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Be sure to check the +copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing +this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook. + +This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project +Gutenberg file. Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: The Inn at the Red Oak + +Author: Latta Griswold + +Release Date: February, 2006 [EBook #9856] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on October 24, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INN AT THE RED OAK *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan, David Garcia and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + +</pre> + + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h1> + THE INN AT THE RED OAK + </h1> + <center> + <b>BY LATTA GRISWOLD</b> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p>1917 + </center> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="image-1"><!-- Image 1 --></a> + <center> + <img src="frontis.png" height="555" width="450" alt= + "'It's a treasure right enough!' cried Dan."> + </center> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + CONTENTS + </h2> + <center> + <a href="#PART1">PART I</a><br> + THE OLD MARQUIS + </center> + <p> + <a href="#CH1">I THE MARQUIS ARRIVES AT THE INN</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH2">II THE LION'S EYE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH3">III THE MARQUIS AT NIGHT</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH4">IV THE OAK PARLOUR</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH5">V THE WALK THROUGH THE WOODS</a> + </p> + <center> + <a href="#PART2">PART II</a><br> + THE TORN SCRAP OF PAPER + </center> + <p> + <a href="#CH6">VI THE HALF OF AN OLD SCRAP OF PAPER</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH7">VII A DISAPPEARANCE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH8">VIII GREEN LIGHTS</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH9">IX RECOLLECTIONS OF A FRENCH EXILE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH10">X MIDNIGHT VIGILS</a> + </p> + <center> + <a href="#PART3">PART III</a><br> + THE SCHOONER IN THE COVE + </center> + <p> + <a href="#CH11">XI THE SOUTHERN CROSS</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH12">XII TOM TURNS THE TABLES</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH13">XIII MADAME DE LA FONTAINE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH14">XIV IN THE FOG</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH15">XV NANCY</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH16">XVI MADAME AT THE INN</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH17">XVII THE MARQUIS LEAVES THE INN</a> + </p> + <center> + <a href="#PART4">PART IV</a><br> + THE ATTACK ON THE INN + </center> + <p> + <a href="#CH18">XVIII THE AVENUE OF MAPLES</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH19">XIX THE ATTACK</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH20">XX THE OAK PARLOUR</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH21">XXI THE TREASURE</a> + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h1> + The Inn at the Red Oak + </h1><a name="PART1"><!-- PART1 --></a> + <h2> + PART I + </h2> + <center> + THE OLD MARQUIS + </center> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH1"><!-- CH1 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <center> + THE MARQUIS ARRIVES AT THE INN + </center> + <p> + By the end of the second decade of the last century Monday + Port had passed the height of prosperity as one of the + principal depots for the West Indian trade. The shipping was + rapidly being transferred to New York and Boston, and the old + families of the Port, having made their fortunes, in rum and + tobacco as often as not, were either moving away to follow + the trade or had acquiesced in the changed conditions and + were settling down to enjoy the fruit of their labours. The + harbour now was frequently deserted, except for an occasional + coastwise trader; the streets began to wear that melancholy + aspect of a town whose good days are more a memory than a + present reality; and the old stage roads to Coventry and + Perth Anhault were no longer the arteries of travel they once + had been. + </p> + <p> + To the east of Monday Port, across Deal Great Water, an + estuary of the sea that expanded almost to the dignity of a + lake, lay a pleasant rolling wooded country known in Caesarea + as Deal. It boasted no village, scarcely a hamlet. Dr. + Jeremiah Watson, a famous pedagogue and a graduate of + Kingsbridge, had started his modest establishment for "the + education of the sons of gentlemen" on Deal Hill; there were + half-a-dozen prospering farms, Squire Pembroke's Red Farm and + Judge Meath's curiously lonely but beautiful House on the + Dunes among them; a little Episcopalian chapel on the shores + of the Strathsey river, a group of houses at the cross roads + north of Level's Woods, and the Inn at the Red Oak,—and + that was all. + </p> + <p> + In its day this inn had been a famous hostelry, much more + popular with travellers than the ill-kept provincial hotels + in Monday Port; but now for a long time it had scarcely + provided a livelihood for old Mrs. Frost, widow of the famous + Peter who for so many years had been its popular host. No one + knew when the house had been built; though there was an old + corner stone on which local antiquarians professed to + decipher the figures "1693," and that year was assigned by + tradition as the date of its foundation. + </p> + <p> + It was a long crazy building, with a great sloping roof, a + wide porch running its entire length, and attached to its + sides and rear in all sorts of unexpected ways and places + were numerous out houses and offices. Behind its high brick + chimneys rose the thick growth of Lovel's Woods, crowning the + ridge that ran between Beaver Pond and the Strathsey river to + the sea. The house faced southwards, and from the cobbled + court before it meadow and woodland sloped to the beaches and + the long line of sand dunes that straggled out and lost + themselves in Strathsey Neck. To the east lay marshes and the + dunes and beyond them the Strathsey, two miles wide where its + waters met those of the Atlantic; west lay the great curve, + known as the Second Beach, the blue surface of Deal Bay, and + a line of rocky shore, three miles in length, terminated by + Rough Point, near which began the out-lying houses of Monday + Port. + </p> + <p> + The old hostelry took its name from a giant oak which grew at + its doorstep just to one side of the maple-lined driveway + that led down to the Port Road, a hundred yards or so beyond. + This enormous tree spread its branches over the entire width + and half the length of the roof. Ordinarily, of course, its + foliage was as green as the leaves on the maples of the + avenue or on the neighbouring elms, and the name of the Inn + might have seemed to the summer or winter traveller an odd + misnomer; but in autumn when the frost came early and the + great mass of green flushed to a deep crimson it could not + have been known more appropriately than as the Inn at the Red + Oak. + </p> + <p> + It was a solidly-built house, such as even in the early part + of the nineteenth century men were complaining they could no + longer obtain; built to weather centuries of biting + southeasters, and—the legend ran—to afford + protection in its early days against Indians. At the time of + the Revolution it had been barricaded, pierced with + portholes, and had served, like innumerable other houses from + Virginia to Massachusetts, as Washington's headquarters. When + Tom Pembroke knew it best, its old age and decay had well set + in. + </p> + <p> + Pembroke was the son of the neighbouring squire, whose house, + known as the Red Farm, lay In the little valley on the other + side of the Woods at the head of Beaver Pond. From the time + he had been able to thread his way across the woodland by its + devious paths—Tom had been at the Inn almost every day + to play with Dan Frost, the landlord's son. They had played + in the stables, then stocked with a score of horses, where + now there were only two or three; in the great haymows of the + old barn in the clearing back of the Inn; in the ramshackle + garret under that amazing roof; or, best of all, in the + abandoned bowling-alley, where they rolled dilapidated balls + at rickety ten-pins. + </p> + <p> + When Tom and Dan were eighteen—they were born within a + day of each other one bitter February—old Peter died, + leaving the Inn to his wife. Mrs. Frost pretended to carry on + the business, but the actual task of doing so soon devolved + upon her son. And in this he was subjected to little + interference; for the poor lady, kindly inefficient soul that + she was, became almost helpless with rheumatism. But indeed + it was rather on the farm than to the Inn that more and more + they depended for their living. In the social hierarchy of + Caesarea the Pembrokes held themselves as vastly superior to + the Frosts; but thanks to the easy-going democratic customs + of the young republic, more was made of this by the women + than the men. + </p> + <p> + The two boys loved each other devotedly, though love is + doubtless the last word they would have chosen to express + their relation. Dan was tall, dark, muscular; he had a + well-shaped head on his square shoulders; strong well-cut + features; a face that the sun had deeply tanned and dark hair + that it had burnished with gold. Altogether he was a + prepossessing lad, though he looked several years older than + he was, and he was commonly treated by his neighbours with a + consideration that his years did not merit. Tom Pembroke was + fairer; more attractive, perhaps, on first acquaintance; + certainly more boyish in appearance and behaviour. He was + quicker in his movements and in his mental processes; more + aristocratic in his bearing. His blue eyes were more + intelligent than Dan's, but no less frank and kindly. Young + Frost admired his friend almost as much as he cared for him; + for Dan, deprived of schooling, had a reverence for learning, + of which Tom had got a smattering at Dr. Watson's + establishment for "the sons of gentlemen" on the nearby hill. + </p> + <p> + One stormy night in early January, the eve of Dan Frost's + twenty-second birthday, the two young men had their supper + together at the Inn, and afterwards sat for half-an-hour in + the hot, stove-heated parlour until Mrs. Frost began to nod + over her knitting. + </p> + <p> + "Off with you, boys," she said at length; "you will be + wanting to smoke your dreadful pipes. Nancy will keep me + company." + </p> + <p> + They took instant advantage of this permission and went into + the deserted bar, where they made a roaring fire on the great + hearth, drew their chairs near, filled their long clay pipes + with Virginia tobacco, and fell to talking. + </p> + <p> + "Think of it!" exclaimed young Frost, as he took a great + whiff at his pipe; "here we are—the middle of the + winter—and not a guest in the house. Why we used to + have a dozen travellers round the bar here, and the whole + house bustling. I've known my father to serve a hundred and + more with rum on a night like this. Now we do a fine business + if we serve as many in a winter. Times have changed since we + were boys." + </p> + <p> + "Aye," Tom agreed, "and it isn't so long ago, either. It + seemed to me as if the whole county used to be here on a + Saturday night." + </p> + <p> + "I'm thinking," resumed Dan musingly, "of throwing up the + business, what's the use of pretending to keep an inn? If it + wasn't for mother and for Nancy, I'd clear out, boy; go off + and hunt my fortune. As it is, with what I make on the farm + and lose on the house, I just pull through the year." + </p> + <p> + "By gad," exclaimed Tom, "I'd go with you, Dan. I'm tired to + my soul with reading law in father's office. Why, you and I + haven't been farther than Coventry to the county fair, or to + Perth Anhault to make a horse trade. I'd like to see the + world, go to London and Paris. I've wanted to go to France + ever since that queer Frenchman was + here—remember?—and told us those jolly tales + about the Revolution and the great Napoleon. We were hardly + more than seven or eight then, I guess." + </p> + <p> + "I would like to go, hanged if I wouldn't," said Dan. "I'm + getting more and more discontented. But there's not much use + crying for the moon, and France might as well be the moon, + for all of me." He relapsed then into a brooding silence. It + was hard for an inn-keeper to be cheerful in midwinter with + an empty house. Tom too was silent, dreaming vividly, if + vaguely, of the France he longed to see. + </p> + <p> + "Hark!" exclaimed Dan presently. "How it blows! There must be + a big sea outside to-night." + </p> + <p> + He strode to the window, pushed back the curtains of faded + chintz, and stared out into the darkness. The wind was + howling in the trees and about the eaves of the old inn, the + harsh roar of the surf mingled with the noise of the storm, + and the sleet lashed the window-panes in fury. + </p> + <p> + "You will not be thinking of going home tonight, Tom?" + </p> + <p> + "Not I," Pembroke answered, for he was as much at home in + Dan's enormous chamber as he was in his own little room under + the roof at the Red Farm. + </p> + <p> + As he turned from the window, the door into the parlour + opened, and a young girl quietly slipped in and seated + herself in the chimney-corner. + </p> + <p> + "Hello, Nance," Dan exclaimed, as she entered; "come close, + child; you need to be near the fire on a night like this." + </p> + <p> + "Mother is asleep," the girl answered briefly, and then, + resting her chin upon her hands, she fixed her great dark + eyes upon the glowing logs. She was Dan's foster-sister, + eighteen years of age, though she looked hardly more than + sixteen; a shy, slender, girl, lovely with a wild, unusual + charm. To Tom she had always been a silent elfin creature, + delightful as their playmate when a child, but now though + still so familiar, she seemed in an odd way, to grow more + remote. Apparently she liked to sit with them on these winter + evenings in the deserted bar, when Mrs. Frost had gone to + bed; and to listen to their conversation, though she took + little part in it. + </p> + <p> + As Dan resumed his seat, he looked at her with evident + concern, for she was shivering as she sat so quietly by the + fireside. + </p> + <p> + "Are you cold, Nance?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "A little," she replied. "I was afraid in the parlour with + Mother asleep, and the wind and the waves roaring so + horribly." + </p> + <p> + "Afraid?" exclaimed Tom, with an incredulous laugh. "I never + knew you to be really afraid of anything in the world, + Nancy." + </p> + <p> + She turned her dark eyes upon him for the moment, with a + sharp inquisitive glance which caused him to flush + unaccountably. An answering crimson showed in her cheeks, and + she turned back to the fire. The colour fled almost as + quickly as it had come, and left her pale, despite the glow + of firelight. + </p> + <p> + "I was afraid—to-night," she said, after a moment's + silence. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly there came the sound of a tremendous knocking on the + door which opened from the bar into the outer porch, and all + three started in momentary alarm. + </p> + <p> + Dan jumped to his feet. "Who's that?" he cried. + </p> + <p> + Again came the vigorous knocking. He ran across the room, let + down the great oaken beam, and opened the door to the night + and storm. + </p> + <p> + "Come in, travellers." A gust of wind and sleet rushed + through the opening and stung their faces. With the gust + there seemed to blow in the figure of a little old man + wrapped in a great black coat, bouncing into their midst as + if he were an India rubber ball thrown by a gigantic hand. + Behind him strode in Manners, the liveryman of Monday Port. + </p> + <p> + "Here's a guest for you, Mr. Frost. I confess I did my best + to keep him in town till morning, but nothing 'd do; he must + get to the Inn at the Red Oak to-night. We had a hellish time + getting here too, begging the lady's pardon; but here we + are." + </p> + <p> + Good-naturedly he had taken hold of his fare and, as he + spoke, was helping the stranger unwrap himself from the + enveloping cloak. + </p> + <p> + "He's welcome," said Dan. "Here, sir, let me help you." He + put out his hand to steady the curious old gentleman, who, at + last, gasping for breath and blinking the sleet out of his + eyes, had been unrolled by Manners from the dripping cloak. + </p> + <p> + He was a strange figure of a man, they thought, as Dan led + him to the fire to thaw himself out. He was scarcely more + than five and a half feet in height, with tiny hands and feet + almost out of proportion even to his diminutive size. He was + an old man, they would have said, though his movements were + quick and agile as if he were set up on springs. His face, + small, sharp-featured and weazened, was seamed with a + thousand wrinkles. His wig was awry, its powder, washed out + by the melting sleet, was dripping on his face in pasty + streaks; and from beneath it had fallen wisps of thin grey + hair, which plastered themselves against his temples and + forehead. This last feature was also out of proportion to the + rest of his physiognomy, for it was of extraordinary height, + and of a polished smoothness, in strange contrast to his + wrinkled cheeks. Beneath shone two flashing black eyes, with + the fire of youth in them, for all he seemed so old. The + lower part of his face was less distinctive. He had a small, + Suddenly there came the sound of a tremendous knocking on the + door which opened from the bar into the outer porch, and all + three started in momentary alarm. + </p> + <p> + Dan jumped to his feet. "Who's that?" he cried. + </p> + <p> + Again came the vigorous knocking. He ran across the room, let + down the great oaken beam, and opened the door to the night + and storm. + </p> + <p> + "Come in, travellers." A gust of wind and sleet rushed + through the opening and stung their faces. With the gust + there seemed to blow in the figure of a little old man + wrapped in a great black coat, bouncing into their midst as + if he were an India rubber ball thrown by a gigantic hand. + Behind him strode in Manners, the liveryman of Monday Port. + </p> + <p> + "Here's a guest for you, Mr. Frost. I confess I did my best + to keep him in town till morning, but nothing'd do; he must + get to the Inn at the Red Oak to-night. We had a hellish time + getting here too, begging the lady's pardon; but here we + are." + </p> + <p> + Good-naturedly he had taken hold of his fare and, as he + spoke, was helping the stranger unwrap himself from the + enveloping cloak. + </p> + <p> + "He's welcome," said Dan. "Here, sir, let me sharply-pointed + nose; a weak mouth, half-hidden by drooping white moustaches; + and a small sharp chin, accentuated by a white beard nattily + trimmed to a point. He was dressed entirely in black; a + flowing coat of French cut, black small clothes, black + stockings and boots that reached to the calves of his little + legs. These boots were ornamented with great silver buckles, + and about his neck and wrists showed bedraggled bits of + yellowed lace." + </p> + <p> + He stood before the fire, speechless still; standing first on + one foot then on the other; rubbing his hands the while as he + held them to the grateful warmth. + </p> + <p> + Nancy had in the meanwhile drawn a glass of rum, and now + advancing held it toward him a little gingerly. He took it + eagerly and drained it at a gulp. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Merci, ma petite ange; merci, messieurs</i>" he exclaimed + at last; and then added in distinct, though somewhat strongly + accented English, "I ask your pardon. I forget you may not + know my language. But now that this good liquor has put new + life in my poor old bones, I explain myself. I am arrived, I + infer, at the Inn at the Red Oak; and you, monsieur, though + so young, I take to be my host. I have your description, you + perceive, from the good postilion. You will do me the + kindness to provide me with supper and a bed?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly, sir," said Dan. "It is late and we are + unprepared, but we will put you up somehow. You too, Manners, + had best let me bunk you till morning; you'll not be going + back to the Port tonight? Nancy a fresh bumper for Mr. + Manners." + </p> + <p> + "Thankee, sir; I managed to get out with the gentleman + yonder, and I guess I'll manage to get back. But it's a rare + night, masters. Just a minute, sir, and I'll be getting his + honour's bags.... Thank ye kindly, Miss Nancy." + </p> + <p> + He drained the tumbler of raw spirit that Nancy held out. + Then he opened the door again and went out into the storm, + returning almost at once with the stranger's bags. + </p> + <p> + Dan turned to his sister. "Nancy dear, go stir up Susan and + Deborah. We must have a fire made in the south chamber and + some hot supper got ready. Tell Susan to rout out Jesse to + help her. Say nothing to Mother; no need to disturb her. And + now, sir," he continued, turning again to the stranger, "may + I ask your name?" + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman ceased his springing seesaw for a moment, + and fixed his keen black eyes on the questioner. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Certainment, monsieur</i>—certainly, I should say," + he replied in a high, but not unpleasant, voice. "I am the + Marquis de Boisdhyver, at your service. I am to travel in the + United States—oh! for a long time. I stay here, if you + are so good as to accommodate me, perhaps till you are weary + and wish me to go elsewhere. You have been greatly + recommended to me by my friend,—quiet, remote, + secluded, an <i>auberge</i>—what you call it?—an + inn, well-suited to my habits, my tastes, my desire for rest. + I am very <i>fatigué</i>, monsieur." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Dan, with a grim smile, "we are remote and quiet + and secluded. You are welcome, sir, to what we have. Tom, see + that Manners has another drink before he goes, will you? and + do the honours for our guest, while Nance and I get things + ready." + </p> + <p> + As he disappeared into the kitchen, following Nancy, the + Marquis looking after him with a comical expression of + gratitude upon his face. Tom drew another glass of rum, which + Manners eagerly, if rashly, devoured. Then the liveryman + wrapped himself in his furs, bade them good-night, and + started out again into the storm for his drive back to Monday + Port. + </p> + <p> + All this time the old gentleman stood warming his feet and + hands at the fire, watching his two companions with + quickly-shifting eyes, or glancing curiously over the great + bar which the light of the fire and the few candles but + faintly illuminated. + </p> + <p> + Having barred the door, Tom turned back to the hearth. "It is + a bad night, sir." + </p> + <p> + "But yes," exclaimed the Marquis. "I think I perish. Oh! that + dreary tavern at your Monday Port. I think when I arrive + there I prefer to perish. But this, this is the old Inn at + the Red Oak, is it not? And it dates, yes,—from the + year 1693? The old inn, eh, by the great tree?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, certainly," Pembroke answered; "at least, that is the + date that some people claim is on the old cornerstone. You + have been here before then, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "I?" exclaimed Monsieur de Boisdhyver. "Oh, no! not I. I have + heard from my friend who was here some years ago." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I see. And you have come far to-day?" + </p> + <p> + "From Coventry, monsieur—Monsieur—?" + </p> + <p> + "Pembroke," Tom replied, with a little start. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! yes, Monsieur Pembroke. A member of the household?" + </p> + <p> + "No—a friend." + </p> + <p> + "I make a mistake," quickly interposed the traveller, + "Pardon. I am come from Coventry, Monsieur Pembroke, in an + everlasting an eternal stage, a monster of a carriage, + monsieur. It is only a few days since that I arrive from + France." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, France!" exclaimed Tom, recalling that only a little + while before he and Dan had been dreaming of that magic + country. And here was a person who actually lived in France, + who had just come from there, who extraordinarily chose to + leave that delightful land for the Inn at the Red Oak in + mid-winter. + </p> + <p> + "France," he repeated; "all my life, sir, I have been longing + to go there." + </p> + <p> + "So?" said the Marquis, raising his white eyebrows with + interest. "You love <i>ma belle patrie</i>, eh? <i>Qui + Sait</i>?—you will perhaps some day go there. You have + interests, friends in my country?" + </p> + <p> + "No, none," Tom answered. "I wish I had. You come from Paris, + sir?" + </p> + <p> + "<i>Mais oui</i>." + </p> + <p> + For some time they chatted in such fashion, the Marquis + answering Tom's many questions with characteristic French + politeness, but turning ever and anon a pathetic glance + toward the door through which Dan and Nancy had disappeared. + It was with undisguised satisfaction that he greeted young + Frost when he returned to announce that supper was ready. + </p> + <p> + "I famish!" the old gentleman exclaimed. "I have dined to-day + on a biscuit and a glass of water." + </p> + <p> + They found the kitchen table amply spread with + food,—cold meats, hot eggs and coffee, and a bottle of + port. Monsieur de Boisdhyver ate heartily and drank his wine + with relish, gracefully toasting Nancy as he did so. When his + meal was finished, he begged with many excuses to be shown to + his bedroom; and indeed his fatigue was evident. Dan saw him + to the great south chamber, carrying a pair of lighted + candles before. He made sure that all had been done that + sulky sleepy maids could be induced to do, and then left him + to make ready for the night. + </p> + <p> + Lights were extinguished in the parlour and the bar, the + fires were banked, and the two young men went up to Dan's own + room. There on either side of the warm hearth, had been drawn + two great four-posted beds, and it took the lads but a moment + to tumble into them. + </p> + <p> + "It's queer," said Dan, as he pulled the comfort snugly about + his shoulders, calling to Tom across the way; "it's + queer—the old chap evidently means to stay awhile. What + does a French marquis want in a deserted hole like this, I'd + like to know? But if he pays, why the longer he stays the + better." + </p> + <p> + "I hope he does," said Tom sleepily. "He has a reason, I + fancy, for he asked questions enough while you were out + seeing to his supper. He seems to know the place almost as + well as if he had been here before, though he said he hadn't. + But, by gad, I wish you and I were snug in a little hotel on + the banks of the Seine to-night and not bothering our heads + about a doddering old marquis who hadn't sense enough to stay + there." + </p> + <p> + "Wish we were," Dan replied. "Good-night," he called, + realizing that his friend was too sleepy to lie awake and + discuss any longer their unexpected guest. + </p> + <p> + "Good-night," murmured Tom, and promptly drifted away into + dreams of the wonderful land he had never seen. As for Dan he + lay awake a long time, wondering what could possibly have + brought the old Marquis to the deserted inn at such a time of + the year and on such a night. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH2"><!-- CH2 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <center> + THE LIONS EYE + </center> + <p> + Toward daylight the storm blew itself out, the wind swung + round to the northwest, and the morning dawned clear and + cold, with a sharp breeze blowing and a bright sun shining + upon a snow-clad, ice-crusted world and a sparkling sapphire + sea. + </p> + <p> + Dan had risen early and had set Jesse to clear a way across + the court and down the avenue to the road. The maids, astir + by dawn, were no longer sulky but bustled about at the + preparation of an unusually good breakfast in honour of the + new guest. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Frost, who habitually lay till nine or ten o'clock + behind the crimson curtains of her great bed, had caught wind + of something out of the ordinary, demanded Nancy's early + assistance, and announced her intention of breakfasting with + the household. + </p> + <p> + She was fretful during the complicated process of her + toilette and so hurt the feelings of her foster-daughter, + that when Dan came to take her into the breakfast room, Nancy + found an excuse for not accompanying them. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis was awaiting their appearance. He stood with his + back-to the fire, a spruce and carefully-dressed little + figure, passing remarks upon the weather with young Pembroke, + who leaned his graceful length against the mantelpiece. + </p> + <p> + The noble traveller was presented with due ceremony to Mrs. + Frost, who greeted him with old-world courtesy. She had had, + indeed, considerably more association with distinguished + personages than had most of the dames of the neighbouring + farms who considered themselves her social superiors. She + welcomed Monsieur de Boisdhyver graciously, enquiring with + interest of his journey and with solicitude as to his rest + during the night. She received with satisfaction his + rapturous compliments on the comforts that had been provided + him, on the beauty of the surrounding country upon which he + had looked from the windows of his chamber, and on her own + condescension in vouchsafing to breakfast with them. She was + delighted that he should find the Inn at the Red Oak so much + to his taste that he proposed to stay with them indefinitely. + </p> + <p> + They were soon seated at the breakfast-table and had + addressed themselves to the various good things that black + Deborah had provided. The native Johnny cakes, made of meal + ground by their own windmill, the Marquis professed to find + particularly tempting. + </p> + <p> + Despite Mrs. Frost's questions, despite his own voluble + replies, Monsieur de Boisdhyver gave no hint, that there was + any deeper reason for his seeking exile at the Inn of the Red + Oak than that he desired rest and quiet and had been assured + that he would find them there. And who had so complimented + their simple abode of hospitality? + </p> + <p> + "Ah, madame," he murmured, lifting his tiny hands, "so many!" + </p> + <p> + "But I fear, monsieur," replied his hostess, "that you, who + are accustomed to the luxuries of a splendid city like Paris, + to so many things of which we read, will find little to + interest and amuse you in our remote countryside." + </p> + <p> + "As for interest, madame," the Marquis protested, "there are + the beauties of nature, your so delightful household, my few + books, my writing; and for amusement, I have my + violin;—I so love to play. You will not + mind?—perhaps, enjoy it?" + </p> + <p> + "Indeed yes," said Mrs. Frost. "Dan, too, is a fiddler after + a fashion; and as for Nancy, she has a passion for music, and + dreams away many an evening while my son plays his old + tunes." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, yes," said the Marquis, "Mademoiselle Nancy, I have not + the pleasure to see her this morning?" + </p> + <p> + "No," replied Mrs. Frost, flushing a trifle at the + recollection of why Nancy was not present, "she is somewhat + indisposed—a mere trifle. You will see her later in the + day. But, monsieur, you should have come to us in the spring + or the summer, for then the country is truly beautiful; now, + with these snow-bound roads, when not even the stagecoach + passes, we are indeed lonely and remote." + </p> + <p> + "It is that," insisted the Marquis, "which so charms me. When + one is old and when one has lived a life too occupied, it is + this peace, this quiet, this remoteness one desires. To walk + a little, to sit by your so marvellously warm fires, to look + upon your beautiful country, <i>cest bou</i>!" + </p> + <p> + He held her for a moment with his piercing little eyes, a + faint smile upon his lips, as though to say that it was + impossible he should be convinced that he had not found + precisely what he was seeking, and insisting, as it were, + that his hostess take his words as the compliment they were + designed to be. + </p> + <p> + Before she had time to reply, he had turned to Dan. "What a + fine harbour you have, Monsieur Frost," he said, pointing + through the window toward the Cove, separated from the river + and the sea by the great curve of Strathsey Neck, its blue + waters sparkling now in the light of the morning sun. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied Dan, glancing out upon the well-known + shoreline, "it is a good harbour, though nothing, of course, + to compare with a Port. But it's seldom that we see a ship at + anchor here, now." + </p> + <p> + "There is, however," inquired the Marquis with interest, + "anchorage for a vessel, a large vessel?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, indeed," Tom interrupted, "in the old days when my + father had his ships plying between Havana and the Port, he + would often have them anchor in the Cove for convenience in + lading them with corn from the farm." + </p> + <p> + "And they were large ships?" + </p> + <p> + "Full-rigged, sir; many of 'em, and drawing eight feet at + least." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Eh bien</i>! And the old Inn, madame, it dates, your son + tells me, from 1693?" + </p> + <p> + "We think so, sir, though I have no positive knowledge of its + existence before 1750. My husband purchased the place in '94, + and it had then been a hostelry for some years, certainly + from the middle of the century. But we have made many + additions. Danny dear, perhaps it will interest the Marquis + if you should take him over the house. We are proud of our + old inn, sir." + </p> + <p> + "And with reason, madame. If monsieur will, I shall be + charmed." + </p> + <p> + "I will leave you then with my son. Give me your arm, Dan, to + the parlour. Unfortunately, Monsieur le Marquis, affliction + has crippled me and I spend the day in my chair in the blue + parlour. I shall be so pleased, if you will come and chat + with me. Tommy, you will be staying to dinner with us?" + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, Mrs. Frost, but I must get to the Port for the + day. Mother and Father are leaving by the afternoon stage, if + it gets through. They are going to spend the winter in + Coventry. But I shall be back to-night as I have promised Dan + to spend that time with him." + </p> + <p> + "We shall be glad to have you, as you know." + </p> + <p> + Soon after Mrs. Frost had left the breakfast-room and Tom had + started forth with horse and sleigh, Dan returned. The + Marquis promptly reminded him of the suggestion that he + should be taken over the Inn. It seemed to Dan an + uninteresting way to entertain his guest and the morning was + a busy one. However, he promised to be ready at eleven + o'clock to show the Marquis all there was in the old house. + </p> + <p> + As Dan went about the offices and stables, performing himself + much of the work that in prosperous times fell to grooms and + hostlers, he found himself thinking about his new guest. Dan + knew enough of French history to be aware there were frequent + occasions in France when partisans of the various factions, + royalist, imperialist, or republican, found it best to + expatriate themselves. He knew that in times past many of the + most distinguished exiles had found asylum in America. But at + the present, he understood, King Louis Philippe, was reigning + quietly at the Tuileries and, moreover, the Marquis de + Boisdhyver, mysterious as he was, did not suggest the + political adventurer of whom Dan as a boy had heard his + parents tell such extraordinary tales. In the few years + immediately after the final fall of the great Bonaparte there + had been an influx of imperialistic supporters in America, + some of whom had even found their way to Monday Port and + Deal. One of these, Dan remembered, had stayed for some + months in '14 or '15 at the Inn at the Red Oak, and it was he + whom Tom had recalled the night before as having told them + stories of his adventurous exploits in the wars of the Little + Corporal. But it was too long after Napoleon's fall to + connect his present guest with the imperial exiles. He could + imagine no ulterior reason for the Marquis's coming and was + inclined to put it down as the caprice of an old restless + gentleman who had a genuine mania for solitude. Of solitude, + certainly, he was apt to get his fill at the Inn at the Red + Oak. + </p> + <p> + At eleven o'clock he returned to keep his appointment. He + found the Marquis established at a small table in the bar by + an east window, from which was obtained a view of the Cove, + of the sand-dunes along the Neck, and of the open sea beyond. + A writing-desk was on the table, ink and quills had been + provided, a number of books and papers were strewn about, and + Monsieur de Boisdhyver was apparently busy with his + correspondence. + </p> + <p> + "Enchanted" he exclaimed, as he pulled out a great gold + watch. "Punctual. I find another virtue, monsieur, in a + character to which I have already had so much reason to pay + my compliments. I trust I do not trespass upon your more + important duties." As he spoke, he rapidly swept the papers + into the writing-desk, closed and locked it, and carefully + placed the tiny golden key into the pocket of his + gayly-embroidered waistcoat. + </p> + <p> + "Not at all," Dan replied courteously, "I shall be glad to + show you about. But I fear you will find it cold and dismal, + for the greater part of the house is seldom used or even + entered." + </p> + <p> + "I bring my cloak," said the Marquis. "Interest will give me + warmth. What I have already seen of the Inn at the Red Oak is + so charming, that I doubt not there is much more to delight + one. I imagine, monsieur, how gay must have been this place + once." + </p> + <p> + He took his great cloak from the peg near the fire where it + had been hung the night before to dry wrapped himself snugly + in it; and then, with a little bow, preceded Dan into the + cold and draughty corridor that opened from the bar into the + older part of the house. + </p> + <p> + This hallway extended fifty or sixty feet to the north wall + of the main part of the inn whence a large window at the turn + of a flight of stairs gave light. On the right, extending the + same distance as the hall itself, was a great room known as + the Red Drawing-room, into which Dan first showed the + Marquis. This room had not been used since father's death + four or five years before, and for a long time previous to + that only on the rare occasions when a county gathering of + some sort was held at the inn. It had been furnished in good + taste and style in colonial days, but was now dilapidated and + musty. The heavy red damask curtains were drawn before the + windows, and the room was dark and cheerless. Dan admitted + the dazzling light of the sun; but the Marquis only shivered + and seemed anxious to pass quickly on. + </p> + <p> + "You see, sir," observed the young landlord, "it is dismal + enough." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Mais oui</i>—<i>mais oui</i>," exclaimed the + Marquis. + </p> + <p> + At the foot of the stairway the corridor turned at right + angles and ran north. On either side opened a number of + chambers in like conditions of disrepair, which had been used + as bedrooms in the palmy days of the hostelry. This corridor + ended at the bowling-alley, where as children Tom and Dan had + loved to play. Half-way to the entrance to the bowling-alley + a third hallway branched off to the right, leading to a + similar set of chambers. Into all these they entered, the + Marquis examining each with quick glances, dismissing them + with the briefest interest and the most obvious comment. + </p> + <p> + Dan saved the <i>piéce-de-resistance</i> till last. + This was a little room entered from the second corridor just + at the turn—the only room indeed, as he truthfully + said, that merited a visit. + </p> + <p> + "This," he explained, "we call the Oak Parlour. It is the + only room on this floor worth showing you. My father brought + the wainscoting from an old English country-house in + Dorsetshire. My father's people were Torries, sir, and kept + up their connection with the old country." + </p> + <p> + It was a delightful room into which Dan now admitted the + light of day, drawing aside the heavy green curtains from the + eastern windows. It was wainscoted from floor to cornice in + old black English oak, curiously and elaborately carved, and + divided into long narrow panels. The ceiling, of similar + materials and alike elaborately decorated, was supported by + heavy transverse beams that seemed solid and strong enough to + support the roof of a cathedral. On one side two windows + opened upon the gallery and court and looked out upon the + Cove, on the other side stood a cabinet. It was the most + striking piece of furniture in the room, of enormous + dimensions and beautifully carved on the doors of the + cupboards below and on the top-pieces between the mirrors + were lion's heads of almost life-size. Opposite the heavy + door, by which they had entered, was a large fireplace, + containing a pair of elaborately ornamented brass and irons. + There was not otherwise a great deal of furniture,—two + or three tables, some chairs, a deep window-seat, a + writing-desk of French design; but all, except this last, in + keeping with the character of the room, and all brought + across the seas from the old Dorsetshire mansion, from which + Peter Frost had obtained the interior. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Charmant</i>!" exclaimed the Marquis. "You have a jewel, + <i>mon ami</i>; a bit of old England or of old France in the + heart of America; a room one finds not elsewhere in the + States. It is a <i>creation superbe</i>." + </p> + <p> + With enthusiastic interest he moved about, touching each + article of furniture, examining with care the two of three + old English landscapes that had been let into panels on the + west side of the room, pausing in ecstacies before the great + cabinet and standing before the fireplace as if he were + warming his hands at that generous hearth. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Monsieur Frost, could I but write, read, dream here...!" + </p> + <p> + "I fear that would be impossible, sir," replied Dan. "It is + difficult to heat this portion of the house; and in fact, we + never use it." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Hélas</i>!" exclaimed the Marquis, "those things + which allure us in this world are so often impossible. + Perhaps in the spring, in the summer, when there is no longer + the necessity of the fire, you will permit me." + </p> + <p> + "It may be, monsieur," Dan replied, "that long before the + summer comes you will have left us." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Mais non</i>!" cried M. de Boisdhyver. "Every hour that I + stay but proves to me how long you will have to endure my + company." + </p> + <p> + Somewhat ungraciously, it seemed, young Frost made no reply + to this pleasantry; for already he was impatient to be gone. + Although the room was intensely cold and uncomfortable, still + his guest lingered, standing before the massive cabinet, + exclaiming upon the exquisiteness of the workmanship, and + every now and then running his dainty fingers along the + carving of its front. As Dan stood waiting for the Marquis to + leave, he chanced to glance through the window to the court + without, and saw Jesse starting out in the sleigh. As he had + given him no such order he ran quickly to the window, rapped + vigourously and then, excusing himself to the Marquis, + hurried out to ask Jesse to explain his errand. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis de Boisdhyver stood for a moment, as Dan left + him, motionless in front of the cabinet. His face was bright + with surprise and delight, his eyes alert with interest and + cunning. After a moment's hesitation he stole cautiously to + the window, and seeing Frost was engaged in conversation with + Jesse, he sprang back with quick steps to the cabinet. He + hastily ran the tips of his fingers along the beveled edges + of the wide shelf from end to end several times, each time + the expression of alertness deepening into one of + disappointment. He stopped for a moment and listened. All was + quiet. Again with quick motions he felt beneath the edges. + Suddenly his eyes brightened and he breathed quickly; his + sensitive fingers had detected a slight unevenness in the + smooth woodwork. Again he paused and listened, and then + pressed heavily until he heard a slight click. He glanced up, + as directly in front of him the eye of one of the carved + wooden lion's heads on the front of the board winked and + slowly raised, revealing a small aperture. With a look of + satisfaction, the Marquis thrust his fingers into the tiny + opening and drew forth a bit of tightly folded yellow paper; + he glanced at it for an instant and thrust it quickly into + the pocket of his waistcoat. Then he lowered the lid of the + lion's eye. There was a slight click again; and he turned, + just as Dan reappeared in the doorway. + </p> + <p> + "Excuse my leaving you so abruptly," said Frost, "but I saw + Jesse going off with the sleigh, and as I had given him no + orders, I wanted to know where he was going. But it was all + right. Are you ready, sir? I am afraid if we stay much longer + you will catch cold." This last remark was added as the + Marquis politely smothered a sneeze with his flimsy lace + handkerchief. + </p> + <p> + "<i>C'est bien</i>, monsieur. I fear I have taken a little + cold. Perhaps it would be just as well if we explore no + further to-day." + </p> + <p> + "If you prefer, sir," answered Dan, holding the door open for + his guest to go out. Monsieur de Boisdhyver turned and + surveyed the Oak Parlour once more before he left it. "Ah!" + he exclaimed, "this so charming room—it is of a + perfection! Dorsetshire, you say? ... To me it would seem + French." They walked back rapidly along the dark cold + corridors to the bar. All the way the Marquis, wrapped + tightly in his great cloak, kept the thumb of his left hand + in his waistcoat pocket, pressing securely against the paper + he had taken from the old cabinet in the Oak Parlour. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH3"><!-- CH3 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> + <center> + THE MARQUIS AT NIGHT + </center> + <p> + The household of the Inn at the Red Oak soon became + accustomed to the presence of their new member; indeed, he + seemed to them during those bleak winter months a most + welcome addition. Except for an occasional traveller who + spent a night or a Sunday at the Inn, he was the only guest. + He was gregarious and talkative, and would frequently keep + them for an hour or so at table as he talked to them of his + life in France, and of his adventures in the exciting times + through which his country had passed during the last fifty + years. He was the cadet, he told them, of a noble family of + the Vendée, the head of which, though long faithful to + the exiled Bourbons, had gone over to Napoleon upon the + establishment of the Empire. But as for + himself—Marie-Anne-Timélon-Armand de + Boisdhyver—he still clung to the Imperial cause, and + though now for many years his age and infirmities had forced + him to withdraw from any part in intrigues aiming at the + restoration of the Empire, his sympathies were still keen. + </p> + <p> + When he talked in this strain, of his thrilling memories of + the Terror and of the extraordinary days when Bonaparte was + Emperor, Dan and Tom would listen to him by the hour. But + Mrs. Frost preferred to hear the Marquis's reminiscences of + the <i>ancien régime</i> and of the old court life at + Versailles. He had been a page, he said, to the unfortunate + Marie Antoinette; he would cross himself piously at the + mention of the magic name, and digress rapturously upon her + beauty and grace, and bemoan, with tears, her unhappy fate. + She liked also to hear of the court of Napoleon and of the + life of the <i>faubourgs</i> in the Paris of the day. On + these occasions the young men were apt to slip away and leave + the Marquis alone with Mrs. Frost and Nancy. + </p> + <p> + For Nancy Monsieur de Boisdhyver seemed to have a + fascination. She would listen absorbed to his voluble tales, + her bright eyes fixed on his fantastic countenance, her head + usually resting upon her hand, and her body bent forward in + an attitude of eager attention. She rarely spoke even to ask + a question; indeed, her only words would be an occasional + exclamation of interest, or the briefest reply. + </p> + <p> + During the day their noble guest would potter about the house + or, when the weather was fine, stroll down to the shore, + where he would walk up and down the strip of sandy beach in + the lee of the wind hour after hour. Now and then he wandered + out upon the dunes that stretched along the Neck; and once, + Dan afterwards learned, he paid a call upon old Mrs. Meath + who lived by herself in the lonely farmhouse on Strathsey + Neck, that was known as the House of the Dunes. + </p> + <p> + After supper they were wont to gather in Mrs. Frost's parlour + or in the old bar before the great hearth on which a splendid + fire always blazed; and when the Marquis had had his special + cup of black coffee, he would get out his violin and play to + them the long evening through. He played well, with the skill + of a master of the art, and with feeling. He seemed at such + times to forget himself and his surroundings; his bright eyes + would grow soft, a dreamy look would steal into them, and a + happy little smile play about the corners of his thin pale + lips. Obligingly he gave Dan lessons, and often the young man + would accompany him, in the songs his mother had known and + loved in her youth, when old Peter had come wooing with + fiddle in hand. + </p> + <p> + But best of all were the evenings when the Marquis chose to + improvise. Plaintive, tender melodies for the most part; + prolonged trembling, faintly-expiring airs; and sometimes + harsh, strident notes that evoked weird echoes from the bare + wainscoted walls. Mrs. Frost would sit, tears of sadness and + of pleasure in her eyes, the kindly homely features of her + face moving with interest and delight. Nancy was usually by + the table, her sharp little chin propped up on the palms of + her hands, never taking her fascinated gaze from the + musician. Sometimes Tom would look at her and wonder of what + she could be thinking. For certainly her spirit seemed to be + far away wandering in a world of dreams and of strange + inexpressible emotions. For Tom the music stirred delicate + thoughts bright dreams of beauty and of love; the vivid + intangible dreams of awakening youth. He had not had much + experience with emotion; the story of his love affairs + contained no more dramatic moments than the stealing of + occasional kisses from the glowing cheeks of Maria Stonywell, + the beauty of the Tinterton road, as he had walked back to + the old farm with her on moonlight evenings. + </p> + <p> + They would all be sorry when Monsieur pleaded weariness and + bade them good-night. Sometimes his music so moved the old + Frenchman that the tears would gather in his faded blue eyes + and steal down his powdered cheeks; and then, like as not, he + was apt to break off suddenly, drop violin and bow upon his + knees, and exclaim, "<i>Ah! la musique! mon Dieu, mon Dieu! + elle me rappelle ma jeunesse. Et maintenant—et + maintenant</i>!" And then, brushing away the tears he would + rise, make them a courtly bow, and hurry out of the room. + </p> + <p> + Dan alone did not fall under his spell. He and Tom would + often talk of their strange guest after they were gone to bed + in the great chamber over the dining-room. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know what it is," Dan said one night, "but I am + sorry he ever came to the Inn; I wish he would go away." + </p> + <p> + "How absurd, old boy!" protested Tom. "He has saved our lives + this frightful winter. I never knew your mother to be so + cheerful and contented; Nancy seems to adore him, and you + yourself are making the most of his fiddle lessons." + </p> + <p> + "I know," Dan replied, "all that is true, but it is only half + the truth. Mother's cheerfulness is costing me a pretty + penny, for I can't keep her from ordering the most expensive + things,—wines, and the like,—that we can't + afford. Maybe Nance adores him, as you say,—she is such + a strange wild child; but I have never known her to be so + unlike herself. We used to have good times + together—Nance and I. But this winter I see nothing of + her at all." For the moment Dan forgot his complaint in the + tender thought of his foster-sister. "It probably is absurd," + he added presently, "but I don't like it; I don't like him, + Tom! He plays the fiddle well, I admit but he is so queer and + shifty, nosing about, looking this way and that, never + meeting your eyes. It's just as though he were waiting, + biding his time, for—I don't know what." + </p> + <p> + "Nonsense, Dan; you're not an old woman." + </p> + <p> + "It may be, Tom, but I feel so anyway. The place hasn't + seemed the same to me since that Frenchman came. I wish he + would go away; and apparently he means to stay on forever." + </p> + <p> + "I think you would miss him, if he were to go," insisted + Pembroke, "for my part I'm glad he is here. To tell the + truth, Dan, he's been the life of the house." + </p> + <p> + "He has fascinated you as he has fascinated Mother and + Nance," Dan replied. "But it stands to reason, boy, that he + can't be quite all right. What does he want poking about in a + deserted old hole like Deal?" + </p> + <p> + "What he has said a thousand times; just what he so + beautifully gets—quiet and seclusion." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps you are right and I am wrong; but all the same I + shall be glad to see the last of him." + </p> + <p> + The night was one of bright moonlight at the end of February. + The bedroom windows were open to the cold clear air. Tom was + not sleepy, and he lay for a long time recalling the dreams + and emotions that had so stirred him earlier in the evening, + as he had listened to the Marquis's playing. He kept + whistling softly to himself such bars of the music as he + could remember. Dan's chamber faced west, and Tom's bed was + so placed that he could look out, without raising his head + from the pillow, over the court in the rear of the Inn and + into the misty depths of Lovel's Woods beyond the offices and + stables. + </p> + <p> + As he lay half-consciously musing—it must have been + near midnight—his attention was suddenly riveted upon + the court below. It seemed to him that he heard footsteps. He + was instantly wide awake, and jumped from the bed to the + window, whence he peered from behind the curtain into the + courtyard. Close to the wall of the Inn, directly beneath the + window, a shadow flitted on the moonlight-flooded pavement, + and he could hear the crumbling of the snow. Cautiously he + thrust his head out of the window. Moving rapidly along near + to the house, was a little figure wrapped in a dark cloak, + which looked to Tom for all the world like the Marquis de + Boisdhyver. + </p> + <p> + For the moment he had the impulse to call to him by name, but + the conversation he had so recently had with Dan flashed into + his mind, and he decided to keep still and watch. The figure + moved rapidly along the west wall of the Inn almost the + entire length of the building, until it arrived at the + entrance of the bowling-alley which abutted from the old + northern wing. Reaching this it paused for a moment, glancing + about; then inserted a key, fumbled for a moment with the + latch, opened the door, and disappeared within. + </p> + <p> + Tom was perplexed. He could not be sure that it was the + Marquis; but whether it were or not, he knew that there was + no reason for any one entering the old portion of the Inn at + midnight. His first thought was to go down alone and + investigate; his second was to waken Dan. + </p> + <p> + He lowered the window gently, drew the curtains across it, + and bending over his friend, shook him gently by the + shoulder. "Dan, Dan, I say; wake up!" + </p> + <p> + "What's the matter?" exclaimed Dan with a start of alarm, as + he sat up in bed. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing, nothing; don't make a noise. I happened to be + awake, and hearing footsteps under the window, I got up and + looked out. I saw some one moving along close to the wall + until he got to the bowling alley. He opened the door and + disappeared." + </p> + <p> + "The door's locked," exclaimed Dan. "Who was it?" + </p> + <p> + "He had a key, whoever he was then. To tell the truth, Dan, + it looked like the Marquis; though I couldn't swear to him. I + certainly saw some one." + </p> + <p> + "You have not been asleep and dreaming, have you?" asked his + friend, rubbing his eyes. + </p> + <p> + "I should say not. I'm going down to investigate; thought + you'd like to come along." + </p> + <p> + "So I shall," said Dan, jumping out of bed and beginning to + dress. "If you really have seen any one, I'll wager you are + right in thinking it's the old marquis. That is just the sort + of thing I have imagined him being up to. What he wants + though in the old part of the house is more than I can think. + He has pestered me to get back there ever since I showed him + over the place the day he arrived. Are you ready? Bring a + candle, and some matches. Ill just take my gun along on + general principles. I don't care how soon we get rid of the + Marquis de Boisdhyver, but I shouldn't exactly like to shoot + him out with a load of buckshot in his hide." + </p> + <p> + Tom stood waiting with his boots in hand. Dan went to his + bureau and took out his father's old pistol, that had done + duty in the West India trade years ago, when pirates were not + romantic memories but genuine menaces. + </p> + <p> + "Sh!" whispered Dan as he opened the door. "Let's blow out + the candle. It's moonlight, and we will be safer without it. + Be careful as you go down stairs not to wake Mother and + Nancy." + </p> + <p> + Tom blew out the candle and slipped the end into his pocket, + as he tiptoed after Dan down the stairs. At every step the + old boards seemed to creak as though in pain. As they paused + breathless half-way down on the landing, they heard no sound + save the loud ticking of the clock in the hall below and the + gentle whispering of the breeze without. The moon gave light + enough had they needed it, but each of them could have found + his way through every nook and corner of the Inn in darkness + as well as in broad day-light. They crept down the short + flight from the landing, paused and listened at the doors of + Mrs. Frost's and Nancy's chambers, and then slipped + noiselessly into the bar where the logs still glowed on the + hearth. + </p> + <p> + "Shall we," asked Tom in a low tone, "go down the corridor or + around outside?" + </p> + <p> + "Best outside," Dan whispered. "If we go down the corridor we + are like to frighten him if he is the Marquis, or get a + bullet in our gizzards if he is not. Should he be inside, + he'll have a light and we can find just where he is. I have a + notion that it's the Marquis and that he'll be in the Oak + Parlour. We'd better creep along the porch." + </p> + <p> + Very softly he unlocked the door, and stepped outside. Tom + was close behind him. They crept stealthily along next the + wall well within the shadow of the roof, pausing at every + window to peer through the cracks of the shutters. But all + were dark. As they turned the corner of the porch at the end + of the main portion of the inn from which the north wing + extended, Dan suddenly put his hand back and stopped Tom. + "Wait," he breathed, "there's a light in the Oak Parlour. + Stay here, while I peek in." + </p> + <p> + With gun in hand he crept up to the nearest window of the Oak + Parlour. The heavy shutters were closed, but between the + crack made by the warping of the wood, he could distinguish a + streak of golden light. He waited a moment; and, then at the + risk of alarming the intruder within, carefully tried the + shutter. To his great satisfaction it yielded and swung + slowly, almost noiselessly, back upon its hinges; the inside + curtains were drawn; but a slight gap had been left. Peering + in through this, Dan found he could get a view of a small + section of the interior,—the end of the great + Dorsetshire cabinet on the farther side of the room and a + part of the wall. Before the cabinet, bending over its shelf, + stood the familiar form of the Marquis de Boisdhyver, + apparently absorbed in a minute examination of the carving. + But Dan's attention was quickly diverted from the figure of + the old Frenchman, for by his side, also engaged in a similar + examination of the cabinet, stood Nancy. For a moment he + watched them with intent interest, but as he could not + discover what so absorbed them he slipped back to Tom, who + was waiting at the turn of the porch. + </p> + <p> + "It's the Marquis," he whispered in his friend's ear. + </p> + <p> + "What is he up to?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know. Apparently he is examining the old cabinet. + But, Tom, Nancy is with him and as absorbed in the thing as + he is. Look!" he exclaimed suddenly. "They've blown out the + light." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, he pointed to the window, now dark. "Come," he + said, making an instant decision, "let's hide ourselves in + the hall and see if they come back." + </p> + <p> + "But Nancy—?" + </p> + <p> + "No time for talk now. Come along." + </p> + <p> + They ran back along the porch, slipped into the bar, and + thence into the hall. Dan motioned to Tom to conceal himself + in a closet beneath the stairway, and he himself slipped + behind the clock. Hardly were they safely hidden thus, than + they heard a fumble at the latch of the door into the bar. + Then the door was pushed open, and the Marquis stepped + cautiously in the hall. He paused for a moment, listening + intently. Then he held open the door a little wider; and + another figure, quite enveloped by a long black coat, entered + after him. They silently crossed the hall to the door of + Nancy's chamber. This the Marquis opened; then bowed low, as + his companion passed within. They were so close to him that + Dan could have reached out his hand and touched them. As + Nancy entered her room, Dan distinctly heard Monsieur de + Boisdhyver whisper, "More success next time, mademoiselle!" + </p> + <p> + There was no reply. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis turned, stole softly up the stairs, and in a + moment Dan heard the click of the latch as he closed his + door. He slipped out from his hiding place, and whispered to + Tom. + </p> + <p> + In a few moments they were back again in their bedroom. + </p> + <p> + "Heavens! man, what do you make of it?" asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + "Make of it!" exclaimed Dan, "I don't know what to make of + it. It's incomprehensible. What the devil is that old rascal + after, and how has he bewitched Nance?" + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps," suggested Tom, more for Nancy's sake than because + he believed what he was saying, "it is simply that he is + curious, and knowing that you don't want him in the old part + of the Inn, he has persuaded Nancy to take him there at + night." + </p> + <p> + "Nonsense! that couldn't possibly account for such secrecy + and caution. No, Tom, he has some deviltry on foot, and we + must find out what it is." + </p> + <p> + "That should be simple enough. Ask Nance." + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" exclaimed his friend, "you don't know Nance as well as + I. You may be sure he has sworn her to secrecy, and Nance + would never betray a promise whether she had been wise in + making it or not." + </p> + <p> + "Then go to the old man himself and demand an explanation." + </p> + <p> + "He'd lie ..." + </p> + <p> + "Turn him out." + </p> + <p> + "I could do that, of course. But I think I would rather find + out what he is up to. It has something to do with the old + cabinet in the Oak Parlour. I'll find out the mystery of that + if I have to hack the thing into a thousand pieces. What I + hate, is Nance's being mixed up in it." + </p> + <p> + "We can watch again." + </p> + <p> + "Yes; we'll do that. In the meanwhile, I am going to + investigate that old ark myself. There's something about, + something concealed in it, that he wants to get. When I took + him in there the day after he came, he couldn't keep his eyes + off it. If you can get Nance out of the way tomorrow + afternoon, I'll send the Marquis off with Jesse for that + long-talked-of visit to Mondy Port; and I'll give Jesse + instructions not to get him back before dark. And while they + are away, I'll investigate the Oak Parlour myself. Can you + get Nance off?" + </p> + <p> + "I might ask her to go and look over the Red Farm with me. + She might like the walk through the woods. I could easily + manage to be away for three or four hours." + </p> + <p> + "Good! You may think it odd, Tom, that I should seem to + distrust Nance. I don't distrust her, but there has always + been a mystery about her. Mother knows a good deal more than + she has even been willing to tell to me, or even to Nance, I + guess. I know nothing except that she is of French + extraction, and I have sometimes wondered since she has been + so often with the old Marquis this winter, if he didn't know + something about her. It flashed over me to-night as I saw + them in that deserted room. Whatever is a-foot, I am going to + get at the bottom of it. We will watch again to-morrow night. + I heard him whisper as he left Nance, 'More success next + time!' This sort of thing may have been going on for a + month." + </p> + <p> + They undressed again, and Dan put his gun away in his bureau. + "We may have use for that yet, Tommy," he said. "It would do + me good, after what I have seen to-night, to put a bit of + lead into the Marquis de Boisdhyver as a memento of his so + delightful sojourn at <i>L'Auberge au Chene Rouge</i>." + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH4"><!-- CH4 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> + <center> + THE OAK PARLOUR + </center> + <p> + The two young men felt self-conscious and ill-at-ease the + next morning at the breakfast table, but apparently their + embarrassment was neither shared nor observed. Mrs. Frost had + kept her room, but Nancy and the Marquis were in their + accustomed places; the old gentleman, chattering away in a + fashion that demanded few answers and no attention; Nancy, + speaking only to ask necessary questions as to their wants at + table and meeting the occasional glances of Dan and Tom + without suspicion. Tom could scarcely realize in that bright + morning light, that only seven or eight hours earlier he and + his friend had spied upon their companions prowling about in + the abandoned wing of the inn. + </p> + <p> + Monsieur de Boisdhyver assented readily enough when Dan + proposed that Jesse should take him that day to Monday Port. + He was curious to see the old town, he said, having heard + much of it from his friend; much also from his celebrated + compatriot, the Marquis de Lafayette. + </p> + <p> + Tom took occasion during the discussion to ask Nancy if she + would walk across the woods with him after dinner, that he + might pay a visit to the Red Farm and see that all was going + well in the absence of his parents. He felt that the tones of + his voice were charged with unwonted significance; but Nancy + accepted the invitation with a simple expression of pleasure. + When Mrs. Frost was informed of the plans for the day, she + came near thwarting Dan's carefully laid schemes. She had + counted upon Jesse to do her bidding and had, she declared, + arranged that Nancy should help her put together the silken + patches of the quilt upon which she was perennially engaged. + Her foster-daughter's glance of displeasure at this was + tinder to the old lady's temper, and Dan entered most + opportunely. + </p> + <p> + "So!" she was exclaiming, "I am always the one to be + sacrificed when it is a question of some one's else + pleasure." + </p> + <p> + "Mother, Mother," Dan protested good-naturedly, as he bent + over to kiss her good-morning, "aren't you ever willing to + spend a day alone with me?" + </p> + <p> + "Danny dear," cried the old lady, as she began to smile + again, "you know I'm always willing. Of course, if Tom wants + Nancy to go, the quilt can wait; it has waited long enough, + in all conscience. There, my dear," she added, turning to the + girl, "order an early dinner, and since you are going to the + Red Farm, you might as well come back by the dunes and + enquire for old Mrs. Meath. We have neglected that poor woman + shamefully this winter." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Mother,—if we have time." + </p> + <p> + "Take the time, my dear," added Mrs. Frost sharply. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Mother." + </p> + <p> + The Marquis started off with Jesse at eleven o'clock, as + eager for the excursion as a boy; and by half-past twelve + Nancy and Tom had set out across the woods for the Red Farm. + Dan was impatient for them to be gone. As soon as he saw them + disappear in the woods back of the Inn, he made excuses to + his mother, and hurried to the north wing. He found the door + of the bowling alley securely locked, which convinced him + that either the Marquis or Nancy had taken the key from the + closet of his chamber. Having satisfied himself, he went + directly to the Oak Parlour. + </p> + <p> + It was cold and dark there. He opened the shutters and drew + back the curtains, letting in the cheerful midday sun, which + revealed all the antique, sombre beauty of the room, of the + soft landscapes and the exquisite carving of the Dorsetshire + cabinet. But Dan was in no mood to appreciate the old-world + beauty of the Oak Parlour. In that cabinet he felt sure there + was something concealed which would reveal the mystery of the + Marquis's stay at the inn and possibly the nature of his + influence over Nancy. Whatever had been the object of the + Marquis's search, it had not been found: his parting words to + Nancy the night before showed that. + </p> + <p> + Dan took a long look at the cabinet first, estimating the + possibility of its containing secret drawers. Hidden + compartments in old cabinets, secret chambers in old houses, + subterranean passageways leading to dungeons in romantic + castles, had been the material of many a tale that Dan and + Tom had told each other as boys. For years their dearest + possession had been a forbidden copy of "<i>The Mysteries of + Udolpho</i>" which they read in the mow of the barn lying in + the dusty hay. However unusual, the situation was real; and + he felt himself confronted by as hard a problem as he had + ever tried to solve in fiction. He knew something about + carpentry, so that his first step, after examining the + drawers and cupboards and finding them empty, was to take + careful measurements of the entire cabinet, particularly of + the thicknesses of its sides, back, and partitions. It proved + a piece of furniture of absolutely simple and straightforward + construction. After long examination and careful soundings he + came to the conclusion that a secret drawer was an + impossibility. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly an idea occurred to him and he returned to the + sitting-room. "Mother," he said, "I have been looking over + the old cabinet in the Oak Parlour, thinking perhaps that I + would have it brought into the dining-room. I wonder, if by + chance, there are any secret drawers in it. + </p> + <p> + "Secret drawers? What an idea!" exclaimed Mrs. Frost. + </p> + <p> + "You never knew of any did you?" + </p> + <p> + "No.... Stop, let me think. Upon my word, I think there was + something of the sort, but it has been so long ago I have + almost forgotten." + </p> + <p> + "Try to remember, do!" urged Dan, striving to repress his + excitement. + </p> + <p> + "It was not a secret drawer, but there were little hidden + cubby-holes—three or four of them. I remember, now, + your father once showed me how they opened. They were little + places where the Roman Catholics used to hide the pages of + their mass-books and such like in the days of persecution in + England." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes," said Dan, "that makes it awfully interesting. Did + father ever find anything in them?" + </p> + <p> + "No, I think not; but, dear me, it was over thirty years ago + we brought that old cabinet from England,—long before + you were born, Dan." + </p> + <p> + "Can you remember how to open the secret places? I have been + looking it over, but I can't see where they can be, much less + how to get into them." + </p> + <p> + "There were four of them, I think; all in the carving on the + front, in the eyes of the lions it seems to me, and in the + lion's mouth, or in the leaves somewhere. One spring that + opened them I recollect, was under the ledge of the shelf, + another at the back of the cabinet and,—but no, I + really can't remember where the others were." + </p> + <p> + Dan was impatient to try his luck at finding them, and + hurried back to the Oak Parlour. He ran his fingers many + times under the ledge of the shelf before he heard the click + of a tiny spring, and, looking up, saw the lion's eyelid wink + and slowly open. With an exclamation of satisfaction, he + thrust his fingers into the tiny aperture, felt carefully + about, and was chagrined to find it empty. "More success next + time, <i>monsieur le marquis</i>!" he muttered. + </p> + <p> + At length he found the spring that released the eyelid on the + carved lion on the other side of the panel. He glanced into + the little opening and, to his delight, saw the end of a bit + of paper tucked away there. He dug it out with the blade of + his pocket knife and unfolded it. It was yellow and brittle + with age, covered with writing in a fine clear hand. But he + was annoyed to discover, as he bent closely over to read it, + that it was written in French, still worse, part of the paper + was missing, for one side of it was ragged as if it had been + torn in two. + </p> + <p> + Remembering with relief, that Pembroke had acquired a + smattering of French at Dr. Watson's school for the sons of + gentlemen, he put the paper carefully away in his pocket to + wait for Tom's assistance in deciphering it. Then he set to + work to find the missing half. + </p> + <p> + He fumbled about at the back of the cabinet for a spring that + would release another secret cubby-hole, and was rewarded at + last by an unexpected click, and the seemingly solid jaws of + the lion fell apart about half-an-inch. But the little + aperture which they revealed was empty. Further experiment at + last discovered the fourth hiding place, but this also + contained nothing. + </p> + <p> + It occurred to him then that the Marquis had already + discovered the other half of the paper, and like himself was + searching for a missing portion. As he stood thinking over + the problem, he suddenly noticed that the room was in deep + shadow, and realized that the sun had set over the ridge of + Lovel's Woods. The Marquis would soon be returning. Carefully + closing the four openings in the carving he pushed the old + cabinet back against the wall, closed the shutters and drew + the curtains. Then with a last glance to see that all was as + he found it, he went out and closed the door the precious bit + of paper in his inside pocket. + </p> + <p> + He went directly to Mrs. Frost's parlour. "Mother," he said, + "please don't tell anyone that I have been in the north wing + today. I have good reasons which I will explain to you before + long. Now, I shall be deeply offended if you give the + slightest hint." + </p> + <p> + "Gracious! Dan, what is all this mystery about?" + </p> + <p> + "You will never know, mother, unless you trust me absolutely. + Mind! not a word to Tom, Nancy or the Marquis." + </p> + <p> + "Very well, Danny. You know I am as safe with a secret as + though it had been breathed into the grave." + </p> + <p> + Dan did not quite share his mother's confidence in her own + discretion, but he knew he could count on her devotion to him + to keep her silent even where curiosity and the love of talk + would render her indiscreet. He also knew, and had often + deplored it, that fond as she was of Nancy she was not + inclined to take the girl into her confidence. + </p> + <p> + Having said all he dared to his mother, Dan went to his room + and carefully locked up the mysterious paper. He returned to + the first floor just as the Marquis and Jesse drove up in the + sleigh to the door of the inn. + </p> + <p> + Monsieur de Boisdhyver was enthusiastic about all that he had + seen—the headquarters of General Washington, the house + in which the Marquis de Lafayette had slept, the old mill in + the parade, the fort at the Narrows, the shipping, the quaint + old streets.... "But, O Monsieur Frost," he exclaimed, "the + weariness that is now so delightful! How soundly shall I + sleep to-night!" + </p> + <p> + Dan smiled grimly as he assured his guest of his sympathy for + a good night and a sound sleep; thinking to himself, however, + that if the Marquis walked, he would not walk unattended. He + had no intention of trusting too implicitly to that loudly + proclaimed fatigue. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH5"><!-- CH5 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> + <center> + THE WALK THROUGH THE WOODS + </center> + <p> + While Dan Frost was hunting for the secret places of the old + cabinet, Tom and Nancy were picking their way across the + snowcovered paths of Lovel's Woods to the Red Farm. These + woods were a striking feature in the landscape of the open + coast country around Deal. Rising somewhat precipitously + almost out of the sea, three ridges extended far back into + the country, with deep ravines between. They were thickly + wooded, for the most part with juniper and pine. In some + places the descent to the ravines was sheer and massed with + rocks heaped there by a primeval glacier; in other parts they + dipped more gently to the little valleys, which were threaded + with many a path worn smooth by the dwellers on the eastern + shore. Nearly two miles might be saved in a walk from the Inn + to Squire Pembroke's Farm by going across the Woods rather + than by the encircling road. + </p> + <p> + As they were used to the frozen country Tom and Nancy + preferred the shorter if more difficult route. They had often + found their way together through the tangled thickets of the + Woods or along the shores of the Strathsey River, in season + accompanied by dog and gun hunting fox and rabbit or + partridge and wild duck. In Tom's company Nancy seemed to + forget her shyness and would talk freely enough of her + interests and her doings. He had always been fond of her, + though until lately she had seemed to him hardly more than a + child. This winter, as so frequently he had watched her + sitting in the firelight listening to the old Marquis's + playing and dreaming perhaps as he also dreamed, he realized + that she was growing up. A new beauty had come into her face + and slender form, her great dark eyes seemed to hold deeper + interests, she was no longer in the world of childhood. The + mystery enveloping her origin, which for some reason Mrs. + Frost had never chosen to dispel, gave a certain piquancy to + the interest and affection Tom felt for her. In the + imaginative tales he had been fond of weaving for his own + amusement, Nancy would frequently figure, revealed at last as + the child of noble parents, as a princess doomed by some + strange fate to exile. He thought of these things as from + time to time he glanced back at her, holding aside some + branch that crossed the path or giving her his hand to help + her over a boulder in the way. The red scarf about her neck, + red cap on her dark hair, flashing in and out of the tangled + pathway against the background of the snow-clad woods, gave a + bright note of colour to the scene. + </p> + <p> + They were obliged for the most part to walk in single file + until the last ridge descended over a mass of rocks to the + marshes along Beaver Pond. Then having given her his hand to + help her down, he kept hold of it as they went along the free + path to the open meadows. The feeling of Nancy's cool little + hand in his gave Tom an odd and conscious sense of pleasure. + </p> + <p> + "You have been uncommonly silent, Nance, even for you," he + said at last. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I'm always silent, Tom," she replied. "It is because I + am stupid and have nothing to say." + </p> + <p> + "Nonsense, my dear, you always have a lot to say to me. But + you are forever reading, thinking ... what's it all about?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I think, Tom, because I have little else to do; but my + thoughts aren't often worth the telling. In truth there is no + one, not even you, who particularly cares to hear them. Tom," + she said, "I am restless and discontented. Sometimes I wish I + were far away from the Inn at the Red Oak and Deal, from all + that I know,—even from you and Dan." + </p> + <p> + Pembroke suddenly realized that he could not laugh at these + fancies, as he had so often done, and dismiss as if they were + the vagaries of a child. + </p> + <p> + "Why are you restless and discontented, Nancy?" he asked + seriously. + </p> + <p> + "Aren't you ever?" she questioned for reply. "Don't you ever + get weary with the emptiness of it all, the everlasting + round, the dullness? Don't you ever want to get away from + Deal, and know people and see things and be somebody?" + </p> + <p> + "I do that, Nance. I mean to go as soon as I am a lawyer. I + won't poke about Deal long after that, nor Monday Port + either. I mean to set up in Coventry." + </p> + <p> + "Coventry!" exclaimed the girl with an accent of disdain. + "That is just a provincial town like the Port, only a little + more important because it is the capital of the state." + </p> + <p> + "Being the capital means a lot," protested Tom in defense of + his ambitions of which for the first time he felt ashamed. + "Men are sent to Congress from there. Nance, girl, ours is a + wonderful country; we are making a great nation." + </p> + <p> + "Some people may be. None of us are, Tom. I wonder at you + more than I do at Dan, for you have had more advantages. As + for me, I am only a girl; there's nothing for girls but to + sit and sew, and prepare meals for men to eat, and wait until + some one comes and chooses to marry them. Then they go off + and do the same thing some place else." + </p> + <p> + "But what have you to complain of, Nancy? you have the + kindest brother, a good mother, a comfortable home...." + </p> + <p> + "The kindest brother, yes. But you know Mrs. Frost is not my + mother. She doesn't care for me and I can't care for her as + if she were. I have never loved any one but Dan." + </p> + <p> + "You can't help loving Dan," said Tom, thinking of his good + friend. "But then, little girl, you love me too." And he + pressed the hand in his warmly. + </p> + <p> + Nancy quickly withdrew her hand. "I am not a little girl. I + have been grown up in lots of ways ever so long." + </p> + <p> + "But you love me?" + </p> + <p> + "I like you. Oh, Tom, the life we all lead is so futile. If I + weren't a girl, I should go away." + </p> + <p> + They had reached the stile by now that led into the meadow + which sloped down from the clump of poplars a hundred rods or + so above, in the midst of which the Red Farmhouse stood. + Instead of helping his companion over the steps in the wall, + Tom stopped and stood with his back to them. "Let's stay here + a minute, Nance, and have it out." + </p> + <p> + "Have what out?" she asked a trifle sharply. + </p> + <p> + "You haven't any queer wild plan in your head to go away, + have you?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know—sometimes I think I have. I dare say + there are things somewhere a girl could find to do." + </p> + <p> + "But Mrs. Frost—?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Mother would not miss me long—she'd have Dan." + </p> + <p> + "But Dan would miss you." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Dan might. I couldn't go, if Dan really needed me here. + I think sometimes he doesn't. But, Tom, if you were in my + position, if you didn't know who your parents were, if all + your life you had been living on the charity of + others—good and kind as they are, wonderful even as Dan + has always been—you couldn't be happy. I'm not happy." + </p> + <p> + "But, Nance, what has come over you?" + </p> + <p> + "No—nothing in particular; I have often felt this way." + </p> + <p> + "But, dear, I couldn't let you go. I'd mind a lot, Nance." + </p> + <p> + She looked at him with a sudden smile of incredulity. "You, + Tommy?" + </p> + <p> + "You can't go—you musn't go," Tom repeated, as he drew + nearer to her. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he reached out and seized her hands. "Don't you + realize it?—I love you, Nance; I've always loved you!" + He drew her close to him. She did not resist nor did she + yield, but still with her eyes she questioned him. "Kiss me, + Nancy," he whispered. She let him press his lips to hers but + without responding to the pressure, as though she still were + wondering of the meaning of this sudden unforeseen passion. + But at last, caught up in its intensity, she gave him back + his kisses. He took her face then between his hands and + looked into it with a gaze that in itself was a caress. "Oh + my sweetheart!" he said softly. + </p> + <p> + Slowly she disengaged herself. "Tom, Tom," she said, "this is + foolishness. We musn't do this." + </p> + <p> + "Why not?" demanded Pembroke. "I tell you I love you!" + </p> + <p> + "No—not that way, not that way. I didn't mean that. + Why, you foolish boy, haven't we kissed each other hundreds + of times before?" + </p> + <p> + "No, Nancy, not like that—not like this," he added, as + again he put his arm around her and drew her face to his. And + again she yielded. "Say it—say it, Nance—you love + me." + </p> + <p> + She drew back from him. "I think I must, Tom. I don't think I + could let you kiss me that way if I didn't. But now come ... + Tom ... dear Tom ... do come ... don't kiss me again." + </p> + <p> + "But say it," he insisted, "say you love me." + </p> + <p> + "Please help me over the stile." + </p> + <p> + He gave her his hand and she sprang lightly to the top of the + steps. In a second he was by her side, both of them balancing + somewhat uncertainly on the top of the stone wall. "I won't + let you down till you say it." + </p> + <p> + "Please—". + </p> + <p> + "No—you love me?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes—there—I love you—now—". + </p> + <p> + "No, kiss me again." + </p> + <p> + "Tom—no." But the negative was weak and Pembroke took + it so. + </p> + <p> + "Now," he said, as they began to cross the meadow, "we must + tell Mrs. Frost and Dan." + </p> + <p> + "Tell them what?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, that we are in love with each other, and that you are + going to marry me. What else?" + </p> + <p> + "No, no," exclaimed Nancy, "You must say nothing. I am not in + love. I don't mean to marry you." + </p> + <p> + "But why not? You are. You do." + </p> + <p> + "Are—do—?" + </p> + <p> + "In love—you do mean to marry me." + </p> + <p> + "No—Tom, listen—you know your father and mother + would hate it. You have at least two years before you can + practice. We couldn't marry—we can't marry. Oh, there + are things I must do, before I can think of that." + </p> + <p> + "Not marry me? Good Lord, what does it mean when people are + in love with each other, what does it mean when a girl kisses + a fellow like that?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know! what it means—madness, I guess. Do you + think I could marry as I am, not knowing who I am?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, what do I care who your parents were! We'll find out. I + swear we will. Good Lord, I love you, Nancy; I love you!" + </p> + <p> + "Please, please don't make me talk about it now." + </p> + <p> + "But soon—?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, soon—only promise you'll say nothing to Dan or to + Mother till we have talked again. I must think; it is all so + queer and unexpected; I never dreamed that you cared for me + except as a little girl." + </p> + <p> + "I didn't know I did. But come to think of it, Nance, it has + been you as much as Dan that has brought me to the Inn at the + Red Oak. Why it was you I wanted to walk and talk and play + with." + </p> + <p> + "Please,—dear Tom—G—ive me time to think + what it all means. Now be careful, there's the farmer. You + have a lot to do, and we have been lingering too long. Mother + wants us to go back by the dunes and enquire for old Mrs. + Meath; so we must hurry." + </p> + <p> + The sun had set before they started on the homeward journey + in one of the squire's sleighs. As they turned the bend at + the beach and started across the dune road close to the sea, + a great yellow moon rose over Strathsey Neck. + </p> + <p> + Tom had been so preoccupied with his own emotions and the + unexpected and absorbing relation in which he found himself + with Nancy, that he had altogether forgotten why he had asked + her to go off with him that afternoon. As they skimmed along + over the snow-packed road across the sands, Tom spied another + sleigh on the Port road, the occupants of which he recognized + as Jesse and the Marquis. Suddenly the memory of the night + before flashed over him. He pointed with his whip in their + direction. "There's the old Marquis coming back from Monday + Port," he said. + </p> + <p> + Nancy looked without comment, but Tom thought the colour + deepened in her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + "See here, Nance," he exclaimed impulsively; "has the Marquis + anything to do with the mood you were in this afternoon? Has + he said anything to make you discontented?" + </p> + <p> + He was sure that now she paled. + </p> + <p> + "What makes you ask?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh—a number of things. I've seen you with him more or + less; felt he had some influence over you."—Tom was + blundering now and knew it.— + </p> + <p> + She looked at him coldly. "I have been with the Marquis very + little save when others have been about. He has no influence + over me. I don't care to discuss such queer ideas." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, all right ... I dare say I'm mistaken ... I only + thought..." He hesitated... "If you care for me, I don't mind + what you think of the Marquis." + </p> + <p> + "Remember, Tom—you promised to say nothing until I gave + you leave. You're not fair..." + </p> + <p> + "But you do love me?" + </p> + <p> + Nancy was silent. + </p> + <p> + "There is nothing between you and the old Frenchman—no + mystery?" + </p> + <p> + There was no reply. Nancy sat with compressed lips and drawn + brows, gazing fixedly at the distant House on the Dunes at + the end of their road. For a long while they drove on in + silence. + </p> + <p> + At the House on the Dunes they chatted for a while with old + Mrs. Meath, who lived there alone with a maid-of-all-work. + She was a source of much anxiety to Mrs. Frost, who sent + several times each week to learn if all was going well. But + Mrs. Meath was a Quaker and apparently never gave a thought + to loneliness or fear. + </p> + <p> + "They will never guess," she said to Nancy and Tom as they + sat in the tiled kitchen talking with her, "what I am going + to do." + </p> + <p> + "Not going to leave the House on the Dunes, Mrs. Meath?" + </p> + <p> + "Deary me! no; but I am going to take a boarder." + </p> + <p> + "Really?—you are setting up to rival the Inn, eh?" said + Tom. + </p> + <p> + "No", Tommy, nothing of the sort. But I am offered good pay + for my front room, and as Jane Frost is always nagging me + about living here alone, I thought I'd take her." + </p> + <p> + "And who pray is your new boarder?" asked Nancy. + </p> + <p> + "That is the funny part of it," replied Mrs. Meath, "I know + nothing but her name—Mrs. Fountain. Everything has been + arranged by a lawyer man from Coventry, and she is coming in + a few days. Tell thy mother, Nancy dear, that she need worry + about me no longer." + </p> + <p> + "I will, Mrs. Meath. I think it is a splendid idea, and I + hope you will like the lady. Mother will be so glad that you + have some one with you." + </p> + <p> + Soon they were on their way across the dunes and marshes to + Tinterton road and home. Dan was preoccupied, not with the + news that was so exciting to Mrs. Meath, but with the + recollection of his conversation with Nancy as they had + driven toward the house. Despite her implicit denial he knew + there was a secret between the Marquis de Boisdhyver and + herself. He could not imagine what it might be, and it was + evident that she did not mean to tell him at present. But his + anxieties on this or kindred subjects were not relieved by + his companion during the remainder of the drive. Moreover his + attempts to speak again of his newly discovered passion were + received coldly—so coldly indeed that he had no heart + for pleading for such proofs as she had given him earlier in + the afternoon that she shared his emotion. So despite the + splendid moon, the bright cold night, the merry jangle of the + sleigh bells, the drive back was not the unmixed joy Tom had + promised himself; and he felt his role of a declared and + practically-accepted lover anything but a satisfactory one. + </p> + <p> + Finally they reached the Inn and entered the bar where they + found the Marquis sitting alone before a cheerful fire. All + of Tom's suspicious jealousies returned with fresh force, for + Nancy rapidly crossed the room, spoke a few words to the old + gentleman in an inaudible tone of voice, and passed quickly + on to her own apartments. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="PART2"><!-- PART2 --></a> + <h2> + PART II + </h2> + <center> + THE TORN SCRAP OF PAPER + </center> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH6"><!-- CH6 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> + <center> + THE HALF OF AN OLD PAPER + </center> + <p> + That evening Mrs. Frost made a particular request for music. + Poor Dan, impatient to be alone with Tom and show him the + torn scrap of paper that he had found that afternoon was + forced to bring out his fiddle and accompany the Marquis. + Tom, for first part, was more concerned with his own + relations with Nancy than with the mysterious possibilities + of the previous night. The poignant notes of the violin set + his pulses to beating in tune with the throbbing of the music + and transported him again into the realms of youthful dreams. + They were quaint plaintive songs of old France that the + Marquis chose to play that evening, folk tunes of the + Vendée, love songs of olden time. + </p> + <p> + From where he sat in the shadow Tom got a full view of Nancy + seated on the oaken setlle near the fire. Her brows were + drawn a little in deep thought, her lips for the most part + compressed, though ever and anon relaxing at some gentler + thought. Her hands were clasped, her head was bent a little, + but her body was held straight and tense. Her eyes, dark and + lustrous in the light of the flaming logs, always fixed upon + the musician, not once wandering in his direction. + </p> + <p> + What was the influence, the fascination that strange old + Frenchman seemed to exert? It seemed to Tom impossible that + there could be a secret which she felt necessary to hide from + them, her lifelong friends. But apart from what he knew had + taken place the night before as he looked back over the past + month, he was conscious that there had been a change in + Nancy, a change that mystified him. It was the danger in this + change, he told himself, that had awakened in him the + knowledge of his love. + </p> + <p> + But then as he looked across at her so lovely, in the + firelight, he felt again the thrill as when first he had + taken her hand that afternoon. In that moment all the dreams, + the vague longings of his boyhood had found their reality. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly, while he was thinking thus, the Marquis laid his + violin upon his knees. "Ah, <i>ma jeunnesse</i>!" he + exclaimed in a dramatic whisper, "<i>et + maintenant</i>—<i>et maintenant</i>!" + </p> + <p> + For a moment no one spoke or stirred. They looked at him + curiously as they always did when he brought his playing to + an end in such fashion. Then he rose. "<i>Bon soir, madame; + bon soir, messieurs; bon soir, mademoiselle</i>" + </p> + <p> + Tom saw his little faded blue eyes meet Nancy's with a look + of swift significance. Then he bowed with a flourish that + included them all. + </p> + <p> + "A thousand thanks, Monsieur le Marquis," murmured Mrs. + Frost, "how much pleasure you give us!" + </p> + <p> + They all rose then, as the Marquis smiled his appreciation + and withdrew. + </p> + <p> + "Give me your arm, Dan," the old lady said. "It must be past + my bedtime. Come, Nancy." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, mother." The girl rose wearily, stopping a moment at + the mantelpiece to snuff the candles there. Tom seized his + opportunity, and was by her side. She started, as she + realized him near her. + </p> + <p> + "Nance, Nance, I must have a word with you," he exclaimed in + a tense whisper, "don't go!" + </p> + <p> + "Nance, come," called Mrs. Frost from the hall. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Mother, I am coming ... I must go, Tom. Don't delay me. + You know how Mother is ..." + </p> + <p> + "What difference will it make if you wait a moment? Good + Lord! Nance, I have been trying all evening to get a word + with you, and you have not so much as given me a glance. + Don't go—please don't go! Oh, Nancy dear,—I love + you so!" + </p> + <p> + He seized her hands and kissed them passionately. "Nance, + Nance ... please ..." His arms were about her. + </p> + <p> + "Tom, you make it so hard ... Remember, you promised me ... + No word of love until I can think, until I have time to know + ... Please, Tom, let me go." + </p> + <p> + "I can't let you go. Oh sweetheart dear." + </p> + <p> + "Tom, we musn't—Dan, Mother! ..." + </p> + <p> + Unheeding her protest, he put his arms around her. An instant + he felt her yield, then quickly thrusting him aside, she ran + from the room, leaving him standing alone there, trembling + with excitement, chagrin, happiness, alarm. + </p> + <p> + In a moment his friend returned and Tom pulled himself + together. "Come on," said Dan, "I have a lot to tell you." + </p> + <p> + "Did you find anything this afternoon?" exclaimed Pembroke. + </p> + <p> + "Sh! for heaven's sake be careful. Don't talk here. Let's go + upstairs." + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later they were closeted in Dan's chamber. The + curtains were tightly drawn and a heavy quilt was hung over + the door. Good Lord! thought Tom, could it be possible that + these precautions in part at least were taken against Nancy. + The world seemed to have turned upside down for him in the + last twenty-four hours. + </p> + <p> + "Aren't we going to keep watch to-night?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but later. They are just getting to bed—or + pretending to. Look here, this may throw light on the + mystery. I found this paper in a secret cubby-hole in the old + cabinet in the Oak Parlour. Draw a chair up to the table so + that you can see." + </p> + <p> + "The cabinet," he continued, as he took the paper out of his + strong-box and began to unfold it, "was brought from some old + manor house in England. It has four little secret + cubby-holes, opened by hidden springs, that Mother says were + probably used by the Roman Catholics to hide pages of their + mass-books during the days of persecution. She remembered + fortunately a little about them. They were all empty but one, + and in that I found this torn scrap of paper." + </p> + <p> + He handed the yellowed bit of writing to Tom, who flattened + it out on the table before him. + </p> + <p> + "Why it's written in French," Pembroke exclaimed, as he bent + over to examine it. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I know it is," said Dan. "I can't make head or tail of + it. Besides it seems to be only a part of a note or letter. I + could hardly wait to give you a chance at it. You can make + something of it, can't you?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know—I guess I can. It's hard to read the + handwriting. The thing's torn in two—haven't you the + rest of it?" + </p> + <p> + "No, I tell you; that's all I could find; that's all, I am + sure, that can be in the cabinet now. My theory is that the + old marquis has somehow come across the other half and is + still looking for this. God only knows who hid it there. + </p> + <p> + "How the deuce could the Marquis know about it. Ah! + look—it's signed somebody, something <i>de + Boisdhyver</i>—'<i>ançois</i>—that's short + for François, I guess. Evidently 't wasn't the Marquis + himself. Wonder what it means?" + </p> + <p> + For goodness' sake, try to read it." + </p> + <p> + "Wait. Get that old French dictionary out of the bookcase + downstairs, will you? I'll see if I can translate." + </p> + <p> + Dan crept softly out, leaving Tom bent over the paper. Again + he smoothed it out carefully on the table, bringing the two + candles nearer, and tried to puzzle out the faint fine + handwriting. + </p> + <p> + "I can make out some of it," he remarked to Dan, when his + friend returned with the dictionary. "Let me have that thing; + there are a few words I don't know at all, but I'll write out + as good a translation as I can." + </p> + <p> + While Tom was busy with the dictionary, Dan placed writing + materials to his hand, and sat down to wait as patiently as + he could. His curiosity was intensified by Pembroke's + occasional exclamations and the absorption with which he bent + over the task. + </p> + <p> + "There!" Tom exclaimed after half-an-hour's labour, "that's + the best I can do with it. You see the original note was + evidently torn into two or three strips and we have only got + the righthand one, so we don't get a single complete + sentence—, but what we have is mighty suggestive. + Listen—This is what it says: Make great efforts ... gap + ... glorious, I am about to leave' ... gap ... 'to offer my' + ... gap ... 'that I should not return' ... gap ... + 'directions' ... gap ... 'this paper which I tear' ... gap + ... 'the explanation' ... something missing ... 'to discover' + ... that's the end of a sentence. The next one begins, 'This + treasure' ... than another gap ... 'jewels and money' ... + 'secret chamber' ... 'one can enter' ... something gone here + ... 'by the <i>salon de chene</i>'—that's the Oak + Parlour, I suppose ... something missing again ... 'by a + spring' ... 'hand of the lady in the picture' ... 'chimney on + the north side of the' ... 'side a panel which reveals' ... + 'one will find the directions' ... more missing ... 'of the + treasure in a golden chest' ... That's the end of it. And, as + I said before it is signed,—'ançois de + Boisdhyver.' There, you can read it. That's the best I can + make of it." + </p> + <p> + Dan bent over his friend's translation. "Whoever wrote it was + about to leave here to offer something to somebody, and if he + did not return, apparently he is giving directions, in this + paper, which he tears in to two or three parts, how to + discover—a treasure?—jewels and money, I + guess,—that he is about to hide or has hidden in a + secret chamber, which is entered in some way from the Oak + Parlour—? ... pushes a spring,—Something to do + with the hand of the lady in the picture, near the chimney on + the north side of the room ... then a panel which reveals + ...where? ... the directions will be found, for getting the + treasure, in a golden chest in the secret chamber? How's that + for a version? I reckon the other half doesn't tell as much + ...'ançois de Boisdhyver!—That can't be the + Marquis, for none of his names end 'ançois; do they? + Let's see, what are they?—Marie, Anne, Timélon, + Armand ... Tom,"—and Dan faced his friend + excitedly,—"that old devil is after treasure! Who the + deuce is 'ançois de Boisdhyver, and how did he come to + leave money in the Oak Parlour? Hanged if I believe there's + any secret chamber! By gad, man, if I didn't hurt when I + pinch myself, I'd think I was asleep and dreaming. What do + you make of it?" + </p> + <p> + "Pretty much what you do. Somebody sometime,—a good + many years ago, concealed some valuables here in the Inn. It + must be some one who is connected with our marquis, for the + last names are the same. These are directions, or half the + directions, for finding it. The Marquis knows enough about it + to have been hunting for this paper. Who the devil is the + Marquis?" + </p> + <p> + "The Lord knows. But how does Nance come in?" + </p> + <p> + "Blamed if I can see; wish I could! This accounts for the + Marquis's mysterious investigations, anyway. Probably he's no + right to the paper. Maybe he isn't a Boisdhyver at all. I'll + be damned if I can understand how he has got Nance to league + with him." + </p> + <p> + "And now what the deuce are we going to do about it?" asked + Dan. + </p> + <p> + "Hunt for the treasure ourselves, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, why not? but to do that we've got to get rid of the + Marquis. He'll be suspicious if we begin to poke about the + north wing. Hanged if I wouldn't like to have it all out with + him!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but we'd better think and talk it over before we decide + to do anything. We can watch them. We'll watch to-night any + way, and plan something definite to-morrow." + </p> + <p> + "I tell you one thing, Tom, I am going to make Mother tell me + all she knows about Nancy. Perhaps she is mixed up in some + way with all this. But it's time to keep watch now. We'll put + out the candles and I'll watch for the first two hours. If + you go to sleep, I'll wake you up to take the next turn. How + about it?" + </p> + <p> + "Hang sleep!" Tom replied. + </p> + <p> + "All right, but we must blow out the light. Lucky it's clear. + Let's whisper after this." + </p> + <p> + Tom threw himself on the bed, while Dan sat near the window + and kept his eyes fixed on the door of the bowling-alley. + They talked for some time in low tones, but eventually Tom + fell asleep. Dan waked him at twelve for his vigil, and he in + turn was wakened at two. During the third watch they both + succumbed to weariness. + </p> + <p> + Tow awoke with a start about four, and sprang to the window. + The moon was sinking low in the western sky, but its light + still flooded the deserted courtyard beneath. He heard the + patter of a horse's hoofs on the road beyond and the + crunching of the snow beneath the runners of a sleigh. Well, + he thought, as he rubbed his eyes, it was too near morning + for anything to happen, so he turned in and was soon asleep, + as though no difficult problems were puzzling his mind and + heart and no mysteries were being enacted around him. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH7"><!-- CH7 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII + </h2> + <center> + A DISAPPEARANCE + </center> + <p> + When Dan came downstairs in the morning Mrs. Frost called him + to the door of her bedroom. "What on earth is the matter with + Nancy?" she exclaimed; "I have been waiting for her the past + hour. No one has been near me since Deborah came in to lay + the fire. Call the girl Danny; I want to get up." + </p> + <p> + "All right, mother. She has probably overslept; she had a + long walk yesterday." + </p> + <p> + "But that is no excuse for sleeping till this time of day. + Tell her to hurry." + </p> + <p> + "It is only seven, mother." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Danny, dear, but I mean to breakfast with you all this + morning if I ever succeed in getting dressed." + </p> + <p> + Dan crossed the hall and knocked at Nancy's door. There was + no response. He knocked again, then opened the door and + looked within. Nancy was not there, and her bed had not been + slept in. + </p> + <p> + He went back to his mother. "Nancy is not in her room," he + said. "She has probably gone out for a walk. I'll go and look + for her." + </p> + <p> + He went to the kitchens to enquire of the maids, but they had + not seen their young mistress since the night before. + </p> + <p> + "Spec she's taken dem dogs a walkin'," said black Deborah + unconcernedly. "Miss Nance she like de early morn' 'fore de + sun come up." + </p> + <p> + Dan went out to the stables. The setters came rushing out, + bounding and barking joyously about him. + </p> + <p> + "Have you seen Miss Nancy this morning, Jess?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "No, Mister Dan, ain't seen her this mornin'. Be n't she in + the house?" + </p> + <p> + "She doesn't seem to be. Take a look down the road, and call + after her, will you? Down, Boy; down, Girl!" he cried to the + dogs. + </p> + <p> + Dan began to be thoroughly alarmed. If Nancy had gone out, + the dogs would certainly have followed her. She must be + within! + </p> + <p> + He went back into the house, and searched room after room, + but no trace of her was to be found. He returned at last to + his mother's chamber. + </p> + <p> + "I can't find Nancy," he said. "She must have gone off + somewhere." + </p> + <p> + "Gone off! why, she must have left very early then. I have + been awake these two hours—since daylight—; I + would have heard every sound." + </p> + <p> + "Well, she isn't about now, Mother. She will be back by + breakfast time, I don't doubt. Just stay abed this morning, I + will send her to you as soon as she comes." + </p> + <p> + "I shall have to, I suppose. Really, Dan, it is extraordinary + how neglectful of me that child can sometimes be. She + knew—" + </p> + <p> + "Mother, don't find fault with her. She is devoted to you, + and you know it." + </p> + <p> + "I daresay she is. Of course she is, and I am devoted to her. + Where would she be, I wonder, if it hadn't been for me? Good + heavens! Dan, can anything have happened to her?" + </p> + <p> + "No, no—of course not,—nothing." + </p> + <p> + "Search the house, boy; she may be lying some place in a + faint. She isn't strong—I have always been + worried—" + </p> + <p> + "Don't get excited, Mother. We will wait until breakfast + time. If she doesn't turn up then, you may be sure I shall + find her." + </p> + <p> + He looked at his watch. It was already nearly eight o'clock, + so he decided to say nothing to Pembroke until after + breakfast. He found the Marquis and Tom chatting before the + fire in the bar. + </p> + <p> + "Shall we have breakfast?" said Dan. "Mother will not be in + this morning." + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" exclaimed the Marquis, as they took their seats at + table, "that is a disappointment. And shall we not wait for + Mademoiselle Nancy?" + </p> + <p> + "My sister has stepped out, monsieur; she may be late. Shall + I give you some coffee?" + </p> + <p> + "If you please—. We have another of these so beautiful + days, eh? This so glorious weather, these moonlight nights, + this snow—<i>C'est merveilleux</i>. Last night I sat + myself for a long time in my window. Ah <i>la + nuit</i>—the moon past its full, say you not?—the + sea superbly dark, superbly blue, the wonderful white + country! As I sat there, messieurs, a sight too beautiful + greeted my eyes. A ship, with three great sails, appeared out + on the sea and sailed as a bird up the river to our little + cove, <i>Voila, mes amis</i>"—he waved his hand toward + the eastern windows—"She is anchored at our feet." + </p> + <p> + The two young men looked in the direction in which the + marquis pointed, and to their astonishment they saw, riding + securely at her moorings in the cove, a large sailing vessel. + She was a three-masted schooner of perhaps fifteen hundred + tons, a larger ship than they had seen at anchor in the + Strathsey for many a year. + </p> + <p> + "By all that's good!" exclaimed Tom, "that is exactly the + sort of ship my father used to have in the West Indie trade, + a dozen or fifteen years ago. What is she? I wonder; and why + is she anchored here instead of in the Port?" + </p> + <p> + The Marquis shrugged his shoulders. "That I can tell you not, + my friend; but I am happy that she is anchored there for the + hours of beauty she has already given to me. On this strange + coast of yours one so rarely sees a sail." + </p> + <p> + "No, they go too far to the south... But what is she?" asked + Dan. "We must find out." He went to the cupboard, and got out + his marine glass and took a long look at the stranger. + </p> + <p> + "What do you make her out?" asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + "There are men on deck, some swabbing out the roundhouse. One + of them is lolling at the wheel. She flies the British flag." + </p> + <p> + "Do you, perhaps, make out the name?" asked the Marquis. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know—yes," Dan replied, twisting the lens to + suit his eyes better and spelling out the letters, + "S,O,U,T,H,E,R,N,C,R—the <i>Southern Cross</i>. By + Jingo, Tom, we'll have to go down to the beach and have a + look at her." + </p> + <p> + Tom took the glasses; turning them over presently to the + Marquis. "She is a good fine boat, eh?" exclaimed M. de + Boisdhyver, as he applied his eye to the end of the glass. + </p> + <p> + "She certainly is," said Dan. + </p> + <p> + They sat down at length and resumed their breakfast. The ship + had diverted Tom's attention for the moment from the fact + that Nancy had not appeared. + </p> + <p> + "Where is Nance, Dan?" he asked at length, striving to + conceal his impatience. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know," Dan replied. "I think she has gone over to + see Mrs. Meath and stayed for breakfast." + </p> + <p> + "Madame Meath—?" enquired the Marquis. + </p> + <p> + "At the House on the Dunes," Dan answered, a trifle sharply. + </p> + <p> + "A long walk for Mademoiselle on a cold morning," commented + Monsieur Boisdhyver, as he sipped his coffee. + </p> + <p> + In a few moments Dan rose. "Going to the Port to-day, Tom?" + </p> + <p> + "Not till later, any way; I am going down to the beach to + have a look at that ship." + </p> + <p> + "Wait a little, and I'll go with you," He turned to the door + and motioned Tom to follow him. + </p> + <p> + Outside he took his friend's arm and drew him close. "Tom, + something's up; Nancy's not here." + </p> + <p> + "Nancy's not here;" exclaimed Pembroke. "What do you mean? + Where is she?" + </p> + <p> + "To tell the truth, I don't know where she is; her bed has + not been slept in. I thought at first she had gone for a walk + with the dogs as she does sometimes, but Boy and Girl are + both in the barn. It's half-past eight now, and she ought to + be back," + </p> + <p> + "Good Lord! man, have you searched the house?" + </p> + <p> + "I've been over it from garret to cellar." + </p> + <p> + "And you can't find her?" + </p> + <p> + "Not a sign of her." + </p> + <p> + "Have you been through the north wing?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, all over it. I have been in every room in the house, + boy. Nance isn't there. You heard nothing in the night, did + you?" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing." + </p> + <p> + "When did you go to sleep?" + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps about half-past three. Come to think of it, I awoke + at four with a start, for I heard a sleigh on the Port Road. + After that I went to bed." + </p> + <p> + "The sleigh hadn't been at the Inn?" + </p> + <p> + "It couldn't have been—I'd have heard of it if it had; + you see it woke me up just going along the road." + </p> + <p> + "I don't suppose we need worry. But it is queer—none of + the servants have seen her since last night." + </p> + <p> + "My God, what can have happened to her?" cried Tom. + </p> + <p> + "Sh, boy! We have nothing to go on, but I wager that old + French devil knows more than he will tell." + </p> + <p> + "Then, we'll choke it out of him." + </p> + <p> + "No, no, don't be a fool! She may be back any minute. I'll + get the sleigh and go over to the House on the Dunes. In the + meanwhile don't show that you are anxious! I'll be back + inside of an hour, and we can have a look at the ship. If + Nance isn't with Mrs. Meath, why I am sure I'll find her + here. Let's not worry till we have to." + </p> + <p> + Tom assented to this proposition somewhat unwillingly. + Despite his friend's reassuring words, he did not feel that + Nancy would be found at the House on the Dunes or that she + would immediately return. He remembered her telling him of + her desire to go away. He remembered how strangely she had + received the declaration of his love, and he feared almost as + much that she had fled from him, as that the Marquis, weird + and evil as he began to think him, had any hand in her + disappearance. + </p> + <p> + After Dan's departure in the sleigh, Tom wandered about + restlessly. When half an hour passed and Frost did not + return, he went out to look down the road and see if he were + coming. The white open country was still and empty, and the + only sign of life was the great three-masted ship riding at + anchor in the cove, with seamen lolling about her deck. + </p> + <p> + As Tom stood under the Red Oak, the Marquis stepped out of + the front door. He was wrapped in his great coat, about to + take his morning walk up and down the gallery. + </p> + <p> + "Why so pensive, Monsieur Pembroke? Is it that you are moved + by the beauty of the scene—, the land so white, the sea + so blue, and the <i>Southern Cross</i> shining as it were in + a northern sky!" + </p> + <p> + Tom grunted a scarcely civil reply, and turning away to avoid + further conversation, strolled down the avenue of maples + toward the road. + </p> + <p> + Monsieur de Boisdhyver raised his eyebrows slightly, and + began his walk. By and by, still more impatient, Pembroke + walked back toward the house. If Dan did not return soon, he + determined he would go after him. As he came up to the + gallery again the Marquis paused and spoke to him. "And + Mademoiselle, she has not returned?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "No!" Pembroke replied sharply. "She has gone to the House on + the Dunes and her brother has driven over to fetch her." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! pardon," exclaimed Monsieur de Boisdhyver; "I did not + know... But it is cold for me, Monsieur Pembroke; I seek the + fire." + </p> + <p> + Tom did not reply. The Marquis went inside, and presently Tom + could see him standing at the window, the marine glass in his + hands, sweeping the countryside. + </p> + <p> + Pembroke passed an anxious morning. Ten o'clock came; + half-past; eleven struck. Nancy had not appeared, or was + there a sign of Dan. Unable to be patient longer, he set out + on the Port Road to meet his friend. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH8"><!-- CH8 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII + </h2> + <center> + GREEN LIGHTS + </center> + <p> + The smoke was curling from the chimneys of the House on the + Dunes as Dan drove up the long marsh road from the beach. He + had half convinced himself that Nancy would be there, and he + hoped that she herself would answer his knock. When at length + the door was opened it was not by Nancy nor by Mrs. Meath, + but by a stranger whom he had never seen before. + </p> + <p> + "Yes?" a pleasant voice questioned, but giving an accent to + the monosyllable that made Dan think instantly of France. + </p> + <p> + He found himself facing a charming woman, her bright blue + eyes looking into his with a smile that instantly attracted + him. She was well-dressed, with a different air from the + women he knew. And she was undeniably pretty—of that + Dan was convinced, and the conviction overwhelmed him with + shyness. He stood awkward and ill-at-ease; for the moment + forgetting his errand. "I suppose," he stammered, "—I + beg your pardon—but I suppose you are Mrs. Heath's new + boarder,—Mrs. Fountain?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied the strange lady with an amused smile, "that + is what I imagine that I am called. My name is Madame de La + Fontaine. And you—?" + </p> + <p> + "I?—Oh, yes—of course—I am Dan Frost from + the Inn over yonder. I came to see Mrs. Meath to ask if my + sister Nancy is here." + </p> + <p> + "Alas!" replied Madame de La Fontaine, "poor Mrs. Meath she + this morning is quite unwell. She is in her room, so that I + am afraid you cannot see her. But, I may tell you, there is + no one else here, just myself and my servants." + </p> + <p> + "You have not seen or heard anything then of my sister, Nancy + Frost?" repeated Dan. + </p> + <p> + "Nancy Frost?—your sister?—No, monsieur. I am + arrived only last night and have seen no one." + </p> + <p> + "I had hoped my sister would be here. I am sorry about Mrs. + Meath; perhaps I can be of some service. If you should need + me at any time, I can almost always be found at the Inn at + the Red Oak." + </p> + <p> + "The Inn at the Red Oak?" repeated Madame de La Fontaine, + "and is that near by?" + </p> + <p> + "It is about a mile and a half by the road," Frost replied, + "but you can see it plainly from the doorstep here." + </p> + <p> + The foreign lady stepped out in the crisp February air. "Can + you point it out to me? I may need your assistance some + time." + </p> + <p> + "You see the woods and the oak at the edge of them," said + Dan, pointing across the Dunes. "That great tree is the Red + Oak, the rambling old building beneath it is the Inn." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! one can see quite plainly from one house to the other, + is it not so?" + </p> + <p> + "Quite," Dan replied. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, monsieur. I trust there will be no need for + assistance. But it makes one glad to know where are + neighbours, especially—" she added, "while poor Mrs. + Meath is ill." + </p> + <p> + As she spoke she turned to the door with the air of + dismissing him, but on second thoughts she faced him again. + "I wonder, Mr. Frost, will you do me a favour?" + </p> + <p> + "I shall be delighted," Dan exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + "My luggage arrived last night," said Madame de La Fontaine, + "upon the ship that is at anchor in the bay. They are to + bring my boxes ashore. But before that I desire to give + directions to the captain at the beach, and I cannot well do + so by my servant. Will you be kind enough to walk with me and + show me the way?" + </p> + <p> + Dan forgot about Nancy in his eagerness to assure this + unusually attractive lady that he was at her disposal. She + disappeared within, and he heard her give some quick, sharp + directions in French to a maid. Then in a moment she + reappeared on the little porch, bonneted and wrapped for a + walk in the cold. + </p> + <p> + As they set out across the Dunes, she kept up a rapid fire of + questions that might have seemed inquisitive to one more + accustomed to the world than Dan. He found himself in the + course of that quarter of an hour talking quite freely with + the charming stranger. + </p> + <p> + "No, I did not make the journey from France in the + <i>Southern Cross</i>," she replied to one of his + interrogations, "that would have been uncomfortable, I fear. + But she brings over my boxes. She is arrived somewhat sooner + than I was promised." + </p> + <p> + "Do you expect to signal her from the beach?" + </p> + <p> + "But yes." + </p> + <p> + "How will they know who you are?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, they have instructions. You must think all this + curious!" she commented with a smile. "You must think me an + odd person." + </p> + <p> + The possible oddness of Madame de La Fontaine made less + impression upon Dan than did her charm. He was conversing + easily with a very lovely woman, and all else was forgotten + in that agreeable sensation. + </p> + <p> + As they emerged from the Dunes upon the little beach of the + Cove, Dan observed on the deck of the <i>Southern Cross</i> a + sailor watching them through a glass. Madame de La Fontaine + drew her handkerchief from beneath her cloak and waved it + toward the ship. + </p> + <p> + "This is the signal," she explained, "that they were + instructed to look out for. If I am not mistaken Captain + Bonhomme will come to the shore for my directions. You speak + French, monsieur?" + </p> + <p> + "Not at all," Dan replied. + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" sighed the lady, "you lose a great deal." + </p> + <p> + "I might have learned some this winter," said Dan; "for we + have had a French gentleman as our guest at the Inn." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed! And who, may I ask, is your French gentleman?" + </p> + <p> + "His name is the Marquis de Boisdhyver. Do you, by any + chance, know him?" + </p> + <p> + "The Marquis de Boisdhyver?" repeated Madame de La Fontaine. + "I know the name certainly; it is an old family with us, + monsieur. But I do not recall that I have ever had the + pleasure of meeting any one who bore it... But see! they are + lowering the boat." + </p> + <p> + They were now at the edge of the surf. Madame de La Fontaine + again waved a hand in the direction of the clipper. Dan saw a + small boat alongside her, into which several sailors and an + officer, as it seemed, were clambering over the rail. They + pushed off, and began to row vigorously for the shore. + </p> + <p> + The French lady stood watching them intently. Within a few + moments the little boat was beached, the officer sprang out, + advanced to Madame de La Fontaine, and saluted. She exchanged + sentences with him in French of which Dan understood nothing. + Then the seaman touched his cap, got into his small boat, and + gave orders to push off. + </p> + <p> + "He understands no English," remarked Madame de La Fontaine. + "I gave directions about my boxes. We may return now, + monsieur; or doubtless I am able to find my way back alone." + </p> + <p> + "Oh no," exclaimed Dan gallantly, "I will go with you." + </p> + <p> + The lady smiled graciously. As they walked back across the + Dunes, she kept up a lively conversation, no longer asking + him questions, nor, he observed, giving him the opportunity + to ask any. + </p> + <p> + At the door of the House on the Dunes she dismissed him + finally. "I am but too grateful, Monsieur, for your kindness. + I hope that we shall meet again while I dwell in your + beautiful country. In the meantime, I trust you will find + your sister." + </p> + <p> + Dan flushed, how could he have forgotten Nancy! Taking the + hand that his new acquaintance offered, he hurried away. He + met Tom on the Port Road about half a mile from the Inn and + was truly worried to find that Nancy had not returned; he + explained briefly his own delay in his expedition with the + strange lady to the beach. + </p> + <p> + "It is certainly odd, though perhaps not so odd as stupid, + that they should have anchored in the Cove just to disembark + one woman's boxes. It would have been much simpler to go to + the Port, as every well-bred skipper does, and had the French + woman's stuff carted out. At any rate, we'll go down this + afternoon and have a look at her." + </p> + <p> + By the time they reached the Inn it was noon, and still there + was no word of Nancy. The dinner was a silent one, as the + Marquis tactfully did not disturb his companions' + preoccupation, and Mrs. Frost, who was unusually nervous, did + not appear. + </p> + <p> + After the meal the two young men started for the beach. At + Tom's suggestion they got a little dory from the boathouse + and rowed out to the clipper. The wind had shifted to the + southeast, but still there was not enough of a sea to give + them any trouble; and in a few minutes they were under the + bows of <i>The Southern Cross</i>. Dan hailed a seaman who + was leaning over the gunwale and watching them with idle + curiosity. If the man replied in French, it was in a variety + of that tongue that Tom's limited attainments did not + understand, and, annoyed by the incomprehensible replies, he + asked for "le captaine". At length,—possibly attracted + by the altercation at the bows,—the + authoritative-looking person who had come ashore in the + morning in response to Madame de La Fontaine's signal, now + appeared at the gunwale and glanced below at the two young + men in the dory. His expression betrayed no sign that he + recognized Frost. Indeed he vouchsafed no syllable of reply + to the questions Dan asked in English or to those that Tom + ventured to phrase in Dr. Watson's French. + </p> + <p> + He was not, they thought, an attractive person; his + countenance was swarthy, his eyes were black his hair was + black, his heavy jaw was shadowed by an enormous black + mustachio. A kerchief of brilliant red tied about his throat + gave him the appearance of the matador in a Spanish bullfight + rather than the officer of an English merchantman. He glanced + at the dory occasionally, shook his head silently in response + to the requests to go aboard, and at length when that did not + serve to put an end to them, he shrugged his shoulders and + disappeared. The seaman continued to lean over the gunwale + and spat nonchalantly as though that were the measure of + their appreciation of this unasked-for visit. + </p> + <p> + "I move we skip up the rope," said Tom, "and explain + ourselves at close quarters." + </p> + <p> + "Thanks, no," replied Dan. "Either of those two amiable + gentlemen looks capable and willing of pitching us overboard. + The water is too cold for bathing." + </p> + <p> + "Very well," said Tom, "I will yield to your sober judgment + for the moment; but I propose to see the inside of that ship + sooner or later unless she weighs anchor in the hour and + sails away. But we ought to be getting to town to make + enquiries about Nancy. For Heavens' sake, Dan, where do you + suppose she can be?" + </p> + <p> + They rowed back to the beach, stowed the dory in the + boathouse, and set out in the sleigh for Monday Port. + Diligent enquiry there, in likely and unlikely places, proved + fruitless. It was nightfall when they returned to the Inn. + </p> + <p> + They were greeted by the Marquis in the bar. "Mademoiselle + Nancy, she has not been found?" + </p> + <p> + "No," said Dan. "I take it from your question that she has + not come home yet either." + </p> + <p> + "She is not come, no. Perhaps she stays at the House on the + Dunes?" + </p> + <p> + "I do not know," Dan answered tartly. "I expect her every + moment, but it is idle to conceal from you, Monsieur, that we + are much concerned as to her absence." + </p> + <p> + The Marquis grew sympathetic,—optimistically + sympathetic. Tom clutched at his re-assuring words, but Dan + was even more irritated by the silence that Monsieur de + Boisdhyver had maintained throughout the day. + </p> + <p> + Directly after supper Dan went into his mother's parlour, + leaving the others to their own devices. The Marquis settled + himself near the fire and was soon absorbed in reading an old + folio; Tom wandered restlessly about, now up and down the + long bar, now in the corridors, now on the gallery and in the + court without. + </p> + <p> + The night, after the bright day, had set in raw and cold; a + damp breeze blew from the southwest, and gave promise both of + wind and rain. From his position under the Red Oak, Tom could + see the red and green lights of <i>The Southern Cross</i> at + her moorings in the Cove below, and across the Neck the + lighted windows of the House on the Dunes. Over all else the + night had cast its black damp mantle. + </p> + <p> + As he stood watching, deeply anxious for the welfare of the + girl he loved, he noticed a new light appear in one of the + upper windows of the House on the Dunes—not yellow as + is the light of candles, but green like the light on the port + side of the clipper in the Cove. Had he not seen the lights + from the other windows he could have thought it was another + ship on the ocean side of the Neck. + </p> + <p> + He looked for a long time at the tiny spark in the distance, + wondering what whim had induced Mrs. Meath to shade her + candles with so deep a green. As he strolled back toward the + Inn, he glanced through the windows of the bar where the + Marquis still read by the fireside. Suddenly the old + gentleman, as Tom curiously watched him, laid his book down + on the table and rose from his chair. He looked about the + room and then advanced to the window. Tom instinctively + slipped behind the trunk of the great oak. Monsieur de + Boisdhyver stood for several moments peering into the + darkness. Then he turned away and crossed the room to the + door into the front hall. It flashed through Tom's mind that + possibly the Marquis had started on another of his mysterious + tours. He ran down again into the court far enough from the + house to command a view of the entire facade, and watched + curiously, particularly the north wing. All was dark, save + for the lights below. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he saw the flicker of a candle in one of the + windows, not of the north wing, but of the south. A moment's + glance, and he made sure that it was the room occupied as a + sleeping apartment by Monsieur de Boisdhyver. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis was standing by the window, with his face pressed + close to the pane, peering out into the night. He still held + the candle in his hand. To Dan's surprise, he placed it + carefully on the broad window-sill, and drew down the dark + shade to within a foot of the sill, blotting out all save a + narrow band of light. Then the Marquis disappeared for + several moments into the interior of the room. Dan was about + to turn back into the house, when again Monsieur de + Boisdhyver came to the window. He did not raise the shade, + but inserted between the windowpane and the candle a strip of + dark green paper. It was translucent and had the effect of + sending a beam of green light southward, across the meadows + and the dunes, to meet—Tom suddenly realized—the + rays of the green light from the House on the Dunes. + </p> + <p> + Was it a signal being exchanged, and between whom? The + coincidence of green lights from the Inn and the House on the + Dunes, at the same moment, was too marked to be without + significance. To what end was the Marquis de Boisdhyver + exchanging mysterious signals with some one in that lonely + farmhouse, and what did they mean? + </p> + <p> + Tom repressed his agitation and remained for some time + watching the two green lights that glowed toward one another + over the dark landscape. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the light in the House on the Dunes was + extinguished; then, momentarily it shone again, but quickly + went out and left the great sweep of dunes in darkness. Two + minutes later the same thing took place in the window of the + south chamber of the Inn. The light flashed and was gone, + flashed again and shone no more. + </p> + <p> + Tom went in, by a rear entrance, to the bar. The Marquis was + seated by a table, absorbed in reading. He started as Tom + entered. "Still no word of Mademoiselle?" he piped. + </p> + <p> + "Still no word, monsieur," Pembroke answered laconically. He + also seated himself in the candle light and took up the last + issue of the <i>Port News</i>. + </p> + <p> + "Do you know what has become of Dan?" Pembroke asked + presently. + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur Frost he has been closeted with madame his mother + for the past half-hour. You have no further plans for seeking + Mademoiselle? For myself, I grow alarmed." + </p> + <p> + "I know nothing but what you know, monsieur. Nancy has not + returned. There has been no word of her. We shall have to + wait." With tremendous effort to conceal his agitation and + annoyance, Tom resumed his reading. + </p> + <p> + Monsieur de Boisdhyver glanced at him for a moment with a + little air of interrogation, then shrugged his shoulders + slightly and turned again to his French paper. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH9"><!-- CH9 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX + </h2> + <center> + MRS. FROST'S RECOLLECTIONS OF A FRENCH EXILE + </center> + <p> + After the long day of fruitless search and enquiry for the + vanished Nancy, supper being over and Tom having gone + outside, Dan joined his mother in the blue parlour. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Frost was weary with waiting and anxiety, but as Dan + threw himself on a couch near her chair, she watched him + patiently. + </p> + <p> + "There is no clue, Dan?" she ventured at last. + </p> + <p> + "No clue, mother, not the slightest. Nancy seems to have + vanished as completely as if she had dissolved into air. As + you know, the house has been thoroughly searched; the + servants carefully questioned; and enquiries have been made + at every conceivable place in Monday Port. I have been to the + House on the Dunes, and to the farmhouses on every road round + about. No one has seen or heard of her. She has taken French + leave, but for what reason I can't imagine." + </p> + <p> + "Nancy has not been happy for some time, Dan," said Mrs. + Frost. + </p> + <p> + "No, I have fancied that she was not. But why? Do you suppose + she has left us deliberately? or—". He paused uncertain + whether or not to give voice to his suspicions. + </p> + <p> + "Or what?" asked his mother. + </p> + <p> + "Or she has been forced away against her will." + </p> + <p> + "Against her will!" the old lady exclaimed. "Who could have + forced her? and for what reason? Do you think she may have + been kidnapped?" + </p> + <p> + "Either kidnapped or decoyed away." + </p> + <p> + "But who could have designs upon Nancy? It is more reasonable + to suppose that she left of her own accord. I confess that + would not altogether surprise me." + </p> + <p> + "I don't know, mother, but I have my fears and suspicions. + There may be some one who has a deep interest in Nancy, who + for reasons of his own, which I don't yet understand, may + wish to control her movements. I wish you would tell me all + you know of Nancy's origin. You have never told me;—you + have never told her, I fancy,—who she really is and how + you came to adopt her as your own child. I have never been + curious to know, in fact I have not wanted to know, for she + has always been to me precisely what a sister of my own blood + would be. But now, it may help me to understand certain + strange things that have happened in the last few days." + </p> + <p> + For a moment Mrs. Frost was silent. "No, I have never spoken + to you or to Nancy of her early history, Dan; simply because, + to all intent she has been our own. I have always wished that + she should feel absolutely one with us; and I think she + always has, until this winter. But of late I have noticed her + discontent, her growing restlessness, and I have sometimes + wondered if she could be brooding over the mystery of her + early years. But she has never asked me a direct question; + and I have kept silent." + </p> + <p> + "I think now, mother," Dan replied, "it is your duty to tell + me all you know." + </p> + <p> + "I have no reason, my dear, to keep anything from you. I + should have told you years ago, if you had asked me. There is + not much to tell. You may remember when you were a boy about + six or seven years old, a French exile came to the Inn, a + military gentleman, who had left France in consequence of the + fall of the great Napoleon." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I remember him distinctly," said Dan. "He used to tell + stories to Tom and me of his adventures in the wars. Tom was + speaking of him only the other day." + </p> + <p> + "Well," continued Mrs. Frost, "this gentleman called himself + General Pointelle. I learned afterwards it was not his real + name. Who he actually was, I have not the slightest idea. He + brought with him a little girl two years old, a sweet little + black-eyed girl, to whom I, having lost your only sister at + about that age, took a great fancy. The General also had two + servants with him, a valet, and a maid. The maid, a pretty + young thing, took care of the child. They arrived in + mid-summer, on a merchantman that plied between Marseilles + and Monday Port. I do not know why General Pointelle came to + this part of the country, or why he chose to stay at the Inn; + at any rate he came, and he engaged for an indefinite period + the best suite of apartments in the old north wing. He had + the Oak Parlour—" + </p> + <p> + "The Oak Parlour!" exclaimed Dan. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied Mrs. Frost, "that was part of the suite + reserved usually for our most distinguished guests. The + general used that for a sitting-room and the adjoining + chamber as a bed-room. The maid and child occupied connecting + rooms across the hall. The valet, I believe, was in some + other part of the house. General Pointelle proved himself a + fascinating guest, and his little daughter Eloise was a + favourite with all the household. The maid, pretty as she + certainly was and apparently above her station, I somehow + never trusted. I have always believed that the relations + between the general and herself were not what they should + have been. But Frenchmen look at such things differently, I + am told; and it was not to our interests to be over-curious. + </p> + <p> + "They had been with us about two months when one fine morning + we awoke to find that General Pointelle, his valet, and the + charming Marie had disappeared, and little Eloise was crying + alone in her big room. You have probably guessed the child + was Nancy." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," Dan agreed, "but do you mean that the father actually + abandoned her?" + </p> + <p> + "Practically. He left a note for me and a little bag of gold + amounting to two thousand dollars to be used for the child. + If you will hand me that old secretary there, I will show you + the letter." + </p> + <p> + Dan placed the old-fashioned writing-desk on the table beside + her, and waited anxiously while she fumbled in her pocket for + the key. She unlocked the desk, and after searching a few + moments amongst innumerable papers, drew out an old letter. + This she unfolded carefully and handed to Dan. It was written + in English, in a fine running hand. He read it attentively. + </p> + <p> + "<i>The Inn at the Red Oak, Deal</i>: + </p> + <p> + "14 October, '814. + </p> + <p> + "Madame: + </p> + <p> + "Political circumstances over which I have no control, + patriotic considerations which I cannot withstand, demand my + immediate return to France. In the conditions into which I am + about to be plunged the care of my dear little daughter + becomes an impossibility. Inhuman as it must seem to you, + lacking in all sense of Christian duty as it must appear to + you, I entrust, without the formality of consulting you, my + beautiful little Eloise to your humane and tender care. With + this letter I deposit with you the sum of two thousand + dollars in gold, which will go a little way at least to + compensate you for the burden I thus unceremoniously, but of + necessity, thrust upon you. I appeal to and confide in the + goodness of your heart, of which already I have such abundant + testimony, that will take pity upon the misfortune of a + helpless infant and an equally helpless parent. May you be a + mother to the motherless, and may the Heavenly Father bless + you for what you shall do. + </p> + <p> + "I embark, madame, upon a dangerous and uncertain mission. + Should that mission prove successful and restore the fortunes + of my house, I will return and claim my daughter. Should fate + overwhelm me with disaster, I must beg that you will continue + to regard her and love her as your own. The issue will have + been decided within five years. Permit me to add but one + thing more,—in the event that I fall in the cause I + have embraced, I have made arrangements whereby + communications shall be established with you, madame, that + will redound to your own good fortune and that of the little + Eloise. + </p> + <p> + "All effort to thwart my plans or to establish my identity in + the meantime, will, I must warn you, be fruitless. + </p> + <p> + "Adieu, madame: accept the assurance of my gratitude for all + that you have already done to sweeten exile and of my earnest + prayer for the blessing of God upon your great good heart. + </p> + <p> + "I remain, madame, for the present, but always, under + whatever name, + </p> + <p> + "Your grateful and sincere servant, + </p> + <p> + "GASTON POINTELLE," + </p> + <p> + As Dan, with gathering brows, concluded the reading of this + extraordinary letter, Mrs. Frost resumed her story. + </p> + <p> + "We always imagined that the general and his companions had + sailed in a French vessel that lay at that time in the + Passage and left that morning at dawn. There was nothing to + do but adopt little Eloise Pointelle for my own. I changed + her name, at your father's suggestion, to Nancy Frost; + knowing that Pointelle was not the general's real name. For + five years we looked to see our guest return; and afterwards + for years, we hoped to receive some communication that would + prove, as he promised, of advantage to Nancy and ourselves. + But from the night General Pointelle left our house to this + day, I have not heard one word to show that he still existed + or, indeed, that he ever had existed. We brought Nancy up as + our own daughter, though, never concealing from her the fact + that she was not of our blood. Indeed, Dan, I have loved her + dearly." + </p> + <p> + "Certainly, you have always treated her with the greatest + kindness. But this is quite extraordinary, Mother. I think it + will throw light on Nancy's present disappearance." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think the father is alive, Dan? that he has + communicated with her?" + </p> + <p> + "Not that, mother; I am really in the dark. But I believe + that the Marquis de Boisdhyver has some connection with your + General Pointelle, and that his stay with us this winter has + something to do with Nancy." + </p> + <p> + In response to Mrs. Frost's questions, he told of the + meetings of Nancy and the marquis, but decided to say nothing + about the paper that he had found in the Oak Parlour. + </p> + <p> + "I want you to be careful, Mother, to give no hint to the + Marquis that we suspect him in any way. Tom and I are trying + to solve the mystery, and secrecy is of the greatest + importance. It is a more complicated business than we + imagined. I must go now and find Tom. May I keep this + letter?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but keep it under lock and key. I have guarded it for + sixteen years; and it is the only evidence I possess of + Nancy's origin." + </p> + <p> + Dan returned to the bar, where he found the Marquis and Tom + still reading their papers. + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" exclaimed Monsieur de Boisdhyver, "I trust, Monsieur + Frost, you bring us the good news at last of the return of + Mademoiselle." + </p> + <p> + "Unfortunately, I do not, monsieur," Dan replied. "Our + efforts to find out what has become of her have been entirely + unsuccessful. I am very anxious, as you may imagine." + </p> + <p> + "And to what mishap do you attribute Mademoiselle's so + unceremonious departure?" + </p> + <p> + "I do not attribute it to any mishap," replied Dan. "I think + that my sister has gone off on a visit to some friends, and + that her messages to us have been miscarried. I feel certain + that to-morrow we will be completely reassured." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! I hope so with all my heart," exclaimed the Marquis + fervently. "It is a matter of deep distress to + me—monsieur. But if—to-morrow passes and still + you do not hear—?" + </p> + <p> + "God knows, sir. We must do everything to find her." + </p> + <p> + "We shall find her," cried Tom, as he sprang to his feet, + unable longer to repress his anxiety or his irritation. "And + if we do not find her safe and well, woe to the man who has + harmed her." + </p> + <p> + "Bravo!" cried the Marquis. "Permit me to adopt those words + to express my own sentiments. I applaud this determination, + monsieur, <i>de tout mon coeur</i>." + </p> + <p> + Tom glared at the little old man with an expression of + illconcealed rage. He was about to blurt out some angry + reply, when a warning gesture from Dan checked him. Without + speaking, he flung himself out of the room. + </p> + <p> + "Poor Tom!" said Dan quickly, to cover Pembroke's attitude + toward the Marquis, "this takes him especially hard. He is in + love with Nancy." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Eh bien</i>! I sympathize with his good taste. It is that + that accounts for his vigour of his expressions, so much more + <i>emphatique</i> than our good host." + </p> + <p> + "More emphatic, perhaps," said Dan, "though I do not feel + less strongly." + </p> + <p> + The Marquis made a little bow, as he rose to retire. "If, + chance, monsieur could require my assistance—" + </p> + <p> + "Thank you," said Dan quickly. "In that case, sir, I shall be + only too happy to call upon you." He rose also, and + courteously held the candle till the Marquis had reached the + top of the stairs. + </p> + <p> + Tom waited his friend impatiently in their common chamber. + And when at last, having closed the house for the night, Dan + joined him, he told at once of the signals which he supposed + had been exchanged between the Marquis at the Inn and someone + at the House on the Dunes. In return Dan repeated what he had + learned about Nancy from Mrs. Frost. + </p> + <p> + "There is no doubt in my mind," said Dan, "that the Marquis + knows all about Nancy's disappearance and where she is, and + further I believe that Nancy's disappearance is part of a + plot with the Marquis here, Madame de la Fontaine at the + House on the Dunes, and that schooner riding at anchor in the + Cove. I have a plan, Tom." + </p> + <p> + "Go ahead for heaven's sake. If we don't do something, I'll + go in and choke the truth out of that old reprobate. He + applauds my sentiments, eh! Good God! If he knew them!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes," said Dan. "But the time for choking has not come. + You nearly gave yourself away to-night, you will ruin our + plans, and involve Nancy in some harm. She is probably in + that old villain's power. Now listen to me. The first thing + to do is to discover Nancy's whereabouts. The second is to + get at the bottom of the Marquis's plot and the secret of the + torn scrap of paper. We will find the clew to both, I think, + if we can discover the meaning of the signals between the + Marquis and the lady in the House on the Dunes." + </p> + <p> + "Right!" cried Tom. "But how?" + </p> + <p> + "One of us must stay at the Inn and watch the Marquis + to-night, and the other investigate the House on the Dunes. I + have already been there and made the acquaintance of the + lady, so I had better do that, and you stay here. Do you + agree?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, of course; though I envy you the chance to be out and + doing." + </p> + <p> + "You will be doing something here. I want you to hide + yourself in the hallway near the Marquis's door and watch all + night—till dawn anyway. He cannot get out of his room + without coming into the hall, and we must know what he does + to-night. If the Marquis can spend a sleepless night, we can + afford to do so. I don't know what I can do at the House on + the Dunes but I shall take the pistol, and you can keep my + gun. To-morrow I will get more arms, for I shouldn't be + surprised if we needed them. Is everything clear?" + </p> + <p> + "Perfectly," said Tom. "I'll watch as soon as you are off." + </p> + <p> + "Good-night, old boy, good luck." + </p> + <p> + "Good-night," and Dan slipped out of the room and down the + dark stairs. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH10"><!-- CH10 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER X + </h2> + <center> + MIDNIGHT VIGILS + </center> + <p> + As soon as Dan had gone Tom blew out his light and slipped + into the hallway. + </p> + <p> + This portion of the Inn was simple in design. A long corridor + ran through the middle of the house to meet a similar passage + at the southern end extending at right angles to the main + hall. The South Chamber, occupied by the Marquis de + Boisdhyver, opened into the southwest passage, but the door + was well beyond the juncture of the two corridors. It was + Pembroke's intention to conceal himself in the bedroom next + the Marquis's chamber, from the door of which he could look + down the entire length of the main hall, and by stepping + outside get a view of the branch hallway into which the door + of this room and that of the Marquis actually opened. A + further advantage was that the windows of this room, like + those of the South Chamber, looked out upon the Dunes and the + Cove. + </p> + <p> + As Tom stepped from his chamber, the house seemed utterly + deserted; save for the roaring of the wind without and an + occasional creak or crack in the time-worn boards, there were + no sounds. + </p> + <p> + The night was not a dark one, although the wind was rising + and rain was threatening; for a full moon lurked behind the + thick veil of cloud and something of its weird weak light + relieved the darkness even of the great corridor of the Inn. + </p> + <p> + Tom stole softly down the hallway and gained the room next + the Marquis's. He took his position in a great chair, which + he drew near the open door, and laid his gun on the floor + near at hand. No one could enter the hall without his seeing + him. Every few moments he would tiptoe to the doorway, thrust + his head into the corridor, and listen intently for any sound + in the South Chamber. + </p> + <p> + It was a lonely and unpleasant vigil. The night was wild, the + storm was rising, the old Inn was moaning as though in + distress; and, despite his natural courage, fantastic terrors + and dangers thrust themselves upon his excited imagination. + He would much have preferred, he felt, to be out in the open + as Dan was, even facing real dangers and greater + difficulties. Deeper than by these imaginary fears of the + night, he was racked with anxiety to know what had become of + the girl he loved. Had she been decoyed away by the evil + genius of the place; was she in danger? Had she disappeared + of her own free will; and didn't she really love him? + </p> + <p> + He was not in the least sleepy; but after a while the vigil + began to tell upon his nerves. He found it almost impossible + to sit still and wait, perhaps in vain. He made innumerable + trips across the room to the windows to look out into the + bleak night. The landscape was blotted out. Not a light + showed from the House on the Dunes; only the two lamps on the + schooner at anchor in the Cove gleamed across the night. + Eleven o'clock, twelve o'clock struck solemnly from the old + clock on the stairs. + </p> + <p> + Once as he was looking out of the window, it seemed to him + that the green light on the <i>Southern Cross</i> was moving. + But it was impossible that she should weigh anchor in the + teeth of the rising storm. He was mistaken. Nay, he was sure. + But it was rising, slowly, steadily, as though drawn by an + invisible hand, to about the height of the masthead. There at + last it stopped, and swung to the wind, to and fro, to and + fro; high above its red companion, high above the deck. + </p> + <p> + And then, suddenly, as if to answer this mysterious + manoeuvre, the green light, that earlier in the evening had + glowed from a north window of the House on the Dunes, now + flashed from an east window of the old farmhouse; flashed, + then gleamed steadily. The light on the <i>Southern Cross</i> + was lowered slowly, then raised again. The light in the House + on the Dunes vanished; soon flashed again and then vanished + once more. Slowly the light in the schooner descended to its + normal position. A moment later the green light appeared on + the north side of the House on the Dunes, where it had been + earlier, and shone there steadily. + </p> + <p> + Was it a signal to the Marquis de Boisdhyver? Tom tiptoed to + the partition between his room and the South Chamber, and put + his ear to the wall to listen. Not a sound reached him. He + turned to the door to go into the corridor, and stood + suddenly motionless. For there, advancing ever so cautiously + down the hall, carrying a lighted candle in his hand, was the + old Marquis. He was clad in night dress and cap, with a + gayly-coloured dressing-gown worn over the white shirt. + Slowly, silently, pausing every instant to listen; he stole + on, gun in hand, and Tom followed him as cautiously and as + quietly. Instead of turning to the right at the partition + that divides the north and south wings of the Inn and going + down stairs, the Marquis turned to the left, into the short + hall that led directly to the great chamber occupied by Tom + and Dan. + </p> + <p> + By the time Pembroke in pursuit had reached the turn and + dared to peep around the corner of the wall, the Marquis was + at the door of Dan's room. He stood there, ear bent close to + the panel, intently listening. + </p> + <p> + Tom waited breathless. Not satisfied, Monsieur de Boisdhyver + turned about and went into an adjoining chamber, the door of + which stood open. Pembroke was about to advance, when the + Marquis emerged again into the corridor, having left his + lighted candle in the empty room. This manoeuvre, whatever + advantage it had for the Marquis, was fortunate for Pembroke, + for it left the end of the little hall, where he stood + watching, in deep shadow. He could now step boldly from + behind the concealing wall without fear of immediate + detection. + </p> + <p> + Again the Marquis stood and listened at the door of Dan's + room, then cautiously turned the knob. The door yielded and + opened an inch or so. Monsieur de Boisdhyver put his ear to + the crack. Dissatisfied with the absolute silence that must + have met him, he pushed open the door a little further and + thrust his head inside. In a moment he disappeared within. + </p> + <p> + Tom realized that the Marquis would soon discover the fact + that the room was empty. He looked about quickly for a place + of concealment that would command a view of all the halls. + Fortunately the partition that divided the long corridor + between the north and south wings was hung with heavy + curtains. Deciding instantly, Pembroke slipped behind them, + and ruthlessly slit an opening in the thick green stuff, + through which he could peek out. He was just in time, as the + Marquis came out of their bedroom and softly closed the door. + He stood irresolute; then, with even greater caution, + re-entered the room in which he had left his candle. To Tom's + chagrin, the candle was suddenly extinguished and the Inn + left in darkness. + </p> + <p> + For some moments, there was absolute silence. Then Tom could + hear faintly,—or feel rather than hear—the + Marquis cautiously finding his way back. Luckily, the old + Frenchman was groping his way next the other wall. Pembroke + slipped from behind the curtains and stole softly in pursuit. + As he reached the south end of the corridor, he heard the + latch of the Marquis's door click softly. Alarmed by + discovering that they were not in bed, thought Tom, he had + abandoned whatever purpose he had in mind for his midnight + prowl. + </p> + <p> + After waiting a little and hearing no more, Tom went again to + the window. The rain had begun now and the wind was blowing a + gale. Suddenly Pembroke discerned a light shining from the + window next the very one from which he was peering into the + darkness,—the steady glow of a deep red light. + </p> + <p> + "Another signal!" he murmured; then waited to see if it would + be answered by the House on the Dunes. Perhaps fifteen + minutes passed, and then, suddenly, there gleamed through the + rain and dark, a tiny bit of red flame, just where the House + on the Dunes must be. A little later the red lamp on the + <i>Southern Cross</i> performed a fantastic ascension to what + Pembroke took to be the masthead. + </p> + <p> + The red light in the neighbouring window was extinguished. + Almost instantly the red spark on the Dunes disappeared, and + in a few moments the schooner's lamp began its descent. + Simultaneously they glowed again and the ship's light danced + upward; then the two red lights on shore vanished and the + lamp on the <i>Southern Cross</i> sank to its proper place + and stayed there. + </p> + <p> + Of one thing Tom was sure: The Marquis, the lady at the House + on the Dunes, and the skipper of the schooner in the Cove, + were in collusion. Of another thing he felt almost equally + certain: the red light was a signal of danger, and the + message of danger flashed across the night was the fact that + he and Dan were not safe asleep in bed. + </p> + <p> + For a long time he watched, keen with excitement; listened + patiently; started at every sound. But nothing more unusual + did he hear that night than the roar of the wind, the dash of + the brawling southeaster against the panes, and the groans of + the old house, shaken by the storm. Toward morning he crept + back to bed and fell instantly into a deep and dreamless + sleep. + </p> + <p> + While Tom was thus watching and sleeping a somewhat different + experience had fallen to the lot of Dan Frost. He had no + definite plan in making a midnight visit to the vicinity of + the House on the Dunes, but he hoped to discover some clue to + the surrounding mysteries. From time to time during the day + he had taken his field glasses to one of the upper rooms of + the Inn, and scanned the countryside but nothing unusual + seemed astir in the white world without. The <i>Southern + Cross</i> had lain on the surface of the little cove all day, + swaying with wind and tide, no sign of activity upon her + decks. It was after ten when he started forth. The night was + not quite dark, for the full moon was shining somewhere + behind the thick veil of clouds. Earlier in the evening Dan + had intended to go boldly to the House itself and demand an + interview with old Mrs. Meath; but he reflected that he would + probably be met with the excuse that Mrs. Meath was ill, and + he did not know how he could force himself in, particularly + past the barrier of Madame de la Fontaine's charming manner. + </p> + <p> + It was an unpleasant walk with the wind in his face, and it + was nearly eleven before he turned into the long dune road, + which branched from the Port Road near the Rocking Stone and + led directly to the old farmhouse on Strathsey Neck. To his + chagrin it appeared that all lights had been extinguished as + if the inmates of the house had gone to bed. + </p> + <p> + The old farmhouse loomed before him, dark and forbidding. On + either side there were outhouses, and in the rear quite near + the house a barn. There was not a tree on the place; indeed, + there was little vegetation upon the entire Neck, save the + grass of the middle meadows which in summer furnished scant + nourishment for the cattle and a flock of sheep. Now all was + bleak and covered with snow, and a freshening gale swept out + of the great maw of the Atlantic. + </p> + <p> + Keeping close to the fence, Frost began to make a complete + circuit of the farmhouse. As he turned a corner of the south + end, or rear of the house, he was relieved to see a light + burning in the kitchen. He stole cautiously to a position + within the shadow of the barn from which he could get a + glimpse of the interior. In the kitchen standing before a + deal table, he saw a young woman—not Jane, Mrs. Heath's + maid-of-all-work, but a stranger,—with her hands deep + in a bowl of dough. Her back was toward him, but he guessed + that she was Madame de la Fontaine's maid, whom he had seen + in the morning. The door into the dining-room beyond stood + open, and by craning his neck, Dan could see that the room + was lighter, but he could not discover whether or not it were + occupied. The shutters of the dining-room were so closely + barred and the curtains so tightly drawn that not a ray of + light penetrated to the outside. + </p> + <p> + The girl in the kitchen proceeded busily about her work. She + was evidently engaged, despite the lateness of the hour, in + mixing bread. + </p> + <p> + Once while he waited patiently, to what end he hardly knew, + Madame de la Fontaine entered the kitchen. She was clad in + black and held in her hands what Dan took to be a ship's + lamp. She stood for a moment in the doorway and spoke to the + servant maid. The girl stopped her work, and taking a strip + of paper, ignited it at a candle and lighted the lamp, which + Madame de la Fontaine held up for her. It glowed instantly + with a deep green flame, such as Tom had described as shining + from a window of the House on the Dunes in the early evening. + </p> + <p> + As soon as her lamp was lighted Madame de la Fontaine left + the room. Supposing that she was about to give a signal, + Dan's heart leaped at the prospect of some result to his + eavesdropping, and he stole carefully around to the front of + the house. Presently from an upper window in the east side of + the house, not the north as he had expected, he saw the green + light sending forth its message across the Dunes—to + whom? Probably the signal could be seen from the Inn, but it + more likely was intended for the schooner in the Cove. Sure + enough, as he watched, Dan saw the phenomenon of the + ascending lamp on the <i>Southern Cross</i>, which at that + identical moment Tom Pembroke was watching from his post of + vantage in one of the south windows of the Inn. + </p> + <p> + A little later the signal was removed from the east window of + the farmhouse and placed in a north window. Dan looked to see + the answering gleam from the Inn at the Red Oak. But none + came. Crouched in a corner of the fence, he waited perhaps + for half-an-hour. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a signal gleamed from the Inn, but this time it was + not green as he expected, but red. In a few moments a form + appeared in the window of the farmhouse, and a white hand, + which he supposed was that of Madame de la Fontaine, took + hold of the lamp and reversed it, so that now it showed red. + The light in the Inn vanished, reappeared, vanished again. + The same thing happened to the light in the House on the + Dunes. And looking eastward, Dan saw the ship's red lamp + perform its fantastic ascent and descent. Soon all was left + in darkness. Frost slipped back to his post near the barn and + looked again into the kitchen. + </p> + <p> + Madame de la Fontaine was standing in the doorway as before. + The maid, turning away from the table, came at that moment to + the window, and raised the sash, as though she were + overheated. Presently, leaving the window open, she turned to + her mistress, and Dan could hear the sharp staccato of her + voice as she said something in what seemed to him her + barbarous French. + </p> + <p> + Impelled by curiosity, he crept closer to the house. He was + within six feet of the window, standing on the tip of his + toes. Suddenly he felt himself pinioned from behind; his arms + were gripped as in a vise, a hand grasped his throat and + began to choke him, and a sharp knee was planted with + terrific force in the small of his back. He made a gurgling + sound as he went backward, but there was no opportunity for + struggling. He recovered from the shock to find himself + stretched at full length in the wet snow. Some one was + sitting upon him, struggling to thrust a gag into his mouth; + some one else was binding his hands and feet. + </p> + <p> + He could just distinguish, in the sickly moonlight and the + dim rays of the candle from the kitchen, the faces of his + assailants. One was the murderous looking Frenchman, the + skipper of the <i>Southern Cross</i>, the other he took to be + a common seaman. + </p> + <p> + Attracted by the scuffle, the French maid had thrust her head + out of the window and was addressing the combatants in + vigorous French. Neither then nor later did Madame de la + Fontaine appear. When Frost was safely bound and gagged, + Captain Bonhomme arose, said a few words to his companion, + and disappeared into the farmhouse. Dan's guard searched him + rapidly, confiscated his revolver and knife, and then resumed + his seat upon his legs. Inside the kitchen Dan could hear the + sounds of an animated French dialogue, in which he imagined + from time to time that he detected the silvery tones of + Madame de la Fontaine's voice. Perhaps fifteen minutes + elapsed. Captain Bonhomme came out of the house, strode to + the spot where Dan was lying, and addressed him in excellent + English. + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur; for purposes which it is superfluous to explain, + it is decided to extend to you for a while the hospitality of + my good ship the <i>Southern Cross</i>—a hospitality, I + may say, that your unceremonious eavesdropping has thrust + upon you. I will release your feet; and then, monsieur, you + follow my good Jean across the sands. If you are quiet, no + harm shall come to you. If you resist, <i>cher monsieur</i>, + it will be of painful duty that I entrust the contents of + this revolver into—<i>mais non! Vous comprenez, + n'est-ce pas?—Bien</i>!" + </p> + <p> + He gave a sharp order to the seaman. The handkerchief about + Dan's ankles was untied, and he was roughly assisted to his + feet. + </p> + <p> + "The snow is wet, eh! Yes, for the good wind is moist. Now, + <i>Allons</i>!" + </p> + <p> + Jean led the way, and Dan, deciding that he had no choice in + the matter, followed obediently. The captain brought up the + rear. As they went out through the gate, Dan turned for a + moment and looked back at the house. He could see the French + maid still at the kitchen window. At the same moment Captain + Bonhomme glanced back and ceremoniously raised his hat. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Bonsoir, mam'zelle</i>." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Bonsoir, monsieur</i>," was the sharp reply, and the + window was lowered with a bang. + </p> + <p> + They went on in silence across the Dunes to the beach. There, + drawn up above high water line, they found a skiff. The + captain and Jean shoved off, sprang in, and the little boat + plunged into the combing waves. They reached the <i>Southern + Cross</i> without misadventure. The captain blew a call upon + a boatswain's whistle. A rope was lowered and Jean made the + skiff fast to the ladder at the schooner's side. The captain + took out his revolver and held it in his hand, while Jean + unloosed the cords that bound Dan's wrists. + </p> + <p> + "Now up, <i>mon ami</i>." + </p> + <p> + For a moment Dan thought of risking a scuffle in the unsteady + skiff, but discretion proved the better part of valour, and + he climbed obediently on to the deck. The seaman stood close + by till the captain and Jean had clambered up after him. A + few words in French to his men, then Captain Bonhomme, + beckoning to Dan to follow, led the way down the companion. + He opened the door of a little cabin amidships and bade Frost + enter. + </p> + <p> + "You will find everything required for your comfort, + monsieur," he said, "and I trust you will make yourself at + home, as you say; and enjoy a good night and a sound sleep. + We can discuss our affairs in the morning." + </p> + <p> + And with the words, he closed the door, turned the key in the + lock, and left Dan to his reflections. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="PART3"><!-- PART3 --></a> + <h2> + PART III + </h2> + <center> + THE SCHOONER IN THE COVE + </center> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH11"><!-- CH11 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI + </h2> + <center> + THE SOUTHERN CROSS + </center> + <p> + Dan spent a miserable night. He had soon satisfied himself + that escape was impossible. A child could not have squeezed + through the port hole, and the stoutness of the + door—barred, he fancied, as well as locked on the + outside,—seemed to indicate that this particular cabin + had been constructed for the purpose of keeping an enemy out + of mischief. + </p> + <p> + Young Frost's reflections, as at length he stretched himself + upon the bunk, were anything but agreeable. The reconnoitre + at the House on the Dunes had established nothing but what + they already practically knew—that the Marquis, the + lady, and the captain of the schooner were working together. + If they were responsible for Nancy's disappearance, as Dan + was convinced, he had not succeeded in getting a scrap of + evidence against them. And to cap the climax, he had stupidly + allowed himself to be captured. The method of his capture + seemed to him quite as ignominious as the fact. + </p> + <p> + He was not particularly alarmed for his own safety. He did + not doubt that eventually he would escape, though at the + moment he could not imagine how; or, failing in that, he + supposed he would be released,—honorably discharged, as + it were,—when it was too late for him to interfere with + the designs of the conspirators. And this was the bitterest + reflection of all: that a carefully-planned conspiracy was on + foot, and no sooner had he and Tom realized it than through + sheer stupidity he must not only make it clear to the Marquis + and his colleagues that they were being watched, but must let + himself fall into their power. Poor Tom! thought Dan ruefully + as he tossed upon the little bunk, there must fall upon him + now the brunt of whatever was to be done for Nancy's rescue, + for the thwarting of whatever nefarious designs this gang of + French desperados were concocting. + </p> + <p> + Escape! A dozen times and more he sprang from his bed to + press his face against the thick glass of the little port and + to rage futilely that he could not elongate his six feet of + anatomy, and slip through. In vain he would throw his weight + against the door, without so much as shaking it. And then he + would sink back upon the bunk and determine to conserve his + strength by snatching a bit of sleep. And he would + wait—since he must wait—till morning. + </p> + <p> + The gale had lashed itself into a fury; the rain was pouring + in torrents; and the ship rolled distressingly in the rising + sea. It was near dawn before Dan succeeded in getting to + sleep at all, but from then on for several hours he slept + heavily. When he awoke the storm, like many storms that come + out of the south, had exhausted itself. The rain had ceased, + the wind had fallen, and it was evident from the motion of + the ship, that the sea was going down. Dan sprang to the port + hole and peered out, and was thankful to realize that the + peep hole of his prison gave upon the shore. + </p> + <p> + Though it had stopped raining, the clouds were still grey and + lowering, and the morning light was weak and pale. The Dunes, + beyond the disturbed waters of the little cove, looked dirty + and bedraggled. The snow had been washed off the hillocks, + the little streams that here and there emptied into the Cove + had swollen to the size of respectable brooks, and the high + water of the night had strewn the beach with brown tangled + seaweed. There was no sign of human life in evidence. Dan + could just see the upper story of the House on the Dunes, but + no other habitation save the deserted fisherman's huts that + straggled along the beach. + </p> + <p> + His watch showed half-past seven when the evil-visaged Jean + unbarred the door, opened it about a foot, and thrust in upon + the floor a tray of food. Dan sprang forward and succeeded in + getting his foot into the opening, so that Jean could not + close the door. He was prepared to fight for his liberty. + Despite Jean's superior strength, Dan had the advantage in + that his own body acted as a lever, and for a moment it + seemed that he was to be successful; but the Frenchman, with + a violent execration, suddenly let go his hold on the knob, + the door swung in, and Dan fell back on all fours upon the + floor. By the time he had recovered himself for another dash, + he was confronted by Jean, a disagreeable leer upon his + unpleasant countenance and a cocked pistol in his hand. + </p> + <p> + Dan stood in his tracks. "I want to see Captain Bonhomme!" he + demanded, making up in the tone of his voice for the vigor + his movements suddenly lacked. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Je ne parle pas englais</i>," was the irritating reply, + as Jean, menacing the prisoner with the pistol, reached for + the door and closed it with a snap. Dan had the chagrin of + hearing the key turn in the lock and the heavy bar fall into + place across the panels. + </p> + <p> + He sat down ruefully, but after a moment or so took up the + tray and placed it on the bunk before him. He made a bad + breakfast off thick gruel, black bread and villainous coffee, + and then kicked his heels impatiently for an hour or more. + </p> + <p> + Eventually Jean reappeared, this time pistol in hand, and + behind him, to Dan's relief, Captain Bonhomme. The captain + entered the little cabin, leaving the door open behind him + while Jean stood in the passage on duty as guard. The swarthy + unattractive face of Captain Bonhomme wore this morning an + expression of sarcastic levity that was more irritating to + Frost than its ferocious anger had been the night before. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Bon jour, monsieur</i>," said the captain in a tone of + obnoxious pleasantry. "I trust the night has gone well with + you." + </p> + <p> + "You will oblige me," snapped Dan for reply, "by omitting + your hypocritical courtesy. I demand to know what you mean by + this proceeding,—capturing me like a common thief and + imprisoning me on this confounded ship?" + </p> + <p> + Captain Bonhomme's countenance quickly lost its factitious + cheerfulness. "Monsieur," he replied sharply, "I did not come + to you to bandy words. If you will reflect on the occupation + you were indulging last night at the moment we surprised you, + you will comprehend that it was certainly to be inferred + that, if you were not a thief, you were an eavesdropper; + which, to my way of thinking, is as bad. If you address me + again in that insulting tone, I shall leave you till such a + time as you may be willing to listen at least with common + courtesy to what I have to say. You are, young gentleman, a + prisoner on my ship and very much in my power. You have + grossly offended a distinguished countrywoman who is under my + protection in your barbarous country. Madame de la Fontaine, + however, has been good enough to interest herself in your + behalf and to beg that I shall not unceremoniously pitch you + overboard to feed the fishes as you so richly deserve." + </p> + <p> + Dan bit his lips, but for the moment kept silent. + </p> + <p> + "I am come this morning," continued Captain Bonhomme, "not + for the pleasure of entering upon a discussion, but to inform + you that a little later in the morning, when this infernal + wind of yours has blown itself out, Madame de la Fontaine + proposes to come aboard. For reasons of her own, she does you + the honor to desire a conversation with you. I have to ask + that you will meet my distinguished patroness as the + gentleman you doubtless profess to be, and that you will give + me your word not to attempt to escape while Madame is on + board the ship." + </p> + <p> + "I shall not give my word," protested Dan, "under any + circumstances to a pirate such as I take you to be." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Eh bien, monsieur</i>; in that case, you will appear + before Madame in irons. From your window, so admirably small, + you will see at what hour Madame comes aboard. If in the + meantime you have decided to give us your word of honour, + well and good; if you continue to display your freedom of + choice by the exercise of your stupidity, also, well and + good. And now, <i>an revoir</i>." Captain Bonhomme smiled + grimly, bowed again with insulting politeness, and left Dan + alone in the cabin. + </p> + <p> + An hour, two hours passed. The wind had abated, the sun was + struggling to dissipate the murky bank of cloud that hung + from zenith to the eastern horizon. From his coign of vantage + at the little port hole Dan saw Madame de la Fontaine pick + her way across the Dunes and come upon the little beach. A + small boat had put off from the schooner and was being rowed + to shore by two seamen. The French lady gathered her skirts + about her ankles, and stepped lightly into the skiff, as the + men held it at the edge of the surf. The little boat was then + pushed off and rowed briskly toward the <i>Southern + Cross</i>. + </p> + <p> + Half-an-hour passed before the door of Dan's cabin was opened + again, and Captain Bonhomme, attended by the faithful Jean, + reappeared. In the skipper's hand was a pair of irons. + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur," said the captain, holding up the irons, "Madame + de la Fontaine does you the honour of desiring an interview + in the saloon. May I venture to enquire your pleasure?" + </p> + <p> + The ignominy of appearing before his charming acquaintance of + the day before manacled like a criminal, was too much for + Dan's vanity. "I give you my word of honour," he said + gruffly. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, monsieur," murmured the captain, "permit me to applaud + your good taste. But let us be exact: until you are returned + to this cabin and are again under lock and key, that is to + say until Madame is safely upon shore again,—you give + me your word of honour as a gentleman to make no attempt to + escape?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes," said Dan, striving to conceal his irritation. + "But spare me, I beg, your explanations. As you know, I am + practically helpless. We understand each other. I trust that + Madame de la Fontaine will give me an explanation of the + outrage that you have refused." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Sans doute, sane doute</i>!" exclaimed the captain. He + waved his hand toward the door. "<i>Aprés vous, + monsieur</i>. Our worthy Jean will lead the way." + </p> + <p> + Without more ado they left the little cabin that had served + as Dan's prison and traversed a narrow passageway aft to the + door of a little saloon. + </p> + <p> + In the saloon, seated in a deep arm chair by the side of the + table, was Madame de la Fontaine. She was clad in some soft + green gown, with furs about her neck and wrists, and a little + bonnet, adorned by the gay plumage of a tropical bird, worn + close upon her head. At first glance she was as bewitchingly + beautiful, as entirely charming, as she had seemed to Dan the + day before. He blushed to the roots of his hair and for the + moment quite forgot the extraordinary predicament in which he + was placed. Madame de la Fontaine rose, a bright smile + beaming from her soft blue eyes, and waited for Dan to + approach. + </p> + <p> + "Good morning, Mr. Frost. This is charming of you. And now, + Captain Bonhomme, if you will be so kind,—" she turned + with her delightful smile to the skipper. "<i>Eh bien</i>, + Jean!" This last remark was uttered in a sharp tone of + command, very different from the silvery accents in which she + had spoken to Frost and the captain. Dan wondered at it. + </p> + <p> + The disagreeable impression was but momentary, for the lady + turned again to Dan, engaged him with her frank and pleasant + glance, and young Frost forgot everything in the presence of + the most charming woman he had ever met. + </p> + <p> + Captain Bonhomme and his watchdog had disappeared, closing + the saloon door behind them. Dan and Madame de la Fontaine + were alone. + </p> + <p> + "Will you not seat yourself, monsieur?" she said. "We shall + then talk so much more at our ease." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you," Dan murmured vaguely, and advancing a step or + two nearer, seated himself in the first chair within reach. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, not there, Mr. Frost," the lady protested with a little + laugh of amusement. "It will never be that we are able to + talk at so great a distance." She indicated a more + comfortable chair at much closer quarters. + </p> + <p> + Dan obediently changed his seat, and waited for Madame de la + Fontaine to begin the conversation. But she continued for a + moment silently to regard him with a naive air of interest + and of unconcealed admiration. + </p> + <p> + "May I ask," said Dan at length, disturbed by this scrutiny, + and rising to a courtesy that was in reality beyond him, "for + what reason you have done me the honour to wish to speak with + me?" + </p> + <p> + "<i>Vraiment</i>," replied Madame de la Fontaine; "after the + events of last night there is need that we should have some + conversation. You are very young and I have reason to be + grateful to you for courtesy and kindness, so I have yielded + to impulse, against my judgment, to interfere with Captain + Bonhomme who has great anger with you." + </p> + <p> + "You are very kind, madame," Dan replied with dignity. "I am + to infer then that my liberty or my further unwarranted + imprisonment on this ship is to be determined by you?" + </p> + <p> + "<i>Mais non, Monsieur</i>. It is true only that I have a + little influence with Captain Bonhomme. Last night you were + watching me, so it interests me to know why." + </p> + <p> + "I was watching Mrs. Heath's house," Dan answered. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! but I and my maid were alone in the room into which you + so unceremoniously looked, monsieur!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, madame, but why should you infer that my motive in + looking into that room was interest in your affairs?" + </p> + <p> + "I do not altogether assume that, Mr. Frost," the lady + protested. "I infer simply—but, pardon! you were to + say—?" + </p> + <p> + "Merely to ask you, madame, what Captain Bonhomme proposes to + do with me, should you not be so good as to use your + influence in my behalf?" + </p> + <p> + For reply the lady shrugged her shoulders a trifle. "I have + fear, monsieur," she said after a moment, "that Captain + Bonhomme will take you for a sail, perhaps a long sail, on + the <i>Southern Cross</i>." + </p> + <p> + "Then," said Dan, "since there is no doubt in my mind of your + influence with the captain, I beg that you will have him + release me." + </p> + <p> + "It is that that I desire, monsieur; and yet—?" Madame + de la Fontaine paused and glanced at her companion with a + charming little air of interrogation. + </p> + <p> + "And yet?" repeated Dan, flushing a little as he looked into + the lovely blue eyes that met his so frankly. + </p> + <p> + "I confess, monsieur, I must first discover if you are really + deserving of my efforts. I care to know very much why you + watched me last night at the House on the Dunes. For what + reason do you watch me at midnight? a stranger, a woman? Why + is it that my affairs give you interest? I would know." + </p> + <p> + Her voice, her countenance expressed now only her sense of + injury, an injury which, as it were, she was striving not to + regard also as an insult. Under the persistent searching of + her soft glance, Dan felt himself very small indeed. + </p> + <p> + "Answer me, if you please," she said. This time Dan detected + just a trace of the sharpness with which she had dismissed + the obsequious Jean. It gave him courage and a sense of + protection from the fascination he knew that this strange + woman was successfully exerting over him. + </p> + <p> + As he replied, his glance encountered hers with frankness. + "Madame de la Fontaine, I told you yesterday morning, my + sister, Nancy Frost, has disappeared. We searched for her all + day in vain. Not a trace of her has been found. But certain + strange events have led me to suspect that certain persons + have had something to do with her disappearance and must know + her whereabouts. I will be frank Madame. One of the persons + whom I so suspect is yourself." + </p> + <p> + "I!—<i>mon Dieu</i>! and why is it that you believe + this, Monsieur?" + </p> + <p> + "I suspect you, madame, because I suspect the Marquis de + Boisdhyver." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! the French gentleman who is staying with you at the Inn + at the Red Oak, is it not so?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "But—why me?" + </p> + <p> + "Because, madame, I discovered that you and the Marquis de + Boisdhyver have been in secret communication with each + other." + </p> + <p> + "<i>C'est impossible. Te me comprende pas, monsieur</i>. Will + you tell me why it is that you can think that this Marquis de + Bois—what is the name?" + </p> + <p> + "De Boisdhyver." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Merci</i>. Why is it that you can think that the Marquis + de Boisdhyver and I have been in secret communication?" + </p> + <p> + "Lights, green and red lights, have been used as signals; by + the Marquis at the Inn; by you, madame, from the House on the + Dunes; and by some one,—Captain Bonhomme, I + suppose,—from this ship." + </p> + <p> + "Lights, you have seen lights?" + </p> + <p> + "Several times last night, Madame. My suspicions were + aroused. I was determined to find my sister. I resolved to + learn the meaning of those mysterious signals. My method was + stupid: I blundered, and as you have several times so gently + hinted, I am in your power." + </p> + <p> + For a moment Madame de la Fontaine was silent, then she + looked quickly up; a half-vexed, half-amused expression + curling her pretty lips. + </p> + <p> + "Look at me, monsieur," she said. "Do you know what you tell + me? That I am an adventuress?" + </p> + <p> + Dan flushed suddenly as he met her steadfast gaze. "I have + stated only a suspicion, madame, to account for my own stupid + blundering. But if you think that my suspicions are + extraordinary, don't you think that our present situation and + conversation are also extraordinary, and that they might + rather confirm my suspicions?" + </p> + <p> + Madame de la Fontaine dropped her eyes with a perceptible + frown of displeasure; but again she looked up, smiling. + </p> + <p> + "<i>C'est drole</i>, monsieur, but I find you very + attractive? You are at once so naive and so clever?" + </p> + <p> + Dan, finding nothing to reply to this unexpected remark, bit + his lips. + </p> + <p> + "Will you not trust me?" she asked him suddenly, and putting + out her hand she touched his own with the tips of her + fingers. + </p> + <p> + Poor Frost tingled at this unaccustomed contact. + "I—I—" he stammered awkwardly. "I have certainly + no desire to distrust you, madame." + </p> + <p> + "And yet it is that you do distrust me." + </p> + <p> + "But what would you have me do?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" Her hand spontaneously closed upon his with a clasp + that delighted and yet disconcerted him. "I hope that we + shall make each other to understand." + </p> + <p> + "What would you have me do?" Dan repeated. + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur, let me make to you a confession. I understand your + suspicions; I understand your desire to find if they are + true. You have reason; Monsieur le Marquis de Boisdhyver and + I have exchanged the mysterious signals that you have + witnessed. Why should I deny that which already you know? + Monsieur de Boisdhyver and I are occupied with affairs of + great importance, and it is necessary that all is kept + secret. But I believe, that it is that I can trust you, + monsieur." + </p> + <p> + "And Nancy—?" exclaimed Dan. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Pas si vite, pas si vite</i>!" said the lady, laughing + gayly, Dan's hand still in her friendly pressure. "All in + good time, <i>mon ami</i>. It is necessary before I confide + in you our little secret that I consult Monsieur le Marquis." + </p> + <p> + Dan's face betrayed his disappointment. "But you do know + about Nancy," he insisted; "you will assure me—" + </p> + <p> + "Of nothing, dear boy,"—and she withdrew her hand. "But + it had been so much better for us all if only Monsieur le + Marquis had at the first confided in you." + </p> + <p> + Madame de la Fontaine had risen now and was holding out her + hand to say good-bye. + </p> + <p> + "It is necessary that I return to the shore. I will see + Monsieur le Marquis this afternoon, and immediately + afterward—" + </p> + <p> + "But, madame, surely," Dan exclaimed, "I am to accompany + you?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah! monsieur," she replied with a charming little smile, + "for the present you must rest content to be <i>mon + captif</i>. We must quite clearly understand each other + before—well. But you are too impetuous, Monsieur Dan. + For the moment I leave you here." + </p> + <p> + "But Madame de la Fontaine," cried Dan, "I cannot + consent—" + </p> + <p> + "No! no!" she said, as with a gay laugh, she placed a cool + little hand across his mouth to prevent his finishing his + sentence. + </p> + <p> + What absurd impulse fired his blood at this sudden + familiarity, Dan did not know; but, quite spontaneously, as + though all his life he had been in the habit of paying such + gallantries to charming ladies, he kissed the soft fingers + upon his lips. Madame de la Fontaine quickly withdrew them. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, <i>mon ami</i>;" she said, "I expected not to find here + <i>une telle galanterie</i>." + </p> + <p> + "I have offended you," murmured Dan, blushing furiously. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, <i>pas du tout</i>!" said Madame de la Fontaine. "You + are a dear boy, monsieur Dan, and I—well, I find you + charming." + </p> + <p> + As she said this, to Dan's complete confusion, Madame de la + Fontaine lightly brushed his cheeks with her lips, and + passing him rapidly, went out of the door of the saloon. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH12"><!-- CH12 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII + </h2> + <center> + TOM TURNS THE TABLES + </center> + <p> + Owing to his long watch during the greater part of the night, + Pembroke slept heavily until late the next morning. Indeed, + he did not waken until Jesse, alarmed that neither Dan nor he + had appeared, knocked on their door. He sprang up quickly + then, and began to dress hastily. Dan's bed had not been + slept in, and Tom wondered how the night had gone with him. + </p> + <p> + In a few moments he was down stairs and in the + breakfast-room. He found the Marquis de Boisdhyver already at + table, pouring out his coffee, which Deborah had just placed + before him. Mrs. Frost had not appeared. + </p> + <p> + Tom murmured an apology for being late, and delayed the black + woman, who was on the point of leaving the room, by a + question. + </p> + <p> + "Where is Mr. Dan?" + </p> + <p> + "Sure an, Mass' Tom, I ain't seen him dis mornin' yet. Ain't + he done over-slept hisself like you?" + </p> + <p> + "No; but I dare say he is about the place somewheres. All + right, Deb; bring my breakfast quickly, please." + </p> + <p> + "You will pardon me," said Monsieur de Boisdhyver, "for + having begun without you?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, certainly," said Tom; "Don't know what was the matter, + but I slept unusually soundly last night; that is, after I + got to sleep, for the storm kept me awake for hours." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Et moi aussi</i>," said the Marquis. "What wind! I am but + thankful it has exhausted itself at last. And Monsieur Frost, + he has also over-slept, you say?" + </p> + <p> + "No. He got up early without disturbing me. I guess he will + be in any minute now." + </p> + <p> + The Marquis stirred his coffee and slowly sipped it. + </p> + <p> + Tom made a hasty breakfast, and then went outside to + reconnoitre. He discovered no trace of his friend. There was + but one inference in his uneasy mind: Dan had met with some + misadventure at the House on the Dunes. At last, after + wandering about aimlessly for some time, he decided to tell + Jesse of his uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + "If Mr. Dan is not back by dinner time, I shall go over to + the House on the Dunes and try to find out what has become of + him. Heaven knows what has become of Miss Nancy. I don't like + that schooner, Jess, and its ugly crew, lying there in the + Cove. It's all a darn queer business." + </p> + <p> + "They're certainly a rough-looking lot, Mr. Tom, as I saw + when I was on the beach yesterday. And she don't appear to + have any particular business anchoring there. I hope they've + nothing to do with Miss Nancy's and Mr. Dan's being away." + </p> + <p> + "I don't know, Jess, what to think. But listen here I want + you to go into the Port this morning and engage Ezra Manners + to come out here and stay with us for a week or so. Don't + tell him too much, but I guess Ezra won't balk at the notion + of a scrap. Bring him out with you, and offer to pay him + enough to make sure of his coming. And I want you to go to + Breeze's on the Parade and get some guns and powder, enough + to arm every blessed soul of us in the Inn. Charge the stuff + to me. And be careful how you bring it back, for I don't want + any one here to know about it, particularly the old + Frenchman. Understand? You ought to get back by dinner-time, + if you start at once. I'll stay here till you return." + </p> + <p> + "I'll start right off, sir. Guess I'll have to drive, for the + rain'll have washed the snow off the roads. I'll be back by + halfpast twelve, Mr. Tom." + </p> + <p> + "All right," said Pembroke. "Be sure not to let any one know + what you are doing." + </p> + <p> + "Sure I won't, sir. I've been pretty much worried myself + about Miss Nancy. Didn't seem a bit like Miss Nance to go off + without sayin' a word to anybody. + </p> + <p> + "Well, hurry along now, Jesse." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir." + </p> + <p> + Tom's next task was to try to explain to Mrs. Frost without + alarming her. She happily jumped to the idea that Dan had + gotten trace of Nancy, had gone to fetch her, and would + return with her before nightfall. So Tom left her quite + cheerfully knitting in her room for the day. + </p> + <p> + From time to time during the morning Tom wandered into the + bar always to find Monsieur de Boisdhyver absorbed in his + writing before the fire. The morning passed—a long + restless morning for Pembroke—and nothing had happened. + Dan had not returned. He tried to think out a plan of action. + He went into the north wing of the Inn and barricaded the + door leading from the bowling alley into the hallway. He made + sure that all other doors and windows were fastened, and he + put the key of the door that opened from the bar into the old + wing into his pocket. Then he looked at the doors and windows + in the south wing. + </p> + <p> + About noon, as he was standing at an upper window anxiously + scanning the landscape for any sign of his friend, Tom saw + the Marquis, wrapped in his great black cloak, emerge from + the gallery, go down the steps by the Red Oak, and walk + rapidly down the avenue of maples. He went along the Port + Road, to the point where a little road branched off and led + to the beach of the Cove; here he turned and walked in the + direction of the beach. With the field glass Tom could follow + him quite easily as he picked his way through the slush. + </p> + <p> + Beyond, on the waters of the Cove, the <i>Southern Cross</i> + rode at anchor. A small boat had put off from the schooner, + two seamen at the oars, and a woman seated in the stern. The + boat reached the shore, the lady was lifted out upon the + sands, the men jumped in again, pushed off and rowed briskly + back to the schooner. Tom could not distinguish the lady's + features, but from the style of her dress, cut in so + different a fashion than that the ladies of Caesarea were + wont to display, and from the character of her easy graceful + walk, he judged that that was the Madame de la Fontaine, of + whom Dan had told him the day before. The lady, whoever she + might be, advanced along the beach and turned into the road + down which the Marquis de Boisdhyver was going to meet her. + Tom could see her extend her hand, and the old gentleman, + bending ceremoniously, lift it to his lips. Then leaning + against a stone wall beside a meadow of bedraggled snow, they + engaged in animated conversation. The lady talked, the + Marquis talked. They shrugged their shoulders, they nodded + their heads, they pointed this way and then that. Poor Tom + felt he must know what was being said. At last, their + conference ended, they parted as ceremoniously as they had + met, the lady starting across the Dunes and the Marquis + retracing his steps toward the Inn. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, fortunately before the Marquis reached the + Port Road, Jesse had returned, accompanied by the able-bodied + Ezra Manners, and laden with the supply of arms and + ammunition that Pembroke had ordered. + </p> + <p> + Within half-an-hour Tom and Monsieur de Boisdhyver were + seated together in the dining-room. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, and where is Monsieur Dan?" asked the Marquis, with an + affectation of cheerfulness. "Is he not returned?" + </p> + <p> + "Not yet, monsieur," Tom replied grimly. + </p> + <p> + "But you have heard from him?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes," was Tom's answer; "I have heard from him of + course." + </p> + <p> + "And from Mademoiselle Nancy, I trust, also?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, from Nancy also." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, I am so relieved, Monsieur Pembroke. I was most anxious + for their safety. One knows not what may happen. We shall + have a charming little reunion at supper, <i>n'est-ce + pas</i>?" + </p> + <p> + "Delightful," said Tom, but in a tone of voice that did not + encourage the Marquis to ask further questions or to continue + his comments. + </p> + <p> + After dinner, Tom slipped the field glass beneath his jacket, + and ran upstairs to take another view of the countryside. To + his great satisfaction he saw a dark spot moving across the + snowy dunes and recognized the lady of the morning. + Apparently she was on her way to the Cove again. + </p> + <p> + He took a loaded pistol, ran down stairs, gave Jesse strict + orders to keep his eye on the Marquis, saddled his horse, and + galloped off madly for Mrs. Meath's house. + </p> + <p> + When he reached the gate of the farmhouse, Tom hitched his + horse to the fence, went rapidly up the little walk, and + knocked boldly and loudly on the front door. Repeated and + prolonged knocking brought no response. He tried the door and + found it fastened. He walked about the house. Every window on + the ground floor was tightly closed and barred. There was no + sign of life. He knocked at the door of the kitchen, but with + no result. He tried it, and found it also locked. Determined + not to be thwarted in his effort to see Mrs. Meath, he kicked + vigourously against the door with his great hob-nailed boots. + Unsuccessful in this, he detached a rail from the top of the + fence and used it against the door as a battering-ram. At the + first crash of timbers, the sash of a window in the second + story, directly above the kitchen, was thrown open, and a + dark-eyed, dark-haired, excessively angry-looking, young + woman thrust her head out. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Qui va la</i>?" she exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + "Well," said Tom, smiling a little in spite of himself, for + the young woman was in a state of great indignation. "I want + to see Mrs. Meath. I may say, I am determined to see Mrs. + Meath." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Peste! Je ne parle pas anglais</i>!" snapped the damsel. + </p> + <p> + "Very well then, mademoiselle, I'll try you in French," said + Tom. And in very bad French indeed, scarcely even the French + of Dr. Watson's school for the sons of gentlemen, Pembroke + repeated his remarks. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Je ne comprend pas</i>," said the young woman. + </p> + <p> + Tom essayed his explanation again, but whether the youthful + female in the window could or would not understand, she kept + repeating in the midst of his every sentence "<i>Je ne parle + pas anglais</i>," till Tom lost his temper. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Bien</i>, my fine girl," he exclaimed at last; "I am + going to enter this house. If you won't open the door, I will + batter it down. Understand? <i>Comprenez-vous</i>?" + </p> + <p> + "<i>Je ne parle pas anglais</i>." + </p> + <p> + "As you will." He raised the fence-rail again and made as if + to ram the door. "<i>Ouvrez la porte</i>! Do you understand + that?" + </p> + <p> + "<i>Bete</i>!" cried the girl, withdrawing her head and + slamming down the window. + </p> + <p> + Tom waited a moment to see if his threats had been effective, + and was relieved by hearing the bar within removed and the + key turned in the lock. The door was opened, and the young + woman stood on the sill and volleyed forth a series of French + execrations that made Tom wince, though he did not understand + a word she was saying. Despite her protests, he brushed her + aside and stalked into the house. He went rapidly from room + to room, upstairs and down, from garret to cellar, the girl + following him with her chorus of abusive reproach. She might + have held her peace, thought Tom, for within half-an-hour he + was convinced that there was not a person in the House on the + Dunes save himself and his excited companion. All he + discovered for his pains was that old Mrs. Meath was also + among the missing. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Ou est Madame Meath</i>?" + </p> + <p> + "<i>Madame Meath! Que voulez vous? Je ne connais pas Madame + Meath</i>...." And infinitely more of which Tom could gather + neither head nor tail. + </p> + <p> + Satisfied at last that there was nothing to be gained by + further search or parley with the woman, he thanked her + civilly enough and went out. He unhitched his horse, vaulted + into the saddle, and dashed back, as fast as his beast could + be urged to carry him, to the Inn. He was certain now that + the schooner held the secret of his vanished friends, and it + occurred to him to play their own game and turn the tables on + Monsieur the Marquis de Boisdhyver. + </p> + <p> + Arrived at the Inn, Tom turned his horse, white with lather, + over to Jesse; made sure that the Marquis was in the bar; and + then, with the help of Manners, rapidly made a few + preparations. + </p> + <p> + It was about five o'clock when, his arrangements completed, + he returned to the bar, where Monsieur de Boisdhyver was + quietly taking his tea. Tom bowed to the old gentleman, + seated himself in a great chair about five feet away, and + somewhat ostentatiously took from his pocket a pistol, laid + it on the arm of his chair, and let his fingers lightly play + upon the handle. The old marquis watched Pembroke's movements + out of the corner of his eye, still somewhat deliberately + sipping his tea. Manners, meanwhile, had entered, and stood + respectfully in the doorway, oddly enough also with a pistol + in his hand. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Monsieur de Boisdhyver placed his teacup on the + table, and leaning back in his chair, surveyed Tom with an + air of indignant astonishment. + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur Pembroke," he said, "to what am I to attribute + these so unusual attentions? Is it that you are mad?" + </p> + <p> + "You may attribute these unusual attentions, marquis, to the + fact that from now on, you are not a guest of the Inn at the + Red Oak, but a prisoner." + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" exclaimed the Marquis with a start, as he made a + spasmodic motion toward the pocket of his coat. But if his + intention had been to draw a weapon, Tom was too quick for + him. The Marquis found himself staring into the barrel of a + pistol and heard the unpleasant click of the trigger as it + was cocked. + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman paled, whether with fright or indignation, + Tom was not concerned to know. "You will please keep + perfectly still, marquis." + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur Pembroke," exclaimed the old gentleman, + "<i>C'est</i> abominable, outrageous, <i>Mon Dieu</i>, what + insult!" + </p> + <p> + "Manners," said Tom, "kindly search that gentleman and put + his firearms out of his reach." + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur, <i>c'est extraordinaire</i>. I protest." + </p> + <p> + "Quick, Ezra," replied Tom, "or one of us is likely to know + how it feels to have a bullet in his skin. Up with your + hands, marquis." + </p> + <p> + Monsieur de Boisdhyver obeyed perforce, while Manners quickly + searched him, removed a small pistol from his coat pocket and + a stiletto from his waistcoat, and handed them to Tom. + </p> + <p> + "I thought as much," said Pembroke, slipping them into his + pocket. "Now, sir, you will oblige me by dropping that + attitude of surprised indignation." + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur," said the Marquis, "What is it that you do? Why is + it that you so insult me?" + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur, I will explain. You are my prisoner. I intend to + lock you up safely and securely until my friend and his + sister return, unharmed, to the Inn. When they are safe at + home, when Madame de la Fontaine has taken her departure from + the House on the Dunes, and when the <i>Southern Cross</i> + has sailed out of the Strathsey, we shall release you and see + you also safely out of this country. Is that clear?" + </p> + <p> + "<i>Mais, monsieur</i>—" + </p> + <p> + "I am quite convinced that you know where Nancy is and what + has happened to Dan. As my friends are probably in your power + or in the power of your friends, so, dear marquis, you are in + mine. If you wish to regain your own liberty, you will have + to see that they have theirs. Now kindly follow Manners; it + will give him pleasure to show you to your apartment. There + you may burn either red or green lights, and I am sure the + snowbirds and rabbits of Lovel's Woods will enjoy them. After + you, monsieur." + </p> + <p> + "Sir, I refuse." + </p> + <p> + "My dear marquis, do not make me add force to discourtesy. + After you." + </p> + <p> + The Marquis bowed ironically, shrugged his shoulders, and + followed Manners up the stairs. He was ushered into a chamber + on the west side of the Inn, whose windows, had they not been + heavily barred, would have given him a view but of the thick + tangles of the Woods. + </p> + <p> + "I trust you will be able to make yourself comfortable here," + said Tom. "Your meals will be served at the accustomed hours. + I shall return myself in a short time, and perhaps by then + you will have reconciled yourself to the insult I have + offered you and be prepared to talk with me." + </p> + <p> + With that Tom bowed as ironically as the Marquis had done, + went out and closed the door, and securely locked and barred + it outside. Monsieur de Boisdhyver was left to his + reflections. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH13"><!-- CH13 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII + </h2> + <center> + MADAME DE LA FONTAINE + </center> + <p> + For several hours after his return to the little cabin Dan + had ample leisure in which to think over his extraordinary + interview. There could be no doubt that the conspirators, for + such he had come to call them to himself, were determined and + desperate enough to go to any lengths in accomplishing their + designs. Whether his suspicions and activity in seeking Nancy + had precipitated their plans, his unexpected capture seemed + to embarrass his captors as much as it did himself. At least, + he gathered this from Madame de la Fontaine's conversation. + Whatever might be the motive of the lady's proposed + confidence, poor Frost could see nothing for it but to await + their disclosure and then seize whatever advantage they might + open to him. Notwithstanding the fact that Dan had cautioned + himself against trusting the flattery of his charming + visitor, notwithstanding that he told himself to be + forewarned, even by his own suspicions, was to be forearmed, + he was in reality unconscious of the degree to which he had + proved susceptible to the lady's blandishments, if indeed she + had employed blandishments and had not merely given him the + evidence of a good heart upon which his youth and + naiveté had made a genuine impression. + </p> + <p> + Dan's experiences with girls up to this time had been + limited. His emotional nature had never, as yet, been deeply + stirred. But no one could be insensible to Madame de la + Fontaine's beauty and charm, and her delightfully natural + familiarity; and, finally, her fleeting kiss had seemed to + Dan but evidence of a warm impulsive heart. To be sure, with + all the good will in the world, he could not acquit her of + being concerned in a mysterious plot—indeed, had she + not admitted so much?—though, also, he must in justice + remember that he knew very little of the nature of the plot + in question. + </p> + <p> + As he paced restlessly back and forth the length of his + prison, he tried to think clearly of the accumulating + mystery. Was there a hidden treasure and how did the Marquis + know about it? What part had the <i>Southern Cross</i> to + play with its diabolical looking captain, and what could have + become of Nancy? Then why had Madame de la Fontaine—but + again his cheek would burn and remembrance of the bewitching + Frenchwoman blotted out all else. + </p> + <p> + At half-past twelve Captain Bonhomme appeared again. This + time he invited Dan to partake of luncheon with him on the + condition once more of a parole. And Dan accepted. He and the + Captain made their luncheon together, attended by the + faithful Jean; and, though no mention was made to their + anomalous position, the meal was not altogether a comfortable + one. Captain Bonhomme asked a great many questions about the + country, to which Frost was inclined to give but the briefest + replies; nor, on his part, did he show more disposition to be + communicative in response to Dan's questions about France. + Jean regarded the situation with obviously surly disapproval. + When the meal was finished, Frost was conducted back to his + little cabin. + </p> + <p> + About two o'clock he saw the small boat put off for shore, + and glancing in that direction, he was relieved to see Madame + de la Fontaine already waiting upon the beach. Within + half-an-hour he was again in her presence in the Captain's + saloon, where their conversation had taken place in the + morning. + </p> + <p> + The lady received him graciously. "Ah! monsieur Dan, I fear + you have had a weary day of it; but it was impossible for me + to return sooner." + </p> + <p> + "It is very kind of you to return at all," replied Dan, + gallantly enough. + </p> + <p> + "Now, Monsieur, you are anxious, I know, that I keep my + promise of the morning." + </p> + <p> + "Most anxious," said Dan. + </p> + <p> + "Without doubt. Come here, my friend, sit near me and listen + attentively to a long story." + </p> + <p> + "You have consulted with the Marquis?" + </p> + <p> + "<i>Mais oui</i>. It was difficult, but I have brought him to + my way of thinking. I am certain that it was an error in the + first place not taking you into our confidence. <i>Eh + bien</i>! Tell me, do you know how your foster-sister came to + be in the charge of your mother at the Inn at the Red Oak?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I know what my mother has told me. The child was + abandoned to her rather than left in her charge." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Mais non</i>" said Madame de la Fontaine; "General + Pointelle was impelled to act as he did by the strongest + motives,—nothing less than the tremendous task, + undertaken for his country, to liberate the Emperor Napoleon + from Elba. General Pointelle was a soldier,—more, he + was a maréchal of the Empire; the greatest + responsibilities devolved upon him. It was impossible for him + to be burdened with a child." + </p> + <p> + "But why, madame, did he not take my mother into his + confidence?" + </p> + <p> + "Secrecy was imperative, monsieur. Even to this day, you do + not know who General Pointelle actually was. His was a name + well-known in France, glorious in the annals of the Empire; a + name, too, familiar to you in a somewhat different + connection. 'General Pointelle' was the <i>nom-de-guerre</i>, + as it were, of François, Marquis de Boisdhyver, + maréchal de France." + </p> + <p> + "François! you say, <i>François</i>!" exclaimed + Dan. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Mais oui</i>, monsieur; but that should hardly astonish + you so much as the fact that he was a Boisdhyver. Why are you + surprised?" + </p> + <p> + "Simply, madame," exclaimed Dan hastily, "by the fact that it + is the same name as that of our Marquis." + </p> + <p> + "Not quite," corrected the lady; "our Marquis—as you + say—is Marie-Anne-Timélon-Armand de Boisdhyver, + the General's younger brother." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! and therefore Nancy's uncle?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, the uncle of Nancy Frost, or of Eloise de Boisdhyver." + </p> + <p> + "I see," said Dan. "I begin to see." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Eh bien</i>, monsieur. General Pointelle—the + maréchal de Boisdhyver,—left the Inn at the Red + Oak upon a mission for the Emperor, then at Elba. + <i>Hélas</i>! that mission ended with disaster after + the Hundred Days; for, as you know, the Emperor was sent in + exile to St. Helena; and, as you may not know, the + Maréchal de Boisdhyver was killed on the plains of + Waterloo. <i>Allons</i>; when he left Deal, he concealed in a + hidden chamber, which one enters, I believe, from a room you + call the Oak Parlour, a large treasure, of jewels and gold. + This treasure, saved from the <i>debacle</i> in France, he + had brought with him to America, and he hid it in the Inn, + for the future of his little daughter Eloise. You remember + that your mother was to hear something of advantage to her + and the child, did not the General return. It was the secret + of the treasure and the directions to find it. Well, + Monsieur, at Waterloo, you must know, the Maréchal and + his brother, the present Marquis, fought side by side. + François de Boisdhyver fell, nobly fighting for the + glory of France; Marie-Anne had the good fortune to preserve + his life, but was taken prisoner by the English. Before the + Maréchal received his death wound, the two brothers + spoke with each other for the last time. In that moment, + monsieur, the Marquis François revealed to the Marquis + Marie-Anne that he had abandoned his daughter in America and + that he had concealed in your old inn a treasure sufficient + to provide for her future. He charged his brother to go to + America, if he survived the battle; claim the little Eloise; + rescue the treasure, and return with her to France and + restore the fallen fortunes of the House of Boisdhyver. + </p> + <p> + "It took the Marquis Marie-Anne a long time to carry out his + brother's dying injunctions," said Dan. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! but yes. You do not realize that the Marquis Marie-Anne, + after the fall of Napoleon, spent many years in a military + prison in England, for I have already told you that he fell + into the hands of the enemy on the field of Waterloo. When at + last he was released, he was aged, broken, and in poverty. + His brother, in those dreadful moments on the battlefield, + had been able to give him but the briefest description of the + Inn at the Red Oak and the hidden treasure. He did not tell + him where the treasure was, but only how he might obtain the + paper of instructions which the Maréchal had concealed + in a curiously-carved old cabinet in the Oak Parlour. The + Maréchal, monsieur, loved the mysterious, and chose + the device of tearing into two parts this paper of directions + and concealing them in different hiding-places of the + cabinet. Those directions, after many years, grew vague in + the younger brother's memory. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Eh bien</i>, the Marquis was at last able to make the + journey to this country. You must remember he had nothing + wherewith to prove his story, if he gave you his confidence + at once; and so, he decided, to investigate quietly alone. + But he won the confidence of Mademoiselle Nancy,—that + is, of his niece, Eloise de Boisdhyver,—and revealed to + her the secret of her identity and the mysterious story of + the treasure. You follow me in all this, Monsieur Dan?" + </p> + <p> + "Perfectly, madame," Frost replied. "But as yet you have told + me nothing of your own connection with this strange history." + </p> + <p> + "Pardon, dear boy," rejoined Madame de la Fontaine; "I was + about to do so, but there is so much to tell. My own + connection with the affair is quite simple. I am an old + friend, one of the oldest, of Monsieur le Marquis de + Boisdhyver, and, when I was a very young girl, I knew the + Maréchal himself. It has been my happiness to be able + to prove my friendship for a noble and a fallen family. One + day last summer, Monsieur de Boisdhyver told me his brother's + dying words, and it was I, Monsieur Dan, who was able to give + the money for this strange expedition. The poor Marquis had + lost quite all his fortune." + </p> + <p> + "I understand," said Frost. "But, yet, madame, I do not see + the necessity for the secrecy, the mystery, for these strange + signals at night, for these midnight investigations, for this + schooner and its rough crew, for Nancy's disappearance, for + my own imprisonment here." + </p> + <p> + "Please, please," murmured Madame de la Fontaine, as she held + up her hands in smiling protest. "You go too fast for me. + <i>Un moment, mon ami, un moment</i>. It was sixteen years + ago that the Maréchal de Boisdhyver was a guest at the + Inn at the Red Oak. You forget that the Marquis de Boisdhyver + had no proof of his right to the treasure, save his own + story, save his account of his brother's instructions on the + field of Waterloo. By telling all he might have awakened + deeper suspicions than by secrecy." + </p> + <p> + "That, I must say," Dan interrupted, "would hardly be + possible." + </p> + <p> + "So!" exclaimed Madame de la Fontaine, with an accent of + displeasure. "<i>Ecoutez</i>! Monsieur le Marquis was to come + a month in advance, as he did come; take up his quarters at + the Inn; reconnoitre the ground; and win, if possible, the + confidence and aid of mademoiselle. He fortunately succeeded + in this last, for he found it otherwise impossible to enter + into the old wing of the Inn and examine the Oak Parlour. + With the assistance of Eloise, this was accomplished at last, + and the paper of directions was found; at least, found in + part. + </p> + <p> + "Then I, having impressed the services of Captain Bonhomme + and his ship the <i>Southern Cross</i>, set sail and arrived + at the House on the Dunes only a few days ago, as you already + know. The signals that you saw flashing at night were to + indicate that all was well." + </p> + <p> + "The green light, I suppose," commented Dan, "was to indicate + that; and the red—" + </p> + <p> + "Was the signal of danger. Because the Marquis discovered + last night that you were not in the house; he flashed the + warning that made Captain Bonhomme go to the House on the + Dunes. Quite recently the manners of your friend, + Mr.—eh—?" + </p> + <p> + "Pembroke?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Mr. Pembroke—led the Marquis to believe that he + was being watched. + </p> + <p> + "I understand," said Dan, "but nothing you have told me so + far, madame, accounts for Nancy's disappearance, and I am as + anxious as ever to know where she is." + </p> + <p> + "Mademoiselle is perfectly safe, Monsieur Dan; I assure you. + She left the Inn because she had fear of betraying our plans, + particularly as she loved your friend, Mr. Pembroke." + </p> + <p> + "It is still strange to me, madame, that Nancy should + distrust her oldest and best friends. But now you will let me + see her?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course I shall soon, very soon, my dear boy. I have told + you all, and now you will aid me to find the treasure that is + your foster-sister's heritage, will you not?" + </p> + <p> + "Why certainly I want Nancy to have what is hers," replied + Dan. + </p> + <p> + "Bravo, my friend. We are to count you one of us, I am sure." + </p> + <p> + "Just a moment," said Dan, resisting the temptation to touch + the little hand that had been placed impulsively upon his + arm. "May I ask one more question?" + </p> + <p> + "A thousand, my dear, if you desire." + </p> + <p> + "Why then, since until last night everything has gone as you + planned it, why has not the treasure already been + discovered?" + </p> + <p> + "Because, <i>mon ami</i>; the Marquis has only been able to + visit the Oak Parlour at night. And also it was decided to + wait until I arrived." + </p> + <p> + "With the schooner?" suggested Dan. + </p> + <p> + "With the schooner, if you will. And you may remember that it + was only the day before yesterday that I reached your so + hospitable countryside." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! I understand; so then all that you desire of me, madame, + is that I shall permit the Marquis or anyone else whom you + may select for the purpose, to make such investigation of the + Oak Parlour as is desired." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, my friend; and also there is yet another thing that we + desire." + </p> + <p> + "But suppose, madame, that I cannot agree to that?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah! <i>cher ami</i>, but you will. I confess—you must + remember that the Marquis de Boisdhyver has been a + soldier—that my friends have not agreed with me + entirely. It has seemed to them simpler that we should keep + you a prisoner on this ship, as we could so easily do, until + our mission is accomplished. But,—I like you too much + to agree to that." + </p> + <p> + Dan flushed a trifle, but he was not yet quite sure enough to + fall in entirely with his charming gaoler's suggestions. + "Madame de la Fontaine," he said after a moment's reflection, + "I am greatly obliged to you for explaining the situation to + me so fully. I shall be only too happy to help you, + particularly in anything that is for the benefit of Nancy." + </p> + <p> + "I was sure of it. Now, my friend, there is a service that + you can immediately render." + </p> + <p> + "And that is?" asked Dan. + </p> + <p> + "To entrust to me the other half of the paper of directions + written by François de Boisdhyver, which you found in + a secret cubby-hole in the old cabinet." + </p> + <p> + "What makes you think that I was successful in finding that, + when the Marquis failed?" + </p> + <p> + "Because, at first having forgotten his precise directions + after so many years, the Marquis could not find the fourth + and last hiding-place in the cabinet, in which he knew the + Maréchal had placed the other half of the torn scrap + of paper. Another time he did find the cubby-hole, and it was + empty. So knowing he was watched by you and Mr. Pembroke, he + decided that you must have found it. Is it not so, that you + have it?" + </p> + <p> + "It is certainly not in my possession at this moment," said + Dan. + </p> + <p> + "No, but you have it?" + </p> + <p> + "And if I have?" + </p> + <p> + "It is necessary for our success." + </p> + <p> + "Then, my first service, is to put you into complete + possession of the secret?" + </p> + <p> + "If you will so express it." + </p> + <p> + "Very well, madame, I will do so; but, on one condition." + </p> + <p> + "And what is that, my friend?" + </p> + <p> + "That I be allowed to see Nancy, and that she herself shall + ask me to do as you desire." + </p> + <p> + For a moment Madame de la Fontaine was silent. "<i>Eh + bien</i>," she said at last, "you do not trust me?" + </p> + <p> + "But, dear madame, think of my situation, it is hard for me." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! I know it, believe me. <i>C'est difficile</i>. But I + hoped you would trust me as I have you." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed, madame," exclaimed Dan, "I must try to think of + everything, the mystery, this extraordinary mission upon + which you are engaged, the fact that I am quite literally + your prisoner. When I think about you, I know only you are + beautiful, that you are lovely, and that I am happy near + you." + </p> + <p> + She looked at him for a moment with a glance of anxious + interrogation, as if to ask were it safe for her to believe + these protestations. "You say, my friend," she asked at + length, "that you care a little for me, for just me? <i>C'est + impossible</i>. If Claire de la Fontaine could believe that, + understand me, monsieur, it would be very sweet and very + precious to her." + </p> + <p> + "I do care," cried Dan. + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" she exclaimed. "You have touched my heart. I am not a + young girl, <i>mon ami</i>, but I confess that you have made + me to know again the dreams of youth." + </p> + <p> + "Only let me prove that I care," cried Dan, considering but + little now to what he committed himself. + </p> + <p> + "Let me prove," cried she, "that I too believe in you. I must + first see the Marquis, and then, tonight, if it can be + arranged, you shall receive from Eloise de Boisdhyver's own + lips the request I have made of you. But if, for any reason, + this cannot be arranged for to-night, you must be patient + till morning; you must trust me to the extent of remaining on + this ship. I cannot act entirely on my own judgment, but I + assure you that in the end my judgment will prevail. And now, + <i>au revoir</i>." + </p> + <p> + She placed her hand in his, and responded to the impulsive + pressure with which he clasped it. Their eyes met; in Dan's + the frankest expression of her conquest of his emotions; in + her's a glance at once tender and sad, above all a glance + that seemed to search his spirit for assurance that he was in + earnest. Suddenly fired by her alluring beauty, Dan drew her + to him and bent his head to hers. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! my friend," she murmured, "you are taking an unfair + advantage of the fact that this morning I too rashly yielded + to an impulse." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot help it," Dan stammered. "You bewitch me." He bent + lower to kiss her cheek, when he suddenly thrilled to the + realization that his lips had met hers. + </p> + <p> + A moment later Madame de la Fontaine was gone and Captain + Bonhomme had reappeared in the doorway. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH14"><!-- CH14 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV + </h2> + <center> + IN THE FOG + </center> + <p> + Tom Pembroke was as good as his word. He returned to the + little room, in which he had confined the Marquis, within an + hour after he had left him. It was then nearly supper-time + and dusk was fast settling upon the gloomy countryside. An + unwonted calm had fallen upon land and sea after the sharp + blow of the previous night, but the sky was still gray and + there was promise of more rain, if not of wind. + </p> + <p> + To Tom's indignation and alarm, though scarcely to his + surprise, there had been no sign or word from Dan or Nancy. + Shortly after he had left the Marquis, he saw, by aid of the + field-glass, Madame de la Fontaine, attended by two seamen, + leave the schooner and return to the House on the Dunes. He + smiled a little as he thought of the account the lively young + maid-servant would give of his recent visit. But withal, he + felt very much as if he were playing a game of blind man's + buff and that he was "it." He was impatient for his interview + with the Marquis, though he was but little hopeful that an + hour's confinement would have been sufficient to bring the + old gentleman to terms. Nor was he to be surprised. + </p> + <p> + He found Monsieur de Boisdhyver huddled in a great arm chair + near the fire that that been kindled on the hearth of his + prison. The Marquis glanced up, as Tom entered, but dropped + his eyes at once and offered him no greeting. Tom placed his + candle on the table and, drawing up a chair, seated himself + between the Marquis and the door. + </p> + <p> + "Well, sir," he said at last, "as I promised you, I have + returned within an hour. Have you anything to say to me?" + </p> + <p> + "Have I anything to say to you!" exclaimed the Marquis. "For + why, monsieur? If I venture to express my astonishment and + indignation at the way I am treated, you subject me to a + barbarity that could be matched no where else in the + civilized world than in this extraordinary country. My life + is menaced with firearms. My protests are sneered at. I have + left but one inference—you have gone mad." + </p> + <p> + "No, marquis," said Pembroke, "I am not mad. I am simply + determined that the mysteries by which we have been + surrounded and of which you are the center, shall cease. You + have a free choice: put me in the way of getting my friend + and his sister back to the Inn, or resign yourself to a + prolonged confinement in this room." + </p> + <p> + "But monsieur I have nothing to communicate to you concerning + the disappearance of your friends." + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me, marquis," returned Pembroke; "you have much to + communicate to me. Perhaps you are not aware that I know the + motive of your coming to the Inn at the Red Oak; that I know + the reason for your prolonged stay here; that I know of the + influence that you have acquired over Nancy Frost; and that I + have been a witness of your midnight prowlings about the Inn. + Nor am I in ignorance of your connection with the + rascally-looking captain of the schooner at anchor in the + Cove and with the mysterious woman, who has taken possession + of the House on the Dunes. I am convinced that you know what + has become of Dan as well as what has happened to Nancy. And, + believe me, I am determined to find out." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Bien</i>!" exclaimed Monsieur de Boisdhyver, "permit me + to wish you good luck in your undertaking. I repeat, Monsieur + Pembroke, I have no information to give to you. I do not know + to what extent I have been watched, but I may say with truth + that my actions do not in the least concern you." + </p> + <p> + "They concern my friends," said Tom. "Dan, as you know, is + more to me than a brother; and as for his sister Nancy, I + hope and expect to make her my wife." + </p> + <p> + "In that case," rejoined the Marquis with ill-concealed + irony, "I may be permitted to offer to you my + congratulations. But even so, monsieur, there is nothing that + I can do to facilitate your matrimonial plans." + </p> + <p> + "You refuse then to come to terms?" asked Pembroke. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis raised his hands with a gesture of despair. "What + shall I say, monsieur? If you insisted upon my flying from + here to yonder beach, I might have all the desire in the + world to oblige you, but the fact would remain that I was + without the means of doing so. Since you are so little + disposed to accept my protestations, I will no longer make + them, but simply decline your proposal. And, pardon me, but + so long as I am submitted to the indignity of this + confinement, it would be a courtesy that I should appreciate + if you would spare me your company." + </p> + <p> + "Very good," said Tom. "Your meals will be served regularly; + and you may ask the servant for anything necessary. I shall + not visit you again until you request me to do so." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Merci</i>," said the Marquis drily. He rose from his seat + as Dan turned toward the door, and bowed ironically. + </p> + <p> + Pembroke went downstairs to have his supper with Mrs. Frost. + He said what he could to pacify her, not altogether with + success, for as darkness fell the old lady became + increasingly apprehensive. + </p> + <p> + "I know you are anxious, Mrs. Frost," said Tom, "but you must + not worry. Try to believe that all will come out right. I am + going out after supper, but I shall leave Jesse and Ezra on + guard, and you may be sure everything will be safe." + </p> + <p> + It was some time before Mrs. Frost would consent to his + leaving the Inn. If she had yielded to her inclinations, she + would have spent the evening in hysterics with Tom at hand to + administer comfort. Pembroke, however, deputed that office to + black Deborah, and immediately after supper set about his + business. + </p> + <p> + He gave the necessary instructions to Jesse, Ezra and the + maids, saw that everything was closely locked and barred, + supplied himself with arms and ammunition, and slipped out + into the night. Having saddled Fleetwing, he swung himself on + the young hunter's back, and trotted down the avenue to the + Port Road. The night was intensely dark and still. The moon + had not yet risen, and a thick fog rolled in from the sea, + shrouding the countryside with its impenetrable veil. + </p> + <p> + At the Beach Road Pembroke dismounted, tied his horse to a + fence rail, and proceeded thence on foot toward the Cove. + Stumbling along through the heavy sand, he made his way to + the boathouse at the northern end of the little beach. There + he ventured to light his lantern, unlocked the door and + stepped within. On either side of the entrance were the two + sailboats that he and Dan used in summer and to the rear was + the old-fashioned whaleboat with which they did their deep + fishing. Over it, in a rudely constructed rack, was the + Indian birch-bark canoe which Dan had purchased in the + mountains a few years before. As the sea had fallen to a dead + calm, he decided to use this canoe, which he could paddle + quite noiselessly, and pulling down the little craft from its + winter resting-place, he carried it to the water's edge. The + sea, so angry the night before, now scarcely murmured; only a + low lazy swell, at regularly recurring intervals, slapped the + shore and hissed upon the sands. Tom pushed the nose of the + canoe into the water, leaped lightly over the rail, and with + his paddle thrust it off the beach. He was launched without + mishap. + </p> + <p> + Not the faintest gleam of light showed the position of the + <i>Southern Cross</i>, but estimating as well as he could the + general direction, he paddled out through the enshrouding + fog. For ten minutes or so, he pushed on into the strange, + misty night. Then suddenly he found himself alongside an old + fisherman's yawl that had been rotting all winter at her + moorings, and he knew from her position that he could not be + far from the <i>Southern Cross</i>. + </p> + <p> + A few more strokes to leeward, and a spot of dull light broke + through the darkness. He headed directly for it. To his + relief it grew brighter; when suddenly, too late to stop the + progress of his canoe, he shot under it, and the bow of his + craft bumped with a dull thud against the timber side of the + schooner. Its dark outlines were just perceptible above him; + and at one or two points there gleamed rays of light in the + fog, green and red from the night lamps on the masthead, and + dull yellow from the port holes in the rear. A second after + the contact the canoe receded, then the wash of the sea drew + her toward the stern. Another moment and Pembroke felt his + prow scrape gently against the rudder, which prevented + further drifting. Apparently, since he heard nothing from the + deck above, he had reached his goal without attracting + attention. + </p> + <p> + He kept perfectly still, however, for some little time, until + satisfied that there was no one at the wheel above, he pushed + the canoe softly back to the rope ladder, that a day or so + before he had seen hanging over the side. It was the work of + a moment to make his little boat fast to the lower rung. Then + slipping over the rail, he climbed stealthily up till his + head protruded above the gunwhale. The immediate deck seemed + deserted; but he was sure that some one was keeping the + watch, and probably near the point where he was, that is to + say, where access to the deck was easiest. But the fog and + the darkness afforded him protection, as he climbed over the + gunwhale and, without making a sound, moved toward the stern, + crossed the after-deck and found the wheel. As he had + surmised, it was deserted. The watch evidently was forward. + Beneath him, sending its ineffectual rays obliquely into the + fog, shone the light from the little cabin below. + </p> + <p> + Determined to get a look through the port, he climbed over + the gunwhale again, fastened a stern-sheet about his waist + and to a staple, and at the risk, if he slipped or if the + rope gave way, of plunging head foremost into the icy waters + of the Cove, he let himself down until his head was on a + level of the port. + </p> + <p> + Through the blurred glass he peered into a tiny cabin. There + with back toward him, just a few feet away stood Nancy Frost. + He steadied himself with an effort, and looking again saw + that she was alone. A moment's hesitation, and he tapped + resolutely on the pane with his finger tips. At first Nancy + did not hear, but presently, aroused by the slight tapping, + she glanced with a frightened expression toward the door, and + stood anxiously listening. Tom continued to knock on the + window, not daring to make it louder for fear of being heard + above. The alarm deepened on Nancy's face, and in sheer pity + Tom was tempted to desist; but at that instant her attention + was riveted upon the spot whence the tapping came. At last, + still with the expression of alarm on her face, she came + slowly toward the port. She hesitated, then pressed her face + against the pane over which Tom had spread his fingers. At + whatever risk, of frightening her or of danger to himself, as + she drew back, he pressed his own face against the outside of + the little window glass. She stared at him as if she were + looking at a ghost. + </p> + <p> + He moved his lips to form the word "Open." At length, in + obedience to this direction, Nancy cautiously unloosened the + window of the port and drew it back. + </p> + <p> + "Good heavens, Tom!" she whispered. "Is it you?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes," Pembroke whispered back. "But for God's sake, + speak softly. I'm in a devilishly unpleasant position, and + can hang here but a minute. Tell me quickly—are you + here of your own free will or are you a prisoner?" + </p> + <p> + "How can you ask?" she exclaimed. "For the love of heaven, + help me to escape." + </p> + <p> + "That's what I'm here for," was Toms reply. "Now, quick; are + you only locked in or barred as well? I've brought some keys + along." + </p> + <p> + "Only locked, I think." + </p> + <p> + "Where does that door lead?" + </p> + <p> + "Into a little passage off the companion-way. Give me your + keys. They have but one man on watch. The captain is on shore + to-night, apt to return at any moment. And you?" + </p> + <p> + "I have a canoe tied to the ladder on the shore side. If the + captain returns, I'm caught. Try those keys." He slipped into + her the bunch of keys that he had brought along. "I was sure + you were here, and against your will." + </p> + <p> + "Dan, too, is locked up on board." + </p> + <p> + "I thought as much; but you first. Hurry." + </p> + <p> + Nancy sprang to the door, trying one key after another in + feverish haste. At last, to Tom's infinite relief, he saw the + key turn in the lock, and the door open. + </p> + <p> + "On deck," she whispered; "at the ladder. I'm not likely to + be caught." Then she waved her hand and disappeared into the + passage. + </p> + <p> + Tom pulled himself up, unloosed the rope, and stole along the + rail toward the ladder. For a few moments, which seemed like + a thousand years, he stood in anguished suspense waiting for + Nancy. Then suddenly she came out of the mist and was at his + side. They stood for a moment like disembodied spirits, + creatures of the night and the fog. The next instant a hand + shot out and grasped the girl's shoulder. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Peste! mam'zelle</i>," a rough voice hissed, "<i>ou + allez-vous</i>?" + </p> + <p> + As the man spoke Tom swung at him with the butt of his + revolver, and without a murmur the figure fell to the deck. + </p> + <p> + "Quick now," Pembroke whispered, "down the ladder." + </p> + <p> + Instantly Nancy was over the rail and Tom was climbing down + after her. As he knelt in the bow and fumbled with the + painter, the plash of oars sounded a dozen yards away. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Ho! Croix du Midi</i>!" came a hail through the fog. + </p> + <p> + "Curse it!" muttered Tom; "the painter's caught." He drew out + his knife, slashed the rope that bound them to the schooner, + got to his place amidships, and pushed the canoe free. The + lights of a small boat were just emerging from the dark a + dozen feet away. But the canoe slid by unobserved, in the + fog. They heard the nose of the small boat bump against the + schooner; then an oath, and a man's voice calling the watch. + </p> + <p> + "They've found my painter," whispered Tom, "and in a second + they'll find the sailor on their deck." + </p> + <p> + The lights of the <i>Southern Cross</i> grew dim; vanished; + the sound of angry voices became muffled. They were half-way + to shore when they heard the noise of oars again. Evidently + some one had started in pursuit. For a moment Tom rested, + listening intently; but the sound was still some distance + away. Probably, he thought, they were heading directly for + the shore, whereas he, at a considerable angle, was making + for the boathouse at the north end of the beach. In ten + minutes he had beached the canoe within a rod of the point + from where he embarked. + </p> + <p> + "I can't hear them," whispered Tom, after a moment's + listening. "They've made for shore down the beach. They can't + find us in the dark. I've got Fleetwing tied to a fence in + the meadow yonder. Come." + </p> + <p> + It was the work of a moment to stow the canoe, lock the + boathouse, run across the sands, and mount Nancy in front of + him on the back of his trusty hunter. A second later + Fleetwing's hoofs were striking fire on the stones that the + high tides had washed into the beach road. In the distance + there was a cry, the sharp ring of a pistol shot; but they + were safe on their way, racing wildly for the Inn. The + escape, the adventure had thrilled Nancy. Tom's arms were + around her, and her hands on his that grasped the bridle. At + last they were in the avenue, and Tom pulled in under the + great branches of the Red Oak. He slipped from the back of + the horse and held out his arms to Nance. + </p> + <p> + "We are safe, girl," he whispered. + </p> + <p> + "You are sure? Oh, thank God, thank God! Quick, let us in! + Can they be following?" + </p> + <p> + "No, no. They won't follow. It's all right. + Easy,—before we go in—please, + dear—once—kiss me." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Tom, Tom," she whispered, as she lifted her face to his. + </p> + <p> + "I have you at last, sweetheart," he murmured. "You love me?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" she cried, "with my whole heart and soul." + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH15"><!-- CH15 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV + </h2> + <center> + NANCY + </center> + <p> + It was after eleven before Nancy rejoined Tom in the bar. She + seemed more like herself as she slipped in and took her + accustomed seat beside the blazing logs. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I am all right, thank you," she insisted, declining the + glass of wine that Pembroke poured out for her. "I wonder, + Tom, if you killed that poor wretch on the deck?" + </p> + <p> + "Don't know," Tom answered. "I hope so. But what the deuce, + Nance, has been happening? I can wait till to-morrow to hear, + if you are too tired to tell me; but I do want awfully to + know." + </p> + <p> + "I am not tired," Nancy replied, "and I shan't sleep a wink + anyway. If I close my eyes I'll feel that hand on my shoulder + and hear the thud of that man's fall on the deck. I can't + bear to think that this miserable business will bring + bloodshed." + </p> + <p> + "But tell me, Nance, who is the Marquis—what + happened—how did they get you away?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah! the Marquis," exclaimed Nancy with a shudder. "I am glad + you have him locked up. I can't bear to think of him, but + I'll tell you what I know. You remember, Tom, he tried to be + friends with me from the first; and he seemed to fascinate me + in some unaccountable way. Then he questioned me about my + identity, and began to drop hints that he knew more than he + cared to let appear to the others, and my curiosity was + excited. I have always known of course that there was some + mystery about my being left to Mrs. Frost's care. She has + been kind, good, all that she should be; but she wasn't my + mother. Well, the Marquis stirred all the old wonder that I + had as a child, and before long quite won my confidence. He + told me after a time that I was the daughter of his elder + brother, the Marquis François de Boisdhyver, who in + 1814 stayed here at the Inn at the Red Oak under the name of + General Pointelle. I was not altogether surprised, for I have + always believed that I was French by birth, and his assertion + that I was his niece seemed to account for his interest in + me. My father, if this Marquis de Boisdhyver was my father, + was one of the Emperor Napoleon's marshals and was a party to + the plot to rescue the Emperor from Elba. He was obliged to + return to France, and since it was impossible for him to take + me with him—I was a little girl of two at the + time—he left me with Mrs. Frost. Thinking of my future, + he hid a large treasure in some secret chamber off the Oak + Parlour." + </p> + <p> + "I know," Tom interrupted. + </p> + <p> + "What? You mean there is a treasure?" + </p> + <p> + "I think there is; but go on. I will tell you afterwards." + </p> + <p> + "Then he set sail for France, took part in the great events + of the Hundred Days, and fell at Waterloo. It was on the + field of Waterloo that he met his younger brother—our + Marquis—and told him about the child left in America + and about the treasure hidden in the Inn at the Red Oak." + </p> + <p> + "Well," Nancy continued, having answered a volley of + questions from Tom, "the Marquis—I mean our old + Marquis—was held for many years in a military prison in + England. Upon his release he was poor and unable to come to + America to seek his little niece and the fortune that he + believed to be hidden in the Inn. Tom, at first I didn't + believe this strange story about a treasure; but gradually I + became convinced; for the Marquis believed in it thoroughly, + and for proof of it he showed me a torn scrap of paper that + he found in the cabinet in the Oak Parlour the day after he + arrived at the Inn. It seems the old marshal had torn the + paper in two and hidden the parts in different cubby-holes of + that old Dorsetshire cabinet. He couldn't find an opportunity + to hunt for the other half, so at last he persuaded me to + help him in the search. Of course, he swore me to secrecy, + and I was foolish enough to give him my promise. I got the + key to the bowling alley from the ring in Dan's closet, and + two or three times went with him at night after you all were + asleep." + </p> + <p> + "I know you did," said Tom. + </p> + <p> + "How could you know it—has the Marquis—?" + </p> + <p> + "No, Dan and I saw you. I woke one night, happened to look + out of the window and saw the Marquis going into the bowling + alley. It was moonlight, you know. I woke Dan, we slipped + down stairs, saw a light in the Oak Parlour, peeped through + the shutters and saw you and the old Marquis at the cabinet." + </p> + <p> + "When was this?" asked Nancy. + </p> + <p> + "The night—before our walk in the woods." + </p> + <p> + "And you did not tell me! What could you think I was doing?" + </p> + <p> + "I didn't know. How could I know? It was that which first + made me suspicious of the Marquis. We made up our minds to + watch. But that day in the woods—well, I forgot + everything in the world but just that I was in love with + you." + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" exclaimed Nancy, flushing. + </p> + <p> + "But tell me," asked Tom, "What did you find in the cabinet?" + </p> + <p> + "We found nothing. I began to think that the Marquis had + deceived me. I didn't know what to believe. I didn't know + what to do. I threatened each day to tell Dan. And then came + our walk. When we came in that night—do you + recall?—we found the Marquis sitting in the bar before + the fire, and I went over and spoke to him." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I remember," Tom answered. + </p> + <p> + "I had made up my mind that I must take you all,—mother + and you and Dan,—into my confidence. I told him so. He + begged me to wait until the next day and promised that he + would tell you then himself. I was beginning to think he + might be a little crazy, that there was no hidden treasure." + </p> + <p> + "I'm sure there is," said Tom. "There was another half of + that torn scrap of paper, hidden in one of the cubby-holes of + the old cabinet. Dan found it. It's the directions, sure + enough, for finding the treasure." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! but what has it all to do with me?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know; something I fancy, or the Marquis would not + have told you as much as he did. But here is the other half. + You can tell whether it is part of the paper he showed you." + </p> + <p> + He drew from his pocket the yellowed bit of paper and spread + it on the table before them. Nance bent over and examined it + closely. + </p> + <p> + "I believe it is the other half. See, it is signed + ...'ançois de Boisdhyver'. I remember perfectly that + the signature of the other was missing, except for the + letters 'F-r-' It is, it must be, François de + Boisdhyver, who, the Marquis says, was my father. Then look! + here are the words '<i>trésor', 'bijoux et + monaie</i>'. I remember in the other there were phrases that + seemed to go with these—'<i>trésor caché' + 'lingots d'or</i>'. Ah! do you suppose there really is a + fortune hidden away in the Inn all these years?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I think so," said Tom. "And I feel certain you have + some claim to it, or they wouldn't have made such an effort + to involve you in their plot. But, please, Nance, tell me the + rest. You got to the night of your disappearance." + </p> + <p> + "It was a horror—that night!" exclaimed Nancy. "It must + have been about twelve that the Marquis came and tapped at my + door. For some reason I was restless and had not gone to bed. + I slipped out into the hall with him and we came in here to + talk. He begged me to make one more expedition with him to + the Oak Parlour. But I refused—I insisted that I must + tell Dan. Suddenly, Tom, without the slightest warning, I + felt my arms pinioned from behind, and before I could scream, + the Marquis himself had thrust a handkerchief in my mouth, + and I was gagged and bound. Everything was done so quickly, + so noiselessly, that not a soul in the house could have + heard. They carried me out of the Inn and into the avenue of + maples. From there on I was forced to walk. We went to the + beach. I was put into a small boat and rowed out to the + schooner, and there they locked me up in the little cabin in + which you found me." + </p> + <p> + "What time did you say it was?" asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + "About twelve—after midnight, perhaps; I don't know for + sure. The Marquis went to the beach with us and pretended to + assure me that I was in no danger; that I would be released + in good time, and that he would see me again. As a matter of + fact for three days I have seen no one but Captain Bonhomme. + He brought my meals, and was inclined to talk about anything + that come into his head. Last night he told me that Dan was + also a prisoner on the <i>Southern Cross</i>, if that would + be of any consolation to me. Then he said he had to go ashore + and locked me up. Several times I was taken on deck for + exercise, but the captain kept close by my side." + </p> + <p> + "And you haven't seen or heard from the Marquis again?" + </p> + <p> + "No! nor do I want to see him. But, Tom, what is the meaning + of it all? How are we going to rescue Dan? What are we going + to do? We can't keep the Marquis a prisoner indefinitely." + </p> + <p> + Tom gave her his own version of the last few days. He told + her of what he and Dan had suspected, of Dan's proposal to + visit the House on the Dunes and his disappearance, of his + own investigations there, and his determination to play the + same game with the Marquis as hostage. + </p> + <p> + "But what to do next, I confess I don't know," he continued. + "At present it seems to be stale mate. For to-night, any way, + we are safe, I think, for I shall take turns in keeping guard + with Jesse and Ezra. I have the idea that to-morrow, when + they realize something has happened to the Marquis we shall + hear from Madame de la Fontaine or from the schooner. In the + morning I am going to take you and Mrs. Frost to the Red Farm + for safety. I intend to fight this thing out with that gang, + whatever happens. If there is treasure, according to their + own story, it belongs to you. If I don't get a proposal from + them, I shall make the offer, through Madame de la Fontaine, + of exchanging the Marquis for Dan.... But I must go now, + Nance, and relieve one of the men. We must all get some sleep + to-night, and it's already after twelve. Go to bed, + sweetheart, and try to get some rest. One of us will be + within call all night, watching right there in the hall; so + don't be afraid." + </p> + <p> + "It was my wretched curiosity that got us into all this + trouble." + </p> + <p> + "Not a bit of it! The trouble was all arranged by the + Marquis; he was simply waiting for the schooner. Now that I + have you back again, my heart is fairly light. We shall get + Dan to-morrow, I am sure." + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH16"><!-- CH16 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI + </h2> + <center> + MADAME AT THE INN + </center> + <p> + In the morning the fog lifted, a bright sun shone from a + cloudless sky, the marshes sparkled with pools of melted snow + and the long-promised thaw seemed definitely to have set in. + Soon after breakfast Tom sent Jesse to the Red Farm with + directions for the people there to make preparations for Mrs. + Frost and Nancy, whom he proposed to drive over himself in + the course of the afternoon. + </p> + <p> + About the middle of the morning as Tom and Nancy stood on the + gallery discussing the situation, Tom drew her attention to a + small boat putting off from <i>The Southern Cross</i>. They + examined it through the glass, and Nancy recognized the + figure of Captain Bonhomme sitting amongst the stern-sheets. + </p> + <p> + "You may depend upon it," said Tom, "he is going to the House + on the Dunes to report your disappearance to Madame de la + Fontaine. The most curious thing about this whole business to + me is the mixing-up in it of such a woman as Dan described + Madame de la Fontaine to be." + </p> + <p> + "It is strange," Nancy agreed, "but from the bits of talk + I've overheard, I should say that she was the prime mover in + it all." + </p> + <p> + "In a way I am rather glad of that," said Tom, "for with a + woman at the head of things there is less chance of their + resorting to force to gain their ends. But the stake they are + playing for must be a big one, and already they have done + enough to make me sure that we should be prepared for + anything. I shall be surprised if we don't get some + communication from them to-day. The old Marquis counts on it, + or he would not keep so still. At any cost, we must get Dan + back." + </p> + <p> + They talked for some time longer and were about to go in, + when Nancy pointed to a horse and rider coming down the + avenue of Maples. A glance sufficed to show that the rider + was a woman. Nancy slipped inside to escape observation, + while Tom waited on the gallery to receive the visitor. + </p> + <p> + As the lady drew rein under the Red Oak, he ran down the + steps, and helped her to dismount. Her grace, her beauty, her + manner as of the great world, made him sure that he was in + the presence of Madame de la Fontaine. + </p> + <p> + "Good morning, sir," said the lady, with a charming smile, + "if I mistake not, I have the pleasure of addressing Mr. + Pembroke?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, madam,—at you service," replied Tom. + </p> + <p> + "I am come on a strange errand, monsieur; as an ambassadress, + so to say, of those whom I fear you take to be your enemies." + </p> + <p> + "You are frank, madam. I believe that I am speaking + with—?" + </p> + <p> + "Madame de la Fontaine," the lady instantly supplied. "Events + have so precipitated themselves, monsieur, that pretense and + conventionality were an affectation. I am informed, you + understand, of your brilliant rescue of Mademoiselle Eloise + de Boisdhyver." + </p> + <p> + "If you mean Nancy Frost by Mademoiselle Eloise de + Boisdhyver, madam, your information is correct. I gathered + that you had been told of this, when I saw Captain Bonhomme + make his way to the House on the Dunes this morning." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! What eyes, monsieur!" exclaimed the lady. "But I have + grown accustomed to having my privacy examined over-curiously + during the few days I have spent on your hospitable shores. + <i>Mais pardon</i>—my purpose in coming to the Inn at + the Red Oak this morning was but to request that my name be + conveyed to Monsieur the Marquis de Boisdhyver." + </p> + <p> + "You mean, madam, that you wish to see the Marquis?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, monsieur, if you will be so good as to allow me to do + so." + </p> + <p> + "I am sorry," Tom rejoined, "that I must disappoint you. + Circumstances over which the Marquis has no control will + deprive him of the pleasure of seeing you this morning." + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" exclaimed Madame de la Fontaine, "I was right then. + Monsieur le Marquis is, shall we say, in confinement?" + </p> + <p> + "As you please, madam; as safe, for the time, as is my friend + Dan Frost." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Eh bien</i>, monsieur! It is that you have—do you + not say?—turned the tables upon us?" + </p> + <p> + "Precisely, madam," assented Tom. + </p> + <p> + "And you will not permit me even a word—ever so little + a word—with my poor friend?" murmured Madame de la + Fontaine plaintively. + </p> + <p> + "Again I am sorry to refuse you, madam; but—not even a + little word." + </p> + <p> + "So! <i>Mais oui</i>, I am not greatly surprised. I was + assured last night...." + </p> + <p> + "When you did not see the signals?" suggested Tom quickly. + </p> + <p> + "When I did not see the signals," repeated the lady, with a + glance of the briefest enquiry, "I was assured that something + had befallen Monsieur le Marquis. <i>Mais vraiment</i>, + monsieur, you do us much dishonour in assuming a wicked + conspiracy on our parts. The Marquis is my friend; he is also + the friend of the charming Mademoiselle. All that we wish, + all that we would do is as much in her interest as in his + own. But it is impossible that my old friend shall remain in + confinement. On what condition, monsieur, will you release + the Marquis de Boisdhyver?" + </p> + <p> + "On the condition, naturally, that my friend Dan Frost is + released from the <i>Southern Cross</i>." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! Is it that you are quite sure that Monsieur Frost is + confined on the ship?" + </p> + <p> + "Quite sure, Madame de la Fontaine. I was on board <i>The + Southern Cross</i> last night." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I know it; and I congratulate you upon your + extraordinary success. Very well, then, I accept your + condition. Monsieur Dan Frost returns; Monsieur le Marquis is + released. And now you will perhaps have the kindness—" + </p> + <p> + "No, madame; in this affair the Marquis and his friends have + been the aggressors. I cannot consent that you should hold + any communication with the Marquis till Dan returns free and + unharmed to the Inn." + </p> + <p> + "And what assurance then shall I have that the Marquis will + be released?" + </p> + <p> + "None, madame, but my word of honour." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Pardon, monsieur</i>. I accept your terms. Monsieur Frost + shall return. The instant he enters the Inn at the Red Oak, + you promise that the Marquis de Boisdhyver be released and + that he be given this note from me?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly, madam." + </p> + <p> + The lady took a sealed note from the pocket of her habit and + handed it to Tom. "There remains, monsieur," she murmured, + "but to bid you good-day. If you will be so kind—" + </p> + <p> + She ran lightly down the steps, and held up her foot for Tom + to assist her into the saddle. + </p> + <p> + "Your friend will return <i>tout de suite</i>, monsieur," she + cried gayly, as she drew in the rein. + </p> + <p> + "And we shall have the pleasure of seeing you again?" asked + Tom. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! who can tell?" She touched the horse lightly with her + whip, inclined her head, and soon disappeared down the avenue + of maples. + </p> + <p> + Some time later Nancy and Tom watched her cantering across + the beach. She waved her handkerchief as a signal to the + schooner; a small boat put ashore, and she was rowed out to + <i>The Southern Cross</i>. + </p> + <p> + "Once Dan is back, and we get rid of the old Marquis," said + Tom, "I shall breathe considerably easier." + </p> + <p> + "I can't believe they will give the game up so easily," was + Nancy's reply. "Seizing the Marquis, Tom, was a check, not a + mate." + </p> + <p> + Out on the schooner in the Cove, Madame de la Fontaine and + Dan Frost were once more talking together. + </p> + <p> + "Dear boy," said the lady. "I cannot do that which I + promised. It is impossible that your sister shall make to you + the request to give me the torn scrap of paper, for the + reason that Mademoiselle Nancy has chosen to disappear. Have + no fear, monsieur, for I have good reason to believe she has + returned to the Inn at the Red Oak. Our schemes, <i>mon + ami</i>, have failed. You are no longer a prisoner, you are + free. And this is good-bye. I abandon our mission. I leave + the House on the Dunes to-day; to-morrow I return to France." + </p> + <p> + "But, madame, you bewilder me," exclaimed Dan. "Why should + you go; why should we not all join forces, hunt for the + treasure together, if there is a treasure; why this division + of interests?" + </p> + <p> + "<i>C'est impossible</i>!" she exclaimed impetuously. + "Monsieur le Marquis will not consent. He is treated with + intolerable rudeness by your friend Mr. Pembroke. He will not + accept that which I propose. And I—<i>vraiment, I</i> + desire no longer to work against you. No, monsieur Dan, + <i>tout est fini</i>, we must say good-bye." + </p> + <p> + She held out her hands and Dan impetuously seized them. Then, + suddenly, she was in his arms and his lips were seeking hers. + </p> + <p> + "I cannot let you go," he cried hoarsely. "I cannot say + good-bye." + </p> + <p> + For a moment he held her, but soon, almost brusquely, she + repulsed him. "<i>C'est folie, mon ami, folie</i>! We lose + our heads, we lose our hearts." + </p> + <p> + "But I love you," cried Dan. "You must believe it; will you + believe it if I give you the paper?" + </p> + <p> + "No, no!—What!—you wish to give to me the secret + of the Oak Parlour?—" + </p> + <p> + "Aye, to entrust to you my life, my soul, my honour." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, but you must go," she murmured tensely. + </p> + <p> + "Captain Bonhomme is returning. It is better that he knows of + your release after you are gone. <i>C'est vrai</i>, my + friend, that I risk not a little in your behalf. Go now, + quickly ... No! No!" she protested, as she drew away from + him. "I tell you, <i>C'est folie</i>,—madness and + folly. You do not know me. Go now, while there is time!" + </p> + <p> + "But you will see me again?" insisted Dan. "Promise me that; + or, on my honour, I refuse to leave. Do with me what you + will, but—" + </p> + <p> + "Listen!" she whispered hurriedly. "I shall meet you to-night + at ten o'clock, at the end of the avenue of maples near to + your inn; you know the place? <i>Bien</i>! Bring me the paper + there, to prove that you trust me. And I—<i>mais + non</i>, I implore you—go quickly!" + </p> + <p> + Dan turned at last and opened the door. Madame de la Fontaine + called sharply to the waiting Jean, and he, motioning to Dan + to follow him, led the way on deck. In a moment they were in + a little boat heading for the shore. The afternoon sun was + bright in the western sky. The <i>Southern Cross</i> rode + serenely at anchor, and from her deck, Madame de la Fontaine + was waving him good-bye. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH17"><!-- CH17 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII + </h2> + <center> + THE MARQUIS LEAVES THE INN + </center> + <p> + By the time Dan was put ashore on the beach of the Cove it + was afternoon. During the short row from the schooner he had + been unable to exchange remarks with the surly Jean, for that + individual's only response to his repeated efforts, was a + surly "<i>Je ne parle pas anglais</i>," which seemed to + answer as a general formula to the conspirators. He gave up + at last in disgust, and waited impatiently for the small boat + to be beached, distrustful lest at the last moment some fresh + trick be played upon him. Not that his ingenuous faith in the + beautiful French lady failed him, but he was suspicious lest, + having acted independently of the Marquis and Captain + Bonhomme in releasing him, she should not have the power to + make that release genuinely effective. + </p> + <p> + But his apprehensions were groundless. The seaman rowed + straight for the shore, beached the boat with a last sturdy + pull at the oars, and leaping out into the curling surf, held + the skiff steady. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you very much," said Dan, shaking the spray from his + coat. + </p> + <p> + "Eh?" grunted Jean. + </p> + <p> + "Oh!—beg pardon!—<i>merci</i>," he explained, + exaggerating the pronunciation of the French word. + </p> + <p> + "Huh!" was the gutteral reply, as the man jumped back into + the skiff, and pushed off. Dan looked once more towards the + distant schooner and the slight figure in the stern. Then he + started at a rapid pace for the Inn. + </p> + <p> + As he turned into the avenue of maples, he was surprised to + see Jesse standing on the gallery, musket in hand, as though + he were a sentinel on guard. + </p> + <p> + "Bless my soul, Mister Dan! I thought the Frenchies had made + way with you. You're a blessed sight to lay eyes on. But + Mister Tom was right, he said you'd be coming back this + afternoon." + </p> + <p> + "Well, here I am, Jesse," Dan replied grasping his hand, "as + large as life and twice as natural, I guess. I feel as if I'd + been away for a year and a day. But tell me, what's the news? + Where is Tom? Has Nancy come back? How is Mother? Have you + been having trouble, that you are guarding the door like a + soldier on duty?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, now, Mister Dan, one at a time, <i>if</i> you please. + Can't say exactly as we've been havin' trouble; but we've + sort of been lookin' for it. And Mister Tom—" + </p> + <p> + "Where is Tom? I must see him at once.' + </p> + <p> + "He ain't here, sir; he left about an hour ago, driving the + old Miss and Miss Nancy to the Red Farm, sir; so as to be out + of harm's way. He'll be back before night, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, good! Then Nance is back? When did she come?" + </p> + <p> + "She come back last night, sir; leastways Mister Tom brought + her back. Mister Tom, he got the idea that they'd cooped Miss + Nance up on that there schooner laying in the Cove, and sure + enough, he found her there and got her off somehows last + night." + </p> + <p> + "Good for Tom! How did he work it?" + </p> + <p> + "I ain't heard no particulars, Mister Dan. We've been too + busy watching things to talk much. We got Ezra Manners out + from the Port to help do guard duty." + </p> + <p> + "Guard?—what?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, the Inn, sir. Mister Tom he's been sort of expectin' + some kind of attack. That's the reason he took the women + folks over to the Red Farm." + </p> + <p> + "I see—and where's the old Marquis?" + </p> + <p> + Jesse chuckled. "The old Marquis's where he hasn't been doin' + any harm for the last twenty-four hours, sir. Mister Tom he + locked him up last night in one of the south bedrooms. That + reminds me, I was to let him out just as soon as you come + back." + </p> + <p> + "Why lock him up, and then let him out? Things have been + moving at the Inn, Jess, since I've been gone!" + </p> + <p> + "Moving—yes, sir. But them's my orders—first + thing I was to do soon as you come back was to let the old + Frenchy out and do as he pleased. Mister Tom was to arrange + everything else with you, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Seems as if Tom had a whole campaign planned out. All + right—we'll obey orders, Jess. Let the Marquis out, and + tell him he can find me in the bar if he wants to see me. + What time will Tom be back?" + </p> + <p> + "Before dark, sir, I'm sure. He's been gone over an hour." + </p> + <p> + Dan ran up to his bedroom, made a quick toilet, took the torn + scrap of paper from his strong-box, and put it in his wallet. + Then he went down stairs into the bar. The Marquis, released + from his confinement, was awaiting him. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Monsieur Frost!" the old gentleman exclaimed, coming + forward with outstretched hands, "I rejoice at your return. + Now this so horrible nightmare will end... Ah!" This last + exclamation was uttered in a tone of surprise and + indignation, for Dan faced him with folded arms, deliberately + refusing the handclasp. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Marquis," he said, "I have returned; but I cannot say + that I am particularly pleased to see you." + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur, <i>te me comprends pas</i>; this abuse, this + insult—it is impossible that I understand." + </p> + <p> + "Pray, Monsieur de Boisdhyver," replied Dan, with dignity, + "Let us have done with make-believe and sham. For two days I + have been in prison on that confounded ship yonder, whose + villainous crew are in your pay." + </p> + <p> + "You in prison—the ship—the villainous crew!" + repeated the Marquis. "What is it that you say?" + </p> + <p> + "Come, Marquis, your protests are useless," Dan interrupted. + "I know of the conspiracy in which you are engaged, of your + deceit and trickery here, of your part in my poor sister's + disappearance. You know that Madame de la Fontaine has told + me much. Do you expect me to meet you as though nothing had + happened?" + </p> + <p> + "But, <i>mon cher, monsieur</i>," continued the Marquis, "if + it is that you have been told anything by Madame de la + Fontaine, my so good friend, the bright angel of an old age + too-cruelly shattered by misfortune, you well know how + innocent are my designs, how sincere my efforts for your + foster-sister, for her who is my niece." + </p> + <p> + "Marquis, I do not understand all that has taken place. I may + say further that I do not care to discuss the situation with + you until I have talked with my sister and Mr. Pembroke." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! then Eloise—then Mademoiselle Nancy, is returned?" + exclaimed the old gentleman. + </p> + <p> + "I believe so. But I have not seen her. I must decline, + Marquis, to continue this conversation. I must first learn + what has taken place in my absence. When Tom returns—he + is out just now—I am perfectly willing to talk matters + over with you and him together." + </p> + <p> + The Marquis's eyes flashed. "But, Monsieur," he protested, + "you must understand that I cannot submit to meet with + Monsieur Pembroke again. A Marquis de Boisdhyver does not + twice put himself in the position to be insulted with + impunity." + </p> + <p> + "I should hardly imagine," Dan replied, "that it would be + more difficult for you to meet Pembroke again than it has + been difficult for me to meet you." + </p> + <p> + "How—me?—<i>je ne comprends pas</i>. But I have + been insulted, imprisoned, I have suffered much that is + terrible." + </p> + <p> + "I found myself in an identical situation," said Dan. + </p> + <p> + "But, monsieur, <i>un moment</i>" protested the old + gentleman, as Dan made as if to leave the room, "give me the + time to explain to you this misunderstanding.—" + </p> + <p> + "No, Marquis. I will not talk until I have seen Tom." + </p> + <p> + The black eyes of Monsieur de Boisdhyver gleamed + unpleasantly. "I have said to you, Monsieur Frost, that I + refuse to meet Monsieur Tom Pembroke once more. It would be + intolerable. <i>Impossible, absolutment</i>! I must insist + that you will be kind enough to facilitate my departure at + once." + </p> + <p> + "Certainly, as you wish, Marquis." + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman hesitated. For once indecision was shown by + the agitation of his features and the shifting of his eyes, + but he gave no other expression to the quandaries in his + mind. After a moment's silence he drew himself up with + exaggerated dignity. With one hand upon his breast and the + other extended, in a fashion at once absurd and a little + pathetic, he addressed Dan for the last time, as might an + ambassador taking leave of a sovereign upon his declaration + of war. + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur, I renew my gratitude for the hospitality of the + Inn at the Red Oak, so long enjoyed, so discourteously + withdrawn. I require but the presentation of my account for + the time, I have trespassed upon your good will, and I + request the assistance of a servant to facilitate my + departure. But I do not take my farewell without protesting, + <i>avec tout mon coeur</i>, at the misunderstanding to which + I am persistently subjected. The inevitable bitterness in my + soul does not prevent me even now to forget the sweet hours + of rest that I have enjoyed here. The unwillingness on your + part, monsieur, to comprehend my position, does not interfere + to stifle in my breast the consciousness but of honourable + purpose. I make my compliments to mesdames." + </p> + <p> + "Very good, marquis—and at what time shall I have a + carriage ready for you?" + </p> + <p> + The Marquis glanced nonchalantly at his watch, "In fifteen + minutes, monsieur." + </p> + <p> + "It will be ready, Marquis." + </p> + <p> + "Your very obedient servant; Monsieur Frost." + </p> + <p> + "Your obedient servant, Marquis de Boisdhyver." + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman bowed again with elaborate courtesy and, + turning sharply on his heel, left the room. + </p> + <p> + Somewhat disturbed by the turn affairs had taken, Dan stood + for a moment lost in thought. There was nothing for it, he + supposed: Tom, who had been in command, had given orders, and + they should be obeyed; besides there was no reason that he + could see why the Marquis should be detained at the Inn if he + chose to leave it. So he sat down at a table, made out the + old gentleman's bill for the month, and then stepped to the + door to call for Jesse. + </p> + <p> + "Take this," he said when the man appeared in response to his + summons, "to the old Marquis. It is the bill for his board. + If he pays you, well and good; if not—in any case, + treat him courteously, and do not interfere with his + movements. He is leaving the Inn for good. I want you to have + the buggy ready within half-an-hour and drive him where he + wishes to go. I fancy he will want his stuff put on the + schooner in the Cove." + </p> + <p> + "All right, sir," replied Jesse. "Now that you and Miss Nance + are back, sir, I guess the sooner we get rid of the Marquis + the better." + </p> + <p> + Jesse carried the bill to the Marquis, then came down and + went to the barn to harness the horse. A little later he + drove round to the courtyard, hitched the horse to a ring in + the Red Oak, and ran upstairs to fetch the Marquis's boxes. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps half-an-hour had passed when he returned to Dan in + the Bar. "The old gentleman's gone, sir," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Gone!—where?" cried Dan. + </p> + <p> + "Don't know, sir," Jesse replied. "To the schooner, I guess. + He left this money on his dressing-bureau." + </p> + <p> + Dan took the gold which Jesse held out to him. "Well, well," + he murmured, "quite on his dignity, eh? All right, Jess, take + his stuff to the beach and hail the schooner. He will + probably have given directions. I hope we've seen the last of + him." + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="PART4"><!-- PART4 --></a> + <h2> + PART IV + </h2> + <center> + THE ATTACK ON THE INN + </center> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH18"><!-- CH18 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII + </h2> + <center> + THE AVENUE OF MAPLES + </center> + <p> + The Marquis's belongings were sent after him to the schooner, + where, however, it appeared that they had not been expected, + for it was some time before Jesse could obtain an answer to + his hail from the shore, and still longer before he could + make the men on the ship understand what it was he wanted + with them. Eventually Captain Bonhomme had rowed ashore, and + the Marquis's bags, boxes, writing-desk, and fiddle were + loaded into the small boat and taken off to <i>The Southern + Cross</i>. + </p> + <p> + It appeared from Jesse's report that the Captain had been + sufficiently polite, and had attributed the misunderstanding + of his men to their inability to speak English. They had not + gotten their orders for the Marquis. He had asked no further + questions about Monsieur de Boisdhyver or about his recent + prisoners, but had feed Jesse liberally, and dismissed him, + with his own and the Marquis's thanks. + </p> + <p> + "Well," said Tom, who had returned an hour before and had + been exchanging experiences with Dan, "that seems to be the + end of him for the present. I don't know that I did right in + promising your French lady that I should release him, but + there seemed no other way to make sure of getting you back." + </p> + <p> + "I am glad you promised," replied Dan. "It is a relief not to + have him under our roof. For the last week I've felt as if + the place were haunted by an evil spirit." + </p> + <p> + "So it has been, and so it still will be, I am afraid," was + Tom's reply. "If there is treasure here, you may be sure that + gang won't sail away without making a desperate effort to get + it. I move that we beat them out by hunting for it ourselves. + Why not begin to-night?" + </p> + <p> + "Not to-night," protested Dan. "I am tired to death. You can + imagine that I didn't get much sleep cooped up on that + confounded ship." + </p> + <p> + "No more have I, old boy. But I believe in striking while the + iron is hot. Every day's delay gives them a better chance for + their plans, if they mean to attack the Inn." + </p> + <p> + "I doubt if they'll do that. I don't think force is precisely + their line. You know, I believe that the story Madame de la + Fontaine told isn't altogether a fiction." + </p> + <p> + "Pshaw!" exclaimed Tom. "I don't believe a word of it. + Naturally they wouldn't use force, if they could help it. But + their plans have all been upset, and a gang like that won't + stop at anything." + </p> + <p> + "But we live in a civilized community, my boy. This isn't the + middle ages." + </p> + <p> + "We live in a civilized community, perhaps; but if you can + find a more isolated spot, a place more remote from help, in + any other part of the civilized world, I'd be glad to see it. + We might as well be in the middle of the Sahara desert. Find + the treasure and get it out of harm's way—that's my + idea." + </p> + <p> + "All right, but to-morrow; I swear I'm not up to it + to-night." + </p> + <p> + "To-morrow! Well, then to-morrow. Though for the life of me, + I don't see why you want to delay things. Jesse and Ezra can + keep watch tonight." + </p> + <p> + "But we must get some sleep, Tom." + </p> + <p> + "The devil with sleep! However, you're the boss now. It's + your inn, your treasure, your sister, that are involved. I'll + take a back seat." + </p> + <p> + "Come, come, Tom—don't let's quarrel. Give me to-night + to—to get myself together, and tomorrow I'll pull the + Inn down with you, if you wish." + </p> + <p> + Perhaps Dan was right, he did need rest and sleep and a few + hours would restore him. They had their supper, then, + apportioned the night into watches, and Dan went upstairs for + his first period of sleep. + </p> + <p> + His brain was a-whirl. All through the afternoon, during his + talk with the Marquis, and later during his talk with Tom, + one idea had been dominating his thought, dictating his plan + of action, colouring his judgment. The fascination which + Madame de la Fontaine exerted over his senses was too strong + for him even to contemplate resisting it. She was confessedly + in league with a gang of adventurers upon a quest for + treasure. She had lied to him at first about the Marquis, she + had lied to him about Nancy, she had lied to him about his + release; and when she had left him under the pretext of + arranging his return to the Inn, she had in fact gone to Tom + to bargain an exchange of him for the old Marquis. Her lies, + her subterfuges, her flatteries, had been evidently designed + but to get possession of the torn scrap of paper which was so + necessary to their finding the hidden treasure. All this Dan + told himself a hundred times, and then, quickly dispelling + the witness of these cold hard facts, there would flash + before him the vision of her wonderful eyes, of her strange + appealing beauty, of her stirring personality; he would feel + once more the touch of her cheek and her lips pressing his, + intoxicating as wine; and delicious fires flamed through his + veins, and set his heart to beating, and made havoc of his + honour and his conscience. Whatever were the consequences, he + would meet her again that night as he had promised. It was + his first experience of passion and it was sweeping him off + his feet. + </p> + <p> + Alone in his room Dan sat down at the table. He drew from his + pocket the torn paper, and as an act of justice to the + friends he felt that he was about to betray, he labourously + made a copy of the difficult French handwriting. This done, + he locked the copy in his strong box and put the original + back in his pocket. Then, like the criminal he thought + himself to be, he crept cautiously down the stairs. The door + into the bar was open, and he stood for a moment, shoes in + hand, peering into the dimly-lit room. Tom sat by the hearth, + reading, a pipe in his mouth and a cocked pistol on the table + by his side. A pang went through Dan's breast, but he checked + the impulse to speak, and stole softly across the hall and + into his mother's parlour. Ever so cautiously he closed the + door behind him, crossed the room, and raised the sash of one + of the windows. + </p> + <p> + It was dark, but starlight; the moon had not yet risen. In a + moment he had slipped over the sill and stood upon the porch. + Lowering the sash, he crept across the band of light that + shone from the windows of the bar, and into the shadow of the + Red Oak. There he buttoned his great coat tightly about him, + put on his shoes, and started softly down the avenue of + maples. Scarcely a sound disturbed the silence of the night, + save the lazy creaking of the windmill as it turned now and + then to the puff of a gentle breeze. + </p> + <p> + At every few steps, he paused to listen, fearful lest his + absence had been detected and he were followed by some one + from the Inn. Then he would start on again, peering eagerly + into the darkness ahead for any sign of her whom he sought. + At last he reached the end of the avenue. His heart was + beating wildly, in a very terror that she might not come. + Nothing—no catastrophe, no danger, no + disgrace,—could be so terrible to him as that the woman + he loved so recklessly and madly should not come. She must + not fail! He looked at his watch; it was already three + minutes past ten. If in five—then minutes she did not + come, he would go to seek her—to the House on the + Dunes, aye, if must be to <i>The Southern Cross</i> itself. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a dark figure slipped out of the gloom, and Claire + de la Fontaine was in his arms. For a moment she let him + clasp her, let his lips again meet hers; then quickly she + disengaged herself. "Are we safe?" she asked in a whisper. + "Is it that we can talk here." + </p> + <p> + "We are perfectly safe," he answered. "Nothing can be heard + from the Inn. No one is about." + </p> + <p> + "You escaped without notice? Are you certain that no one + follows you?" + </p> + <p> + "Absolutely. I am sure. And you?" + </p> + <p> + "I?—Oh, no, no—. There is no one to question me. + I have been at the House on the Dunes all the evening. Marie, + my maid,—she thinks that I am gone to the schooner. + <i>Mon Dieu! cher ami</i>, what terrors I have suffered for + you. It had not seemed possible that Claire de la Fontaine + would ride and walk two so long miles in a desolate country + to meet a lover—It must be that we are gone mad." + </p> + <p> + "Madness then is the sweetest experience of life," said Dan, + seizing her hand again and carrying it to his lips. + </p> + <p> + "Ah <i>peut-etre, mon ami</i>. But now there are many affairs + to discuss. Tell me—the Marquis, he was released, as + your friend has promised me he should be?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course, didn't you know it?" + </p> + <p> + "I know nothing. Why then is it he has not left the Inn?" + </p> + <p> + "But he did leave—in the middle of the afternoon, half + an hour after I returned." + </p> + <p> + "And where is it that he has gone?" + </p> + <p> + "To the schooner, I suppose. He left alone, giving directions + for his things to be sent after him." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! to the schooner, you say? You are certain?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes—that is, I think he went there. Jesse took his + boxes and bags down to the shore, and Captain Bonhomme + received them, and thanked him in the Marquis's name,'' + </p> + <p> + "<i>Mais non! Est-ce possible</i>?" For a moment she was + silent, considering deeply. "<i>Bien</i>!" she exclaimed + presently. "It is as you say, of course. And you, my friend?" + She stopped suddenly, for they had been walking slowly + forward, and withdrawing her hand from his arm, she held it + out before him. "The paper?" she demanded. + </p> + <p> + "Here it is," murmured Dan, fumbling in his pocket, and + pulling out the scrap of paper. She took it eagerly from his + hand and held it up before her eyes as though trying to see + it in the dark. + </p> + <p> + "This is it, really?" she asked. + </p> + <p> + "I swear it," he answered. "It is the piece of writing that I + found in the hidden cubby-hole of the old cabinet in the Oak + Parlour. It is written in French, you know." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I know, I know," she assented absently. For a moment + she was quite still, and then, with a strange exclamation, + she put the paper to her lips. "<i>Quels souvenirs, + d'autrefois</i>!" she murmured. "<i>Ah, mon Dieu, mon + Dieu</i>!" + </p> + <p> + "Dearest, what is it?" asked Dan. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing, nothing," she replied, withdrawing a little from + his touch. "I was unwell for the moment,—<i>ce ne fait + rien</i>. No, no, you are not to kiss me, please." Again she + unloosed his arm from about her neck, slipped the paper into + her muff, and pressed a little forward. For a space they + walked slowly, silently, toward the Inn. + </p> + <p> + "But, dearest one," murmured Dan, "this proves to you my + love, doesn't it? You no longer doubt me. For your sake, I + give my honour; it may be, the safety of my friends. You must + see how I love you with all my heart and soul. Won't + you,—" + </p> + <p> + Suddenly she stopped again quite still and faced him. "My + poor boy," she said gently, "you really love me?" + </p> + <p> + "Love you! My God, have I not proved it! What more would you + have me do?" + </p> + <p> + "<i>Mais oui</i>," she answered quickly. "You have proved it, + but I have thought that it was not possible." + </p> + <p> + "And you—you do care—oh, tell me—" + </p> + <p> + "<i>Hélas, mon paurve ami</i>. I love as tenderly as + it remains in me to love. Ah, dear, dear boy, so sincerely, + that I cannot have you to sell your honour for the futile + kisses of Claire de la Fontaine." + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean? Have I—" + </p> + <p> + "No, no, no! This—take the paper. You must not again + give it me, I desire that you will not." She drew the paper + from her muff with an impulsive movement and thrust it toward + him. "Take it, I implore you." + </p> + <p> + "But why—?" + </p> + <p> + "Because that you shall not give your honour to a woman such + as I am. <i>Mai vraiment</i>, I love you. That is why you + must take back the paper." + </p> + <p> + "But you must explain—" + </p> + <p> + "<i>Mon Dieu</i>! is it that I have not explained? There is + time for nothing more. I have fear, <i>mon ami</i>; a kiss, + and it is necessary that I go. It is good-bye." + </p> + <p> + "But you love me, you have said so. I cannot, I will not let + you go." + </p> + <p> + "Listen to me, my friend," she said, her voice rising for the + moment above the whisper in which she had cautiously spoken + heretofore. "From the first I have deceived you, betrayed + you, played upon your affection but to betray you afresh. And + now I find that I love you. I am not that which you call + good, but it is impossible that I injure you. Go back to your + friends." + </p> + <p> + "Never! I love you. What matters now anything that you have + said or done? And you love me. Ah dearest one, what can that + mean but good?" + </p> + <p> + "<i>Bien-aimé</i>, what will you that I say?" she + interrupted speaking rapidly, "I am what you Americans call + 'a bad woman',—the sort of woman that you know nothing + of. I was the woman who sixteen years ago stayed at the Inn + at the Red Oak with François de Boisdhyver, the woman + your mother called nurse, who cared for his little daughter. + And now I have told you all. Will you know from now that I am + a thousand times unworthy? <i>Pour l'amour de Dieu</i>, give + it to me to do this one act of honour and of generosity." + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH19"><!-- CH19 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX + </h2> + <center> + THE ATTACK + </center> + <p> + With these words she thrust the scrap of paper into his hands + and turning swiftly, started forward as though to escape his + further importunities by flight. But Dan was instantly by her + side, trying to catch her hand in the darkness. + </p> + <p> + Again she faced him passionately. "<i>C'est folie</i>," she + cried hoarsely, "have I not told you that we are in great + danger? Go, go back to the Inn. It is there only that you + will be safe.—O, <i>mon Dieu!"</i> + </p> + <p> + A figure had sprung suddenly from the blackness of the trees. + Dan felt a sharp blow on his shoulder, and then he was + grappling with a wiry antagonist, striving to keep at safe + distance a hand that clutched an open knife. Locked in a + close embrace, swaying from side to side of the road, they + fought desperately. Dan striving to get at the pistol which + he carried, his assailant trying to use his knife. + </p> + <p> + It seemed as if Dan could no longer hold the man off when two + small hands closed over the fist that held the gleaming knife + and a clear voice rang out in French. Dan felt his + antagonist's grip loosen and he wrenched himself free. Madame + de la Fontaine had come to his rescue. "Quick, quick—to + the Inn. I am safe. You have but one chance for your life," + she cried. Already his assailant had put a boatswain's + whistle to his lips and was sounding a shrill blast. + </p> + <p> + As Dan hesitated, uncertain what to do, he heard a number of + men come crashing through the underbrush of the neighbouring + field. Again Madame de la Fontaine cried, "<i>Mon Dieu</i>! + will you not run?" Then she turned and disappeared in the + darkness. Simultaneously came the crack of a pistol shot, and + a bullet whizzed by his ear. There was nothing for it but to + run; and run he did, shouting at the top of his voice the + while to Tom in the Inn. He probably owed his start to the + fact that for the moment his attacker, who had been held at + bay by Madame de la Fontaine, was uncertain whether to follow + her or Dan. That moment's delay saved Dan's life, for though, + with a curse, the man started after him now, he had a poor + chance of catching him in the darkness. But on he came only a + dozen yards or so behind, and after him the thundering steps + and harsh cries of those who had responded to the call of the + whistle. + </p> + <p> + At last Dan was at the door of the Inn, beating wildly upon + it, and calling, "Open, Tom; quick, for God's sake! It's + Dan." As the door was flung back, he sprang in and slammed it + shut. Already the attackers were in the courtyard, a volley + of shots rang against the stout oak, followed almost at once, + by the flinging against it of half-a-dozen men. But the great + oaken beam had been slipped into place and held firmly. Dan + was none the worse for his experience, save for a graze on + the cheek where the knife had glanced, and a slit on his + shoulder from a bullet. + </p> + <p> + "They're here!" he cried. "No time for explanations, Tom. I + went out—fool that I was!—was attacked. They're + here in force." + </p> + <p> + By this time Jesse had rushed into the bar, attracted by the + firing, and soon Ezra Manners came running down from the + floor above. After the first impact against the door those + without had withdrawn, evidently taking up a position in the + courtyard again, for almost at once there was a fusilade of + shots against door and windows, which luckily the heavy oak + was proof against. + </p> + <p> + "They're welcome to keep that up all night," said Tom. "Only + a waste of ammunition. How many are there?" He would liked to + have asked Dan why he had gone out, but there was no time for + discussion. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know—half-a-dozen at least, I should guess," + was Dan's reply. "Bonhomme is at their head, I'm sure. It was + he who tackled me in the avenue. They may have the whole crew + of the schooner here. That would mean a dozen or more." + </p> + <p> + "Well," said Tom, "we're in for it now, I guess. We'll have + to watch in different parts of the house, for we don't know + where they will attack. Unless they are all fools, it won't + be here." + </p> + <p> + "You're right. I'll stay and look out for the south wing. You + go to the north wing, Tom; Jesse to the kitchen, and Ezra to + the end of the south passage. That'll cover the house as well + as we can cover it. They'll try to force an entrance + somewheres. Have you all got guns? Good. Leave the doors open + so that we can hear each other call." + </p> + <p> + Evidently the attacking party had concluded that they were + wasting their lead and their time in shooting at doors and + window-shutters, for as Tom had said, all was now quiet + outside. Fifteen minutes, half-an-hour passed, and nothing + occurred to alarm or to relieve the tension on the anxious + watchers within. At length Dan stole upstairs to reconnoitre. + </p> + <p> + It was fortunate that he chose the precise moment he did, for + as his head emerged above the last stair, he saw that the + great shutters at the end of the south corridor were open, + and a man stood before the window, evidently on the top rung + of a ladder, trying the sash. It was locked to be sure, but + at the instant Dan saw him, he raised his fist and smashed + it. He was about to leap through the opening, fringed though + it was with jagged glass, when Dan aimed his pistol + carefully, and fired. There was a cry, and the form at the + window fell crashing to the ground below. Dan rushed to the + casement, and could hear in the court beneath him the curses + and exclamations of the surprised assailants. Quickly he + thrust the end of the ladder from the wall, then seizing a + fresh pistol from his belt, fired at random into the darkness + below. Another cry of pain attested to the fact that his + chance shot had taken effect. By this time Tom had rushed to + his assistance, and together they barred the window again. + </p> + <p> + Dan gave a brief account of the incident. "But, for heaven's + sake, Tom," he concluded, "get back to the north wing. We are + in danger there every moment. I'll watch out here." + </p> + <p> + As Tom returned to his post in the cold corridor of the north + wing, he heard heavy crashes, as of a battering-ram, against + the great door that opened into the gallery. A shrill whistle + brought Ezra Manners to his assistance. "Watch here!" he + commanded. "If the door crashes in, shoot, and shoot to kill; + then run into the bar and barricade the door between. I've a + plan." + </p> + <p> + He himself ran into the bar, blew out the candles, and + risking perhaps too much on the chance of success, cautiously + opened the front door. He could scarcely make out the group + at the farther end of the gallery, as he stepped out; but he + could hear the resounding crashes against the door into the + north hall, each one of which seemed to be the last that even + that massive frame could hold out against. Leveling his + pistol at the group; he took aim, and fired; snatched another + from his pocket, and fired a second time. Again, by good + luck, the defender's shots had told. There was a thud on the + gallery floor, and the besiegers scurried to cover beyond the + courtyard fence. Tom dashed safely back into the house, and + slipped the great beam into place. + </p> + <p> + Upstairs Dan's attention had been attracted by the commotion + in front of the inn. He opened a window on to the roof of the + gallery, climbed out, and crawled along on his belly till his + head just abutted over the eaves. For a few moments, after + the firing, he could hear the attackers moving about behind + the fence across the courtyard. At length, a couple of them + stole across the court and up on to the gallery beneath him. + In a moment they returned carrying the dead or wounded + comrade; then all of them seemed to go off together up the + dark avenue of maples. He waited till they could be heard no + more, then crept back into the house and ran down to tell Dan + of their temporary withdrawal. For an hour or more the four + defenders of the Inn kept themselves occupied parading the + corridors and rooms, on the watch for a fresh attack. But + nothing happened. They felt no security, however, and would + feel none till daylight. + </p> + <p> + In the silent watching of that night Dan had ample + opportunity to reflect upon his extraordinary interview with + Madame de la Fontaine. He loved her. Good heavens how he + loved her, but—had she been sincere in her refusal at + the last to keep the scrap of paper for the possession of + which she had so desperately intrigued? Had she decoyed him + to the rendezvous in the dark but to betray him to the + bandits with whom she was in league? At first it would seem + so. And yet the paper was in his possession; and, she it was + who had rescued him from the assassin's knife. Where was she + now? What had become of her? What was to be the end of this + mad night's work? That she was the woman who had accompanied + General Pointelle—or the Maréchal de + Boisdhyver—somehow did not surprise him. And for the + time the full import of what that implied did not dawn upon + him. But what mattered anything now that he loved her? + </p> + <p> + He determined at last to reconnoitre again from the roof of + the gallery. It still lay in shadow, but it would not be long + before the moon, now rising over the eastern hills beyond the + Strathsey flooded it with light. In a moment, he had opened + the window, was over the sill, and, creeping cautiously along + the roof to the ledge, he worked his way toward the great oak + at the farther end. + </p> + <p> + All was still and deserted below as the Inn courtyard would + have been in the middle of any winter's night. While he stood + peering into the darkness, listening intently, the moon, just + showing above the distant tree tops, cast the first rays of + its light into the courtyard beneath him. At the instant the + figure of a woman stole across the flagged pavement and crept + fearfully to the Red Oak. With a strange thrill he recognized + Claire de la Fontaine. Reaching the shelter of the great + tree, she stooped, gathered a handful of gravel from the road + bed, and then cast it boldly at the shutters of the bar, + calling softly, "Dan, Dan." + </p> + <p> + Instantly he replied. "Claire! Is that you? What is it? I am + here, above you, on the roof." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, <i>mon Dieu</i>!" she exclaimed, as she looked up + startled, and discerned his form leaning over the eaves, "for + the love of heaven, my friend, open to me. I am in danger and + I must tell you that which is of great importance to you. + <i>Mais vite, mon ami</i>. In ten minutes they will return + again." + </p> + <p> + It did not occur to Dan to doubt her. Careless of the risk, + he rushed back to the window, climbed in, and in a few + seconds had opened the door to the anxious woman without. She + seemed physically exhausted as she stepped into the warm bar. + Taking her in his arms, he carried her to a chair, and poured + out a glass of wine, which she eagerly drank. + </p> + <p> + "It matters not what I have been doing," she murmured in + reply to his questions, "I have but little time to give you + my warning. <i>Ecoute</i>. Bonhomme and his men are gone only + to carry back their dead and wounded, and to bring cutlasses, + and the two or three sailors who were left on the schooner. I + have followed them—God knows how—and heard + something of their plans. They will make an attack—now, + in a moment—in two different places. But these attacks + will be shams,—is not that the word?—they will + mean nothing. It is the Oak Parlour that they desire to + enter. At the window of that so horrible room Bonhomme will + try to make an entrance without alarm while the others hold + your attention at the front and back of the Inn. Is it that + you understand? It is necessary that you are prepared for + these sham attacks, but the great danger is Bonhomme. The + window in the Oak Parlour is not strong. They have + information—recent information—from the Marquis + probably,—that it will not be difficult to break in. + One of you must conceal himself in the dark and shoot + Bonhomme when he enters; you must shoot and shoot to kill, + then we will be safe. I have no fear of Monsieur le Marquis. + The others—they are brutes—but they will flee. + And they know nothing, they do this for money,—ah, + <i>mon Dieu</i>, for money which I have furnished!" + </p> + <p> + For a moment, torn between his love and his deep distrust of + this woman, poor Dan stood uncertainly. Suddenly he knelt at + her side and clasped his arms about her. "Claire, you are on + our side? You swear it." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, <i>mon Dieu</i>! is it that I deserve this?" she + exclaimed bitterly. "Ah! I tell you truth," she cried. "You + must believe me—Listen! Are they come already?" + </p> + <p> + "No, no, there is nothing. But I trust you, I will go." + </p> + <p> + Suddenly she sprang to her feet. "Let me go with you. It is + terrible to me to enter again that room; but I desire to + prove myself of honour. <i>Allous, allous</i>!" + </p> + <p> + "Tom is there." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! send him here to the bar. But do you come, <i>mon + ami</i>. See, I go with you." She rose and forcing herself to + the effort, led the way across the bar and into the corridor + of the north wing, as if to show him that in sixteen years + she had not forgotten. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH20"><!-- CH20 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX + </h2> + <center> + IN THE OAK PARLOUR + </center> + <p> + "You know the way?" Dan exclaimed as he caught up with her, + and held open the door that led into the old north wing. + </p> + <p> + "But so well," she replied, catching her breath. "Would to + God that I did not!" + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" he murmured, "I forgot that you have been here before." + </p> + <p> + They pressed on silently. At the turn of the corridor upon + which the Oak Parlour gave, they discerned Tom Pembroke, a + weird figure, in the dim light of the tallow dip upon the + table, that cast fantastic shadows upon the whitewashed + walls. + </p> + <p> + As he recognized them, he sprang forward in astonishment. + "Madame de la Fontaine! Dan! What does this mean?" he cried. + </p> + <p> + "You know Madame?" Dan replied hastily and in evident + confusion. "At great risk she has come to warn us—she + is our friend, understand.—She has come to tell us how + Bonhomme and his men will attack the Inn." + </p> + <p> + Tom listened to his explanation with unconcealed dismay. + "Good heavens, Dan!" he protested, "You trust this woman? You + know she is in league with these ruffians. Do you want us to + fall into a trap?" + </p> + <p> + "No, no, Monsieur Pembroke," interrupted Madame de la + Fontaine, "you must listen to me. I understand your fear. But + at last you can trust me. I repent that which I have done. + Ah, <i>mon Dieu</i>, with what bitterness! And now I desire + to do all that is possible to save you. You must trust me." + </p> + <p> + "I do not—I can not trust you," Tom cried sternly. + "Don't go in there, Dan. Don't I beg of you, trust this + woman's word. It is a trick." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps," said Dan grimly, "but go back. I take the + responsibility. I do trust her, I shall trust her—to + death. There is no time to lose, man. Go back!" + </p> + <p> + "What deviltry has bewitched you?" cried Tom passionately. + "Already once to-night you have risked our lives by your + fool-hardiness,—for the sake of this woman, eh? By gad, + man, I begin to see. But I tell you now, I refuse to be a + victim to your madness." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Mais non</i>, Monsieur Pembroke," Claire cried again. "By + all that is good and holy, I swear to you, that that which I + have said is true. You must go. They will attack the bar and + the kitchen. If those places are not defended, there will be + danger." + </p> + <p> + "At any rate," said Dan, "I am going into the Oak Parlour. If + you refuse to act with me, barricade the door between the bar + and the north wing. If need be, I shall fight alone. Only now + we lose time, precious time." + </p> + <p> + Pembroke looked at him as if he had gone mad, then shrugging + his shoulders he turned back into the bar, whistling for + Jesse and Ezra as he did so. + </p> + <p> + For a moment, glancing after Tom's retreating figure, shaken + to his soul by conflicting emotions, Dan stood irresolute. + </p> + <p> + "But come," said Madame de la Fontaine, touching his arm. + Again like the weird genius of this strange night she led the + way on down the shadowy hall, and paused only when her hand + rested upon the knob of the door into the Oak Parlour. "It is + here," she said simply. + </p> + <p> + As Dan reached her side, she opened the door. The light of + the candle down the hallway did not penetrate the gloom of + the disused room. A musty smell as of cold stagnant air came + strong to their nostrils, and Dan felt, as they crossed the + threshold together, that he was entering a place where no + life had been for a long long time, a place full of dead + nameless horrors. + </p> + <p> + The woman by his side was trembling violently. He put his arm + about her to reassure her, and there shot through him a + sensation of strange and terrible joy to be with her alone in + this darkness and danger. For the moment he was exulting that + for her sake he had risked his honour, that for her sake now + he was risking life itself. He bent his head to hers. + </p> + <p> + "No! no!—not here!" she whispered hoarsely, but yet + clinging to him with shaking hands. "It is so cold, so dark. + I have fear," she murmured. + </p> + <p> + "It is like a tomb," he said. + </p> + <p> + "The tomb of my hopes, of my youth," she breathed softly. + </p> + <p> + "Shall I strike a light?" + </p> + <p> + "No, no,—no light, I implore you. <i>Ecoute</i>! What + is it that I hear?" + </p> + <p> + "I hear nothing. It is the wind in the Red Oak outside." + </p> + <p> + "But listen!" + </p> + <p> + "It is an owl hooting." + </p> + <p> + Suddenly she drew her hand from his, and he could hear her + moving swiftly about. "All is as it used to be?" she asked. + </p> + <p> + "Precisely," he answered; "nothing has been changed." + </p> + <p> + "Here is the cabinet," she said, from across the room. "I can + feel the lion's head. It is opposite to the window and the + moonlight will stream in when the casement is opened, but if + I crouch low I shall not be seen. <i>Bien</i>! And you, + <i>mon ami</i>? Tell me, is the old <i>escritoire</i> still + to the left of the door?" Now she was back at his side once + again. + </p> + <p> + "The <i>escritoire</i>?" he repeated. + </p> + <p> + "The little table where one writes. Ah! yes, it is here. See, + behind this, <i>mon ami</i>, shall you hide yourself. The + moonlight will not reach here—and it is so arranged + that you will see plainly any one that appears at the window. + When the casement is opened, you will shoot, will you not, + and shoot to kill?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I will shoot," said Dan, his voice trembling. + </p> + <p> + "You promise me?" she cried in a tense whisper, as she + grasped his arm and held it tight in her grip. + </p> + <p> + "I tell you, yes." + </p> + <p> + "You must not fail." + </p> + <p> + "No. Shall I shoot at any one who opens?" + </p> + <p> + "Any one?—it will be Bonhomme,—no other." + </p> + <p> + Suddenly there came, from the front and the rear of the Inn, + at the same instant it seemed, the sharp staccato of a + fusilade of pistol shots, and the lumbering blows as of beams + being thrust at distant doors. + </p> + <p> + "They are come!" she whispered, "hide." Dan could hear the + swish of her garments as she rapidly glided across the room + to the old cabinet, then he turned and crouched low behind + the writing desk that she had chosen for his place of + concealment. He knelt there motionless, a cocked pistol + clenched in his right hand. His breath seemed to have + stopped, but his heart was pounding as though it must burst + through his breast. How could he shoot down in cold blood a + fellow man? The horror of it crowded out all other + impressions, sensations fears. He could fight, risk his life, + but to pull the trigger of that pistol when the casement + should open seemed to him an impossibility. He would wait, + grapple with him, fight as men should. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a ray of moonlight fell across the dark floor. Dan, + looking up, seemed frozen by horror. The shutters had opened, + the casement swung back noiselessly, and there in the + opening, sharply outlined against the moonlight-flooded + night, was the great black hulk of Captain Bonhomme. + </p> + <p> + For a moment he stood there irresolute, listening intently. + Dan was fascinated, motionless, held as in a vice by the + horror of the thing. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Bonhomme moved his head to one side as if to listen + more acutely. As he did so, the ray of moonlight fell upon + the cabinet, fell upon Claire de la Fontaine, upon something + that she held in an outstretched hand that gleamed. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Nom de Dieu</i>!" There was the flash and crack of a + pistol, a sharp cry, and the great figure fell back and sank + out of sight. + </p> + <p> + With that Dan sprang forward, reckless of danger, and ran to + the window. He heard without the confused sounds as of + persons scurrying to cover, saw their forms dash across the + moonlit courtyard, into the shadows of the trees and + outhouses. Beneath him on the floor of the gallery was + something horrible and still. + </p> + <p> + Almost instantly Claire de la Fontaine was by his side, and + as regardless of danger as he, she was calling sharply, + calling men by their names. Her hair had been loosened and + fell over her shoulders in black waves, her dark eyes flashed + with excitement and passion, and her face, strangely pale, in + the silver moonlight, was set in stern harsh lines. Even then + this vision of her tragic beauty thrilled the man at her + side. + </p> + <p> + But she was as unconscious of him as she was of her danger. + With hand uplifted she called by name the desperados, who had + taken shelter in the darkness and to those who now came + running from front and rear where their attacks had been + unsuccessful. + </p> + <p> + Appalled, spell-bound by the vision, even as Dan was, they + stopped, and stood listening mutely to the torrent of words + that she poured forth,—vehement French of which Dan had + no understanding. + </p> + <p> + At last, ending the frightful tension of the scene, two of + the men came forward, crept up to the lifeless body of + Bonhomme, and grasping it by head and feet, carried it away, + across the courtyard, into the darkness of the avenue of + maples. One by one, still mysteriously silent, the others of + the gang followed, till at length the last one had + disappeared into the gloom. Weird silence fell once more upon + the Inn. + </p> + <p> + It was only then that Madame de la Fontaine turned to Dan. + "They will come no more," she said in a strained unnatural + voice. "We are saved, safe.... I have proved, is it not + so?—my honour, my love." + </p> + <p> + With the words she sank at his feet, just as Tom, candle in + hand, appeared in the doorway. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH21"><!-- CH21 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI + </h2> + <center> + THE TREASURE + </center> + <p> + Owing doubtless to the death of Bonhomme and to the orders + given in no uncertain tones by Madame de la Fontaine, the + bandits from the schooner in the cove did not make a further + effort to attack the Inn that night. There was no rest, + however, for Madame de la Fontaine, after her heroic exploit + in the Oak Parlour, had swooned completely away. They carried + her to the couch in Mrs. Frost's parlour, and, awkwardly + enough, did what could be done for her by men. It was over an + hour before they succeeded in restoring her to consciousness, + and when they did so, she awoke to delirium and fever. + Distracted by anxiety and by their helplessness, at the first + streak of dawn, Dan started for town to get a doctor, and + Ezra Manners volunteered to go to the Red Farm and bring back + Mrs. Frost, Nancy, and the maids. + </p> + <p> + About six o'clock in the morning the women folk returned to + the Inn. But the briefest account of the attack was given + them, though they were told in no uncertain terms of Madame + de la Fontaine's heroic action in coming to warn them and of + her courageous shot at the leader. Then Mrs. Frost and Nancy + turned all their attention to the sick woman, caring for her + as tenderly and devotedly as if she were their own. + Half-an-hour later Dan returned from Monday Port with the + family doctor, a grave silent old gentleman, in whose skill + and discretion they trusted. After making an examination of + his patient, he nodded his head encouragingly; gave a few + directions to Mrs. Frost, and then left, promising to return + later in the morning with medicines and supplies. + </p> + <p> + At last, utterly worn out, the four men threw themselves on + their beds and slept from sheer exhaustion. The sun was high + in the sky when they came down stairs again and found Nancy + waiting for them, and a smoking breakfast ready on the table. + After greeting them, she pointed to the window, across the + fields, almost bare of snow now and gleaming in the morning + sunlight, to the bright waters of the cove. "See!" she cried, + "the schooner has disappeared." + </p> + <p> + They both looked. "By Jove, it has!" exclaimed Tom, rushing + to the other side of the room, and peering out at the + shipless sea. "Heigho! that's a relief. Pray God we've seen + the last of her. The Marquis gone, the schooner + gone,—we three together once more! Perhaps we shall + begin to live again. Ah!" he added more softly, glancing with + sudden sympathy at Dan's white drawn face, "I forgot the poor + woman across the hall." + </p> + <p> + Dan turned aside to hide his emotion, for though a load of + anxiety had been lifted from his heart by the vanishing of + <i>The Southern Cross</i>, he was sick with fear for the + issue of the illness that had stricken down the woman he + loved,—the woman who had proved her love for him by so + terrible and so tragic a deed. + </p> + <p> + As though aware that for the moment they were best left + together alone, Nancy slipped away into the kitchen. + </p> + <p> + "You love her, Dan?" asked Tom simply. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Tom, with all my heart and soul. I staked my honour, my + life, on her sincerity. And how she has proved that we were + right to trust her! It can't be—she mustn't die—I + couldn't bear it!" + </p> + <p> + "She'll be all right, old fellow, don't worry; trust to your + mother and Nance. It is only the shock of the terrible things + she went through last night. Come on, we must take something + to eat. Here is Nancy back again." + </p> + <p> + There was no doubt of the fact, <i>The Southern Cross</i> had + sailed away, vanished in the night as mysteriously as a week + before she had appeared in the Strathsey and found moorings + in the Cove. They did not count on the certainty of her not + reappearing, however; and that night and for many nights + thereafter the Inn was securely barricaded and a watch was + kept, but neither then nor ever did <i>The Southern Cross</i> + spread her sails in those waters again. She and her crew + disappeared from their lives as completely as from the seas + that stretched around the coast of Deal. + </p> + <p> + Tom at once was for making a search in the Oak Parlour for + the hidden treasure, but for the time Dan had no heart for + the undertaking. He urged delay at least until Madame de la + Fontaine had recovered; and as for Nancy she would not hear + of it. + </p> + <p> + "I can't bear to think of it,—of the trouble, the + crime, the suffering of which it has been the cause. When our + poor lady recovers, she will tell us all we need to know. I + dread the Oak Parlour. I would not go into that room for + anything in the world. Nor, believe me, Tom, could Dan do so + now. You have guessed, haven't you, that he loves Madame de + la Fontaine?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course, dearest; poor fellow! he betrays his love by + every word and act. But good heaven, Nance, he couldn't marry + her!" + </p> + <p> + "No—I don't know. I suppose not. But Dan will do as he + will. To oppose him now would only make him the more + wretched." + </p> + <p> + "Does your mother know?" + </p> + <p> + "No, and it is best she should not. I don't think she has the + faintest suspicion." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I suppose we had better let things rest awhile;" Tom + assented, "but I swear I would like to get at the Oak Parlour + and tear the secret out of it." + </p> + <p> + "We must wait a bit, Tom dear. Let's just be glad now of what + we have and are." + </p> + <p> + And with that he drew her toward him and pressed for a + definite answer to the question which so deeply concerned + their future. + </p> + <p> + "When Madame has recovered, when we know all and the mystery + is solved," she replied; then she added inconsequently, "I + wonder if we shall ever hear of the old Marquis again." + </p> + <p> + "I wonder too," Tom exclaimed. "Though he has sailed away on + <i>The Southern Cross</i>, I doubt if he will willingly leave + the treasure behind him." + </p> + <p> + "That dreadful treasure, Tom," cried Nancy. "I wish to + goodness that the Marquis had it and might keep it always. We + have each other." + </p> + <p> + The evening of the second day after the terrible night of the + attack, as Dan was entering the Inn from his work outside, he + saw Madame de la Fontaine standing on the gallery under the + Red Oak. It was the dusk of a mild pleasant day. She was clad + still in her soft grey gown with furs about her waists and + neck, and a grey scarf over her head. But there was something + infinitely pathetic to him in the listlessness of her + attitude, in the expression of a deep and melancholy that had + come into her face. + </p> + <p> + He stole swiftly to her side, and taking her hand in his + pressed it to his lips, with a gesture that was as reverent + as it was tender. For a moment something of the old + brightness returned to her face as she bent her clear gaze + upon his bowed head. + </p> + <p> + "You love me, Dan?" she murmured. + </p> + <p> + "You know I love you," he whispered passionately. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I believe that you do," she said simply. "I shall + always be thankful that I have won a good man's love." But + suddenly she withdrew her hand, as the door of the bar + opened. "See, here is Mademoiselle Nancy. She is coming for + me: she is to be with me to-night. There is much for me to + do." + </p> + <p> + His heart surged within him; for he knew that in her simple + words there was the tragic note of farewell; but he could not + speak, he could not plead from that sad and broken woman for + a passion that he knew but too well she could never give. He + knew that she would leave him on the morrow, that his + protests would be vain;—nay,—he would not even + utter them! With the gathering of the darkness about the old + Inn, he felt that the light in his heart was being obscured + forever. + </p> + <p> + The evening passed, the night. Morning came, and Madame de la + Fontaine, accompanied by Nancy, left the Inn at the Red Oak + for Coventry. There remained to Dan of his brief and tragic + passion but one letter, which Tom handed to him that morning, + and which, with despairing heart, he read and re-read a + hundred times. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Mon cher ami</i>: + </p> + <p> + "You would forgive that I do not know well how to express + myself as I desire, if you could read my heart. I bade you + good-bye to-night under the Red Oak, tree for me of such + tragic and such beautiful memories. I could not say farewell + otherwise, dear friend, nor could you. We have loved + sincerely, have we not? We will remember that in days to + come; you will remember it even in the happier days to come + that I pray God to grant you. I know all that you would say, + my friend, but it cannot be. I must vanish from your life, be + gone as completely as though I had never entered it. I love + you deeply, tenderly, but I could not be to you what I know + that now you wish. All the past forbids. The very tragedy + that proved to you that I was worthy of your trust forbids. + It is my only justification that I saved your lives, dear + friend; but oh how bitterly I ask pardon of God for what has + been done! Then also, dearest friend, my heart is no longer + capable to bear passion, but only to feel great tenderness. I + could not say these things, and yet they must be written. I + cannot go with them unsaid. Certain other things must be told + you in justice to all. + </p> + <p> + "The story I told you on the schooner that day was largely + truth. The General Pointelle, who was at the Inn at the Red + Oak in 1814, was in reality the Maréchal de + Boisdhyver, the father of your foster-sister Nancy. She is + truly Eloise de Boisdhyver. The Maréchal returned to + France to support the Emperor, as he wrote to madame your + good mother; and he fell, as I told you, on the field of + Waterloo. Admitting the importance of his mission, admitting + my ambiguous relation to him (indefensible as it was), to + have left the child as he did was an act of kindness. In + truth the treasure concealed in the Oak Parlour is + considerable, and it was always my purpose to return, but the + necessary directions for finding it were not entrusted to me, + but to the Marquis Marie-Anne, whom I didn't meet until many + years after Waterloo. Then I was induced by the + Marquis,—your old Marquis—to provide the money + for the miserable enterprise, of which we know the tragic + result. From the first I was uncertain about the method we + adopted; and then soon after our arrival here, from a hundred + little indications, I became convinced that Bonhomme was + prepared to betray us, once we secured the treasure. As for + the Marquis, I suppose that he sailed away on the schooner. + You need fear him no longer. It was he, I am convinced, that + conveyed to them the information of the loosened casement in + the Oak Parlour, and unwittingly arranged for his own undoing + and our salvation. At all events he will have realized now + that he has hopelessly lost the fight. As for the treasure, + by right it belongs to Eloise, who should not disdain to use + it. I enclose a transcription of the other half of the torn + scrap of paper, which will supplement the directions in your + possession. + </p> + <p> + "And as for me, my friend, I shall seek a shelter in my own + country apart from the world in which I have lived so to + little purpose and for the most part so unhappily. Believe + me, so it is best. My heart is too full for me to express all + that I feel for you. + </p> + <p> + "Dear, dear friend, do not render me the more unhappy to know + that my brief friendship with you shall have harmed your + life. Your place is in the world, to take part in the life of + your own country, not, dear Dan, to waste youth and energy in + the fruitless desolation of this beautiful Deal, not above + all to grieve for a woman who was unworthy. + </p> + <p> + "I commend you to God, and I shall never forget you. + </p> + <p> + "CLAIRE DE LA FONTAINE." + </p> + <p> + It was with a heavy heart that Dan consented later in the + morning to Tom's proposal that they force at last the secret + of the Oak Parlour. He got the torn scrap of paper which he + had found,—such ages ago it seemed, though it was + scarcely a week,—in the old cabinet, and gave it to + Tom, with the copy of the other half which Madame de la + Fontaine had enclosed in her letter of farewell. The copy in + Madame de la Fontaine's handwriting did not dovetail exactly + into the jagged edges of the original portion, so that it was + some time before they could get it into position for reading. + But at last it was pasted together on a large bit of + cardboard, and Tom, with the aid of a dictionary, succeeded + in making a translation, which Dan took down. + </p> + <p> + "Learning of the attempt of my Emperor to regain his glorious + throne, I leave these hospitable shores to offer my sword to + his cause. In case I do not return, the person having + instructions for the discovery of this paper, which I tear in + two parts, will find herein the necessary directions for the + finding of my hidden treasure. This treasure, bullion, + jewels, and coins, is concealed in a secret chamber in this + Inn at the Red Oak. This secret chamber will be entered from + the Oak Parlour. The hidden door is released by a spring + beneath the hand of the lady in the picture nearest the + fireplace on the north side of the room. A panel slides back + revealing the entrance. Instructions as to the deposition of + the treasure will be found in the golden casket therewith. + </p> + <p> + "FRANÇOIS DE BOISDHYVER." + </p> + <p> + "Well?" said Tom, "the instructions are definite enough. Now + we can put them to the test. Let's get to work at once. Wait + a second till I get some wood, and well make a fire in the + Oak Parlour." He filled his arms with logs from the bin under + the settle in the bar, while Dan got the key for the north + wing. + </p> + <p> + Soon they were at the end of the old hall. It was with an + effort that Dan brought himself to enter the room, for there + flashed into his mind the vision of the last time he was + there,—the cold silver moonlight, the dark burly form + at the casement, the white drawn face of Claire de la + Fontaine, and then the sharp flash and crack of the pistol. + </p> + <p> + But with an impatient gesture, as if to thrust aside these + tragic memories, he stepped across the threshold, and + kneeling at the hearth, took the wood from Tom's arms and + began to lay a fire. In the meantime his friend fumbled at + the window casements, opened them, and let in the light of + day and the pure air of out-of-doors. Soon the fire was + crackling cheerily on the great andirons and casting its + bright reflection on the dark oak panelling of the walls. + Nothing had been disturbed—the old cabinet with the + lions' heads stood opposite the window; the little + <i>escritoire</i>, behind which he had crouched on the fatal + night, was pushed back against the wall; the chairs, the + tables, thick with dust, stood just as they had been standing + for many years. + </p> + <p> + "Do you realize, Tom," Dan said, as they stood side by side + watching the blazing logs, "that it is sixteen years since + General Pointelle stayed at the Inn and used this room? And + the treasure, if there is any treasure, has been mouldering + here all that time." + </p> + <p> + "Let's get at it," said Tom. "I confess this place gives me + the creeps. Have you got my translation of the directions?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, here it is." Dan spread out the bit of paper on one of + the tables. "'The hidden door is released by a spring beneath + the hand of the lady in the picture nearest the fireplace on + the north side of the room.' Ah! that must be it—that + old landscape let into the panel there." He walked nearer and + examined it closely. + </p> + <p> + It was a simple landscape, a garden in the foreground, forest + and hills in the distance; and in the midst a lady in + Eighteenth century costume caressing the head of a greyhound. + It was beautifully mellow in tone, and might well have been a + production of Gainsborough, though the Frosts had preserved + no such tradition. + </p> + <p> + Dan began to fumble, according to the directions, beneath the + hand of the stately lady, pressing vigourously here and there + with thumb and forefinger. "What's that?" he cried suddenly. + A faint click, as of a spring in action, had sounded sharp in + the stillness, but apparently with no other effect. "By + Jove!" he exclaimed, "I believe there is something behind it. + You heard the click? See there! the panel's opened a bit at + the side." Surely enough, there was a long crack on the + right—the length of the picture. "Here, let's push." + </p> + <p> + Careless of the landscape, they put their hands upon the + panel and pressed with all their force to the left. It + yielded slowly, slipping back side-wise into the wall, and + revealed a narrow opening, beyond which was a little circular + stairway, leading apparently to some chamber above. + </p> + <p> + "Here's the entrance to the secret chamber all right," Dan + exclaimed. "Let's see where it goes to." He climbed in and + started up the winding flight of stairs, Tom close behind + him. About half way up the height of the Oak Parlour he came + to a door. "Can't go any farther," he called to Tom. + </p> + <p> + "What's the matter?" + </p> + <p> + "There's a door here; it leads, evidently, into some little + room between the Oak Parlour and the bedroom next. Who would + ever have guessed it?" + </p> + <p> + "Can't you open the door; is it locked?" + </p> + <p> + Dan fumbled about till he found and turned the knob. "No," he + answered. "I've opened it. But it's pitch dark inside. Get a + candle." + </p> + <p> + He waited anxiously while Tom went below again to get a + candle, a strange feeling of dread creeping over him now that + at last he was about to penetrate the secret which had been + of such tragic purport in his life. In a moment Tom had + returned, a candle in either hand, one of which he handed to + Dan, and together they entered the secret chamber. It was a + little room scarcely six feet square, without light, and so + far as they could see without ventilation. As they stood + looking about the candle flickered strangely casting weird + shadows over the walls. Suddenly they saw at their feet a + tiny golden casket, and then, in a corner of the room a row + of small cloth bags, several of which had been ripped open, + so that a stream of golden coin flowed out upon the floor. + Nearby stood another little golden chest; and Tom, lifting + the lid, started back astonished. For there sparkling and + glowing in the candle light as though they were living moving + things, lay a heap of precious gems—diamonds, rubies, + opals, sapphires, amethysts, that might have been the ransom + of a princess. + </p> + <p> + "It's a treasure right enough!" cried Dan. "But what's this?" + He turned to the opposite corner where there lay a heap of + something covered with a great black cloth. They approached + gingerly, and Dan stooped and picked up an edge of the + covering. "It's a cloak," he exclaimed. Startled, he paused + for a moment; then quickly pulled the cloak away, uncovering, + to their horror, a lifeless body. + </p> + <p> + "Tom!" Dan cried in a ghastly whisper. "A man has died here." + </p> + <p> + Tom held the candle over the gruesome heap. "But who?" he + asked in a hoarse whisper. + </p> + <p> + For reply Dan pointed significantly to the cloak which he had + dropped on the floor. + </p> + <p> + "What!" cried Tom. "Good God! the old Marquis! But how? I + don't understand—" he added, staring blankly. + </p> + <p> + "He must have come here the afternoon he pretended to leave + the Inn, must have learned the secret passage somehow. It was + he who loosened the casement in the Oak Parlour that night, + and got his message to Bonhomme. He was waiting here for him. + Can't you see it all—the panel slipped back; he + couldn't open it again; Bonhomme didn't come; he was caught + like a rat in a trap." + </p> + <p> + "My God, what a fate!" + </p> + <p> + "We can't leave his body here. We must give it decent burial, + you and I, Tom, for we can't let this be known." + </p> + <p> + "And the treasure?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah! there was treasure, wasn't there? Wait, let's see what + is in the little casket." He picked up the golden casket that + they had stepped over as they entered, and raised the lid. A + single scrap of paper was inside on the little velvet + cushion, inscribed in the same handwriting as the paper of + directions, "<i>Pour Eloise de Boisdhyver</i>." + </p> + <p> + "But come," Tom whispered, holding back the door, "I can't + stand this any longer. We'll come back again, and do what + must be done. Come, Dan." + </p> + <p> + Dan gave a last look into the strange horrible little room, + then he followed his friend. They closed the door behind them + and crept slowly down the narrow winding stairs to the Oak + Parlour, leaving the treasure in the secret chamber and the + Marquis guarding it in the silence and darkness of death. + What had been so basely striven for was sorrily won at last. + </p> + <center> + THE END. + </center> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Inn at the Red Oak, by Latta Griswold + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INN AT THE RED OAK *** + +This file should be named 8roak10h.htm or 8roak10h.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, 8roak11h.htm +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, 8roak10ah.htm + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan, David Garcia and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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