly white: "Hart's Tavern. Food for Man and Beast. Also + Gasolene. Established 1798. 1 mile." "Also Gasolene" was freshly painted + and crowded its elders in a most disrespectful manner. + </p> + <p> + The chill spring wind of the gale was sweeping in the direction indicated + by the giant forefinger. There was little consolation in the thought that + a mile lay between him and shelter, but it was a relief to know that he + would have the wind at his back. Darkness was settling over the land. The + lofty hills seemed to be closing in as if to smother the breath out of + this insolent adventurer who walked alone among them. He was an outsider. + He did not belong there. He came from the lowlands and he was an object of + scorn. + </p> + <p> + On the opposite side of the "pike," in the angle formed by a junction with + the narrow mountain road, stood a humbler sign-post, lettered so + indistinctly that it deserved the compassion of all observers because of + its humility. Swerving in his hurried passage, the tall stranger drew near + this shrinking friend to the uncertain traveller, and was suddenly aware + of another presence in the roadway. + </p> + <p> + A woman appeared, as if from nowhere, almost at his side. He drew back to + let her pass. She stopped before the little sign-post, and together they + made out the faint directions. + </p> + <p> + To the right and up the mountain road Frogg's Corner lay four miles and a + half away; Pitcairn was six miles back over the road which the man had + travelled. Two miles and a half down the turnpike was Spanish Falls, a + railway station, and four miles above the cross-roads where the man and + woman stood peering through the darkness at the laconic sign-post reposed + the village of Saint Elizabeth. Hart's Tavern was on the road to Saint + Elizabeth, and the man, with barely a glance at his fellow-traveller, + started briskly off in that direction. + </p> + <p> + Lightning was flashing fitfully beyond the barrier heights and faraway + thunder came to his ears. He knew that these wild mountain storms moved + swiftly; his chance of reaching the tavern ahead of the deluge was + exceedingly slim. His long, powerful legs had carried him twenty or thirty + paces before he came to a sudden halt. + </p> + <p> + What of this lone woman who traversed the highway? Obviously she too was a + stranger on the road, and a glance over his shoulder supported a first + impression: she was carrying a stout travelling bag. His first glimpse of + her had been extremely casual,—indeed he had paid no attention to + her at all, so eager was he to read the directions and be on his way. + </p> + <p> + She was standing quite still in front of the sign-post, peering up the + road toward Frogg's Corner,—confronted by a steep climb that led + into black and sinister timberlands above the narrow strip of pasture + bordering the pike. + </p> + <p> + The fierce wind pinned her skirts to her slender body as she leaned + against the gale, gripping her hat tightly with one hand and straining + under the weight of the bag in the other. The ends of a veil whipped + furiously about her head, and, even in the gathering darkness, he could + see a strand or two of hair keeping them company. + </p> + <p> + He hesitated. Evidently her way was up the steep, winding road and into + the dark forest, a far from appealing prospect. Not a sign of habitation + was visible along the black ridge of the wood; no lighted window peeped + down from the shadows, no smoke curled up from unseen kitchen stoves. + Gallantry ordered him to proffer his aid or, at the least, advice to the + woman, be she young or old, native or stranger. + </p> + <p> + Retracing his steps, he called out to her above the gale: + </p> + <p> + "Can I be of any assistance to you?" + </p> + <p> + She turned quickly. He saw that the veil was drawn tightly over her face. + </p> + <p> + "No, thank you," she replied. Her voice, despite a certain nervous note, + was soft and clear and gentle,—the voice and speech of a well-bred + person who was young and resolute. + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me, but have you much farther to go? The storm will soon be upon + us, and—surely you will not consider me presumptuous—I don't + like the idea of your being caught out in—" + </p> + <p> + "What is to be done about it?" she inquired, resignedly. "I must go on. I + can't wait here, you know, to be washed back to the place I started from." + </p> + <p> + He smiled. She had wit as well as determination. There was the suggestion + of mirth in her voice—and certainly it was a most pleasing, + agreeable voice. + </p> + <p> + "If I can be of the least assistance to you, pray don't hesitate to + command me. I am a sort of tramp, you might say, and I travel as well by + night as I do by day,—so don't feel that you are putting me to any + inconvenience. Are you by any chance bound for Hart's Tavern? If so, I + will be glad to lag behind and carry your bag." + </p> + <p> + "You are very good, but I am not bound for Hart's Tavern, wherever that + may be. Thank you, just the same. You appear to be an uncommonly genteel + tramp, and it isn't because I am afraid you might make off with my + belongings." She added the last by way of apology. + </p> + <p> + He smiled—and then frowned as he cast an uneasy look at the black + clouds now rolling ominously up over the mountain ridge. + </p> + <p> + "By Jove, we're going to catch it good and hard," he exclaimed. "Better + take my advice. These storms are terrible. I know, for I've encountered + half a dozen of them in the past week. They fairly tear one to pieces." + </p> + <p> + "Are you trying to frighten me?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," he confessed. "Better to frighten you in advance than to let it + come later on when you haven't any one to turn to in your terror. You are + a stranger in these parts?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. The railway station is a few miles below here. I have walked all the + way. There was no one to meet me. You are a stranger also, so it is + useless to inquire if you know whether this road leads to Green Fancy." + </p> + <p> + "Green Fancy? Sounds attractive. I'm sorry I can't enlighten you." He drew + a small electric torch from his pocket and directed its slender ray upon + the sign-post. So fierce was the gale by this time that he was compelled + to brace his strong body against the wind. + </p> + <p> + "It is on the road to Frogg's Corner," she explained nervously. "A mile + and a half, so I am told. It isn't on the sign-post. It is a house, not a + village. Thank you for your kindness. And I am not at all frightened," she + added, raising her voice slightly. + </p> + <p> + "But you ARE" he cried. "You're scared half out of your wits. You can't + fool me. I'd be scared myself at the thought of venturing into those woods + up yonder." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, I AM frightened," she confessed plaintively. "Almost out of + my boots." + </p> + <p> + "That settles it," he said flatly. "You shall not undertake it." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, but I must. I am expected. It is import—" + </p> + <p> + "If you are expected, why didn't some one meet you at the station? Seems + to me—" + </p> + <p> + "Hark! Do you hear—doesn't that sound like an automobile—Ah!" + The hoarse honk of an automobile horn rose above the howling wind, and an + instant later two faint lights came rushing toward them around a bend in + the mountain road. "Better late than never," she cried, her voice vibrant + once more. + </p> + <p> + He grasped her arm and jerked her out of the path of the on-coming + machine, whose driver was sending it along at a mad rate, regardless of + ruts and stones and curves. The car careened as it swung into the pike, + skidded alarmingly, and then the brakes were jammed down. Attended by a + vast grinding of gears and wheels, the rattling old car came to a stop + fifty feet or more beyond them. + </p> + <p> + "I'd sooner walk than take my chances in an antediluvian rattle-trap like + that," said the tall wayfarer, bending quite close to her ear. "It will + fall to pieces before you—" + </p> + <p> + But she was running down the road towards the car, calling out sharply to + the driver. He stooped over and took up the travelling bag she had dropped + in her haste and excitement. It was heavy, amazingly heavy. + </p> + <p> + "I shouldn't like to carry that a mile and a half," he said to himself. + </p> + <p> + The voice of the belated driver came to his ears on the swift wind. It was + high pitched and unmistakably apologetic. He could not hear what she was + saying to him, but there wasn't much doubt as to the nature of her + remarks. She was roundly upbraiding him. + </p> + <p> + Urged to action by thoughts of his own plight, he hurried to her side and + said: + </p> + <p> + "Excuse me, please. You dropped something. Shall I put it up in front or + in the tonneau?" + </p> + <p> + The whimsical note in his voice brought a quick, responsive laugh from her + lips. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you so much. I am frightfully careless with my valuables. Would you + mind putting it in behind? Thanks!" Her tone altered completely as she + ordered the man to turn the car around—"And be quick about it," she + added. + </p> + <p> + The first drops of rain pelted down from the now thoroughly black dome + above them, striking in the road with the sharpness of pebbles. + </p> + <p> + "Lucky it's a limousine," said the tall traveller. "Better hop in. We'll + be getting it hard in a second or two." + </p> + <p> + "I can't very well hop in while he's backing and twisting like that, can + I?" she laughed. He was acutely aware of a strained, nervous note in her + voice, as of one who is confronted by an undertaking calling for + considerable fortitude. + </p> + <p> + "Are you quite sure of this man?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "Absolutely," she replied, after a pause. + </p> + <p> + "You know him, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "By reputation," she said briefly, and without a trace of laughter. + </p> + <p> + "Well, that comforts me to some extent," he said, but dubiously. + </p> + <p> + She was silent for a moment and then turned to him impulsively. + </p> + <p> + "You must let me take you on to the Tavern in the car," she said. "Turn + about is fair play. I cannot allow you to—" + </p> + <p> + "Never mind about me," he broke in cheerily. He had been wondering if she + would make the offer, and he felt better now that she had done so. "I'm + accustomed to roughing it. I don't mind a soaking. I've had hundreds of + 'em." + </p> + <p> + "Just the same, you shall not have one to-night," she announced firmly. + The car stopped beside them. "Get in behind. I shall sit with the driver." + </p> + <p> + If any one had told him that this rattling, dilapidated automobile,—ten + years old, at the very least, he would have sworn,—was capable of + covering the mile in less than two minutes, he would have laughed in his + face. Almost before he realised that they were on the way up the straight, + dark road, the lights in the windows of Hart's Tavern came into view. Once + more the bounding, swaying car came to a stop under brakes, and he was + relaxing after the strain of the most hair-raising ride he had ever + experienced. + </p> + <p> + Not a word had been spoken during the trip. The front windows were + lowered. The driver,—an old, hatchet-faced man,—had uttered a + single word just before throwing in the clutch at the cross-roads in + response to the young woman's crisp command to drive to Hart's Tavern. + That word was uttered under his breath and it is not necessary to repeat + it here. + </p> + <p> + He lost no time in climbing out of the car. As he leaped to the ground and + raised his green hat, he took a second look at the automobile,—a + look of mingled wonder and respect. It was an old-fashioned, high-powered + Panhard, capable, despite its antiquity, of astonishing speed in any sort + of going. + </p> + <p> + "For heaven's sake," he began, shouting to her above the roar of the wind + and rain, "don't let him drive like that over those—" + </p> + <p> + "You're getting wet," she cried out, a thrill in her voice. "Good night,—and + thank you!" + </p> + <p> + "Look out!" rasped the unpleasant driver, and in went the clutch. The man + in the road jumped hastily to one side as the car shot backward with a + jerk, curved sharply, stopped for the fraction of a second, and then + bounded forward again, headed for the cross-roads. + </p> + <p> + "Thanks!" shouted the late passenger after the receding tail light, and + dashed up the steps to the porch that ran the full length of Hart's + Tavern. In the shelter of its low-lying roof, he stopped short and once + more peered down the dark, rain-swept road. A flash of lightning revealed + the flying automobile. He waited for a second flash. It came an instant + later, but the car was no longer visible. He shook his head. "I hope the + blamed old fool knows what he's doing, hitting it up like that over a wet + road. There'll be a double funeral in this neck of the woods if anything + goes wrong," he reflected. Still shaking his head, he faced the closed + door of the Tavern. + </p> + <p> + A huge, old-fashioned lantern hung above the portal, creaking and + straining in the wind, dragging at its stout supports and threatening + every instant to break loose and go frolicking away with the storm. + </p> + <p> + The sound of the rain on the clap-board roof was deafening. At the lower + end of the porch the water swished in with all the velocity of a gigantic + wave breaking over a ship at sea. The wind howled, the thunder roared and + almost like cannon-fire were the successive crashes of lightning among the + trees out there in the path of fury. + </p> + <p> + There were lights in several of the windows opening upon the porch; the + wooden shutters not only were ajar but were banging savagely against the + walls. Even in the dim, grim light shed by the lantern he could see that + the building was of an age far beyond the ken of any living man. He + recalled the words of the informing sign-post: "Established in 1798." One + hundred and eighteen years old, and still baffling the assaults of all the + elements in a region where they were never timid! + </p> + <p> + It may, in all truth, be a "shindy," thought he, but it had led a gallant + life. + </p> + <p> + The broad, thick weather-boarding, overlapping in layers, was brown with + age and smooth with the polishing of time and the backs, no doubt, of + countless loiterers who had come and gone in the making of the narrative + that Hart's Tavern could relate. The porch itself, while old, was + comparatively modern; it did not belong to the century in which the inn + itself was built, for in those far-off days men did not waste time, timber + or thought on the unnecessary. While the planks in the floor were worn and + the uprights battered and whittled out of their pristine shapeliness, they + were but grandchildren to the parent building to which they clung. Stout + and, beyond question, venerable benches stood close to the wall on both + sides of the entrance. Directly over the broad, low door with its big + wooden latch and bar, was the word "Welcome," rudely carved in the oak + beam. It required no cultured eye to see that the letters had been cut, + deep and strong, into the timber, not with the tool of the skilled wood + carver but with the hunting knife of an ambitious pioneer. + </p> + <p> + A shocking incongruity marred the whole effect. Suspended at the side of + this hundred-year-old doorway was a black and gold, shield-shaped ornament + of no inconsiderable dimensions informing the observer that a certain + brand of lager beer was to be had inside. + </p> + <p> + He lifted the latch and, being a tall man, involuntarily stooped as he + passed through the door, a needless precaution, for gaunt, gigantic + mountaineers had entered there before him and without bending their + arrogant heads. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II — THE FIRST WAYFARER LAYS HIS PACK ASIDE AND FALLS IN + WITH FRIENDS + </h2> + <p> + The little hall in which he found himself was the "office" through which + all men must pass who come as guests to Hart's Tavern. A steep, angular + staircase took up one end of the room. Set in beneath its upper turn was + the counter over which the business of the house was transacted, and + behind this a man was engaged in the peaceful occupation of smoking a + corn-cob pipe. He removed the pipe, brushed his long moustache with the + back of a bony hand, and bowed slowly and with grave ceremony to the + arrival. + </p> + <p> + An open door to the right of the stairway gave entrance to a room from + which came the sound of a deep, sonorous voice, employed in what turned + out to be a conversational solo. To the left another door led to what was + evidently the dining-room. The glance that the stranger sent in that + direction revealed two or three tables, covered with white cloths. + </p> + <p> + "Can you put me up for the night?" he inquired, advancing to the counter. + </p> + <p> + "You look like a feller who'd want a room with bath," drawled the man + behind the counter, surveying the applicant from head to foot. "Which we + ain't got," he added. + </p> + <p> + "I'll be satisfied to have a room with a bed," said the other. + </p> + <p> + "Sign here," was the laconic response. He went to the trouble of actually + putting his finger on the line where the guest was expected to write his + name. + </p> + <p> + "Can I have supper?" + </p> + <p> + "Food for man and beast," said the other patiently. He slapped his palm + upon a cracked call-bell, and then looked at the fresh name on the page. + "Thomas K. Barnes, New York," he read aloud. He eyed the newcomer once + more. "And automobile?" + </p> + <p> + "No. I'm walking." + </p> + <p> + "Didn't I hear you just come up in a car?" + </p> + <p> + "A fellow gave me a lift from the cross-roads." + </p> + <p> + "I see. My name is Jones, Putnam Jones. I run this place. My father an' + grandfather run it before me. Glad to meet you, Mr. Barnes. We used to + have a hostler here named Barnes. What's your idea fer footin' it this + time o' the year?" + </p> + <p> + "I do something like this every spring. A month or six weeks of it puts me + in fine shape for a vacation later on," supplied Mr. Barnes whimsically. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Jones allowed a grin to steal over his seamed face. He re-inserted the + corn-cob pipe and took a couple of pulls at it. + </p> + <p> + "I never been to New York, but it must be a heavenly place for a vacation, + if a feller c'n judge by what some of my present boarders have to say + about it. It's a sort of play-actor's paradise, ain't it?" + </p> + <p> + "It is paradise to every actor who happens to be on the road, Mr. Jones," + said Barnes, slipping his big pack from his shoulders and letting it slide + to the floor. + </p> + <p> + "Hear that feller in the tap-room talkin'? Well, he is one of the leading + actors in New York,—in the world, for that matter. He's been talkin' + about Broadway for nearly a week now, steady." + </p> + <p> + "May I enquire what he is doing up here in the wilds?" + </p> + <p> + "At present he ain't doing anything except talk. Last week he was treadin' + the boards, as he puts it himself. Busted. Up the flue. Showed last + Saturday night in Hornville, eighteen mile north of here, and immediately + after the performance him and his whole troupe started to walk back to New + York, a good four hunderd mile. They started out the back way of the opery + house and nobody missed 'em till next mornin' except the sheriff, and he + didn't miss 'em till they'd got over the county line into our bailiwick. + Four of 'em are still stoppin' here just because I ain't got the heart to + turn 'em out ner the spare money to buy 'em tickets to New York. Here + comes one of 'em now. Mr. Dillingford, will you show this gentleman to + room eleven, and carry his baggage up fer him? And maybe he'll want a + pitcher of warm water to wash and shave in." He turned to the new guest + and smiled apologetically. + </p> + <p> + "We're a little short o' help just now, Mr. Barnes, and Mr. Dillingford + has kindly consented to—" + </p> + <p> + "My God!" gasped Mr. Dillingford, staring at the register. "Some one from + little old New York? My word, sir, you—Won't you have a—er—little + something to drink with me before you—" + </p> + <p> + "He wants something to eat," interrupted Mr. Jones sharply. "Tell Mr. + Bacon to step up to his room and take the order." + </p> + <p> + "All right, old chap,—nothing easier," said Mr. Dillingford + genially. "Just climb up the elevator, Mr. Barnes. We do this to get up an + appetite. When did you leave New York?" + </p> + <p> + Taking up a lighted kerosene lamp and the heavy pack, Mr. Clarence + Dillingford led the way up the stairs. He was a chubby individual of + indefinite age. At a glance you would have said he was under twenty-one; a + second look would have convinced you that he was nearer forty-one. He was + quite shabby, but chin and cheek were as clean as that of a freshly + scrubbed boy. He may not have changed his collar for days but he lived up + to the traditions of his profession by shaving twice every twenty-four + hours. + </p> + <p> + Depositing Barnes' pack on a chair in the little bedroom at the end of the + hall upstairs, he favoured the guest with a perfectly unabashed grin. + </p> + <p> + "I'm not doing this to oblige old man Jones, you know. I won't attempt to + deceive you. I'm working out a daily bread-bill. Chuck three times a day + and a bed to sleep in, that's what I'm doing it for, so don't get it into + your head that I applied for the job. Let me take a look at you. I want to + get a good square peep at a man who has the means to go somewhere else and + yet is boob enough to come to this gosh-awful place of his own free will + and accord. Darn it, you LOOK intelligent. I don't get you at all. What's + the matter? Are you a fugitive from justice?" + </p> + <p> + Barnes laughed aloud. There was no withstanding the fellow's sprightly + impudence. + </p> + <p> + "I happen to enjoy walking," said he. + </p> + <p> + "If I enjoyed it as much as you do, I'd be limping into Harlem by this + time," said Mr. Dillingford sadly. "But, you see, I'm an actor. I'm too + proud to walk." + </p> + <p> + "Up against poor business, I presume?" + </p> + <p> + "Up against no business at all," said Mr. Dillingford. "We couldn't even + get 'em to come in on passes. Last Saturday night we had out enough paper + to fill the house and, by gosh, only eleven people showed up. You can't + beat that, can you? Three of 'em paid to get in. That made a dollar and a + half, box office. We nearly had to give it back." + </p> + <p> + "Bad weather?" suggested Barnes feelingly. He had removed his wet coat, + and stood waiting. + </p> + <p> + "Nope. Moving pictures. They'd sooner pay ten cents to see a movie than to + come in and see us free. The old man was so desperate he tried to kill + himself the morning we arrived at this joint." + </p> + <p> + "You mean the star? Poison, rope or pistol?" + </p> + <p> + "Whiskey. He tried to drink himself to death. Before old Jones got onto + him he had put down seven dollars' worth of booze, and now we've got to + help wipe out the account. But why complain? It's all in a day's—" + </p> + <p> + The cracked bell on the office desk interrupted him, somewhat + peremptorially. Mr. Dillingford's face assumed an expression of profound + dignity. He lowered his voice as he gave vent to the following: + </p> + <p> + "That man Jones is the meanest human being God ever let—Yes, sir, + coming, sir!" He started for the open door with surprising alacrity. + </p> + <p> + "Never mind the hot water," said Barnes, sorry for the little man. + </p> + <p> + "No use," said Mr. Dillingford dejectedly. "He charges ten cents for hot + water. You've got to have it whether you want it or not. Remember that you + are in the very last stages of New England. The worst affliction known to + the human race. So long. I'll be back in two shakes of a lamb's—" + The remainder of his promise was lost in the rush of exit. + </p> + <p> + Barnes surveyed the little bed-chamber. It was just what he had expected + it would be. The walls were covered with a garish paper selected by one + who had an eye but not a taste for colour: bright pink flowers that looked + more or less like chunks of a shattered water melon spilt promiscuously + over a background of pearl grey. There was every indication that it had + been hung recently. Indeed there was a distinct aroma of fresh flour + paste. The bedstead, bureau and washstand were likewise offensively + modern. Everything was as clean as a pin, however, and the bed looked + comfortable. He stepped to the small, many-paned window and looked out + into the night. The storm was at its height. In all his life he never had + heard such a clatter of rain, nor a wind that shrieked so appallingly. + </p> + <p> + His thoughts went quite naturally to the woman who was out there in the + thick of it. He wondered how she was faring, and lamented that she was not + in his place now and he in hers. A smile lighted his eyes. She had such a + nice voice and such a quaint way of putting things into words. What was + she doing up in this God-forsaken country? And how could she be so certain + of that grumpy old man whom she had never laid eyes on before? What was + the name of the place she was bound for? Green Fancy! What an odd name for + a house! And what sort of house— + </p> + <p> + His reflections were interrupted by the return of Mr. Dillingford, who + carried a huge pewter pitcher from which steam arose in volume. At his + heels strode a tall, cadaverous person in a checked suit. + </p> + <p> + Never had Barnes seen anything quite so overpowering in the way of a suit. + Joseph's coat of many colours was no longer a vision of childhood. It was + a reality. The checks were an inch square, and each cube had a narrow + border of azure blue. The general tone was a dirty grey, due no doubt to + age and a constitution that would not allow it to outlive its usefulness. + </p> + <p> + "Meet Mr. Bacon, Mr. Barnes," introduced Mr. Dillingford, going to the + needless exertion of indicating Mr. Bacon with a generous sweep of his + free hand. "Our heavy leads. Mr. Montague Bacon, also of New York." + </p> + <p> + "Ham and eggs, pork tenderloin, country sausage, rump steak and spring + chicken," said Mr. Bacon, in a cavernous voice, getting it over with while + the list was fresh in his memory. "Fried and boiled potatoes, beans, + succotash, onions, stewed tomatoes and—er—just a moment, + please. Fried and boiled potatoes, beans—" + </p> + <p> + "Learn your lines, Ague," said Mr. Dillingford, from the washstand. "We + call him Ague for short, Mr. Barnes, because he's always shaky with his + lines." + </p> + <p> + "Ham and eggs, potatoes and a cup or two of coffee," said Barnes, + suppressing a desire to laugh. + </p> + <p> + "And apple pie," concluded the waiter, triumphantly. "I knew I'd get it if + you gave me time. As you may have observed, my dear sir, I am not what you + would call an experienced waiter. As a matter of fact, I—" + </p> + <p> + "I told him you were an actor," interrupted his friend. "Run along now and + give the order to Mother Jones. Mr. Barnes is hungry." + </p> + <p> + "I am delighted to meet you, Mr. Barnes," said Mr. Bacon, extending his + hand. As he did so, his coat sleeve receded half way to the elbow, + revealing the full expanse of a frayed cuff. "So delighted, in fact, that + it gives me great pleasure to inform you that you have at last encountered + a waiter who does not expect a tip. God forbid that I should ever sink so + low as that. I have been a villain of the deepest dye in a score or more + of productions—many of them depending to a large extent upon the + character of the work I did in—" + </p> + <p> + "Actor stuff," inserted Mr. Dillingford, unfeelingly. + </p> + <p> + "—And I have been hissed a thousand times by gallery gods and + kitchen angels from one end of this broad land to the other, but never, + sir, never in all my career have I been obliged to play such a diabolical + part as I am playing here, and, dammit, sir, I am denied even the tribute + of a healthy hiss. This is—" + </p> + <p> + The bell downstairs rang violently. Mr. Bacon departed in great haste. + </p> + <p> + While the traveller performed his ablutions, Mr. Dillingford, for the + moment disengaged, sat upon the edge of the bed and enjoyed himself. He + talked. + </p> + <p> + "We were nine at the start," said he, pensively. "Gradually we were + reduced to seven, not including the manager. I doubled and so did Miss + Hughes,—a very charming actress, by the way, who will soon be heard + of on Broadway unless I miss my guess. The last week I was playing Dick + Cranford, light juvenile, and General Parsons, comedy old man. In the + second act Dick has to meet the general face to face and ask him for his + daughter's hand. Miss Hughes was Amy Parsons, and, as I say, doubled along + toward the end. She played her own mother. The best you could say for the + arrangement was that the family resemblance was remarkable. I never saw a + mother and daughter look so much alike. You see, she didn't have time to + change her make-up or costume, so all she could do was to put on a long + shawl and a grey wig, and that made a mother of her. Well, we had a + terrible time getting around that scene between Dick and the general. Amy + and her mother were in on it too, and Mrs. Parsons was supposed to faint. + It looked absolutely impossible for Miss Hughes. But we got around it, all + right." + </p> + <p> + "How, may I ask?" enquired Barnes, over the edge of a towel. + </p> + <p> + "Just as I was about to enter to tackle the old man, who was seated in his + library with Mrs. Parsons, the lights went out. I jumped up and addressed + the audience, telling 'em (almost in a confidential whisper, there were so + darned few of 'em) that there was nothing to be alarmed about and the act + would go right on. Then Amy and Dick came on in total darkness, and the + audience never got wise to the game. When the lights went up, there was + Amy and Dick embracing each other in plain view, the old folks nowhere in + sight. General Parsons had dragged the old lady into the next room. We + made our changes right there on the stage, speaking all four parts at the + same time." + </p> + <p> + "Pretty clever," said Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "My idea," announced Mr. Dillingford calmly. + </p> + <p> + "What has become of the rest of the company?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, as I said before, two of 'em escaped before the smash. The low + comedian and character old woman. Joe Beckley and his wife. That left the + old man,—I mean Mr. Rushcroft, the star—Lyndon Rushcroft, you + know,—myself and Bacon, Tommy Gray, Miss Rushcroft, Miss Hughes and + a woman named Bradley, seven of us. Miss Hughes happened to know a chap + who was travelling around the country for his health, always meeting up + with us,—accidentally, of course,—and he staked her to a + ticket to New York. The woman named Bradley said her mother was dying in + Buffalo, so the rest of us scraped together all the money we had,—nine + dollars and sixty cents,—and did the right thing by her. Actors are + always doing darn-fool things like that, Mr. Barnes. And what do you + suppose she did? She took that money and bought two tickets to Albany, one + for herself and another for the manager of the company,—the lowest, + meanest, orneriest white man that ever,—But I am crabbing the old + man's part. You ought to hear what HE has to say about Mr. Manager. He can + use words I never even heard of before. So, that leaves just the four of + us here, working off the two days' board bill of Bradley and the manager, + Rushcroft's ungodly spree, and at the same time keeping our own slate + clean. Miss Thackeray will no doubt make up your bed in the morning. She + is temporarily a chambermaid. Cracking fine girl, too, if I do say—" + </p> + <p> + "Miss Thackeray? I don't recall your mentioning—" + </p> + <p> + "Mercedes Thackeray on the programme, but in real life, as they say, Emma + Smith. She is Rushcroft's daughter." + </p> + <p> + "Somewhat involved, isn't it?" + </p> + <p> + "Not in the least. Rushcroft's real name is Otterbein Smith. Horrible, + isn't it? He sprung from some place in Indiana, where the authors come + from. Miss Thackeray was our ingenue. A trifle large for that sort of + thing, perhaps, but—very sprightly, just the same. She's had her + full growth upwards, but not outwards. Tommy Gray, the other member of the + company, is driving a taxi in Hornville. He used to own his own car in + Springfield, Mass., by the way. Comes of a very good family. At least, so + he says. Are you all ready? I'll lead you to the dining-room. Or would you + prefer a little appetiser beforehand? The tap-room is right on the way. + You mustn't call it the bar. Everybody in that little graveyard down the + road would turn over completely if you did. Hallowed tradition, you know." + </p> + <p> + "I don't mind having a cocktail. Will you join me?" + </p> + <p> + "As a matter of fact, I'm expected to," confessed Mr. Dillingford. "We've + been drawing quite a bit of custom to the tap-room. The rubes like to sit + around and listen to conversation about Broadway and Bunker Hill and Old + Point Comfort and other places, and then go home and tell the neighbours + that they know quite a number of stage people. Human nature, I guess. I + used to think that if I could ever meet an actress I'd be the happiest + thing in the world. Well, I've met a lot of 'em, and God knows I'm not as + happy as I was when I was WISHING I could meet one of them. Listen! Hear + that? Rushcroft is reciting Gunga Din. You can't hear the thunder for the + noise he's making." + </p> + <p> + They descended the stairs and entered the tap-room, where a dozen men were + seated around the tables, all of them with pewter mugs in front of them. + Standing at the top table,—that is to say, the one farthest removed + from the door and commanding the attention of every creature in the room—was + the imposing figure of Lyndon Rushcroft. He was reciting, in a sonorous + voice and with tremendous fervour, the famous Kipling poem. Barnes had + heard it given a score of times at The Players in New York, and knew it by + heart. He was therefore able to catch Mr. Rushcroft in the very + reprehensible act of taking liberties with the designs of the author. The + "star," after a sharp and rather startled look at the newcomer, + deliberately "cut" four stanzas and rushed somewhat hastily through the + concluding verse, marring a tremendous climax. + </p> + <p> + A genial smile wiped the tragic expression from his face. He advanced upon + Barnes and the beaming Mr. Dillingford, his hand extended. + </p> + <p> + "My dear fellow," he exclaimed resoundingly, "how are you?" Cordiality + boomed in his voice. "I heard you had arrived. Welcome,—thricefold + welcome!" He neglected to say that Mr. Montague Bacon, in passing a few + minutes before, had leaned over and whispered behind his hand: + </p> + <p> + "Fellow upstairs from New York, Mr. Rushcroft,—fellow named Barnes. + Quite a swell, believe me." + </p> + <p> + It was a well-placed tip, for Mr. Rushcroft had been telling the natives + for days that he knew everybody worth knowing in New York. + </p> + <p> + Barnes was momentarily taken aback. Then he rose to the spirit of the + occasion. + </p> + <p> + "Hello, Rushcroft," he greeted, as if meeting an old time and greatly + beloved friend. "This IS good. 'Pon my soul, you are like a thriving date + palm in the middle of an endless desert. How are you?" + </p> + <p> + They shook hands warmly. Mr. Dillingford slapped the newcomer on the + shoulder, affectionately, familiarly, and shouted: + </p> + <p> + "Who would have dreamed we'd run across good old Barnesy up here? By Jove, + it's marvellous!" + </p> + <p> + "Friends, countrymen," boomed Mr. Rushcroft, "this is Mr. Barnes of New + York. Not the man the book was written about, but one of the best fellows + God ever put into this little world of ours. I do not recall your names, + gentlemen, or I would introduce each of you separately and divisibly. And + when did you leave New York, my dear fellow?" + </p> + <p> + "A fortnight ago," replied Barnes. "I have been walking for the past two + weeks." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Rushcroft's expression changed. His face fell. + </p> + <p> + "Walking?" he repeated, a trifle stiffly. Was the fellow a tramp? Was he + in no better condition of life than himself and his stranded companions, + against whom the mockery of the assemblage was slyly but indubitably + directed? If so, what was to be gained by claiming friendship with him? It + behooved him to go slow. He drew himself up to his full height. "Well, + well! Really?" he said. + </p> + <p> + The others looked on with interest. The majority were farmers, hardy, + rawboned men with misty eyes. Two of them looked like mechanics,—blacksmiths, + was Barnes' swift estimate,—and as there was an odor of gasolene in + the low, heavy-timbered room, others were no doubt connected with the + tavern garage. For that matter, there was also an atmosphere of the + stables. + </p> + <p> + Lyndon Rushcroft was a tall, saggy man of fifty. Despite his determined + erectness, he was inclined to sag from the shoulders down. His head, huge + and grey, appeared to be much too ponderous for his yielding body, and yet + he carried it manfully, even theatrically. The lines in his dark, seasoned + face were like furrows; his nose was large and somewhat bulbous, his mouth + wide and grim. Thick, black eyebrows shaded a pair of eyes in which white + was no longer apparent; it had given way to a permanent red. A two days' + stubble covered his chin and cheeks. Altogether he was a singular + exemplification of one's idea of the old-time actor. He was far better + dressed than the two male members of his company who had come under + Barnes' observation. A fashionably made cutaway coat of black, a fancy + waistcoat, and trousers with a delicate stripe (sadly in need of creasing) + gave him an air of distinction totally missing in his subordinates. + (Afterwards Barnes was to learn that he was making daily use of his last + act drawing-room costume, which included a silk hat and a pair of pearl + grey gloves.) Evidently he had possessed the foresight to "skip out" in + the best that the wardrobe afforded, leaving his ordinary garments for the + sheriff to lay hands upon. + </p> + <p> + "A customary adventure with me," said Barnes. "I take a month's walking + tour every spring, usually timing my pilgrimage so as to miss the + hoi-polloi that blunders into the choice spots of the world later on and + spoils them completely for me. This is my first jaunt into this part of + New England. Most attractive walking, my dear fellow. Wonderful scenery, + splendid air—" "Deliver me from the hoi-polloi," said Mr. Rushcroft, + at his ease once more. "I may also add, deliver me from walking. I'm + damned if I can see anything in it. What will you have to drink, old + chap?" + </p> + <p> + He turned toward the broad aperture which served as a passageway in the + wall for drinks leaving the hands of a fat bartender beyond to fall into + the clutches of thirsty customers in the tap-room. There was no + outstanding bar. A time-polished shelf, as old as the house itself, + provided the afore-said bartender with a place on which to spread his + elbows while not actively engaged in advancing mugs and bottles from more + remote resting-places at his back. + </p> + <p> + "Everything comes through 'the hole in the wall,'" explained Rushcroft, + wrinkling his face into a smile. + </p> + <p> + He unceremoniously turned his back on the audience of a moment before, and + pounded smartly on the shelf, notwithstanding the fact that the bartender + was less than a yard away and facing him expectantly. "What ho! Give ear, + professor. Ye gods, what a night! Devil-brewed pandemonium—I beg + pardon?" + </p> + <p> + "I was just about to ask what you will have," said Barnes, lining up + beside him with Mr. Dillingford. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Rushcroft drew himself up once more. "My dear fellow, I asked you to + have a—" + </p> + <p> + "But I had already invited Dillingford. You must allow me to extend the + invitation—" + </p> + <p> + "Say no more, sir. I understand perfectly. A flagon of ale, Bob, for me." + He leaned closer to Barnes and said, in what was supposed to be a + confidential aside: "Don't tackle the whiskey. It would kill a + rattlesnake." + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later he laid one hand fondly upon Barnes' shoulder and, + with a graceful sweep of the other in the direction of the hall, addressed + himself to Dillingford. + </p> + <p> + "Lead the way to the banquet-hall, good fellow. We follow." To the patrons + he was abandoning: + </p> + <p> + "We return anon." Passing through the office, his arm linked in one of + Barnes', Mr. Rushcroft hesitated long enough to impress upon Landlord + Jones the importance of providing his "distinguished friend, Robert W. + Barnes," with the very best that the establishment afforded. Putnam Jones + blinked slightly and his eyes sought the register as if to accuse or + justify his memory. Then he spat copiously into the corner, a necessary + preliminary to a grin. He hadn't much use for the great Lyndon Rushcroft. + His grin was sardonic. Something told him that Mr. Rushcroft was about to + be liberally fed. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III — MR. RUSHCROFT DISSOLVES, MR. JONES INTERVENES, AND TWO + MEN RIDE AWAY + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Rushcroft explained that he had had his supper. In fact, he went on to + confess, he had been compelled, like the dog, to "speak" for it. What + could be more disgusting, more degrading, he mourned, than the spectacle + of a man who had appeared in all of the principal theatres of the land as + star and leading support to stars, settling for his supper by telling + stories and reciting poetry in the tap-room of a tavern? + </p> + <p> + "Still," he consented, when Barnes insisted that it would be a kindness to + him, "since you put it that way, I dare say I could do with a little + snack, as you so aptly put it. Just a bite or two. Like you, my dear + fellow, I loathe and detest eating alone. I covet companionship, convivial + com—what have you ready, Miss Tilly?" + </p> + <p> + Miss Tilly was a buxom female of forty or thereabouts, with spectacles. + She was one of a pair of sedentary waitresses who had been so long in the + employ of Mr. Jones that he hated the sight of them. Close proximity to a + real star affected her intensely. In fact, she was dazzled. For something + like twenty years she had nursed an ambition that wavered between the + desire to become an actress or an authoress. At present she despised + literature. More than once she had confessed to Mr. Rushcroft that she + hated like poison to write out the bill-o'-fare, a duty devolving solely + upon her, it appears, because of a local tradition that she possessed + literary talent. Every one said that she wrote the best hand in the + county. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Rushcroft's conception of a bite or two may have staggered Barnes but + it did not bewilder Miss Tilly. He had four eggs with his ham, and other + things in proportion. He talked a great deal, proving in that way that it + was a supper well worth speaking for. Among other things, he dilated at + great length upon his reasons for not being a member of The Players or The + Lambs in New York City. It seems that he had promised his dear, devoted + wife that he would never join a club of any description. Dear old girl, he + would as soon have cut off his right hand as to break any promise made to + her. He brushed something away from his eyes, and his chin, contracting, + trembled slightly. + </p> + <p> + "Quite right," said Barnes, sympathetically. "And how long has Mrs. + Rushcroft been dead?" + </p> + <p> + A hurt, incredulous look came into Mr. Rushcroft's eyes. "Is it possible + that you have forgotten the celebrated case of Rushcroft vs. Rushcroft, + not more than six years back? Good Lord, man, it was one of the most + sensational cases that ever—But I see that you do not recall it. You + must have been abroad at the time. I don't believe I ever knew of a case + being quite so admirably handled by the press as that one was. She got it + after a bitter and protracted fight. Infidelity. Nothing so rotten as + cruelty or desertion,—no sir!" + </p> + <p> + "Ahem!" coughed Miss Tilly. + </p> + <p> + "The dear old girl married again," sighed Mr. Rushcroft, helping himself + to Barnes' butter. "Did very well, too. Man in the wine trade. He saves a + great deal, you see, by getting it at cost, and I can assure you, on my + word of honour, sir, that he'll find it quite an item. What is it, Mr. + Bacon? Any word from New York?" + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bacon hovered near, perhaps hungrily. + </p> + <p> + "Our genial host has instructed me to say to his latest guest that the + rates are two dollars a day, in advance, all dining-room checks payable on + presentation," said Mr. Bacon, apologetically. + </p> + <p> + Rushcroft exploded. "A scurvy insult," he boomed. "Confound his—" + </p> + <p> + The new guest was amiable. He interrupted the outraged star. "Tell Mr. + Jones that I shall settle promptly," he said, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + The "heavy leads" lowered his voice. "He told me that he had had a + horrible thought." + </p> + <p> + "He never has anything else," said Mr. Rushcroft. + </p> + <p> + "It has just entered his bean that you may be an actor, Mr. Barnes," said + Bacon. + </p> + <p> + Miss Tilly, overhearing, drew a step or two nearer. A sudden interest in + Mr. Barnes developed. She had not noticed before that he was an uncommonly + good-looking fellow. She always had said that she adored strong, + "athletic" faces. + </p> + <p> + "Hence the insult," said Mr. Rushcroft bitterly. He raised both arms in a + gesture of complete dejection. "My God!" + </p> + <p> + "Says it looks suspicious," went on Mr. Bacon, "flocking with us as you + do. He mentioned something about birds of a feather." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Rushcroft arose majestically. "I shall see the man myself, Mr. Barnes. + His infernal insolence—" + </p> + <p> + "Pray do not distress yourself, my dear Rushcroft," interrupted Barnes. + "He is quite within his rights. I may be even worse than an actor. I may + turn out to be an ordinary tramp." He took a wallet from his pocket, and + smiled engagingly upon Miss Tilly. "The check, please." + </p> + <p> + "For both?" inquired she, blinking. + </p> + <p> + "Certainly. Mr. Rushcroft was my guest." + </p> + <p> + "Four twenty five," she announced, after computation on the back of the + menu. + </p> + <p> + He selected a five dollar bill from the rather plethoric purse and handed + it to her. + </p> + <p> + "Be so good as to keep the change," he said, and Miss Tilly went away in a + daze from which she did not emerge for a long, long time. + </p> + <p> + Later on she felt inspired to jot down, for use no doubt in some future + literary production, a concise, though general, description of the + magnificent Mr. Barnes. She utilised the back of the bill-of-fare and she + wrote with the feverish ardour of one who dreads the loss of a first + impression. I herewith append her visual estimate of the hero of this + story. + </p> + <p> + "He was a tall, shapely speciman of mankind," wrote Miss Tilly. + "Broad-shouldered. Smooth shaved face. Penetrating grey eyes. Short curly + hair about the colour of mine. Strong hands of good shape. Face tanned + considerable. Heavy dark eyebrows. Good teeth, very white. Square chin. + Lovely smile that seemed to light up the room for everybody within + hearing. Nose ideal. Mouth same. Voice aristocratic and reverberating with + education. Age about thirty or thirty one. Rich as Croesus. Costume + resembling the picture in the English novel the woman forgot and left here + last summer. Well turned legs. Would make a good nobleman." + </p> + <p> + All this would appear to be reasonably definite were it not for the note + regarding the colour of his hair. It leaves to me the simple task of + completing the very admirable description of Mr. Barnes by announcing that + Miss Tilly's hair was an extremely dark brown. + </p> + <p> + Also it is advisable to append the following biographical information: + Thomas Kingsbury Barnes, engineer, born in Montclair, New Jersey, Sept. + 26, 1885. Cornell and Beaux Arts, Paris. Son of the late Stephen S. + Barnes, engineer, and Edith (Valentine) Barnes. Office, Metropolitan + Building, New York City. Residence, Amsterdam Mansions. Clubs: (Lack of + space prevents listing them here). Recreations: golf, tennis, and + horseback riding. Author of numerous articles resulting from expeditions + and discoveries in Peru and Ecuador. Fellow of the Royal Geographic + Society. Member of the Loyal Legion and the Sons of the American + Revolution. + </p> + <p> + Added to this, the mere announcement that he was in a position to indulge + a fancy for long and perhaps aimless walking tours through more or less + out of the way sections of his own country, to say nothing of excursions + in Europe. + </p> + <p> + Needless to say, he obtained a great deal of pleasure from these lonely + jaunts, and at the same time laid up for future use an ample supply of + mind's ease. His was undoubtedly a romantic nature. He loved the fancies + that his susceptibilities garnered from the hills and dales and fields and + forests. He never tired of the changing prospect; the simple meadow and + the inspiring mountain peak were as one to his generous imagination. He + found something worth while in every mile he traversed in these long and + solitary tramps, and he covered no fewer than twenty of them between + breakfast and dinner unless ordered by circumstance to loiter along the + way. + </p> + <p> + Each succeeding spring he set out from his "diggings" in New York without + having the remotest idea where his peregrinations would carry him. It was + his habit to select a starting point in advance, approach that spot by + train or ship or motor, and then divest himself of all purpose except to + fare forward until he came upon some haven for the night. He went east or + west, north or south, even as the winds of heaven blow; indeed, he not + infrequently followed them. + </p> + <p> + For five or six weeks in the early spring it was his custom to forge his + daily chain of miles and, when the end was reached, climb contentedly + aboard a train and be transported, often by arduous means, to the city + where millions of men walk with a definite aim in view. He liked the + spring of the year. He liked the rains and the winds of early spring. They + meant the beginning of things to him. + </p> + <p> + He was rich. Perhaps not as riches are measured in these Midas-like days, + but rich beyond the demands of avarice. His legacy had been an ample one. + The fact that he worked hard at his profession from one year's end to the + other,—not excluding the six weeks devoted to these mentally + productive jaunts,—is proof sufficient that he was not content to + subsist on the fruits of another man's enterprise. He was a worker. He was + a creator, a builder and a destroyer. It was part of his ambition to + destroy in order that he might build the better. + </p> + <p> + The first fortnight of a proposed six weeks' jaunt through Upper New + England terminated when he laid aside his heavy pack in the little + bed-room at Hart's Tavern. Cock-crow would find him ready and eager to + begin his third week. At least, so he thought. But, truth is, he had come + to his journey's end; he was not to sling his pack for many a day to come. + </p> + <p> + After setting the mind of the landlord at rest, Barnes declined Mr. + Rushcroft's invitation to "quaff" a cordial with him in the tap-room, + explaining that he was exceedingly tired and intended to retire early (an + announcement that caused unmistakable distress to the actor, who held + forth for some time on the folly of "letting a thing like that go without + taking it in time," although it was not made quite clear just what he + meant by "thing"). Barnes was left to infer that he considered fatigue a + malady that ought to be treated. + </p> + <p> + Instead of going up to his room immediately, however, he decided to have a + look at the weather. He stepped out upon the wet porch and closed the door + behind him. The wind was still high; the lantern creaked and the dingy + sign that hung above the steps gave forth raucous, spasmodic wails as it + swung back and forth in the stiff, raw wind. Far away to the north + lightning flashed dimly; the roar of thunder had diminished to a low, + half-hearted growl. + </p> + <p> + His uneasiness concerning the young woman of the cross-roads increased as + he peered at the wall of blackness looming up beyond the circle of light. + He could not see the towering hills, but memory pictured them as they were + revealed to him in the gathering darkness before the storm. She was + somewhere outside that sinister black wall and in the smothering grasp of + those invisible hills, but was she living or dead? Had she reached her + journey's end safely? He tried to extract comfort from the confidence she + had expressed in the ability and integrity of the old man who drove with + far greater recklessness than one would have looked for in a wild and + irresponsible youngster. + </p> + <p> + He recalled, with a thrill, the imperious manner in which she gave + directions to the man, and his surprising servility. It suddenly occurred + to him that she was no ordinary person; he was rather amazed that he had + not thought of it before. + </p> + <p> + She had confessed to total ignorance regarding the driver of that + ramshackle conveyance; to being utterly at sea in the neighbourhood; to + having walked like any country bumpkin from the railroad station, lugging + an unconscionably heavy bag; and yet, despite all this, she seemed + amazingly sure of herself. He recalled her frivolous remark about her + jewels, and now wondered if there had not been more truth than jest in her + words. Then there was the rather significant alteration in tone and manner + when she spoke to the driver. The soft, somewhat deliberate drawl gave way + to sharp, crisp sentences; the quaint good humour vanished and in its + place he had no difficulty in remembering a very decided note of command. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, now that he thought of it, there was, even in the agreeable + rejoinders she had made to his offerings, the faint suggestion of an + accent that should have struck him at the time but did not for the obvious + reason that he was then not at all interested in her. Her English was so + perfect that he had failed to detect the almost imperceptible foreign + flavour that now took definite form in his reflections. He tried to place + this accent. Was it French, or Italian, or Spanish? Certainly it was not + German. The lightness of the Latin was evident, he decided, but it was all + so faint and remote that classification was impossible, notwithstanding + his years of association with the peoples of many countries where English + is spoken more perfectly by the upper classes, who have a language of + their own, than it is in England itself. + </p> + <p> + He took a few turns up and down the long porch, stopping finally at the + upper end. The clear, inspiring clang of a hammer on an anvil fell + suddenly upon his ears. He looked at his watch. The hour was nine, + certainly an unusual time for men to be at work in a forge. He remembered + the two men in the tap-room who were bare-armed and wore the shapeless + leather aprons of the smithy. + </p> + <p> + He had been standing there not more than half a minute peering in the + direction from whence came the rhythmic bang of the anvil,—at no + great distance, he was convinced,—when some one spoke suddenly at + his elbow. He whirled and found himself facing the gaunt landlord. + </p> + <p> + "Good Lord! You startled me," he exclaimed. He had not heard the approach + of the man, nor the opening and closing of the tavern door. His gaze + travelled past the tall figure of Putnam Jones and rested on that of a + second man, who leaned, with legs crossed and arms folded, against the + porch post directly in front of the entrance to the house, his features + almost wholly concealed by the broad-brimmed slouch hat that came far down + over his eyes. He too, it seemed to Barnes, had sprung from nowhere. + </p> + <p> + "Fierce night," said Putnam Jones, removing the corn-cob pipe from his + lips. Then, as an after thought: "Sorry I skeert you. I thought you heerd + me." + </p> + <p> + "I was listening to the song of the anvil," said Barnes, as the landlord + moved forward and took his place beside him. "It has always possessed a + singular charm for me." + </p> + <p> + "Special hurry-up job," said Jones, and no more. + </p> + <p> + "Shoeing?" + </p> + <p> + "Yep. You'd think these hayseeds could git their horses in here durin' + regular hours, wouldn't you?" + </p> + <p> + "I dare say they consider their own regular hours instead of yours, Mr. + Jones." + </p> + <p> + "I didn't quite ketch that." + </p> + <p> + "I mean that they bring their horses in after their regular day's work is + done." + </p> + <p> + "I see. Yes, I reckon that's the idee." After a few pulls at his pipe, the + landlord inquired: "Where'd you walk from to-day?" "I slept in a + farm-house last night, about fifteen miles south of this place I should + say." + </p> + <p> + "That'd be a little ways out of East Cobb," speculated Mr. Jones. + </p> + <p> + "Five or six miles." + </p> + <p> + "Goin' over into Canada?" + </p> + <p> + "No. I shall turn west, I think, and strike for the Lake Champlain + country." + </p> + <p> + "Canadian line is only a few miles from here," said Jones. "Last summer we + had a couple of crooks from Boston here, makin' a dash for the border. + Didn't know it till they'd been gone a day, however. The officers were + just a day behind 'em. Likely lookin' fellers, too. Last men in the world + you'd take for bank robbers." + </p> + <p> + "Bank robbers, as a rule, are very classy looking customers," said Barnes. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Jones grunted. After a short silence, he branched off on a new line. + "What you think about the war? Think it'll be over soon?" + </p> + <p> + "It has been going on for nearly two years, and I can't see any signs of + abatement. Looks to me like a draw. They're all tired of it." + </p> + <p> + "Think the Germans are going to win?" + </p> + <p> + "No. They can't win. On the other hand, I don't see how the Allies can + win. I may be wrong, of course. The Allies are getting stronger every day + and the Germans must surely be getting weaker. As a matter of fact, Mr. + Jones, I've long since stopped speculating on the outcome of the war. It + is too big for me. I am not one of your know-it-alls who figure the whole + thing out from day to day, and then wonder why the fool generals didn't + have sense enough to perform as expected." + </p> + <p> + "I wish them countries over there would let me fix 'em out with generals," + drawled Mr. Jones. "I could pick out fifteen or twenty men right here in + this district that could show 'em in ten minutes just how to win the war. + You'd be surprised to know how many great generals we have running two by + four farms and choppin' wood for a livin' up here. And there are fellers + settin' right in there now that never saw a body of water bigger'n Plum + Pond, an' every blamed one of 'em knows more'n the whole British navy + about ketchin' submarines. The quickest way to end the war, says Jim + Roudebush,—one of our leadin' ice-cutters,—is for the British + navy to bombard Berlin from both sides, an' he don't see why in thunder + they've never thought of it. I suppose you've travelled right smart in + Europe?" + </p> + <p> + "Quite a bit, Mr. Jones." + </p> + <p> + "Any partic'lar part?" + </p> + <p> + "No," said Barnes, suddenly divining that he was being "pumped." "One end + to the other, you might say." + </p> + <p> + "What about them countries down around Bulgaria and Roumania? I've been + considerable interested in what's going to become of them if Germany gets + licked. What do they get out of it, either way?" + </p> + <p> + Barnes spent the next ten minutes expatiating upon the future of the + Balkan states. Jones had little to say. He was interested, and drank in + all the information that Barnes had to impart. He puffed at his pipe, + nodded his head from time to time, and occasionally put a leading + question. And quite as abruptly as he introduced the topic he changed it. + </p> + <p> + "Not many automobiles up here at this time 'o the year," he said. "I was a + little surprised when you said a feller had given you a lift. Where from?" + </p> + <p> + "The cross-roads, a mile down. He came from the direction of Frogg's + Corner and was on his way to meet some one at Spanish Falls." Barnes + shrewdly leaped to the conclusion that the landlord's interest in the + European War was more or less assumed. The man's purpose was beginning to + reveal itself. He was evidently curious, if not actually concerned, about + his guest's arrival by motor. + </p> + <p> + "That's queer," he said, after a moment. "There's no train arrivin' at + Spanish Falls as late as six o'clock. Gets in at four-ten, if she's on + time. And she was reported on time to-day." + </p> + <p> + "It appears that there was a misunderstanding. The driver didn't meet the + train, so the person he was going after walked all the way to the forks. + We happened upon each other there, Mr. Jones, and we studied the sign-post + together. She was bound for a place called Green Fancy." + </p> + <p> + "Did you say SHE?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. I was proposing to help her out of her predicament when the belated + motor came racing down the slope. As a matter of fact, I was wrong when I + said that a man brought me here in an automobile. It was she who did it. + She gave the order. He merely obeyed,—and not very willingly, I + suspect." + </p> + <p> + "What for sort of looking lady was she?" + </p> + <p> + "She wore a veil," said Barnes, succinctly. + </p> + <p> + "Young?" + </p> + <p> + "I had that impression. By the way, Mr. Jones, what and where is Green + Fancy?" + </p> + <p> + Jones looked over his shoulder, and his guest's glance followed. The man + near the entrance had been joined by another. + </p> + <p> + "Well," began the landlord, lowering his voice, "it's about two mile and a + half from here, up the mountain. It's a house and people live in it, same + as any other house. That's about all there is to say about it." + </p> + <p> + "Why is it called Green Fancy?" + </p> + <p> + "Because it's a green house," replied Jones succinctly. + </p> + <p> + "You mean that it is painted green?" + </p> + <p> + "Exactly. Green as a gourd. A man named Curtis built it a couple o' year + ago and he had a fool idee about paintin' it green. Might ha' been a + little crazy, for all I know. Anyhow, after he got it finished he settled + down to live in it, and from that day to this he's never been off'n the + place. He didn't seem sick or anything, so we can't make out his object in + shuttin' himself up in the house an' seldom ever stickin' his nose outside + the door." + </p> + <p> + "Isn't it possible that he isn't there at all?" + </p> + <p> + "He's there all right. Every now an' then he has visitors,—just like + this woman to-day,—and sometimes they come down here for supper. + They don't hesitate to speak of him, so he must be there. Miss Tilly has + got the idee that he is a reecluse, if you know what that is." + </p> + <p> + "It's all very interesting. I should say, judging by the visitor who came + this evening, that he entertains extremely nice people." + </p> + <p> + "Well," said Jones drily, "they claim to be from New York. But," he added, + "so do them cheapskate actors in there." Which was as much as to say that + he had his doubts. + </p> + <p> + Further conversation was interrupted by the irregular clatter of horses' + hoofs on the macadam. Off to the left a dull red glow of light spread + across the roadway, and a man's voice called out: "Whoa, dang ye!" + </p> + <p> + The door of the smithy had been thrown open and some one was leading forth + freshly shod horses. + </p> + <p> + A moment later the horses,—prancing, high-spirited animals,—their + bridle-bits held by a strapping blacksmith, came into view. Barnes looked + in the direction of the steps. The two men had disappeared. Instead of + stopping directly in front of the steps, the smith led his charges quite a + distance beyond and into the darkness. + </p> + <p> + Putnam Jones abruptly changed his position. He insinuated his long body + between Barnes and the doorway, at the same time rather loudly proclaiming + that the rain appeared to be over. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir," he repeated, "she seems to have let up altogether. Ought to + have a nice day to-morrow, Mr. Barnes,—nice, cool day for walkin'." + </p> + <p> + Voices came up from the darkness. Jones had not been able to cover them + with his own. Barnes caught two or three sharp commands, rising above the + pawing of horses' hoofs, and then a great clatter as the mounted horsemen + rode off in the direction of the cross-roads. The beat of the hoofs became + rhythmical as the animals steadied into a swinging lope. + </p> + <p> + Barnes waited until they were muffled by distance, and then turned to + Jones with the laconic remark: + </p> + <p> + "They seem to be foreigners, Mr. Jones." Jones's manner became natural + once more. He leaned against one of the posts and, striking a match on his + leg, relighted his pipe. + </p> + <p> + "Kind o' curious about 'em, eh?" he drawled. + </p> + <p> + "It never entered my mind until this instant to be curious," said Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "Well, it entered their minds about an hour ago to be curious about you," + said the other. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV — AN EXTRAORDINARY CHAMBERMAID, A MIDNIGHT TRAGEDY, AND A + MAN WHO SAID "THANK YOU" + </h2> + <p> + Miss Thackeray was "turning down" his bed when he entered his room after + bidding his new actor friends good night. All three promised to be up + bright and early in the morning to speed him on his way with good wishes. + Mr. Rushcroft declared that he would break the habit of years and get up + in time to partake of a seven o'clock breakfast with him. Mr. Dillingford + and Mr. Bacon, though under sentence to eat at six with the rest of the + "help," were quite sanguine that old man Jones wouldn't mind if they ate + again at seven. So it was left that Barnes was to have company for + breakfast. + </p> + <p> + He was staggered and somewhat abashed by the appearance of Miss Thackeray. + She was by no means dressed as a chambermaid should be, nor was she as + dumb. On the contrary, she confronted him in the choicest raiment that her + wardrobe contained, and she was bright and cheery and exceedingly + incompetent. It was her costume that shocked him. Not only was she attired + in a low-necked, rose-coloured evening gown, liberally bespangled with + tinsel, but she wore a vast top-heavy picture-hat whose crown of black was + almost wholly obscured by a gorgeous white feather that once must have + adorned the king of all ostriches. She was not at all his idea of a + chambermaid. He started to back out of the door with an apology for having + blundered into the wrong room by mistake. + </p> + <p> + "Come right in," she said cheerily. "I'll soon be through. I suppose I + should have done all this an hour ago, but I just had to write a few + letters." She went on with her clumsy operations. "I don't know who made + up this bed but whoever did was determined that it should stay put. I + never knew that bed clothes could be tucked in as far and as tight as + these. Tight enough for old Mother Jones to have done it herself, and + heaven knows she's a tight one. I am Miss Thackeray. This is Mr. Barnes, I + believe." + </p> + <p> + He bowed, still quite overcome. + </p> + <p> + "You needn't be scared," she cried, observing his confusion. "This is my + regular uniform. I'm starting a new style for chambermaids. Did it + paralyse you to find me here?" + </p> + <p> + "I must confess to a moment of indecision," he said, smiling. + </p> + <p> + "Followed by a moment of uneasiness," she added, slapping the bolster. + "You didn't know what to think, now did you?" + </p> + <p> + "I couldn't believe my eyes." + </p> + <p> + She abandoned her easy, careless manner. A look of mortification came into + her eyes as she straightened up and faced him. Her voice was a trifle + husky when she spoke again, after a moment's pause. + </p> + <p> + "You see, Mr. Barnes, these are the only duds I have with me. It wasn't + necessary to put on this hat, of course, but I did it simply to make the + character complete. I might just as well make beds and clean washstands in + a picture hat as in a low-necked gown, so here I am." + </p> + <p> + She was a tall, pleasant-faced girl of twenty-three or four, not unlike + her father in many respects. Her features were rather heavy, her mouth + large but comely, her eyes dark and lustrous behind heavy lashes. As she + now appeared before Barnes, she was the typical stage society woman: in + other words, utterly commonplace. In a drawing-room she would have been as + conspicuously out of place as she was in her present occupation. + </p> + <p> + "I am very sorry," he said lamely. "I have heard something of your + misfortunes from your father and—the others. It's—it's really + hard luck." + </p> + <p> + "I call it rather good luck to have got away with the only dress in the + lot that cost more than tuppence," she said, smiling again. "Lord knows + what would have happened to me if they had dropped down on us at the end + of the first act. I was the beggar's daughter, you see,—absolutely + in rags." + </p> + <p> + "You might have got away in your ordinary street clothes, however," he + said; "which would have been pleasanter, I dare say." + </p> + <p> + "I dare say," she agreed brightly. "Glad to have met you. I think you'll + find everything NEARLY all right. Good night, sir." + </p> + <p> + She smiled brightly, unaffectedly, as she turned toward the open door. + There was something forelorn about her, after all, and his heart was + touched. + </p> + <p> + "Better luck, Miss Thackeray. Every cloud has its silver lining." + </p> + <p> + She stopped and faced him once more. "That's the worst bromide in the + language," she said. "If I were to tell you how many clouds I've seen and + how little silver, you'd think I was lying. This experience? Why, it's a + joy compared to some of the jolts we've had,—dad and me. And the + others, too, for that matter. We've had to get used to it. Five years ago + I would have jumped out of a ten story window before I'd have let you see + me in this get-up. I know you'll laugh yourself sick over the way I look, + and so will your friends when you tell them about me, but, thank the Lord, + I shan't be in a position to hear you. So why should I mind? What a fellow + doesn't know, isn't going to hurt him. You haven't laughed in my face, and + I'm grateful for that. What you do afterward can't make the least bit of + difference to me." + </p> + <p> + "I assure you, Miss Thackeray, that I shall not laugh, nor shall I ever + relate the story of your—" + </p> + <p> + "There is one more bromide that I've never found much virtue in," she + interrupted, not disagreeably, "and that is: 'it's too good to be true.' + Good night. Sleep tight." + </p> + <p> + She closed the door behind her, leaving him standing in the middle of the + room, perplexed but amused. + </p> + <p> + "By George," he said to himself, still staring at the closed door, + "they're wonders, all of them. We could all take lessons in philosophy + from such as they. I wish I could do something to help them out of—" + He sat down abruptly on the edge of the bed and pulled his wallet from his + pocket. He set about counting the bills, a calculating frown in his eyes. + Then he stared at the ceiling, summing up. "I'll do it," he said, after a + moment of mental figuring. He told off a half dozen bills and slipped them + into his pocket. The wallet sought its usual resting place for the night: + under a pillow. + </p> + <p> + He was healthy and he was tired. Two minutes after his head touched the + pillow he was sound asleep, losing consciousness even as he fought to stay + awake in order that he might continue to vex himself with the + extraordinary behavior and statement of Putnam Jones. + </p> + <p> + He was aroused shortly after midnight by shouts, apparently just outside + his window. A man was calling in a loud voice from the road below; an + instant later he heard a tremendous pounding on the tavern door. + </p> + <p> + Springing out of bed, he rushed to the window. There were horses in front + of the house,—several of them,—and men on foot moving like + shadows among them. A shuffling of feet came up to his open window; the + intervening roof shut off his view of the porch and all that was + transpiring. His eyes, accustomed to darkness, made out at least five + horses in the now unlighted area before the tavern. + </p> + <p> + Turning from the window, he unlocked and opened the door into the hall. + Some one was clattering down the narrow staircase. The bolts on the front + door shot back with resounding force, and there came the hoarse jumble of + excited voices as men crowded through the entrance. Putnam Jones's voice + rose above the clamour. + </p> + <p> + "Keep quiet! Do you want to wake everybody on the place?" he was saying + angrily. "What's up? This is a fine time o' night to be—Good Lord! + What's the matter with him?" + </p> + <p> + "Telephone for a doctor, Put,—damn' quick! This one's still alive. + The other one is dead as a door nail up at Jim Conley's house. Git ole Doc + James down from Saint Liz. Bring him in here, boys. Where's your lights? + Easy now! Eas-EE!" + </p> + <p> + Barnes waited to hear no more. His blood seemed to be running ice-cold as + he retreated into the room and began scrambling for his clothes. The thing + he feared had come to pass. Disaster had overtaken her in that wild, + senseless dash up the mountain road. He was cursing half aloud as he + dressed, cursing the fool who drove that machine and who now was perhaps + dying down there in the tap-room. "The other one is dead as a door nail," + kept running through his head,—"the other one." + </p> + <p> + The rumble of voices and the shuffling of feet continued, indistinct but + laden with tragedy. The curious hush of catastrophe seemed to top the + confusion that infected the place, inside and out. Barnes found his + electric pocket torch and dressed hurriedly, though not fully, by its + constricted light. As he was pulling on his heavy walking shoes, a head + was inserted through the half open door, and an excited voice called out: + </p> + <p> + "You awake? Good work! Hustle along, will you? No more sleep to-night, old + chap. Man dying downstairs. Shot smack through the lungs. Get a move—" + </p> + <p> + "Shot?" exclaimed Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "So they say," replied the agitated Mr. Dillingford, entering the room. He + had slipped on his trousers and was then in the act of pulling his + suspenders over his shoulders. His unlaced shoes gaped broadly; the upper + part of his body was closely encased in a once blue undershirt; his + abundant black hair was tousled,—some of it, indeed, having the + appearance of standing on end. And in his wide eyes there was a look of + horror. "I didn't hear much of the story. Old man Jones is telephoning for + a doctor and—" + </p> + <p> + "Did you say that the man was shot?" repeated Barnes, bewildered. "Wasn't + it an automobile accident?" + </p> + <p> + "Search ME. Gosh, I had one look at that fellow's face down there and—I + didn't hear another word that was said. I never saw a man's face look like + that. It was the colour of grey wall paper. Hurry up! Old man Jones told + me to call you. He says you understand some of the foreign languages, and + maybe you can make out what the poor devil is trying to say." "Do they + know who he is?" + </p> + <p> + "Sure. He's been staying in the house for three days. The other one spoke + English all right but this one not a word." + </p> + <p> + "Did they ride away from here about nine o'clock?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. They had their own horses and said they were going to spend the + night at Spanish Falls so's they could meet the down train that goes + through at five o'clock in the morning. But hustle along, please. He's + trying to talk and he's nearly gone." + </p> + <p> + Barnes, buoyed by a sharp feeling of relief, followed the actor downstairs + and into the tap-room. A dozen men were there, gathered around two tables + that had been drawn together. Transient lodgers, in various stages of + dishabille, popped out of all sorts of passageways and joined the throng. + The men about the table, on which was stretched the figure of the wounded + man, were undoubtedly natives: farmers, woodsmen or employees of the + tavern. At a word from Putnam Jones, they opened up and allowed Barnes to + advance to the side of the man. + </p> + <p> + "See if you c'n understand him, Mr. Barnes," said the landlord. + Perspiration was dripping from his long, raw-boned face. "And you, Bacon,—you + and Dillingford hustle upstairs and get a mattress off'n one of the beds. + Stand at the door there, Pike, and don't let any women in here. Go away, + Miss Thackeray! This is no place for you." + </p> + <p> + Miss Thackeray pushed her way past the man who tried to stop her and + joined Barnes. Her long black hair hung in braids down her back; above her + forehead clustered a mass of ringlets, vastly disordered but not untidy. A + glance would have revealed the gaudy rose-coloured skirt hanging below the + bottom of the long rain-coat she had snatched from a peg in the hall-way. + </p> + <p> + "It is the place for me," she said sharply. "Haven't you men got sense + enough to put something under his head? Where is he hurt? Get that + cushion, you. Stick, it under here when I lift his head. Oh, you poor + thing! We'll be as quick as possible. There!" + </p> + <p> + "You'd better go away," said Barnes, himself ghastly pale. "He's been + shot. There is a lot of blood—don't you know. It's splendid of you—" + </p> + <p> + "Dangerously?" she cried, shrinking back, her eyes fixed in dread upon the + white face. + </p> + <p> + The man's eyes were closed, but at the sound of a woman's voice he opened + them. The hand with which he clutched at his breast slid off and seemed to + be groping for hers. His breathing was terrible. There was blood at the + corners of his mouth, and more oozed forth when his lips parted in an + effort to speak. + </p> + <p> + With a courage that surprised even herself, the girl took his hand in + hers. It was wet and warm. She did not dare look at it. + </p> + <p> + "Merci, madame," struggled from the man's lips, and he smiled. + </p> + <p> + Barnes had heard of the French soldiers who, as they died, said "thank + you" to those who ministered to them, and smiled as they said it. He had + always marvelled at the fortitude that could put gratefulness above + physical suffering, and his blood never failed to respond to an exquisite + thrill of exaltation under such recitals. He at once deduced that the + injured man, while probably not a Frenchman, at least was familiar with + the language. + </p> + <p> + He was young, dark-haired and swarthy. His riding-clothes were well-made + and modish. + </p> + <p> + Barnes leaned over and spoke to him in French. The dark, pain-stricken + eyes closed, and an almost imperceptible shake of the head signified that + he did not understand. Evidently he had acquired only a few of the simple + French expressions. Barnes had a slight knowledge of Spanish and Italian, + and tried again with no better results. German was his last resort, and he + knew he would fail once more, for the man obviously was not Teutonic. + </p> + <p> + The bloody lips parted, however, and the eyes opened with a piteous, + appealing expression in their depths. It was apparent that there was + something he wanted to say, something he had to say before he died. He + gasped a dozen words or more in a tongue utterly unknown to Barnes, who + bent closer to catch the feeble effort. It was he who now shook his head; + with a groan the sufferer closed his eyes in despair. He choked and + coughed violently an instant later. + </p> + <p> + "Get some water and a towel," cried Miss Thackeray, tremulously. She was + very white, but still clung to the man's hand. "Be quick! Behind the bar." + Then she turned to Jones. "Don't call my father. He can't stand the sight + of blood," she said. + </p> + <p> + Barnes unbuttoned the coat and revealed the blood-soaked white shirt. + </p> + <p> + "Better leave this to me," he said in her ear. "There's nothing you can + do. He's done for. Please go away." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I sha'n't faint—at least, not yet. Poor fellow! I've seen him + upstairs and wondered who he was. Is he really going to die?" + </p> + <p> + "Looks bad," said Barnes, gently opening the shirt front. Several of the + craning men turned away suddenly. + </p> + <p> + "Can't you understand him?" demanded Putnam Jones, from the opposite side. + </p> + <p> + "No. Did you get the doctor?" + </p> + <p> + "He's on the way by this time. He's got a little automobile. Ought to be + here in ten or fifteen minutes." + </p> + <p> + "Who is he, Mr. Jones?" + </p> + <p> + "He is registered as Andrew Paul, from New York. That's all I know. The + other man put his name down as Albert Roon. He seemed to be the boss and + this man a sort of servant, far as I could make out. They never talked + much and seldom came downstairs. They had their meals in their room. Bacon + served them. Where is Bacon? Where the hell—oh, the mattress. Now, + we'll lift him up gentle-like while you fellers slip it under him. Easy + now. Brace up, my lad, we—we won't hurt you. Lordy! Lordy! I'm sorry—Gosh! + I thought he was gone!" He wiped his brow with a shaking hand. + </p> + <p> + "There is nothing we can do," said Barnes, "except try to stanch the flow + of blood. He is bleeding inwardly, I'm afraid. It's a clean wound, Mr. + Jones. Like a rifle shot, I should say." + </p> + <p> + "That's just what it is," said one of the men, a tall woodsman. "The + feller who did it was a dead shot, you c'n bet on that. He got t' other + man square through the heart." + </p> + <p> + "Lordy, but this will raise a rumpus," groaned the landlord. "We'll have + detectives an'—" + </p> + <p> + "I guess they got what was comin' to 'em," said another of the men. + </p> + <p> + "What's that? Why, they was ridin' peaceful as could be to Spanish Falls. + What do you mean by sayin' that, Jim Conley? But wait a minute! How does + it happen that they were up near your dad's house? That certainly ain't on + the road to Span—" + </p> + <p> + "Spanish Falls nothin'! They wasn't goin' to Spanish Falls any more'n I am + at this minute. They tied their hosses up the road just above our house," + said young Conley, lowering his voice out of consideration for the + feelings of the helpless man. "It was about 'leven o'clock, I reckon. I + was comin' home from singin' school up at Number Ten, an' I passed the + hosses hitched to the fence. Naturally I stopped, curious like. There + wasn't no one around, fer as I could see, so I thought I'd take a look to + see whose hosses they were. I thought it was derned funny, them hosses + bein' there at that time o' night an' no one around. So as I said before, + I thought I'd take a look. I know every hoss fer ten mile around. So I + thought I'd take—" + </p> + <p> + "You said that three times," broke in Jones impatiently. + </p> + <p> + "Well, to make a long story short, I thought I'd take a look. I never seen + either of them animals before. They didn't belong around here. So I + thought I'd better hustle down to the house an' speak to pa about it. + Looked mighty queer to me. Course, thinks I, they might belong to somebody + visitin' in there at Green Fancy, so I thought I'd—" + </p> + <p> + "Green Fancy?" said Barnes, starting. + </p> + <p> + "Was it up that far?" demanded Jones. + </p> + <p> + "They was hitched jest about a hundred yards below Mr. Curtis's propity, + on the off side o' the road. Course it's quite a ways in from the road to + the house, an' I couldn't see why if it was anybody callin' up there they + didn't ride all the ways up, 'stead o' walkin' through the woods. So I + thought I'd speak to pa about it. Say," and he paused abruptly, a queer + expression in his eyes, "you don't suppose he knows what I'm sayin', do + you? I wouldn't say anything to hurt the poor feller's feelin's fer—" + </p> + <p> + "He doesn't know what you are saying," said Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "But, dern it, he jest now looked at me in the funniest way. It's given me + the creeps." + </p> + <p> + "Go on," said one of the men. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I hadn't any more'n got to our front gate when I heard some one + running in the road up there behind me. 'Fore I knowed what was happenin', + bang went a gun. I almost jumped out'n my boots. I lept behind that big + locus' tree in front of our house and listened. The runnin' had stopped. + The hosses was rarin' an' tearin' so I thought I'd—" + </p> + <p> + "Where'd the shot come from?" demanded Jones. + </p> + <p> + "Up the road some'eres, I couldn't swear just where. Must 'a' been up by + the road that cuts in to Green Fancy. So I thought I'd hustle in an' see + if pa was awake, an' git my gun. Looked mighty suspicious, thinks I, that + gun shot. Jest then pa stuck his head out'n the winder an' yelled what the + hell's the matter. You betcher life I sung out who I was mighty quick, + 'cause pa's purty spry with a gun an' I didn't want him takin' me fer + burglars sneakin' around the house. While we wuz talkin' there, one of the + hosses started our way lickety-split, an' in about two seconds it went by + us. It was purty dark but we see plain as day that there was a man in the + saddle, bendin' low over the hoss's neck and shoutin' to it. Well, we + shore was guessin'. We waited a couple o' minutes, wonderin' what to do, + an' listenin' to the hoss gittin' furder and furder away in the direction + of the cross-roads. Then, 'way down there by the pike we heerd another + shot. Right there an' then pa said he'd put on his clothes an' we'd set + out to see what it was all about. I had it figgered out that the feller on + the hoss had shot the other one and was streakin' it fer town or + some'eres. That second shot had me guessin' though. Who wuz he shootin' at + now, thinks I. + </p> + <p> + "Well, pa come out with my gun an' his'n an' we walks up to where I seen + the hosses. Shore 'nough, one of 'em was still hitched to the fence, an' + t'other was gone. We stood around a minute or two examinin' the hoss an' + then pa says let's go up the road aways an' see if we c'n see anything. + An' by gosh, we hadn't gone more'n fifty feet afore we come plumb on a man + layin' in the middle of the road. Pa shook him an' he didn't let out a + sound. He was warm but deader'n a tombstone. I wuz fer leavin' him there + till we c'd git the coroner, but pa says no. We'd carry him down to our + porch, an' lay him there, so's he'd be out o' danger. Ma an' the kids wuz + all up when we got him there, an' pa sent Bill and Charley over to Mr. + Pike's and Uncle John's to fetch 'em quick. I jumps on Polly an' lights + out fer here, Mr. Jones, to telephone up to Saint Liz fer the sheriff an' + the coroner, not givin' a dang what I run into on the way. Polly shied + somethin' terrible jest afore we got to the pike an' I come derned near + bein' throwed. An' right there 'side the road was this feller, all in a + heap. I went back an' jumped off. He was groanin' somethin' awful. Thinks + I, you poor cuss, you must 'a' tried to stop that feller on hossback an' + he plunked you. That accounted fer the second shot. But while I wuz tryin' + to lift him up an' git somethin' out'n him about the matter, I sees his + boss standin' in the road a couple o' rods away. I couldn't understand a + word he said, so I thought I better go back home an' git some help, + seein's I couldn't manage him by myself. So I dragged him up on the bank + an' made him comfortable as I could, and lit out fer home. We thought we'd + better bring him up here, Mr. Jones, it bein' just as near an' you could + git the doctor sooner. I hitched up the buck-board and went back. Pa an' + some of the other fellers took their guns an' went up in the woods lookin' + fer the man that done the shootin'. The thing that worries all of us is + did the same man do the shootin', or was there two of 'em, one waitin' + down at the cross-roads?" + </p> + <p> + "Must have been two," said Jones, thoughtfully. "The same man couldn't + have got down there ahead of him, that's sure. Did anybody go up to Green + Fancy to make inquiries?" + </p> + <p> + "'Twasn't necessary. Mr. Curtis heard the shootin' an' jest before we left + he sent a man out to see what it was all about. The old skeezicks that's + been drivin' his car lately come down half-dressed. He said nothin' out of + the way had happened up at Green Fancy. Nobody had been nosin' around + their place, an' if they had, he said, there wasn't anybody there who + could hit the side of a barn with a rifle." + </p> + <p> + "It's most mysterious," said Barnes, glancing around the circle of awed + faces. "There must have been some one lying in wait for these men, and + with a very definite purpose in mind." + </p> + <p> + "Strikes me," said Jones, "that these two men were up to some kind of + dirty work themselves, else why did they say they were goin' to Spanish + Falls? It's my idee that they went up that road to lay fer somebody comin' + down from the border, and they got theirs good an' plenty instead of the + other way round. They were queer actin' men, I'll have to say that." + </p> + <p> + His eyes met Barnes' and there was a queer light in them. + </p> + <p> + "You don't happen to know anything about this, do you, Mr. Barnes?" he + demanded, suddenly. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V — THE FARM-BOY TELLS A GHASTLY STORY AND AN IRISHMAN + ENTERS + </h2> + <p> + Barnes stared. "What do you mean?" he demanded sharply. + </p> + <p> + "I mean just what I said. What do you know about this business?" + </p> + <p> + "How should I know ANYTHING about it?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, we don't know who you are, nor what you're doing up here, nor what + your real profession is. That's why I ask the question." + </p> + <p> + "I see," said Barnes, after a moment. He grasped the situation and he + admitted to himself that Jones had cause for his suspicions. "It has + occurred to you that I may be a detective or a secret service man, isn't + that the case? Well, I am neither. Moreover, this man and his companion + evidently had their doubts about me, if I am to judge by your remark and + your actions on the porch earlier in the evening." + </p> + <p> + "I only said that they were curious about you. The man named Roon asked me + a good many questions about you while you were in at supper. Who knows but + what he was justified in thinkin' you didn't mean any good to him and his + friend?" + </p> + <p> + "Did you know any more about these two men, Mr. Jones, than you know about + me?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know anything about 'em. They came here like any one else, paid + their bills regular, 'tended to their own business, and that's all." + </p> + <p> + "What was their business?" + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Roon was lookin' for a place to bring his daughter who has + consumption. He didn't want to take her to a reg'lar consumptive + community, he said, an' so he was lookin' for a quiet place where she + wouldn't be associatin' with lungers all the time. Some big doctor in New + York told him to come up here an' look around. That was his business, Mr. + Barnes, an' I guess you'd call it respectable, wouldn't you?" + </p> + <p> + "Perfectly. But why should he be troubled by my presence here if—" + Miss Thackeray put an end to the discussion in a most effectual manner. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, for the Lord's sake, cut it out! Wait till he's dead, can't you?" she + whispered fiercely. "You've got all the time in the world to talk, and he + hasn't more than ten minutes left to breathe unless that rube doctor gets + here pretty soon. If you've GOT to settle the question right away, at + least have the decency to go out of this room." + </p> + <p> + Barnes flushed to the roots of his hair. Jones was aghast, dumb with + surprise and anger. + </p> + <p> + "You are right, Miss Thackeray," said the former, deeply mortified. "This + is not the time nor the place to——" + </p> + <p> + "He can't understand a word we say," said Putnam Jones loudly. "You better + get out of here yourself, young woman. This is a job for men, not—" + </p> + <p> + "I think he's going now," she whispered in an awe-struck voice. "Keep + still, all of you. Is he breathing, Mr. Barnes? That awful cough just now + seemed to—" + </p> + <p> + "Come away, please," said Barnes, taking her gently by the arm. "I—I + believe that was the end. Don't stay here, Miss Thackeray. Dillingford, + will you be good enough to escort Miss—" + </p> + <p> + "I've never seen any one die before," she said in a low, tense voice. Her + eyes were fixed on the still face. "Why—why, how tightly he holds my + hand! I can't get it away—he must be alive, Mr. Barnes. Where is + that silly doctor?" + </p> + <p> + Barnes unclasped the rigid fingers of the man called Andrew Paul, and, + shaking his head sadly, drew her away from the improvised bier. He and the + shivering Mr. Dillingford conducted her to the dining-room, where a single + kerosene lamp gave out a feeble, rather ghastly light. The tall Bacon + followed, the upper part of his person enveloped in the blanket Putnam + Jones had hastily snatched from the mattress before it was slipped under + the dying man. Several of the women of the house, including the wife of + the landlord, clogged the little entrance hall, chattering in hushed + undertones. + </p> + <p> + "Would you like a little brandy?" inquired Barnes, as she sat down limply + in the chair he pulled out for her. "I have a flask upstairs in my—" + </p> + <p> + "I never touch it," she said. "I'm all right. My legs wabble a little but—Sit + down, Mr. Barnes. I've got something to say to you and I'd better say it + now, because it may come in pretty handy for you later on. Don't let those + women come in here, Dilly." + </p> + <p> + Barnes drew a chair close beside her. Bacon, with scant regard for + elegance, seated himself on the edge of the table and bent an ear. + </p> + <p> + "It's all rot about that man Roon being here to look for a place for his + daughter." She spoke rapidly and cautiously. "I don't know whether Jones + knows, but that certainly wasn't what he was here for. The young fellow in + there was a sort of secretary. Roon had a room at the other end of the + hall from yours, on the corner, facing the road and also looking toward + the cross-roads. Young Paul had the next room, with a door between. I was + supposed to make up their rooms after they'd gone out in the forenoon for + a horseback ride. I kept out of their sight, because I knew they were the + kind of men who would laugh at me. They couldn't understand, and, of + course, I couldn't explain. Yesterday morning I found a sort of map on the + floor under young Paul's washstand. The wind had blown it off the table by + the window and he hadn't missed it. It was in lead pencil and looked like + a map of the roads around here. I couldn't read the notations, but it + required only a glance to convince me that this place was the central + point. All of the little mountain roads were there, and the cross-roads. + There wasn't anything queer about it, so I laid it on his table and put a + book on it. + </p> + <p> + "This afternoon I walked up in the woods back of the Tavern to go over + some lines in a new piece we are to do later on,—God knows when! I + could see the house from where I was sitting. Roon's windows were plainly + visible. I wasn't very far away, you see, the climb being too steep for + me. I saw Roon standing at a window looking toward the cross-roads with a + pair of field-glasses. Every once in awhile he would turn to Paul, who + stood beside him with a notebook, and say something to him. Paul wrote it + down. Then he would look again, turning the glasses this way and that. I + wouldn't have thought much about it if they hadn't spent so much time + there. I believe I watched them for an hour. Suddenly my eyes almost + popped out of my head. Paul had gone away from the window. He came back + and he had a couple of revolvers in his hands. They stood there for a few + minutes carefully examining the weapons and reloading them with fresh + cartridges. The storm was coming up, but I love it so that I waited almost + until dark, watching the clouds and listening to the roar of the wind in + the trees. I'm a queer girl in that way. I like turmoil. I could sit out + in the most dreadful thunder storm and just revel in the crashes. Just as + I was about to start down to the house—it was a little after six + o'clock, and getting awfully dark and overcast,—Roon took up the + glasses again. He seemed to be excited and called his companion. Paul + grabbed the glasses and looked down the road. They both became very much + excited, pointing and gesticulating, and taking turn about with the + glasses." + </p> + <p> + "About six o'clock, you say?" said Barnes, greatly interested. + </p> + <p> + "It was a quarter after six when I got back to the house. I spoke to Mr. + Bacon about what I'd seen and he said he believed they were German spies, + up to some kind of mischief along the Canadian border. Everybody is a + German spy nowadays, Mr. Barnes, if he looks cross-wise. Then about half + an hour later you came to the Tavern. I saw Roon sneak out to the head of + the stairs and listen to your conversation with Jones when you registered. + That gave me an idea. It was you they were watching the road for. They saw + you long before you got here, and it was—" + </p> + <p> + Barnes held up his hand for silence. "Listen," he said in a low voice, "I + will tell you who they were looking for." As briefly as possible he + recounted his experience with the strange young woman at the cross-roads. + "From the beginning I have connected this tragedy with the place called + Green Fancy. I'll stake my last penny that they have been hanging around + here waiting for the arrival of that young woman. They knew she was coming + and they doubtless knew what she was bringing with her. They went to Green + Fancy to-night with a very sinister purpose in mind, and things didn't + turn out as they expected. What do you know about the place called Green + Fancy?" + </p> + <p> + He was vastly excited. His active imagination was creating all sorts of + possibilities and complications, depredations and intrigues. + </p> + <p> + Bacon was the one who answered. He drew the blanket closer about his lean + form and shivered as with a chill. + </p> + <p> + "I know this much about the place from hearsay," he said in a guttural + whisper. "It's supposed to be haunted. I've heard more than one of these + jays,—big huskies too,—say they wouldn't go near the place + after dark for all the money in the state." + </p> + <p> + "That's just talk to scare you, Ague," said Dillingford. "People live up + there and since we've been here two or three men visitors have come down + from the place to sample our stock of wet goods. Nothing suspicious + looking or ghostly about them either. I talked with a couple of 'em day + before yesterday. They were out for a horseback ride and stopped here for + a mug of ale." + </p> + <p> + "Were they foreigners?" inquired Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "If you want to call an Irishman a foreigner, I'll have to say one of them + was. He had a beautiful brogue. I'd never seen an Irishman in slick riding + clothes, however, so I doubted my ears at first. You don't associate a + plain Mick with anything so swell as that, you know. The other was an + American, I'm sure. Yesterday they rode past here with a couple of swell + looking women. I saw them turn up the road to Green Fancy, so that knocks + your ghost story all to smash, Bacon." + </p> + <p> + "It isn't MY ghost story," began Mr. Bacon indignantly. The arrival of + four or five men, who stamped into the already crowded hallway from the + porch outside, claimed the attention of the quartette. Among them was the + doctor who, they were soon to discover, was also the coroner of the + county. A very officious deputy sheriff was also in the group. + </p> + <p> + Before rejoining the crowd in the tap-room, Barnes advised his companions, + especially the girl, to say as little as possible about what they had + heard and seen. + </p> + <p> + "This thing is going to turn out to be a whacking sensation, and it may be + a great deal more important than we think. You don't want to become + involved in the investigation, which may become a national affair. I'd + like to have a hand in clearing it up. My head is chock-full of theories + that might—" + </p> + <p> + "Maybe Roon was right," said Dillingford, slowly, as he edged a step or + two away from Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "In what respect?" + </p> + <p> + "He certainly thought you were a detective or something like that. Maybe + he thought you came with that young woman, or maybe he thought you were + shadowing her, or—" + </p> + <p> + "There are a lot of things he may have thought," interrupted Barnes, + smiling. "It is barely possible that my arrival may have caused him to act + more hastily than he intended. That may be the reason why the job ended so + disastrously for him." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Jones called out from the doorway. "Mr. Barnes, you're wanted in + there." + </p> + <p> + "All right," he responded. + </p> + <p> + "Better let me get you a wet towel to wash your hand," said Bacon to Miss + Thackeray. "My God, I wouldn't have THAT on my hand for a million + dollars." + </p> + <p> + The doctor had been working over the prostrate form on the tables. As + Barnes entered the room, he looked up and declared that the man was dead. + </p> + <p> + "This is Mr. Barnes," said Putnam Jones, indicating the tall traveller + with a short jerk of his thumb. + </p> + <p> + "I am from the sheriff's office," said the man who stood beside the + doctor. The rest of the crowd evidently had been ordered to stand back + from the tables. The sheriff was a burly fellow, whose voice shook in a + most incongruous manner, despite his efforts to appear composed and + otherwise efficient. "Did you ever see this man before?" + </p> + <p> + "Not until he was carried in here half an hour ago. I arrived here this + evening." + </p> + <p> + "What's your business up here, Mr. Barnes?" + </p> + <p> + "I have no business up here. I just happened to stroll in this evening." + </p> + <p> + "Well," said the sheriff darkly, "I guess I'll have to ask you to stick + around here till we clear this business up. We don't know you an'—Well, + we can't take any chances. You understand, I reckon." + </p> + <p> + "I certainly fail to understand, Mr. Sheriff. I know nothing whatever of + this affair and I intend to continue on my way to-morrow morning." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I guess not." + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean to say that I am to be detained here against my—" + </p> + <p> + "You got to stay here till we are satisfied that you don't know anything + about this business. That's all." + </p> + <p> + "Am I to consider myself under arrest, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "I wouldn't go as far as to say that. You just stick around here, that's + all I got to say. If you're all right, we'll soon find it out. What's + more, if you are all right you'll be willin' to stay. Do you get me?" + </p> + <p> + "I certainly do. And I can now assure you, Mr. Sheriff, that I'd like + nothing better than to stick around here, as you put it. I'd like to help + clear this matter up. In the meantime, you may readily find out who I am + and why I am here by telegraphing to the Mayor of New York City. This + document, which experience has taught me to carry for just such an + emergency as this, may have some weight with you." He opened his + bill-folder and drew forth a neatly creased sheet of paper. This he handed + to the sheriff. "Read it, please, and note the date, the signature, the + official seal of the New York Police department, and also the rather + interesting silver print pasted in the lower left hand corner. I think you + will agree that it is a good likeness of me. Each year I take the + precaution of having myself properly certified by the police department at + home before venturing into unknown and perhaps unfriendly communities. + This, in a word, is a guarantee of good citizenship, good intentions + and-good health. I was once taken up by a rural Sherlock on suspicion of + being connected with the theft of a horse and buggy, although all the + evidence seemed to indicate that I was absolutely afoot and weary at the + time, and didn't have the outfit concealed about my person. I languished + in the calaboose for twenty-four hours, and might have remained there + indefinitely if the real desperado hadn't been captured in the nick o' + time. Have you read it?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said the sheriff dubiously; "but how do I know it ain't a forgery?" + </p> + <p> + "You don't know, of course. But in case it shouldn't be a forgery and I am + subjected to the indignity of arrest or even detention, you would have a + nasty time defending yourself in a civil suit for damages. Don't + misunderstand me. I appreciate your position. I shall remain here, as you + suggest, but only for the purpose of aiding you in getting to the bottom + of this affair." + </p> + <p> + "What do you think about it, Doc?" + </p> + <p> + "He says he's willing to stay, don't he? Well, what more can you ask?" + snapped the old doctor. "I should say the best thing for you to do, Abner, + is to get a posse of men together and begin raking the woods up yonder for + the men that did the shooting. You say there is another one dead up at Jim + Conley's? Well, I'll go over and view him at once. The first thing to do + is to establish the corpus delicti. We've got to be able to say the men + are dead before we can charge anybody with murder. This man was shot in + the chest, from in front. Now we'll examine his clothes and so forth and + see if they throw any additional light on the matter." + </p> + <p> + The most careful search of Andrew Paul's person established one thing + beyond all question: the man had deliberately removed everything that + might in any way serve to aid the authorities in determining who he really + was and whence he came. The tailor's tags had been cut from the smart, + well-fitting garments; the buttons on the same had been replaced by others + of an ordinary character; the names of the haberdasher, the hat dealer and + the boot maker had been as effectually destroyed. There were no papers of + any description in his pockets. His wrist watch bore neither name, date + nor initials. Indeed, nothing had been overlooked in his very palpable + effort to prevent actual identification, either in life or death. + </p> + <p> + Subsequent search of the two rooms disclosed the same extreme precautions. + Not a single object, not even a scrap of paper had been left there on the + departure of the men at nine o'clock. Ashes in an old-fashioned fireplace + in Roon's room suggested the destruction of tell-tale papers. Everything + had vanished. A large calibre automatic revolver, all cartridges + unexploded, was found in Paul's coat pocket. In another pocket, lying + loose, were a few bank notes and some silver, amounting all told to about + thirty dollars. + </p> + <p> + The same thorough search of the dead body of Roon later on by the coroner + and sheriff, revealed a similar condition. The field-glasses, of English + make, were found slung across his shoulder, and a fully loaded revolver, + evidently his, was discovered the next morning in the grass beside the + road near the point where he fell. There were several hundred dollars in + the roll of bills they found in his inside coat pocket. + </p> + <p> + Roon was a man of fifty or thereabouts. Although both men were + smooth-faced, there was reason to suspect that Roon at least had but + recently worn a mustache. His upper lip had the thick, stiff look of one + from which a beard of long-standing recently had been shaved. + </p> + <p> + Later on it was learned that they purchased the two horses in Hornville, + paying cash for the beasts and the trappings. The transaction took place a + day or two before they came to Hart's Tavern for what had been announced + as a short stay. + </p> + <p> + Standing on Jim Conley's front porch a little after sunrise, Barnes made + the following declaration: + </p> + <p> + "Everything goes to show that these men were up here for one of two + reasons. They were either trying to prevent or to enact a crime. The + latter is my belief. They were afraid of me. Why? Because they believed I + was trailing them and likely to spoil their game. Gentlemen, those fellows + were here for the purpose of robbing the place you call Green Fancy." + </p> + <p> + "What's that?" came a rich, mellow voice from the outskirts of the crowd. + A man pushed his way through and confronted Barnes. He was a tall, + good-looking fellow of thirty-five, and it was apparent that he had + dressed in haste. "My name is O'Dowd, and I am a guest of Mr. Curtis at + Green Fancy. Why do you think they meant to rob his place?" + </p> + <p> + "Well," began Barnes drily, "it would seem that his place is the only one + in the neighbourhood that would BEAR robbing. My name is Barnes. Of + course, Mr. O'Dowd, it is mere speculation on my part." + </p> + <p> + "But who shot the man?" demanded the Irishman. "He certainly wasn't winged + by any one from our place. Wouldn't we have known something about it if he + had attempted to get into the house and was nailed by—Why, Lord love + you, sir, there isn't a soul at Green Fancy who could shoot a thief if he + saw one. This is Mr. De Soto, also a guest at Green Fancy. He will, I + think, bear me out in upsetting your theory." + </p> + <p> + A second man approached, shaking his head vigorously. He was a thin, pale + man with a singularly scholastic face. Quite an unprepossessing, + unsanguinary person, thought Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Curtis's chauffeur, I think it was, said the killing occurred just + above this house," said he, visibly excited. "Green Fancy is at least a + mile from here, isn't it? You don't shoot burglars a mile from the place + they are planning to rob, do you? Is the man a native of this community?" + </p> + <p> + "No," said Barnes, on whom devolved the duties of spokesman. "By the way, + his companion lies dead at Hart's Tavern. He was shot from his horse at + the cross-roads." + </p> + <p> + "God bless me soul," gasped O'Dowd. "The chauffeur didn't mention a second + one. And were there two of them?" + </p> + <p> + "And both of them dead?" cried De Soto. "At the cross-roads? My dear sir, + how can you reconcile—" He broke off with a gesture of impatience. + </p> + <p> + "I'll admit it's a bit out of reason," said Barnes. "The second man could + only have been shot by some one who was lying in wait for him." + </p> + <p> + "Why, the thing's as clear as day," cried O'Dowd, facing the crowd. His + cheerful, sprightly face was alive with excitement. "They were not trying + to rob any one. They were either trying to get across the border into + Canada themselves or else trying to head some one off who was coming from + that side of the line." + </p> + <p> + "Gad, you may be right," agreed Barnes instantly. "If you'd like to hear + more of the story I'll be happy to relate all that we know at present." + </p> + <p> + While the coroner and the others were loading the body of Albert Roon into + a farm wagon for conveyance to the county-seat, Barnes, who had taken a + sudden fancy to the two men from Green Fancy, gave them a brief but full + account of the tragedy and the result of investigations as far as they had + gone. + </p> + <p> + "Bedad," said O'Dowd, "it beats the devil. There's something big in this + thing, Mr. Barnes,—something a long shot bigger than any of us + suspects. The extraordinary secrecy of these fellows, their evident + gentility, their doubtful nationality—why, bedad, it sounds like a + penny-dreadful thriller." + </p> + <p> + "You'll find that it resolves itself into a problem for Washington to + solve," said De Soto darkly. "Nothing local about it, take my word for it. + These men were up to some international devilment. I'm not saying that + Germany is at the back of it, but, by Jove, I don't put anything beyond + the beggars. They are the cleverest, most resourceful people in the world, + damn 'em. You wait and see if I'm not right. There'll be a stir in + Washington over this, sure as anything." + </p> + <p> + "What time was it that you heard the shots up at Green Fancy?" ventured + Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "Lord love you," cried O'Dowd, "we didn't hear a sound. Mr. Curtis, who + has insomnia the worst way, poor devil, heard them and sent some one out + to see what all the racket was about. It wasn't till half an hour or so + ago that De Soto and I were routed out of our peaceful nests and ordered,—virtually + ordered, mind you,—to get up and guard the house. Mr. Curtis was in + a pitiful state of nerves over the killing, and so were the ladies. 'Gad, + everybody seemed to know all about the business except De Soto and me. The + man, it seems, made such a devil of a racket when he came home with the + news that the whole house was up in pajamas and peignoirs. He didn't say + anything about a second Johnnie being shot, however. I'm glad he didn't + know about it, for that matter. He'll be seeing one ghost for the rest of + his days and that's enough, without having another foisted upon him." + </p> + <p> + "I think I have a slight acquaintance with the chauffeur," said Barnes. + "He gave me the most thrilling motor ride I've ever experienced. 'Gad, + I'll never forget it." + </p> + <p> + The two men looked at him, plainly perplexed. + </p> + <p> + "When was all this?" inquired De Soto. + </p> + <p> + "Early last evening. He took me from the cross-roads to Hart's Tavern in a + minute and a half, I'll bet my soul." + </p> + <p> + "Last evening?" said O'Dowd, something like skepticism in his tone. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. He picked up your latest guest at the corners, and she insisted on + his driving me to the Tavern before the storm broke. I've been terribly + anxious about her. She must have been caught out in all that frightful—" + </p> + <p> + "What's this you are saying, Mr. Barnes?" cut in De Soto, frowning. "No + guest arrived at Green Fancy last evening, nor was one expected." + </p> + <p> + Barnes stared. "Do you mean to say that she didn't get there, after all?" + </p> + <p> + "She? A woman, was it?" demanded O'Dowd. "Bedad, if she said she was + coming to Green Fancy she was spoofing you. Are you sure it was old Peter + who gave you that jolly ride?" + </p> + <p> + "No, I am not sure," said Barnes, uneasily. "She was afoot, having walked + from the station below. I met her at the corners and she asked me if I + knew how far it was to Green Fancy, or something like that. Said she was + going there. Then along came the automobile, rattling down this very road,—an + ancient Panhard driven by an old codger. She seemed to think it was all + right to hop in and trust herself to him, although she'd never seen him + before." + </p> + <p> + "The antique Panhard fits in all right," said O'Dowd, "but I'm hanged if + the woman fits at all. No such person arrived at Green Fancy last night." + </p> + <p> + "Did you get a square look at the driver's face?" demanded De Soto. + </p> + <p> + "It was almost too dark to see, but he was old, hatchet-faced, and spoke + with an accent." + </p> + <p> + "Then it couldn't have been Peter," said De Soto positively. "He's old, + right enough, but he is as big as the side of a house, with a face like a + full moon, and he is Yankee to his toes. By gad, Barnes, the plot + thickens! A woman has been added to the mystery. Now, who the devil is she + and what has become of her?" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI — CHARITY BEGINS FAR FROM HOME, AND A STROLL IN THE + WILDWOOD FOLLOWS + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Rushcroft as furious when he arose at eleven o'clock on the morning + after the double murder, having slept like a top through all of the + commotion. He boomed all over the place, vocal castigations falling right + and left on the guilty and the innocent without distinction. He wouldn't + have missed the excitement for anything in the world. He didn't mind + missing the breakfast he was to have had with Barnes, but he did feel + outraged over the pusillanimous trick played upon him by the remaining + members of his troupe. Nothing was to have been expected of Putnam Jones + and his damnation crew; they wouldn't have called him if the house was + afire; they would let him roast to death; but certainly something was due + him from the members of his company, something better than utter + abandonment! + </p> + <p> + He was still deep in the sulks when he came upon Barnes, who was pacing + the sunlit porch, deep in thought. + </p> + <p> + "There will never be another opportunity like that," he groaned, at the + close of a ten minute dissertation on the treachery of friends; "never in + all the years to come. The driveling fools! What do I pay them for? To let + me lie there snoring so loud that I couldn't hear opportunity for the + noise I was making? As in everything else I undertake, my dear Barnes, I + excel at snoring. My lung capacity is something amazing. It has to have an + outlet. They let me lie there like a log while the richest publicity + material that ever fell to the lot of an actor went to waste,—utter + waste. Why, damme, sir, I could have made that scene in the tap-room + historic; I could have made it so dramatic that it would have thrilled to + the marrow every man, woman and child in the United States of America. + That's what I mean. They allowed a chance like that to get away. Can you + beat it? Tragedy at my very elbow,—by gad, almost nudging me, you + might say,—and no one to tell me to get up. Think of the awful + requiem I could have—But what's the use thinking about it now? I am + so exasperated I can't think of anything but anathemas, so—" + </p> + <p> + "I don't see how you managed to sleep through it," Barnes broke in. "You + must have an unusually clear conscience, Mr. Rushcroft." + </p> + <p> + "I haven't any conscience at all, sir," roared the star. "I had an + unusually full stomach, that's what was the matter with me. Damme, I ought + to have known better. I take oath now, sir, never to eat again as long as + I live. A man who cannot govern his beastly appetite ought to defy it, if + nothing else." + </p> + <p> + "I gather from that remark that you omitted breakfast this morning." + </p> + <p> + "Breakfast, sir? In God's name, I implore you not to refer to anything so + disgusting as stewed prunes and bacon at a time like this. My mind is—" + </p> + <p> + "How about luncheon? Will you join me at twelve-thirty?" + </p> + <p> + "That's quite another matter," said Mr. Rushcroft readily. "Luncheon is an + aesthetic tribute to the physical intelligence of man, if you know what I + mean. I shall be delighted to join you. Twelve-thirty, did you say?" + </p> + <p> + "It would give me great pleasure if your daughter would also grace the + festal board." + </p> + <p> + "Ahem! My daughter and I are—er—what you might say 'on the + outs' at present. I dare say I was a trifle crusty with her this morning. + She was a bit inconsiderate, too, I may add. As a matter of fact she told + me to go and soak my head." Mr. Rushcroft actually blushed as he said it. + "I don't know where the devil she learned such language, unless she's been + overhearing the disrespectful remarks that some of these confounded opera + house managers make when I try to argue with them about—But never + mind! She's a splendid creature, isn't she? She has it born in her to be + one of the greatest actresses in—" + </p> + <p> + "I think it is too bad that she has to go about in the gown she wears, Mr. + Rushcroft," said Barnes. "She's much too splendid for that. I have a + proposition I'd like to make to you later on. I cannot make it, however, + without consulting Miss Thackeray's feelings." + </p> + <p> + "My dear fellow!" beamed Rushcroft, seizing the other's hand. "One + frequently reads in books about it coming like this, at first sight, but, + damme, I never dreamed that it ever really happened. Count on me! She + ought to leave the stage, the dear child. No more fitted to it than an + Easter lily. Her place is in the home, the—" + </p> + <p> + "Good Lord, I'm not thinking of—" And Barnes, aghast, stopped before + blurting out the words that leaped to his lips. "I mean to say, this is a + proposition that may also affect your excellent companions, Bacon and + Dillingford, as well as yourselves." + </p> + <p> + "Abominations!" snorted Rushcroft. "I fired both of them this morning. + They are no longer connected with my company. I won't have 'em around. + What's more, they can't act and never will. The best bit of acting that + Bacon ever did in his life was when he told me to go to hell a little + while ago. I say 'acting,' mind you, because the wretch COULDN'T have been + in earnest, and yet he gave the most convincing performance of his life. + If I'd ever dreamed that he had it in him to do it so well, I'd have had + the line in every play we've done since he joined us, author or no + author." + </p> + <p> + At twelve-thirty sharp, Barnes came down from his room freshly shaved and + brushed, to find not only Mr. Rushcroft and Miss Thackeray awaiting him in + the office, but the Messrs. Dillingford and Bacon as well. Putnam Jones, + gloomy and preoccupied behind the counter, allowed his eyes to brighten a + little as the latest guest of the house approached the group. + </p> + <p> + "I've given all of 'em an hour or two off," he said genially. "Do what you + like to 'em." + </p> + <p> + Rushcroft expanded. "My good man, what the devil do you mean by a remark + like that? Remember—" + </p> + <p> + "Never mind, dad," said Miss Thackeray, lifting her chin haughtily. + "Forgive us our trespassers as we forgive our trespasses. And remember, + also, that poor, dear Mr. Jones is all out of sorts to-day. He is all + keyed up over the notoriety his house is going to achieve before the + government gets through annoying him." + </p> + <p> + "See here, Miss," began Mr. Jones, threateningly, and then, overcome by + his Yankee shrewdness, stopped as suddenly as he started. "Go on in and + have your dinner. Don't mind me. I am out of sorts." He was smart enough + to realise that it was wiser to have the good rather than the ill-will of + these people. He dreaded the inquiry that was imminent. + </p> + <p> + "That's better," mumbled Mr. Rushcroft, partially mollified. "I took the + liberty, old fellow," he went on, addressing Barnes, "of asking my + excellent co-workers to join us in our repast. In all my career I have not + known more capable, intelligent players than these—" + </p> + <p> + "Delighted to have you with us, gentlemen," said Barnes affably. "In fact, + I was going to ask Mr. Rushcroft if he had the slightest objection to + including you—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, the row's all over," broke in Mr. Dillingford magnanimously. "It + didn't amount to anything. I'm sure if Mr. Rushcroft doesn't object to us, + we don't object to him." + </p> + <p> + "Peace reigns throughout the land," said Mr. Bacon, in his deepest bass. + "Precede us, my dear Miss Thackeray." + </p> + <p> + The sole topic of conversation for the first half hour was the mysterious + slaying of their fellow lodgers. Mr. Rushcroft complained bitterly of the + outrageous, high-handed action of the coroner and sheriff in imposing upon + him and his company the same restrictions that had been applied to Barnes. + They were not to leave the county until the authorities gave the word. One + would have thought, to hear the star's indignant lamentations, that he and + his party were in a position to depart when they pleased. It would have + been difficult to imagine that he was not actually rolling in money + instead of being absolutely penniless. + </p> + <p> + "What were these confounded rascals to me?" he demanded, scowling at Miss + Tilly as if she were solely to blame for his misfortune. "Why should I be + held up in this God-forsaken place because a couple of scoundrels got + their just deserts? Why, I repeat? I'd—" + </p> + <p> + "I—I'm sure I—I don't know," stammered Miss Tilly, wetting her + dry lips with her tongue in an attempt to be lucid. + </p> + <p> + "What?" exploded Mr. Rushcroft, somewhat taken aback by the retort from an + unexpected quarter. "Upon my soul, I—I—What?" + </p> + <p> + "He won't bite, Miss Tilly," said Miss Thackeray soothingly. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, dear!" said Miss Tilly, putting her hand over her mouth. + </p> + <p> + Barnes had been immersed in his own thoughts for some time. A slight + frown, as of reflection, darkened his eyes. Suddenly,—perhaps + impolitely,—he interrupted Mr. Rushcroft's flow of eloquence. + </p> + <p> + "Have you any objection, Mr. Rushcroft, to a more or less personal + question concerning your own private—er—misfortunes?" he + asked, leaning forward. + </p> + <p> + For a moment one could have heard a pin drop. Mr. Rushcroft evidently held + his breath. There could be no mistake about that. + </p> + <p> + "I don't mean to be offensive," Barnes made haste to add. + </p> + <p> + "My misfortunes are not private," said Mr. Rushcroft, with dignity. "They + are decidedly public. Ask all the questions you please, my dear fellow." + </p> + <p> + "Well, it's rather delicate, but would you mind telling me just how much + you were stuck up for by the—er—was it a writ of attachment?" + </p> + <p> + "It was," said the star. "A writ of inquisition, you might as well + substitute. The act of a polluted, impecunious, parsimonious,—what + shall I say? Well, I will be as simple as possible: hotel keeper. In other + words, a damnation blighter, sir. Ninety-seven dollars and forty cents. + For that pitiful amount he subjected me to—" + </p> + <p> + "Well, that isn't so bad," said Barnes, vastly relieved. "It would require + that amount to square everything and release your personal effects?" + </p> + <p> + "It would release the whole blooming production," put in Mr. Dillingford, + with unction. "Including my dress suit and a top hat, to say nothing of a + change of linen and—" + </p> + <p> + "Two wood exteriors and a parlor set, make-up boxes, wardrobe trunks, a + slide trombone and—" mused Mr. Bacon, and would have gone on but for + Barnes' interruption. + </p> + <p> + He was covertly watching Miss Thackeray's half-averted face as he ventured + upon the proposition he had decided to put before them. She was staring + out of the window, and there was a strained, almost harassed expression + about the corners of her mouth. The glimpse he had of her dark eyes + revealed something sullen, rebellious in them. She had taken no part in + the conversation for some time. + </p> + <p> + "I am prepared and willing to advance this amount, Mr. Rushcroft, and to + take your personal note as security." + </p> + <p> + Rushcroft leaned back in his chair and stuck his thumbs in the arm holes + of his vest. He displayed no undue elation. Instead he affected profound + calculation. His daughter shot a swift, searching look at the would-be + Samaritan. There was a heightened colour in her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + "Ahem," said Rushcroft, squinting at the ceiling beams. + </p> + <p> + "Moreover, I shall be happy to increase the amount of the loan + sufficiently to cover your return at once to New York, if you so desire,—by + train." Barnes smiled as he added the last two words. + </p> + <p> + "Extremely kind of you, my dear Barnes," said the actor, running his + fingers through his hair. "Your faith in me is most gratifying. I—I + really don't know what to say to you, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Of course, Mr. Barnes, you ought to know that you may be a long time in + getting your money back," said his daughter levelly. "We are poor pay." + </p> + <p> + "My dear child," began Mr. Rushcroft, amazed. + </p> + <p> + "I shall permit your father himself to specify the number of months or + years to be written in the body of the note," said Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "And if he never pays, what then?" said she. + </p> + <p> + "I shall not trouble him with demands for the money," said Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "May I inquire just how you expect to profit by this transaction, Mr. + Barnes?" she asked steadily. + </p> + <p> + He started, suddenly catching her meaning. + </p> + <p> + "My dear Miss Thackeray," he exclaimed, "this transaction is solely + between your father and me. I shall have no other claim to press." + </p> + <p> + "I wish I could believe that," she said. + </p> + <p> + "You may believe it," he assured her. + </p> + <p> + "It isn't the usual course," she said quietly, and her face brightened. + "You are not like most men, Mr. Barnes." + </p> + <p> + "My dear child," said Rushcroft, "you must leave this matter to our friend + and me. I fancy I know an honest man when I see him. My dear fellow, + fortune is but temporarily frowning upon me. In a few weeks I shall be on + my feet again, zipping along on the crest of the wave. I dare say I can + return the money to you in a month or six weeks. If—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, father!" cried Miss Thackeray. + </p> + <p> + "We'll make it six months, and I'll pay any rate of interest you desire. + Six per cent, eight per cent, ten per—" + </p> + <p> + "Six per cent, sir, and we will make it a year from date." + </p> + <p> + "Agreed. And now, Miss Tilly, will you ask the barmaid,—who happens + to be masculine,—to step in here and take the orders? We would drink + to Dame Fortune, who has a smile that defies all forms of adversity. Out + of the clouds falls a slice of silver lining. It alights in my trembling + palm. I—I—Damme, sir, you are a nobleman! In behalf of my + daughter, my company and the—Heaven forfend! I was about to add the + accursed management!—I thank you. Get up and dance for us, Dilly! We + shall be in New York to-morrow!" + </p> + <p> + "You forget the dictatorial sheriff, Mr. Rushcroft," said Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "The varlet!" barked Mr. Rushcroft. + </p> + <p> + It was arranged that Dillingford and Bacon were to go to Hornville in a + hired motor that afternoon, secure the judgment, pay the costs, and attend + to the removal of the personal belongings of the stranded quartette from + the hotel to Hart's Tavern. The younger actors stoutly refused to accept + Barnes' offer to pay their board while at the Tavern. That, they declared, + would be charity, and they preferred his friendship and his respect to + anything of that sort. Miss Thackeray, however, was to be immediately + relieved of her position as chambermaid. She was to become a paying guest. + </p> + <p> + "I'll be glad to have my street togs, such as they are," said she, rosily. + "I dare say you are sick of seeing me in this rig, Mr. Barnes. That's + probably why you opened your heart and purse." + </p> + <p> + "Not at all," said he gaily. "As I presume I shall have to remain here for + some time, I deem it my right to improve the service as much as possible. + You are a very incompetent chambermaid, Miss Thackeray." + </p> + <p> + Rushcroft took the whole affair with the most noteworthy complacency. He + seemed to regard it as his due, or more properly speaking as if he were + doing Barnes a great favour in allowing him to lend money to a person of + his importance. + </p> + <p> + "A thought has just come to me, my dear fellow," he remarked, as they + arose from table. "With the proper kind of backing I could put over one of + the most stupendous things the theatre has known in fifty years. I don't + mind saying to you,—although it's rather sub rosa—that I have + written a play. A four act drama that will pack the biggest house on + Broadway to the roof for as many months as we'd care to stay. Perhaps you + will allow me to talk it over with you a little later on. You will be + interested, I'm sure. I actually shudder sometimes when I think of the + filthy greenbacks I'll have to carry around on my person if the piece ever + gets into New York. Yes, yes, I'll be glad to talk it over with you. Egad, + sir, I'll read the play to you. I'll—What ho, landlord! When my + luggage arrives this evening will you be good enough to have it placed in + the room just vacated by the late Mr. Roon? My daughter will have the room + adjoining, sir. By the way, will you have your best automobile sent around + to the door as quickly as possible? A couple of my men are going to + Hornville—damned spot!—to fetch hither my—" + </p> + <p> + "Just a minute," interrupted Putnam Jones, wholly unimpressed. "A man just + called you up on the 'phone, Mr. Barnes. I told him you was entertaining + royalty at lunch and couldn't be disturbed. So he asked me to have you + call him up as soon as you revived. His words, not mine. Call up Mr. + O'Dowd at Green Fancy. Here's the number." + </p> + <p> + The mellow voice of the Irishman soon responded. + </p> + <p> + "I called you up to relieve your mind regarding the young woman who came + last night," he said. "You observe that I say 'came.' She's quite all + right, safe and sound, and no cause for uneasiness. I thought you meant + that she was coming here as a guest, and so I made the very natural + mistake of saying she hadn't come at all, at all. The young woman in + question is Mrs. Van Dyke's maid. But bless me soul, how was I to know she + was even in existence, much less expected by train or motor or Shanks' + mare? Well, she's here, so there's the end of our mystery. We sha'n't have + to follow your gay plan of searching the wilderness for beauty in + distress. Our romance is spoiled, and I am sorry to say it to you. You + were so full of it this morning that you had me all stirred up meself." + </p> + <p> + Barnes was slow in replying. He was doubting his own ears. It was not + conceivable that an ordinary—or even an extraordinary—lady's + maid could have possessed the exquisite voice and manner of his chance + acquaintance of the day before, or the temerity to order that sour-faced + chauffeur about as if—The chauffeur! + </p> + <p> + "But I thought you said that Mr. Curtis's chauffeur was moon-faced and—" + </p> + <p> + "He is, bedad," broke in Mr. O'Dowd, chuckling. "That's what deceived me + entirely, and no wonder. It wasn't Peter at all, but the rapscallion + washer who went after her. He was instructed to tell Peter to meet the + four o'clock train, and the blockhead forgot to give the order. Bedad, + what does he do but sneak out after her himself, scared out of his boots + for fear of what he was to get from Peter. I had the whole story from Mrs. + Van Dyke." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I'm tremendously relieved," said Barnes slowly. + </p> + <p> + "And so am I," said O'Dowd, with conviction. "I have seen the heroine of + our busted romance. She's a good-looking girl. I'm not surprised that she + kept her veil down. If you were to leave it to me, though, I'd say that + it's a sin to carry discretion so far as all that. I thought I'd take the + liberty of calling you up as soon as I had the facts, so that you wouldn't + go forth in knightly ardour—You see what I mean, don't you?" His + rich laugh came over the wire. + </p> + <p> + "Perfectly. Thank you for letting me know. My mind is at rest." + </p> + <p> + "Will you be staying on for some days at the Tavern?" + </p> + <p> + "I think so." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I shall give myself the pleasure of running over to see you in a + day or so." + </p> + <p> + "Do," said Barnes. "Good by." As he hung up the receiver he said to + himself, "You are a most affable, convincing chap, Mr. O'Dowd, but I don't + believe a word you say. That woman is no lady's maid, and you've known all + the time that she was there." + </p> + <p> + At four o'clock he set out alone for a tramp up the mountain road in which + the two men had been shot down. A number of men under the direction of the + sheriff were scouring the lofty timberland for the deadly marksmen. He + knew it would turn out to be as futile as the proverbial effort to find + the needle in the haystack. + </p> + <p> + His mind was quite clear on the subject. Roon and Paul were not ordinary + robbers. They were, no doubt, honest men. He would have said that they + were thieves bent on burglarising Green Fancy were it not for the + disclosures of Miss Thackeray and the very convincing proof that they were + not shot by the same man. Detected on the grounds about Green Fancy by a + watchman, they would have had an encounter with him there and then. + Moreover, they would have taken an active part in the play of firearms. + Desperadoes would not have succumbed so tamely. + </p> + <p> + It was not beyond reason,—indeed, it was quite probable,—that + they were trying to cross the border; in that event, their real operations + would be confined to the Canadian side of the line. They were unmistakably + foreigners. That fact, in itself, went far toward establishing in his mind + the conviction that they were not attempting to intercept any one coming + from the other side. Equally as strong was the belief that the Canadian + authorities would not have entered upon United States territory for the + purpose of apprehending these suspects, no matter how thoroughly the + movements and motives of the two men might have been known to them. + </p> + <p> + He could not free himself of the suspicion that Green Fancy possessed the + key to the situation. Roon and his companion could not have had the + slightest interest in his movements up to the instant he encountered the + young woman at the cross-roads. It was ridiculous to even consider himself + an object of concern to these men who had been haunting the border for + days prior to his appearance on the scene. They were interested only in + the advent of the woman, and as her destination confessedly was Green + Fancy, what could be more natural than the conclusion that their plans, + evil or otherwise, depended entirely upon her arrival at the strange house + on the mountainside? They had been awaiting her appearance for days. The + instant it became known to them that she was installed at Green Fancy, + their plans went forward with a swiftness that bespoke complete + understanding. + </p> + <p> + His busy brain suddenly suffered the shock of a distinct conclusion. So + startling was the thought that he stopped abruptly in his walk and uttered + an exclamation of dismay. Was she a fellow-conspirator? Was she the inside + worker at Green Fancy in a well-laid plan to rifle the place? She too was + unmistakably a foreigner. + </p> + <p> + Could it be possible that she was the confederate of these painstaking + agents who lurked with sinister patience outside the very gates of the + place called Green Fancy? + </p> + <p> + In support of this theory was the supposition that O'Dowd may have been + perfectly sincere in his declarations over the telephone. Opposed to it, + however, was the absolute certainty that Roon and Paul were waylaid and + killed at widely separated points, and not while actively employed in + raiding the house. That was the rock over which all of his theories + stumbled. + </p> + <p> + His ramble carried him far beyond the spot where Roon's body was found and + where young Conley had come upon the tethered horses. His eager, curious + gaze swept the forest to the left of the road in search of Green Fancy. + Overcome by a rash, daring impulse, he climbed over the stake and rider + fence and sauntered among the big trees which so far had obscured the + house from view. He had looked in vain for the lane or avenue leading from + the road up to Mr. Curtis's house. He could not have passed it in his + stroll, of that he was sure, and yet he remembered distinctly seeing + O'Dowd and De Soto turn their horses into the forest at a point far back + of the place where he now entered the grounds. + </p> + <p> + The trees grew very thickly on the slope, and they were unusually large. + Virgin timber, he decided, on which the woodman's axe had made no inroads. + The foliage was dense. Tree tops seemed to intermingle in one vast canopy + through which the sun but rarely penetrated. The bright green of the + grass, the sponginess of the soil, the presence of great stretches of + ferns and beds of moss told of almost perpetual moisture. Strangely enough + there was no suggestion of dankness in these shadowy glades, rich with the + fulness of early Spring. + </p> + <p> + He progressed deeper into the wood. At the end of what must have been a + mile, he halted. There was no sign of habitation, no indication that man + had ever penetrated so far into the forest. As he was on the point of + retracing his steps toward the road, his gaze fell upon a huge + moss-covered rock less than a hundred yards away. He stared, and gradually + it began to take on angles and planes and recesses of the most astounding + symmetry. Under his widening gaze it was transformed into a substantial + object of cubes and gables and—yes, windows. + </p> + <p> + He was looking upon the strange home of the even stranger Mr. Curtis: + Green Fancy. + </p> + <p> + Now he understood why it was called Green Fancy. Its surroundings were no + greener than itself; it seemed to melt into the foliage, to become a part + of the natural landscape. For a long time he stood stock-still, studying + the curious structure. Mountain ivy literally enveloped it. Exposed + sections of the house were painted green,—a mottled green that + seemed to indicate flickering sunbeams against an emerald wall. The doors + were green; the leafy porches and their columns, the chimney pots, the + window hangings,—all were the colour of the unchanging forest. And + it was a place of huge dimensions, low and long and rambling. It seemed to + have been forcibly jammed into the steep slope that shot high above its + chimneys; the mountain hung over its vine clad roof, an ominous threat of + oblivion. + </p> + <p> + There was no lawn, no indication of landscape gardening, and yet Barnes + was singularly impressed by the arrangement of the shrubbery that + surrounded the place. There was no visible approach to the house through + the thick, unbroken sea of green; everywhere was dense underbrush, + standing higher than the head of the tallest of men,—clean, bright + bushes, revealing the most astonishing uniformity in size and character. + </p> + <p> + "'Gad," he said to himself, "what manner of crank is he who would bury + himself like this? Of all the crazy ideas I ever—" + </p> + <p> + His reflections ended there. A woman crossed his vision; a woman strolling + slowly toward him through the intricate avenues of the wildwood. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII — SPUN-GOLD HAIR, BLUE EYES, AND VARIOUS ENCOUNTERS + </h2> + <p> + She was quite unaware of his presence, and yet he was directly in her + path, though some distance away. Her head was bent; her mien was + thoughtful, her stride slow and aimless. + </p> + <p> + The azure blue of the sweater she wore presented an inharmonious note on + the field of velvety green;—it was strangely out of place, he + thought,—almost an offence to the eye. He was conscious of an + instant protest against this profanation. + </p> + <p> + She was slender, graceful and evidently quite tall, although she seemed a + pigmy among the towering giants that attended her stroll. Her hands were + thrust deep into the pockets of a white duck skirt. A glance revealed + white shoes and trim ankles in blue. She wore no hat. Her hair was like + spun gold, thick, wavy and shimmering in the subdued light. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly she stopped, and looked up. He had a full view of her face as she + gazed about as if startled by some unexpected, even alarming, sound. For a + second or two he held his breath, stunned by the amazing loveliness that + was revealed to him. Then she discovered him standing there. + </p> + <p> + He was never to forget the expression that came into her eyes; nor had he + ever seen eyes so blue. Alarm gave way to bewilderment as she stared at + the motionless intruder not thirty feet away. Then, to his utter + astonishment, her lips parted and a faint, wondering smile came into her + eyes. His heart leaped. She recognised him! + </p> + <p> + In a flash he realised that he was face to face with the stranger of the + day before,—she of the veil, the alluring voice, the unfaltering + spirits, and the weighty handbag! + </p> + <p> + He took two or three impulsive steps forward, his hand going to his hat,—and + then halted. Evidently his senses had deceived him. There was no smile in + her eyes,—and yet he could have sworn that it was there an instant + before. Instead, there was a level stare. + </p> + <p> + "I am sorry if I startled—" he began. + </p> + <p> + The figure of a man appeared, as if discharged bodily from some magic + tree-trunk, and stood directly in his path: A tall, rugged man in overalls + was he, who held a spade in his hand and eyed him inimically. Without + another glance in his direction, the first and more pleasing vision turned + on her heel and continued her stroll, sauntering off to the right, her + fair head once more bent in study, her back eloquently indifferent to the + gaze that followed her. + </p> + <p> + "Who do you want to see?" inquired the man with the spade. + </p> + <p> + Before Barnes could reply, a hearty voice accosted him from behind. He + whirled and saw O'Dowd approaching, not twenty yards away. The Irishman's + face was aglow with pleasure. + </p> + <p> + "I knew I couldn't be mistaken in the shape of you," he cried, advancing + with outstretched hand. "You've got the breadth of a dock-hand in your + shoulders, and the trimness of a prize-fighter in your waist." + </p> + <p> + They shook hands. "I fear I am trespassing," said Barnes. His glance went + over his shoulder as he spoke. The man with the spade had been swallowed + up by the earth! He could not have vanished more quickly in any other way. + Off among the trees there were intermittent flashes of blue and white. + </p> + <p> + "I am quite sure you are," said O'Dowd promptly, but without a trace of + unfriendliness in his manner. "Bedad, loving him as I do, I can't help + saying that Curtis is a bally old crank. Mind ye, I'd say it to his face,—I + often do, for the matter of that. Of course," he went on seriously, "he is + a sick man, poor devil. I have the unholy courage to call him a chronic + crank every once in awhile, and the best thing I can say for his health is + that he grins when I say it to him. You see, I've known him for a dozen + years and more, and he likes me, though God knows why, unless it may be + that I once did his son a good turn in London." + </p> + <p> + "Sufficient excuse for reparation, I should say," smiled Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "I introduced the lad to me only sister," said O'Dowd, "and she kept him + happy for the next ten years. No doubt, I also provided Mr. Curtis with + three grandchildren he might never have had but for my graciousness. As + for that, I let meself in for three of the most prodigious nephews a man + ever had, God bless them. I'll show you a photograph of them if ye'd care + to look." He opened the back of his watch and held it out to Barnes. + "Nine, seven and five, and all of them as bright as Gladstone." + </p> + <p> + "They must be stunning," said Barnes warmly. + </p> + <p> + "They'll make a beggar of me, if I live long enough," groaned O'Dowd. "It + beats the deuce how childer as young as they are can have discovered what + a doddering fool their uncle is. Bedad, the smallest of them knows it. The + very instant I pretend to be a sensible, provident, middle-aged gentleman + he shows me up most shamelessly. 'Twas only a couple of months ago that + his confounded blandishments wiggled a sixty-five dollar fire engine out + of me. He squirted water all over the drawing-room furniture, and I + haven't been allowed to put foot into the house since. My own darlin' + sister refused to look at me for a week, and it wouldn't surprise me in + the least if she changed me namesake's title to something less enfuriating + than William." A look of distress came into his merry eyes. "By Jove, I'd + like nothing better than to ask you in to have a dish of tea,—it's + tea-time, I'm sure,—but I'd no more think of doing it than I'd + consider cutting off me head. He doesn't like strangers. He—" + </p> + <p> + "My dear fellow, don't distress yourself," cried Barnes heartily. "There + isn't the least reason in the world why—" + </p> + <p> + "You see, the poor old chap asks us up here once or twice a year,—that + is to say, De Soto and me,—to keep his sister from filling the house + up with men he can't endure. So long as we occupy the only available + rooms, he argues, she can't stuff them full of objectionables. Twice a + year she comes for a month, in the late fall and early spring. He's very + fond of her, and she stands by him like a major." + </p> + <p> + "Why does he continue to live in this out-of-the-world spot, Mr. O'Dowd? + He is an old man, I take it, and ill." + </p> + <p> + "You wouldn't be wondering if you knew the man," said O'Dowd. "He is a + scholar, a dreamer, a sufferer. He doesn't believe in doctors. He says + they're all rascals. They'd keep him alive just for the sake of what they + could get out of him. So he's up here to die in peace, when his time + comes, and he hopes it will come soon. He doesn't want it prolonged by a + grasping, greedy doctor man. It's his kidneys, you know. He's not a very + old man at that. Not more than sixty-five." + </p> + <p> + "He certainly has a fanciful streak in him, building a place like that," + said Barnes, looking not at the house but into the thicket above. There + was no sign of the blue and white and the spun gold that still defied + exclusion from his mind's eye. He had not recovered from the thrall into + which the vision of loveliness plunged him. He was still a trifle dazed + and distraught. + </p> + <p> + "Right you are," agreed O'Dowd; "the queerest streak in the world. It's + his notion of simplicity. I wish you could see the inside of the place. + You'd wonder to what exalted heights his ideas of magnificence would carry + him if he calls this simplicity. He loves it all, he dotes on it. It's the + only joy he knows, this bewildering creation of his. For nearly three + years he has not been more than a stone's throw from the walls of that + house. I doubt if he's been as far as the spot where we're standing now." + </p> + <p> + "Green Fancy. Is that the name he gave the place or does it spring from—" + </p> + <p> + "'Twas christened by me own sister, Mr. Barnes, the first time she was + here, two years ago. I'll walk with you to the fence beyond if you've no + objections," said O'Dowd, genially, and linked his arm through that of + Barnes. + </p> + <p> + The latter was at once subtly aware of the fact that he was being + deliberately conducted from the grounds. Moreover, he was now convinced + that O'Dowd had been close upon his heels from the instant he entered + them. There was something uncanny in the feeling that possessed him. Such + espionage as this signified something deep and imperative in the presence + not only of O'Dowd but the Jack-in-the-box gardener a few minutes earlier. + He had the grim suspicion that he would later on encounter the spectacled + De Soto. + </p> + <p> + His mind was still full of the lovely stranger about whom O'Dowd had so + manifestly lied over the telephone. + </p> + <p> + "I must ask you to apologise to the young lady on whom I blundered a few + moments ago, Mr. O'Dowd. She must have been startled. Pray convey to her + my solicitude and excuses." + </p> + <p> + "Consider it done, my dear sir," said the Irishman. "Our most charming and + seductive guest," he went on. "Bedad, of the two of you, I'll stake me + head you were startled the most. Coming suddenly upon such rare loveliness + is almost equivalent to being struck by a bolt of lightning. It did + something like that to me when I saw her for the first time a couple of + weeks ago. I didn't get over it for the better part of a day,—I + can't say that I really got over it at all. More than one painter of + portraits has said that she is the most beautiful woman in the world. I + don't take much stock in portrait painters, but I'm always fair to the + lords of creation when their opinions coincide with mine. Mayhap you have + heard of her. She is Miss Cameron of New Orleans, a friend of Mrs. Van + Dyke. We have quite an enchanting house-party, Mr. Barnes, if you consider + no more than the feminine side of it. Unfortunate creatures! To be saddled + with such ungainly lummixes as De Soto and me! By the way, have you heard + when the coroner is to hold his inquests?" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing definite. He may wait a week," said Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you'll stick around until it's all over," ventured O'Dowd. + Barnes thought he detected a slight harshness in his voice. + </p> + <p> + "I have quite made up my mind to stay until the mystery is entirely + cleared up," he said. "The case is so interesting that I don't want to + miss a shred of it." + </p> + <p> + "I don't blame ye," said O'Dowd heartily. "I'd like nothing better meself + than to mix up in it, but, Lord love ye, if I turned detective I'd also be + turned out of the spare bed-room beyond, and sped on me way with curses. + Well, here we are. The next time you plan to pay us a visit, telephone in + advance. I may be able to persuade my host that you're a decent, + law-abiding, educated gentleman, and he'll consent to receive you at Green + Fancy. Good day to ye," and he shook hands with the departing trespasser. + </p> + <p> + A quarter of a mile below the spot where he parted from O'Dowd, Barnes + caught a glimpse of De Soto sauntering among the trees. He smiled to + himself. It was just what he had expected. + </p> + <p> + "Takin' a walk?" was the landlord's greeting as he mounted the tavern + steps at dusk. Putnam Jones's gaunt figure had been discernible for some + time, standing motionless at the top of the steps. + </p> + <p> + "Going over the ground of last night's affair," responded Barnes, pausing. + "Any word from the sheriff and his party?" + </p> + <p> + "Nope. The blamed fools are still up there turnin' over all the loose + stones they c'n find," said Jones sarcastically. "Did you get a glimpse of + Green Fancy?" + </p> + <p> + Barnes nodded. "I strolled a little distance into the woods," he said + briefly. + </p> + <p> + "I wouldn't do it again," said Jones. "Strangers ain't welcome. I might + have told you as much if I'd thought you were going up that way. Mr. + Curtis notified me a long while ago to warn my guests not to set foot on + his grounds, under penalty of the law." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I escaped without injury," laughed Barnes. "No one took a shot at + me." + </p> + <p> + As he entered the door he was acutely aware of an intense stare levelled + at him from behind by the landlord of Hart's Tavern. Half way up the + stairway he stopped short, and with difficulty repressed the exclamation + that rose to his lips. + </p> + <p> + He had recalled a significant incident of the night before. Almost + immediately after the departure of Roon and Paul from the Tavern, Putnam + Jones had made his way to the telephone behind the desk, and had called + for a number in a loud, brisk voice, but the subsequent conversation was + carried on in subdued tones, attended by haste and occasional furtive + glances in the direction of the tap-room. + </p> + <p> + Upon reaching his room, Barnes permitted the suppressed emotion to escape + his lips in the shape of a soft whistle, which if it could have been + translated into words would have said: "By Gad, why haven't I thought of + it before? He sent out the warning that Roon and Paul were on the way! And + I'd like to bet my last dollar that some one at Green Fancy had the other + end of the wire." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Rushcroft stalked majestically into his room while he was shaving, + without taking the trouble to knock at the door, and in his most + impressive manner announced that if there was another hostelry within + reasonable distance he would move himself, his luggage and his entire + company out of Putnam Jones's incomprehensible house. + </p> + <p> + "Why, sir," he declared, "the man is not only a knave but a fool. He + flatly declines the prodigious offer I have made for the corner rooms at + the end of the corridor. In fact, he refuses to transfer my daughter and + me from our present quarters into what might be called the royal suite if + one were disposed to be facetious. The confounded blockhead insists on + seeing the colour of my money in advance." He sat down on the edge of the + bed, dejectedly. "My daughter, perversity personified, takes the + extraordinary stand that the wretch is right. She agrees with him. She has + even gone so far as to say, to my face, that beggars cannot be choosers, + although I must give her credit for not using the expression in the + scoundrel's presence. 'Pon my soul, Barnes, I have never been so sorely + tried in all my life. Emma,—I should say, Mercedes,—denounces + me to my face. She says I am a wastrel, a profligate,—(there I have + her, however, for she failed to consult the dictionary before applying the + word to me),—an ingrate, and a lot of other things I fail to recall + in my dismay. She contends that I have no right to do what I please with + my own money. Indeed, she goes so far as to say that I haven't any money + at all. I have tried to explain to her the very simple principles upon + which all financial transactions are based, but she remains as obtuse as + Cleopatra's Needle. Her ignorance would be pitiful if she wasn't so damned + obstinate about it. And to cap the climax, she had the insolence to ask me + to show her a dollar in real money. By gad, sir, she's as unreasonable as + Putnam Jones himself." + </p> + <p> + Barnes gallantly came to the daughter's defense. He was more than pleased + by the father's revelations. They proved her to be possessed of fine + feelings and a genuine sense of appreciation. + </p> + <p> + "As a matter of fact, Mr. Rushcroft, I think she is quite right," he said + flatly. "It isn't a bad idea to practice economy." + </p> + <p> + "My dear sir," said Rushcroft peevishly, "where would I be now in my + profession if I had practiced economy at the expense of progress?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know," confessed Barnes, much too promptly. + </p> + <p> + "I can tell you, sir. I would be nowhere at all. I would not be the + possessor of a name that is known from one end of this land to the other, + a name that guarantees to the public the most elaborate productions known + to—" + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me," interrupted the other; "it doesn't get you anywhere with + Putnam Jones, and that is the issue at present. The government puts the + portrait of George Washington on one of its greenbacks but his face and + name wouldn't be worth the tenth of a penny if the United States went + bankrupt. As it is, however, if you were to go downstairs and proffer one + of those bills to Putnam Jones he would make his most elaborate bow and + put you into the best room in the house. George Washington has backing + that even Mr. Jones cannot despise. So, you see, your daughter is right. + Your name and face is yet to be stamped on a government bank note, Mr. + Rushcroft, and until that time comes you are no better off than I or any + of the rest of the unfortunates who, being still alive, have to eat for a + living." + </p> + <p> + "You speak in parables," said Mr. Rushcroft, arising. "Am I to assume that + you wish to withdraw your offer to lend me—" + </p> + <p> + "Not at all," said Barnes. "My desire to stake you to the comforts and + dignity your station deserves remains unchanged. If you will bear with me + until I have finished shaving I will go with you to Mr. Jones and show him + the colour of your money." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Rushcroft grinned shamelessly. "My daughter was right when she said + another thing to me," he observed, sitting down once more. + </p> + <p> + "She appears to be more or less infallible." + </p> + <p> + "A woman in a million," said the star. "She said that I wouldn't make a + hit with you if I attempted to put on too much side. I perceive that she + was right,—as usual." + </p> + <p> + "Absolutely," said Barnes, with decision. + </p> + <p> + "So I'll cut it out," remarked Rushcroft quaintly. "I will be + everlastingly grateful to you, Mr. Barnes, if you'll fix things up with + Jones. God knows when or whether I can ever reimburse you, but as I am not + really a dead-beat the time will certainly come when I may begin paying in + installments. Do we understand each other?" + </p> + <p> + "We do," said Barnes, and started downstairs with him. + </p> + <p> + Half an hour later Barnes succeeded in striking a bargain with Putnam + Jones. He got the two rooms at the end of the hall at half price, + insisting that it was customary for every hotel to give actors a + substantial reduction in rates. + </p> + <p> + "You shall be treasurer and business-manager in my reorganized company," + said Rushcroft. "With your acumen and my eccentricity united in a common + cause we will stagger the universe." + </p> + <p> + Despite his rehabilitation as a gentleman of means and independence, Mr. + Rushcroft could not forego the pleasure of staggering a small section of + the world that very night. He was giving Hamlet's address to the players + in the tap-room when Barnes came downstairs at nine o'clock. Bacon and + Dillingford having returned earlier in the evening with the trunks, bags + and other portable chattels of the defunct "troupe," Mr. Rushcroft was + performing in a sadly wrinkled Norfolk suit of grey which Dillingford was + under solemn injunction to press before breakfast the next morning. + </p> + <p> + "I know I don't have to do it," said the star, catching the surprised look + in Barnes's eye and pausing to explain, sotto voce, "but I hadn't the + heart to refuse. They're eating it up, my dear fellow. Up to this instant + they've been sitting with their mouths wide open while I hurled it, word + after word, into their very vitals. "Whereupon he resumed the sonorous + monologue, glowering balefully upon his transfixed hearers. + </p> + <p> + Barnes, leaning against the door-jamb, listened with an amused smile on + his lips. His gaze swept the rapt faces of the dozen or more customers + seated at the tables, and he found himself wondering if one of these men + was the father of the little girl whose mother had described Hart's Tavern + as a "shindy." Was it only yesterday that he had spoken with the barefoot + child? An age seemed to have passed since that brief encounter. + </p> + <p> + Rushcroft ended Hamlet's speech in fine style, and almost instantly a mild + voice from the crowd asked if he knew "Casey at the Bat." Not in the least + distressed by this woeful commentary, Mr. Rushcroft cheerfully, obligingly + tackled the tragic fizzle of the immortal Casey. + </p> + <p> + A small, dark man who sat alone at a table in the corner, caught Barnes's + eye and smiled almost mournfully. He was undoubtedly a stranger; his + action was meant to convey to Barnes the information that he too was from + a distant and sophisticated community, and that a bond of sympathy existed + between them. + </p> + <p> + Putnam Jones spoke suddenly at Barnes's shoulder. He started + involuntarily. The man was beginning to get on his nerves. He seemed to be + dogging his footsteps with ceaseless persistency. + </p> + <p> + "That feller over there in the corner," said Jones, softly, "is a + book-agent from your town. He sold me a set of Dickens when he was here + last time, about six weeks ago. A year's subscription to two magazines + throwed in. By gosh, these book-agents are slick ones. I didn't want that + set of Dickens any more'n I wanted a last year's bird's nest. The thing + I'm afraid of is that he'll talk me into taking a set of Scott before he + moves on. He's got me sweatin' already." + </p> + <p> + "He's a shrewd looking chap," commented Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "Says he won't be satisfied till he's made this section of the country the + most cultured, refined spot in the United States," said Jones dolefully. + "He brags about how much he did toward makin' Boston the literary centre + of the United States, him and his father before him. Together, he says, + they actually elevated Boston from the bottomless pit of ignorance and——Excuse + me. There goes the telephone. Maybe it's news from the sheriff." + </p> + <p> + With the spasmodic tinkling of the telephone bell, the book-agent arose + and made his way to the little office. As he passed Barnes, he winked + broadly, and said, out of the corner of his mouth: + </p> + <p> + "He'd make DeWolf Hopper look sick, wouldn't he?" + </p> + <p> + Barnes glanced over his shoulder a moment later and saw the book-agent + studying the register. The poise of his sleek head, however, suggested a + listening attitude. Putnam Jones, not four feet away, was speaking into + the telephone receiver. As the receiver was restored to its hook, Barnes + turned again. Jones and the book-agent were examining the register, their + heads almost meeting from opposite sides of the desk. + </p> + <p> + The latter straightened up, stretched his arms, yawned, and announced in a + loud tone that he guessed he'd step out and get a bit of fresh air before + turning in. + </p> + <p> + "Any news?" inquired Barnes, approaching the desk after the door had + closed behind the book-agent. + </p> + <p> + "It wasn't the sheriff," replied Jones shortly, and immediately resumed + his interrupted discourse on books, book-agents and the reclamation of + Boston. Ten minutes elapsed before the landlord's garrulity was checked by + the sound of an automobile coming to a stop in front of the house. Barnes + turned expectantly toward the door. Almost immediately the car started up + again, with a loud shifting of gears, and a moment later the door opened + to admit, not a fresh arrival, but the little book-agent. + </p> + <p> + "Party trying to make Hornville to-night," he announced casually. "Well, + good night. See you in the morning." + </p> + <p> + Barnes was not in a position to doubt the fellow's word, for the car + unmistakably had gone on toward Hornville. He waited a few minutes after + the man disappeared up the narrow stairway, and then proceeded to test his + powers of divination. He was as sure as he could be sure of anything that + had not actually come to pass, that in a short time the automobile would + again pass the tavern but this time from the direction of Hornville. + </p> + <p> + Lighting a cigarette, he strolled outside. He had barely time to take a + position at the darkened end of the porch before the sounds of an + approaching machine came to his ears. A second or two later the lights + swung around the bend in the road a quarter of a mile above Hart's Tavern, + and down came the car at a high rate of speed. It dashed past the tavern + with a great roar and rattle and shot off into the darkness beyond. As it + rushed through the dim circle of light in front of the tavern, Barnes + succeeded in obtaining a brief but convincing view of the car. That glance + was enough, however. He would have been willing to go before a jury and + swear that it was the same car that had deposited him at Hart's Tavern the + day before. + </p> + <p> + Having guessed correctly in the one instance, he allowed himself another + and even bolder guess: the little book-agent had either received a message + from or delivered one to the occupant or driver of the car from Green + Fancy. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII — A NOTE, SOME FANCIES, AND AN EXPEDITION IN QUEST OF + FACTS + </h2> + <p> + Dillingford gave him a lighted candle at the desk and he started upstairs, + his mind full of the events and conjectures of the day. Uppermost in his + thoughts was the dazzling vision of the afternoon, and the fleeting smile + that had come to him through the leafy interstices. As he entered the + room, his eyes fell upon a white envelope at his feet. It had been slipped + under the door since he left the room an hour before. + </p> + <p> + Terse reminder from the prudent Mr. Jones! His bill for the day! He picked + it up, glanced at the inscription, and at once altered his opinion. His + full name was there in the handwriting of a woman. For a moment he was + puzzled; then he thought of Miss Thackeray. A note of thanks, no doubt, + unpleasantly fulsome! Vaguely annoyed, he ripped open the envelope and + read: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +"In case I do not have the opportunity to speak with you to-night, this +is to let you know that the little man who says he is a book-agent was +in your room for three-quarters of an hour while you were away this +afternoon. You'd better see if anything is missing. + M.T." +</pre> + <p> + He read the note again, and then held it over the candle flame. Surprise + and a temporary indignation gave way before the thrill of exultation as + the blazing paper fell upon the hearth. + </p> + <p> + "'Gad, it grows more and more interesting," he mused, and chuckled aloud. + "They're not losing a minute's time in finding out all they can about me, + that's certain. Thanks, my dear Miss Thackeray. You are undoubtedly + deceived but I am not. This chap may be a detective but he isn't looking + for evidence to connect me with last night's murders. Not a bit of it. He + is trying to find out whether I ought to be shot the next time I go + snooping around Green Fancy. I'd give a good deal to know what he put into + the report he sent off a little while ago. And I'd give a good deal more + to know just where Mr. Jones stands in this business. Selling sets of + Dickens, eh? Book-agent by day, secret agent by night,—'gad, he may + even be a road-agent!" + </p> + <p> + He made a hasty but careful examination of his effects. There was not the + slightest evidence that his pack had been opened or even disturbed. + Naturally he travelled without surplus impedimenta; he carried the + lightest outfit possible. There were a few papers containing notes and + memoranda; a small camera and films; a blank book to which he transferred + his daily experiences, observations and impressions; a small medicine + case; tobacco and cigarettes; a flask of brandy; copies of Galworthy's + "Man of Property" and Hutchinson's "Happy Warrior"; wearing apparel, and a + revolver. His purse and private papers rarely were off his person. If the + little book-agent spent three-quarters of an hour in the room he managed + most effectually to cover up all traces of his visit. + </p> + <p> + Barnes did not go to sleep until long after midnight. He now regarded + himself as definitely committed to a combination of sinister and piquant + enterprises, not the least of which was the determination to find out all + there was to know about the mysterious young woman at Green Fancy. + </p> + <p> + His operations along any line of endeavour were bound to be difficult, + perhaps hazardous. Every movement that he made would be observed and + reported; his every step followed. He could hope to disarm suspicion only + by moving with the utmost boldness and unconcern. Success rested in his + ability to convince O'Dowd, Jones and the rest of them that they had + nothing to fear from his innocuous wanderings. + </p> + <p> + His interest in the sensational affair that had disturbed his first + night's rest at Hart's Tavern must remain paramount. His theories, + deductions and suggestions as to the designs and identity of Roon and + Paul; the stated results of personal and no doubt ludicrous experiments; + sly and confidential jabs at the incompetent investigators, uttered behind + the hand to Putnam Jones and, if possible, to the book-agent;—a + quixotic philanthropy in connection with the fortunes of Rushcroft and his + players; all these would have to be put forward in the scheme to dispel + suspicion at Green Fancy. + </p> + <p> + It did not occur to him that he ought to be furthering the ends of justice + by disclosing to the authorities his secret opinion of Putman Jones, the + strange behaviour of Roon as observed by Miss Thackeray, and his own + adventure with the lady of the cross-roads. The chance that Jones, + subjected to third degree pressure, might break down and reveal all that + he knew was not even considered. + </p> + <p> + Back of all his motives was the spur of Romance: his real interest was + centred in the lovely lady of Green Fancy. + </p> + <p> + He was confident that O'Dowd's system of espionage would quickly absolve + him of all interest in or connection with the plans of Albert Roon; it + remained therefore for him to convince the Irishman that he had no notions + or vagaries inimical to the well-being of Green Fancy or its occupants. + With that result achieved, he need have no fear of meeting the fate that + had befallen Roon and his lieutenant; nothing worse could happen than an + arrest and fine for trespass. + </p> + <p> + The next day he, with other lodgers in the Tavern, was put through an + examination by police and county officials from Saint Elizabeth, and + notified that, while he was not under suspicion or surveillance, it would + be necessary for him to remain in the "bailiwick" until detectives, + already on the way, were satisfied that he possessed no knowledge that + would be useful to them in clearing up what had now assumed the dignity of + a "national problem." + </p> + <p> + O'Dowd rode down from Green Fancy and created quite a sensation among the + officials by announcing that Mr. Curtis desired them to feel that they had + a perfect right to extend their search for clues to all parts of his + estate, and that he was deeply interested in the outcome of their + investigations. + </p> + <p> + "The devils may have laid their ambush on his property," said O'Dowd, "and + they may have made their escape into the hills back of his place without + running the risk of tackling the highways. Nothing, Mr. Curtis says, + should stand in the way of justice. While he knows that you have a legal + right to enter his grounds, and even his house, in the pursuit of duty, he + urges me to make it clear to you gentlemen, that you are welcome to come + without even so much as a demand upon him. If I may be so bold as to offer + my services, you may count on me to act as guide at any time you may + elect. I know the lay of the land pretty well, and what I don't know the + gardeners and other men up there do. You are to call upon all of us if + necessary. Mr. Curtis, as you know, is an invalid. May I suggest, + therefore, that you conduct your examination of the grounds near his home + with as little commotion as possible? Incidentally, I may inform you, but + one person at Green Fancy heard the shots. That person was Mr. Curtis + himself. He rang for his attendant and instructed him to send some one out + to find out what it was all about. The chauffeur went down to Conley's, as + you know. If you consider it absolutely necessary to question Mr. Curtis + as to the time the shots were fired, he will receive you; but I think you + may properly establish that fact by young Conley without submitting a sick + man to the excitement and distress of a—" + </p> + <p> + The sheriff hastily broke in with the assurance that it was not at all + necessary to disturb Mr. Curtis. It wasn't to be thought of for a moment. + He would, however, like to "run over the ground a bit" that very + afternoon, if it was agreeable to Mr. O'Dowd. + </p> + <p> + It being quite agreeable, the genial Irishman proposed that his friend, + Mr. Barnes,—(here he bestowed an almost imperceptible wink upon the + New Yorker),—should join the party. He could vouch for the + intelligence and discretion of the gentleman. + </p> + <p> + Barnes, concealing his surprise, expressed himself as happy to be of any + service. He glanced at Putnam Jones as he made the statement. It was at + once borne in upon him that the landlord's attitude toward him had + undergone a marked change in the last few minutes. The furtive, + distrustful look was missing from his eyes and in its place was a + friendly, approving twinkle. + </p> + <p> + O'Dowd stayed to dinner. (Dinner was served in the middle of the day at + Hart's Tavern.) He made a great impression upon Lyndon Rushcroft, who, + with his daughter, joined the two men. Indeed, the palavering Irishman + extended himself in the effort to make himself agreeable. He was vastly + interested in the stage, he declared. As a matter of fact, he had been + told a thousand times that he ought to go on the stage. He had decided + talent.... + </p> + <p> + "If you change your mind," said Mr. Rushcroft, "and conclude to try a + whirl at it, just let me know. I can find a place for you in my company at + any time. If there isn't a vacancy, we can always write in an Irish comedy + part." + </p> + <p> + "But I never wanted to be a comedian," said O'Dowd. "I've always wanted to + play the young hero,—the fellow who gets the girl, you know." He + bestowed a gallant smile upon Miss Thackeray. + </p> + <p> + "You may take my word for it, sir," said Mr. Rushcroft with feeling, + "heroism, and nothing less, is necessary to the man who has to play + opposite most of the harridans you, in your ignorance, speak of as girls." + And he launched forth upon a round of soul-trying experiences with + "leading-ladies." + </p> + <p> + The little book-agent came in while they were at table. He sat down in a + corner of the dining-room and busied himself with his subscription lists + while waiting for the meal to be served. He was still poring over them, + frowning intently, when Barnes and the others left the room. + </p> + <p> + Barnes walked out beside Miss Thackeray. + </p> + <p> + "The tailor-made gown is an improvement," he said to her. + </p> + <p> + "Does that mean that I look more like a good chambermaid than I did + before?" + </p> + <p> + "If you would consider it a compliment, yes," he replied, smiling. He was + thinking that she was a very pretty girl, after all. + </p> + <p> + "The frock usually makes the woman," she said slowly, "but not always the + lady." + </p> + <p> + He thought of that remark more than once during the course of an afternoon + spent in the woods about Green Fancy. + </p> + <p> + O'Dowd virtually commanded the expedition. It was he who thought of + everything. First of all, he led the party to the corner of the estate + nearest the point where Paul was shot from his horse. Sitting in his own + saddle, he called the attention of the other riders to what appeared to be + a most significant fact in connection with the killing of this man. + </p> + <p> + "From what I hear, the man Paul was shot through the lungs, directly from + in front. The bullet went straight through his body. He was riding very + rapidly down this road. When he came to a point not far above cross-roads, + he was fired upon. It is safe to assume that he was looking intently + ahead, trying to make out the crossing. He was not shot from the side of + the road, gentlemen, but from the middle of it. The bullet came from a + point almost directly in front of him, and not from Mr. Curtis's property + here to the left, or Mr. Conley's on the right. Understand, this is my + whimsey only. I may be entirely wrong. My idea is that the man who shot + him waited here at the cross-roads to head off either or both of them in + case they were not winged by men stationed farther up. Of course, that + must be quite obvious to all of you. My friend De Soto is inclined to the + belief that they were trying to get across the border. I don't believe so. + If that were the case, why did they dismount above Conley's house, hitch + their horses to the fence, and set forth on foot? I am convinced in my own + mind that they came here to meet some one to whom they were to deliver a + verbal report of vital importance,—some one from across the border + in Canada. This message was delivered. So far as Roon and Paul were + concerned their usefulness was ended. They had done all that was required + of them. The cause they served was better off with them dead than alive. + Without the slightest compunction, without the least regard for faithful + service, they were set upon and slain by their supposed friends. Now, you + may laugh at my fancy if you like, but you must remember that frightful + things are happening in these days. The killing of these men adds but a + drop to the ocean of blood that is being shed. Roon and Paul, suddenly + confronted by treachery, fled for their lives. The trap had been set with + care, however; they rushed into it." + </p> + <p> + "I am inclined to your hypothesis, O'Dowd," said Barnes. "It seems sound + and reasonable. The extraordinary precautions taken by Roon and Paul to + prevent identification, dead or alive, supports your whimsey, as you call + it. The thing that puzzles me, however, is the singular failure of the two + men to defend themselves. They were armed, yet neither fired a shot. You + would think that when they found themselves in a tight place, such as you + suggest, their first impulse would be to shoot." + </p> + <p> + "Well," mused O'Dowd, squinting his eyes in thought, "there's something in + that. It doesn't seem reasonable that they'd run like whiteheads with guns + in—By Jove, here's a new thought!" His eyes glistened with boyish + elation. "They had delivered their message,—we'll assume that much, + of course,—and were walking back to their horses when they were + ordered to halt by some one hidden in the brush at the roadside. You can't + very well succeed in hitting a man if you can't see him at all, so they + made a dash for it instead of wasting time in shooting at the air. What's + more, they may have anticipated the very thing that happened: they were + prepared for treachery. Their only chance lay in getting safely into their + saddles. Oh, I am a good romancer! I should be writing dime novels instead + of living the respectable life I do. Conley heard them running for their + lives. Assassins had been stationed along the road to head them off, + however. The man who had his place near the horses, got Roon. The chances + are that Paul did not accompany Roon to the meeting place up the road. He + remained near the horses. That's how he managed to get away so quickly. It + remained for the man at the cross-roads to settle with him. But, we're + wasting time with all this twaddle of mine. Let us be moving. There is one + point on which we must all agree. The deadliest marksmen in the world + fired those shots. No bungling on that score, bedad." + </p> + <p> + In course of time, the party, traversing the ground contiguous to the + public road, came within sight of the green dwelling among the trees. + Barnes's interest revived. He had, from the outset, appreciated the + futility of the search for clues in the territory they had covered. The + searchers were incapable of conducting a scientific examination. It was + work for the most skilful, the most practised, the most untiring of + tracers. His second view of the house increased his wonder and admiration. + If O'Dowd had not actually located it among the trees for him, he would + have been at a loss to discover it, although it was immediately in front + of him and in direct line of vision. + </p> + <p> + "Astonishing, isn't it?" said the Irishman, as they stood side by side, + peering ahead. + </p> + <p> + "Marvellous is the better word," said Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "The fairies might have built it," said the other, with something like awe + in his voice. He shook his head solemnly. + </p> + <p> + "One could almost fancy that a fairy queen dwelt there, surrounded by + Peter Pans and Aladdins," mused Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "Instead of an ogre attended by owls and nightbirds and the devil knows + what,—for I don't." + </p> + <p> + Barnes looked at him in amazement, struck by the curious note in his + voice. + </p> + <p> + "If you were a small boy in knickers, O'Dowd, I should say that you were + mortally afraid of the place." + </p> + <p> + "If I were a small boy," said O'Dowd, "I'd be scairt entirely out of me + knickers. I'd keep me boots on, mind ye, so that I could run the better. + It's me Irish imagination that does the trick. You never saw an Irishman + in your life that wasn't conscious of the 'little people' that inhabit the + places that are always dark and green." + </p> + <p> + De Soto was seen approaching through the green sea, his head appearing and + disappearing intermittently in the billows formed by the undulating + underbrush. He shook hands with Barnes a moment later. + </p> + <p> + "I'm glad you had the sense to bring Mr. Barnes with you, O'Dowd," said + he. "You didn't mention him when you telephoned that you were personally + conducting a sight-seeing party. I tried to catch you afterwards on the + telephone, but you had left the tavern. Mrs. Collier wanted me to ask you + to capture Mr. Barnes for dinner to-night." + </p> + <p> + "Mrs. Collier is the sister of Mr. Curtis," explained O'Dowd. Then he + turned upon De Soto incredulously. "For the love of Pat," he cried "what's + come over them? When I made so bold as to suggest last night that you were + a chap worth cultivating, Barnes,—and that you wouldn't be long in + the neighbourhood,—But, to save your feelings I'll not repeat what + they said, the two of them. What changed them over, De Soto?" + </p> + <p> + "A chance remark of Miss Cameron's at lunch to-day. She wondered if Barnes + could be the chap who wrote the articles about Peru and the Incas, or + something of the sort, and that set them to looking up the back numbers of + the geographic magazine in Mr. Curtis's library. Not only did they find + the articles but they found your picture. I had no difficulty in deciding + that you were one and the same. The atmosphere cleared in a jiffy. It + became even clearer when it was discovered that you have had a few + ancestors and are received in good society—both here and abroad, as + the late Frederic Townsend Martin would have said. I hereby officially + present the result of subsequent deliberation. Mr. Barnes is invited to + dine with us to-night." + </p> + <p> + Barnes's heart was still pounding rapidly as he made the rueful admission + that he "didn't have a thing to wear." He couldn't think of accepting the + gracious invitation— + </p> + <p> + "Don't you think the clothes you have on your back will last through the + evening?" inquired O'Dowd quaintly. + </p> + <p> + "But look at them!" cried Barnes. "I've tramped in 'em for two weeks and—" + </p> + <p> + "All the more reason why you should be thankful they're good and stout," + said O'Dowd. + </p> + <p> + "We live rather simply up here, Mr. Barnes," said De Soto. "There isn't a + dinner jacket or a spike tail coat on the place. It's strictly against the + law up here to have such things about one's person. Come as you are, sir. + I assure you I speak the truth when I say we don't dress for dinner." + </p> + <p> + "Bedad," said O'Dowd enthusiastically, "if it will make ye feel any more + comfortable I'll put on the corduroy outfit I go trout fishing in, + bespattered and patched as it is. And De Soto will appear in the white + duck trousers and blazer he tries to play tennis in,—though, God + bless him, poor wretch, he hates to put them on after all he's heard said + about his game." + </p> + <p> + "If they'll take me as I am," began Barnes, doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + "I say," called out O'Dowd to the sheriff, who was gazing longingly at the + horses tethered at the bottom of the slope; "would ye mind leading Mr. + Barnes's nag back to the Tavern? He is stopping to dinner. And, while I + think of it, are you satisfied, Mr. Sheriff, with the day's work? If not, + you will be welcome again at any time, if ye'll only telephone a half + minute in advance." To Barnes he said: "We'll send you down in the + automobile to-night, provided it has survived the day. We're expecting the + poor thing to die in its tracks at almost any instant." + </p> + <p> + Ten minutes later Barnes passed through the portals of Green Fancy. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX — THE FIRST WAYFARER, THE SECOND WAYFARER, AND THE SPIRIT + OF CHIVALRY ASCENDANT + </h2> + <p> + The wide green door, set far back in a recess not unlike a kiosk, was + opened by a man-servant who might easily have been mistaken for a waiter + from Delmonico's or Sherry's. He did not have the air or aplomb of a + butler, nor the smartness of a footman. On the contrary, he was a + thick-set, rather scrubby sort of person with all the symptoms of cafe + servitude about him, including the never-failing doubt as to nationality. + He might have been a Greek, a Pole, an Italian or a Turk. + </p> + <p> + "Say to Mrs. Collier, Nicholas, that Mr. Barnes is here for dinner," said + De Soto. "I will make the cocktails this evening." + </p> + <p> + Much to Barnes's surprise,—and disappointment,—the interior of + the house failed to sustain the bewildering effect produced by the + exterior. The entrance hall and the living-room into which he was + conducted by the two men were singularly like others that he had seen. The + latter, for example, was of ordinary dimensions, furnished with a thought + for comfort rather than elegance or even good taste. The rugs were thick + and in tone held almost exclusively to Turkish reds; the couches and + chairs were low and deep and comfortable, as if intended for men only, and + they were covered with rich, gay materials; the hangings at the windows + were of deep blue and gold; the walls an unobtrusive cream colour, almost + literally thatched with etchings. + </p> + <p> + Barnes, somewhat of a connoisseur, was not slow to recognise the value and + extreme rarity of the prints. Rembrandt, Whistler, Hayden, Merryon, + Cameron, Muirhead Bone and Zorn were represented by their most notable + creations; two startling subjects by Brangwyn hung alone in one corner of + the room, isolated, it would seem, out of consideration for the gleaming, + jewel-like surfaces of other and smaller treasures. There were at least a + dozen Zorns, as many Whistlers and Camerons. + </p> + <p> + O'Dowd, observing the glance of appreciation that Barnes sent about the + room, said: "All of thim are in the very rarest state. He has one of the + finest collections in America. Ye'll want your boots cleaned and polished, + and your face needs scrubbing, if ye don't mind my saying so," he went on, + critically surveying the visitor's person. "Come up to my room and make + yourself tidy. My own man will dust you off and furbish you up in no time + at all." + </p> + <p> + They passed into another room at the left and approached a wide stairway, + the lower step of which was flush with the baseboard on the wall. Not so + much as an inch of the stairway protruded into the room, and yet Barnes, + whose artistic sense should have been offended, was curiously pleased with + the arrangement and effect. He made a mental note of this deliberate + violation of the holy rules of construction, and decided that one day he + would try it out for himself. + </p> + <p> + The room itself was obviously a continuation of the larger one beyond, a + sort of annex, as it were. The same scheme in decoration and furnishings + was observed, except here the walls were adorned with small paintings in + oil, heavily framed. Hanging in the panel at the right of the stairway was + an exquisite little Corot, silvery and feathery even in the dim light of + early dusk. On the opposite side was a brilliant little Cazin. + </p> + <p> + The stairs were thickly carpeted. At the top, his guide turned to the left + and led the way down a long corridor. They passed at least four doors + before O'Dowd stopped and threw open the fifth on that side of the hall. + There were still two more doors beyond. + </p> + <p> + "Suggests a hotel, doesn't it?" said the Irishman, standing aside for + Barnes to enter. "All of the sleeping apartments are on this floor, and + the baths, and boudoirs, and what-not. The garret is above, and that's + where we deposit our family skeletons, intern our grievances, store our + stock of spitefulness, and hide all the little devils that must come + sneaking up from the city with us whether we will or no. Nothing but + good-humour, contentment, happiness and mirth are permitted to occupy this + floor and the one below. I might also add beauty, for you can't conceive + any of the others without it, me friend. God knows I couldn't be + good-natured for a minute if I wasn't encouraged by beauty appreciative, + and as for being contented, happy or mirthful,—bedad, words fail me! + Dabson," he said, addressing the man who had quietly entered the room + through the door behind them, "do Mr. Barnes, will ye, and fetch me from + Mr. De Soto's room when you've finished. I leave you to Dabson's tender + mercies. The saints preserve us! Look at the man's boots! Dabson, get out + your brush and dauber first of all. He's been floundering in a bog." + </p> + <p> + The jovial Irishman retired, leaving Barnes to be "done" by the silent, + swift-moving valet. Dabson was young and vigorous and exceedingly + well-trained. He made short work of "doing" the visitor; barely fifteen + minutes elapsed before O'Dowd's return. + </p> + <p> + Presently they went downstairs together. Lamps had been lighted, many of + them, throughout the house. A warm, pleasing glow filled the rooms, + softening,—one might even say tempering,—the insistent reds in + the rugs, which now seemed to reflect rather than to project their hues; a + fire crackled in the cavernous fireplace at the end of the living-room, + and grouped about its cheerful, grateful blaze were the ladies of Green + Fancy. + </p> + <p> + Barnes was aware of a quickening of his pulses as he advanced with O'Dowd. + De Soto was there ahead of them, posed ungracefully in front of the fire, + his feet widespread, his hands in his pockets. Another man, sallow-faced + and tall, with a tired looking blond moustache and sleepy eyes, was + managing, with amazing skill, the retention of a cigarette which seemed to + be constantly in peril of detaching itself from his parted though inactive + lips. + </p> + <p> + SHE was there, standing slightly aloof from the others, but evidently + amused by the tale with which De Soto was regaling them. She was smiling; + Barnes saw the sapphire lights sparkling in her eyes, and experienced a + sensation that was woefully akin to confusion. + </p> + <p> + He had the feeling that he would be absolutely speechless when presented + to her; in the full, luminous glow of those lovely eyes he would lose + consciousness, momentarily, no doubt, but long enough to give her,—and + all the rest of them,—no end of a fright. + </p> + <p> + But nothing of the kind happened. Everything went off quite naturally. He + favoured Miss Cameron with an uncommonly self-possessed smile as she gave + her hand to him, and she, in turn, responded with one faintly suggestive + of tolerance, although it certainly would have been recorded by a less + sensitive person than Barnes as "ripping." + </p> + <p> + In reply to his perfunctory "delighted, I'm sure, etc.," she said, quite + clearly: "Oh, now I remember. I was sure I had seen you before, Mr. + Barnes. You are the magic gentleman who sprung like a mushroom out of the + earth yesterday afternoon." + </p> + <p> + "And frightened you," he said; "whereupon you vanished like the mushroom + that is gobbled up by the predatory glutton." + </p> + <p> + He had thrilled at the sound of her voice. It was the low, deliberate + voice of the woman of the crossroads, and, as before, he caught the almost + imperceptible accent. The red gleam from the blazing logs fell upon her + shining hair; it glistened like gold. She wore a simple evening gown of + white, softened over the shoulders and neck with a fall of rare + vallenciennes lace. There was no jewelry,—not even a ring on her + slender, tapering fingers. Oddly enough, now that he stood beside her, she + was not so tall as he had believed her to be the day before. The crown of + her silken head came but little above his shoulder. As she had appeared to + him among the trees he would have sworn that she was but little below his + own height, which was a liberal six feet. He recalled a flash of wonder on + that occasion; she had seemed so much taller than the woman at the + cross-roads that he was almost convinced that she could not, after all, be + the same person. Now she was back to the height that he remembered, and he + marvelled once more. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Collier, the hostess, was an elderly, heavy-featured woman, decidedly + over-dressed. Barnes knew her kind. One encounters her everywhere: the + otherwise intelligent woman who has no sense about her clothes. Mrs. Van + Dyke, her daughter, was a woman of thirty, tall, dark and handsome in a + bold, dashing sort of way. She too was rather resplendent in a black jet + gown, and she was liberally bestrewn with jewels. Much to Barnes's + surprise, she possessed a soft, gentle speaking-voice and a quiet, musical + laugh instead of the boisterous tones and cackle that he always associated + with her type. The lackadaisical gentleman with the moustache turned out + to be her husband. + </p> + <p> + "My brother is unable to be with us to-night, Mr. Barnes," explained Mrs. + Collier. "Mr. O'Dowd may have told you that he is an invalid. Quite rarely + is he well enough to leave his room. He has been feeling much better of + late, but now his nerves are all torn to pieces by this shooting affair. + The mere knowledge that our grounds were being inspected to-day by the + authorities upset him terribly. He has begged me to present his apologies + and regrets to you. Another time, perhaps, you will give him the pleasure + he is missing to-night. He wanted so much to talk with you about the + quaint places you have described so charmingly in your articles. They must + be wonderfully appealing. One cannot read your descriptions without really + envying the people who live in those enchanted—" + </p> + <p> + "Ahem!" coughed O'Dowd, who actually had read the articles and could see + nothing alluring in a prospect that contemplated barren, snow-swept + wildernesses in the Andes. "The only advantage I can see in living up + there," he said, with a sly wink at Barnes, "is that one has all the + privileges of death without being put to the expense of burial." + </p> + <p> + "How very extraordinary, Mr. O'Dowd," said Mrs. Collier, lifting her + lorgnon. + </p> + <p> + "Mrs. Collier has been reading my paper on the chateau country in France," + said Barnes mendaciously. (It had not yet been published, but what of + that?) + </p> + <p> + "Perfectly delightful," said Mrs. Collier, and at once changed the + subject. + </p> + <p> + De Soto's cocktails came in. Miss Cameron did not take one. O'Dowd + proposed a toast. + </p> + <p> + "To the rascals who went gunning for the other rascals. But for them we + should be short at least one member of this agreeable company." + </p> + <p> + It was rather startling. Barnes's glass stopped half-way to his lips. An + instant later he drained it. He accepted the toast as a compliment from + the whilom Irishman, and not as a tribute to the prowess of those + mysterious marksmen. + </p> + <p> + "Rather grewsome, O'Dowd," drawled Van Dyke, "but offset by the + foresightedness of the maker of this cocktail. Uncommonly good one, De + Soto." + </p> + <p> + The table in the spacious dining-room was one of those long, narrow + Italian boards, unmistakably antique and equally rare. Sixteen or eighteen + people could have been seated without crowding, and when the seven took + their places wide intervals separated them. No effort had been made by the + hostess to bring her guests close together, as might have been done by + using one end or the centre of the table. Except for scattered doylies, + the smooth, nut-brown top was bare of cloth; there was a glorious patina + to this huge old board, with tiny cracks running like veins across its + surface. + </p> + <p> + Decorations were scant. A half dozen big candlesticks, ecclesiastical in + character, were placed at proper intervals, and at each end of the table + there was a shallow, alabaster dish containing pansies. The serving plates + were of silver. Especially beautiful were the long-stemmed water goblets + and the graceful champagne glasses. They were blue and white and of a + design and quality no longer obtainable except at great cost. The + aesthetic Barnes was not slow to appreciate the rarity of the glassware + and the chaste beauty of the serving plates. + </p> + <p> + The man Nicholas was evidently the butler, despite his Seventh Avenue + manner. He was assisted in serving by two stalwart and amazingly clumsy + footmen, of similar ilk and nationality. On seeing these additional + men-servants, Barnes began figuratively to count on his fingers the + retainers he had so far encountered on the place. Already he has seen six, + all of them powerful, rugged fellows. It struck him. as extraordinary, and + in a way significant, that there should be so many men at Green Fancy. + </p> + <p> + Somewhere back in his mind was the impression that O'Dowd had spoken of + Pierre the cook, a private secretary and male attendant who looked after + Mr. Curtis. Then there was Peter, the regular chauffeur, whom he had not + seen, and doubtless there were able-bodied woodchoppers and foresters + besides. Not forgetting the little book-agent! It suddenly occurred to him + that he was surrounded by a company of the most formidable character: no + less than twenty men would be a reasonable guess if he were to include + O'Dowd, De Soto and Van Dyke. + </p> + <p> + Much to his disappointment, he was not placed near Miss Cameron at table. + Indeed, she was seated as far away from him as possible. He sat at Mrs. + Collier's right. On his left was Mrs. Van Dyke, with Miss Cameron at the + foot of the table flanked by O'Dowd and De Soto. Van Dyke had nearly the + whole of the opposite side of the table to himself. There was, to be sure, + a place set between him and De Soto, for symmetry's sake, Barnes + concluded. In this he was mistaken; they had barely seated themselves when + Mrs. Collier remarked: + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Curtis's secretary usually joins us here for coffee. He has his + dinner with my brother and then, poor man, comes in for a brief period of + relaxation. When my brother is in one of his bad spells poor Mr. Loeb + doesn't have much time to himself. It seems to me that my brother is at + his best when his health is at its worst. You may be interested to know, + Mr. Barnes, that he is writing a history of the Five Nations." + </p> + <p> + "Indians, you know," explained Van Dyke. + </p> + <p> + "A history of the Mohawks, Oneidas, Cayugas, Onondagas and Senecas, and + their 'Long House' should be of great value, Mrs. Collier," said Barnes, a + trifle didactically. "When does he expect to have it completed?" + </p> + <p> + "'Gad, you know a little of everything, don't you?" said Van Dyke, sitting + up a little straighter in his chair and eyeing Barnes fishily. ("Awfully + smart chap," he afterwards confided to O'Dowd.) "If he lives long enough, + he'll finish it in 1999," he added, lifting his voice above Mrs. Collier's + passive reply out of which Barnes gathered the words "couple" and "years." + </p> + <p> + It is not necessary to dilate upon the excellence of the dinner, to repeat + the dialogue, or to comment on the service, other than to say, for the + sake of record, that the first WAS excellent; the second sprightly, and + the third atrocious. + </p> + <p> + Loeb, the private secretary, came in for coffee. He was a tall, spare man + of thirty, pallidly handsome, with dark, studious eyes and features of an + unmistakably Hebraic cast, as his name might have foretold. His teeth were + marvellously white, and his slow smile attractive. When he spoke, which + was seldom unless a remark was directed specifically to him, his voice was + singularly deep and resonant. More than once during the hour that Loeb + spent with them Barnes formed and dismissed a stubborn, ever-recurring + opinion that the man was not a Jew. Certainly he was not an American Jew. + His voice, his manner of speech, his every action stamped him as one born + and bred in a land far removed from Broadway and its counterparts. If a + Jew, he was of the East as it is measured from Rome: the Jew of the carnal + Orient. + </p> + <p> + And as the evening wore on, there came to Barnes the singular fancy that + this man was the master and not the servant of the house! He could not put + the ridiculous idea out of his mind. + </p> + <p> + He was to depart at ten. The hour drew near and he had had no opportunity + for detached conversation with Miss Cameron. He had listened to her bright + retorts to O'Dowd's sallies, and marvelled at the ease and composure with + which she met the witty Irishman on even terms. Her voice, always low and + distinct, was never without the suggestion of good-natured raillery; he + was enchanted by the faint, delicious chuckle that rode in every sentence + she uttered during these sprightly tilts. + </p> + <p> + When the conversation turned to serious topics, her voice steadied + perceptibly, the blue in her eyes took on a deeper and darker hue, the + half-satirical smile vanished from her adorable lips, and she spoke with + the gravity of a profound thinker. Barnes watched her, fascinated, bereft + of the power to concentrate his thoughts on anything else. He hung on her + every movement, hoping and longing for the impersonal glance or remark + with which she occasionally favoured him. + </p> + <p> + Not until the very close of the evening, and when he had resigned himself + to hopelessness, did the opportunity come for him to speak with her alone. + She caught his eye, and, to his amazement, made a slight movement of her + head, unobserved by the others but curiously imperative to him. There was + no mistaking the meaning of the direct, intense look that she gave him. + </p> + <p> + She was appealing to him as a friend,—as one on whom she could + depend! + </p> + <p> + The spirit of chivalry took possession of him. His blood leaped to the + call. She needed him and he would not fail her. And it was with difficulty + that he contrived to hide the exaltation that might have ruined + everything! + </p> + <p> + Loeb had returned to his labours in Mr. Curtis's study, after bidding + Barnes a courteous good-night. It seemed to the latter that with the + secretary's departure an indefinable restraint fell away from the small + company. + </p> + <p> + While he was trying to invent a pretext for drawing her apart from the + others, she calmly ordered Van Dyke to relinquish his place on the couch + beside her to Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "Come and sit beside me, Mr. Barnes," she called out, gaily. "I will not + bite you, or scratch you, or harm you in any way. Ask Mr. O'Dowd and he + will tell you that I am quite docile. What is there about me, sir, that + causes you to think that I am dangerous? You have barely spoken a word to + me, and you've been disagreeably nice to Mrs. Collier and Mrs. Van Dyke. I + don't bite, do I, Mr. O'Dowd?" + </p> + <p> + "You do," said O'Dowd promptly. "You do more than that. You devour. Bedad, + I have to look in a mirror to convince meself that you haven't swallowed + me whole. That's another way of telling you, Barnes, that she'll absorb + you entirely." + </p> + <p> + It was a long, deep and comfortable couch of the davenport class, and she + sat in the middle of it instead of at the end, a circumstance that he was + soon to regard as premeditated. She had planned to bring him to this place + beside her and had cunningly prepared against the possibility that he + might put the full length of the couch between them if she settled herself + in a corner. As it was, their elbows almost touched as he sat down beside + her. + </p> + <p> + For a few minutes she chided him for his unseemly aversion. He was + beginning to think that he had been mistaken in her motive, and that after + all she was merely satisfying her vanity. Suddenly, and as she smiled into + his eyes, she said, lowering her voice slightly: + </p> + <p> + "Do not appear surprised at anything I may say to you. Smile as if we were + uttering the silliest nonsense. So much depends upon it, Mr. Barnes." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X — THE PRISONER OF GEEEN FANCY, AND THE LAMENT OF PETER THE + CHAUFFEUR + </h2> + <p> + He envied Mr. Rushcroft. The barn-stormer would have risen to the occasion + without so much as the blinking of an eye. He would have been able to + smile and gesticulate in a manner that would have deceived the most acute + observer, while he—ah, he was almost certain to flounder and make a + mess of the situation. He did his best, however, and, despite his + eagerness, managed to come off fairly well. Any one out of ear-shot would + have thought that he was uttering some trifling inanity instead of these + words: + </p> + <p> + "You may trust me. I have suspected that something was wrong here." + </p> + <p> + "It is impossible to explain now," she said. "These people are not my + friends. I have no one to turn to in my predicament." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, you have," he broke in, and laughed rather boisterously for him. He + felt that they were being watched in turn by every person in the room. + </p> + <p> + "To-night,—not an hour ago,—I began to feel that I could call + upon you for help. I began to relax. Something whispered to me that I was + no longer utterly alone. Oh, you will never know what it is to have your + heart lighten as mine—But I must control myself. We are not to waste + words." + </p> + <p> + "You have only to command me, Miss Cameron. No more than a dozen words are + necessary." + </p> + <p> + "I knew it,—I felt it," she cried eagerly. "Nothing can be done + to-night. The slightest untoward action on your part would send you after—the + other two. There is one man here who, I think, will stand between me and + actual peril. Mr. O'Dowd. He is—" + </p> + <p> + "He is the liveliest liar I've ever known," broke in Barnes quickly. + "Don't trust him." + </p> + <p> + "But he is also an Irishman," she said, as if that fact overcame all other + shortcomings. "I like him; he must be an honest man, for he has already + lied nobly in MY behalf." She smiled as she uttered this quaint anomaly. + </p> + <p> + "Tell me how I can be of service to you," said he, disposing of O'Dowd + with a shrug. + </p> + <p> + "I shall try to communicate with you in some way—to-morrow. I beg of + you, I implore you, do not desert me. If I can only be sure that you will—" + </p> + <p> + "You may depend on me, no matter what happens," said he, and, looking into + her eyes was bound forever. + </p> + <p> + "I have been thinking," she said. "Yesterday I made the discovery that I—that + I am actually a prisoner here, Mr. Barnes. I—Smile! Say something + silly!" + </p> + <p> + Together they laughed over the meaningless remark he made in response to + her command. + </p> + <p> + "I am constantly watched. If I venture outside the house, I am almost + immediately joined by one of these men. You saw what happened yesterday. I + am distracted. I do not know how to arrange a meeting so that I may + explain my unhappy position to you." + </p> + <p> + "I will ask the authorities to step in and—" + </p> + <p> + "No! You are to do nothing of the kind. The authorities would never find + me if they came here to search." (It was hard for him to smile at that!) + "It must be some other way. If I could steal out of the house,—but + that is impossible," she broke off with a catch in her voice. + </p> + <p> + "Suppose that I were to steal INTO the house," he said, a reckless light + in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, you could never succeed!" + </p> + <p> + "Well, I could try, couldn't I?" There was nothing funny in the remark but + they both leaned back and laughed heartily. "Leave it to me. I once got + into and out of a Morrocan harem,—but that story may wait. Tell me, + where—" + </p> + <p> + "The place is guarded day and night. The stealthiest burglar in the world + could not come within a stone's throw of the house." + </p> + <p> + "By Jove! Those two men night before last were trying to—" He said + no more, but turned his head so that the others could not see the hard + look that settled in his eyes. "If it's as bad as all that, we cannot + afford to make any slips. You think you are in no immediate peril?" + </p> + <p> + "I am in no peril at all unless I bring it upon myself," she said, + significantly. + </p> + <p> + "Then a delay of a day or so will not matter," he said, frowning. "Leave + it to me. I will find a way." + </p> + <p> + "Be careful!" De Soto came lounging up behind them. She went on speaking, + changing the subject so abruptly and so adroitly that for a moment Barnes + was at a loss. "But if she could obtain all those luxuries without using a + penny of his money, what right had he to object? Surely a wife may do as + she pleases with her own money." + </p> + <p> + "He was trying to break her of selfishness," said Barnes, suddenly + inspired. "The difference between men and women in the matter of luxuries + lies in the fact that one is selfish and the other is not. A man slaves + all the year round to provide luxuries for his wife. The wife comes into a + nice little fortune of her own, and what does she proceed to do with it? + Squander it on her husband? Not much! She sets out immediately to prove to + the world that he is a miser, a skinflint who never gave her more than the + bare necessities of life. The chap I was speaking of—I beg pardon, + Mr. De Soto." + </p> + <p> + "Forgive me for interrupting, but I am under command from royal + headquarters. Peter, the king of chauffeurs, sends in word that the car is + in an amiable mood and champing to be off. So seldom is it in a + good-humour that he—" + </p> + <p> + "I'll be off at once," exclaimed Barnes, arising. + </p> + <p> + "By Jove, it is half-past ten. I had no idea—Good night, Miss + Cameron. Sorry my time is up. I am sure I could have made you hate your + own sex in another half hour." + </p> + <p> + She held out her hand. "One of our virtues is that we never pretend to be + in love with our own sex, Mr. Barnes. That, at least, is a luxury reserved + solely for your sex." + </p> + <p> + He bowed low over her hand. "A necessity, if I may be pardoned for + correcting you." He pressed her hand re-assuringly and left her. + </p> + <p> + She had arisen and was standing, straight and slim by the corner of the + fireplace, a confident smile on her lips. + </p> + <p> + "If you are to be long in the neighbourhood, Mr. Barnes," said his + hostess, "you must let us have you again." + </p> + <p> + "My stay is short, I fear. You have only to reveal the faintest sign that + I may come, however, and I'll hop into my seven league boots before you + can utter Jack Robinson's Christian name. Good night, Mrs. Van Dyke. I + have you all to thank for a most delightful evening. May I expect to see + you down our way, Mr. Van Dyke? We have food for man and beast at all + times and in all forms." + </p> + <p> + "I've tackled your liquids," said Van Dyke. "You are likely to see me + 'most any day. I'm always rattling 'round somewhere, don't you know." (He + said "rettling," by the way.) The car was waiting at the back of the + house. O'Dowd walked out with Barnes, their arms linked,—as on a + former occasion, Barnes recalled. + </p> + <p> + "I'll ride out to the gate with you," said the Irishman. "It's a winding, + devious route the road takes through the trees. As the crow flies it's no + more than five hundred yards, but this way it can't be less than a mile + and a half. Eh, Peter?" + </p> + <p> + Peter opined that it was at least a mile and a quarter. He was a Yankee, + as O'Dowd had said, and he was not extravagant in estimates. + </p> + <p> + The passengers sat in the rear seat. Two small lamps served to light the + way through the Stygian labyrinth of trees and rocks. O'Dowd had an + electric pocket torch with which to pick his way back to Green Fancy. + </p> + <p> + "I can't, for the life of me, see why he doesn't put in a driveway + straight to the road beyond, instead of roaming all over creation as we + have to do," said O'Dowd. + </p> + <p> + "We foller the bed of the crick that used to run through here 'fore it was + dammed a little ways up to make the ice-pond 'tween here an' Spanish + Falls," supplied Peter. "Makes a durned good road, 'cept when there's a + freshet. It would cost a hull lot o' money to build a road as good as + this-un." + </p> + <p> + "I was only thinking 'twould save a mile and more," said O'Dowd. + </p> + <p> + "What's the use o' him savin' a mile, er ten miles, fer that matter, when + he never puts foot out'n the house?" said Peter, the logician. + </p> + <p> + "Well, then," persisted O'Dowd testily, "he ought to consider the saving + in gasolene." + </p> + <p> + Peter's reply was a grunt. + </p> + <p> + They came in time, after many "hair-pins" and right angles, to the gate + opening upon the highway. Peter got down from the seat to release the + pad-locked chain and throw open the gate. + </p> + <p> + O'Dowd leaned closer to Barnes and lowered his voice. + </p> + <p> + "See here, Barnes, I'm no fool, and for that reason I've got sense enough + to know that you're not either. I don't know what's in your mind, nor what + you're trying to get into it if it isn't already there. But I'll say this + to you, man to man: don't let your imagination get the better of your + common-sense. That's all. Take the tip from me." + </p> + <p> + "I am not imagining anything, O'Dowd," said Barnes quietly. "What do you + mean?" + </p> + <p> + "I mean just what I say. I'm giving you the tip for selfish reasons. If + you make a bally fool of yourself, I'll have to see you through the worst + of it,—and it's a job I don't relish. Ponder that, will ye, on the + way home?" + </p> + <p> + Barnes did ponder it on the way home. There was but one construction to + put upon the remark: it was O'Dowd's way of letting him know that he could + be depended upon for support if the worst came to pass. + </p> + <p> + His heart warmed to the lively Irishman. He jumped to the conclusion that + O'Dowd, while aligned with the others in the flesh, was not with them in + spirit. His blithe heart was a gallant one as well. The lovely prisoner at + Green Fancy had a chivalrous defender among the conspirators, and that + fact, suddenly revealed to the harassed Barnes, sent a thrill of + exultation through his veins. + </p> + <p> + He realised that he could not expect O'Dowd to be of any assistance in + preparing the way for her liberation. Indeed, the Irishman probably would + oppose him out of loyalty to the cause he espoused. His hand would be + against him until the end; then it would strike for him and the girl who + was in jeopardy. + </p> + <p> + O'Dowd evidently had not been deceived by the acting that masked the + conversation on the couch. He knew that Miss Cameron had appealed to + Barnes, and that the latter had promised to do everything in his power to + help her. + </p> + <p> + Suspecting that this was the situation, and doubtless sacrificing his own + private interests, he had uttered the vague but timely warning to Barnes. + The significance of this warning grew under reflection. The mere fact that + he could bring himself to the point of speaking to Barnes as he did, + established beyond all question that his position was not inimical. He + was, to a certain extent, delivering himself into the hands of one who, in + his rashness, might not hesitate to cast him to the lions: the beasts in + this instance being his own companions. + </p> + <p> + Barnes was not slow to appreciate the position in which O'Dowd voluntarily + placed himself. A word or a sign from him would be sufficient to bring + disaster upon the Irishman who had risked his own safety in a few + irretrievable words. The more he thought of it, the more fully convinced + was he that there was nothing to fear from O'Dowd. The cause for + apprehension in that direction was wiped out by a simple process of + reasoning: O'Dowd would have delivered his warning elsewhere if he + intended evil. While it was impossible to decide how far O'Dowd's friendly + interest would carry him, Barnes was still content to believe that he + would withhold his suspicions, for the present at least, from the others + at Green Fancy. + </p> + <p> + He was at a loss to account for his invitation to Green Fancy under the + circumstances. The confident attitude of those responsible for Miss + Cameron's detention evidently was based upon conditions which rendered + their position tenable. Their disregard for the consequences that might + reasonably be expected to result from this visit was puzzling in the + extreme. He could arrive at no other conclusion than that their + hospitality was inspired by a desire to disarm him of suspicion. An open + welcome to the house, while a bold piece of strategy, was far better than + an effort to cloak the place in mystery. + </p> + <p> + As he left the place behind him, he found himself saying that he had + received his first and last invitation to visit Green Fancy. + </p> + <p> + Peter drove slowly, carefully over the road down the mountain, in direct + contrast to the heedless rush of the belated "washer." + </p> + <p> + Responding to a sudden impulse, Barnes lowered one of the side-seats in + the tonneau and moved closer to the driver. By leaning forward he was in a + position to speak through the window at Peter's back. + </p> + <p> + "Pretty bad going, isn't it?" he ventured. + </p> + <p> + "Bad enough in the daytime," said Peter, without taking his eyes from the + road, "but something fierce at night." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you've been over it so often, however, that you know every + crook and turn." + </p> + <p> + "I know 'em well enough not to get gay with 'em," said Peter. + </p> + <p> + "How long have you been driving for Mr. Curtis?" + </p> + <p> + "Ever since he come up here, more'n two years ago. I used to drive the + station bus fer the hotel down below Spanish Falls. He stayed there while + he was buildin'. Guess I'm going to get the G. B. 'fore long, though." + </p> + <p> + His listener started. "You don't say so! Cutting down expenses?" + </p> + <p> + "Not so's you could notice it," growled Peter. "Seems that he's gettin' a + new car an' wants an expert machinist to take hold of it from the start. I + was good enough to fiddle around with this second-hand pile o' junk an' + the Buick he had last year, but I ain't qualified to handle this here + twin-six Packard he's expectin', so he says. I guess they's been some + influence used against me, if the truth was known. This new sec'etary he's + got cain't stummick me." + </p> + <p> + "Why don't you see Mr. Curtis and demand—" "SEE him?" snorted Peter. + "Might as well try to see Napoleon Bonyparte. Didn't you know he was a + sick man?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly. But he isn't so ill that he can't attend to business, is he?" + </p> + <p> + "He sure is. Parylised, they say. He's a mighty fine man. It's awful to + think of him bein' so helpless he cain't ever git out'n his cheer ag'in. + Course, if he was hisself he wouldn't think o' lettin' me out. But bein' + sick-like, he jest don't give a durn about anything. So that's how this + new sec'etary gets in his fine work on me." + </p> + <p> + "What has Mr. Loeb against you, if I may ask?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, it's like this. I ain't in the habit o' bein' ordered aroun' as if + I was jest nobody at all, so when he starts in to cuss me about somethin' + a week or so ago, I ups and tells him I'll smash his head if he don't take + it back. He takes it back all right, but the first thing I know I get a + call-down from Mrs. Collier. She's Mr. Curtis's sister, you know. Course I + couldn't tell her what I told the sheeny, seein' as she's a female, so I + took it like a lamb. Then they gits a feller up here to wash the car. My + gosh, mister, the durned ole rattle-trap ain't wuth a bucket o' water all + told. You could wash from now till next Christmas an' she wouldn't look + any cleaner'n she does right now. So I sends word in to Mr. Curtis that if + she has to be washed, I'll wash her. I don't want no dago splashin' water + all over the barn floor an' drawin' pay fer doin' it. Then's when I hears + about the new car. Mr. Loeb comes out an' asts me if I ever drove a + Packard twin-six. I says no I ain't, an' he says it's too bad. He asts the + dago if he's ever drove one and the dago lies like thunder. He says he's + handled every kind of a Packard known to science, er somethin' like that. + I cain't understand half the durn fool says. Next day Mrs. Collier sends + fer me an' I go in. She says she guesses she'll try the new washer on the + Packard when it comes, an' if I keer to stay on as washer in his place + she'll be glad to have me. I says I'd like to have a word with Mr. Curtis, + if she don't mind, an' she says Mr. Curtis ain't able to see no one. So I + guess I'm goin' to be let out. Not as I keer very much, 'cept I hate to + leave Mr. Curtis in the lurch. He was mighty good to me up to the time he + got bed-ridden." + </p> + <p> + "I dare say you will have no difficulty in finding another place," said + Barnes, feeling his way. + </p> + <p> + "'Tain't easy to git a job up here. I guess I'll have to try New York er + some of the big cities," said Peter, confidently. + </p> + <p> + An idea was taking root in Barnes's brain, but it was too soon to consider + it fixed. + </p> + <p> + "You say Mr. Loeb is new at his job?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, he's new up here. Mr. Curtis was down to New York all last winter + bein' treated, you see. He didn't come up here till about five weeks ago. + Loeb was workin' fer him most of the winter, gittin' up a book er + somethin', I hear. Mr. Curtis's mind is all right, I guess, even if his + body ain't. Always was a great feller fer books an' writin' 'fore he got + so sick." + </p> + <p> + "I see. Mr. Loeb came up with him from New York." + </p> + <p> + "Kerect. Him and Mr. O'Dowd and Mr. De Soto brought him up 'bout the last + o' March." + </p> + <p> + "I understand that they are old friends." + </p> + <p> + "They was up here visitin' last spring an' the fall before. Mr. Curtis is + very fond of both of 'em." + </p> + <p> + "It seems to me that I have heard that his son married O'Dowd's sister." + </p> + <p> + "That's right. She's a widder now. Her husband was killed in the war + between Turkey an' them other countries four er five years ago." + </p> + <p> + "Really?" + </p> + <p> + "Yep. Him and Mr. O'Dowd—his own brother-in-law, y' know—was + fightin' on the side of the Boolgarians and young Ashley Curtis was + killed. Mr. O'Dowd's always fightin' whenever they's a war goin' on + anywheres. I cain't understand why he ain't over in Europe now helpin' out + one side or t'other." + </p> + <p> + "Was this son Mr. Curtis's only child?" + </p> + <p> + "So fer as I know. He left three little kids. They was all here with their + mother jest after the house was finished. Finest children I ever—" + </p> + <p> + "They will probably come into this property when Mr. Curtis dies," said + Barnes, keeping the excitement out of his voice. + </p> + <p> + "More'n likely." + </p> + <p> + "Was he very feeble when you saw him last?" + </p> + <p> + "I ain't seen him in more'n six months. He was failin' then. That's why he + went to the city." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I see. You did not see him when he arrived the last of March?" + </p> + <p> + "I was visitin' my sister up in Hornville when he come back + unexpected-like. This ijiot Loeb says he wrote me to meet 'em at Spanish + Falls but I never got the letter. Like as not the durn fool got the + address wrong. I didn't know Mr. Curtis was home till I come back from my + sister's three days later. The wust of it was that I had tooken the + automobile with me,—to have a little work done on her, mind ye,—an' + so they had to hire a Ford to bring him up from the Falls. I wouldn't 'a' + had it happen fer fifty dollars." Peter's tone was convincingly doleful. + </p> + <p> + "And he has been confined to his room ever since? Poor old fellow! It's + hard, isn't it?" + </p> + <p> + "It sure is. Seems like he'll never be able to walk ag'in. I was talkin' + to his nurse only the other day. He says it's a hopeless case." + </p> + <p> + "Fortunately his sister can be here with him." + </p> + <p> + "By gosh, she ain't nothin' like him," confided Peter. "She's all fuss an' + feathers an' he is jest as simple as you er me. Nothin' fluffy about him, + I c'n tell ye. Course, he must 'a' had a screw loose some'eres when he + made sich a botch of that house up there, but it's his'n an' there ain't + no law ag'in a man doin' what he pleases with his own property." He sighed + deeply. "I'm jest as well pleased to go as not," he went on. "Mrs. + Collier's got a lot o' money of her own, an' she's got highfalutin' New + York ideas that don't seem to jibe with mine. Used to be a time when + everything was nice an' peaceful up here, with Sally Perkins doin' the + cookin' and her daughter waitin' table, but 'tain't that way no more. Got + to have a man cook an' men waitresses, an' a butteler. An' it goes ag'in + the grain to set down to a meal with them hayseeds from Italy. You never + saw sich table manners." + </p> + <p> + He rambled on for some minutes, expanding under the soulful influence of + his own woes and the pleasure of having a visible auditor instead of the + make-believe ones he conjured out of the air at times when privacy + afforded him the opportunity to lament aloud. + </p> + <p> + At any other time Barnes would have been bored by such confidences as + these. Now he was eagerly drinking in every word that Peter uttered. His + lively brain was putting the whole situation into a nutshell. Assuming + that Peter was not the most guileful person on earth, it was quite obvious + that he not only was in ignorance of the true state of affairs at Green + Fancy but that he was to be banished from the place while still in that + condition. + </p> + <p> + Long before they came to the turnpike, Barnes had reduced his hundred and + one suppositions to the following concrete conclusion: Green Fancy was no + longer in the hands of its original owner for the good and sufficient + reason that Mr. Curtis was dead. The real master of the house was the man + known as Loeb. Through O'Dowd he had leased the property from the widowed + daughter-in-law, and had established himself there, surrounded by + trustworthy henchmen, for the purpose of carrying out some dark and + sinister project. + </p> + <p> + Putting two and two together, it was easy to determine how and when O'Dowd + decided to cast his fortunes with those of the leader in this mysterious + enterprise. Their intimacy undoubtedly grew out of association at the time + of the Balkan Wars. O'Dowd was a soldier of fortune. He saw vast + opportunities in the scheme proposed by Loeb, and fell in with it, whether + through a mistaken idea as to its real character or an active desire to + profit nefariously time only would tell. Green Fancy afforded an excellent + base for operations. O'Dowd induced his sister to lease the property to + Loeb,—or he may even have taken it himself. He had visited Mr. + Curtis on at least two occasions. He knew the place and its advantages. + The woman known as Mrs. Collier was not the sister of Curtis. She—but + here Barnes put a check upon his speculations. He appealed to Peter once + more. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose Mrs. Collier has spent a great deal of time up here with her + brother." + </p> + <p> + "First time she was ever here, so far as I know," said Peter, and Barnes + promptly took up his weaving once more. + </p> + <p> + With one exception, he decided, the entire company at Green Fancy was + involved in the conspiracy. The exception was Miss Cameron. It was quite + clear to him that she had been misled or betrayed into her present + position; that a trap had been set for her and she had walked into it + blindly, trustingly. This would seem to establish, beyond question, that + her capture and detention was vital to the interests of the plotters; + otherwise she would not have been lured to Green Fancy under the + impression that she was to find herself among friends and supporters. + Supporters! That word started a new train of thought. He could hardly wait + for the story that was to fall from her lips. + </p> + <p> + Peter swerved into the main-road. "Guess I c'n hit her up a little now," + he said. + </p> + <p> + "Take it slowly, if you please," said Barnes. "I've had one experience in + this car, going a mile a minute, and I didn't enjoy it." + </p> + <p> + "You never been in this car before," corrected Peter. + </p> + <p> + "Is it news to you? Day before yesterday I was picked up at this very + corner and taken to Hart's Tavern in this car. The day Miss Cameron + arrived and the car failed to meet her at Spanish Falls." + </p> + <p> + "You must be dreamin'," said Peter slowly. + </p> + <p> + "If you should have the opportunity, Peter, just ask Miss Cameron," said + the other. "She will tell you that I'm right." + </p> + <p> + "Is she the strange young lady that come a day er so ago?" + </p> + <p> + "The extremely pretty one," explained Barnes. + </p> + <p> + Peter lapsed into silence. It was evident that he considered it impossible + to continue the discussion without offending his passenger. + </p> + <p> + "By the way, Peter, it has just occurred to me that I may be able to give + you a job in case you are let out by Mr. Curtis. I can't say definitely + until I have communicated with my sister, who has a summer home in the + Berkshires. Don't mention it to Mr. Curtis. I wouldn't, for anything in + the world, have him think that I was trying to take you away from him. + That is regarded as one of the lowest tricks a man can be guilty of." + </p> + <p> + "We call it ornery up here," said Peter. "I'll be much obliged, sir. + Course I won't say a word. Will I find you at the Tavern if I get my + walkin' papers soon?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. Stop in to see me to-morrow if you happen to be passing." + </p> + <p> + There was additional food for reflection in the fact that Peter was + allowed to conduct him to the Tavern alone. It was evident that not only + was the garrulous native ignorant of the real conditions at Green Fancy, + but that the opportunity was deliberately afforded him to proclaim his + private grievances to the world. After all, mused Barnes, it wasn't a bad + bit of diplomacy at that! + </p> + <p> + Barnes said good night to the man and entered the Tavern a few minutes + later. Putnam Jones was behind the desk and facing him was the little + book-agent. + </p> + <p> + "Hello, stranger," greeted the landlord. "Been sashaying in society, hey? + Meet my friend Mr. Sprouse, Mr. Barnes. Sic-em, Sprouse! Give him the + Dickens!" Mr. Jones laughed loudly at his own jest. + </p> + <p> + Sprouse shook hands with his victim. + </p> + <p> + "I was just saying to our friend Jones here, Mr. Barnes, that you look + like a more than ordinarily intelligent man and that if I had a chance to + buzz with you for a quarter of an hour I could present a proposition—-" + </p> + <p> + "Sorry, Mr. Sprouse, but it is half-past eleven o'clock, and I am + dog-tired. You will have to excuse me." + </p> + <p> + "To-morrow morning will suit me," said Sprouse cheerfully, "if it suits + you." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI — MR. SPROUSE ABANDONS LITERATURE AT AN EARLY HOUR IN THE + MORNING + </h2> + <p> + After thrashing about in his bed for seven sleepless hours, Barnes arose + and gloomily breakfasted alone. He was not discouraged over his failure to + arrive at anything tangible in the shape of a plan of action. It was + inconceivable that he should not be able in very short order to bring + about the release of the fair guest of Green Fancy. He realised that the + conspiracy in which she appeared to be a vital link was far-reaching and + undoubtedly pernicious in character. There was not the slightest doubt in + his mind that international affairs of considerable importance were + involved and that the agents operating at Green Fancy were under definite + orders. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Sprouse came into the dining-room as he was taking his last swallow of + coffee. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, good morning," was the bland little man's greeting. "Up with the + lark, I see. It is almost a nocturnal habit with me. I get up so early + that you might say it's a nightly proceeding. I'm surprised to see you + circulating at seven o'clock, however. Mind if I sit down here and have my + eggs?" He pulled out a chair opposite Barnes and coolly sat down at the + table. + </p> + <p> + "You can't sell me a set of Dickens at this hour of the day," said Barnes + sourly. "Besides, I've finished my breakfast. Keep your seat." He started + to rise. + </p> + <p> + "Sit down," said Sprouse quietly. Something in the man's voice and manner + struck Barnes as oddly compelling. He hesitated a second and then resumed + his seat. "I've been investigating you, Mr. Barnes," said the little man, + unsmilingly. "Don't get sore. It may gratify you to know that I am + satisfied you are all right." + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean, Mr.—Mr.—?" began Barnes, angrily. + </p> + <p> + "Sprouse. There are a lot of things that you don't know, and one of them + is that I don't sell books for a living. It's something of a side line + with me." He leaned forward. "I shall be quite frank with you, sir. I am a + secret service man. Yesterday I went through your effects upstairs, and + last night I took the liberty of spying upon you, so to speak, while you + were a guest at Green Fancy." + </p> + <p> + "The deuce you say!" cried Barnes, staring. + </p> + <p> + "We will get right down to tacks," said Sprouse. "My government,—which + isn't yours, by the way,—sent me up here five weeks ago on a certain + undertaking. I am supposed to find out what is hatching up at Green Fancy. + Having satisfied myself that you are not connected with the gang up there, + I cheerfully place myself in your hands, Mr. Barnes. Just a moment, + please. Bring me my usual breakfast, Miss Tilly." The waitress having + vanished in the direction of the kitchen, he resumed. "You were at Green + Fancy last night. So was I. You had an advantage over me, however, for you + were on the inside and I was not." + </p> + <p> + "Confound your impudence! I—" + </p> + <p> + "One of my purposes in revealing myself to you, Mr. Barnes, is to warn you + to steer clear of that crowd. You may find yourself in exceedingly hot + water later on if you don't. Another purpose, and the real one, is to + secure, if possible, your co-operation in beating the game up there. You + can help me, and in helping me you may be instrumental in righting one of + the gravest wrongs the world has ever known. Of course, I am advising you + in one breath to avoid the crowd up there and in the next I ask you to do + nothing of the kind. If you can get into the good graces of—But + there is no use counting on that. They are too clever. There is too much + at stake. You might go there for weeks and—" + </p> + <p> + "See here, Mr. Sprouse or whatever your name is, what do you take me for?" + demanded Barnes, assuming an injured air. "You have the most monumental + nerve in—" + </p> + <p> + "Save your breath, Mr. Barnes. We may just as well get together on this + thing first as last. I've told you what I am,—and almost who,—and + I know who and what you are. You don't suppose for an instant that I, with + a record for having made fewer blunders than any man in the service, could + afford to take a chance with you unless I was absolutely sure of my + ground, do you? You ask me what I take you for. Well, I take you for a + meddler who, if given a free rein, may upset the whole pot of beans and + work an irreparable injury to an honest cause." + </p> + <p> + "A meddler, am I? Good morning, Mr. Sprouts. I fancy—" + </p> + <p> + "Sprouse. But the name doesn't matter. Keep your seat. You may learn + something that will be of untold value to you. I used the word meddler in + a professional sense. You are inexperienced. You would behave like a bull + in a china shop. I've been working for nearly six months on a job that you + think you can clear up in a couple of days. Fools walk in where angels + fear to tread. You—" + </p> + <p> + "Will you be good enough, Mr. Sprouse, to tell me just what you are trying + to get at? Come to the point. I know nothing whatever against Mr. Curtis + and his friends. You assume a great deal—" + </p> + <p> + "Excuse me, Mr. Barnes. I'll admit that you don't know anything against + them, but you suspect a whole lot. To begin with, you suspect that two men + were shot to death because they were in wrong with some one at Green + Fancy. Now, I could tell you who those two men really were and why they + were shot. But I sha'n't do anything of the sort,—at least not at + present. I—" + </p> + <p> + "You may have to tell all this to the State if I choose to go to the + authorities with the statement you have just made." + </p> + <p> + "I expect, at the proper time, to tell it all to the State. Are you + willing to listen to what I have to say, or are you going to stay on your + high-horse and tell me to go to the devil? You interest yourself in this + affair for the sake of a little pleasurable excitement. I am in it, not + for fun, but because I am employed by a great Power to risk my life + whenever it is necessary. This happens to be one of the times when it is + vitally necessary. This is not child's play or school-boy romance with me. + It is business." + </p> + <p> + Barnes was impressed. "Perhaps you will condescend to tell me who you are, + Mr. Sprouse. I am very much in the dark." + </p> + <p> + "I am a special agent,—but not a spy, sir,—of a government + that is friendly to yours. I am known in Washington. My credentials are + not to be questioned. At present it would be unwise for me to reveal the + name of my government. I dare say if I can afford to trust you, Mr. + Barnes, you can afford to trust me. There is too much at stake for me to + take the slightest chance with any man. I am ready to chance you, sir, if + you will do the same by me." + </p> + <p> + "Well," began Barnes deliberately, "I guess you will have to take a chance + with me, Mr. Sprouse, for I refuse to commit myself until I know exactly + what you are up to." + </p> + <p> + Sprouse had a pleasant word or two for Miss Tilly as she placed the bacon + and eggs before him and poured his coffee. + </p> + <p> + "Skip along now, Miss Tilly," he said. "I'm going to sell Mr. Barnes a + whole library if I can keep him awake long enough." + </p> + <p> + "I can heartily recommend the Dickens and Scott—" began Miss Tilly, + but Sprouse waved her away. + </p> + <p> + "In the first place, Mr. Barnes," said he, salting his eggs, "you have + been thinking that I was sent down from Green Fancy to spy on you. Isn't + that so?" + </p> + <p> + "I am answering no questions, Mr. Sprouse." + </p> + <p> + "You were wrong," said Sprouse, as if Barnes had answered in the + affirmative. "I am working on my own. You may have observed that I did not + accompany the sheriff's posse to-day. I was up in Hornville getting the + final word from New York that you were on the level. You have a document + from the police, I hear, but I hadn't seen it. Time is precious. I + telephoned to New York. Eleven dollars and sixty cents. You were under + suspicion until I hung up the receiver, I may say." + </p> + <p> + "Jones has been talking to you," said Barnes. "But you said a moment ago + that you were up at Green Fancy last night. Not by invitation, I take it." + </p> + <p> + "I invited myself," said Sprouse succinctly. "Are you inclined to favour + my proposition?" + </p> + <p> + "You haven't made one." + </p> + <p> + "By suggestion, Mr. Barnes. It is quite impossible for me to get inside + that house. You appear to have the entree. You are working in the dark, + guessing at everything. I am guessing at nothing. By combining forces we + should bring this thing to a head, and—" + </p> + <p> + "Just a moment. You expect me to abuse the hospitality of—" + </p> + <p> + "I shall have to speak plainly, I see." He leaned forward, fixing Barnes + with a pair of steady, earnest eyes. "Six months ago a certain royal house + in Europe was despoiled of its jewels, its privy seal, its most precious + state documents and its charter. They have been traced to the United + States. I am here to recover them. That is the foundation of my story, Mr. + Barnes. Shall I go on?" + </p> + <p> + "Can you not start at the beginning, Mr. Sprouse? What was it that led up + to this amazing theft?" + </p> + <p> + "Without divulging the name of the house, I will say that its sympathies + have been from the outset friendly to the Entente Allies,—especially + with France. There are two branches of the ruling family, one in power, + the other practically in exile. The state is a small one, but its + integrity is of the highest. Its sons and daughters have married into the + royal families of nearly all of the great nations of the continent. The + present—or I should say—the late ruler, for he died on a field + of battle not many months ago, had no direct heir. He was young and + unmarried. I am not permitted to state with what army he was fighting, nor + on which front he was killed. It is only necessary to say that his little + state was gobbled up by the Teutonic Allies. The branch of the family + mentioned as being in exile lent its support to the cause of Germany, not + for moral reasons but in the hope and with the understanding, I am to + believe, that the crown-lands would be the reward. The direct heir to the + crown is a cousin of the late prince. He is now a prisoner of war in + Austria. Other members of the family are held by the Bulgarians as + prisoners of war. It is not stretching the imagination very far to picture + them as already dead and out of the way. At the close of the war, if + Germany is victorious, the crown will be placed upon the head of the + pretender branch. Are you following me?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Barnes, his nerves tingling. He was beginning to see a great + light. + </p> + <p> + "Almost under the noses of the forces left by the Teutonic Allies to hold + the invaded territory, the crown-jewels, charter and so forth, heretofore + mentioned as they say in legal parlance, were surreptitiously removed from + the palace and spirited away by persons loyal to the ruling branch of the + family. As I have stated, I am engaged in the effort to recover them." + </p> + <p> + "It requires but little intelligence on my part to reach the conclusion + that you are employed by either the German or Austrian government, Mr. + Sprouse. You are working in the interests of the usurping branch of the + family." + </p> + <p> + "Wrong again, Mr. Barnes,—but naturally. I am in the service of a + country violently opposed to the German cause. My country's interest in + the case is—well, you might say benevolent. The missing property + belongs to the State from which it was taken. It represents a great deal + in the shape of treasure, to say nothing of its importance along other + lines. To restore the legitimate branch of the family to power after the + war, the Entente Allies must be in possession of the papers and + crown-rights that these misguided enthusiasts made away with. Of course, + it would be possible to do it without considering the demands of the + opposing claimants, arbitrarily kicking them out, but that isn't the way + my government does business. The persons who removed this treasure from + the state vaults believed that they were acting for the best interests of + their superiors. In a sense, they were. The only fault we have to find + with them is that they failed to do the sensible thing by delivering their + booty into the hands of one of the governments friendly to their cause. + Instead of doing so, they succeeded in crossing the ocean, conscientiously + believing that America was the safest place to keep the treasure pending + developments on the other side. + </p> + <p> + "Now we come to the present situation. Some months ago a member of the + aforesaid royal house arrived in this country by way of Japan. He is a + distant cousin of the crown and, in a way, remotely looked upon as the + heir-apparent. Later on he sequestered himself in Canada. Our agents in + Europe learned but recently that while he pretends to be loyal to the + ruling house, he is actually scheming against it. I have been ordered to + run him to earth, for there is every reason to believe that the men who + secured the treasure have been duped into regarding him as an avowed + champion of the crown. We believe that if we find this man we will, sooner + or later, be able to put our hands on the missing treasure. I have never + seen the man, nor a portrait of him. A fairly adequate description has + been sent to me, however. Now, Mr. Barnes, without telling you how I have + arrived at the conclusion, I am prepared to state that I believe this man + to be at Green Fancy, and that in time the loot,—to use a harsh + word,—will be delivered to him there. I am here to get it, one way + or another, when that comes to pass." + </p> + <p> + Barnes had not taken his eyes from the face of the little man during this + recital. He was rapidly changing his opinion of Sprouse. There was + sincerity in the voice and eyes of the secret agent. + </p> + <p> + "What led you to suspect that he is at Green Fancy, Mr. Sprouse?" + </p> + <p> + "History. It is known that this Mr. Curtis has spent a great deal of time + in the country alluded to. As a matter of fact, his son, who lived in + London, had rather extensive business interests there. This son was killed + in the Balkan War several years ago. It is said that the man I am looking + for was a friend of young Curtis, who married a Miss O'Dowd in London,—the + Honourable Miss O'Dowd, daughter of an Irish peer, and sister of the chap + you have met at Green Fancy. The elder Curtis was a close and intimate + friend of more than one member of the royal family. Indeed, he is known to + have been a welcome visitor in the home of a prominent nobleman, once high + in the counsels of State. This man O'Dowd is also a friend of the man I am + looking for. He went through the Balkan War with him. After that war, + O'Dowd drifted to China, hoping no doubt to take a hand in the revolution. + He is that sort. Some months ago he came to the United States. I forgot to + mention that he has long considered this country his home, although born + in Ireland. About six weeks ago a former equerry in the royal household + arrived in New York. Through him I learned that the daughter of the + gentleman in whose house the senior Mr. Curtis was a frequent guest had + been in the United States since some time prior to the beginning of the + war. She was visiting friends in the States and has been unable to return + to her own land, for reasons that must be obvious. I may as well confess + that her father was, by marriage, an uncle of the late ruler. + </p> + <p> + "Since the invasion and overthrow of her country by the Teutonic Allies, + she has been endeavouring to raise money here for the purpose of equipping + and supporting the remnants of the small army that fought so valiantly in + defence of the crown. These men, a few thousand only, are at present + interned in a neutral country. I leave you to guess what will happen if + she succeeds in supplying them with arms and ammunition. Her work is being + carried on with the greatest secrecy. Word of it came to the ears of her + country's minister in Paris, however, and he at once jumped to a quick but + very natural conclusion. She has been looked upon in court circles as the + prospective bride of the adventurous cousin I am hunting for. The embassy + has conceived the notion that she may know a great deal about the present + whereabouts of the missing treasure. No one accuses her of duplicity, + however. On the other hand, the man in the case is known to have + pro-German sympathies. She may be loyal to the crown, but there is a + decided doubt as to his loyalty. Of course, we have no means of knowing to + what extent she has confided her plans to him. We do not even know that + she is aware of his presence in this country. To bring the story to a + close, I was instructed to keep close watch on the man O'Dowd. The + ex-attache of the court to whom I referred a moment ago set out to find + the young lady in question. I traced O'Dowd to this place. I was on the + point of reporting to my superiors that he was in no way associated with + the much-sought-after crown-cousin, and that Green Fancy was as free from + taint as the village chapel, when out of a clear sky and almost under my + very nose two men were mysteriously done away with at the very gates of + the place. In fact, so positive was I that O'Dowd was all right, that I + had started for Washington to send my report back home and wait for + instructions. The killing of those two men changed the aspect completely. + You will certainly agree with me after I have explained to you that the + one known as Andrew Roon was no other than the equerry who had undertaken + to find the—young woman." + </p> + <p> + "By Jove!" exclaimed Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "He came up here because he had reason to believe that the—er—girl + was either at Green Fancy or was headed this way. I was back here in + thirty-six hours, selling Dickens. I saw the bodies of the two men at the + county-seat, and recognised both of them, despite the fact that they had + cut off their beards. Now, they could not have been recognised, Mr. + Barnes, except by some one who had known them all his life. And that is + why I am positive that the man I am looking for is up at Green Fancy." + </p> + <p> + Barnes drew a long breath. His mind was made up. He had decided to pool + issues with the secret agent, but not until he was convinced that the + result of their co-operation would in no way inflict a hardship upon the + young woman who had appealed to him for help. He was certain that she was + the fair propagandist described by Sprouse. + </p> + <p> + "Is it your intention to lodge him in jail if you succeed in capturing + your man, Mr. Sprouse, and to apply for extradition papers?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "I can't land him in jail unless I can prove that he has the stolen goods, + can I?" + </p> + <p> + "You could implicate him in the general conspiracy." + </p> + <p> + "That is for others to say, sir. I am only instructed to recover the + treasure." + </p> + <p> + "And the young woman, what of her? She would, in any case, be held for + examination and—" + </p> + <p> + "My dear sir, I may as well tell you now that she is a loyal subject and, + far from being in bad grace at court, is an object of extreme solicitude + to the ambassador. Up to two months ago she was in touch with him. From + what I can gather, she has disappeared completely. Roon was sent over here + for the sole purpose of finding her and inducing her to return with him to + Paris." + </p> + <p> + "And to take the treasure with her, I suppose," said Barnes drily. + </p> + <p> + "Naturally." + </p> + <p> + "Well," began Barnes, introducing a harsh note into his voice, "I should + say that if she is guilty of receiving this stolen property she ought to + be punished. Jail is the place for her, Mr. Sprouse." + </p> + <p> + Sprouse put down his coffee cup rather suddenly. A queer pallor came into + his face. His voice was low and a trifle husky when he made reply. + </p> + <p> + "I am sorry to hear you say that, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Why, may I ask?" + </p> + <p> + "Because it puts an obstacle in the way of our working together in this + matter." + </p> + <p> + "You mean that my attitude toward her is—er—not in keeping + with your ideas?" + </p> + <p> + "You do not understand the situation. Haven't I made it plain to you that + she is innocent of any intent to do wrong?" + </p> + <p> + "You have said so, Mr. Sprouse, but your idea of wrong and mine may not + jibe." + </p> + <p> + "There cannot be two ways of looking at it, sir," said Sprouse, after a + moment. "She could do no wrong." + </p> + <p> + Whereupon Barnes reached his hand across the table and laid it on + Sprouse's. His eyes were dancing. + </p> + <p> + "That's just what I want to be sure about," he said. "It was my way of + finding out your intentions concerning her." + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean?" demanded Sprouse, staring. + </p> + <p> + "Come with me to my room," said Barnes, suppressing his excitement. "I + think I can tell you where she is,—and a great deal more that you + ought to know." + </p> + <p> + In the little room upstairs, he told the whole story to Sprouse. The + little man listened without so much as a single word of interruption or + interrogation. His sharp eyes began to glisten as the story progressed, + but in no other way did he reveal the slightest sign of emotion. Somewhat + breathlessly Barnes came to the end. + </p> + <p> + "And now, Mr. Sprouse, what do you make of it all?" he inquired. + </p> + <p> + Sprouse leaned back in his chair, suddenly relaxing. "I am completely at + sea," he said, and Barnes looked at him in surprise. + </p> + <p> + "By Jove, I thought it would all be as clear as day to you. Here is your + man and also your woman, and the travelling bag full of—" + </p> + <p> + "Right you are," interrupted Sprouse. "That is all simple enough. But, my + dear Barnes, can you tell me what Mr. Secretary Loeb's real game is? Why + has he established himself so close to the Canadian line, and why the + mobilisation? I refer to his army of huskies." + </p> + <p> + "Heirs-apparent usually have some sort of a bodyguard, don't they?" + </p> + <p> + Sprouse was staring thoughtfully at the ceiling. He either did not hear + the remark or considered it unworthy of notice. When he finally lowered + his eyes, it was to favour Barnes with a deep, inscrutable smile. + </p> + <p> + "I dare say the first thing for me to do is to advise the Canadian + authorities to keep a sharp lookout along the border." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII — THE FIRST WAYFARER ACCEPTS AN INVITATION, AND MR. + DILLINGFORD BELABOURS A PROXY + </h2> + <p> + Barnes insisted that the first thing to be considered was the release of + Miss Cameron. He held forth at some length on the urgency of immediate + action. + </p> + <p> + "If we can't think of any other way to get her out of this devilish + predicament, Sprouse, I shall apply to Washington for help." + </p> + <p> + "And be laughed at, my friend," said the secret agent. "In the first + place, you couldn't give a substantial reason for government + investigation; in the second place the government wouldn't act until it + had looked very thoroughly into the case; in the third place, it would be + too late by the time the government felt satisfied to act, and in the + fourth place, it is not a matter for the government to meddle in at all." + </p> + <p> + "Well, something has to be done at once," said Barnes doggedly. "I gave + her my promise. She is depending on me. If you could have seen the light + that leaped into her glorious eyes when I—" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I know. I've heard she is quite a pretty girl. You needn't—" + </p> + <p> + "Quite a pretty girl!" exclaimed Barnes. "Why, she is the loveliest thing + that God ever created. She has the face of—" + </p> + <p> + "I am beginning to understand O'Dowd's interest in her, Mr. Barnes. Your + enthusiasm conveys a great deal to me. Apparently you are not alone in + your ecstasies." + </p> + <p> + "You mean that he is—er—What the dickens do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "He has probably fallen in love with her with as little difficulty as you + have experienced, Mr. Barnes, and almost as expeditiously. He has seen a + little more of her than you, but—" + </p> + <p> + "Don't talk nonsense. I'm not in love with her." + </p> + <p> + "Can you speak with equal authority for Mr. O'Dowd? He is a very + susceptible Irishman, I am told. Sweethearts in a great many ports,—and + still going strong, as we say of the illustrious Johnny Walker. From all + that I have heard of her amazing beauty, I can't blame him for losing his + heart to her. I only hope he loses his head as well." + </p> + <p> + "I don't believe he will get much encouragement from her, Mr. Sprouse," + said Barnes stiffly. + </p> + <p> + "If she is as clever as I think she is, she will encourage him + tremendously. I would if I were in her place." + </p> + <p> + "Umph!" was Barnes's only retort to that. + </p> + <p> + "Is it possible that you have never had the pleasure of being transformed + into a perfect ass by the magic of a perfect woman, Mr. Barnes? You've + missed a great deal. It happened to me once, and came near to upsetting + the destinies of two great nations. Mr. O'Dowd is only human. He isn't + immune." + </p> + <p> + "I catch the point, Mr. Sprouse," said Barnes, rather gloomily. He did not + like to think of the methods that might have to be employed in the + subjugation of Mr. O'Dowd. "There is a rather important question I'd like + to ask. Is she even remotely eligible to her country's throne?" + </p> + <p> + "Remotely, yes," said Sprouse without hesitation. + </p> + <p> + Barnes waited, but nothing further was volunteered. + </p> + <p> + "So remotely that she could marry a chap like O'Dowd without giving much + thought to future complications?" he ventured. + </p> + <p> + "She'd be just as safe in marrying O'Dowd as she would be in marrying + you," was Sprouse's unsatisfactory response. The man's brow was wrinkled + in thought. "See here, Mr. Barnes, I am planning a visit to Green Fancy + to-night. How would you like to accompany me?" + </p> + <p> + "I'd like nothing better," said Barnes, with enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + "Ever been shot at?" + </p> + <p> + "No." + </p> + <p> + "Well, you are likely to experience the novelty if you go with me. Better + think it over." + </p> + <p> + "Don't worry about me. I'll go." + </p> + <p> + "Will you agree to obey instructions? I can't have you muddling things up, + you know." + </p> + <p> + Barnes thought for a moment. "Of course, if the opportunity offers for me + to communicate with Miss Cameron, I don't see how I—" + </p> + <p> + Sprouse cut him off sharply. He made it quite plain to the would-be + cavalier that it was not a sentimental enterprise they were to undertake, + and that he would have to govern himself accordingly. + </p> + <p> + "The grounds are carefully guarded," said Barnes, after they had discussed + the project for some time. "Miss Cameron is constantly under the watchful + eye of one or more of the crowd." + </p> + <p> + "I know. I passed a couple of them last night," said Sprouse calmly. "By + the way, don't you think it would be very polite of you to invite the + Green Fancy party over here to have an old-fashioned country dinner with + you to-night?" + </p> + <p> + "Good Lord! What are you talking about? They wouldn't dream of accepting. + Besides, I thought you wanted me to go with you." + </p> + <p> + "You could offer them diversion in the shape of a theatrical + entertainment. Your friends, the Thespians, would be only too happy to + disport themselves in return for all your—" + </p> + <p> + "It would be useless, Mr. Sprouse. They will not come." + </p> + <p> + "I am perfectly aware of that, but it won't do any harm to ask them, will + it?" + </p> + <p> + Barnes chuckled. "I see. Establishing myself as an innocent bystander, + eh?" + </p> + <p> + "Get O'Dowd on the telephone and ask him if they can come," said Sprouse. + "Incidentally, you might test his love for Miss Cameron while you are + about it." + </p> + <p> + "How?" demanded Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "By asking him to call her to the telephone. Would you be sure to + recognise her voice?" + </p> + <p> + "I'd know it in Babel," said the other with some fervour. + </p> + <p> + "Well, if she comes to the 'phone and speaks to you without restraint, we + may be reasonably certain of two things: that O'Dowd is friendly and that + he is able to fix it so that she can talk to you without being overheard + or suspected by the others. It's worth trying, in any event." + </p> + <p> + "But there is Jones to consider. The telephone is in his office. What will + he think—" + </p> + <p> + "Jones is all right," said Sprouse briefly. "Come along. You can call up + from my room." He grinned slyly. "Such a thing as tapping the wire, you + know." + </p> + <p> + Sprouse had installed a telephone in his room, carrying a wire upstairs + from an attachment made in the cellar of the Tavern. He closed the door to + his little room on the top floor. + </p> + <p> + "With the landlord's approval," he explained, pointing to the instrument, + "but unknown to the telephone company, you may be sure. Call him up about + half-past ten. O'Dowd may be up at this unholy hour, but not she. Now, I + must be off to discuss literature with Mrs. Jim Conley. I've been working + on her for two weeks. The hardest part of my job is to keep her from + subscribing for a set of Dickens. She has been on the point of signing the + contract at least a half dozen times, and I've been fearfully hard put to + head her off. Conley's house is not far from Green Fancy. Savvy?" + </p> + <p> + Barnes, left to his own devices, wandered from tap-room to porch, from + porch to forge, from forge to tap-room, his brain far more active than his + legs, his heart as heavy as lead and as light as air by turns. More than + once he felt like resorting to a well-known expedient to determine whether + he was awake or dreaming. Could all this be real? + </p> + <p> + The sky was overcast. A cold, damp wind blew out of the north. There was a + feel of rain in the air, an ugly greyness in the road that stretched its + sharply defined course through the green fields that stole timorously up + to the barren forest and stopped short, as if afraid to venture farther. + </p> + <p> + The ring of the hammer on the anvil lent cheer to the otherwise harsh and + unlovely mood that had fallen upon Nature over night. It sang a song of + defiance that even the mournful chant of sheep on the distant slopes + failed to subdue. The crowing of a belated and no doubt mortified rooster, + the barking of faraway dogs, the sighing of journeying winds, the + lugubrious whistle of Mr. Clarence Dillingford,—all of these added + something to the dreariness of the morning. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Dillingford was engaged in lustily beating a rug suspended on a + clothes line in the area back of the stables. His tune was punctuated by + stifled lapses followed almost immediately by dull, flat whacks upon the + carpet. From the end of the porch he was visible to the abstracted Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "Hi!" he shouted, brandishing his flail at the New Yorker. "Want a job?" + </p> + <p> + Barnes looked at his watch. He still had an hour and a half to wait before + he could call up O'Dowd. He strolled across the lot and joined the + perspiring comedian. + </p> + <p> + "You seem to have a personal grudge against that carpet," he said, moving + back a few yards as Dillingford laid on so manfully that the dust arose in + clouds. + </p> + <p> + "Every time I land I say: 'Take that, darn you!' And it pleases me to + imagine that with every crack Mr. Putnam Jones lets out a mighty 'Ouch!' + Now listen! Didn't that sound a little like an ouch?" Mr. Dillingford + rubbed a spot clean on the handle of the flail and pressed his lips to it. + "Good dog!" he murmured tenderly. "Bite him! (Whack!) Now, bite him again! + (Whack!) Once more! (Whack!) Good dog! Now, go lie down awhile and rest." + He tossed the flail to the ground and, mopping his brow, turned to Barnes. + "If you want a real treat, go into the cellar and take a look at Bacon. He + is churning for butter. Got a gingham apron on and thinks he's disguised. + He can't cuss because old Miss Tilly is reading the first act of a play + she wrote for Julia Marlowe seven or eight years ago. Oh, it's a great + life!" + </p> + <p> + Barnes sat down on the edge of a watering-trough and began filling his + pipe. + </p> + <p> + "You are not obliged to do this sort of work, Dillingford," he said. "It + would give me pleasure to stake—" + </p> + <p> + "Nix," said Mr. Dillingford cheerily. "Some other time I may need help + more than I do now. I'm getting three square meals and plenty of fresh air + to sleep in at present, and work doesn't hurt me physically. It DOES hurt + my pride, but that's soon mended. Have you seen the old man this morning?" + </p> + <p> + "Rushcroft? No." + </p> + <p> + "Well, we're to be on our way next week, completely reorganised, + rejuvenated and resplendent. Fixed it all up last night. Tommy Gray was + down here with two weeks' salary as chauffeur and a little extra he picked + up playing poker in the garage with the rubes. Thirty-seven dollars in + real money. He has decided to buy a quarter interest in the company and + act as manager. Everything looks rosy. You are to have a half interest and + the old man the remaining quarter. He telegraphed last night for four + top-notch people to join us at Crowndale on Tuesday the twenty-third. We + open that night in 'The Duke's Revenge,' our best piece. It's the only + play we've got that provides me with a part in which I have a chance to + show what I can really do. As soon as I get through spanking this carpet + I'll run upstairs and get a lot of clippings to show you how big a hit + I've made in the part. In one town I got better notices than the star + himself, and seldom did I—" + </p> + <p> + "Where is Crowndale?" interrupted Barnes, a slight frown appearing on his + brow. He had a distinct feeling that there was handwriting on the wall and + that it was put there purposely for him to read. + </p> + <p> + "About five hours' walk from Hornville," said Dillingford, grinning. + "Twenty-five cents by train. We merely resume a tour interrupted by the + serious illness of Mr. Rushcroft. Rather than impose upon our audiences by + inflicting them with an understudy, the popular star temporarily abandons + his tour. We ought to sell out in Crowndale, top to bottom." + </p> + <p> + The amazing optimism of Mr. Dillingford had its effect on Barnes. Somehow + the day grew brighter, the skies less drear, a subtle warmth crept into + the air. + </p> + <p> + "You may count on me, Dillingford, to put up my half interest in the show. + I will have a fling at it a couple of weeks anyhow. If it doesn't pan out + in that time,—well, we can always close, can't we?" + </p> + <p> + "We certainly can," said the other, with conviction. "It wouldn't surprise + me in the least, however, to see you clean up a very tidy bit of money, + Mr. Barnes. Our season ordinarily closes toward the end of June, but the + chances are we'll stay out all summer if things go right. Congratulations! + Glad to see you in the profession." He shook hands with the new partner. + "Keep your seat! Don't move. I'll shift a little so's the wind won't blow + the dust in your eyes." He obligingly did so and fell upon the carpet with + renewed vigour. + </p> + <p> + Barnes was restless. He chatted with the rug-beater for a few minutes and + then sauntered away. Miss Thackeray was starting off for a walk as he came + around to the front of the Tavern. She wore a rather shabby tailor-suit of + blue serge, several seasons out of fashion, and a black sailor hat. Her + smile was bright and friendly as she turned in response to his call. As he + drew near he discovered that her lips were a vivid, startling red, her + eyes elaborately made up, and her cheeks the colour of bismuth. She was + returning to form, thought he, in some dismay. + </p> + <p> + "Where away?" he inquired. + </p> + <p> + "Seeking solitude," she replied. "I've got to learn a new part in an old + play." She flourished the script airily. "I have just accepted an + engagement as leading lady." + </p> + <p> + "Splendid! I am delighted. With John Drew, I hope." + </p> + <p> + "Nothing like that," she said loftily. Then her wide mouth spread into a + good-natured grin, revealing the even rows of teeth that were her + particular charm. "I am going out with the great Lyndon Rushcroft." + </p> + <p> + "Good! As one of the proprietors, I am glad to see you on our—er—programme, + Miss Thackeray." + </p> + <p> + "Programme is good," she mused. "I've been on a whole lot of programmes + during my brief career. What I want to get on some time, if possible, is a + pay-roll. Wait! Don't say it! I was only trying to be funny; I didn't know + how it would sound or I wouldn't have said anything so stupid. You've done + more than enough for us, Mr. Barnes. Don't let yourself in for anything + more. This thing will turn out like all the rest of our efforts. We'll + collapse again with a loud report, but we're used to it and you're not." + </p> + <p> + "But I'm only letting myself in for a couple of hundred," he protested. "I + can stand that much of a loss without squirming." + </p> + <p> + "You know your own business," she said shortly, almost ungraciously. "I'm + only giving you a little advice." + </p> + <p> + "Advice is something I always ignore," he said, smiling. "Experience is my + teacher." + </p> + <p> + "Advice is cheaper than experience, and a whole lot easier to forget," she + said. "My grandfather advised my father to stay in the hardware business + out in Indiana. That was thirty years ago. And here we are to-day," she + concluded, with a wide sweep of her hand that took in the forlorn + landscape. She said more in that expressive gesture than the most + accomplished orator could have put into words in a week. + </p> + <p> + "But there is always a to-morrow, you know." + </p> + <p> + "There may be a to-morrow for me, but there are nothing but yesterdays + left for dad. All of his to-morrows will be just like his yesterdays. They + will be just as empty of success, just as full of failure. There's no use + mincing matters. We never have had a chance to go broke for the simple + reason that we've never been anything else. He has been starring for + fifteen years, hitting the tanks from one end of the country to the other. + And for just that length of time he has been mooning. There's a lot of + difference between starring and mooning." + </p> + <p> + "He may go down somewhat regularly, Miss Thackeray, but he always comes up + again. That's what I admire in him. He will not stay down." + </p> + <p> + Her eyes brightened. "He is rather a brick, isn't he?" + </p> + <p> + "Rather! And so are you, if I may say so. You have stuck to him through + all—" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing bricky about me," she scoffed. "I am doing it because I can't, + for the life of me, get rid of the notion that I can act. God knows I + can't, and so does father, and the critics, and every one in the + profession, but I think I can,—so what does it all amount to? Now, + that will be enough about me. As for you, Mr. Barnes, if you have made up + your mind to be foolish, far be it from me to head you off. You will drop + considerably more than a couple of hundred, let me tell you, and—but, + as I said before, that is your business. I must be off now. It's a long + part and I'm slow study. So long,—and thanks!" + </p> + <p> + He sat down on the Tavern steps and watched her as she swung off down the + road. To his utter amazement, when she reached a point several hundred + yards below the Tavern, she left the highway and, gathering up her skirts, + climbed over the fence into the narrow meadow-land that formed a frontage + at the bottom of the Curtis estate. A few minutes later she disappeared + among the trees at the base of the mountain, going in the direction of + Green Fancy. He had followed her with his gaze all the way across that + narrow strip of pasture. When she came to the edge of the forest, she + stopped and looked back at the Tavern. Seeing him still on the steps, she + waved her hand at him. Then she was gone. + </p> + <p> + "Where ignorance is bliss," he muttered to himself, and then looked at his + watch. Ten minutes later he was in Sprouse's room, calling for Green Fancy + over an extension wire that had cost the company nothing and yielded + nothing in return. After some delay, O'Dowd's mellow voice sang out: + </p> + <p> + "Hello! How are you this morning?" + </p> + <p> + "Grievously lonesome," replied Barnes, and wound up a doleful account of + himself by imploring O'Dowd to save his life by bringing the entire Green + Fancy party over to dinner that night. + </p> + <p> + O'Dowd was heart-broken. Personally he would go to any extreme to save so + valuable a life, but as for the rest of the party, they begged him to say + they were sorry to hear of the expected death of so promising a chap and + that, while they couldn't come to his party, they would be delighted to + come to his funeral. In short, it would be impossible for them to accept + his kind invitation. The Irishman was so gay and good-humoured that Barnes + took hope. + </p> + <p> + "By the way, O'Dowd, I'd like to speak with Miss Cameron if she can come + to the telephone." + </p> + <p> + There was a moment of silence. Then: "Call up at twelve o'clock and ask + for me. Good-bye." + </p> + <p> + Promptly on the stroke of twelve Barnes took down the receiver and called + for Green Fancy. O'Dowd answered almost immediately. + </p> + <p> + "I warned you last night, Barnes," he said without preamble. "I told you + to keep out of this. You may not understand the situation and I cannot + enlighten you, but I will say this much: no harm can come to her while I'm + here and alive." + </p> + <p> + "Can't she come to the telephone?" + </p> + <p> + "Won't ye take my word for it? I swear by all that's holy that she'll be + safe while I've—" + </p> + <p> + Barnes was cautious. This might be the clever O'Dowd's way of trapping him + into serious admissions. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know what the deuce you are talking about, O'Dowd," he + interrupted. + </p> + <p> + "You lie, Barnes," said the other promptly. "Miss Cameron is here at my + elbow. Will you have her tell you that you lie?" + </p> + <p> + "Let her say anything she likes," said Barnes quickly. + </p> + <p> + "Don't be surprised if you are cut off suddenly. The coast is clear for + the moment, but—Here, Miss Cameron. Careful, now." + </p> + <p> + Her voice, soft and clear and trembling with eagerness caressed Barnes's + eager ear. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. O'Dowd will see that no evil befalls me here, but he refuses to help + me to get away. I quite understand and appreciate his position. I cannot + ask him to go so far as that. Help will have to come from the outside. It + will be dangerous—terribly dangerous, I fear. I have no right to ask + you to take the risk—" + </p> + <p> + "Wait! Is O'Dowd there?" + </p> + <p> + "He has left the room. He does not want to hear what I say to you. Don't + you understand?" + </p> + <p> + "Keeping his conscience clear, bless his soul," said Barnes. "It is safe + for you to speak freely?" + </p> + <p> + "I think so. O'Dowd suspected us last night. He came to me this morning + and spoke very frankly about it. I feel quite safe with him. You see, I've + known him for a long, long time. He did not know that I was to be led into + a trap like this. It was not until I had been here for several hours that + he realised the true state of affairs. I cannot tell you any more at + present, Mr. Barnes. So great are the other issues at stake that my own + misfortunes are as nothing." + </p> + <p> + "You say O'Dowd will not assist you to escape?" + </p> + <p> + "He urges me to stay here and take my chances. He believes that everything + will turn out well for me in the end, but I am frightened. I must get away + from this place." + </p> + <p> + "I'll manage it, never fear. Keep a stiff upper lip." + </p> + <p> + "Wha—keep a what?" + </p> + <p> + He laughed. "I forgot that you don't understand our language, Miss + Cameron. Have courage, is what I should have said. Are you prepared to fly + at a moment's notice?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "Then, keep your eyes and ears open for the next night or two. Can you + tell me where your room is located?" + </p> + <p> + "It is one flight up; the first of the two windows in my room is the third + to the right of the entrance. I am confident that some one is stationed + below my windows all night long." + </p> + <p> + "Are you alone in that room?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. Mr. and Mrs. Van Dyke occupy the rooms on my left, Mr. De Soto is on + my right." + </p> + <p> + "Where does Loeb sleep?" + </p> + <p> + "I do not know." He detected a new note in her voice, and at once put it + down to fear. + </p> + <p> + "You still insist that I am not to call on the authorities for help?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes! That must not even be considered. I have not only myself to + consider, Mr. Barnes. I am a very small atom in—" + </p> + <p> + "All right! We'll get along without them," he said cheerily. "Afterwards + we will discuss the importance of atoms." + </p> + <p> + "And your reward as well, Mr. Barnes," she said. Her voice trailed off + into an indistinct murmur. He heard the receiver click on the hook, and, + after calling "hello" twice, hung up his own with a sigh. Evidently O'Dowd + had warned her of the approach of a less considerate person than himself. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII — THE SECOND WAYFARER RECEIVES TWO VISITORS AT MIDNIGHT + </h2> + <p> + The hour for the midday dinner approached and there was no sign of Miss + Thackeray's return from the woods. Barnes sat for two exasperating hours + on the porch and listened to the confident, flamboyant oratory of Mr. + Lyndon Rushcroft. His gaze constantly swept the line of trees, and there + were times when he failed to hear a word in whole sentences that rolled + from the lips of the actor. He was beginning to feel acutely uneasy, when + suddenly her figure issued from the woods at a point just above the + Tavern. Instead of striking out at once across the meadow, she stopped and + for as long as three or four minutes appeared to be carrying on a + conversation with some invisible person among the trees she had just left + behind. Then she waved her hand and turned her steps homeward. A bent old + man came out of the woods and stood watching her progress across the open + stretch. She had less than two hundred yards to traverse between the woods + and the fence opposite the Tavern. The old man remained where he was until + she reached the fence and prepared to mount it. Then, as Barnes ran down + from the porch and across the road to assist her over the fence, he + whirled about and disappeared. + </p> + <p> + "Aha," said Barnes chidingly: "politely escorted from the grounds, I see. + If you had asked me I could have told you that trespassers are not + welcome." + </p> + <p> + "He is a nice old man. I chatted with him for nearly an hour. His business + is to shoo gipsy moths away from the trees, or something like that, and + not to shoo nice, tender young ladies off the place." + </p> + <p> + "Does he speak English?" + </p> + <p> + "Not a word. He speaks nothing but the most awful American I've ever + heard. He has lived up there on the mountain for sixty-nine years, and he + has eleven grown children, nineteen grandchildren and one wife. I'm + hungry." + </p> + <p> + The coroner's inquest over the bodies of Roon and Paul was held that + afternoon at St. Elizabeth. Witnesses from Hart's Tavern were among those + to testify. The verdict was "Murder at the hands of parties unknown." + </p> + <p> + Sprouse did not appear at the Tavern until long after nightfall. His + protracted absence was the source of grave uneasiness to Barnes, who, + having been summoned to St. Elizabeth, returned at six o'clock primed and + eager for the night's adventure. + </p> + <p> + The secret agent listened somewhat indifferently to the latter's account + of his telephonic experiences. At nine o'clock he yawned prodigiously and + announced that he was going to bed, much to the disgust of Mr. Rushcroft + and greatly to the surprise of Mr. Barnes, who followed him from the + tap-room and demanded an explanation. + </p> + <p> + "People usually go to bed at night, don't they?" said Sprouse patiently. + "It is expected, I believe." + </p> + <p> + "But, my dear man, we are to undertake—" + </p> + <p> + "There is no reason why we shouldn't go to bed like sensible beings, Mr. + Barnes, and get up again when we feel like it, is there? I have some cause + for believing that one of those chaps in there is from Green Fancy. Go to + bed at ten o'clock, my friend, and put out your light. I don't insist on + your taking off your clothes, however. I will rap on your door at eleven + o'clock. By the way, don't forget to stick your revolver in your pocket." + </p> + <p> + A few minutes before eleven there came a gentle tapping on Barnes's door. + He sprang to his feet and opened it, presenting himself before Sprouse + fully dressed and, as the secret agent said later on, "fit to kill." + </p> + <p> + They went quietly down a back stairway and let themselves out into the + stable-yard. A light, cold drizzle greeted them as they left the lee of + the building. + </p> + <p> + "A fine night for treason, stratagems and spoils," said Sprouse, speaking + barely above a whisper. "Follow me and don't ask questions. You will have + to talk if you do, and talking is barred for the present." + </p> + <p> + He stopped at the corner of the inn and listened for a moment. Then he + darted across the road and turned to the left in the ditch that bordered + it. The night was as black as pitch. Barnes, trusting to the little man's + eyes, and hanging close upon his coat-tails, followed blindly but + gallantly in the tracks of the leader. It seemed to him that they stumbled + along parallel to the road for miles before Sprouse came to a halt. + </p> + <p> + "Climb over the fence here, and stick close to me. Are you getting your + cats'-eyes?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I can see pretty well now. But, great scot, why should we walk half + way to the North Pole, Sprouse, before—" + </p> + <p> + "We haven't come more than half a mile. The Curtis land ends here. We stay + close to this fence till we reach the woods. I was in here to-day taking + observations." + </p> + <p> + "You were?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. Didn't that actress friend of yours mention meeting me?" + </p> + <p> + "No." + </p> + <p> + "I told her distinctly that I had eleven children, nineteen—" + </p> + <p> + "By Jove, was that you?" gasped Barnes, falling in beside him. + </p> + <p> + "If it were light enough you could see a sign on my back which says in + large type, 'Silence,'" said the other, and after that not a word passed + between them for half an hour or more. Then it was Sprouse who spoke. + "This is the short cut to Green Fancy," he whispered, laying his hand on + Barnes's arm. "We save four or five miles, coming this way. Do you know + where we are?" + </p> + <p> + "I haven't the remotest idea." + </p> + <p> + "About a quarter of a mile below Curtis's house. Are you all right?" + </p> + <p> + "Fine as a fiddle, except for a barked knee, a skinned elbow, a couple of + more or less busted ribs, something on my cheek that runs hot,—yes, + I'm all right." + </p> + <p> + "Pretty tough going," said Sprouse, sympathetically. + </p> + <p> + "I've banged into more trees than—" + </p> + <p> + "Sh!" After a moment of silence, intensified by the mournful squawk of + night-birds and the chorus of katydids, Sprouse whispered: "Did you hear + that?" + </p> + <p> + Barnes thrilled. This was real melodrama. "Hear what?" he whispered + shrilly. + </p> + <p> + "Listen!" After a second or two: "There!" + </p> + <p> + "It's a woodpecker hammering on the limb of a—" + </p> + <p> + "Woodpeckers don't hammer at midnight, my lad. Don't stir! Keep your ears + open." + </p> + <p> + "You bet they're open all right," whispered Barnes, his nerves aquiver. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the sharp tattoo sounded so close to the spot where they were + standing that Barnes caught his breath and with difficulty suppressed an + exclamation. It was like the irregular rattle of sticks on the rim of a + snare-drum. The tapping ceased and a moment later a similar sound, barely + audible, came out of the distance. + </p> + <p> + Sprouse clutched his companion's arm and, dropping to his knees in the + thick underbrush, pulled the other down after him. + </p> + <p> + Presently heavy footsteps approached. An unseen pedestrian passed within + ten yards of them. They scarcely breathed until the sounds passed entirely + out of hearing. Sprouse put his lips close to Barnes's ear. + </p> + <p> + "Telegraph," he whispered. "It's a system they have of reporting to each + other. There are two men patrolling the grounds near the house. You see + what we're up against, Barnes. Do you still want to go on with it? If you + are going to funk it, say so, and I'll go alone." + </p> + <p> + "I'll stay by you," replied Barnes sturdily. + </p> + <p> + "In about ten minutes that fellow will come back this way. He follows the + little path that winds down—but never mind. Stay where you are, and + don't make a sound, no matter what happens. Understand? No matter what + happens!" He arose and swiftly, noiselessly, stole away from his + companion's side. Barnes, his eyes accustomed to the night, either saw or + imagined that he saw, the shadowy hulk press forward for a dozen paces and + then apparently dissolve in black air. + </p> + <p> + Several minutes went by. There was not a sound save the restless patter of + rain in the tree tops. At last the faraway thud of footsteps came to the + ears of the tense listener. They drew nearer, louder, and once more seemed + to be approaching the very spot where he crouched. He had the uncanny + feeling that in a moment or two more the foot of the sentinel would come + in contact with his rigid body, and that he would not have the power to + suppress the yell of dismay that— + </p> + <p> + Then came the sound of a dull, heavy blow, a hoarse gasp, a momentary + commotion in the shrubbery, and—again silence. Barnes's blood ran + cold. He waited for the next footfall of the passing man. It never came. + </p> + <p> + A sharp whisper reached his ears. "Come here—quick!" + </p> + <p> + He floundered through the brush and almost fell prostrate over the + kneeling figure of a man. + </p> + <p> + "Take care! Lend a hand," whispered Sprouse. + </p> + <p> + Dropping to his knees, Barnes felt for and touched wet, coarse garments, + and gasped: + </p> + <p> + "My God! Have you—killed him?" + </p> + <p> + "Temporarily," said Sprouse, between his teeth. "Here, unwind the rope + I've got around my waist. Take the end—here. Got a knife? Cut off a + section about three feet long. I'll get the gag in his mouth while you're + doing it. Hangmen always carry their own ropes," he concluded, with + grewsome humour. "Got it cut? Well, cut two more sections, same length." + </p> + <p> + With incredible swiftness the two of them bound the feet, knees and arms + of the inert victim. + </p> + <p> + "I came prepared," said Sprouse, so calmly that Barnes marvelled at the + iron nerve of the man. + </p> + <p> + "Thirty feet of hemp clothes-line for a belt, properly prepared gags,—and + a sound silencer." + </p> + <p> + "By heaven, Sprouse, I—I believe he's dead," groaned Barnes. "We—we + haven't any right to kill a—" + </p> + <p> + "He'll be as much alive but not as lively as a cricket in ten minutes," + said the other. "Grab his heels. We'll chuck him over into the bushes + where he'll be out of harm's way. We may have to run like hell down this + path, partner, and I'd—I'd hate to step on his face." + </p> + <p> + "'Gad, you're a cold-blooded—" + </p> + <p> + "Don't be finicky," snapped Sprouse. "It wasn't much of a crack, and it + was necessary. There! You're safe for the time being," he grunted as they + laid the limp body down in the brush at the side of the narrow trail. + Straightening up, with a sigh of satisfaction, he laid his hand on + Barnes's shoulder. "We've just got to go through with it now, Barnes. + We'll never get another chance. Putting that fellow out of business queers + us forever afterward." He dropped to his knees and began searching over + the ground with his hands. "Here it is. You can't see it, of course, so + I'll tell you what it is. A nice little block of sandal-wood. I've already + got his nice little hammer, so we'll see what we can raise in the way of + wireless chit-chat." + </p> + <p> + Without the slightest hesitation, he struck a succession of quick, + confident blows upon the block of wood. + </p> + <p> + "He always signals at this spot going out and again coming in," he said + softly. + </p> + <p> + "How the deuce did you find out—" + </p> + <p> + "There! Hear that? He says, 'All's well,'—same as I said, or + something equivalent to it. I've been up here quite a bit, Barnes, making + a study of night-hawks, their habits and their language." + </p> + <p> + "By gad, you are a wonder!" + </p> + <p> + "Wait till to-morrow before you say that," replied Sprouse, sententiously. + "Come along now. Stick to the trail. We've got to land the other one." For + five or six minutes they moved forward. Barnes, following instructions, + trod heavily and without any attempt at caution. His companion, on the + other hand, moved with incredible stealthiness. A listener would have said + that but one man walked on that lonely trail. + </p> + <p> + Turning sharply to the right, Sprouse guided his companion through the + brush for some distance, and once more came to a halt. Again he stole on + ahead, and, as before, the slow, confident, even careless progress of a + man ceased as abruptly as that of the comrade who lay helpless in the + thicket below. + </p> + <p> + "There are others, no doubt, but they patrol the outposts, so to speak," + panted Sprouse as they bound and trussed the second victim. "We haven't + much to fear from them. Come on. We are within a hundred feet of the + house. Softly now, or—" + </p> + <p> + Barnes laid a firm, detaining hand on the man's shoulder. + </p> + <p> + "See here, Sprouse," he whispered, "it's all very well for you, knocking + men over like this, but just what is your object? What does all this lead + up to? We can't go on forever slugging and binding these fellows. There is + a house full of them up there. What do we gain by putting a few men out of + business?" + </p> + <p> + Sprouse broke in, and there was not the slightest trace of emotion in his + whisper. + </p> + <p> + "Quite right. You ought to know. I suppose you thought I was bringing you + up here for a Romeo and Juliet tete-a-tete with the beautiful Miss + Cameron,—and for nothing else. Well, in a way, you are right. But, + first of all, my business is to recover the crown jewels and parchments. I + am going into that house and take them away from the man you know as Loeb,—if + he has them. If he hasn't them, my work here is a failure." + </p> + <p> + "Going into the house?" gasped Barnes. "Why, my God, man, that is + impossible. You cannot get into the house, and if you did, you'd never + come out alive. You would be shot down as an ordinary burglar and—the + law would justify them for killing you. I must insist—" + </p> + <p> + "I am not asking you to go into the house, my friend. I shall go alone," + said Sprouse coolly. + </p> + <p> + "On the other hand, I came up here to rescue a helpless,—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, we will attend to that also," said Sprouse. "The treasure comes + first, however. Has it not occurred to you that she will refuse to be + rescued unless the jewels can be brought away with her? She would die + before she would leave them behind. No, Barnes, I must get the booty + first, then the beauty." + </p> + <p> + "But you can do nothing without her advice and assistance," protested + Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "That is just why I brought you along with me. She does not know me. She + would not trust me. You are to introduce me." + </p> + <p> + "Well, by gad, you've got a nerve!" + </p> + <p> + "Keep cool! It's the only way. Now, listen. She has designated her room + and the windows that are hers. She is lying awake up there now, take it + from me, hoping that you will come to-night. Do you understand? If not + to-night, to-morrow night. I shall lead you directly to her window. And + then comes the only chance we take,—the only instance where we + gamble. There will not be a light in her window, but that won't make any + difference. This nobby cane I'm carrying is in reality a collapsible + fishing-rod. Bought it to-day in anticipation of some good fishing. First, + we use it to tap gently on her window ledge, or shade, or whatever we + find. Then, you pass up a little note to her. Here is paper and pencil. + Say that you are below her window and—all ready to take her away. + Say that the guards have been disposed of, and that the coast is clear. + Tell her to lower her valuables, some clothes, et cetera, from the window + by means of the rope we'll pass up on the pole. There is a remote + possibility that she may have the jewels in her room. For certain reasons + they may have permitted her to retain them. If such is the case, our work + is easy. If they have taken them away from her, she'll say so, some way or + another,—and she will not leave! Now, I've had a good look at the + front of that house. It is covered with a lattice work and huge vines. I + can shin up like a squirrel and go through her room to the—" + </p> + <p> + "Are you crazy, Sprouse?" + </p> + <p> + "I am the sanest person you've ever met, Mr. Barnes. The chance we take is + that she may not be alone in the room. But, nothing risked, nothing + gained." + </p> + <p> + "You take your life in your hands and—" + </p> + <p> + "Don't worry about that, my lad." + </p> + <p> + "—and you also place Miss Cameron in even graver peril than—" + </p> + <p> + "See here," said Sprouse shortly, "I am not risking my life for the fun of + the thing. I am risking it for her, bear that in mind,—for her and + her people. And if I am killed, they won't even say 'Well-done, good and + faithful servant.' So, let's not argue the point. Are you going to stand + by me or—back out?" + </p> + <p> + Barnes was shamed. "I'll stand by you," he said, and they stole forward. + </p> + <p> + The utmost caution was observed in the approach to the house through the + thin, winding paths that Barnes remembered from an earlier visit. They + crept on all fours over the last fifty feet that intervened, and each held + a revolver in readiness for a surprise attack. + </p> + <p> + There were no lights visible. The house was even darker than the night + itself; it was vaguely outlined by a deeper shade of black. The ground + being wet, the carpet of dead leaves gave out no rustling sound as the two + men crept nearer and nearer to the top-heavy shadow that seemed ready to + lurch forward and swallow them whole. + </p> + <p> + At last they were within a few yards of the entrance and at the edge of a + small space that had been cleared of shrubbery. Here Sprouse stopped and + began to adjust the sections of his fishing-rod. + </p> + <p> + "Write," he whispered. "There is a faint glow of light up there to the + right. The third window, did you say? Well, that's about where I should + locate it. She has opened the window shutters. The light comes into the + room through the transom over the door, I would say. There is probably a + light in the hall outside." + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later, they crept across the open space and huddled against + the vine-covered facade of Green Fancy. Barnes was singularly composed and + free from nervousness, despite the fact that his whole being tingled with + excitement. What was to transpire within the next few minutes? What was to + be the end of this daring exploit? Was he to see her, to touch her hand, + to carry her off into that dungeon-like forest,—and what was this + new, exquisite thrill that ran through his veins? + </p> + <p> + The tiny, metallic tip of the rod, held in the upstretched hand of Barnes, + much the taller of the two men, barely reached the window ledge. He tapped + gently, persistently on the hard surface. Obeying the hand-pressure of his + companion he desisted at intervals, resuming the operation after a moment + of waiting. Just as they were beginning to think that she was asleep and + that their efforts were in vain, their straining eyes made out a shadowy + object projecting slightly beyond the sill. Barnes felt Sprouse's grip on + his shoulder tighten, and the quick intake of his breath was evidence of + the little secret agent's relief. + </p> + <p> + After a moment or two of suspense, Barnes experienced a peculiar, almost + electric shock. Some one had seized the tip of the rod; it stiffened + suddenly, the vibrations due to its flexibility ceasing. He felt a gentle + tugging and wrenching; down the slender rod ran a delicate shiver that + seemed almost magnetic as it was communicated to his hand. He knew what + was happening. Some one was untying the bit of paper he had fastened to + the rod, and with fingers that shook and were clumsy with eagerness. + </p> + <p> + The tension relaxed a moment later; the rod was free, and the shadowy + object was gone from the window above. She had withdrawn to the far side + of the room for the purpose of reading the message so marvellously + delivered out of the night. He fancied her mounting a chair so that she + could read by the dim light from the transom. + </p> + <p> + He had written: "I am outside with a trusted friend, ready to do your + bidding. Two of the guards are safely bound and out of the way. Now is our + chance. We will never have another. If you are prepared to come with me + now, write me a word or two and drop it to the ground. I will pass up a + rope to you and you may lower anything you wish to carry away with you. + But be exceedingly careful. Take time. Don't hurry a single one of your + movements." He signed it with a large B. + </p> + <p> + It seemed an hour before their eyes distinguished the shadowy head above. + As a matter of fact, but a few minutes had passed. During the wait, + Sprouse had noiselessly removed his coat, a proceeding that puzzled + Barnes. Something light fell to the ground. It was Sprouse who stooped and + searched for it in the grass. When he resumed an upright posture, he put + his lips close to Barnes's ear and whispered: + </p> + <p> + "I will put my coat over your head. Here is a little electric torch. Don't + flash it until I am sure the coat is arranged so that you can do so + without a gleam of light getting out from under." He pressed the torch and + a bit of closely folded paper in the other's hand, and carefully draped + the coat over his head. Barnes was once more filled with admiration for + the little man's amazing resourcefulness. + </p> + <p> + He read: "Thank God! I was afraid you would wait until to-morrow night. + Then it would have been too late. I must get away to-night but I cannot + leave—I dare not leave without something that is concealed in + another part of the house. I do not know how to secure it. My door is + locked from the outside. What am I to do? I would rather die than to go + away without it." + </p> + <p> + Barnes whispered in Sprouse's ear. The latter replied at once: "Write her + that I will climb up to her window, and, with God's help and her + directions, manage to find the thing she wants." + </p> + <p> + Barnes wrote as directed and passed the missive aloft. In a little while a + reply came down. Resorting to the previous expedient, he read: + </p> + <p> + "It is impossible. The study is under bolt and key and no one can enter. I + do not know what I am to do. I dare not stay here and I dare not go. Leave + me to my fate. Do not run any further risk. I cannot allow you to endanger + your life for me. I shall never forget you, and I shall always be + grateful. You are a noble gentleman and I a foolish, stupid—oh, such + a stupid!—girl." + </p> + <p> + That was enough for Barnes. It needed but that discouraging cry to rouse + his fighting spirit to a pitch that bordered on recklessness. His courage + took fire, and blazed up in one mighty flame. Nothing,—nothing could + stop him now. + </p> + <p> + Hastily he wrote: "If you do not come at once, we will force our way into + the house and fight it out with them all. My friend is coming up the + vines. Let him enter the window. Tell him where to go and he will do the + rest. He is a miracle man. Nothing is impossible to him. If he does not + return in ten minutes, I shall follow." + </p> + <p> + There was no response to this. The head reappeared in the window, but no + word came down. + </p> + <p> + Sprouse whispered: "I am going up. She will not commit you to anything. We + have to take the matter into our own hands. Stay here. If you hear a + commotion in the house, run for it. Don't wait for me. I'll probably be + done for." + </p> + <p> + "I'll do just as I damn please about running," said Barnes, and there was + a deep thrill in his whisper. "Good luck. God help you if they catch you." + </p> + <p> + "Not even He could help me then. Good-bye. I'll do what I can to induce + her to drop out of the window if anything goes wrong with me down stairs." + </p> + <p> + He searched among the leaves and found the thick vine. A moment later he + was silently scaling the wall of the house, feeling his way carefully, + testing every precarious foothold, dragging himself painfully upwards by + means of the most uncanny, animal-like strength and stealth. + </p> + <p> + Barnes could not recall drawing a single breath from the instant the man + left his side until the faintly luminous square above his head was + obliterated by the black of his body as it wriggled over the ledge. + </p> + <p> + He was never to forget the almost interminable age that he spent, + flattened against the vines, waiting for a signal from aloft. He recalled, + with dire uneasiness, Miss Cameron's statement that a guard was stationed + beneath her window throughout the night. Evidently she was mistaken. + Sprouse would not have overlooked a peril like that, and yet as he + crouched there, scarcely breathing, he wondered how long it would be + before the missing guard returned to his post and he would be compelled to + fight for his life. The fine, cold rain fell gently about him; moist + tendrils and leaves caressed his face; owls hooted with ghastly vehemence, + as if determined to awaken all the sleepers for miles around; and frogs + chattered loudly in gleeful anticipation of the frenzied dash he would + have to make through the black maze. + </p> + <p> + We will follow Sprouse. When he crawled through the window and stood erect + inside the room, he found himself confronted by a tall, shadowy figure, + standing half way between him and the door. + </p> + <p> + He advanced a step or two and uttered a soft hiss of warning. + </p> + <p> + "Not a sound," he whispered, drawing still nearer. "I have come four + thousand miles to help you, Countess. This is not the time or place to + explain. We haven't a moment to waste. I need only say that I have been + sent from Paris by persons you know to aid you in delivering the crown + jewels into the custody of your country's minister in Paris. Nothing more + need be said now. We must act swiftly. Tell me where they are. I will get + them." + </p> + <p> + "Who are you?" she whispered tensely. + </p> + <p> + "My name is Theodore Sprouse. I have been loaned to your embassy by my own + government." + </p> + <p> + "How did you learn that I was here?" + </p> + <p> + "I beg of you do not ask questions now. Tell me where the Prince sleeps, + how I may get to his room—" + </p> + <p> + "You know that he is the Prince?" + </p> + <p> + "For a certainty. And that you are his cousin." + </p> + <p> + She laid her hand upon his arm. "And you know that he plans evil to—to + his people? That he is in sympathy with the—with the country that + has despoiled us?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + She was silent for a moment. "Not only is it impossible for you to enter + his room but it is equally impossible for you to get out of this one + except by the way you entered. If I thought there was the slightest chance + for you to—" + </p> + <p> + "Let me be the judge of that, Countess. Where is his room?" + </p> + <p> + "The last to the right as you leave this door,—at the extreme end of + the corridor. There are four doors between mine and his. Across the hall + from his room you will see an open door. A man sits in there all night + long, keeping watch. You could not approach Prince Ugo's door without + being seen by that watcher." + </p> + <p> + "You said in your note to Barnes that the—er—something was in + Curtis's study." + </p> + <p> + "The Prince sleeps in Mr. Curtis's room. The study adjoins it, and can + only be entered from the bed-room. There is no other door. What are you + doing?" + </p> + <p> + "I am going to take a peep over the transom, first of all. If the coast is + clear, I shall take a little stroll down the hall. Do not be alarmed. I + will come back,—with the things we both want. Pardon me." He sat + down on the edge of the bed and removed his shoes. She watched him as if + fascinated while he opened the bosom of his soft shirt and stuffed the wet + shoes inside. + </p> + <p> + "How did you dispose of the man who watches below my window?" she + inquired, drawing near. "He has been there for the past three nights. I + missed him to-night." + </p> + <p> + "Wasn't he there earlier in the evening?" demanded Sprouse quickly. + </p> + <p> + "I have been in my room since eleven. He seldom comes on duty before that + hour." + </p> + <p> + "I had it figured out that he was one of the men we got down in the woods. + If I have miscalculated—well, poor Barnes may be in for a bad time. + We are quite safe up here for the time being. The fellow will assume that + Barnes is alone and that he comes to pay his respects to you in a rather + romantic manner." + </p> + <p> + "You must warn Mr. Barnes. He—" + </p> + <p> + "May I not leave that to you, Countess? I shall be very busy for the next + few minutes, and if you will—Be careful! A slip now would be fatal. + Don't be hasty." His whispering was sharp and imperative. It was a command + that he uttered, and she shrank back in surprise. + </p> + <p> + "Pray do not presume to address me in—" + </p> + <p> + "I crave your pardon, my lady," he murmured abjectly. "You are not dressed + for flight. May I suggest that while I am outside you slip on a dark skirt + and coat? You cannot go far in that dressing-gown. It would be in shreds + before you had gone a hundred feet through the brush. If I do not return + to this room inside of fifteen minutes, or if you hear sounds of a + struggle, crawl through the window and go down the vines. Barnes will look + out for you." + </p> + <p> + "You must not fail, Theodore Sprouse," she whispered. "I must regain the + jewels and the state papers. I cannot go without—" + </p> + <p> + "I shall do my best," he said simply. Silently he drew a chair to the + door, mounted it and, drawing himself up by his hands, poked his head + through the open transom. An instant later he was on the floor again. She + heard him inserting a key in the lock. Almost before she could realise + that it had actually happened, the door opened slowly, cautiously, and his + thin wiry figure slid through what seemed to her no more than a crack. As + softly the door was closed. + </p> + <p> + For a long time she stood, dazed and unbelieving, in the centre of the + room, staring at the door. She held her breath, listening for the shout + that was so sure to come—and the shot, perhaps! A prayer formed on + her lips and went voicelessly up to God. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly she roused herself from the stupefaction that held her, and threw + off the slinky peignoir. With feverish haste she snatched up garments from + the chair on which she had carefully placed them in anticipation of the + emergency that now presented itself. A blouse (which she neglected to + button), a short skirt of some dark material, a jacket, and a pair of + stout walking shoes (which she failed to lace), completed the swift + transformation. She felt the pockets of skirt and jacket, assuring herself + that her purse and her own personal jewelry were where she had + forehandedly placed them. As she glided to the window, she jammed the pins + into a small black hat of felt. Then she peered over the ledge. She + started back, stifling a cry with her hand. A man's head had almost come + in contact with her own as she leaned out. A man's hand reached over and + grasped the inner ledge of the casement, and then a man's face was dimly + revealed to her startled gaze. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV — A FLIGHT, A STONE-CUTTER'S SHED, AND A VOICE OUTSIDE + </h2> + <p> + He saw her standing in the middle of the room, her clenched hands pressed + to her lips. At the angle from which he peered into the room, her head was + in line with the lighted transom. + </p> + <p> + His grip on the ledge was firm but his foothold on the lattice precarious. + He felt himself slipping. Exerting all of his strength he drew himself + upward, free of the vines that had begun to yield to his weight. + </p> + <p> + An almost inaudible "Whew!" escaped his lips as he straddled the sill. An + instant later he was in the room. + </p> + <p> + "Why have you come up here?" She came swiftly to his side. + </p> + <p> + "Thank the Lord, I made it," he whispered, breathlessly. "I came up + because there was nowhere else to go. I thought I heard voices—a man + and a woman speaking. They seemed to be quite close to me. Don't be + alarmed, Miss Cameron. I am confident that I can—" + </p> + <p> + "And now that you are here, trapped as I am, what do you purpose to do? + You cannot escape. Go back before it is too late. Go—" + </p> + <p> + "Is Sprouse—where is he?" + </p> + <p> + "He is somewhere in the house. I have heard no sound. I was to wait until + he—Oh, Mr. Barnes, I—I am terrified. You will never know the—" + </p> + <p> + "Trust him," he said. "He is a marvel. We'll be safely out of here in a + little while, and then it will all look simple to you. You are ready to + go? Good! We will wait a few minutes and if he doesn't show up we'll—Why, + you are trembling like a leaf! Sit down, do! If he doesn't return in a + minute or two, I'll take a look about the house myself. I don't intend to + desert him. I know this floor pretty well, and the lower one. The stairs + are—" + </p> + <p> + "But the stairway is closed at the bottom by a solid steel curtain. It is + made to look like a panel in the wall. Mr. Curtis had it put in to protect + himself from burglars. You are not to venture outside this room, Mr. + Barnes. I forbid it. You—" + </p> + <p> + "How did Sprouse get out? You said your door was locked." + </p> + <p> + He sat down on the edge of the bed beside her. She was still trembling + violently. He took her hand in his and held it tightly. + </p> + <p> + "He had a key. I do not know where he obtained—" + </p> + <p> + "Skeleton key, such as burglars use. By Jove, what a wonderful burglar he + would make! Courage, Miss Cameron! He will be here soon. Then comes the + real adventure,—my part of it. I didn't come here to-night to get + any flashy old crown jewels. I came to take you out of—" + </p> + <p> + "You—you know about the crown jewels?" she murmured. Her body seemed + to stiffen. + </p> + <p> + "Very little. They are nothing to me." + </p> + <p> + "Then you know who I am?" + </p> + <p> + "No. You will tell me to-morrow." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes,—to-morrow," she whispered, and fell to shivering again. + </p> + <p> + For some time there was silence. Both were listening intently for sounds + in the hall; both were watching the door with unblinking eyes. She leaned + closer to whisper in his ear. Their shoulders touched. He wondered if she + experienced the same delightful thrill that ran through his body. She told + him of the man who watched across the hall from the room supposed to be + occupied by Loeb the secretary, and of Sprouse's incomprehensible daring. + </p> + <p> + "Where is Mr. Curtis?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + Her breath fanned his cheek, her lips were close to his ear. "There is no + Mr. Curtis here. He died four months ago in Florida." + </p> + <p> + "I suspected as much." He did not press her for further revelations. + "Sprouse should be here by this time. It isn't likely that he has met with + a mishap. You would have heard the commotion. I must go out there and see + if he requires any—" + </p> + <p> + She clutched his arm frantically. "You shall do nothing of the kind. You + shall not—" + </p> + <p> + "Sh! What do you take me for, Miss Cameron? He may be sorely in need of + help. Do you think that I would leave him to God knows what sort of fate? + Not much! We undertook this job together and—" + </p> + <p> + "But he said positively that I was to go in case he did not return in—in + fifteen minutes," she begged. "He may have been cut off and was compelled + to escape from another—" + </p> + <p> + "Just the same, I've got to see what has become of—" + </p> + <p> + "No! No!" She arose with him, dragging at his arm. "Do not be foolhardy. + You are not skilled at—" + </p> + <p> + "There is only one way to stop me, Miss Cameron. If you will come with me + now—" + </p> + <p> + "But I must know whether he secured the—" + </p> + <p> + "Then let me go. I will find out whether he has succeeded. Stand over + there by the window, ready to go if I have to make a run for it." + </p> + <p> + He was rougher than he realised in wrenching his arm free. She uttered a + low moan and covered her face with her hands. Undeterred, he crossed to + the door. His hand was on the knob when a door slammed violently somewhere + in a distant part of the house. + </p> + <p> + A hoarse shout of alarm rang out, and then the rush of heavy feet over + thickly carpeted floors. + </p> + <p> + Barnes acted with lightning swiftness. He sprang to the open window, + half-carrying, half-dragging the girl with him. + </p> + <p> + "Now for it!" he whispered. "Not a second to lose. Climb upon my back, + quick, and hang on for dear life." He had scrambled through the window and + was lying flat across the sill. "Hurry! Don't be afraid. I am strong + enough to carry you if the vines do their part." + </p> + <p> + With surprising alacrity and sureness she crawled out beside him and then + over upon his broad back, clasping her arms around his neck. Holding to + the ledge with one hand he felt for and clutched the thick vine with the + other. Slowly he slid his body off of the sill and swung free by one arm. + An instant later he found the lattice with the other hand and the hurried + descent began. His only fear was that the vine would not hold. If it broke + loose they would drop fifteen feet or more to the ground. A broken leg, an + arm, or even worse,—But her hair was brushing his ear and neck, her + arms were about him, her heart beat against his straining back, and—Why + be a pessimist? + </p> + <p> + His feet touched the ground. In the twinkling of an eye he picked her up + in his arms and bolted across the little grass plot into the shrubbery. + She did not utter a sound. Her arms tightened, and now her cheek was + against his. + </p> + <p> + Presently he set her down. His breath was gone, his strength exhausted. + </p> + <p> + "Can you—manage to—walk a little way?" he gasped. "Give me + your hand, and follow as close to my heels as you can. Better that I + should bump into things than you." + </p> + <p> + Shouts were now heard, and shrill blasts on a police whistle split the + air. + </p> + <p> + Her breathing was like sobs,—short and choking,—but he knew + she was not crying. Apprehension, alarm, excitement,—anything but + hysteria. The fortitude of generations was hers; a hundred forebears had + passed courage down to her. + </p> + <p> + On they stumbled, blindly, recklessly. He spared her many an injury by + taking it himself. More than once she murmured sympathy when he crashed + into a tree or floundered over a log. The soft, long-drawn "o-ohs!" that + came to his ears were full of a music that made him impervious to pain. + They had the effect of martial music on him, as the drum and fife exalts + the faltering soldier in his march to death. + </p> + <p> + Utterly at sea, he was now guessing at the course they were taking. + Whether their frantic dash was leading them toward the Tavern, or whether + they were circling back to Green Fancy, he knew not. Panting, he forged + onward, his ears alert not only for the sound of pursuit but for the shot + that would end the career of the spectacular Sprouse. + </p> + <p> + At last she cried out, quaveringly: + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I—I can go no farther! Can't we—is it not safe to stop + for a moment? My breath is—" + </p> + <p> + "God bless you, yes," he exclaimed, and came to an abrupt stop. She leaned + heavily against him, gasping for breath. "I haven't the faintest idea + where we are, but we must be some distance from the house. We will rest a + few minutes and then take it easier, more cautiously. I am sorry, but it + was the only thing to do, rough as it was." + </p> + <p> + "I know, I understand. I am not complaining, Mr. Barnes. You will find me + ready and strong and—" + </p> + <p> + "Let me think. I must try to get my bearings. Good Lord, I wish Sprouse + were here. He has eyes like a cat. He can see in the dark. We are off the + path, that's sure." + </p> + <p> + "I hope he is safe. Do you think he escaped?" + </p> + <p> + "I am sure of it. Those whistles were sounding the alarm. There would have + been no object in blowing them unless he had succeeded in getting out of + the house. He may come this way. The chances are that your flight has not + been discovered. They are too busy with him to think of you,—at + least for the time being. Do you feel like going on? We must beat them to + the Tavern. They—" + </p> + <p> + "I am all right now," she said, and they were off again. Barnes now picked + his way carefully and with the greatest caution. If at times he was urged + to increased speed through comparatively open spaces it was because he + realised the peril that lay at the very end of their journey: the + likelihood of being cut off by the pursuers before he could lodge her + safely inside of the walls. He could only pray that he was going in the + right direction. + </p> + <p> + An hour,—but what seemed thrice as long,—passed and they had + not come to the edge of the forest. Her feet were beginning to drag; he + could tell that by the effort she made to keep up with him. From time to + time he paused to allow her to rest. Always she leaned heavily against + him, seldom speaking; when she did it was to assure him that she would be + all right in a moment or two. There was no sentimental motive behind his + action when he finally found it necessary to support her with an + encircling arm, nor was she loath to accept this tribute of strength. + </p> + <p> + "You are plucky," he once said to her. + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid I could not be so plucky if you were not so strong," she + sighed, and he loved the tired, whimsical little twist she put into her + reply. It revived the delightful memory of another day. + </p> + <p> + To his dismay they came abruptly upon a region abounding in huge rocks. + This was new territory to him. His heart sank. + </p> + <p> + "By Jove, I—I believe we are farther away from the road than when we + started. We must have been going up the slope instead of down." + </p> + <p> + "In any case, Mr. Barnes," she murmured, "we have found something to sit + down upon." + </p> + <p> + He chuckled. "If you can be as cheerful as all that, we sha'n't miss the + cushions," he said, and, for the first time, risked a flash of the + electric torch. The survey was brief. He led her forward a few paces to a + flat boulder, and there they seated themselves. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder where we are," she said. + </p> + <p> + "I give it up," he replied dismally. "There isn't much sense in wandering + over the whole confounded mountain, Miss Cameron, and not getting + anywhere. I am inclined to suspect that we are above Green Fancy, but a + long way off to the right of it. My bump of direction tells me that we + have been going to the right all of the time. Admitting that to be the + case, I am afraid to retrace our steps. The Lord only knows what we might + blunder into." + </p> + <p> + "I think the only sensible thing to do, Mr. Barnes, is to make ourselves + as snug and comfortable as we can and wait for the first signs of + daybreak." + </p> + <p> + He scowled,—and was glad that it was too dark for her to see his + face. He wondered if she fully appreciated what would happen to him if the + pursuers came upon him in this forbidding spot. He could almost picture + his own body lying there among the rocks and rotting, while she—well, + she would merely go back to Green Fancy. + </p> + <p> + "I fear you do not realise the extreme gravity of the situation." + </p> + <p> + "I do, but I also realise the folly of thrashing about in this brush + without in the least knowing where our steps are leading us. Besides, I am + so exhausted that I must be a burden to you. You cannot go on supporting + me—" + </p> + <p> + "We must get out of these woods," he broke in doggedly, "if I have to + carry you in my arms." + </p> + <p> + "I shall try to keep going," she said quickly. "Forgive me if I seemed to + falter a little. I—I—am ready to go on when you say the word." + </p> + <p> + "You poor girl! Hang it all, perhaps you are right and not I. Sit still + and I will reconnoitre a bit. If I can find a place where we can hide + among these rocks, we'll stay here till the sky begins to lighten. Sit—" + </p> + <p> + "No! I shall not let you leave me for a second. Where you go, I go." She + struggled to her feet, suppressing a groan, and thrust a determined arm + through his. + </p> + <p> + "That's worth remembering," said he, and whether it was a muscular + necessity or an emotional exaction that caused his arm to tighten on hers, + none save he would ever know. + </p> + <p> + After a few minutes prowling among the rocks they came to the face of what + subsequently proved to be a sheer wall of stone. He flashed the light, + and, with an exclamation, started back. Not six feet ahead of them the + earth seemed to end; a yawning black gulf lay beyond. Apparently they were + on the very edge of a cliff. + </p> + <p> + "Good Lord, that was a close call," he gasped. He explained in a few words + and then, commanding her to stand perfectly still, dropped to the ground + and carefully felt his way forward. Again he flashed the light. In an + instant he understood. They were on the brink of a shallow quarry, from + which, no doubt, the stone used in building the foundations at Green Fancy + had been taken. + </p> + <p> + Lying there, he made swift calculations. There would be a road leading + from this pit up to the house itself. The quarry, no longer of use to the + builder, was reasonably sure to be abandoned. In all probability some sort + of a stone-cutter's shed would be found nearby. It would provide shelter + from the fine rain that was falling and from the chill night air. He + remembered that O'Dowd, in discussing the erection of Green Fancy the + night before, had said that the stone came from a pit two miles away, + where a fine quality of granite had been found. The quarry belonged to Mr. + Curtis, who had refused to consider any offer from would-be purchasers. + Two miles, according to Barnes's quick calculations, would bring the pit + close to the northern boundary of the Curtis property and almost directly + on a line with the point where he and Sprouse entered the meadow at the + beginning of their advance upon Green Fancy. That being the case, they + were now quite close to the stake and rider fence separating the Curtis + land from that of the farmer on the north. Sprouse and Barnes had hugged + this fence during their progress across the meadow. + </p> + <p> + "Good," he said, more to himself than to her. "I begin to see light." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, dear! Is there some one down in that hole, Mr.—" + </p> + <p> + "Are you afraid to remain here while I go down there for a look around? I + sha'n't be gone more than a couple of minutes." + </p> + <p> + "The way I feel at present," she said, jerkily, "I shall never, never from + this instant till the hour in which I die, let go of your coat-tails, Mr. + Barnes." Suiting the action to the word, her fingers resolutely fastened, + not upon the tail of his coat but upon his sturdy arm. "I wouldn't stay + here alone for anything in the world." + </p> + <p> + "Heaven bless you," he exclaimed, suddenly exalted. "And, since you put it + that way, I shall always contrive to be within arm's length." + </p> + <p> + And so, together, they ventured along the edge of the pit until they + reached the wagon road at the bottom. As he had expected, there was a + ramshackle shed hard by. It was not much of a place, but it was deserted + and a safe shelter for the moment. + </p> + <p> + A workman's bench lay on its side in the middle of the earthen floor. He + righted it and drew it over to the boarding.... She laid her head against + his shoulder and sighed deeply.... He kept his eyes glued on the door and + listened for the first ominous sound outside. A long time afterward she + stirred. + </p> + <p> + "Don't move," he said softly. "Go to sleep again if you can. I will—" + </p> + <p> + "Sleep? I haven't been asleep. I've been thinking all the time, Mr. + Barnes. I've been wondering how I can ever repay you for all the pain, and + trouble, and—" + </p> + <p> + "I am paid in full up to date," he said. "I take my pay as I go and am + satisfied." He did not give her time to puzzle it out, but went on + hurriedly: "You were so still I thought you were asleep." + </p> + <p> + "As if I could go to sleep with so many things to keep me awake!" She + shivered. + </p> + <p> + "Are you cold? You are wet—" + </p> + <p> + "It was the excitement, the nervousness, Mr. Barnes," she said, drawing + slightly away from him. He reconsidered the disposition of his arm. "Isn't + it nearly daybreak?" + </p> + <p> + He looked at his watch. "Three o'clock," he said, and turned the light + upon her face. "God, you are—" He checked the riotous words that + were driven to his lips by the glimpse of her lovely face. "I-I beg your + pardon!" + </p> + <p> + "For what?" she asked, after a moment. + </p> + <p> + "For—for blinding you with the light," he floundered. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I can forgive you for that," she said composedly. + </p> + <p> + There ensued another period of silence. She remained slightly aloof. + </p> + <p> + "You'd better lean against me," he said at last. "I am softer than the + beastly boards, you know, and quite as harmless." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you," she said, and promptly settled herself against his shoulder. + "It IS better," she sighed. + </p> + <p> + "Would you mind telling me something about yourself, Miss Cameron? What is + the true story of the crown jewels?" + </p> + <p> + She did not reply at once. When she spoke it was to ask a question of him. + </p> + <p> + "Do you know who he really is,—I mean the man known to you as Mr. + Loeb?" + </p> + <p> + "Not positively. I am led to believe that he is indirectly in line to + succeed to the throne of your country." + </p> + <p> + "Tell me something about Sprouse. How did you meet him and what induced + him to take you into his confidence? It is not the usual way with + government agents." + </p> + <p> + He told her the story of his encounter and connection with the secret + agent, and part but not all of the man's revelations concerning herself + and the crown jewels. + </p> + <p> + "I knew that you were not a native American," he said. "I arrived at that + conclusion after our meeting at the cross-roads. When O'Dowd said you were + from New Orleans, I decided that you belonged to one of the French or + Spanish families there. Either that or you were a fairy princess such as + one reads about in books." + </p> + <p> + "And you now believe that I am a royal—or at the very worst—a + noble lady with designs on the crown?" There was a faint ripple in her low + voice. + </p> + <p> + "I should like to know whether I am to address you as Princess, Duchess, + or—just plain Miss." + </p> + <p> + "I am more accustomed to plain Miss, Mr. Barnes, than to either of the + titles you would give me." + </p> + <p> + "Don't you feel that I am deserving of a little enlightenment?" he asked. + "I am working literally as well as figuratively in the dark. Who are you? + Why were you a prisoner at Green Fancy? Where and what is your native + land?" + </p> + <p> + "Sprouse did not tell you any of these things?" + </p> + <p> + "No. I think he was in some doubt himself. I don't blame him for holding + back until he was certain." + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Barnes, I cannot answer any one of your questions without + jeopardising a cause that is dearer to me than anything else in all the + world. I am sorry. I pray God a day may soon come when I can reveal + everything to you—and to the world. I am of a stricken country; I am + trying to serve the unhappy house that has ruled it for centuries and is + now in the direst peril. The man you know as Loeb is a prince of that + house. I may say this to you, and it will serve to explain my position at + Green Fancy: he is not the Prince I was led to believe awaited me there. + He is the cousin of the man I expected to meet, and he is the enemy of the + branch of the house that I would serve. Do not ask me to say more. Trust + me as I am trusting you,—as Sprouse trusted you." + </p> + <p> + "May I ask the cause of O'Dowd's apparent defection?" + </p> + <p> + "He is not in sympathy with all of the plans advanced by his leader," she + said, after a moment's reflection. + </p> + <p> + "Your sympathies are with the Entente Allies, the prince's are opposed? Is + that part of Sprouse's story true?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "And O'Dowd?" + </p> + <p> + "O'Dowd is anti-English, Mr. Barnes, if that conveys anything to you. He + is not pro-German. Perhaps you will understand." + </p> + <p> + "Wasn't it pretty risky for you to carry the crown jewels around in a + travelling bag, Miss Cameron?" + </p> + <p> + "I suppose so. It turned out, however, that it was the safest, surest way. + I had them in my possession for three days before coming to Green Fancy. + No one suspected. They were given into my custody by the committee to whom + they were delivered in New York by the men who brought them to this + country." + </p> + <p> + "And why did you bring them to Green Fancy?" + </p> + <p> + "I was to deliver them to one of their rightful owners, Mr. Barnes,—a + loyal prince of the blood." + </p> + <p> + "But why HERE?" he insisted. + </p> + <p> + "He was to take them into Canada, and thence, in good time, to the palace + of his ancestors." + </p> + <p> + "I am to understand, then, that not only you but the committee you speak + of, fell into a carefully prepared trap." + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "You did not know the man who picked you up in the automobile, Miss + Cameron. Why did you take the chance with—" + </p> + <p> + "He gave the password, or whatever you may call it, and it could have been + known only to persons devoted to our—our cause." + </p> + <p> + "I see. The treachery, therefore, had its inception in the loyal nest. You + were betrayed by a friend." + </p> + <p> + "I am sure of it," she said bitterly. "If this man Sprouse does not + succeed in restoring the—oh, I believe I shall kill myself, Mr. + Barnes." + </p> + <p> + The wail of anguish in her voice went straight to his heart. + </p> + <p> + "He has succeeded, take my word for it. They will be in your hands before + many hours have passed." + </p> + <p> + "Is he to come to the Tavern with them? Or am I to meet him—" + </p> + <p> + "Good Lord!" he gulped. Here was a contingency he had not considered. + Where and when would Sprouse appear with his booty? "I—I fancy we'll + find him waiting for us at the Tavern." + </p> + <p> + "But had you no understanding?" + </p> + <p> + "Er—tentatively." The perspiration started on his brow. + </p> + <p> + "They will guard the Tavern so closely that we will never be able to get + away from the place," she said, and he detected a querulous note in her + voice. + </p> + <p> + "Now don't you worry about that," he said stoutly. + </p> + <p> + "I love the comforting way you have of saying things," she murmured, and + he felt her body relax. + </p> + <p> + For reasons best known to himself, he failed to respond to this + interesting confession. He was thinking of something else: his amazing + stupidity in not foreseeing the very situation that now presented itself. + Why had he neglected to settle upon a meeting place with Sprouse in the + event that circumstances forced them to part company in flight? Fearing + that she would pursue the subject, he made haste to branch off onto + another line. + </p> + <p> + "What is the real object of the conspiracy up there, Miss Cameron?" + </p> + <p> + "You must bear with me a little longer, Mr. Barnes," she said, + appealingly. "I cannot say anything now. I am in a very perplexing + position. You see, I am not quite sure that I am right in my conclusions, + and it would be dreadful if I were to make a mistake." + </p> + <p> + "If they are up to any game that may work harm to the Allies, they must + not be allowed to go on with it," he said sternly. "Don't wait too long + before exposing them, Miss Cameron." + </p> + <p> + "I—I cannot speak now," she said, painfully. + </p> + <p> + "You said that to-morrow night would be too late. What did you mean by + that?" + </p> + <p> + "Do you insist on pinning me down to—" + </p> + <p> + "No. You may tell me to mind my own business, if you like." + </p> + <p> + "That is not a nice way to put it, Mr. Barnes. I could never say such a + thing to you." + </p> + <p> + He was silent. She waited a few seconds and then removed her head from his + shoulder. He heard the sharp intake of her breath and felt the convulsive + movement of the arm that rested against his. There was no mistaking her + sudden agitation. + </p> + <p> + "I will tell you," she said, and he was surprised by the harshness that + came into her voice. "To-morrow morning was the time set for my marriage + to that wretch up there. I could have avoided it only by destroying + myself. If you had come to-morrow night instead of to-night you would have + found me dead, that is all. Now you understand." + </p> + <p> + "Good God! You—you were to be forced into a marriage with—why, + it is the most damnable—" + </p> + <p> + "O'Dowd,—God bless him!—was my only champion. He knew my + father. He—" + </p> + <p> + "Listen!" he hissed, starting to his feet. + </p> + <p> + "Don't move!" came from the darkness outside. "I have me gun leveled. I + heard me name taken in vain. Thanks for the blessing. I was wondering + whether you would say something pleasant about me,—and, thank the + good Lord, I was patient. But I'd advise you both to sit still, just the + same." + </p> + <p> + A chuckle rounded out the gentle admonition of the invisible Irishman. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV — LARGE BODIES MOVE SLOWLY,—BUT MR. SPROUSE WAS + SMALLER THAN THE AVERAGE + </h2> + <p> + There was not a sound for many seconds. The trapped couple in the + stone-cutter's shed scarcely breathed. She was the first to speak. + </p> + <p> + "I am ready to return with you, Mr. O'Dowd," she said, distinctly. "There + must be no struggle, no blood-shed. Anything but that." + </p> + <p> + She felt Barnes's body stiffen and caught the muttered execration that + fell from his lips. + </p> + <p> + O'Dowd spoke out of the darkness: "You forget that I have your own word + for it that ye'll be a dead woman before the day is over. Wouldn't it be + better for me to begin shooting at once and spare your soul the + everlasting torture that would begin immediately after your self-produced + decease?" + </p> + <p> + A little cry of relief greeted this quaint sally. "You have my word that I + will return with you quietly if—" + </p> + <p> + "Thunderation!" exclaimed Barnes wrathfully. "What do you think I am? A + worm that—" + </p> + <p> + "Easy, easy, me dear man," cautioned O'Dowd. "Keep your seat. Don't be + deceived by my infernal Irish humour. It is my way to be always polite, + agreeable and—prompt. I'll shoot in a second if ye move one step + outside that cabin." + </p> + <p> + "O'Dowd, you haven't the heart to drag her back to that beast of a—" + </p> + <p> + "Hold hard! We'll come to the point without further palavering. Where are + ye dragging her yourself, ye rascal?" + </p> + <p> + "To a place where she will be safe from insult, injury, degradation—" + </p> + <p> + "Well, I have no fault to find with ye for that," said O'Dowd. "Bedad, I + didn't believe you had the nerve to tackle the job. To be honest with you, + I hadn't the remotest idea who the divvil you were, either of you, until I + heard your voices. You may be interested to know that up to the moment I + left the house your absence had not been noticed, my dear Miss Cameron. + And as for you, my dear Barnes, your visit is not even suspected. By this + time, of course, the list of the missing at Green Fancy is headed by an + honourable and imperishable name,—which isn't Cameron,—and + there is an increased wailing and gnashing of teeth. How the divvil did ye + do it, Barnes?" + </p> + <p> + "Are you disposed to be friendly, O'Dowd?" demanded Barnes. "If you are + not, we may just as well fight it out now as later on. I do not mean to + submit without a—" + </p> + <p> + "You are not to fight!" she cried in great agitation. "What are you doing? + Put it away! Don't shoot!" + </p> + <p> + "Is it a gun he is pulling" inquired O'Dowd calmly. "And what the deuce + are you going to aim at, me hearty?" + </p> + <p> + "It may sound cowardly to you, O'Dowd, but I have an advantage over you in + the presence of Miss Cameron. You don't dare shoot into this shed. You—" + </p> + <p> + "Lord love ye, Barnes, haven't you my word that I will not shoot unless ye + try to come out? And I know you wouldn't use her for a shield. Besides, I + have a bull's-eye lantern with me. From the luxurious seat behind this + rock I could spot ye in a second. Confound you, man, you ought to thank me + for being so considerate as not to flash it on you before. I ask ye now, + isn't that proof that I'm a gentleman and not a bounder? Having said as + much, I now propose arbitration. What have ye to offer in the shape of + concessions?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know what you mean." + </p> + <p> + "I'll be explicit. Would you mind handing over that tin box in exchange + for my polite thanks and a courteous good-by to both of ye?" + </p> + <p> + "Tin box?" cried Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "We have no box of any description, Mr. O'Dowd," cried she, triumphantly. + "Thank heaven, he got safely away!" + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean to tell me you came away without the—your belongings, + Miss Cameron?" exclaimed O'Dowd. + </p> + <p> + "They are not with me," she replied. Her grasp on Barnes's arm tightened. + "Oh, isn't it splendid? They did not catch him. He—" + </p> + <p> + "Catch him? Catch who?" cried O'Dowd. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, that is for you to find out, my dear O'Dowd," said Barnes, assuming a + satisfaction he did not feel. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I'll be—jiggered," came in low, puzzled tones from the rocks + outside. "Did you have a—a confederate, Barnes? Didn't you do the + whole job yourself?" + </p> + <p> + "I did my part of the job, as you call it, O'Dowd, and nothing more." + </p> + <p> + "Will you both swear on your sacred honour that ye haven't the jewels in + your possession?" + </p> + <p> + "Unhesitatingly," said Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "I swear, Mr. O'Dowd." + </p> + <p> + "Then," said he, "I have no time to waste here. I am looking for a tin + box. I beg your pardon for disturbing you." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Mr. O'Dowd, I shall never forget all that you have—" + </p> + <p> + "Whist, now! There is one thing I must insist on your forgetting + completely: all that has happened in the last five minutes. I shall put no + obstacles in your way. You may go with my blessings. The only favour I ask + in return is that you never mention having seen me to-night." + </p> + <p> + "We can do that with a perfectly clear conscience," said Barnes. "You are + absolutely invisible." + </p> + <p> + "What I am doing now, Mr. Barnes," said O'Dowd seriously, "would be my + death sentence if it ever became known." + </p> + <p> + "It shall never be known through me, O'Dowd. I'd like to shake your hand, + old man." + </p> + <p> + "God bless you, Mr. O'Dowd," said the girl in a low, small voice, + singularly suggestive of tears. "Some day I may be in a position to—" + </p> + <p> + "Don't say it! You'll spoil everything if you let me think you are in my + debt. Bedad, don't be so sure I sha'n't see you again, and soon. You are + not out of the woods yet." + </p> + <p> + "Tell me how to find Hart's Tavern, old man. I'll—" + </p> + <p> + "No, I'm dashed if I do. I leave you to your own devices. You ought to be + grateful to me for not stopping you entirely, without asking me to give + you a helping hand. Good-bye, and God bless you. I'm praying that ye get + away safely, Miss Cameron. So long, Barnes. If you were a crow and wanted + to roost on that big tree in front of Hart's Tavern, I dare say you'd take + the shortest way there by flying as straight as a bullet from the mouth of + this pit, following your extremely good-looking nose." + </p> + <p> + They heard him rattle off among the loose stones and into the brush. A + long time afterward, when the sounds had ceased, Barnes said, from the + bottom of a full heart: + </p> + <p> + "I shall always feel something warm stirring within me when I think of + that man." + </p> + <p> + "He is a gallant gentleman," said she simply. + </p> + <p> + They did not wait for the break of day. Taking O'Dowd's hint, Barnes + directed his steps straight out from the mouth of the quarry and pressed + confidently onward. Their progress was swifter than before and less + cautious. The thought had come to him that the men from Green Fancy would + rush to the outer edges of the Curtis land and seek to intercept, rather + than to overtake, the fugitive. In answer to a question she informed him + that there were no fewer than twenty-five men on the place, all of them + shrewd, resolute and formidable. + </p> + <p> + "The women, who are they, and what part do they play in this enterprise?" + he inquired, during a short pause for rest. + </p> + <p> + "Mrs. Collier is the widow of a spy executed in France at the beginning of + the war. She is an American and was married to a—to a foreigner. The + Van Dykes are very rich Americans,—at least she has a great deal of + money. Her husband was in the diplomatic service some years ago but was + dismissed. There was a huge gambling scandal and he was involved. His wife + is determined to force her way into court circles in Europe. She has + money, she is clever and unprincipled, and—I am convinced that she + is paying in advance for future favours and position at a certain court. + She—" + </p> + <p> + "In other words, she is financing the game up at Green Fancy." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose so. She has millions, I am told. Mr. De Soto is a Spaniard, + born and reared in England. All of them are known in my country." + </p> + <p> + "I can't understand a decent chap like O'Dowd being mixed up in a rotten—" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, but you do not understand. He is a soldier of fortune, an adventurer. + His heart is better than his reputation. It is the love of intrigue, the + joy of turmoil that commands him. He has been mixed up, as you say, in any + number of secret enterprises, both good and bad. His sister's children are + the owners of Green Fancy. I know her well. It was through Mr. O'Dowd that + I came to Green Fancy. Too late he realised that it was a mistake. He was + deceived. He has known me for years and he would not have exposed me to——But + come! As he has said, we are not yet out of the woods." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot, for the life of me, see why they took chances on inviting me to + the house, Miss Cameron. They must have known that—" + </p> + <p> + "It was a desperate chance but it was carefully considered, you may be + sure. They are clever, all of them. They were afraid of you. It was + necessary to deal openly, boldly, with you if your suspicions were to be + removed." + </p> + <p> + "But they must have known that you would appeal to me." + </p> + <p> + She was silent for a moment, and when she spoke it was with great + intensity. "Mr. Barnes, I had your life in my hands all the time you were + at Green Fancy. It was I who took the desperate chance. I shudder now when + I think of what might have happened. Before you were asked to the house, I + was coolly informed that you would not leave it alive if I so much as + breathed a word to you concerning my unhappy plight. The first word of an + appeal to you would have been the signal for—for your death. That is + what they held over me. They made it very clear to me that nothing was to + be gained by an appeal to you. You would die, and I would be no better off + than before. It was I who took the chance. When I spoke to you on the + couch that night, I—oh, don't you see? Don't you see that I + wantonly, cruelly, selfishly risked YOUR life,—not my own,—when + I—" + </p> + <p> + "There, there, now!" he cried, consolingly, as she put her hands to her + face and gave way to sobs. "Don't let THAT worry you. I am here and alive, + and so are you, and—for Heaven's sake don't do that! I—I + simply go all to pieces when I hear a woman crying. I—" + </p> + <p> + "Forgive me," she murmured. "I didn't mean to be so silly." + </p> + <p> + "It helps, to cry sometimes," he said lamely. + </p> + <p> + The first faint signs of day were struggling out of the night when they + stole across the road above Hart's Tavern and made their way through the + stable-yard to the rear of the house. His one thought was to get her + safely inside the Tavern. There he could defy the legions of Green Fancy, + and from there he could notify her real friends, deliver her into their + keeping,—and then regret the loss of her! + </p> + <p> + The door was locked. He delivered a series of resounding kicks upon its + stout face. Revolver in hand, he faced about and waited for the assault of + the men who, he was sure, would come plunging around the corner of the + building in response to the racket. He was confident that the approach to + the Tavern was watched by desperate men from Green Fancy, and that an + encounter with them was inevitable. But there was no attack. Save for his + repeated pounding on the door, there was no sign of life about the place. + </p> + <p> + At last there were sounds from within. A key grated in the lock and a bolt + was shot. The door flew open. Mr. Clarence Dillingford appeared in the + opening, partially dressed, his hair sadly tumbled, his eyes blinking in + the light of the lantern he held aloft. + </p> + <p> + "Well, what the—" Then his gaze alighted on the lady. "My God," he + gulped, and instantly put all of his body except the head and one arm + behind the door. + </p> + <p> + Barnes crowded past him with his faltering charge, and slammed the door. + Moreover, he quickly shot the bolt. + </p> + <p> + "For the love of—" began the embarrassed Dillingford. "What the dev—I + say, can't you see that I'm not dressed? What the—" + </p> + <p> + "Give me that lantern," said Barnes, and snatched the article out of the + unresisting hand. "Show me the way to Miss Thackeray's room, Dillingford. + No time for explanations. This lady is a friend of mine." + </p> + <p> + "Well, for the love of—" + </p> + <p> + "I will take you to Miss Thackeray's room," said Barnes, leading her + swiftly through the narrow passage. "She will make you comfortable for the—that + is until I am able to secure a room for you. Come on, Dillingford." + </p> + <p> + "My God, Barnes, have you been in an automobile smash-up? You—" + </p> + <p> + "Don't wake the house! Where is her room?" + </p> + <p> + "You know just as well as I do. All right,—all right! Don't bite me! + I'm coming." + </p> + <p> + Miss Thackeray was awake. She had heard the pounding. Through the closed + door she asked what on earth was the matter. + </p> + <p> + "I have a friend here,—a lady. Will you dress as quickly as possible + and take her in with you for a little while?" He spoke as softly as + possible. + </p> + <p> + There was no immediate response from the inside. Then Miss Thackeray + observed, quite coldly: "I think I'd like to hear the lady's voice, if you + don't mind. I recognise yours perfectly, Mr. Barnes, but I am not in the + habit of opening my—" + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Barnes speaks the truth," said Miss Cameron. "But pray do not disturb—" + </p> + <p> + "I guess I don't need to dress," said Miss Thackeray, and opened her door. + "Come in, please. I don't know who you are or what you've been up to, but + there are times when women ought to stand together. And what's more, I + sha'n't ask any questions." + </p> + <p> + She closed the door behind the unexpected guest, and Barnes gave a great + sigh of relief. + </p> + <p> + "Say, Mr. Barnes," said Miss Thackeray, several hours later, coming upon + him in the hall; "I guess I'll have to ask you to explain a little. She's + a nice, pretty girl, and all that, but she won't open her lips about + anything. She says you will do the talking. I'm a good sport, you know, + and not especially finicky, but I'd like to—" + </p> + <p> + "How is she? Is she resting? Does she seem—" + </p> + <p> + "Well, she's stretched out in my bed, with my best nightie on, and she + seems to be doing as well as could be expected," said Miss Thackeray + dryly. + </p> + <p> + "Has she had coffee and—" + </p> + <p> + "I am going after it now. It seems that she is in the habit of having it + in bed. I wish I had her imagination. It would be great to imagine that + all you have to do is to say 'I think I'll have coffee and rolls and one + egg' sent up, and then go on believing your wish would come true. Still, I + don't mind. She seems so nice and pathetic, and in trouble, and I—" + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, Miss Thackeray. If you will see that she has her coffee, I'll—I'll + wait for you here in the hall and try to explain. I can't tell you + everything at present,—not without her consent,—but what I do + tell will be sufficient to make you think you are listening to a chapter + out of a dime novel." + </p> + <p> + He had already taken Putnam Jones into his confidence. He saw no other way + out of the new and somewhat extraordinary situation. + </p> + <p> + His uneasiness increased to consternation when he discovered that Sprouse + had not yet put in an appearance. What had become of the man? He could not + help feeling, however, that somehow the little agent would suddenly pop + out of the chimney in his room, or sneak in through a crack under the + door,—and laugh at his fears. + </p> + <p> + His lovely companion, falling asleep, blocked all hope of a council of + war, so to speak. Miss Thackeray refused to allow her to be disturbed. She + listened with sparkling eyes to Barnes's curtailed account of the exploit + of the night before. He failed to mention Mr. Sprouse. It was not an + oversight. + </p> + <p> + "Sort of white slavery game, eh?" she said, with bated breath. "Good + gracious, Mr. Barnes, if this story ever gets into the newspapers you'll + be the grandest little hero in—" + </p> + <p> + "But it must never get into the newspapers," he cried. + </p> + <p> + "It ought to," she proclaimed stoutly. "When a gang of white slavers + kidnap a girl like that and—" + </p> + <p> + "I'm not saying it was that," he protested, uncomfortably. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I guess I'll talk to her about that part of the story," said Miss + Thackeray sagely. "And as you say, mum's the word. We don't want them to + get onto the fact that she's here. That's the idea, isn't it?" + </p> + <p> + "Absolutely." + </p> + <p> + "Then," she said, wrinkling her brow, "I wouldn't repeat this story to Mr. + Lyndon Rushcroft, father of yours truly. He would blab it all over the + county. The greatest press stuff in the world. Listen to it: 'Lyndon + Rushcroft, the celebrated actor, takes part in the rescue of a beautiful + heiress who falls into the hands of So and So, the king of kidnappers.' + That's only a starter. So we'd better let him think she just happened in. + You fix it with old Jones, and I'll see that Dilly keeps his mouth shut. I + fear I shall have to tell Mr. Bacon." She blushed. "I have always sworn + I'd never marry any one in the profession, but—Mr. Bacon is not like + other actors, Mr. Barnes. You will say so yourself when you know him + better. He is more like a—a—well, you might say a poet. His + soul is—but, you'll think I'm nutty if I go on about him. As soon as + she awakes, I'll take her up to the room you've engaged for her, and I'll + lend her some of my duds, bless her heart. What an escape she's had! Oh, + my God!" + </p> + <p> + She uttered the exclamation in a voice so full of horror that Barnes was + startled. + </p> + <p> + "What is it, Miss Thack—" + </p> + <p> + "Why, they might have nabbed me yesterday when I was up there in the + woods! And I don't know what kind of heroism goes with a poetic nature. + I'm afraid Mr. Bacon—" + </p> + <p> + He laughed. "I am sure he would have acted like a man." + </p> + <p> + "If you were to ask father, he'd say that Mr. Bacon can't act like a man + to save his soul. He says he acts like a fence-post." + </p> + <p> + Shortly before the noon hour, Peter Ames halted the old automobile from + Green Fancy in front of the Tavern and out stepped O'Dowd, followed by no + less a personage than the pseudo Mr. Loeb. There were a number of + travelling bags in the tonneau of the car. + </p> + <p> + Catching sight of Barnes, the Irishman shouted a genial greeting. + </p> + <p> + "The top of the morning to ye. You remember Mr. Loeb, don't you? Mr. + Curtis's secretary." + </p> + <p> + He shook hands with Barnes. Loeb bowed stiffly and did not extend his + hand. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Loeb is leaving us for a few days on business. Will you be moving on + yourself soon, Mr. Barnes?" + </p> + <p> + "I shall hang around here a few days longer," said Barnes, considerably + puzzled but equal to the occasion. "Still interested in our murder + mystery, you know." + </p> + <p> + "Any new developments?" + </p> + <p> + "Not to my knowledge." He ventured a crafty "feeler." "I hear, however, + that the state authorities have asked assistance of the secret service + people in Washington. That would seem to indicate that there is more + behind the affair than—" + </p> + <p> + "Have I not maintained from the first, Mr. O'Dowd, that it is a case for + the government to handle?" interrupted Loeb. He spoke rapidly and with + unmistakable nervousness. Barnes remarked the extraordinary pallor in the + man's face and the shifty, uneasy look in his dark eyes. "It has been my + contention, Mr. Barnes, that those men were trying to carry out their part + of a plan to inflict—" + </p> + <p> + "Lord love ye, Loeb, you are not alone in that theory," broke in O'Dowd + hastily. "I think we're all agreed on that. Good morning, Mr. Boneface," + he called out to Putnam Jones who approached at that juncture. "We are + sadly in want of gasoline." + </p> + <p> + Peter had backed the car up to the gasoline hydrant at the corner of the + building and was waiting for some one to replenish his tank. Barnes caught + the queer, perplexed look that the Irishman shot at him out of the corner + of his eye. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps you'd better see that the scoundrels don't give us short measure, + Mr. Loeb," said O'Dowd. Loeb hesitated for a second, and then, evidently + in obedience to a command from the speaker's eye, moved off to where Peter + was opening the intake. Jones followed, bawling to some one in the + stable-yard. + </p> + <p> + O'Dowd lowered his voice. "Bedad, your friend made a smart job of it last + night. He opened the tank back of the house and let every damn' bit of our + gas run out. Is she safe inside?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, thanks to you, old man. You didn't catch him?" + </p> + <p> + "Not even a whiff of him," said the other lugubriously. "The devil's to + pay. In the name of God, how many were in your gang last night?" + </p> + <p> + "That is for Mr. Loeb to find out," said Barnes shrewdly. + </p> + <p> + "Barnes, I let you off last night, and I let her off as well. In return, I + ask you to hold your tongue until the man down there gets a fair start." + O'Dowd was serious, even imploring. + </p> + <p> + "What would she say to that, O'Dowd? I have to consider her interests, you + know." + </p> + <p> + "She'd give him a chance for his white alley, I'm sure, in spite of the + way he treated her. There is a great deal at stake, Barnes. A day's start + and—" + </p> + <p> + "Are you in danger too, O'Dowd?" + </p> + <p> + "To be sure,—but I love it. I can always squirm out of tight places. + You see, I am putting myself in your hands, old man." + </p> + <p> + "I would not deliberately put you in jeopardy, O'Dowd." + </p> + <p> + "See here, I am going back to that house up yonder. There is still work + for me there. What I'm after now is to get him on the train at Hornville. + I'll be here again at four o'clock, on me word of honour. Trust me, + Barnes. When I explain to her, she'll agree that I'm doing the right + thing. Bedad, the whole bally game is busted. Another week and we'd have—but, + there ye are! It's all up in the air, thanks to you and your + will-o'-the-wisp rascals. You played the deuce with everything." + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean to say that you are coming back here to run the risk of being—" + </p> + <p> + "We've had word that the government has men on the way. They'll be here + to-night or to-morrow, working in cahoots with the fellows across the + border. Why, damn it all, Barnes, don't you know who it was that + engineered that whole business last night?" He blurted it out angrily, + casting off all reserve. + </p> + <p> + Barnes smiled. "I do. He is a secret agent from the embassy—" + </p> + <p> + "Secret granny!" almost shouted O'Dowd. "He is the slickest, cleverest + crook that ever drew the breath of life. And he's got away with the + jewels, for which you can whistle in vain, I'm thinking." + </p> + <p> + "For Heaven's sake, O'Dowd—" began Barnes, his blood like ice in his + veins. + </p> + <p> + "But don't take my word for it. Ask her,—upstairs there, God bless + her!—ask her if she knows Chester Naismith. She'll tell ye, my + bucko. He's been standing guard outside her window for the past three + nights. He's—" + </p> + <p> + "Now, I know you are mistaken," cried Barnes, a wave of relief surging + over him. "He has been in this Tavern every night—" + </p> + <p> + "Sure he has. But he never was here after eleven o'clock, was he? Answer + me, did ye ever see him here after eleven in the evening? You did not,—not + until last night, anyhow. In the struggle he had with Nicholas last night + his whiskers came off and he was recognised. That's why poor old Nicholas + is lying dead up there at the house now,—and will have a decent + burial unbeknownst to anybody but his friends." + </p> + <p> + "Whiskers? Dead?" jerked from Barnes's lips. + </p> + <p> + "Didn't you know he had false ones on?" + </p> + <p> + "He did not have them on when he left me," declared Barnes. "Good God, + O'Dowd, you can't mean that he—he killed—" + </p> + <p> + "He stuck a knife in his neck. The poor devil died while I was out + skirmishing, but not before he whispered in the chief's ear the name of + the man who did for him. The dirty snake! And the chief trusted him as no + crook ever was trusted before. He knew him for what he was, but he thought + he was loyal. And this is what he gets in return for saving the dog's life + in Buda Pesth three years ago. In the name of God, Barnes, how did you + happen to fall in with the villain?" + </p> + <p> + Barnes passed his hand over his brow, dazed beyond the power of speech. + His gaze rested on Putnam Jones. Suddenly something seemed to have struck + him between the eyes. He almost staggered under the imaginary impact. + Jones! Was Jones a party to this—He started forward, an oath on his + lips, prepared to leap upon the man and throttle the truth out of him. As + abruptly he checked himself. The cunning that inspired the actions of + every one of these people had communicated itself to him. A false move now + would ruin everything. Putnam Jones would have to be handled with gloves, + and gently at that. + </p> + <p> + "He—he represented himself as a book-agent," he mumbled, striving to + collect himself. "Jones knew him. Said he had been around here for weeks. + I—I— + </p> + <p> + "That's the man," said O'Dowd, scowling. "He trotted all over the county, + selling books. For the love of it, do ye think? Not much. He had other + fish to fry, you may be sure. I talked with him the night you dined at + Green Fancy. He beat you to the Tavern, I dare say. It was his second + night on guard below the—below her window. He told me how he shinned + up and down one of these porch posts, so as not to let old Jones get onto + the fact he was out of his room. He had old Jones fooled as badly—What + are you glaring at HIM for? I was about to say he had old Jones as badly + fooled as you—or worse, damn him. Barnes, if we ever lay hands on + that friend of yours,—well, he won't have to fry in hell. He'll be + burnt alive. Thank God, my mind's at rest on one score. SHE didn't skip + out with him. They all think she did. Not one of them suspects that she + came away with you. There is plenty of evidence that she let him in + through her window—" + </p> + <p> + "All ready, O'Dowd," called Loeb. "Come along, please." + </p> + <p> + "Coming," said the Irishman. To Barnes: "Don't blame yourself, old man. + You are not the only one who has been hoodwinked. He fooled men a long + shot keener than you are, so—All right! Coming. See you later, + Barnes. So long!" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI — THE FIRST WAYFARER VISITS A SHRINE, CONFESSES, AND + TAKES AN OATH + </h2> + <p> + How was he to find the courage to impart the appalling news to her? He was + now convinced beyond all doubt that the so-called Sprouse had made off + with the priceless treasure and that only a miracle could bring about its + recovery. O'Dowd's estimate of the man's cleverness was amply supported by + what Barnes knew of him. He knew him to be the personification of + craftiness, and of daring. It was not surprising that he had been tricked + by this devil's own genius. He recalled his admiration, his wonder over + the man's artfulness; he groaned as he thought of the pride he had felt in + being accorded the privilege of helping him! + </p> + <p> + Sitting glumly in a corner of the tap-room, watching but not listening to + the spouting Mr. Rushcroft, (who was regaling the cellarer and two vastly + impressed countrymen with the story of his appearance before Queen + Victoria and the Royal Family), Barnes went over the events of the past + twenty-four hours, deriving from his reflections a few fairly reasonable + deductions as to his place in the plans of the dauntless Mr. Sprouse. + </p> + <p> + In the first place, Sprouse, being aware of his somewhat ardent interest + in the fair captive, took a long and desperate chance on his + susceptibility. With incomprehensible boldness he decided to make an + accomplice of the eager and unsuspecting knight-errant! His cunningly + devised tale,—in which there was more than a little of the truth,—served + to excite the interest and ultimately to win the co-operation of the New + Yorker. His object in enlisting this support was now perfectly clear to + the victim of his duplicity. Barnes had admitted that he was bound by a + promise to aid the prisoner in an effort to escape from the house; even a + slow-witted person would have reached the conclusion that a partial + understanding at least existed between captive and champion. Sprouse + staked everything on that conviction. Through Barnes he counted on + effecting an entrance to the almost hermetically sealed house. + </p> + <p> + Evidently the simplest, and perhaps the only, means of gaining admission + was through the very window he was supposed to guard. Once inside her + room, with the aid and connivance of one in whom the occupant placed the + utmost confidence, he would be in a position to employ his marvellous + talents in accomplishing his own peculiar ends. + </p> + <p> + Barnes recalled all of the elaborate details preliminary to the actual + performance of that amazing feat, and realised to what extent he had been + shaped into a tool to be used by the master craftsman. He saw through the + whole Machiavellian scheme, and he was now morally certain that Sprouse + would have sacrificed him without the slightest hesitation. + </p> + <p> + In the event that anything went wrong with their enterprise, the man would + have shot him dead and earned the gratitude and commendation of his + associates! There would be no one to question him, no one to say that he + had failed in the duty set upon him by the master of the house. He would + have been glorified and not crucified by his friends. + </p> + <p> + Up to the point when he actually passed through the window Sprouse could + have justified himself by shooting the would-be rescuer. Up to that point, + Barnes was of inestimable value to him; after that,—well, he had + proved that he was capable of taking care of himself. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Dillingford came and pronounced sentence. He informed the rueful + thinker that the young lady wanted to see him at once in Miss Thackeray's + room. + </p> + <p> + With a heavy heart he mounted the stairs. At the top he paused to + deliberate. Would it not be better to keep her in ignorance? What was to + be gained by revealing to her the—But Miss Thackeray was luring him + on to destruction. She stood outside the door and beckoned. That in itself + was ominous. Why should she wriggle a forefinger at him instead of calling + out in her usual free-and-easy manner? There was foreboding— + </p> + <p> + "Is Mr. Barnes coming?" His heart bounded perceptibly at the sound of that + soft, eager voice from the interior of the room. + </p> + <p> + "By fits and starts," said Miss Thackeray critically. "Yes, he has started + again." + </p> + <p> + She closed the door from the outside, and Barnes was alone with the cousin + of kings and queens and princes. + </p> + <p> + "I feared you had deserted me," she said, holding out her hand to him as + he strode across the room. S he did not rise from the chair in which she + was seated by the window. The lower wings of the old-fashioned shutters + were closed except for a narrow strip; light streamed down upon her wavy + golden hair from the upper half of the casement. She was attired in a + gorgeously flowered dressing-gown; he had seen it once before, draping the + matutinal figure of Miss Thackeray as she glided through the hall with a + breakfast tray which Miss Tilly had flatly refused to carry to her room: + being no servant, she declared with heat. + </p> + <p> + "I saw no occasion to disturb your rest," he mumbled. "Nothing—nothing + new has turned up." + </p> + <p> + "I have been peeping," she said, looking at him searchingly. A little line + of anxiety lay between her eyes. "Where is Mr. Loeb going, Mr. Barnes?" + </p> + <p> + He noted the omission of Mr. O'Dowd. "To Hornville, I believe. They + stopped for gasoline." + </p> + <p> + "Is he running away?" was her disconcerting question. + </p> + <p> + "O'Dowd says he is to be gone for a few days on business," he equivocated. + </p> + <p> + "He will not return," she said quietly. "He is a coward at heart. Oh, I + know him well," she went on, scorn in her voice. + </p> + <p> + "Was I wrong in not trying to stop him?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + She pondered this for a moment. "No," she said, but he caught the dubious + note in her voice. "It is just as well, perhaps, that he should disappear. + Nothing is to be gained now by his seizure. Next week, yes; but to-day, + no. His flight to-day spares—but we are more interested in the man + Sprouse. Has he returned?" + </p> + <p> + "No, Miss Cameron," said he ruefully. And then, without a single + reservation, he laid bare the story of Sprouse's defection. When he + inquired if she had heard of the man known as Chester Naismith, she + confirmed his worst fears by describing him as the guard who watched + beneath her window. He was known to her as a thief of international fame. + The light died out of her lovely eyes as the truth dawned upon her; her + lips trembled, her shoulders drooped. + </p> + <p> + "What a fool I've been," she mourned. "What a fool I was to accept the + responsibility of—" + </p> + <p> + "Don't blame yourself," he implored. "Blame me. I am the fool, the + stupidest fool that ever lived. He played with me as if I were the + simplest child." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, my friend, why do you say that? Played with you? He has tricked some + of the shrewdest men in the world. There are no simple children at Green + Fancy. They are men with the brains of foxes and the hearts of wolves. To + deceive you was child's play. You are an honest man. It is always the + honest man who is the victim; he is never the culprit. If honest men were + as smart as the corrupt ones, Mr. Barnes, there would be no such thing as + crime. If the honest man kept one hand on his purse and the other on his + revolver, he would be more than a match for the thief. You were no match + for Chester Naismith. Do not look so glum. The shrewdest police officers + in Europe have never been able to cope with him. Why should you despair?" + </p> + <p> + He sprang to his feet. "By gad, he hasn't got away with it yet," he + grated. "He is only one man against a million. I will set every cog in the + entire police and detective machinery of the United States going. He + cannot escape. They will run him to earth before—" + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Barnes, I have no words to express my gratitude to you for all that + you have done and all that you still would do," she interrupted. "I may + prove it to you, however, by advising you to abandon all efforts to help + me from now on. You did all that you set out to do, and I must ask no more + of you. You risked your life to save a woman who, for all you know, may be + deceiving you with—" + </p> + <p> + "I have not lost all of my senses, Miss Cameron," he said bluntly. "The + few that I retain make me your slave. I shall abandon neither you nor the + effort to recover what my stupidity has cost you. I will run this + scoundrel down if I have to devote the remainder of my life to the task." + </p> + <p> + She sighed. "Alas, I fear that I shall have to tell you a little more + about this wonderful man you know as Sprouse. Six months ago the friends + and supporters of the legitimate successor to my country's throne, + consummated a plan whereby the crown jewels and certain documents of state + were surreptitiously removed from the palace vaults. The act, though meant + to be a loyal and worthy one, was nevertheless nullified by the most + stupendous folly. Instead of depositing the treasure in Paris, it was sent + to this country in charge of a group of men whose fealty could not be + questioned. I am not at liberty to tell you how this treasure was brought + into the United States without detection by the Customs authorities. + Suffice it to say, it was delivered safely to a committee of my countrymen + in New York. There are two contenders for the throne in my land. One is a + prisoner in Austria, the other is at liberty somewhere in—in the + world. The Teutonic Allies are now in possession of my country. It has + been ravished and despoiled." + </p> + <p> + "So far Sprouse's story jibes," said he, as she paused. + </p> + <p> + "My countrymen conceived the notion that Germany would one day conquer + France and over-run England. It was this notion that urged them to put the + treasure beyond all possible chance of its being seized by the conquerors + and turned over to the usurping prince who would be placed on our throne. + </p> + <p> + "As for my part in this unhappy project, it is quite simple. I was not the + only one to be deceived by plotters who far outstripped the original + conspirators in cleverness and guile. The man you know as Loeb is in + reality my cousin. I have known him all my life. He is the youngest + brother of the pretender to the throne, and a cousin of the prince who is + held prisoner by the Austrians. This prince has a brother also, and it was + to him that I was supposed to deliver the jewels. He came to Canada a + month ago, sent by the embassy in Paris. I travelled from New York, but + not alone as you may suspect. I was carefully protected from the time I + left my hotel there until—well, until I arrived in Boston. + </p> + <p> + "While there I received a secret message from friends in Canada directing + me to go to Spanish Falls, where I would be met and conducted to Green + Fancy by Prince Sebastian himself. I was on my way to Halifax when this + message changed my plans. Moreover, the reason given for this change was + an excellent one. It had been discovered that the two men who acted + secretly as my escort were traitors. They were to lead me into a trap + prepared at Portland, where I was to be robbed and detained long enough + for the wretches to make off in safety with their booty. I need not + describe my feelings. I obeyed the directions and stole away at night, + eluding my protectors, and came by devious ways to the place mentioned in + the message. + </p> + <p> + "As you may have guessed by this time, the whole thing was a carefully + planned ruse. The company at Green Fancy,—you may some day know why + they were there,—learned through the man Naismith that the treasure + had been entrusted to me for delivery to Prince Sebastian and his friends + in Halifax. Let me interrupt myself to explain why the Prince did not come + to New York in person, instead of arranging to have the jewels taken to + him at Halifax. He is an officer of high rank in the army. His trip across + the ocean was known to the German secret service. The instant he landed on + American soil, a demand would have been made by the German Embassy for his + detention here for the duration of the war. + </p> + <p> + "I was informed in the message that Prince Sebastian would take me to the + place called Green Fancy, which was near the Canadian border. A safe + escort would be provided for us, and we would be on British soil within a + few hours after our meeting. It is only necessary to add that when I + arrived at Green Fancy I met Prince Ugo,—and understood! I had + carefully covered my tracks after leaving Boston. My real friends were, + and still are, completely in the dark as to my movements, so skilfully was + the trick managed. I shall ask you directly, Mr. Barnes, to wire my + friends in New York and in Halifax, acquainting them with my present + whereabouts and safety. Now, that we know the jewels have been stolen + again, that message need not be delayed. + </p> + <p> + "And now for Chester Naismith. It was he who, acting for the misguided + loyalists and recommended by certain young aristocrats who by virtue of + their own dissipations had come to know him as a man of infinite + resourcefulness and daring, planned and carried out the pillaging of the + palace vaults. Almost under the noses of the foreign guards he succeeded + in obtaining the jewels. No doubt he could have made off with them at that + time, but he shrewdly preferred to have them brought to America by some + one else. It would have been impossible for him to dispose of them in + Europe. The United States was the only place in the world where he could + have sold them. You see how cunning he is? + </p> + <p> + "This much I know: he came to New York with the men who carried the + jewels. He tried to rob them in New York but failed. Then he disappeared. + So carefully guarded were the jewels that he knew there was no chance of + securing them without assistance. For nearly six months they remained in a + safety vault on Fifth Avenue. Evidently he gave up hope and, falling in + with Prince Ugo, joined his party. I do not know this to be the case, but + I am now convinced that he learned of the plan to send the jewels to + Halifax. It was he, I am sure, who conveyed this news to Prince Ugo, who + at once invented the scheme to divert me to this place. + </p> + <p> + "And now comes the remarkable part of the story. When I arrived at Spanish + Falls, there was no one to meet me. The agent, seeing me on the platform + and evidently at a loss which way to turn, accosted me. He offered to + secure a conveyance for me, and was very considerate, but I decided to + call up Green Fancy on the telephone. I wanted to be sure that there was + no trick. To my surprise, O'Dowd came to the telephone. I was greatly + relieved when I actually heard his voice. I have known him for years, and + the belief that he had at last allied himself with Prince Sebastian,—after + being on the opposite side, you see,—was cause for rejoicing. + </p> + <p> + "He was amazed. It seems that I was not expected until the next afternoon. + The car was out on an errand to some little village in the mountains, he + said, but he would telephone at once to see if it could be located. + Afterwards it turned out that the message announcing my arrival a day + ahead of the time agreed upon was never delivered." + </p> + <p> + "Sprouse's fine work, I suppose," put in Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "I haven't the remotest doubt. Nor do I doubt that he intended to waylay + me at some point along the road. O'Dowd failed to catch the car at the + village and was on the point of starting off on horseback to meet me, when + it returned. He sent it ahead and followed on horseback. You know how I + was picked up at the cross-roads. It is all so like one of those picture + puzzles. By putting the meaningless pieces together one obtains a complete + design. The last piece to go into this puzzle is the mishap that befell + Naismith on that very afternoon. He was no doubt thwarted in his design to + waylay me on the road from Spanish Falls by a singular occurrence in this + tavern. He was attacked in his room here shortly after the noon hour, + overpowered, bound and gagged by two men. They carried him to another + room, where he remained until late in the night when he managed to + extricate himself. I have reason to believe that this part of his story is + true. He knew the men. They were thieves as clever and as merciless as + himself. They too were watching for me. I may say to you now, Mr. Barnes, + that he has never posed as an honest man among his associates at Green + Fancy. He glories in his fame as a thief, but until now no one would have + questioned his loyalty to his friends. I do not know how these men learned + of my intention to come to Green Fancy. They—" + </p> + <p> + "They came to this tavern four or five days in advance of your arrival at + Green Fancy," he interrupted. + </p> + <p> + "Are you sure?" she asked in surprise. + </p> + <p> + "Absolutely." + </p> + <p> + "In that case, they could not have known," she said, deeply perplexed. + </p> + <p> + "Sprouse told me that they were secret service men from abroad and that he + was working with them. Putnam Jones, I am sure, believes that they were + detectives. He also believes the same to be true of Sprouse. My theory is + this, and I think it is justified by events. The men were really secret + agents, sent here to watch the movements of the gang up there. They came + upon Sprouse and recognised him. On the day mentioned they overpowered him + and forced him to reveal certain facts connected with affairs at Green + Fancy. Possibly he led them to believe that you were one of the + conspirators. They waited for your arrival and then risked the hazardous + trip to Green Fancy. They were discovered and shot." + </p> + <p> + She could hardly wait for him to finish. "I believe you are right," she + cried. "A little while before the shooting occurred, the house was roused + by a telephone call. I was in my room, but not asleep. I had just realised + my own dreadful predicament. There was a great commotion downstairs, and I + distinctly heard some one say, in my own language, that they were not to + get away alive. It must have been Naismith who telephoned. One of the men, + I have been told, was killed not far from our gates. He was shot, I am + sure, by the man called Nicholas, noted as one of the most marvellous + marksmen in our little army. The other was accounted for by Naismith + himself, who had managed to reach the cross-roads in time to head him off. + Naismith openly boasted of the feat. The greatest consternation prevailed + at Green Fancy because the men succeeded in reaching the highway before + they were shot. Prince Ugo was distracted. He said that the attention of + the public would be directed to Green Fancy and curious investigators were + certain to interfere with the great project he was carrying on." + </p> + <p> + "I believe we have accounted for Mr. Sprouse, and I am no longer + interested in the unravelling of the mystery surrounding the deaths of + Roon and Paul," said he. "There is nothing to keep me here any longer, + Miss Cameron. I suggest that you allow me to escort you at once to your + friends, wherever they—" + </p> + <p> + She was opposed to this plan. While there was still a chance that Sprouse + might be apprehended in the neighbourhood, or the possibility of his being + caught by the relentless pursuers, she declined to leave. + </p> + <p> + "Then, I shall also stay," said he promptly, and was repaid by the + tremulous smile she gave him. His heart was beating like mad, and he knew, + in that instant, just what had happened to him. He was helplessly in love + with this beautiful cousin of kings and queens. And when he thought of + kings and queens he realised that beyond all question his love was + hopeless. + </p> + <p> + "You are very good to me," she said softly. + </p> + <p> + He got up suddenly and walked away. After a moment, in which he regained + control of himself, he returned to her side. + </p> + <p> + "What effect will Mr. Loeb's flight have on the scheme up there, Miss + Cameron?" he inquired, quite steadily. + </p> + <p> + "They will scatter to the four winds, those people," she said. "He would + not have fled unless disaster was staring him in the face. Something has + transpired to defeat his ugly plan. They will all run to cover like so + many rats." + </p> + <p> + "The government of the United States is a good rat-catcher," he said. + </p> + <p> + "The United States would do well to keep the rats out, Mr. Barnes, instead + of allowing them to come here and thrive and multiply and gnaw into its + very vitals." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII — THE SECOND WAYFARER IS TRANSFORMED, AND MARRIAGE IS + FLOUTED + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Rushcroft sent for Barnes at three o'clock. "Come to my room as soon + as possible," was the message delivered by Mr. Bacon. Barnes was taking a + nap. More than that, he was pleasantly dreaming when the pounding fell + upon his door. Awakened suddenly from this elysian dream he leaped from + his bed and rushed to the door, his heart in his mouth. Something sinister + was back of this imperative summons! She was in fresh peril. The gang from + Green Fancy had descended upon the Tavern in force and— + </p> + <p> + "Sorry to disturb you," said Mr. Bacon, as the door flew open, "but he + says it's important. He says—" + </p> + <p> + "I wish you would tell him to go to the devil," said Barnes wrathfully. + </p> + <p> + "Superfluous, I assure you, sir. He says that everything and everybody is + going to the devil, so—" + </p> + <p> + "If he wants to see me why doesn't he come to my room? Why should I go to + his?" + </p> + <p> + "Lord bless you, don't you know that it's one of the prerogatives of a + star to insist on people coming to him instead of the other way about? + What's the use of being a star if you can't—" + </p> + <p> + "Tell him I will come when I get good and ready." + </p> + <p> + "Quite so," said Mr. Bacon absently. He did not retire, but stood in the + door, evidently weighing something that was on his mind and considering + the best means of relieving himself of the mental burden. "Ahem!" he + coughed. "Miss Thackeray advises me that you have expressed a generous + interest in our personal"—(He stepped inside the room and closed the + door)—"er—in our private future, so to speak, and I take this + opportunity to thank you, Mr. Barnes. If it isn't asking too much of you, + I'd like you to say a word or two in my behalf to the old man. You might + tell him that you believe I have a splendid future before me,—and + you wouldn't be lying, let me assure you,—and that there is no doubt + in your mind that a Broadway engagement is quite imminent. A word from you + to one of the Broadway managers, by the way, would—" + </p> + <p> + "You want me to intercede for you in the matter of two engagements instead + of one, is that it?" + </p> + <p> + "I am already engaged to Miss Thackeray,—in a way. The better way to + put it would be for you to intercede in the matter of one marriage and one + engagement. I think he would understand the situation much better if you + put it in that way." + </p> + <p> + "Have you spoken to Mr. Rushcroft about it?" + </p> + <p> + "Only in a roundabout way. I told him I'd beat his head off if he ever + spoke to Miss Thackeray again as he did last night." + </p> + <p> + "Well, that's a fair sort of start," said Barnes, who was brushing his + hair. "What did he say to that?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know. I had to close the door rather hastily. If he said anything + at all it was after the chair hit the door. Ahem! That was last night. He + is as nice as pie this afternoon, so I have an idea that he busted the + chair and doesn't want old Jones to find out about it." + </p> + <p> + "I will say a good word for you," said Barnes, grinning. + </p> + <p> + He found Mr. Rushcroft in a greatly perturbed state of mind. + </p> + <p> + "I've had telegrams from the three people I mentioned to you, Barnes, and + the damned ingrates refuse to join us unless they get their railroad fares + to Crowndale. Moreover, they had the insolence to send the telegrams + collect. The more you do for the confounded bums, the more they ask. I + once had a leading woman who—" + </p> + <p> + Barnes was in no humour to listen to the long-winded reminiscences of the + "star," so he cut him short at once. He ascertained that the "ingrates" + were in New York, on their "uppers," and that they could not accomplish + the trip to Crowndale unless railroad tickets were provided. The + difficulty was bridged in short order by telegrams requesting the distant + players to apply the next day at his office in New York where tickets to + Crowndale would be given them. He telegraphed his office to buy the + tickets and hold them for Miss Milkens, Mr. Hatcher and Mr. Fling. + </p> + <p> + "That completes one of the finest companies, Mr. Barnes, that ever took + the road," said Mr. Rushcroft warmly, forgetting his animosity. "You will + never be associated with a more evenly balanced company of players, sir. I + congratulate you upon your wonderful good fortune in having such a cast + for 'The Duke's Revenge.' If you can maintain a similar standard of + excellence in all of your future productions, you will go down in history + as the most astute theatrical manager of the day." + </p> + <p> + Barnes winced, but was game. "When do you start rehearsals, Rushcroft?" + </p> + <p> + "It is my plan to go to Crowndale to-morrow or the next day, where I shall + meet my company. Rehearsals will undoubtedly start at once. That would + give us—let me see—Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday—four + days. We open on Tuesday night. Oh, by the way, I have engaged a young + woman of most unusual talent to take the minor part of Hortense. You may + have noticed her in the dining-room. Miss Rosamond—er—where + did I put that card?—ah, yes, Miss Floribel Blivens. The poor idiot + insists on Blivens, desiring to perpetuate the family monicker. I have + gotten rid of her spectacles, however, and the name that the prehistoric + Blivenses gave her at the christening." + </p> + <p> + "You—you don't mean Miss Tilly?" + </p> + <p> + "I do. She is to give notice to Jones to-day. There are more ways than one + of getting even with a scurvy caitiff. In this case, I take old Jones's + best waitress away from him, and, praise God, he'll never find another + that will stick to him for eighteen years as she has done." + </p> + <p> + O'Dowd returned late in the afternoon. He was in a hurry to get back to + Green Fancy; there was no mistaking his uneasiness. He drew Barnes aside. + </p> + <p> + "For the love of Heaven, Barnes, get her away from here as soon as + possible, and do it as secretly as you can," he said. "I may as well tell + you that she is in more danger from the government secret service than + from any one up yonder. Understand, I'm not pleading guilty to anything, + but I shall be far, far away from here meself before another sunrise. That + ought to mean something to you." + </p> + <p> + "But she has done no wrong. She has not laid herself liable to—" + </p> + <p> + "That isn't the point. She has been up there with us, and you don't want + to put her in the position of having to answer a lot of nasty questions + they'll be after asking her if they get their hands on her. She might be + weeks or months clearing herself, innocent though she be. Mind you, she is + as square as anything; she is in no way mixed up with our affairs up + there. But I'm giving you the tip. Sneak her out as soon as you can, and + don't leave any trail." + </p> + <p> + "She may prefer to face the music, O'Dowd. If I know her at all, she will + refuse to run away." + </p> + <p> + "Then ye'll have to kidnap her," said the Irishman earnestly. "There will + be men swarming here from both sides of the border by to-morrow night or + next day. I've had direct information. The matter is in the hands of the + people at Washington and they are in communication with Ottawa this + afternoon. Never mind how I found it out. It's the gospel truth, and—it's + going to be bad for all of us if we're here when they come." + </p> + <p> + "Who is she, O'Dowd? Man to man, tell me the truth. I want to know just + where I stand." + </p> + <p> + O'Dowd hesitated, looked around the tap-room, and then leaned across the + table. + </p> + <p> + "She is the daughter of Andreas Mara-Dafanda, former minister of war in + the cabinet of Prince Bolaroz the Sixth. Her mother was first cousin to + the Prince. Both father and mother are dead. And for that matter, so is + Bolaroz the Sixth. He was killed early in this war. His brother, a + prisoner in Austria, as you may already know, is the next in line for the + throne,—if the poor devil lives to get it back from the Huns. Miss + Cameron is in reality the Countess Therese Mara-Dafanda—familiarly + and lovingly known in her own land as the Countess Ted. She was visiting + in this country when the war broke out. If it is of any use to you, I'll + add that she would be rich if Aladdin could only come to life and restore + the splendours of the demolished castle, refill the chests of gold that + have been emptied by the conquerors, and restock the farms that have been + pillaged and devastated. In the absence of Aladdin, however, she is almost + as poor as the ancient church-mouse. But she has a fortune of her own. Two + of the most glorious rubies in the world represent her lips; her eyes are + sapphires that put to shame the rocks of all the Sultans; when she smiles, + you may look upon pearls that would make the Queen of Sheba's trinkets + look like chinaware; her skin is of the rarest and richest velvet; her + hair is all silk and a yard wide; and, best of all, she has a heart of + pure gold. So there you are, me man. Half the royal progeny of Europe have + been suitors for her hand, and the other half would be if they didn't + happen to be of the same sex." + </p> + <p> + "Is she likely to—er—marry any one of them, O'Dowd?" + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean, is she betrothed to one of the royal nuts? If I were her + worst enemy I couldn't wish her anything as bad as that. The world is full + of regular men,—like meself, for example,—and 'twould be a + pity to see her wasted upon anything so cheap as a king." + </p> + <p> + "Then, she isn't?" + </p> + <p> + "Isn't what?" + </p> + <p> + "Betrothed." + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" He squinted his eyes drolly. "Bedad, if she is, she's kept it a + secret from me. Have you aspirations, me friend?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly not," said Barnes sharply. "By the way, you have mentioned + Prince Bolaroz the Sixth, but you haven't given a name to the country he + ruled." + </p> + <p> + O'Dowd stared. "The Saints preserve us! Is the man a numbskull? Are you + saying that you don't know who and what—My God, such ignorance + bewilders me!" + </p> + <p> + "Painful as it may be to you, O'Dowd, I don't seem able to place Bolaroz + in his proper realm." + </p> + <p> + "Whist, then!" He put his hand to his mouth and whispered a name. + </p> + <p> + An incredulous expression came into Barnes's eyes. "Are you jesting with + me, O'Dowd?" + </p> + <p> + "I am not." + </p> + <p> + "But I thought it was nothing more than a make-believe, imaginary land, + cooked up by some hair-brained novelist for the purpose of—" + </p> + <p> + "Well, ye know better now," said O'Dowd crisply. "Good-bye. I must be on + my way. Deliver my best wishes to her, Barnes, and say that if she ever + needs a friend Billy O'Dowd is the boy to respond to any call she sends + out. God willing, I may see her again some day,—and I'll say the + same to you, old man." He arose and held out his hand. "I'm trusting to + you to get her away from these parts before the rat-catchers come. Don't + let 'em bother her. Good-bye and good luck forever." + </p> + <p> + "You are a brick, O'Dowd. I want to see you again. You will always find me—" + </p> + <p> + "Thanks. Don't issue any rash invitations. I might take you up." He strode + to the door, followed by Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "Is there anything to be feared from this Prince Ugo or the crowd up + there?" + </p> + <p> + "There would be if they knew where they could lay their hands on her + inside of the next ten hours. She could a tale unfold, and they wouldn't + like that. Keep her under cover here till—well, till THAT danger is + past and then keep her out of the danger that is to come." + </p> + <p> + Barnes started upstairs as soon as O'Dowd was off, urged by an eagerness + that put wings on his feet and a thrill of excitement in his blood. Half + way up he stopped short. A new condition confronted him. What was the + proper way to approach a person of royal blood? Certainly it wasn't right + to go galumping upstairs and bang on her door, and saunter in as if she + were just like any one else. He would have to think. + </p> + <p> + When he resumed his upward progress it was with a chastened and + deferential mien. Pausing at her door, he was at once aware of voices + inside the room. He stood there for some time before he realised that Miss + Thackeray was repeating, with theatric fervour, though haltingly, as much + of her "part" as she could remember, evidently to the satisfaction of the + cousin of princes, for there were frequent interruptions which had all the + symptoms of applause. + </p> + <p> + He rapped on the door, but so timorously that nothing came of it. His + second effort was productive. He heard Miss Thackeray say "good gracious," + and, after a moment, Miss Cameron's subdued: "What is it?" + </p> + <p> + "May I come in?" he inquired, rather ashamed of his vigour. "It's only + Barnes." + </p> + <p> + "Come in," was her lively response. "It was awfully good of you, Miss + Thackeray, to let me hear your lines. I think you will be a great success + in the part." + </p> + <p> + "Thanks," said Miss Thackeray drily. "I'll come in again and let you hear + me in the third act." She went out, mumbling her lines as she passed + Barnes without seeing him. + </p> + <p> + "Forgive me for not arising, Mr. Barnes," said Royalty, a wry little smile + on her lips. "I fear I twisted it more severely than I thought at first. + It is really quite painful." + </p> + <p> + "Your ankle?" he cried in surprise. "When and how did it happen? I'm + sorry, awfully sorry." + </p> + <p> + "It happened last night, just as we were crossing the ditch in front—" + </p> + <p> + "Last night? Why didn't you tell me? Don't you know that it's wrong to + walk with a sprained ankle? Don't—" + </p> + <p> + "Don't be angry with me," she pleaded. "You could not have done anything." + </p> + <p> + "Couldn't I, though? I certainly could have carried you the rest of the + way,—and upstairs." He was conscious of a strange exasperation. He + felt as though he had been deliberately cheated out of something. + </p> + <p> + "You poor man! I am quite heavy." + </p> + <p> + "Pooh! A hundred and twenty-five at the outside. Do you think I'm a + weakling?" + </p> + <p> + "Please, please!" she cried. "You look so—so furious. I know you are + very, very strong,—but so am I. Why should I expect you to carry me + all that distance when—" + </p> + <p> + "But, good Lord," he blurted out, "I would have loved to do it. I can't + imagine anything more—I—I—" He broke off in confusion. + </p> + <p> + She smiled divinely. "Alas, it is too late now. But—" she went on + gaily, "you may yet have the pleasure of carrying me downstairs, Mr. + Barnes. Will that appease your wrath?" + </p> + <p> + He flushed. "I'm sorry I—" + </p> + <p> + "See," she said, "it is nicely bandaged,—and if you could see + through the bandages you would find it dreadfully swollen. That nice Miss + Thackeray doctored me. What a quaint person she is." + </p> + <p> + His brow clouded once more. "I hope you will feel able to leave this place + to-morrow, Countess. We must get away almost immediately." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, you have been listening to O'Dowd, I see." + </p> + <p> + "Yes. He tells me it will be dangerous to—" + </p> + <p> + "I was thinking of something else that he must have told you. You forgot + to address me as Miss Cameron." + </p> + <p> + "I might have gone even farther and called you the Countess Ted," he said. + </p> + <p> + She sighed. "It was rather nice being Miss Cameron to you, Mr. Barnes. You + will not let it make any difference, will you? I mean to say, you will be + just the same as if I were still Miss Cameron and not—some one + else?" + </p> + <p> + "I will be just the same," he said, leaning a little closer. "I am not so + easily frightened as all that, you know." + </p> + <p> + She looked into his eyes for a moment, and then turned her own swiftly + away. Entranced, he watched the delicate colour steal into her cheek. + </p> + <p> + "You are just like other women," he said thickly, "and I am like other + men. We can't help being what we are, Countess. Flesh and blood mortals, + that's all. If a cat may look at a king, why may not I look at a + countess?" + </p> + <p> + She met his gaze, but not steadily. Her deep blue eyes were filled with a + vague wonder; she seemed to be searching for something in his to explain + the sudden embarrassment that had come over her. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, I do not understand you American men," she murmured, shaking her + head. "A king would have found as much pleasure in looking at Miss Cameron + as at a countess. Why shouldn't YOU?" A radiant smile lighted her face. + "The king would not think of reproving the cat. I see no reason why you + should not look at a poor little countess with impunity." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think it would be possible for you to understand me any better as + Miss Cameron?" he asked bluntly. + </p> + <p> + "I think perhaps it would," she said, the smile fading. + </p> + <p> + "Then, I shall continue to look upon you as Miss Cameron, Countess. It + will make it easier for both of us." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," she said, a little sadly, "I am sure Miss Cameron would not be half + so dense as the Countess. She would understand perfectly. She has grown to + be a very discerning person, Mr. Barnes, notwithstanding her extreme + youth. Miss Cameron is only four days old, you see." + </p> + <p> + He bowed very low and said: "My proudest boast is that I have known her + since the day she was born. If I had the tongue and the courage of O'Dowd + I might add a great deal to that statement." + </p> + <p> + "A great deal that you would not say to a countess?" she asked, playing + with fire. + </p> + <p> + "A great deal that a child four days old could hardly be expected to + grasp, Miss Cameron," he replied, pointedly. "Having lived to a great age + myself, and acquired wisdom, I appreciate the futility of uttering + profound truths to an infant in arms." + </p> + <p> + She beamed. "O'Dowd could not have done any better than that," she cried. + Then quickly, even nervously, as he was about to speak again: "Now, tell + me all that Mr. O'Dowd had to say." + </p> + <p> + He seated himself and repeated the Irishman's warning. Her eyes clouded as + he went on; utter dejection came into them. + </p> + <p> + "He is right. It would be difficult for me to clear myself. My own people + would be against me. No one would believe that I did not deliberately make + off with the jewels. They would say that I—oh, it is too dreadful!" + </p> + <p> + "Don't worry about that," he exclaimed. "You have me to testify that—" + </p> + <p> + "How little you know of intrigue," she cried. "They would laugh at you and + say that you were merely another fool who had lost his head over a woman. + They would say that I duped you—" + </p> + <p> + "No!" he cried vehemently. "Your people know better than you think. You + are disheartened, discouraged. Things will look brighter to-morrow. Good + heavens, think how much worse it might have been. That—that infernal + brute was going to force you into a vile, unholy marriage. He—By the + way," he broke off abruptly, "I have been thinking a lot about what you + told me. He couldn't have married you without your consent. Such a + marriage would never hold in a court of—" + </p> + <p> + "You are wrong," she said quietly. "He could have married me without my + consent, and it would have held,—not in one of your law courts, I + dare say, but in the court to which he and I belong by laws that were made + centuries before America was discovered. A prince of the royal house may + wed whom and when he chooses, provided he does not look too far beneath + his station. He may not wed a commoner. The state would not recognise such + a union. My consent was not necessary." + </p> + <p> + "But you are in my country now, not in yours," he argued. "Our laws would + have protected you." + </p> + <p> + "You do not understand. Marriages such as he contemplated are made every + year in Europe. Do you suppose that the royal marriages you read about in + the newspapers are made with the consent of the poor little princes and + princesses? Your laws are one thing, Mr. Barnes; our courts are another. + Need I be more explicit?" + </p> + <p> + "I think I understand," he said slowly. "Poor wretches!" + </p> + <p> + "Prince Ugo is of royal blood. I am not too far beneath him. In my country + his word is the law. The marriage that was to have been celebrated to-day + at Green Fancy would have bound me to him forever. It would have been + recognised in my country as legal. I have not the right of appeal. I would + not even be permitted to question his right to make me his wife against my + will. He is a prince. His will is law." + </p> + <p> + "Isn't love allowed to enter into a—" + </p> + <p> + "Love?" she scorned. "What has love to do with it? There isn't a queen in + all the world who loves—or loved, I would better say,—the man + she married. Some of them may have grown afterwards to love their kings, + because all kings are not alike. You may be quite sure, however, that the + wives of kings and princes did not marry their ideals; they did not marry + the men they loved. So, you see, it wouldn't have mattered in the least to + Prince Ugo whether I loved him or hated him. It was all the same to him. + It was enough that he loved me and wanted me. And besides, laying + sentiment aside, it wouldn't have been a bad stroke of business on his + part. He has a fair chance to sit on the throne of our country. By placing + me beside him on the throne he would be taking a long step toward uniting + the factions that are now bitterly opposing each other. I am able to + discuss all this very calmly with you now, Mr. Barnes, for the nightmare + is ended. I am here with you, alive and well. If you had not come for me + last night, I would now be sleeping the long sleep at Green Fancy." + </p> + <p> + "You—you would have taken your own life?" he said, in a shocked + voice. + </p> + <p> + "I would have spared myself the horror of letting him destroy it in a + slower, more painful fashion," she said, compressing her lips. + </p> + <p> + He did not speak at once. Looking into her troubled eyes, he said, after a + soulful moment: "I am glad that I came in time. You were made to love and + be loved. The man you love,—if there ever be one so fortunate,—will + be my debtor to the end of his days. I glorify myself for having been + instrumental in saving you for him." + </p> + <p> + "If there ever be one so fortunate," she mused. Suddenly her mood changed. + A new kind of despair came into her lovely eyes, a plaintive note into her + voice. (I may be pardoned for declaring that she became, in the twinkling + of an eye, a real flesh and blood woman.) "I don't know what I shall do + unless I can get something to wear, Mr. Barnes. I haven't a thing, you + see. This suit is—well, you can see what it is. I—" + </p> + <p> + "I've never seen a more attractive suit," he pronounced. "I said as much + to myself the first time I saw it, the other evening at the cross-roads. + It fits—" + </p> + <p> + "But I cannot LIVE in it, you know. My boxes are up at Green Fancy,—two + small ones for steamer use. Everything I have in the world is in them. + Pray do not look so forlorn. You really couldn't have carried them, Mr. + Barnes, and I shudder when I think of what would have happened to you if I + had tumbled them out of the window upon your head. You would have been + squashed, and it isn't unlikely that you would have aroused every one in + the house with your groans and curses." + </p> + <p> + "I dropped a trunk on my toes one time," he said, grinning with a delight + that had nothing to do with the reminiscence. She was quaintly humorous + once more, and he was happy. "I think one swears more prodigiously when a + trunk falls on his toes than he does when it drops on his head. There is + something wonderfully quieting and soothing about a trunk lighting on + one's head from a great height. Don't worry about your boxes. I have a + feeling it will be perfectly safe to call for them with a wagon + to-morrow." + </p> + <p> + "I don't know what I should do without you," she said. + </p> + <p> + That evening at supper, Barnes and Mr. Rushcroft, to say nothing of three + or four "transients," had great cause for complaint about the service. + Miss Tilly was wholly pre-occupied. She was memorising her "part." Instead + of asking Mr. Rushcroft whether he would have bean soup or noodles, she + wanted to know whether she should speak the line this way or that. She had + a faraway, strained look in her eyes, and she mumbled so incessantly that + one of the guests got up and went out to see Mr. Jones about it. Being + assured that she was just a plain damn' fool and not crazy, he returned + and said a great many unpleasant things in the presence of Miss Tilly, who + fortunately did not hear them. + </p> + <p> + "You've spoiled a very good waitress, Rushcroft," said Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "And a very good appetite as well," growled the Star. + </p> + <p> + Late in the night, Barnes, sitting at his window dreaming dreams, saw two + big touring cars whiz past the tavern. The next morning Peter Ames, the + chauffeur, called him up on the telephone to inquire whether he had heard + anything more about the job on his sister's place. He was anxious to know, + he said, because everybody had cleared out of Green Fancy during the night + and he had received instructions to lock up the house and look for another + situation. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII — MR. SPROUSE CONTINUES TO BE PERPLEXING, BUT PUTS HIS + NOSE TO THE GROUND + </h2> + <p> + The morning air was soft with the first real touch of spring. A quiet haze + lay over the valley; the lofty hills were enjoying a peaceful smoke, and + the sky was as blue as the turquoise. Birds shrilled a fresh, gay carol; + the song of the anvil had a new thrill of joy in every inspiring note; the + cawing of crows travelled melodiously across the fields, roosters split + their throats in vociferous acclaim to the distant sun, and hens clucked a + complacent chorus. The rattle of kitchen pans was melody to the ear + instead of torture; the squeaking of pigs in the sty beyond the stable + yard took on the dignity of music; and the blue smoke that rose from + chimneys near and far went dancing up to wed the smiling sky. + </p> + <p> + Barnes was abroad early. Very greatly to his annoyance, he had slept long + and soundly throughout the night. He was annoyed because he had made up + his mind that as her protector he would be most negligent if he went to + sleep at all, with all those frightened varlets hovering around ready to + go to any extreme in order to save their skins. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, he left his door slightly ajar and laid his revolver on a chair + beside the bed, in which, with the aid of a lantern, he promised himself + to keep the vigil, stretched out in his daytime garb, prepared for instant + action, the while he enriched his mind by reading "The Man of Property." + But he fell to dreaming with his eyes wide open, and few were the pages he + turned. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly it was broad daylight and the wick in the lantern smelled + horribly. He popped from the bed, rubbed his eyes, and then dashed out in + the hall, expecting to come upon sanguinary evidence of a raid during the + night. To his amazement, there were no visible signs of an attack upon the + house. It seemed incredible that his defection had not been attended by + results too horrible to contemplate. By all the laws of fate, she should + now be either dead or at the very least, frightfully mutilated. Something + like that invariably happens when a sentinel sleeps at his post, or an + engineer drowses in his cab. But nothing of the sort had happened. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bacon, sweeping the front stairs, assured him between yawns that he + hadn't heard a sound in the Tavern after half-past ten,—at which + hour he went to bed and to sleep. + </p> + <p> + Barnes was at breakfast when Peter Ames called up. An inspiration seized + him when the chauffeur mentioned the wholesale exodus: he hired Peter + forthwith and ordered him to report immediately,—with the car. He + was going up to Green Fancy for Miss Cameron's "boxes." + </p> + <p> + Whether it was the fresh, sweet smell of the earth that caused him to + saunter forth from the Tavern, and to adventure across the road to the + foot of the great old oak, or the ripening of spring in his blood, is of + no immediate consequence here. He had no reason for going over there to + lean against the tree and light his after-breakfast pipe,—unless, of + course, it be argued that the position afforded a fair and excellent view + of the window in Miss Cameron's room. The shutters were open and the low + sash was raised. + </p> + <p> + Presently she appeared at the window, and smiled down upon him. The spell + was at its height; the charm that had clothed the morning with enchantment + was now complete. + </p> + <p> + He waved his hand. "The top o' the morning," he cried. + </p> + <p> + "I detect coffee," she returned, "and, oh, how good it smells. Have you + had yours?" + </p> + <p> + "Ages ago," he replied, ecstatically. + </p> + <p> + She placed her elbows on the sill and her chin in the palms of her hands. + The loose sleeves of Miss Thackeray's bizarre dressing gown fell away, + revealing two round, smooth, white arms. The sun shot its mellow light + into the ripples of her tousled hair, and it shone like burnished gold. + Her white teeth gleamed against the red of her smiling lips. He was + fascinated. + </p> + <p> + The automobile driven by Peter Ames too soon came roaring and rattling up + the pike. She withdrew her head, after twice being warned by Barnes not to + reveal herself to the view of skulkers who might infest the wood beyond,—and + each time his reward was a delightfully stubborn shake of the head and the + ruthless assertion that on such a heavenly morning as this she didn't mind + in the least if all the spies in the world were gazing at her. + </p> + <p> + Two minutes after Peter drove up to the Tavern he was on the way back to + Green Fancy again, and seated beside him was Thomas Kingsbury Barnes, his + new master. + </p> + <p> + "Needn't be afraid of trespassin'," said Peter when Barnes advised him to + go slow as they turned off the road into the forest. "Nobody's going to + object. You c'n yell, and shoot, and raise all the thunder you want, an' + there won't be nobody runnin' out to tell you to shut up. Might as well + try to disturb a graveyard." + </p> + <p> + There was not a sign of human life about the place. Peter, without + compunction, admitted his employer through the back door of the house, and + accompanied him upstairs to the room recently occupied by Miss Cameron. + </p> + <p> + "Course," he said, but not uneasily, "I'm not supposed to let anybody + remove anything from the house as long as I'm employed as caretaker." + </p> + <p> + "But you are no longer employed as caretaker. You were discharged and you + are now working for me, Peter." + </p> + <p> + "That's so," said Peter, scratching his head. "Makes all the difference in + the world. I never thought of that. Come to think of it, I guess Miss + Cameron needs clothes as much as anybody. The rest of 'em took all their + duds away with 'em, you c'n bet. Would you know Miss Cameron's clothes if + you was to see 'em?" + </p> + <p> + "Perfectly," said Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "That's good," said Peter, relieved. "Clothes seem to look purty much + alike to me, specially women's." + </p> + <p> + They found the two small leather trunks, thickly belabelled, in the room + upstairs. Both were locked. + </p> + <p> + "I don't see how you're going to identify 'em without seein' 'em," said + Peter dubiously. + </p> + <p> + Barnes looked at him sternly. "Peter, be good enough to remember that you + are working for a man of the most highly developed powers of divination. + Do you get that?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir," said Peter honestly; "I don't." + </p> + <p> + "Well, if I were to say to you that I possess the singular ability to see + a thing without actually seeing it, what would you say?" + </p> + <p> + "I wouldn't say anything, because I don't think it helps a man any to call + his boss a liar." + </p> + <p> + "You take this one," said Barnes, without further parley, "and I will + manage the other." He was in a hurry to get away from the house. There was + no telling when the government agents would descend upon the place. He was + at a loss to understand O'Dowd's failure to remove the trunks which would + so surely draw the attention of the authorities to the girl he seemed so + eager to shield. "And, by the way," he added, as they descended the stairs + with the trunks on their backs, "you may as well get your own things + together, Peter. We start on a long motor trip to-night. I am afraid we + shall have to steal the automobile, if you don't mind." + </p> + <p> + "It belongs to me, sir," said Peter. "Mr. O'Dowd gave it to me yesterday, + with his compliments. It seems that he had word from his sister to reward + me for long and faithful service. Special cablegram from London or + England, I forget which." + </p> + <p> + "Did Mr. Curtis leave with the others last night?" inquired Barnes, + setting the trunk down on the brick pavement outside the door. + </p> + <p> + "'Pears that he left a couple of days ago," said Peter, vastly perplexed. + "By gosh, I don't see how he done it, 'thout me knowin' anything about it. + Derned queer, that's all I got to say, man as sick as he is." + </p> + <p> + Barnes did not enlighten him. He helped Peter to lift the trunks into the + car and then ordered him to start at once for Hart's Tavern. + </p> + <p> + "You can return later on for your things," he said. + </p> + <p> + "I got 'em tied up in a bundle in the garage, Mr. Burns," he said. "Won't + take a second to get 'em out." He hurried around the corner of the house, + leaving Barnes alone with the car. + </p> + <p> + A dry, quiet chuckle fell upon Barnes's ears. He glanced about in surprise + and alarm. No one was in sight. + </p> + <p> + "Look up, young man," and the startled young man obeyed. His gaze halted + at a window on the second story, almost directly over his head. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Sprouse was looking down upon him, his sharp features fixed in a + sardonic grin. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I'll be damned!" burst from Barnes's lips. He could not believe his + eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Surprised to see me, eh? If you're not in a hurry, I'd certainly + appreciate a lift as far as the Tavern, old man. I'll be down in a jiffy." + </p> + <p> + "Hold on! What the deuce does all this mean? How do you happen to be here, + and where are the—" + </p> + <p> + "Sh! Not so loud! Don't get excited. I dare say you know all there is to + know about me by this time, so we needn't waste time over trifles. Stand + aside! I'm going to drop." A moment later he swung over the sill, and + dropped lightly to the ground eight feet below. Dusting his hands, he + advanced and extended one of them to the bewildered Barnes. "Oh, you won't + shake, eh? Well, it doesn't matter. I don't blame you." + </p> + <p> + "See here, Sprouse or whatever your name is,—" + </p> + <p> + "Cool off! I'll explain in ten words. I didn't get the stuff. I came back + this morning to have a quiet, undisturbed look around. My only reason for + revealing myself to you now, Barnes, is to ask your assistance in—" + </p> + <p> + "Ask my assistance, you infernal rogue!" roared Barnes. "Why, I'll—I'll—" + </p> + <p> + "Better hear me out," broke in Sprouse calmly. + </p> + <p> + "I could drill a hole through you so quickly you'd never know what did + it," he went on. His hand was in his coat pocket, and a quick glance + revealed to Barnes a singularly impressive angle in the cloth, the point + of which seemed to be directed squarely at his chest. "But I'm not going + to do it. I just want to set myself straight with you. In a word, I never + got anywhere near the room in which the jewels were hidden. This is God's + truth, Barnes. I didn't stick a knife into that poor devil up there the + other night. Here's what actually happened. I—" + </p> + <p> + "Wait a moment. You intended to steal the jewels, didn't you? You were not + playing fair with me then, so why should I put any faith in you now?" + </p> + <p> + "Honest confession is good for the soul," said Sprouse easily. "I wasn't + the only one who was trying to get the baubles, my friend. It was a game + in which only the best man could win." + </p> + <p> + "I know the truth now about Roon and Paul," said Barnes significantly. + </p> + <p> + "You do?" sneered Sprouse. "I'll bet you a thousand to one you do not. If + the girl told you what she believes to be true, she didn't have it + straight at all. She was led to believe that they were a couple of crooks + and that they fixed me in that Tavern down there. Isn't that what she told + you? Well, that story was cooked up for her special benefit. I don't mind + telling you the truth about them, and you can tell it to her. Roon was the + Baron Hedlund—But all this can wait. Now—" + </p> + <p> + "Did you shoot either of those men?" + </p> + <p> + "I did not. Baron Hedlund was shot, I firmly believe, by Prince Ugo. I + might as well go on with the story now and have it over with. Tell that + chauffeur to take a little stroll. He doesn't have to hear the story, you + know. Hedlund came up here a week or so ago to keep a look-out for his + wife. The Baroness is supposed to be deeply enamoured of Prince Ugo. He + found letters which seemed to indicate that she was planning to join the + Prince up here. In any event, he came to watch. Well, she didn't come. She + had been headed off, but he didn't know that. When he heard of the arrival + of a lady at Green Fancy the other afternoon, he got busy. He went right + up there with blood in his eye. I admit that I am the gentleman who + telephoned the warning up to the Prince. They tried to head the Baron and + his man off at the cross-roads, but he beat them to it. If there was to be + a fight, they didn't want it to happen anywhere near the house. Part of + them, led by Ugo himself, took a short cut up through the woods and met + the two men in the road. + </p> + <p> + "There is only one man in the world to-day who is a better shot at night + than Prince Ugo, and modesty keeps me from mentioning his illustrious + name. That's why I believe Ugo is the one who got the Baron,—or + Roon, as you know him. The other fellow was halted at the cross-roads when + he made a run for it. A couple of men had been sent there for just such an + emergency. Hedlund was a curiously chivalrous chap. He went to extreme + measures to protect his wife's good name by wiping out all means of + identification. His wife's good name! It is to laugh! Now, that is the + true story of the little affair, and if you are as much of a gentleman as + I take you to be, Barnes, you will respect Hedlund's desire to shield the + woman he loved, and let him lie up yonder in an unmarked grave. That is + what he figured on, you know, in case things went against him, and I'll + stake my head that if you put it up to the Countess Therese, she will feel + as I do about it. She will beg you to keep the secret. Hedlund was a + lifelong friend of her family. He was beloved by all of them. He married + an actress in Vienna three or four years ago. On second thoughts, if I + were you I'd spare the Countess. I'd let her go on thinking that the story + she has heard is true,—at least for the time being. She's a nice + girl and there's no sense in giving her any unnecessary pain. But that's + up to you. You can do as you please about it. + </p> + <p> + "Now to go back to my own troubles. When I got out into the hall night + before last, after leaving her room, I heard voices whispering in Prince + Ugo's room. Naturally I thought that some one had lamped us on the + outside, and that I was likely to be in a devil of a mess if I wasn't + careful. The last place for me to go was back into her room. They would + cut me off from the outside. So I beat it up the stairway into the attic. + Nothing happened, so I sneaked down to have a peep around. The door to + Ugo's room was open, but there was no light on the inside. He came to the + door and looked up and down the hall. Then some one else came out and + started to sneak away. I leave you to guess the sex. + </p> + <p> + "Nicholas butted in at this unfortunate juncture. He made the mistake of + his life. I could see him as plain as day, standing in the hall grinning + like an ape. Ugo jumped back into his room. In less than a second he was + out again. He landed squarely on Nicholas's back as the fellow turned to + escape. I saw the steel flash. Poor old Nick went down in a heap, letting + out a horrible yell. Ugo dragged him into the room and dashed back into + his own. A moment later he came out again, yelling for help. I heard him + shouting that the house had been robbed,—and in two seconds there + was an uproar all over the place. I thought I was done for. But he had + them all rushing downstairs, yelling that the thief had gone that way. + There was only one thing left for me to do and that was to get out on the + roof if possible, and wait for things to quiet down. I got out through a + trap door and stayed there for an hour or so. They were beating the forest + for the thief, and I give you my word, believe it or not, I actually sent + up a prayer, Barnes, that you had got off safely with the girl. I prayed + harder than I ever dreamed a man could pray. + </p> + <p> + "Well, to shorten the story, I finally took a chance and slid down to the + eaves where I managed to find the limb of a tree big enough to support me,—just + as if the Lord had ordered it put there for my special benefit. I was soon + on the ground, and that meant safety for me. I had heard Ugo tell the + others that Nicholas said the man who stabbed him was yours truly. Can you + beat it? And then every mother's son of them declared it was a feat that + no one else in the world could have pulled off but me, and as I was + nowhere to be found, it was only natural that all of them should believe + the lie that Ugo told. + </p> + <p> + "And now comes the maddening part of the whole business. He said that the + crown jewels were gone! I heard him telling how he was awakened out of a + sound sleep by a man with a gun, who forced him to open the safe and hand + over the treasure. Then he said he was put to sleep again by a crack over + the head with a slung-shot. He was only partially stunned,—Lord, + what a liar!—and came to in time to hear the struggle across the + hall. The thief was running downstairs when he staggered to the door. It + seems that the door at the bottom of the steps had not been closed that + night. + </p> + <p> + "Now, my dear Mr. Barnes, when I asked you to lend your assistance awhile + ago, it was only to have you tell me when it was that Mr. Loeb left this + place, which way he went, and who accompanied him. If we are to find the + crown jewels, my friend, we will first have to find Prince Ugo. He has + them." + </p> + <p> + Barnes had not taken his eyes from the face of this amazing rascal during + the whole of the recital. He had been deceived in him before; he was + determined not to be fooled again. + </p> + <p> + "I don't believe a word of this yarn," he said flatly. "You have the + jewels and—" + </p> + <p> + "Don't be an ass," snapped Sprouse. "If I had them do you suppose I'd be + fiddling around here to-day? Not much. I saw the gang making their getaway + last night, and I saw Peter depart this morning. I concluded to have a + look about the place. Hope springs eternal, you know. There was a bare + possibility that he might have forgotten them!" He scowled as he grinned, + and never had Barnes looked upon a countenance so evil. + </p> + <p> + "Why should I tell YOU anything about Prince Ugo? It would only be helping + you to carry out the game—" + </p> + <p> + "Look here, Mr. Barnes, I'm not going to double-cross you again. That's + all over. I want to get that scurvy dog who knifed poor old Nick. Nick was + a decent, square man. He wasn't a crook. He was a patriot, if such a thing + exists in this world to-day. If you can give me a lead, I'll try to run + Prince Ugo down. And if I do, we'll get the jewels." + </p> + <p> + "We? You amuse me, Sprouse." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I can't do any more than give my promise, my solemn oath, or + something like that. I can't give a bond, you know. I swear to you that if + I lay hands on that stuff, I will deliver it to you. Might just as well + trust me as Ugo. You won't get them from him, that's sure; and you may get + them from me." + </p> + <p> + "Is it revenge you're after?" + </p> + <p> + "My God," almost shouted Sprouse in his exasperation, "didn't he give me a + black eye among my friends up here? Didn't he put me in wrong with all of + them? Do you think I'm going to stand for that? Think I'm going to let him + get away with it? You don't know me, my friend. I've got a reputation at + stake. No one has ever double-crossed me and got away with it. I want to + prove to the world that I didn't take those jewels. I—" + </p> + <p> + "Just what do you mean by 'the world,' Sprouse?" + </p> + <p> + "My world," he replied succinctly. "I'm not a piker, you know," he went + on, cocking one eye in a somewhat supercilious manner. "The stakes are + always high in my game. I don't play for pennies." + </p> + <p> + "Get in the car," said Barnes suddenly. He had decided to take a chance + with the resourceful, indefatigable rascal. There was nothing to be lost + by setting him on the track of Prince Ugo, who, if the man's story was + true, had betrayed his best friends. There was something convincing about + Sprouse's version of the affair at Green Fancy. He called out to Peter. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you know that the whole game is up, Naismith," he said, + lowering his voice. Peter was wrathfully cranking the car. "The government + is going to take a hand in this business up here." + </p> + <p> + "If you mean that as a hint to me, it's unnecessary. I'll be on my way + inside of an hour. This is no place for me. And that Tavern is no place + for—er—for her, Barnes. Just mention that you saw me and that + I'm going after Mr. Loeb. If I get the stuff, I'll do the square thing by + her. Not for sentimental reasons, bless you, but just because I like to do + things that make people wonder what the hell I'll do next. Tell her the + whole story if you feel like it, but if I were you I'd wait till she is + safe among her friends, where she won't be nervous. Hit it up a bit, + Peter, old boy. I'm in a hurry." + </p> + <p> + Peter eyed him in an unfriendly manner. "Where did you come from, Mr. + Perkins? Mighty queer you—" + </p> + <p> + Sprouse spoke softly out of the corner of his mouth. "Nice old New England + name, isn't it, Barnes?" To Peter: "It's a long story. I'll write it to + you. Speed up." + </p> + <p> + Barnes told all that he knew of Prince Ugo's flight. Sprouse looked + thoughtful for a long time. + </p> + <p> + "So O'Dowd knows that I really was after the swag, eh? He believes I got + it?" + </p> + <p> + "I suppose so." + </p> + <p> + "The only one who thinks I'm absolutely innocent is Ugo, of course,—and + Mrs. Van Dyke. That's good." Sprouse smacked his lips. "Just send me on to + Hornville in the car, and don't give me another thought till you hear from + me. I've got a pretty fair idea where I can find Mr. Loeb. It will take a + little time,—a couple of days, perhaps,—but sooner or later + he'll turn up in close proximity to the beautiful baroness." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX — A TRIP BY NIGHT, A SUPPER, AND A LATE ARRIVAL + </h2> + <p> + Shortly after sundown that evening, the Rushcroft Company evacuated Hart's + Tavern. They were delayed by the irritating and, to Mr. Rushcroft, + unpardonable behaviour of two officious gentlemen, lately arrived, who + insisted politely but firmly on prying into the past, present and future + history of the several members of the organisation, including the new + "backer" or "angel," as one of the operatives slyly observed to the other + on beholding Miss Thackeray. + </p> + <p> + Barnes easily established his own identity and position, and was not long + in convincing the investigators that his connection with the stranded + company was of a purely philanthropic nature,—yes, even platonic, he + asseverated with some heat when the question was put to him. + </p> + <p> + They examined him closely concerning his solitary visit to Green Fancy, + and he described to the best of his ability all but one of the inmates. He + neglected to mention Miss Cameron. Realising that he would be storing up + trouble for himself if he failed to mention his trip to the house that + morning,—they were sure to hear of it in time,—he set his mind + to the task of constructing a satisfactory explanation. He concluded to + sacrifice Peter Ames, temporarily at least. Taking Peter aside, he + explained the situation to him, impressing upon him the importance of + leaving Miss Cameron and her luggage out of the interview, and to say + nothing about the return of "Mr. Perkins." + </p> + <p> + Fortified by Barnes's promise to protect him if he followed these + instructions, Peter consented to tell all that he knew about the people at + Green Fancy. Whereupon his new employer informed the secret service men + that he had gone up to Green Fancy that morning in response to an appeal + from Peter Ames, who had applied to him for a position a day or two + before. On his arrival there he confirmed the bewildered chauffeur's story + that the whole crowd had stolen away during the night. He guaranteed to + produce Peter at any time he was needed, and was perfectly willing to + discommode himself to the extent of leaving the man behind if they + insisted on holding him. + </p> + <p> + The officers, after putting him through a rather rigid examination, held + private consultation over Peter. To Barnes's surprise and subsequent + dismay, they announced that there was nothing to be gained by holding the + man; he was at liberty to depart with his employer, provided he would + report when necessary. + </p> + <p> + Barnes was some time in fathoming the motive behind this seeming + indifference on the part of the secret service men. It came to him like a + flash, and its significance stunned him. They had decided that there was + more to be gained by letting Peter Ames think he was above suspicion than + by keeping him on the anxious seat. Peter unrestrained was of more value + to them than Peter in durance vile. And from that moment forward there + would not be an hour of the day or night when he was far ahead of the + shadower who followed his trail. There would be a sly, invisible pursuer + at his heels, and an eye ever ready to detect the first false move that he + made. They were counting on Peter to lead them, in his own good time, to + the haunts of his comrades. He could not escape. And he could make the + fatal mistake of considering them a pack of fools! + </p> + <p> + Barnes, perceiving all this, was in a state of perturbation. He had + devised a very clever plan for getting Miss Cameron away from the Tavern + without attracting undue attention. She was to leave in one of the + automobiles that he had engaged to convey the players to Crowndale. It + should go without saying that she was to travel with him in Peter's + ramshackle car. In case of detention or inquiry, she was to pose as a + stage-struck young woman who had obtained a place with the company at the + last moment through his influence. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Rushcroft was not in the secret. Barnes merely announced that he + wanted to give a charming young friend of the family a chance to see what + she could do on the stage, and that he had taken the liberty of sending + for her. The star was magnanimous. He slapped Barnes on the back and + declared that nothing could give him greater joy than to transform any + friend of his into an actress, and he didn't give a hang whether she had + talent or not. + </p> + <p> + "We'll write in a part for her to-night," he said, "and we'll make it a + small one at first, so that she won't have any difficulty in learning it. + From night to night we'll build it up, Barnes, so that by the end of our + first month your protegee practically will be a co-star with me. There's + nothing mean about me, old chap. Any friend of yours can have—" + </p> + <p> + Barnes made haste to explain that he did not want any one to know that + this friend of the family was going on the stage, and that he would be + greatly indebted to Rushcroft if he would keep "mum" about it for the time + being. + </p> + <p> + "Certainly. Not a word. I understand," said Mr. Rushcroft amiably. "I've + had it happen before," he went on, a perfectly meaningless remark that + brought a flush to Barnes's cheek. + </p> + <p> + It had been Barnes's intention to spirit his charge away from Hart's + Tavern under cover of darkness, in company with his other + "responsibilities," but the fresh turn of affairs now presented + difficulties that were likely to upset his hastily conceived strategy. He + had but one purpose in view, and that was to spare her an unpleasant + encounter with the government officials,—an encounter that + conceivably might result in very distressing complications. He had + revealed his plan to her and she apparently was very much taken with it,—indeed, + she was quite enthusiastic over the prospect of being whisked + unceremoniously to Crowndale, and thence to the home of his sister in New + York City, where she could at once put herself in communication with + friends and supporters. + </p> + <p> + He was looking forward with dubious hopes to a possible extension of his + guardianship, involving a voyage across the Atlantic and the triumphant + delivery of the Countess, so to speak, into the eager arms of her + country's ambassador at Paris. He was now in a state of mind that inspired + him with the belief that it would be a joy to die for her. If he died for + her, she would always remember him as a brave, devoted champion; she would + exalt him; in her tender, grateful heart there would always be a corner + for him, even to the end of her days,—even to the end of her days on + the throne of her country's ruler. Far better that he should die for her,—and + have it all over with,—than that he should live to see her the wife + of—But invariably he ceased dreaming at this point and admitted that + it would be infinitely more satisfying to live. It was his matter-of-fact + contention that while there is life there is hope. + </p> + <p> + When the hour came for the departure from Hart's Tavern he deliberately + engaged the two secret service men in conversation in the tap-room. Miss + Cameron left the house by the rear door and was safely ensconced in + Peter's automobile long before he shook hands with the "rat-catchers" and + dashed out to join her. Tommy Gray's car, occupied by the four players, + was moving away from the door as he sprang in beside her and slammed the + door. The interior of the car was as black as pitch. + </p> + <p> + "Are you there?" he whispered. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. Isn't it jolly, running away like this? It must be wonderfully + exciting to be a criminal, always dodging and—" + </p> + <p> + "Sh! Even a limousine may have ears!" + </p> + <p> + But if the limousine had possessed a thousand ears they would have been + rendered useless in the stormy racket made by Peter's muffler and the + thunderous roar of the exhaust as the car got under way. + </p> + <p> + Sixty miles lay between them and Crowndale. Tommy Gray guaranteed that the + distance could be covered in three hours, even over the vile mountain + roads. Ten o'clock would find them at the Grand Palace Hotel, none the + worse for wear, provided (he always put it parenthetically) they lived to + tell the tale! The luggage had gone on ahead of them earlier in the day. + </p> + <p> + Peter's efforts to stay behind Tommy's venerable but surprisingly + energetic Buick were the cause of many a gasp and shudder from the couple + who sat behind him in the bounding car. He had orders to keep back of + Tommy but never to lose sight of his tail light. + </p> + <p> + Peter was like the celebrated Tam O' Shanter. He was pursued by spectres. + The instant that he discovered that he was lagging a trifle, he shot the + car up to top speed, with the result that he had to jam on the brakes + violently in order to avoid crashing into Tommy's tail light, and at such + times Miss Cameron and Barnes sustained unpleasant jars. Something seemed + to be telling Peter that the law was stretching out its cruel hand to + clutch him from behind; he was determined to keep out of its reach. + </p> + <p> + There was small opportunity for conversation. The trip was not at all as + Barnes had imagined it would be. After the car had raced through Hornville + he decided that it was not necessary to keep Tommy's tail light in view, + and so directed Peter. After that conversation was possible, but the gain + was counterbalanced by a distinct sense of loss. She relinquished her + rather frenzied grasp upon his arm, and sank back into the corner of the + seat. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, dear, what a relief!" she gasped. + </p> + <p> + "What arrant stupidity," he growled, and she never knew that the remark + bore no relation whatsoever to Peter. + </p> + <p> + He confessed his fears to her, and was immeasurably consoled by her + enthusiastic scorn for the consequences of his mistake. + </p> + <p> + "Let them follow poor old Peter," she said. "We will outwit them, never + fear. If necessary, Mr. Barnes, we can travel with the company for days + and days. I think I should rather enjoy it. If you can manage to get word + to my friends in New York, to relieve their anxiety, I shall be more than + grateful. I am sure they will decide that you are acting for the best in + every particular. It would grieve them,—yes, it would distress them + greatly,—if I were to be subjected to an inquiry at the hands of the + authorities. The notoriety would be—harrowing, to say the least. + Moreover, the disclosures would certainly bring disaster upon those who + are working so loyally to right a grave wrong. They will understand, and + they will thank you not only for all that you have done for me but for the + cause I support." + </p> + <p> + "The first time I ever saw you, I said to myself that you were a brave, + indomitable little soldier," he said warmly. "I am more than ever + convinced of it now." + </p> + <p> + "The men of my family have been soldiers for ten generations," she said + simply, as if that covered everything. "They haven't all been heroes but + none of them has been a coward." + </p> + <p> + "I can believe that," he said. "Blood will tell." + </p> + <p> + "If God gives back my country to my people, Mr. Barnes," she said, after a + long silence, "will you not one day make your way out there to us, so that + we may present some fitting expression of the gratitude—" + </p> + <p> + "Don't speak of gratitude," he exclaimed. "I don't want to be thanked. + Good Lord, do you suppose I—" + </p> + <p> + "There, there! Don't be angry," she cried. "But you must come to my + country. You must see it. You will love it." + </p> + <p> + "But suppose that God does not see fit to restore it to you. Suppose that + he leaves it in the hands of the vandals. What then? Will you go back to—that?" + </p> + <p> + She was still for a long time. "I shall not return to my country until it + is free again, Mr. Barnes," she said, and there was a break in her voice. + </p> + <p> + "You—you will remain in MY country?" he asked, leaning closer to her + ear. + </p> + <p> + "The world is large," she replied. "I shall have to live somewhere. It may + be here, it may be France, or England or Switzerland." + </p> + <p> + "Why not here? You could go far and do worse." + </p> + <p> + "Beggars may not be choosers. The homeless cannot be very particular, you + know. If the Germans remain in my country, I shall be without a home." + </p> + <p> + His voice was tense and vibrant when he spoke again, after a moment's + reflection. "I know what O'Dowd would say if he were in my place." + </p> + <p> + "O'Dowd has known me a great many years," she said. "When you have known + me as many months as he has years, you will thank your lucky star that you + do not possess the affability that the gods have bestowed upon O'Dowd." + </p> + <p> + "Don't be too sure of that," he said, and heard the little catch in her + breath. He found her hand and clasped it firmly. His lips were close to + her ear. "I have known you long enough to—" + </p> + <p> + "Don't!" she cried out sharply. "Don't say it now,—please. I could + listen to O'Dowd, but—but you are different. He would forget by + to-morrow, and I would forget even sooner than he. But it would not be so + easy to forget if you were to say it,—it would not be easy for + either of us." + </p> + <p> + "You are not offended?" he whispered hoarsely. + </p> + <p> + "Why should I be offended? Are you not my protector?" + </p> + <p> + The subtle implication in those words brought him to his senses. Was he + not her protector? And was he not abusing the confidence she placed in + him? + </p> + <p> + "I shall try to remember that,—always," he said abjectly. + </p> + <p> + "Some day I shall tell you why I am glad you did not say it to me + to-night," she said, a trifle unsteadily. She squeezed his hand. "You are + very good to me. I shall not forget that either." + </p> + <p> + And she meant that some day she would confess to him that she was so + tired, and lonely, and disconsolate on this journey to Crowndale, and so + in need of the strength he could give, that she would have surrendered + herself gladly to the comfort of his arms, to the passion that his touch + aroused in her quickening blood! + </p> + <p> + Soon after ten o'clock they entered the town of Crowndale and drew up + before the unattractive portals of the Grand Palace Hotel. An arc lamp + swinging above the entrance shed a pitiless light upon the dreary, + God-forsaken hostelry with the ironic name. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Rushcroft was already at the desk, complaining bitterly of everything + seen and unseen. As a matter of habit he was roaring about his room and, + while he hadn't put so much as his nose inside of it, he insisted on + knowing what they meant by giving it to him. Mr. Bacon and Mr. Dillingford + were growling because there was no elevator to hoist them two flights up, + and Miss Thackeray was wanting to know WHY she couldn't have a bit of + supper served in her room. + </p> + <p> + "They're all alike," announced Mr. Rushcroft despairingly, addressing the + rafters. He meant hotels in general. + </p> + <p> + "They're all alike," vouchsafed the clerk in an aside to the "drummer" who + leaned against the counter, meaning stage-folk in general. + </p> + <p> + "You're both right," said the travelling salesman, who knew. + </p> + <p> + "Is there a cafe in the neighbourhood?" inquired Barnes, with authority. + </p> + <p> + "There's a rest'rant in the next block," replied the clerk, instantly + impressed. Here was one who obviously was not "alike." "A two-minutes' + walk, Mr.—" (looking at the register)—"Mr. Barnes." + </p> + <p> + "That's good. We will have supper in Miss Thackeray's room. Let me have + your pencil, please. Send over and have them fill this order inside of + twenty minutes." He handed what he had written to the blinking clerk. "For + eight persons. Tell 'em to hurry it along." + </p> + <p> + "Maybe they're closed for the night," said the clerk. "And besides—" + </p> + <p> + "My God! He even hesitates to get food for us when—" began Mr. + Rushcroft. + </p> + <p> + "Besides there's only one waiter on at night and he couldn't get off, I + guess. And besides it's against the rules of this house to serve drinks in + a lady's—" + </p> + <p> + "You tell that waiter to close up when he comes over here with what I've + ordered, and tell him that I will pay double for everything, and to-morrow + morning you can tell the proprietor of this house that we broke the rules + to-night." + </p> + <p> + For the first time in her life Miss Tilly sat down to a meal served by a + member of her late profession. She sat on the edge of Miss Thackeray's bed + and held a chicken sandwich in one hand and a full glass of beer in the + other. Be it said to the credit of her forebears, she did not take even so + much as a sip from the glass, but seven sandwiches, two slices of cold + ham, half a box of sardines, a plate of potato salad, a saucer of Boston + baked beans, two hardboiled eggs, a piece of apple pie and two cups of + coffee passed her freshly carmined lips. She was in her seventh heaven. + She was no longer dreaming of fame: it was a gay reality. Emulating the + example of Miss Thackeray, she addressed Mr. Dillingford as "dear," and + came near to being the cause of his death by strangulation. + </p> + <p> + Miss Cameron submitted to the contagion. She had had no such dreams as + Miss Tilly's, but she was quite as thrilled by the novelty of her + surroundings, the informality of the feast, and the sprightliness of these + undaunted spirits. She sat on Miss Thackeray's trunk, her back against the + wall, her bandaged foot resting on a decrepit suit-case. Her eyes were + sparkling, her lips ever ready to part in the joy of laughter, the colour + leaping into her cheeks in response to the amazing quips of these + unconventional vagabonds. + </p> + <p> + She too was hungry. Food had never tasted so good to her. From time to + time her soft, smiling eyes sought Barnes with a look of mingled wonder + and confusion. She always laughed when she caught the expression of + concern in his eyes, and once she slyly winked at him. He was entranced. + </p> + <p> + He crossed over and sat beside her. "They are a perfectly irresponsible + lot," he said in a low voice. "I hope you don't mind their—er—levity." + </p> + <p> + "I love it," she whispered. "They are an inspiration. One would think that + they had never known such a thing as trouble. I am taking lessons, Mr. + Barnes." + </p> + <p> + She was still warmly conscious of the thrill that had come into her blood + when he carried her up the stairs in his powerful arms, disdaining the + offer of assistance from the suddenly infatuated Tommy Gray. + </p> + <p> + "Rehearsal at eleven sharp," announced Mr. Rushcroft, arising from the + window-sill on which he was seated. "Letter perfect, every one of you. No + guessing. By the way, Miss—er—'pon my soul, I don't believe I + got your name?" + </p> + <p> + "Jones," said the new member, shamelessly. + </p> + <p> + "Ah," said he, smiling broadly, "a word oft spoken in jest—ahem!—how + does it go? No matter. You know what I mean. I have not had time to write + in the part for you, Miss Jones, but I shall do so the first thing in the + morning. Now that I see how difficult it is for you to get around, I have + hit upon a wonderful idea. I shall make it a sitting part. You won't have + to do anything with your legs at all. Most beginners declare that they + don't know what to do with their hands, but I maintain that they know less + about what to do with their legs. Fortunately you are incapacitated—" + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps it would be just as well to excuse Miss Jones from rehearsal in + the morning," broke in Barnes hastily. "She is hardly fit to—" + </p> + <p> + "Just as you say, old chap. Doesn't matter in the least. Good night, + everybody. Sleep tight." + </p> + <p> + "I sha'n't sleep a wink," said Miss Tilly. + </p> + <p> + "Homesick already?" demanded Mr. Bacon, fixing her with a pitying stare. + </p> + <p> + "Worrying over my part," she explained. + </p> + <p> + "Haven't you committed it yet? Say it now. 'It is half past seven, my + lord.' All you have to do is to remember that it comes in the second act + and not in the first or third." + </p> + <p> + "Good night," said Miss Cameron, giving her hand to Barnes at the door. + She was leaning on Miss Thackeray's arm. He never was to forget the deep, + searching look she sent into his eyes. She seemed to be asking a thousand + questions. + </p> + <p> + He went down to the dingy lobby. A single, half-hearted electric bulb shed + its feeble light on the desk, in front of which stood a man registering + under the sleepy eye of the night clerk. + </p> + <p> + After the late arrival had started upstairs in the wake of the clerk, + Barnes stepped up to inspect the book. The midnight express from the north + did not stop at Crowndale, he had learned upon inquiry, and it was the + only train touching the town between nightfall and dawn. + </p> + <p> + The register bore the name of Thomas Moore, Hornville. There was not the + slightest doubt in Barnes's mind that this was the man who had been + detailed to shadow the luckless Peter. Only an imperative demand by + government authorities could have brought about the stopping of the + express at Hornville and later on at Crowndale. + </p> + <p> + Barnes smiled grimly. "I've just thought of a way to fool you, my friend," + he said to himself, and was turning away when a familiar voice assailed + him. + </p> + <p> + Whirling, he looked into the face of a man who stood almost at his elbow,—the + sharp, impassive face of Mr. Sprouse. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX — THE FIRST WAYFARER HAS ONE TREASURE THRUST UPON HIM—AND + FORTHWITH CLAIMS ANOTHER + </h2> + <p> + "That fellow is a rat-catcher," said Sprouse. "What are you doing here?" + demanded Barnes, staring. He seized the man's arm and inquired eagerly: + "Have you got the jewels?" + </p> + <p> + "No; but I will have them before morning," replied Sprouse coolly. He shot + a furtive glance around the deserted lobby. "Better not act as though you + knew me. That bull is no fool. He doesn't know me, but by this time he + knows who you are." + </p> + <p> + "He is trailing Peter Ames." + </p> + <p> + "Ship Peter to-morrow," advised Sprouse promptly. + </p> + <p> + "I had already thought of doing so," said Barnes, surprised by the uncanny + promptness of the man in hitting upon the strategy he had worked out for + himself after many harassing hours. "He goes to my sister's place + to-morrow morning." + </p> + <p> + "Send him by train. He will be easier to follow. There is a train leaving + for the south at 9:15." + </p> + <p> + "You were saying that before morning you would—" + </p> + <p> + "Be careful! Don't whisper. People don't whisper to utter strangers. Step + over here by the front door. Would you be surprised if I were to tell you + that his royal nibs is hiding in this town? Well, he certainly is. He + bought a railway ticket for Albany at Hornville the day he beat it, but he + got off at the second station,—which happens to be this one." + </p> + <p> + "How can you be sure of all this?" + </p> + <p> + "Simple as falling off a log," said Sprouse, squinting over his shoulder. + "The Baroness Hedlund has been here for a week or ten days. The Baron + wasn't so far wrong in his suspicions, you see. He lost track of her, + that's all. I happened to overhear a conversation at Hart's Tavern between + him and his secretary. I have a way of hearing things I'm not supposed to + hear, you know. By a curious coincidence I happened to be taking the air + late one night just outside his window at the Tavern,—on the roof of + the porch, to be accurate. I told Ugo what I'd heard and he nearly broke + his neck trying to head her off. O'Dowd and De Soto rushed over to + Hornville and telegraphed for her to leave the train at the first + convenient place and return to New York. She was on her way up here, you + see. She got off at Crowndale and everybody supposed that she had taken + the next train home. But she didn't do anything of the kind. She is a + silly, obstinate fool and she's crazy about Ugo,—and jealous as + fury. She hated to think of him being up here with other women. A day or + so later she sent him a letter. No one saw that letter but Ugo, and—your + humble servant. + </p> + <p> + "I happened to be the one to go to Spanish Falls for the mail that day. + The postmark excited my curiosity. If I told you what I did to that letter + before delivering it to Mr. Loeb, you could send me to a federal prison. + But that's how I came to know that she had decided to wait in Crowndale + until he sent word that the coast was clear. She went to the big + sanatorium outside the town and has been there ever since, incognito, + taking a cure for something or other. She goes by the name of Mrs. + Hasselwein. I popped down here this afternoon and found out that she is + still at the sanatorium but expects to leave early to-morrow morning. Her + trunks are over at the station now, to be expressed to Buffalo. I made + another trip out there this evening and waited. About eight o'clock Mr. + Hasselwein strolled up. He sat on the verandah with her for half an hour + or so and then left. I followed him. He went to one of the little cottages + that belong to the sanatorium. I couldn't get close enough to hear what + they said, but I believe he expects to take her away in an automobile + early in the morning. It is a seventy mile ride from here to the junction + where they catch the train for the west. I'm going up now to make a call + on Mr. Hasselwein. Would you like to join me?" + </p> + <p> + Barnes eyed him narrowly. "There is only one reason why I feel that I + ought to accompany you," he said. "If you have it in your mind to kill + him, I certainly shall do everything in my power to prevent—" + </p> + <p> + "Possess your soul in peace. I'm not going to do anything foolish. Time + enough left for that sort of thing. I will get him some day, but not now. + By the way, what is the number of your room?" + </p> + <p> + "Twenty-two,—on the next floor." + </p> + <p> + "Good. Go upstairs now and I'll join you in about ten minutes. I will tap + three times on your door." + </p> + <p> + "Why should you come to my room, Sprouse? We can say all that is to be + said—" + </p> + <p> + "If you will look on the register you will discover that Mr. J. H. Prosser + registered here about half an hour ago. He is in room 30. He left a call + for five o'clock. Well, Prosser is another name for Ugo." + </p> + <p> + "Here in this hotel? In room 30?" cried Barnes, incredulously. + </p> + <p> + "Sure as you're alive. Left the cottage an hour ago. Came in a jitney or I + could have got to him on the way over." + </p> + <p> + Barnes, regardless of consequences, dashed over to inspect the register. + Sprouse followed leisurely, shooting anxious glances up the stairs at the + end of the lobby. + </p> + <p> + "See!" cried Barnes, excitedly, putting his finger on the name "Miss + Jones." "She's in room 32,—next to his. By gad, Sprouse, do you + suppose he knows that she is here? Would the dog undertake anything—" + </p> + <p> + "You may be sure he doesn't know she's here, or you either, for that + matter. The country's full of Joneses and Barneses. Go on upstairs. Leave + everything to me." + </p> + <p> + He strolled away as the clerk came shuffling down the steps. As Barnes + mounted them, he glanced over his shoulder and saw Sprouse take up a + suitcase near the door and return to the desk, evidently for the purpose + of engaging a room for the night. + </p> + <p> + Before going to his room, he strode lightly down the hall in the direction + of room 30. There was no light in the transom. Stepping close to the door, + he listened intently for sounds from within. He started back almost + instantly. The occupant was snoring with extreme heartiness. + </p> + <p> + A glance revealed a light in the transom of room 32. As he looked, + however, it disappeared. Abashed, he turned and went swiftly away. She was + going to bed. He felt like a snooping, despicable "peeping Tom" caught in + the act. + </p> + <p> + He had been in his room for twenty minutes before he heard the tapping on + his door. He opened it and Sprouse slid into the room. The instant the + door closed behind him, he threw open his coat and coolly produced a long, + shallow metal box, such as one finds in safety vaults. + </p> + <p> + "With my compliments," he said drily, thrusting the box into Barnes's + hands. "You'd better have the Countess check them up and see if they're + all there. I am not well enough acquainted with the collection to be + positive." + </p> + <p> + Barnes was speechless. He could only stare, open-mouthed, at this amazing + man. + </p> + <p> + "Grip 'em tight," went on Sprouse, grinning. "I may relieve you of them if + you get too careless. My advice to you is to hide them and keep your lips + closed—" + </p> + <p> + "My God, Sprouse, have you been in that man's room since I saw you down—" + </p> + <p> + "I forgot to say that no questions were to be asked," broke in the other. + </p> + <p> + "But I insist upon having everything cleared up. Here am I with a box of + jewels stolen from a lodger's room, God knows how, and in danger of being + slapped into jail if they catch me with the—" + </p> + <p> + "All you have to do is to keep quiet and look innocent. Stay out of the + hall to-night. Don't go near the door of No. 30. Act like a man with + brains. I said I would square myself with you and with him, too. Well, + I've done both. Maybe you think it is easy to give up this stuff. There is + a half million dollars' worth of nice little things in that box, small as + it is. I went to a lot of trouble to get 'em, and all I'll receive for my + pains is a thank you from Mr. Thomas K. Barnes, New York." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot begin to thank you enough," said Barnes. "See here, you must + allow me to reward you in some way commensurate with your—" + </p> + <p> + "Cut that out," said Sprouse darkly. "I'm not so damned virtuous that I + have to be rewarded. I like the game. It's the breath of life to me." + </p> + <p> + "The time will surely come when I can do you a good turn, Sprouse, and you + will not find me reluctant," said Barnes, lamely. He was completely at a + loss in the presence of the master-crook. He felt very small, and stupid, + and inadequate,—as one always feels when confronted by genius. + Moreover, he was utterly stupefied. + </p> + <p> + "That's different. If I ever need a friendly hand I'll call on you. It's + only fair that I should give you a tip, Barnes, just to put you on your + guard. I've lived up to my word in this business, and I've done all that I + said I would. From now on, I'm a free agent. I want to advise you to put + that stuff in a safe place. I'll give you two days' start. After that, if + I can get 'em away from you, or whoever may have them, I'm going to do it. + They will be fair plunder from then on. Notwithstanding the fact that I + put them in your hands to-night,—and so wash my own of them + temporarily,—I haven't a single scruple about relieving you of them + on some later occasion. I may have to crack you over the head to do it,—so + a word to the wise ought to be sufficient. If you don't guard them pretty + closely, my friend, you will regain consciousness some day and find you + haven't got them any longer. Good night—and good-bye for the + present. Stick close to your room till morning and—then beat it with + her for New York. I give you two days' start, remember." + </p> + <p> + He switched off the light suddenly. Barnes gasped and prepared to defend + himself. Sprouse chuckled. + </p> + <p> + "Don't be nervous. I'm merely getting ready to leave you with your + ill-gotten gains. It isn't wise, you see, to peep out of a door with a + light in the room behind you. Keep cool. I sha'n't be more than a minute." + </p> + <p> + There was no sound for many seconds, save the deep breathing of the two + men. Then, with infinite caution, Sprouse turned the knob and opened the + door a half inch or so. He left the room so abruptly that Barnes never + quite got over the weird impression that he squeezed through that slender + crack, and pulled it after him! + </p> + <p> + Many minutes passed before he turned on the light. The key of the box was + tied to the wire grip. With trembling fingers he inserted it in the lock + and opened the lid.... "A half-million dollars' worth of nice little + things," Sprouse had said! + </p> + <p> + He did not close his eyes that night. Daybreak found him lying in bed, + with the box under his pillow, a pistol at hand, and his eyes wide-open. + He was in a graver quandary than ever. Now that he had the treasure in his + possession, what was he to do with it? He did not dare to leave it in the + room, nor was it advisable to carry it about with him. The discovery of + the burglary in room 30 would result in a search of the house, from top to + bottom. + </p> + <p> + Cold perspiration started out on his brow. The situation was far from + being the happy one that he had anticipated. + </p> + <p> + He solved the breakfast problem by calling downstairs for a waiter and + ordering coffee and rolls and eggs sent up to his room. Singularly enough + the waiter solved the other and more disturbing problem for him. + </p> + <p> + "SOME robbery last night," said that worthy, as he re-appeared with the + tray. Barnes was thankful that the waiter was not looking at him when he + hurled the bomb, figuratively speaking. He had a moment's time to recover. + </p> + <p> + "What robbery?" he enquired, feigning indifference. + </p> + <p> + "Feller up in one of the cottages at the sanatorium. All beat up, + something fierce they say." + </p> + <p> + "Up in—Where?" almost shouted Barnes, starting up. + </p> + <p> + The man explained where the cottages were situated, Barnes listening as + one completely bereft of intelligence. + </p> + <p> + "Seems he was to leave by auto early this mornin', and they didn't know + anything was wrong till Joe Keep—he's driving a Fierce-Arrow that + Mr. Norton has for rent—till Joe'd been settin' out in front for + nearly half an hour. The man's wife was waitin' fer him up at the main + buildin' and she got so tired waitin' that she sent one of the clerks down + to see what was keeping her husband. Well, sir, him and Joe couldn't wake + the feller, so they climb in an open winder, an' by gosh, Joe says it was + terrible. The feller was layin' on the bed, feet an' hands tied and + gagged, and blood from head to foot. He was inconscious, Joe says, an'—my + God, how his wife took on! Joe says he couldn't stand it, so he snook out, + shakin' like a leaf. He says she's a pippin, too. Never seen a purtier—" + </p> + <p> + "Is—is the man dead?" cried Barnes, aghast. He felt that his face + was as white as chalk. + </p> + <p> + "Nope! Seems like it's nothing serious: just beat up, that's all. Terrible + cuts on his head and—" + </p> + <p> + "What is his name?" demanded Barnes. + </p> + <p> + "Something like Hackensack." + </p> + <p> + "Have they caught the thief?" + </p> + <p> + "I should say not. The police never ketch anything but drunks in this + burg, and they wouldn't ketch them if they could keep from stumblin'." + </p> + <p> + "What time did all this happen?" Barnes was having great difficulty in + keeping his coffee from splashing over. + </p> + <p> + "Doc Smith figgers it was long about midnight, judgin' by the way the + blood co'gulated." + </p> + <p> + "Did they get away with much?" + </p> + <p> + "Haven't heard. Joe says the stove pipe in the feller's room was knocked + down and they's soot all over everything. Looks like they must have been a + struggle. Seems as though the burglar,—must ha' been more'n one of + 'em, I say,—wasn't satisfied with cracking him over the head. He + stuck the point of a knife or something into him,—just a little way, + Joe says—in more'n a dozen places. What say?" + </p> + <p> + "I—I didn't say anything." + </p> + <p> + "I thought you did. Well, if I hear anything more I'll let you know." + </p> + <p> + "Anything for a little excitement," said Barnes casually. + </p> + <p> + He listened at the door until he heard the waiter clattering down the + stairway, and then went swiftly down the hall to No. 30. Mr. Prosser was + sleeping just as soundly and as resoundingly as at midnight! + </p> + <p> + "By gad!" he muttered, half aloud. Everything was as clear as day to him + now. Bolting into his own room, he closed the door and stood stock-still + for many minutes, trying to picture the scene in the cottage. + </p> + <p> + No stretch of the imagination was required to establish the facts. Sprouse + had come to him during the night with Prince Ugo's blood on the hands that + bore the treasure. He had surprised and overpowered the pseudo Mr. + Hasselwein, and had actually tortured him into revealing the hiding place + of the jewels. The significance of the scattered stove pipe was not lost + on Barnes; it had not been knocked down in a struggle between the two men. + Prince Ugo was not, and never had been, in a position to defend himself + against his wily assailant. Barnes's blood ran cold as he went over in his + mind the pitiless method employed by Sprouse in subduing his royal victim. + And the coolness, the unspeakable bravado of the man in coming direct to + him with the booty! His amazingly clever subterfuge in allowing Barnes to + think that room No. 30 was the scene of his operations, thereby forcing + him to remain inactive through fear of consequences to himself and the + Countess if he undertook to investigate! + </p> + <p> + He found a letter in his box when he went downstairs, after stuffing the + tin box deep into his pack,—a risky thing to do he realised, but no + longer perilous in the light of developments. It was no longer probable + that his effects would be subjected to inspection by the police. He walked + over to a window to read the letter. Before he slit the envelope he knew + that Sprouse was the writer. The message was brief. + </p> + <p> + "After due consideration, I feel that it would be a mistake for you to + abandon your present duties at this time. It might be misunderstood. Stick + to the company until something better turns up. With this thought in view + I withdraw the two days' limit mentioned recently to you, and extend the + time to one week. Yours very truly, J. H. Wilson." + </p> + <p> + "Gad, the fellow thinks of everything," said Barnes to himself. "He is + positively uncanny." + </p> + <p> + He read between the lines, and saw there a distinct warning. It had not + occurred to him that his plan to leave for New York that day with Miss + Cameron might be attended by disastrous results. + </p> + <p> + On reflection, he found the prospect far from disagreeable. A week or so + with the Rushcroft company was rather attractive under the circumstances. + The idea appealed to him. + </p> + <p> + But the jewels? What of them? He could not go gallivanting about the + country with a half million dollars' worth of precious stones in his + possession. A king's ransom strapped on his back! He would not be able to + sleep a wink. Indeed, he could see himself wasting away to a mere shadow + through worry and dread. Precious stones? They would develop into + millstones, he thought, with an inward groan. + </p> + <p> + He questioned the advisability of informing Miss Cameron that the crown + jewels were in his possession. Her anxiety would be far greater than his + own. There was nothing to be gained by telling her in any case; so he + decided to bear the burden alone. + </p> + <p> + The play was not to open in Crowndale until Tuesday night, three full days + off. He revelled in the thought of sitting "out front" in the empty little + theatre, watching the rehearsals. At such times he was confident that his + thoughts would not be solely of the jewels. He would at least have + surcease during these periods of forgetfulness. + </p> + <p> + He spent the early part of the forenoon in wandering nervously about the + hotel,—upstairs and down. The jewels were locked in his pack + upstairs. He went up to his room half a dozen times and almost instantly + walked down again, after satisfying himself that the pack had not been + rifled. + </p> + <p> + Exasperation filled his soul. Ten o'clock came and still no sign of the + lazy actors. Rehearsal at eleven, and not one of them out of bed. + </p> + <p> + Peter came to the hotel soon after ten. He had forgotten Peter and his + decision to send him down to the Berkshires that day, and was sharply + reminded of the necessity for doing so by the appearance of the man who + had registered just before midnight. This individual strolled casually + into the lobby a few seconds behind Peter. + </p> + <p> + He acted at once and with decision. The stranger took a seat in the window + not far away. Barnes, in a brisk and business-like tone, informed Peter + that he was to leave on the one o'clock train for the south, and to go + direct to his sister's place near Stockbridge. He was to leave the + automobile in Crowndale for the present. + </p> + <p> + "Here is the money for your railroad fare," he announced in conclusion. "I + have telegraphed Mrs. Courtney's man that you will arrive this evening. He + will start you in on your duties to-morrow. I understand they are + short-handed on the place. And now let me impress upon you, Peter, the + importance of holding yourself ready to report when needed. You know what + I mean. Remember, I have guaranteed that you will appear." + </p> + <p> + The stranger drank in every word that passed between the two men. When the + one o'clock train pulled out of Crowndale, it carried Peter Ames in one of + the forward coaches, and a late guest of the Grand Palace Hotel in the + next car behind. Barnes took the time to assure himself of these facts, + and smiled faintly as he drove away from the railway station after the + departure of the train. Miss Cameron, her veil lowered, sat beside him in + the "hack." + </p> + <p> + For the next three days and nights rehearsals were in full swing, with + scarcely a moment's let-up. The Rushcroft company was increased by the + arrival of three new members and several pieces of baggage. The dingy barn + of a theatre was the scene of ceaseless industry, both peaceful and + otherwise. The actors quarrelled and fumed and all but fought over their + grievances. Only the presence of the "backer" and the extremely pretty and + cultured "friend of the family" in "front" prevented sanguinary encounters + among the male contenders for the centre of the stage. The usually placid + Mr. Dillingford was transformed into a snarling beast every time one of + his "lines" was cut out by the relentless Rushcroft, and there were times + when Mr. Bacon loudly accused his fiancee of "crabbing" his part. + Everybody called everybody else a "hog," and God was asked a hundred times + a day to bear witness to as many atrocities. + </p> + <p> + Each day the bewildered, distressed young woman who sat with Barnes in the + dim "parquet," whispered in his ear: + </p> + <p> + "Can they ever be friendly again?" + </p> + <p> + And every night at supper she rejoiced to find them all on the best of + terms, calling each other "dearie," and "old chap," and "honey," and + declaring that no such company had ever been gotten together in the + history of the stage! Such words as "slob," "fat-head," "boob" or "you + poor nut" never found their way outside the sacred precincts of the + theatre. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Rushcroft magnanimously offered to coach "Miss Jones" in the part he + was going to write in for her just as soon as he could get around to it. + </p> + <p> + "No use writing a part for her, Mr. Barnes, until I get through beating + the parts we already have into the heads of these poor fools up here. I've + got trouble enough on my hands." + </p> + <p> + And so the time crept by, up to the night of the performance. Miss Cameron + remained in ignorance of the close proximity of the jewels, and the police + of Crowndale remained in even denser ignorance as to the whereabouts of + the man who robbed Mr. Hasselwein of all his spare cash and an excellent + gold watch. + </p> + <p> + Hasselwein's story was brief but dramatic. He was recovering rapidly from + his experience and the local newspaper, on Tuesday, announced that he + would be strong enough to accompany his wife when she left the "city" + toward the end of the week. (Considerable space was employed by the + reporter in "writing up" the wonderful devotion of Mrs. Hasselwein, who, + despite the fact that she was quite an invalid, conducted herself with + rare fortitude, seldom leaving her husband's room in the hospital.) + </p> + <p> + According to the injured man, his assailant was a huge, powerful + individual, wearing a mask and armed to the teeth. He came in through an + open window and attacked him while he was asleep in bed. Notwithstanding + the stunning blow he received while prostrate, Mr. Hasselwein struggled to + his feet and engaged the miscreant—(while the word was used at least + twenty times in the newspaper account, I promise to use it but once)—in + a desperate conflict. Loss of blood weakened him and he soon fell + exhausted upon the bed. To make the story even shorter than Prince Ugo + made it, not a word was said about the jewels, and that, after all, is the + only feature of the case in which we are interested. + </p> + <p> + Barnes smiled grimly over Ugo's failure to mention the jewels, and the + misleading description of the thief. He was thankful, however, and + relieved to learn that the one man who might recognise Miss Cameron was + not likely to leave the hospital short of a week's time. + </p> + <p> + No time was lost by the Countess in getting word to her compatriots in New + York. Barnes posted a dozen letters for her; each contained the tidings of + her safety and the assurance that she would soon follow in person. + </p> + <p> + Those three days and nights were full of joy and enchantment for Barnes. + True, he did not sleep very well,—indeed, scarcely at all,—but + it certainly was not a hardship to lie awake and think of her throughout + the whole of each blessed night. He recalled and secretly dilated upon + every sign of decreasing reserve on her part. He shamed himself more than + once for deploring the fact that her ankle was mending with uncommon + rapidity, and that in a few days she would be quite able to walk without + support. And he actually debased himself by wishing that the Rushcroft + company might find it imperative to go on rehearsing for weeks in that + dim, enchanted temple. + </p> + <p> + It was not a "barn of a place" to him. It was paradise. He sat for hours + in one of the most uncomfortable seats he had ever known, devouring with + hungry eyes the shadowy, interested face so close to his own,—and + never tired. + </p> + <p> + And then came a time at last when conversation became difficult between + them; when there were long silences fraught with sweet peril, exceeding + shyness, and a singular form of deafness that defied even the roars of the + players and yet permitted them to hear, with amazing clearness, the + faintest of heart-beats. + </p> + <p> + On the afternoon of the dress rehearsal, he led her, after an hour of + almost insupportable repression, to the rear of the auditorium, in the + region made gloomy by the shelving gallery overhead. Dropping into the + seat beside her, he blurted out, almost in anguish: + </p> + <p> + "I can't stand it any longer. I cannot be near you without—why, I—I—well, + it is more than I can struggle against, that's all. You've either got to + send me away altogether or—or—let me love you without + restraint. I tell you, I can't go on as I am now. I must speak, I must + tell you all that has been in my heart for days. I love you—I love + you! You know I love you, don't you? You know I worship you. Don't be + frightened. I just had to tell you to-day. I could not have held it back + another hour. I should have gone mad if I had tried to keep it up any + longer." He waited breathlessly for her to speak. She sat silent and + rigid, looking straight before her. "Is it hopeless?" he went on at last, + huskily. "Must I ask your forgiveness for my presumption and—and go + away from you?" + </p> + <p> + She turned to him and laid her hand upon his arm. + </p> + <p> + "Am I not like other women? Have you forgotten that you once said that I + was not different? Why should I forgive you for loving me? Doesn't every + woman want to be loved? No, no, my friend! Wait! A moment ago I was so + weak and trembly that I thought I—Oh, I was afraid for myself. Now I + am quite calm and sensible. See how well I have myself in hand? I do not + tremble, I am strong. We may now discuss ourselves calmly, sensibly. A + moment ago—Ah, then it was different! I was being drawn into—Oh! + What are you doing?" + </p> + <p> + "I too am strong," he whispered. "I am sure of my ground now, and I am not + afraid." + </p> + <p> + He had clasped the hand that rested on his sleeve and, as he pressed it to + his heart, his other arm stole over her shoulders and drew her close to + his triumphant body. For an instant she resisted, and then relaxed into + complete submission. Her head sank upon his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" she sighed, and there was wonder, joy—even perplexity, in the + tremulous sign of capitulation. "Oh," came softly from her parted lips + again at the end of the first long, passionate kiss. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI — THE END IN SIGHT + </h2> + <p> + Barnes, soaring beyond all previous heights of exaltation, ranged dizzily + between "front" and "back" at the Grand Opera House that evening. He was + supposed to remain "out front" until the curtain went up on the second + act. But the presence of the Countess in Miss Thackeray's barren, sordid + little dressing-room rendered it exceedingly difficult for him to remain + in any fixed spot for more than five minutes at a stretch. He was in the + "wings" with her, whispering in her delighted ear; in the dressing-room, + listening to her soft words of encouragement to the excited leading-lady; + on the narrow stairs leading up to the stage, assisting her to mount them,—and + not in the least minding the narrowness; out in front for a jiffy, and + then back again; and all the time he was dreading the moment when he would + awake and find it all a dream. + </p> + <p> + There was an annoying fly in the ointment, however. Her languorous + surrender to love, her physical confession of defeat at the hands of that + inexorable power, her sweet submission to the conquering arms of the + besieger, left nothing to be desired; and yet there was something that + stood between him and utter happiness: her resolute refusal to bind + herself to any promise for the future. + </p> + <p> + "I love you," she had said simply. "I want more than anything else in all + the world to be your wife. But I cannot promise now. I must have time to + think, time to—" + </p> + <p> + "Why should you require more time than I?" he persisted. "Have we not + shown that there is nothing left for either of us but to make the other + happy? What is time to us? Why make wanton waste of it?" + </p> + <p> + "I know that I cannot find happiness except with you," she replied. "No + matter what happens to me, I shall always love you, I shall never forget + the joy of THIS. But—" She shook her head sadly. + </p> + <p> + "Would you go back to your people and marry—" he swallowed hard and + went on—"marry some one you could never love, not even respect, with + the memory of—" + </p> + <p> + "Stop! I shall never marry a man I do not love. Oh, please be patient, be + good to me. Give me a little time. Can you not see that you are asking me + to alter destiny, to upset the teachings and traditions of ages, and all + in one little minute of weakness?" + </p> + <p> + "We cannot alter destiny," he said stubbornly. "We may upset tradition, + but what does that amount to? We have but one life to live. I think our + grandchildren and our great-grandchildren will be quite as well pleased + with their ancestors as their royal contemporaries will be with theirs a + hundred years from now." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot promise now," she said gently, and kissed him. + </p> + <p> + The first performance of "The Duke's Revenge" was incredibly bad. The + little that Barnes saw of it, filled him with dismay. Never had he + witnessed anything so hopeless as the play, unless it was the actors + themselves. But more incredible than anything else in connection with the + performance was the very palpable enjoyment of the audience. He could + hardly believe his ears. The ranting, the shouting, the howling of the + actors sent shivers to the innermost recesses of his being. Then suddenly + he remembered that he was in the heart of the "barn-stormer's" domain. The + audience revelled in "The Duke's Revenge" because they had never seen + anything better! + </p> + <p> + Between the second and third acts Tommy Gray rushed back with the + box-office statement. The gross was $359. The instant that fact became + known to Mr. Rushcroft he informed Barnes that they had a "knockout," a + gold mine, and that never in all his career had he known a season to start + off so auspiciously as this one. + </p> + <p> + "It's good for forty weeks solid," he exclaimed. Both Barnes and the + wide-eyed Countess became infused with the spirit of jubilation that + filled the souls of these time-worn, hand-to-mouth stragglers. They + rejoiced with them in their sudden elevation to happiness, and overlooked + the vain-glorious claims of each individual in the matter of personal + achievement. Even the bewildered Tilly bleated out her little cry for + distinction. + </p> + <p> + "Did you hear them laugh at the way I got off my speech?" she cried + excitedly. + </p> + <p> + "I certainly did," said Mr. Bacon amiably. "By gad, I laughed at it + myself." + </p> + <p> + "Parquet $217.50, dress circle $105, gallery $36.50," announced Tommy + Gray, as he donned his wig and false beard for the third act. "Sixty-forty + gives us $215.40 on the night. Thank God, we won't have to worry about the + sheriff this week." + </p> + <p> + In Miss Thackeray's dressing-room that level-headed young woman broke down + and wept like a child. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Lord," she stuttered, "is it possible that we're going to stay above + water at last? I thought we had gone down for the last time, and here we + are bobbing up again as full of ginger as if we'd never hit the bottom." + </p> + <p> + The Countess kissed her and told her that she was the rarest girl she had + ever known, the pluckiest and the best. + </p> + <p> + "If I had your good looks, Miss Cameron," said Mercedes, "added to my + natural ability, I'd make Julia Marlowe look like an old-fashioned + one-ring circus. Send Mr. Bacon to me, Mr. Barnes. I want to congratulate + him." + </p> + <p> + "He gave a fine performance," said Barnes promptly. + </p> + <p> + "I don't want to congratulate him on his acting," said she, smiling + through her tears. "He's going to be married to-morrow. And I am going to + have Miss Cameron for my bridesmaid," she added, throwing an arm about the + astonished Countess. "Mr. Bacon will want Dilly for his best man, but he + ought to think more of the general effect than that. Dilly only comes to + his shoulder." She measured the stalwart figure of Thomas Barnes with an + appraising eye. "What do you say, Mr. Barnes?" + </p> + <p> + "I'll do it with the greatest pleasure," he declared. + </p> + <p> + The next afternoon in the town of Bittler the Countess Mara-Dafanda, + daughter of royalty, and Thomas Kingsbury Barnes "stood up" with the happy + couple during a lull in the hastily called rehearsal on the stage of + Fisher's Imperial Theatre, and Lyndon Rushcroft gave the bride away. There + was $107 in the house that night, but no one was down-hearted. + </p> + <p> + "You could do worse, dear heart, than to marry one of us care-free + Americans," whispered Barnes to the girl who clung to his arm so tightly + as they entered the wings in the wake of the bride and groom. + </p> + <p> + And she said something in reply that brought a flush of mortification to + his cheek. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, it would be wonderful to marry a man who will never have to go to + war. A brave man who will not have to be a soldier." + </p> + <p> + The unintentional reflection on the fighting integrity of his country + struck a raw spot in Barnes's pride. He knew what all Europe was saying + about the pussy-willow attitude of the United States, and he squirmed + inwardly despite the tribute she tendered him as an individual. He was not + a "peace at any price" citizen. + </p> + <p> + He gave the wedding breakfast at one o'clock that night. + </p> + <p> + Three days later he and "Miss Jones" said farewell to the strollers and + boarded a day train for New York City. They left the company in a + condition of prosperity. The show was averaging two hundred dollars + nightly, and Mr. Rushcroft was already booking return engagements for the + early fall. He was looking forward to a tour of Europe at the close of the + war. + </p> + <p> + "My boy," he said to Barnes on the platform of the railway station, "I + trust you will forgive me for not finding a place in our remarkably + well-balanced cast for your friend. I have been thinking a great deal + about her in the past few days, and it has occurred to me that she might + find it greatly to her advantage to accept a brief New York engagement + before tackling the real proposition. It won't take her long to find out + whether she really likes it, and whether she thinks it worth while to go + on with it. Let me give you one bit of advice, my dear Miss Jones. This is + very important. The name of Jones will not get you anywhere. It is a nice + old family, fireside name, but it lacks romance. Chuck it. Start your new + life with another name, my dear. God bless you! Good luck and—good-bye + till we meet on the Rialto." + </p> + <p> + "I wonder how he could possibly have known," she mused aloud, the pink + still in her cheeks as the train pulled out. + </p> + <p> + "You darling," cried Barnes, "he doesn't know. But taking it by and large, + it was excellent advice. The brief New York engagement meets with my + approval, and so does the change of name. I am in a position to supply you + with both." + </p> + <p> + "Do you regard Barnes as an especially attractive name?" she inquired, + dimpling. + </p> + <p> + "It has the virtue of beginning with B, entitling it to a place well + toward the top of alphabetical lists. A very handy name for patronesses at + charity bazaars, and so forth. People never look below B unless to make + sure that their own names haven't been omitted. You ought to take that + into consideration. If you can't be an A, take the next best thing + offered. Be a B." + </p> + <p> + "You almost persuade me," she smiled. + </p> + <p> + His sister met them at the Grand Central Terminal. + </p> + <p> + "It's now a quarter to five," said Barnes, after the greeting and + presentation. "Drop me at the Fifth Avenue Bank, Edith. I want to leave + something in my safety box downstairs. Sha'n't be more than five minutes." + </p> + <p> + He got down from the automobile at 44th Street and shot across the + sidewalk into the bank, casting quick, apprehensive glances through the + five o'clock crowd on the avenue as he sprinted. In his hand he lugged the + heavy, weatherbeaten pack. His sister and the Countess stared after him in + amazement. + </p> + <p> + Presently he emerged from the bank, still carrying the bag. He was + beaming. A certain worried, haggard expression had vanished from his face + and for the first time in eight hours he treated his travelling wardrobe + with scorn and indifference. He tossed it carelessly into the seat beside + the chauffeur, and, springing nimbly into the car, sank back with a + prodigious sigh of relief. + </p> + <p> + "Thank God, they're off my mind at last," he cried. "That is the first + good, long breath I've had in a week. No, not now. It's a long story and I + can't tell it in Fifth Avenue. It would be extremely annoying to have both + of you die of heart failure with all these people looking on." + </p> + <p> + He felt her hand on his arm, and knew that she was looking at him with + wide, incredulous eyes, but he faced straight ahead. After a moment or + two, she snuggled back in the seat and cried out tremulously: + </p> + <p> + "Oh, how wonderful—how wonderful!" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Courtney, in utter ignorance, inquired politely: + </p> + <p> + "Isn't it? Have you never been in New York before, Miss Cameron? Strangers + always find it quite wonderful at the—" + </p> + <p> + "How are all the kiddies, Edith, and old Bill?" broke in her brother + hastily. + </p> + <p> + He was terribly afraid that the girl beside him was preparing to shed + tears of joy and relief. He could feel her searching in her jacket pocket + for a handkerchief. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Courtney was not only curious but apprehensive. She hadn't the + faintest idea who Miss Cameron was, nor where her brother had picked her + up. But she saw at a glance that she was lovely, and her soul was filled + with strange misgivings. She was like all sisters who have pet bachelor + brothers. She hoped that poor Tom hadn't gone and made a fool of himself. + The few minutes' conversation she had had with the stranger only served to + increase her alarm. Miss Cameron's voice and smile—and her eyes!—were + positively alluring. + </p> + <p> + She had had a night letter from Tom that morning in which he said that he + was bringing a young lady friend down from the north,—and would she + meet them at the station and put her up for a couple of days? That was all + she knew of the dazzling stranger up to the moment she saw her. + Immediately after that, she knew, by intuition, a great deal more about + her than Tom could have told in volumes of correspondence. She knew, also, + that Tom was lost forever! + </p> + <p> + "Now, tell me," said the Countess, the instant they entered the Courtney + apartment. She gripped both of his arms with her firm little hands, and + looked straight into his eyes, eagerly, hopefully. She had forgotten Mrs. + Courtney's presence, she had not taken the time to remove her hat or + jacket. + </p> + <p> + "Let's all sit down," said he. "My knees are unaccountably weak. Come + along, Ede. Listen to the romance of my life." + </p> + <p> + And when the story was finished, the Countess took his hand in hers and + held it to her cool cheek. The tears were still drowning her eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, you poor dear! Was that why you grew so haggard, and pale, and + hollow-eyed?" + </p> + <p> + "Partly," said he, with great significance. + </p> + <p> + "And you had them in your pack all the time? You—!" + </p> + <p> + "I had Sprouse's most solemn word not to touch them for a week. He is the + only man I feared. He is the only one who could have—" + </p> + <p> + "May I use your telephone, Mrs. Courtney?" cried she, suddenly. She sprang + to her feet, quivering with excitement. "Pray forgive me for being so + ill-mannered, but I—I must call up one or two people at once. They + are my friends. I have written them, but—but I know they are waiting + to see me in the flesh or to hear my voice. You will understand, I am + sure." + </p> + <p> + Barnes was pacing the floor nervously when his sister returned after + conducting her new guest to the room prepared for her. The Countess was at + the telephone before the door closed behind her hostess. + </p> + <p> + "I wish you had been a little more explicit in your telegram, Tom," she + said peevishly. "If I had known who she is I wouldn't have put her in that + room. Now, I shall have to move Aunt Kate back into it to-morrow, and give + Miss Cameron the big one at the end of the hall." Which goes to prove that + Tom's sister was a bit of a snob in her way. "Stop walking like that, and + come here." She faced him accusingly. "Have you told me ALL there is to + tell, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "Can't you see for yourself, Ede, that I'm in love with her? Desperately, + horribly, madly in love with her. Don't giggle like that! I couldn't have + told you while she was present, could I?" + </p> + <p> + "That isn't what I want to know. Is she in love with YOU? That's what I'm + after." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said he, but frowned anxiously. + </p> + <p> + "She is perfectly adorable," said she, and was at once aware of a guilty, + nagging impression that she would not have said it to him half an hour + earlier for anything in the world. + </p> + <p> + The Countess was strangely white and subdued when she rejoined them later + on. She had removed her hat. The other woman saw nothing but the wealth of + sun-kissed hair that rippled. Barnes went forward to meet her, filled with + a sudden apprehension. + </p> + <p> + "What is it? You are pale and—what have you heard?" + </p> + <p> + She stopped and looked searchingly into his eyes. A warm flush rose to her + cheeks; her own eyes grew soft and tender and wistful. + </p> + <p> + "They all believe that the war will last two or three years longer," she + said huskily. "I cannot go back to my own country till it is all over. + They implore me to remain here with them until—until my fortunes are + mended." She turned to Mrs. Courtney and went on without the slightest + trace of indecision or embarrassment in her manner. "You see, Mrs. + Courtney, I am very, very poor. They have taken everything. I—I fear + I shall have to accept the kind, the generous proffer of a—" her + voice shook slightly—"of a home with my friends until the Huns are + driven out." + </p> + <p> + Barnes's silence was more eloquent than words. Her eyes fell. Mrs. + Courtney's words of sympathy passed unheard; her bitter excoriation of the + Teutons and Turks was but dimly registered on the inattentive mind of the + victim of their ruthless greed; not until she expressed the hope that Miss + Cameron would condescend to accept the hospitality of her home until plans + for the future were definitely fixed was there a sign that the object of + her concern had given a thought to what she was saying. + </p> + <p> + "You are so very kind," stammered the Countess. "But I cannot think of + imposing upon—" + </p> + <p> + "Leave it to me, Ede," said Barnes gently, and, laying his hand upon his + sister's arm, he led her from the room. Then he came swiftly back to the + outstretched arms of the exile. + </p> + <p> + "A very brief New York engagement," he whispered in her ear, he knew not + how long afterward. Her head was pressed against his shoulder, her eyes + were closed, her lips parted in the ecstasy of passion. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," she breathed, so faintly that he barely heard the strongest word + ever put into the language of man. + </p> + <p> + Half-an-hour later he was speeding down the avenue in a taxi. His blood + was singing, his heart was bursting with joy,—his head was light, + for the feel of her was still in his arms, the voice of her in his + enraptured ears. + </p> + <p> + He was hurrying homeward to the "diggings" he was soon to desert forever. + Poor, wretched, little old "diggings"! As he passed the Plaza, the St. + Regis and the Gotham, he favoured the great hostelries with contemplative, + calculating eyes; he even looked with speculative envy upon the mansions + of the Astors, the Vanderbilts and the Huntingtons. She was born and + reared in a house of vast dimensions. Even the Vanderbilt places were puny + in comparison. His reflections carried him back to the Plaza. There, at + least, was something comparable in size. At any rate, it would do until he + could look around for something larger! He laughed at his conceit,—and + pinched himself again. + </p> + <p> + He was to spend the night at his sister's apartment. When he issued forth + from his "diggings" at half-past seven, he was attired in evening clothes, + and there was not a woman in all New York, young or old, who would have + denied him a second glance. + </p> + <p> + Later on in the evening three of the Countess's friends arrived at the + Courtney home to pay their respects to their fair compatriot, and to + discuss the crown jewels. They came and brought with them the consoling + information that arrangements were practically completed for the delivery + of the jewels into the custody of the French Embassy at Washington, + through whose intervention they were to be allowed to leave the United + States without the formalities usually observed in cases of suspected + smuggling. Upon the arrival in America of trusted messengers from Paris, + headed by no less a personage than the ambassador himself, the imperial + treasure was to pass into hands that would carry it safely to France. + Prince Sebastian, still in Halifax, had been apprised by telegraph of the + recovery of the jewels, and was expected to sail for England by the + earliest steamer. + </p> + <p> + And while the visitors at the Courtney house were lifting their glasses to + toast the prince they loved, and, in turn, the beautiful cousin who had + braved so much and fared so luckily, and the tall wayfarer who had come + into her life, a small man was stooping over a rifled knapsack in a room + far down-town, glumly regarding the result of an unusually hazardous + undertaking, even for one who could perform, such miracles as he. + Scratching his chin, he grinned,—for he was the kind who bears + disappointment with a grin,—and sat himself down at the big library + table in the centre of the room. Carefully selecting a pen-point, he + wrote: + </p> + <p> + "It will be quite obvious to you that I called unexpectedly to-night. The + week was up, you see. I take the liberty of leaving under the paperweight + at my elbow a two dollar bill. It ought to be ample payment for the damage + done to your faithful traveling companion. Have the necessary stitches + taken in the gash, and you will find the kit as good as new. I was more or + less certain not to find what I was after, but as I have done no + irreparable injury, I am sure you will forgive my love of adventure and + excitement. It was really quite difficult to get from the fire escape to + your window, but it was a delightful experience. Try crawling along that + ten inch ledge yourself some day, and see if it isn't productive of a + pleasant thrill. I shall not forget your promise to return good for evil + some day. God knows I hope I may never be in a position to test your + sincerity. We may meet again, and I hope under agreeable circumstances. + Kindly pay my deepest respects to the Countess Ted, and believe me to be, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +"Yours VERY respectfully, + "Sprouse. +</pre> + <p> + "P.S.—I saw O'Dowd to-day. He left a message for you and the + Countess. Tell them, said he, that I ask God's blessing for them forever. + He is off to-morrow for Brazil. He was very much relieved when he heard + that I did not get the jewels the first time I went after them, and + immensely entertained by my jolly description of how I went after them the + second. By the way, you will be interested to learn that he has cut loose + from the crowd he was trailing with. Mostly nuts, he says. Dynamiting + munition plants in Canada was a grand project, says he, and it would have + come to something if the damned women had only left the damned men alone. + The expletives are O'Dowd's." + </p> + <p> + Ten hours before Barnes found this illuminating message on his library + table, he stood at the window of a lofty Park Avenue apartment building, + his arm about the slender, yielding figure of the only other occupant of + the room. Pointing out over the black house-tops, he directed her + attention to the myriad lights in the upper floors of a great hostelry to + the south and west, and said, + </p> + <p> + "THAT is where you are going to live, darling." + </p> + <h3> + THE END + </h3> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Green Fancy, by George Barr McCutcheon + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GREEN FANCY *** + +***** This file should be named 5871-h.htm or 5871-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/5/8/7/5871/ + +Etext produced by Charles Aldarondo, Charles Franks and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at + www.gutenberg.org/license. + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809 +North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email +contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the +Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + + +</pre> + </body> +</html> |