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diff --git a/old/61877-h/61877-h.htm b/old/61877-h/61877-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 299dd3f..0000000 --- a/old/61877-h/61877-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7631 +0,0 @@ -<!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" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of DANGEROUS DILEMMAS, by James Peddie. - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2,h3 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - - -p { - text-indent: 2em; - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -.p0 { - text-indent: 0em; - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - line-height: 90%; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -.p2 { - text-align: justify; - padding-left: 2em; - text-indent: -2em; -} - -hr.tb { - width: 35%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 32.5%; - margin-right: 32.5%; - clear: both; -} - -hr.chap { - width: 75%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 12.5%; - margin-right: 12.5%; - clear: both; -} - - -div -.chapter { - page-break-before: always; -} - -table { - margin: 1em auto 1em auto; - max-width: 40em; - border-collapse: collapse; -} - - -.tdl {text-align: right; vertical-align: top} -.tdr {text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom} -.tdc {text-align: center;} - - -.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; -} /* page numbers */ - - /* poetry number */ - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.last {text-align: right;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -.u {text-decoration: underline;} - -.smaller {font-size: 60%;} -.small {font-size: 80%;} -.large {font-size: 110%;} -.xlarge {font-size: 150%;} - -.font1 { - font-family: "Old English TEXT MT", "Comic Sans MS", Arial; - font-size: 150%; - color: black; -} - -.space-above {margin-top: 3em;} -.space-below {margin-bottom: 3em;} - -/* Images */ -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; -} -.bord { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; - max-width: 100%; -} -/* Footnotes */ - -/* Poetry */ - -/* Transcriber's notes */ -div.tnotes { - background-color: #eeeeee; - border: 1px solid black; - padding: 1em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; - font-size:smaller; -} - - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Dangerous Dilemmas, by James Peddie - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll -have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using -this ebook. - - - -Title: Dangerous Dilemmas - Startling but True - -Author: James Peddie - -Release Date: April 20, 2020 [EBook #61877] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DANGEROUS DILEMMAS *** - - - - -Produced by Jwala Kumar Sista and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from scans of public domain works at The National -Library of Australia.) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"><div class="tnotes"> -<p class="center xlarge"><a name="Transcriber-Note" id="Transcriber-Note"></a><span class="u">Transcriber's Notes</span></p> -<p>1. Typographical errors & hyphenation inconsistencies were silently corrected.</p> -<p>2. 'CHAPTER XV' comes after 'The Silver Gauntlet' in the original.</p> -<p>3. Inclusion of 'TOC' and creation of 'cover image' done by the Transcriber and placed in the public domain.</p> -</div></div> - - - - -<h1><span class="large">DANGEROUS DILEMMAS:</span></h1> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="p0 center xlarge"> -STARTLING BUT TRUE.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="p0 center"> -<span class="smaller">BY</span><br /> -JAMES PEDDIE,</p> - -<p class="p0 center"> -<span class="smaller">AUTHOR OF</span><br /> -"SECRETS OF A PRIVATE ENQUIRY OFFICE," <br /> -<span class="smaller">ETC., ETC., ETC.</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter bord"> - <img src="images/title_logo.jpg" - alt="Publisher's device" /> -</div> - -<p class="p0 center"> -LONDON: -CHARLES H. CLARKE, 11 RED LION COURT,<br /> -FLEET-STREET. -</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span></p> - - - -<p class="p0 center space-above"> -<span class="font1">Perth:</span></p> -<p class="p0 center space-below"> -S. COWAN AND CO., STRATHMORE PRINTING WORKS.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>CONTENTS</h2> -</div> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="table summary"> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="small">Chapter</span></td> -<td> </td> -<td class="tdr"><span class="small">Page</span></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdc xlarge"><a href="#DANGEROUS_DILEMMAS">DANGEROUS DILEMMAS.</a></td><td class="tdr"></td> -</tr> - -<tr><td class="tdl"> </td><td> </td><td class="tdr"> </td></tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">I</a></td> -<td>THE ORIGIN OF "DANGEROUS DILEMMAS."</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">II</a></td> -<td>THE CHRISTMAS WINE-HAMPER FRAUD.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">III</a></td> -<td>MY FIRST AND ONLY APPEARANCE AS AN AUCTIONEER.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">IV</a></td> -<td>THE TWO MYSTERIOUS DOMINOS.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_20">20</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">V</a></td> -<td>THE FIFTEEN POSTAGE-STAMP PUZZLE.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">VI</a></td> -<td>A HEAD DEFEAT; AN ATTEMPT TO WIN THE CAMBRIDGESHIRE.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">VII</a></td> -<td>THE STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE AND STRANGER RECOVERY OF THE COUNTESS'S DIAMONDS.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">VIII</a></td> -<td>CREMORNE: A ROMANCE OF THE DERBY.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_46">46</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">IX</a></td> -<td>HOW TO SATISFY ONE'S CREDITORS WITH WASTE PAPER.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_52">52</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">X</a></td> -<td>LORD SEAMORD'S FALSE FUNERAL.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_57">57</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">XI</a></td> -<td>TAKING A MEAN ADVANTAGE OF A FIRE.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_64">64</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">XII</a></td> -<td>THE ATTEMPTED MURDER IN THE AIR.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_69">69</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">XIII</a></td> -<td>MY TWO MATCHES, OR WATERLOO AVENGED.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_74">74</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">XIV</a></td> -<td>UNFORTUNATE POSTAGE-STAMP.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_80">80</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr><td class="tdl"> </td><td> </td><td class="tdr"> </td></tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdc xlarge"><a href="#The_Silver_Gauntlet">The Silver Gauntlet.</a></td><td class="tdr"></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdc large">A STORY OF THE TURF.</td><td class="tdr"></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdc small">In Four Chapters.</td><td class="tdr"></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">I</td> -<td><i>An Introduction to Billy Platt.</i></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_90">90</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">II</td> -<td><i>Billy Platt shows his hand, and receives an unexpected but well-deserved blow.</i></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_92">92</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">III</td> -<td><i>A Woman comes to the Rescue.</i></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_95">95</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">IV</td> -<td><i>Broken bones and successful love.</i></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_99">99</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr><td class="tdl"> </td><td> </td><td class="tdr"> </td></tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">XV</a></td> -<td>MY REVENGES AT BILLIARDS.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_103">103</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr><td class="tdl"> </td><td> </td><td class="tdr"> </td></tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">--</td> -<td>SECRETS OF A MATRIMONIAL AGENCY.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_108">108</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">--</td> -<td>CRUEL WORK OF AN INTIMATE FRIEND.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_116">116</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">--</td> -<td>THE MISSING "RAJAH" DIAMOND.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_123">123</a></td> -</tr> - -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="space-below"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><span class="xlarge"><a name="DANGEROUS_DILEMMAS" id="DANGEROUS_DILEMMAS"></a>DANGEROUS DILEMMAS.</span></h2> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.<br /> -<span class="small">THE ORIGIN OF "DANGEROUS DILEMMAS."</span></h3> -</div> - - -<p class="p2"><i>The gambling tables at Spa— Compulsory mud bath—Saving -one's life by exchanging an overcoat—A fortunate shipwreck.</i></p> - -<p>"You are in a vein of luck and yet cease to play," said the -Dutch banker Oppenheim to me over my shoulder at the -roulette table at Spa.</p> - -<p>Since that bright autumn day both Germany and Belgium -have seen the evil results attending public gambling -when practised by weak-minded individuals, and have -banished the too fascinating game to Monaco, to the great -delight of the prince of the smallest kingdom in Europe.</p> - -<p>Man, being a speculative animal by nature, finding trente -et quarante and roulette forbidden by a paternal government, -has had recourse to écarté and baccarat, and instead -of playing at the kursaal in the sight of everybody he -now stakes his money in the seclusion of a club. The -facilities for gambling are more numerous than of yore, -but you cannot always depend upon the fairness of your -opponents' game, nor on realising your winnings. At the -public tables there could be no cheating, and when you -won you could rely on getting your money.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span></p> - -<p>The bankruptcies and suicides accruing from the gambling -mania have not diminished, but they are now attributed -to other causes. A man does not care to bespatter -the Turkey carpet of the club house with his brains, and -a severe loss or a grand coup made at a club is not usually -the subject of a newspaper paragraph. When a Garcia -broke the bank at Baden Baden the fact was commented -on by the whole European press. A public gambling -table is to some people's thinking an outlet for the over -speculative and a check against folly, but what is the use -of discussing the question, has not the fatal decree gone -forth, and the clink of the ivory ball and the "faites le -jeu" of the impassable croupier are no longer to be heard -in the richly decorated halls of the kursaal at Spa. But -at the time the above remark was made roulette and -trente et quarante were in the heyday of their dangerous -career.</p> - -<p>"You are in a vein of luck and yet cease to play," the -Baron repeated.</p> - -<p>"I don't care to waste my mornings at the tables," I -replied.</p> - -<p>"Superior attractions elsewhere?"</p> - -<p>"No, not what you mean; the bright sunshine lures me -out of doors for one thing, and you know I never play -long in the morning."</p> - -<p>"Why?"</p> - -<p>"Because it would be making a toil of a pleasure. I -enjoy my days in the open air and speculate in earnest in -the evening."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you are wise. At my time of life men are -only too willing to profit by the smiles of the fickle goddess, -come they at any hour of the day or night; they have had -too much occasion to fear her frowns."</p> - -<p>"They are no doubt right, and I am wrong to neglect -my chance, but in the morning I only venture a little to -test the fallacy of the last new system, and if possible to -win enough money to cover the day's expenses."</p> - -<p>"Praiseworthy objects both, and if you are satisfied, -what say you to get our horses and have dejeuner at the -restaurant in the wood. We will find ortolans there, and -the trout are quite equal to those of your Loch Leven."</p> - -<p>"Delighted," was my answer, and in a few minutes we -were cantering gaily along the heights above Spa.</p> - -<p>Before reaching the charmingly situated restaurant we -met with an accident which nearly cost my companion his -life.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p> - -<p>When least expected how often in our progress through -life do we suddenly come face to face with a grave difficulty -which the most acute of intellects would have failed -to foresee. Here's an illustration of what I mean. To -shorten our journey by about half a mile the Baron and I -left the main road and struck into the forest. The shade -from the trees was fully appreciated after the heat and -dust. There were numerous glades of surpassing loveliness, -and we had but little difficulty in finding a path -for our horses. We had enjoyed the agreeable change -for some time when the question arose whether we had not -lost our way. It turned out that neither of us knew anything -about the intricate windings of the forest. The -scenery was certainly very pretty, but the wealth of the -variegated foliage only gladdened the eye, and the trout -in the streams wanted catching and cooking; we were -two hungry men in search of something to eat. Our -watches told us that we had been nearly an hour endeavouring -to reach our destination, which by the longest route -would not have occupied more than half the time. We -had undoubtedly lost our reckoning, and were making for -some unknown region. A philosopher, partial to offering -words of advice in season would write here, "beware of -short cuts."</p> - -<p>We altered our course and rode to the left instead of -the right, and coming to a large open space we set our -horses going to make up for the mistake. The open -space was beautiful to look at, but proved as treacherous -as a lovely but deceitful woman. This simile is not mine—the -fair sex has no more devoted champion than myself—it -was suggested to me by Wormald, who has just returned -from India to go through the Divorce Court. Before -we had ridden many yards we found ourselves in the -middle of a morass, and—pleasant sensations—horses and -riders felt themselves gradually sinking out of sight. -Shouting for help seemed useless in such a solitude, and -our escape evidently depended on our own exertions.</p> - -<p>The Baron was a heavy man and weighed quite sixteen -stone in the saddle. He was mounted on a stout black -cob about fifteen hands, which was making extraordinary -exertions to get out of the mire, but the horses' floundering -only made matters worse. My steed, a light-made -thoroughbred mare, standing 15—2, having only to carry -about ten stone, did not sink so deeply as the Baron's cob, -and after a desperate scramble we managed to retrace our -steps and regain sound ground. My trouble over, I fastened -my muddy horse to a tree and hastened to see what I -could do for my companion. His position had become very -serious. The cob was lying on his side and had got the -Baron under him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I cannot move," he called out; "this brute will be the -death of me," and from all appearances what he said was -not unlikely to happen.</p> - -<p>I could see nothing of him except his head, and only the -back and head of his horse were visible. I tried to enter -the morass at a more favourable place, but I could not advance -any distance before I sank up to the middle in -nasty sticky slime. It was terribly annoying not to be -able to render any assistance to the drowning man. At -the critical moment when the Baron's head was disappearing -from my sight I shouted as hard as I could "If you -don't make a tremendous effort, Baron, you are a lost -man; get free from your horse somehow; kick him."</p> - -<p>My advice was not given a moment too soon. An opportune -blow separated horse and rider, and benefited -both.</p> - -<p>The Baron waded with difficulty to a tree growing in -the middle of the bog, and some friendly charcoal burners -arriving on the scene we got a supply of ropes and soon -pulled the Baron and his cob out of the quagmire. Having -washed and dried our clothes the best way we could, we -did not look quite so presentable as when we started, but -felt none the worse, and guided by a native we were not -long in reaching the welcome shelter of the restaurant, -where we found that our appetites had not suffered from -our compulsory mud bath.</p> - -<p>"That was a novel experience," remarked the Baron as -we sipped our Moulin à Vent? on the verandah of the -restaurant.</p> - -<p>"More novel than agreeable," I replied, "it looked all -up with you, and I began to think of your heirs."</p> - -<p>"Ah, they little imagine how near they were to handling -my money. Do you know that my senses were fast leaving -me?"</p> - -<p>"Really, and did the dark deeds of your life pass in -gloomy procession before you?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> - -<p>"No, it was rather pleasant than otherwise, I felt like -going to sleep; your shout woke me up to my great -danger. If I had been alone I would have certainly been -a dead man."</p> - -<p>"A nice predicament I would have been in if I had returned -to Spa by myself; they might have thought that I -was interested in your death, and put me on trial for -murder."</p> - -<p>"You would have been considerably inconvenienced, and -if not arrested, you would have found yourself under police -surveillance."</p> - -<p>"Whatever the result of the trial, my enemies would -have maintained to the end of my days that I had done -for you, and I might have had to leave England and -change my name."</p> - -<p>"You are exaggerating now," replied the Baron smiling. -"Let us rejoice that we both escaped and are free from -these undesirable complications. Only twice in my life -have I been so near death."</p> - -<p>"Indeed! Are the particulars interesting? If not of a -private nature, I should like to hear them."</p> - -<p>"There is no reason now, whatever there may have -been, why I should not satisfy your curiosity. The narration -will not occupy much time."</p> - -<p>"Early in life I was sent to Java to look after the branch -of our Rotterdam banking house. On one occasion it was -my duty to visit a gentleman who resided a short distance -from town, for the purpose of collecting a large sum of -money. Whether this fact got abroad I know not, but -one thing is certain, that I was followed to my friend's -plantation by two sinister-looking individuals, who seemed -to be very much interested in my movements. When I -saw the men dogging my steps I regretted that I had -chosen to walk. The planter would have gladly lent me -a horse, but I could frame no valid excuse for asking the -favour. I did not feel inclined to be thought a coward. -At the plantation I met an acquaintance who was engaged -to one of the proprietor's daughters, and I made sure he -would return to town with me, and that consequently my -money would be quite safe. Contrary to my expectations, -the lover was not ready to join me when I started, and I -went back alone. It was getting dark and I kept a good -look out, but I reached my house without molestation, -and I came to the conclusion that my suspicions had been -groundless. Early next day, however, I was horrified to -hear that the acquaintance I had left at the planter's, -making love to his sweetheart, had, on returning to town -later in the evening been brutally stabbed to death, and -robbed of everything of value. Before leaving the plantation -I had taken the precaution, without saying a word to -anybody, to change my light overcoat for a dark one hanging -close beside it. It seems that the murdered man had -been unfortunate enough to put on my coat. The exchange -of garments no doubt saved my life."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p> - -<p>"It was a lucky thought," I said; "they meant robbing -you."</p> - -<p>"Yes, and the idea only entered my mind at the moment -of departure, when I saw the two coats together."</p> - -<p>"Fate was kind to you, but it was a near thing; you -mentioned that you were in deadly peril on another -occasion."</p> - -<p>"That was on the return journey to Europe. You have -heard I daresay that the voyage is both long and dangerous. -On board with me I had the head of our firm and his -eldest daughter, but as I was only a cashier at the time -they kept me at a distance. In the midst of a terrific -storm our ship got out of her course and was driven on to -some rocks close to an uninhabited island. The captain -told us that the vessel was doomed, that nothing could -save her, and that we must shift for ourselves. The boats -that were not smashed when we struck were seized by the -sailors. I was a good swimmer and saw that I would not -have much difficulty in reaching the shore, but what was -to become of the feeble old banker and his helpless daughter? -In the hour of trial they looked for me to do something -for them. But what was I to do? I could save -one of them, I thought, but which? There was no time -for deliberation. Scarcely half an hour elapsed before -the vessel broke in two and we were thrown into the -water. The poor banker made a heartrending appeal to -me to save him. 'Oh, haste, I am drowning,' he cried, -and on seeing me hesitate between him and his struggling -daughter he added, 'Come to me, I have another daughter.' -I put a piece of the wreck in the young lady's hands and -assured her I would soon return. The banker was much -exhausted when I reached him, and in the strong surf we -were as nearly as possible drowned, but after repeated -efforts I at last managed to drag him up to a place of -safety."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> - -<p>"And the daughter you saved; she became your wife?"</p> - -<p>"Not so, alas! When I went back for her she had disappeared."</p> - -<p>"Is that all, Baron?"</p> - -<p>"Not quite. The banker was grateful; I was made a -partner in the firm and received the other daughter in -marriage."</p> - -<p>"You do come out of difficulties with flying colours. It -would I suppose have made a great difference to you if -you had saved the young lady instead of her father?"</p> - -<p>"Immense; that was the turning point of my life; the -poor girl who perished was betrothed to her cousin, so you -see she could not have rewarded me with her hand."</p> - -<p>"Lucky Baron!"</p> - -<p>"It is true fortune has not been unkind to me, but I -believe some such accidents occur to everyone and that -they make or mar the future."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>These striking narratives made a lasting impression on -me, and first put into my head the thought that a collection -of such dilemmas would not be uninteresting. Much experience -of men and cities has forced me to the same conclusion -as the Baron—viz., that at various periods of his -life man holds his destiny, so to speak, in the hollow of -his hand, and by his conduct at these critical moments his -future prosperity or adversity is assured. The proofs of -this theory are now before you. When my last witness -has spoken I hope you—the jury—will at least admit that -I have not been negligent in hunting up my evidence.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.<br /> -<span class="small">THE CHRISTMAS WINE-HAMPER FRAUD.</span></h3> -</div> - -<p class="p2"><i>Advertising pays— -giving a Dinner with an object—obtaining -the confidence of the public—an extraordinary bargain—a -great swindle.</i></p> - -<p>The tricks of "the trade" in London never fail to amuse -me. When a fraud is thoroughly exploded and no longer -pays, it is dropped until it is forgotten, and then revived. -Solomon was quite right in saying there was nothing new. -Akin to the fashions, these combinations to deceive the -ever-confiding public have their apogee, their decline and -fall. Like the gourd, they spring up in a single night, -and never fail to secure their victims. Am I not acting -the part of a public benefactor in dealing with such -matters? And will not some complaisant clergyman, of the -Pennington stamp, think it his duty to draw attention to -the benefits to be derived from reading them? Opprobrium -will be heaped on me by a certain class for speaking the -truth, but I am quite prepared to figure as a martyr.</p> - -<p>It is a melancholy fact, and I have no doubt about it, -that if every one had, say £5,000 a year, crime would be -banished from the land. But the millennium is not here -yet, and we must take the world as we find it. It is the -monetary difficulty which occasions men to whet their -wits to get by fair means or foul a necessary supply of the -circulating medium.</p> - -<p>It is not everyone who can, like a certain racing nobleman, -fall back on a horse to pull him through. When it -got into the middle of the racing week, and Lord W—— -found the bookmakers had had the best of him, he used to -telegraph to his training-stable, "Send Indian Star," and -that trustworthy animal almost invariably won some little -race on which his lordship would plunge.</p> - -<p>A man in the City (surely that is vague enough), not -having a horse to relieve him from his monetary dilemma, -was got out of the difficulty through a Christmas wine-hamper.</p> - -<p>If what I am told be correct, his Christmas wine-hamper -business was quite as legitimate as the concern -known in these days as the "American Singing Bird." -Not having heard the following conversation myself, you -must take it as it was given to me. The scene took place -in a novelty store, between the proprietor and his shopman:—</p> - -<p>Proprietor (to shopman)—Much business this morning?</p> - -<p>Shopman—Quiet; very quiet.</p> - -<p>Proprietor—What! No demand for nose machines?</p> - -<p>Shopman—None.</p> - -<p>Proprietor—Nor cork legs?</p> - -<p>Shopman—Not any.</p> - -<p>Proprietor—Very sad! Something must be done. Of -course you've got rid of a number of home knitters?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> - -<p>Shopman—No!</p> - -<p>Proprietor—Not sold even a baby?</p> - -<p>Shopman—There has only been one man here this morning, -and he wanted a glass eye of a green colour; but I -think it was only his fun.</p> - -<p>Proprietor—Tut, tut! This is dreadful! Heavy expenses -and no returns! <i>Out with the Canary!</i></p> - -<p>The canary, when wound up, can really sing not only -for a minute or two, but, by a secret contrivance, its melodious -voice goes on without a break for hours! So my -informant tells me. It always attracts large and admiring -crowds, many of whom become purchasers, not only of the -bird, but machines for hatching chickens, feeding them, -pulling off their feathers, roasting them, and many other -wonderful contrivances! The only thing wanted to make -these shops perfect is a market for wives and an assortment -of coffins. The ingenious plan of keeping the canary -in full tune so long as considered desirable is simple. It -consists of a flexible tube attached to the bird, at the end -of which is a whistle. This is put into a basin of water -and blown through. It is not a horse this time, but a -mechanical bird, that brings grist to the mill.</p> - -<p>I will now proceed to show you how much money was -made by advertising a Christmas wine-hamper. The wine -trade has always been popular with men who could not -succeed in any other profession or business. Everyone -fancies he can drive a mail-phaeton, edit a paper, and is a -judge of wine, the belief being that there is nothing wonderful -to learn. If he has a connection of friends and acquaintances -in London, especially at the West-End, so -much the better. The method usually adopted to ensure -success is to give <i>recherche</i> dinners, and mention incidentally -the quality and price of each wine as it is produced on the -table.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p> - -<p>He can say, "Yes," as if in an answer to some one, "it -is a first class Amontillado! Only a few dozen left! -Cheap at 60s.!" Again, "I hope you like that Chateau -Margaux! A rare vintage! There is not much better in -Her Majesty's cellar! Increases in value every year! Did -you ask had I any to spare? Not quite sure. It is giving -it away at 100s.! "If this delicate way of putting it does -not attain the desired end, a conversation about the various -vintages and the recent ravages amongst wines can be -started; and, on seeing your friends off, you can say, "You -had better let me send you the remainder of that sherry—just -a small parcel of six dozen!" Then, again, you can -observe, "If you really are so pleased with that claret, I -will see what there is left, and will try to oblige you!" These -and similar remarks generally prove more or loss effectual.</p> - -<p>When the "Man in the City" found his balance at his -bankers rather low, and a confidential note from the -manager having been received apprising him of the fact, -he looked round for some method of making both ends -meet. After leaving the army he had taken to the wine -business, and had hitherto done no good. He had plenty -of wine in his cellar, but no demand for it; and being -rather young in the trade, he had been made a victim. All -his stock was of an inferior quality, and his friends declined -having any more after the first trial. A bright idea crossed -his mind—Christmas approaching, he would advertise it. -Accordingly, "Christmas Wine Hampers at Two Guineas!" -appeared in all the leading newspapers in town and country, -and proved eminently successful. In this case his purchasers -had quantity, not quality. By the commencement -of the year he had got rid of all his bad stock, and realised -a good round sum of money to his credit. But some men -are never satisfied where money is concerned. When he -saw the last lot of wine carted away from his house he -called himself some pretty names—such as "I'm a stupid -dolt!" "A confounded fool!"—and avowed he should do -better next time. The lesson he got in this instance he -meant to utilize at the expense of the public the first -opportunity. A chance had escaped him but another -would occur. In the meantime he had established a good -reputation with innumerable clients in town and country, -which was like so much capital.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p> - -<p>When next Christmas approached his plans were fully -matured, and he was ready for action. The chance of -making a large sum of money he resolved should not be -unsuccessful this time. On the 1st of November he published -the following advertisement:—"Christmas Wine-Hamper -for Two Guineas! The firm whose Christmas wine-hamper -last year gave such universal satisfaction, are prepared, on -this occasion only and on the following conditions to supply -six bottles of sherry, six bottles of claret, and six bottles of -champagne, all of guaranteed sound quality, packed in -hamper, and sent free to any metropolitan railway station -for the unprecedented small sum of Two Guineas! Orders -accompanied by remittance will be registered as they -arrive, and if the stock of wine is exhausted those who sent -first will have the preference, and the money returned to -those who cannot be supplied. The hampers will be forwarded -one week before Christmas-day, and all remittances -will be promptly acknowledged. References to customers in -every part of the world. Bankers—London and Westminster -Bank. Cellars—Coleman Street. All letters to -be addressed 'Messrs. Hanbury, Robarts & Co., Moorgate -Street, London, E.C.'"</p> - -<p>The orders arrived daily by hundreds, and a large staff -of clerks had to be employed to register them and answer -the letters. Clever people could not see how the thing -could be done at the price, but came to the conclusion that -the firm wanted a good advertisement. The two guineas, -however, came rolling in, the public evidently looking -upon it as a golden opportunity to save money.</p> - -<p>As can easily be imagined, the men at the cellars were -busy. Thousands of hampers began to accumulate. They -had all to go out at the same time. Before the appointed -time for delivery a notice was inserted in the newspapers -that no more orders could be received after a certain date. -The rush on these final days reminded one of the period of -the South Sea bubble. Men and women with tears in their -eyes and money in their hands, entreated as a favour to -be registered.</p> - -<p>To keep faith with his clients, the "Man in the City" -duly sent away his thousands of hampers on the day -named, each hamper containing the number of bottles -enumerated in the advertisement. You will doubtless turn -round in surprise and ask where the profit came in, and -whether the "Man in the City" was not a little touched -in his "upper story?" Not at all. By the transaction he -cleared close on £5,000! As will be seen, he had profited -by his previous year's experience, and was enabled to -afford many holidays on the Continent.</p> - -<p>Well, as my readers may be anxious to know the secret -of his success in this "little business," I will tell them. -It lay in the bottles being small in size, and containing -about two glasses of wine each!</p> - -<p>The <i>quality</i> had been guaranteed, not the <i>quantity</i>!</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.<br /> -<span class="small">MT FIRST AND ONLY APPEARANCE AS AN AUCTIONEER.</span></h3></div> - -<p class="p2"><i>The force of Circumstances— -An infallible System—Led to -Ruin—Getting Out of One Scrape into Another—A -Lucky Escape.</i></p> - -<p>In my lifetime I have played many parts, successfully and -otherwise, but it was only on one occasion I officiated as -an auctioneer. The circumstances connected with this -position were too many for me, and I ascended the rostrum -much against my inclination. The rostrum consisted of a -small table, uncertain about the legs, with a worm-eaten -desk upon it. It would have been a piece of good fortune -if that shaky article of furniture had, like my friend's -system of breaking the bank, broken down; but no -surreptitious stamping would bring it to the ground.</p> - -<p>Putting the best face I could upon the matter, and -assuming the air of a Tattersall about to dispose of a two-thousand-guinea -yearling, I proceeded to sell the various -lots printed in the catalogue, making a few preliminary -remarks to be in keeping with the style and manner of the -Knightsbridge people.</p> - -<p>But was I not an auctioneer? Not at all! That was -the fun, or rather the difficulty of the thing. It was, however, -a nasty scrape, and I was more than glad to see the -last of Doncaster for that year. It was the infallible -system of Peter Dodd which created the mischief.</p> - -<p>"What on earth are you trying to do?" I asked him -one day in the latter part of August, more years ago now -than I care to remember. Ho was the sole occupant of the -room, was Peter, when I entered, and seemed deeply -engaged in playing roulette with himself and noting the -results—the colour and the numbers—on a slate beside -him.</p> - -<p>"Studying how to make your fortune; and yet you -sometimes doubt my friendship!" replied Mr. Dodd, -continuing to spin the ball and add to the results on the -slate.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Fiddlesticks! what nonsense are you up to? It seems -to be cheerful work. Perhaps the spell will be broken if -you are disturbed."</p> - -<p>"Don't go, old fellow; let me finish the series. I know -you are an unbeliever; but I shall be able to convince the -most sceptical."</p> - -<p>I sat down much amused at my friend's earnestness and -excitement, and waited patiently the end of the experiments. -He was soon satisfied, and, starting up, exclaimed—</p> - -<p>"Perfect, and a marvel of simplicity!"</p> - -<p>"Not hereditary in the family, I hope?" I asked. -"When the attack is on you, you don't fly at your best -friends?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I bite them! While you have been gadding -about town, doing no good, here have I been making -my hair turn grey by testing the various chances at -roulette."</p> - -<p>"Might I suggest," I said, "that you should vary the -monotony of the roulette—<i>toujours des perdrix</i>—with a -little solitaire. I can recommend that as a lively game."</p> - -<p>"Go to Jericho!" he rather impolitely answered. "I -am the working bee; you are the drone. While you were -whispering absurdities into the ear of Marie I have discovered -an infallible system."</p> - -<p>"Anything to do with keeping one's temper?"</p> - -<p>"It is a system," he said impressively, "which will -break any bank."</p> - -<p>"Is that all? That is nothing. I met three men at -Baden Baden who each professed to know a different but -sure method of effecting that desirable feat; but something -must have gone wrong with their calculations. To -number one I lent a Napoleon to make up his railway fare; -number two was escorted to the frontier at the expense of -the State; and the third—what did the third do? Let -me see—it was something ridiculous, I know. Oh! I -remember. When he had lost his last franc he frightened -the ladies in the rooms by blowing out his brains! I am -disappointed in you, Peter Dodd. I know your sanguine -disposition, but I did think you had more sense."</p> - -<p>"Then the secrets of the world are all used up, and -there is nothing new to be discovered."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean, wise Peter?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Be serious if you can; my system has extraordinary -advantages, and can be applied with equal s access to any -game of chance, be it pitch-and-toss or blind hookey."</p> - -<p>"Eureka! That is the correct exclamation, I think. -Then we are to have no more flights of uncertain bills, the -dread of Monday's settling is about to cease for ever, and -I can promise Marie that saddle horse. Permit me, Peter, -to congratulate you that you still retain a little of the -verdure of your early youth, and believe in something, -even if that something is only an infallible system."</p> - -<p>"Pooh! so do you, you want to make yourself worse -than you are. If anyone dared, for instance, to malign a -certain young lady——"</p> - -<p>"Stop! what has my confidence in a young lady to do -with the question? Young ladies have nothing to do with -making money; it is the spending department they know -most about. You are endeavouring to shirk the matter, -and you are aware that all the arguments in the universe -would fail to prove the truth of infallible systems."</p> - -<p>"Just so; but you will admit that one system of gambling -is better than another, and that it must be greatly to -the advantage of the player to reduce the chance in favour -of the banker to the smallest possible limit."</p> - -<p>"True! O wise Peter, you speak as if you were quoting the -head line of a copy book."</p> - -<p>"The greatest discoveries of all ages have been treated -in a similar manner. Sneer away. It is quite true, though; -I have found a system which reduces the risk to the -minimum, and puts you on all but a level position with -the banker."</p> - -<p>"Double or quits, I suppose."</p> - -<p>"Nothing of the kind; quite a new idea. The St. Leger -is approaching."</p> - -<p>"So is Christmas."</p> - -<p>"But the St. Leger means Doncaster, stupid, and Doncaster -implies roulette in the subscription rooms, and—breaking -the bank."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I see now why you are in full practice—getting off -superfluous flesh and laying on muscle."</p> - -<p>"Yes; and I want you and Fred Somers to join me in -the speculation. A pile of money might easily be made. -Draw your chair, take the slate, and I will condescend to -show you—which is more than you deserve—how the -thing is done."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> - -<p>The system when worked out, was really ingenious, and -was not devoid of merit. It was imperative that there -should not be the slightest deviation from a particular -plan of operation. The human being became a simple -calculating machine, and his judgment was dispensed with. -And it had the charm of simplicity. With pardonable -curiosity you wish to know the particulars of Peter Dodd's -infallible system, but I shall not gratify your desire, as it -might lead to your ruin.</p> - -<p>After many trials of the system and much deliberation, -Dodd, Somers, and myself arranged to go to Doncaster. -Our available capital was lumped together, and shared -equally. We were to play independently of each other, -and compare notes when the night's work was finished. -Owing to the action of the police at a later period, gambling -in the subscription rooms is no longer permitted, but when -Marquis won the St. Leger for Mr. Hawke and John Scott -it was in full vogue. We had a successful day on the race-course, -and were in excellent spirits and anxious to set -about breaking the bank.</p> - -<p>There must have been something good in Dodd's system, -because we managed to play without being entirely "broke" -from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., but casting up accounts at the -latter hour was not an agreeable operation. We had all -lost heavily. In fact we had only a few sovereigns left, -barely sufficient to pay our expenses.</p> - -<p>"I never believed in the infernal system," said Somers, -as we walked home to our hotel in the bright autumn -morning; "we must have been asses."</p> - -<p>I could not help laughing at the disappointed expression -on poor Dodd's face.</p> - -<p>"It wants looking into," muttered Peter.</p> - -<p>"I mean to have a dance on that roulette wheel when I -get back to town; no more systems for this infant. What's -to be done about money?" said Somers.</p> - -<p>"We must back a winner to-morrow," I replied; but -whether it was the tiring effects of the night's gambling -or not I cannot say, we were very unlucky with our investments, -and finished the day as nearly cleaned out -as possible. Circumstances were now very grave, and the -question was how were we to pay our hotel bill and get -back to London? Three more disconsolate-looking men -did not walk the streets of Doncaster. We put our -heads together in vain—no good idea came out of them, -and in the hope that night would bring good counsel we -retired to rest.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p> - -<p>But the morning found us without any solution to the -problem, and Dodd, who took the greater part of the -blame on himself—went out into the town to see if he -could meet any friend who would lend him a few pounds. -The time Dodd was gone Somers said he would look into -the public room, and I was left in my bedroom writing -"copy" for the <i>Weekly Clarion</i>. Somers soon returned -with a beaming countenance.</p> - -<p>"You have been fortunate?" I said.</p> - -<p>"Yes, but not in the manner you think," answered -Somers.</p> - -<p>"But do you see your way out of the difficulty?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly, but it all depends on you."</p> - -<p>"Well, explain. I am ready to do anything."</p> - -<p>"I thought so. Now, listen. There is a sale on in the -yard, and the auctioneer has not turned up. When I saw -the dilemma the farmers were in, I said my friend would -be glad to officiate—meaning you. Dodd would make a -regular mess of it, and my squeaky voice would never be -heard."</p> - -<p>"You cannot be serious, Somers," I exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Never more serious in my life."</p> - -<p>"But I have never acted as an auctioneer."</p> - -<p>"That don't matter."</p> - -<p>"But are you aware, my friend, that a licence is necessary, -and that the penalty for not having one is very -heavy?"</p> - -<p>"Bother the penalty. Don't we return to London -to-night? I'm off to get your name printed. Any preference? -Will Robert Scott, auctioneer, Mark Lane, -London, do?"</p> - -<p>"Really, Somers, it is too risky."</p> - -<p>"I'll back it to beat Peter Dodd's idiotic system. This -is a certainty. It means £5."</p> - -<p>Imagine me, then, if you please, standing on that shaky -table, catalogue in hand, extolling the merits of a feather -bed, a cart-horse, a Carron grate, a brindle cow, some pigs, -a threshing machine, a chest of drawers, and other miscellaneous -articles of property.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> - -<p>Naturally I was a little nervous at first, but my courage -came back to me, and I got excellent prices for everything. -When Peter Dodd returned from his fruitless -quest he did not see me, being a little short-sighted, until -Somers pointed me out to him. When, by the aid of an -eye-glass, he did realise the fact that I was making myself -so useful, the situation was too much for him, and he -rushed into an hotel.</p> - -<p>Towards the end of the sale the real auctioneer made -his appearance!</p> - -<p>The train by which he travelled had broken down. -He was for ousting me from my rostrum without ceremony, -but backed by the "No! no!" of my audience, I refused -to move. He looked daggers at me, and took a note of -my newly-printed name and address. This did not bode any -good, and I was not sorry to get to the end of the catalogue.</p> - -<p>Joining my friends with the hard-earned "fiver," I -suggested that the sooner we left Doncaster the better. -The bill was called for and a time-table examined. But -before our preparations were finished a row broke out in -the room where the farmers were having their dinner, and -Somers went down to see what it meant. He returned -immediately, looking pale as a ghost.</p> - -<p>"Old fellow," he said, addressing me, "that wretch of -an auctioneer has had a telegram from London to say you -are not licensed, and he has just gone to acquaint the -authorities."</p> - -<p>"In that case, you will excuse me leaving by the back -door. I will see you at the station."</p> - -<p>Whether they sold the live stock and implements of -husbandry over again I never heard, and since then I have -discarded all belief in Peter Dodd's infallible system, and -have not officiated a second time as an auctioneer.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br /> -<span class="small">THE TWO MYSTERIOUS DOMINOS.</span></h3></div> - -<p class="p2"><i>Peter Dodd makes another proposal— -Carnival time at Boulogne— -The scene in the supper-room—"All's well -that ends well."</i></p> - -<p>While I am about it I may as well relate to you another -of the scrapes into which I was led by the volatile but -good-natured Peter Dodd. It was not a question of making -or losing money this journey, but the peace of two -families which was threatened. When you learn the surprise -that was so carefully planned for us, you will admit -that most people similarly situated would have lost their -heads and blundered. We were fortunate enough to -understand the delicate position in a moment, and were -consequently able to smooth down in a very short time the -ruffled plumes of our two dominos.</p> - -<p>What promised at first to furnish matter for two cases -in the Divorce Court, ended in a rather riotous supper. I -know that I had to take a long walk on the Boulogne -sands next day before I could get rid of a violent headache—the -effects of too much sweet champagne. He does not -mean it I am sure, but it is a strange thing that a fatality -attaches itself to all the propositions of Peter Dodd.</p> - -<p>The jokes about the "infallible system" had all been let -off, and my ears were no longer greeted with the "going, -going, gone," of an auctioneer, when Peter came in with -his tempting proposal to me.</p> - -<p>"Jack," he said, his eyes beaming with the anticipated -pleasure, "I'm going to treat myself to a little -holiday."</p> - -<p>"Well, Peter, you have my permission; take care of -yourself. Remember you have given hostages to fortune," -I replied.</p> - -<p>"It is too bad of you to be always reminding me that I -am married, as if that fact is not ever patent to me; just -as if a certain young lady would permit me to forget it."</p> - -<p>"I would not have mentioned the pleasant bond, you -may be assured, without a good reason."</p> - -<p>"Stuff and nonsense! What reason?"</p> - -<p>"You have not been so long married, and already I -begin to notice a return of some of your former levity. -You have commenced to give back with interest the -glances of a pretty girl as of yore. What was that you -were whispering to the brunette you met at Regent Circus -last Friday—no appointment? Fie, Peter, what would -your charming little woman say?"</p> - -<p>"She would go mad with jealousy. She is bad enough -as it is."</p> - -<p>"She loves you immensely, Peter, and you ought to -prize such affection. I hope you will enjoy yourselves."</p> - -<p>"But I am not taking Clara with me."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> - -<p>My reply was not delivered in words, it was whistled. -This form of answer evidently did not please Peter.</p> - -<p>"You are always lecturing me," he said hotly. "Suppose -I turn round and ask your wife how she enjoyed -herself in that private box at the Gaiety the other night, -what would you say? The plaintiff is expected to come -into court with clean hands."</p> - -<p>"Relations from the country must be shown a little -attention."</p> - -<p>"Especially when they are young and pretty."</p> - -<p>"Not a drawback, certainly. I am older than you, -Peter, and if the advice is not palatable, don't swallow it. -Knowing your quicksilver nature, I ventured to turn on -the danger signal. I shall not stand idly by with my -hands in my pockets and see that nice little woman of -yours neglected."</p> - -<p>"It is ridiculous to talk of neglect. But because a man -happens to get married does it follow that he should be -tied to his wife's apron-strings for the rest of his natural -life. In my opinion an occasional absence has a salutary -effect, and brightens up the old love."</p> - -<p>"I daresay that even the devil himself can find some -plausible argument for his conduct. Go your own way, -Peter. I only hope that the motive power for this freak -is not a lady. You do not usually go away to enjoy yourself -when the snow is on the ground."</p> - -<p>"There is no lady at all in the case. The sole reason is -that I want to see the carnival, and as Boulogne is about -the nearest place I am going there. Won't you join -me?"</p> - -<p>"Not possible, I fear. I ought to have run across last -autumn. A man there owes me a hundred pounds."</p> - -<p>"Why not arrange to come. Kill two birds with one -stone. Enjoy the carnival, draw your money. Away -only three days."</p> - -<p>"The 'copy' might be got ready," I answered, "by a -night's sitting. But there is another obstacle."</p> - -<p>"I have made up my mind to take you with me, so you -must manage it somehow. What is the other difficulty?"</p> - -<p>Before answering, I took the precaution of opening the -door to see whether we were favoured with a listener. -Although there was nobody visible I heard the sound of -retreating footsteps, which made me a little suspicious.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> - -<p>"That's it," said Peter, pointing with his thumb over -his right shoulder.</p> - -<p>"Yes," I replied; "don't talk loud. What excuse -could I give? What have you said? That you are going -to masquerade at a carnival ball?"</p> - -<p>"Not likely. I am depending on you for a satisfactory -reason."</p> - -<p>"As usual. To begin with, it will not do to tell our -wives we are going to France."</p> - -<p>"Not at all. One of the papers would be sure to do a -gushing article on the frolics of the carnival, and we -should be found out and settled."</p> - -<p>"Do you transact any business with Liverpool?" I asked.</p> - -<p>"Sometimes. I see your drift."</p> - -<p>"Well, we can pretend to go there, you to see a merchant, -and I to forward the interests of the <i>Clarion</i>."</p> - -<p>So it was agreed, and this piece of deception was carefully -arranged and duly carried out. My better half was -unusually complaisant when I told her my intentions, and -even went so far as to say I had been working too hard, -and the change would do me good. She was glad, she -added, that my great friend, Peter Dodd, was accompanying -me; he would prevent me feeling dull. She was -so very kind in the matter, asking whether the theatres -were good at Liverpool, and how I would dispose of my -evenings; I felt quite guilty at deceiving her. "You had -better take your dress clothes," she said; "you never -know what may happen. You might be asked out to -dinner."</p> - -<p>Declining the proposals of our wives to see us safely in -the train for Liverpool, Peter Dodd and I took a cab to -Charing Cross Railway Station and booked to Boulogne-sur-Mer. -I at one time had my suspicions that my "better -half" was not without a knowledge of our real destination, -but her anxiety to see that my portmanteau was properly -packed disarmed me; and her last words at parting were, -"Don't work too hard. Amuse yourself a little—you want -a change." Peter and I were both quite certain that Mrs. -Dodd had not the least idea of our plot, and to perfect the -scheme we had letters sent to a friend in Liverpool, to -be duly posted, acquainting our wives with our arrival, -and expressing our sorrow at being separated from them -even for such a short space of time.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> - -<p>Dull care we threw to the winds, and no two men could -have stepped on French soil more bent on enjoyment. The -very air seemed to exhilarate us; it was like quaffing a -bumper of champagne. Of course you know Boulogne. -Need I describe to you the beauty of the sands, the antiquity -of the old town, the village fetes at Pont-des-Briques -and Portelle, the quaint costumes and massive -ornaments of the fish-women, or the particular class of -Englishmen you are bound to meet there in and out of -season?</p> - -<p>You are, perhaps, as well acquainted with its features as -I am. Perhaps you have made love on the ramparts in -the moonlight, and had your breakfast at the little -restaurant on the jetty. Morning has found you at the -English Library in search of the latest gossip; and possibly -you have seldom when there missed the two important -events of the day—the arrival and departure of the mail -boats.</p> - -<p>Small as it is, Boulogne circulates more scandal than -any town twice its size. It may be an extraordinary marriage, -cheating discovered at the card-table, the sudden -disappearance of a friend's wife, the elopement of a young -lady with a married man, or rumours of a duel about to -take place on the Belgian frontier. Something startling -is sure to turn up, and natives and foreigners alike enjoy -the humours of the carnival quite as much as the people of -Paris or Lyons.</p> - -<p>The carnival commenced the day following our arrival. -The proper thing to do was to hire two fancy costumes, -and, duly masked, go to the ball at the theatre in the -evening. We selected our dresses with great care. We -were, indeed, laughable to look at—I dressed in a Turkish -costume, and Peter, capitally got up like a Frenchman of -the Paris boulevards. We flattered ourselves, however, -that our most intimate friends would not have guessed -who we were—feeling safe from detection even from our -wives.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p> - -<p>After dejeuner on the jetty, I went in search of the man -who owed me the hundred pounds. He was not in the -least surprised to see me, which seemed strange; in fact, -he looked as if he had rather expected me to drop in -than otherwise. One thing he was not prepared with, and -that was my money. Instead of offering to liquidate the -debt to some extent, he, with all the coolness imaginable, -proposed that I should lend him another ten pounds. I -would not regret it, he said; he might be able to do me a -good turn. His audacity made me angry, and I marched -out of his office in anything but a pleasant temper. Meeting -an acquaintance shortly afterwards, he told me not to -expect to realise my hundred, that the man's wife had -bolted with her husband's most intimate friend a few days -before, and that he, my debtor, was fast drinking himself -to ruin and death. Dismissing this miserable business -from my mind, Peter and I, picturesquely arrayed, took a -voiture to the theatre about eleven o'clock. The fun had -not yet become fast and furious, but the signs of the mad -revelry to come were visible on all sides.</p> - -<p>Much abler pens than mine have described the kaleidoscope -lights and shades of a carnival ball, and I will confine -myself to the very objectionable dilemma which occurred to -me and my friend. Having flirted a little and danced once -or twice, we took our unknown partners to the bar to get -some refreshment, and were standing there, when my -attention was arrested by the appearance of two ladies in -black dominos on the scene who seemed to be greatly interested -in our movements. They had a small piece of -white satin ribbon attached to each of their shoulders for, -I presumed, the purpose of recognition if they were -accidentally separated.</p> - -<p>The volatile Peter was too busy whispering nonsense in -his best French to the girl he had been dancing with to -notice these inquisitive dominos. I was about to leave the -buffet when a tall man in a hideous mask joined the two -ladies, who evidently knew him, and, from the direction of -their looks, it appeared that what the three individuals -were talking about related to us.</p> - -<p>An uneasy feeling stole over me, which I could not shake -off. I endeavoured to reason with myself that no end of -mistakes took place at every masked ball, and that the -two dominos who persisted in hovering near us were on -the wrong scent. But this did not quite set my mind at -rest. I took Peter aside and told him that I thought we -were watched! "What fun! Let's go and ask them to -dance!" was all the reckless man answered. No sooner -said than done; he went up to the ladies and requested -that honour for himself and friend, but they shook their -heads in reply, and put themselves in the care of their tall -friend. Peter, not a whit abashed, suggested that they -thought themselves too respectable to do anything but -look sarcastically on other people's folly, and departed in -search of fresh adventure.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p> - -<p>As the heat was stifling, I went out of the theatre and -entered a restaurant close to it. What I saw there -astonished me. There was the tall man who had been in -conversation with the two dominos, without his mask, and -he turned out to be the worthy individual who owed me -the hundred pounds!</p> - -<p>His remark, that if I lent him another ten pounds he -might be able to do me another good turn, arose in my mind. -It was strange he showed no surprise at seeing me enter -his office.</p> - -<p>Was it possible that my wife, who knew I had at one -time business relations with this man, had sent to have me -watched? Or, horror of horrors! had she followed me -herself?</p> - -<p>I was never quite satisfied about the noise outside the -door when Peter Dodd first proposed the unfortunate -trip to Boulogne.</p> - -<p>I soon, however, learned the worst. The tall man, who -apparently did not perceive me, was drinking with some -persons at the bar, and was relating to them with great -glee, how nicely I was being done; and Peter Dodd's wife -and mine were the two dominos who had watched us, and -who had engaged this drunken fellow to assist them!</p> - -<p>Needless to say, these revelations came upon me like a -thunderclap in a summer sky. I immediately rushed back -to the theatre to inform Peter of the dreadful discovery I -had made. To my utter amazement, I found him waltzing -with his own wife, the other domino (my "better half") -looking on!</p> - -<p>Immediate action was necessary to prevent a scene, and -I whispered to Peter as he passed me—</p> - -<p>"Something serious has happened; take back your -partner and come instantly to me."</p> - -<p>Peter, for once, did as he was told, but not without -being stupid enough to say to his partner that he hoped -to have the pleasure of dancing with her again, and that -he expected the two ladies to join him and his friend at -supper. He was sure his friend would be delighted.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p> - -<p>"That's the nicest girl I have danced with to-night," -said Peter, considerably excited, "but I cannot get her to -talk."</p> - -<p>"Come out, you idiot," was all I could say.</p> - -<p>"That is polite, I must observe; Boulogne air is not -agreeable to some people."</p> - -<p>"Tell me, what rubbish have you been talking to your -partner, and how did you manage to get her to waltz with -you?"</p> - -<p>"Cool! jealous! of course all the best girls must be -reserved for the Sultan. Don't be cross; if you fancy my -partner, take her. Perhaps you will be able to make her -speak, and I will transfer my attentions to her friend," -replied the incorrigible Peter.</p> - -<p>"Talk sense one second; you will be serious enough -when I tell you what I have discovered. I ask you if you -have the slightest notion who we are dancing with?"</p> - -<p>"Not I, she would not open her mouth, but she is a -deuced fine girl."</p> - -<p>"Why, madman, that girl is your own wife; they are -both here."</p> - -<p>The only plan was to bribe more than the opposition, -and, reluctantly enough, I went and made terms with my -pleasant debtor. "What he knew did not amount to much; -the enemy had said it was a lark to see what we were -about, and by making him a present got him to assist them." -He kindly found out for them where we were stopping, -and the hideous dresses in which we were to disfigure -ourselves.</p> - -<p>Peter was o£ no assistance to me in the dilemma; the -startling intelligence had quite upset his equilibrium. No -more jokes now about the nicest girl he had danced with -that night. I made use of the tall man, however, as he -had been paid by both sides. He obtained for me a blank -telegram for a message received, and on it I had written a -request from the proprietor of the <i>Clarion</i> asking me to -be certain to forward my carnival article on the following -day, so that it would appear in that week's issue. This -was for my wife—she was so partial to things being proved. -A private letter would ensure the insertion of an article -which I must write.</p> - -<p>The only way out of the difficulty was to state that I -was obeying instructions from the office, and to own that -a harmless piece of deception was used in case our darling -wives would not approve of foreign doings and masked -balls.</p> - -<p>The ladies were brought to us by our drinking friend, -there was a stormy five minutes, and a good many tears, -but all unpleasantness was forgotten before the supper was -finished.</p> - -<p>But as I said before, Peter Dodd's ideas have a tendency -to lead one into mischief.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.<br /> -<span class="small">THE FIFTEEN POSTAGE-STAMP PUZZLE.</span></h3></div> - -<p class="p2"><i>The two Conspirators— The Destitute state of the Finances—Swindle -concocted—A polite Speech—The golden -Harvest.</i></p> - - -<p>It is a threadbare saying, but a very true one, that -nothing succeeds like success. Be the money made in -questionable ways, such as by a little piracy in Chinese -waters, selling guns never intended to shoot to North -American Indians, or by a quack medicine, which professes -to cure all diseases humanity is heir to, the man himself, -the millionaire, will be glorified. As in America, so in the -mother country, the money-bags cover a multitude of sins. -It is pitiable, and does not give one a high impression of -the multitude's brains, that the most glaring imposition, if -thoroughly well advertised and persisted in, is bound to -yield large profits.</p> - -<p>It may not have been overlooked, although not noticed -much in the newspapers, but the most satirical thing done -in the present century of the Christian era has been the -erection of an asylum for imbeciles by a gentleman who -shall be, for obvious reasons, nameless. The act speaks -volumes, and ought to be worth a cartoon by Tenniel as a -lesson for thousands. The donor has been behind the -scenes, and knows our little weaknesses and is ashamed of -us! After putting away all the money he cares about, he -devotes the surplus to the more benighted and helpless -of his immense clientele. A statue ought to be erected to -such a man; his head has evidently been fitted to his -shoulders in a correct and proper manner. Early in life he -found out the immense advantage of advertising, and also -the gullibility of a vast majority of the earth. There are -other men, no doubt, just as sharp as our asylum friend, -who know quite as well how to reap considerable profit -from this knowledge, and the Fifteen Postage-stamp Puzzle -is a case in point.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> - -<p>It was a miserable room of one of those dilapidated inns -near the Strand that the stamp project was hatched. -Two men, shabbily dressed, were seated opposite each -other at an old table, on which was a pewter-pot. They -were both smoking clay pipes and drinking beer, and were -in anything but a happy mood, to judge from their -appearance and general aspect; and one might safely conclude -they could not boast of having a superfluity of cash. -I will now introduce these two men by the names of -Bathurst and Fenn. Bathurst is a tall, dark-looking man, -with a hooked nose and teeth remarkably white. His -family got him into Her Majesty's Nary as a midshipman, -and he was in a fair way to promotion when something -occurred connected with a gambling transaction which -caused him to resign. Fenn is also tall, but very fair. -His parents gave him a good education, and he was getting -a decent salary as a shop-walker in a Regent Street firm -when a young lady mysteriously disappeared, and along -with, her went furs and silks of much value. Suspicion, -for which, no doubt, there were good grounds, pointed to -Fenn as the young lady's confederate, and the place -became too hot for him. These two men, who were in -that uncertain age between 30 and 40, first met in a -billiard-room, and immediately struck up an alliance offensive -and defensive.</p> - -<p>They have been living on their wits ever since, but -things have evidently not been prospering with them latterly, -as the following conversation will show:—</p> - -<p>Fenn—What money have you got?</p> - -<p>Bathurst (turning out his pockets)—There 5s. 3-1/2d.! -What have you got?</p> - -<p>Fenn (opening a purse)—There, only half-a-crown!</p> - -<p>Bathurst—Well, it's no good having ideas if that's the -extent of our capital!</p> - -<p>Fenn—But what is the notion? We must raise money -somehow!</p> - -<p>Bathurst—How? Where? If that brute of a horse -had only won to-day we would have been all right.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> - -<p>Fenn—Can't we go to that tobacconist's shop and have -a game of Napoleon?</p> - -<p>Bathurst—No; the last time we met in his back shop -the police heard the row between Brown and that fool -Peter, and he don't intend to risk it again—at least for the -present. There is more to be made at pool in Beak-street -if one had only a little luck.</p> - -<p>Fenn—Yes, the marker is all right; but some of the -players were inclined to make remarks.</p> - -<p>Bathurst—That must be risked. Here, take the -money; your luck is better than mine. If you can -manage to net two or three sovereigns, I see my way to -hundreds!</p> - -<p>Fenn—But you have not told me your idea. Is it a -secret? Perhaps it requires registration.</p> - -<p>Bathurst—You won't be so cheeky when you find the -stamps come rolling in.</p> - -<p>Fenn—Oh! it is a case of stamps, is it? I suppose -some recipe for restoring beautiful hair to the baldest -heads, or creating an aversion to drink, or perhaps a plan -as to how to make a fortune out of baked potatoes!</p> - -<p>Bathurst—Oh, stop your chaff!</p> - -<p>Fenn—Well out with the infallible remedy for filling -empty pockets.</p> - -<p>Bathurst—The idea is to advertise to send fifteen disconnected -stamps for twelve connected ones!</p> - -<p>Fenn (starting up and doing a breakdown)—Oh, Jerusalem! -that will be profitable.</p> - -<p>Bathurst—Yes, stupid! The idea is as good as gold. -You go and make the small capital required, and you will -see wonders.</p> - -<p>Fenn—But what are the particulars? How is it to be -carried out?</p> - -<p>Bathurst—For further particulars see our next. Come -along now and play your best.</p> - -<p>Good fortune attended Fenn's exertions that evening, -and he came away the winner of more than the required -sum. The following morning the scheme was fully discussed -and final arrangements made for carrying it out. -It is right to state that Bathurst's project was not -altogether original on his part, the idea being taken from -the "Arabian Nights Entertainment"—the exchanging of -new lamps for old ones. The next day the following -advertisement appeared in all the newspapers, and was -circulated extensively:—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Strange, but true!—A gentleman of position has good -reasons of his own for wishing to exchange Fifteen -disconnected Unused Penny Postage Stamps for -Twelve Connected Ones!—Letters answered at once.—Address, -'Secretary, Box 44, No.——, Strand, London, -W.C.'"</p> - -<p>Many who read this extraordinary advertisement doubtless -thought that the advertiser must have made some -strange wager; others that he had probably been paid -a debt of a large amount in disconnected penny stamps, -which the Post-Office declined to receive; others came to -the conclusion that he was some eccentric philanthropist, -who desired in his original way to benefit his fellow -creatures; and there were others, no doubt, who pronounced -the "gentleman of position" a swindler, and the whole -affair a fraud. The last-named were not a little astonished, -however, to hear that the advertiser really kept his -word—that fifteen stamps were actually returned for -twelve!</p> - -<p>What assisted to make the scheme popular and to draw -particular attention to it was the arrival at most of the -principal towns of secret agents, whose duty it was to -frequent bar-parlours in the evening, take occasion to read -the advertisement aloud to those present, and enter into -conversation upon it, eventually proposing, just to test its -genuineness, to forward the twelve connected stamps—procuring -and enclosing them at the bar. The answer -would, of course, promptly arrive conveying the advertised -number of stamps. Needless to say others followed the -example, and with a like result, it becoming subsequently -quite a popular amusement in many towns to send twelve -stamps to London to receive in return fifteen! In fact, -if you wanted a stamp to post a letter, you were jocularly -asked why you did not send to London for one? These -secret agents "did" many publichouses each night, and by -the end of three or four days took their departure for -"fresh fields and pastures new."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p> - -<p>There were altogether about twenty agents, and before -despatching them on their mission Mr. Bathurst considered -it necessary to appoint a meeting at his chambers, -now suitably furnished, and addressed them as follows: -"Gentlemen, I believe you have received your instructions -detailing the plan of procedure and how you are to conduct -your correspondence with this office. Before starting, -however, I wish, with the concurrence of my partner, -to say a few words to you. You have been selected, -gentlemen, out of many hundred applicants, on account of -your good characters and respectability, and we trust you -will do nothing to forfeit that good opinion. The business -you have in hand, gentlemen, requires tact and a certain -amount of secrecy. It is not for us to discuss with you -the merits or demerits of the whim which actuates our -client. We have simply to obey and carry out his orders, -as we expect you, gentlemen, in like manner, to carry out -and obey ours, being, as it were, soldiers obeying, not -questioning, the orders of their superior officers. There -may be, gentlemen, for aught we know, a large sum of -money depending on the result of your exertions. But -whether that be the case or not, it will have nothing whatever -to do with the punctuality with which you shall be -paid your respective salaries. Now, gentlemen, as regards -the genuineness of this announcement, it is easily ascertained—you -or your friends can test it for yourselves. If -people were not so incredulous or hard of belief, so much -afraid of being hoodwinked or humbugged, we of course -could have relied on our advertisements alone and dispensed -with your services; but this is an unbelieving age, -gentlemen, and we have some trouble, nowadays, to convince -people that we really wish to do them a service. -Therefore, to show the public that this is a <i>bona fide</i> transaction, -and that our client means what he says, will be -your especial duty. In conclusion, gentlemen, allow me -to offer you my best wishes, with that of my partner, for -your immediate success, feeling quite sure that our confidence -has not been misplaced. Good-day, gentlemen; -the cashier will take your receipts for salary as you leave -the office."</p> - -<p>As may be supposed, the opinions of the agents were at -variance regarding the affair. It was thought, however, -by the majority that probably some jolly and wealthy -sportsman like the famous Marquis of Waterford had -staked a large sum of money on the result; but as they -had half the first week's salary in advance and their letter -of instructions, they considered they were on the profitable -side of the project, and so decided to proceed on their -mission.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p> - -<p>They, therefore, separated and started for their respective -districts. Certain newspapers in some towns would -not insert the advertisement, but there were others not so -particular, and so the scheme was successfully launched. -It was met at first with some rough suspicion, no doubt, -but keeping it well before the public by means of advertising, -together with a little energy, it turned out a complete -success, and flourished like the proverbial green bay -tree.</p> - -<p>My readers have now read how Mr. Bathurst's stamp -idea was successfully worked out of doors. I will now -narrate how it was managed in his office. There was £5 -worth of penny postage stamps purchased and disconnected. -As the answers came in they were immediately answered, the -applicant's twelve stamps with three extra returned in each -case. This continued until the bank (£5!) was exhausted. -Thus far they carried out the terms and conditions of the -advertisement, at the same time keeping faith with the -public. They now worked very cautiously, as it required -delicate handling and steady manœuvring, and they did -not mean to expend another penny. It was necessary, at -the same time, to keep the business afloat so long as -there was no chance of exposure. They accordingly -kept back a certain number of letters, writing on -each the day it arrived, The stamps in these delayed -letters made up the extra three required for each of the -others, which were duly forwarded. On the following -morning the detained letters were immediately sent off, -with a note of apology explaining that pressure of business -had caused the delay. This mode of procedure went on -for a short time, when one day they found they were -irretrievably in arrears, so numerous were the applications! -Now came their dishonest harvest! There were no more -letters of apology! Business suspended! During the five -or six days Mr. Bathurst's "idea" was in existence the -applications came in by hundreds, and resulted in the -round sum of £500!</p> - -<p>It is scarcely necessary to add that there was soon an -office to let in that particular inn near the Strand, and -that the whereabouts of Messrs Bathurst and Fenn was -not easily obtainable for a considerable time afterwards.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br /> -<span class="small">A HEAD DEFEAT; AN ATTEMPT TO WIN THE CAMBRIDGESHIRE.</span></h3></div> - -<p class="p2"><i>The great trial— -the lightweight apportioned by the Admiral—the -heavy commission successfully worked—newspaper -reports about the horse—his short price in the betting—the -sudden unaccountable opposition to him—a young -lady discloses the plot—the Jew outwitted, and obliged -to give up the scratching order—standing to win a -fortune to nothing—a very reliable partner.</i></p> - -<p>No, my inquisitive friend, a pair of blue eyes did not occasion -the difficulty; on the contrary, my partner and myself -would have been ruined if a certain young lady had -not given information which enabled me to circumvent the -schemes of the enemy, who, I may tell you, was a Jew. -The circumstances caused a sensation at the time, and a -number of the men who overlaid their books in the belief -that the horse would never go to the post would not have -"weighed in" for that, to me, memorable Cambridgeshire, -provided we had run first instead of second.</p> - -<p>It all came about in this way.</p> - -<p>Picture to yourself two men seated, after dinner, in an -old-fashioned hotel of quaint, sleepy Hampshire town. -The elder of the two was my partner, and the other your -humble servant. We were anxiously waiting the arrival -of a telegram of the utmost importance to us. If favourable, -an immense fortune was within our grasp.</p> - -<p>This message was to contain the weight of a horse for -the Cambridgeshire. In the morning we had roughed up -the team, and a four-year-old had opened our eyes to his -merits by simply cantering away from some good trying -tackle. For many years we had vainly striven to pull off -a large race, but mishaps were sure to crop up at the -wrong time. It now depended upon the judgment of -Admiral Rous whether we were going to land the big -stake at last.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p> - -<p>To pass the time we amused ourselves by writing the -horse's probable weight on slips of paper—which were to -be kept folded up till the telegram came—and betting -about them. Instead of arriving at the hour expected, -the message was very late; it had been delayed owing to -a disarrangement of the wires, caused by a thunderstorm. -When the all-important missive did reach us we were -more than satisfied. The four-year-old was weighted at -6st. 7lb. If I mistake not, we drank long life to the -Admiral in an extra bottle of Irroy. Fortune's wheel -was, we thought, about to turn in our favour, and our -long suffering patience was at length to be rewarded. One -of us talked philosophically, as if he had foreseen this -splendid chance, and, shaking his head with an air of wisdom, -muttered: "I told you so; everything comes to the -man who waits."</p> - -<p>It was, however, a long time to Cambridgeshire day, -but that weighty consideration, the impost, was all right. -The horse must now be carefully looked after, and got to -the post fit and well. As regards the betting, we arranged -to secure all the long prices, 100 and 66 to 1, without -being suspected, and had an arrangement how much we -were each to stand to win. As may be easily imagined, -we had pleasant dreams that night of gorgeous establishments -and endless parcels of Bank of England notes.</p> - -<p>You never knew my partner. All this happened before -your time. He belonged to a good family, and was an -excellent boon companion. A mutual friend first made us -known to each other at one of the Newmarket meetings. -He wanted to get a confederate to join him in forming a -small stud; and, after a deal of correspondence it was at -length decided to enter into partnership and try for a large -handicap. As most money could be made over the Cambridgeshire, -we selected that race. Our attempts previous -to the trial of Santorin had been, as stated already, utter -failures. When I signed the deed of agreement I did not -know that my partner was in a very embarrassed position -in regard to money, and was in the hands of the Jews. He -ought to have explained this to me. He was a good -enough fellow, but he had a serious failing—the slightest -obstacle in his way he was bound to refuse, he would not -face a difficulty. If I had been informed of his circumstances -I would assuredly have steered clear of the entanglement, -and there would be no story to relate to -you.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> - -<p>A woman plays a part in this narrative of fact. A -member of that sex usually has something to do with most -mundane affairs. My partner was married, and had -several young children. For the purposes of education a -niece lived with the family and acted as governess. It -was the niece who revealed the plot and saved us from -ruin.</p> - -<p>A charming, refined girl was the niece—Elizabeth -Emerson—alas! now dead. You think I am prejudiced; -judge for yourself—her photograph is before me. As I -open the album sad thoughts arise in my mind of joys departed, -of friends and sweethearts estranged or "gone -before." Miss Emerson had a beautifully formed head, -resembling that of Clytie, whose bust I presented to her -for her own little sitting-room. Her head was crowned -with a luxuriance of brown hair, wayward locks of which -would persist in straying from their proper position as if -they wished to be caressed; forehead not too high, not -that of a strong-minded woman—only the head of a pretty -girl, and partly hidden by the hair as in the bust mentioned. -Her eyes were peculiar—they were so large and luminous, -and had that almond shape so much admired. The nose -was not severely classical, but it was all but straight. -The lips were not too thin, the mouth was exceedingly -small, she had the whitest of little teeth, the tiniest of -shell-like ears, and a rose-tint complexion, betokening -health. Need I add that when her feet were visible they -were in keeping with the features of the girl who was at -this period just budding into womanhood, and who, -although diminutive in stature, was magnificently proportioned—a -model for a sculptor.</p> - -<p>Fond of amusement, she was anything but fast; underlying -her careless, laughing, satirical manner, there existed -sound sense, a great respect for other people's feelings and -one of the finest natures man could wish for in a wife.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> - -<p>But I must proceed with my story. The Cambridgeshire -was nigh at hand, and Santorin had gone on well—had -not been sick nor sorry a single day, the commission -had been worked to our entire satisfaction, and an excellent -jockey—now at the head of his profession—retained -to ride the horse. The largeness of the commission, -coupled with the lenient weight began to attract public -notice to Santorin. Touts, amateur and the reverse, -arrived to watch his movements and despatch their reports -daily to employers and friends. One of the best judges -on the turf paid our training ground a visit on behalf of -the journal he represented, and wrote thus about the -horse:—"Santorin is a brown horse, with black points, -standing quite 15 hands 3 inches high, with splendid fore-quarters, -and in galloping he places his hind legs well under -him, showing all that hare-like action so admirably adapted -to get him up the somewhat severe Cambridgeshire hill. -No exception can be taken to his sire or dam—a combination -of endurance and speed. At the weight he is a very -dangerous competitor, and if I couple him with Hymet -and Keffesia, I think I have named the winner."</p> - -<p>The horse soon made a noise in the betting, and when -the Cesarewitch was decided as little as 8 to 1 was taken -about him.</p> - -<p>Our commission averaged 40 to 1, and we stood to win -between us nearly £80,000.</p> - -<p>It was within a week of the race, when to my utter -astonishment I received one day innumerable telegrams -from friends asking me what was the matter with Santorin. -The messages all contained the same intelligence, that -certain bookmakers at the Wellington Club had been -taking liberties with him and had driven him back to 16 -to 1.</p> - -<p>This antagonistic movement I could not understand, as -a letter from the trainer had reached me only that morning -stating that the horse was in excellent health, and a telegram -would at once have been sent to me if there had -been an accident. I put the movement down to a clique, -who had overlaid and were desirous of making themselves -safe.</p> - -<p>Next day the horse was brought to his former position -in the quotations, when it was seen from the sporting -journals that he had done his usual work on the previous -day, but just before three o'clock the opposition commenced -again with renewed vigour, and this time he receded to -20 to 1.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p> - -<p>At that period my partner and I both lived in the -country, but I was nearest to the place where Santorin -was trained. On the following day I hastened to have a -look at the horse, and endeavoured to get some explanation -from the trainer. I saw the horse stripped and witnessed -him gallop, but could find nothing wrong with him, his -eyes shining like diamonds, his coat as bright as satin, and -his every step showing perfect health. The trainer, a -most painstaking, trustworthy man, said the betting was -incomprehensible, and he could make nothing of it, but it -had made him extra careful with the lads.</p> - -<p>In order to get some clue to this affair, I asked a friend -at the club to send me the names of the men who were -operating against the horse, and was alarmed to find that -it was some of the largest bookmakers who had led the -opposition. There was no time to lose, as the day was -fast approaching.</p> - -<p>The mystery I determined to solve, and with that view -I went, post haste, to my partner, who, strange to say, had -not troubled himself about the horse's retrogression in -the betting. I had not seen him for a few weeks. When -we last parted he seemed in good health and capital -spirits, but he now looked as miserable as a sick dog, and -had scarcely any life in him. In so short a period I never -beheld such an alteration in any man. What is the matter -here?—another mystery, I thought. And I wondered if -there was any connection between the opposition at the -club and the great change in my partner!</p> - -<p>I related to him everything in connection with the -affair, and plied him with questions, but his invariable -answer was, "I cannot make it out!"</p> - -<p>I was anything but satisfied, as his failure to send inquiries -about the horse was suspicious. Going into the -garden to get a blow of fresh air and collect my ideas, I -met Miss Emerson, who seemed by her manner to be expecting -me.</p> - -<p>"This is very strange about Santorin," she said, at once -commencing the conversation.</p> - -<p>"It is unaccountable," I replied. "And what makes it -worse, your uncle is in such a wretched state of health. -Not having heard of his illness, I was greatly surprised at -his changed appearance."</p> - -<p>"Is not worry sometimes worse than illness?" she continued.</p> - -<p>"I have no doubt of it, Miss Emerson," I replied. -"But Mr. Marston is not in any grave difficulty, I -hope?"</p> - -<p>She made no answer to this, but startled me by asking -the following question:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Tell me," she said, "would one be justified if, for the -purpose of preventing a great wrong, and upsetting a -wicked design, one were to betray a secret?"</p> - -<p>"What do you mean, Miss Emerson? Without -learning more, I scarcely know how to answer you."</p> - -<p>"Then come back here in half an hour and I may be -able to tell you something of great importance!" she said, -and then ran into the house.</p> - -<p>This short conversation stunned me. I wondered -whether the mystery surrounding Santorin would now be -cleared up! The suspense, although of short duration, -was exceedingly painful. At last the much-wished-for -figure advanced across the lawn.</p> - -<p>"I have consulted my aunt," she said hurriedly, scarcely -able to speak with excitement, "and she agrees with me -that you, who have been so kind to us all, should be instantly -informed that there is something seriously wrong -going on in this house, and it affects you as well as my -uncle!"</p> - -<p>"Yon don't mean to tell me so, Miss Emerson?" I -replied, with some anxiety.</p> - -<p>"It is so," she continued, still somewhat excited. "And -from what I have heard, it is about Santorin!"</p> - -<p>"You do surprise and astonish me!" Miss Emerson, I -remarked, beginning to get warm. "But you will, I trust, tell -me what you have heard? What was it? You will -surely save me from ruin!"</p> - -<p>Miss Emerson hesitated a moment, but seeing how -anxious and excited I was becoming, she resumed:</p> - -<p>"Well, Mr.——, my aunt and I have considered the -matter over, and have come to the conclusion that there is -a dark plot going on against this horse, and that it would -be only just we should apprise you of it, and by doing so -you would possibly be able to defeat the wicked designs of -these men."</p> - -<p>"How shall I convey my gratitude for such kindness, -Miss Emerson?" I said, with emotion.</p> - -<p>"There has been a very bad-looking Jewish man coming -here very often latterly, and on the last occasion Mr. -Marston and he had a terrible quarrel; and my aunt becoming -greatly alarmed, requested me to go to the dining-room -and see what was the matter. When I got close to -the door I heard this strange-looking man speaking very -loud and excitedly, and exclaiming, in a threatening tone -of voice, 'You must give me an order to scratch the horse -or be utterly ruined!'"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Good heavens!" I exclaimed, "who would have -thought of such base treachery!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, and that from your partner!" said the young -lady.</p> - -<p>"Well, you have done me the greatest service, Miss -Emerson," I gratefully observed, and, taking both her -hands in mine, remarked that time would show how deeply -and sincerely I would appreciate it.</p> - -<p>A nice partner to be associated with! I here found -the true reason for the opposition given to Santorin. The -all-important question now was, had the order to scratch -the horse been given? Unfortunately the nomination was -in my partner's name. Every moment being precious, I -immediately sought Mr. Marston, and taxed him with his -duplicity.</p> - -<p>When he saw that concealment was of no use, and that -I was aware of everything, he confessed to a very pretty -piece of business. A Jew, to whom he was heavily indebted, -had compelled him to sign a letter to Messrs. -Weatherby scratching Santorin!</p> - -<p>Now the question arose, how to get out of the dilemma? -In the then state of the market hedging was simply an -impossibility. But I was not going to let the Jew beat us -without a struggle, if I could help it. I wanted to save -our Cambridgeshire money, if possible; and although the -Jew had played on the weakness of my partner, I resolved -on making some attempt at getting our money back.</p> - -<p>My partner having told me the amount of the bill he -owed the Jew, I now considered the best thing would be -to endeavour to settle it, and finding I could do so, I -desired him to telegraph to Abrahams, and request him to -come down to his house the following morning, stating -that a matter of the utmost importance required his -presence; and when he arrived to ask him how much he -was going to allow out of the laying commission? I also -desired him to detain the gentleman till my return at -luncheon time, if possible, as I intended in the meantime -running up to London to procure the money.</p> - -<p>When I got to town Santorin was quoted at 33 to 1 -offered, and there was nothing about his scratching in the -papers. So far good. I saw two men I could implicitly -trust, and I arranged that they should be in waiting to -attend to my telegrams next day.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> - -<p>In the morning I got the money required, and was back -again at Marston's house before luncheon time. The Jew, -who had duly arrived, did not seem at all delighted to see -me. He evidently began to think that things looked queer.</p> - -<p>"I have been asking Abrahams how much he is going -to stand us out of his heavy laying commission," said -Marston, "but he declares everything has been grossly -mismanaged."</p> - -<p>"It's the truth, really," answered the Jew; "a complete -muddle. I am very sorry I took the affair at all, as I am -almost certain to lose by it."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps," I said as if in a joke, "you would prefer -returning the scratching order and being paid Mr. Marston's -debt."</p> - -<p>"Would I not, if I had the chance," replied the Jew, -taking the valuable slip of paper out of his pocket book.</p> - -<p>This was exactly what I wanted. It was no good proposing -to pay unless the Jew had the scratching order -with him.</p> - -<p>"Well, here is your money," I said, handing him the -notes with one hand and taking possession of the order -with the other. "We prefer to win the Cambridgeshire."</p> - -<p>You never saw a man look so amazed as that Jew did in -all your life. I went instantly to the window and nodded -to a groom who had had his instructions, and he galloped -away with my telegrams. No entreaty on our part would -induce Abrahams to partake of luncheon. An important -engagement in town prevented him. He had come down -at great inconvenience to oblige Mr. Marston, and now he -was anxious to get back to business. Would Mr. Marston -send him to the station, a distance of five miles, in the dog -cart? He was anxious to get back to stop the lay commissioners -he had set to work. The dog cart was ordered -round, but a strange thing happened—a wheel came off -which delayed the impatient Abrahams some time. From -the unpleasant way he looked at me, he appeared to think -he owed the detention to me. When he did get to London -Santorin was quoted in the evening papers at 6 to 1 taken -and wanted, and it is highly probable that Abrahams went -to his home in an unpleasant frame of mind.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p> - -<p>A sporting journal of the next day said, in reference to -the previous afternoon's betting: "There has evidently -been nothing the matter with Santorin, as there was an -unlimited commission in the market yesterday to back him. -The training reports speak very favourably of the work he -is doing from day-to-day, and his present condition; and -those who, from some unexplained cause, have been taking -liberties with the horse must be in an uncomfortable position. -The getting out will be ruinous."</p> - -<p>There is little more to tell—the Jew was outwitted, and -has kept aloof from the turf ever since.</p> - -<p>Santorin started for that year's Cambridgeshire at the -shortest price ever known, and as the hedging was so good -we stood to win a large fortune to nothing. It was excessively -provoking to get beaten on the post by a head, by -a horse two years older and carrying the same weight.</p> - -<p>Thanks to Miss Emerson the difficulty was overcome, -and if that young lady had not caught scarlet fever when -attending to her cousins and died, she might be sitting -opposite me now bearing another name, and I might be -leading a more profitable life.</p> - -<p>Mr. Marston behaved very badly, and I was justified -after the Cambridgeshire in severing all business connections -with such a very unreliable partner.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br /> -<span class="small">THE STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE AND STRANGER RECOVERY OF -THE COUNTESS'S DIAMONDS.</span></h3></div> - -<p class="p2"><i>A barefaced robbery— -The police at fault—I form a theory—success -crowns my efforts—the restoration of the -valuable dressing-case.</i></p> - -<p>All London was talking about the robbery. It was the -most barefaced theft attempted for many years. In broad -daylight at a busy London station a dressing-case containing -jewels of the value of £50,000, some of them impossible -to replace, vanishes as if by magic, and notwithstanding -the extraordinary exertions of detectives both -public and private, not a trace of it can be found.</p> - -<p>It was the duty of the lady's maid not to lose sight of -this valuable dressing-case on the journey, and while she -waited for the train she took the precaution to sit on it. -It was to the bookstall for a paper or to the refreshment -room for a bun she went, but the interval was long enough -for the thief—during the few seconds she was absent the -dressing case had been spirited away and no trace of it -could be found of it in the station. The poor girl who -had served her mistress, whom she adored faithfully, for -several years, was distracted, and it was feared she would -go out of her mind. She was a well conducted girl, and -came from the same district as the countess. It was impossible -after the most diligent enquiry to connect the -servant with the theft. There was a man servant, but he -was in a different part of the station at the time, and no -collusion could be attributed to him. The large reward -of £2,000 was a temptation, but its announcement in all -the papers yielded no results. Agents scoured Europe in -search of the missing property without getting the smallest -clue to its recovery.</p> - -<p>The affair was in this unsatisfactory state when I happened -to run against D——, one of the smartest officers -of the Metropolitan police.</p> - -<p>"Nothing has been heard of the countess's jewellery?" -I asked.</p> - -<p>"Nothing whatever; we are beaten; everything has -been tried and a large amount of money spent on the -enquiry," D—— answered. "The earl said we were to -spare no expense. Several articles of the jewellery were -heirlooms, worth double their real value."</p> - -<p>"It seems extraordinary; have you formed no opinion?"</p> - -<p>"I suspected one of the servants to be in communication -with the thief, but a month's close surveillance upsets that -theory. The servants are innocent."</p> - -<p>"Did none of the less valuable jewellery ever find its -way to the pawnbrokers?"</p> - -<p>"Not a single thing. Everybody has been on the alert, -but we are just as far forward as when we commenced."</p> - -<p>"Your advertisements were peculiarly worded. Did they -bring no replies?"</p> - -<p>"Only some ridiculous suggestions."</p> - -<p>You see you labour under this difficulty. You cannot -offer through the public prints to compound a felony; that -would be illegal; and the thief is not such a fool, after -running the tremendous risk and getting such a magnificent -haul, to take the bait. He fancies the large reward -hides a trap which will hold him fast for many years."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> - -<p>"In all such cases that is the difficulty we labour under. -In offering a reward we rely chiefly on a dissatisfied accomplice -taking Queen's evidence, but it is almost certain -that there was only one man in this business."</p> - -<p>"How do you arrive at that conclusion?" I enquired.</p> - -<p>"Five minutes after the robbery took place the investigation -commenced, and everybody was questioned. The -porters did not see any two men near the spot but there -were several men lounging about singly by themselves."</p> - -<p>"I suppose a woman had no hand in it."</p> - -<p>"The act was too daring; only a man could have walked -off with that dressing-case in the daylight with a station -full of passengers."</p> - -<p>"Tell me," I said, "after the dressing-case disappeared, -when did the next train leave the station."</p> - -<p>"In five minutes. The countess intended to travel by -that train, but the loss of her dressing-case prevented her."</p> - -<p>"You have my address; send me a list of the stolen -things and a company's time-table, with the train which -started five minutes after the robbery marked in ink, and -take care there is no mistake about the train. I have -been thinking a good deal about this matter, and have set -up a theory of my own."</p> - -<p>"There is one thing you may be certain about. You -have no ordinary criminal to deal with."</p> - -<p>"I am not quite of your opinion, but if anything comes -of my researches you shall have a portion of the reward."</p> - -<p>Whether it is my peculiar bent of mind or not, I cannot -say, but I have often in the course of my lifetime amused -myself by taking up mysterious cases where the police -were at fault, and not always without success. The -countess was one of the most beautiful women of her -time, and as good as she was beautiful. She was naturally -much grieved at the loss of the family jewels, and -the numerous valuable presents she had received from -royalty and others on her marriage. The earl was -terribly annoyed at the theft, and blamed the countess -for losing sight of the dressing-case. Every assistance, -so far as publicity was concerned, was given by the press, -and the <i>Times</i> had a leader about one of the missing -stones, which had once been the eye of an idol in India.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p> - -<p>The list of the stolen valuables and the marked time-table -were promptly sent to me, and as I had some leisure -at the time I went immediately to work to test the -soundness of my theory. The robbery was committed -five minutes before a certain train started, and the culprit -may have left by that train.</p> - -<p>I commenced my researches by booking by the same -train to the first station at which it stopped. Here I -made copious notes of the families living in the neighbourhood, -and whether any of them had journeyed from -London on the day in question. The station-master, an -intelligent man, ran over the different names and referred -to his books, but could not enlighten me. To the best of -his belief, he could say that no first-class passengers -arrived by that train. Next day I took the second station -at which the train stopped, but with the same result. -The third station did not advance me in the slightest -degree, but I was not discouraged. I was determined to -follow that train to its journey's end, and ascertain as well -as I could what passengers alighted from it at the different -stations. As it was an express train my task would soon -be finished. When I had done the last station I found -from my note book that about eight first-class and some -seventy or eighty passengers of an inferior class had -travelled from London by this particular train.</p> - -<p>I began with the first-class passengers, and took them -in rotation as they resided nearest to London. The -excuse I made for calling upon them was that I had lost -a valuable dog on the day named by his jumping out of -the carriage at the station, and that perhaps their servants -might have seen something of him. Everywhere I was -treated with courtesy except when I intruded myself on a -nervous old gentleman living in an old-fashioned villa -about sixty miles from London.</p> - -<p>He commenced by saying he did not keep a diary, so -could not say whether he was in London or not that day; -he was not in the habit of looking after stray dogs; he -was astonished at my troubling him on such a trifling -matter, and rather rudely wished me good-day.</p> - -<p>I wrote under this man's name: "Manner peculiar and -suspicious." Nothing could be gleaned from the remaining -three first-class passengers, who turned out to -be old ladies, sisters of a clergyman. Before tackling the -second-class passengers I resolved, notwithstanding his -repulsive manner, to pay the nervous old gentleman -another visit. But this time, however, I made up my -mind to adopt different and bolder tactics. There was no -doubt that he had returned home by the 5.10 p.m. train.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> - -<p>His start of surprise at seeing me again gave me -hope.</p> - -<p>"It is not a dog this time I have come to ask you -about, but as you were at the London station at the -moment the disappearance occurred I am here to enquire -whether you saw the dressing-case referred to in this -advertisement," I said, handing him the announcement -from the <i>Morning Post</i>. He shook like a leaf in a stiff -breeze.</p> - -<p>"Who are you?" he nervously inquired. "Are you a -detective?"</p> - -<p>"That is my card."</p> - -<p>"Then you don't belong to the police?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly not."</p> - -<p>"Then, may I ask what brings you here? Your -dog was a subterfuge; I suppose. Do you suspect me, a -man who has held Her Majesty's commission, to be guilty -of theft?"</p> - -<p>"Not at all," I answered, "but I have a theory that the -countess's dressing-case was not stolen, but carried off -by mistake, and that the present possessor of it is, after -all the outcry, either ashamed or afraid to send it -back."</p> - -<p>"A fine theory. Suppose it correct, could anything be -done to the man who gave it up?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing whatever."</p> - -<p>"You, perhaps, don't know the law. Are you sure of -that?"</p> - -<p>"Quite sure."</p> - -<p>"Well," he whispered, "I have got the dressing-case, -and the possession of it has almost killed me. Come, and -I will show you how the infernal error occurred."</p> - -<p>He took me into his bedroom, and produced two -dressing-cases so exactly alike I could scarcely distinguish -them.</p> - -<p>"This one," he said, "belonged to my deceased wife, -and I had it with me in London. When the train was -about to start I saw what I thought was my case lying on -the platform, instead of being placed in the carriage by -the porter, and I immediately went and took possession of -it. I did not discover the stupid mistake until my -arrival at home. I was the only passenger in the railway -compartment, and my servant took everything out as a -matter of course. The question is how is it to be restored -safely, and without publicity. It would kill me with -shame if my name appeared in the papers in connection -with this affair."</p> - -<p>I could see that my irascible friend spoke the language -of truth. The advertisements were withdrawn, the enquiry -stopped, and the countess received her valuable -dressing-case intact, and with apologies without number -from the hands of the man who had carried it off by -mistake.</p> - -<p>What he would have done with it had I not appeared -on the scene, I cannot guess.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br /> -<span class="small">CREMORNE: A ROMANCE OF THE DERBY.</span></h3></div> - -<p class="p2"><i>My Bad Derby Book— -Backing Cremorne at Ruinous Prices—Death -of Agent in Derby Week—Loss of £10,000—Agent -comes to Life—Detection of the Gross Fraud.</i></p> - -<p>The extraordinary circumstances about to be related for the -first time in print occurred in my green and salad days, and -had a lasting influence on my life. Some of the particulars -are known to a few men in London, and they own, as will -the public when they learn the facts, that a more carefully -concocted fraud has seldom been heard of. The man at the -bottom of it is dead now, and my promise of secrecy is no -longer binding.</p> - -<p>By the death of a relation I came into a large sum of -money, and started what turned out to be a ruinous speculation—a -yearling book on the Derby; <i>i.e.</i>, I commenced to -lay against the candidates for Epsom honours when they -were a year old, and continued the process until the judge's -decision was known.</p> - -<p>Amongst others, I laid heavily against Mr. Savile's horse, -Cremorne. When Cremorne came out as a two-year-old and -won his engagements in such gallant style, he became immediately -first favourite for the Derby, which he eventually -won, and my book was anything but an object for admiration. -If the horse kept well through the winter months the -"getting out" would be fearful. The price during the -Goodwood week in the previous July was so short, it was -much better to wait the chances of accident.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p> - -<p>When I saw there was no hope of the horse breaking -down, I gave orders to the man who usually did such business -for me to pick up quietly the necessary £10,000 to put -my book straight. He carried out the transaction in a -satisfactory manner; and my position then was this, that -if Cremorne proved successful I would neither win nor -lose.</p> - -<p>It was not pleasant taking 4 or 5 to 1 about a horse you -had laid 100 to 1 against. Still everything seemed to favour -his victory, and the bitter pill had to be swallowed <i>nolens -volens</i>. And if I had not been the victim of a gross fraud, -I should have pulled through.</p> - -<p>The Monday before the Derby brought me a letter and a -telegram from my agent, the first comparing the bets he had -made for me (which list I found correct), and the other announcing -that he was down with typhoid fever, and would -not be able to attend Epsom. As I had shut up my Derby -book, his inability to be present on that eventful Wednesday -did not so much matter. I went to see the race, and, as -everyone is aware, Cremorne won; and I congratulated myself -on not losing over one of the worst books ever seen. -A genial companion turned up in the ring, and we drank the -health of Cremorne in the wine of Champagne.</p> - -<p>On the Oaks day I received a telegram intimating the -death of my agent, and later on came a letter from the -doctor who attended him, and who was much mixed up -in betting matters. He went by the name of the "Red -Doctor." In his letter he gave me details of the illness, -and informed me the funeral would take place on the -following Tuesday, at Norwood Cemetery. He proposed -that I should meet him (the doctor) at the Gaiety Restaurant -on the following day (Saturday) to go over the -betting books.</p> - -<p>The sudden death of my agent staggered me—it might -mean utter ruin! Everything depended on whether my -agent had booked the Cremorne bets to himself or to me. -If his own name had been used I would never receive a -penny of the £10,000.</p> - -<p>As my readers can easily imagine, the interval between -Friday and Saturday, though short, was a period of the -greatest anxiety to me. I cursed my stupidity in not -having had a clear understanding with my agent about -the booking of bets; but my suspicions had not been -aroused, and there never had been the slightest misunderstanding -between us in our transactions.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p> - -<p>I did not keep the "Red Doctor" waiting on Saturday. -I met him at the appointed time, and we immediately -retired to one of the tables, when he produced the only -betting-book that, he said, could be found. I turned -eagerly to the Derby entries, but could not see my name -anywhere, and the "doctor" could not give me any explanation. -There were items up to about £8,000 booked -in favour of Cremorne, but underneath each bet was -written "For Jessop."</p> - -<p>"Who is Jessop?" I enquired. "I don't seem to know -the name," and the reply was that he was a new comer on -the turf, an owner of horses, and reputed very rich.</p> - -<p>"There must be another book," I suggested, showing -the last letter I had received from the dead man.</p> - -<p>The "doctor" shook his head, saying the agent's wife -had searched everywhere.</p> - -<p>"But this means ruin to me," I whispered. "For Monday's -settling I shall be short of £10,000."</p> - -<p>"My dear sir, I am very sorry; but what can I do?"</p> - -<p>"You see his letter," I said. "What would you advise -me to do?"</p> - -<p>"I should go to the club on Monday and make enquiry. -You will have got his letter to show. It is quite possible -that you may find your Cremorne bets booked in your own -name. The more cautiously you go about the matter the -greater chance you will have of getting your money."</p> - -<p>"But there must be another betting-book," I replied -angrily.</p> - -<p>"One would think so, but such does not appear to be -the case."</p> - -<p>"I must see his wife," I said hastily.</p> - -<p>"Let me persuade you not to do that. The poor woman -is heartbroken. Are you coming to the funeral?"</p> - -<p>"It is hard lines," I said, "after such a struggle to -square the confounded book, that there should be any -doubt about these bets. If that £10,000 is not forthcoming -I shall have to be declared a defaulter."</p> - -<p>"I wish," he said, "I could give you any comfort, but I -know nothing. Your agent was a very secretive man, and -kept all his betting transactions to himself."</p> - -<p>"Has he died rich?" I asked.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p> - -<p>"No," he replied; "the widow will only have a moderate -income, but there are no children."</p> - -<p>"It is very strange," I continued, "that all these Cremorne -bets should be for 'Jessop.' Where is he to be found?"</p> - -<p>"I have no doubt he will be at the club on Monday."</p> - -<p>That black Monday came. I could not find the slightest -trace of my Cremorne bets, and there was nothing for it -but to suspend payment. For the £10,000 I had only the -letter of the deceased man to show, and that was of the -value of so much waste paper. I made the acquaintance -of Mr. Jessop, and did not like him. He was profuse in -his sympathy with me, and shed a tear over his departed -friend. He readily showed me his book with the Cremorne -bets all duly entered, and I saw him receive the -money. There was nothing for me to do but retire. -It seemed to me that my agent bad been grossly careless, -or had premeditated a fraud.</p> - -<p>I did not attend the funeral, which duly took place on the -Tuesday—a paragraph to that effect appeared in the sporting -papers—but some days afterwards I wended my way to -Streatham, where the agent resided, to see if anything had -been heard of another betting-book. The house was shut -up, and the neighbours told me that the desolate widow -had gone away, immediately after the funeral, to some relations -in the country. In answer to my question, they -told me she had left no address, but promised to write. -A few weeks elapsed, and I paid another visit to Streatham. -The furniture had been sold, and the house was -occupied by another tenant. Nothing had been heard of -the widow.</p> - -<p>Walking through Fleet-street one day, two years afterwards, -I met a man the exact counterpart of my agent. -The height, manner of walking, and colour of hair, all -corresponded, and his appearance gave me quite a shock, -and if he had worn a moustache, and did not use blue -spectacles, I would have sworn that the dead was alive. -I stared at him, and I thought he started on seeing me, -but I put that down to imagination. Still the man haunted -me, and considering the suspicious circumstances, I determined -next time I should meet this individual to watch -his movements. During the two years the mystery of the -Cremorne bets remained as much in the dark as ever, and -I had heard nothing of the widow.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> - -<p>The "Streets of London" was being played at the -Princess's Theatre, and one evening I went to have a look -at the piece. Who should I see in the stalls, arrayed in -evening-costume, but the man I met in Fleet-street. -"This time," I said to myself, "you shall not escape. If -nothing comes of it there may be some amusement." I -kept well in the background. He still wore the blue spectacles, -and there was no moustache, but when he took the -glasses off to wipe them, there was no doubt any longer in -my mind as to the strong resemblance. "The man must -be his brother," I thought. After the performance he -went to the nearest public-house and had a soda and -brandy, and on coming out he hailed a hansom and left. -I was in readiness, and followed in another cab. It was a -long ride, and we did not stop until we were quite in the -centre of the East-end. His cab had been drawn up at a -large corner public-house, blazing with light, and I saw -him discharge the cabman and enter.</p> - -<p>It was quite evident he was at home here, for he lifted -the lid of the counter and went into the parlour. Did my -eyes deceive me? As large as life behind the counter -stood Jessop, superintending the drawing of beer and -measuring out gin, and, if my eyes did not deceive me, -the "Red Doctor" was enjoying a glass of grog in the -sanctum beyond. My excitement knew no bounds. I -did not know well what to think! A faint glimmering -of the fraud began to steal into my mind. I had dangerous -men to deal with, and must act cautiously. If the -agent's wife would only appear on the scene the quartet -would be complete; and sure enough, just as the house -was being shut up, she came down to the bar from the -upstairs regions.</p> - -<p>Next day I told all these particulars to a staunch -friend, and together we paid a visit to the Norwood Cemetery, -and beheld the grave with a modest stone at its -head, "Sacred to the Memory of," &c., but if I had not -made a grievous error, the clergyman who had conducted -the service had not prayed over the right man. It was a -deep plot, and had been very successful. The question -arose now, how was I to benefit by the discovery? After -much cogitation my friend and I decided to beard the lion -in his den, and one evening when Jessop was out and the -"Red Doctor" not visible we entered and addressed my -agent by his name. He said we were mistaken, but when -we enquired about the health of his wife, Mr. Jessop, and -the "Red Doctor," he saw that he was discovered, and -the game was up. He asked us into his parlour, and had -the impudence to become jocular over the infernal -game.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I was hard up," he said, "and was obliged to stand -to win both ways over that Derby."</p> - -<p>My money had been booked to Jessop, who would have -received my money to pay with if the horse had not won. -The timely reputed death of the agent saved all explanation.</p> - -<p>"Who was the man buried?" I asked.</p> - -<p>"Nobody! Only some stones! I saw that everything -was conducted properly myself, and often run up to have -a look at the grave."</p> - -<p>"But how did you get the certificate?"</p> - -<p>"The 'Red Doctor' managed that!"</p> - -<p>"A nice conspiracy! You know that you settled me! -What money am I going to have?"</p> - -<p>It was difficult to get the three conspirators to come to -terms—the law was powerless—and I had to content myself -with £1,000. Cremorne's Derby calls up anything -but pleasant recollections to the writer of these memoirs.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br /> -<span class="small">HOW TO SATISFY ONE'S CREDITORS WITH WASTE PAPER.</span></h3></div> - -<p class="p2"><i>Payment suspended— -Sympathy for the ruined man—An -important letter—How worthless shares enabled a man -to deceive his creditors and make a fortune.</i></p> - -<p>The following unpleasant circular was placed in my hands -one morning some ten years ago:—</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="center">"Dowgate Hill, E.C.,</p> -<p class="last">"February, 7th, 1870.</p> - -<p>"Sir,—It is my painful duty to inform you of the -suspension of my business. The liabilities are more than -covered by securities, but which, unfortunately, cannot be -realized at present. I have placed my books in the -hands of Messrs. Bowen, Young & Co., the accountants.—I -am, &c.,</p> - -<p class="last"><span class="smcap">Alfred George Gibbs</span>."<br /></p> -</blockquote> - -<p>On turning up my ledger I found that Mr. Gibbs owed -me no less than £3,560 14s. 6d. He had never been in -my debt so much before, and the heaviest of his acceptances -were on the eve of becoming due. It was a piece -of bad luck for me that he should fail at this time. A -few days more would have made all the difference. The -business we transacted was in soft goods, which he exported -to Australia.</p> - -<p>If ever a human being appeared to carry his character -plainly written on his face that man was Mr. Gibbs. He -was openness itself; nothing secretive or cunning about -him. His whole manner invited confidence. His age -was about thirty-five, and he had in the course of seven -or eight years made a great name for himself, and his -dealings must have been on a large scale, as after an -examination of his books the accountants announced that -the liabilities amounted to £125,000, against which they -could only place real property amounting to £9,000 and -some doubtful assets.</p> - -<p>The failure took everyone by surprise, and the questions -immediately asked were, How has the money gone? He -always seemed such a careful man. Does he keep a -mistress? Has he been betting or dabbling on the Stock -Exchange? As the money involved in the crash was -considerable, certain wrathful creditors instituted a -searching examination into Mr. Gibbs' mode of life, in -the expectation of finding that he had been leading a -double existence—playing propriety in the City and the -fast man at the West-End, but they were disappointed. -He was a model husband and his establishment was conducted -on anything but extravagant lines. There was no -young woman of doubtful virtue inhabiting an elegant -villa at South Bank, with sets of valuable diamonds and -elegant equipages in the background. He was unknown -on the turf, and nobody had ever seen him bet even half-a-crown. -The result of the enquiries showed that the -bankrupt was a steady man, not given to drinking nor to -dissipation of any kind, and that he was most punctual in -all business matters. The people he employed were never -tired of singing his praises, and no man was better served -in the City of London.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p> - -<p>How such a perfect business man could fail was a -mystery until the accountants came to write on the credit -side of the balance sheet the particulars of the doubtful -assets. There never was such a lot of rubbish; the secret -was revealed at last. He had been speculating in stocks, -but such stocks! Every rotten Company for many years -back seemed to have had him for a subscriber. He had -embarked his money in the wildest schemes; Honduras -bonds, Peruvian loans, Colorado mines, Spanish railways -and Turkish waterworks. Nothing unsound came amiss -to him, and the shares, which came to an immense -amount, were simply unsaleable.</p> - -<p>If men will go into things which they don't understand -they must put up with the results. Poor Mr. Gibbs may -have had a thorough knowledge of his own business, -which, taken by itself, showed handsome profits, but he -was evidently not an adept at "bulling" and "bearing." -He was terribly "cut up" at his downfall, and no creditor, -however irate, could listen long to his explanations and -laments without feeling some sympathy for the man. He -owned his fault, and said he had acted the fool and must -take the consequences, but that it was hard luck after -having the ball at his feet to have to commence the world -afresh. His bankruptcy did not make him seclude himself -at home as it would other men; he kept his usual -hours at the office, and was always ready to see any one -and to give any explanations.</p> - -<p>Before the first meeting of his creditors was held he -did a very politic thing. He called on each of them and -asked how to act in the, to him, grave emergency. One -or two wealthy firms were so convinced with his statements -that on his promising to leave the Stock Exchange -alone in future, they offered to advance him money to pay -a dividend, and said they would do what they could to -get his name taken off the list of bankrupts. An overwhelming -majority agreed to the terms proposed, and -Mr. Gibbs was reinstated in his former position. He had -been unfortunate everyone thought, but not culpable, and -the dividend of 2s. 6d. in the pound was duly paid.</p> - -<p>The loss I incurred through Mr. Gibbs came at an -inopportune time, and crippled my financial affairs to -such a degree that had it not been for the assistance of a -friend I must have paid a visit to Basinghall-street -myself. However, I managed to weather the storm, and -had never any occasion to regret my future transactions -with Mr. Gibbs, who was, strange to say, soon doing -double his former business, and making a fortune rapidly. -He was not forgetful of the kindness of his creditors, and -when it was in his power they had always the preference -in his dealings.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> - -<p>Years rolled on, and the loss I sustained had been -erased from my mind, when in the latter part of 1879 I -happened to run against a Mr. Murray and the whole -proceedings were revived. Murray had been on the Stock -Exchange, but "bearing" Egyptians settled him, and -he was now not in the best of circumstances, doing what -he could outside the sacred precincts. The man had been -useful to me on different occasions, and I took him into a -wine place and gave him some sherry. After he had -finished the narrative of his own difficulties he all at once -said:—</p> - -<p>"What a fortunate man is Gibbs. Do you still transact -business with him?"</p> - -<p>"Occasionally," I replied. "Since he dropped speculating -on the Exchange everything has prospered with him, -and he is now reputed very wealthy."</p> - -<p>"What is that you say about the Stock Exchange? -He never speculated there to my knowledge, and I ought -to know, as we were at one time very intimate, and I -lived next door to him for many years."</p> - -<p>"But you are surely aware that it was his losses on the -Stock Exchange which compelled him to pay 2s. 6d. in -the pound."</p> - -<p>"No, and I don't believe it. I never could induce him -to try a single time bargain. I understood the bankruptcy -was quashed, but I never heard the particulars."</p> - -<p>"Well, it is a fact that when he suspended payment he -had in his possession an immense number of worthless -shares. There never was such a stack of rubbish, and -nobody could understand how a man with his wits -about him could have thrown his money away on such -abominations."</p> - -<p>Mr. Murray laughed loudly, and I looked at him in surprise.</p> - -<p>"You have not got a list of his valuable shares?" he -asked.</p> - -<p>"I believe I have," I answered; "the accountants' -balance sheet contains one."</p> - -<p>"Bring it here to-morrow and I will meet you. We -may be able to make some money."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p> - -<p>My suspicions were aroused, and you may be sure that -I kept my appointment with Murray, who was punctual. -I had been successful in finding the list, and handed it to -him.</p> - -<p>He laughed loud and long, and it was some minutes -before I could get a word out of him. When he had -exhausted himself, he observed—</p> - -<p>"This is a splendid joke. After deducting the dividend, -how much did you lose by our unfortunate friend?"</p> - -<p>"I had to write off £3,115, and could ill afford it at the -time. Why do you ask?"</p> - -<p>"This is a business matter between us. How much -will you stand out of that sum if I show you how to -get it?"</p> - -<p>"I know there is no hope of that; but what would -satisfy you?"</p> - -<p>"Will you give me 25 per cent?"</p> - -<p>"Willingly, but what chance is there?"</p> - -<p>"Never mind; you go to him with a letter I will write, -and if he does not pay you there and then I shall be -astonished."</p> - -<p>The letter came next day. It was addressed to Mr. -Gibbs, marked private and sealed. It seemed a ridiculous -errand, but still, as I had promised to deliver the missive, -I took it round to Dowgate Hill. I found Mr. Gibbs in -his private office, and he welcomed me with the usual -smiles.</p> - -<p>"What can I do for you?" he asked, in his blandest -manner, pointing to a chair.</p> - -<p>"I want to see if there is any answer to this letter?" I -answered.</p> - -<p>He took Murray's epistle from my hand, and on -perusing it he became terribly pale and shook like a leaf; -when he spoke I could not recognize his voice. His -eyes would not meet mine, and were fixed on the desk -before him.</p> - -<p>"On your honour do you know the contents of this -letter?" he asked, hoarsely.</p> - -<p>"I do not."</p> - -<p>"I believe you," he said. "Now that I have recovered -my position I shall have much pleasure in paying your -account in full with 5 per cent. interest, on one condition, -that you say nothing to my other creditors."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p> - -<p>To this I willingly agreed. It takes a man all his time -to look after his own affairs.</p> - -<p>In exchange for my receipt he handed me a cheque for -the proper amount. On rejoining Murray, who was close -at hand waiting the result of the experiment, I tried to -get an explanation, but did not succeed then.</p> - -<p>A few days afterwards, however, when, to the astonishment -of everybody, Gibbs sold his business and went to -South America, the mystery was cleared up. He had -cleverly managed to throw dust in the eyes of his creditors. -The bankruptcy had been carefully planned so as to -enable him to put an immense sum in his pocket. The -various stocks, which he returned as assets, and which he -alleged had ruined him, did not cost more than a few -pounds. <i>The worthless shares were not purchased from -time to time as the various companies were launched, as was -imagined, but were bought by weight in one lot through -Murray a few months before the bankruptcy occurred, at an -average price of 4 s. the lb.</i></p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.<br /> -<span class="small">LORD SEAMORD'S FALSE FUNERAL.</span></h3></div> - -<p class="p2"><i>The stealing of the body— -The large reward—The tragical -and mysterious disappearance—Death of Mdlle. Rousell—The -dead lord comes to life in New York—The extraordinary -disclosures.</i></p> - -<p>"I never was so astonished in all my life!" said D——, -the well known detective, whom I met accidentally in the -Strand.</p> - -<p>"I thought men of your experience were never surprised -at anything," was my answer.</p> - -<p>"But this is such a peculiar, out of the way case."</p> - -<p>"It is not the loss of a dressing-case, then, nor a mysterious -murder?"</p> - -<p>"No, a body has unaccountably disappeared from the -family vault!"</p> - -<p>"That is an American trick," I replied. "How much -money do they want for the safe return of the corpse?"</p> - -<p>"None at all. Heavy rewards are offered, but without -response. It does not appear to be a case of black-mailing."</p> - -<p>"How, then," I asked, "was it discovered that the -corpse had walked?"</p> - -<p>"By an anonymous letter."</p> - -<p>"Just so—from one of the thieves, no doubt. To regain -possession of the body, you must bid higher—it is a -question of money."</p> - -<p>"There you are wrong. The writer of the anonymous -letter has been found."</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"He is a respectable tenant on the deceased man's -estate."</p> - -<p>"What explanation does he give?"</p> - -<p>"He says he was returning from market late one night -when he was greatly alarmed by seeing lights in the -family vault. It was rumoured at the time of the funeral -that certain valuable relics were interred with the body, -and he thought robbers were despoiling the dead. Next -morning he did not know what to do. He was afraid his -statement would be laughed at, so he decided to send the -unsigned letter. Here is a copy of it. It is addressed to -the family solicitor. "Passing Lord Seamord's last -resting place," he wrote, "between nine and ten p.m. -yesterday, the writer was greatly astonished to see lights -in the vault, and an examination will prove that the dead -has been disturbed"."</p> - -<p>"And how long ago did this happen?" I asked.</p> - -<p>"Three months."</p> - -<p>"Did you confine your advertisements to any particular -newspaper? This is the first I have heard of the -occurrence."</p> - -<p>"When it was proved that the body had really been -carried off, a communication was at once sent to the chief, -who decided on secrecy. Like you, he thought it was a -question of money, and daily expected that the thieves -would open up a correspondence with the family. But -nothing of the kind has taken place. When two months -had passed without any sign, we tried the advertisements, -but nothing has come of them."</p> - -<p>"In what hole-and-corner papers did you insert the -advertisements?"</p> - -<p>He handed me a slip on which was printed the following:—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Craigmillar.—On the night of the 15th November last -something valuable disappeared near this place, and the -family are prepared to pay a large reward for its return, -or for a correct intimation where it can be found.—Information, -which will be treated as strictly confidential, -to be sent to R. B. Johnson, Esq., solicitor, Craigmillar."</p> - -<p>"Did you ever try naming a sum of money?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, first £1,000, and then £5,000."</p> - -<p>"Would the family go higher than that?"</p> - -<p>"I am sure they would. What can the thieves mean?"</p> - -<p>"There is some hidden mystery. You are right in -saying the case is peculiar."</p> - -<p>Here was a complication after my own heart. Awake -and asleep the subject haunted me. I worked out all -manner of solutions, but none of them brought me any -nearer the secret; and when you learn the marvellous -particulars you will not blame me for my stupidity. Of -all the extraordinary revelations made known to the -public, this one, it will be readily admitted, takes a -prominent place.</p> - -<p>Who was this Lord Seamord? For obvious reasons, I -use an assumed name. At Elliott and Fry's I got his -portrait for a shilling. It is lying before me now. Not -a man to make an enemy of. His chin betokens resolution; -lips, firmness; nostrils, daring; eyes, cruelty; forehead, -intellect. He was a tall man I ascertained, and -dark enough to have been taken for a Spaniard. Debrett -told me that he had been an only child; that he married -a duke's daughter, that there was no issue of the marriage, -and that when his decease occurred he must have been -thirty-five years of age. From private sources, from men -who had frequented the same clubs as his lordship, I -received a very bad account of him. He was, according -to them, an individual to be avoided. The girls he had -seduced, the friends he had ruined at play, the duels he -had fought, some of them with fatal results, would fill a -volume. He took no active part in politics, and seemed -to live entirely for his own amusement. His wife, who -was very pretty, and who it was said, worshipped him, -was sadly neglected; and he resided principally on the -Continent.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p> - -<p>The next heir to the title and estate was a cousin, who -was not a little surprised to be informed that everything -that money could be raised on had been mortgaged. This -was all the more strange when it was known, that Lord -Seamord was unusually careful in monetary matters, and -that most of his speculations resulted in an addition to his -large fortune. What had become of these immense sums -of money?</p> - -<p>This was the first question I set myself to answer. I -was charmed with the insurmountable difficulties surrounding -the case, and entered on the investigation with -great relish. You may ask what business it was of mine, -and the only reply I think it necessary to give is that the -enquiry interested me, and that if success crowned my -efforts I could if I chose earn a large sum of money.</p> - -<p>I went down to Craigmillar, but the information I gleaned -there did not amount to much. No one could say how -the money had gone. His lordship was at Milan when he -died, and he had with him a servant called Robert Simmons. -This man had been in the family for many years, -but he was much disliked. Like master like man. There -was nobody to say a good word about either. It was -thought that Simmons was a ready and willing assistant -in the many villainies perpetrated by Lord Seamord. To -my enquiry as to what had become of Simmons, I was -told that he left soon after the funeral, and had not been -heard of since. This was suspicious. There were now -two questions in my note book—first, how had the money -been disposed of? and the second, why had the servant -disappeared?</p> - -<p>I may or may not have had an interview with the -family solicitor, but at all events I went on the Continent, -and traced his lordship on his last journey to the -town in which he died. Up to reaching Milan I found -nothing remarkable. His stay in Paris was short, and -presented no feature of interest. The people at the hotel -knew him well, and I had no trouble in getting at his -daily doings. At Milan the case was different. It assumed -the mysterious at once. To begin with, he dropped -the title and used a feigned name. He kept changing -his hotel, and finally rented a house of his own. Altogether -he remained in this rather dull Italian town upwards -of six months. There must have been a powerful -reason, I thought, for his prolonged stay and erratic conduct, -but neither the people he came in contact with nor -the authorities were aware of it. Simmons was with him -all the time, and could no doubt explain many things, -but the man was not available. In despair, I asked for a -file of one of the daily papers, to see if anything remarkable -occurred about the first of November, and my attention -was arrested by a thrilling paragraph relating to the -death of a young lady. It ran thus:—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Murder or Suicide?—It is our painful duty to notify -the death of the daughter of M. Rousell, the famous -sculptor. The young lady was only nineteen years of -age, and had shown great promise as a painter. Her -voice would have insured her a hearty welcome on the -operatic stage. A more accomplished, beautiful and -fascinating young lady it would be difficult to find, and -much sympathy is felt for the bereaved father, the more -so on account of the manner of his daughter's death. -She was found in the public gardens stabbed to the -heart."</p> - -<p>A few days afterwards another short paragraph appeared -on the subject. It read as follows:—</p> - -<p>"The Death of Mdlle. Rousell.—We have nothing -fresh to communicate regarding this unfortunate occurrence, -except that her father had noticed that her mind -seemed much disturbed about the period of her death, -and the police state that it is now shown that she was -accustomed to keep appointments with some strange man. -It was understood that in January she was to be wed to -a gentleman holding a high position in the Government, -and who has been in a raging fever ever since his great -loss was communicated to him. The authorities are -making extraordinary exertions to clear up the mystery."</p> - -<p>This murder or suicide took place a few days before the -death of Lord Seamord. Knowing his partiality for the -fair sex, and his unscrupulous character, it was possible -that there might be some connection between the two -events. Was he the unknown man that Mdlle. Rousell -met by stealth? It did not take me long to discover that -his lordship in his assumed name was a frequent visitor to -the studio of the sculptor, and he had undoubtedly seen -the daughter there, but I could not make out for certain -that there had been any acquaintanceship between them, -or even an introduction, and, however bad the man was, -I could not believe for a moment that he would take -away the life of this charming girl. He lived in good -but not extravagant style in Milan, and the money question -was as much involved in obscurity as ever. One -thing the banker told me, which only made matters more -mysterious still, and that was that very heavy sums had been -remitted from England, and that his balance was nearly -all drawn out immediately before his death. It was no use -stopping any longer in Milan, and I returned to England, -determined to have a little explanation with Robert Simmons. -He could at the very least give me some account -of the missing money.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p> - -<p>None of the Craigmillar people had heard anything of -the man, but I succeeded in getting his portrait and address -of his parents, who resided near Carlisle. I hunted -them up, but it was somewhat akin to pulling stubborn -teeth to extract information out of them. They had evidently -been warned not to let anyone know their son's -whereabouts. There was no getting a direct answer out -of them, and this reticence only made me the more anxious -to have a few minutes' private conversation with Simmons. -They were old and ignorant people, and I made -sure that if any correspondence was going on a third party -conducted it for them. This proved to be correct. The -village schoolmaster wrote their letters, and on the plea -that Lady Seamord had a small legacy to pay the man, I -had no difficulty in obtaining the wished-for address. -The letters were addressed the Poste Restante, New York. -So Simmons had thought it advisable to take up his abode -on the other side of the Atlantic. Another suspicious -circumstance.</p> - -<p>A Cunard boat soon landed me in America, and I immediately -stationed a trustworthy detective at the Poste -Restante, while I made some cautious enquiries in the -town. On the fourth day a man answering the description -of Lord Seamord's servant called at the post-office -for letters from England for Robert Simmons, and was -followed to one of the best hotels in New York. Possibly -he had secured employment there as a waiter. As he did -not know me from Adam I had no hesitation in taking up -my quarters in Fifth Avenue Hotel. Up to dinner time -nothing occurred. I did not even catch a glimpse of -Simmons, and none of the other servants knew him by -that name, but I was on the brink of a startling discovery.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p> - -<p>When the gong sounded for dinner there walked into -the room an exact counterpart of the late Lord Seamord. -From the portrait in my possession the most unbelieving -would have sworn that it was the man himself. Tall, dark, -and cruel-looking, the resemblance was, to say the least of -it, extraordinary, and this was a phase in the enquiry -which I had not anticipated. The fact of Simmons being -also in the hotel convinced me that I was about to fathom -some terrible mystery. The bookkeeper in answer to my -question said the tall, dark gentleman was an Englishman -named Mayhurst, and had been living in the hotel with -his servant for a month or two. A few days convinced -me there was no mistake—that the real Lord Seamord -and his servant was residing in the hotel under feigned -names. What did that false funeral at Craigmillar -mean? who was the man interred? why was the body -stolen? and what all powerful motives had compelled -Lord Seamord to adopt such an unheard-of line of conduct? -The plan had been thought of and matured at -Milan, and the large amounts of money wore no doubt -in the hands of the rightful owner. Had the violent -death of Mdlle. Rousell anything to do with these marvellous -disclosures?</p> - -<p>When I was certain that there was no mistake about the -two men, I telegraphed to Mr. Johnson, the family solicitor, -asking him to come to New York at once, as something -of the greatest importance connected with the -disappearance of the body at Craigmillar had occurred. -He replied promptly, and was with me in less than a -fortnight. I took him to a different hotel, but close to -where I was staying; and when I had prepared his mind -a little for the startling news, I told him what I had discovered. -The old man was horrified, and flatly declined -to believe me, but before the end of the day I had placed -him in a position to convince himself that what I had -stated was perfectly correct. Lord Seamord he had -known all his life, and therefore, although I might, he -could not well be mistaken. Nothing was decided that -night; Mr. Johnson was too incapable of acting in a sane -fashion; but next morning after a long conversation between -us, in the course of which I produced the Milan -journals concerning the two paragraphs about the death -of the sculptor's daughter, he elected to seek an interview -alone with his lordship.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p> - -<p>Hour after hour passed, and Mr. Johnson did not return -to his hotel, where I was waiting for him, and I -began to get alarmed. I was just about to set out in -search, of him, when he arrived, looking crushed and -heartbroken, and there was appearance of tears on his -blanched cheeks. It must have been a terrible meeting, -but I never heard a full account of what took place; he -was only authorised to tell me what had been carefully -written for him on a sheet of notepaper. The following -is a copy of the statement, which was in Lord Seamord's -handwriting:—</p> - -<p>"Mdlle. Rousell was the innocent cause of what has occurred. -I fell madly in love with her, and determined to -carry her off. Under a promise of marriage she met me -clandestinely, unknown to anyone. My plans were complete -when her death occurred. It was my blame, but I -have never in my life raised my hand in violence to a -woman. To save her honour she stabbed herself to the -heart. I had good reasons for believing that I was being -watched by the police, and to prevent the disgrace to my -family of my being tried for murder, I, with the assistance -of Simmons and a doctor attached to the hospital, pretended -to die, and a dead body was secretly conveyed into -the house and interred at Craigmillar. It was my -wishing to make assurance doubly sure, and destroy all -possible traces of the deception which has led to the discovery. -I shall never resume the title again, and to all -intents and purposes I am legally dead. My wife may -rejoin me if it pleases her. Mr. Johnson has my instructions."</p> - -<p>He did not deserve it, but his wife, on the pretence of -entering a convent, soon hastened to his side. Women, -always excepting mothers-in-law, are so forgiving.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br /> -<span class="small">TAKING A MEAN ADVANTAGE OF A FIRE.</span></h3></div> - -<p class="p2"><i>Important disclosures— -The fire at the theatre—The evidence -of the opera glasses—The startling meeting at the -Inns of Court Hotel.</i></p> - -<p>The dreadful disaster at Vienna brings back vividly to -my mind strange incidents connected with the burning -down of the Theatre Royal, Edinburgh, sixteen years -ago.</p> - -<p>"I am in a terrible mess, old fellow!" exclaimed -Augustus Graham, as he hurriedly entered my office in -Edinburgh one morning in the year 1865.</p> - -<p>"Sit down," I said, "and let us put our heads together. -Perhaps a way may be found out of the maze."</p> - -<p>"Impossible: things have gone too far, and the climax -has come to-day. My bills will be protested."</p> - -<p>"Then you favour me with a visit when your circumstances -are desperate beyond relief."</p> - -<p>"I have been buoyed up with false hopes, but now I -must inevitably sink."</p> - -<p>"There is one thing you have done well—you have -kept up appearances; nobody suspects anything."</p> - -<p>"But at what a cost! For months I have not known -what it is to have a good night's rest."</p> - -<p>"It is entirely a financial difficulty, of course—much?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, and without remedy; the amount is so large. -But there is another dilemma."</p> - -<p>"And what is that?" I enquired; "the other is bad -enough."</p> - -<p>"You know I am engaged to Miss Kingston."</p> - -<p>"So I understood. She has money; why not frankly -explain your position to her father, and, if there is no -objection, marry her."</p> - -<p>"I have just posted a letter resigning her hand."</p> - -<p>"That was a very unwise step, I think; it appears to -me to be your only chance. I should make haste to withdraw -that letter."</p> - -<p>"But I could not marry Miss Kingston, even if she were -willing."</p> - -<p>"Another complication. I knew you had a talent for -getting into scrapes."</p> - -<p>"No, it would be a mockery to pretend that I have any -feeling but that of friendship for Kate. She is much too -good for me. The fact is, Jim, I am over head and ears -in love with old Murray's wife."</p> - -<p>"And not ashamed to own it?"</p> - -<p>"If you knew our histories you would pity us. We are -separated by a cruel wrong."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Oh, I daresay! Disappointment in early life, I suppose; -the miscarriage of a letter, or she found you making -love to another young lady who afterwards turned out to -be your own sister, and in a fit of jealousy made haste to -marry a man old enough to be her father."</p> - -<p>"Her grandfather."</p> - -<p>"His age does not prevent him being her lawful husband. -Now as you are at it, you may as well confess -whether Mrs. Murray reciprocates this much-to-be-regretted -passion."</p> - -<p>"I have reason to believe she does."</p> - -<p>"Well, you won't get absolution from me. You are a -bad as well as an unfortunate man, Mr. Augustus -Graham."</p> - -<p>"If you only knew everything you would, I am sure, -think differently of both of us."</p> - -<p>"Doubtful, very; the lady is married. What license -have you to interfere with her husband's happiness? No -sophistry will make me think that marital bonds should -not be respected. I have seen too many lives and promising -careers blasted by such impudent intrigues."</p> - -<p>"Don't judge us so harshly without a hearing."</p> - -<p>"Do you recollect your putting a peculiar question to -me one day some months ago, and asking what I would -do under the embarrassing circumstances? I see now you -were the <i>A</i> of this skeleton case, and Mrs. Murray the <i>B</i>. -What was my answer? Did I not tell you it was the -duty of any man, calling himself a gentleman, to hold his -friend's wife sacred?"</p> - -<p>"I tried hard, but it was all in vain."</p> - -<p>"You used to be clever in getting out of as well as -into scrapes, but you seem to be caught fast this time. I -am really sorry, for the sake of old school days, that you -must go to the wall. Is there nothing I can do for -you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, you can lend me—your opera glasses."</p> - -<p>"Is that all? Keeping it up to the end—going to the -theatre?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, will you come? I have a box; I am taking Mr. -and Mrs. Murray."</p> - -<p>"I am engaged this evening, and after what you have -disclosed to me I would not feel comfortable. Take the -glasses, and go your wicked way."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> - -<p>Before I saw those glasses again a dreadful calamity -occurred. The Theatre Royal to which my friend and -Mrs. Murray went was burned down, and many lives were -lost. It was impossible to recognize the charred bodies, -but as they were never seen again the presumption was -that the two lovers perished in the flames. A pair of -opera glasses much damaged by fire were shown to me by -the Procurator Fiscal, and I proved by the initial that -they were my property. I need not say that I carefully -preserved them. Poor Murray, who did not accompany -his wife, became distracted over his loss, and only lived -two or three years after her unfortunate death. She was -an exceedingly pretty and amiable lady, and however much -her affection for my friend was to be deplored, no one -could help feeling sorry for her frightful end.</p> - -<p>It was found after the disaster that Graham's affairs -were in a helpless state, and when a balance sheet was -drawn up it was seen that the estate would not pay more -than sixpence in the pound. He had displayed immense -ability in tiding over from time to time the difficulties -which were ultimately bound to ruin him. We had been -schoolfellows together, and the friendship formed in those -happy days ended only with his life.</p> - -<p>I was always afraid his daring speculations would bring -him to grief—he was in such a hurry to get rich. Montaigne -informs us that, if you look carefully for it, you -will discover there is some consolation to be derived even -from the death of a dear friend.</p> - -<p>In some respects the sudden termination of the two -lives was a blessing—the honour of Mrs. Murray remained -inviolate, at least so far as the public knew, and Graham -was saved a world of trouble with his exasperated creditors. -Good and evil are so mixed together in this -world of ours that it is impossible to keep them apart.</p> - -<p>If my readers will turn to the papers of that day they -will find all the particulars of the burning of the theatre -and a list of the persons that perished, for "taking a mean -advantage of fire" is, with the exception of the names, a -faithful record of what actually happened.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> - -<p>Ten years passed quickly away in the worry and turmoil -of a daily increasing business, when a morning -delivery brought me a strangely-worded invitation to dinner -at the Inns of Court Hotel. I had transferred my -business to London by this time. The note I cannot put -my hands on for the moment, but it was to the effect that -a gentleman who was once well acquainted with me, and -who had been out of the country for some years, would -be glad if I would dine that day with him and his wife. -The signature was not familiar to me, but I had so many -clients it (the invitation) might have emanated from one -of them. I decided to accept, and wrote a line to that -effect to my unknown host.</p> - -<p>A few minutes to seven—the hour mentioned—I presented -myself at the hotel, and was ushered into a -sitting-room on the first floor, where preparations had -been made for dinner, but there was no one present. In -a minute or two, however, the door of the room opened, -and a heavily-bearded man entered, whom I did not know -from Adam, who heartily shook hands with me.</p> - -<p>"So you don't recollect me?" he said with a laugh.</p> - -<p>"I have not that pleasure," I answered. "A client, I -presume."</p> - -<p>"Why, Jim, you are more stupid than I thought; has -ten years made such a difference in your old schoolfellow, -Augustus Graham?"</p> - -<p>It was a few minutes before I could speak—I was so -utterly taken by surprise. He was the very last man I -expected to see on earth. When the film of doubt had -at length been removed from my eyes, he went into the -next room, and came back leading a lady.</p> - -<p>"My wife!" he said.</p> - -<p>"We are old acquaintances," said the lady, smilingly.</p> - -<p>It was Mrs. Murray, looking as beautiful as she did ten -years before.</p> - -<p>"So you did not perish in the theatre that night, -after all?"</p> - -<p>"Not a bit of it. Are you sorry? You can pinch us -if you like—we are really flesh and blood; and you shall see -us eat, for here comes dinner. The Richmond air has -given us an appetite."</p> - -<p>After dinner I heard their wonderful story. Early in -life they had loved each other, but a malicious friend, in -the interests of Murray, separated them. When they -again met, a few words of explanation from both sides -showed them that they had been made the victims of a -clever plot; but, unfortunately, Isabella Crighton had in -the interval—in a mad fit of jealousy—changed her -name, and given herself to a man nearly thrice her -age.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> - -<p>They agreed that the proper thing to do was not to -refer to the past again, and meet as seldom as possible. -But such resolutions, wherever they were recorded, were -soon broken; and now that it was necessary that there -should be restraint, the old passion revived with redoubled -force. The husband originally intended to -accompany his wife to the theatre on that eventful -evening, but was prevented, owing to a sharp attack of -gout. The piece—it was "Othello"—did not have much -of their attention, their conversation was to them of far -deeper interest. Graham told Mrs. Murray of his desperate -circumstances, and that in a day or two he would be -off to Australia.</p> - -<p>There were tears shed, as is usual on such occasions, -and the lady never expected to see her lover again, when -such a vast waste of waters lay between them. As many -of my readers probably remember, when the fire did -break out, the theatre was consumed in an incredibly -short space of time. Graham saw his opportunity—I -told you he was good at getting out of scrapes—and -when his startling proposal was whispered into the ear of -his fair companion, I am afraid there was not much -resistance. In the confusion they got to the Waverley -Station unobserved, and took the first train going -south.</p> - -<p>In Australia Graham soon recovered his position, and -when the death of Mr. Murray was announced he immediately -married the partner of his flight. He was -now arranging with his solicitor to pay his creditors in -full, and settle down in the neighbourhood of London. -I spent a gay and pleasant evening with my two "defunct" -friends, and rated them soundly for not letting -me into their secret. On rising to depart, at a very -late hour, Graham said, with all the old mischief beaming -in his eyes—</p> - -<p>"We have often laughed over your evidence in the -<i>Scotsman</i>. We are deeply indebted to you. You -settled us both in the most conclusive manner. By the -way, I owe you some recompense."</p> - -<p>"What for?"</p> - -<p>"I kept the programme, but sacrificed your glasses."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br /> -<span class="small">THE ATTEMPTED MURDER IN THE AIR.</span></h3></div> - -<p class="p2"><i>The proposal to go up in a balloon accepted— -Green's young and pretty wife— -A very strange conversation—An unpleasant looking knife— -Jealously—Madness and attempted murder.</i></p> - -<p>People may have thought differently, but there was -really no occasion for his jealousy; the man was mad. -Knowing his eccentric habits, you ask me how I could -have been so foolish as to accompany him alone in that -terrible balloon ascent, and I reply that it never occurred -to me that he believed that I was in love with his wife. -He had gone up in balloons fifty times without meeting -with any accident, and when he pressed me to join him -in that midnight voyage I had but little hesitation in -accepting the invitation.</p> - -<p>As you are aware, I have done a few things in my -time, and the idea of a new sensation was agreeable to me. -It may come with the infirmities of old age, but as yet -fear has not entered into my composition. It appeared to -me that my nerves were quite as good as his.</p> - -<p>It was a scientific experiment to test certain air currents, -and you no doubt recollect that the result was watched -with considerable interest. But few people know the -dreadful scene that was enacted in mid-air in an unusually -dark night. Unmistakable signs of insanity showed -themselves a few days afterwards, and he had to be taken -to Hanwell. I went to see him the other day, and he -told me in the greatest confidence that he was the Devil, -and that he had sat to Martin for his famous painting of -"Satan in Council" from him. It was a sad case; he -was a man of infinite talent, and the doctors gave but -little hope of his recovery.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p> - -<p>Yes, his wife is to be pitied. She is not more than -twenty-five, and there are no two opinions about her -beauty, and I can testify that her mind is quite in keeping -with her person. A more fascinating woman I never -met, and it may be strange to say that I have only -admired her as a sister. I have known her since she was -two years of age, and she has never taken any important -step in life without consulting me. She was early left an -orphan, and there never was a brother nor a sister. -Green first met her at Harrogate, and was soon over head -and ears in love.</p> - -<p>I never saw a man so deeply influenced with the tender -passion. His position and wealth there could be no -mistake about, and when Lizzie Norton asked me whether -she should accept his offer of marriage, I thought it a -good chance for the friendless girl. It was her frequent -consultations with me about her husband's daily increasing -eccentricities which created the scandal, and the state of -his health may have to some extent influenced me to -ascend with him into the clouds.</p> - -<p>Light a cigar and I will endeavour to bring back to my -memory what took place. The balloon was a new one, -called the Sunbeam. We went up from the Crystal -Palace.</p> - -<p>It was a beastly night, raining in torrents, and -nearly dark. The lamp which was lighted at starting -went out from some cause or other (he may have extinguished -it on purpose before we had ascended many -hundred feet), and an attempt made to kindle it did not -succeed.</p> - -<p>The sensations of the ascent were certainly novel, if not -pleasant. We hung over London for some time, and then, -after rising to a considerable height, drifted towards -Brighton, where I was fortunate enough to be landed -safely. But when you hear the particulars of the trip -you will say that it was long odds against my ever -reaching the earth alive.</p> - -<p>It was an anonymous letter that first aroused his mad -and groundless jealousy, and he had watched my interviews -with his wife—arranged for his good—and believed -that we were deceiving him. I repeat that we were both -innocent of any such intention, although appearances may -have been against us.</p> - -<p>The man or woman who penned that ill-natured epistle -was as near as possible being the cause of a murder. -Green had provided himself with a cook's knife, a nasty -weapon to look at, and it was by the merest chance he -did not thrust it in my heart. Scientific experiments are -all very well in their way, but I prefer not pursuing such -studies in mid-air in the company of a maniac.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p> - -<p>One of the first things he said to me was—</p> - -<p>"Life is not worth much up here."</p> - -<p>I agreed with him that we were running some extra -risk, and added that I hoped the construction of the -balloon was not deficient.</p> - -<p>"The balloon is right enough," he hissed in my ear, as -we rushed through the air at the rate of forty miles an -hour; "there are other things to dread."</p> - -<p>There was a peculiarity about the tone of his reply -which I did not like. I enquired what was the nature of -the other risks, but he gave me no answer, and busied -himself for a few minutes with the mechanism of our -ærial car.</p> - -<p>"You have faced death before?" he asked abruptly.</p> - -<p>I told him that such was the case; that over ladies fair -I had been obliged to fight a duel or two in different parts -of Europe.</p> - -<p>This answer seemed to enrage him, for at once exclaimed -in a passionate voice—</p> - -<p>"Toujours les dames. Is it true you are so fortunate?"</p> - -<p>"Report credits me with more than my due. Like -other men roving about Europe, I have had my adventures."</p> - -<p>His next question startled me, and I began to suspect -that there was something wrong.</p> - -<p>"What do you think of my wife?" was what he -asked.</p> - -<p>"That you are a man to be envied."</p> - -<p>"But that it not the answer. Do you think her -pretty?"</p> - -<p>"There can be no doubt of that."</p> - -<p>I endeavoured to change the subject by drawing his -attention to a bank of clouds we were about to pierce in -our upward career, but it was in vain.</p> - -<p>"You admire her very much?"</p> - -<p>"No one can help admiring her," I answered.</p> - -<p>"I never could understand why you did not marry -her."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p> - -<p>"The truth, is that it never occurred to me to ask her. -Our friendship was that of brother and sister. Although -no more beautiful object could be found, old fellow, it -seems a little out of place to discuss your wife."</p> - -<p>"What did I bring you here for?"</p> - -<p>"Then your purpose in getting me to ascend with you -was to talk about Mrs. Green? It strikes me that a -more convenient and comfortable place could have been -found somewhere on the earth. You are a funny fellow," -I said.</p> - -<p>"What I have to say is better without witnesses. -Here I can be judge and executioner."</p> - -<p>This extraordinary answer put me on my guard, and I -watched his movements as well as I could in the uncertain -light which was beginning to appear in the -heavens. Contrary winds had carried us rapidly in -different directions, and until we had a little more light -it was impossible to tell where we were. It was not a -very pleasant position to be cooped up in such close quarters -with a jealous husband, whose mind was evidently -unhinged, and I thought that the sooner our voyage was -finished the better. So far as strength went I was the -stronger of the two, but a struggle in a balloon floating a -few miles above the earth was to be avoided. I tried -what silence would do.</p> - -<p>"She would have married you. She thinks nobody -like you," he began again.</p> - -<p>"I tell you I never thought of her as my wife. -What possesses you, Green, to speak to me in this absurd -fashion?"</p> - -<p>"Jealousy—revenge," he hissed, and I could just -perceive him playing with something which looked disagreeably -like a knife.</p> - -<p>This was serious, and unseen by him—he seemed -absorbed in thought—I took measures to descend as -rapidly as possible. There was no disguising the fact -that I was in a balloon alone with a madman!</p> - -<p>"We will make for the sea," he muttered to himself. -"One thrust, and over he goes."</p> - -<p>"Not if I know it," I thought. "There will be a little -discussion before that undesirable end is attained."</p> - -<p>"Was woman ever loved so much before?" he began, -speaking to himself. "For her I was ready to sacrifice -my present, my future, my hereafter, my life; nothing -that a man could do would have been left undone -for one approving smile, one kiss from her pouting -lips.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Ah! to think that other lips have pressed hers, that -other arms have encircled that matchless form, drives me -mad—mad! Yet she looks an angel of purity. How -often have I stayed awake to watch the childlike sleep. -No impure thought was haunting the quiet mind. If -she had but whispered the name of a rival she would -never have risen from the couch again. But that letter—ah! -that letter. I have it here; it speaks of secret meetings, -and calls me—the fiend—the duped, or complaisant -husband. And the letter was not wrong. I watched -them meet secretly myself. Oh! Lizzie, was such a love -as mine to be thrown away like a used glove? Would to -God we had never met. No, I won't say that. I cannot -forget the days of rapture I spent with you, my darling. -It is not you I blame; it is he, the husband's friend, I must -destroy. Time for action. This good knife will revenge -my lost honour. No man shall boast that he has kissed -those lips and live. Now we will make for the sea, and -then one thrust and over he goes!"</p> - -<p>He was right in saying it was the moment for action. -He had worked himself into such a mad fury I expected -every moment to be attacked. All the time he was -raving the balloon was—unknown to him—rapidly -descending, and we were close to the earth, so close that -by throwing out the grappling irons I made certain of -stopping our further progress, and it was not a bit too -soon.</p> - -<p>To throw out the irons and knock that dangerous -knife out of his hand as he rose to attack me was the -work of a second. The next minute I pinned him down -in the bottom of the car, and prevented any further unpleasantness.</p> - -<p>With the dawn of morning workpeople came over the -Brighton Downs and assisted me to secure the Sunbeam -and her poor demented owner.</p> - -<p>His ascents into the air had finished, and the next -occasion that I go up in a balloon with a friend I shall -previously put him through a series of searching -questions about love and jealousy, if he should happen -to possess that much desirable acquisition—a young and -pretty wife!</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br /> -<span class="small">MY TWO MATCHES, OR WATERLOO AVENGED.</span></h3></div> - -<p class="p2"><i>A man with a history—Was it murder?— -Clotilde avenges Waterloo— -The winner of the Two Thousand makes a good hack.</i></p> - -<p>It was difficult to say to what nationality Monsieur H—— -belonged, as he spoke as many different languages as a -Pole or a Russian, but probably Switzerland had the -honour of producing the keen-eyed, wiry little man. He -was not, even in his most friendly moments, very communicative -about his antecedents, and, if that jade -rumour did not belie him, he had good reasons for his -reticence.</p> - -<p>The gossips of the place, envious of his prosperity, -alleged amongst other things against him, that he had -been a waiter at a notorious night-house in Panton Street, -Haymarket, and that on the occurrence of a drunken -brawl he and a disreputable man about town called B—— -threw a gentleman of good position either out of the -window or down the stairs and killed him.</p> - -<p>Murder was never meant, and death was, no doubt, the -result of an accident. The police could not get to the -bottom of the affair—as the people who were present kept -out of the way—and the friends of the deceased did all -they could to hush the matter up.</p> - -<p>It was more than likely that Monsieur H—— was mixed -up in this disturbance, as he disappeared from England -about that time, and although he annually makes a holiday -visit to Paris or Berlin, Geneva or Vienna, he never -favours London with his presence.</p> - -<p>The land he could see on a clear day without the aid of -glasses appeared to be forbidden ground to him. That -he had mingled in the fast life of the metropolis in his -younger days you would be thoroughly convinced by a -few minutes' conversation with him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span></p> - -<p>One tangible fact connected with the little man is to be -obtained from the journals of the period; his wife was -successful in getting a divorce from him. The lady who -found him too wayward in his affection and a little too -ready with his hands, was not frightened at her unfortunate -matrimonial experiences, for when that troublesome -individual, the Queen's Proctor, could no longer interfere, -she was led a second time to the altar, on this occasion by -Mr. R——, who recently had a favourite for one of the -largest races of the year.</p> - -<p>This Monsieur H——, with a history in the background, -kept a small hotel at a French watering place.</p> - -<p>The autumn of life seemed to give him a great amount -of pleasure in a temperate manner. His early youth, -however mild it might have been, had evidently not -clogged his sense of enjoyment.</p> - -<p>In addition to his hotel—which was well managed—he -had two other possessions on which he prided himself, and -I put them in the order in which he judged them; first, -was a long-tailed half-bred hack, and the second a big, -strapping black-eyed wife, for he had also sought connubial -bliss once again.</p> - -<p>If it had not been for this horse this narrative would -not have been written.</p> - -<p>It was a rough-coated, badly-groomed mare of a chestnut -colour, with a blaze face and two white heels, a little -doubtful about the forelegs, standing as near as possible -sixteen hands high. Good fun was often to be got out of -the series of tremendous efforts the diminutive landlord -had to make before he could mount his tall steed. Once -in the pigskin, however, he seemed comfortable enough, -and did not appear as if even buck-jumping would dislodge -him.</p> - -<p>In his private bar and round the billiard table at night -the prowess of Clotilde—that was the hack's name—was -often the subject of much animated talk. Her early life -was shrouded in mystery like her owner's, but taking into -account her formation, the white marks and chestnut -colour, the astute Monsieur H—— was inclined to admit -Blair Athol to the dignity of having been her male progenitor.</p> - -<p>Dreams of breeding winners of the Derby flitted across -the little man's mind, but he could never fix upon a -suitable sire, and for aught I know he may be still cogitating -on that important subject.</p> - -<p>When I made Monsieur H—— 's acquaintance, I had -with me a pony I picked up a bargain at Newmarket, and -when I met the jovial little man out riding we used to -have a canter together.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p> - -<p>It was one night at a supper the match between our -nags was first mooted.</p> - -<p>Somebody had caught a splendid basket of trout, and -wished his friends to share the finny delicacy. When the -speckled beauties had been done justice to, and grog and -cigars was the order of the evening, the proposition about -the match, previously mentioned as a joke, was brought -forward in real earnest.</p> - -<p>The landlord was willing to run his Clotilde against my -pony Jack over a mile for any reasonable sum—owners to -ride. After the usual amount of desultory talk the match -was at last arranged, the stakes to be £25 a side, and an -early day was fixed for its decision.</p> - -<p>The advantages were to all appearances not with me. -I was nearly a stone heavier than my opponent, and the -long stride of his mare would tell against Jack. My only -chance of success lay in the fact that the mare was entirely -out of condition, and could not be got ready in the time, -whereas my pony had not an ounce of superfluous flesh -about him. I knew also that Jack could go a rattling -pace, and that he would be quicker on his legs than the -mare.</p> - -<p>The wily landlord was not ignorant of his mare's weak -point, and no time was lost in putting her into hard work -and practising her to jump off quickly at the word "Go" -given by his billiard-marker.</p> - -<p>The latter part of the business was the source of much -amusement to the onlookers, and puts one in mind of -Jennings' teaching Gladiateur similar lessons before a -certain Cambridgeshire.</p> - -<p>On the important day Jack was very troublesome at -the post, he was too eager to begin, while Clotilde stood -watchful, but quiet as a sheep. Her schooling had apparently -not been wasted. When the flag fell—we had -an example—the mare was as ready to commence as -the pony, and ere half the distance had been covered her -long stride began to tell, and I could see that only an -accident would save the race. I nursed my impetuous -little brute as much as I could for a final rush, but my -opponent was up to every movement and was not going -to be caught napping.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p> - -<p>Nothing I could do disturbed him, and he kept on the -even tenor of his way, winning without difficulty by a -couple of lengths. The mare showed more speed than I -had given her credit for, and her owner rode like a -Trojan.</p> - -<p>The victory rested with the foreigner, and there was -nothing for it but to pay and look pleasant. I omitted -to say that the loser was bound to give a supper for the -benefit of the hotel, and altogether I found, on including -some sundry bets I had made; I was to the bad over the -transaction nearly £100.</p> - -<p>If the matter had ended with the transfer of the money -and the supper I would not have cared, but it did not. -It was excessively galling to be condoled with on every -side, and to read a sensational but thoroughly incorrect -account of the match in the columns of the local newspaper, -the <i>Journal du Nord</i>.</p> - -<p>On perusing a lengthy description of the race and -accompanying remarks, a stranger would have come to the -conclusion that we had been engaged in nothing less than -a great international struggle, and that the disgrace of -Waterloo had at last been wiped out.</p> - -<p>They managed to ruffle my temper to a considerable -extent, and I impatiently waited an opportunity to be -revenged.</p> - -<p>"Why don't you have a proper hack and not a weed, -they cost the same to keep," was the remark continually -dinned into my ears by the triumphant Monsieur H——. -I meekly submitted that he was in the right, and that I -was on the look out for a better animal.</p> - -<p>He was anxious to assist me with his judgment, but -the horses he recommended did not suit, and I wrote to a -friend in England explaining my dilemma, and asked him -to send me something decent. He was not long in complying -with my wishes.</p> - -<p>One morning about ten days after the dispatch of my -letter a telegram from Clarence intimated that he had -been successful.</p> - -<p>"Have sent what you want by to-day's tidal train, -particulars by post," he said.</p> - -<p>When my new hack stepped on shore and his clothes -were taken off, Monsieur H—— and his allies—who had heard -of the expected arrival and were in waiting—pronounced -him not good enough to draw a <i>voiture</i>, and said if I had -given more than £10 for the ugly brute I had been -swindled.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p> - -<p>The new comer was, it must be confessed, not a beauty -to look at, and before he had been many minutes on -French soil he displayed unmistakable signs of a disagreeable -temper, but the old adage says "handsome is that -handsome does." He was certainly not an easy horse -to ride, and you required to know his little peculiarities. -A dead set was made against him in the town, and I was -about the only person who thought him anything but the -unmanageable animal he appeared to be. Of course I had -good grounds for a contrary belief.</p> - -<p>Trotting on the sands one day soon after the arrival of -my new purchase I encountered Monsieur H—— on -Clotilde. Since his victory the little man had taken to -patronizing me; before, he rather valued my opinion, but -now my most sagacious remarks passed unheeded, and -wore not worth the breath spent upon them.</p> - -<p>"So sorry you have been imposed upon with that brute," -he remarked. "I wanted to give you your revenge."</p> - -<p>"Nevermind my horse's appearance," I replied. "If -you really wish another contest, we are ready."</p> - -<p>"You mean that? At double the stakes if you like."</p> - -<p>The cunning landlord was sanguine of the result because -his mare had undergone a regular course of training, and -looked at least 10 lbs. better than she did on the last -occasion.</p> - -<p>This was well known to me, but I was not in the least -afraid. So anxious was he of settling the match there and -then that to equalize the chances, as he said, he offered to -give me a two lengths start, but this kind proposal I, -much to his astonishment, declined. I consented, however, -to the other terms, and later in the day a regular -agreement was signed at the hotel.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p> - -<p>Although by my desire this second match was fixed for -an early hour of the morning to keep away loafers, the -affair had got wind, and to my intense annoyance there -were hundreds of spectators. The English colony was -present to a man, that officious ass the reporter of the -<i>Journal du Nord</i> was there, busy with his pencil, an -expatriated bookmaker was fully occupied in taking the -odds—they laid 2 to 1 on Clotilde—and Monsieur H—— 's -friends mustered in great force. An even start was -effected at the first time of asking; for three parts of the -journey I contented myself with racing side by side with -my opponent, but when the last quarter of a mile was -reached, I gave my horse his head. He instantly took -advantage of his freedom, and carried me past the judge -about ten lengths in front of Clotilde. The only trouble -I had in the race was to hold back my horse, who almost -pulled my arms out of their sockets. Perfidious Albion -had regained her prestige, and my winnings were not to -be despised.</p> - -<p>"What the deuce have you got there?" asked an English -officer, after the race.</p> - -<p>"Only a winner of the Two Thousand," was my somewhat -astonishing but truthful answer.</p> - -<p>My friend Clarence offered me for choice two horses, -the second in the Cesarewitch and a winner of the Two -Thousand Guineas, and I selected the latter.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br /> -<span class="small">UNFORTUNATE POSTAGE-STAMP.</span></h3></div> - -<p class="p2"><i>A street acquaintance— -The fascinating widow—Fatal -marriage—Marrying another man's wife—A question -of damages—Lucky hit at Ascot.</i></p> - -<p>"Do you know that you have married my wife?"</p> - -<p>This somewhat extraordinary piece of intelligence was -communicated to my friend Alfred Drummond in his own -home about three months after he was married. The -person who claimed a prior right to the lady had scamp -plainly written on his bloated features, and he looked all -over a man who lived by his wits. I thought it an ill-advised -union from the first, but when I ventured on a -word of warning, I was immediately put down as an old -croaker, so I determined to let the wilful man have his -own way. The lady was certainly beautiful in that -voluptuous sense so much admired by painters of the -Dutch school, but I was not taken with her. There was -a shiftiness about her glance not pleasant to see either in -horse or human being. Although I drank to their happiness -in Irroy on that fatal wedding day, I was never -sanguine of the result, but by the utmost stretch of my -imagination I could not have foreseen the deplorable -consequences. The marriage totally wrecked my friend's -life, and all but ruined me.</p> - -<p>If men will pick up their wives in such an irregular -manner, they must not be astonished at the surprises the -future has in store for them. It will be learned from this -narrative that acquaintances made in the street are never -any good. My friend met the girl he married in a post-office; -she was sending a telegram, and his business was -confined to the purchase of a penny stamp. As it turned -out, the buying of that stamp was the most unfortunate -thing Drummond ever done. I have often thought that -if he had by any chance only seen the contents of the -lady's message, his eyes would have been opened and he -would have been saved much money. They spoke—I -never knew exactly how that came about, but it is easy -to guess. A look would be sufficient, for Alfred Drummond, -who was one of the most susceptible of men, but I -rather think that the ill-fated intimacy began with the -restoration of a dropped handkerchief. At all events, the -meeting in the post-office ended by the lady's address -being obtained, and permission to visit her being granted. -A quiet, well-appointed brougham was waiting the fair -siren outside the post-office, and my friend came rushing -to me full of the adventure, and, so to speak, treading on -air.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span></p> - -<p>When you find a man is in love don't trouble to reason -with him. Labour lost. And for your own sake don't -attempt to say one word against his mistress if you want -to avoid a duel to the death. Any aspersions cast upon -the whiteness of the charmer's teeth, the colour of her -hair, the smallness of her foot, or the levity of her conduct, -will never be forgiven. Mr. Alfred Drummond had had -to my knowledge many previous attacks of this love fever, -but none of them so sudden, severe, and lasting a nature -as the present one. He was perfectly infatuated, and his -ravings about the lady's perfections disgusted his more -sober-minded companions. There is no doubt Mrs. Selby—he -told us that was the name—gave him great encouragement -from the commencement. It seems that on presenting -himself at the lady's villa, which was situated at West -Brompton, the door was opened by a man servant, and he -was shown into an exquisitely decorated drawing-room. -He was received most graciously, and his visits became -of almost daily occurrence, and letters were continually -passing between them. On the occasion of a carpet dance, -I was introduced to my friend's enslaver, but her shifty -look created doubts about her integrity in my mind, and -I did not like the people I met at her house. If they did -not belong to Bohemia proper, they lived within hailing -distance of that mystic land. No one enjoys a "lark" -more than the writer of this "ower true tale," but when -it becomes a question of marriage, too much caution -cannot be used. There would be fewer cases in the Divorce -Court if men would be ruled by their judgments instead -of their passions. All my efforts to control my friend in -this matter were fruitless. I could see things were approaching -a climax, so I was not surprised at the announcement -Drummond made to me one morning, about two -months after their first interview.</p> - -<p>"Congratulate me, old fellow," he said, bouncing into -my office, with an open note in his hand; "I have won -the prize."</p> - -<p>"I am very glad; how much is it." I knew well -enough what he meant, and was sorry to hear the news.</p> - -<p>"It is not a prize in the French lottery; something -immeasurably superior to money."</p> - -<p>"A castle on the Rhine, with the title of Baron attached -to it?"</p> - -<p>"No, stupid; you are extra dull this morning; the incomparable -prize is Mrs. Selby."</p> - -<p>"Oh, the widow," I remarked; "so all mysteries have -been explained."</p> - -<p>"I don't know what you mean; the mysteries, as you -call them originated in your own suspicious mind."</p> - -<p>"Then tell me who is she after all. As you are going -to marry her, of course you know everything?"</p> - -<p>"Who should she be but herself, Mrs. Selby, the -widow of a City merchant who was killed by the natives -three years ago when on a business visit to the Cape?"</p> - -<p>"Then you have been introduced to her relations?"</p> - -<p>"What are you driving at? I know her friends."</p> - -<p>"I said <i>relations</i>."</p> - -<p>"She has not got any; so much the better for me."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps; but if I stood in your shoes I should like to -be posted up a little more about my wife's antecedents."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I am satisfied, and that is everything."</p> - -<p>"Certainly; no offence, you know. You will be a rich -man now, I suppose."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"I presume the expensive establishment at Brompton -is not kept up on nothing—your widow must have lots of -money."</p> - -<p>"I don't know and I don't care. I love the darling for -herself. You have always had an unpleasant word to say -about Caroline; I shall be sorry if my marriage is going -to break up our friendship."</p> - -<p>"What I said was intended for your good, Alfred, but -if the die is cast I have finished. Shake hands, wed Mrs. -Selby as soon as you like, and I wish you much happiness."</p> - -<p>When you have a serious regard for a man, as I had -for Drummond, it grieves you to the heart to see him -commit an irreparable act of folly. I was quite confident -that the widow was not all she represented herself to be, -and that her present mode of life was to some extent -enveloped in mystery. When there is so much secrecy, -there is always something objectionable to hide. But -you might as well try to turn the tide as endeavour to -convince a lover that there are any imperfections in his -sweetheart. The day for the marriage was at hand, and -I was anything but reconciled to it. What business was -it of mine? You see we were like brothers. Our friendship -began at college, and became cemented when we -both secured Government appointments in the same office. -Although our natures were entirely different, Drummond's -wayward, mine consistent, no two individuals could -repose greater confidence in each other. It was not -because his marriage would to some extent separate us -that I objected to it. I may have many faults, but selfishness -is not one of them. I made certain that my friend -would be one of those rash individuals who "marry in -haste to repent at leisure," and my surmises turned out to -be only too correct.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p> - -<p>He had reason to have dark forebodings himself. A -letter she hid on his appearance and refused to show him -caused him considerable uneasiness, and once he came -suddenly upon her close to her house in deep conversation -with a man, to whom she did not proffer to introduce him. -He was so much under her influence at the time, she no -doubt managed to explain these trifling matters to his -entire satisfaction. The letter was probably a bill from -her dressmaker, and the stranger her solicitor's clerk. -When she was reported to be ill and confined to her room, -I saw her in a box at the Haymarket Theatre, but this -fact I kept to myself. They were married, and went to -the Continent for the honeymoon, and on their return they -took up their residence at the villa. His stay in this fool's -paradise was but of short duration. They had only been -settled down about three months, when he made the unpleasant -discovery that he had married a living man's wife.</p> - -<p>In his terrible trouble he came to me for advice. The -man who represented himself as the real husband had -threatened all manner of actions at law, but agreed to do -nothing until twelve o'clock the following day. His story, -plausible enough, was that, on going into the interior of -the country at the Cape to trade, he had been captured by -the natives, and been kept a prisoner for over two years. -A friend who was with him—who succeeded in escaping—left -him on the field for dead, and reported the decease of -her husband to Mrs. Selby. On one condition I agreed to -assist Drummond out of his difficulty, and that was, that -he must separate at once from the lady. As he loved the -woman to distraction, this was a hard blow; but he at -once saw the propriety of complying with the stipulation, -and the next day I kept the appointment with Mr. Selby -instead of my friend.</p> - -<p>The meeting was to take place at the villa. On -arriving there a few minutes before the time arranged, I -was met by Mrs. Selby, with her attire in disorder and -dishevelled hair.</p> - -<p>"Where is he? He has not been here since yesterday," -she exclaimed, clutching hold of me and bursting into a -flood of tears.</p> - -<p>I tried to calm her, but it was of no use; she became -quite hysterical and threw herself face downwards on the -sofa. If that is not real, I thought, what a magnificent -actress she would have made. On ringing the bell for -her maid her real husband made his appearance. On -seeing the condition of his wife he went up to the sofa -and spoke kindly to her.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Don't take it so much to heart, Caroline," he said, -feelingly, "you had reasons to think me dead. I do not -blame you." Turning to me he remarked, "I hope I -have not kept you waiting. You are from Mr. Drummond, -I presume; if you will step into another room we -will talk over matters."</p> - -<p>Before sitting down I had a good look at Mr. Selby, -and I neither liked his manner nor appearance. I saw -that I had an unscrupulous, perhaps clever rogue to deal -with, and I became doubly cautious.</p> - -<p>I began by saying what a strange affair it was, and -asking him where he and Mrs. Selby were married. He -was prepared for the question; he not only produced the -marriage certificate, but also furnished me with the -names and present abodes of the witnesses. When I -made enquiry about the business in the City he at once -gave me a card of the address; he was an exporter of -fancy goods, whatever that may mean. Alluding incidentally -to his altered appearance, he asked whether two -years in the bush was not enough to pull any one down. -Then we got to closer quarters.</p> - -<p>"Well, Mr. Selby, it is a great misfortune to all parties. -What do you propose to do?" I asked.</p> - -<p>"I doated on my wife, and should like to take her -back," he replied; "to prevent exposure, which I suppose -would not suit your friend, I am willing to come to -terms."</p> - -<p>"As you are the lawful husband, I will undertake that -Mr. Drummond relinquishes all his claims."</p> - -<p>"But that will not be sufficient; he has done me a -great injury and must compensate me for it."</p> - -<p>"Your captivity has not bettered your fortunes, Mr. -Selby."</p> - -<p>"On the contrary, ruined me."</p> - -<p>I saw that the whole affair resolved itself into a -question of money, and it was imperative for my friend's -sake that the matter should be hushed up. I wondered -how it was that his wife was enabled to live in such good -style in his absence, but said nothing. It was no good -studying delicacy with a man like that. I said—</p> - -<p>"How much do you want? You must remember that -my friend is a comparatively poor man."</p> - -<p>"A thousand pounds," was the startling answer.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Quite preposterous", I replied; "my friend is not in a -position to pay anything like this sum, and if he took my -advice he would keep his money in his pocket. <i>He</i>, at -all events, acted in good faith."</p> - -<p>"I have not said a word against Mr. Drummond, but -he has mortally injured me. He can think over my -proposition, but to-morrow at the same hour I must have -a decided answer," Mr. Selby remarked. "There is the -address of my hotel. You can tell him that to clear -myself I may have to prosecute my wife for bigamy, and -that I can take the case into the Divorce Court."</p> - -<p>When I got back I told Drummond what had taken -place. I thought he would have gone mad when he -heard that there was no doubt about Mr. Selby's identity. -My poor infatuated friend had good prospects, and for -certain reasons, very serviceable now, his marriage was -only known to a few people. The difficulty we had to -encounter was how to get rid of the demands of the -injured husband. There was not much time to deliberate, -Selby took care of that, and when once the peculiar -case got wind it would fly to all parts of the town. A -certain amount of money must be paid I could see, and at -length we agreed to offer five hundred pounds. But how -to get the sum; Drummond had not five hundred pence. -His journey to Paris, the expenses at Brompton, to say -nothing of the innumerable rich presents he had given -Mrs. Selby, had swallowed up all his ready money. I -had relations to look after, and was at no time flush of -cash. But by the aid of an all-potent bill stamp we -solved the problem, and I wended my way next morning -to the appointment with five one hundred pound notes in -my pocket.</p> - -<p>"Look here, Mr. Selby," I said when I got to his hotel, -"let us understand each other. I have come on behalf -of my friend to make you a first and last offer; if you -accept, the money is ready; if you refuse, you may institute -what proceedings you please."</p> - -<p>"What is the proposal?"</p> - -<p>"That on your signing that paper, agreeing to take -back your wife and cease all action against Mr. Drummond, -I will pay you five hundred pounds."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p> - -<p>A slight noise in the rokenbedroom adjoining the room we -were sitting in attracted my attention at this moment. -There was some one listening to our conversation, and -now that the full particulars of the conspiracy are known, -I have no doubt it was Mrs. Selby. The movement of -the fire-irons was most likely a pre-concerted signal. He -strongly objected to the smallness of the sum, and dwelt -on the great wrong than had been done him, which was -bound to embitter his whole life.</p> - -<p>"Well, Mr. Selby," I said, rising and taking up my -hat, "I can make no addition to my offer."</p> - -<p>"It is so little; think of my awkward position. Mr. -Drummond, a perfect stranger, parts me from my friends, -banishes me from places where I am known, and compels -me to change my name. And, worst of all, after what -has passed, my wife can never be the same to me that -she once was. Put yourself in my place and you would -think yourself utterly ruined."</p> - -<p>"It is certainly a dreadfully unfortunate occurrence, -but my friend can do nothing more; the fact is that he -had the greatest difficulty to procure this sum."</p> - -<p>"No compensation will ever heal the wound, but for -my wife's sake I will take the money."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>To satisfy my curiosity, and oblige Drummond, I made -a few enquiries at West Brompton later in the week, and -learned that on the same day I paid the money the furniture -of the villa was sold privately, and it was reported -in the neighbourhood that, on account of ill-health, Mrs. -Selby had gone abroad.</p> - -<p>Poor Drummond kept his word—what acute suffering -it cost him was known only to himself—and did not -attempt to see his wife of three months again, but his -separation from her was killing him.</p> - -<p>To the great grief of all his friends he became careless -in his habits, and took to drink. He was expostulated -with time after time, but in vain. Nothing I could say -would rouse him, and to all intents and purposes he -seemed a lost man—a ship at sea without a rudder.</p> - -<p>The bill on which I figured as the drawer had nearly -run its course, and how it was to be met I had not the -vaguest notion. There was no chance of a renewal. A -proposition to that effect which I made the holder was -rejected at once. Rumours as to my unfortunate friend's -dissipated habits had got about, and people had no longer -any confidence in him. It was well known that I had no -private sources of income. With ruin staring me -in the face you may rest assured I was not inclined to -bless Mrs. Selby.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p> - -<p>Brought up in a district where innumerable racehorses -are reared and trained, it was natural that I should take -an interest in the turf, but when I wanted them most to -be fortunate my speculations all at once ceased to be remunerative. -The Derby had upset all my calculations—a -second-class animal found the course to his liking, and -beat all the favourites—and I looked forward to Ascot to -get back my money with interest. Still as my investments -were necessarily of a trifling amount I had no idea -of winning sufficient to take up the obnoxious bill which -was due immediately after Ascot. It so happened that -my annual holidays fell at Ascot time, and I made up my -mind to a week's racing if the funds held out. If at -all lucky I might get a hundred, and I thought that this -sum would tempt the Jew to renew the bill. In another -three months there was no telling what would happen. I -saw that it was no good relying on Drummond to find the -five hundred, or any portion of it, and he had made unsuccessful -applications to all his relations. I was very -sorry for him, but his friendship was likely to prove -rather costly. The poor follow was a pitiful sight to see. -Every hope of his life and his pride had been blasted by -that woman, and inattention to his duties at last compelled -him to resign his post.</p> - -<p>I see him regularly once a year, but there is no improvement -in his condition. On the contrary, the wreck -is beginning to break up, and I fear that soon his place -on earth will be vacant. An uncle allows him two pounds -a week so long as he remains at Boulogne.</p> - -<p>To "Royal Ascot," as it was called by the sporting -prophets, I went, determined to do my best to defeat the -layers of odds. A careful study of the programme made -me fancy I could name a few winners.</p> - -<p>Entering the course on Hunt Cup day, I was addressed -by a miserable looking object, who informed me that he -was the brother of a famous jockey. He knew, he said, a -certainty for the principal race. Not believing for a moment -that he had any reliable information, I threw the half-starved -wretch a shilling, and was walking away when he -ran after me and gave me a scrap of paper.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p> - -<p>In a popular play, derived of course from French -sources, it is seen of what great importance a few words -of writing may become. The strip of paper handed to -me by the Newmarket tout, and which I carelessly put -into my waistcoat pocket without reading it, was destined -to save me from a grave difficulty; and dirty as it is, it will -always have a prominent place in my album.</p> - -<p>Over the previous events I had varying luck, and when -the numbers went up for the prettiest race of the year, -I had won altogether twenty-five pounds, so I resolved to -give myself a chance.</p> - -<p>There was a large field, and long prices were offered -against many of the competitors. A man had only to -know the winner to realize a fortune for a ridiculously -small outlay.</p> - -<p>The favourites I discarded, as I had seen too many -"certainties" settled coming up the stiff ascent. I had -taken stock of most of the horses before they cantered, -and was trying to get a hint from the betting, when I -recollected the neglected "tip" in my pocket.</p> - -<p>On the soiled paper was scrawled with a pencil, "The -winner of the Hunt Cup is Jasper! Back him, and send -a trifle out of your winnings to R. F., Black Bull Inn, -Newmarket."</p> - -<p>I had seen and liked the form and condition of Baron -Rothschild's horse. He looked admirably adapted to -ascend the hill, as his hind legs were well placed under -him; and considering his performances, he was not over-burdened -with weight. There were many more unlikely -candidates, and finding that all the sporting Solons, -excepting one who wrote under the odd name of "Disgue," -had not a favourable word to say about Jasper, and in -the absence of other authentic intelligence, I pinned -my faith to the selection of the Newmarket tout.</p> - -<p>"How much Jasper?" I asked a prominent member -of the ring.</p> - -<p>"Hundred to three," was the answer.</p> - -<p>"Put it down seven times," I said, and I handed the -bookmaker twenty-one pounds.</p> - -<p>If the horse lost I would still be the winner of four -pounds on the day, and there were other races to speculate -on. I was not kept long in suspense. A bell -announced that the starter had got rid of his eager and -troublesome customers. Anxious eyes watched the -struggle.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p> - -<p>"The favourite's beat," was soon proclaimed, and -several gentlemen shouted, "Steel, Nicholls, what against -Jasper?"</p> - -<p>As they neared the Grand Stand a terrific shout told -me—for I was so hemmed in I could not see the race—that -Jasper was winning in a canter.</p> - -<p>Lucky shilling!</p> - -<p>My seven hundred pounds was paid immediately after -the jockey weighed in, and I increased my winnings to a -thousand before the last race was run on Friday. With -this piece of good luck my difficulties were happily at an -end. When the bill was presented it was duly honoured, -but to his credit it must be stated that Drummond never -rested until he got a relation to refund me the money. -It need scarcely be put on record here that the brother -of the famous jockey had occasion to rejoice at the success -of Jasper.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>A trial at the Old Bailey in the following November -showed the public that Mr. and Mrs. Selby were nothing -but a couple of swindlers who went about preying on -unsuspecting men like my unfortunate friend, Drummond.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2><a name="The_Silver_Gauntlet" id="The_Silver_Gauntlet"></a><span class="font1">The Silver Gauntlet.</span><br /> - -<small>A STORY OF THE TURF.</small></h2> -<p class="center small"><i>In Four Chapters.</i></p> -</div> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h3><a name="CHAP_I" id="CHAP_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h3> -</div> - -<p class="p0 center"><i>An Introduction to Billy Platt.</i></p> - -<p>It was the eve of the Wincastle races which were first -started in that period so fruitful of duchesses—the reign -of old Rowley. Historians differ as to whether the Merry -Monarch did or did not, on a certain occasion, actually -patronise this meeting in person, accompanied by a -notorious play actress; but that does not matter.</p> - -<p>Historians, as well as doctors, agree to differ. The -quaint country town of Wincastle was full to the over-flowing, -and the oldest inhabitant pledged his word at the -bar of the Black Bull that he had never set eyes on such -a big crowd.</p> - -<p>It was a motley assemblage, at any rate, peculiar about -the shape of its coat, and the cut of its trousers; not too -particular as to the delicacy of its language, but much -exercised in its mind where it was going to sleep.</p> - -<p>The old-fashioned inns and lodging-houses had, early in -the day, let their last bed, and were now asking and -getting exorbitant prices for the sofas, tables, and chairs. -Later on there will be eager bidders for the right to spend -the night on the bare floor. Thoroughbred horses, worth -small fortunes, accustomed to all the refinement and -luxury of a Newmarket stable, had to be contented with -the miserable shelter of a cow-byre or a cart-shed.</p> - -<p>It was no doubt Mr. Strathill, the energetic clerk of the -course, who had been instrumental in drawing the additional -bipeds and quadrupeds to Wincastle this autumn. -According to his specious advertisements his annual -gathering was the very paradise of all race-goers, and he -dwelt impressively on a new contest, of singular interest, -to be decided on the first day, called the Silver -Gauntlet.</p> - -<p>This extra attraction was first mooted by the Duchess -of Wincastle—a fascinating widow of twenty-five—and the -trophy was subscribed to by her Grace and all the unmarried -belles of the neighbourhood.</p> - -<p>The Gauntlet was an imitation of a lady's glove in -silver, and was a masterpiece of Hunt and Roskell. The -fingers were so arranged that this beautiful and expensive -work of art (it cost £200) when filled with flowers could -appropriately be used to decorate a table.</p> - -<p>The new race was to be run over three miles of a fair -hunting country, gentlemen riders.</p> - -<p>At this palpable challenge of beauty every eligible man -in the country, who had a decent horse, was eager to -try his fortune.</p> - -<p>The large field of fifteen or sixteen competitors was -expected, and already there had been some heavy -wagering at the clubs.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p> - -<p>Nothing worthy of note occurred in connection with -any of the other races at Wincastle; but the unfortunate -and peculiar circumstances surrounding the battle for the -Silver Gauntlet soon became the all-absorbing topic of -conversation.</p> - -<p>The race was a success in a monetary sense, but the -clerk of the course would sooner cut off his right hand than -include it in his programme a second time.</p> - -<p>It was the first and last Silver Gauntlet ever contested -for on the Wincastle Downs.</p> - -<p>Amongst the surging crowd at the entrance to the Black -Bull might have been seen two men in deep conversation; -they were a strange contrast to each other. One was a -tall, handsome, devil-may-care-looking fellow about -thirty, who owned an estate in the neighbourhood, and -who, from a disappointment in love or something else, -was said to be going headlong to ruin. Yet his comrades -would tell you that a more open-handed and steadfast -friend than Ivan Moordown did not exist.</p> - -<p>The other man, who was making Moordown wince at -his coarse and cutting remarks, was a noted member of -the betting ring—Billy Platt. Billy's appearance was not -in his favour; it was of the costermonger order of beauty, -and his vocabulary would have furnished an important -addition to a new slang dictionary.</p> - -<p>His disgraceful language and revengeful disposition -made the ex-vendor of cauliflowers generally feared and -detested. Emanating from the lowest rung of the ladder, -and encountering unpleasant difficulties in his way, such as -being half-murdered at Ascot, and nearly drowned at -Hampton, it was believed that he now laid himself open -to get the "swells" into his toils.</p> - -<p>It was well known that the Marquis of H——, Lord -W——, and Mr. B——, were all obliged to discontinue -attending race meetings because Billy declined to give -them a few weeks' grace to square their accounts.</p> - -<p>When spoken to on the subject, he would abruptly -answer, "Dong it, mon, moind yer own bissness; think ye -the swells wud hav' waited for my brass?"</p> - -<p>The conversation between Mr. Moordown and Billy had -continued but a short time, when the latter said (we omit -the oaths, and put his hybrid language into English)—</p> - -<p>"I cannot hear myself speak with this infernal clatter. -Come upstairs to my sitting-room."</p> - -<p>"Later on would suit me better. I have an appointment," -replied Moordown, edging away.</p> - -<p>"The wench, or whoever it is, must wait. It is high -time we had an understanding. I have come to Wincastle -on purpose to see you."</p> - -<p>"It is now seven; I will come back at nine if it is important."</p> - -<p>"This present moment, or not at all," was the polite -answer of Platt. "If it was even the Duchess herself -who was going to meet you, business must be attended to -first."</p> - -<p>"Lead the way then," said Moordown, evidently anything -but pleased at his capture.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h3><a name="CHAP_II" id="CHAP_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h3> -</div> - -<p class="p0 center"><i>Billy Platt shows his hand, and receives an unexpected but -well-deserved blow.</i></p> - -<p>"Have you any idea how much you owe me?" asked -Platt, as soon as the sitting-room door was shut.</p> - -<p>"I have not my book with me—it has become rather a -large sum, as I have not had a single winning week since -Goodwood," replied Mr. Moordown.</p> - -<p>"Some people would think it a large amount, but it is -a mere flea-bite to you rich landowners."</p> - -<p>"What is the total?"</p> - -<p>"£1725, and I want the money."</p> - -<p>"It is more than I thought, but never mind, Billy, you -shall have it, every penny."</p> - -<p>"When?"</p> - -<p>"I have no money to spare at present, but my turn of -luck will come if you are only patient with me."</p> - -<p>"But I have no patience left; you have had lots of -time, and I must insist on a settlement—here—to-night. -I am short of ready money myself."</p> - -<p>"That is unreasonable. You don't suppose I walk about -with such a sum of money in my possession?"</p> - -<p>"Have it I must. Why not get some of your friends to -advance it? I have heard that great people always -oblige one another."</p> - -<p>"Out of the question. You can wait at all events till -after Wincastle races. I may be able to knock off a good -portion of the debt this week. I have a horse entered for -the Silver Gauntlet, and he is not unlikely to win."</p> - -<p>"What's its name?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Highdrift."</p> - -<p>"Highdrift! the devil. Why that's favourite, and the -horse I am so bad against. Laid eights, and now they -take 2 to 1, and the worst of it is they only back another -horse with any freedom—Springtrap. I have a ruinous -book; it is all Highdrift."</p> - -<p>"I am sorry you are bad against my horse, because he -is very well, and knowing, as I do, every one of his -opponents, I think he stands an excellent chance. You -must not lose by Highdrift, Billy."</p> - -<p>"Highdrift be poleaxed! (That word will do.) Get -back my money at 2 to 1! You must think me a hedgehog." -(He did not say hedgehog.) "I know a move worth -a dozen of that. Me back Highdrift? Why, I am only -too happy to lay against him. Do you know anyone who -wants the odds to a hundred?"</p> - -<p>"I don't understand you, Platt. Highdrift is all right, -and it is not more than 2 to 1 against him. He will very -nearly, if not quite, win."</p> - -<p>"But that's where we agree to differ. You do not see -my drift—lowdrift, you can call it if you like. I have -been taking liberties with your horse all along, and I'll be -cremated if he is going to win."</p> - -<p>"What the devil do you mean, man?" asked Moordown, -getting rapidly into a passion, and rising hastily -from his chair.</p> - -<p>"Just what I say. It is a mutual benefit affair. You -owe me £1,725, and cannot pay it; I agree to give you -time. I have overlaid your horse; you oblige me by -scratching him on account of an accident, or give me -your word that if he runs he will not win."</p> - -<p>"Scoundrel! take that," was Moordown's answer to -these equitable proposals, as he drove his right between -Billy's eyes.</p> - -<p>When Billy recovered from his well-deserved punishment, -and was able to regain his feet, he found Sir -Hew Mainfly, the owner of Springtrap, the second -favourite for the Silver Gauntlet, in his room.</p> - -<p>"Well, Billy, anything wrong? You look dreadfully -uncomfortable. Been taking a nap? You might have -chosen a softer place than the floor. Hilloa! that's a -nasty lump on your forehead. Who has been giving you -a lesson in the noble art of self-defence?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Somebody who will very soon rue it. Who should it -be but the owner of Highdrift, the great Mr. Moordown?"</p> - -<p>"You don't mean to say he has been foolish enough to -quarrel with you?"</p> - -<p>"It is just what he has done. He might have paid his -debt first, don't you think?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly. I never was so surprised. Did you -explain things properly? Would he not listen to -reason?"</p> - -<p>"I at last told him plainly enough, and the moment he -understood it he knocked me down."</p> - -<p>"We did not reckon on this difficulty. Moordown's -obstinacy will upset all our plans. It is provoking, for -with Highdrift out of the way the race would have been -a good thing for my horse. I did think, as he owed -you such a lot of money, you would be sure to bring him -to terms."</p> - -<p>"I did my best, Sir Hew; but nothing is lost as -yet."</p> - -<p>"Everything is very uncertain. What will you do -now?"</p> - -<p>"I will send him a letter demanding payment of my -money before twelve o'clock to-morrow, and in the meantime -I will lay all I can against Highdrift."</p> - -<p>"And to-morrow. How will you proceed?"</p> - -<p>"Never mind, I have arranged it. Highdrift won't -trouble you."</p> - -<p>"Suppose he finds the money. Is it much?"</p> - -<p>"£1,725."</p> - -<p>"Impossible for him to get that sum."</p> - -<p>"I thought so. With Moordown out of the hunt you -will, I suppose, about pull through. I have made a book -for your horse."</p> - -<p>"I only fear Highdrift. Keep him harmless and you -will win your money."</p> - -<p>"Don't bother about the blackguard or his horse; I -have a blow to pay, and am in a hurry to get rid of the -obligation. I hear you are both after the duchess. Make -hay while the sun shines. Win the Silver Gauntlet, -and carry off the duchess into the bargain."</p> - -<p>"Keep to your compact, Billy, and I will have a good -try for the double event."</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h3><a name="CHAP_III" id="CHAP_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h3> -</div> - -<p class="p0 center"><i>A Woman comes to the Rescue.</i></p> - -<p>While Sir Hew Mainfly and Billy Platt were plotting the -ruin of Ivan Moordown, the fair Duchess of Wincastle -was busy arranging her house for a grand ball to be given -that evening. All the county magnates had accepted, -and amongst the "contents" were her Grace's two -reputed suitors, Sir Hew Mainfly and Mr. Moordown, so it -will be perceived that there were other interests linked -with the winning of the new prize instituted by the -duchess, which did not at first meet the eye.</p> - -<p>Rumour alleged that of her two lovers the duchess -preferred Moordown, but that the reckless life he led -prevented her giving him any encouragement. As has -been already seen, the two men are very dissimilar in -character—the one resembling a lion, and Sir Hew more -of a tiger.</p> - -<p>The duchess herself had been a Blanche Wintour, the -daughter of a wealthy commoner. She had been and was -still a great beauty, and the earl duke married her not because -he cared for her, but to spite his brother and please his -other relations, and secure an heir to the title and estates. -A baby came, but, unfortunately, it was a girl, and the -earl, thinking himself shamefully ill-used, went off in a -hot temper to the North Pole, where he caught a severe -cold, which, settling on his lungs, ultimately led to his -death. Her first marriage had been entirely one of convenience, -but in selecting a second husband the duchess -was at liberty to be guided by her heart.</p> - -<p>All the guests at the ball were more or less interested -in the Silver Gauntlet, and the chances of the various -candidates were freely discussed. Other ladies besides -the duchess had lovers going to take part in the race.</p> - -<p>From the commencement of the betting till that night -Mr. Moordown's horse had been the favourite, followed a -point or two off by Sir Hew Mainfly's Springtrap, and -Lord Piershore's Eye of Night, but no sooner had the -dancing begun, when it was whispered about that there -was something wrong with Highdrift.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p> - -<p>One man had seen Billy Platt lay six ponies, and offer -to go on; a second was told that the horse was actually -scratched on account of an accident to his fetlock joint, -and a third had heard that the retrograde movement in -the betting was only got up for the easier working of a -large commission.</p> - -<p>On approaching a knot of these gossips, the question -was put point blank to Moordown whether there was anything -the matter with his horse, and his answer was reassuring -enough.</p> - -<p>"When I left him a few minutes ago," he said, "he -was as well as any horse in England."</p> - -<p>Still there were men who shook their heads, believing -that where the smoke is the fire is not far distant, and -they noticed that Moordown looked terribly dejected and -ill at ease.</p> - -<p>Later in the night it became generally known that Platt -had finished Highdrift's business for him by offering 10 -to 1 as often as anyone would take it, and everyone concluded -the horse would not run.</p> - -<p>Disquieting rumours about the favourite had reached -the duchess from time to time, but she could not ask -Moordown for an explanation, as he kept out of her circle. -When, however, she overheard this remark, "They say -Moordown is hard up, and has given a laying commission -to Billy Platt," she went in search of him. She found him -leaning against a pillar at the entrance to the conservatory.</p> - -<p>"Truant," she exclaimed, with an enchanting smile, and -striking him a smart blow on the shoulder with her fan. -"Why have you deserted me?"</p> - -<p>"I was not vain enough to think I would be missed."</p> - -<p>"You were in error. I have come in quest of you."</p> - -<p>"I wish I could believe that, flatterer."</p> - -<p>"You may; it is the truth. I was really anxious about -you. Now tell me everything. What is the matter with -Highdrift?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing whatever; the horse was never better."</p> - -<p>"Then what means these scandalous reports?"</p> - -<p>"All I can say is that I don't originate them."</p> - -<p>"But why is it, Moordown, certain low bookmakers are -offering such long prices against Highdrift, and openly -boasting that he is as good as dead for the race to-morrow?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p> - -<p>There was no reply.</p> - -<p>"You must answer me," putting her hand on his arm. -"This concerns your honour."</p> - -<p>"I cannot tell you."</p> - -<p>"But you must," stamping her little foot, "Is it -money?"</p> - -<p>"If you must know, it is. I have had a run of bad -luck, and am in difficulties, and the scoundrels plot to -drag my name in the gutter. I cannot remain to be disgraced. -If I never see you again, Blanche, think as kindly -of me as you can."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense; that is not like you. You will stop and -face the difficulties when I tell you. I cannot remain any -longer from my guests, but promise to see me in the -morning at ten punctually; and, remember, if Highdrift -does not win to-morrow you are to expect no more flowers -from me," and she gave him a rose out of her magnificent -bouquet.</p> - -<p>Moordown did not feel so depressed after this interview.</p> - -<p>Next morning the word went round that Highdrift had -passed a bad night. Anyone seeing the clear eye and -glossy coat of that horse as he stood in his loose box -would, perhaps, have formed a different opinion.</p> - -<p>Outside the Black Bull Billy Platt and his chums were -early at work to earn a few more sovereigns out of the -"dead 'un." Nobody could understand the determined -hostility displayed against the quondam favourite, as he -was known to be all right, and people began to look suspiciously -at and talk in a way the reverse of complimentary -about Moordown. As the town clock struck ten the -betting on the Silver Gauntlet stood thus:—</p> - -<p>6 to 4 agst Sir Hew Mainfly's Springtrap (taken).</p> - -<p>5—2—Lord Piershore's Eye of Night (taken).</p> - -<p>5—1—Col. Heapland's Idol (taken and offered.)</p> - -<p>8—1—Capt. Moretown's Conqueror (t. freely).</p> - -<p>12—1—Mr. Moordown's Highdrift (offered).</p> - -<p>As some of the largest bookmakers from London and -the provinces were present the betting was extensive, and -any particular horse could easily be backed to win a few -thousands.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p> - -<p>Platt had been fortunate enough to find another -creditor of Moordown's, and the two "pals" were working -together. Up to eleven o'clock there was no -change of any moment in the betting, but at that hour -Billy and his chum were startled out of their false -security by a Captain Wardlock readily accepting all the -long prices proffered against Highdrift. The captain -booked all the money he could get at 12, 10, and 8 to 1, -and, to Billy Platt's utter amazement, he closed with his -offer of six hundreds. He was also prepared was the -captain to take slight odds that Highdrift beat Springtrap -wherever they finished.</p> - -<p>This unlooked-for movement was a crushing blow to -Platt, and quite knocked him out of time; and he retired -with his friend to the hotel, to see how he stood and -discuss the altered position of affairs. They had scarcely -sat down before Sir Hew Mainfly joined them, consternation -visibly written on his face.</p> - -<p>"Has he paid you?" he asked Platt before he had well -got into the room.</p> - -<p>"Not a sixpence, and here is another creditor who is -acting with me. The documents are ready for the -stewards."</p> - -<p>"Then what the devil means this reaction in the -betting?"</p> - -<p>"I have not the least idea, Sir Hew. Who is Captain -Wardlock?"</p> - -<p>"An intimate friends of Moordown's, and a dangerous -man. He is not working in the dark."</p> - -<p>At this instant there was a loud knock at the door, and, -to the no small surprise of the three conspirators, Moordown -entered the room.</p> - -<p>"In good company, Sir Hew," said Moordown sarcastically.</p> - -<p>"Like you, I have some business with Platt."</p> - -<p>"Mine won't take a minute." (Turning to Platt and -throwing down a bundle of notes on the table.) "You -and your confederates are baffled this time. There is -your money."</p> - -<p>"If I had not been so short, Mr. Moordown, I would -not have troubled you. No inconvenience I hope."</p> - -<p>"If you ever presume to speak to me again, you know -from last night what to expect."</p> - -<p>"As you are settling with everybody, Mr. Moordown, -you may as well pay me my small claim," said Platt's -friend.</p> - -<p>"Certainly. How much is it?"</p> - -<p>"Only £145."</p> - -<p>"There. Now, Sir Hew, you will be able to resume the -business which I am sorry to have interrupted," said -Moordown, as he left the room.</p> - -<p>"Good morning, Mr. Moordown, we will meet on the -course," replied Sir Hew, who little knew that ere the sun -set he would be lying where he was now sitting—a dead -man.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h3><a name="CHAP_IV" id="CHAP_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h3> -</div> - -<p class="p0 center"><i>Broken bones and successful love.</i></p> - -<p>They had now lost all hold over Moordown; and the -three men were so stunned it was a short time before -either spoke. Sir Hew was the first to open his mouth.</p> - -<p>"Where on earth did he get the money?"</p> - -<p>"Who could have found such a large amount in a -night? It must have been the duchess. They do say -she is sweet on him," muttered Platt.</p> - -<p>"Nonsense! I don't believe a word of it; but -where the cash came from is a mystery," said Sir Hew.</p> - -<p>"Will this talk help me to get back the money I have -overlaid against Highdrift?" asked Platt's friend. "A -pretty book I have got to square."</p> - -<p>"The race is not yet decided," replied Sir Hew, looking -much perplexed, "and if I cannot win somebody else -will have a difficulty. One moment, Platt—your friend -won't mind"—taking Platt to the window, and whispering: -"You know Airton; he is a certain starter, but has -not the ghost of a chance. He is not particular what he -does, and there is an old feud about a girl between him -and Moordown. You must manage to give him a hundred -to get in the way of Highdrift. That is the best I can -suggest. Two of us ought to be able to stop the brute."</p> - -<p>Most great races are run at three o'clock, and the Silver -Gauntlet at Wincastle was no exception. At that hour -the excellent field of thirteen placed themselves in the -hands of the starter, who despatched them on their -eventful journey at the second attempt.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p> - -<p>As they streamed past the Grand Stand, crowded with -all the beauty and aristocracy of the county, it was seen -that Sir Hew Mainfly was leading, but that he could -scarcely control the fractions Springtrap, and that Highdrift, -with Moordown for his pilot, held a good position -in the centre of the second lot close to Mr. Airton on his -weedy thoroughbred Jasmine.</p> - -<p>We who are behind the scenes know that Airton's -proximity to Moordown bodes no good to the latter.</p> - -<p>The only important alteration in the betting at the fall -of the flag was the return of Highdrift to his old position -of first favourite.</p> - -<p>As he swung himself into the saddle, Moordown told -Wardlock that he would make a waiting race of it, and -let Highdrift do his best in the last two fields. He -seemed to be quietly confident of the result, and he took -all the chaff his friends gave him about the withered rose -pinned to his jacket in good part.</p> - -<p>There had been a heavy fall of rain during the night, -and before half the three miles was covered the holding -ground began to find out the weak points of many of the -half-trained horses.</p> - -<p>Springtrap was going in more sober fashion, but he -was not by any means done with; on the contrary, he -looked as formidable as anything, and now that he submitted -to Sir Hew's guidance he possessed an undeniable -chance. Sir Hew had wisely pulled him back to the -second division, among which Highdrift and Jasmine were -still running side by side.</p> - -<p>So far, and it is nearly two miles, there have been no -casualties, but they are fast approaching the big jump. -A natural brook has been artificially guarded, and, judging -from the number of people at the spot, some scrambling -is expected. These waiters on accidents were not disappointed. -Two or three of the first flight were too -exhausted to clear the obstacle, and landed in the water, -where they kicked and splashed, to the intense delight of -the spectators.</p> - -<p>As he neared the brook, Sir Hew Mainfly put on a spurt -and left the company, and pulling his horse together landed -him safely on the other side.</p> - -<p>Watchers on the top of the Grand Stand offered to bet -even money that they named the winner. They meant -Springtrap, and it did look like odds on that horse, when -Highdrift met with a check at the brook.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p> - -<p>On nearing the water, Jasmine swerved right in front -of Highdrift, and the result was a serious scrimmage, in -which horses and men were on the ground together. -Airton may have been earning his hundred or not, but he -had bitter occasion to remember the accident; a kick he -received when on the ground injured his spine, and he -was doomed to be a cripple for life.</p> - -<p>Moordown, who had stuck to his reins, was on his feet -and into the saddle in a minute, and it required no persuasion -to get Highdrift across to the right side. Valuable -moments had, however, been lost, and there was now a -considerable gap between him and Springtrap. He set -his horse going in earnest, and soon passed the stragglers, -and when he got into the second field from home he had -everything beaten except Springtrap, on whom he did not -appear to gain a yard.</p> - -<p>The success of Sir Hew seemed almost certain. There -was only a trifling post and rails obstruction between him -and the straight run in, and he was a comfortable distance -ahead of his most dangerous enemy. The owner of -Highdrift began to lose hope, and bewail his confounded -luck. If Airton had not got in his way, he thought, -things might have been different.</p> - -<p>After all that had occurred in connection with the -race, it galled him to the quick to think he was likely to -be beaten, and, of all men, by Sir Hew, and in sight of -the duchess.</p> - -<p>But there are many slips between the cup and the lip, -and ships have been known to founder in summer seas. -Whether it was carelessness, or the horse got frightened -at the yelling of the mob, or was tired, cannot be said -now, but, in taking the most insignificant obstacle of the -whole course, Springtrap for the first time made a mistake, -and came down heavily, pitching Sir Hew on his -head.</p> - -<p>The baronet never spoke more. When picked up it -was discovered that his neck was broken.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p> - -<p>Moordown had now the race in hand, and he passed the -Grand Stand six lengths in front of Conqueror, next to -whom came Idol and Eye of Night.</p> - -<p>Moordown was a general favourite, and the many congratulations -he received were hearty and sincere, but he -would have bartered them all, and Highdrift also, for the -little smile of recognition bestowed on him by the duchess. -The accidents—there was a third, which was not, however, -of a serious nature—damped the gaiety of the meeting, -and Billy Platt invented a special curse for the new race, -which he repeats to this day.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>On the following forenoon an interview took place at -the Castle between the duchess and Mr. Moordown.</p> - -<p>"I have brought you the Gauntlet, duchess," he said, -kneeling; "it is really more yours than mine. Inside you -will find your money, which brought such good lack. Now -tell me how I can repay your great and unmerited kindness?"</p> - -<p>"You want to be put to the test, do you?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing could please me better. I only hope it will -be something difficult."</p> - -<p>"Tremendous!" she answered, laughing and blushing; -and raising him from his kneeling position; "nothing -short of a life-test."</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br /> -<span class="small">MY REVENGE AT BILLIARDS.</span></h3> -</div> - -<p class="p2"><i>Enticed to Liverpool with a Burlesque Troupe— -The comic Murderers—a nice Amateur—the unknown Friend— -the Champion of England.</i></p> - -<p>"Look here, Jack, you know Pattie Hastings?" said -Horace Brown, as he entered my apartments hurriedly -one morning.</p> - -<p>"I have certainly set eyes on that young lady," I replied. -"She is not here?"</p> - -<p>"Who said she was? Why, you old hypocrite, you were -mad about her last winter, and even now the recollection -of these beautiful sonnets you used to send her, to say -nothing of the bouquets and bracelets, makes her sigh—after -a third glass of champagne!"</p> - -<p>"Champagne has more than that to answer for. Suppose -I did at one time admire the little woman's antics on -and off the stage, what then? Has she sent you to me -for a certificate of character? Eyesight all right? No -Colorado gold nor Arizona diamonds for her; and she is -sound in wind. I will back her to talk scandal against -any three damsels you know. The Duke of C—— is -not going to be divorced to marry her? No dissension, I -hope, in a certain household?"</p> - -<p>"You talk coolly enough now, old fellow!" said Brown. -"Other times, other opinions. She was the queen of burlesque -a short year ago, and her dancing some one not a -mile off thought more graceful than Kate Vaughan's!"</p> - -<p>"This is evidently the dull season, and you are hard up -for subjects to speak about," said I. "Does Hughes run -his horse at Sandown?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know. But I say, Jack, you are not bad -friends with Pattie?"</p> - -<p>"Bother Pattie! Has the world taken a fit to revolve -round her? Or is it a case of Miss Hastings on the brain? -Pulse too rapid, head hot, skin too dry, feverish very; -hold out your tongue, and let me prescribe for you."</p> - -<p>"I see," said Brown, "you are in one of your 'waiting-to-be-fed' -moods; it is no good asking a favour."</p> - -<p>"You have confined your observations to Miss Hastings -since you entered the room, permit me to observe. When -I hear what the request is I may be able to answer. The -money market, however, is tight."</p> - -<p>"It is not money," said Brown. "I want you to come -to Liverpool with me."</p> - -<p>"To Liverpool!" said I. "Why not San Francisco? -In queer street, eh? Pressing business abroad, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"Bosh!" said Brown. "Pattie Hastings is taking her -troupe to America, and I am going to Liverpool to see her -off. I wish you would come—she will be delighted."</p> - -<p>"I see!" said I. "After the steamer goes dull hotel! -No one to speak to or play billiards with! Long railway -journey without a partner at <i>écarté</i>. Well, all right; I -will take pity on you. When does this burlesque eclipse -take place?"</p> - -<p>"We start by the nine o'clock train to-morrow morning," -said Brown.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p> - -<p>Having agreed to go, we arrived at the station at the -appointed time, and went to Liverpool. There were the -gushing Pattie and her invaluable troupe, and a more forward -set of young women I never saw. We put them -safely on board a Cunard steamer, and returned to the -Washington Hotel. The question then arose how we -were to dispose of our time, as we did not mean to leave -for town till next day. The theatres were no good—all -old pieces, which we had seen many times in London. -Brown suggested a visit to a waxworks in the neighbourhood, -where all the notorious murderers—Rush, Palmer, -and Co.—wore evening-costume, and only wanted a flower -in their coats to look like stewards of a county ball. I -declined to interview the horrors. We eventually made -up our minds to try our luck at that ever-fascinating -game—billiards.</p> - -<p>Notwithstanding that I play a more than an average -game, I happened to meet my match that night.</p> - -<p>As regards playing cards with strangers, an amusing -anecdote is related of the elder Matthews and his partner -Mr. Yates. They were on a professional tour and found -themselves at a country hotel on a stormy day without any -means of killing the time during the bad weather. They -would have liked a game of whist immensely, but where -were they to find partners, double dummy being dull -work? The landlord was consulted, and asked if he knew -of any gentleman who would have a game of whist? He -replied in the affirmative, a gentleman being then in the -hotel whom he thought understood the game pretty well. -A polite message was immediately conveyed to the stranger, -inviting him to join them in a game. The unknown gentleman -soon made his appearance, and they all sat down to play, -the new arrival taking dummy.</p> - -<p>Luck was dead against the comedians. They could not -win a single game. After they had played some time, and -no inconsiderable amount of money had passed to the -holder of "dummy," the stranger looked at his watch and -said he was sorry to have to leave, having to meet an -important engagement. The comedians were apparently -surprised at this sudden termination of the game, and -Matthews asked whether he would be disengaged soon -again? The stranger replied that he would be most -happy to meet them at any hour next day, when perhaps -they would be in better luck, at the same time regretting -it was most urgent business that called him away. "Pray," -said Matthews, who was rather excited, and when so stammered, -"what may your—your business be if—if—it isn't—im—pertinent—to -inquire?" "Why," replied the -stranger, with a knowing nod, "I am, like yourselves, a -professional—a magician—and give a performance to-night -at the Town Hall. You will, therefore, excuse my departure. -Good evening, gentlemen!" and the stranger bowed -and retired. The two comedians considered it prudent -next morning not to renew the game with so lucky an -opponent, and thought they had had enough of it, although -very much dissatisfied with the stranger and his -"luck."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span></p> - -<p>Well, I considered I was "done" at billiards at Liverpool, -but determined, unlike the comedians, to have -satisfaction and revenge before I left. Dinner over -at the Washington, we strolled a little through the -city, and came across some excellent billiard-rooms in the -neighbourhood of the Exchange. Having nothing else on -hand at the time I suggested a game to Brown, and just -as we had finished our third hundred a well-dressed, young-looking -man came into the room. As he appeared -rather anxious to play, I obliged him, and it was not -long before I found, to my surprise, that he was a -much better player than I had anticipated. Thinking I -could win easily, I began very carelessly, but my young-looking -opponent soon made me stare with astonishment -at his good play; and as he kept edging up to the "spot-stroke" -without leaving the balls about, I began to anticipate -defeat. I, however, pulled myself together, and, after a -well-contested and exciting game, I came off the winner. -The second game was also exciting, as I was ninety-eight -when he ran out the victor. The third game commenced -very steadily, but eventually I came off triumphant. The -betting, at first in half-sovereigns, increased as we continued -to play, and I found myself at the end of the game -richer by £4. Brown was also a gainer by the result.</p> - -<p>"You are very evenly matched, you two gentlemen," -said a man, who, judging from his flash appearance, probably -dabbled in horse-racing. "If you will play again, -I don't mind backing the loser of the last game for £5 or -£10!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p> - -<p>Brown jumped at the offer, and the money was accordingly -deposited with the marker. "Now," said Brown, -"you have not come across a 'duffer;' do your best!" Play -commenced, and notwithstanding my having endeavoured -by every possible means to win, I was defeated by three! -This annoyed me very much, and Brown was exasperated -that I should be beaten in this manner at my favourite -game by a provincial. We now saw that my opponent -stood in with the bookmaker in his bets; but this was to -us quite immaterial so long as the marking was correct, -which Brown took good care it should be.</p> - -<p>The rumour spread by this time through the neighbourhood -that billiards was being played for large sums of -money, and the room became in consequence inconveniently -crowded. Another game was proposed, and as -I was anxious to win back Brown's money as well as my -own, I consented, on condition that my opponent would -give me points. This I scarcely expected would be -granted.</p> - -<p>"I think we are fairly matched," said my modest -friend. "How many would you have the conscience to -ask?"</p> - -<p>"Can you give me ten in a hundred?"</p> - -<p>"Impossible," replied my opponent. "I might as well -give you the game."</p> - -<p>The bookmaker here interposed, and persuaded him to -let me have the ten points, offering at the same time to -back his friend for £25, or any part of it!</p> - -<p>Brown and I consulted, and as it seemed a certainty for -me, the match was made. It is needless to describe the -play here, but it was the most exciting of the series, -and the betting equal. Suffice to say that, to my utter -amazement, the game, with nine spot strokes, resulted in a -victory for my opponent, my score being only ninety-five!</p> - -<p>There was no help for it—luck was dead against us, and, -like the comedians, Brown and I considered we had had -enough of it—at least, for the present—and thought it -prudent to retire. Before leaving, however, we learned -the victor's name. His profession was that of a clerk -in an insurance office. On striking a profit and loss -account at the hotel we ascertained, to our dismay, that -our evening's amusement had cost us £42! So much for -Pattie Hastings and our trip to Liverpool.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p> - -<p>The next morning we strolled down to see the extensive -docks, and to witness the landing of the passengers from -America, a Cunarder having just then arrived. I was -pleased to find among the passengers an old friend of mine, -who had been on a professional tour in the United States. -Having informed him of the hotel we were stopping at, he -agreed to accompany us, and on arriving and partaking of -some refreshment he retired to have a few hours' rest. -Brown and I again consulted as to our mode of procedure, -and having struck on a good idea and discussed it, we resolved -on remaining another night, and endeavouring if -possible to turn the tables on our conquerors.</p> - -<p>On my friend coming down to dinner, I had an opportunity -to narrate to him our unlucky proceedings the -previous evening, and the amount of money we lost. As -he was acquainted with my play, he felt surprised, and was -anxious to see this provincial wonder. Having succeeded -in arousing his curiosity, he agreed to look in at the -billiard-rooms, but his name was on no account to be mentioned. -We accordingly appointed an hour, and when we -entered the rooms it was easily to be seen that we were -expected. The bookmaker, with his cable chain, was -there, and there were a numerous gathering of his friends. -There, too, was my opponent, playing a game with the -marker. Before I was very long in the room I was asked -if I should like to stand up, and I replied, with some -hesitation, I would play one game for £5 on getting ten. -This was assented to, and the play commenced in the -midst of some enthusiasm, and resulted in my carrying off -the honours, my opponent, for his own reasons, not -wishing to show off his best form so early in the -evening. When I declined to play any more, Brown was -asked to have a game, and he declined. They then pressed -our friend to try his luck, and he rather unwillingly consented, -not being in so good a condition as he should wish, -owing to his voyage across the Atlantic. Wishing to do us -a favour if possible, he stood up and prepared for the play. -When asked, however, how many points he would take, he -caused some surprise in the room when he replied that, -although he was somewhat cramped by a sea voyage, he -would try to play level!</p> - -<p>The game commenced, and the bookmaker's friends were -jubilant; they looked upon this match as the best thing -ever known for their champion! They hoped we would -only stop some time in Liverpool, and they would make -their fortunes. What an immense advantage it was to -have such a splendid player to set against strangers like -us!</p> - -<p>But this time they were mistaken. They had caught -the wrong bird. Our friend won the game, and, to their -utter consternation, kept on winning game after game, -until, after two hours' play, he whispered, "Got your -money back?" and I answered, "Yes, with interest—don't -play any more."</p> - -<p>We immediately left the place and returned to the hotel, -where we had an excellent supper and a few bottles of -"phiz," leaving the bookmaker and his friends to wonder -who the "unknown" was.</p> - -<p>A couple of years afterwards I met the insurance clerk -at St. James's Hall, and he showed us that he was one of -the best players in the country. But the man who beat -him at Liverpool was the Champion of England.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2><a name="SECRETS_OF_A_MATRIMONIAL_AGENCY" id="SECRETS_OF_A_MATRIMONIAL_AGENCY"></a>SECRETS OF A MATRIMONIAL AGENCY.</h2></div> - -<p>"You have saved my life."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense," I answered; "the scoundrels were cowards -and bolted the moment I came in sight."</p> - -<p>"I tell you, sir, they would have murdered me, and flung -my body into the river, where I should have become -another 'Thames Mystery,' There were three of them—the -wretches!"</p> - -<p>"Valuables safe?" I asked.</p> - -<p>The man felt his pockets.</p> - -<p>"Lost my watch and chain," he said. "Easily replaced; -but, if they had taken my life, who would have -carried out my mission?"</p> - -<p>"Your mission? May I inquire the nature of it?"</p> - -<p>"You may; it is to make men and women happy."</p> - -<p>"I understand; you preach."</p> - -<p>"Quite wrong; I practise."</p> - -<p>"You mystify me."</p> - -<p>"Very likely," the strange-looking individual replied. -"My conduct is at variance with the world's. I never -seek to harm any one, and all my time is devoted to forwarding -the interests of others."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p> - -<p>Men with a grievance are plentiful enough, but a person -whose sole object in life is to diffuse happiness is rather -uncommon. In this age of iron such good-natured persons -are looked upon with a suspicion of lunacy.</p> - -<p>"Very commendable," I said; "but I am still in the -dark as to how you attain such desirable ends."</p> - -<p>"Of course you are, my worthy friend; but I hope to -enlighten you. Answer me one question; are you single—a -bachelor?"</p> - -<p>"I am, and in no hurry to call any woman my wife."</p> - -<p>"A misogamist," he muttered to himself; and then -aloud, "I am glad you are single, because you will have -occasion to rejoice that you met me—that you came to -my assistance. You have rendered me one great favour; -will you do me another?"</p> - -<p>"If it's in my power," I replied.</p> - -<p>"There is my card; dine with me to-morrow at 7."</p> - -<p>I consented, but it was with some hesitation. I let him -go, and I asked myself whether it was not the correct -thing to place a philanthropist of this kind under some -restraint. There is a society in work to suppress promiscuous -charity, and for aught I know there may be an institution -founded for the express purpose of shutting up universal -benefactors.</p> - -<p>His card bore the address, "Mr. Albert Dove, 1090, -Finsbury Square, E.C."</p> - -<p>The foregoing conversation took place on the Thames -Embankment, near Waterloo Bridge, one stormy night in -March of the present year.</p> - -<p>Descending Savoy Street on my way to Scotland Yard, -I heard a scuffle and a cry for help, and, knowing the bad -reputation of the Embankment at that particular spot, I -hastened to the rescue—with the result already told.</p> - -<p>This chance encounter made me acquainted with a new -phase of life abounding in striking scenes touching most -notes of the gamut of existence.</p> - -<p>My newly-acquired friend was not only peculiar in his -speech, his appearance was out of the common. The first -thing I noticed was his height, which was over six feet, -and he looked taller on account of his high "chimney-pot" -hat. His dark top-coat was closely-buttoned up to -his chin, and reached down to his heels. It was impossible -to judge of the man by his face, as it was covered by -a tangled mass of black hair. His moustache and beard -showed that not much time was spent in trimming them, -and, taking advantage of their freedom, they rivalled each -other in roughness and length. In his right hand Mr. -Dove carried a heavy stick of black oak, typical of the robust -build of the owner, and his recent assailants had cause -to congratulate themselves that the suddenness of their attack -prevented its being used.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p> - -<p>For a man of his dimensions his eyes were exceedingly -small, but what they lost in size they made up in brilliancy. -If his eyes were diminutive, his arms were long—longer -even than his great height justified; and when he walked -he threw them about in the most irregular manner, just as -if they were ready to go to war with each other, but neither -one nor the other cared to take the initiative.</p> - -<p>His mode of locomotion would draw attention to him -anywhere, be it at church or fair. He was a most inelegant -walker; each step seemed to be a combination of the -jerk and shuffle, and, coupling this peculiarity with the -slightly stooping body and lengthy arms, I thought that -the man must be a little deformed, perhaps hump-backed. -From a rough-cast individual like this you would naturally -expect a harsh voice, but it was quite the reverse; his -voice was musical to a degree, and he spoke as softly as -any young woman addressing her lover.</p> - -<p>It is not often we come across men of his disposition of -mind or formation of body. But if the shell was gnarled, -the kernel within was sound enough, and, strange as was -Mr. Dove's business in life, you had only to become acquainted -with him to be convinced that his chief aim was -not the amassing of riches, but the well being of the men -and women who entrusted their future to him.</p> - -<p>But I must not anticipate—the extraordinary circumstances -will be narrated as they befell me. Curious to know -who Mr. Dove was, and what occupation he followed, I -consulted Kelly's Directory, but without being made any -the wiser. His name and address were correctly given, -but nothing more. The man was unknown at Scotland -Yard, except to one officer, who said he recollected the -name of Dove cropping up some years ago in connection -with a divorce case.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p> - -<p>Punctual to the hour appointed, my cab drew up at -1090, Finsbury Square. In answer to my knock the door -was opened by a negro servant, in a handsome light blue -livery, who took my hat and coat, and ushered me, much -to my surprise, into a drawing-room full of elegantly-dressed -ladies and gentlemen, all engaged in agreeable conversation, -intermingled with much laughter. I expected to dine -quietly with Mr. Dove, and here were at least twenty -guests, all entire strangers to me. The moment the servant -pronounced my name, my host—who was quite a giant in -comparison with his guests—came forward from a knot of -ladies, with whom he was exchanging some pleasantry, and -warmly welcomed me. Taking me round the company, -he said—</p> - -<p>"You will have great pleasure in becoming acquainted -with the gentleman who saved my life."</p> - -<p>"I was talking about you when you entered," addressing -himself to me, "and explaining to my dear friends how -much they are indebted to you. Without your valuable -assistance last night, there would have been no joyous dinner—no -spirit-stirring dance here this evening; and, alas! -who would have administered to the wants of my flock?"</p> - -<p>His language led me to suppose that my first idea was -correct, that he was really a clergyman—perhaps of some -new denomination. His appearance was very singular, -and his manner eccentric, but not unpleasing. He appeared -to be about forty-five, but the wrinkles on his forehead -may have made him seem older than he really was.</p> - -<p>I had hardly time to say that he made a great deal too -much of the slight service, when dinner was announced by -a pompous-looking butler dressed in black.</p> - -<p>"You will take charge of Miss Bertram," my host said, -with a wave of his hand in the direction of a pretty but -pert-looking young lady eighteen or nineteen years of age, -who at that instant entered the room, and who advanced -without the slightest shyness, and placed the tips of her -fingers on my arm.</p> - -<p>The dining-room was on the other side of the entrance-hall, -and during the short promenade, and while the guests -were seating themselves, and during the progress of the -dinner, the conversation never flagged for a moment—it -was like the incessant roll of musketry.</p> - -<p>The guests, with the exception of myself, were evidently -well known to each other, and appeared very much at -home. The host, by his genial manner, contributed not a -little to the general cheerfulness, and he was exceedingly -attentive to me.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p> - -<p>The plate on the table, and the numerous paintings on -the walls, to say nothing of the well-drilled servants in attendance, -all betokened wealth. Mr. Dove must have -money, and a good deal of it too; but what was his position -in life, and who were the ladies and gentlemen assembled -round his dinner-table?</p> - -<p>The highly self-possessed young lady I took in to dinner, -thinking, no doubt, I was a stranger, kindly entered into -conversation with me as soon as we were seated at -table.</p> - -<p>"An odd collection," was her first remark.</p> - -<p>Presuming that she referred to the numerous pictures -hanging round the room, I replied—</p> - -<p>"They do look curious. Good and bad, I suppose. -Are they all English?"</p> - -<p>This commonplace answer made her laugh.</p> - -<p>"There are a few doubtful specimens among the French, -but the most reputable are the English," she said.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps Mr. Dove is not so easily deceived by the -English; even experts are liable to be taken in by the -artful French and Italian counterfeits."</p> - -<p>Unknown to myself, I must have said something very -funny, for Miss Bertram could not control her laughter.</p> - -<p>"Does not our host get imposed on sometimes by -worthless rubbish?" I asked.</p> - -<p>When she could stop giggling she said—</p> - -<p>"He makes mistakes of course, but he has been wonderfully -successful. His knowledge of human nature is -immense, and his foresight amounts to genius. These -attributes account for his having so few failures."</p> - -<p>Not perceiving what human nature and foresight had -to do with buying pictures, I endeavoured to bring back -the conversation to a lower and more comprehensible -level.</p> - -<p>"Does he make it the business of his life to pick up -these splendid specimens?" I asked.</p> - -<p>"I believe so; but speak lower in case the colonel opposite -hears you; he might object, and he is a regular -fire-eater. Coffee and pistols, you know."</p> - -<p>"I would not hurt his feelings for the world. Is he interested -in the speculation?"</p> - -<p>"He is after the Queen of Sheba; the one with the bird -of Paradise feather."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> - -<p>"After the Queen of Sheba, is he? Then there is a -sale occasionally?"</p> - -<p>"There is, but we call it by a different name, though it -comes to much the same thing in the end."</p> - -<p>"The specimens are, perhaps, disposed of privately to -avoid the publicity of the auction-room."</p> - -<p>The girl burst into an uncontrollable fit of laughter, -which drew attention to us.</p> - -<p>"Glad you are enjoying yourself," called out Mr. Dove -to me; "a glass of wine with you."</p> - -<p>The middle-aged lady in red velvet on my left hand uttered -some unpleasant observations about the forwardness -of young ladies in general, and of Miss Bertram in particular, -and the colonel on the other side of the table looked -daggers at me; as if I could help it.</p> - -<p>"Tell me the joke, and I will laugh, too," I whispered -to my fair friend.</p> - -<p>"Is this your first visit?" she asked, as if an idea had -just occurred to her.</p> - -<p>"The first."</p> - -<p>"What are the symptoms? Are you an admirer of the -classic, and is it blonde or brunette?"</p> - -<p>This was beyond me, and I looked at the young girl in -astonishment, which only redoubled her laughter. The -horrible thought just then entered my head that I was in -a private lunatic asylum; everything tended to confirm me -in that opinion, and the marvel was that the truth had not -dawned on my obtuse mind before. I had often been told -that all mad doctors are, more or less, eccentric—that -their attendance on insane people has, through course of -time, an injurious effect on their own minds; and here was -an example in the case of Mr. Dove!</p> - -<p>The guests were no doubt his patients, and the stalwart -men in waiting the keepers, ready to control any obstreperous -individual, with their straight jackets, and bands -of leather and iron in some convenient cupboard close -at hand.</p> - -<p>It is I know the belief of some doctors that it would be -all the better for the afflicted ones if they were treated -more like sane individuals, and were indulged in dinner -parties and balls as if they still belonged to the outer world. -I cautiously examined my fellow guests one by one, but I -could discern nothing approaching the extravagant in their -conduct, but everybody has heard of the wonderful cunning -of lunatics; this evening they were evidently on their -best behaviour.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p> - -<p>As I glanced round the circle my eyes at length met the -mirthful eyes of Miss Bertram, who was evidently watching -me, and enjoying my perplexity. Was she mad, too? -At first I was inclined to think she was rather an intelligent -young woman—anything but stupid—but now the incoherent -portion of her remarks rose up to condemn her. I -was in the act of pitying her when she whispered behind -her fan—</p> - -<p>"Is it a very bad attack?"</p> - -<p>It is necessary to humour mad people, so I replied—</p> - -<p>"Not very; I feel quite myself at times."</p> - -<p>She burst out laughing, and before she could recover -herself the ladies rose from the table, and being next the -door I did my duty. As Miss Bertram passed me with a -sweeping bow, she said—</p> - -<p>"Don't despair; have confidence in the doctor."</p> - -<p>Before placing me in an assembly of lunatics, Mr. or -Dr. Dove ought to have made me aware of the insanity of -his guests. There was no telling what awkward things -might have happened. When the ladies returned I sought -an opportunity of speaking to him on the subject, but the -gentlemen crowded up to his end of the table, and I had -no chance. For a set of madmen, I must say their talk -was rational enough; and, when the colonel, on whom the -claret had a friendly effect, challenged me to a game of -billiards, I could not but consent, and get well beaten on -attempting to give points.</p> - -<p>"Yes, go with the colonel," Mr. Dove said; "you have -time for a game before the dancing commences."</p> - -<p>I should have liked to mention the Queen of Sheba to -the colonel, but he did not seem a man you could take a -liberty with, and I thought better of it. Another lunatic -was polite enough to mark the game, and called out the -score with such accuracy that I at once set him down as -an old billiard-marker.</p> - -<p>When we had got through two games the sound of music -reached us, and we returned to the drawing-room. The -ball was in full progress, and it was a strange sight to -see the huge and ungainly figure of our host moving -amongst the dancers playing the fiddle. He was evidently -an excellent performer, and it was to his music his patients -danced. Occasionally he would waltz round the room -playing his instrument all the time. His resemblance to -the mythical satyr would at once strike an ordinary onlooker.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p> - -<p>"A good dance makes people cheerful, and assists my -cause," he remarked, as he waltzed past me.</p> - -<p>"Many a happy wife has occasion to bless the Blue -Danube," he whispered on another occasion.</p> - -<p>"Come and see a recent success," he said in one of the -short intervals; and I was led up and introduced to a shy-looking -little man of fifty, and anything but a reserved -young woman of twenty-five, his wife, who both looked -happy enough, and seemed perfectly cured. Show patients, -I presumed.</p> - -<p>"For the encouragement of others," he whispered in -my ear. "Won't you dance? There is Miss Bertram disengaged. -Most accomplished girl. Daughter of an old -friend. A sad history; but I will tell you all about her in -my study, for you must smoke a cigar with me before you -go."</p> - -<p>Until the circumstances were cleared up a bit I considered -it advisable not to dance with Miss Bertram or any -other lady.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>It was a new experience, and I could not be too cautious.</p> - -<p>When we were closeted in the study by our two selves, -with a good cigar and a brandy and soda, I soon approached -the subject which was troubling my mind. I -thought Mr. Dove would have died of laughing at my extraordinary -mistake in taking his house to be a private lunatic -asylum. He stamped and danced about the room -in his uproarious glee, and I could not get a word -out of him for some time—until he was thoroughly exhausted.</p> - -<p>I must admit that when I heard the name of the establishment -I was greatly surprised, but it must be remembered -that there is not a similar house to 1090, Finsbury -Square, in her Majesty's dominions.</p> - -<p>"If love is lunacy," my host said, waving his hand toward -the ball-room, "you are right, but my patients reside -in an abode of joy, not of sorrow, and they are free to -depart at any time—in couples."</p> - -<p>In other words, the place was a <span class="smcap">Matrimonial -Agency</span>.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2><a name="CRUEL_WORK_OF_AN_INTIMATE_FRIEND" id="CRUEL_WORK_OF_AN_INTIMATE_FRIEND"></a>CRUEL WORK OF AN INTIMATE FRIEND.</h2></div> - -<p>Public sympathy was entirely with the accused, yet the -verdict pronounced—that of Guilty—was generally expected. -The evidence put forward by the prosecutor was -so conclusive. There was not much chance for the prisoner -when two witnesses swore that he (Edward Fraser) had -said in their hearing that he would do the deceased (Sydney -Marshall) some deadly harm, and when three more -individuals were placed in the box to prove that they beheld -the struggle between the two men, and saw the person -in custody push his opponent over the cliffs into the water. -Much disappointment was, however, felt throughout the -country when the grand jury scheduled the crime as murder -instead of manslaughter. But this decision was quite -of a piece with Fraser's other misfortunes. Marshall's -body had not been recovered, notwithstanding a very diligent -search, and the local fishermen thought that it had -been carried out to sea by the under-current. Still no one -doubted that the man had perished. Although he richly -deserved his fate, that was no justification of the deed in -the eye of the law. Provocation beyond human endurance -does not, as poor Fraser found out, permit a man to be a -law unto himself. The husband may have his home broken -up, his future career destroyed, his wife dishonoured—as -in the case of this man—but he is prohibited from laying -violent hands on the seducer.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p> - -<p>The judge in sentencing the prisoner to be hanged, said -that the recommendation of the jury (to mercy) would -be forwarded to the proper quarter, but that he could not -hold out much hope of a reprieve. It so happened that -a number of capital sentences had been commuted about -this time, and the Government deemed it necessary, as -murders were on the increase, to make an example. Whichever -way it turned, fortune was decidedly adverse to Fraser. -He was not only unlucky in having a treacherous friend -and an unchaste wife, but he must needs seek his revenge -at an inopportune moment.</p> - -<p>The jury's message of mercy was duly sent to the Home -Office, and there soon followed it a great many petitions -to the same effect, signed by thousands of all grades of -society, from the bishop to the bricklayer. The prisoner -was no hardened criminal, and the fatal blow, or push, or -whatever it was, was given in defence of his household -goods. Before deciding on the question of life or death, -the Home Secretary consulted the judge, and communicated, -as usual, with Scotland Yard. He required full -particulars of the antecedents of the two men, and wished -to know if it was within the range of possibility for Sydney -Marshall to have escaped with his life.</p> - -<p>"The press has not left us much to discover," remarked -the chief, as he handed me the letter from the Home Office. -"This is Tuesday; the answer must go on Friday. See -if you can throw any new light on the subject."</p> - -<p>It may be as well to state here that every care is taken -that these revelations will not injure living individuals. -When it is considered desirable, names of persons and -places are more or less changed, but otherwise the eventful -episodes are real, and the author only writes about matters -in which he was personally concerned in his official capacity:</p> - -<p>In search of information for the Home Secretary, I had -an interview with the prisoner at Lewes Gaol (the murder -was committed near Brighton), and saw all the relatives -and acquaintances of the two men in London, and the following -is what I learned:—</p> - -<p>Edward Fraser and Sydney Marshall had been intimate -friends. They first got to know each other through Miss -Evans, who became the wife of Fraser, and afterwards ran -away with Marshall. This frail but pretty young woman -was the daughter of a draper at Kensington. "More -beauty than wit," was how an old lady described her. She -was, however, wise enough to give her hand to the more -eligible of her two suitors. Marshall was a clerk in a city -bank, and had only his salary to depend on, whereas Fraser -was a junior partner with his father, a solicitor in Gray's -Inn. Considering that there had been a serious quarrel, -ending in blows, in the presence of the young lady, it was -surprising that Marshall cared to remain intimate with the -newly-married couple, but he may have had his revenge in -view.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span></p> - -<p>Except in their affection for the same young lady, no -two individuals could have been more dissimilar in their -tastes and habits than Fraser and Marshall. It was an -instance of extremes meeting. Marshall read much, and -was a thinker, persuasive and subtle. He effectually hid -his wicked designs underneath a placid exterior. Not easily -got out of temper, and when there was a purpose in view -he was never impatient. In appearance he was rather handsome, -of the medium height, slightly built, and very dark; -eyes closely set together (a bad sign), small and bright.</p> - -<p>On the other hand, Fraser was a tall, fair-haired, blue-eyed -Saxon—an athlete not unknown at certain running-grounds, -and at the Oval—a young man not over fond of -book learning, but full of life, and a capital companion. -His father had given him a year on the Continent before -taking him into partnership, and in his travels he had -managed to perfect his knowledge of the French and German -languages. It was his ability to speak French which -suggested the idea of his going to the Mauritius, and it was -while on this voyage that his friend betrayed him.</p> - -<p>His marriage with Miss Evans was not popular with his -parents; they saw what a silly, frivolous girl she was, but -they could not make him listen to reason. He was in love, -I suppose, and consequently a little insane. At the wedding -Marshall acted as best man, and a sister of his was -one of the bridesmaids. The short honeymoon was spent -in Paris, and on their return the happy pair found the villa -they had taken ready for occupation. Enjoying excellent -health, and with a good position, no two young people -could have commenced their married life with finer prospects; -but vessels sometimes founder in summer seas. -Their happiness was fated to be but short-lived; their intimate -friend was biding his opportunity to destroy it.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> - -<p>Marshall had not long to wait for the desired change. -One of the oldest clients of Mr. Fraser, sen., was a Mr. -Hampton, who had a sugar plantation in the island of -Mauritius, managed by Frederick Lefevre, a Frenchman. -The Governor, Sir George Bowen, had through a friend -apprised Mr. Hampton that rumours to the discredit of -Lefevre were current at Port Louis, and that the affairs of -the estate wanted looking into. Mr. Hampton was old, -and half an invalid, and, therefore, not inclined to undertake -the long journey, and he asked his legal adviser -whether he knew a suitable person. The remuneration -was to be something handsome.</p> - -<p>The lawyer thought that this would be a splendid opportunity -for his son, but the young man would not hear -of it unless he could take his wife with him, which was out -of the question. He had only been married six months, -and was, it was presumed, still surrounded by the glamour -of love. Great pressure was brought to bear upon him to -accept the mission. Even his wife's relatives agreed that -it was too tempting a proposal to be rejected.</p> - -<p>When Sydney Marshall was consulted he said there -should be no hesitation whatever about it—that offers of -that kind did not drop from the clouds every day. Such -opportunities never came in <i>his</i> way. There was no occasion -to trouble about Mrs. Fraser; he and his sister would -look after her. They would do what they could to prevent -the young wife being too miserable in her husband's absence. -She was miserable enough at the idea of her husband -leaving her, but somehow or other became reconciled -to it. Finding everyone, not excepting his wife, in favour -of his going, Fraser sailed for the Mauritius.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Fraser, jun., did not appear to take the temporary -loss of her husband very much to heart. She did not go -to the theatre or visit her friends seldomer than before, -and her constant companions were Marshall and his sister. -Her mother-in-law hinted that she saw a little too much -of the Marshall's, but the young wife replied that the close -intimacy was the wish of her husband. At parting had not -Edward put her hand in Marshall's and said, "Sydney, -here is your other sister; remember, you are her guardian?"</p> - -<p>Husbands who object to disagreeable surprises should -always inform their wives of the hour of their return, so that -their fair partners may be in waiting to receive them with -open arms. At least that is the opinion of your humble -servant, an unmarried man. Edward Fraser was foolish -enough to neglect this precaution, and the result was quite -the reverse of what he anticipated. In his mind's eye he -no doubt often pictured the disconsolate wife gazing on -his photograph and kissing it, and seeking consolation -from his love-letters. And as the ship neared Southampton -on the return journey he frequently heard, in imagination, -her joyful cry of welcome as he stepped across the threshold -of his home.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p> - -<p>Leaving his luggage to be forwarded, he hurried up from -Southampton, and reached the vicinity of his villa one -night about eleven o'clock. He sent no telegram announcing -his arrival in England, and the "Ajax," having -had a good passage, reached port twenty-four hours before -she was due. Everything favoured the pleasant surprise -in store for his wife. He, like a lover who had a clandestine -appointment, stopped the cab a few doors from the -house, and jumped out with only a small bag in his hand, -containing presents for the treasure of his heart (that is the -correct phrase, I think). Stealthily opening the garden -gate, the fond husband, dying to embrace his wife, hastened -through the shrubbery and trees which bordered the approach -to the front door and make the place pitch dark. -All his precautions had been useless. Before he had gone -many steps a lady rushed into his arms and kissed him.</p> - -<p>"My darling," she whispered, "you have come at -last!"</p> - -<p>It was his wife; she had been on the watch for him. -So overjoyed was he at this mark of affection, all he could -say was—</p> - -<p>"Beloved one!"</p> - -<p>"There is no letter or telegram, dearest Sydney," she -whispered in his ear, putting her arms round his neck; "a -few more hours of bliss."</p> - -<p>"Woman!" he exclaimed, horrified, "what do I hear? -I am your husband."</p> - -<p>She uttered a startled cry, jumped apart from him, and -fled.</p> - -<p>At this moment the gate clicked, and a footstep approached.</p> - -<p>"He has returned! run for your life!" called out the -wife from the shrubbery.</p> - -<p>Sydney Marshall, for it was that trustworthy gentleman, -did not require a second warning. He was out of the -gate and round the corner in a second.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span></p> - -<p>The dazed and maddened husband quickly followed, -but Marshall was not to be seen, and he did not return to -his apartments that night.</p> - -<p>Fraser would not trust himself to go near his wife again, -and he went to his father's. When father and son reached -the villa next morning the servants told them that Mrs. -Fraser had packed up a couple of boxes and left at six -o'clock, as she said, to meet her husband.</p> - -<p>The guilty pair had, no doubt, left London. It was ascertained -that, on the plea of urgent private affairs, Marshall -had received a fortnight's leave of absence from business.</p> - -<p>"Let me know where they are, and your task is finished," -he said to the detectives employed to trace them; and at -the end of two days—an eternity to him—he got the address, -a farmhouse, in the neighbourhood of Brighton. -"That is enough," remarked Fraser; "I will now make -sure that the scoundrel will not corrupt another man's -wife." It was this remark that told so much against him -at his trial.</p> - -<p>In the darkening light of an October afternoon the -quondam friends met face to face on the cliffs, and the -deadly struggle began. It did not last long. Fraser, being -the stronger of the two, soon had the advantage, and he -hurled the destroyer of his happiness into the sea. The -deed accomplished, the betrayed husband did not attempt -to fly. He gave himself up to the first policeman he met; -and all that he said to the inspector was, that, as the law -did not meet his case, he had been obliged to be his own -judge and executioner.</p> - -<p>Not the slightest trace of Sydney Marshall, dead or alive, -had been discovered.</p> - -<p>The official report to the Home Secretary was based on -these details, which I have curtailed as much as possible.</p> - -<p>Whether they came at a wrong time or not, the petitions -in favour of a commutation of the sentence were unsuccessful.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p> - -<p>The execution took place within the precincts of Lewes -Gaol, and, as the case interested me, and I had business -at Brighton, I was present. It was quite true, Fraser owned -that he had sought the man's life, and as he had broken -the law he must pay the penalty. He proposed to meet -his ignominious end with quiet firmness. An incident occurred -at the last moment to destroy his fortitude, and -which rivetted my attention. It was immediately before -Marwood pulled the cap over the condemned man's face. -Fraser was taking his last look on earth when his eyes met -those of one of the reporters. Suddenly, as a flash of -lightning, his face underwent the most extraordinary -change; before it wore a resigned expression—now it had -all the malignity of a fiend.</p> - -<p>The governor and everyone could see that the man was -terribly agitated; his body swayed violently, and he attempted -to speak, but, as fortune would have it, the clock -was sounding the last beat of eight, and the hangman made -haste to finish his horrible work.</p> - -<p>When all was over the reporter who had so greatly disturbed -Fraser's dying moments sneaked quickly out of the -prison, but I did not mean to lose sight of him. An explanation -was necessary. Detectives see so many phases -of crime that they are not usually astonished at anything, -but I must own to being dumbfounded when I discovered, -under all his disguise, that reporter to be Sydney Marshall.</p> - -<p>A good swimmer, and terrified for his life, he had, when -pitched into the water, struck out to sea in the hope that -he might fall in with a passing vessel, and he was evidently -picked up by a French fishing-boat and landed at Portail.</p> - -<p>"Why were you there?" I demanded, pointing to the -gaol.</p> - -<p>"As I was never safe until he was dead, I wished to -see the last of him."</p> - -<p>"But how did you obtain an entrance?" I asked.</p> - -<p>"Easily enough. I induced a Brighton reporter to let -me take his place."</p> - -<p>"Do you think Fraser recognised you?"</p> - -<p>"I am sure he did."</p> - -<p>"Hanging would be too good for you!" I said.</p> - -<p>The villain was tired of my examination. What could -have been done with him if I had detained him?</p> - -<p>Several years have passed since then, but, directly or -indirectly, I have heard nothing more of Sydney Marshall.</p> - -<p>It was some consolation for Fraser's heartbroken parents -to know that the prisoner was guiltless of murder.</p> - -<p>The notoriety was too much for the Evans' family, -and with their frail daughter they emigrated to Buenos -Ayres.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2><a name="THE_MISSING_RAJAH_DIAMOND" id="THE_MISSING_RAJAH_DIAMOND"></a>THE MISSING "RAJAH" DIAMOND.</h2></div> - -<p>About ten days or a fortnight after Fraser met his sad -fate, I was summoned to the private room of the chief.</p> - -<p>"Have you anything particular in hand?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Nothing, chief," I replied.</p> - -<p>"Then you are really disengaged? The matter I am -going to entrust you with must be inquired into with the -utmost circumspection."</p> - -<p>"I will be extra careful."</p> - -<p>"Lady B—— has been here this morning in a great -state of agitation. A diamond, known as the 'Rajah,' -and worth something like twenty-five thousand pounds, -has disappeared from her jewel-box, which is really a safe -built in the wall, with two keys—one held by Lady B——, -and the other by her husband."</p> - -<p>"Yes, chief, it would be difficult to dispose of a stone -of that value."</p> - -<p>"Impossible; and no one at Amsterdam would risk -cutting it without the highest references. The stone is -well known, and is said to have been the eye of an idol in -India. Occasionally it has been set to wear at Court, but -when it disappeared it was quite loose."</p> - -<p>"And when was it missed? Yesterday?"</p> - -<p>"No; a week ago."</p> - -<p>"As long as that?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. You see Lady B—— was of opinion that the -stone would be replaced in the safe."</p> - -<p>"How could that possibly happen?"</p> - -<p>"As you may have heard, Lord B—— is rather eccentric. -He is a great connoisseur of precious stones, and -he may have taken out the 'Rajah' diamond to admire -it, and forgotten to return it."</p> - -<p>"But why not ask him?"</p> - -<p>"That is what we want to avoid. Her ladyship's object -in coming here is to get us to trace the stone without his -knowing anything about it. He is in such delicate health, -the disappearance of his much-prized diamond might be -very hurtful."</p> - -<p>"Her ladyship could give you no clue?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p> - -<p>"None whatever; but you will see her yourself. She -is at the town mansion to-day, but leaves for their place -in Norfolk to-morrow. The jewel-box is at the Norfolk -house. You must arrange with Lady B—— to be quartered -in the house as sanitary inspector, or something of -that kind. As a sanitary inspector you can roam all over -the house without suspicion."</p> - -<p>"I will do my best, chief."</p> - -<p>There was a slight difference in the ages of Lady B—— -and her husband; she was twenty-three, and he would -never see sixty-five again. Lord B—— was not always the -wealthy man he is now; an elder brother conveniently -died without family, and an unusually rich seam of coal -was discovered on his property. All at once his income -rose from a few hundreds to twenty thousand per annum—that -was on the death of his brother—and it is now said -to exceed thirty thousand. A man who had such a splendid -income was bound to have a pretty wife, and in Miss M— -he met the belle of two seasons, admired by everyone, from -the prince to the peasant. Envious tongues did not hesitate -to say that this union of May and December would -not be lasting, and that because a near female relative had -gone wrong, Lady B—— would soon give occasion for -scandal. These wiseacres were disappointed for once. -Lady B—— proved herself an exemplary wife, and there -were two children, a boy and a girl, born of the marriage.</p> - -<p>Arrayed in frock coat and a tall hat, I presented myself -at the town house at four o'clock.</p> - -<p>"Her ladyship in?" I asked.</p> - -<p>"I will see," replied the man servant. "What name?"</p> - -<p>I produced my card—</p> - -<p class="p0 space-above center"> -"<span class="smcap">Mr. Robert Charrington</span>,<br /> -Sanitary Inspector,"<br /> -</p> - -<p class="space-below">and on it in writing, <span style="margin-left: 3em;">"By appointment."</span></p> - -<p>"Her ladyship does not recollect your name, but will -you walk upstairs?"</p> - -<p>On being ushered into Lady B—— 's presence and when -the footman had retired, she came forward and said—</p> - -<p>"I expected someone—from Scotland Yard."</p> - -<p>"Quite right, my lady; here is a note from my chief."</p> - -<p>"Of course you understand that this is quite a private -matter at present. I think the stone has been mislaid—not -stolen."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Does your ladyship suspect no one?"</p> - -<p>"Only my husband. He has the jewellery out frequently -to dust, and he is a little forgetful."</p> - -<p>"Does no one assist his lordship on these occasions?"</p> - -<p>"He is either alone or I am with him."</p> - -<p>"There are two keys, I believe; can the safe be opened -without the production of both?"</p> - -<p>"One is sufficient, but you must have the 'word.'"</p> - -<p>"The 'word,' madam?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, it is a French idea, I think, and Milner had to -pay money to use it. There are three small discs, each -surrounded with the letters of the alphabet, on the door of -the safe, and the diminutive hands on the discs have to be -set to a certain word before the keys are of any use. When -the diamond disappeared the word was 'war;' one hand -had to be pointing to 'w,' the second to 'a,' and the -third to 'r.' When the safe is locked the hands on the -discs are, of course, turned to any of the letters of the alphabet -but the right ones. Although you held the key, it -would be perfectly useless to you without knowing the exact -word, and you might go through the whole dictionary without -discovering it."</p> - -<p>"Have you any system in changing the 'word?'"</p> - -<p>"I generally alter it every month; this is effected through -the clock-work on the back of the lid—but although I always -acquaint my husband with the secret it soon escapes -his memory, and he has invariably to come to me for the -information."</p> - -<p>"Can the diamond have fallen into wrong hands?"</p> - -<p>"That will be for you to discover; there is one thing -certain, it is not in the safe nor in Lord B—— 's possession. -My maid and I have made a thorough search."</p> - -<p>"Then the loss of this stone is well known in your -ladyship's household?"</p> - -<p>"On the contrary, it is quite a secret."</p> - -<p>"Your maid knows?"</p> - -<p>"Ann Gregory does not count; she can be trusted. She -has been in the family all her life, first with my father, and -on my marriage she came with me."</p> - -<p>"I understand that the knowledge of the loss has been -withheld from his lordship; have you any reason to suppose -that he is aware of the fact?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Any sudden shock might seriously affect Lord B——, -and until all my efforts to find the 'Rajah' had failed, I -did not propose to mention the matter to him; still I am -not quite sure that he does not know the diamond has -disappeared. Since I first missed the stone, a week ago -yesterday, Lord B—— has been to the safe twice, and, -although he said nothing, after these visits he appeared -much depressed."</p> - -<p>"When did your ladyship last see the diamond?"</p> - -<p>"Exactly ten days ago. I wore it at Court, and on my -return to Norfolk I put it in the safe myself. Lord B—— -happened to be present, and with a pair of pincers he took -the stone out of its setting, after which I placed it in the -case marked 'Rajah.'"</p> - -<p>"Such a valuable diamond must be found. If your -ladyship will kindly give me a line to your butler I will go -down to Norfolk as a sanitary inspector, and when I have -any good news to communicate, I will ask to see you."</p> - -<p>"Certainly. I return to-morrow, and will remain in -Norfolk three weeks. I need not say to you that the recovery -of a stone worth £25,000 will meet with a suitable -acknowledgment."</p> - -<p>"Thanks from you, my lady, would be a sufficient -reward."</p> - -<p>I am no Communist, and am quite satisfied with my -position in life; but only imagine a stone which I could -easily slip into my waistcoat pocket being worth such a -large sum of money. Will one of your chartered accountants -please compute how many individuals could be made -independent if not happy for life with the amount mentioned? -One hundred cottages could, I suppose, be built -for something like £25,000.</p> - -<p>On reaching the Norfolk house my letter to the butler -received every attention, and I was soon installed in a good -room of the bachelors' quarter, and I arranged to have my -meals served in an adjoining sitting-room. I had some -ground plans with me, borrowed for the occasion, which I -took care to leave open on the table for the inspection of -inquisitive servants.</p> - -<p>There was a large staff of servants, male and female, and -I took steps to satisfy myself that the "Rajah" had not -been accidentally hidden amongst their belongings. This -was a work of care and time. How did I manage it? That -is my secret. No dresses were left rumpled nor coats -unfolded, and not one of the servants was a whit the -wiser.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span></p> - -<p>From the time the diamond was replaced in the safe to -the day of its disappearance there had been no visitors in -the house, and Lord B—— had not been from home.</p> - -<p>As the opportunity occurred, I made a minute search -in the room occupied by his lordship, but without any -success.</p> - -<p>"Rather dull here," I said to Lord B—— 's confidential -servant one day. "You could do with a little amusement."</p> - -<p>"That we could, sir," he said. "Times are changed -since his lordship became an invalid."</p> - -<p>"You were not accustomed in former times to let the -grass grow under your feet?"</p> - -<p>"That we did not. We went the pace and no mistake."</p> - -<p>"You have been a long time with Lord B——?"</p> - -<p>"Going on now for twenty years; and although his -lordship has been a good master to me, I don't think if his -life were published it would be suitable for family reading."</p> - -<p>"Gay, eh?"</p> - -<p>"Downright fact, sir. The pranks we played in London -and Paris would shock a quiet gentleman like yourself. -The farmers down here used to send their daughters out -of the way when they heard of our coming."</p> - -<p>"Lord B—— must now find time hang heavily on his -hands. How does he amuse himself?"</p> - -<p>"When he is able, he walks a great deal. If the day -is at all fine, he generally goes as far as Oakshot Farm."</p> - -<p>"An old flame?"</p> - -<p>"People said so," he replied, with a laugh.</p> - -<p>Next morning found me at Oakshot Farm, and I was -made welcome by a bold-faced, handsome woman, about -thirty. I was tired after my long walk, at least I said so, -and asked the favour of a glass of milk. The woman -hastened to get the milk, and we were soon in the full swing -of a big conversation.</p> - -<p>"What makes you think Lord B—— is failing rapidly?" -I asked.</p> - -<p>"Why he says and does such uncommon things; for -instance, being our landlord, my husband and I thought we -could not do wrong in calling our last baby after him. We -asked his permission, which he generously gave us, and -said he would give the youngster a handsome present."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"A year elapsed, and we saw nothing of the promised -gift. One day recently—he comes often here—he asked -me which of the children was named Gerald, and when I -pointed out baby to him on the floor, he pulled out a -piece of glass—fancy a bit of glass—and put it into his -fingers, saying something about its being a talisman against -all the ills of life. What could he mean?"</p> - -<p>"A little wrong," and I touched my forehead.</p> - -<p>"Just what I thought."</p> - -<p>"Is that the bit of glass?" I asked, taking up the glittering -morsel, which was being thrown from one child to -the other.</p> - -<p>"It is; a shilling would have been of more use."</p> - -<p>"The children shall not be disappointed. I will give -them a shilling each for it."</p> - -<p>"You are robbing yourself, sir," she said, "and I am -sure you are welcome to the milk."</p> - -<p>In this extraordinary manner did I manage to recover -the great "Rajah" diamond, which now rests more securely -at Lord B—— 's banker's than it did at the house -in Norfolk.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter bord"> - <img src="images/i128.jpg" - alt="Decoration" /> - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Dangerous Dilemmas, by James Peddie - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DANGEROUS DILEMMAS *** - -***** This file should be named 61877-h.htm or 61877-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/1/8/7/61877/ - -Produced by Jwala Kumar Sista and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from scans of public domain works at The National -Library of Australia.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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