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diff --git a/8394-h/8394-h.htm b/8394-h/8394-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8a90f2f --- /dev/null +++ b/8394-h/8394-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,5224 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Doings of Raffles Haw, by Arthur Conan Doyle + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's The Doings Of Raffles Haw, by Arthur Conan Doyle + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Doings Of Raffles Haw + +Author: Arthur Conan Doyle + +Release Date: March 11, 2009 [EBook #8394] +Last Updated: March 6, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DOINGS OF RAFFLES HAW *** + + + + +Produced by Lionel G. Sear, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE DOINGS OF RAFFLES HAW + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Arthur Conan Doyle + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <table summary=""> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </td> + <td> + A DOUBLE ENIGMA + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </td> + <td> + THE TENANT OF THE NEW HALL + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </td> + <td> + A HOUSE OF WONDERS + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </td> + <td> + FROM CLIME TO CLIME + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </td> + <td> + LAURA'S REQUEST + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </td> + <td> + A STRANGE VISITOR + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </td> + <td> + THE WORKINGS OF WEALTH + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </td> + <td> + A BILLIONAIRE'S PLANS + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </td> + <td> + A NEW DEPARTURE + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </td> + <td> + THE GREAT SECRET + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </td> + <td> + A CHEMICAL DEMONSTRATION + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </td> + <td> + A FAMILY JAR + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </td> + <td> + A MIDNIGHT VENTURE + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </td> + <td> + THE SPREAD OF THE BLIGHT + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </td> + <td> + THE GREATER SECRET + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. A DOUBLE ENIGMA. + </h2> + <p> + “I'm afraid that he won't come,” said Laura McIntyre, in a disconsolate + voice. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, look at the weather; it is something too awful.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke a whirl of snow beat with a muffled patter against the cosy + red-curtained window, while a long blast of wind shrieked and whistled + through the branches of the great white-limbed elms which skirted the + garden. + </p> + <p> + Robert McIntyre rose from the sketch upon which he had been working, and + taking one of the lamps in his hand peered out into the darkness. The long + skeleton limbs of the bare trees tossed and quivered dimly amid the + whirling drift. His sister sat by the fire, her fancy-work in her lap, and + looked up at her brothers profile which showed against the brilliant + yellow light. It was a handsome face, young and fair and clear cut, with + wavy brown hair combed backwards and rippling down into that outward curve + at the ends which one associates with the artistic temperament. There was + refinement too in his slightly puckered eyes, his dainty gold-rimmed <i>pince-nez</i> + glasses, and in the black velveteen coat which caught the light so richly + upon its shoulder. In his mouth only there was something—a suspicion + of coarseness, a possibility of weakness—which in the eyes of some, + and of his sister among them, marred the grace and beauty of his features. + Yet, as he was wont himself to say, when one thinks that each poor mortal + is heir to a legacy of every evil trait or bodily taint of so vast a line + of ancestors, lucky indeed is the man who does not find that Nature has + scored up some long-owing family debt upon his features. + </p> + <p> + And indeed in this case the remorseless creditor had gone so far as to + exact a claim from the lady also, though in her case the extreme beauty of + the upper part of the face drew the eye away from any weakness which might + be found in the lower. She was darker than her brother—so dark that + her heavily coiled hair seemed to be black until the light shone slantwise + across it. The delicate, half-petulant features, the finely traced brows, + and the thoughtful, humorous eyes were all perfect in their way, and yet + the combination left something to be desired. There was a vague sense of a + flaw somewhere, in feature or in expression, which resolved itself, when + analysed, into a slight out-turning and droop of the lower lip; small + indeed, and yet pronounced enough to turn what would have been a beautiful + face into a merely pretty one. Very despondent and somewhat cross she + looked as she leaned back in the armchair, the tangle of bright-coloured + silks and of drab holland upon her lap, her hands clasped behind her head, + with her snowy forearms and little pink elbows projecting on either side. + </p> + <p> + “I know he won't come,” she repeated. + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense, Laura! Of course he'll come. A sailor and afraid of the + weather!” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” She raised her finger, and a smile of triumph played over her face, + only to die away again into a blank look of disappointment. “It is only + papa,” she murmured. + </p> + <p> + A shuffling step was heard in the hall, and a little peaky man, with his + slippers very much down at the heels, came shambling into the room. Mr. + McIntyre, sen., was pale and furtive-looking, with a thin straggling red + beard shot with grey, and a sunken downcast face. Ill-fortune and + ill-health had both left their marks upon him. Ten years before he had + been one of the largest and richest gunmakers in Birmingham, but a long + run of commercial bad luck had sapped his great fortune, and had finally + driven him into the Bankruptcy Court. The death of his wife on the very + day of his insolvency had filled his cup of sorrow, and he had gone about + since with a stunned, half-dazed expression upon his weak pallid face + which spoke of a mind unhinged. So complete had been his downfall that the + family would have been reduced to absolute poverty were it not for a small + legacy of two-hundred a year which both the children had received from one + of their uncles upon the mother's side who had amassed a fortune in + Australia. By combining their incomes, and by taking a house in the quiet + country district of Tamfield, some fourteen miles from the great Midland + city, they were still able to live with some approach to comfort. The + change, however, was a bitter one to all—to Robert, who had to + forego the luxuries dear to his artistic temperament, and to think of + turning what had been merely an overruling hobby into a means of earning a + living; and even more to Laura, who winced before the pity of her old + friends, and found the lanes and fields of Tamfield intolerably dull after + the life and bustle of Edgbaston. Their discomfort was aggravated by the + conduct of their father, whose life now was one long wail over his + misfortunes, and who alternately sought comfort in the Prayer-book and in + the decanter for the ills which had befallen him. + </p> + <p> + To Laura, however, Tamfield presented one attraction, which was now about + to be taken from her. Their choice of the little country hamlet as their + residence had been determined by the fact of their old friend, the + Reverend John Spurling, having been nominated as the vicar. Hector + Spurling, the elder son, two months Laura's senior, had been engaged to + her for some years, and was, indeed, upon the point of marrying her when + the sudden financial crash had disarranged their plans. A sub-lieutenant + in the Navy, he was home on leave at present, and hardly an evening passed + without his making his way from the Vicarage to Elmdene, where the + McIntyres resided. To-day, however, a note had reached them to the effect + that he had been suddenly ordered on duty, and that he must rejoin his + ship at Portsmouth by the next evening. He would look in, were it but for + half-an-hour, to bid them adieu. + </p> + <p> + “Why, where's Hector?” asked Mr. McIntyre, blinking round from side to + side. + </p> + <p> + “He's not come, father. How could you expect him to come on such a night + as this? Why, there must be two feet of snow in the glebe field.” + </p> + <p> + “Not come, eh?” croaked the old man, throwing himself down upon the sofa. + “Well, well, it only wants him and his father to throw us over, and the + thing will be complete.” + </p> + <p> + “How can you even hint at such a thing, father?” cried Laura indignantly. + “They have been as true as steel. What would they think if they heard + you.” + </p> + <p> + “I think, Robert,” he said, disregarding his daughter's protest, “that I + will have a drop, just the very smallest possible drop, of brandy. A mere + thimbleful will do; but I rather think I have caught cold during the + snowstorm to-day.” + </p> + <p> + Robert went on sketching stolidly in his folding book, but Laura looked up + from her work. + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid there is nothing in the house, father,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Laura! Laura!” He shook his head as one more in sorrow than in anger. + “You are no longer a girl, Laura; you are a woman, the manager of a + household, Laura. We trust in you. We look entirely towards you. And yet + you leave your poor brother Robert without any brandy, to say nothing of + me, your father. Good heavens, Laura! what would your mother have said? + Think of accidents, think of sudden illness, think of apoplectic fits, + Laura. It is a very grave res—a very grave response—a very + great risk that you run.” + </p> + <p> + “I hardly touch the stuff,” said Robert curtly; “Laura need not provide + any for me.” + </p> + <p> + “As a medicine it is invaluable, Robert. To be used, you understand, and + not to be abused. That's the whole secret of it. But I'll step down to the + Three Pigeons for half an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear father,” cried the young man “you surely are not going out upon + such a night. If you must have brandy could I not send Sarah for some? + Please let me send Sarah; or I would go myself, or—” + </p> + <p> + Pip! came a little paper pellet from his sister's chair on to the + sketch-book in front of him! He unrolled it and held it to the light. + </p> + <p> + “For Heaven's sake let him go!” was scrawled across it. + </p> + <p> + “Well, in any case, wrap yourself up warm,” he continued, laying bare his + sudden change of front with a masculine clumsiness which horrified his + sister. “Perhaps it is not so cold as it looks. You can't lose your way, + that is one blessing. And it is not more than a hundred yards.” + </p> + <p> + With many mumbles and grumbles at his daughter's want of foresight, old + McIntyre struggled into his great-coat and wrapped his scarf round his + long thin throat. A sharp gust of cold wind made the lamps flicker as he + threw open the hall-door. His two children listened to the dull fall of + his footsteps as he slowly picked out the winding garden path. + </p> + <p> + “He gets worse—he becomes intolerable,” said Robert at last. “We + should not have let him out; he may make a public exhibition of himself.” + </p> + <p> + “But it's Hector's last night,” pleaded Laura. “It would be dreadful if + they met and he noticed anything. That was why I wished him to go.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you were only just in time,” remarked her brother, “for I hear the + gate go, and—yes, you see.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke a cheery hail came from outside, with a sharp rat-tat at the + window. Robert stepped out and threw open the door to admit a tall young + man, whose black frieze jacket was all mottled and glistening with snow + crystals. Laughing loudly he shook himself like a Newfoundland dog, and + kicked the snow from his boots before entering the little lamplit room. + </p> + <p> + Hector Spurling's profession was written in every line of his face. The + clean-shaven lip and chin, the little fringe of side whisker, the straight + decisive mouth, and the hard weather-tanned cheeks all spoke of the Royal + Navy. Fifty such faces may be seen any night of the year round the + mess-table of the Royal Naval College in Portsmouth Dockyard—faces + which bear a closer resemblance to each other than brother does commonly + to brother. They are all cast in a common mould, the products of a system + which teaches early self-reliance, hardihood, and manliness—a fine + type upon the whole; less refined and less intellectual, perhaps, than + their brothers of the land, but full of truth and energy and heroism. In + figure he was straight, tall, and well-knit, with keen grey eyes, and the + sharp prompt manner of a man who has been accustomed both to command and + to obey. + </p> + <p> + “You had my note?” he said, as he entered the room. “I have to go again, + Laura. Isn't it a bore? Old Smithers is short-handed, and wants me back at + once.” He sat down by the girl, and put his brown hand across her white + one. “It won't be a very large order this time,” he continued. “It's the + flying squadron business—Madeira, Gibraltar, Lisbon, and home. I + shouldn't wonder if we were back in March.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems only the other day that you landed.” she answered. + </p> + <p> + “Poor little girl! But it won't be long. Mind you take good care of her, + Robert when I am gone. And when I come again, Laura, it will be the last + time mind! Hang the money! There are plenty who manage on less. We need + not have a house. Why should we? You can get very nice rooms in Southsea + at 2 pounds a week. McDougall, our paymaster, has just married, and he + only gives thirty shillings. You would not be afraid, Laura?” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed.” + </p> + <p> + “The dear old governor is so awfully cautious. Wait, wait, wait, that's + always his cry. I tell him that he ought to have been in the Government + Heavy Ordnance Department. But I'll speak to him tonight. I'll talk him + round. See if I don't. And you must speak to your own governor. Robert + here will back you up. And here are the ports and the dates that we are + due at each. Mind that you have a letter waiting for me at every one.” + </p> + <p> + He took a slip of paper from the side pocket of his coat, but, instead of + handing it to the young lady, he remained staring at it with the utmost + astonishment upon his face. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I never!” he exclaimed. “Look here, Robert; what do you call this?” + </p> + <p> + “Hold it to the light. Why, it's a fifty-pound Bank of England note. + Nothing remarkable about it that I can see.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary. It's the queerest thing that ever happened to me. I + can't make head or tail of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, then, Hector,” cried Miss McIntyre with a challenge in her eyes. + “Something very queer happened to me also to-day. I'll bet a pair of + gloves that my adventure was more out of the common than yours, though I + have nothing so nice to show at the end of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, I'll take that, and Robert here shall be the judge.” + </p> + <p> + “State your cases.” The young artist shut up his sketch-book, and rested + his head upon his hands with a face of mock solemnity. “Ladies first! Go + along Laura, though I think I know something of your adventure already.” + </p> + <p> + “It was this morning, Hector,” she said. “Oh, by the way, the story will + make you wild. I had forgotten that. However, you mustn't mind, because, + really, the poor fellow was perfectly mad.” + </p> + <p> + “What on earth was it?” asked the young officer, his eyes travelling from + the bank-note to his <i>fiancee</i>. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it was harmless enough, and yet you will confess it was very queer. I + had gone out for a walk, but as the snow began to fall I took shelter + under the shed which the workmen have built at the near end of the great + new house. The men have gone, you know, and the owner is supposed to be + coming to-morrow, but the shed is still standing. I was sitting there upon + a packing-case when a man came down the road and stopped under the same + shelter. He was a quiet, pale-faced man, very tall and thin, not much more + than thirty, I should think, poorly dressed, but with the look and bearing + of a gentleman. He asked me one or two questions about the village and the + people, which, of course, I answered, until at last we found ourselves + chatting away in the pleasantest and easiest fashion about all sorts of + things. The time passed so quickly that I forgot all about the snow until + he drew my attention to its having stopped for the moment. Then, just as I + was turning to go, what in the world do you suppose that he did? He took a + step towards me, looked in a sad pensive way into my face, and said: `I + wonder whether you could care for me if I were without a penny.' Wasn't it + strange? I was so frightened that I whisked out of the shed, and was off + down the road before he could add another word. But really, Hector, you + need not look so black, for when I look back at it I can quite see from + his tone and manner that he meant no harm. He was thinking aloud, without + the least intention of being offensive. I am convinced that the poor + fellow was mad.” + </p> + <p> + “Hum! There was some method in his madness, it seems to me,” remarked her + brother. + </p> + <p> + “There would have been some method in my kicking,” said the lieutenant + savagely. “I never heard of a more outrageous thing in my life.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, I said that you would be wild!” She laid her white hand upon the + sleeve of his rough frieze jacket. “It was nothing. I shall never see the + poor fellow again. He was evidently a stranger to this part of the + country. But that was my little adventure. Now let us have yours.” + </p> + <p> + The young man crackled the bank-note between his fingers and thumb, while + he passed his other hand over his hair with the action of a man who + strives to collect himself. + </p> + <p> + “It is some ridiculous mistake,” he said. “I must try and set it right. + Yet I don't know how to set about it either. I was going down to the + village from the Vicarage just after dusk when I found a fellow in a trap + who had got himself into broken water. One wheel had sunk into the edge of + the ditch which had been hidden by the snow, and the whole thing was high + and dry, with a list to starboard enough to slide him out of his seat. I + lent a hand, of course, and soon had the wheel in the road again. It was + quite dark, and I fancy that the fellow thought that I was a bumpkin, for + we did not exchange five words. As he drove off he shoved this into my + hand. It is the merest chance that I did not chuck it away, for, feeling + that it was a crumpled piece of paper, I imagined that it must be a + tradesman's advertisement or something of the kind. However, as luck would + have it, I put it in my pocket, and there I found it when I looked for the + dates of our cruise. Now you know as much of the matter as I do.” + </p> + <p> + Brother and sister stared at the black and white crinkled note with + astonishment upon their faces. + </p> + <p> + “Why, your unknown traveller must have been Monte Cristo, or Rothschild at + the least!” said Robert. “I am bound to say, Laura, that I think you have + lost your bet.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I am quite content to lose it. I never heard of such a piece of luck. + What a perfectly delightful man this must be to know.” + </p> + <p> + “But I can't take his money,” said Hector Spurling, looking somewhat + ruefully at the note. “A little prize-money is all very well in its way, + but a Johnny must draw the line somewhere. Besides it must have been a + mistake. And yet he meant to give me something big, for he could not + mistake a note for a coin. I suppose I must advertise for the fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems a pity too,” remarked Robert. “I must say that I don't quite see + it in the same light that you do.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I think that you are very Quixotic, Hector,” said Laura McIntyre. + “Why should you not accept it in the spirit in which it was meant? You did + this stranger a service—perhaps a greater service than you know of—and + he meant this as a little memento of the occasion. I do not see that there + is any possible reason against your keeping it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, come!” said the young sailor, with an embarrassed laugh, “it is not + quite the thing—not the sort of story one would care to tell at + mess.” + </p> + <p> + “In any case you are off to-morrow morning,” observed Robert. “You have no + time to make inquiries about the mysterious Croesus. You must really make + the best of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, look here, Laura, you put it in your work-basket,” cried Hector + Spurling. “You shall be my banker, and if the rightful owner turns up then + I can refer him to you. If not, I suppose we must look on it as a kind of + salvage-money, though I am bound to say I don't feel entirely comfortable + about it.” He rose to his feet, and threw the note down into the brown + basket of coloured wools which stood beside her. “Now, Laura, I must up + anchor, for I promised the governor to be back by nine. It won't be long + this time, dear, and it shall be the last. Good-bye, Robert! Good luck!” + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, Hector! <i>Bon voyage!</i>” + </p> + <p> + The young artist remained by the table, while his sister followed her + lover to the door. In the dim light of the hall he could see their figures + and overhear their words. + </p> + <p> + “Next time, little girl?” + </p> + <p> + “Next time be it, Hector.” + </p> + <p> + “And nothing can part us?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “In the whole world?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing.” + </p> + <p> + Robert discreetly closed the door. A moment later a thud from without, and + the quick footsteps crunching on the snow told him that their visitor had + departed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE TENANT OF THE NEW HALL. + </h2> + <p> + The snow had ceased to fall, but for a week a hard frost had held the + country side in its iron grip. The roads rang under the horses' hoofs, and + every wayside ditch and runlet was a street of ice. Over the long + undulating landscape the red brick houses peeped out warmly against the + spotless background, and the lines of grey smoke streamed straight up into + the windless air. The sky was of the lightest palest blue, and the morning + sun, shining through the distant fog-wreaths of Birmingham, struck a + subdued glow from the broad-spread snow fields which might have gladdened + the eyes of an artist. + </p> + <p> + It did gladden the heart of one who viewed it that morning from the summit + of the gently-curving Tamfield Hill Robert McIntyre stood with his elbows + upon a gate-rail, his Tam-o'-Shanter hat over his eyes, and a short + briar-root pipe in his mouth, looking slowly about him, with the absorbed + air of one who breathes his fill of Nature. Beneath him to the north lay + the village of Tamfield, red walls, grey roofs, and a scattered bristle of + dark trees, with his own little Elmdene nestling back from the broad, + white winding Birmingham Road. At the other side, as he slowly faced + round, lay a vast stone building, white and clear-cut, fresh from the + builders' hands. A great tower shot up from one corner of it, and a + hundred windows twinkled ruddily in the light of the morning sun. A little + distance from it stood a second small square low-lying structure, with a + tall chimney rising from the midst of it, rolling out a long plume of + smoke into the frosty air. The whole vast structure stood within its own + grounds, enclosed by a stately park wall, and surrounded by what would in + time be an extensive plantation of fir-trees. By the lodge gates a vast + pile of <i>debris</i>, with lines of sheds for workmen, and huge heaps of + planks from scaffoldings, all proclaimed that the work had only just been + brought to an end. + </p> + <p> + Robert McIntyre looked down with curious eyes at the broad-spread + building. It had long been a mystery and a subject of gossip for the whole + country side. Hardly a year had elapsed since the rumour had first gone + about that a millionaire had bought a tract of land, and that it was his + intention to build a country seat upon it. Since then the work had been + pushed on night and day, until now it was finished to the last detail in a + shorter time than it takes to build many a six-roomed cottage. Every + morning two long special trains had arrived from Birmingham, carrying down + a great army of labourers, who were relieved in the evening by a fresh + gang, who carried on their task under the rays of twelve enormous electric + lights. The number of workmen appeared to be only limited by the space + into which they could be fitted. Great lines of waggons conveyed the white + Portland stone from the depot by the station. Hundreds of busy toilers + handed it over, shaped and squared, to the actual masons, who swung it up + with steam cranes on to the growing walls, where it was instantly fitted + and mortared by their companions. Day by day the house shot higher, while + pillar and cornice and carving seemed to bud out from it as if by magic. + Nor was the work confined to the main building. A large separate structure + sprang up at the same time, and there came gangs of pale-faced men from + London with much extraordinary machinery, vast cylinders, wheels and + wires, which they fitted up in this outlying building. The great chimney + which rose from the centre of it, combined with these strange furnishings, + seemed to mean that it was reserved as a factory or place of business, for + it was rumoured that this rich man's hobby was the same as a poor man's + necessity, and that he was fond of working with his own hands amid + chemicals and furnaces. Scarce, too, was the second storey begun ere the + wood-workers and plumbers and furnishers were busy beneath, carrying out a + thousand strange and costly schemes for the greater comfort and + convenience of the owner. Singular stories were told all round the + country, and even in Birmingham itself, of the extraordinary luxury and + the absolute disregard for money which marked all these arrangements. No + sum appeared to be too great to spend upon the smallest detail which might + do away with or lessen any of the petty inconveniences of life. Waggons + and waggons of the richest furniture had passed through the village + between lines of staring villagers. Costly skins, glossy carpets, rich + rugs, ivory, and ebony, and metal; every glimpse into these storehouses of + treasure had given rise to some new legend. And finally, when all had been + arranged, there had come a staff of forty servants, who heralded the + approach of the owner, Mr. Raffles Haw himself. + </p> + <p> + It was no wonder, then, that it was with considerable curiosity that + Robert McIntyre looked down at the great house, and marked the smoking + chimneys, the curtained windows, and the other signs which showed that its + tenant had arrived. A vast area of greenhouses gleamed like a lake on the + further side, and beyond were the long lines of stables and outhouses. + Fifty horses had passed through Tamfield the week before, so that, large + as were the preparations, they were not more than would be needed. Who and + what could this man be who spent his money with so lavish a hand? His name + was unknown. Birmingham was as ignorant as Tamfield as to his origin or + the sources of his wealth. Robert McIntyre brooded languidly over the + problem as he leaned against the gate, puffing his blue clouds of + bird's-eye into the crisp, still air. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly his eye caught a dark figure emerging from the Avenue gates and + striding up the winding road. A few minutes brought him near enough to + show a familiar face looking over the stiff collar and from under the soft + black hat of an English clergyman. + </p> + <p> + “Good-morning, Mr. Spurling.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, good-morning, Robert. How are you? Are you coming my way? How + slippery the roads are!” + </p> + <p> + His round, kindly face was beaming with good nature, and he took little + jumps as he walked, like a man who can hardly contain himself for + pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “Have you heard from Hector?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes. He went off all right last Wednesday from Spithead, and he will + write from Madeira. But you generally have later news at Elmdene than I + have.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know whether Laura has heard. Have you been up to see the new + comer?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I have just left him.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he a married man—this Mr. Raffles Haw?” + </p> + <p> + “No, he is a bachelor. He does not seem to have any relations either, as + far as I could learn. He lives alone, amid his huge staff of servants. It + is a most remarkable establishment. It made me think of the Arabian + Nights.” + </p> + <p> + “And the man? What is he like?” + </p> + <p> + “He is an angel—a positive angel. I never heard or read of such + kindness in my life. He has made me a happy man.” + </p> + <p> + The clergyman's eyes sparkled with emotion, and he blew his nose loudly in + his big red handkerchief. + </p> + <p> + Robert McIntyre looked at him in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to hear it,” he said. “May I ask what he has done?” + </p> + <p> + “I went up to him by appointment this morning. I had written asking him if + I might call. I spoke to him of the parish and its needs, of my long + struggle to restore the south side of the church, and of our efforts to + help my poor parishioners during this hard weather. While I spoke he said + not a word, but sat with a vacant face, as though he were not listening to + me. When I had finished he took up his pen. 'How much will it take to do + the church?' he asked. 'A thousand pounds,' I answered; 'but we have + already raised three hundred among ourselves. The Squire has very + handsomely given fifty pounds.' 'Well,' said he, 'how about the poor folk? + How many families are there?' 'About three hundred,' I answered. 'And + coals, I believe, are at about a pound a ton', said he. 'Three tons ought + to see them through the rest of the winter. Then you can get a very fair + pair of blankets for two pounds. That would make five pounds per family, + and seven hundred for the church.' He dipped his pen in the ink, and, as I + am a living man, Robert, he wrote me a cheque then and there for two + thousand two hundred pounds. I don't know what I said; I felt like a fool; + I could not stammer out words with which to thank him. All my troubles + have been taken from my shoulders in an instant, and indeed, Robert, I can + hardly realise it.” + </p> + <p> + “He must be a most charitable man.” + </p> + <p> + “Extraordinarily so. And so unpretending. One would think that it was I + who was doing the favour and he who was the beggar. I thought of that + passage about making the heart of the widow sing for joy. He made my heart + sing for joy, I can tell you. Are you coming up to the Vicarage?” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you, Mr. Spurling. I must go home and get to work on my new + picture. It's a five-foot canvas—the landing of the Romans in Kent. + I must have another try for the Academy. Good-morning.” + </p> + <p> + He raised his hat and continued down the road, while the vicar turned off + into the path which led to his home. + </p> + <p> + Robert McIntyre had converted a large bare room in the upper storey of + Elmdene into a studio, and thither he retreated after lunch. It was as + well that he should have some little den of his own, for his father would + talk of little save of his ledgers and accounts, while Laura had become + peevish and querulous since the one tie which held her to Tamfield had + been removed. The chamber was a bare and bleak one, un-papered and + un-carpeted, but a good fire sparkled in the grate, and two large windows + gave him the needful light. His easel stood in the centre, with the great + canvas balanced across it, while against the walls there leaned his two + last attempts, “The Murder of Thomas of Canterbury” and “The Signing of + Magna Charta.” Robert had a weakness for large subjects and broad effects. + If his ambition was greater than his skill, he had still all the love of + his art and the patience under discouragement which are the stuff out of + which successful painters are made. Twice his brace of pictures had + journeyed to town, and twice they had come back to him, until the finely + gilded frames which had made such a call upon his purse began to show + signs of these varied adventures. Yet, in spite of their depressing + company, Robert turned to his fresh work with all the enthusiasm which a + conviction of ultimate success can inspire. + </p> + <p> + But he could not work that afternoon. + </p> + <p> + In vain he dashed in his background and outlined the long curves of the + Roman galleys. Do what he would, his mind would still wander from his work + to dwell upon his conversation with the vicar in the morning. His + imagination was fascinated by the idea of this strange man living alone + amid a crowd, and yet wielding such a power that with one dash of his pen + he could change sorrow into joy, and transform the condition of a whole + parish. The incident of the fifty-pound note came back to his mind. It + must surely have been Raffles Haw with whom Hector Spurling had come in + contact. There could not be two men in one parish to whom so large a sum + was of so small an account as to be thrown to a bystander in return for a + trifling piece of assistance. Of course, it must have been Raffles Haw. + And his sister had the note, with instructions to return it to the owner, + could he be found. He threw aside his palette, and descending into the + sitting-room he told Laura and his father of his morning's interview with + the vicar, and of his conviction that this was the man of whom Hector was + in quest. + </p> + <p> + “Tut! Tut!” said old McIntyre. “How is this, Laura? I knew nothing of + this. What do women know of money or of business? Hand the note over to me + and I shall relieve you of all responsibility. I will take everything upon + myself.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot possibly, papa,” said Laura, with decision. “I should not think + of parting with it.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the world coming to?” cried the old man, with his thin hands held + up in protest. “You grow more undutiful every day, Laura. This money would + be of use to me—of use, you understand. It may be the corner-stone + of the vast business which I shall re-construct. I will use it, Laura, and + I will pay something—four, shall we say, or even four and a-half—and + you may have it back on any day. And I will give security—the + security of my—well, of my word of honour.” + </p> + <p> + “It is quite impossible, papa,” his daughter answered coldly. “It is not + my money. Hector asked me to be his banker. Those were his very words. It + is not in my power to lend it. As to what you say, Robert, you may be + right or you may be wrong, but I certainly shall not give Mr. Raffles Haw + or anyone else the money without Hector's express command.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very right about not giving it to Mr. Raffles Haw,” cried old + McIntyre, with many nods of approbation. “I should certainly not let it go + out of the family.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I thought that I would tell you.” + </p> + <p> + Robert picked up his Tam-o'-Shanter and strolled out to avoid the + discussion between his father and sister, which he saw was about to be + renewed. His artistic nature revolted at these petty and sordid disputes, + and he turned to the crisp air and the broad landscape to soothe his + ruffled feelings. Avarice had no place among his failings, and his + father's perpetual chatter about money inspired him with a positive + loathing and disgust for the subject. + </p> + <p> + Robert was lounging slowly along his favourite walk which curled over the + hill, with his mind turning from the Roman invasion to the mysterious + millionaire, when his eyes fell upon a tall, lean man in front of him, + who, with a pipe between his lips, was endeavouring to light a match under + cover of his cap. The man was clad in a rough pea-jacket, and bore traces + of smoke and grime upon his face and hands. Yet there is a Freemasonry + among smokers which overrides every social difference, so Robert stopped + and held out his case of fusees. + </p> + <p> + “A light?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you.” The man picked out a fusee, struck it, and bent his head to + it. He had a pale, thin face, a short straggling beard, and a very sharp + and curving nose, with decision and character in the straight thick + eyebrows which almost met on either side of it. Clearly a superior kind of + workman, and possibly one of those who had been employed in the + construction of the new house. Here was a chance of getting some + first-hand information on the question which had aroused his curiosity. + Robert waited until he had lit his pipe, and then walked on beside him. + </p> + <p> + “Are you going in the direction of the new Hall?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + The man's voice was cold, and his manner reserved. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you were engaged in the building of it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I had a hand in it.” + </p> + <p> + “They say that it is a wonderful place inside. It has been quite the talk + of the district. Is it as rich as they say?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure I don't know. I have not heard what they say.” + </p> + <p> + His attitude was certainly not encouraging, and it seemed to Robert that + he gave little sidelong suspicious glances at him out of his keen grey + eyes. Yet, if he were so careful and discreet there was the more reason to + think that there was information to be extracted, if he could but find a + way to it. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, there it lies!” he remarked, as they topped the brow of the hill, and + looked down once more at the great building. “Well, no doubt it is very + gorgeous and splendid, but really for my own part I would rather live in + my own little box down yonder in the village.” + </p> + <p> + The workman puffed gravely at his pipe. + </p> + <p> + “You are no great admirer of wealth, then?” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Not I. I should not care to be a penny richer than I am. Of course I + should like to sell my pictures. One must make a living. But beyond that I + ask nothing. I dare say that I, a poor artist, or you, a man who work for + your bread, have more happiness out of life than the owner of that great + palace.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, I think that it is more than likely,” the other answered, in a + much more conciliatory voice. + </p> + <p> + “Art,” said Robert, warming to the subject, “is her own reward. What mere + bodily indulgence is there which money could buy which can give that deep + thrill of satisfaction which comes on the man who has conceived something + new, something beautiful, and the daily delight as he sees it grow under + his hand, until it stands before him a completed whole? With my art and + without wealth I am happy. Without my art I should have a void which no + money could fill. But I really don't know why I should say all this to + you.” + </p> + <p> + The workman had stopped, and was staring at him earnestly with a look of + the deepest interest upon his smoke-darkened features. + </p> + <p> + “I am very glad to hear what you say,” said he. “It is a pleasure to know + that the worship of gold is not quite universal, and that there are at + least some who can rise above it. Would you mind my shaking you by the + hand?” + </p> + <p> + It was a somewhat extraordinary request, but Robert rather prided himself + upon his Bohemianism, and upon his happy facility for making friends with + all sorts and conditions of men. He readily exchanged a cordial grip with + his chance acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + “You expressed some curiosity as to this house. I know the grounds pretty + well, and might perhaps show you one or two little things which would + interest you. Here are the gates. Will you come in with me?” + </p> + <p> + Here was, indeed, a chance. Robert eagerly assented, and walked up the + winding drive amid the growing fir-trees. When he found his uncouth guide, + however, marching straight across the broad, gravel square to the main + entrance, he felt that he had placed himself in a false position. + </p> + <p> + “Surely not through the front door,” he whispered, plucking his companion + by the sleeve. “Perhaps Mr. Raffles Haw might not like it.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think there will be any difficulty,” said the other, with a quiet + smile. “My name is Raffles Haw.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. A HOUSE OF WONDERS. + </h2> + <p> + Robert McIntyre's face must have expressed the utter astonishment which + filled his mind at this most unlooked-for announcement. For a moment he + thought that his companion must be joking, but the ease and assurance with + which he lounged up the steps, and the deep respect with which a + richly-clad functionary in the hall swung open the door to admit him, + showed that he spoke in sober earnest. Raffles Haw glanced back, and + seeing the look of absolute amazement upon the young artist's features, he + chuckled quietly to himself. + </p> + <p> + “You will forgive me, won't you, for not disclosing my identity?” he said, + laying his hand with a friendly gesture upon the other's sleeve. “Had you + known me you would have spoken less freely, and I should not have had the + opportunity of learning your true worth. For example, you might hardly + have been so frank upon the matter of wealth had you known that you were + speaking to the master of the Hall.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think that I was ever so astonished in my life,” gasped Robert. + </p> + <p> + “Naturally you are. How could you take me for anything but a workman? So I + am. Chemistry is one of my hobbies, and I spend hours a day in my + laboratory yonder. I have only just struck work, and as I had inhaled some + not-over-pleasant gases, I thought that a turn down the road and a whiff + of tobacco might do me good. That was how I came to meet you, and my + toilet, I fear, corresponded only too well with my smoke-grimed face. But + I rather fancy I know you by repute. Your name is Robert McIntyre, is it + not?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, though I cannot imagine how you knew.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I naturally took some little trouble to learn something of my + neighbours. I had heard that there was an artist of that name, and I + presume that artists are not very numerous in Tamfield. But how do you + like the design? I hope it does not offend your trained taste.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, it is wonderful—marvellous! You must yourself have an + extraordinary eye for effect.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I have no taste at all; not the slightest. I cannot tell good from + bad. There never was such a complete Philistine. But I had the best man in + London down, and another fellow from Vienna. They fixed it up between + them.” + </p> + <p> + They had been standing just within the folding doors upon a huge mat of + bison skins. In front of them lay a great square court, paved with + many-coloured marbles laid out in a labyrinth of arabesque design. In the + centre a high fountain of carved jade shot five thin feathers of spray + into the air, four of which curved towards each corner of the court to + descend into broad marble basins, while the fifth mounted straight up to + an immense height, and then tinkled back into the central reservoir. On + either side of the court a tall, graceful palm-tree shot up its slender + stem to break into a crown of drooping green leaves some fifty feet above + their heads. All round were a series of Moorish arches, in jade and + serpentine marble, with heavy curtains of the deepest purple to cover the + doors which lay between them. In front, to right and to left, a broad + staircase of marble, carpeted with rich thick Smyrna rug work, led upwards + to the upper storeys, which were arranged around the central court. The + temperature within was warm and yet fresh, like the air of an English May. + </p> + <p> + “It's taken from the Alhambra,” said Raffles Haw. “The palm-trees are + pretty. They strike right through the building into the ground beneath, + and their roots are all girt round with hot-water pipes. They seem to + thrive very well.” + </p> + <p> + “What beautifully delicate brass-work!” cried Robert, looking up with + admiring eyes at the bright and infinitely fragile metal trellis screens + which adorned the spaces between the Moorish arches. + </p> + <p> + “It is rather neat. But it is not brass-work. Brass is not tough enough to + allow them to work it to that degree of fineness. It is gold. But just + come this way with me. You won't mind waiting while I remove this smoke?” + </p> + <p> + He led the way to a door upon the left side of the court, which, to + Robert's surprise, swung slowly open as they approached it. “That is a + little improvement which I have adopted,” remarked the master of the + house. “As you go up to a door your weight upon the planks releases a + spring which causes the hinges to revolve. Pray step in. This is my own + little sanctum, and furnished after my own heart.” + </p> + <p> + If Robert expected to see some fresh exhibition of wealth and luxury he + was woefully disappointed, for he found himself in a large but bare room, + with a little iron truckle-bed in one corner, a few scattered wooden + chairs, a dingy carpet, and a large table heaped with books, bottles, + papers, and all the other <i>debris</i> which collect around a busy and + untidy man. Motioning his visitor into a chair, Raffles Haw pulled off his + coat, and, turning up the sleeves of his coarse flannel shirt, he began to + plunge and scrub in the warm water which flowed from a tap in the wall. + </p> + <p> + “You see how simple my own tastes are,” he remarked, as he mopped his + dripping face and hair with the towel. “This is the only room in my great + house where I find myself in a congenial atmosphere. It is homely to me. I + can read here and smoke my pipe in peace. Anything like luxury is + abhorrent to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Really, I should not have though it,” observed Robert. + </p> + <p> + “It is a fact, I assure you. You see, even with your views as to the + worthlessness of wealth, views which, I am sure, are very sensible and + much to your credit, you must allow that if a man should happen to be the + possessor of vast—well, let us say of considerable—sums of + money, it is his duty to get that money into circulation, so that the + community may be the better for it. There is the secret of my fine + feathers. I have to exert all my ingenuity in order to spend my income, + and yet keep the money in legitimate channels. For example, it is very + easy to give money away, and no doubt I could dispose of my surplus, or + part of my surplus, in that fashion, but I have no wish to pauperise + anyone, or to do mischief by indiscriminate charity. I must exact some + sort of money's worth for all the money which I lay out You see my point, + don't you?” + </p> + <p> + “Entirely; though really it is something novel to hear a man complain of + the difficulty of spending his income.” + </p> + <p> + “I assure you that it is a very serious difficulty with me. But I have hit + upon some plans—some very pretty plans. Will you wash your hands? + Well, then, perhaps you would care to have a look round. Just come into + this corner of the room, and sit upon this chair. So. Now I will sit upon + this one, and we are ready to start.” + </p> + <p> + The angle of the chamber in which they sat was painted for about six feet + in each direction of a dark chocolate-brown, and was furnished with two + red plush seats protruding from the walls, and in striking contrast with + the simplicity of the rest of the apartment. + </p> + <p> + “This,” remarked Raffles Haw, “is a lift, though it is so closely joined + to the rest of the room that without the change in colour it might puzzle + you to find the division. It is made to run either horizontally or + vertically. This line of knobs represents the various rooms. You can see + 'Dining,' 'Smoking,' 'Billiard,' 'Library' and so on, upon them. I will + show you the upward action. I press this one with 'Kitchen' upon it.” + </p> + <p> + There was a sense of motion, a very slight jar, and Robert, without moving + from his seat, was conscious that the room had vanished, and that a large + arched oaken door stood in the place which it had occupied. + </p> + <p> + “That is the kitchen door,” said Raffles Haw. “I have my kitchen at the + top of the house. I cannot tolerate the smell of cooking. We have come up + eighty feet in a very few seconds. Now I press again and here we are in my + room once more.” + </p> + <p> + Robert McIntyre stared about him in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “The wonders of science are greater than those of magic,” he remarked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is a pretty little mechanism. Now we try the horizontal. I press + the 'Dining' knob and here we are, you see. Step towards the door, and you + will find it open in front of you.” + </p> + <p> + Robert did as he was bid, and found himself with his companion in a large + and lofty room, while the lift, the instant that it was freed from their + weight, flashed back to its original position. With his feet sinking into + the soft rich carpet, as though he were ankle-deep in some mossy bank, he + stared about him at the great pictures which lined the walls. + </p> + <p> + “Surely, surely, I see Raphael's touch there,” he cried, pointing up at + the one which faced him. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is a Raphael, and I believe one of his best. I had a very + exciting bid for it with the French Government. They wanted it for the + Louvre, but of course at an auction the longest purse must win.” + </p> + <p> + “And this 'Arrest of Catiline' must be a Rubens. One cannot mistake his + splendid men and his infamous women.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is a Rubens. The other two are a Velasquez and a Teniers, fair + specimens of the Spanish and of the Dutch schools. I have only old masters + here. The moderns are in the billiard-room. The furniture here is a little + curious. In fact, I fancy that it is unique. It is made of ebony and + narwhals' horns. You see that the legs of everything are of spiral ivory, + both the table and the chairs. It cost the upholsterer some little pains, + for the supply of these things is a strictly limited one. Curiously + enough, the Chinese Emperor had given a large order for narwhals' horns to + repair some ancient pagoda, which was fenced in with them, but I outbid + him in the market, and his celestial highness has had to wait. There is a + lift here in the corner, but we do not need it. Pray step through this + door. This is the billiard-room,” he continued as they advanced into the + adjoining room. “You see I have a few recent pictures of merit upon the + walls. Here is a Corot, two Meissoniers, a Bouguereau, a Millais, an + Orchardson, and two Alma-Tademas. It seems to me to be a pity to hang + pictures over these walls of carved oak. Look at those birds hopping and + singing in the branches. They really seem to move and twitter, don't + they?” + </p> + <p> + “They are perfect. I never saw such exquisite work. But why do you call it + a billiard-room, Mr. Haw? I do not see any board.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, a board is such a clumsy uncompromising piece of furniture. It is + always in the way unless you actually need to use it. In this case the + board is covered by that square of polished maple which you see let into + the floor. Now I put my foot upon this motor. You see!” As he spoke, the + central portion of the flooring flew up, and a most beautiful + tortoise-shell-plated billiard-table rose up to its proper position. He + pressed a second spring, and a bagatelle-table appeared in the same + fashion. “You may have card-tables or what you will by setting the levers + in motion,” he remarked. “But all this is very trifling. Perhaps we may + find something in the museum which may be of more interest to you.” + </p> + <p> + He led the way into another chamber, which was furnished in antique style, + with hangings of the rarest and richest tapestry. The floor was a mosaic + of coloured marbles, scattered over with mats of costly fur. There was + little furniture, but a number of Louis Quatorze cabinets of ebony and + silver with delicately-painted plaques were ranged round the apartment. + </p> + <p> + “It is perhaps hardly fair to dignify it by the name of a museum,” said + Raffles Haw. “It consists merely of a few elegant trifles which I have + picked up here and there. Gems are my strongest point. I fancy that there, + perhaps, I might challenge comparison with any private collector in the + world. I lock them up, for even the best servants may be tempted.” + </p> + <p> + He took a silver key from his watch chain, and began to unlock and draw + out the drawers. A cry of wonder and of admiration burst from Robert + McIntyre, as his eyes rested upon case after case filled with the most + magnificent stones. The deep still red of the rubies, the clear + scintillating green of the emeralds, the hard glitter of the diamonds, the + many shifting shades of beryls, of amethysts, of onyxes, of cats'-eyes, of + opals, of agates, of cornelians seemed to fill the whole chamber with a + vague twinkling, many-coloured light. Long slabs of the beautiful blue + lapis lazuli, magnificent bloodstones, specimens of pink and red and white + coral, long strings of lustrous pearls, all these were tossed out by their + owner as a careless schoolboy might pour marbles from his bag. + </p> + <p> + “This isn't bad,” he said, holding up a great glowing yellow mass as large + as his own head. “It is really a very fine piece of amber. It was + forwarded to me by my agent at the Baltic. Twenty-eight pounds, it weighs. + I never heard of so fine a one. I have no very large brilliants—there + were no very large ones in the market—but my average is good. Pretty + toys, are they not?” He picked up a double handful of emeralds from a + drawer, and then let them trickle slowly back into the heap. + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens!” cried Robert, as he gazed from case to case. “It is an + immense fortune in itself. Surely a hundred thousand pounds would hardly + buy so splendid a collection.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think that you would do for a valuer of precious stones,” said + Raffles Haw, laughing. “Why, the contents of that one little drawer of + brilliants could not be bought for the sum which you name. I have a memo. + here of what I have expended up to date on my collection, though I have + agents at work who will probably make very considerable additions to it + within the next few weeks. As matters stand, however, I have spent—let + me see-pearls one forty thousand; emeralds, seven fifty; rubies, eight + forty; brilliants, nine twenty; onyxes—I have several very nice + onyxes-two thirty. Other gems, carbuncles, agates—hum! Yes, it + figures out at just over four million seven hundred and forty thousand. I + dare say that we may say five millions, for I have not counted the odd + money.” + </p> + <p> + “Good gracious!” cried the young artist, with staring eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I have a certain feeling of duty in the matter. You see the cutting, + polishing, and general sale of stones is one of those industries which is + entirely dependent upon wealth. If we do not support it, it must languish, + which means misfortune to a considerable number of people. The same + applies to the gold filigree work which you noticed in the court. Wealth + has its responsibilities, and the encouragement of these handicrafts are + among the most obvious of them. Here is a nice ruby. It is Burmese, and + the fifth largest in existence. I am inclined to think that if it were + uncut it would be the second, but of course cutting takes away a great + deal.” He held up the blazing red stone, about the size of a chestnut, + between his finger and thumb for a moment, and then threw it carelessly + back into its drawer. “Come into the smoking-room,” he said; “you will + need some little refreshment, for they say that sight-seeing is the most + exhausting occupation in the world.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. FROM CLIME TO CLIME + </h2> + <p> + The chamber in which the bewildered Robert now found himself was more + luxurious, if less rich, than any which he had yet seen. Low settees of + claret-coloured plush were scattered in orderly disorder over a mossy + Eastern carpet. Deep lounges, reclining sofas, American rocking-chairs, + all were to be had for the choosing. One end of the room was walled by + glass, and appeared to open upon a luxuriant hot-house. At the further end + a double line of gilt rails supported a profusion of the most recent + magazines and periodicals. A rack at each side of the inlaid fireplace + sustained a long line of the pipes of all places and nations—English + cherrywoods, French briars, German china-bowls, carved meerschaums, + scented cedar and myall-wood, with Eastern narghiles, Turkish chibooques, + and two great golden-topped hookahs. To right and left were a series of + small lockers, extending in a treble row for the whole length of the room, + with the names of the various brands of tobacco scrolled in ivory work + across them. Above were other larger tiers of polished oak, which held + cigars and cigarettes. + </p> + <p> + “Try that Damascus settee,” said the master of the house, as he threw + himself into a rocking-chair. “It is from the Sultan's upholsterer. The + Turks have a very good notion of comfort. I am a confirmed smoker myself, + Mr. McIntyre, so I have been able, perhaps, to check my architect here + more than in most of the other departments. Of pictures, for example, I + know nothing, as you would very speedily find out. On a tobacco, I might, + perhaps, offer an opinion. Now these”—he drew out some long, + beautifully-rolled, mellow-coloured cigars—“these are really + something a little out of the common. Do try one.” + </p> + <p> + Robert lit the weed which was offered to him, and leaned back luxuriously + amid his cushions, gazing through the blue balmy fragrant cloud-wreaths at + the extraordinary man in the dirty pea-jacket who spoke of millions as + another might of sovereigns. With his pale face, his sad, languid air, and + his bowed shoulders, it was as though he were crushed down under the + weight of his own gold. There was a mute apology, an attitude of + deprecation in his manner and speech, which was strangely at variance with + the immense power which he wielded. To Robert the whole whimsical incident + had been intensely interesting and amusing. His artistic nature blossomed + out in this atmosphere of perfect luxury and comfort, and he was conscious + of a sense of repose and of absolute sensual contentment such as he had + never before experienced. + </p> + <p> + “Shall it be coffee, or Rhine wine, or Tokay, or perhaps something + stronger,” asked Raffles Haw, stretching out his hand to what looked like + a piano-board projecting from the wall. “I can recommend the Tokay. I have + it from the man who supplies the Emperor of Austria, though I think I may + say that I get the cream of it.” + </p> + <p> + He struck twice upon one of the piano-notes, and sat expectant. With a + sharp click at the end of ten seconds a sliding shutter flew open, and a + small tray protruded bearing two long tapering Venetian glasses filled + with wine. + </p> + <p> + “It works very nicely,” said Raffles Haw. “It is quite a new thing—never + before done, as far as I know. You see the names of the various wines and + so on printed on the notes. By pressing the note down I complete an + electric circuit which causes the tap in the cellars beneath to remain + open long enough to fill the glass which always stands beneath it. The + glasses, you understand, stand upon a revolving drum, so that there must + always be one there. The glasses are then brought up through a pneumatic + tube, which is set working by the increased weight of the glass when the + wine is added to it. It is a pretty little idea. But I am afraid that I + bore you rather with all these petty contrivances. It is a whim of mine to + push mechanism as far as it will go.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, I am filled with interest and wonder,” said Robert + warmly. “It is as if I had been suddenly whipped up out of prosaic old + England and transferred in an instant to some enchanted palace, some + Eastern home of the Genii. I could not have believed that there existed + upon this earth such adaptation of means to an end, such complete mastery + of every detail which may aid in stripping life of any of its petty + worries.” + </p> + <p> + “I have something yet to show you,” remarked Raffles Haw; “but we will + rest here for a few minutes, for I wished to have a word with you. How is + the cigar?” + </p> + <p> + “Most excellent.” + </p> + <p> + “It was rolled in Louisiana in the old slavery days. There is nothing made + like them now. The man who had them did not know their value. He let them + go at merely a few shillings apiece. Now I want you to do me a favour, Mr. + McIntyre.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be so glad.” + </p> + <p> + “You can see more or less how I am situated. I am a complete stranger + here. With the well-to-do classes I have little in common. I am no society + man. I don't want to call or be called on. I am a student in a small way, + and a man of quiet tastes. I have no social ambitions at all. Do you + understand?” + </p> + <p> + “Entirely.” + </p> + <p> + “On the other hand, my experience of the world has been that it is the + rarest thing to be able to form a friendship with a poorer man—I + mean with a man who is at all eager to increase his income. They think + much of your wealth, and little of yourself. I have tried, you understand, + and I know.” He paused and ran his fingers through his thin beard. + </p> + <p> + Robert McIntyre nodded to show that he appreciated his position. + </p> + <p> + “Now, you see,” he continued, “if I am to be cut off from the rich by my + own tastes, and from those who are not rich by my distrust of their + motives, my situation is an isolated one. Not that I mind isolation: I am + used to it. But it limits my field of usefulness. I have no trustworthy + means of informing myself when and where I may do good. I have already, I + am glad to say, met a man to-day, your vicar, who appears to be thoroughly + unselfish and trustworthy. He shall be one of my channels of communication + with the outer world. Might I ask you whether you would be willing to + become another?” + </p> + <p> + “With the greatest pleasure,” said Robert eagerly. + </p> + <p> + The proposition filled his heart with joy, for it seemed to give him an + almost official connection with this paradise of a house. He could not + have asked for anything more to his taste. + </p> + <p> + “I was fortunate enough to discover by your conversation how high a ground + you take in such matters, and how entirely disinterested you are. You may + have observed that I was short and almost rude with you at first. I have + had reason to fear and suspect all chance friendships. Too often they have + proved to be carefully planned beforehand, with some sordid object in + view. Good heavens, what stories I could tell you! A lady pursued by a + bull—I have risked my life to save her, and have learned afterwards + that the scene had been arranged by the mother as an effective + introduction, and that the bull had been hired by the hour. But I won't + shake your faith in human nature. I have had some rude shocks myself. I + look, perhaps, with a jaundiced eye on all who come near me. It is the + more needful that I should have one whom I can trust to advise me.” + </p> + <p> + “If you will only show me where my opinion can be of any use I shall be + most happy,” said Robert. “My people come from Birmingham, but I know most + of the folk here and their position.” + </p> + <p> + “That is just what I want. Money can do so much good, and it may do so + much harm. I shall consult you when I am in doubt. By the way, there is + one small question which I might ask you now. Can you tell me who a young + lady is with very dark hair, grey eyes, and a finely chiselled face? She + wore a blue dress when I saw her, with astrachan about her neck and + cuffs.” + </p> + <p> + Robert chuckled to himself. + </p> + <p> + “I know that dress pretty well,” he said. “It is my sister Laura whom you + describe.” + </p> + <p> + “Your sister! Really! Why, there is a resemblance, now that my attention + is called to it. I saw her the other day, and wondered who she might be. + She lives with you, of course?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; my father, she, and I live together at Elmdene.” + </p> + <p> + “Where I hope to have the pleasure of making their acquaintance. You have + finished your cigar? Have another, or try a pipe. To the real smoker all + is mere trifling save the pipe. I have most brands of tobacco here. The + lockers are filled on the Monday, and on Saturday they are handed over to + the old folk at the alms-houses, so I manage to keep it pretty fresh + always. Well, if you won't take anything else, perhaps you would care to + see one or two of the other effects which I have devised. On this side is + the armoury, and beyond it the library. My collection of books is a + limited one; there are just over the fifty thousand volumes. But it is to + some extent remarkable for quality. I have a Visigoth Bible of the fifth + century, which I rather fancy is unique; there is a 'Biblia Pauperum' of + 1430; a MS. of Genesis done upon mulberry leaves, probably of the second + century; a 'Tristan and Iseult' of the eighth century; and some hundred + black-letters, with five very fine specimens of Schoffer and Fust. But + those you may turn over any wet afternoon when you have nothing better to + do. Meanwhile, I have a little device connected with this smoking-room + which may amuse you. Light this other cigar. Now sit with me upon this + lounge which stands at the further end of the room.” + </p> + <p> + The sofa in question was in a niche which was lined in three sides and + above with perfectly clear transparent crystal. As they sat down the + master of the house drew a cord which pulled out a crystal shutter behind + them, so that they were enclosed on all sides in a great box of glass, so + pure and so highly polished that its presence might very easily be + forgotten. A number of golden cords with crystal handles hung down into + this small chamber, and appeared to be connected with a long shining bar + outside. + </p> + <p> + “Now, where would you like to smoke your cigar?” said Raffles Haw, with a + twinkle in his demure eyes. “Shall we go to India, or to Egypt, or to + China, or to—” + </p> + <p> + “To South America,” said Robert. + </p> + <p> + There was a twinkle, a whirr, and a sense of motion. The young artist + gazed about him in absolute amazement. Look where he would all round were + tree-ferns and palms with long drooping creepers, and a blaze of brilliant + orchids. Smoking-room, house, England, all were gone, and he sat on a + settee in the heart of a virgin forest of the Amazon. It was no mere + optical delusion or trick. He could see the hot steam rising from the + tropical undergrowth, the heavy drops falling from the huge green leaves, + the very grain and fibre of the rough bark which clothed the trunks. Even + as he gazed a green mottled snake curled noiselessly over a branch above + his head, and a bright-coloured paroquet broke suddenly from amid the + foliage and flashed off among the tree-trunks. Robert gazed around, + speechless with surprise, and finally turned upon his host a face in which + curiosity was not un-mixed with a suspicion of fear. + </p> + <p> + “People have been burned for less, have they not?” cried Raffles Haw + laughing heartily. “Have you had enough of the Amazon? What do you say to + a spell of Egypt?” + </p> + <p> + Again the whirr, the swift flash of passing objects, and in an instant a + huge desert stretched on every side of them, as far as the eye could + reach. In the foreground a clump of five palm-trees towered into the air, + with a profusion of rough cactus-like plants bristling from their base. On + the other side rose a rugged, gnarled, grey monolith, carved at the base + into a huge scarabaeus. A group of lizards played about on the surface of + the old carved stone. Beyond, the yellow sand stretched away into furthest + space, where the dim mirage mist played along the horizon. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Haw, I cannot understand it!” Robert grasped the velvet edge of the + settee, and gazed wildly about him. + </p> + <p> + “The effect is rather startling, is it not? This Egyptian desert is my + favourite when I lay myself out for a contemplative smoke. It seems + strange that tobacco should have come from the busy, practical West. It + has much more affinity for the dreamy, languid East. But perhaps you would + like to run over to China for a change?” + </p> + <p> + “Not to-day,” said Robert, passing his hand over his forehead. “I feel + rather confused by all these wonders, and indeed I think that they have + affected my nerves a little. Besides, it is time that I returned to my + prosaic Elmdene, if I can find my way out of this wilderness to which you + have transplanted me. But would you ease my mind, Mr. Haw, by showing me + how this thing is done?” + </p> + <p> + “It is the merest toy—a complex plaything, nothing more. Allow me to + explain. I have a line of very large greenhouses which extends from one + end of my smoking-room. These different houses are kept at varying degrees + of heat and humidity so as to reproduce the exact climates of Egypt, + China, and the rest. You see, our crystal chamber is a tramway running + with a minimum of friction along a steel rod. By pulling this or that + handle I regulate how far it shall go, and it travels, as you have seen, + with amazing speed. The effect of my hot-houses is heightened by the roofs + being invariably concealed by skies, which are really very admirably + painted, and by the introduction of birds and other creatures, which seem + to flourish quite as well in artificial as in natural heat. This explains + the South American effect.” + </p> + <p> + “But not the Egyptian.” + </p> + <p> + “No. It is certainly rather clever. I had the best man in France, at least + the best at those large effects, to paint in that circular background. You + understand, the palms, cacti, obelisk, and so on, are perfectly genuine, + and so is the sand for fifty yards or so, and I defy the keenest-eyed man + in England to tell where the deception commences. It is the familiar and + perhaps rather meretricious effect of a circular panorama, but carried out + in the most complete manner. Was there any other point?” + </p> + <p> + “The crystal box? Why was it?” + </p> + <p> + “To preserve my guests from the effects of the changes of temperature. It + would be a poor kindness to bring them back to my smoking-room drenched + through, and with the seeds of a violent cold. The crystal has to be kept + warm, too, otherwise vapour would deposit, and you would have your view + spoiled. But must you really go? Then here we are back in the + smoking-room. I hope that it will not be your last visit by many a one. + And if I may come down to Elmdene I should be very glad to do so. This is + the way through the museum.” + </p> + <p> + As Robert McIntyre emerged from the balmy aromatic atmosphere of the great + house, into the harsh, raw, biting air of an English winter evening, he + felt as though he had been away for a long visit in some foreign country. + Time is measured by impressions, and so vivid and novel had been his + feelings, that weeks and weeks might have elapsed since his chat with the + smoke-grimed stranger in the road. He walked along with his head in a + whirl, his whole mind possessed and intoxicated by the one idea of the + boundless wealth and the immense power of this extraordinary stranger. + Small and sordid and mean seemed his own Elmdene as he approached it, and + he passed over its threshold full of restless discontent against himself + and his surroundings. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. LAURA'S REQUEST. + </h2> + <p> + That night after supper Robert McIntyre poured forth all that he had seen + to his father and to his sister. So full was he of the one subject that it + was a relief to him to share his knowledge with others. Rather for his own + sake, then, than for theirs he depicted vividly all the marvels which he + had seen; the profusion of wealth, the regal treasure-house of gems, the + gold, the marble, the extraordinary devices, the absolute lavishness and + complete disregard for money which was shown in every detail. For an hour + he pictured with glowing words all the wonders which had been shown him, + and ended with some pride by describing the request which Mr. Raffles Haw + had made, and the complete confidence which he had placed in him. + </p> + <p> + His words had a very different effect upon his two listeners. Old McIntyre + leaned back in his chair with a bitter smile upon his lips, his thin face + crinkled into a thousand puckers, and his small eyes shining with envy and + greed. His lean yellow hand upon the table was clenched until the knuckles + gleamed white in the lamplight. Laura, on the other hand, leaned forward, + her lips parted, drinking in her brother's words with a glow of colour + upon either cheek. It seemed to Robert, as he glanced from one to the + other of them, that he had never seen his father look so evil, or his + sister so beautiful. + </p> + <p> + “Who is the fellow, then?” asked the old man after a considerable pause. + “I hope he got all this in an honest fashion. Five millions in jewels, you + say. Good gracious me! Ready to give it away, too, but afraid of + pauperising any one. You can tell him, Robert, that you know of one very + deserving case which has not the slightest objection to being pauperised.” + </p> + <p> + “But who can he possibly be, Robert?” cried Laura. “Haw cannot be his real + name. He must be some disguised prince, or perhaps a king in exile. Oh, I + should have loved to have seen those diamonds and the emeralds! I always + think that emeralds suit dark people best. You must tell me again all + about that museum, Robert.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think that he is anything more than he pretends to be,” her + brother answered. “He has the plain, quiet manners of an ordinary + middle-class Englishman. There was no particular polish that I could see. + He knew a little about books and pictures, just enough to appreciate them, + but nothing more. No, I fancy that he is a man quite in our own position + of life, who has in some way inherited a vast sum. Of course it is + difficult for me to form an estimate, but I should judge that what I saw + to-day—house, pictures, jewels, books, and so on—could never + have been bought under twenty millions, and I am sure that that figure is + entirely an under-statement.” + </p> + <p> + “I never knew but one Haw,” said old McIntyre, drumming his fingers on the + table; “he was a foreman in my pin-fire cartridge-case department. But he + was an elderly single man. Well, I hope he got it all honestly. I hope the + money is clean.” + </p> + <p> + “And really, really, he is coming to see us!” cried Laura, clapping her + hands. “Oh, when do you think he will come, Robert? Do give me warning. Do + you think it will be to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure I cannot say.” + </p> + <p> + “I should so love to see him. I don't know when I have been so + interested.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, you have a letter there,” remarked Robert. “From Hector, too, by the + foreign stamp. How is he?” + </p> + <p> + “It only came this evening. I have not opened it yet. To tell the truth, I + have been so interested in your story that I had forgotten all about it. + Poor old Hector! It is from Madeira.” She glanced rapidly over the four + pages of straggling writing in the young sailor's bold schoolboyish hand. + “Oh, he is all right,” she said. “They had a gale on the way out, and that + sort of thing, but he is all right now. He thinks he may be back by March. + I wonder whether your new friend will come to-morrow—your knight of + the enchanted Castle.” + </p> + <p> + “Hardly so soon, I should fancy.” + </p> + <p> + “If he should be looking about for an investment. Robert,” said the + father, “you won't forget to tell him what a fine opening there is now in + the gun trade. With my knowledge, and a few thousands at my back, I could + bring him in his thirty per cent. as regular as the bank. After all, he + must lay out his money somehow. He cannot sink it all in books and + precious stones. I am sure that I could give him the highest references.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be a long time before he comes, father,” said Robert coldly; “and + when he does I am afraid that I can hardly use his friendship as a means + of advancing your interest.” + </p> + <p> + “We are his equals, father,” cried Laura with spirit. “Would you put us on + the footing of beggars? He would think we cared for him only for his + money. I wonder that you should think of such a thing.” + </p> + <p> + “If I had not thought of such things where would your education have been, + miss?” retorted the angry old man; and Robert stole quietly away to his + room, whence amid his canvases he could still hear the hoarse voice and + the clear in their never-ending family jangle. More and more sordid seemed + the surroundings of his life, and more and more to be valued the peace + which money can buy. + </p> + <p> + Breakfast had hardly been cleared in the morning, and Robert had not yet + ascended to his work, when there came a timid tapping at the door, and + there was Raffles Haw on the mat outside. Robert ran out and welcomed him + with all cordiality. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid that I am a very early visitor,” he said apologetically; “but + I often take a walk after breakfast.” He had no traces of work upon him + now, but was trim and neat with a dark suit, and carefully brushed hair. + “You spoke yesterday of your work. Perhaps, early as it is, you would + allow me the privilege of looking over your studio?” + </p> + <p> + “Pray step in, Mr. Haw,” cried Robert, all in a flutter at this advance + from so munificent a patron of art; “I should be only too happy to show + you such little work as I have on hand, though, indeed, I am almost afraid + when I think how familiar you are with some of the greatest masterpieces. + Allow me to introduce you to my father and to my sister Laura.” + </p> + <p> + Old McIntyre bowed low and rubbed his thin hands together; but the young + lady gave a gasp of surprise, and stared with widely-opened eyes at the + millionaire. Maw stepped forward, however, and shook her quietly by the + hand, + </p> + <p> + “I expected to find that it was you,” he said. “I have already met your + sister, Mr. McIntyre, on the very first day that I came here. We took + shelter in a shed from a snowstorm, and had quite a pleasant little chat.” + </p> + <p> + “I had no notion that I was speaking to the owner of the Hall,” said Laura + in some confusion. “How funnily things turn out, to be sure!” + </p> + <p> + “I had often wondered who it was that I spoke to, but it was only + yesterday that I discovered. What a sweet little place you have here! It + must be charming in summer. Why, if it were not for this hill my windows + would look straight across at yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and we should see all your beautiful plantations,” said Laura, + standing beside him in the window. “I was wishing only yesterday that the + hill was not there.” + </p> + <p> + “Really! I shall be happy to have it removed for you if you would like + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Good gracious!” cried Laura. “Why, where would you put it?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, they could run it along the line and dump it anywhere. It is not much + of a hill. A few thousand men with proper machinery, and a line of rails + brought right up to them could easily dispose of it in a few months.” + </p> + <p> + “And the poor vicar's house?” Laura asked, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “I think that might be got over. We could run him up a facsimile, which + would, perhaps, be more convenient to him. Your brother will tell you that + I am quite an expert at the designing of houses. But, seriously, if you + think it would be an improvement I will see what can be done.” + </p> + <p> + “Not for the world, Mr. Haw. Why, I should be a traitor to the whole + village if I were to encourage such a scheme. The hill is the one thing + which gives Tamfield the slightest individuality. It would be the height + of selfishness to sacrifice it in order to improve the view from Elmdene.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a little box of a place this, Mr. Haw,” said old McIntyre. “I + should think you must feel quite stifled in it after your grand mansion, + of which my son tells me such wonders. But we were not always accustomed + to this sort of thing, Mr. Haw. Humble as I stand here, there was a time, + and not so long ago, when I could write as many figures on a cheque as any + gunmaker in Birmingham. It was—” + </p> + <p> + “He is a dear discontented old papa,” cried Laura, throwing her arm round + him in a caressing manner. He gave a sharp squeak and a grimace of pain, + which he endeavoured to hide by an outbreak of painfully artificial + coughing. + </p> + <p> + “Shall we go upstairs?” said Robert hurriedly, anxious to divert his + guest's attention from this little domestic incident. “My studio is the + real atelier, for it is right up under the tiles. I shall lead the way, if + you will have the kindness to follow me.” + </p> + <p> + Leaving Laura and Mr. McIntyre, they went up together to the workroom. Mr. + Haw stood long in front of the “Signing of Magna Charta,” and the “Murder + of Thomas a Becket,” screwing up his eyes and twitching nervously at his + beard, while Robert stood by in anxious expectancy. + </p> + <p> + “And how much are these?” asked Raffles Haw at last. + </p> + <p> + “I priced them at a hundred apiece when I sent them to London.” + </p> + <p> + “Then the best I can wish you is that the day may come when you would + gladly give ten times the sum to have them back again. I am sure that + there are great possibilities in you, and I see that in grouping and in + boldness of design you have already achieved much. But your drawing, if + you will excuse my saying so, is just a little crude, and your colouring + perhaps a trifle thin. Now, I will make a bargain with you, Mr. McIntyre, + if you will consent to it. I know that money has no charms for you, but + still, as you said when I first met you, a man must live. I shall buy + these two canvases from you at the price which you name, subject to the + condition that you may always have them back again by repaying the same + sum.” + </p> + <p> + “You are really very kind.” Robert hardly knew whether to be delighted at + having sold his pictures or humiliated at the frank criticism of the + buyer. + </p> + <p> + “May I write a cheque at once?” said Raffles Haw. “Here is pen and ink. + So! I shall send a couple of footmen down for them in the afternoon. Well, + I shall keep them in trust for you. I dare say that when you are famous + they will be of value as specimens of your early manner.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure that I am extremely obliged to you, Mr. Haw,” said the young + artist, placing the cheque in his notebook. He glanced at it as he folded + it up, in the vague hope that perhaps this man of whims had assessed his + pictures at a higher rate than he had named. The figures, however, were + exact. Robert began dimly to perceive that there were drawbacks as well as + advantages to the reputation of a money-scorner, which he had gained by a + few chance words, prompted rather by the reaction against his father's + than by his own real convictions. + </p> + <p> + “I hope, Miss McIntyre,” said Raffles Haw, when they had descended to the + sitting-room once more, “that you will do me the honour of coming to see + the little curiosities which I have gathered together. Your brother will, + I am sure, escort you up; or perhaps Mr. McIntyre would care to come?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be delighted to come, Mr. Haw,” cried Laura, with her sweetest + smile. “A good deal of my time just now is taken up in looking after the + poor people, who find the cold weather very trying.” Robert raised his + eyebrows, for it was the first he had heard of his sister's missions of + mercy, but Mr. Raffles Haw nodded approvingly. “Robert was telling us of + your wonderful hot-houses. I am sure I wish I could transport the whole + parish into one of them, and give them a good warm.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing would be easier, but I am afraid that they might find it a little + trying when they came out again. I have one house which is only just + finished. Your brother has not seen it yet, but I think it is the best of + them all. It represents an Indian jungle, and is hot enough in all + conscience.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall so look forward to seeing it,” cried Laura, clasping her hands. + “It has been one of the dreams of my life to see India. I have read so + much of it, the temples, the forests, the great rivers, and the tigers. + Why, you would hardly believe it, but I have never seen a tiger except in + a picture.” + </p> + <p> + “That can easily be set right,” said Raffles Haw, with his quiet smile. + “Would you care to see one?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, immensely.” + </p> + <p> + “I will have one sent down. Let me see, it is nearly twelve o'clock. I can + get a wire to Liverpool by one. There is a man there who deals in such + things. I should think he would be due to-morrow morning. Well, I shall + look forward to seeing you all before very long. I have rather outstayed + my time, for I am a man of routine, and I always put in a certain number + of hours in my laboratory.” He shook hands cordially with them all, and + lighting his pipe at the doorstep, strolled off upon his way. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what do you think of him now?” asked Robert, as they watched his + black figure against the white snow. + </p> + <p> + “I think that he is no more fit to be trusted with all that money than a + child,” cried the old man. “It made me positively sick to hear him talk of + moving hills and buying tigers, and such-like nonsense, when there are + honest men without a business, and great businesses starving for a little + capital. It's unchristian—that's what I call it.” + </p> + <p> + “I think he is most delightful, Robert,” said Laura. “Remember, you have + promised to take us up to the Hall. And he evidently wishes us to go soon. + Don't you think we might go this afternoon?” + </p> + <p> + “I hardly think that, Laura. You leave it in my hands, and I will arrange + it all. And now I must get to work, for the light is so very short on + these winter days.” + </p> + <p> + That night Robert McIntyre had gone to bed, and was dozing off when a hand + plucked at his shoulder, and he started up to find his sister in some + white drapery, with a shawl thrown over her shoulders, standing beside him + in the moonlight. + </p> + <p> + “Robert, dear,” she whispered, stooping over him, “there was something I + wanted to ask you, but papa was always in the way. You will do something + to please me, won't you, Robert?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, Laura. What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “I do so hate having my affairs talked over, dear. If Mr. Raffles Haw says + anything to you about me, or asks any questions, please don't say anything + about Hector. You won't, will you, Robert, for the sake of your little + sister?” + </p> + <p> + “No; not unless you wish it.” + </p> + <p> + “There is a dear good brother.” She stooped over him and kissed him + tenderly. + </p> + <p> + It was a rare thing for Laura to show any emotion, and her brother + marvelled sleepily over it until he relapsed into his interrupted doze. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. A STRANGE VISITOR. + </h2> + <p> + The McIntyre family was seated at breakfast on the morning which followed + the first visit of Raffles Haw, when they were surprised to hear the buzz + and hum of a multitude of voices in the village street. Nearer and nearer + came the tumult, and then, of a sudden, two maddened horses reared + themselves up on the other side of the garden hedge, prancing and pawing, + with ears laid back and eyes ever glancing at some horror behind them. Two + men hung shouting to their bridles, while a third came rushing up the + curved gravel path. Before the McIntyres could realise the situation, + their maid, Mary, darted into the sitting-room with terror in her round + freckled face: + </p> + <p> + “If you please, miss,” she screamed, “your tiger has arrove.” + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens!” cried Robert, rushing to the door with his half-filled + teacup in his hand. “This is too much. Here is an iron cage on a trolly + with a great ramping tiger, and the whole village with their mouths open.” + </p> + <p> + “Mad as a hatter!” shrieked old Mr. McIntyre. “I could see it in his eye. + He spent enough on this beast to start me in business. Whoever heard of + such a thing? Tell the driver to take it to the police-station.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing of the sort, papa,” said Laura, rising with dignity and wrapping + a shawl about her shoulders. Her eyes were shining, her cheeks flushed, + and she carried herself like a triumphant queen. + </p> + <p> + Robert, with his teacup in his hand, allowed his attention to be diverted + from their strange visitor while he gazed at his beautiful sister. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Raffles Haw has done this out of kindness to me,” she said, sweeping + towards the door. “I look upon it as a great attention on his part. I + shall certainly go out and look at it.” + </p> + <p> + “If you please, sir,” said the carman, reappearing at the door, “it's all + as we can do to 'old in the 'osses.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us all go out together then,” suggested Robert. + </p> + <p> + They went as far as the garden fence and stared over, while the whole + village, from the school-children to the old grey-haired men from the + almshouses, gathered round in mute astonishment. The tiger, a long, lithe, + venomous-looking creature, with two blazing green eyes, paced stealthily + round the little cage, lashing its sides with its tail, and rubbing its + muzzle against the bars. + </p> + <p> + “What were your orders?” asked Robert of the carman. + </p> + <p> + “It came through by special express from Liverpool, sir, and the train is + drawn up at the Tamfield siding all ready to take it back. If it 'ad been + royalty the railway folk couldn't ha' shown it more respec'. We are to + take it back when you're done with it. It's been a cruel job, sir, for our + arms is pulled clean out of the sockets a-'olding in of the 'osses.” + </p> + <p> + “What a dear, sweet creature it is,” cried Laura. “How sleek and how + graceful! I cannot understand how people could be afraid of anything so + beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + “If you please, marm,” said the carman, touching his skin cap, “he out + with his paw between the bars as we stood in the station yard, and if I + 'adn't pulled my mate Bill back it would ha' been a case of kingdom come. + It was a proper near squeak, I can tell ye.” + </p> + <p> + “I never saw anything more lovely,” continued Laura, loftily overlooking + the remarks of the driver. “It has been a very great pleasure to me to see + it, and I hope that you will tell Mr. Haw so if you see him, Robert.” + </p> + <p> + “The horses are very restive,” said her brother. “Perhaps, Laura, if you + have seen enough, it would be as well to let them go.” + </p> + <p> + She bowed in the regal fashion which she had so suddenly adopted. Robert + shouted the order, the driver sprang up, his comrades let the horses go, + and away rattled the waggon and the trolly with half the Tamfielders + streaming vainly behind it. + </p> + <p> + “Is it not wonderful what money can do?” Laura remarked, as they knocked + the snow from their shoes within the porch. “There seems to be no wish + which Mr. Haw could not at once gratify.” + </p> + <p> + “No wish of yours, you mean,” broke in her father. “It's different when he + is dealing with a wrinkled old man who has spent himself in working for + his children. A plainer case of love at first sight I never saw.” + </p> + <p> + “How can you be so coarse, papa?” cried Laura, but her eyes flashed, and + her teeth gleamed, as though the remark had not altogether displeased her. + </p> + <p> + “For heaven's sake, be careful, Laura!” cried Robert. “It had not struck + me before, but really it does look rather like it. You know how you stand. + Raffles Haw is not a man to play with.” + </p> + <p> + “You dear old boy!” said Laura, laying her hand upon his shoulder, “what + do you know of such things? All you have to do is to go on with your + painting, and to remember the promise you made the other night.” + </p> + <p> + “What promise was that, then?” cried old McIntyre suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + “Never you mind, papa. But if you forget it, Robert, I shall never forgive + you as long as I live.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. THE WORKINGS OF WEALTH. + </h2> + <p> + It can easily be believed that as the weeks passed the name and fame of + the mysterious owner of the New Hall resounded over the quiet countryside + until the rumour of him had spread to the remotest corners of Warwickshire + and Staffordshire. In Birmingham on the one side, and in Coventry and + Leamington on the other, there was gossip as to his untold riches, his + extraordinary whims, and the remarkable life which he led. His name was + bandied from mouth to mouth, and a thousand efforts were made to find out + who and what he was. In spite of all their pains, however, the newsmongers + were unable to discover the slightest trace of his antecedents, or to form + even a guess as to the secret of his riches. + </p> + <p> + It was no wonder that conjecture was rife upon the subject, for hardly a + day passed without furnishing some new instance of the boundlessness of + his power and of the goodness of his heart. Through the vicar, Robert, and + others, he had learned much of the inner life of the parish, and many were + the times when the struggling man, harassed and driven to the wall, found + thrust into his hand some morning a brief note with an enclosure which + rolled all the sorrow back from his life. One day a thick double-breasted + pea-jacket and a pair of good sturdy boots were served out to every old + man in the almshouse. On another, Miss Swire, the decayed gentlewoman who + eked out her small annuity by needlework, had a brand new first-class + sewing-machine handed in to her to take the place of the old worn-out + treadle which tried her rheumatic joints. The pale-faced schoolmaster, who + had spent years with hardly a break in struggling with the juvenile + obtuseness of Tamfield, received through the post a circular ticket for a + two months' tour through Southern Europe, with hotel coupons and all + complete. John Hackett, the farmer, after five long years of bad seasons, + borne with a brave heart, had at last been overthrown by the sixth, and + had the bailiffs actually in the house when the good vicar had rushed in, + waving a note above his head, to tell him not only that his deficit had + been made up, but that enough remained over to provide the improved + machinery which would enable him to hold his own for the future. An almost + superstitious feeling came upon the rustic folk as they looked at the + great palace when the sun gleamed upon the huge hot-houses, or even more + so, perhaps, when at night the brilliant electric lights shot their white + radiance through the countless rows of windows. To them it was as if some + minor Providence presided in that great place, unseen but seeing all, + boundless in its power and its graciousness, ever ready to assist and to + befriend. In every good deed, however, Raffles Haw still remained in the + background, while the vicar and Robert had the pleasant task of conveying + his benefits to the lowly and the suffering. + </p> + <p> + Once only did he appear in his own person, and that was upon the famous + occasion when he saved the well-known bank of Garraweg Brothers in + Birmingham. The most charitable and upright of men, the two brothers, + Louis and Rupert, had built up a business which extended its ramifications + into every townlet of four counties. The failure of their London agents + had suddenly brought a heavy loss upon them, and the circumstance leaking + out had caused a sudden and most dangerous run upon their establishment. + Urgent telegrams for bullion from all their forty branches poured in at + the very instant when the head office was crowded with anxious clients all + waving their deposit-books, and clamouring for their money. Bravely did + the two brothers with their staff stand with smiling faces behind the + shining counter, while swift messengers sped and telegrams flashed to draw + in all the available resources of the bank. All day the stream poured + through the office, and when four o'clock came, and the doors were closed + for the day, the street without was still blocked by the expectant crowd, + while there remained scarce a thousand pounds of bullion in the cellars. + </p> + <p> + “It is only postponed. Louis,” said brother Rupert despairingly, when the + last clerk had left the office, and when at last they could relax the + fixed smile upon their haggard faces. + </p> + <p> + “Those shutters will never come down again,” cried brother Louis, and the + two suddenly burst out sobbing in each other's arms, not for their own + griefs, but for the miseries which they might bring upon those who had + trusted them. + </p> + <p> + But who shall ever dare to say that there is no hope, if he will but give + his griefs to the world? That very night Mrs. Spurling had received a + letter from her old school friend, Mrs. Louis Garraweg, with all her fears + and her hopes poured out in it, and the whole sad story of their troubles. + Swift from the Vicarage went the message to the Hall, and early next + morning Mr. Raffles Haw, with a great black carpet-bag in his hand, found + means to draw the cashier of the local branch of the Bank of England from + his breakfast, and to persuade him to open his doors at unofficial hours. + By half-past nine the crowd had already begun to collect around + Garraweg's, when a stranger, pale and thin, with a bloated carpet-bag, was + shown at his own very pressing request into the bank parlour. + </p> + <p> + “It is no use, sir,” said the elder brother humbly, as they stood together + encouraging each other to turn a brave face to misfortune, “we can do no + more. We have little left, and it would be unfair to the others to pay you + now. We can but hope that when our assets are realised no one will be the + loser save ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not come to draw out, but to put in,” said Raffles Haw in his + demure apologetic fashion. “I have in my bag five thousand hundred-pound + Bank of England notes. If you will have the goodness to place them to my + credit account I should be extremely obliged.” + </p> + <p> + “But, good heavens, sir!” stammered Rupert Garraweg, “have you not heard? + Have you not seen? We cannot allow you to do this thing blindfold; can we + Louis?” + </p> + <p> + “Most certainly not. We cannot recommend our bank, sir, at the present + moment, for there is a run upon us, and we do not know to what lengths it + may go.” + </p> + <p> + “Tut! tut!” said Raffles Haw. “If the run continues you must send me a + wire, and I shall make a small addition to my account. You will send me a + receipt by post. Good-morning, gentlemen!” He bowed himself out ere the + astounded partners could realise what had befallen them, or raise their + eyes from the huge black bag and the visiting card which lay upon their + table. There was no great failure in Birmingham that day, and the house of + Garraweg still survives to enjoy the success which it deserves. + </p> + <p> + Such were the deeds by which Raffles Haw made himself known throughout the + Midlands, and yet, in spite of all his open-handedness, he was not a man + to be imposed upon. In vain the sturdy beggar cringed at his gate, and in + vain the crafty letter-writer poured out a thousand fabulous woes upon + paper. Robert was astonished when he brought some tale of trouble to the + Hall to observe how swift was the perception of the recluse, and how + unerringly he could detect a flaw in a narrative, or lay his finger upon + the one point which rang false. Were a man strong enough to help himself, + or of such a nature as to profit nothing by help, none would he get from + the master of the New Hall. In vain, for example, did old McIntyre throw + himself continually across the path of the millionaire, and impress upon + him, by a thousand hints and innuendoes, the hard fortune which had been + dealt him, and the ease with which his fallen greatness might be restored. + Raffles Haw listened politely, bowed, smiled, but never showed the + slightest inclination to restore the querulous old gunmaker to his + pedestal. + </p> + <p> + But if the recluse's wealth was a lure which drew the beggars from far and + near, as the lamp draws the moths, it had the same power of attraction + upon another and much more dangerous class. Strange hard faces were seen + in the village street, prowling figures were marked at night stealing + about among the fir plantations, and warning messages arrived from city + police and county constabulary to say that evil visitors were known to + have taken train to Tamfield. But if, as Raffles Haw held, there were few + limits to the power of immense wealth, it possessed, among other things, + the power of self-preservation, as one or two people were to learn to + their cost. + </p> + <p> + “Would you mind stepping up to the Hall?” he said one morning, putting his + head in at the door of the Elmdene sitting-room. “I have something there + that might amuse you.” He was on intimate terms with the McIntyres now, + and there were few days on which they did not see something of each other. + </p> + <p> + They gladly accompanied him, all three, for such invitations were usually + the prelude of some agreeable surprise which he had in store for them. + </p> + <p> + “I have shown you a tiger,” he remarked to Laura, as he led them into the + dining-room. “I will now show you something quite as dangerous, though not + nearly so pretty.” There was an arrangement of mirrors at one end of the + room, with a large circular glass set at a sharp angle at the top. + </p> + <p> + “Look in there—in the upper glass,” said Raffles Haw. + </p> + <p> + “Good gracious! what dreadful-looking men!” cried Laura. “There are two of + them, and I don't know which is the worse.” + </p> + <p> + “What on earth are they doing?” asked Robert. “They appear to be sitting + on the ground in some sort of a cellar.” + </p> + <p> + “Most dangerous-looking characters,” said the old man. “I should strongly + recommend you to send for a policeman.” + </p> + <p> + “I have done so. But it seems a work of supererogation to take them to + prison, for they are very snugly in prison already. However, I suppose + that the law must have its own.” + </p> + <p> + “And who are they, and how did they come there? Do tell us, Mr. Haw.” + </p> + <p> + Laura McIntyre had a pretty beseeching way with her, which went rather + piquantly with her queenly style of beauty. + </p> + <p> + “I know no more than you do. They were not there last night, and they are + here this morning, so I suppose it is a safe inference that they came in + during the night, especially as my servants found the window open when + they came down. As to their character and intentions, I should think that + is pretty legible upon their faces. They look a pair of beauties, don't + they?” + </p> + <p> + “But I cannot understand in the least where they are,” said Robert, + staring into the mirror. “One of them has taken to butting his head + against the wall. No, he is bending so that the other may stand upon his + back. He is up there now, and the light is shining upon his face. What a + bewildered ruffianly face it is too. I should so like to sketch it. It + would be a study for the picture I am thinking of of the Reign of Terror.” + </p> + <p> + “I have caught them in my patent burglar trap,” said Haw. “They are my + first birds, but I have no doubt that they will not be the last. I will + show you how it works. It is quite a new thing. This flooring is now as + strong as possible, but every night I disconnect it. It is done + simultaneously by a central machine for every room on the ground-floor. + When the floor is disconnected one may advance three or four steps, either + from the window or door, and then that whole part turns on a hinge and + slides you into a padded strong-room beneath, where you may kick your + heels until you are released. There is a central oasis between the hinges, + where the furniture is grouped for the night. The flooring flies into + position again when the weight of the intruder is removed, and there he + must bide, while I can always take a peep at him by this simple little + optical arrangement. I thought it might amuse you to have a look at my + prisoners before I handed them over to the head-constable, who I see is + now coming up the avenue.” + </p> + <p> + “The poor burglars!” cried Laura. “It is no wonder that they look + bewildered, for I suppose, Mr. Haw, that they neither know where they are, + nor how they came there. I am so glad to know that you guard yourself in + this way, for I have often thought that you ran a danger.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you so?” said he, smiling round at her. “I think that my house is + fairly burglar-proof. I have one window which may be used as an entrance, + the centre one of the three of my laboratory. I keep it so because, to + tell the truth, I am somewhat of a night prowler myself, and when I treat + myself to a ramble under the stars I like to slip in and out without + ceremony. It would, however, be a fortunate rogue who picked the only safe + entrance out of a hundred, and even then he might find pitfalls. Here is + the constable, but you must not go, for Miss McIntyre has still something + to see in my little place. If you will step into the billiard-room I shall + be with you in a very few moments.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. A BILLIONAIRE'S PLANS. + </h2> + <p> + That morning, and many mornings both before and afterwards, were spent by + Laura at the New Hall examining the treasures of the museum, playing with + the thousand costly toys which Raffles Haw had collected, or sallying out + from the smoking-room in the crystal chamber into the long line of + luxurious hot-houses. Haw would walk demurely beside her as she flitted + from one thing to another like a butterfly among flowers, watching her out + of the corner of his eyes, and taking a quiet pleasure in her delight. The + only joy which his costly possessions had ever brought him was that which + came from the entertainment of others. + </p> + <p> + By this time his attentions towards Laura McIntyre had become so marked + that they could hardly be mistaken. He visibly brightened in her presence, + and was never weary of devising a thousand methods of surprising and + pleasing her. Every morning ere the McIntyre family were afoot a great + bouquet of strange and beautiful flowers was brought down by a footman + from the Hall to brighten their breakfast-table. Her slightest wish, + however fantastic, was instantly satisfied, if human money or ingenuity + could do it. When the frost lasted a stream was dammed and turned from its + course that it might flood two meadows, solely in order that she might + have a place upon which to skate. With the thaw there came a groom every + afternoon with a sleek and beautiful mare in case Miss McIntyre should + care to ride. Everything went to show that she had made a conquest of the + recluse of the New Hall. + </p> + <p> + And she on her side played her part admirably. With female adaptiveness + she fell in with his humour, and looked at the world through his eyes. Her + talk was of almshouses and free libraries, of charities and of + improvements. He had never a scheme to which she could not add some detail + making it more complete and more effective. To Haw it seemed that at last + he had met a mind which was in absolute affinity with his own. Here was a + help-mate, who could not only follow, but even lead him in the path which + he had chosen. + </p> + <p> + Neither Robert nor his father could fail to see what was going forward, + but to the latter nothing could possibly be more acceptable than a family + tie which should connect him, however indirectly, with a man of vast + fortune. The glamour of the gold bags had crept over Robert also, and + froze the remonstrance upon his lips. It was very pleasant to have the + handling of all this wealth, even as a mere agent. Why should he do or say + what might disturb their present happy relations? It was his sister's + business, not his; and as to Hector Spurling, he must take his chance as + other men did. It was obviously best not to move one way or the other in + the matter. + </p> + <p> + But to Robert himself, his work and his surroundings were becoming more + and more irksome. His joy in his art had become less keen since he had + known Raffles Haw. It seemed so hard to toll and slave to earn such a + trifling sum, when money could really be had for the asking. It was true + that he had asked for none, but large sums were for ever passing through + his hands for those who were needy, and if he were needy himself his + friend would surely not grudge it to him. So the Roman galleys still + remained faintly outlined upon the great canvas, while Robert's days were + spent either in the luxurious library at the Hall, or in strolling about + the country listening to tales of trouble, and returning like a + tweed-suited ministering angel to carry Raffles Haw's help to the + unfortunate. It was not an ambitious life, but it was one which was very + congenial to his weak and easy-going nature. + </p> + <p> + Robert had observed that fits of depression had frequently come upon the + millionaire, and it had sometimes struck him that the enormous sums which + he spent had possibly made a serious inroad into his capital, and that his + mind was troubled as to the future. His abstracted manner, his clouded + brow, and his bent head all spoke of a soul which was weighed down with + care, and it was only in Laura's presence that he could throw off the load + of his secret trouble. For five hours a day he buried himself in the + laboratory and amused himself with his hobby, but it was one of his whims + that no one, neither any of his servants, nor even Laura or Robert, should + ever cross the threshold of that outlying building. Day after day he + vanished into it, to reappear hours afterwards pale and exhausted, while + the whirr of machinery and the smoke which streamed from his high chimney + showed how considerable were the operations which he undertook + single-handed. + </p> + <p> + “Could I not assist you in any way?” suggested Robert, as they sat + together after luncheon in the smoking-room. “I am convinced that you + over-try your strength. I should be so glad to help you, and I know a + little of chemistry.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you, indeed?” said Raffles Haw, raising his eyebrows. “I had no idea + of that; it is very seldom that the artistic and the scientific faculties + go together.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know that I have either particularly developed. But I have taken + classes, and I worked for two years in the laboratory at Sir Josiah + Mason's Institute.” + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to hear it,” Haw replied with emphasis. “That may be of + great importance to us. It is very possible—indeed, almost certain—that + I shall avail myself of your offer of assistance, and teach you something + of my chemical methods, which I may say differ considerably from those of + the orthodox school. The time, however, is hardly ripe for that. What is + it, Jones?” + </p> + <p> + “A note, sir.” + </p> + <p> + The butler handed it in upon a silver salver. Haw broke the seal and ran + his eye over it. + </p> + <p> + “Tut! tut! It is from Lady Morsley, asking me to the Lord-Lieutenant's + ball. I cannot possibly accept. It is very kind of them, but I do wish + they would leave me alone. Very well, Jones. I shall write. Do you know, + Robert, I am often very unhappy.” + </p> + <p> + He frequently called the young artist by his Christian name, especially in + his more confidential moments. + </p> + <p> + “I have sometimes feared that you were,” said the other sympathetically. + “But how strange it seems, you who are yet young, healthy, with every + faculty for enjoyment, and a millionaire.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Robert,” cried Haw, leaning back in his chair, and sending up thick + blue wreaths from his pipe. “You have put your finger upon my trouble. If + I were a millionaire I might be happy, but, alas, I am no millionaire!” + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens!” gasped Robert. + </p> + <p> + Cold seemed to shoot to his inmost soul as it flashed upon him that this + was a prelude to a confession of impending bankruptcy, and that all this + glorious life, all the excitement and the colour and change, were about to + vanish into thin air. + </p> + <p> + “No millionaire!” he stammered. + </p> + <p> + “No, Robert; I am a billionaire—perhaps the only one in the world. + That is what is on my mind, and why I am unhappy sometimes. I feel that I + should spend this money—that I should put it in circulation—and + yet it is so hard to do it without failing to do good—without doing + positive harm. I feel my responsibility deeply. It weighs me down. Am I + justified in continuing to live this quiet life when there are so many + millions whom I might save and comfort if I could but reach them?” + </p> + <p> + Robert heaved a long sigh of relief. “Perhaps you take too grave a view of + your responsibilities,” he said. “Everybody knows that the good which you + have done is immense. What more could you desire? If you really wished to + extend your benevolence further, there are organised charities everywhere + which would be very glad of your help.” + </p> + <p> + “I have the names of two hundred and seventy of them,” Haw answered. “You + must run your eye over them some time, and see if you can suggest any + others. I send my annual mite to each of them. I don't think there is much + room for expansion in that direction.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, really you have done your share, and more than your share. I would + settle down to lead a happy life, and think no more of the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “I could not do that,” Haw answered earnestly. “I have not been singled + out to wield this immense power simply in order that I might lead a happy + life. I can never believe that. Now, can you not use your imagination, + Robert, and devise methods by which a man who has command of—well, + let us say, for argument's sake, boundless wealth, could benefit mankind + by it, without taking away any one's independence or in any way doing + harm?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, really, now that I come to think of it, it is a very difficult + problem,” said Robert. + </p> + <p> + “Now I will submit a few schemes to you, and you may give me your opinion + on them. Supposing that such a man were to buy ten square miles of ground + here in Staffordshire, and were to build upon it a neat city, consisting + entirely of clean, comfortable little four-roomed houses, furnished in a + simple style, with shops and so forth, but no public-houses. Supposing, + too, that he were to offer a house free to all the homeless folk, all the + tramps, and broken men, and out-of-workers in Great Britain. Then, having + collected them together, let him employ them, under fitting + superintendence, upon some colossal piece of work which would last for + many years, and perhaps be of permanent value to humanity. Give them a + good rate of pay, and let their hours of labour be reasonable, and those + of recreation be pleasant. Might you not benefit them and benefit humanity + at one stroke?” + </p> + <p> + “But what form of work could you devise which would employ so vast a + number for so long a time, and yet not compete with any existing industry? + To do the latter would simply mean to shift the misery from one class to + another.” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely so. I should compete with no one. What I thought of doing was + of sinking a shaft through the earth's crust, and of establishing rapid + communication with the Antipodes. When you had got a certain distance down—how + far is an interesting mathematical problem—the centre of gravity + would be beneath you, presuming that your boring was not quite directed + towards the centre, and you could then lay down rails and tunnel as if you + were on the level.” + </p> + <p> + Then for the first time it flashed into Robert McIntyre's head that his + father's chance words were correct, and that he was in the presence of a + madman. His great wealth had clearly turned his brain, and made him a + monomaniac. He nodded indulgently, as when one humours a child. + </p> + <p> + “It would be very nice,” he said. “I have heard, however, that the + interior of the earth is molten, and your workmen would need to be + Salamanders.” + </p> + <p> + “The latest scientific data do not bear out the idea that the earth is so + hot,” answered Raffles Haw. “It is certain that the increased temperature + in coal mines depends upon the barometric pressure. There are gases in the + earth which may be ignited, and there are combustible materials as we see + in the volcanoes; but if we came across anything of the sort in our + borings, we could turn a river or two down the shaft, and get the better + of it in that fashion.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be rather awkward if the other end of your shaft came out under + the Pacific Ocean,” said Robert, choking down his inclination to laugh. + </p> + <p> + “I have had estimates and calculations from the first living engineers—French, + English, and American. The point of exit of the tunnel could be calculated + to the yard. That portfolio in the corner is full of sections, plans, and + diagrams. I have agents employed in buying up land, and if all goes well, + we may get to work in the autumn. That is one device which may produce + results. Another is canal-cutting.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, there you would compete with the railways.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't quite understand. I intend to cut canals through every neck of + land where such a convenience would facilitate commerce. Such a scheme, + when unaccompanied by any toll upon vessels, would, I think, be a very + judicious way of helping the human race.” + </p> + <p> + “And where, pray, would you cut the canals?” asked Robert. + </p> + <p> + “I have a map of the world here,” Haw answered, rising, and taking one + down from the paper-rack. “You see the blue pencil marks. Those are the + points where I propose to establish communication. Of course, I should + begin by the obvious duty of finishing the Panama business.” + </p> + <p> + “Naturally.” The man's lunacy was becoming more and more obvious, and yet + there was such precision and coolness in his manner, that Robert found + himself against his own reason endorsing and speculating over his plans. + </p> + <p> + “The Isthmus of Corinth also occurs to one. That, however, is a small + matter, from either a financial or an engineering point of view. I + propose, however, to make a junction here, through Kiel between the German + Ocean and the Baltic. It saves, you will observe, the whole journey round + the coast of Denmark, and would facilitate our trade with Germany and + Russia. Another very obvious improvement is to join the Forth and the + Clyde, so as to connect Leith with the Irish and American routes. You see + the blue line?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so.” + </p> + <p> + “And we will have a little cutting here. It will run from Uleaborg to Kem, + and will connect the White Sea with the Gulf of Bothnia. We must not allow + our sympathies to be insular, must we? Our little charities should be + cosmopolitan. We will try and give the good people of Archangel a better + outlet for their furs and their tallow.” + </p> + <p> + “But it will freeze.” + </p> + <p> + “For six months in the year. Still, it will be something. Then we must do + something for the East. It would never do to overlook the East.” + </p> + <p> + “It would certainly be an oversight,” said Robert, who was keenly alive to + the comical side of the question. Raffles Haw, however, in deadly earnest, + sat scratching away at his map with his blue pencil. + </p> + <p> + “Here is a point where we might be of some little use. If we cut through + from Batoum to the Kura River we might tap the trade of the Caspian, and + open up communication with all the rivers which run into it. You notice + that they include a considerable tract of country. Then, again, I think + that we might venture upon a little cutting between Beirut, on the + Mediterranean, and the upper waters of the Euphrates, which would lead us + into the Persian Gulf. Those are one or two of the more obvious canals + which might knit the human race into a closer whole.” + </p> + <p> + “Your plans are certainly stupendous,” said Robert, uncertain whether to + laugh or to be awe-struck. “You will cease to be a man, and become one of + the great forces of Nature, altering, moulding, and improving.” + </p> + <p> + “That is precisely the view which I take of myself. That is why I feel my + responsibility so acutely.” + </p> + <p> + “But surely if you will do all this you may rest. It is a considerable + programme.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all. I am a patriotic Briton, and I should like to do something to + leave my name in the annals of my country. I should prefer, however, to do + it after my own death, as anything in the shape of publicity and honour is + very offensive to me. I have, therefore, put by eight hundred million in a + place which shall be duly mentioned in my will, which I propose to devote + to paying off the National Debt. I cannot see that any harm could arise + from its extinction.” + </p> + <p> + Robert sat staring, struck dumb by the audacity of the strange man's + words. + </p> + <p> + “Then there is the heating of the soil. There is room for improvement + there. You have no doubt read of the immense yields which have resulted in + Jersey and elsewhere, from the running of hot-water pipes through the + soil. The crops are trebled and quadrupled. I would propose to try the + experiment upon a larger scale. We might possibly reserve the Isle of Man + to serve as a pumping and heating station. The main pipes would run to + England, Ireland, and Scotland, where they would subdivide rapidly until + they formed a network two feet deep under the whole country. A pipe at + distances of a yard would suffice for every purpose.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid,” suggested Robert, “that the water which left the Isle of + Man warm might lose a little of its virtue before it reached Caithness, + for example.” + </p> + <p> + “There need not be any difficulty there. Every few miles a furnace might + be arranged to keep up the temperature. These are a few of my plans for + the future, Robert, and I shall want the co-operation of disinterested men + like yourself in all of them. But how brightly the sun shines, and how + sweet the countryside looks! The world is very beautiful, and I should + like to leave it happier than I found it. Let us walk out together, + Robert, and you will tell me of any fresh cases where I may be of + assistance.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. A NEW DEPARTURE. + </h2> + <p> + Whatever good Mr. Raffles Haw's wealth did to the world, there could be no + doubt that there were cases where it did harm. The very contemplation and + thought of it had upon many a disturbing and mischievous effect. + Especially was this the case with the old gunmaker. From being merely a + querulous and grasping man, he had now become bitter, brooding, and + dangerous. Week by week, as he saw the tide of wealth flow as it were + through his very house without being able to divert the smallest rill to + nourish his own fortunes, he became more wolfish and more hungry-eyed. He + spoke less of his own wrongs, but he brooded more, and would stand for + hours on Tamfield Hill looking down at the great palace beneath, as a + thirst-stricken man might gaze at the desert mirage. + </p> + <p> + He had worked, and peeped, and pried, too, until there were points upon + which he knew more than either his son or his daughter. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose that you still don't know where your friend gets his money?” he + remarked to Robert one morning, as they walked together through the + village. + </p> + <p> + “No, father, I do not. I only know that he spends it very well.” + </p> + <p> + “Well!” snarled the old man. “Yes, very well! He has helped every tramp + and slut and worthless vagabond over the countryside, but he will not + advance a pound, even on the best security, to help a respectable business + man to fight against misfortune.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear father, I really cannot argue with you about it,” said Robert. “I + have already told you more than once what I think. Mr. Haw's object is to + help those who are destitute. He looks upon us as his equals, and would + not presume to patronise us, or to act as if we could not help ourselves. + It would be a humiliation to us to take his money.” + </p> + <p> + “Pshaw! Besides, it is only a question of an advance, and advances are + made every day among business men. How can you talk such nonsense, + Robert?” + </p> + <p> + Early as it was, his son could see from his excited, quarrelsome manner + that the old man had been drinking. The habit had grown upon him of late, + and it was seldom now that he was entirely sober. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Raffles Haw is the best judge,” said Robert coldly. “If he earns the + money, he has a right to spend it as he likes.” + </p> + <p> + “And how does he earn it? You don't know, Robert. You don't know that you + aren't aiding and abetting a felony when you help him to fritter it away. + Was ever so much money earned in an honest fashion? I tell you there never + was. I tell you, also, that lumps of gold are no more to that man than + chunks of coal to the miners over yonder. He could build his house of them + and think nothing of it.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that he is very rich, father. I think, however, that he has an + extravagant way of talking sometimes, and that his imagination carries him + away. I have heard him talk of plans which the richest man upon earth + could not possibly hope to carry through.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you make any mistake, my son. Your poor old father isn't quite a + fool, though he is only an honest broken merchant.” He looked up sideways + at his son with a wink and a most unpleasant leer. “Where there's money I + can smell it. There's money there, and heaps of it. It's my belief that he + is the richest man in the world, though how he came to be so I should not + like to guarantee. I'm not quite blind yet, Robert. Have you seen the + weekly waggon?” + </p> + <p> + “The weekly waggon!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Robert. You see I can find some news for you yet. It is due this + morning. Every Saturday morning you will see the waggon come in. Why, here + it is now, as I am a living man, coming round the curve.” + </p> + <p> + Robert glanced back and saw a great heavy waggon drawn by two strong + horses lumbering slowly along the road which led to the New Hall. From the + efforts of the animals and its slow pace the contents seemed to be of + great weight. + </p> + <p> + “Just you wait here,” old McIntyre cried, plucking at his son's sleeve + with his thin bony hand. “Wait here and see it pass. Then we will watch + what becomes of it.” + </p> + <p> + They stood by the side of the road until it came abreast of them. The + waggon was covered with tarpaulin sheetings in front and at the sides, but + behind some glimpse could be caught of the contents. They consisted, as + far as Robert could see, of a number of packets of the same shape, each + about two feet long and six inches high, arranged symmetrically upon the + top of each other. Each packet was surrounded by a covering of coarse + sacking. + </p> + <p> + “What do you think of that?” asked old McIntyre triumphantly as the load + creaked past. + </p> + <p> + “Why, father? What do you make of it?” + </p> + <p> + “I have watched it, Robert—I have watched it every Saturday, and I + had my chance of looking a little deeper into it. You remember the day + when the elm blew down, and the road was blocked until they could saw it + in two. That was on a Saturday, and the waggon came to a stand until they + could clear a way for it. I was there, Robert, and I saw my chance. I + strolled behind the waggon, and I placed my hands upon one of those + packets. They look small, do they not? It would take a strong man to lift + one. They are heavy, Robert, heavy, and hard with the hardness of metal. I + tell you, boy, that that waggon is loaded with gold.” + </p> + <p> + “Gold!” + </p> + <p> + “With solid bars of gold, Robert. But come into the plantation and we + shall see what becomes of it.” + </p> + <p> + They passed through the lodge gates, behind the waggon, and then wandered + off among the fir-trees until they gained a spot where they could command + a view. The load had halted, not in front of the house, but at the door of + the out-building with the chimney. A staff of stablemen and footmen were + in readiness, who proceeded to swiftly unload and to carry the packages + through the door. It was the first time that Robert had ever seen any one + save the master of the house enter the laboratory. No sign was seen of him + now, however, and in half an hour the contents had all been safely stored + and the waggon had driven briskly away. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot understand it, father,” said Robert thoughtfully, as they + resumed their walk. “Supposing that your supposition is correct, who would + send him such quantities of gold, and where could it come from?” + </p> + <p> + “Ha, you have to come to the old man after all!” chuckled his companion. + “I can see the little game. It is clear enough to me. There are two of + them in it, you understand. The other one gets the gold. Never mind how, + but we will hope that there is no harm. Let us suppose, for example, that + they have found a marvellous mine, where you can just shovel it out like + clay from a pit. Well, then, he sends it on to this one, and he has his + furnaces and his chemicals, and he refines and purifies it and makes it + fit to sell. That's my explanation of it, Robert. Eh, has the old man put + his finger on it?” + </p> + <p> + “But if that were true, father, the gold must go back again.” + </p> + <p> + “So it does, Robert, but a little at a time. Ha, ha! I've had my eyes + open, you see. Every night it goes down in a small cart, and is sent on to + London by the 7.40. Not in bars this time, but done up in iron-bound + chests. I've seen them, boy, and I've had this hand upon them.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the young man thoughtfully, “maybe you are right. It is + possible that you are right.” + </p> + <p> + While father and son were prying into his secrets, Raffles Haw had found + his way to Elmdene, where Laura sat reading the <i>Queen</i> by the fire. + </p> + <p> + “I am so sorry,” she said, throwing down her paper and springing to her + feet. “They are all out except me. But I am sure that they won't be long. + I expect Robert every moment.” + </p> + <p> + “I would rather speak with you alone,” answered Raffles Haw quietly. “Pray + sit down, for I wanted to have a little chat with you.” + </p> + <p> + Laura resumed her seat with a flush upon her cheeks and a quickening of + the breath. She turned her face away and gazed into the fire; but there + was a sparkle in her eyes which was not caught from the leaping flames. + </p> + <p> + “Do you remember the first time that we met, Miss McIntyre?” he asked, + standing on the rug and looking down at her dark hair, and the beautifully + feminine curve of her ivory neck. + </p> + <p> + “As if it were yesterday,” she answered in her sweet mellow tones. + </p> + <p> + “Then you must also remember the wild words that I said when we parted. It + was very foolish of me. I am sure that I am most sorry if I frightened or + disturbed you, but I have been a very solitary man for a long time, and I + have dropped into a bad habit of thinking aloud. Your voice, your face, + your manner, were all so like my ideal of a true woman, loving, faithful, + and sympathetic, that I could not help wondering whether, if I were a poor + man, I might ever hope to win the affection of such a one.” + </p> + <p> + “Your good opinion, Mr. Raffles Haw, is very dear to me,” said Laura. “I + assure you that I was not frightened, and that there is no need to + apologise for what was really a compliment.” + </p> + <p> + “Since then I have found,” he continued, “that all that I had read upon + your face was true. That your mind is indeed that of the true woman, full + of the noblest and sweetest qualities which human nature can aspire to. + You know that I am a man of fortune, but I wish you to dismiss that + consideration from your mind. Do you think from what you know of my + character that you could be happy as my wife, Laura?” + </p> + <p> + She made no answer, but still sat with her head turned away and her + sparkling eyes fixed upon the fire. One little foot from under her skirt + tapped nervously upon the rug. + </p> + <p> + “It is only right that you should know a little more about me before you + decide. There is, however, little to know. I am an orphan, and, as far as + I know, without a relation upon earth. My father was a respectable man, a + country surgeon in Wales, and he brought me up to his own profession. + Before I had passed my examinations, however, he died and left me a small + annuity. I had conceived a great liking for the subjects of chemistry and + electricity, and instead of going on with my medical work I devoted myself + entirely to these studies, and eventually built myself a laboratory where + I could follow out my own researches. At about this time I came into a + very large sum of money, so large as to make me feel that a vast + responsibility rested upon me in the use which I made of it. After some + thought I determined to build a large house in a quiet part of the + country, not too far from a great centre. There I could be in touch with + the world, and yet would have quiet and leisure to mature the schemes + which were in my head. As it chanced, I chose Tamfield as my site. All + that remains now is to carry out the plans which I have made, and to + endeavour to lighten the earth of some of the misery and injustice which + weigh it down. I again ask you, Laura, will you throw in your lot with + mine, and help me in the life's work which lies before me?” + </p> + <p> + Laura looked up at him, at his stringy figure, his pale face, his keen, + yet gentle eyes. Somehow as she looked there seemed to form itself beside + him some shadow of Hector Spurling, the manly features, the clear, firm + mouth, the frank manner. Now, in the very moment of her triumph, it sprang + clearly up in her mind how at the hour of their ruin he had stood firmly + by them, and had loved the penniless girl as tenderly as the heiress to + fortune. That last embrace at the door, too, came back to her, and she + felt his lips warm upon her own. + </p> + <p> + “I am very much honoured, Mr. Haw,” she stammered, “but this is so sudden. + I have not had time to think. I do not know what to say.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not let me hurry you,” he cried earnestly. “I beg that you will think + well over it. I shall come again for my answer. When shall I come? + Tonight?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, come tonight.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, adieu. Believe me that I think more highly of you for your + hesitation. I shall live in hope.” He raised her hand to his lips, and + left her to her own thoughts. + </p> + <p> + But what those thoughts were did not long remain in doubt. Dimmer and + dimmer grew the vision of the distant sailor face, clearer and clearer the + image of the vast palace, of the queenly power, of the diamonds, the gold, + the ambitious future. It all lay at her feet, waiting to be picked up. How + could she have hesitated, even for a moment? She rose, and, walking over + to her desk, she took out a sheet of paper and an envelope. The latter she + addressed to Lieutenant Spurling, H.M.S. <i>Active</i>, Gibraltar. The + note cost some little trouble, but at last she got it worded to her mind. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Dear Hector,” she said—“I am convinced that your father has + never entirely approved of our engagement, otherwise he + would not have thrown obstacles in the way of our marriage. + I am sure, too, that since my poor father's misfortune it is + only your own sense of honour and feeling of duty which have + kept you true to me, and that you would have done infinitely + better had you never seen me. I cannot bear, Hector, to allow + you to imperil your future for my sake, and I have determined, + after thinking well over the matter, to release you from our + boy and girl engagement, so that you may be entirely free in + every way. It is possible that you may think it unkind of me + to do this now, but I am quite sure, dear Hector, that when you + are an admiral and a very distinguished man, you will look back + at this, and you will see that I have been a true friend to you, + and have prevented you from making a false step early in your + career. For myself, whether I marry or not, I have determined + to devote the remainder of my life to trying to do good, and to + leaving the world happier than I found it. Your father is very + well, and gave us a capital sermon last Sunday. I enclose the + bank-note which you asked me to keep for you. Good-bye, for ever, + dear Hector, and believe me when I say that, come what may, I am + ever your true friend, + + “Laura S. McIntyre.” + </pre> + <p> + She had hardly sealed her letter before her father and Robert returned. + She closed the door behind them, and made them a little curtsey. + </p> + <p> + “I await my family's congratulations,” she said, with her head in the air. + “Mr. Raffles Haw has been here, and he has asked me to be his wife.” + </p> + <p> + “The deuce he did!” cried the old man. “And you said—?” + </p> + <p> + “I am to see him again.” + </p> + <p> + “And you will say—?” + </p> + <p> + “I will accept him.” + </p> + <p> + “You were always a good girl, Laura,” said old McIntyre, standing on his + tiptoes to kiss her. + </p> + <p> + “But Laura, Laura, how about Hector?” asked Robert in mild remonstrance. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I have written to him,” his sister answered carelessly. “I wish you + would be good enough to post the letter.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. THE GREAT SECRET. + </h2> + <p> + And so Laura McIntyre became duly engaged to Raffles Haw, and old McIntyre + grew even more hungry-looking as he felt himself a step nearer to the + source of wealth, while Robert thought less of work than ever, and never + gave as much as a thought to the great canvas which still stood, + dust-covered, upon his easel. Haw gave Laura an engagement ring of old + gold, with a great blazing diamond bulging out of it. There was little + talk about the matter, however, for it was Haw's wish that all should be + done very quietly. Nearly all his evenings were spent at Elmdene, where he + and Laura would build up the most colossal schemes of philanthropy for the + future. With a map stretched out on the table in front of them, these two + young people would, as it were, hover over the world, planning, devising, + and improving. + </p> + <p> + “Bless the girl!” said old McIntyre to his son; “she speaks about it as if + she were born to millions. Maybe, when once she is married, she won't be + so ready to chuck her money into every mad scheme that her husband can + think of.” + </p> + <p> + “Laura is greatly changed,” Robert answered; “she has grown much more + serious in her ideas.” + </p> + <p> + “You wait a bit!” sniggered his father. “She is a good girl, is Laura, and + she knows what she is about. She's not a girl to let her old dad go to the + wall if she can set him right. It's a pretty state of things,” he added + bitterly: “here's my daughter going to marry a man who thinks no more of + gold than I used to of gun-metal; and here's my son going about with all + the money he cares to ask for to help every ne'er-do-well in + Staffordshire; and here's their father, who loved them and cared for them, + and brought them both up, without money enough very often to buy a bottle + of brandy. I don't know what your poor dear mother would have thought of + it.” + </p> + <p> + “You have only to ask for what you want.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, as if I were a five-year-old child. But I tell you, Robert, I'll + have my rights, and if I can't get them one way I will another. I won't be + treated as if I were no one. And there's one thing: if I am to be this + man's pa-in-law, I'll want to know something about him and his money + first. We may be poor, but we are honest. I'll up to the Hall now, and + have it out with him.” He seized his hat and stick and made for the door. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, father,” cried Robert, catching him by the sleeve. “You had + better leave the matter alone. Mr. Haw is a very sensitive man. He would + not like to be examined upon such a point. It might lead to a serious + quarrel. I beg that you will not go.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not to be put off for ever,” snarled the old man, who had been + drinking heavily. “I'll put my foot down now, once and for ever.” He + tugged at his sleeve to free himself from his son's grasp. + </p> + <p> + “At least you shall not go without Laura knowing. I will call her down, + and we shall have her opinion.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I don't want to have any scenes,” said McIntyre sulkily, relaxing his + efforts. He lived in dread of his daughter, and at his worst moments the + mention of her name would serve to restrain him. + </p> + <p> + “Besides,” said Robert, “I have not the slightest doubt that Raffles Haw + will see the necessity for giving us some sort of explanation before + matters go further. He must understand that we have some claim now to be + taken into his confidence.” + </p> + <p> + He had hardly spoken when there was a tap at the door, and the man of whom + they were speaking walked in. + </p> + <p> + “Good-morning, Mr. McIntyre,” said he. “Robert, would you mind stepping up + to the Hall with me? I want to have a little business chat.” He looked + serious, like a man who is carrying out something which he has well + weighed. + </p> + <p> + They walked up together with hardly a word on either side. Raffles Haw was + absorbed in his own thoughts. Robert felt expectant and nervous, for he + knew that something of importance lay before him. The winter had almost + passed now, and the first young shoots were beginning to peep out timidly + in the face of the wind and the rain of an English March. The snows were + gone, but the countryside looked bleaker and drearier, all shrouded in the + haze from the damp, sodden meadows. + </p> + <p> + “By the way, Robert,” said Raffles Haw suddenly, as they walked up the + Avenue. “Has your great Roman picture gone to London?” + </p> + <p> + “I have not finished it yet.” + </p> + <p> + “But I know that you are a quick worker. You must be nearly at the end of + it.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I am afraid that it has not advanced much since you saw it. For one + thing, the light has not been very good.” + </p> + <p> + Raffles Haw said nothing, but a pained expression flashed over his face. + When they reached the house he led the way through the museum. Two great + metal cases were lying on the floor. + </p> + <p> + “I have a small addition there to the gem collection,” he remarked as he + passed. “They only arrived last night, and I have not opened them yet, but + I am given to understand from the letters and invoices that there are some + fine specimens. We might arrange them this afternoon, if you care to + assist me. Let us go into the smoking-room now.” + </p> + <p> + He threw himself down into a settee, and motioned Robert into the armchair + in front of him. + </p> + <p> + “Light a cigar,” he said. “Press the spring if there is any refreshment + which you would like. Now, my dear Robert, confess to me in the first + place that you have often thought me mad.” + </p> + <p> + The charge was so direct and so true that the young artist hesitated, + hardly knowing how to answer. + </p> + <p> + “My dear boy, I do not blame you. It was the most natural thing in the + world. I should have looked upon anyone as a madman who had talked to me + as I have talked to you. But for all that, Robert, you were wrong, and I + have never yet in our conversations proposed any scheme which it was not + well within my power to carry out. I tell you in all sober earnest that + the amount of my income is limited only by my desire, and that all the + bankers and financiers combined could not furnish the sums which I can put + forward without an effort.” + </p> + <p> + “I have had ample proof of your immense wealth,” said Robert. + </p> + <p> + “And you are very naturally curious as to how that wealth was obtained. + Well, I can tell you one thing. The money is perfectly clean. I have + robbed no one, cheated no one, sweated no one, ground no one down in the + gaining of it. I can read your father's eye, Robert. I can see that he has + done me an injustice in this matter. Well, perhaps he is not to be blamed. + Perhaps I also might think uncharitable things if I were In his place. But + that is why I now give an explanation to you, Robert, and not to him. You, + at least, have trusted me, and you have a right, before I become one of + your family, to know all that I can tell you. Laura also has trusted me, + but I know well that she is content still to trust me.” + </p> + <p> + “I would not intrude upon your secrets, Mr. Haw,” said Robert, “but of + course I cannot deny that I should be very proud and pleased if you cared + to confide them to me.” + </p> + <p> + “And I will. Not all. I do not think that I shall ever, while I live, tell + all. But I shall leave directions behind me so that when I die you may be + able to carry on my unfinished work. I shall tell you where those + directions are to be found. In the meantime, you must be content to learn + the effects which I produce without knowing every detail as to the means.” + </p> + <p> + Robert settled himself down in his chair and concentrated his attention + upon his companion's words, while Haw bent forward his eager, earnest + face, like a man who knows the value of the words which he is saying. + </p> + <p> + “You are already aware,” he remarked, “that I have devoted a great deal of + energy and of time to the study of chemistry.” + </p> + <p> + “So you told me.” + </p> + <p> + “I commenced my studies under a famous English chemist, I continued them + under the best man in France, and I completed them in the most celebrated + laboratory of Germany. I was not rich, but my father had left me enough to + keep me comfortably, and by living economically I had a sum at my command + which enabled me to carry out my studies in a very complete way. When I + returned to England I built myself a laboratory in a quiet country place + where I could work without distraction or interruption. There I began a + series of investigations which soon took me into regions of science to + which none of the three famous men who taught me had ever penetrated. + </p> + <p> + “You say, Robert, that you have some slight knowledge of chemistry, and + you will find it easier to follow what I say. Chemistry is to a large + extent an empirical science, and the chance experiment may lead to greater + results than could, with our present data, be derived from the closest + study or the keenest reasoning. The most important chemical discoveries + from the first manufacture of glass to the whitening and refining of sugar + have all been due to some happy chance which might have befallen a mere + dabbler as easily as a deep student. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it was to such a chance that my own great discovery—perhaps + the greatest that the world has seen—was due, though I may claim the + credit of having originated the line of thought which led up to it. I had + frequently speculated as to the effect which powerful currents of + electricity exercise upon any substance through which they are poured for + a considerable time. I did not here mean such feeble currents as are + passed along a telegraph wire, but I mean the very highest possible + developments. Well, I tried a series of experiments upon this point. I + found that in liquids, and in compounds, the force had a disintegrating + effect. The well-known experiment of the electrolysis of water will, of + course, occur to you. But I found that in the case of elemental solids the + effect was a remarkable one. The element slowly decreased in weight, + without perceptibly altering in composition. I hope that I make myself + clear to you?” + </p> + <p> + “I follow you entirely,” said Robert, deeply interested in his companion's + narrative. + </p> + <p> + “I tried upon several elements, and always with the same result. In every + case an hour's current would produce a perceptible loss of weight. My + theory at that stage was that there was a loosening of the molecules + caused by the electric fluid, and that a certain number of these molecules + were shed off like an impalpable dust, all round the lump of earth or of + metal, which remained, of course, the lighter by their loss. I had + entirely accepted this theory, when a very remarkable chance led me to + completely alter my opinions. + </p> + <p> + “I had one Saturday night fastened a bar of bismuth in a clamp, and had + attached it on either side to an electric wire, in order to observe what + effect the current would have upon it. I had been testing each metal in + turn, exposing them to the influence for from one to two hours. I had just + got everything in position, and had completed my connection, when I + received a telegram to say that John Stillingfleet, an old chemist in + London with whom I had been on terms of intimacy, was dangerously ill, and + had expressed a wish to see me. The last train was due to leave in twenty + minutes, and I lived a good mile from the station, I thrust a few things + into a bag, locked my laboratory, and ran as hard as I could to catch it. + </p> + <p> + “It was not until I was in London that it suddenly occurred to me that I + had neglected to shut off the current, and that it would continue to pass + through the bar of bismuth until the batteries were exhausted. The fact, + however, seemed to be of small importance, and I dismissed it from my + mind. I was detained in London until the Tuesday night, and it was + Wednesday morning before I got back to my work. As I unlocked the + laboratory door my mind reverted to the uncompleted experiment, and it + struck me that in all probability my piece of bismuth would have been + entirely disintegrated and reduced to its primitive molecules. I was + utterly unprepared for the truth. + </p> + <p> + “When I approached the table I found, sure enough, that the bar of metal + had vanished, and that the clamp was empty. Having noted the fact, I was + about to turn away to something else, when my attention was attracted to + the fact that the table upon which the clamp stood was starred over with + little patches of some liquid silvery matter, which lay in single drops or + coalesced into little pools. I had a very distinct recollection of having + thoroughly cleared the table before beginning my experiment, so that this + substance had been deposited there since I had left for London. Much + interested, I very carefully collected it all into one vessel, and + examined it minutely. There could be no question as to what it was. It was + the purest mercury, and gave no response to any test for bismuth. + </p> + <p> + “I at once grasped the fact that chance had placed in my hands a chemical + discovery of the very first importance. If bismuth were, under certain + conditions, to be subjected to the action of electricity, it would begin + by losing weight, and would finally be transformed into mercury. I had + broken down the partition which separated two elements. + </p> + <p> + “But the process would be a constant one. It would presumably prove to be + a general law, and not an isolated fact. If bismuth turned into mercury, + what would mercury turn into? There would be no rest for me until I had + solved the question. I renewed the exhausted batteries and passed the + current through the bowl of quicksilver. For sixteen hours I sat watching + the metal, marking how it slowly seemed to curdle, to grow firmer, to lose + its silvery glitter and to take a dull yellow hue. When I at last picked + it up in a forceps, and threw it upon the table, it had lost every + characteristic of mercury, and had obviously become another metal. A few + simple tests were enough to show me that this other metal was platinum. + </p> + <p> + “Now, to a chemist, there was something very suggestive in the order in + which these changes had been effected. Perhaps you can see the relation, + Robert, which they bear to each other?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I cannot say that I do.” + </p> + <p> + Robert had sat listening to this strange statement with parted lips and + staring eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I will show you. Speaking atomically, bismuth is the heaviest of the + metals. Its atomic weight is 210. The next in weight is lead, 207, and + then comes mercury at 200. Possibly the long period during which the + current had acted in my absence had reduced the bismuth to lead and the + lead in turn to mercury. Now platinum stands at 197.5, and it was + accordingly the next metal to be produced by the continued current. Do you + see now?” + </p> + <p> + “It is quite clear.” + </p> + <p> + “And then there came the inference, which sent my heart into my mouth and + caused my head to swim round. Gold is the next in the series. Its atomic + weight is 197. I remembered now, and for the first time understood why it + was always lead and mercury winch were mentioned by the old alchemists as + being the two metals which might be used in their calling. With fingers + which trembled with excitement I adjusted the wires again, and in little + more than an hour—for the length of the process was always in + proportion to the difference in the metals—I had before me a knob of + ruddy crinkled metal, which answered to every reaction for gold. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Robert, this is a long story, but I think that you will agree with + me that its importance justifies me in going into detail. When I had + satisfied myself that I had really manufactured gold I cut the nugget in + two. One half I sent to a jeweller and worker in precious metals, with + whom I had some slight acquaintance, asking him to report upon the quality + of the metal. With the other half I continued my series of experiments, + and reduced it in successive stages through all the long series of metals, + through silver and zinc and manganese, until I brought it to lithium, + which is the lightest of all.” + </p> + <p> + “And what did it turn to then?” asked Robert. + </p> + <p> + “Then came what to chemists is likely to be the most interesting portion + of my discovery. It turned to a greyish fine powder, which powder gave no + further results, however much I might treat it with electricity. And that + powder is the base of all things; it is the mother of all the elements; it + is, in short, the substance whose existence has been recently surmised by + a leading chemist, and which has been christened protyle by him. I am the + discoverer of the great law of the electrical transposition of the metals, + and I am the first to demonstrate protyle, so that, I think, Robert, if + all my schemes in other directions come to nothing, my name is at least + likely to live in the chemical world. + </p> + <p> + “There is not very much more for me to tell you. I had my nugget back from + my friend the jeweller, confirming my opinion as to its nature and its + quality. I soon found several methods by which the process might be + simplified, and especially a modification of the ordinary electric + current, which was very much more effective. Having made a certain amount + of gold, I disposed of it for a sum which enabled me to buy improved + materials and stronger batteries. In this way I enlarged my operations + until at last I was in a position to build this house and to have a + laboratory where I could carry out my work on a much larger scale. As I + said before, I can now state with all truth that the amount of my income + is only limited by my desires.” + </p> + <p> + “It is wonderful!” gasped Robert. “It is like a fairy tale. But with this + great discovery in your mind you must have been sorely tempted to confide + it to others.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought well over it. I gave it every consideration. It was obvious to + me that if my invention were made public, its immediate result would be to + deprive the present precious metals of all their special value. Some other + substance—amber, we will say, or ivory—would be chosen as a + medium for barter, and gold would be inferior to brass, as being heavier + and yet not so hard. No one would be the better for such a consummation as + that. Now, if I retained my secret, and used it with wisdom, I might make + myself the greatest benefactor to mankind that has ever lived. Those were + the chief reasons, and I trust that they are not dishonourable ones, which + led me to form the resolution, which I have today for the first time + broken.” + </p> + <p> + “But your secret is safe with me,” cried Robert. “My lips shall be sealed + until I have your permission to speak.” + </p> + <p> + “If I had not known that I could trust you I should have withheld it from + your knowledge. And now, my dear Robert, theory is very weak work, and + practice is infinitely more interesting. I have given you more than enough + of the first. If you will be good enough to accompany me to the laboratory + I shall give you a little of the latter.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. A CHEMICAL DEMONSTRATION. + </h2> + <p> + Raffles Haw led the way through the front door, and crossing over the + gravelled drive pushed open the outer door of the laboratory—the + same through which the McIntyres had seen the packages conveyed from the + waggon. On passing through it Robert found that they were not really + within the building, but merely in a large bare ante-chamber, around the + walls of which were stacked the very objects which had aroused his + curiosity and his father's speculations. All mystery had gone from them + now, however, for while some were still wrapped in their sackcloth + coverings, others had been undone, and revealed themselves as great pigs + of lead. + </p> + <p> + “There is my raw material,” said Raffles Haw carelessly, nodding at the + heap. “Every Saturday I have a waggon-load sent up, which serves me for a + week, but we shall need to work double tides when Laura and I are married, + and we get our great schemes under way. I have to be very careful about + the quality of the lead, for, of course, every impurity is reproduced in + the gold.” + </p> + <p> + A heavy iron door led into the inner chamber. Haw unlocked it, but only to + disclose a second one about five feet further on. + </p> + <p> + “This flooring is all disconnected at night,” he remarked. “I have no + doubt that there is a good deal of gossip in the servants'-hall about this + sealed chamber, so I have to guard myself against some inquisitive ostler + or too adventurous butler.” + </p> + <p> + The inner door admitted them into the laboratory, a high, bare, + whitewashed room with a glass roof. At one end was the furnace and boiler, + the iron mouth of which was closed, though the fierce red light beat + through the cracks, and a dull roar sounded through the building. On + either side innumerable huge Leyden jars stood ranged in rows, tier + topping tier, while above them were columns of Voltaic cells. Robert's + eyes, as he glanced around, lit on vast wheels, complicated networks of + wire, stands, test-tubes, coloured bottles, graduated glasses, Bunsen + burners, porcelain insulators, and all the varied <i>debris</i> of a + chemical and electrical workshop. + </p> + <p> + “Come across here,” said Raffles Haw, picking his way among the heaps of + metal, the coke, the packing-cases, and the carboys of acid. “Yours is the + first foot except my own which has ever penetrated to this room since the + workmen left it. My servants carry the lead into the ante-room, but come + no further. The furnace can be cleaned and stoked from without. I employ a + fellow to do nothing else. Now take a look in here.” + </p> + <p> + He threw open a door on the further side, and motioned to the young artist + to enter. The latter stood silent with one foot over the threshold, + staring in amazement around him. The room, which may have been some thirty + feet square, was paved and walled with gold. Great brick-shaped ingots, + closely packed, covered the whole floor, while on every side they were + reared up in compact barriers to the very ceiling. The single electric + lamp which lighted the windowless chamber struck a dull, murky, yellow + light from the vast piles of precious metal, and gleamed ruddily upon the + golden floor. + </p> + <p> + “This is my treasure house,” remarked the owner. “You see that I have + rather an accumulation just now. My imports have been exceeding my + exports. You can understand that I have other and more important duties + even than the making of gold, just now. This is where I store my output + until I am ready to send it off. Every night almost I am in the habit of + sending a case of it to London. I employ seventeen brokers in its sale. + Each thinks that he is the only one, and each is dying to know where I can + get such large quantities of virgin gold. They say that it is the purest + which comes into the market. The popular theory is, I believe, that I am a + middleman acting on behalf of some new South African mine, which wishes to + keep its whereabouts a secret. What value would you put upon the gold in + this chamber? It ought to be worth something, for it represents nearly a + week's work.” + </p> + <p> + “Something fabulous, I have no doubt,” said Robert, glancing round at the + yellow barriers. “Shall I say a hundred and fifty thousand pounds?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh dear me, it is surely worth very much more than that,” cried Raffles + Haw, laughing. “Let me see. Suppose that we put it at three ten an ounce, + which is nearly ten shillings under the mark. That makes, roughly, + fifty-six pounds for a pound in weight. Now each of these ingots weighs + thirty-six pounds, which brings their value to two thousand and a few odd + pounds. There are five hundred ingots on each of these three sides of the + room, but on the fourth there are only three hundred, on account of the + door, but there cannot be less than two hundred on the floor, which gives + us a rough total of two thousand ingots. So you see, my dear boy, that any + broker who could get the contents of this chamber for four million pounds + would be doing a nice little stroke of business.” + </p> + <p> + “And a week's work!” gasped Robert. “It makes my head swim.” + </p> + <p> + “You will follow me now when I repeat that none of the great schemes which + I intend to simultaneously set in motion are at all likely to languish for + want of funds. Now come into the laboratory with me and see how it is + done.” + </p> + <p> + In the centre of the workroom was an instrument like a huge vice, with two + large brass-coloured plates, and a great steel screw for bringing them + together. Numerous wires ran into these metal plates, and were attached at + the other end to the rows of dynamic machines. Beneath was a glass stand, + which was hollowed out in the centre into a succession of troughs. + </p> + <p> + “You will soon understand all about it,” said Raffles Haw, throwing off + his coat, and pulling on a smoke-stained and dirty linen jacket. “We must + first stoke up a little.” He put his weight on a pair of great bellows, + and an answering roar came from the furnace. “That will do. The more heat + the more electric force, and the quicker our task. Now for the lead! Just + give me a hand in carrying it.” + </p> + <p> + They lifted a dozen of the pigs of lead from the floor on to the glass + stand, and having adjusted the plates on either side, Haw screwed up the + handle so as to hold them in position. + </p> + <p> + “It used in the early days to be a slow process,” he remarked; “but now + that I have immense facilities for my work it takes a very short time. I + have now only to complete the connection in order to begin.” + </p> + <p> + He took hold of a long glass lever which projected from among the wires, + and drew it downwards. A sharp click was heard, followed by a loud, + sparkling, crackling noise. Great spurts of flame sprang from the two + electrodes, and the mass of lead was surrounded by an aureole of golden + sparks, which hissed and snapped like pistol-shots. The air was filled + with the peculiar acid smell of ozone. + </p> + <p> + “The power there is immense,” said Raffles Haw, superintending the + process, with his watch upon the palm of his hand. “It would reduce an + organic substance to protyle instantly. It is well to understand the + mechanism thoroughly, for any mistake might be a grave matter for the + operator. You are dealing with gigantic forces. But you perceive that the + lead is already beginning to turn.” + </p> + <p> + Silvery dew-like drops had indeed begun to form upon the dull-coloured + mass, and to drop with a tinkle and splash into the glass troughs. Slowly + the lead melted away, like an icicle in the sun, the electrodes ever + closing upon it as it contracted, until they came together in the centre, + and a row of pools of quicksilver had taken the place of the solid metal. + Two smaller electrodes were plunged into the mercury, which gradually + curdled and solidified, until it had resumed the solid form, with a + yellowish brassy shimmer. + </p> + <p> + “What lies in the moulds now is platinum,” remarked Raffles Haw. “We must + take it from the troughs and refix it in the large electrodes. So! Now we + turn on the current again. You see that it gradually takes a darker and + richer tint. Now I think that it is perfect.” He drew up the lever, + removed the electrodes, and there lay a dozen bricks of ruddy sparkling + gold. + </p> + <p> + “You see, according to our calculations, our morning's work has been worth + twenty-four thousand pounds, and it has not taken us more than twenty + minutes,” remarked the alchemist, as he picked up the newly-made ingots, + and threw them down among the others. + </p> + <p> + “We will devote one of them to experiment,” said he, leaving the last + standing upon the glass insulator. “To the world it would seem an + expensive demonstration which cost two thousand pounds, but our standard, + you see, is a different one. Now you will see me run through the whole + gamut of metallic nature.” + </p> + <p> + First of all men after the discoverer, Robert saw the gold mass, when the + electrodes were again applied to it, change swiftly and successively to + barium, to tin, to silver, to copper, to iron. He saw the long white + electric sparks change to crimson with the strontium, to purple with the + potassium, to yellow with the manganese. Then, finally, after a hundred + transformations, it disintegrated before his eyes, and lay as a little + mound of fluffy grey dust upon the glass table. + </p> + <p> + “And this is protyle,” said Haw, passing his fingers through it. “The + chemist of the future may resolve it into further constituents, but to me + it is the Ultima Thule.” + </p> + <p> + “And now, Robert,” he continued, after a pause, “I have shown you enough + to enable you to understand something of my system. This is the great + secret. It is the secret which endows the man who knows it with such a + universal power as no man has ever enjoyed since the world was made. This + secret it is the dearest wish of my heart to use for good, and I swear to + you, Robert McIntyre, that if I thought it would tend to anything but good + I would have done with it for ever. No, I would neither use it myself nor + would any other man learn it from my lips. I swear it by all that is holy + and solemn!” + </p> + <p> + His eyes flashed as he spoke, and his voice quivered with emotion. + Standing, pale and lanky, amid his electrodes and his retorts, there was + still something majestic about this man, who, amid all his stupendous good + fortune, could still keep his moral sense undazzled by the glitter of his + gold. Robert's weak nature had never before realised the strength which + lay in those thin, firm lips and earnest eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Surely in your hands, Mr. Haw, nothing but good can come of it,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I hope not—I pray not—most earnestly do I pray not. I have + done for you, Robert, what I might not have done for my own brother had I + one, and I have done it because I believe and hope that you are a man who + would not use this power, should you inherit it, for selfish ends. But + even now I have not told you all. There is one link which I have withheld + from you, and which shall be withheld from you while I live. But look at + this chest, Robert.” + </p> + <p> + He led him to a great iron-clamped chest which stood in the corner, and, + throwing it open, he took from it a small case of carved ivory. + </p> + <p> + “Inside this,” he said, “I have left a paper which makes clear anything + which is still hidden from you. Should anything happen to me you will + always be able to inherit my powers, and to continue my plans by following + the directions which are there expressed. And now,” he continued, throwing + his casket back again into the box, “I shall frequently require your help, + but I do not think it will be necessary this morning. I have already taken + up too much of your time. If you are going back to Elmdene I wish that you + would tell Laura that I shall be with her in the afternoon.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. A FAMILY JAR. + </h2> + <p> + And so the great secret was out, and Robert walked home with his head in a + whirl, and the blood tingling in his veins. He had shivered as he came up + at the damp cold of the wind and the sight of the mist-mottled landscape. + That was all gone now. His own thoughts tinged everything with sunshine, + and he felt inclined to sing and dance as he walked down the muddy, + deeply-rutted country lane. Wonderful had been the fate allotted to + Raffles Haw, but surely hardly less important that which had come upon + himself. He was the sharer of the alchemist's secret, and the heir to an + inheritance which combined a wealth greater than that of monarchs, to a + freedom such as monarchs cannot enjoy. This was a destiny indeed! A + thousand gold-tinted visions of his future life rose up before him, and in + fancy he already sat high above the human race, with prostrate thousands + imploring his aid, or thanking him for his benevolence. + </p> + <p> + How sordid seemed the untidy garden, with its scrappy bushes and gaunt elm + trees! How mean the plain brick front, with the green wooden porch! It had + always offended his artistic sense, but now it was obtrusive in its + ugliness. The plain room, too, with the American leather chairs, the + dull-coloured carpet, and the patchwork rug, he felt a loathing for it + all. The only pretty thing in it, upon which his eyes could rest with + satisfaction, was his sister, as she leaned back in her chair by the fire + with her white, clear beautiful face outlined against the dark background. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know, Robert,” she said, glancing up at him from under her long + black lashes, “Papa grows unendurable. I have had to speak very plainly to + him, and to make him understand that I am marrying for my own benefit and + not for his.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is he, then?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know. At the Three Pigeons, no doubt. He spends most of his time + there now. He flew off in a passion, and talked such nonsense about + marriage settlements, and forbidding the banns, and so on. His notion of a + marriage settlement appears to be a settlement upon the bride's father. He + should wait quietly, and see what can be done for him.” + </p> + <p> + “I think, Laura, that we must make a good deal of allowance for him,” said + Robert earnestly. “I have noticed a great change in him lately. I don't + think he is himself at all. I must get some medical advice. But I have + been up at the Hall this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you? Have you seen Raffles? Did he send anything for me?” + </p> + <p> + “He said that he would come down when he had finished his work.” + </p> + <p> + “But what is the matter, Robert?” cried Laura, with the swift perception + of womanhood. “You are flushed, and your eyes are shining, and really you + look quite handsome. Raffles has been telling you something! What was it? + Oh, I know! He has been telling you how he made his money. Hasn't he, + now?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, yes. He took me partly into his confidence. I congratulate you, + Laura, with all my heart, for you will be a very wealthy woman.” + </p> + <p> + “How strange it seems that he should have come to us in our poverty. It is + all owing to you, you dear old Robert; for if he had not taken a fancy to + you, he would never have come down to Elmdene and taken a fancy to some + one else.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all,” Robert answered, sitting down by his sister, and patting her + hand affectionately. “It was a clear case of love at first sight. He was + in love with you before he ever knew your name. He asked me about you the + very first time I saw him.” + </p> + <p> + “But tell me about his money, Bob,” said his sister. “He has not told me + yet, and I am so curious. How did he make it? It was not from his father; + he told me that himself. His father was just a country doctor. How did he + do it?” + </p> + <p> + “I am bound over to secrecy. He will tell you himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but only tell me if I guess right. He had it left him by an uncle, + eh? Well, by a friend? Or he took out some wonderful patent? Or he + discovered a mine? Or oil? Do tell me, Robert!” + </p> + <p> + “I mustn't, really,” cried her brother laughing. “And I must not talk to + you any more. You are much too sharp. I feel a responsibility about it; + and, besides, I must really do some work.” + </p> + <p> + “It Is very unkind of you,” said Laura, pouting. “But I must put my things + on, for I go into Birmingham by the 1.20.” + </p> + <p> + “To Birmingham?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have a hundred things to order. There is everything to be got. You + men forget about these details. Raffles wishes to have the wedding in + little more than a fortnight. Of course it will be very quiet, but still + one needs something.” + </p> + <p> + “So early as that!” said Robert, thoughtfully. “Well, perhaps it is better + so.” + </p> + <p> + “Much better, Robert. Would it not be dreadful if Hector came back first + and there was a scene? If I were once married I should not mind. Why + should I? But of course Raffles knows nothing about him, and it would be + terrible if they came together.” + </p> + <p> + “That must be avoided at any cost.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I cannot bear even to think of it. Poor Hector! And yet what could I + do, Robert? You know that it was only a boy and girl affair. And how could + I refuse such an offer as this? It was a duty to my family, was it not?” + </p> + <p> + “You were placed in a difficult position—very difficult,” her + brother answered. “But all will be right, and I have no doubt Hector will + see it as you do. But does Mr. Spurling know of your engagement?” + </p> + <p> + “Not a word. He was here yesterday, and talked of Hector, but indeed I did + not know how to tell him. We are to be married by special licence in + Birmingham, so really there is no reason why he should know. But now I + must hurry or I shall miss my train.” + </p> + <p> + When his sister was gone Robert went up to his studio, and having ground + some colours upon his palette he stood for some time, brush and mahlstick + in hand, in front of his big bare canvas. But how profitless all his work + seemed to him now! What object had he in doing it? Was it to earn money? + Money could be had for the asking, or, for that matter, without the + asking. Or was it to produce a thing of beauty? But he had artistic + faults. Raffles Haw had said so, and he knew that he was right. After all + his pains the thing might not please; and with money he could at all times + buy pictures which would please, and which would be things of beauty. + What, then, was the object of his working? He could see none. He threw + down his brush, and, lighting his pipe, he strolled downstairs once more. + </p> + <p> + His father was standing in front of the fire, and in no very good humour, + as his red face and puckered eyes sufficed to show. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Robert,” he began, “I suppose that, as usual, you have spent your + morning plotting against your father?” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean, father?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean what I say. What is it but plotting when three folk—you and + she and this Raffles Haw—whisper and arrange and have meetings + without a word to me about it? What do I know of your plans?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot tell you secrets which are not my own, father.” + </p> + <p> + “But I'll have a voice in the matter, for all that. Secrets or no secrets, + you will find that Laura has a father, and that he is not a man to be set + aside. I may have had my ups and downs in trade, but I have not quite + fallen so low that I am nothing in my own family. What am I to get out of + this precious marriage?” + </p> + <p> + “What should you get? Surely Laura's happiness and welfare are enough for + you?” + </p> + <p> + “If this man were really fond of Laura he would show proper consideration + for Laura's father. It was only yesterday that I asked him for a + loan-condescended actually to ask for it—I, who have been within an + ace of being Mayor of Birmingham! And he refused me point blank.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, father! How could you expose yourself to such humiliation?” + </p> + <p> + “Refused me point blank!” cried the old man excitedly. “It was against his + principles, if you please. But I'll be even with him—you see if I am + not. I know one or two things about him. What is it they call him at the + Three Pigeons? A 'smasher'—that's the word-a coiner of false money. + Why else should he have this metal sent him, and that great smoky chimney + of his going all day?” + </p> + <p> + “Why can you not leave him alone, father?” expostulated Robert. “You seem + to think of nothing but his money. If he had not a penny he would still be + a very kind-hearted, pleasant gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + Old McIntyre burst into a hoarse laugh. + </p> + <p> + “I like to hear you preach,” said he. “Without a penny, indeed! Do you + think that you would dance attendance upon him if he were a poor man? Do + you think that Laura would ever have looked twice at him? You know as well + as I do that she is marrying him only for his money.” + </p> + <p> + Robert gave a cry of dismay. There was the alchemist standing in the + doorway, pale and silent, looking from one to the other of them with his + searching eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I must apologise,” he said coldly. “I did not mean to listen to your + words. I could not help it. But I have heard them. As to you, Mr. + McIntyre, I believe that you speak from your own bad heart. I will not let + myself be moved by your words. In Robert I have a true friend. Laura also + loves me for my own sake. You cannot shake my faith in them. But with you, + Mr. McIntyre, I have nothing in common; and it is as well, perhaps, that + we should both recognise the fact.” + </p> + <p> + He bowed, and was gone ere either of the McIntyres could say a word. + </p> + <p> + “You see!” said Robert at last. “You have done now what you cannot undo!” + </p> + <p> + “I will be even with him!” cried the old man furiously, shaking his fist + through the window at the dark slow-pacing figure. “You just wait, Robert, + and see if your old dad is a man to be played with.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. A MIDNIGHT VENTURE. + </h2> + <p> + Not a word was said to Laura when she returned as to the scene which had + occurred in her absence. She was in the gayest of spirits, and prattled + merrily about her purchases and her arrangements, wondering from time to + time when Raffles Haw would come. As night fell, however, without any word + from him, she became uneasy. + </p> + <p> + “What can be the matter that he does not come?” she said. “It is the first + day since our engagement that I have not seen him.” + </p> + <p> + Robert looked out through the window. + </p> + <p> + “It is a gusty night, and raining hard,” he remarked. “I do not at all + expect him.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Hector used to come, rain, snow, or fine. But, then, of course, he + was a sailor. It was nothing to him. I hope that Raffles is not ill.” + </p> + <p> + “He was quite well when I saw him this morning,” answered her brother, and + they relapsed into silence, while the rain pattered against the windows, + and the wind screamed amid the branches of the elms outside. + </p> + <p> + Old McIntyre had sat in the corner most of the day biting his nails and + glowering into the fire, with a brooding, malignant expression upon his + wrinkled features. Contrary to his usual habits, he did not go to the + village inn, but shuffled off early to bed without a word to his children. + Laura and Robert remained chatting for some time by the fire, she talking + of the thousand and one wonderful things which were to be done when she + was mistress of the New Hall. There was less philanthropy in her talk when + her future husband was absent, and Robert could not but remark that her + carriages, her dresses, her receptions, and her travels in distant + countries were the topics into which she threw all the enthusiasm which he + had formerly heard her bestow upon refuge homes and labour organisations. + </p> + <p> + “I think that greys are the nicest horses,” she said. “Bays are nice too, + but greys are more showy. We could manage with a brougham and a landau, + and perhaps a high dog-cart for Raffles. He has the coach-house full at + present, but he never uses them, and I am sure that those fifty horses + would all die for want of exercise, or get livers like Strasburg geese, if + they waited for him to ride or drive them.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose that you will still live here?” said her brother. + </p> + <p> + “We must have a house in London as well, and run up for the season. I + don't, of course, like to make suggestions now, but it will be different + afterwards. I am sure that Raffles will do it if I ask him. It is all very + well for him to say that he does not want any thanks or honours, but I + should like to know what is the use of being a public benefactor if you + are to have no return for it. I am sure that if he does only half what he + talks of doing, they will make him a peer—Lord Tamfield, perhaps—and + then, of course, I shall be my Lady Tamfield, and what would you think of + that, Bob?” She dropped him a stately curtsey, and tossed her head in the + air, as one who was born to wear a coronet. + </p> + <p> + “Father must be pensioned off,” she remarked presently. “He shall have so + much a year on condition that he keeps away. As to you, Bob, I don't know + what we shall do for you. We shall make you President of the Royal Academy + if money can do it.” + </p> + <p> + It was late before they ceased building their air-castles and retired to + their rooms. But Robert's brain was excited, and he could not sleep. The + events of the day had been enough to shake a stronger man. There had been + the revelation of the morning, the strange sights which he had witnessed + in the laboratory, and the immense secret which had been confided to his + keeping. Then there had been his conversation with his father in the + afternoon, their disagreement, and the sudden intrusion of Raffles Haw. + Finally the talk with his sister had excited his imagination, and driven + sleep from his eyelids. In vain he turned and twisted in his bed, or paced + the floor of his chamber. He was not only awake, but abnormally awake, + with every nerve highly strung, and every sense at the keenest. What was + he to do to gain a little sleep? It flashed across him that there was + brandy in the decanter downstairs, and that a glass might act as a + sedative. + </p> + <p> + He had opened the door of his room, when suddenly his ear caught the sound + of slow and stealthy footsteps upon the stairs. His own lamp was unlit, + but a dim glimmer came from a moving taper, and a long black shadow + travelled down the wall. He stood motionless, listening intently. The + steps were in the hall now, and he heard a gentle creaking as the key was + cautiously turned in the door. The next instant there came a gust of cold + air, the taper was extinguished, and a sharp snap announced that the door + had been closed from without. + </p> + <p> + Robert stood astonished. Who could this night wanderer be? It must be his + father. But what errand could take him out at three in the morning? And + such a morning, too! With every blast of the wind the rain beat up against + his chamber-window as though it would drive it in. The glass rattled in + the frames, and the tree outside creaked and groaned as its great branches + were tossed about by the gale. What could draw any man forth upon such a + night? + </p> + <p> + Hurriedly Robert struck a match and lit his lamp. His father's room was + opposite his own, and the door was ajar. He pushed it open and looked + about him. It was empty. The bed had not even been lain upon. The single + chair stood by the window, and there the old man must have sat since he + left them. There was no book, no paper, no means by which he could have + amused himself, nothing but a razor-strop lying on the window-sill. + </p> + <p> + A feeling of impending misfortune struck cold to Robert's heart. There was + some ill-meaning in this journey of his father's. He thought of his + brooding of yesterday, his scowling face, his bitter threats. Yes, there + was some mischief underlying it. But perhaps he might even now be in time + to prevent it. There was no use calling Laura. She could be no help in the + matter. He hurriedly threw on his clothes, muffled himself in his + top-coat, and, seizing his hat and stick, he set off after his father. + </p> + <p> + As he came out into the village street the wind whirled down it, so that + he had to put his ear and shoulder against it, and push his way forward. + It was better, however, when he turned into the lane. The high bank and + the hedge sheltered him upon one side. The road, however, was deep in mud, + and the rain fell in a steady swish. Not a soul was to be seen, but he + needed to make no inquiries, for he knew whither his father had gone as + certainly as though he had seen him. + </p> + <p> + The iron side gate of the avenue was half open, and Robert stumbled his + way up the gravelled drive amid the dripping fir-trees. What could his + father's intention be when he reached the Hall? Was it merely that he + wished to spy and prowl, or did he intend to call up the master and enter + into some discussion as to his wrongs? Or was it possible that some + blacker and more sinister design lay beneath his strange doings? Robert + thought suddenly of the razor-strop, and gasped with horror. What had the + old man been doing with that? He quickened his pace to a run, and hurried + on until he found himself at the door of the Hall. + </p> + <p> + Thank God! all was quiet there. He stood by the big silent door and + listened intently. There was nothing to be heard save the wind and the + rain. Where, then, could his father be? If he wished to enter the Hall he + would not attempt to do so by one of the windows, for had he not been + present when Raffles Haw had shown them the precautions which he had + taken? But then a sudden thought struck Robert. There was one window which + was left unguarded. Haw had been imprudent enough to tell them so. It was + the middle window of the laboratory. If he remembered it so clearly, of + course his father would remember it too. There was the point of danger. + </p> + <p> + The moment that he had come round the corner of the building he found that + his surmise had been correct. An electric lamp burned in the laboratory, + and the silver squares of the three large windows stood out clear and + bright in the darkness. The centre one had been thrown open, and, even as + he gazed, Robert saw a dark monkey-like figure spring up on to the sill, + and vanish into the room beyond. For a moment only it outlined itself + against the brilliant light beyond, but in that moment Robert had space to + see that it was indeed his father. On tiptoe he crossed the intervening + space, and peeped in through the open window. It was a singular spectacle + which met his eyes. + </p> + <p> + There stood upon the glass table some half-dozen large ingots of gold, + which had been made the night before, but which had not been removed to + the treasure-house. On these the old man had thrown himself, as one who + enters into his rightful inheritance. He lay across the table, his arms + clasping the bars of gold, his cheek pressed against them, crooning and + muttering to himself. Under the clear, still light, amid the giant wheels + and strange engines, that one little dark figure clutching and clinging to + the ingots had in it something both weird and piteous. + </p> + <p> + For five minutes or more Robert stood in the darkness amid the rain, + looking in at this strange sight, while his father hardly moved save to + cuddle closer to the gold, and to pat it with his thin hands. Robert was + still uncertain what he should do, when his eyes wandered from the central + figure and fell on something else which made him give a little cry of + astonishment—a cry which was drowned amid the howling of the gale. + </p> + <p> + Raffles Haw was standing in the corner of the room. Where he had come from + Robert could not say, but he was certain that he had not been there when + he first looked in. He stood silent, wrapped in some long, dark + dressing-gown, his arms folded, and a bitter smile upon his pale face. Old + McIntyre seemed to see him at almost the same moment, for he snarled out + an oath, and clutched still closer at his treasure, looking slantwise at + the master of the house with furtive, treacherous eyes. + </p> + <p> + “And it has really come to this!” said Haw at last, taking a step forward. + “You have actually fallen so low, Mr. McIntyre, as to steal into my house + at night like a common burglar. You knew that this window was unguarded. I + remember telling you as much. But I did not tell you what other means I + had adopted by which I might be warned if knaves made an entrance. But + that you should have come! You!” + </p> + <p> + The old gunmaker made no attempt to justify himself, but he muttered some + few hoarse words, and continued to cling to the treasure. + </p> + <p> + “I love your daughter,” said Raffles Haw, “and for her sake I will not + expose you. Your hideous and infamous secret shall be safe with me. No ear + shall hear what has happened this night. I will not, as I might, arouse my + servants and send for the police. But you must leave my house without + further words. I have nothing more to say to you. Go as you have come.” + </p> + <p> + He took a step forward, and held out his hand as if to detach the old + man's grasp from the golden bars. The other thrust his hand into the + breast of his coat, and with a shrill scream of rage flung himself upon + the alchemist. So sudden and so fierce was the movement that Haw had no + time for defence. A bony hand gripped him by the throat, and the blade of + a razor flashed in the air. Fortunately, as it fell, the weapon struck + against one of the many wires which spanned the room, and flying out of + the old man's grasp, tinkled upon the stone floor. But, though disarmed, + he was still dangerous. With a horrible silent energy he pushed Haw back + and back until, coming to a bench, they both fell over it, McIntyre + remaining uppermost. His other hand was on the alchemist's throat, and it + might have fared ill with him had Robert not climbed through the window + and dragged his father off from him. With the aid of Haw, he pinned the + old man down, and passed a long cravat around his arms. It was terrible to + look at him, for his face was convulsed, his eyes bulging from his head, + and his lips white with foam. + </p> + <p> + Haw leaned against the glass table panting, with his hand to his side. + </p> + <p> + “You here, Robert?” he gasped. “Is it not horrible? How did you come?” + </p> + <p> + “I followed him. I heard him go out.” + </p> + <p> + “He would have robbed me. And he would have murdered me. But he is mad—stark, + staring mad!” + </p> + <p> + There could be no doubt of it. Old McIntyre was sitting up now, and burst + suddenly into a hoarse peal of laughter, rocking himself backwards and + forwards, and looking up at them with little twinkling, cunning eyes. It + was clear to both of them that his mind, weakened by long brooding over + the one idea, had now at last become that of a monomaniac. His horrid + causeless mirth was more terrible even than his fury. + </p> + <p> + “What shall we do with him?” asked Haw. “We cannot take him back to + Elmdene. It would be a terrible shock to Laura.” + </p> + <p> + “We could have doctors to certify in the morning. Could we not keep him + here until then? If we take him back, some one will meet us, and there + will be a scandal.” + </p> + <p> + “I know. We will take him to one of the padded rooms, where he can neither + hurt himself nor anyone else. I am somewhat shaken myself. But I am better + now. Do you take one arm, and I will take the other.” + </p> + <p> + Half-leading and half-dragging him they managed between them to convey the + old gunmaker away from the scene of his disaster, and to lodge him for the + night in a place of safety. At five in the morning Robert had started in + the gig to make the medical arrangements, while Raffles Haw paced his + palatial house with a troubled face and a sad heart. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. THE SPREAD OF THE BLIGHT. + </h2> + <p> + It may be that Laura did not look upon the removal of her father as an + unmixed misfortune. Nothing was said to her as to the manner of the old + man's seizure, but Robert informed her at breakfast that he had thought it + best, acting under medical advice, to place him for a time under some + restraint. She had herself frequently remarked upon the growing + eccentricity of his manner, so that the announcement could have been no + great surprise to her. It is certain that it did not diminish her appetite + for the coffee and the scrambled eggs, nor prevent her from chatting a + good deal about her approaching wedding. + </p> + <p> + But it was very different with Raffles Haw. The incident had shocked him + to his inmost soul. He had often feared lest his money should do indirect + evil, but here were crime and madness arising before his very eyes from + its influence. In vain he tried to choke down his feelings, and to + persuade himself that this attack of old McIntyre's was something which + came of itself—something which had no connection with himself or his + wealth. He remembered the man as he had first met him, garrulous, foolish, + but with no obvious vices. He recalled the change which, week by week, had + come over him—his greedy eye, his furtive manner, his hints and + innuendoes, ending only the day before in a positive demand for money. It + was too certain that there was a chain of events there leading direct to + the horrible encounter in the laboratory. His money had cast a blight + where he had hoped to shed a blessing. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Spurling, the vicar, was up shortly after breakfast, some rumour of + evil having come to his ears. It was good for Haw to talk with him, for + the fresh breezy manner of the old clergyman was a corrective to his own + sombre and introspective mood. + </p> + <p> + “Prut, tut!” said he. “This is very bad—very bad indeed! Mind + unhinged, you say, and not likely to get over it! Dear, dear! I have + noticed a change in him these last few weeks. He looked like a man who had + something upon his mind. And how is Mr. Robert McIntyre?” + </p> + <p> + “He is very well. He was with me this morning when his father had this + attack.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! There is a change in that young man. I observe an alteration in him. + You will forgive me, Mr. Raffles Haw, if I say a few serious words of + advice to you. Apart from my spiritual functions I am old enough to be + your father. You are a very wealthy man, and you have used your wealth + nobly—yes, sir, nobly. I do not think that there is a man in a + thousand who would have done as well. But don't you think sometimes that + it has a dangerous influence upon those who are around you?” + </p> + <p> + “I have sometimes feared so.” “We may pass over old Mr. McIntyre. It would + hardly be just, perhaps, to mention him in this connection. But there is + Robert. He used to take such an interest in his profession. He was so keen + about art. If you met him, the first words he said were usually some + reference to his plans, or the progress he was making in his latest + picture. He was ambitious, pushing, self-reliant. Now he does nothing. I + know for a fact that it is two months since he put brush to canvas. He has + turned from a student into an idler, and, what is worse, I fear into a + parasite. You will forgive me for speaking so plainly?” + </p> + <p> + Raffles Haw said nothing, but he threw out his hands with a gesture of + pain. + </p> + <p> + “And then there is something to be said about the country folk,” said the + vicar. “Your kindness has been, perhaps, a little indiscriminate there. + They don't seem to be as helpful or as self-reliant as they used. There + was old Blaxton, whose cowhouse roof was blown off the other day. He used + to be a man who was full of energy and resource. Three months ago he would + have got a ladder and had that roof on again in two days' work. But now he + must sit down, and wring his hands, and write letters, because he knew + that it would come to your ears, and that you would make it good. There's + old Ellary, too! Well, of course he was always poor, but at least he did + something, and so kept himself out of mischief. Not a stroke will he do + now, but smokes and talks scandal from morning to night. And the worst of + it is, that it not only hurts those who have had your help, but it + unsettles those who have not. They all have an injured, surly feeling as + if other folk were getting what they had an equal right to. It has really + come to such a pitch that I thought it was a duty to speak to you about + it. Well, it is a new experience to me. I have often had to reprove my + parishioners for not being charitable enough, but it is very strange to + find one who is too charitable. It is a noble error.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you very much for letting me know about it,” answered Raffles + Haw, as he shook the good old clergyman's hand. “I shall certainly + reconsider my conduct in that respect.” + </p> + <p> + He kept a rigid and unmoved face until his visitor had gone, and then + retiring to his own little room, he threw himself upon the bed and burst + out sobbing with his face buried in the pillow. Of all men in England, + this, the richest, was on that day the most miserable. How could he use + this great power which he held? Every blessing which he tried to give + turned itself into a curse. His intentions were so good, and yet the + results were so terrible. It was as if he had some foul leprosy of the + mind which all caught who were exposed to his influence. His charity, so + well meant, so carefully bestowed, had yet poisoned the whole countryside. + And if in small things his results were so evil, how could he tell that + they would be better in the larger plans which he had formed? If he could + not pay the debts of a simple yokel without disturbing the great laws of + cause and effect which lie at the base of all things, what could he hope + for when he came to fill the treasury of nations, to interfere with the + complex conditions of trade, or to provide for great masses of the + population? He drew back with horror as he dimly saw that vast problems + faced him in which he might make errors which all his money could not + repair. The way of Providence was the straight way. Yet he, a half-blind + creature, must needs push in and strive to alter and correct it. Would he + be a benefactor? Might he not rather prove to be the greatest malefactor + that the world had seen? + </p> + <p> + But soon a calmer mood came upon him, and he rose and bathed his flushed + face and fevered brow. After all, was not there a field where all were + agreed that money might be well spent? It was not the way of nature, but + rather the way of man which he would alter. It was not Providence that had + ordained that folk should live half-starved and overcrowded in dreary + slums. That was the result of artificial conditions, and it might well be + healed by artificial means. Why should not his plans be successful after + all, and the world better for his discovery? Then again, it was not the + truth that he cast a blight on those with whom he was brought in contact. + There was Laura; who knew more of him than she did, and yet how good and + sweet and true she was! She at least had lost nothing through knowing him. + He would go down and see her. It would be soothing to hear her voice, and + to turn to her for words of sympathy in this his hour of darkness. + </p> + <p> + The storm had died away, but a soft wind was blowing, and the smack of the + coming spring was in the air. He drew in the aromatic scent of the + fir-trees as he passed down the curving drive. Before him lay the long + sloping countryside, all dotted over with the farmsteadings and little red + cottages, with the morning sun striking slantwise upon their grey roofs + and glimmering windows. His heart yearned over all these people with their + manifold troubles, their little sordid miseries, their strivings and + hopings and petty soul-killing cares. How could he get at them? How could + he manage to lift the burden from them, and yet not hinder them in their + life aim? For more and more could he see that all refinement is through + sorrow, and that the life which does not refine is the life without an + aim. + </p> + <p> + Laura was alone in the sitting-room at Elmdene, for Robert had gone out to + make some final arrangements about his father. She sprang up as her lover + entered, and ran forward with a pretty girlish gesture to greet him. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Raffles!” she cried, “I knew that you would come. Is it not dreadful + about papa?” + </p> + <p> + “You must not fret, dearest,” he answered gently. “It may not prove to be + so very grave after all.” + </p> + <p> + “But it all happened before I was stirring. I knew nothing about it until + breakfast-time. They must have gone up to the Hall very early.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, they did come up rather early.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter with you, Raffles?” cried Laura, looking up into his + face. “You look so sad and weary!” + </p> + <p> + “I have been a little in the blues. The fact is, Laura, that I have had a + long talk with Mr. Spurling this morning.” + </p> + <p> + The girl started, and turned white to the lips. A long talk with Mr. + Spurling! Did that mean that he had learned her secret? + </p> + <p> + “Well?” she gasped. + </p> + <p> + “He tells me that my charity has done more harm than good, and in fact, + that I have had an evil influence upon every one whom I have come near. He + said it in the most delicate way, but that was really what it amounted + to.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, is that all?” said Laura, with a long sigh of relief. “You must not + think of minding what Mr. Spurling says. Why, it is absurd on the face of + it! Everybody knows that there are dozens of men all over the country who + would have been ruined and turned out of their houses if you had not stood + their friend. How could they be the worse for having known you? I wonder + that Mr. Spurling can talk such nonsense!” + </p> + <p> + “How is Robert's picture getting on?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he has a lazy fit on him. He has not touched it for ever so long. But + why do you ask that? You have that furrow on your brow again. Put it away, + sir!” + </p> + <p> + She smoothed it away with her little white hand. + </p> + <p> + “Well, at any rate, I don't think that quite everybody is the worse,” said + he, looking down at her. “There is one, at least, who is beyond taint, one + who is good, and pure, and true, and who would love me as well if I were a + poor clerk struggling for a livelihood. You would, would you not, Laura?” + </p> + <p> + “You foolish boy! of course I would.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet how strange it is that it should be so. That you, who are the + only woman whom I have ever loved, should be the only one in whom I also + have raised an affection which is free from greed or interest. I wonder + whether you may not have been sent by Providence simply to restore my + confidence in the world. How barren a place would it not be if it were not + for woman's love! When all seemed black around me this morning, I tell + you, Laura, that I seemed to turn to you and to your love as the one thing + on earth upon which I could rely. All else seemed shifting, unstable, + influenced by this or that base consideration. In you, and you only, could + I trust.” + </p> + <p> + “And I in you, dear Raffles! I never knew what love was until I met you.” + </p> + <p> + She took a step towards him, her hands advanced, love shining in her + features, when in an instant Raffles saw the colour struck from her face, + and a staring horror spring into her eyes. Her blanched and rigid face was + turned towards the open door, while he, standing partly behind it, could + not see what it was that had so moved her. + </p> + <p> + “Hector!” she gasped, with dry lips. + </p> + <p> + A quick step in the hall, and a slim, weather-tanned young man sprang + forward into the room, and caught her up in his arms as if she had been a + feather. + </p> + <p> + “You darling!” he said; “I knew that I would surprise you. I came right up + from Plymouth by the night train. And I have long leave, and plenty of + time to get married. Isn't it jolly, dear Laura?” + </p> + <p> + He pirouetted round with her in the exuberance of his delight. As he spun + round, however, his eyes fell suddenly upon the pale and silent stranger + who stood by the door. Hector blushed furiously, and made an awkward + sailor bow, standing with Laura's cold and unresponsive hand still clasped + in his. + </p> + <p> + “Very sorry, sir—didn't see you,” he said. “You'll excuse my going + on in this mad sort of way, but if you had served you would know what it + is to get away from quarter-deck manners, and to be a free man. Miss + McIntyre will tell you that we have known each other since we were + children, and as we are to be married in, I hope, a month at the latest, + we understand each other pretty well.” + </p> + <p> + Raffles Haw still stood cold and motionless. He was stunned, benumbed, by + what he saw and heard. Laura drew away from Hector, and tried to free her + hand from his grasp. + </p> + <p> + “Didn't you get my letter at Gibraltar?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Never went to Gibraltar. Were ordered home by wire from Madeira. Those + chaps at the Admiralty never know their own minds for two hours together. + But what matter about a letter, Laura, so long as I can see you and speak + with you? You have not introduced me to your friend here.” + </p> + <p> + “One word, sir,” cried Raffles Haw in a quivering voice. “Do I entirely + understand you? Let me be sure that there is no mistake. You say that you + are engaged to be married to Miss McIntyre?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I am. I've just come back from a four months' cruise, and I am + going to be married before I drag my anchor again.” + </p> + <p> + “Four months!” gasped Haw. “Why, it is just four months since I came here. + And one last question, sir. Does Robert McIntyre know of your engagement?” + </p> + <p> + “Does Bob know? Of course he knows. Why, it was to his care I left Laura + when I started. But what is the meaning of all this? What is the matter + with you, Laura? Why are you so white and silent? And—hallo! Hold + up, sir! The man is fainting!” + </p> + <p> + “It is all right!” gasped Haw, steadying himself against the edge of the + door. + </p> + <p> + He was as white as paper, and his hand was pressed close to his side as + though some sudden pain had shot through him. For a moment he tottered + there like a stricken man, and then, with a hoarse cry, he turned and fled + out through the open door. + </p> + <p> + “Poor devil!” said Hector, gazing in amazement after him. “He seems hard + hit anyhow. But what is the meaning of all this, Laura?” + </p> + <p> + His face had darkened, and his mouth had set. + </p> + <p> + She had not said a word, but had stood with a face like a mask looking + blankly in front of her. Now she tore herself away from him, and, casting + herself down with her face buried in the cushion of the sofa, she burst + into a passion of sobbing. + </p> + <p> + “It means that you have ruined me,” she cried. “That you have + ruined-ruined—ruined me! Could you not leave us alone? Why must you + come at the last moment? A few more days, and we were safe. And you never + had my letter.” + </p> + <p> + “And what was in your letter, then?” he asked coldly, standing with his + arms folded, looking down at her. + </p> + <p> + “It was to tell you that I released you. I love Raffles Haw, and I was to + have been his wife. And now it is all gone. Oh, Hector, I hate you, and I + shall always hate you as long as I live, for you have stepped between me + and the only good fortune that ever came to me. Leave me alone, and I hope + that you will never cross our threshold again.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that your last word, Laura?” + </p> + <p> + “The last that I shall ever speak to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, good-bye. I shall see the Dad, and go straight back to Plymouth.” + He waited an instant, in hopes of an answer, and then walked sadly from + the room. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. THE GREATER SECRET. + </h2> + <p> + It was late that night that a startled knocking came at the door of + Elmdene. Laura had been in her room all day, and Robert was moodily + smoking his pipe by the fire, when this harsh and sudden summons broke in + upon his thoughts. There in the porch was Jones, the stout head-butler of + the Hall, hatless, scared, with the raindrops shining in the lamplight + upon his smooth, bald head. + </p> + <p> + “If you please, Mr. McIntyre, sir, would it trouble you to step up to the + Hall?” he cried. “We are all frightened, sir, about master.” + </p> + <p> + Robert caught up his hat and started at a run, the frightened butler + trotting heavily beside him. It had been a day of excitement and disaster. + The young artist's heart was heavy within him, and the shadow of some + crowning trouble seemed to have fallen upon his soul. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter with your master, then?” he asked, as he slowed down + into a walk. + </p> + <p> + “We don't know, sir; but we can't get an answer when we knock at the + laboratory door. Yet he's there, for it's locked on the inside. It has + given us all a scare, sir, that, and his goin's-on during the day.” + </p> + <p> + “His goings-on?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir; for he came back this morning like a man demented, a-talkin' to + himself, and with his eyes starin' so that it was dreadful to look at the + poor dear gentleman. Then he walked about the passages a long time, and he + wouldn't so much as look at his luncheon, but he went into the museum, and + gathered all his jewels and things, and carried them into the laboratory. + We don't know what he's done since then, sir, but his furnace has been + a-roarin', and his big chimney spoutin' smoke like a Birmingham factory. + When night came we could see his figure against the light, a-workin' and + a-heavin' like a man possessed. No dinner would he have, but work, and + work, and work. Now it's all quiet, and the furnace cold, and no smoke + from above, but we can't get no answer from him, sir, so we are scared, + and Miller has gone for the police, and I came away for you.” + </p> + <p> + They reached the Hall as the butler finished his explanation, and there + outside the laboratory door stood the little knot of footmen and ostlers, + while the village policeman, who had just arrived, was holding his + bull's-eye to the keyhole, and endeavouring to peep through. + </p> + <p> + “The key is half-turned,” he said. “I can't see nothing except just the + light.” + </p> + <p> + “Here's Mr. McIntyre,” cried half-a-dozen voices, as Robert came forward. + </p> + <p> + “We'll have to beat the door in, sir,” said the policeman. “We can't get + any sort of answer, and there's something wrong.” + </p> + <p> + Twice and thrice they threw their united weights against it until at last + with a sharp snap the lock broke, and they crowded into the narrow + passage. The inner door was ajar, and the laboratory lay before them. + </p> + <p> + In the centre was an enormous heap of fluffy grey ash, reaching up + half-way to the ceiling. Beside it was another heap, much smaller, of some + brilliant scintillating dust, which shimmered brightly in the rays of the + electric light. All round was a bewildering chaos of broken jars, + shattered bottles, cracked machinery, and tangled wires, all bent and + draggled. And there in the midst of this universal ruin, leaning back in + his chair with his hands clasped upon his lap, and the easy pose of one + who rests after hard work safely carried through, sat Raffles Haw, the + master of the house, and the richest of mankind, with the pallor of death + upon his face. So easily he sat and so naturally, with such a serene + expression upon his features, that it was not until they raised him, and + touched his cold and rigid limbs, that they could realise that he had + indeed passed away. + </p> + <p> + Reverently and slowly they bore him to his room, for he was beloved by all + who had served him. Robert alone lingered with the policeman in the + laboratory. Like a man in a dream he wandered about, marvelling at the + universal destruction. A large broad-headed hammer lay upon the ground, + and with this Haw had apparently set himself to destroy all his apparatus, + having first used his electrical machines to reduce to protyle all the + stock of gold which he had accumulated. The treasure-room which had so + dazzled Robert consisted now of merely four bare walls, while the gleaming + dust upon the floor proclaimed the fate of that magnificent collection of + gems which had alone amounted to a royal fortune. Of all the machinery no + single piece remained intact, and even the glass table was shattered into + three pieces. Strenuously earnest must have been the work which Raffles + Haw had done that day. + </p> + <p> + And suddenly Robert thought of the secret which had been treasured in the + casket within the iron-clamped box. It was to tell him the one last + essential link which would make his knowledge of the process complete. Was + it still there? Thrilling all over, he opened the great chest, and drew + out the ivory box. It was locked, but the key was in it. He turned it and + threw open the lid. There was a white slip of paper with his own name + written upon it. With trembling fingers he unfolded it. Was he the heir to + the riches of El Dorado, or was he destined to be a poor struggling + artist? The note was dated that very evening, and ran in this way: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “MY DEAR ROBERT,—My secret shall never be used again. I cannot + tell you how I thank Heaven that I did not entirely confide it to + you, for I should have been handing over an inheritance of misery + both to yourself and others. For myself I have hardly had a happy + moment since I discovered it. This I could have borne had I been + able to feel that I was doing good, but, alas! the only effect of my + attempts has been to turn workers into idlers, contented men into + greedy parasites, and, worst of all, true, pure women into + deceivers and hypocrites. If this is the effect of my interference + on a small scale, I cannot hope for anything better were I to carry + out the plans which we have so often discussed. The schemes of my + life have all turned to nothing. For myself, you shall never see me + again. I shall go back to the student life from which I emerged. + There, at least, if I can do little good, I can do no harm. It is + my wish that such valuables as remain in the Hall should be sold, + and the proceeds divided amidst all the charities of Birmingham. + I shall leave tonight if I am well enough, but I have been much + troubled all day by a stabbing pain in my side. It is as if wealth + were as bad for health as it is for peace of mind. Good-bye, + Robert, and may you never have as sad a heart as I have to-night. + Yours very truly, + RAFFLES HAW.” + </pre> + <p> + “Was it suicide, sir? Was it suicide?” broke in the policeman as Robert + put the note in his pocket. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he answered; “I think it was a broken heart.” + </p> + <p> + And so the wonders of the New Hall were all dismantled, the carvings and + the gold, the books and the pictures, and many a struggling man or woman + who had heard nothing of Raffles Haw during his life had cause to bless + him after his death. The house has been bought by a company now, who have + turned it into a hydropathic establishment, and of all the folk who + frequent it in search of health or of pleasure there are few who know the + strange story which is connected with it. + </p> + <p> + The blight which Haw's wealth cast around it seemed to last even after his + death. Old McIntyre still raves in the County Lunatic Asylum, and + treasures up old scraps of wood and metal under the impression that they + are all ingots of gold. Robert McIntyre is a moody and irritable man, for + ever pursuing a quest which will always evade him. His art is forgotten, + and he spends his whole small income upon chemical and electrical + appliances, with which he vainly seeks to rediscover that one hidden link. + His sister keeps house for him, a silent and brooding woman, still queenly + and beautiful, but of a bitter, dissatisfied mind. Of late, however, she + has devoted herself to charity, and has been of so much help to Mr. + Spurling's new curate that it is thought that he may be tempted to secure + her assistance for ever. So runs the gossip of the village, and in small + places such gossip is seldom wrong. As to Hector Spurling, he is still in + her Majesty's service, and seems inclined to abide by his father's wise + advice, that he should not think of marrying until he was a Commander. It + is possible that of all who were brought within the spell of Raffles Haw + he was the only one who had occasion to bless it. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Doings Of Raffles Haw, by Arthur Conan Doyle + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DOINGS OF RAFFLES HAW *** + +***** This file should be named 8394-h.htm or 8394-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/8/3/9/8394/ + +Produced by Lionel G. Sear, and David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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