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diff --git a/old/61877-0.txt b/old/61877-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index b94096b..0000000 --- a/old/61877-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6053 +0,0 @@ -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: UTF-8 - -*** 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.) - - - - - - - Transcriber's Notes - - 1. Typographical errors & hyphenation inconsistencies were silently - corrected. - - 2. The text version is coded for italics and other mark-ups i.e., - (a) Italics are indicated thus _italic_; - (b) Smallcaps thus +CAPS+; and - (c) Images are indicated as [Illustration]; - - 3. The Table of Contents was added by the transcriber. - - 4. 'CHAPTER XV' comes after 'The Silver Gauntlet' in the original. - - * * * * * - - - - - DANGEROUS DILEMMAS: - - STARTLING BUT TRUE. - - BY - JAMES PEDDIE, - - AUTHOR OF - "SECRETS OF A PRIVATE ENQUIRY OFFICE," - ETC., ETC., ETC. - - [Illustration] - - LONDON: - CHARLES H. CLARKE, 11 RED LION COURT, - FLEET-STREET. - - - Perth: - S. COWAN AND CO., STRATHMORE PRINTING WORKS. - - - - - CONTENTS - - Transcriber's Notes - TABLE OF CONTENTS - - Chapter Page - DANGEROUS DILEMMAS. - - I. THE ORIGIN OF "DANGEROUS DILEMMAS." 3 - II. THE CHRISTMAS WINE-HAMPER FRAUD. 10 - III. MY FIRST AND ONLY APPEARANCE AS AN AUCTIONEER. 14 - IV. THE TWO MYSTERIOUS DOMINOS. 20 - V. THE FIFTEEN POSTAGE-STAMP PUZZLE. 27 - VI. A HEAD DEFEAT; AN ATTEMPT TO WIN THE CAMBRIDGESHIRE. 33 - VII. THE STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE AND STRANGER RECOVERY OF THE - COUNTESS'S DIAMONDS. 42 - VIII. CREMORNE: A ROMANCE OF THE DERBY. 46 - IX. HOW TO SATISFY ONE'S CREDITORS WITH WASTE PAPER. 52 - X. LORD SEAMORD'S FALSE FUNERAL. 57 - XI. TAKING A MEAN ADVANTAGE OF A FIRE. 64 - XII. THE ATTEMPTED MURDER IN THE AIR. 69 - XIII. MY TWO MATCHES, OR WATERLOO AVENGED. 74 - XIV. UNFORTUNATE POSTAGE-STAMP. 80 - - The Silver Gauntlet. - A STORY OF THE TURF. - In Four Chapters. - - I. _An Introduction to Billy Platt._ 90 - II. _Billy Platt shows his hand, and receives an - unexpected but well-deserved blow._ 92 - III. _A Woman comes to the Rescue._ 95 - IV. _Broken bones and successful love._ 99 - - XV. MY REVENGES AT BILLIARDS. 103 - -- SECRETS OF A MATRIMONIAL AGENCY. 108 - -- CRUEL WORK OF AN INTIMATE FRIEND. 116 - -- THE MISSING "RAJAH" DIAMOND. 123 - - - - - DANGEROUS DILEMMAS. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - - THE ORIGIN OF "DANGEROUS DILEMMAS." - - _The gambling tables at Spa--Compulsory mud bath--Saving one's life by - exchanging an overcoat--A fortunate shipwreck._ - - -"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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"You are in a vein of luck and yet cease to play," the Baron repeated. - -"I don't care to waste my mornings at the tables," I replied. - -"Superior attractions elsewhere?" - -"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." - -"Why?" - -"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." - -"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." - -"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." - -"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." - -"Delighted," was my answer, and in a few minutes we were cantering -gaily along the heights above Spa. - -Before reaching the charmingly situated restaurant we met with an -accident which nearly cost my companion his life. - -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." - -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. - -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. - -"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. - -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." - -My advice was not given a moment too soon. An opportune blow separated -horse and rider, and benefited both. - -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. - -"That was a novel experience," remarked the Baron as we sipped our -Moulin à Vent? on the verandah of the restaurant. - -"More novel than agreeable," I replied, "it looked all up with you, and -I began to think of your heirs." - -"Ah, they little imagine how near they were to handling my money. Do -you know that my senses were fast leaving me?" - -"Really, and did the dark deeds of your life pass in gloomy procession -before you?" - -"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." - -"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." - -"You would have been considerably inconvenienced, and if not arrested, -you would have found yourself under police surveillance." - -"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." - -"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." - -"Indeed! Are the particulars interesting? If not of a private nature, I -should like to hear them." - -"There is no reason now, whatever there may have been, why I should not -satisfy your curiosity. The narration will not occupy much time." - -"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." - -"It was a lucky thought," I said; "they meant robbing you." - -"Yes, and the idea only entered my mind at the moment of departure, -when I saw the two coats together." - -"Fate was kind to you, but it was a near thing; you mentioned that you -were in deadly peril on another occasion." - -"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." - -"And the daughter you saved; she became your wife?" - -"Not so, alas! When I went back for her she had disappeared." - -"Is that all, Baron?" - -"Not quite. The banker was grateful; I was made a partner in the firm -and received the other daughter in marriage." - -"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?" - -"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." - -"Lucky Baron!" - -"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." - - * * * * * - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - THE CHRISTMAS WINE-HAMPER FRAUD. - - _Advertising pays--giving a Dinner with an object--obtaining the - confidence of the public--an extraordinary bargain--a great swindle._ - - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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:-- - -Proprietor (to shopman)--Much business this morning? - -Shopman--Quiet; very quiet. - -Proprietor--What! No demand for nose machines? - -Shopman--None. - -Proprietor--Nor cork legs? - -Shopman--Not any. - -Proprietor--Very sad! Something must be done. Of course you've got rid -of a number of home knitters? - -Shopman--No! - -Proprietor--Not sold even a baby? - -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. - -Proprietor--Tut, tut! This is dreadful! Heavy expenses and no returns! -_Out with the Canary!_ - -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. - -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 _recherche_ dinners, and mention incidentally -the quality and price of each wine as it is produced on the table. - -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. - -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. - -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.'" - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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! - -The _quality_ had been guaranteed, not the _quantity_! - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - MT FIRST AND ONLY APPEARANCE AS AN AUCTIONEER. - - _The force of Circumstances--An infallible System--Led to - Ruin--Getting Out of One Scrape into Another--A Lucky Escape._ - - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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. - -"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. - -"Fiddlesticks! what nonsense are you up to? It seems to be cheerful -work. Perhaps the spell will be broken if you are disturbed." - -"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." - -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-- - -"Perfect, and a marvel of simplicity!" - -"Not hereditary in the family, I hope?" I asked. "When the attack is on -you, you don't fly at your best friends?" - -"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." - -"Might I suggest," I said, "that you should vary the monotony of the -roulette--_toujours des perdrix_--with a little solitaire. I can -recommend that as a lively game." - -"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." - -"Anything to do with keeping one's temper?" - -"It is a system," he said impressively, "which will break any bank." - -"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." - -"Then the secrets of the world are all used up, and there is nothing -new to be discovered." - -"What do you mean, wise Peter?" - -"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." - -"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." - -"Pooh! so do you, you want to make yourself worse than you are. If -anyone dared, for instance, to malign a certain young lady----" - -"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." - -"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." - -"True! O wise Peter, you speak as if you were quoting the head line of -a copy book." - -"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." - -"Double or quits, I suppose." - -"Nothing of the kind; quite a new idea. The St. Leger is approaching." - -"So is Christmas." - -"But the St. Leger means Doncaster, stupid, and Doncaster implies -roulette in the subscription rooms, and--breaking the bank." - -"Oh, I see now why you are in full practice--getting off superfluous -flesh and laying on muscle." - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -I could not help laughing at the disappointed expression on poor Dodd's -face. - -"It wants looking into," muttered Peter. - -"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. - -"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. - -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 -_Weekly Clarion_. Somers soon returned with a beaming countenance. - -"You have been fortunate?" I said. - -"Yes, but not in the manner you think," answered Somers. - -"But do you see your way out of the difficulty?" - -"Certainly, but it all depends on you." - -"Well, explain. I am ready to do anything." - -"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." - -"You cannot be serious, Somers," I exclaimed. - -"Never more serious in my life." - -"But I have never acted as an auctioneer." - -"That don't matter." - -"But are you aware, my friend, that a licence is necessary, and that -the penalty for not having one is very heavy?" - -"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?" - -"Really, Somers, it is too risky." - -"I'll back it to beat Peter Dodd's idiotic system. This is a certainty. -It means £5." - -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. - -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. - -Towards the end of the sale the real auctioneer made his appearance! - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"In that case, you will excuse me leaving by the back door. I will see -you at the station." - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - THE TWO MYSTERIOUS DOMINOS. - - _Peter Dodd makes another proposal--Carnival time at Boulogne--The - scene in the supper-room--"All's well that ends well."_ - - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Jack," he said, his eyes beaming with the anticipated pleasure, "I'm -going to treat myself to a little holiday." - -"Well, Peter, you have my permission; take care of yourself. Remember -you have given hostages to fortune," I replied. - -"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." - -"I would not have mentioned the pleasant bond, you may be assured, -without a good reason." - -"Stuff and nonsense! What reason?" - -"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?" - -"She would go mad with jealousy. She is bad enough as it is." - -"She loves you immensely, Peter, and you ought to prize such affection. -I hope you will enjoy yourselves." - -"But I am not taking Clara with me." - -My reply was not delivered in words, it was whistled. This form of -answer evidently did not please Peter. - -"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." - -"Relations from the country must be shown a little attention." - -"Especially when they are young and pretty." - -"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." - -"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." - -"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." - -"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?" - -"Not possible, I fear. I ought to have run across last autumn. A man -there owes me a hundred pounds." - -"Why not arrange to come. Kill two birds with one stone. Enjoy the -carnival, draw your money. Away only three days." - -"The 'copy' might be got ready," I answered, "by a night's sitting. But -there is another obstacle." - -"I have made up my mind to take you with me, so you must manage it -somehow. What is the other difficulty?" - -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. - -"That's it," said Peter, pointing with his thumb over his right -shoulder. - -"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?" - -"Not likely. I am depending on you for a satisfactory reason." - -"As usual. To begin with, it will not do to tell our wives we are going -to France." - -"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." - -"Do you transact any business with Liverpool?" I asked. - -"Sometimes. I see your drift." - -"Well, we can pretend to go there, you to see a merchant, and I to -forward the interests of the _Clarion_." - -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." - -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. - -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? - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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! - -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. - -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? - -I was never quite satisfied about the noise outside the door when Peter -Dodd first proposed the unfortunate trip to Boulogne. - -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! - -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! - -Immediate action was necessary to prevent a scene, and I whispered to -Peter as he passed me-- - -"Something serious has happened; take back your partner and come -instantly to me." - -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. - -"That's the nicest girl I have danced with to-night," said Peter, -considerably excited, "but I cannot get her to talk." - -"Come out, you idiot," was all I could say. - -"That is polite, I must observe; Boulogne air is not agreeable to some -people." - -"Tell me, what rubbish have you been talking to your partner, and how -did you manage to get her to waltz with you?" - -"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. - -"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?" - -"Not I, she would not open her mouth, but she is a deuced fine girl." - -"Why, madman, that girl is your own wife; they are both here." - -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. - -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 _Clarion_ 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. - -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. - -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. - -But as I said before, Peter Dodd's ideas have a tendency to lead one -into mischief. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - THE FIFTEEN POSTAGE-STAMP PUZZLE. - - _The two Conspirators--The Destitute state of the Finances--Swindle - concocted--A polite Speech--The golden Harvest._ - - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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:-- - -Fenn--What money have you got? - -Bathurst (turning out his pockets)--There 5s. 3-1/2d.! What have you -got? - -Fenn (opening a purse)--There, only half-a-crown! - -Bathurst--Well, it's no good having ideas if that's the extent of our -capital! - -Fenn--But what is the notion? We must raise money somehow! - -Bathurst--How? Where? If that brute of a horse had only won to-day we -would have been all right. - -Fenn--Can't we go to that tobacconist's shop and have a game of -Napoleon? - -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. - -Fenn--Yes, the marker is all right; but some of the players were -inclined to make remarks. - -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! - -Fenn--But you have not told me your idea. Is it a secret? Perhaps it -requires registration. - -Bathurst--You won't be so cheeky when you find the stamps come rolling -in. - -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! - -Bathurst--Oh, stop your chaff! - -Fenn--Well out with the infallible remedy for filling empty pockets. - -Bathurst--The idea is to advertise to send fifteen disconnected stamps -for twelve connected ones! - -Fenn (starting up and doing a breakdown)--Oh, Jerusalem! that will be -profitable. - -Bathurst--Yes, stupid! The idea is as good as gold. You go and make the -small capital required, and you will see wonders. - -Fenn--But what are the particulars? How is it to be carried out? - -Bathurst--For further particulars see our next. Come along now and play -your best. - -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:-- - -"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.'" - -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! - -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." - -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 _bona fide_ 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." - -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. - -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. - -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! - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - A HEAD DEFEAT; AN ATTEMPT TO WIN THE CAMBRIDGESHIRE. - - _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._ - - -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. - -It all came about in this way. - -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. - -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. - -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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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." - -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. - -Our commission averaged 40 to 1, and we stood to win between us nearly -£80,000. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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! - -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!" - -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. - -"This is very strange about Santorin," she said, at once commencing the -conversation. - -"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." - -"Is not worry sometimes worse than illness?" she continued. - -"I have no doubt of it, Miss Emerson," I replied. "But Mr. Marston is -not in any grave difficulty, I hope?" - -She made no answer to this, but startled me by asking the following -question: - -"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?" - -"What do you mean, Miss Emerson? Without learning more, I scarcely know -how to answer you." - -"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. - -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. - -"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!" - -"Yon don't mean to tell me so, Miss Emerson?" I replied, with some -anxiety. - -"It is so," she continued, still somewhat excited. "And from what I -have heard, it is about Santorin!" - -"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!" - -Miss Emerson hesitated a moment, but seeing how anxious and excited I -was becoming, she resumed: - -"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." - -"How shall I convey my gratitude for such kindness, Miss Emerson?" I -said, with emotion. - -"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!'" - -"Good heavens!" I exclaimed, "who would have thought of such base -treachery!" - -"Yes, and that from your partner!" said the young lady. - -"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. - -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. - -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! - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"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." - -"Perhaps," I said as if in a joke, "you would prefer returning the -scratching order and being paid Mr. Marston's debt." - -"Would I not, if I had the chance," replied the Jew, taking the -valuable slip of paper out of his pocket book. - -This was exactly what I wanted. It was no good proposing to pay unless -the Jew had the scratching order with him. - -"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." - -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. - -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." - -There is little more to tell--the Jew was outwitted, and has kept aloof -from the turf ever since. - -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. - -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. - -Mr. Marston behaved very badly, and I was justified after the -Cambridgeshire in severing all business connections with such a very -unreliable partner. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - - THE STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE AND STRANGER RECOVERY OF THE COUNTESS'S - DIAMONDS. - - _A barefaced robbery--The police at fault--I form a theory--success - crowns my efforts--the restoration of the valuable dressing-case._ - - -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. - -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. - -The affair was in this unsatisfactory state when I happened to run -against D----, one of the smartest officers of the Metropolitan police. - -"Nothing has been heard of the countess's jewellery?" I asked. - -"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." - -"It seems extraordinary; have you formed no opinion?" - -"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." - -"Did none of the less valuable jewellery ever find its way to the -pawnbrokers?" - -"Not a single thing. Everybody has been on the alert, but we are just -as far forward as when we commenced." - -"Your advertisements were peculiarly worded. Did they bring no replies?" - -"Only some ridiculous suggestions." - -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." - -"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." - -"How do you arrive at that conclusion?" I enquired. - -"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." - -"I suppose a woman had no hand in it." - -"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." - -"Tell me," I said, "after the dressing-case disappeared, when did the -next train leave the station." - -"In five minutes. The countess intended to travel by that train, but -the loss of her dressing-case prevented her." - -"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." - -"There is one thing you may be certain about. You have no ordinary -criminal to deal with." - -"I am not quite of your opinion, but if anything comes of my researches -you shall have a portion of the reward." - -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 _Times_ had a leader about one of the -missing stones, which had once been the eye of an idol in India. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -His start of surprise at seeing me again gave me hope. - -"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 -_Morning Post_. He shook like a leaf in a stiff breeze. - -"Who are you?" he nervously inquired. "Are you a detective?" - -"That is my card." - -"Then you don't belong to the police?" - -"Certainly not." - -"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?" - -"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." - -"A fine theory. Suppose it correct, could anything be done to the man -who gave it up?" - -"Nothing whatever." - -"You, perhaps, don't know the law. Are you sure of that?" - -"Quite sure." - -"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." - -He took me into his bedroom, and produced two dressing-cases so -exactly alike I could scarcely distinguish them. - -"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." - -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. - -What he would have done with it had I not appeared on the scene, I -cannot guess. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - CREMORNE: A ROMANCE OF THE DERBY. - - _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._ - - -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. - -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.e._, 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. - -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. - -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. - -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 _nolens volens_. And if I had not been -the victim of a gross fraud, I should have pulled through. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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." - -"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. - -"There must be another book," I suggested, showing the last letter I -had received from the dead man. - -The "doctor" shook his head, saying the agent's wife had searched -everywhere. - -"But this means ruin to me," I whispered. "For Monday's settling I -shall be short of £10,000." - -"My dear sir, I am very sorry; but what can I do?" - -"You see his letter," I said. "What would you advise me to do?" - -"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." - -"But there must be another betting-book," I replied angrily. - -"One would think so, but such does not appear to be the case." - -"I must see his wife," I said hastily. - -"Let me persuade you not to do that. The poor woman is heartbroken. Are -you coming to the funeral?" - -"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." - -"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." - -"Has he died rich?" I asked. - -"No," he replied; "the widow will only have a moderate income, but -there are no children." - -"It is very strange," I continued, "that all these Cremorne bets should -be for 'Jessop.' Where is he to be found?" - -"I have no doubt he will be at the club on Monday." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"I was hard up," he said, "and was obliged to stand to win both ways -over that Derby." - -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. - -"Who was the man buried?" I asked. - -"Nobody! Only some stones! I saw that everything was conducted properly -myself, and often run up to have a look at the grave." - -"But how did you get the certificate?" - -"The 'Red Doctor' managed that!" - -"A nice conspiracy! You know that you settled me! What money am I going -to have?" - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - HOW TO SATISFY ONE'S CREDITORS WITH WASTE PAPER. - - _Payment suspended--Sympathy for the ruined man--An important - letter--How worthless shares enabled a man to deceive his creditors - and make a fortune._ - - -The following unpleasant circular was placed in my hands one morning -some ten years ago:-- - - "Dowgate Hill, E.C., - - "February, 7th, 1870. - -"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., - - +ALFRED GEORGE GIBBS+." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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:-- - -"What a fortunate man is Gibbs. Do you still transact business with -him?" - -"Occasionally," I replied. "Since he dropped speculating on the -Exchange everything has prospered with him, and he is now reputed very -wealthy." - -"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." - -"But you are surely aware that it was his losses on the Stock Exchange -which compelled him to pay 2s. 6d. in the pound." - -"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." - -"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." - -Mr. Murray laughed loudly, and I looked at him in surprise. - -"You have not got a list of his valuable shares?" he asked. - -"I believe I have," I answered; "the accountants' balance sheet -contains one." - -"Bring it here to-morrow and I will meet you. We may be able to make -some money." - -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. - -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-- - -"This is a splendid joke. After deducting the dividend, how much did -you lose by our unfortunate friend?" - -"I had to write off £3,115, and could ill afford it at the time. Why do -you ask?" - -"This is a business matter between us. How much will you stand out of -that sum if I show you how to get it?" - -"I know there is no hope of that; but what would satisfy you?" - -"Will you give me 25 per cent?" - -"Willingly, but what chance is there?" - -"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." - -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. - -"What can I do for you?" he asked, in his blandest manner, pointing to -a chair. - -"I want to see if there is any answer to this letter?" I answered. - -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. - -"On your honour do you know the contents of this letter?" he asked, -hoarsely. - -"I do not." - -"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." - -To this I willingly agreed. It takes a man all his time to look after -his own affairs. - -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. - -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. _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._ - - - - - CHAPTER X. - - LORD SEAMORD'S FALSE FUNERAL. - - _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 never was so astonished in all my life!" said D----, the well known -detective, whom I met accidentally in the Strand. - -"I thought men of your experience were never surprised at anything," -was my answer. - -"But this is such a peculiar, out of the way case." - -"It is not the loss of a dressing-case, then, nor a mysterious murder?" - -"No, a body has unaccountably disappeared from the family vault!" - -"That is an American trick," I replied. "How much money do they want -for the safe return of the corpse?" - -"None at all. Heavy rewards are offered, but without response. It does -not appear to be a case of black-mailing." - -"How, then," I asked, "was it discovered that the corpse had walked?" - -"By an anonymous letter." - -"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." - -"There you are wrong. The writer of the anonymous letter has been -found." - -"Well?" - -"He is a respectable tenant on the deceased man's estate." - -"What explanation does he give?" - -"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"." - -"And how long ago did this happen?" I asked. - -"Three months." - -"Did you confine your advertisements to any particular newspaper? This -is the first I have heard of the occurrence." - -"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." - -"In what hole-and-corner papers did you insert the advertisements?" - -He handed me a slip on which was printed the following:-- - -"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." - -"Did you ever try naming a sum of money?" - -"Yes, first £1,000, and then £5,000." - -"Would the family go higher than that?" - -"I am sure they would. What can the thieves mean?" - -"There is some hidden mystery. You are right in saying the case is -peculiar." - -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. - -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. - -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? - -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. - -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? - -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:-- - -"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." - -A few days afterwards another short paragraph appeared on the subject. -It read as follows:-- - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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? - -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. - -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:-- - -"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." - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - TAKING A MEAN ADVANTAGE OF A FIRE. - - _Important disclosures--The fire at the theatre--The evidence of the - opera glasses--The startling meeting at the Inns of Court Hotel._ - - -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. - -"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. - -"Sit down," I said, "and let us put our heads together. Perhaps a way -may be found out of the maze." - -"Impossible: things have gone too far, and the climax has come to-day. -My bills will be protested." - -"Then you favour me with a visit when your circumstances are desperate -beyond relief." - -"I have been buoyed up with false hopes, but now I must inevitably -sink." - -"There is one thing you have done well--you have kept up appearances; -nobody suspects anything." - -"But at what a cost! For months I have not known what it is to have a -good night's rest." - -"It is entirely a financial difficulty, of course--much?" - -"Yes, and without remedy; the amount is so large. But there is another -dilemma." - -"And what is that?" I enquired; "the other is bad enough." - -"You know I am engaged to Miss Kingston." - -"So I understood. She has money; why not frankly explain your position -to her father, and, if there is no objection, marry her." - -"I have just posted a letter resigning her hand." - -"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." - -"But I could not marry Miss Kingston, even if she were willing." - -"Another complication. I knew you had a talent for getting into -scrapes." - -"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." - -"And not ashamed to own it?" - -"If you knew our histories you would pity us. We are separated by a -cruel wrong." - -"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." - -"Her grandfather." - -"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." - -"I have reason to believe she does." - -"Well, you won't get absolution from me. You are a bad as well as an -unfortunate man, Mr. Augustus Graham." - -"If you only knew everything you would, I am sure, think differently of -both of us." - -"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." - -"Don't judge us so harshly without a hearing." - -"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 _A_ of this skeleton case, and -Mrs. Murray the _B_. 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?" - -"I tried hard, but it was all in vain." - -"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?" - -"Yes, you can lend me--your opera glasses." - -"Is that all? Keeping it up to the end--going to the theatre?" - -"Yes, will you come? I have a box; I am taking Mr. and Mrs. Murray." - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"So you don't recollect me?" he said with a laugh. - -"I have not that pleasure," I answered. "A client, I presume." - -"Why, Jim, you are more stupid than I thought; has ten years made such -a difference in your old schoolfellow, Augustus Graham?" - -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. - -"My wife!" he said. - -"We are old acquaintances," said the lady, smilingly. - -It was Mrs. Murray, looking as beautiful as she did ten years before. - -"So you did not perish in the theatre that night, after all?" - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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-- - -"We have often laughed over your evidence in the _Scotsman_. We are -deeply indebted to you. You settled us both in the most conclusive -manner. By the way, I owe you some recompense." - -"What for?" - -"I kept the programme, but sacrificed your glasses." - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - THE ATTEMPTED MURDER IN THE AIR. - - _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._ - - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -One of the first things he said to me was-- - -"Life is not worth much up here." - -I agreed with him that we were running some extra risk, and added that -I hoped the construction of the balloon was not deficient. - -"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." - -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. - -"You have faced death before?" he asked abruptly. - -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. - -This answer seemed to enrage him, for at once exclaimed in a passionate -voice-- - -"Toujours les dames. Is it true you are so fortunate?" - -"Report credits me with more than my due. Like other men roving about -Europe, I have had my adventures." - -His next question startled me, and I began to suspect that there was -something wrong. - -"What do you think of my wife?" was what he asked. - -"That you are a man to be envied." - -"But that it not the answer. Do you think her pretty?" - -"There can be no doubt of that." - -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. - -"You admire her very much?" - -"No one can help admiring her," I answered. - -"I never could understand why you did not marry her." - -"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." - -"What did I bring you here for?" - -"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. - -"What I have to say is better without witnesses. Here I can be judge -and executioner." - -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. - -"She would have married you. She thinks nobody like you," he began -again. - -"I tell you I never thought of her as my wife. What possesses you, -Green, to speak to me in this absurd fashion?" - -"Jealousy--revenge," he hissed, and I could just perceive him playing -with something which looked disagreeably like a knife. - -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! - -"We will make for the sea," he muttered to himself. "One thrust, and -over he goes." - -"Not if I know it," I thought. "There will be a little discussion -before that undesirable end is attained." - -"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. - -"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!" - -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. - -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. - -With the dawn of morning workpeople came over the Brighton Downs and -assisted me to secure the Sunbeam and her poor demented owner. - -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! - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - MY TWO MATCHES, OR WATERLOO AVENGED. - - _A man with a history--Was it murder?--Clotilde avenges Waterloo--The - winner of the Two Thousand makes a good hack._ - - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -This Monsieur H----, with a history in the background, kept a small -hotel at a French watering place. - -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. - -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. - -If it had not been for this horse this narrative would not have been -written. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -It was one night at a supper the match between our nags was first -mooted. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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 _Journal du Nord_. - -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. - -They managed to ruffle my temper to a considerable extent, and I -impatiently waited an opportunity to be revenged. - -"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. - -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. - -One morning about ten days after the dispatch of my letter a telegram -from Clarence intimated that he had been successful. - -"Have sent what you want by to-day's tidal train, particulars by post," -he said. - -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 -_voiture_, and said if I had given more than £10 for the ugly brute I -had been swindled. - -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. - -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. - -"So sorry you have been imposed upon with that brute," he remarked. "I -wanted to give you your revenge." - -"Nevermind my horse's appearance," I replied. "If you really wish -another contest, we are ready." - -"You mean that? At double the stakes if you like." - -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. - -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. - -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 _Journal -du Nord_ 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. - -"What the deuce have you got there?" asked an English officer, after -the race. - -"Only a winner of the Two Thousand," was my somewhat astonishing but -truthful answer. - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - UNFORTUNATE POSTAGE-STAMP. - - _A street acquaintance--The fascinating widow--Fatal - marriage--Marrying another man's wife--A question of damages--Lucky - hit at Ascot._ - - -"Do you know that you have married my wife?" - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Congratulate me, old fellow," he said, bouncing into my office, with -an open note in his hand; "I have won the prize." - -"I am very glad; how much is it." I knew well enough what he meant, and -was sorry to hear the news. - -"It is not a prize in the French lottery; something immeasurably -superior to money." - -"A castle on the Rhine, with the title of Baron attached to it?" - -"No, stupid; you are extra dull this morning; the incomparable prize is -Mrs. Selby." - -"Oh, the widow," I remarked; "so all mysteries have been explained." - -"I don't know what you mean; the mysteries, as you call them originated -in your own suspicious mind." - -"Then tell me who is she after all. As you are going to marry her, of -course you know everything?" - -"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?" - -"Then you have been introduced to her relations?" - -"What are you driving at? I know her friends." - -"I said _relations_." - -"She has not got any; so much the better for me." - -"Perhaps; but if I stood in your shoes I should like to be posted up a -little more about my wife's antecedents." - -"I am satisfied, and that is everything." - -"Certainly; no offence, you know. You will be a rich man now, I -suppose." - -"What do you mean?" - -"I presume the expensive establishment at Brompton is not kept up on -nothing--your widow must have lots of money." - -"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." - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Where is he? He has not been here since yesterday," she exclaimed, -clutching hold of me and bursting into a flood of tears. - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -"Well, Mr. Selby, it is a great misfortune to all parties. What do you -propose to do?" I asked. - -"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." - -"As you are the lawful husband, I will undertake that Mr. Drummond -relinquishes all his claims." - -"But that will not be sufficient; he has done me a great injury and -must compensate me for it." - -"Your captivity has not bettered your fortunes, Mr. Selby." - -"On the contrary, ruined me." - -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-- - -"How much do you want? You must remember that my friend is a -comparatively poor man." - -"A thousand pounds," was the startling answer. - -"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. _He_, at all events, acted in good faith." - -"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." - -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. - -"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." - -"What is the proposal?" - -"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." - -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. - -"Well, Mr. Selby," I said, rising and taking up my hat, "I can make no -addition to my offer." - -"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." - -"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." - -"No compensation will ever heal the wound, but for my wife's sake I -will take the money." - - * * * * * - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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." - -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. - -"How much Jasper?" I asked a prominent member of the ring. - -"Hundred to three," was the answer. - -"Put it down seven times," I said, and I handed the bookmaker -twenty-one pounds. - -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. - -"The favourite's beat," was soon proclaimed, and several gentlemen -shouted, "Steel, Nicholls, what against Jasper?" - -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. - -Lucky shilling! - -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. - - * * * * * - -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. - - - - - The Silver Gauntlet. - - A STORY OF THE TURF. - - _In Four Chapters._ - - - - - CHAPTER I. - - _An Introduction to Billy Platt._ - - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -The new race was to be run over three miles of a fair hunting country, -gentlemen riders. - -At this palpable challenge of beauty every eligible man in the country, -who had a decent horse, was eager to try his fortune. - -The large field of fifteen or sixteen competitors was expected, and -already there had been some heavy wagering at the clubs. - -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. - -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. - -It was the first and last Silver Gauntlet ever contested for on the -Wincastle Downs. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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?" - -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)-- - -"I cannot hear myself speak with this infernal clatter. Come upstairs -to my sitting-room." - -"Later on would suit me better. I have an appointment," replied -Moordown, edging away. - -"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." - -"It is now seven; I will come back at nine if it is important." - -"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." - -"Lead the way then," said Moordown, evidently anything but pleased at -his capture. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - _Billy Platt shows his hand, and receives an unexpected but - well-deserved blow._ - - -"Have you any idea how much you owe me?" asked Platt, as soon as the -sitting-room door was shut. - -"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. - -"Some people would think it a large amount, but it is a mere flea-bite -to you rich landowners." - -"What is the total?" - -"£1725, and I want the money." - -"It is more than I thought, but never mind, Billy, you shall have it, -every penny." - -"When?" - -"I have no money to spare at present, but my turn of luck will come if -you are only patient with me." - -"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." - -"That is unreasonable. You don't suppose I walk about with such a sum -of money in my possession?" - -"Have it I must. Why not get some of your friends to advance it? I have -heard that great people always oblige one another." - -"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." - -"What's its name?" - -"Highdrift." - -"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." - -"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." - -"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?" - -"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." - -"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." - -"What the devil do you mean, man?" asked Moordown, getting rapidly into -a passion, and rising hastily from his chair. - -"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." - -"Scoundrel! take that," was Moordown's answer to these equitable -proposals, as he drove his right between Billy's eyes. - -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. - -"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?" - -"Somebody who will very soon rue it. Who should it be but the owner of -Highdrift, the great Mr. Moordown?" - -"You don't mean to say he has been foolish enough to quarrel with you?" - -"It is just what he has done. He might have paid his debt first, don't -you think?" - -"Certainly. I never was so surprised. Did you explain things properly? -Would he not listen to reason?" - -"I at last told him plainly enough, and the moment he understood it he -knocked me down." - -"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." - -"I did my best, Sir Hew; but nothing is lost as yet." - -"Everything is very uncertain. What will you do now?" - -"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." - -"And to-morrow. How will you proceed?" - -"Never mind, I have arranged it. Highdrift won't trouble you." - -"Suppose he finds the money. Is it much?" - -"£1,725." - -"Impossible for him to get that sum." - -"I thought so. With Moordown out of the hunt you will, I suppose, about -pull through. I have made a book for your horse." - -"I only fear Highdrift. Keep him harmless and you will win your money." - -"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." - -"Keep to your compact, Billy, and I will have a good try for the double -event." - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - _A Woman comes to the Rescue._ - - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"When I left him a few minutes ago," he said, "he was as well as any -horse in England." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Truant," she exclaimed, with an enchanting smile, and striking him a -smart blow on the shoulder with her fan. "Why have you deserted me?" - -"I was not vain enough to think I would be missed." - -"You were in error. I have come in quest of you." - -"I wish I could believe that, flatterer." - -"You may; it is the truth. I was really anxious about you. Now tell me -everything. What is the matter with Highdrift?" - -"Nothing whatever; the horse was never better." - -"Then what means these scandalous reports?" - -"All I can say is that I don't originate them." - -"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?" - -There was no reply. - -"You must answer me," putting her hand on his arm. "This concerns your -honour." - -"I cannot tell you." - -"But you must," stamping her little foot, "Is it money?" - -"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." - -"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. - -Moordown did not feel so depressed after this interview. - -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. - -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:-- - -6 to 4 agst Sir Hew Mainfly's Springtrap (taken). - -5--2--Lord Piershore's Eye of Night (taken). - -5--1--Col. Heapland's Idol (taken and offered.) - -8--1--Capt. Moretown's Conqueror (t. freely). - -12--1--Mr. Moordown's Highdrift (offered). - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Has he paid you?" he asked Platt before he had well got into the room. - -"Not a sixpence, and here is another creditor who is acting with me. -The documents are ready for the stewards." - -"Then what the devil means this reaction in the betting?" - -"I have not the least idea, Sir Hew. Who is Captain Wardlock?" - -"An intimate friends of Moordown's, and a dangerous man. He is not -working in the dark." - -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. - -"In good company, Sir Hew," said Moordown sarcastically. - -"Like you, I have some business with Platt." - -"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." - -"If I had not been so short, Mr. Moordown, I would not have troubled -you. No inconvenience I hope." - -"If you ever presume to speak to me again, you know from last night -what to expect." - -"As you are settling with everybody, Mr. Moordown, you may as well pay -me my small claim," said Platt's friend. - -"Certainly. How much is it?" - -"Only £145." - -"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. - -"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. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - _Broken bones and successful love._ - - -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. - -"Where on earth did he get the money?" - -"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. - -"Nonsense! I don't believe a word of it; but where the cash came from -is a mystery," said Sir Hew. - -"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." - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -We who are behind the scenes know that Airton's proximity to Moordown -bodes no good to the latter. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -The baronet never spoke more. When picked up it was discovered that his -neck was broken. - -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. - -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. - - * * * * * - -On the following forenoon an interview took place at the Castle between -the duchess and Mr. Moordown. - -"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?" - -"You want to be put to the test, do you?" - -"Nothing could please me better. I only hope it will be something -difficult." - -"Tremendous!" she answered, laughing and blushing; and raising him from -his kneeling position; "nothing short of a life-test." - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - - MY REVENGE AT BILLIARDS. - - _Enticed to Liverpool with a Burlesque Troupe--The comic Murderers--a - nice Amateur--the unknown Friend--the Champion of England._ - - -"Look here, Jack, you know Pattie Hastings?" said Horace Brown, as he -entered my apartments hurriedly one morning. - -"I have certainly set eyes on that young lady," I replied. "She is not -here?" - -"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!" - -"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?" - -"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!" - -"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?" - -"I don't know. But I say, Jack, you are not bad friends with Pattie?" - -"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." - -"I see," said Brown, "you are in one of your 'waiting-to-be-fed' moods; -it is no good asking a favour." - -"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." - -"It is not money," said Brown. "I want you to come to Liverpool with -me." - -"To Liverpool!" said I. "Why not San Francisco? In queer street, eh? -Pressing business abroad, I suppose?" - -"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." - -"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 -_écarté_. Well, all right; I will take pity on you. When does this -burlesque eclipse take place?" - -"We start by the nine o'clock train to-morrow morning," said Brown. - -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. - -Notwithstanding that I play a more than an average game, I happened to -meet my match that night. - -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. - -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." - -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. - -"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!" - -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. - -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. - -"I think we are fairly matched," said my modest friend. "How many would -you have the conscience to ask?" - -"Can you give me ten in a hundred?" - -"Impossible," replied my opponent. "I might as well give you the game." - -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! - -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! - -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. - -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. - -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! - -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! - -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." - -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. - -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. - - - - - SECRETS OF A MATRIMONIAL AGENCY. - - -"You have saved my life." - -"Nonsense," I answered; "the scoundrels were cowards and bolted the -moment I came in sight." - -"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!" - -"Valuables safe?" I asked. - -The man felt his pockets. - -"Lost my watch and chain," he said. "Easily replaced; but, if they had -taken my life, who would have carried out my mission?" - -"Your mission? May I inquire the nature of it?" - -"You may; it is to make men and women happy." - -"I understand; you preach." - -"Quite wrong; I practise." - -"You mystify me." - -"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." - -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. - -"Very commendable," I said; "but I am still in the dark as to how you -attain such desirable ends." - -"Of course you are, my worthy friend; but I hope to enlighten you. -Answer me one question; are you single--a bachelor?" - -"I am, and in no hurry to call any woman my wife." - -"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?" - -"If it's in my power," I replied. - -"There is my card; dine with me to-morrow at 7." - -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. - -His card bore the address, "Mr. Albert Dove, 1090, Finsbury Square, -E.C." - -The foregoing conversation took place on the Thames Embankment, near -Waterloo Bridge, one stormy night in March of the present year. - -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. - -This chance encounter made me acquainted with a new phase of life -abounding in striking scenes touching most notes of the gamut of -existence. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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-- - -"You will have great pleasure in becoming acquainted with the gentleman -who saved my life." - -"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?" - -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. - -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. - -"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. - -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. - -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. - -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? - -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. - -"An odd collection," was her first remark. - -Presuming that she referred to the numerous pictures hanging round the -room, I replied-- - -"They do look curious. Good and bad, I suppose. Are they all English?" - -This commonplace answer made her laugh. - -"There are a few doubtful specimens among the French, but the most -reputable are the English," she said. - -"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." - -Unknown to myself, I must have said something very funny, for Miss -Bertram could not control her laughter. - -"Does not our host get imposed on sometimes by worthless rubbish?" I -asked. - -When she could stop giggling she said-- - -"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." - -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. - -"Does he make it the business of his life to pick up these splendid -specimens?" I asked. - -"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." - -"I would not hurt his feelings for the world. Is he interested in the -speculation?" - -"He is after the Queen of Sheba; the one with the bird of Paradise -feather." - -"After the Queen of Sheba, is he? Then there is a sale occasionally?" - -"There is, but we call it by a different name, though it comes to much -the same thing in the end." - -"The specimens are, perhaps, disposed of privately to avoid the -publicity of the auction-room." - -The girl burst into an uncontrollable fit of laughter, which drew -attention to us. - -"Glad you are enjoying yourself," called out Mr. Dove to me; "a glass -of wine with you." - -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. - -"Tell me the joke, and I will laugh, too," I whispered to my fair -friend. - -"Is this your first visit?" she asked, as if an idea had just occurred -to her. - -"The first." - -"What are the symptoms? Are you an admirer of the classic, and is it -blonde or brunette?" - -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! - -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. - -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. - -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-- - -"Is it a very bad attack?" - -It is necessary to humour mad people, so I replied-- - -"Not very; I feel quite myself at times." - -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-- - -"Don't despair; have confidence in the doctor." - -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. - -"Yes, go with the colonel," Mr. Dove said; "you have time for a game -before the dancing commences." - -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. - -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. - -"A good dance makes people cheerful, and assists my cause," he -remarked, as he waltzed past me. - -"Many a happy wife has occasion to bless the Blue Danube," he whispered -on another occasion. - -"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. - -"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." - -Until the circumstances were cleared up a bit I considered it advisable -not to dance with Miss Bertram or any other lady. - - * * * * * - -It was a new experience, and I could not be too cautious. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -In other words, the place was a +MATRIMONIAL AGENCY+. - - - - - CRUEL WORK OF AN INTIMATE FRIEND. - - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -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: - -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:-- - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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 _his_ -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. - -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?" - -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. - -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. - -"My darling," she whispered, "you have come at last!" - -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-- - -"Beloved one!" - -"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." - -"Woman!" he exclaimed, horrified, "what do I hear? I am your husband." - -She uttered a startled cry, jumped apart from him, and fled. - -At this moment the gate clicked, and a footstep approached. - -"He has returned! run for your life!" called out the wife from the -shrubbery. - -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. - -The dazed and maddened husband quickly followed, but Marshall was not -to be seen, and he did not return to his apartments that night. - -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. - -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. - -"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. - -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. - -Not the slightest trace of Sydney Marshall, dead or alive, had been -discovered. - -The official report to the Home Secretary was based on these details, -which I have curtailed as much as possible. - -Whether they came at a wrong time or not, the petitions in favour of a -commutation of the sentence were unsuccessful. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Why were you there?" I demanded, pointing to the gaol. - -"As I was never safe until he was dead, I wished to see the last of -him." - -"But how did you obtain an entrance?" I asked. - -"Easily enough. I induced a Brighton reporter to let me take his place." - -"Do you think Fraser recognised you?" - -"I am sure he did." - -"Hanging would be too good for you!" I said. - -The villain was tired of my examination. What could have been done with -him if I had detained him? - -Several years have passed since then, but, directly or indirectly, I -have heard nothing more of Sydney Marshall. - -It was some consolation for Fraser's heartbroken parents to know that -the prisoner was guiltless of murder. - -The notoriety was too much for the Evans' family, and with their frail -daughter they emigrated to Buenos Ayres. - - - - - THE MISSING "RAJAH" DIAMOND. - - -About ten days or a fortnight after Fraser met his sad fate, I was -summoned to the private room of the chief. - -"Have you anything particular in hand?" he asked. - -"Nothing, chief," I replied. - -"Then you are really disengaged? The matter I am going to entrust you -with must be inquired into with the utmost circumspection." - -"I will be extra careful." - -"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." - -"Yes, chief, it would be difficult to dispose of a stone of that value." - -"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." - -"And when was it missed? Yesterday?" - -"No; a week ago." - -"As long as that?" - -"Yes. You see Lady B---- was of opinion that the stone would be -replaced in the safe." - -"How could that possibly happen?" - -"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." - -"But why not ask him?" - -"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." - -"Her ladyship could give you no clue?" - -"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." - -"I will do my best, chief." - -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. - -Arrayed in frock coat and a tall hat, I presented myself at the town -house at four o'clock. - -"Her ladyship in?" I asked. - -"I will see," replied the man servant. "What name?" - -I produced my card-- - - "+MR. ROBERT CHARRINGTON+, - Sanitary Inspector," - -and on it in writing, "By appointment." - -"Her ladyship does not recollect your name, but will you walk upstairs?" - -On being ushered into Lady B---- 's presence and when the footman had -retired, she came forward and said-- - -"I expected someone--from Scotland Yard." - -"Quite right, my lady; here is a note from my chief." - -"Of course you understand that this is quite a private matter at -present. I think the stone has been mislaid--not stolen." - -"Does your ladyship suspect no one?" - -"Only my husband. He has the jewellery out frequently to dust, and he -is a little forgetful." - -"Does no one assist his lordship on these occasions?" - -"He is either alone or I am with him." - -"There are two keys, I believe; can the safe be opened without the -production of both?" - -"One is sufficient, but you must have the 'word.'" - -"The 'word,' madam?" - -"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." - -"Have you any system in changing the 'word?'" - -"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." - -"Can the diamond have fallen into wrong hands?" - -"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." - -"Then the loss of this stone is well known in your ladyship's -household?" - -"On the contrary, it is quite a secret." - -"Your maid knows?" - -"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." - -"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?" - -"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." - -"When did your ladyship last see the diamond?" - -"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.'" - -"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." - -"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." - -"Thanks from you, my lady, would be a sufficient reward." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -As the opportunity occurred, I made a minute search in the room -occupied by his lordship, but without any success. - -"Rather dull here," I said to Lord B---- 's confidential servant one -day. "You could do with a little amusement." - -"That we could, sir," he said. "Times are changed since his lordship -became an invalid." - -"You were not accustomed in former times to let the grass grow under -your feet?" - -"That we did not. We went the pace and no mistake." - -"You have been a long time with Lord B----?" - -"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." - -"Gay, eh?" - -"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." - -"Lord B---- must now find time hang heavily on his hands. How does he -amuse himself?" - -"When he is able, he walks a great deal. If the day is at all fine, he -generally goes as far as Oakshot Farm." - -"An old flame?" - -"People said so," he replied, with a laugh. - -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. - -"What makes you think Lord B---- is failing rapidly?" I asked. - -"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." - -"Well?" - -"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?" - -"A little wrong," and I touched my forehead. - -"Just what I thought." - -"Is that the bit of glass?" I asked, taking up the glittering morsel, -which was being thrown from one child to the other. - -"It is; a shilling would have been of more use." - -"The children shall not be disappointed. I will give them a shilling -each for it." - -"You are robbing yourself, sir," she said, "and I am sure you are -welcome to the milk." - -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. - - THE END - [Illustration] - - - - - -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 61877-0.txt or 61877-0.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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