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Th€ to t Th« poi of 1 fiin' Ort( b«f the sioi oth firs sioi or i Th« sha TIN whj Mai diff enti beg righ reqi This item is filmed at the reduction ratio ciiecked below/ Ce document est filmd au taux de reduction indiqui ci-dessous. 10X 14X 18X 22X 26X SOX / 1 12X 16X 20X 24X 28X 32X Th« copy filmed hers has bean rsproductd thanks to the ganarosity of: Musie du Chflteau Ramezay, Montreal L'axampiaira fiim^ fut raproduit grica ck la gh'nirositi da: Mutte du Chflteau Ramezay, IMontrtel Tha imagas appaaring hara ara tha baat quality possibia considaring tha condition and lagibillty of tha original copy and in l\7-/^ c,oc\ETv:; J '"^OANTIQ^'^^ ! n/M iUl-^' kry2- Rece^iv^^^ — irttiff tigBa&j^> PR 44 1907 99 -by- Wallace McLean CHARLOTTETOWN PRINTED BY JOHN COOMBS, STEAM PRINTER 1894. ; II I I ,^ !H CONTENTS. (( (( (( (( (i (« «( n it it (t I'AOB. 1 Chapter I.-Years Hence, . . II.— Prison Scene Number One - III.— The Duel, IV. --Private Conversation, V.-~The War Cloud, - VI.— Walter's Darling, VII.— «iScottie's" Confession, - VIII.— On to Battle, - IX.— Lawyer and Client, X.— Retribution, XI.— A Legal Gentleman's Whims, 48 XII — Murder Will Out, - . 54 XIII.— From Over the Sea, - 59 XIV.— Prison Scene Number Two, 61 XV — Conclusion, - - - 67 tt (i (< 5 11 16 20 27 30 S6 37 43 ff. I CI tfa b( SI to an dr an Bi of mi of pa; spt /Tfv^ '^nZ. ^^^^^^^^ ^:^'ruc^*aid : "Give If 19 07r 13 Dnceive Count Vsnsieque my complimonts, and tell him I will be at Lester Grove at tho hour mentioned.' Then, arousing bis friend Marston, the two repaired to the dining hall, where a oup «f coffee and a biscuit constituted their breakfast. En- veloping themselves in great coats, (for it was yet b ,ore Hunrise, and the air was damp), they boarded a cable car, which conveyed them to u c, iluin street on the outskirts of the city proper. Here they alighted, and turning to the south, struck across a number of fields, until they came to a secluded spot, surrounded on one side by a high stone wall, and on the other three sides by tall trees. ♦* And so this is Lester Grove, is it?" inquired Marston, surveying his surroundings with a critical air. •*Yes; a fine place for a burying ground," returned the general, with a laugh. At this juncture, two men advanced towards them from an opposite direction. They were Count Vensieque and his second. Sir Gerald Hiibey. The former bowed stiffly, while the latter sought to wither his rival with a glance, but finding the detective proof against sharp cjlances, he contented himself with inquiring, in a scornful tone,^ whether he ( Marston ), intended to assist him Jiectinfir a suitable spot for the combat, I spot for I ton replied that he did ; and the two sett Mars- ing to 11 !ii m 14 190 7. ff work, soon hnd the spot selected and the required distance marked thereon. These preliminaries adjusted, the two combat- ants stationed themselves on the selected ground, and the general, turning to his antagonist, asked, *' Well, your Countship, what shall it be — swords or pistols?" *' And so yon positively refuse to apologize for your gross behaviour towards me, last evening?" the count inquired. '♦ Positively," the general replied. "I consider my behaviour toward: you on that occasion as perfectly justifiable, and it is useless to waste any more words over the matter. I ask you again, what shall it be — swords or pistols?" " Swords," returned the count, and he could not suppress a shudder as he did so. The seconds, thereupon, handed each a sword, and the battle began. That the couqt was an experienced swordsman was evident from the manner in which he handltcj his weapon ; and at first it looked as if he were going to have the battle all his own way. But it soon became evident that his antagonist was not putting forth any great eflfort at this particular time, but was merely acting on the defensive. Each one of the count's vigorous thrusts were skillfully parried by him ; and only once did he manage to take the ># (( 190 7." 15 required combat- ground, :, asked, it be — Dgize for ^^enino[?" consider jasion as k^aste any )u again, :;ould not a sword, t was an from the I ; and at have the I became ing forth , but was le of the arried by tal^e the general at a disadvantage, an insult which the latter immediately retributed by disarming him. A short interval for rest, and the combat was resumed. But now, instead of acting on the de- fensive, Natells took the offensive, and kept his opponent continually parrying his neat sword- thrusts. Twice he had him at his mercy, but it was evident that he did not wish to take advantage of those opportunities, as he allowed him, each time, to remain unscathed, and appeared not to notice when he had him at a disadvantage. At length, the count, who had been putting forth his utmost efforts to secure an advantage over his opponent, made a vigorous— and what nearly proved successful— thrust at his opponent's heart, with his sword. But Natells was on his guard, and stepping hastily to one side, the count lost his balance, stumbled and fell on the other's sword, the weapon burying itself deep into his side, from which the blood spouted in great profusion. The wounded man with an expression of agony on his countenance, turned towards his second in mute entreaty to assist him, and fell heavily to the ground. The others raised him to a sitting posi- tion, and with great difficulty succeeded in stopping the flow of blood. It was then discovered that he had received an additional injury, having in the fall broken his arm. After seeing the wounded count conveyed safely I III 16 <( 190 7." away in care of a surgeon, who had been dis- patched for, and ascertaining from that gentleman that his injuries were not liisely to prove fatal, the general and his friend left the scene of the combat and returned to the city. IV. !!;!! '!i I' IN a sumptuously furnished office, situated in a spacious building in one of the busiest parts of busy London, two men are seated, engaged in earnest conversation. The first I will describe is a man of about sixty, slightly below the medium height, and rather stout. His features are not altogether attractive, for in his dark eyes there is a suspicion of cunning, and in the smile that he almost continually wears, there is an indication of sarcasm and contempt. Yet for oil this, Mr. Frederick Buston, (for this is this man's name), is not what one could consistently term a homely man. He has a florid face, which harmonizes with his dark eyes, and mustache slightly tinged with grey. His even teeth his associates very often behold, for he smiles to show his teeth and his amiable nature. Yet at times he is harsh, and naturally is cruel and selfish. Mr. Fredrick Buston is a wealthy merchant; owner of vast estates in LoncioD vicinity and in been dis- entleroan fatal, the e combat 'I ited in a est parts engaged describe 3 medium are not there is i that he cation of his, Mr. name), is . homely irmonizes ly tinged ites very eeth and arsh, and lercbant ; y and in ''190 7/' 17 London proper. Like the majority of men m his position, he is mean, narrow-minded, and an adept in every artifice of cunning. He is one of those bemgs who exist for the sole purpose of worldly gam, and who will not scruple to stoop to any means— no matter how foul or oontemptible-to benefit themselves in a worldly point of view. His companion is a little, spare man, of about forty, with a hooked nose, pale and closely shaven face, and piercing grey eyes. He is dressed in a stylish suit of black, his. hair is combed to a nicety, and his little finger is ornamented with two costly rings. This man is Mr. Cartell, a lawyer who is looked upon with favor by the people of that part of London, and who commands a very large practice. That the conversation is of momentous import- ance, is evident from the tone in which it is carried on. Our friend, Mr. Buston, referred to a subject with which the reader is already well acquainted, when he said, - And so that young scapegrace, Walter Buston, is safe in prison, and I am master of the situation ? " *' Yes," his legal adviser answered. ** Through the instrumentHlity of Count Vensieque and my- self, we have been successful in terminating his career by having: him safelv lodo-pH h| ...i.Z. ^„ the isle of Heligoland." **Ah!" an exclamation of satisfaction it evi- f! 1 M 18 i I ■m- li ill 190 7. ff dently is from Mr. Buston, accompanied by a long drawn breath. »' But, tell me," said Mr. Cartell, '* why it is you have taken such extraordinary pains to have this young lieutenant put out of your reach in this manner?" '* For personal reasons, which I would not con- sider prudent to acquaint even my trusty 'legal adviser with," the client replied. '•Oh, pardon me," said the legal adviser. " I was not aware that you had any special reasons for refraining to enlighten me on this subject, especi- ally when your humble servant is so deep in your confidence already ! " Mr. Buston turned slightly pale, perhaps the last words of his legal friend had acquainted him with some disagreeable fact ! Finally he said : *' Well, Mr Cartell, I have no great objection to acquainting you with my re isons for keeping this young Buston in confinement. That is if I can secure your promise that what I communicate to you regarding the matter will be kept secret." " Oh, certainly," replied Mr. Cartell, with emphasis. '* Well, to begin with," said the other, " one of u)y strongest reasons for keeping Walter Buston in confinement is because I am his uncle!" One would infer from Mr. Cartell's look of surprise at his client when that gentleman made 19 07^ 19 this extraordinary confession, that he had some doubts as to his sanity, but he merely said : **OhI ah, I seel" '' Yes," Mr. Buston continued. " This is one of my most cogent reasons for wishing Walter Buston out of my way. But I have a still greater reason than the one I have jusi mentioned, which, , I greatly regret, my dear Cartell, I am not in a position at present to make you acquainted with." There was a faint suspicion of contempt in the smile that the arrogant face of the client wore when he said those words. If the lawyer noticed this, he did not betray it, however, but changed the conversation by referring to another subject. When it had been discussed, the conversation once more reverted to the subject which had previously engaged their attention, when Mr. Buston said : ♦' Well, Mr. Cartell, 1 have only to say I am much pleased with the admirable manner in which Count Vensieque and yourself have executed this im- portant piece of business for me. Do you remem- ber the sum agreed to between us for the execution of this job?" The lawyer named the sum mentioned, and the client handed him a cheque for the amount claimed by Vensieque ; also his own fee, and by no means a small one, for lawyers oreneraliv make it a noint J — to obtain more than sufficient remuneration for their services. This little business transacted, 20 "190 7r 'i 'i 1 1 Mr. BustoD shook hands with his legal adviser, and took his departure. V. A ND now, once more, all Europe was threatening yl to plunge into a war even more terrible than the long and bitter strife between the United States and England. The allied powers of France and Russia were threatening to swoop down on the German Empire, which, in this plight, called on the aid of mighty England, who, ever ready to take summary vengeance on her old enemies, France and Russia, had consented to aid Germany in her, now, almost inevitable, struggle with two powerful foes. The great war vulture had now spread its dark pinions over four great countries in a civilized world, and the result threatened to be terrible. Germany, with her superb army of soldiers, and England, with her mighty fleet of potent war vessels, were two powers which no country in the world would willingly engage in warfare with, especially as they, at the present time, had the offered assistance of the Chinese Empire, a dreaded and potent nation, which was overrunning the whole of Europe to an alarming extent. Russia hecommg aware of this fact, and deeming it not advisable to participate adviser, eateDing Ible than e United f France rn on the alied on ready to Bnemies, jermany ?ith two lad now r great e result vith her kvith her > powers ivillingly y, at the ) of the nation, pe to an of this rticipate ''190 7/' 21 in a struggle which would be detrimental to her own interests, had, after a short concession to France's request, withdrawn her proflfered promise of assistance, and severed the alliance between herself and that country. France maintained her position, however, and England, seeing that she still remained in the offensive, immediately entered into a compact with Germany and was now preparing for a strife which threatened to be one of the fiercest in the world's history. France, although skilled in the arts of war and invention, seemed fearful of beincr annihilated by the combined powers, and, there! fore, made extraordinary preparations in order to be fully prepared to defend herself from the on- slaughts of her powerful foes. England's thirst for war seemed indefatigable, and in that country great preparations were being made for the coming struggle. General Sir Geo! Natells, who had returned to England shortly after his duel with Count Vensieque, had been put in command of a large force, which was to embark on the Mediterranean fleet as soon as orders from naval headquarters would warrant them doing so. During his sojourn in England, the general had made every effort to ascertain if his plan for liberating the young lieutenant, Walter Buston had proved a success. As the days pasle^d by,' and he still received no intell.gence to warrant the 'f^ I 'Ipii li (I)!. 22 a 19 ir assumption that his young friend had been liber- ated, he began to fear that his scheme had, after all, proved a failure, and that Walter was still in confinement. The fact that he had not received any account of the emissary whom he had sent to endeavor to secure the release of the young captive, materially assisted to confirm this belief. *' If I only had my friend Marston here to ferret out this extraordinary case for me," he mused. But, unfortunately, the detective had gone to New York on important business, and would, in all probability, not return to London for some time. The fates had ordained, however, that the general should receive intelligence of his young friend sooner than he had anticipated. One even- ing as he was crossing a crowded thoroughfare in London, he felt a hand laid upon his shoulder, and at the same time, the owner of the hand said : " General Natells, I presume?" The general turned, and beheld standing beside him a degraded looking specimen of humanity in the s?hape of an elderly man, with bloated counten- ance, and white, shaggy locks of hair, falling in great exuberance down over his forehead. He was dressed in a faded suit of black, and wore around his neck a white handkerchief. He carried in his hand a stout stick, and in his mouth was a wooden pipe of huge dimensions and peculiar '•tf \%. i tt 190 7.'' 23 Ben liber- had, after IS still in , received id sent to le young lis belief, to ferret Qused. 1 gone to would, in for some , that the lis young Oneeven- ighfare in shoulder, and said : ing beside imanity in 3 counten- falling in lead . He and wore Fie carried )Uth was a ii peculiar shape, the bowl of which was reverted in such u manner that the tobacco had fallen out of it. One could ascertain, by a mere glance, that this man was one more of those abject wretches who are slaves to strong drink. Yet, dejected and abominable as the man's appearance was, there was a certain air about him which indicated that he had seen better days ; and his tone of speech impressed the hearer with the fact that he had been well bred. Such was the individual who sought to engage the attention of Sir Geo. Natells, with a detaining hand, and with the remark : ** General Natells, I presume? " " The same," the general replied. *« What would you be wanting with me, my good man?" The man, whose name was Antswell, but who bore the fictitious appellation of '* Scott ie," com- municated to him the intelligence that he had important news to tell him— news that would interest him very much-and that if he would accompany him to a certain place he would be able to ascertain the nature of the news, and any explanations concerning the same would be un- necessary. Prompted by his naturally curious disposition, and by the man's solicitous manner, the general finally agreed to accompany him, and the two boarded a street car, which, after a short ride, stopped at a place called Surrey's Lane. Here the two alighted, and the general followed the ^JgBW' 34 n 190 7." \ ■ t ¥ '^ b i ' ■ *\ 1^ man along a long and dirty street, surrounded on each side by mean and shabby houses. At length turning into a dark and narrow alley, the man glanced behind him to ascertain if the general was following. There was something in the glance that made Natells suspect that some treachery was intended. So, stepping hastily for- ward, and laying his hand heavily on the man's shoulder, he drew a revolver from beneath the folds of his cloak, and placing the muzzle to the man's temple, exclaimed, " See here, if you mean any treachery, you know the consequences, my fine fellow ! " The man was evidently very deaf, for although the general spoke in a pretty loud tone, he had to repeat the question in order that he might com- prehend it. When he had done so, the man hastily assured him that no treachery was intended ; and after this little episode, they proceeded quietly on their way. Reaching the end of the alley, the man mounted a flight of steps, which led up to a door in a side of a spacious wooden building, and beckoned the general to follow him. Opening the door, they both wended their way up a second flight of steps, at the top of which they halted for an instant, and ♦' Scottie," stooping down, took a key from some secret recess in the flo<)r, and noiselessly opened a door. Entering, the two found themselves in a little room, intensely ,M unded on ow alley, in if the ething in hat some istily for- the man's leath the izle to the you mean noes, ray ' although he had to light com- the man intended ; led quietly alley, the ed up to a Iding, and pening the a second halted for vn, took a floor, and , the two intensely "19 7/' 25 dark. Closing the door as softly as be had opened it, the man laid his hand on the general's arm to detain him, and then moving cautiously forward, he stooped down, and pulled back a slide which concealed a small aper- ture in the wall, through which a flood of light now came streaming into the room. Then, beck- oning the general forward, he requested him to place his eye at the opening, and he would, by this means, ascertain why he was asked to come there that night. The general hastily complied with «* Scottie's " request, and started back, with a half-uttered exclamation of amazement. Stretched upon the floor, in the adjoining apart- ment—bound hand and foot—was Wallace Emson, the emissary whom he had despatched to Heligo- land, with orders to endeavor to release the you'ng lieutenant, Walter Buston, from prison ! Impatient to learn more concerning the strange aff*air, the general was about to make some inquiry, when he was cautioned to observe silence by a look from his companion. So, resuming his for- mer attitude, he remained for some time, intent to witness any further developments in conjunction with the mysterious affair. If he anticipated witnessing anything more startling than what had already transpired, his expectations were fully realized, for presently the Ii . '4 ii :,!l|! I! ill ■i!iil l! >'■ 1 ii. :'-'f a f > i = . . ;; 1 ■ ■i ■:Hi!|i ta '■) I HI ijljl 26 "190 7r door of the room in which the emissary was con- fined, opened, and a man, enveloped in a great coat, entered. Closing and bolting the door after him, he advanced towards the prisoner, and removing the shackles from his feet, exclaimed, in a surly tone : " Raise yourself!" The greater number of the remainder of the man's words were spoken so low as to be almost inaudible, but the general succeeded in gleaning sufficient information from them to convince him that the speaker came there with the intention of terminating the existence of Wallace Emson, because of his having succeeded in releasing Walter Buston from prison. And whil« he was thus speaking, the man secretly produced a chloroformed handkerchief from a pocket of his coat, and q-'ickly pressed it against the unsuspecting and helpless prisoner's face. The general perceiving this, and well knowing what would follow if the wretch were allowed to take his course, drew a revolver from his pocket, and placing the muzzle to the aperture so as to bring it to bear upon the would- be murderer, awaited results. The prisoner was now unconscious from the effects of the drug, and soon a murderous looking knife gleamed in his assailant's hand. Another instant and it would have been plunged into Emson's heart, but at that instant the sharp report 11 190 7." 27 was con- •eat coat, iter him, 'emoving 1 a surly er of the )e almost gleaning ince him intention 9 Emson, ng Walter was thus jroformed id q"ickly d helpless ; this, and he wretch a revolver 5zle to the ihe would- } from the us looking Another mged into liarp report of a pistol rang out, and the wretch, uttering a groan of anguish, fell dead on the floor. VI. A NEAT and stylish little cottage, surrounded |^ hy a neat and stylish little flower garden, fenced in by a neat and stylish little iron railing, stood in one of the most aristocratic quart- ers of great London city. Surrounding it on every side were imposing buildings, an imposing avenue of tall trees swept by its door, not far away from which an imposino fountain of water sparkled in the bright sunshine. There was a certain appearance in the surroundint^s of this cottage indicative of respectability and resplendence, and the cottage itself seemed to be perfectly in accord with these surroundinjrs. Inside, in a cosy little parlor, a young lady was seated, wrapt in profound meditation. She could hardly be correctly termed a woman, for she had not yet attained her eighteenth year; but her sweet, grave face gave her the appearance of being older than she really was. Grace Severns was the only daughter of a retired colonel in the English army, who had lost an arm during the struggle with the United States, and had been handsomely remunerated for it by the English Government. 28 *' 190 7r The girl's mother had been dead some years, but the colonel was still alive and enjc^^ing his income as only an old soldier can. He was a jovial and genial old fellow, who looked at the world with its bright side up, and was passionately fond of his daughter. He had one son, who inherited his father's inclinations for army life, and was a cor- poral in General NatelTs army. Such, in brief, was the history of the inmates of the neat and stylish little cottage that stood in an aristocratic quarter of great London city. A rap at the parlor door, and a servant an- nounced, " A young gentleman to see you. Miss." Grace looked quickly up, and beheld, standing beside her, Walter Buston ! She started up, with a glad cr}' of recognition, and was folded to bis bosom . " Oh, Walter, I never expected to see you any more ! They told me you were dead, W^alter, and lost to me forever. Oh ! I am so glad to see you. Tell me all about yourself, Walter, and where you have been all this long, long time?" Walter told her of his long, cruel confinement in prison, of his escape, of how he had only arrived in London that morning, in company with the faithful emissary, Wallace Emson, both having been landed safely at Liverpool by the cruiser which had conveyed then) from Heligoland. At the conclu!?ion of his recital, he saw tears in m « 190 7:' 29 jarg, but 5 income vial and »rld with ad of bis 'ited bis as a cor- mates of 3d in an vant an- il. Miss." standing p, witb a i to bis you any liter, and > see you . ^bere you [i6nement had only )any with th having le cruiser and. At tears in Grace^s eyes, but whether they were tears of S3 mpathy for his past sufferings or tears of joy for bis safe arrival home, he could not devise. But he knew well that she was as sincere in her love of him as he was in his adoration of her. He saw her love of him beaming in her beautiful counten- ance, and he recognized it in the faltering tones of her sweet voice. And Walter Huston's generous heart beat swiftly, and his handsome countenance glowed with pleasure when he recognized that one teuder and loving creature reposed such confidence in him, and loved him with all the ardour of a young and innocent heart. Not many minutes after Walter had concluded narrating his prison experience, a jovial red face, surmounted by a shining bald head, was thrust in the half-open doorway of the parlor, and then withdrawn witb great pre ipitation, as if its owner felt embarassed for having intruded on the parlor's occupants. Walter, observing this phenomenon, however, commanded the head to enter, and the head obeyed, bringing with it a body of a man, a pair of legs, and one arm. In short, it was the good old Col. Severns himself, who stood in the doorway smiling and bowing, and with every indication of satisfaction at Walter's safe arrival home displayed on his genial countenan('e. It was a happy party that were gathered in the colonel's cosy little parlor that evening. 30 (( 19 7.'' m It was late at night when Walter took his de- parture, with the intention of visiting his friend, the good General Natells. He called at the gen- eral's residence, but received the intelligence that he had gone out early in the day, and had not yet returned. (This was the night upon which the events recorded in the preceding chapter had transpired). Concluding: that it would be useless to endeavor to discover the whereabouts of his friend that night, he left a note for him at his residence, acquainting him with his safe arrival in London, and as the hour was now growing late, he sought a lodging house, and retired for the night. VII. AFTER the timely shot from the general's |1 pistol, which laid the would be assassin cold in death, and saved the life of Wallace Emson, Natells and his companion, after consider- able difficulty, succeeded in obtaining ingress to the adjoining apartment, where they found the prisoner still unconscious from the effect of the fumes of the drug he had been compelled to inhale. He was soon restored to consciousness, however, and released from his bonds ; and in an extremely short space ot time, the three were tt 190 7.'' 31 journeying in the direction of General Natells' residence, situated on the outskirts of the city. They were not long in reaching their destina- tion ; and not long after they were ushered into a handsomely furnished apartment, the general received the note which Walter Buston had left for him a few hours previous. The good general was overjoyed at the safe return of his gallant young lieutenant, and expressed his sincere regret that Walter had not been persuaded to remain until he returned. But the general seemed eager in anticipation of hearing Emson relate how he came to be in the unpleasant situation from which he was so timely rescued by the two men in whose company he was at the present time. Emson was not long in com- plying with his friend's ardent request, and proceeded to relate the strange adventure by which he so nearly lost his life. After parting from his friend, Walter Buston, (in whose companionship he had journeyed to Liverpool), he was proceeding leisurely along a crowded street, when he was uddenly seized by two men, lifted into a covered vehicle, and con- veyed to the house to which '* Scottie " had— a few hours afterwards— conducted the man who saved his life. The emissary was unable to ascertain why he had been thus assailed, until the words of 32 tt 190 7." the would be ahsassin acquainted him with the reason assigned for the act. At the conclusion of Emson's narrative, the old man '* Scottie," said, " General Natells, I know this young man well, and I know what he says to be true." The general looked suprised, and said, " Why, my good sir, what do you know con- cerning this young man ? " "Listen to me, and I will tell you all I do know about him," the old man replied. '* I believe you. General Natells, to be a sincere friend of his, and this is the reason I have for telling you this strange story. I say strange. It is si range but nevertheless, true." The eager manner in which the old man spoke these words surprised his hearers, but unmitigated wonder succeeded this mild surprise as he con- tinued. *' I have come here to-night to disclose to you a secret which I have never yet disclosed to mortal being. I have no further object in revealing it than it may benefit one who is now here. The secret that the appellation of Emson to this young man is fictitious— that he is really and truly a legitimate brother to Walter Buston— has re- mained locked up in this breast of mine for many a long year. But the benefits accruing from my ''19 7:^ 33 knowledge of this secret have long ceased to exist, and I am happy to disburden my mind of it " The two listeners, with amazement depicted on their countenances, shrank back from the man who had thus spoken, as if he were a spectre. The general was the first to recover his composure, and he asked : "What proof can you furnish that those strange words you speak are true? " *'I cannot, gentlemen, furnish you with material proof of what I have just said. But " continued the old man, raising his hands solemnly above his head; -I call upon heaven to witness that what I have said is true, anJ ask its Almighty Ruler to strike me dead this instant if those words of mine are false. Listen ! Sixteen years ago, I, in company with another person, stood beside the bed of a dying man. The dying man was the father o/ Walter and Wallace Buston, and the person who was present there, besides myself, was Frederick Buston, his brother, a man who still lives, and is one of the richest residents of this city. I was in this man's company when he received from his dying brother's lips the appointment of executor of his vast estates, and the guardianship of its heirs, Walter Buston, senior's two sons. I was a witness to thi^ snlomn ....nt..a,,» which Frederick Buston faithfully promised his dying brother to fulfill. But, the same Frederick SM 34 ''190 7." Buston proved himself to be a villain of the deepest dye. He violated the solemn promise he gave his dying brother, and trampled on the rights of his children. Extraordinary pains were taken, by him, to prevent tlose same children obtaining posssession a knowledge of the case. For many y. -^ 1 was paid large sums of money for the keeping in custody of the young man who is in this room at this particular time, and I have every reason to believe that his younger brother, Walter, was treated likewise by other parties engaged for this same nefarious purpose by his designing uncle. One thing I am well aware of, and that is, that the young man is totally ignorant o; the fact that he, and this young man here, are the rightful heirs to the property now in possession of Frederick Buston. For many years I kept the latter under my protection, as he himself will tell you, deluding him with the assertion that I was his rightful guardian, until, one day he mys- teriou^ly disappeared, and I did not see him any more until to-day, when I saw him seized by the two men who bore him to the house where we so opportunely arrived to save his life. »* When Frederick Buston learned of the young man's escape, he was in a terrible way about it. He denounced me a«^ a villain, spoke of my negli- gence threatening to ruin him, and swore that he ''190 7.'' 35 would make me suffer for the act. After some time, he relented towards me, and promised me a large reward if I should succeed in ascertaining the whereahouts of his nephew. This mission, assigned to me by Frederick Buston, I undertook, and stimulated, as I was, by the proffered reward, with indefatigable vigilance I pursued my search ; but m}' efforts were unattended with success until this morning, when I espied the object of my pursuit in the clutches of two men whom I believed to be emissaries of the boy's uncle. When I ascertained that the wretches were intent on murdering my boy, (for although I was forced, by stringent circumb.ances, to wrong him, I loved the boy, and hoped to see the day when I could put him in possession of the knowledge which had been, so long, unjustly denied him), but when, upon this occasion, I discovered that they meant to harm VV^allace Emson, or, more properly, Wal- lace Buston, I swore that I would exert myself to prevent it, and, thank God, I have ! " As the old man thus concluded his weird narrative in a solemn voice, and with reverent posture, despite his turgid countenance, his shabby garb and his generally degraded appearance, his demeanor impressed his hearers with the belief that the extraordinary words he spoke were true. And, as they now believed in the reliability of the old man's words, it became evident to both f % l! l: W 36 <( 190 7." the general and his emissary, that they were the two to profit by them. It became evident to Wallace Emson that he had an inveterate enemy in the person of his uncle, and that it behooved him to adopt means to facilitate his personal safety. So, after a thorough discussion of the matter, it was decided that Emson was to go to New York, and that " Scottie " was to exert himself to obtain possession of the will of the boys' deceased father, which was in the hands of Frederick Buston. It was also decided that Walter Buston was to be kept in ignorance of the affair, until the will would be recovered, when he and his brother would be the rightful owners of the property now in Frederick Buston's possession. VIII. ON the morning succeeding the night upon which the latterly recorded events had transpired, General Natells despatched a letter to his friend Marston, in New York, acquainting him with the particulars of the Buston case, and soliciting his aid to ferret out the matter. A few days later, he received a note from the detective, conveying the gratifying intelligence that he would be in London at an early date, when the matter would have his attention. t( 190 7.'' 37 ere the ieot to enemy hooved ersonal of the » go to > exert of the inds of id that of the I, when owners iuston's t upon its bad ched .1 York, Buston out the )te from lligence y date, on. The generaPs next step was to provide comfort- able quarters, in a secluded part of the city, for the man " Scottie," who promised to do all in his power to assist Marston in recovering the stolen will, which would give the two young men, Walter and Wallace Buston, their just rights. And now, once more, duty called the good general, and his gallant young lieutenant, forth, to battle for their country's honor. The lattei was placed in command of the rear division of Natell's troops. The time for embarkation soon arrived, and on a fine October morning the fleet of noble war vessels sailed proudly and swiftly over the shining waters, away from the bright shores of England, and soon were lost in the distance. And 80, like those noble ships sailing on the bright summer's sea, human lives are sailing on the perfidious river of Life, which is noiselessly and swiftly bearing them to the Ocean of Eternity ! IX. rnR. CARTELL, Barrister-at-Law, satin his III sumptuously furnished office, upon a certain day, engaged in the lucrative occupation of perusing the morning's papers, and in the unprofitable pursuit of puffing a fragrant 38 (( 190 ir Havnna. He was so intent in those combined occupations, that he did not become conscious of a knocking at his office door, until it had been repeated three or four times. He then arose and opened it, when he was confronted by a messenger, who handed him a card, which bore the following inscription : " Mr. Frederick Buston requests the honor of Mr. Cartell's company at his residence, this morning, on private and particular business." " Ah— hum, I wonder what the old humbug wants with me now?" was Mr. Cartell's mental inquiry. Then, turning to the messenger, he said, '* Tell Mr. Buston that I have much pleasure 'n acceding to his request, and that I will be with him in a very short time." The messenger bowed and withdrew. Shortly after, Mr. Cartell emerged from his office, and entering a private conveyance, was driven rapidly off in the direction of Frederick Boston's residence. Arriving there, he wa.s ushered by a footman into a private sitting-room, where — after a short time — he was joined by Frederick Buston. Mr. Cartell perceived that that gentleman was not looking as well as usual — having the appearance of being labouring under some violent excitement for some time past — but he immediately ascertained the cause when the client said : 19 07:* 39 » was - Well, Ml-. Cartell, I must confess that I ani a little surprised at not having a vinit from you at an earlier date, and without the necessity of sending for you, to acquaint me with the particulars of the affair~to inform your humble servant whether the important job you promised to have executed for me had been executed or not I " ''My dear Mr. Buston," returned the legal adviser, with a smile, in which there lurked a suspicion of craftiness; -allow me to inform you that there is not the slighest necessity for you to excite yourself over this little matter. You know perfectly well that had anything gone amiss, I would hasten to inform you of it. But, under the circumstances, it was not necessary for me to comply with the last named obligation. Our plans have worked admirably—the job has been completed days ago -and the body of Wal- lace Emson reposes at the bottom of the Thames 1 " The inexorable countenance of the old merchant betrayed a marked expression of satisfaction, when this last piece of intelligence was com- municated to him. He had been informed that he had been the instigator of a plot— truly a horrible plot— but, nevertheless, i successful one. With him the end justified the means, no matter how dishonorable the means were. He had weighed a human life rnd the risk involved in taking it, against the gravification of a sinful ambition, and 40 *'190 7r the balance had been in favor of the latter. There are many men of the Frederick Buston stamp In this world— men who fight the battle of life with weapons quite the reverse of honor and honesty ; but surely they are not unconscious of the fact that such actions in tliis world will prove potent barriers to their happiness in the next. But the austere visage of Frederick Buston would not have been illuminated with the light of satisfaction had he been aware that the words of his friend and legal adviser were false in the extreme ; that Wallace Emson was still alive, and well; that his enemies knew nothing of his whereabouts ; that the words of the lawyer were merely a guile to persuade him that his nephew was dead, in order that he (Cartell) would receive the large reward offered for the accomplishment of the bloody deed. The conversation relating to the subject was carried on to some further extent, when it was terminated, for the time being, by Frederick Buston expressing his entire satisfaction with the manner in which the work had been performed, and requesting his legal adviser to accompany him to a certain bank, when he would advance him the sum agreed to, some days previous, for the *:__ „A' *u-. i,.u " But, by the way," be added, \\\ a careless tone ; ''190 7." 41 " before wo go, won't you take a glass or two of wine? " The lawyer readily accepted this kind offer of his friend, and the two sat, for some time, drinking a considerable quantity of wine, and cracking a considerable number of dry jokes. The important subject ah-eady referred to, was once more resumed by Frederick Buston, who seemed to take an extraordinary delight in dis- cussing the matter. The truth was that that gentleman rather suspected that the job had not been done as easily as his legal friend and adviser would lead him to believe; and, probably, he had serious doubts as to its having been accomplished at all. His object, therefore, was to ply the lawyer with liquor, (being well aware that he was a heavy drinker), under the influence of whieli, he expected that he would become communicative, when he might question him on the subject in such a manner as would lead him to disclose to him anything that would substantiate the correctness of his (Huston's) suspicions. But, the lawyer, although he drunk heavily, was on his guard, and was not at all communicative on the subject under discussion. In fact, he soon comprehended the object his friend had in view. I (.( O I w five uiteiaricc to tne and even went so fa expression, " You needn't try to puujp me, my 'Jft'l 42 «• 1 190 7.'' friend, for I have nothing to teil you about I he affair, except what I have already told ! " Of course, on hearing these words, his friend emphatically denied that he had entertained any doubts as to the reliability of the other's statements concerning the matter, assuring him, at the same time, that it was mere curiosity that had impelled him to question him as he did on the subject. The conversation on the matter then terminated, as the two iose to depart. They passed out of the house — arm in arm — and entering a hansom, were driven rapidly away to the bank, where the layyer was to receive a large amount of money, on the strength of the supposition, entertained by Frederick Buston, that his friend bad executed a neat little job for him, in a precise, and neat little manner. But neither Mr. Frederick Buston, or his legal friend was aware that a man — bearing a very strong resemblance to our friend, "Scottie"- — had been seated with his ear in contact with the keyhole of the door of the room in which they had been confined, during the greater part of the time this little confidential chat had been in progress. Had they, even, been aware of this fact, it is very probable that they would not deign to pay any attention to it, as " Scottie" was a frequent visitor to Frederick Buston's house, and was privileged to enter therein when he chose. In fact, that h (C 190 7:' 43 the gentleman had frequently been present when little private affairs- although not altogether of the nature of the above -were being transacted; Frederick Buston entertaining the opinion that this Dependant of his was far too deaf to hear any conversation carried on in an ordinary tone of voice, and moreover, as " Scottie " was frequently under the influence of liquor, he considered that he— on such occasions— was not able to compre- hend anything so complicated as the private transactions of a gentleman of the ability of Fred- erick Buston, Esquire. But, as the person bearing such a strange resem- bhnce to our friend " Scottie," took his departure from the residence of the already mentioned luminary, on this occasion, it was evident from the appearance of his countenance that he knew more concerning the foregoing conversation than he would wish to tell. X. 1 I ^E will now return to Count Vensieque, VAy and endeavour to ascertain if he has yet recovered from the injuries inflicted on his person in the duel which took nlace between himself and General Sir Geo, Natells. Upon this particular day on which we for the third time in 44 u 19 7r the chapters of this eventful tale, introduce him to the reader, we find him reclining on a lounge, in a handsomely furnished apartment of his spacious residence, situated on the suburbs of the city of Berlin. His preternatural appearance, on this occasion, would suggest to any ordinary observer— not pre- viously acquainted with the facts of the case -the fact that it was highly improbable that His Count- ship had emerged from the affray just alluded to, as victor, for, if his assailant had received any more serious injuries than himself, it would be safe to assume that he was a dead man long ere this, which was not the case, as the reader is well aware. The count's left arm was tightly bandaged, and lay limp upon a cushioned support l)eside him ; there was a serious wound in his left side, a little above the heart, giving him the most intense pain al frequent intervals, and compelling him to recline, continually, in the one position. His pale and emaciated countenance and wasted limbs, told plainly of the suffering he had recently iinderiTone. He was, at this particular time, engaged in perusing one of the day's newspapers — by this means endeavouring to relieve his mind, for the time being, of the dismal contemplation of his extremely unpleasant position. The door opened, and Sir Gerald Dirliey entered. it 190 7." 45 bearing in his hand a letter, which he handed to the count, with the remark-- Ju«t received from the letter-carrier." The count glanced at the address. It was in the handwriting of Frederick Buston. He tore it open and read : — " London, England, Oct. 29th, 1907. " Mj- Dear Vensieque,— "It had been my intention, for some time past, to com municate to you on a very important subject; but in deference to yourself, I thought it best to postpone the matter until such a tinie as you would be sufficiently recov- ered from the injuries inflicted on your person by that cur Natells, in the unfortunate aftray which recently transpired between you and him. I now take the liberty of broaching the subject to you; the purport of which you can readily guess. "I must confess \ was greatly surprised when I heard of the escape of young Buston, from prison, but 1 was ten times more amazed to learn, a few days later, that you-j/ow, of all others !-had abdicated the already mentioned person ! From reliable sources 1 have learned the facts of the case, which are simply as follows ;— "You entered into an agreement with General Natells, upon the day previous to the one on which this unfortunate affair between yourielf and that person transpired, that should you be frustrated on that occasion. Walter Buston would recover his freedom. It is needless to remark that yon were frustrated and that Walter Buston ha8 regained his freedom. And now, what conclusion do I come to, when I consider the facts of the case? That Walter Buston has regained his liberty through the instrumentality of Count Vensieque ! '•It is, probably, useless to make any further comments on the subject. But, before I conclude this letter, I merely wish to inform you that I would esteem it a favor if you 46 "190 ir w woiil(' return the amount sent you, some time ago, by ray attorney, Mr. Cartell. Under present circumstances you cannot consistently cluini this amouut. Therefore you would confer a favor by returning it to me at earliest pos- sible convenience. "Yours, Frederick Buston." The count finished reading the epistle, tore it to shreds, and in a rage, flung the pieces from him. "The mean, low, contemptible curl" he exclaimed. " How dare he accuse me of such contemptible proceedings ? ' How dare he address such an insolent letter to ?we? I, who am acquainted with facts, which, should I choose to reveal, would put the halter around his neck, in a trice ! I, who, were I so inclined, could deprive him of all his ill- gotten possessions, and make him a beggar, in a day ! How dare he address me in such language? How dare he falsely impeach me of being the instigator of a plot so vile? But, Ah I What's the word ? Revenge I Revenge is sweet, and I'll have revenge I Frederick Buston shall know, before he is many days older, that he has been a fool to dare accuse me of acting the traitor, without the shadow of a proof to justify that accusation. He shall have reason to regret, ere long, the words contained in his insolent letter. B'\t ' me consider how I am to act. Ah I \ have it. rstly, I'll accede to the demand made at the conclusion of his letter. Then, I'll compell him to accede To the demand of England's laws ! " ''19 7." 47 :o, by ray nces you fore you liest pos- STON." )re it to I him. I" he of such address uainted , would I, who, his ili- ir, in a 1 such nie of But, 3nge is Buston that he ng the ify that et, ere letter. ^ have I at the >ll him He laid his hand upon an alarm bell, close beside him, and rang it violently. A servant appeared, whom he commanded- *' Go to my secretary and tell him to come to me immediately I " The servant bowed and hastily withdrew to execute the errand. In a short time the secretary entered, to whom his master addressed the following words ; *'HaI good morning, Mr. Auling, I wish to discuss a little bit of private and particular business, with you." Mr. Auling bowed. *'You remember," his master continued, ''a large sum of money sent me some time ago, by one Frederick Buston, merchant and land owner, of London, England?" Mr. Auling smiled as he answered, *♦ Yes." ♦• Well, Mr. Auling," his master once more resumed, "I wish you to immediately return that amount, in full, to the person ^rho sent it. You understand me ? " Mr. Auling perfectly comprehended him, and would be happy to immediately comply with his request. Mr. Auling then withdrew, and his master resumed his soliloquy, *♦ And so," he said, " Frederick Buston thinks he can insult the pertinacious Count Vensieque with impunity? And so bethinks he can send 48 t ( 190 7. )) iiiHolent letters to him, charging him with that which he has never heen guilty of, and that he has not spirit enough to repudiate those charges? Well, ho shall see ! When this confounded war is terminated, I will then he free to take this little matter in hand, and convince Mr. Frederick Buston that I am not a mere milksop, who is not capable of resenting his slurs ! But, duty now calls me away, to fight in my country's interest, and I must comply with duty's request as soon as I am sufficiently recovered to go. " And I will have an old enemy now beside me in this struggle, for supremacy, with France ; but I shall not henceforth regard him as such ! If he has put me in my present position it is because I was a fool, and every fool suflfers for his folly. General Natells is a soldier, who assists my country in her struggle with a powerful foe, and I admire his gallantry as much as I do his brave lieutenant, Walter Buston I " XL I I PON the day Lawyer Cartell and his U client departed— arm in arm— from the residence of the latter, after having trans- acted a little matter of business of a private and important character, they proceeded direct to the (/ 190 7." 49 bank already referred to. where a large amount of mon.y was put into the possession of the leeal gentleman by Mr. Frederick Buston. The latter then invited his friend to accompany hin. to a certmn club which he had been in the habit of frequentrng, and his friend complying with this invitation, the two soon found themselves seated in a fashionable and private room of the alreadv mentioned edifice. A bottle of wine was im- medmtely ordered, under the exhiliratiug iaflueuce of which the two became, in an extremely short apace of time, very intimate. The important subject whi.h had. but a short time previous engaged their attention, was once again reverted to. and the following conversation that took place thereon was animated, as the reader will readily perceive. *' Now, my dear Cartel!, " Frederick Buston said, with a smile on his sinister countenance • - I wish to be frank with you. Frankness is a 'part of my nature. I love frankness and detest insid- iousness." The lawyer coughed, dubiously. -Now, my dear sir," Mr. Buston continued, " 1 have no hesitation in informing vou that I brought you here to-day with an objeJt in view. e' •»« i -"•« v^ciwic, a character remarkable for frankness, I have no hesitation in informing you, at the present time, that my object in 50 (( 19 7/' bringing you here, wa8 to eudeaver to ascertain — by little artifices peculiar to myself — if you had really fulfilled the contract you agreed to fulfil. In fact, my dear Cartell, I have strong doubts as to the veracity of your assertion, that this young Emson, or Buston — whatever you like to term him— is dead, and that his body reposes in the Thames. I have not the least hesitation in telling you that I believe young Buston to be alive at this moment. Now, what I require from you is cogent proof that this little job has been executed. I wish to be convinced that my suspicions con- cerning the matter are groundless. / wish to see the body of Wallace Buston 1 " The lawyer's face blanched slightly upon his hear- ing this unexpected request of his client, but he betrayed no confusion in his voice, as he replied — "Oh, very well! Since you are so curious, I will endeavor to gratify your curiosity. Since you are inclined to disbelieve my statements I shall endeavor to show you that they are correct. I will immediately have the river dragged in the vicinity of the spot where the body was cast in ; and, if at all possible, the body of Wallace Emson will be shown you I " "Very well," said Mr. Buston; "but I must here, impress upon you the great necessity of exercising great jautio'; in this matter. You will be cautio.?s, Mr. Cartell?" tt 190 7/' 51 lllu'ltlll iPii " Oh I certainly," rejoined Mr. Cartell. ''Now, Buston, call at my office at eight, to-night, and I will show you what you desire to sec. That is —of course— if what you desire to l^ee can be recovered. Rest assured 1 will do all in my power to comply with your unreasonable request. Good day I" and the lawyer left the room and the house with the air of an injured man. He strode hastily along a crowded street, with his face to the west, for some distance, paying no heed to the jostling he received from the numerous passers-by. At length, he turned into a dark and narrow alley, passed throu"rh it, and emer<^in