Tis IND*
UF
SIM
VE
12/UMEN
I&49
BRAR
JAMES DALLY
OLD AND RARE BOOKS
Oatlands, Tasmania
Telephone Oatlands 90








Louise
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.


ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
1
-


THE MYSTERY OF
LANDY COURT.
BY FERGUS HUME
AUTHOR OF THE Mys.
TERY OF A HANSOM CAB
LONDON
JARROLD AND SONS
WARWICK LANE E.C.
1894





2-
PZ
3
7 882
Myr
CONTENTS.
O
CHAPTER
PAGE
I.
“FATHER CHING'S PARISH”
7
II. THE STRANGER
18
III.
A SACRED RELIC
28
IV. A MYSTERIOUS CRIME
39
V. A LOCAL DOGBERRY
48
VI. VIDOCQ OF LONDON
58
VII. AN OBSTINATE WITNESS
69
VIII.
IN PURSUIT .
so
IX. A WEAK DEFENCE
90
X. CROSS EXAMINATION
99
XI. THE EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST
109
XII. DRAGE MEETS WITH AN OLD FRIEND
I21


6
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER
PAGE
XIII. THE STORY OF MRS. WESTCOTE
133
XIV. THE DAGGER
144
XV. A STRANGE DISCOVERY
155
XVI.
AT BAY
165
XVII. GUILTY OR NOT GUILTY
174
XVIII.
THE LAW OF ROME
184
XIX. THE TRUTH
194
XX. A LAST CONFESSION
203


The Mystery of
Landy Court.
CHAPTER I.
“FATHER CHING'S PARISH.”
IT
T was a mere pleasantry on the part of Sir Piers
Lametry. Father Ching, chaplain to the family,
was a Jesuit, aged thirty years, and his so-called parish
Landy Court. Everybody in Devonshire knew the
Lametrys of Landy Court, the most prominent Catholic
family in the West Country. Through the darkest
periods of English history they held bravely to their
faith, property, and title. In what dire straits they had
been no one knew but themselves, and they only through
assiduous perusal of the family archives, for the dark
days were now over, and the Lametrys enjoyed the same
privileges as the other gentry of Devon. Yet, lest they
should forget their miraculous preservation from Tudor


IO
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
Nevertheless, Father Ching bore the conversation in
mind. Lionel was not a favourite with him. As their
tastes both inclined to books, it was rather odd they
were not more in harmony with one another; but
Father Ching, despite his Jesuitical training, could not
bring himself to like the man. There was a latent devil
in Lionel, which peeped out on occasions, and was
especially visible when he returned from London. He
invariably told Piers that his business in the Metropolis
was confined to grubbing in old bookstalls, and this
statement the Baronet believed. Father Ching did not ;
and, despite the fact that Lionel assumed to be a devout
Catholic, and regularly attended confession, there was
something in his life of which the priest was ignorant.
The Jesuit was a clever man, but a trifle
young
onerous a post as keeper of the Lametry conscience, and
Lionel managed—if not to hoodwink—at least to puzzle
him greatly. He had his doubts, as to the genuineness
of this ostensible bookworm, but these were so vague,
that he often took himself to task for having them at all.
There was no visible reason for such suspicions, as, to all
appearances, Lionel was a sedate personage of fifty-five,
with a turn for dry-as-dust literature, and was never so
happy as when buried in the library of Landy Court.
Will Kynsam was different. A gay young man, not
yet thirty, he had led a somewhat dissipated life, and
never professed to be a saint. One of those men of
for so


“ FATHER CHING'S PARISI."
II
whom it is said, "He is his own worst enemy," good-
natured, thoughtless, and merry. His father, Major
Kynsam, married Sir Piers's only sister, but died before
his son was born, and Mrs. Kynsam had nursed the
small estate for her idolised child. She died when Will
came of age, and he entered on his manhood with a
comfortable income and a taste for luxury which not all
the asceticism of Stoneyhurst College could crush out of
him.
With such leanings, he was not the person to study
economy, and rid himself of his property in a surprisingly
short space of time. Reduced to such a plight, the
future looked very black indeed, and he was thinking of
enlisting, when his uncle asked him to Landy Court.
Will accepted the invitation, with the intention of
settling his future; but in the meantime, and while enjoy-
ing Sir Piers's hospitality, contrived to fall in love with
his cousin, Eleanor. The Baronet saw this with much
satisfaction, and readily consented to the match, with
the proviso that Will was to mend his ways. This he
did with the aid of Eleanor, and stayed on at the Court
as the accepted lover of Miss Lametry, with an occasional
visit to London.
As a matter of fact, Will scarcely deserved his good
fortune. He had wasted his patrimony in riotous living,
and should have suffered for his folly. But it seemed as
though Fortune was as fond of him as was everyone


12
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
else, for she set his lines in pleasant places, and gave him
the love of a charming girl. Miss Lametry was excep-
tionally beautiful and high-spirited, and would have
turned the head of any man, let alone that of the in-
flammable Will. A consummate horsewoman, she was
well known in the hunting-field, when she rode to the
meets, escorted by her devoted cousin. All the young
men in the neighbourhood, some very well off, were in
love with Eleanor, but she rejected these wealthier suitors
in favour of Will Kynsam, the pauper. It was true that
he had not a penny, that she could hope to make a better
match, but he was the handsomest, and most lovable
young man of her acquaintance, so she chose him as her
husband. Sir Piers, relying on the misogynistic tenden-
cies of his brother, and knowing that Will was heir-pre-
sumptive to the estates and title, was delighted with the
match. This beautiful young woman and this splendid
young man were fine specimens of humanity, and would
worthily carry on the old name, for in the event of Will's
succession, he was to take the arms and name of the
Lametry family.
These four people were the principal inhabitants of
Father Ching's parish, but all the servants and inost of
the tenants were Catholics, so that the chapel at Landy
Court was quite full on Sundays. The farmers who
clung to the old faith, came to mass with their wives and
daughters; and the servants, mostly chosen from the


“FATHER CHING'S PARISH."
13
tenants, were marshalled into their places by Mrs.
Westcote. This latter was the housekeeper of Landy
Court, a pale, ladylike woman, who had held her position
for two years. The old housekeeper having died, Sir
Piers, urged by his brother, had not sought her successor
on the estate, but had gone to London for someone more
abreast of the times. Mrs. Westcote was highly recom-
mended, and Lionel hinted that she was the very woman
to modernise the somewhat old-fashioned household.
She was also a Catholic, and very devout, so with such
perfections secured the position. Two years of her stay
had been signalised by no startling event. Her work
was done thoroughly; she spared no pains to make Sir
Piers comfortable, and was altogether quite a superior
person. Yet, strange to say, she was not liked.
From Sir Piers down to the lowest scullion, Mrs.
Westcote begot distrust. Her demure manner, her
downcast eyes, her stealthy movements, all inspired dis-
like; and, though no one could complain, her mere
presence in the house made everyone feel uneasy. Several
times Sir Piers was at the point of disinissing her, but it
was difficult to find an excuse for getting rid of so faultless
a person. Moreover, Lionel always stood up for her; and
he was the only one in the house who liked her. Per-
haps, because she looked so well after culinary matters;
for Lionel was fond of a good dinner.
“I can't bear her, W:ll,” said Miss Lametry, one day


14
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
when Mrs. Westcote was under discussion.
“ She is so
sly, and double-faced.”
“I don't care much for her myself," replied Will, care-
lessly. “Still, she does her duty, and pleases Sir Piers.
Why do you say she is sly?"
“Because she looks sly."
That's a woman's reason, and unsupported by evi-
dence."
"I instinctively feel she is double," retorted Eleanor,
nodding her head.
“ You can't dismiss people on instinctive suspicions,"
said Will, laughing. “Let her be as double as she
pleases. What can she do, save steal 'the Sacred Ring'?”
“I don't mean to say she is a criminal, or would steal,"
replied Miss Lametry, impatiently. “You don't under-
stand. It's simply a case of instinctive dislike. . She
makes
my
flesh creep every time she passes me.”
“My dear girl, your nerves are out of order," said
Kynsam, taking her wrist. “The pulse is too rapid.
I prescribe a ride.”.
"I don't mind in the least,” said Eleanor, vivaciously.
“Wait till I put on my habit, Will. You look after the
horses.”
Will was already booted, and spurred, so when his
cousin flitted away, he went round to the stables. Here
he was a great favourite, and knew both horses and
grooms intimately. He was a better sportsman than
student, much to the disgust of his Uncle Lionel.


“FATHER CHING'S PARISHI."
15
“ The
“Will has no more brains than a ploughboy,” he com-
plained to his brother. “He never opens a book, and is
always happy with grooms and horses.”
“ Pooh! pooh! pooh!” said Sir Piers, bluffly.
lad is well enough. You've got a sufficiency of learning
for the whole family, Lionel. Will is an honourable,
God-fearing gentleman, and will make my Eleanor a
good husband. That is sufficient for me."
After which opinion, Lionel went back to his books,
and Piers came out on the terrace to see the young
couple ride away. Kynsam had just put up Eleanor on
her horse, and was now mounting on his own. At that
moment they were hailed by the Baronet.
"Before you go, Will, take this letter."
"What is it, uncle ?” asked Will, bringing his horse
under the wall. “A letter to post ?"
“No; it's addressed to you, and came this morning. I
quite forgot to give it to you."
Will took the letter and glanced at the address. As
he did so, his face turned a trifle pale under the tan, and he
hastily put it in his pocket. Fortunately, Eleanor was
looking at her father, and did not observe his emotion.
When they were halfway down the avenue, she rallied
him on the glumness of his spirits.
“You were as bright as a lark this morning,” said she,
now you are as melancholy as an owl. Did
Did your letter
contain bad news?


16
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
“I don't know," replied Will, a trifle sulkily. “I
haven't read it yet. I suppose it's a dunning letter, as
usual.”
“Your debts are like the sands of the sea, Will. Why
don't you speak to my father and see what can be
done?"
“ I do not wish to trouble my uncle until it is abso-
lutely necessary."
“Well, isn't it necessary now?” persisted Miss Lame-
try, marking his discomposure.
"I'll tell you when I read my letter," he answered, and
touched his horse up to prevent further questions.
Eleanor followed, and at the turning of the road which
led to the village her horse swerved, as a pedestrian
briskly swinging his stick came round the corner. He
was a red-haired man, with a smooth face, and his dress
was remarkably smart. When he saw Will, he made as
if to stop, but Kynsam pushed on with a frown, and
galloped after his cousin. The stranger stood in the
dusty road, looking after them with a smile. There was
danger in his smiling.
“Is that Mr. Kynsam?” he asked a stone-breaker,
who was busy mending the road.
“Yes, sir. That's the young Squire.”
“Oh, he is the Squire, is he?"
“Well, he isn't just now. But he will be one day,
when he marries Miss Eleanor, and Sir Piers dies.”


“FATHER CHING'S PARISH."
17
“ And
"Two rather remote contingencies," said the red-haired
man, with a disagreeable smile. “Miss Lametry may
take a fancy to somebody else, and Sir Piers may live a
long time yet.
Aye, aye, sir. True enough,” returned the stone-
breaker, who was of a melancholy turn of mind.
there is Mr. Lionel.”
“ Who is he?”
“Sir Piers's brother and heir. He must die also before
Mr. Will gets the property."
“Oh! Indeed.
. Thank you for your information, my
man. Good-day.”
The stranger turned on his heel, and walked back to
the village. As he strolled along, he thought; as he
thought, he ticked off certain items on his fingers. “Sir
Piers, one ; Lionel Lametry, two; Miss Lametry and a
doubtful marriage, three. H'm! Kynsam hasn't much
chance of getting the property. I shall have to put the
screw on."
B


CHAPTER II.
THE STRANGER.
ELEANOR found her cousin an extremely dull
found her cousin
companion during that ride. Whether it was the
letter—which he avowed was still unread-or the unex-
pected appearance of the red-haired man, she knew not,
but Will was quite absent-minded, and replied to her
questions in monosyllables. Naturally she resented this
indifference to the charms of her society.
“I shall certainly not avail myself of your company,
when these moody fits are on you,” said she, as they
turned their horses homeward. “Mr. Creke, or Captain
Lavers, would have been much more entertaining."
“Forgive me, Eleanor," replied Will, colouring. “I
am very sorry you should have reason to complain. I
am a trifle worried over some business; but you will find
me in better spirits to-morrow.”
“Why don't you explain your trouble to my
father?"
"I may do so to-night," muttered Will, and dismounted


THE STRANGER.
19
6
to assist her to alight. She patted his cheek, as he did
so, and glanced archly at him before entering the house.
Will stood on the terrace steps, while the groom led
away the horses, and when alone he opened his letter.
A single glance confirmed his presentiment of bad news,
and he crushed it into his pocket with an impatient
stamp of his foot. There was a perplexed look on his
face as he entered the house.
“Durrant writes from London, and follows his letter
here,” he murmured. “I hope he hasn't come down to
put the screw on. It is either for that purpose, or to get
'the Sacred Ring. I wish I hadn't told him anything
about it."
At this moment the butler crossed his path, and to
him, Will addressed himself-
"Did a gentleman call here to-day to see me,
Michael ?” he asked, abruptly.
“No, sir; not that I know of.”
" He'll come to-night,” muttered Will, in a vexed tone.
"I may as well be prepared for him. If a gentleman-
if a Mr. Durrant calls," he added, aloud, "show him up
to my rooms.”
"Yes, sir."
Will had a suite of apartments in the left wing, near
the chapel, and thither he now repaired, to consider his
letter and idle away his time till dinner. His wild
oats, of which he had sown a goodly crop in London,


20
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
were now sprouting, and this letter was evidently the
precursor of the harvest. Not a pleasant prospect to
look forward to.
“If it had been anyone else but Durrant," he said,
angrily, walking to and fro, “I should not mind so
much; but he's such a sly dog. Moreover, he wants
that ring, which I can't aid him to get, unless my uncle
sells it to him, and that is out of the question.”
At dinner he managed to be sufficiently cheerful to
escape further questioning from Eleanor ; but when she
withdrew to the drawing-room, he relapsed into moodi-
ness over his wine. Fortunately, Sir Piers and his
brother were too absorbed in a political argument with
Father Ching to notice his abstraction, and seeing them
thus engaged, he slipped away to his own rooins. Here
he found the red-haired stranger, smart and smiling as
ever, waiting for him.
“What do you want here, Durrant?" demanded Will,
pointedly ignoring the proffered hand of his visitor.
“A little politeness, in the first place, Mr. Kynsam,"
retorted Durrant, sharply, his smile changing to a frown.
“You passed me on the road to-day like a beggar, and
now receive me most inhospitably. I don't like such
treatment.”
Kynsam had a somewhat stormy temper, and would
have replied angrily, but a moments reflection convinced
him of the folly of such a course. He could not afford


THE STRANGER.
21
to quarrel with the man, therefore he strove to smooth
down his ruffled dignity. . "Your letter upset me,
Durrant."
“And my appearance upsets you still more," sneered
his visitor.
"I wish you were a thousand miles away,” replied
Will, frankly. “It is no pleasure to me to be reminded
of my former follies.”
Perhaps not. I heard down in the village that you
were a model young man, and were about to marry
Miss
“Leave Miss Lametry's name out of the question,
Durrant, and come to business. I read your letter.”
“Then you know what I want."
"You want two thousand pounds, which I am unable
to pay.”
"I am sorry for that,” said Durrant, coolly, “because
it is necessary, that it should be paid.”
"I was a fool to borrow it from you,” said Kynsam,
bitterly. “Why, I must have paid you three or four
hundred pounds in interest."
“Quite that, if not more.”
“And now you've come down here to put the screw
It's a vile way to treat a man.”
“What if I agree to renew the bill ?” asked Durrant,
watching the young man's face.
"If you would only do so," said the other, facing
on.


22
THE MYSTERY OP LANDY COURT.
round rapidly. “Look here, Durrant. By the end of
this year I hope to pay off the principal; but at present
it is impossible.”
“ Your uncle is rich.”
“I am not going to ask my uncle for money,” said
Will, coldly. Surely if I pay you the interest in
advance, you will renew that bill ? "
"No, I can't do that."
But you said just now-
“I know what I said just now, Mr. Kynsam. I will
renew that bill on certain conditions."
Will looked at him sharply. He guessed at what
Durrant was hinting.
“You refer to “the Sacred Ring.'”
' Exactly I am down here to buy or steal that
relic."
“Steal it, you dare not—buy it, you cannot. Why,
man, think you Sir Piers would part with an heirloom
which has been in the Lametry family for over three
hundred years?"
“He might be induced to do so—for money."
My uncle does not require money.'
“I know that perfectly well, Mr. Kynsam. But you
require—say, two thousand pounds."
“What do you mean, Durrant? Speak plainly."
Durrant shrugged his shoulders and elevated his eye-
brows. He was beginning to find Kynsam a somewhat


THE STRANGER.
23
66
unpractical person to deal with. However, he had a
purpose in view, and curbing his impatience, continued
speaking in a soft, wily voice.
“How much plainer do you wish me to put it, Mr.
Kynsam?” said he, coolly. “You are in debt to me to
the tune of two thousand pounds."
“Your presence here assures me of that, sir. What of
it?”
"Simply this. That if you can persuade your uncle
to let me have the ring, I will forgive you the debt."
Still I don't understand,” said Will, eyeing him
steadily, "unless it is that you propose I should steal
the ring."
“ No, no! I don't mean that at all,” exclaimed
Durrant, hastily. “I wish you to introduce me to your
uncle as a friend of yours.”
“A friend of mine, you Shylock! Hang your inso-
lence!”
"Come, come! Civil words, Mr. Kynsam. Re-
member, I have it in my power to make matters very
disagreeable for you."
The young man turned away with a sigh. He knew
well that such was the case. Sir Piers had only
given his consent to the engagement with Eleanor
on the understanding that Will was free from debt.
He had been at the time this arrangement was made,
but since then a bill, which he had backed for an old


24
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
companion, had fallen due, and as his friend had failed
to meet it, he was responsible to Durrant for its repay-
ment. It was for this that the money-lender had come
to Devon.
“If the debt were my own," he said, half to himself,
“ I should confess its existence to my uncle, but as it is,
I dare not tell him.”
“Ah! it was a pity Mr. Sexton did not pay up," said
the money-lender, with an evil smile ; " but you see, sir,
he has bolted to America, and, failing him, I am forced
to come on you for repayment.”
“But why press like this?” cried Will, furiously.
“The debt was none of my making. I endorsed the bill
in a moment of folly. I cannot pay it, as you well
know. I can never pay it if you make trouble now.
Sir Piers warned me solemnly, that he only consented
to the engagement with his daughter on my assur-
ance that I was free from debt. It was true then, for
I did not know Sexton would behave like a scoundrel.
Now I dare not tell him. He would break off my
engagement, turn me out of the house, and in that case,
Mr. Durrant,” added he, savagely, “you would not get a
penny."
“I am quite aware of that,” said Durrant, quietly.
“Nevertheless, I wish the money paid now.”
“It's not the money you want; it is the Sacred
Ring.'»


THE STRANGER.
25
“ That is so. And I offer you two thousand pounds
for your assistance.”
“I can't be of any
assistance.”
“ Yes, you can. Introduce me to Sir Piers as your
friend, and I'll manage to buy the ring. I have faith in
my tongue. After all," continued Durrant, impatiently,
“I don't know why you should be so scrupulous.
I am
presentable enough. No one but you knows that I am
a money-lender, and I offer you two thousand pounds
for the introduction. Great heavens!” he added, break-
ing off, “what is that?”
"Only a peal of thunder," said Will, going to the
window. “A storm is coming on.”
“I don't mean the thunder, but the music."
“Oh! It comes from the chapel, Father Ching is at
the organ, no doubt.”
“Well, what about my offer?" asked Durrant, revert-
ing to the subject of conversation.
“Why do you want the ring?"
That's my
business.”
“And mine also. Why do you want it?”
“To sell it, if you must know, said the money-lender,
tartly. "An American millionaire, who is a devout
Catholic, heard the story of the Sacred Ring' from
I heard it from you. He wants to buy it, and
offers to give me ten thousand pounds if I get it for
him.”
me.


26
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
“That is a large price, Durrant."
“My client is a millionaire, I tell you, and can afford
to indulge his whiins. He wants the ring, and I am
prepared to give Sir Piers three thousand for it."
“ And you sell it for ten, so clear seven thousand by
the transaction. Upon my word, that is cool.”
“Pardon me, Mr. Kynsam. You forget your two
thousand. I only make five thousand by the deal.”
“Well, that's a large profit anyhow. But why doesn't
this millionaire see my uncle himself?”
“He does not know Sir Piers owns the ring. I told
him about the relic, but I did not inform him of the
name of its present possessor."
"Suppose I upset your plans, and tell him ?” said
Will, disagreeably.
“Then I'll come down on you for the two thousand,
and spoil your chances with Sir Piers.”
Kynsam bit his lip. He saw how dangerous was his
position, and that he had no chance with the money-
lender. Of two evils he chose the lesser.
“I consent to introduce you to my uncle,” he said,
after a moment's thought, “though I don't know why
you
can't introduce yourself.”
“I know Sir Piers's temper,” said Durrant, dryly.
“ Alone I can do nothing with him. Backed by your
introduction and influence, I may achieve my purpose.
You may be certain I wouldn't forego this debt unless I
was certain I couldn't do without your assistance."


THE STRANGER.
27
And
suppose you don't attain your ends ?”
“Then you must pay the bill at the end of the year.
But if I do get the ring, I'll give you the bill before I
leave this house.”
"To agree is the only way out of this confounded
mess,” said Kynsam, in a vexed tone ; "come with me,
Mr. Durrant. My uncle is in the library.”


CHAPTER III.
A SACRED RELIC.
THE
HE storm broke over the house as they left the
room, and peals of thunder drowned the organ
music. Father Ching was an accomplished musician,
and frequently repaired to the instrument, where he
passed long hours in rapturous delight. Sometimes Sir
Piers and Eleanor were his audience, but to-night they
remained in the library, as the Baronet was searching for
a special book with his brother. While the two men
thus busied themselves at the end of the room, Eleanor,
yawning over a novel, sat near the window, looking out
at the storm.
Three windows opening on to the terrace gave light to
the library. They were somewhat out of keeping with
the architecture of the mansion, but had been put in by
Sir Piers at the request of his wife. Nevertheless they
were very convenient, as they admitted plenty of sunlight
to the gloomy apartinent, and gave ready access to


A SACRED RELIC.
29
the terrace. This latter, flagged with stone, looked down
on trim lawns and well-filled flower beds. Beyond was
a belt of trees, and far in the distance, the ocean, with
the dim form of Lundy Island dominating the outlook.
To-night the sea was white with foam, and the flashes of
lightning lit up the familiar scene with a livid glare.
Many women would have been scared by the roaring
of the storm, but Eleanor Lametry had no such fears.
She was almost masculine in her contempt for danger,
and gazed at the turmoil of sky, and sea, and tossing
woodland, with a serene expression. Despite the
grandeur of the tempest, she was thinking less of it than
of Will, and his unexplained moodiness.
She learned from Michael that her cousin was in his
rooms with a stranger, and recognised, from the butler's
description, that it was the same man whom they had
seen that day. Remembering the frown on Will's face
at the meeting, she wondered if the stranger had come to
Landy Court with any evil intent. Will's life, she knew
well, had been anything but respectable, but she also
knew that he was incapable of a dishonourable act, and
could not think what connection he could have with the
scampish-looking adventurer.
“If it is a debt, papa can settle it for him," she
thought, closing her book. “The man looks like a
Jew."
In this she wronged Durrant, who had nothing of the


30
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
Jew about him, save in his dealings with young men :
when, indeed, he was a veritable descendant of Shylock.
Yet she mistrusted his face from the glimpse she had
caught of it, and was sure he sought her cousin for no
good purpose. A presentiment of evil haunted her
vaguely, and, despite her efforts, she could not shake it
off.
These musings were ended, by the entry of the very
men about whom she was thinking. Sir Piers, who was
examining a book when the door opened, lifted his
head in some surprise, and glanced inquiringly at his
nephew. Will preceded Durrant across the room, and
presented him to the Baronet.
“Let me introduce Mr. Durrant, uncle," he said,
indicating his follower. “He is a friend of mine who
came down from London to-day to see me on business.”
Any friend of yours is welcome, Will,” replied Sir
Piers, with a slight bow. “I am glad to see you, Mr.-
Mr."
Durrant," said that gentleman, loudly.
Lionel Lametry, who had crossed over to speak to
Eleanor, turned sharply at the mention of the name. At
that moment a flash of lightning lit up the room, and his
face appeared white in the livid glare. To be sure, the
colour might have been due to the light itself, but Will
could not mistake the expression.
It was
one of
genuine terror.


A SACRED RELIC.
31
“The deuce!” he thought, startled by the momentary
glimpse."Can it be that my learned Uncle Lionel has
had dealings with Durrant during his London visits ?
If so, good-bye to my chances with Eleanor, for if the
reputation of the fellow is known, Sir Piers will turn me
out of the house."
After that start Lionel made no sign of recognition,
and was introduced to Mr. Durrant by his brother. The
room was alınost dark, for the lights were few, and
Sir Piers rang the bell for more.
As he did so,
Lionel went out of the library. The whole interval
between the lightning-flash, and his disappearance, was
not more than five minutes, and during that time
Durrant had not once caught sight of his face. Will,
who was sharp enough in many ways, noticed this, and
wondered greatly at the pointed manner in which his
uncle avoided the stranger. Meantime, Sir Piers made
himself agreeable to the guest.
"My daughter, Miss Lametry-Mr. Durrant," he said,
as Eleanor came forward.
“I think we saw Mr. Durrant to-day,” observed Miss
Lametry, with a cold bow.
“No doubt,” responued Durrant, coolly. “I
staying at the village inn, and was on my way to see
Kynsam, when I noticed him riding past. I put off my
visit to a more favourable time."
“Sorry I was not at home,” murmured Will, in a
am


32
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
savage undertone. Sir Piers did not hear him, but
Eleanor did, and threw a glance of wonderment at her
cousin.
“You cannot go back to-night in this storm,” said Sir
Piers, glancing out of the window, "so must stay at the
Court.”
“I shall be most happy.”
"Have you finished your business with Mr. Kynsam." .
“Yes, Sir Piers, and would not have presumed to
trouble your hospitality, but that my friend Kynsam
insisted on presenting me to you."
* Very glad indeed ; quite right,” said Sir Piers,
heartily, while Will ground his teeth with rage at the
covert insolence of Durrant's speech. Eleanor touched
his arm and led him to the window, ostensibly to look at
the storm, in reality to question him, concerning his
ill-concealed dislike for the man, whom he introduced to
her as his friend.
“Who is he, Will ?” she asked in an undertone.
“ A friend of mine-Durrant.”
“He does not look like a gentleman.”
"Perhaps not; but he is a very rich man."
"Will,” she said, apprehensively, "he has not come
down here to cause you trouble?”
“Of course not,” replied her cousin, hastily. “What
could put such an idea into your
head?”
“The way in which you are behaving.”


A SACRED RELIC.
33
Annoyed at her acuteness of perception, Will did not
answer for the moment. Then he took her hand, and
replied earnestly-
“My dear Eleanor, I own I do not like the man, but
he came down to see me on business, and I am forced to
be civil to him. To-morrow morning he will depart, and
I don't think either of us will ever set eyes on him again.”
With this doubtful explanation Eleanor was forced to
be content. After all, she had no right to pry into her
cousin's affairs, and it was only the love she bore him,
which made her so persistent in her questioning. Will
seemed indisposed to speak further on the subject; so,
after a word or two on casual matters, Eleanor, still
haunted by a sense of impending evil, slipped off to the
drawing-room, and left the stranger alone with her father
and cousin. Will drew a long breath of relief when she
disappeared, and strolled forward to the table by which
Sir Piers and Durrant were seated.
In a dexterous manner, Durrant had led the conversa-
tion round to the object of his visit, and Sir Piers was
now talking volubly on the subject of "the Sacred Ring."
This was quite a hobby with the worthy baronet, and he
was never so pleased as when telling the story of the
relic. He broke off as Will approached, and addressed
himself directly to that young gentleman.
“This is a strange thing, Will,” he said, vivaciously;
"your friend has heard of the Sacred Ring.'”
С


34
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
“Not so very strange, either,” said Durrant, with a
meaning smile; "it was Mr. Kynsam who told me about
it.”
“I knew you were interested in such matters,” ex-
plained Will.
“So I am. Very much so. I long to see the ring,
and hear its story."
“You shall both hear and see," exclaimed Sir Piers,
gaily, "It is kept in the chapel. Will, pray ask
Father Ching to have the goodness to bring hither the
casket.”
“Why is it called 'the Sacred Ring'?" asked
Durrant, when Will left the room.
“It contains a grain of the true Cross,” explained Sir
Piers, seriously. “Aye, sir, you may well look
astonished. It contains a grain of the true Cross wood
-a mere atom, indeed; still, sufficient to render it holy
and venerated.”
“Has it been long in your family, Sir Piers?"
“For over three hundred years, Mr. Durrant. It
belonged to the monastery of Kilvers, in Shropshire, and
was famous throughout the West Country. One of my
ancestors, James Lametry, was Abbot of Kilvers, at the
time when the monasteries were suppressed by the
tyrant Henry. Knowing how useless was resistance to
the Royal authority, he was only intent on saving 'the
Sacred Ring. When the commissioners came down to


A SACRED RELIC,
35
suppress the monastery, they demanded the ring. It
was known that the King desired it for himself, but
sooner than let it fall into the hands of a ruler so
obnoxious to our Holy Church, Abbot Lametry fled
hither with the relic. Leaving it in charge of his brother
Francis, who was then master of Landy Court, the
Abbot went southward to Plymouth, hoping to escape
the vengeance of Henry. Unfortunately he was be-
trayed, and brought in chains to Landy Court. He
refused to reveal where he had hidden 'the Sacred
Ring,' and was hanged in chains before yonder terrace.”
“And the ring ?” asked Durrant, who listened to this
story with rapt attention, with the idea of relating it to
the American millionaire, and thereby enhancing the
value of the ring.
“Sir Francis Lametry hid it safely, and, despite all
search, it was never discovered. Not until the reign of
Mary, of pious memory, did our family venture to
display it openly. Ah!” added Sir Piers, as the door
opened, “here is Father Ching with the casket.”
Not only Father Ching entered, but also Will and
Lionel Lametry. The latter manifested but little
interest in the exhibition of the ring, and withdrew to
the distant end of the library, where it seemed to Will,
that he kept furtive watch on the actions of Durrant.
The casket, an exquisite example of Renaissance
workmanship in solid gold, was placed on the table by


36
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
Father Ching. Sir Piers unlocked it with a gold key
attached to his watch-chain, and there, on a pad of blue
velvet, lay the relic. It was an antique silver ring,
circled witii rubies and faced with a cluster of diamonds,
upon which was traced a cross of sapphires.
" In the hollow under the diamonds, lies a grain of the
true Cross," said Father Ching, crossing himself
reverently. “The ring is of Byzantium workmanship, and
is believed to have belonged to the holy mother of
Constantine. It was brought by a Crusader to the
Abbey of Kilvers, and from thence passed into the hands
of the Lametry family.”
Durrant looked with eager eyes at the famous relic.
If he could only secure it, he would be able to gain ten
thousand pounds. But he was doubtful whether Sir
Piers would sell it; and, moreover, did not like to make
him an offer in the presence of the ascetic-looking
ecclesiastic. He was relieved from this hesitation by the
withdrawal of Father Ching,
“ You will excuse me, Sir Piers," said the priest, “but
I have to visit Cuthbert Caffin, and shall not see you
again to-night."
“ Is he better?” asked Sir Piers, knowing Father
Ching referred to one of the under servants.
"I am afraid he is worse," said the good Father in a
pitying tone. "I may have to watch all night by his
bedside. The casket-_"


38
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
head, and by his silence refused to have anything to do
with the matter. Durrant was thus obliged to act for
himself.
“Even at the risk of offending you, I must tell you
that my friend is willing to pay as much as four
thousand pounds.”
“No, sir!”
• Five thousand !”
“Not if you offered twenty,” said Sir Piers, rising from
the table, deeply offended. “Let us close the subject.
I decline to part with the Sacred Ring.'”
“I'll have it, for all that,” muttered Durrant, under his
breath, and Will overheard the remark.


CHAPTER IV.
MYSTERIOUS CRIME.
WHAT happened on that night, no one knew until
long afterwards. Hospitably invited to remain
by Sir Piers, the money-lender retired to bed at an early
hour. After that interview, in which he offered to buy
the ring, Sir Piers viewed him with marked disfavour, and
regretted his condescension in asking so discourteous a
guest to remain at the Court; yet, as the storm continued
with unabated vigour, the Baronet could hardly rescind
his invitation, and, prompted by a sense of hospitality,
made himself thoroughly agreeable. All the same, he
did not prolong the interview, and, excusing himself on
the plea that he had work to do which would detain him
till late in the library, sent Mr. Durrant to the smoking-
room under the charge of Will Kynsam.
Here Lionel usually repaired to have a chat with Will,
but on this night he kept away, whereby Kynsam was
himself forced to entertain Durrant. The task was
uncongenial, but he could not afford to be impolite to


40
THE NIYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
one who had him in his power. Therefore, he did his
best to be agreeable, and only once reminded Durrant of
his failure to purchase the ring.
“I knew you would offend Sir Piers by hinting at such
a thing," said Will, with painful candour. “ It would have
been better, had you said nothing."
“ And so wasted my journey to Devon," retorted
Durrant, wrathfully: “My good sir, I did not come down
here on a fool's errand. That ring I want, and that ring
I mean to have.”
“How do you hope to obtain it?”
“Never you mind, Mr. Kynsam.”
“Oh! but I shall mind. I have no fancy to entertain
a burglar. Doubtless, you intend to steal the ring.”
“Don't talk nonsense, sir.”
" I'm talking sound sense,” said Will, angrily ; “it is
you who talk nonsense. Sir Piers refuses to part witii
the ring, so you can return to London to-morrow, and
renew that bill. It shall be paid at the end of the year.”
Durrant looked at the young man with a wicked eye.
Twice he .opened his mouth to reply, but twice thought
better of doing so, and finally subsided into sulky silence.
This was not unpleasant to Will, who disliked the man
greatly, and for some time they both smoked steadily,
without exchanging a word. Finally, Will asked a
question which had been in his mind all night.
"Durrant, do you know my Uncle Lionel ? "


A MYSTERIOUS CRIME.
41
“ I was introduced to him to-night. Very rude, I call
him. He scarcely spoke to me.”
"Did you know him in London ?”
“Never met him before to the best of my knowledge,”
replied Durrant, with a stare. “To be sure, I didn't see
his face very plainly, but I don't know the name. Does
he do anything in my way?”
“Not he! A dry-as-dust old chap, who spends most
of his time in Holywell and Wardour Streets when in
town. He's not the man to borrow money.”
“Then why did you ask me if I knew him?”
Simply out of curiosity. So you don't know him ?”
“No; he's an absolute stranger to me.”
Humph! Is that so? Well, good-night, Durrant.
I'll escort you to the village to-morrow, and you can
leave by the mid-day train."
"Not till I get that ring."
“If you are going to wait for that, you'll spend the rest
of your life in the village.” With this parting shot,
Will went off to bed, and Durrant followed his example.
Though the hour was late, Father Ching was still at the
organ, and Durrant swore heartily as the solemn music
echoed through the house. At length it ceased, and he
fell asleep thinking of the ring. An inspection of the
relic had greatly excited his cupidity, and he closed his
eyes, still devising plans to obtain it by fair means or
foul.


A MYSTERIOUS CRIME.
43
Lionel Lametry hurried out to see what was the matter,
was the word uttered—that word was murder! Sir Piers
had been found that morning in the library stabbed to
the heart.
Roused by the alarm, Will joined the priest and his
uncle on their way to the library. He had a nervous,
frightened look which was foreign to his usual demeanour,
but Lionel and Father Ching were too much upset
themselves to notice his agitation, which was surely
natural enough. That a crime should be committed at
Landy Court was in itself a terrible calamity, but that the
victim should be Sir Piers Lametry was almost too
terrible for belief.
It was true, however. The three men entered the
room, to find the unfortunate gentleman lying on his
back with outspread arms, and an ugly wound in his left
breast.
“He has been stabbed to the heart,” said Father
Ching, kneeling down beside his patron ; “but with what
weapon?"
Lionel looked all round the room, but could find no
trace of any dangerous instrument. All the furniture
was in order, so there could have been no struggle between
the old man and his assassin. Only the tablecloth was
pulled on to the floor, and a corner of it was clutched in
the dead man's hand. As Will picked it up mechanically,
a gold casket rolled from among the folds.


44
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
«« The Sacred Ring,'” cried Will, picking it up. “Why,
Father Ching! Uncle! the box is open, and the ring is
gone."
“The ring gone,” said Lionel, incredulously. “ Im-
possible!”
“Look for yourself,” replied Will, holding out the
empty box,
“I don't need to look, Will,” said his uncle, suddenly,
“for, see, the middle window is open.”
“The housemaid might have opened it this morning,”
interjected Father Ching, looking up.
“She did not touch an article in the room," answered
Lionel, sharply. “As soon as she saw the body of my
poor brother she alarmed the house. No! The window
was opened by the robber who stole the ring."
"Do you think he killed my uncle?” said Will, with
white lips.
“Of course he did. Robbery was the motive of the
crime. Will,” continued Lionel with a start," that man
who came last night, who wanted to buy the ring, where
is he?"
“Great heavens, uncle ! You don't think he is the
murderer?”
“Look if he is in his room, Will. He must give an
account of himself.”
“And send for a doctor—for the police,” said Father
Ching, as Will went to the door to give his orders.


A MYSTERIOUS CRIME.
45
“Doctor!" replied Lionel, bitterly. "My poor Piers is
past all earthly aid, Father Ching, but let the police come.
If we cannot save his life, we cân at least avenge his
death."
As Will reached the door, a white-robed figure appeared
on the threshold. It was Eleanor Lametry, wild-eyed,
and haggard, who had just been informed of her terrible
loss.
“Eleanor ! Eleanor ! do not come in,” said Will, trying
vainly to bar her passage.
“I must come in,” she said, in a hard voice.
think I will faint? Where is my father? Let me see.
Ah !" cried she, hurrying forward, “my father, my poor,
“ Do you
poor father!"
“Be calm, be calm, Miss Lametry,” implored Father
Ching, as she caught the dead man's hand, and pressed
it to her breast, as though to bring back warmth to the
cold clay.
"I am calm, Father Ching. Uncle Lionel !” she burst
out, passionately, “who has done this?”
“No one knows, Eleanor," said Lionel, fiercely ; " but
when we do know, he'll hang as high as Haman.”
“Who could have done it?" muttered Eleanor, taking
no notice of this speech. He had not an enemy in the
world. So good! so noble! Oh, God! Who could
have the heart to kill him?"
“ It was not enmity, but robbery.”


A MYSTERIOUS CRIME.
47
“Then why has he fled ?" interposed Father Ching,
“and how is the ring lost ?”
“He came down to buy the ring,” said Lionel, looking
steadily at Will, "you know that.
The ring is gone,
Durrant is gone, and my brother is dead."
Kynsam made no answer, but covered his face with his
hands, and groaned aloud. The next inoment Eleanor
had wrenched them away, and was looking searchingly
into his eyes.
“Will,” she said, in a deliberate manner,“ did that man
kill my father?"
"I don't know," he answered, evading her look.
She dropped his hands suddenly, and turned away. At
the door she met Mrs. Westcote, and then her fortitude
abandoned her. With a cry she fell fainting in the
housekeeper's arms.
t


CHAPTER V.
A LOCAL DOGBERRY.
THE
'HE news of Sir Piers' death spread like wildfire
through the district. He was well known, thoroughly
respected, and universally liked, therefore his tragic end
was widely regretted. There was a constant succession
of visitors to the Court, with advice, and condolence, but
Sir Lionel Lametry (as he was now called) refused to
see anyone.
He took counsel with his nephew and
Father Ching, as to the chances of securing Sir Piers'
assassin. There was no doubt in anyone's mind of
Durrant's guilt; as the theft of the ring, and that
suspicious flight were strong presumptive evidence
against him.
Eleanor, secluded in her rooms, denied herself to uncle
and cousin. Only Father Ching, who did his best to
soothe her wild grief with the consolation of religion,
was permitted to see her. She listened to his well-meant
efforts with rigid face and tearless eyes; but there was
no thought of resignation in her heart. Her whole


A LOCAL DOGBERRY.
49
energies were centred, in tracking down, and punishing
the assassin of her father.
“What has been done, Father?” she asked abruptly,
when the priest tried to calm her mind; "what steps
have been taken to avenge my father's death ?”
“The police have been called from Ketterton," replied
Father Ching, “and a detective has been sent for to
London.”
"For what purpose ? '
“To find out who killed Sir Piers."
“As if there were any doubt on that point,” said
Eleanor, scornfully. “My father was murdered by this
man Durrant.”
“We have no evidence to prove that he is the assassin,"
remonstrated the priest, mildly: "Do not make hasty
accusations, my child."
"What further evidence is necessary? Durrant wanted
to buy the ring, my father refused to sell it to him. He
stayed one night here, and the next morning disappeared
with the ring, leaving a dead man behind him.
be no one but Durrant.”
“Mr. Kynsam does not think so. He says Durrant.
is of too cowardly a nature, to commit so terrible a
crime.”
'He evidently knows his friend well,” muttered
Eleanor, clenching her hand.
"If you asked Mr. Kynsam
D
It can
66


50
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
“I wish to ask him nothing,” she said, passionately.
"I would rather be left alone, Father, till the funeral.”
She broke down at this point, so Father Ching with-
drew, leaving her to indulge her grief in solitude. On
coming downstairs, he found that the police had
arrived from Ketterton. Inspector Dove, an important,
loud-talking man, whose personality was hardly in keep-
ing with his name, examined the library, in company
with Sir Lionel and Will.
“Nothing has been disturbed since the discovery,"
said the new Baronet, "save that the body of my poor
brother has been taken to his room."
“Good! good! That is as it should be," replied Dove,
pompously. “I see the window—the middle window-
i; open.”
“It was so when the housemaid entered the room this
morning.”
“Where is the housemaid, Sir Lionel ?”
“ Shall I send for her, Inspector ?”
"No. Not at present. Later on I shall examine all
the servants."
“You surely don't suspect them?” said Will, disdain-
fully.
“I have a right to suspect all who were in the house
at the time of the murder," retorted Dove, drily.
“Ridiculous," said Kynsam, and turned his back on
the Inspector.


A LOCAL DOGBERRY.
51
“Ridiculous !” repeated the police officer, growing
red. “You are impolite, sir."
"I beg your pardon, Inspector. I am upset by this
terrible affair."
"Hum! Indeed!" muttered Dove, staring at him.
“ You are upset.
Indeed. By the way, Sir Lionel," he
added, turning to the Baronet, "can you tell me if you
had any visitors last night?”
“One only. A gentleman called Durrant.”
“ And who is Mr. Durrant?”
“A friend of my nephew's.”
“Where is he now? Why is he not here to give evi-
dence ?" demanded Dove, sharply.
“ He left the Court this morning."
“Oh! oh!” said Dove, in a distinctly offensive
“ He is a friend of Mr. Kynsam, and left this
morning. By what train ? Or is he a resident in the
district ? "
“He is not a resident," replied Sir Lionel, reluctantly,
“and he left this morning without giving anyone notice.
I know no more.”
Ah! He bolted ?”
“Well, it looks like it."
“And by that window,” said Dove, pointing towards it
meaningly.
“Yes; at least, I suppose so," said Lionel, with some
hesitation.
manner.
co


52
THE NIYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
Inspector Dove's face lighted up. He saw in the affair
an easy case, which would cover him with glory as a
smart and capable officer. Already, and without any
knowledge as to the motive of the crime, he suspected
Durrant. That he was a friend of Kynsam's only rendered
him more culpable in Dove's eyes. The Inspector disliked
Will for his late behaviour, and was determined to make
him pay for, what he termed, his insolence. For the first
time in his life Will had made a bitter enemy when he
could ill afford to do so.
"What do you say to all this, Mr. Kynsam ?” asked
Dove, significantly.
“I cannot say more than has been already said,”
replied Will, shrugging his shoulders. “The Sacred
Ring' is missing; and as it was in the possession of Sir
Piers last night, I have no doubt that he was murdered
by someone who desired it.”
“ Did Durrant desire it?”
“Yes," interposed Lionel, seeing Will hesitate ; "he
offered to buy it from my poor brother last night. Of
course, the offer was refused.”
"And this morning the ring is gone—also .Mr.
Durrant.”
As he spoke, Dove looked at Will with a ineaning
smile on his lips. The young man, goaded to a pitch of
fury by that smile, turned fiercely on his tormentor.
“If you think that Mr. Durrant is guilty, you are


51
TIIE N1YSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
distressed at Will's conduct, which was utterly foreign to
his usual demeanour, and the former apologised to the
ruffled Inspector.
“You must excuse Mr. Kynsam,” said Father Ching,
hurriedly ; "he has a great deal to try him at present.
This terrible calamity has upset us all.”
“Oh, I'll excuse him,” replied Dove, drily; "but I'll
also suspect him."
“Suspect him !” said the Baronet, furiously ; "what
do you mean, sir ? ”
“I mean that he knows more about this matter than
he chooses to tell.”
“Than he chooses to tell you," interposed Ching,
amending the Inspector's speech,“ but I've no doubt
he'll reveal all to Drage.”
"I have charge of the matter, at present,” said Dove,
stiſſly.
“In that case you had better attend to your business,"
said Sir Lionel, abruptly, “and pray, Mr. Inspector,
don't make any further accusations against my nephew.
You have no grounds for your suspicions.”
Whereupon Sir Lionel also departed, presumably to
see Will, and left Father Ching alone with Dove. That
worthy individual was in a great rage, but, not wishing
to quarrel with so powerful a personage as the Baronet,
he restrained his wrath. With a sickly smile he turned
to the priest.


A LOCAL DOGBERRY.
55
"I am afraid I have offended those gentlemen.”
“I am afraid you have,” replied Father Ching, coldly.
Pardon me for saying so, but it was somewhat unwise
of you to speak about Mr. Kynsam as you did.”
Dove thought so too, and felt that he had gone rather
far, but was too narrow-minded to admit his fault.
Without making any reply, he turned away and busied
himself in searching for evidence likely to elucidate the
mystery.
It is a painful thing to say, but Inspector Dove was a
most incompetent person. Although, doubtless a good
policeman, he was utterly at sea in dealing with a delicate
matter of this sort. Having received full power from
Sir Lionel to act as he thought fit, he went roughly to
work, and upset the household. The servants
examined, and their boxes searched; while Dove
and his subordinates treated them with marked
suspicion. Such an ill-advised course was not con-
ciliatory, and from Michael downwards the servants
were furious with the Inspector. Instead of aiding him,
they put obstacles in his way, and when night came
Dove was as far off discovery, as he had been in the
morning
There was not the slightest evidence likely to betray
the criminal. None of the servants had heard
any
noise
in the library that night, as their sleeping apartments
were situate at the back of the Court. Kynsam had
were


A LOCAL DOGBERRY.
57
young men don't make friends of money-lenders with-
out good reason."
“What do you mean, sir?” demanded Lionel, turning
pale.
“I mean that Durrant stole the ring, and that Mr.
Kynsam is aware of the fact.”


CHAPTER VI.
VIDOCQ
OF LONDON.
AT
T five o'clock on the following day Drage arrived to
take charge of the case. Vidocq of London, as he
was sometimes called, was a somewhat remarkable indi-
vidual, whose earlier career closely resembled that of the
celebrated French thief-catcher. Like Vidocq, he had
been in opposition to the law during his early life, and
had consorted with the lowest of the criminal classes.
Finding the law too strong for the indulgence of his
natural instincts of rascality, and a life of perpetual
alarm, rather trying for his nerves, he amended his
ways, and turned honest. With his hereditary instincts
it was by no means an easy thing to do; yet in the
end his ingrained stubbornness gained him the victory.
He not only turned honest, but even made use of his
capabilities for the preservation of society, instead of, as
heretofore, for its destruction. It was truly a case of the
Icopard changing its spots.


VIDOCQ OF LONDON.
59
At first he sought admission into the regular staff of
detectives employed at Scotland Yard, but his career
being too notorious for this, he compromised the matter
by setting up a private inquiry office. In this business
he flourished greatly; and, though the authorities were
at first suspicious of this sudden reformation, yet in the
end they recognised his laudable endeavour to live
down the past. Once convinced of the change, they
encouraged him in his new-born uprightness, and not
infrequently availed themselves of his wonderful capa-
bilities. The man
was a born detective, and his
experience among the criminal classes, stood him in
good stead in his new vocation. The thievish fraternity
dreaded this deserter from their ranks far inore than any
other detective. He knew most of them personally, and
was undeterred by early friendships from arresting them
when necessary.
With their favourite haunts he was
well acquainted, and, conceal themselves as they might,
Drage always ran them to earth in the end.
He was at
once hated and feared.
Drage soon found plenty of clients willing to pay him
largely for his cunning and dexterity, so that he speedily
began to accumulate money, and found his new vocation
much more profitable, and less hazardous, than the old
In this case honesty paid. As a rule, unless
tempted by large sums, he refused to take up ordinary
cases, but confined his attention solely to those difficult
one.


60
TIIE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
problems of crime which it was his delight to unravel.
Such an enigma he discovered in the murder of Sir
Piers Lametry, and in the theft of “the Sacred Ring.”
It was Lionel who sent for Drage. Determined that
nothing should be left undone to secure and punish the
assassin of his brother, he selected the most capable
inan in London to achieve this end. Drage accepted
the commission, and duly presented himself at Lametry
Court. He was at once taken to Sir Lionel, and in a
lengthy interview made himself acquainted with the
facts of the case. Then he proceeded to make use of
his knowledge.
Inspector Dove could hardly coaceal his scorn when a
mean-looking little man, in shabby clothes, presented
himself as the famous Vidocq of London. This dull-
brained “ Jack-in-office” saw neither the intelligent face
nor the sharp eyes of the man before him. All he took
stock of were the shabby clothes, and thereupon he
treated Drage in a supercilious manner, highly amusing
to that keen reader of character. There was a latent
antagonism in Drage's breast towards the police, no
doubt begotten by his early career, and he took every
opportunity to make himself obnoxious to those in
authority, if he could do so with safety. In this case
he saw the kind of man with whom he had to deal,
and proceeded to lower the pride of this local Dog-
berry.


VIDOCQ OF LONDON.
61
“What have you done, Mr. Inspector ?” he asked,
with assumed meekness.
“ I have examined all the servants,” said Dove, poin-
pously. "I have searched their boxes, I have forbidden
one and all to leave the house, 1—”
Have
you
made
any more blunders ?”
“ Blunders ? "
“I call them blunders,” replied Drage, calmly. “By
examining the servants, you have put them on their
guard. By searching their boxes and treating them
with suspicion, you have raised their anger. In such a
frame of mind they will now rather hinder than help
us."
“I am not here to be insulted,” protested Dove, in-
dignantly.
“You are here to do your duty, and you have not
done it.”
I have done what I could.”
Drage shrugged his shoulders. Dove was not worth
his anger.
"You have done what you could to put things wrong,
I admit. Now we must put them right. What about
Durrant?”
"He has escaped,” replied Dove, sulkily, feeling that
Drage was more than his match.
Have
you
traced him?"
“No, I did not think it was worth while. Mr.


62
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
(
66
Kynsam knows his address in London.
I have no
doubt Durrant has returned there. When we get the
address he can be arrested.”
Certainly! If he is found at his London address,"
said Drage, derisively; "but does it not strike you as
probable, Mr. Inspector, that if this man is guilty, he
will do his best to conceal himself from the police ?”
*Only Mr. Kynsam knows the address,” answered
Dove, significantly, “and Durrant may rely upon Mr.
Kynsam refusing to give us that address.”
"Why should Durrant rely on Mr. Kynsam's so
refusing, and why should Mr. Kynsam refuse?"
· Because Mr. Kynsam is a friend of Durrant's.”
" That is no reason why he should screen him, always
presuming that Durrant is guilty.”
“I am convinced that Durrant is guilty, and that Mr.
Kynsam is screening him.”
“Oh, indeed!” said Drage, looking sharply at him.
Have you any reason for such a belief?”
“You may be sure I do not speak without reason,"
responded Dove, loftily. “Durrant came down to buy
that ring. Finding he could not gain it in an honest
manner, he secured it by killing Sir Piers. Then he
fled to London, and there intends to dispose of the
Sacred Ring,' and share the proceeds with Mr.
Kynsam.”
Why should he do so ?”
66


VIDOCQ OF LONDON.
f}
" To secure the silence of Mr. Kynsam.”
“Do you think that Mr. Kynsam was privy to the
murder of his uncle?”
"I don't go so far as to say that,” replied Dove,
hastily; "but his conduct is very suspicious.”
Drage walked to the window and looked out. They
were in the library, and the detective was following in
his mind the probable course taken by the assassin.
After a time he returned.
“Your theory is excellent, Mr. Inspector,” he said,
deliberately. "Still, it is only theory. As yet we are
not certain that Durrant committed the crime or stole
the ring.”
“His flight proves it."
“His flight proves nothing of the sort,” retorted
Drage, sharply. “Do you think a man would be such a
fool as to commit a crime so openly? He came to buy
the ring; it is refused him, the owner of the ring is found
dead, and the ring itself disappears, while the man who
wanted it disappears also. I tell you, Mr. Inspector,
that you are making a mistake. Durrant would not
behave in such a foolish manner. If he acted according
to your theory, where does his gain come in? Nowhere.
The law could catch him red-handed, without any
trouble. To my mind,” added Drage, quietly, “this
man Durrant is innocent."
“ Then who is guilty ?"


64
THE MYSTERY OF LAVDY COURT.
"That is what I wish to find out. Now answer a few
questions.”
“Go on, Mr. Drage,” grumbled the Inspector, ironi-
cally. "You sneer at my theory. Let me hear yours.'
“I don't put forward any theory at the present time.
When I have evidence to go on, I may do so.”
Well, what questions do you wish to ask ?”
“Did Durrant stay at the Court ?”
“No. He was lodging at ‘The Three Bells,' in the
village.”
" How was it he remained here on the night of the
murder?"
“Because there was a heavy storin, and Sir Piers
asked him to remain."
“Did Durrant come to see Sir Piers ? "
· He came to see Mr. Kynsam.”
"On business, no doubt ? "
“I don't know. To my mind, it was on business
connected with ‘the Sacred Ring.'”
" That is a mere assumption on your part,” replied
Drage, tartly. “Mr. Kynsam alone can answer that
question."
“ But he won't do so.”
"Oh, yes, he will. I shall interview Mr. Kynsam
later on.
Meanwhile, I intend to pay a visit to 'The
Three Bells' at—at—what do you call your village ?”
“Botsleigh. I suppose you mean to ask about
Durrant?”


VIDOCQ OF LONDON.
67
".
here at seven in the morning, just as I was up.
He
said he had slept at the Court, and had to come over
early to get his bag, and catch the London train at
Barnstaple."
“Was he agitated ?"
“Not at all, sir. He joked and laughed with me just
as you might be doing. As cool as ice he was, yet I
daresay, sir, he had just come from killing Sir Piers."
"Well, did he catch the train ?" asked Drage, dis-
missing the landlord's theory as idle.
“He did, sir. I drove him over myself with his
baggage, never thinking I was with a murderer. He
was in time to catch the half-past eight train to
London."
“You are sure he wasn't agitated or nervous ?”
"Certainly not, sir! He was as gay as though he
were off for a holiday. Had a drink with me at Barn-
staple railway station, and said he hoped he'd meet me
again.”
“Did he say anything about Sir Piers ? "
“If you'll believe it, sir, he had the impudence to say
as how Sir Piers was a nice old gent.”
"Did he mention Mr. Kynsam?”
"No, sir; only Sir Piers."
This was the sum total of the landlord's information,
and it sent Drage back to the Court in a somewhat
thoughtful mood. Durrant's demeanour was quite at


CHAPTER VII.
AN OBSTINATE WITNESS.
IT
T must be premised that, despite his reputation, Drage
was not infallible; and, though careful, cautious, and
keen-sighted, sometimes made mistakes. He was not
that great creature, the detective of fiction, who, assisted
by the prescience of his creator, can see through stone
walls, and form rightful conclusions on the slenderest
evidence. Such a chimerical monster, is no doubt,
admirably adapted to fulfil the purpose of his being,
which is to satisfy the reader's curiosity; but he does not
exist in real life. Drage was no Lecoq, but only a man,
and therefore, faulty; so if, hereafter, he suspects the
wrong people, and follows the wrong clues, remember that
he is working in the dark, and can only judge which way
to turn, by uncertain lights, which in nine cases out of ten
prove to be false. You, who can solve the mystery by
simply glancing at the last chapter of this book, may
scoff at, what appears to be, Drage's incredible errors;
but a moment's reflection will convince you that without


70
THIE MYSTERY OF LAVDY COURT.
those very errors which you blame, the mystery would
remain unsolved. After which homily, it will be as well
to resume the history of Drage's groupings in the dark.
The behaviour of Durrant greatly puzzled the detective.
That a man who, to all appearance, had committed an
atrocious murder, should laugh and joke while escaping,
seemed almost incredible of belief. Yet without doubt
the evidence of the landlord was given in perfect good
faith. Convinced that Durrant had killed Sir Piers, it is
probable that the landlord would rack his memory for
signs of guilt, and perhaps assert that the presumed
criminal was nervous and anxious-looking. Instead of
this, he declared that Mr. Durrant's demeanour was that
of an innocent man.
"And innocent I believe him to be," muttered Drage,
“notwithstanding the common opinion. Even a man
with nerves of iron, would have been unable to carry
off matters with so high a hand. He might not have
betrayed fear, seeing his life was at stake, but he would
have held his tongue. No, no! Durrant is innocent.
Joking doesn't go with the perpetration of a cold blooded
murder."
Drage was satisfied on that point, but that hasty
departure from Landy Court fairly bothered him. If
Durrant was innocent, why should he leave in so stealthy
a fashion? The detective bit his nails, and considered ;
and finally took a sudden resolution.


AN OBSTINATE WITNESS.
71
“If Dove's suspicions are correct, and Kynsam was privy
to the murder, he is the man to question. He has kept
out of my way since I came here. That looks bad. I'll
see him at once, and insist upon an interview.”
It was now close on nine o'clock. On his return from
"The Three Bells," Drage saw Sir Lionel, and told him
of his opinion regarding the behaviour and flight of
Durrant. The Baronet agreed, that it looked as though
the man were innocent, but recommended Drage to have
a personal interview with the money-lender.
“If he is innocent, as he appears to be,” said Sir Lionel,
thoughtfully,“ he has, doubtless, gone straight to London,
quite ignorant of the committal of the crime, and of the
suspicions attached to his hurried departure. Find out
his London address, and see him. Then you can force
him to explain.”
" Have
you
his address ? "
“No; but Mr. Kynsam can give it to you.”
With the idea of obtaining this information, Drage
requested an interview with Will, but received a refusal.
Kynsam did not come to dinner, and persistently re-
mained in his own rooms. This conduct raising Drage's
suspicions, he went to Kynsam's apartments, and insisted
upon admission : which, after some delay, was granted.
Will, in a dressing-gown, was seated by the window with
a pipe in his mouth ; while a lamp on the table near him
illuminated his pale, and haggard countenance. He arose


72
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
to meet Drage with an obvious reluctance, and spoke in
a hesitating manner, as though he were afraid of saying
more than he intended. This reticence, coupled with his
ill-suppressed agitation, impressed Drage in a disagreeable
manner.
“I must apologise for this intrusion, Mr. Kynsam,” he
said, sitting down in the chair pushed forward by Will,
"but you know my business."
“ About the murder?”
“Yes. I wish to ask you a few questions. I have
examined Sir Lionel and Father Ching, and I have also
questioned Inspector Dove. Yourself, and Miss Lametry,
are the two people, whom I now desire to see."
“I don't think Miss Lametry can tell you anything,"
replied Will, laying down his pipe. “She went to bed
early that evening, and knew nothing of the affair till
next morning."
“I presume you are likewise ignorant, Mr. Kynsam?”
“Yes; I know nothing. I saw nothing. I can tell
you nothing."
“Not of your own knowledge, perhaps," replied Drage,
smoothly; "but you can perhaps tell me about Mr.
Durrant."
Will smiled contemptuously, and wiped his forehead.
With a great effort he managed to appear at his ease;
but Drage was not deceived by such feigning.
“I suppose Dove has been putting ideas into your head
about Durrant."


AN OBSTINATE WITNESS.
075
“I understand. You have borrowed money off him,
and he came down here, to put on the screw. Oh, do not
look so astonished, Mr. Kynsam. Your story is common
gossip at Botsleigh.”
“You heard nothing bad, I am sure.”
"No, sir. Only the ordinary follies of a young man.
Durrant is your creditor, and you didn't like him
coming down here; so made an arrangement to put him
off."
“I introduced him to my uncle on the understanding
that he would not press his claim, till the end of the
year."
“That is, you introduced him to Sir Piers so that he
might buy the Sacred Ring ?'”
Well, yes,” hesitated Kynsam, frowning, “though why
you should think so, I can't-
" I simply keep my eyes open, and put two and two
together," said Drage, taking out his note-book. “Come
now, Mr. Kynsam, give me the address of this man.”
"If I do so you will go up to town to-morrow ? ”
“Yes, by the mid-day train.”—The moment Drage
mentioned the time he saw his mistake, and could have
bitten out his tongue for its folly. Will's face brightened,
and he strolled across to his writing-table, where he
busied himself with a Bradshaw.
Hullo,” said Drage to himself, “you have some
scheme in your head. I'll catch the eight-thirty train
(6


76
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
from Barnstaple. You can't get up to town earlier than
that.”
“I have no objection to giving you the address,” said
Kynsam, turning round with a card in his hand.
“ Here
it is, but I warn you that Mr. Durrant can tell you
nothing."
Drage looked at the card. Written thereon in pencil
was the name, “Horace Durrant, 21, Peck Lane, City.”
“This will be sufficient,” said Drage, slipping it into
his pocket. “I suppose you know nothing of this sad
business?”
“No. I have no idea who murdered my poor uncle.”
“Do you suspect anyone?”
"Great heavens, man, whom should I suspect ?”
demanded Will, in a fiery tone.
“I thought you might know if your uncle had enemies,"
said the detective, in an apologetic tone.
“None that I know of,” responded Will, coldly.
“ Did you leave your room on that night?”
“ I did not.”
There was silence for a moment, and then Will, walking
up to Drage, looked steadily into his eyes.
“Mr. Drage,” he said, in a low, stern voice, “do you
think I committed this murder?”
“Why should I think so? You had no reason, so far
as I know, to wish ill to your uncle."
"He was the best friend I had in the world,” replied


AN OBSTINATE WITNESS.
77
Will, covering his face with his hands. “God knows I
would not have injured a hair of his head."
Drage paid no attention to this speech. When Will
lifted his hands to his face, the detective saw on the
under cuff of his dressing-gown sleeve a dark stain. At
this he gazed with an expression of astonishment on his
usually impassive face, for the sight took him by surprise.
Receiving no answer Will removed his hands, and noted
the significance of that look.
“What is the matter?” he asked, in a startled tone.
For answer, Drage caught him by the right arm, and
twisted the sleeve round so that the cuff was exposed to
view. Then he pointed to the stain, and looked at Will,
who stared back with a rigid countenance.
What is that?" asked Drage, in a low voice.
did it come there?"
“Only an ink stain, I suppose—that is, I---"
" It is not an ink stain, Mr. Kynsam. It is blood.”
“No! no! For God's sake don't say it is a -
Will's voice died away in a whisper, and he turned
away, unable to meet the gaze of the detective. Drage
said nothing, being busy with his own thoughts. At
length he spoke.
“You may as well confess all," he said, coldly.
At the sound of his voice Kynsam plucked up courage,
and faced his accuser.
“I have nothing to confess," he declared, boldly. “This
“ Horv


78
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
stain is blood, but the blood of a dog. My fox-terrier hurt
his foot-cut it a few days ago. I bathed and bound it up
while wearing this dressing-gown. My sleeves, no doubt,
were stained in that way.”
"A very ingenious story, Mr. Kynsam, but one which
does not deceive me.”
“ It is the truth.”
“Do you know I can obtain a warrant and arrest you
on suspicion ?”
“Arrest me!” cried Kynsam, furiously. "You dare to
accuse me of murdering my uncle!”
“Yes I do."
The next moment Will had him by the throat. Drage
was powerless as a child in the grasp of this unhappy
young man, and expected to be choked. For one second
he closed his eyes, and the next was dashed violently to
the ground.
“Get out of my sight,” said Will, hoarsely, flinging
open the door; “out of my sight, or I'll kill you.”
Hardly able to speak, Drage still held his ground.
“I shan't leave this room,” he said, faintly, trying to
rise.
I'll make you,” said Kynsam, and, picking him up,
hurled him outside the door.
With violence of the fall, Drage, not a strong man at
any time, fainted, and heard the key turned in the lock as
his senses failed him. When he caine to himself, he was
still lying where he had fallen.
(


AV OBSTINATE WITNESS.
79
Will's apartments were in a distant part of the house,
and he had given orders that he was not to be disturbed.
Hence no one came to succour Drage. How long he had
lain he never knew, but on recovering his senses he
staggered downstairs. In the hall he met Michael, who
looked at him in alarm.
“What's the matter, sir?"
"Nothing! Nothing! Where is Mr. Kynsam?”
"He has just driven off to Barnstaple, sir."
“Driven to Barnstaple!” shouted Drage, and dashed
to the door. He was just in time to see the dog-cart
conveying Will and a groom, turn the corner of the
avenue.
" He's going to London to see Durrant, and get him
out of the way," was the thought which flashed across
Drage's mind, and he at once questioned Michael
concerning the purpose of the young man.
"Is Mr. Kynsam going to London?”
“Yes, sir.”
To-night?”
"No, sir! The last train left Barnstaple at four-fifteen.
Mr. Kynsam won't be able to go to London till to-
morrow, by the half-past eight in the morning
“Good,” muttered Drage, quite satisfied. “I'll travel
by that train also.”


CHAPTER VIII.
LV PURSUIT.
THERE
HERE was not much difficulty in guessing that
Kynsam was going to London for the purpose of
seeing Durrant. He evidently counted on Drage not
leaving Barnstaple till noon, as had been incautiously
admitted. If this were so, Drage could not arrive in
town till seven in the evening, whereas Kynsam, starting
by the eight-thirty train, would reach Waterloo Station
at half-past two o'clock. In this way, as Drage could
not call on Durrant till next day, Kynsam would have
plenty of time to concoct a plan for baffling the
detective. Placed on his guard by his accomplice,
Durrant would invent some story to show his innocence,
and thus it would be impossible to prove either of them
guilty.
“He'll warn Durrant,” said Drage to himself, “and
then return to Landy Court. The only evidence against
him is that stain of blood on the dressing-gown sleeve,
and that he will explain away by means of the dog
story. A very nice little plan, but I'll baffle it."


IN PURSUIT.
81
With this idea, Drage saw Sir Lionel, and explaining
that he was compelled to go to London on business
connected with the murder, took his departure that
evening from Landy Court. Whether Sir Lionel knew
Drage was tracking his nephew it was impossible to say,
but if he was aware of it, he made no remark.
“Do as you think best,” he said, emphatically, “but
find out who killed my unhappy brother.”
Father Ching said nothing. He was in the room
when Drage took his leave, and looked worn, and ill ;
doubtless, because he was attached to Will, and guessed
the purpose for which Drage was following the young
man to London. This was clearly shown by his action
when the interview terminated, for he accompanied
Drage to the door.
“Will you see Mr. Kynsam in town?” he asked,
abruptly.
Possibly, sir,” answered Drage, rendered suspicious
by the directness of the question.
“If so, tell him to come back within the next two
days. The body of the late Sir Piers will shortly be
taken to the family vault, and Mr. Kynsam must be at
the funeral. Moreover, his presence is necessary at the
inquest."
“ He'll be at the funeral, never fear, sir," was the grim
reply, “if I bring him back myself.”
Father Ching passed his handkerchief across his lips
and sighed faintly.
F


82
THE NIYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
“ I know what you mean. Mr. Kynsam told me of
your suspicions,
Believe me, you are wrong.
He is
innocent of this terrible crime."
“If that is so why did he refuse to answer my
questions and bolt to London?"
“He has gone up on business," said the priest, with
some hesitation.
"I know that," retorted Drage, sneering ; "on business
connected with Mr. Durrant."
Looking at him steadily for a moment, Father Ching
sighed again, and turned back into the house without
making any reply. Drage was rather puzzled by this
odd behaviour of the priest, but put it down to Ching's
anxiety for the young man's safety. A startling thought
occurred to him.
“Kynsam is a Catholic,” he thought, setting his face
towards Botsleigh. “ Can it be that he has confessed to
the priest that he is guilty? Or is he really innocent,
and this Jesuit knows the guilty person, but is forbidden
to reveal the name by the laws of the Church? Well,
we'll see when I bring back Mr. Kynsam to Barnstaple
Gaol.”
It can be seen that Drage was quite convinced of the
young man's guilt. The spot of blood, the agitation
displayed when that discovery was made, and the
hurried flight of Kynsam to London, all confirmed his
suspicions. He was sure that Will was guilty of the


IN PURSUIT.
83
crime in conjunction with Durrant, and intended to warn.
his accomplice that there was danger of discovery.
Drage's departure by the same train might enable him
to baffle the plot, and arrest both men.
These were his
plans, and he had every reasonable hope of carrying
them out.
At “The Three Bells” he asked the landlord to
drive him over to Barnstaple. It was now past ten
o'clock, but the night was fine, and the town only a few
miles away, therefore the landlord had no hesitation in
complying with his request. During the drive Drage,
by artful questioning, discovered that Mr. Kynsam
usually slept at the Harp Hotel when in Barnstaple.
On his arrival, he dismissed the landlord at the outskirts
of the town, and took his way to the inn. Here, on
making inquiries, he learned that Kynsam was stopping
for the night; that he was going to London by the early
train, and that he had already retired, leaving in-
ștructions that he was to be called at seven o'clock.
Drage took up his quarters in an hotel near the
railway station, quite satisfied that he would be able to
see Kynsam next morning, and keep him in sight.
Before retiring he looked at the card given to him by
Will, on which Durrant's address was written.
“ This is a blind,” decided Drage, after some con-
şideration. "He has given me the wrong address to
gain more time, or to prevent me seeing Durrant at all.


84
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
No matter, Mr. Kynsam ; I can follow you to-morrow,
and arrive at Durrant's office at the same time as
yourself. We shall then see how you will extricate
yourself from this dilemma."
After settling this little matter, Drage restored the
card to his pocket-book and went to bed, where he
indulged in dreams of triumph. Next morning he was
up early, and after breakfast paid his bill, and went to
the railway station at a quarter-past eight to watch for
Kynsam. In due time that gentleman, looking rather
worried, made his appearance, and took his seat in a
first-class smoking carriage. Drage bought a third-class
ticket, and shortly afterwards the train started.
All the way to London Drage kept an eye on his
inan, in case he should give him the slip during the
journey. There was really no danger of such an event,
as Kynsam, thinking the detective would follow by the
mid-day train, never for a moment suspected that he
was being watched. Drage skilfully evaded recognition,
and when they arrived at Paddington had the satisfaction
of still keeping Kynsam under his eye without the
slightest suspicion having been excited. In five minutes
a hansom containing Will rattled out of the station,
followed by a second hansom, wherein Drage was
seated.
“Keep that hansom in sight,” said Drage to his driver,
“and I'll treble your fare."


IN PURSUIT.
85
66
As the detective anticipated, Kynsam drove at once
to the office of Durrant, and, as he had suspected, the
address on the card was wrong. The leading hansom
did not go on to the City, but stopping midway in the
Strand, turned down one of those dingy streets leading to
the river. Down this Drage directed his driver to drive
slowly, and had the satisfaction of seeing Kynsain's
cab standing at the lower end of the street.
At the bottom of the street he paid and dismissed his
driver, then walked to where a brass plate was inscribed
“ Durrant and Co.” As a matter of fact, Durrant was
the sole representative of the firm, but added the
Company” for the sake of euphony. Drage entered the
dark passage, mounted a flight of precipitous steps, and
found himself before the door of the office. Opening
this he entered a large bare room, and saw a small boy
seated at a desk, busily engaged in writing. . At the far
end of the apartment was a green baize door, evidently
the portal to Durrant's sanctum.
“Is Mr. Durrant in ?” asked Drage, as the small boy
came forward.
“ Yes sir. But he is engaged."
“With Mr. Kynsam?”
“Yes, sir,” replied the boy, rather astonished at the
stranger's knowledge of the name, “Shall I tell him
you are here, sir?”
“No; I will wait.”


86
THE MYSTERY OP SANDY COURT.
* It's a
an
Drage did not want Durrant and his accomplice to be
put on their guard, and intended to walk in suddenly,
so as to disconcert the pair. He therefore strolled slowly
across the room to the desk, at which the boy had again
seated himself. By this means he hoped to edge,
without suspicion, sufficiently near the door to enter.
“You seem to be busy writing?"
“Yes, I am,” said the lad, with a scowl.
kind of story master wants sent to American
gentleman.”
“A kind of story?” asked Drage, rather puzzled by
this remark. “I should not have thought Mr. Durrant
would have wasted your time in setting you to write out
stories."
"Oh, this is business. It's for an American gentle-
man.”
“What is the story about?” said Drage, yawning.
He really did not feel much interest in the matter.
“ It isn't a bad story," answered the office boy, in a
patronising manner. “ It's about a ring."
“ About a ring?”
Drage was on the alert. The remark
pertinent to the business he had in hand, and he
instinctively felt that he was on the verge of a discovery.
With assumed indifference he bent over the boy's
shoulder, and glanced at the manuscript. Flattered by
such interest, the boy ran a grimy finger along the lines,
and read out loud
now
was


IN PURSUIT.
87
« «« The Sacred Ring," as it is called, belonged at one
time to the mother of Constantine. Brought from the
East by Sir Guy Pomfret, it was presented by him to
the Abbey of Kilvers, in Shropshire, where it was the
object of great veneration for many years, and __""
"That is very interesting,” said Drage, his heart
beating rapidly; "but is there any description of this
Ring ?”
“ Here you are, sir," said the boy, moving his finger
down the page.
66
"«"The Sacred Ring” is of silver, set round with
rubies. A cluster of diamonds, whereon is marked a
cross of sapphires, covers the receptacle of the grain of
the true Cross.'”
“That's enough,” interrupted Drage.
“I'm glad I
know the description of the Sacred Ring.'”
Why are you glad ?"
“Oh! because the story is so interesting," said the
detective, evasively. “When did your master set you to
write out this story?
Yesterday.”
« It is for the benefit of an American gentleman ?”
“Yes, sir. He wants to know all about the Ring."
“ Has your master the Ring in his possession ?'
“I don't know, sir," said the boy, growing restive
under this examination. “I never saw it.”
Drage turned away with a grim smile. He felt that
"
66


88
THE MISTERY OF LANDY COURT.
his journey would be crowned with success. What had
occurred was plain enough. Durrant had murdered
Sir Piers, and had been interrupted by Kynsam, who
"But, no; it can't be that way," soliloquised the
detective. “Kynsam would have denounced Durrant,
and have got rid of his creditor in that way. I dare say
he was in a hole for want of money, and Durrant offered
to let him off the debt if he got him the Ring. I don't
think he intended to kill the old man, but went into
the library to steal the Ring. While he was doing so
Sir Piers entered, and then the tragedy occurred. He
gave the Ring to Durrant, and got him out of the house
before he knew of the murder. The landlord's evidence
shows that Durrant was ignorant, that a crime had been
committed. Kynsam hoped that Durrant would dispose
of the Ring, before the police got on his track. Now
he comes to town either to warn Durrant, or to make
a bolt of it. I've no doubt they'll deny everything,
but, thanks to the boy's blabbing, I can circumvent
them.”
At this period of his reflections the boy went to the
door to parley with a new visitor. Without a moment's
hesitation, Drage crossed the room and snatched up the
manuscript copy of the Ring story made by Durrant.
This he stuffed into his breast pocket, and advanced
towards the door of the sanctum.
Now I have you, Mr. Durrant," he said, as he laid


CHAPTER IX.
A WEAK DEFENCE.
S°
startled were the two men by the unexpected
entrance of the detective, that for a moment or so,
they stared at him in silence. Will flushed red, then
became pale, and, evidently recognising that it was all
over with him, sank back in his seat with a groan.
Still staring at Drage in astonishment, Durrant saw him
walk up to the table, pick up the ring, and slip it into his
waistcoat pocket. Then for the first time he found his
tongue.
“What the deuce do you mean, sir?” he cried,
furiously. “Who are you? Why are you here?”
“I am a detective,” replied Drage, quietly, “and I
came for him, for you, for this Ring.”
In absolute bewilderment Durrant looked from one to
the other; but as yet had no suspicion of the horrible
truth. Still he could see from Kynsam's pale face that
something was wrong.
“I don't understand. I cannot quite see,” he said,


A WEAK DEFENCF.
93
innocence," replied the detective, taking a chair.
"Your behaviour at Landy Court-the blood-stain on
your dressing-gown sleeve—your treachery in giving me
the wrong address of that man—and, above all, the
possession of the very Ring for the sake of which the
crime was committed—all these facts confirm my belief
that you are guilty."
“I acknowledge that matters look black against me,”
responded Will, quietly, “hence my treatment of you at
the Court, for which I apologise. But you there accused
me of a crime of which I am innocent. It was hardly to
be expected that I should tamely submit to have such a
charge brought against me. I have kept silence as long
as I was able. Now that my liberty and life are
threatened, I must defend myself by telling you the
truth. Suspend your judgment, Mr. Drage, till you hear
my story."
Despite his prejudice, Drage could not but be impressed
by the firm tones of the young man.
There was no sign
of guilt on his pale face, and he spoke with the utmost
deliberation, Against his better judgment this calm
demeanour created a favourable impression on the
detective, and he made a reasonable reply.
"I am ready to hear your story, Mr. Kynsam, and I
trust you will be able to exonerate yourself from the
charge."
Will glanced at Durrant, who was still mumbling


94
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
incoherently to himself, and, without taking further
notice of the terrified creature, related his version of the
matter.
“Durrant came down to see me about a bill for two
thousand pounds, which I had backed for a friend. My
friend made default in paying it, and Durrant looked to
me for the money. I am not in a position to pay so
large a sum, and asked him to wait till the end of the
year, when I could discharge the debt. This he refused
to do, but promised to let me off payment altogether if I
introduced him to my uncle, and aided him to buy 'the
Sacred Ring. Is not that true?” he added, looking at
Durrant.
"Quite true," replied Durrant, in a low voice. “I
wished to buy the Ring for an American millionaire,
who promised to pay me ten thousand pounds for it.
But Sir Piers refused to trade."
“He did then," said Will, with marked emphasis on
the last word, “because my Uncle Lionel was in the
room, and he dared not sell the family heirloom.
When I went upstairs I retired to bed, but was unable to
sleep. My worries made me feel anxious and wakeful.
Knowing my uncle, Sir Piers, was sitting up late in the
library, I determined to go down and confess all my
troubles, in the hope that he would help me."
"Why did you not confess them before?" asked Drage,
sharply.


A WEAK DEFENCE.
97
“ And to
the Ring, and wished me to take it to town at once.
I agreed to do so."
pay
the
money
for it?”
“Yes, but I did not pay it on the instant. As soon as
I arranged matters with the American, Sir Piers was to
have the five thousand. Mr. Kynsam agreed to these
terms, so I put the Ring in my pocket, and Mr. Kynsam
let me out of the house."
“ By what door ?”
“A private door, which led out of my own rooms,"
said Will.“ I did not take him downstairs to the hall,
in case we might meet the servants, and they would
think it strange. I took him by the private way, and he
left the house."
“It was half-past six o'clock," continued Durrant,
“ when I walked to "The Three Bells.' There the
landlord drove me over to Barnstaple, and I caught the
early morning train.”
“ And you knew nothing of the murder ?
“I never heard of it till you came here to-day.”
“And you, Mr. Kynsam ? ”
“I did not know of it, till the alarm was given by the
housemaid."
“ Did you not go down to the library after you let Mr.
Durrant out by the private door ?”
“No," replied Will, with some surprise. “There was
no reason why I should go down. Thinking, as was
G


98
711 E YSTERY OF LAVDY COUPT.
natural, that my uncle had retired, I did not hope
to see him till we met at breakfast.”
" And the first news you had of the murder was the
housemaid's alarm ? "
Yes ; I swear that was the first I heard of it.”
“Why did you not tell me of this before ?” asked
Drage, eyeing the young man keenly.
“Can you ask me such a question ? Circumstances
looked black against mé. I thought if I confessed I
might be accused of committing the crime. Now I have
been forced to tell all. Do you believe me?”
“I can't say yet.” replied Drage, cautiously.
“Do you intend to arrest me?”
“No; but I must ask you and Mr. Durrant to return
to Landy Court. There we can thrash the matter out.”
To this course, which seemed the most sensible, Will
and Durrant agreed, and the three men left London by
the afternoon train.


CHAPTER X.
CROSS EXAMINATIO.V.
IN
Like many
any case for
N the train Drage resumed his examination of Kynsam.
He had sufficient evidence to warrant the arrest of
that young man, yet hesitated to do so.
other people, Drage had his weak side, and in this in-
stance, it was a dislike to submit
prosecution,
unless it was absolutely flawless. The collected evidence
incriminated Will, yet there was a certain degree of
probability about his defence, which precluded Drage
from taking any hasty step. Moreover, the statement was
corroborated by Durrant, and the two narratives agreed
on all points.
It seemed improbable that Will should commit a crime
without a strong motive, yet Drage could not bring
himself to believe that a desire to pay off the two thousand
pounds, was one sufficiently powerful to urge the young
man to such desperate lengths. By Durrant's confession,
the payment was deferred till the end of the year ;
therefore, there was no necessity for immediate action on


IOO
TIE MYSTERY OF LINDY COURT.
Kynsam's part. If his assertion that Sir Piers desired to
sell the Ring were true, the rest of the story was feasible
enough.
But on that one point Drage was doubtful. It appeared
incredible, that the master of Landy Court could be
in need of money. While at Botsleigh, the detective
had heard on all sides of the wealth, and importance of
the Lametrys; yet, if Will's defence could be believed,
Sir Piers had been so hardly pressed by his creditors, as
to offer a family heirloom for sale. Only one person
could determine the truth of this question, and that was
Sir Lionel Lametry.
He was now in the possession of the estate; his lawyer
was with him ; and he would soon learn his position.
About that position Drage intended to question him. If
he corroborated Will's statement that Sir Piers had died
in debt, then the detective foresaw a possibility of truth
in the defence. On the other hand, if Sir Lionel denied
that the estates were in any way involved, it would be
difficult to believe that the dead man had voluntarily
parted with the Ring. These considerations, among
others, prevented Drage from arresting those whom he
now suspected, perhaps wrongly, of committing the crime.
They made no objection to accompanying him to
Devonshire. Will, in any case, had intended to return by
that train, and Durrant was too fearful for his own safety
to question the dictates of the detective. He was selfishly


CROSS EXAMINATION.
IOI
eager to afford Drage all the information in his power,
and by his attitude towards Kynsam, showed that he did
not believe him to be altogether guiltless. Will main-
tained a calm demeanour. He saw in what a perilous
position he was placed, and how his ill-advised actions
had increased the suspicions against him. Yet he noted
that Drage wished to afford him every opportunity to
defend himself, and felt grateful to the detective for his
consideration in not arresting him forthwith, as he could
easily have done. In this frame of mind he was par-
ticularly careful how he answered Drage's questions, not
knowing what use might be made of them in the future.
“You needn't answer me at all, unless you like," said
Drage, when they left Paddington. “I have no right to
question you closely. Still, for your own sake, it will be
best to instruct my ignorance as far as you can, and
prove your innocence if possible. I shall assist you to
the best of my ability.”
“Do you intend to have me arrested ? ”
“ If necessary I can have you arrested at Botsleigh,”
replied the detective, quietly. “With the evidence now
in my possession, there would be no difficulty in lodging
you this very evening in Barnstaple Gaol. You and Mr.
Durrant, also."
“You can't put me in gaol,” growled Durrant, turning
pale. “I am quite innocent."
“So you say. 'However, I shall arrest neither of you-


CROSS EXANI/NATIO.V.
. 103
" It was put off till to-morrow at my request.
It
should have taken place to-day, but for your flight to
London.”
“It was not a flight.”
“Then why did you take the journey?”
“Because I foresaw how black things would look
against me, were it known that Durrant had “the Sacred
Ring,'” replied Will, vehemently. "I wished to tell him
all
“You did not say a word to me of the murder,"
interrupted Durrant, insolently.
"I was about to tell you of it when we were disturbed
by Mr. Drage."
" And what help did you expect from Durrant ? ”asked
the detective.
Will passed his handkerchief across his lips, and looked
embarrassed.
“I can hardly say. I started from Landy Court, with
no definite purpose in my head. All I desired to do
was to assure Durrant of my innocence before he read
the story in the newspapers.”
“Why did you not tell the truth to Sir Lionel ?”
“I thought he might misjudge me; but I told all to
Father Ching."
“Under the seal of the confessional?"
“No. I told him openly. He was at perfect liberty
to make use of the information, but he did not. He
knows I am innocent."


CROSS EXAMINATION.
105
")
“ Pardon me.
I won't question you further,” replied
Drage, coldly. “As I said before, you are not called
upon to incriminate yourself. Yet, Mr. Kynsam,” added
he, with emphasis, “I am well-disposed towards you, and
wish to do all in my power to establish your innocence.
Unless
you tell me all, I cannot do so.”
“I have told you all,” replied Will, sullenly.
« What
more do you expect me to say?"
“As to Miss Lametry,” began Drage, when the other
cut him short.
“I don't wish to discuss Miss Lametry with you, sir ;
and if you mention her name again, I shall pitch you out
of the window.”
He looked so determined as he said this that Drage
shrank back in his corner with a terrified expression.
This shabby little man was a terrible coward, and had
more of the fox than the lion in his composition. Not
caring about testing Will's strength a second time, he left
off asking him questions, and sulkily began to examine
his pocket-book. Durrant was willing to speak and
tell all he knew, but Drage did not encourage him to do
so. Already he had exceeded his duties as a detective
in examining them so closely ; and feared to continue lest
he might get into trouble with the Judge when the trial
He, therefore, remained silent, and Durrant
also held his peace, while Kynsam, as far away from
his companions as the narrow confines of the carriage
came on.


106
TIE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
permitted, stared out of the window and considered his
position. It was not a pleasant one.
He had told Drage so much of the events of that night
as suited his purpose, but he had concealed certain things.
These referred to a personage whom he had seen at six
in the morning when he went to waken Durrant. Who
that person was he feared to confess even to himself, and
locked the secret up in his breast, in the hope that it
would not be necessary to reveal it. Yet he could not
bring himself to believe that this person had aught to do
with the murder of Sir Piers.
At the inquest he intended to tell the same story as he
had related to Drage. If the jury believed him all would
be well, if they did not he dreaded lest he might be
arrested on suspicion. He could offer no further defence,
and yet, on second thoughts, his story seemed weak. All
he could hope for, was, that Sir Lionel might substan-
tiate his statement as to the mortgages on the estate,
and thus supply Sir Piers with a motive for parting with
the Ring
The relic was in Drage's pocket. On hearing of the
murder Durrant made no attempt to retain it, nor did
Kynsam remark on Drage's cool appropriation of the
Durrant was not without a secret hope that
the Ring would yet come back into his possession. If
the Lametry estates were mortgaged, the new Baronet
would still require money. The Ring could be sold for
same.


CROSS EXAMINATIO.
107
five thousand pounds to him, and then he would gain
double the amount from the American millionaire. He
intended, when this matter of the murder was settled, to
buy the Ring if possible from Sir Lionel. The money-
lender was sorry that Sir Piers was dead, but sorrier still,
that he should be placed in so perilous a position.
However, he relied on Will's promise that he should be
cxculpated, and only hoped he would be able to return
to town with the Ring, which had caused all this misery,
in his pocket. Even in the midst of trouble Durrant
remembered his business.
So each of the three in the railway carriage was busy
with his own thoughts, as the train sped on to Barn-
staple. Will had wired from London to his groom, and
found the dog-cart waiting at the Barnstaple station.
Into this he bustled Durrant and Drage, then drove to
Landy Court, where he arrived at nine o'clock.
Father Ching met him as he entered the hall, and
advanced towards him with an eager face.
“You have come back of your own free will ?” he asked
anxiously.
“Yes; with Mr. Durrant and this gentleman.”
“I persuaded Mr. Kynsam to return,” said Drage,
equably; "but my journey to London was not in vain."
“You are convinced, I hope, of Mr. Kynsam's
innocence?” said the priest, with great dignity.
“I can't say that I am,” responded the detective, drily.


103
TIIE MISTERY OF LANDY COURT:
“What evidence did you find likely to make you
believe him guilty?”
Drage pulled the Ring out of his pocket, and held it up
twixt finger and thumb.
“I found this.”
To his surprise, Father Ching evinced no astonishment.
“I expected that you would find the Ring," he said, in
an icy manner ; “ but let me tell you, Mr. Drage, that
this gentleman,” laying his hand on Will's shoulder, “is
innocent."
"Who can prove him to be so ?”
“Dr. Sinclair, who examined the body of Sir Piers."
Drage looked at Will, looked at the priest, then turned
away whistling. He was puzzled.


CHAPTER XI.
THE EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST.
THE
'HE evidence of Dr. Sinclair :-
“I was called in on the 15th day of June to
examine the body of Sir Piers Lametry, of Landy
Court. It was then nine o'clock in the morning; and
he had already been dead eight hours. Death was
caused by the stab of some sharp instrument, probably a
stiletto, which penetrated the heart. Death must have
ensued instantaneously. The orifice of the wound is
triangular in shape. He was struck with considerable
force. I should say the deceased had been murdered
between one and two, in the morning.” (Here follow
medical details not pertinent to this narrative.)
The evidence of Ann Evans, housemaid :
"I am a housemaid at Landy Court. It is my duty
to attend to the library every morning at seven o'clock.
On the 15th day of June, when I entered the library as
usual, I saw that the middle window was wide open.


IIO
TIIE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
It is a French window, and leads on to the terrace.
Astonished at this, I looked round to see if anyone was
in the room who could have opened the window at
so early an hour. I then noticed that the cloth was
half pulled off the table. I went to put it straight, and
found on the other side of the table (concealed by the
cloth) the body of Sir Piers. He was lying on his back,
with outstretched arms; and in his left hand a corner of
the tablecloth was tightly clutched. Sir Piers was in
evening dress; his shirt-front was covered with blood,
oozing from a wound in the left breast. On making
this discovery I gave the alarm."
The evidence of Sir Lionel Lametry S
"I am the brother of the deceased. On the previous
night I retired to bed early. I left my brother in the
library with my nephew, and Mr. Durrant, a friend of
my nephew's. They were looking at the Sacred Ring,'
which Father Ching brought from the chapel for the
inspection of Durrant. Before I left the library I heard
Durrant offer to buy the Ring of my brother, for five
thousand pounds. That offer was refused. Shortly
afterwards I retired, but instead of repairing to the
smoking-room, as usual, I went to bed.
I heard no
unusual sound during the night, and knew nothing of
the murder, till I was alarmed in the morning. My
brother's body was in the position described by the


TI1E EVIDENCE AT TIIE INQUEST.
III
housemaid. I presume that, when struck by his
assassin, he clutched at the tablecloth to save himself
from falling, and so dragged it to the ground. The
casket which usually contained 'the Sacred Ring' was
entangled in the folds. My nephew picked it up, and
found the Ring was gone. I cannot say who stole the
Ring. The middle window leading to the terrace was
wide open. It was shut on the previous night. I don't
think my brother would have opened it during the
night, on account of the storm. To my knowledge,
my brother had enemies. He was very much
beloved."
no
I
The evidence of Ignatius Ching :-
"I am a priest of the Catholic Church, and occupy
the position of confessor at Landy Court. On the 15th
of June Mr. Kynsam introduced to Sir Piers a friend of
his, by name Mr. Durrant. I was not in the library
when the introduction took place. It is my custom to
play on the organ in the chapel during the evening.
was doing so on the 15th, when Sir Piers sent a message
requesting me to bring the Sacred Ring' to the library,
as Mr. Durrant desired to see it. The Sacred Ring'
is always kept in the chapel, and I am supposed to be
its guardian. In pursuance of Sir Piers' request, I
brought the casket containing the Sacred Ring' to
the library, and showed it to Mr. Durrant. Afterwards I.


I12
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
I
left the casket in the charge of Sir Piers, who promised
to restore it to the chapel. I then departed to visit
Cuthbert Caffin, one of the servants who was very ill. I
did not see Sir Piers again during the night. About ten
o'clock Mr. Lionel Lametry came to my room, where I
was sitting by the bedside of Caffin.
He was very
indignant, and said that Mr. Durrant had offered Sir
Piers five thousand pounds for the Sacred Ring,' an
offer which the Baronet had very properly refused.
soothed the indignation of Mr. Lionel Lametry by
pointing out that, as Sir Piers declined to part with the
Ring, no harm was done. Afterwards Mr. Lionel retired
to rest, and I remained with the sick man till close on
midnight. Then I also retired. I heard no unusual
sounds during the night. Next morning I was alarmed
by the report of the murder, and repaired to the library,
in the company of Mr. Lionel Lametry and Mr.
Kynsain. The window was open, as described by the
other witnesses. Sir Piers was lying on his back, with a
corner of the tablecloth clutched in his left hand, and a
wound in his left breast. He was quite dead. Mr.
Kynsam picked up the casket, and saw that the Ring
was gone. The late Baronet was much beloved and had
had no enemies. Later on I heard that Mr. Durrant
had left the house early in the inorning. At first I
connected his flight with the crime, but have since seen
fit to alter my opinion."


THE EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST.
113
The evidence of Miss Eleanor Lametry :
“I am the daughter of the late Sir Piers Lametry.
On the 15th of June I was in the library, after dinner,
with my father and uncle, when my cousin, Mr. Kynsam,
entered with Mr. Durrant. He introduced him to us all
as his friend. I saw Mr. Durrant during the day while
out riding. My cousin assured me that Mr. Durrant
was down to see him on business. After some talk, I
left the library for the drawing-room. There I played
the piano for an hour, and retired to bed between nine
and ten o'clock. I did not see my father again on that
night. Next morning I heard my father had been
murdered. I came down to the library, and saw the
body. It was lying as described by the other witnesses.
The middle window was open, and the casket which
usually contained the Ring was empty. While I was
kneeling beside my father's body, Mr. Kynsam left the
room, and returned with the news that Mr. Durrant had
left the Court. I cried out that he must have killed my
father, and have afterwards escaped through the open
window. I did not know at the time that he wished to
purchase the Ring. I had no reason to connect him
with the murder, but was so overcome with grief that I
did not know what I was saying. My father had no
enemies. He was beloved by everyone. I knew that
he set a great value on the Ring, and would not have
thought of parting with it at any price."
II


114
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
C
The evidence of William Kynsam
I am the nephew of the late Sir Piers Lametry, and
stay at Landy Court by my uncle's invitation. I have
been two years at Landy Court, and, with my deceased
uncle's full consent, was engaged to my cousin, Miss
Lametry. He approved of the match on receiving my
word, that I was not in debt. At the time I
At the time I gave the
assurance I was free from debt. On the 15th of June
I received a letter from a money-lender called Durrant.
It was about a bill for two thousand pounds which I .
had endorsed for a friend of mine, a Captain Saxon.
The letter informed me that Saxon had failed to meet
the bill, and that I was responsible for the payment.
The same evening Mr. Durrant arrived at the Court.
Mistrusting the effect of his letter, he concluded a
personal interview would be more likely to settle the
matter. After dinner I went to my room, and found
Durrant waiting for me.
It was then about a-quarter
past eight o'clock. We had a long interview about the
bill. Durrant wanted the money, and I informed him
that I could not possibly discharge the debt till the end
of the year. Meantime I offered to pay interest over and
above that, which I had already paid. He refused this
offer, and then made a compromise. In London I had
told him the story of 'the Sacred Ring,' and he, in his
turn, had repeated it to an American millionaire. This
Ainerican, a devout. Catholic, offered to buy the Ring
for ten thousand pounds.


116
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
I sug-
pounds stand over for a year if I paid interest, which I
agreed to do. Then we retired to bed. I remained awake
for some time debating as to the advisability of confessing
my indebtedness, and so throwing myself on the mercy of
iny uncle. Ultimately I determined to do so, and went
downstairs to the library about eleven o'clock. He was
· still there, with the Ring in its casket on the table. I
told my story, to which he listened in silence. Then he
said he could not help me, as the Court was deeply
mortgaged, and he was in sore need of money.
gested that he should sell the Ring for the five thousand.
He replied that he intended to do so, if the sale could be
kept from my Uncle Lionel and Father Ching, neither
of whom, he knew, would approve of his action. Seeing
how badly Sir Piers was in need of money, I agreed
to aid him; upon which he told ine to give the Ring to
Durrant, and get him out of the house at dawn, so that
he would not be questioned by Father Ching, when he
found the Ring missing. Sir Piers desired to tell all to
Father Ching himself. I then took the Ring, and left
the library, with the understanding that I was to give it
to Durrant, and see my uncle in the morning. I then
went to bed. My uncle was in good spirits when I left
him about midnight. At six in the morning I went to
Durrant's room, gave him the Ring, and told him to
leave the house. He gave me a receipt for the Ring,
and a promise to pay the five thousand pounds, as soon


THE EVIDENCE AT TIIE INQUEST.
117
as he settled with the Ainerican. I then let him out of
the house by a private door, communicating with the
grounds, from my room. Between midnight and six in
the morning I was asleep and heard no unusual noises.
When the alarm was given at seven, I went to the
library with Father Ching and my Uncle Lionel. All
happened as described by the other witnesses. I did
not say anything at the time about the sale of the Ring,
because I felt that, through the murder of Sir Piers, I
was in a very dangerous position. I said Durrant had
left the house, intending to go up to London and
explain all to him, so that he could corroborate my
evidence at this inquest. I was suspected and followed
to town by the detective Drage. I am unaware of any
enemies my Uncle Piers may have had.
He was a
general favourite."
The evidence of Horace Durrant :-
“I am a money-lender. I had transactions with Mr.
Kynsam and Captain Saxon over a bill for two thousand.
Saxon made default, and I came down here to get the
money from Mr. Kynsam. I wanted to sell 'the Sacred
Ring, of which I had heard Mr. Kynsam speak, for
ten thousand pounds, to an American. Mr. Kynsam
agreed to help me to buy it, if I forgave him the
debt, which I promised to do. Sir Piers refused to sell
the Ring, and I went to bed. At six I was awakened


118
THE JYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
by Mr. Kynsam, who brought the Ring and said Sir
Piers would sell it for five thousand pounds, but that it
was to be done secretly, and that I was to leave Landy
Court at once. I gave a receipt for the Ring, and a
promise to purchase it for five thousand on settling the
terms of sale with the American. Then I left the Court
by a private way, walked to Botsleigh, and got the land-
lord of: The Three Bells' to drive me to Barnstaple,
where I caught the half-past eight train to London. I
knew nothing of the murder till Drage came to town
while I was speaking to Mr. Kynsam. Drage took
the Ring away with him. I never saw Sir Piers after 1
left the library. I am innocent of all knowledge regard-
ing the crime."
The evidence of Luke Trevor :-
“I am valet to Mr. Kynsam. On the 15th June he
retired to bed about ten o'clock, or between ten and
eleven. I had a bad toothache, and he dismissed me
early, out of kindness. My room is near Mr. Kynsam's,
as he prefers to have me close at hand. To go down-
stairs he has to pass the door of my room. On that
night I was so sick with the toothache that I forgot to
close my door, and threw myself dressed as I was on
the bed. My door was slightly ajar, and I could hear
anyone who came past. I heard Mr. Kynsam go down-
stairs. He returned at twelve, for the hall-clock rang


THE EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST.
119
out the hour, as he repassed my door. I was awake all
night, and heard him pass again at six or thereabouts.
I swear that between midnight and six o'clock he did
not leave his room. Had he done so I could not have
failed to have heard him. I heard no unusual sound
during the night, and was much astonished when I was
told of the murder."
I
The evidence of Stephen Drage :-
"I am a detective in charge of this case. Mr.
Kynsam had some blood on his dressing-gown sleeve,
and I fancied for the moment he was guilty. When I
taxed him with it he treated me very roughly.
followed him up to town and found him in the company
of Mr. Durrant, the money-lender. “The Sacred Ring'
was on the table. I took the Ring and persuaded them
to return to Landy Court." (The evidence of this
witness was lengthy and prolix, but as it is mostly
recapitulation, it need not be here set forth.)
The evidence of John Fann
“I am Mr. Kynsam's groom.
The blood on his
dressing-gown sleeve is that of a fox-terrier. The dog
cut its foot a week ago, and Mr. Kynsam, who was in
his dressing-gown, bound up the foot. I brought the
dog up to his rooms. His sleeve was spotted with the


120
TIIE MYSTERY OF LAND Y COURT.
dog's blood, and I called his attention to the fact at the
time.”
The Coroner summed up, and the jury brought in a
verdict of wilful murder against some person or persons
unknown.
“Under the circumstances,” said Drage, disconsolately,
“they could bring in no other verdict.”


CHAPTER XII.
DRAGE MEETS WITH AN OLD FRIEND.
WHAT
HAT Drage said was perfectly true.
The jury
could have brought in no other verdict than that
of wilful murder against some unknown person. He
had suspected Durrant, but the evidence of Will,
showing how the Ring came to be in the money-lender's
possession, exonerated him from complicity in the crime.
He had suspected Kynsam, but the valet's evidence
proved his innocence, when taken in conjunction with
the assertion of Dr. Sinclair.
The doctor declared that Sir Piers was murdered
between one and two o'clock in the morning, while the
evidence of Will proved that he had retired to his
bedroom at twelve o'clock, and did not emerge therefrom
till six in the morning, when he went to awaken Durrant.
This assertion was supported by the evidence of Luke
Trevor, who asserted positively that he was kept awake all
night with toothache, and knew that Mr. Kynsam did not


I 22
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COC'RT.
leave his room after midnight, or before six o'clock. If
the crime was thus committed at the time alleged by
the doctor, it was quite impossible that will could be
the guilty person. The alibi was clearly proved.
Then as to the blood on the sleeve of the dressing-
gown. Contrary to the expectations of Drage, who
disbelieved Will's story, the groom, John Fann, proved
that it was the blood of a fox-terrier, and that he had
drawn Mr. Kynsam's attention to it at the time the
sleeve was soiled. No evidence could be clearer, and it
entirely did away with Drage's theory; therefore, with
due regard to the statements of these three witnesses,
Will Kynsam was quite innocent of the crime laid to his
charge. There was not an atom of evidence against
him.
Furthermore, as if to clinch the matter, Drage dis-
covered indirectly through the family lawyer that Will's
statement concerning Sir Piers' poverty was quite true.
Far from being a rich man, he was comparatively poor;
and in some mysterious way he had spent the large sums
of money raised on the estate. Drage was unable to
learn what he had done with them, and the lawyer, a
pompous gentleman of the old school, disdainfully
declined to give the shabby little detective any informa-
tion. He asked Will, but here he fared no better, as the
young man pleaded ignorance of Sir Piers' private life.
Yet Drage, in one way and another, ascertained, beyond


DRAGE MEETS WITH AN OLD FRIEND,
123
all doubt, that only the motive of poverty-certainly a
strong motive—had induced Sir Piers to sell the relic
which had been in his family, for so many hundreds
of years.
The funeral was attended by all the gentry and poor
people from far and wide ; for Sir Piers, a good landlord,
and an excellent r.sighbour, had been greatly respected
by the county. At the burial everyone talked of his
good qualities, and upright life. Not a dissenting voice
was heard.
" That's queer,” said Drage to himself, on overhearing
these eulogies. "If he was so good as all that, it doesn't
jump with his secretly spending large sums of money.
What the deuce could he have squandered them on?
Was he secretly a profligate or a gambler? Scandal is
silent, yet if he was either the one, or the other, there
would certainly be some talk. But I don't hear a
word against him. Queer—it's very queer !”
After the funeral Sir Lionel sent for Drage, and,
paying him his fee, advised him to go back to town and
give up the search as a bad job.
" I'm afraid you'll discover nothing," said the new
Baronet. “Durrant has been proved innocent; Mr.
Kynsam has been proved innocent. I never suspected
cither of them, and am not astonished that things have
turned out in this way.”
“You were angry at my suspecting Mr. Kynsam?”


123
TILE ALYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
As a
relic. If he agrees to give that amount, return here, and
I'll undertake to deliver the Ring.”
“That will put twenty thousand pounds in your
pocket. But what about me?”
"I will give you a thousand pounds."
“I refuse to be swindled in that way,” said Durrant,
rising indignantly to his feet.
“Very well, Mr. Durrant. You can call it what you
please, but I only do business on those terms.
matter of fact, now that I know your plans, which you
have been forced to reveal in order to clear yourself from
this murder, I can afford to do without you. Accept,
and you gain a thousand pounds; refuse, and I can find
out your millionaire, without your assistance."
“ Give me time to think over the matter," said
Durrant, seeing he was in a hole.
"By all means,' replied the Baronet, easily. “Take
till this time to-morrow. I can't afford to wait longer,
as I want the money badly.”
“So did your brother, and was murdered.”
"Is that a prognostication of my own death ? " said
Sir Lionel, scornfully. “If so, it is false. I can protect
myself. Good day, Mr. Durrant.
You know my
terms. Take them or leave them, as you please. Good
day.”
Thus summarily dismissed, Durrant left the library in
no very good temper. He recognised that the new


DRAGE MEETS WITH AN OLD FRIEND.
129
Baronet was a very different character to the old one,
and was determined to put the full value of the Ring into
his own pockets. But for the fact that he had been
forced to betray his business relations with the American
at the inquest, he could have managed Sir Lionel, by
keeping those facts secret. As it was, the Baronet knew
too much for Durrant to have things his own way; so
under these circumstances, he almost made up his mind
to agree to Lametry's terms, and take the thousand
pounds. Yet he determined to take till next day to
consider the matter, in the hope that something might
turn up in the meantime to give him the advantage over
Sir Lionel
While thus cogitating, he came across Drage, who was
standing at the foot of the staircase, looking remarkably
pale. Durrant stopped to make a remark thereon.
What's the matter with you, Drage ?” he said, in an
astonished tone. “You look as though you had seen a
ghost."
"That's just what it is. I have seen a ghost.”
“Whose ghost ?"
“The ghost of a woman whom I thought was dead,"
replied Drage, wiping the perspiration off his forehead.
“I could have sworn she
was dead. I saw her
corpse.”
“And now you ser her ghost.” said Durrant, flippantly.
“Why didn't you speak to it?"
66
I


130
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
" I'll do that later on," said Drage, whose colour was
coming back to his cheeks. “But never mind the ghost.
I'm looking for Mr. Kynsam.”
“You'll find him in the drawing-room. But don't
interrupt him."
“Why not?"
“Because he is engaged with Miss Lametry," replied
Durrant, and went away laughing.
Drage stared after him for some moments, thinking of
the person whom he had seen, then turned on his heel
and sought the drawing-room.
“I'll ask Mr. Kynsam what name she goes by here,"
he said, as he paused at the half-open door.
Just as he was about to push the door open, he
heard his own name pronounced by Miss Lametry, and,
wondering what she could find to say about him,
listened. It was a dishonourable thing to do, but Drage
not over nice in many things, and considered
eavesdropping to be a part of his profession. Perhaps
he was right on that point.
Will and Eleanor were walking up and down the
drawing-room arm-in-arm, earnestly conversing. As
they approached the door, Eleanor made the remark,
which had attracted the attention of the detective,
“Did you tell Mr. Drage?” she asked.
"No," he replied, in a tone of reproach ; “how can
was


DRAGE MEETS WITH AN OLD FRIEND.
131
you think I would do such a thing. It was not safe to
do so, especially when I thought it was you."
“Tell me exactly what occurred."
“When I was leaving the library at midnight, with
the Ring in my pocket, I saw the skirt of a woman
vanish round the corner. Thinking it was you, I went
after her, and called out your name, but she was already
out of sight, and thinking you did not wish to speak to
me, I went upstairs to my rooin."
“It was not I,” said Eleanor, thoughtfully. “It must
have been one of the servants."
“Very likely
But what was
one of the servants
doing near the library at that hour?"
“I cannot say.
How was she dressed?"
“I do not know. I only saw the tail of her grey silk
skirt."
"That is Mrs. Westcote," said Miss Lametry, quickly.
“ How unobservant you are, Will! Mrs. Westcote
always wears grey silk in the evening."
Well, it might be her. What was she doing there at
midnight?"
“I'll ask her.”
"No," said Drage, entering the room, “don't do that,
miss."
“Confound you, sir! You've been listening !” cried
Will, indignantly.
“It's part of my profession,” replied Drage, coolly.


132
THE NIYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
“I heard what you said about Mrs. Westcote, and, with
your permission, I'll speak to her myself. She is the
housekeeper, is she not?”
« Yes. A tall, pale woman, with dark hair, Mrs.
Westcote."
“Mrs. Westcote,” repeated Drage, under his breath,
"and I thought she was dead.”


131
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
Eleanor, he wondered whether such suspicions miglit
not prove correct. She had been near the library shortly
before the commission of the crime, at an hour when she
was supposed to be in bed. Unless she could explain
her presence there at that time to Drage's satisfaction,
he was justified, knowing what he did of her past, in sus-
pecting her to have something to do with the murder.
After his interview with the lovers, he went in search
of Mrs. Westcote, with the intention of ascertaining, if
possible, her movements on the 15th of June. He was
well aware how difficult a task it would be to wring the
truth out of her; as she was no country bumpkin, but
a keen, clear-brained woman of the world, who had,
on a certain occasion, baffled the cleverest members of
the Bar. Knowing this, Drage looked forward to the
contest of wits with some excitement. It would be a
matter of some difficulty to force her into confession ;
but Drage, prided himself on his capabilities, and was
determined to come off victorious. Yet he sought her
with considerable trepidation; for she was a dangerous
woman, and would be game to the last.
Michael took him to the housekeeper's room, and,
leaving him at the door, entered the apartment to tell
Mrs. Westcote that Drage desired to see her. To the
detective's surprise, Mrs. Westcote consented to be inter-
viewed without a moment's hesitation. Drage entered
with some uneasiness. He did not like that ready


THE STORY OF MRS. WESTCOTE,
137
"An actress !” he repeated, loudly.
“I hear you, Mr. Drage. Go on with your story.”
"About twenty years ago, Mrs. Westcote, there was a
well-known actress in London called Clara Vaux -per-
haps you remember her?”
“I don't remember her. I was not in London then.”
"You do it beautifully !” said Drage, in an admiring
tone. “You are as good an actress as was Clara Vaux.
However, to continue my story.
“This celebrated lady was a tragic actress, and particu-
larly fine in the part of Lady Macbeth. Unfortunately,
her private life was not a happy one.
Common report
said that she had left her husband for the sake of another
man, wino was at once a gambler and a profligate. She
called herself Mrs. Geoffrey Roche. Ah! I see you know
that name.”
For the moment, stirred by the memory of the past,
Mrs. Westcote sighed faintly, and clasping her hands
tightly together, looked steadily at Drage. She had
betrayed herself, yet persisted in her denial.
“I never heard the naine before. You are talking
nonsense.”
“ We'll see if it is nonsense when we come to the end of
the story," said Drage, in no wise ruffled by her sneer.
“Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Roche lived in a pretty little villa
near Regent's Park. When I knew them they had
already dwelt there for ten years, and had one child, a
boy of nine
years
"
of age.


138
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
"When you knew them !” said Mrs. Westcote, with
deep scorn, “you never knew them.”
“ Apparently, you did, in spite of your previous denials,”
responded Drage, sharply. “But you are right, I did
not know them at the time. I was a burglar in those
days."
“You were ! A criminal of the lowest class.”
“Ah!” said the detective, with much satisfaction. “I
see you are beginning to take an interest in my story."
"For heaven's sake tell me what you mean to do!”
cried Mrs. Westcote, violently.
Presently, presently,” replied Drage, humouring her
as though she was a child. “I must go on with my
story.”
She smote her hands sharply together with an angry
frown, and controlled her rising passion with great
difficulty.
“ Go on.
I listen.”
“I was a burglar in those days," continued Drage,
shamelessly. “That was before I reformed, and became
a detective. In the pursuit of my house-breaking trade,
I entered the Regent's Park villa of Mr. and Mrs.
Geoffrey Roche, to pick up what I could. It was one
o'clock in the morning when I succeeded in entering the
house, hoping to find all the inmates in bed.
To my
surprise I heard voices in the direction of the smoking-
room-I learned it was the smoking-room afterwards.


THE STORY OF MRS. WESTCOTE.
139
.
Unwilling to be caught, I stole forward quietly, and
looked in through the open door. There was an Indian
bead curtain hanging before it, so I could see without
being seen. What do you think I saw, Mrs. Westcote ?"
“I don't know. I don't care.”
“I saw that the ground was strewn with cards, and in
the centre of the room was a table, at which sat two men
playing. One, whose face was towards me, was a mere
lad; the other, whose countenance I could not see, I
guessed to be the master of the house, Mr. Geoffrey
Roche. Behind the lad stood Clara Vaux, overlooking
his cards, and telegraphing the information to her
husband. In short, Mrs. Westcote, what I saw was a
gambling scene, in which two sharpers were cheating an
inexperienced lad."
The woman was quite white. Leaning back in her
chair, she placed her handkerchief to her mouth, and
looked as though she were on the point of fainting.
"You look ill, Mrs. Westcote,” said Drage, suavely.
"Can I get you a glass of water?”
“No. Go on with your story.”
"The most interesting part is yet to come,” continued
the detective, with a malicious grin.
“ The lad was
flushed with drink, and lost heavily. On a table near
him lay a jewelled dagger. It was one used by Clara
Vaux in her tragic parts. As I looked, the lad sprang
to his feet, mad with drink and despair. He had lost all


THE STORY OF MRS. WESTCOTE.
141
• How did you get here?”
was acquitted, and I was put in prison on a charge of
burglary.
I know : I remember it all only too well.”
“There was gratitude for you!” continued Drage.
"When I got out of prison I amended my ways, and
became a detective. I tried to find Clara Vaux, but
she had disappeared with the boy after the trial. I
could not find her. Judge then of my astonishment,
when, at Landy Court twenty years afterwards, I recog-
nise in Mrs. Westcote the housekeeper, Clara Vaux the
actress !”
Mrs. Westcote turned round and looked Drage fair in
the face.
“Yes ! denial is useless,” she said, coldly.
“ I am
Clara Vaux ! What have you to say to me?"
“What have you been doing since I saved your life?”
Living abroad on the Continent, chiefly in Paris.
For the last two years I have been housekeeper at
Landy Court."
“I decline to tell you
that.”
"I thought you would decline,” said Drage, signifi-
cantly. “Ah! it was a pity I never saw the face of
Geoffrey Roche.”
“What do you mean?" asked Mrs. Westcote, turning
pale.
Geoffrey Roche fled when you were arrested for the
murder of Lord Beldon. When you were set free,
6


142
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
through my evidence, you joined him on the Continent,
and then came with him to Landy Court."
Geoffrey Roche is not at Landy Court,” replied Mrs.
Westcote, vehemently.
“Not now! But he was here. I now see where Sir
Piers' money went, Mrs. Westcote. I now understand
how it was he died in debt.”
“You are wrong—you are wrong,” she said, clasping
her hands nervously together.
No, I am not wrong, Miss Clara Vaux; I am not
wrong, Mrs. Geoffrey Roche; I am not wrong, Mrs.
Westcote. Sir Piers Lametry, the excellent Devonshire
gentleman, was Geoffrey Roche, the London scamp. He
spent his money on you, and when he had no more to
squander, brought you here to be the housekeeper at
Landy Court. Is this not true?”
“I decline to answer you.”
“I command you to answer.”
“I refuse."
“Then at least tell me if you have the dagger with
which Lord Beldon killed himself."
“ The dagger!” she stammered, evading his eye.
“Yes! The jewelled-hilted dagger, which has already
figured in one trial and may figure in another."
“I have not that dagger. I never saw it again. It is
at Scotland Yard,” said Mrs. Westcote.
"Is it? Yet, strange to say, the wound in Lord


THE STORY OF MRS. WESTCOTE.
113
Beldon's breast was triangular in shape, and the wound
in Sir Piers' breast was also triangular. The dagger,"
added Drage, with cruel deliberation, “is of the kind
that inflicts a triangular-shaped wound. You owned
that dagger, and you were at the Regent's Park villa
when Lord Beldon died—you were at Landy Court when
Sir Piers Lametry was murdered. What do
What do you make
of that, Mrs. Westcote?”
His last words were unheard, for the housekeeper had
fainted.
“Ah!” said Drage, with a grim smile, "I am afraid
my evidence won't save you this time from the gallows."


CHAPTER XIV.
THE DAGGER.
IT
T need hardly be said that Drage fully believed Mrs.
Westcote to be guilty. As to her motive for com-
initting the crime, he ascribed that to jealousy. Possibly
she wanted Sir Piers to acknowledge her as his wife, and
raise her from the position of housekeeper to that of the
mistress of Landy Court. As he refused to do so, she
may have killed him in a fit of jealous rage. This was
mere conjecture, still the nature of the wound pointed to
the use of that famous dagger, which Drage deemed to
be still in her possession. If he could find that dagger
he would have a strong proof against her that she had
stabbed the Baronet. The similarity of the wound
inflicted on Sir Piers to that of Lord Beldon, was too
close to be the result of mere accident.
Moreover, her presence near the iibrary on that night
was suspicious. Unable by reason of her position to see
Sir Piers privately during the day, she came to the


THE DAGGER.
145
library at midnight to interview him. This, then, was
the reason that Sir Piers sat up on that special night. He
appointed twelve o'clock as the hour of meeting with
Mrs. Westcote, in the belief that by that time, the inmates.
of Landy Court would be in bed. As it happened, the
visit of Will to the library for the purpose of making a
clean breast of it to Sir Piers, had nearly discovered the
Baronet's secret. Mrs. Westcote was coming to keep the
appointment when Will saw the tail of her skirt vanish
round the corner. He, thinking it was Eleanor, held his
tongue; but, had he spoken of the episode to Drage, the,
detective's suspicions would have been aroused, and he,
would have discovered the identity of Mrs. Westcote,
much earlier than he had done. From over-caution
Kynsam had retarded the progress of justice.
Full of his new discovery, Drage went to look for
Will, and tell him the story. He did not care about
making a confidant of Sir Lionel, as he felt sure the
Baronet would laugh at the idea of Mrs. Westcote's guilt.
Moreover, before seeing him, Drage wished to find the
dagger, so as to place before Sir Lionel a plain proof that
the woman had killed his brother. For a moment or so
he did think of confiding in Father Ching, but came to
the conclusion that he was not a suitable person. The
priest would listen to his tale, but believe or disbelieve it
as he might, would not lift one finger to help him. Indeed,
he was práciuded from doing so by his sacred office, and,
K


146
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
as Drage wished aid in his scarch for the weapon, he
decided to apply to someone more likely to assist him.
Will Kynsam was, therefore, the best person to see, as.
he knew every detail of the case, and was anxious to
capture the assassin of his uncle. It also seemed to Drage
that he owed the young man some reparation for his
unjust suspicions, and he could not better discharge his
debt than by entrusting him with the newly-discovered
secret. Such confidence would show Kynsam that the
detective was absolutely certain of his innocence, and was
anxious for his help to secure the person who had slain
Sir Piers.
Leaving Mrs. Westcote to recover from her faint,
Drage repaired to the smoking-room, where he anticipated
Will Kynsam was to be found. The young man was
smoking in a gloomy sort of fashion, and looked anything
but cheerful when the detective entered the room. Seeing
from Drage's face that something new had occurred, he
jumped up eagerly, and advanced towards him.
“What is the matter now, Drage ?” he said, anxiously.
Have you made any new discoveries ?”
“Yes; I have made one of the greatest importance."
“ Have you found out who killed iny poor uncle ?"
“Well, I won't say that as yet,” replied Drage,
significantly, “but I have a shrewd suspicion that I can
lay my hand on the guilty person."
“ \Vho is he?" asked Will, eagerly.


THE DAGGER.
147
“That I decline to say at present,” answered Drage.
“You may as well confide in me, Drage,” said Kynsam,
in an injured tone. “I may be able to assist you."
“Will you be willing to do so if I tell you what I
know?”
Kynsam hesitated for a moment, and made a wry
face. The idea was disagreeable to him.
"I don't like the office," he said, at length. “It seems
a horrible thing to hunt down a fellow-creature.”
“Not when that fellow-creature is guilty of murder.
Moreover, the only assistance I want you to give is to
aid ine to find the weapon with which the crime was
committed.”
"Oh, I don't mind doing that. Tell me of your
discovery, and I will help you to the best of my ability.”
So saying, Will held out his hand to Drage. To his
surprise, the pale face of the detective flushed crimson, and
he refused to acknowledge the courtesy.
“No, Mr. Kynsam, I am not fit to shake hands with
you. Let me tell you my story, and you will see what I
mean."
Much puzzled by the agitation of Drage, and anxious
to know its meaning, Will resumed his seat.
“Tell me whatever you choose. I shall not betray
your confidence."
“I had hoped my past was buried,” said Drage, in a
vexed tone. “But I can't tell you of my discovery
unless I reveal what I was."


TIIE DAGGER.
149
“Let me hear it, then.”
“I broke into a house twenty years ago at midnight.
The house was near Regent's Park, and belonged to a
Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Roche.”
“I never heard of them.”
"Perhaps you have heard of an actress called Clara
Vaux ?"
“Yes. But that was before my time. Well, was she
Mrs. Geoffrey Roche?"
“She was supposed to be, but-_."
"Stop a moment," interrupted Will, a sudden recol-
lection flashing across his brain. “ Was she the woman
who was supposed to have killed Lord Beldon ?"
“Yes. You know the story?”
It was told to me by a friend. She was acquitted on
the evidence of a man who swore that Beldon killed
himself."
"That is true! I was the man who gave the evidence.
I saw the whole thing happen, when I broke into the
house."
“Good heavens! How strange! What did they do to
you?"
"Gave me three years for burglary," replied Drage,
calmly. “When I was released I turned over a new leaf
and became a detective."
“It's a queer story,” said Will, looking at Drage with
fresh interest. “But what has that old story to do with
my uncle's death?"


*150
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
Simply this. The wound in the breast of Lord
Beldon was triangular in shape—the wound in Sir Piers'
breast was also triangular. It is my opinion that the
wounds were caused by the same weapon.”
“But how could such a weapon come here?”
“It belonged to Clara Vaux.”
“But Clara Vaux is not at Landy Court."
“Yes she is, Mr. Kynsam,” said Drage, slowly. "Clara
Vaux now calls herself Mrs. Westcote.”
"The housekeeper?” cried Kynsam, rising quickly,
with an incredulous look.
“Yes, the housekeeper."
" It was she whom I saw at midnight near the library."
“ It was she.”
** And the dagger belonged to her! Why, man, you
don't mean to say that Mrs. Westcote killed my uncle?"
“ Yes I do! She stabbed him with that very dagger
with which Lord Beldon killed himself twenty years
ago."
“But her reason for committing such a crime?"
"Can you bear a shock?" said Drage, seriously.
“Yes, yes. What do you mean?”
“Your uncle, Sir Piers, was Mr. Geoffrey Roche.”
Kynsam looked at the detective aghast, and could not
speak for some moments.
“You must be joking My uncle was one of the best
of men.”


THE DAGGER.
151
"No doubt,” said Drage, coolly. “Nevertheless, I
firmly believe that he was the man who disappeared from
London at the time of Lord Beldon's suicide. Now you
can guess where his money went."
“No; I can't guess.”
“How blind you are, Mr. Kynsam,” said the detective,
impatiently. “It went to feed the extravagance of Clara
Vaux. When the money was done, Sir Piers brought
her here as his housekeeper.”
“But this is infamous,” cried Will, angrily. “You must
be mistaken. No man would bring such a woman under
the same roof as that which covered his own child."
“I tell you it is true. Mrs. Westcote is Clara Vaux.
I taxed her with it, and she could not deny it.”
Will looked confusedly at the ground, then, suddenly
raising his eyes, glanced at Drage.
“Don't tell Miss Lametry of this frightful discovery,"
he said, in a pained voice.
"I shall not tell anyone. We must keep this discovery
to ourselves till we find the proof that Clara Vaux, who
calls herself Mrs. Westcote, killed Sir Piers.”
“What proof do you require?”
“The dagger. It is my opinion that, after killing Sir
Piers, she opened the window to throw the dagger into
the garden."
“ Impossible! It would have been picked up."
“ Then she concealed it outside. There was no other
reason why she should open the window."


154
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
“I found this in the last pot,” he said, breathlessly.
“Is this the dagger?”
“Yes,” said Drage, taking it gravely. “See, the blade
is triangular. On the hilt is a monogram, ‘C. V.', for
Clara Vaux. This is the dagger I saw twenty years
ago, when Lord Beldon killed himself; and this is the
dagger used by Clara Vaux, otherwise Mrs. Westcote,
to murder Sir Piers Lametry, otherwise Mr. Geoffrey
Roche."


156
THIE MYSTERY 0,5 LANDY COURT.
“No. I don't think we'll mention this matter yet to
Sir Lionel,” said Drage, scratching his chin. "Let us
return to the smoking-room, and talk it over. I wish to
ask you a few questions, if you please."
“I will answer them with pleasure—if I can.”
“Oh, there's no difficulty about that,” replied Drage,
easily, as they re-entered the library, and took their way.
to the smoking-room. "I merely wish to know the
attitude assumed by Mrs. Westcote at Landy Court."
Will threw himself into his former seat with a groan.
It seemed so horrible that, this wretched woman, who
called herself Mrs. Westcote, should be under the same
roof as Eleanor. Yet he could not tell all, and have her
turned out, without the permission of Drage. Bound by
his promise of silence, he was entirely in the detective's
hands.
“ How does Mrs. Westcote conduct herself here?”
asked Drage, again.
“To tell you the truth, I do not take much notice of
her,” replied Will, carelessly. “She is very quiet and
unobtrusive; but no one likes her. She is not even a
favourite with the servants."
“Did Sir Piers show her any favour?”
“No. He disliked her heartily, and was several times
on the point of getting rid of her, but that Father Ching
favoured her stay."
" That was a mere blind on the part of Sir Piers," said


A STRANGE DISCOVERY.
157
Drage, nodding his head wisely. “He could not really
have disliked her, else he would scarcely have given her
a meeting in the library at midnight."
“For all we know, he inight have given her that
meeting for the purpose of getting rid of her, Drage.
My uncle was too fond of Eleanor to expose her to the
infamy of coming in contact with this woman. Depend
upon it, she thrust herself upon him uninvited, and he
dared not refuse lest she should expose his connection
with her, and his identity with Geoffrey Roche."
“That might be so, certainly,” replied Drage, reflect-
ively. “How did she first come here?”
“Sir Piers wanted a housekeeper, and this woman
applied, so, as her references were excellent, he gave her
the post."
“ I have no doubt her references were excellent-for
Sir Piers."
“What do you mean, Drage ?"
"I agree with your idea. Sir Piers gave her the post
of housekeeper, under a threat of betrayal. She could
have exposed his former follies, and ruined his position
in the county. Naturally he shrank from such an
exposure, and for the sake of peace yielded to her
demands."
“I cannot believe that my uncle was ever such a
scamp," said Will, in a puzzled tone. “He did not seem
to be a man of that sort.”


162
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
“ And is it to be wondered at? I have lost the best
and kindest of fathers."
Will, somewhat embarrassed by this direct reference to
a man of whom he had heard such bad accounts, opened
his mouth to reply, when he was spared the necessity of
doing so by the sudden entry of Drage into the room.
"Excuse me, Miss Lametry," he said, advancing swiftly
towards the table, “but I left something behind me."
“This dagger," said Will, and regretted saying it the
moment afterwards, when he saw Eleanor's
eyes
es fastened
on the weapon.
Drage was about to pick it up when Eleanor anticipated
him. Taking it in her hand she looked at it admiringly,
and then glanced at the two men. Evidently she had no
suspicion that the weapon in her hand was the one with
which her father had been slain. Kynsam met her gaze
with a confused look on his face.
" It is a pretty dagger, is it not?” said Eleanor, in a
conventional tone. " It came from Florence, and is as
old as the Renaissance.”
The two men looked at one another. Were they on the
verge of a new discovery? It seemed so.
“I did not know you were so learned, Eleanor,"
observed Will, trying to steady his voice. “How did you
learn the age of this stiletto?"
'Why, Father Ching told me.'
“Father Ching!”
06


164
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
“I must see Mrs. Westcote before I answer that
question,” replied Drage, putting the dagger into his
pocket. “I hope he is innocent, and not guilty of
parricide.”
“ Parricide!”
“Yes! If he is the son of Mrs. Westcote, Sir Piers
must be his father.”


CHAPTER XVI.
AT BAY.
THE
'HE effect of Elcanor's careless words was startling
in the extreme. Drage was once more at fault.
His belief in the guilt of Mrs. Westcote was rudely
shaken. If the dagger had passed out of her possession,
then there was a possibility that she was innocent of the
crime laid to her charge. Father Ching admitted that
the weapon was his property. It had been given to him
by his mother, who could be none other than the house-
keeper. The question now arose whether the priest was
innocent or guilty.
It was doubtful whether mother and son were aware
of the relationship between them. If Father Ching
knew that Mrs. Westcote was his mother, he certainly
gave no sign of such knowledge. Doubtless Mrs.
Westcote was better informed, but she kept out of his
way, and neither by word or deed hinted at the tie
between them. She could not be ignorant of the
presence of her own son in the house, but had evidently


156
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
kept the knowledge to herself, for if Father Ching
learned one thing he would have to learn all.
Drage wondered whether this might not have had
something to do with the murder of Sir Piers. If
Father Ching unexpectedly learned the truth, he must
have despised, and hated, his father for his treatment of
his mother. Of course, if Mrs. Westcote revealed her-
self to her son, she would magnify her own virtues at
the expense of the Baronet. Ching would, therefore, be
prejudiced in her favour, and look on her as a woman
wronged by the man whom he had lately discovered to
be his father. It might be that he sought Sir Piers in
the library for the purpose of forcing him to do justice to
Mrs. Westcote, and in the quarrel which ensued inadver-
tently killed the Baronet. This was merely supposition.
Still it was within the bounds of probability.
Only one person could reveal the true facts of the
case, and that was Mrs. Westcote. If she had not killed
Sir Piers herself, she might have, at least, instigated the
priest to do so, and thus in either case would be respon-
sible for the tragedy. This was the view, perhaps an
erroneous one, which Drage took of the matter; and
after parting with Will in the smoking-room, he went off
to seek a second interview with Mrs. Westcote.
The housekeeper was still in her room, and looked
pinched and haggard. All her placid beauty had gone
in that fearful moment when Drage lay bare the evil of


170
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
but because you could not show yourself in your true
colours came as Mrs. Westcote, the housekeeper. All
the time you stayed here, you insisted upon Sir Piers
making you his wife. He refused because he loved his
child too well to give her such a stepmother. Do you
hear me? Is it not so ?”
A faint moan was Mrs. Westcote's only response.
Huddled up in a corner of the sofa, she covered her face
with her hands, and refused to look at the stern face of
her accuser. Paying no attention to her anguish, Drage
continued his story, emphasising every point with his
forefinger.
"Weary of these evasions, you determined to end the
matter, in one way, or the other. On the night of the
15th you armed yourself with the stiletto, and stole
downstairs to the library, where Sir Piers was waiting
you by appointment. There you insisted upon his
making you his wife. He refused, whereupon, mad with
jealous rage, you killed him with this dagger. When
the paroxysm of fury passed, you saw in what a danger-
ous position you had placed yourself. You looked
about for a place to conceal the evidence of your crime,
The casket of the Sacred Ring' was open on the table,
and it was empty. You then saw a chance of passing
off the murder as done by the robber who had stolen the
Ring. You opened the middle window to favour the
idea, and when outside, afraid of taking the dagger to


A7' BAY.
171
your room lest it should be discovered, and used in
evidence against you, hid it in one of those flower-pots
standing on the terrace. I have no doubt you intended
to remove it, when you got the chance, but you delayed
doing so until it was too late. Mr. Kynsam found it,
and I am prepared to swear that it belongs to you. It
was you who killed Sir Piers Lametry, alias Mr.
Geoffrey Roche."
Mrs. Westcote still continued sobbing, whereupon
Drage shook her by the shoulder.
“ Answer! Confess
your crime.”
As though endowed with new energy-"You are
wrong. I did not kill Sir Piers. I was at the library
door on the night, but
"Why were you at the library door?”
“I refuse to tell you."
“There is no need for me to ask you," said Drage,
triumphantly. “Oh, I know well who committed the
murder, Mrs. Westcote."
“ You
say it was I ?”
“I said so to hear what you would say. I guessed
you would deny it. You are quite innocent of the
crime.”
“What do you mean, man?” she said, clutching at a
chair for support.
“I mean that you were at the library door, to hear if
Sir Piers would acknowledge his son and yours.”


172
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
"My-my son!”
“Yes! He who calls himself Father Ching."
The housekeeper looked at the man who was dragging
forth her secrets with menaces. She saw he knew all ;
but, determined to fight to the last, drew herself up with
a scornful laugh, meant to discourage Drage. It did
not have the least effect on him.
“You are talking nonsense.
How can
a
man of
Father Ching's age be my son ?”
“Father Ching is twenty-nine years of age.”
“ He is more than that.”
“He is not,” insisted Drage. “No one knows his age
better than you do. Have you forgotten that you had a
son of which Sir Piers, then Geoffrey Roche, was the
father? Rightly wishing to atone for your sins, you
gave him to the Church, and sent him to a Jesuit college,
to be trained as a priest. You never saw him again till
you met him here, and he did not know you were his
mother. Yet, lest he should forget that he had a
mother, you sent him this dagger many years ago.'
“It is a lie! I did not.”
“You did. Father Ching admitted to Miss Lametry
that his mother sent him this stiletto."
"He is lost," muttered Mrs. Westcote, growing pale.
“Yes, he is lost,” triumphantly overhearing these
words; "it was he who committed this crime at your
instigation."


AT BAY.
173
No, no! Have pity. He is innocent."
“He is not innocent. He is guilty. You revealed to
him that you were his mother, and told him how Sir
Piers had wronged you.
The confession made him a
parricide."
"No, no!” she moaned. "No, no!"
“Yes! He went to the library to see his newly-
discovered father. You followed, and watched the pair.
You heard them quarrel! You saw the blow struck.
You know that your son, Father Ching, is a murderer.”
“He is not. He was not near the library on that
night."
“Yes, he was! It was you who saved him. You hid
the dagger, and acted as I have said, thinking the crime
would be set down as the result of the robbery of the
Sacred Ring.' You saw an innocent man accused of the
crime, yet held your peace, so did he. But I have him
now, and by his own confession.”
“ He has not confessed.”
“He has admitted that the dagger is his. He who
had that dagger killed Sir Piers."
“Have mercy."
Drage tore himself away as she clutched him by the
arm, and addressed her sternly as he left the room.
“ I am now going to arrest your son for the murder of
his father.”


CHAPTER XVII.
GUILTY OR NOT GUILTY.
FTER that fatiguing day Drage would gladly have
taken a rest. Unfortunately he was unable to do
so, lest in the meantime Mrs. Westcote should see
Father Ching, and put him on his guard. Drage
therefore decided to speak to the priest that night, and
afford him the opportunity of defending himself before
telling the whole miserable story to Sir Lionel. The
Baronet, quite unaware of the important events which
were transpiring, was remarkably merry at dinner, and
strove to cheer the young couple who were rather
doleful over the position of affairs,
Durrant, after another interview with Sir Lionel, left
for London by the afternoon train. What took place'at
that second meeting did not transpire till later; but
when it did become public, created profound astonish-
ment in the breasts of all connected with the household
of Landy Court. Previously, Lionel had been irritable
and uneasy, but after the departure of the money-lender,


178
THE :NI YSTERY OF LANDY: COURT.
as I finish this pipe, I'll see your son, and find out the
truth. Not all your lies can save him if he is guilty.”
While thus turning matters over in his own mind,
Will Kynsam came out of the house and walked up, to
him. The young man looked pale and worried, for,
owing to the strain of the last week or so, his nerves
were scarcely under control.
“Have you seen
Mrs. Westcote?” he anxiously
asked.
“I have seen Mrs. Westcote,” replied Drage, slowly.
“What did she say?"
"Told lies, till I forced the truth from her."
"Is Father Ching her son ?"
Drage nodded.
“ And the son of of—— Sir Piers?”
Drage nodded again.
“Great heavens! What a horrible thing," muttered
Kynsam, under his breath, “the priest is Eleanor's half-
brother."
Then struck with a sudden thought, he turned round
sharply to the detective.
Are
my uncle was Geoffrey Roche?”
Perfectly sure. I taxed Mrs. Westcote with it, and
she did not deny it."
But did she admit it?"
"Well, no," replied Drage, with some hesitation, “I
can't say she admitted it in any direct fashion.”
you sure that
")


CHAPTER XVIII.
THE
LAW OF
ROME.
THE circumstantial evidence implicating Father Ching
'HE
was sufficiently strong to justify Drage's belief,
that he had at last secured the true criminal ; but,' not-
withstanding the most cunning questions, he found it
impossible to extort a confession from the priest. Ching
not only disclaimed all connection with the crime, but,
alleging that the accusation was too monstrous for
serious consideration, treated it with absolute disdain.
He adhered to his statement that the lost dagger, had
not been seen by him until it was so unexpectedly
produced by Drage: he declared that he had imme-
diately retired to rest, after leaving the bedside of Caffin,
and consequently could not have been near the library;
and finally asserted that no one was more astonished
than he at the matutinal news of the tragedy.
Baffled by these persistent denials, Drage was, for the
moment, at a loss how to proceed. In trying to trick
Father Ching into confesssion, he had overstepped his


186
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
Mrs. Westcote guessed he would keep silent, for she
wrote no more on the subject. Yet Drage was astonished
at her apathy, and wondered that she did not attempt to
prove her son guiltless. It might be that Drage was
right after all; that Father Ching had been told that
Sir Piers was his father, and had killed him at the
instigation of the housekeeper. But on this point he
was unable to make up his mind.
Next morning, after breakfast, he went to the library
in search of the Baronet, but only found Will Kynsam.
The young man looked anxiously at Drage as he entered
the room.
He had not seen him since his interview with
Father Ching, and was curious to know the details of the
interview.
“Did you see Father Ching last night, Drage?”
“Yes. I saw him in the chapel."
“What did he say?”
“He admitted that the dagger was his property, but
persisted in saying he lost it on the day he showed it to
Miss Lametry.”
“ Where did he lose it?"
According to his own account, in this very room.
He left it on yonder table, and when he looked for it
next day it was gone."
“Docs he suspect anyone of having taken it?"
“No," replied Drage, shrugging his shoulders, “he
does not, and in my opinion for the very reason that he
did not lose it at all.”


THE LAW OF ROME.
187
CO
Do
you
think he killed Sir Piers ? "
“I am so certain of it that it is my intention to ask Sir
Lionel to grant a warrant for his arrest this morning.”
“Oh no, don't do that,” cried Will, involuntarily, “it
would be too cruel. Remember, if he is the son of
my dead uncle, Sir Lionel is his uncle. It would be
horrible in the face of such relationship to commit him
to gaol.”
'I will give Father Ching every opportunity of defend-
ing himself,” said Drage, calmly ; "he will be confronted
with Sir Lionel, and I will tell my story, then he can tell
his. We will see which of us Sir Lionel believes."
"He may believe Father Ching.”
“In that case I'll apply to another magistrate for a
warrant. After all my mistakes in this case I am not
going to let the man whom I believe to be the true
murderer slip through my fingers.”
“I hope he will escape for all that,” muttered Will, as
the door opened, and his uncle entered the library.
“Here is Sir Lionel, Mr. Drage,” he added, aloud ; "now
you can speak to him yourself.”
"What is the matter, Drage?” asked the Baronet,
sitting at his table, and leaning his head wearily on his
hand.
“ It's about this case )f the death-2"
“Oh, that case—the case,” said Sir Lionel, fretfully,
“I am weary of it. The incessant suspicions and


189
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
repetition of evidence, are making me quite ill. The
sooner you end it the better I shall be pleased."
Indeed Sir Lionel looked sadly in need of rest. His
face was pale, there were dark circles under his eyes,
and
his shoulders were much bent. Formerly a hale hearty
man, he now looked more than his age, and quite broken
down. Drage rather pitied his bad health, and spoke as
delicately as he could on the subject.
“Will you kindly ask Father Ching to come here, Sir
Lionel?”
The Baronet started, and looked suspiciously at the
detective. He was about to make a remark, but
restrained himself by a violent effort, and touched the
bell. When Michael appeared,
“ Ask Father Ching to oblige me by coming here,” he
said, sharply. Then when the man withdrew, he turned
again towards Drage, and again eyed him keenly. Will,
taking no part in the discussion, withdrew to the window,
and sat down in a chair. After a time Sir Lionel, seeing
that Drage kept silent, spoke sharply.
"You surely don't suspect Father Ching?"
“I decline to commit myself to an opinion-as yet,"
replied Drage, emphasising the last words.
Sir Lionel, much agitated, left his chair, and began to
walk to and fro. He could not mistake the significance
of the remark.
" It is absurd--preposterous," he declared, emphati-


THE LAW OF ROME.
189
cally ; "a man holding the position Father Ching does,
is above suspicion. Besides, what possible motive could
he have for killing my poor brother?”
“Wait till you hear my story.”
“Wliat is your story?”
“I decline to tell it unless in the presence of Father
Ching.”
“Here is Father Ching," cried Will, at this moment,
“and I'm hanged if he looks like a murderer,” he added,
sotto voce.
The priest entered the library in a slow and dignified
manner. Judging from the worn expression of his
countenance he had suffered greatly during the last four-
and-twenty hours. Yet he faced his accuser calmly, and
took his seat near Sir Lionel, without uttering a word.
Instinctively he guessed why he was summoned to the
library.
“Father Ching,” said the Baronet, hurriedly, "you
must forgive me for what I am about to say, but this man
makes an accusation against you."
“I know that, Sir Lionel. He accuses me of murder-
ing Sir Piers."
“And what do you say?”
“I deny it,” replied Father Ching, with great dignity,
“I denied the accusation last night. I do so now.”
“How do you account for your possession of the
dagger?" asked Drage, irritated by this obstinacy.


190
TIIE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
“I have already told you. It was left on this table
when I showed it to Miss Lametry, and I did not see
it again, till last night, when you showed it to me.”
“You see, Mr. Drage," interposed Sir Lionel, anxious
to shield the priest, “Father Ching can prove his
innocence.”
“Can he prove where he was on the night of the
fifteenth ? "
"I was with Cuthbert Caffin up till midnight. The
man can say at what hour I left him. From his room
I went directly to my own room, and retired to bed."
“Did you not come down to the library ?”
“No! I did not even
come downstairs. I have
certainly no witness to prove that I was in bed after
midnight, nevertheless I speak the truth."
“Of course you speak the truth, Father,” said Sir
Lionel, rapidly, “I never doubted that for a moment.
Mr. Drage,” he added, turning to the detective, "you
must be satisfied with this explanation.”
"I am not,” replied Drage, doggedly.
“There is no necessity for this obstinacy,” returned the
Baronet, angrily; "if a crime is committed, the criminal
is generally credited with a motive. What motive could
Father Ching possibly have to murder Sir Piers?”
“ Ah! there is a tale attached to that,” said Drage,
significantly ; “ Father Ching says he never knew his
parents. I am wiser than he, and know them."


192
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
the detective, who, disconcerted by this direct reply,
changed his tactics.
"Father Ching, you hear the confessions of all who are
in this house."
"What is that to you? Leave my sacred office out
of the question.”
“You deny that you are guilty,” pursued Drage,
taking no notice of this remark, “and for the sake of
argument I grant your innocence. Yet, as the crime.
was committed by some one in this house, you know
who did it.”
“If I know," said Father Ching, in a firm tone, “it is
under the seal of the confessional. Let that be your
answer, sir. What is told to the priest, is not told to the
world.”
“ I know that well, but in this instance, for your own
sake, it will be as well to reveal what
“Not to save my life would I divulge the secrets of the
confessional,” said the priest, vehemently.
" It may come to a question of your neck, or the
confession, yet."
“ Let it come. I tell you, sir, that my office as a priest
is above all human law. Whatever has been told to
me at the confessional remains locked up in my own
breast. Arrest me for this crime, if you so choose, but
dare not to ask me to betray my trust as a priest.”
And with that he left the room, while Drage looked
you know."


TUIE LAW OF ROME.
193
after him with some admiration. Sir Lionel had sunk
back in his chair with a look of horror in his eyes, and
Will Kynsam was standing by the table, eyeing Drage
in a wrathful manner.
“You are acting infamously,” he said, with a gesture
of repugnance.
“I am acting according to my profession,” replied
Drage, coolly, “the priest can say what he pleases. I
believe him to be guilty, and I ask you, Sir Lionel, to
grant a warrant for his arrest.”
“You ask that of me,” cried the Baronet, starting up
furiously. “Do you think I should do such a thing?
Arrest a priest of our Holy Faith on a trumped-up
charge. Go! leave the room, sir, and never let me set
eyes on you again. Father Ching is innocent, and you
are a scoundrel ; go, sir.”
“I go," answered Drage, walking to the door, “I go
to the nearest magistrate, and before nightfall Father
Ching will be in prison."'
N


CHAPTER XIX.
THE TRUTH.
IT
T was late at night when Drage got back to Landy
Court. In pursuance of his resolve, he had gone in
search of the nearest magistrate, to procure a warrant for
the arrest of Father Ching on a charge of murder, but
had some difficulty in obtaining one. All those magis-
trates of the county who could have given him the
authorisation were away, and finally, he had to repair
to Barnstaple for the warrant. When thus successful,
he returned to the Court with the intention of arresting
Father Ching either on that night or next morning.
When he arrived there was no
one visible. He
asked Michael what had become of the inmates, and
was informed that Sir Lionel was in the library, Mr.
Kynsam and Miss Lametry in the drawing-room, while
Father Ching was shut up in his own apartment. Not
wishing to disturb any one of them for the present, and
deciding to put off the arrest till next morning, Drage
went to his own room to change his clothes. Here he
made a discovery. The famous dagger was gone.


THE TRUTH.
195
On leaving the Court to obtain the warrant, he had not
thought it necessary to take the dagger with him, and left
it in his room.
For safety he placed it in the inner
pocket of the coat he usually wore, and the coat he placed
in the wardrobe. Never, for a moment, did he think it
would be discovered or taken away. Yet he saw plainly
that during his absence, some one had been in his room
and stolen the dagger. His first idea was to seek
Father Ching, and tax him with the theft; but on
consideration, he decided not to do so. He had the
warrant, and instead of postponing the arrest till the next
morning, decided to execute the warrant without un-
necessary delay. When the priest was arrested, he
could be searched, and on him the dagger would
doubtless be found; whereas, if the loss were known
before Ching was in custody, he might get rid of the
weapon which was such strong evidence against him.
With this idea Drage left his room to see Sir Lionel in
the library, and tell him of his intentions. Afterwards,
he would carry out his plans. As he reached the top of
the stairs leading down to the entrance hall, the clock
below struck ten.
At the corner of the corridor, his keen ears caught the
sound of footfalls, and with the instinctive caution of a
detective, he drew back into the shadow. To his
surprise, Mrs. Westcote, looking neither to right or
left, glided rapidly past him, and descended the stairs.


198
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
“ He did not learn it from me."
“Then how did he find out ? ”
Through that dagger. Father Ching—I can't bring
myself to speak of him as our son—acknowledged that it
was his, and that he had received it from his mother."
“From you?”
“From his mother," repeated Mrs. Westcote, calmly.
“He did not then know I was his mother, or that you
were his father."
“You should not have told him. Now he is in a nice
fix. Drage thinks he is the son of Piers, and killed his
supposed father at your request."
“I swear that is not true.”
" It may be for all I know."
“You liar," said Mrs. Westcote, bending forward. “I
have kept silent long enough, but I shall do so no
longer."
“What do you mean?” asked Sir Lionel, turning pale,
and looking at her with a terrified expression on his
face.
“I mean that I was in the library on the night of the
fifteenth. I saw you leave your room-I followed you-
I heard you quarrel with Piers, and I saw you kill
him.”
“ Hush! for God's sake! If this were known I should
be hanged."
" It must be known. I do not intend that my son
should suffer for your crime."


THE TRUTH.
199
“ Clara ! What do you mean to do? Would you
denounce me?"
Mrs. Westcote flung herself into a chair with a weary
gesture.
“I don't want to harm you, Lionel. For thirty years
we have been all in all to one another. But I can't
stand quietly by and see your son and mine go to the
gallows.”
"Perhaps you would rather I went there?" sneered
Lionel, with white lips.
“Yes," she replied, indifferently. “I would much
rather you suffered than he did. He at least is free
from sin.”
“All the more reason he should take the place of a
sinner like his father.” As he said this with a sneer, the
woman's hand went to her bosom, and her eyes flashed
with an ominous light.
“Do
you
dare to talk like that of your son ?” she said,
hoarsely. “Me you can revile till your last breath, but
say not a word against my saint.”
“ Your saint !”
“My saint, you murderer,” said Mrs. Westcote,
fiercely. “Have I not need of his intercession-have
you not need of his pleading? I was a good woman,
Lionel, till you took me from my husband.
husband. He was not
a good man, but he was better than you."
“Yet you loved me best?”


200
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
“I loved you to my perdition. But when our son
was born, I hoped to expiate my life of sin by dedicating
the boy to the service of the Church. I sacrificed myself
for that reason. I sent him to the Jesuit college, and
never saw him again till I found him under this roof.
Why did you bring him here?”
"Because I choose to do so," retorted Lionel, with an
ugly look. "I love my son also !"
“ If you do, save him from the peril in which he is now
placed.”
“At the cost of my own neck. I am not such a
fool !”
“Why did you let your temper get the better of you,
and kill
your
brother?”
“Because he exasperated me, as you are now doing,
so take a lesson.”
" I'm not afraid of you," said Mrs. Westcote, with a
sneer. “Lay one finger on me, and you shall repent it.”
“You always were a tiger cat."
“ At least I loved you.”
“Loved me! loved me! That is always your cry.
You loved my money."
Say rather the money of Piers,” she answered,
tauntingly. “All the money came from him.”
'It is true! He fought with me over it on that fatal
night. If it had not been for the question of money, I
should not have killed him. If it had not been for your
6


THE TRUTII.
201
extravagance on the Continent, we would never have
drained the estates as we have done. Piers was a good
brother to me, and fearing lest our name should be
disgraced, gave me large sums—which you squandered.”
“He never knew that.”
"He never knew anything. He did not know Mrs.
Westcote was Clara Vaux, else you would not have
remained a moment under this roof!”
"Would I not," jeered Mrs. Westcote. “Think again,
Lionel. If Piers paid you large sums to keep his name
clear, he would have let me stay had I so chosen. I
could have denounced you as Geoffrey Roche to all the
world.”
“Leave that name out of the question.”
“I shall do nothing of the sort,” she replied, becoming
violent. “I shall talk as I choose—You are Geoffrey
Roche, the creature who deserted a woman in her hour
of need. I could have betrayed you then, but kept
silent; I could betray you now to Drage, who thinks
Piers is Geoffrey Roche, but I keep silent.
You are
a liar and a scoundrel, Lionel Lametry, but you shall
save our son.”
“You had better be quiet, Clara,” said Lionel, in a
dangerously quiet voice, “or I shall do you
injury.”
Will you confess, and save our son ?”
“No!"
an
66


202
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
“ Then I shall denounce you.”
As she spoke, Mrs. Westcote ran across the room.
The next moment, Lionel was after her, and seized her
by the arm, as she opened the door.
“ * Keep quiet, or I'll break your neck.”
Let me go! let me go!" she cried, striking him. “I
shall denounce you as the murderer of your brother.”
" I'll kill you first.”
He seized her by her arms, and carried her back to
the centre of the room. Mrs. Westcote shrieked aloud
and struggled violently. Drage rushed from his hiding
place to save her, for Lionel already had his hands on
her throat. But, as he bounded forward, he saw the
gleam of steel, and the next moment Lionel was lying
on the ground, while over him stood Mrs. Westcote
brandishing the dagger. That same dagger which had
already killed two men.
“You've killed me,” gasped Lionel, putting his hand
to his breast, from whence the blood was streaming.
"I have saved my son,” she said ; then turning to
Drage, added, " he killed Piers, my son is innocent.”
“And you are a murderess.”
She laughed scornfully, tossed the dagger at his feet;
and, shaking her fist at the unconscious man, ran to
the window. Before Drage could guess her intention,
she opened it, and disappeared into the darkness.


CHAPTER XX.
A
LAST
CONFESSION.
BY
this time the household, startled by the wild
shrieks of Mrs. Westcote, plainly heard through
the open door, crowded into the room. The first to
appear were Will Kynsam and Eleanor. Behind them
came the frightened servants.
“What is the matter ?” asked Will, hurrying forward.
For answer, Drage pointed to the figure lying on the
ground. So great was his excitement that he could not
speak, but waved his hand towards the window. In a
curious way it was a repetition of the scene when Sir
Piers' murder was discovered—the body by the table,
and the window open.
“Uncle Lionel !” cried Eleanor, in horror. “The
window open, the
“Mrs. Westcote-Mrs. Westcote," stammered Drage,
violently. “Follow her some of you—she ran out of the
window, look for her in the grounds."
Several of the men servants ran out on to the terrace,
.


204
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
and down the steps in pursuit. Kneeling beside the
Baronet, Will raised his head on his knee, and issued
directions that Dr. Sinclair should be sent for. In vain
they tried to staunch the wound, from which the life
blood slowly ebbed. Nothing could be done till the
doctor arrived. Lionel's face was of that greyish tint,
which is the sure forerunner of death.
“How did it happen?" asked Eleanor, in an awe-
struck whisper.
“Mrs. Westcote stabbed him with this dagger," said
Drage, picking it off the floor.
"Father Ching's dagger!” said Miss Lametry, in
amazement.
Will raised his head and looked warningly at her.
The servants were in the room, and it was wrong that
they should know too much. At this moment Father
Ching arrived, and took in the situation at a glance. He
did not lose his head, but in a calm even voice, induced
the excited crowd of on-lookers to leave the room.
Drage went to the window.
“I must see if they have caught Mrs. Westcote,” he
said, rapidly. “Do all you can to revive him. I'll
bring her back.” Then he also vanished into the
darkness.
Everything possible was done to revive Lionel, but
for a time it seemed to be all in vain. They forced
brandy down his throat, and at length he came to


A LAST CONFESSION.
205
himself with a faint sigh. Will, taking him in his arms,
lifted him on to the sofa. When his eyes opened he
looked round wildly, and his glance fell on Eleanor.
“You here,” he said, faintly.
“Yes, dear uncle ; do you feel better?”
“I feel that I am dying. There is not a moment to
be lost. Have you sent for a doctor?”
“Yes, uncle,” said Will, in a low voice.
“ He will arrive to find me dead. I have much to do
Eleanor, my dear, leave me alone with Will."
“ And with Father Ching?
“Ignatius,” murmured Lionel, with a look of dread.
The priest knelt beside him and held the crucifix
before his eyes. There was infinite pity on his count-
He knew that this man was his father, and so
forgave him all. At that moment the son was lost in
the priest.
"You must make your peace with heaven.”
“Time enough for that,” said Lionel, with a bitter
smile. “I must first clear my soul from guilt. Is
Eleanor there?”
“Yes, uncle."
She was standing a little to one side, with a strange
look on her face. The last words of the dying man had
set her thinking, and it was with visible repugnance that
she approached him again. In some instinctive way
she guessed, that this man had slain her father. Lionel
noted the look, and waved her away.
enance.


206
THE MYSTERY OF LAVDY COURT.
Go, go, my dear! I wish to be alone with Will and
Father Ching."
With a sudden impulse she placed her hand on his
forehead.
“I go, and I forgive you,” she said, in a low voice, and
glided out of the room.
When she was gone, Lionel asked for some more
brandy. The ardent spirit put new life into him, and he
spoke in a stronger voice.
"Get pen, ink, and paper, Will. Write down what I
say. I have much to confess."
“The rites of the Church,” began Father Ching, but
Lionel cut him short.
“Never mind the Church now, Ignatius. I have to
make a written confession, witnessed by you both so as
to exonerate all others from accusation of murder."
“You killed Sir Piers ?” said Will, in a tone of
horror.
“Yes, I killed him, but not intentionally. I was mad
with rage. Write! Write! I feel my strength failing,
and soon it may be too late.”
The priest knelt beside his dying father, and Will
established himself at the near table to write the
confession. Without further explanation Lionel began.
He felt himself dying, and wished to sign the confession
before doing so.
I need not tell you all of my life,” he said, speaking


A LAST CONFESSION.
207
with some difficulty. “Thirty years ago I knew Clara
Vaux. We had one son who
“I know all that I need not put it down,” said Will,
glancing at Father Ching, for whom he felt sorry.
“Who told you about it?" asked Lionel, with faint
surprise.
“Drage !"
“Ah, he was a witness at the time. Did he tell you
about that?"
“ Yes! All that is necessary to put down is an
account of the murder."
Father Ching gave Will a glance of reproach, but for
the life of him, Kynsam could not speak in a kinder
tone. Lionel took no notice, but went on speaking.
“Piers had given me money for many years.
It was
his generosity which impoverished the estates.
I spent
the money abroad in gambling and in supplying the
extravagance of Clara Vaux."
“Your son is present,” hinted Will. The priest's head
was bowed on his breast.
"Well! Well! I shall not speak ill of his mother,
though I have met with my death blow at her hands.
When Piers refused to give me more inoney I came
down here. Clara insisted upon coming also, so I per-
suaded my brother to engage her as housekeeper. He
did not know the relations which existed between us.
Here I lived for some time, but every now and then


210
THE DZYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
fool to ask him down to investigate the case, but I never
dreamt he would find out anything, and thought if he
got dangerous I could keep his mouth shut by my
knowledge of his past. Well, to continue: I left the
window open, so as to favour the idea of burglary, and
then stole back to my room. Although I did not know
it, Clara had watched me the whole time. But she said
nothing to me, and I thought my secret was safe. Only
one man knew I was guilty.”
"That man was Father Ching,” said Will, breath-
lessly.
" Yes! I told him under the seal of confession.
How did you guess?”
“From the way he talked this morning. But I did
not think that you were the murderer.”
Spare him," said Father Ching, rising slowly. “Do
you not see he is dying?”
In truth Lionel looked as though he would die then,
but revived sufficiently to sign the confession, which
was witnessed by Will and the priest. Hardly was
this executed when the doctor entered. He had been
fetched from Botsleigh by a groom, but his first glance
told him that Sir Lionel was past all earthly aid. He
did what he could for him, but his task was oyer, and
the priest's began. Will left the library, and Father
Ching hurried to the chapel to assume his sacred vest-
ments, and administer absolution to lis dying father.


A LAST CONFESION.
211
In the hall Will met Drage, who appeared at the
front door, with a face full of horror.
“ Is he dead?”
"No, but dying. Father Ching is with him."
“Then he won't confess ?”
“The confession is here," said Will, showing the
sheets of paper.
“He signed it, and I witnessed it with
Father Ching. But what about Mrs. Westcote?”
“She is dead.”
“Dead !” exclaimed Will, scarcely able to believe his
ears.
“Yes! She jumped over the cliſſs. When we picked
her
up she was quite dead. She was insane at the time,
I believe, and stole that dagger from my coat-pocket to
kill Sir Lionel. Had she lived she would have been a
maniac.”
Will sat down on a chair and rested his head on his
hands. The horrors of the last few days culminated in
this double tragedy. Drage stood beside him in silence.
Then Michael entered the hall from the library. His
face was wet with tears.
“Father Ching wants you, Sir William.”
Sir William! The young man looked up in amaze-
ment, and saw the truth on the old servant's face. His
uncle was dead, and he was now Sir William Lametry.
25
*


212
THE MYSTERY OF LANDY COURT.
Needless to say, Drage was considerably crestfallen
when the guilty person proved to be Sir Lionel Lametry,
the more so, as the discovery was due rather to accident,
than to his acumen. Indeed, the conduct of the whole
case, reflected but little credit on the so-called Vidocq of
London; and he acknowledged that he had much to
learn in the matters of induction, and observation, before
he could hope to approach, even within a measureable
distance of his French prototype. He had suspected
Kynsam, Durrant, Mrs. Westcote, and Father Ching,
each in turn, of being the guilty person, and the only
good which had resulted from this series of blunders,
was, that they had indirectly led to the discovery of the
truth. Drage admitted his inistakes, and was unwilling
to take his fee from Will, but ultimately did so with
many apologies, and returned to London with a con-
siderably lower opinion of himself, than when he left it.
The true facts of the case were never known, as Will,
jealous of the family name, managed to hush up the
matter. Everyone scouted the idea that Lionel had
killed his brother; and the attack on him by Mrs.
Westcote, which resulted in death, was ascribed to a
homicidal mania on the part of the housekeeper, who
was declared to have been insane. The underlying
tragedy of Clara Vaux and Geoffrey Roche never came
to light, which was all the better for Father Ching's
peace of mind.


A LAST CONFESSION.
213
According to arrangement, Kynsam took the arms
and name of the Lametry family, and continued the
direct line, by marrying his cousin Eleanor. But neither
of them cared to live at Landy Court, as, apart from the
terrible associations of the triple tragedy, the estate was
so heavily mortgaged, that it was necessary to retrench.
The Court was, therefore, let to a rich Australian
merchant, and the rent used to discharge the debts,
while Will and his wife went abroad for a few years.
There was some difficulty in dealing with Durrant,
who, presuming on his recognition of Lionel as Geoffrey
Roche, insisted upon buying the Ring at his own price.
Will refused to be intimidated, and pointed out to
Durrant that as Lionel was dead, the knowledge of his
evil deeds as Geoffrey Roche was worthless; and, more-
over, threatened to prosecute the money-lender for
blackmailing, should he create a scandal. As Durrant's
character was too shady to admit of his throwing stones
at other people; and he had no desire to come into
contact with the law, he judged it wisest to hold his
tongue, and was content to receive the amount of
Saxon's bill. By that payment Will finally released
himself from the entanglements of his early life.
Father Ching performed the marriage ceremony
between Eleanor and Will; it was his last act in
connection with the Lametry family, as he shortly
afterwards retired to France, and later on went out to


Sclections from Jartolds' New Boolis.
POPULAR 316 NOVELS,
BY
MRS. LEITH ADAMS, HON. IZA DUFFUS HARDY,
AND OTHER WELL-KNOWN AUTHORS.
1. LOUIS DRAYCOTT. By Mrs. LEITI ADAMS (Mrs. De
Courcy Laffan). 2nd Edition.
“The whole tone of the book, in common with all Mrs. Laſſan's works, is
ennobling."-Birmingham Gazette.
2. GEOFFREY STIRLING. By MRS. LEITH ADAMS (Mrs.
De Courcy Laffan). 5th Edition.
"It may be assumed how highly we think of this novel, when, in summing
up its imperfections, we can only find one very venial fault."-Stanıard.
"The portraiture of Hester Devenant is a really fine and powerful dramatic
study, even better fitted for the actual stage than for a novel.”—Gobe.
3.
BONNIE KATE. By MRS. LEITH ADAMS (Mrs. De Courcy
Laffan). 2nd Edition.
“Melissa is fresh ard natural, and has a charm of her own, and the twin-
sisters are genuine and pleasing." - Saturday Review.
4. A NEW OTHELLO. By HoN. IZA DUFFUS HARDY. 2nd
Edition.
"One of the most powerfully-written books this talented anthor has yet
produced, engrossing throughuut, enthralling in interesı."- Vanity rair.
“The closing chapters are tremendous in their inten-ity,'-Athenaum.
“The reader will at once perceive that 'A New Othello' is constructed with
real skill, and told with vigour and directness."-Spectator.
5. THE MAID OF LONDON BRIDGE. A Story of the Time
of helt's Rebellion. By SOMERVILLE GIBNEY, Auihor of “The
llovellers of Deal,” “ John o' London,” &c.
" An historical story:
The author shows a praiseworthy intimac
both with the geography of oid London and with the particulars of Keut's
Rebellion and subsequent disturbances."-Athenuum.
6. EVELINE WELLWOOD. A Tale of Modern Irish Liſe.
By MAJOR Norris Paul.
“A rattling goud story, as many, both young and old, will heartily pronounce
it.”—Sunday Times.
7.. OLD LATTIMER'S LEGACY. By J. S. FLETCHER,
Author of “The Winding. Way,” “ Andrewlina,” “Mr. Spivey's
Clerk,"
.” “ Frank Carisbroke's Stratagem,” &c.
“Old Lattimer's Legacy' is cleverly written and interesting."-Vanity
Fair.
London: Jarrold & Sons, 10 & 11, Warwick Lane.
And of all Booksellers.


Opinions of the Press
ON
WORKS BY CURTIS YORKE.
HUSH!
Crown 8vo, Cloth, 3/6. (Postage 4ļd.)
“ Curtis Yorke's work is fresh and bright, and the story is told with
singular depth of insight and delicacy of feeling."--Whitehåll Review.
“' Hush'is in many ways a remarkable novel, and from every point of
view superior to the current fiction of the day.”—Morning Post.
«Hush’is a clever story.”—Standard.
“Curtis Yorke always writes bright and readable novels. Told with
considerable vigour and pathos.”-Spectator.
“Curtis Yorke, the author of 'Hush,' may be congratulated on having
produced a very readable novel. The interest is well sustained throughout.”
-Daily Telegraph.
“ The book is one that should be read.”—Athenæum.
“The story is well told.”—Graphic.
“ It holds you thoroughly enthralled until the very last chapter."—Weekly
Star,
“The tale is too widely known to make much comment on it. The plot
is well worked out, and the characters are admirably sketched and true to
life. When once a reader has commenced this book—and this is high
praise--it will not be given up until finished, and even then with a sigh of
regret.”—The Methodist Times.
“Considerable insight into human nature and much power of pathos are
combined with a pure and unaffected style in this clever novel, of which the
second edition is just issued."-Star.
“The story is undoubtedly well worked out, and is powerfully realistic
in its treatment; the characters being lifelike in the extreme, and the tragic
episodes displayed with a skill and delicacy that renders the book one of the
most noteworthy of novels of real life.”—Eastern Daily Press.
London: Jarrold & Sons, 10 & 11, Warwick Lane.
And of all Booksellers,


Opinions of the Press by Curtis Yorke.
Press works
on on works A ROMANCE OF MODERN LONDON.
Crown 8vo, Cloth, 3/6. (Postage 4d.)
“This is a sweet and wholesome story, and comes as an immense relief
aſter the common run of circulating library novels.”—Pictorial Wurlit.
“We cannot but praise this story as far and away above the average of
modern novels." - Whitehall review.
“The story is told throughout not only with great cleverness, but with
unusual delicacy and tenderness.”-- Guarulun.
“Interest in the work never fags.”-Scotsman.
• Entertaining and interesting ; a book which it is a thorough recreation
to read.”—Manchester Examiner.
“Considerable ingenuity of construction, as well as much really clever
writing, is to be found in Curtis Yorke's new novel.”—Court Journal.
“The story is a most readable one.”—East Anglian Daily Times.
“The story is one of much interest.' —Glusgow Herald.
“An excellent piece of work from beginning to end. The story is one
to be followed with deep interest and with an increasing appreciation of the
genius of the writer."— Dundee Aavertiser.
" It is charmingly written ; the changes from grave to gay are skilfully
managed, and the various characters are ably delineated."'-Weekly Citizen
“An admirable story, which now that it is issued in cheap form, ought
to be in the hands of a wide circle of readers.”—Manchester Courier.
“The story, a pleasant one, is well told, the interest being sustained from
start to finish. '—Belfast Northern it hig.
“The best story we have read for many a long day.”—-Bath Herald.
“The story rushes along with a vigorous impulse that carries the reader
with it. The book is wholesome and pleasant throughout."--Literary
World.
“The story is well told and will sustain the reputation of the author.”-
Belfust News Letter.
"A Romance of Modern London' may be classed amongst the best of
modern works of fiction.”—Cambridge Chronicle.
London: Jarrold & Sons, 10 & 11, Warwick Lane.
And of all bookselisrs.


Opinions of the Press on Works by Curtis Yorke.
DARRELL CHEVASNEY,
Crown 8vo, Cloth, 3/6.
(Postage 4 d.)
“May be commended to all who can enjoy a thrilling work of fiction.”
--Dundee Advertiser.
“Contains a good plot and much exciting incident, set forth clearly and
with animation.”- Publishers' Circular,
“Admirers of such romantic pieces of fiction as 'Dudley' and 'The
Wild Ruthvens' will welcome this story from the same pen. The story
is striking and dramatic in the highest degree. Many of the characters
stand out boldly, and will long live in the memory.”—Western Morning
News.
“Darrell Chevasney' is a bold, intense, striking novel by an author
who has acquired a reputation for ingenuity and force of plot.”—
t.”—Educational
News.
“Curtis Yorke's reputation for talent and vigour as a story-teller is
already established. This new novel will increase it. It is a good example
of the writer's gift of being sentimental without being maudlin."— The
Bookman,
THE WILD RUTHVENS.
Crown 8vo, Cloth, 3/6.
(Postage 4.d.)
“The book is most amusing."--Manchester Guardian.
“An enchanting work. The story runs on with happy, blithesome tread
to the end, which is reached all too soon.”—St. Stephen's Review.
“ It is wonderful what a variety of incident the author has managed to
interweave into the story.”—Bradford Observer.
“'The Wild Ruthvens' secure our interest at the outset, and retain it to
the end.”—Glasgow Herald.
"The Wild Ruthvens' is likely to be a great favourite
irresistibly taking. inexpressibly touching, and, as a pathetic
picture, has not been often surpassed.”—Life.
London: Jarrold & Sons, 10 & 11, Warwick Lane.
And of all Booksellers.


Opinions of the Press or iQorks by Curtis Porke.
DUDLEY
Crown 8vo, Cloth, 3/6. (Postage 4 d.)
“I have just finished ‘Dudley,' and on the whole I think it the best and
strongest novel this gifted author has given us. It opens up most power-
fully and the interest is maintained throughout.”—Query.
“A romance of more than usual interest; it is highly original, the inci-
dents are unusual, and the situations fresh and ingenious.” — Bookseller.
“ It is sometime since such a fresh, pleasant book has come under our
notice as ‘ Dudley.'"-Whitehall Reviewe.
“Certain to please a large circle of readers.”—Graphic.
“ The novel is decidedly interesting.”—Court Journal.
"Dudley' is undoubtedly a clever and interesting novel, powerfully
worked out.”—Glasg 170 Herald.
“A bright, well-written story of present day life, which we have read
with sustained interest to the end.”—Inquirer.
“Decidedly original.”—Morning Post.
“The author writes in a pleasant, lively fashion, and tells a story very
prettily. - 4thenæum.
"Dudley' is a charming love story and will be heartily welcomed.”-
Literary World.
“The story is a well-written and interesting one. The book is publishe i
in one volume but has more in it and is better worth reading than the
majority of three-volume novels.”—Vanity Fair.
"Dudley'is a love-story, pure and simple, well put together, brightly
and sympathetically told, and marked by many subtle touches of humour.”
- Publishers' Circular.
"This is one of the most interesting novels we have recently seen.
Though not professing to teach religion, its tone is strictly good all the way
through, and the impression produced is excellent.”—Christian Age.
“ 'Dudley' is a worthy successor to ‘That Little Girl.' It is bright,
clever, interesting, and never lags. From beginning to end the incidents
and the interest are unfailing.”—— York Herald.
“Fresh and heartily enjoyable as it is, it deserves to be widely read.”-
Scotsman.
London: Jarrold & Sons, 10 & 11, Warwick Lane,
And of all Booksellers.


Selections from Jarrolds' New Books.
GEOFFREY STIRLING.
BY MRS. LEITH ADAMS.
(Mrs. De Courcy Laffan.)
Fifth Edition. Crown 8vo, cloth, 3/6.
“ It may be assumed how highly we think of this novel, when,
in summing up its imperfections, we can only find one very venial
fault.”— Standard.
“The portraiture of Hester Devenant is a really fine and
powerful dramatic study, even better fitted for the actual stage
ihan for a novel. The entire character of Hester, the central figure,
belongs to the atmosphere of tragedy in its truest sense of the
word. Geoffrey Stirling himself, too, is a man of lofty aims
and noble character, who nevertheless proves capable of a cruel
and unscrupulous fraud to the ruin of all his neighbours and
friends. Hester's extortion of a confession from Geoffrey
Stirling is the most powerful and original scene in the novel.
The work is exceptionally able and powerful, and is distinguished
by those lofty views of life and that courage in recognising the
influences of faith, which give Mrs. Adams a position in fiction,
almost entirely her own.”—Globe.
“Geoffrey Stirling'unites in a remarkable degree the many
qualities that design Mrs. Adams as one of the best of our fem-
inine novelists. In it are to be found the pictures of English
country life, the quiet humour and tender grace that have charmed
in her previous books, and it is besides the strongest story she
has yet written. Her story possesses great human interest; it
proves her to have much insight into character, and the art of
rendering her personages lifelike. Her peasants especially are
not stage rustics, but genuine sketches and, moreover, most
amusing. In her present work ‘Geoffrey Stirling,' her principal
character, is a most powerful creation. The contrast between
this man's inward self and outward seeming is very skilfully
portrayed."--Morning Post.
London: Jarrold & Sons, 10 & 11, Warwick Lane,
And of all Booksellers,


Selections from Jarrolds' New Books.
THE
BLIND ARTIST'S PICTURES,
AND OTHER STORIES.
2nd edition.
BY NORA VYNNE,
Author of “Honey of Aloes,” “Mr. Jenkins' Bargain,” &c.
CONTENTS:
The Blind Artist's Pictures
Zahnaha's Lover
The Maiden Loved of Cleomenes Lady Atherton's Sachet
An Unnoticed Incident
The Admiral's Good Nature
Miss May's Guest
An Ugly Little Woman
John O'Neal's Honour
Andrew Paterson "
Believe it Now
“These tales are remarkable, less for their knowledge of life and the
skill with which they sketch it, than for the freshness and originality of
the idealism which is displayed in almost all of them.”—The Spectator.
“We had not read many pages of this little volume before we came
to the conclusion that Miss Nora Vynne could write short stories. A
few more convinced us that she could write them better than most
people—that she was indeed possessed of the genius of the short story
to an eminent degree. Miss Vynne should have a great success with
this book.”—The Daily Chronicle.
“They are fresh both in subject and style, and will particularly suit
the reader who has fallen back sated from the class of Novelettes which
strain after pungent and startling effects.”-Athenæum.
Bright, piquante, and original. They are certainly very clever
indeed.”—The Star.
"She writes short stories uncommonly well.”—The Queen.
“No one can read 'The Maiden Loved of Cleomenes,' 'Miss May's
Guest,''Zahnaha's Lover,' and 'The Admiral's Good Nature'-to name
only a few of the good things that this volume contains—without being
convinced that if the present collection does not succeed it will be not
the fault of the author, but the public. In fact, Miss Vynne is a writer
who not only has a story to tell, but tells it well.”—Review of Reviews.
“It is not often that time allows of reading the entire contents of a
collection of short stories; but in Miss Vynne's case this has been done,
and the verdict is entirely in her favour. They are all varied, original,
and striking.”—The Bookseller.
London: Jarrold & Sons, 10 & 11, Warwick Lane.
And of all Booksellers.


Selections from Jarrolds' New Books.
Popular Books for Boys and Girls.
Uniformly bound, crown 8vo, cloth, 3/6 each.
SABLE AND WHITE. The Autobiography of a Show Dog. By
GORDON-STABLES, M.D., C.M., R.N., Author of “Friends in Fur,”
“The Cruise of the Snowbird,'” “Our Friend the Dog,” “ Aileen
Aroon,” &c. Illustrations by HARRISON Weir.
“An engrossing life of a show dog, purporting to be written by himself.”—Daily
News.
CLEAR AS THE NOON DAY. By ETHEL PENROSE, Author of
“The Fairy Cobbler's Gold,” &c. 36 Illustrations by EDITH €.
SOMERVILLE.
“An attractive and graceful story."-Literary World.
LORD LYNTON'S WARD. By HELENA BROOKS, Author of "Jack's
Watchword,” “In the Shadow of the World,” “Bessie's Mission,"
“The Victory Won,” &c., &c. 36 Illustrations by Paul HARDY.
“This is a very attractive book, both outwardly and inwardly. A good healthy
tone runs through the story.”-Glasgow Herald.
WOOING OF OSYTH. A Story of the Saxon Times. By Kate T.
Sizer, Author of “Avice Tennant's Pilgrimage,' " " Dicken o' Green-
wood," &c., &c. 48 Illustrations by M. M. BLAKE.
“A well written story of the time of King Arthur.”—British Weekly.
THAT BOTHER OF A BOY. By Grace STEBBING, Author of
“Wild Kathleen,” &c. 35 Illustrations by PAUL Hardy. 2nd Edition.
“One of the most amusing stories we have read for many a day. The story is
admirably told; it moves to laughter in almost every p.ge, and to 'lumps in the
throat' not seldom. It is also cleverly and adequately illustrated by Mr. Paul
Hardy; and will be a favourite, not only of this season, but of many a season to
follow.”—Leeds Mercury.
SAYINGS AND DOINGS IN FAIRYLAND; or, Old Friends
with New Faces. By D. S. SINCLAIR, Author of “Sugar Plums for
Children,” “The Fairy Prince and the Goblin,” &c. Upwards of 40
Illustrations by Paul HARDY. 2nd Edition.
“There is not a dull line in any of the stories. Clever illustrations by Paul
Hardy greaıly add to the charm of the book, which should be very heartily
welcome J."- Glasgow Herald.
London: Jarrold & Sons, 10 & 11, Warwick Lane.
And of all Booksellers.