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1907

-by-

Wallace McLean

CHARLOTTETOWN

PRINTED BY JOHN COOMBS, STEAM PRINTER

1894.

;

II I

I ,^

CONTENTS.

((

(«

«(

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

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"1907."

BY WALLACE HACLEAN.

A S Time ushers into existence the eventful year,
Jy 1907, Time also, bythis complaisant act, brings
to a close one of the greatest wars that ever
cursed humanity on this old globe of ours. By
the treaty of Pacific, peace h^s just been declared
between the two great rival powers, the United
States and England, by the latter country agreeing
to confer on the United States the whole of Canada^
and in return the United States agreeing to with-
draw her fleet of gunboats from British waters,
and particularly from the shores of Spain, now in
British possession.

Thus the war, which ended with the beginning
of 1907, brought about many changes, and the
most conspicuous alteration of all was the ceding
of Canada to the United States and making it
part and parcel of the Great Republic.
* *' * »

It was on the evening of a certain day in the
spring of 1907, that two men stood on the eastern

2 ''190 7:'

bank of Point Levis, overlooking the noble Augs-
burg River. On the opposite bank a great city
could be discerned rearing its tall towers, veiled
in the glory of the setting sun, and reflected in
the placid bosom of the river, whose shining
surface was dotted with craft of almost every size
and description. Upon the sloping banks -green
to the very edges that kissed the river's waters-
comfortable homesteads could be seen, with well
tilled farms and gardens— evidences of peace,
prosperity and contentment.

Of the two men, already referred to as being
spectators of this glowing scene, one was a man
of two score years, with handsome features and
erect form. He was a man whose face bore the
stamp of intelligence, illuminated with the light
of courage and determination ; of medium height,
rather stout, yet agile in his movements. Any
ordinary observer, would unhesitatingly pronounce
him an Englishman, and his carriage would pro-
nounce him to the same observer as being by
profession a soldier. General Sir George Natells
he was, an En^lisi-h general whose bravery and
skill had won for him a title and the everlasting
gratitude of the English people.

The other was a man of about five and sixty,
tall and wiry in form ; with a countenance rather
repulsive than otherwise. He had a hooked nose,
piercing gi ? y eyes, a small mouth and uneven

1907.''

teeth. His head was covered with yellow hair,
which fell in great ringlets down almost to his
shoulders. He was one of those men who possess
no attraction for the beholder, but rather impress
him with their hideousness instead. Count Ven-
sieque, (for this was this man's name), was an
all-powerful German nobleman, having vast wealth
and, consequently, great influence in his native
country. Slaves that bend a knee to a tyrant's
despotic sway, bow, not in respect, but in fear-
not because they are favorably impressed with a
sense of the tyrant's greatness, but because it is
easier and more pleasant to bow than to starve I
This latter was true in Count Vensieque'?* case, as
it is in almost every instance where royalty rules
supreme. And the days of royalty were not past
in 1907.

An animated conversation is in progress between
Count Vensieque and General Natells, from the
tone of which it is evident that it is of anything
but of a friendly nature. The subject of the
conversation is a young Englishman, Walter
Buston, by name, and a lieutenant in General
Natell's army. While travelling through Ger-
many he was seized by Count Vensieque's orders
and for some some trifling offence cast into
prison. General Natells at the present time is
demanding the release of the young lieutenant, a
demand which Vensieque refuses to comply with.

((

1907.

remarking at the same time, that it is his intention
to compel the lieutenant to fight on the German
side, should the war which is threatening to
spring up between France and that country mate-
rialize.

" Only Buston resents this, and swears he will
never comply with my request," the count adds
contemptuously.

" Noble lad," the general exclaims, '* And he
shall not ! Not if I can prevent it ! "

"You will take extraordinary pains to prevent
me carrying out my wish, I have no doubt. Be
assured that you are welcome to all the satisfac-
tion you will receive by doing so ! "

*' I am not so sure of that. If you execute
your threat of placing Lieutenant Buston in front
of your army, I will have the satisfaction of
carrying him from out of your clutches, and if
you attempt to interfere, I will run my sword
through your lank body ? "

Exasperated beyond all bounds by this speech.
Count Vensieque, with a face livid with rage, lays
his hand on the jewelled hilt of his sword, and
attempts to draw it. But Natells, noticing the
action, steps hastily forwa?'d and throws him
heavily to the ground. The count rises, covered
with dust, and bleedino, but does not attempt to
proceed with the quarrel, merely remarking in a

i--%[-fv^i

19 07."

careless tone, that they would settle the affair on
the morrow.

'' As you please," the general responds. "And
I presume your Countship will let the affair also
decide as to whether Walter Buston is to remain
your prisoner or not ? "

" Yes," the count returnes. '* We have noth-
ing further to say, 1 believe. To-morrow, at
eight, we will meet at Lester Grove and decide
the matter. Good day?"

''Good day!" the general responds, as he
strolls leisurely away, whistling a popular air of
the day.

II.

THE outlines of a huge stone-built prison are
reflected in the moonlit waters which skirt the
isle of Heligoland, a German stronghold, upon
which stands, in addition lo the prison, a masMve
stone fort, with rows of brightly polished cannon ;
the sight of which impresses the beholder with a
sense of their potency. The night is tine, and
the old moon pours down her silvery rays from a
cloudless sky, which penetrate ^nto many a dark
cranny around the picturesoue oid forf «nd i»t,,
many a lonely prison cell, to ghidden the heart of
its occupant.

190 7/'

Alone in a dismrJ cell which overhung: the
water, the solemn stillness of whibh place was
broken only by the water's gentle nnurmurings,
sat a young man— scarcely in his eighteenth year—
with head bowed sorrowfully down and bitterly

weeping.

Far from home, from those he dearly lovted,
without a friend to aid or console him, without
even a knowledge of why he had been imprisoned,
was it extraordinary that Walter Buston's intrepid
heart sank within him when he contemplated the
hopelessness of his situation? For just as that
useful little instrument, the therm(mieter, is
affected by the weather's variations, so the mind
of man is influenced by the nature of his sur-
roundings.

How long the night is ! How slow the hours
are in gliding by ! And that inveterate enemy to
poor human kind. Time, stealing softly on the
winffs of silent night. Time ushering into exist-
ence glorious day. Time ending it. Time,
regardless of the circumstances in which they are
placed, curtailing men's lives. Lord and peasant,
kintr and subiect, alike its victims. No allowance
made by Time. No favors shown by Time in its

justice to all.

But now something occurred, as strange and
startling in its nature as it was unexpected. In
between the iron bars of the window of the cell

1907."

was hurled a missile, which struck the opposite
wall with tremendous force, and rebounding, fell
on the floor with a clink. Buston's first impression
was that some attempt to take his life was being
made, and he was about to call to his assistance
the prison warden. But curiosity overcame his
fears, and prompted him to stoop down and pick
up the missile. It consisted of two pieces of iron,
closely wedged together by means of two screws.
It required very little efl;)rt to unscrew them, and
when he had done so, he was amazed to find
between the irons a carefully folded note and a
flat door key. Striking a light, he unfolded the
note and read :—

" Dear Friend,

" Id order to accomplish difficult tasks it is sometimes
necessary to resort to strataafem. Tiierefore, in order to
secure your release from this prison, it has been necessary
for me to adopt this extraordinary way of communicating to
you the plan by which you will regain your freedom. The
writer of this note is an emissary of General Natells, and
came here to-night with the intention of securing your
release, which he will have no difficulty in doing if you
observe the following instructions ;

" Take the enclosed key. and to-night, as the prison clock
strikes ten, open your cell door with it, go out and lock it
after you. Once in the corridor turn to the right and follow
along until you come to door number twenty. Open it-
same manner you opened the other-and pass through, close
and lock it after you. When outside of this door you will
find yourself in a small guard-house, which constitutes the
r. ..I .!,!;, Riiv.^ :;0 tiic piisuu. irass tnrough this, and open the
first door you come to, and you will find yourself in the
prison yard. At the prison gate you will find a m»n

19 7."

statioDed, to whom you will give the word 'Rounds,' (no
other word must be spoken), and he will allow you to pass
out unmolested. When outside of the prison gate turn to the
west, and you will see a red light. Go in the direction of
this light and all will then be made clear. You must exercise
every caution, move noiselessly as a cat, and must not leave
a second before the time given. This is all. Follow those
instructions carefully, and in a few hours you will be a free

man.'

" Wallace Emson,
" Emissary to Sir Geo. Natells."

Astounded by this mysterious intelligence, the
prisoner sat for some minutes gazing at the strange
epistle with a face upon which was an expression
of mingled wonder, fear and bewilderment. At
length, recalling his scattered senses, he jumped
up with the intention of fitting the key into the
keyhole of the door, preparatory to opening it.
But what was his amazement and disappointment
to discover that there was no keyhole in the door
at all, it being secured on the outside by means
of a lock and chain !

Thinking: that he had been the victim of a cruel
joke, the young man threw himself down upon his
wretched bed and burst into tears. But the words
of the note — their tone denoted sincerity— and
thinking that probably he had been astray in his
supposition, he once more arose and scrutinized
the door from top to bottom; but in vain. He
was once more about to resign himself to despair,
when, chancing to raise his eyes, he espied above
the larger door a small batch, or, trap door, t^e

"190 7.'' 9

use of which he was unable to account for. In
this door there was a keyhole, and inserting the
key in it, it turned in the lock, and the door stood
open on its hinges, leaving a space sufficiently
large to admit of a man passing through.

Closing the door again, the prisoner sat down
to await the appointed time. At length the clock
in the prison tower struck the hour of ten. Re-
moving his boots, he hastily drew a table against
the door, climbed upon it, slid through the
aperture, and carefully let himself down into the
hall, pulling the door too, and locking it after
him. He turned to the right, as directed,
traversed the dimly lighted passage, swiftly but
noiselessly, until he came to door number twenty.
He opened it, and passing through fourd himself
in the guard-house. A man was lying asleep on
a bench, in a corner of the apartment— evidently
the keeper of the place-and the prisoner, trem-
bling lest he should waken and give the alarm,
crept past him at a pace as swift as was consistent
with his being able to execute without creating a
disturbance. He soon reached the door at the
end of the apartment, which was already open,
and passing through it, found himself in the
prison yard. The gate was only a short distance
off, and upon reaching it, the prisoner was sur-
prised to find it ajar, and no guard stationed at it.
But the mystery was soon explained, for, on

((

190 7."

reaching the outside, he perceived a man— evi-
dently the guard— lying on the ground, bound
hand and foot, and gagged.

Looking towards the west, Buston espied a red
light, and set out with all speed in that direction.
The way led along a road close to the edge of the
water, and he had not travelled far before he
could discern the dark outlines of a ship, anchored
close to the shore, from the masthead of which the
light was shining. A boat was hauled on the
beach, and standing near it were a number of
sailors, laughing and talking, as if their mission
were attended with the slightest risk in the world.

As Buston drew near the boat, a tall, handsome
young man stepped out from the crowd, and
approaching him, said :

" General Natell's emissary. At your service,
sir. I am overjoyed to finu that our scheme has
been attended with success. But we must not
tarry here, for in a short time the prison officials
will have discovered your escape and be on your
track. Get in the boat, sir. Now, my hearties,"
(addressing the sailors), " push off! "

The men obeyed, and in a short time the boat,
propelled by their vigorous strokes, was alongside
the ship, which was a small British cruiser of about
two hundred tons. The sails were then set, the
anchor weighed, and as a fresh breeze had by this

19 07 r

time sprung up, she filled away rapidly, and soon
the island oi Heligoland was but a speck on the
horizon.

III.

A S the clocks of a great city poal the hour of
T\ twelve upon a night so fine that there is
scarcely air enough to rustle the leaves on
the tall trees of a park on the outskirts of that
city, a hansom, driven at a rapid rate, stops at
the park gate, from which a man alights, and
drawing his cloak around his shoulders, stations
himself under the branches of a large tree, in
evident expectation of the arrival of aome person.
Presently the sound of footfalls on the gravel
walk catches his ear, and a tall, handsome man
approaches, and extending his hand, exclaims, in
a pleasant voice :

"Why, really, friend Natells, it is a treat to
see you ! "

"And you, Frank," the other responds. "Why,
you are the picture of health, and— by Jove -as
handsome as ever ! "

" I am glad that I am able to return the com-
pliment in all sincerity," his friend replies. "Why,
General, we must be lucky dogs, for we both
perceive the same favorable features in each
other ! "

ilil

''190 7."

Of the two men, the reader can readily conceive
that one was the English General, Sir George
Nateils. The other was Frank Marston, an Ameri-
can detective of great fame and ability. He
was a man of about thirty, of splendid physique,
handsome face, and captivating manner. The
general and he were intimate friends, and reposed
the utmost confidence in each other. There was
a striking similarity both in the manner and ap-
pearance of the two men, which, no doubt, to a
certain extent accounted for the strong attachment
there existed between them.

After a few more words were exchanged, the
two left the park, together, and proceeded along a
fashionable street until they arrived in front of a
brilliantly lighted and fashionable bar, when they
halted and entered. Although the hour was late,
there was still quite a number of persons inside.
At the request of the general, the waiter conducted
his friend and himself into a private sitting-room.
The two seated themselves in the room and called
for a drink of'* nice," the fashionable drink of 'he
day. They passed the night reclining on tl..
comfortable sofas in this apartment.

Early in the morning the general was aroused
by a knocking at the door of the room, and open-
ing it he w; fs confronted by a messenger, who

same, he tiK-ned to the messenger and >*aid : "Give

19 07r

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

!ii m

190 7.

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."

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

III

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

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

i I

■m-

li ill

190 7.

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^

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,

"190 7r

'i 'i

1 1

Mr. BustoD shook hands with his legal adviser,
and took his departure.

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

(I)!.

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

\%.

190 7.''

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'

190 7."

\ ■

¥ '^

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

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

:,!l|!

I! ill

■i!iil

l! >'■

ii. :'-'f

= . . ;;

1 ■

■i

■:Hi!|i

'■) I HI
ijljl

"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

190 7."

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.

*' 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

190 7:'

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.

((

19 7.''

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

190 7.''

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

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

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.''

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

l: W

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.

190 7.''

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

((

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:*

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

*'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."

" 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

«• 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

190 7:'

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.

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

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.

190 7."

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

"190 ir

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."

: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

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 "

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."

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

((

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?"

190 7/'

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<y
into a broad street, crossed it, and once more
plunged into a wilderness of low, mean, shabby
buildings.

Drawing a revolver from his pocket, he exam-
ined it carefully to ascertain if it was properly
loaded, for he was well aware of the desperate
character of the neighborhood which he was in.
At length, he stopped before a small brick build-
ing, and opening a door, descended into an under-
ground chamber, by means of a flight of worn
stone steps. There was a sickly odour in the
long, winding passage which he traversed, but he
did not seem to heed it in the least ; and knocked
at a door at the further end of the passage, which
was opened by a brawny red-haired woman, who,

I' rl

190 7 J'

giving the lawyer a significant glance, invited him
in.

" Ah ! Biddy ; and how goes it?" inquired Mr.
Cartell, with a sly look at the woman.

*' Shure, iverything is wiirked ixecently, yer
honor," responded Biddy.

The lawyer put his hand in his pocket, and
drawing forth a bank note «f the denomination of
five pounds, carelessly tossed it to the woman,
remarking, as he did so —

" That, Biddy, is for the little business we
transacted the other night. You understand?*'

♦♦ Faix, I do !" rejoined Biddy. *'And be it the
same irrand thot's bringin' yez here this evenin'?"

*'Yes," said Mr. Cartell. "Now, Biddy, listen
to me. 1 have something serious to tell you.
The old man suspects our little game and is coming
here to-night iu view the body of Wallace Emson.
Now, I want to ask you a question. Were you
Colin Clarrin's lawful wife?"

•'Sure, an' why do yez ax me thot question,
Misther Cartell?"

*' Because it is of the utmost importance to you
and me,'' replied Cartell.

"Well, then, since yez are determined to find
out, I will tell yez. 1 was not Colin Clarfin's
lawful wife ! "

" Well, yo see, Misther Cartell, bein' liv!n' wid

''19 07.''

him WU8 jist the same as bein* married to him.
It's usual for people to live together— not man led—
an' the jublic in gineral think them man an' woif.
Ah— 'Er— Everybody in this neighborhood does
it ! It wouldn't do not to do it, don't yez see?"

*' I see," returned the other. " Now, I want to
suggest a phin by which we can deceive that old
humbug, Fred. Buston. And it is this :— have Clar-
fin's body secretly conveyed here to-night, at any
time before eight— the features lacerated beyond
recognition, and the clothes damp and muddy ; and
that, I believe, will settle the old man's doubts
forever ! "

The plot was such a diabolical one that even the
red-haired prostitute gazed, with horror, upon the
man who suggested it. But a roll of bank-notes
soon overcame any prejudicial opinions she might
have entertained concerning the matter; and in a
short time, Mr. Cartell took his departure, with
the assurance that when he would call around at
eight, that night, in company with the other
person, everything would be as he desired.

It may be necessary to inform the reader, at this
point, that Colin Clarfin was the man v/ho was
shot by General Natells, while attempting the
assassination of the young emissary, Wallace
Emson. The man's body had not been interred,
although considerable time had elapsed since he
had met his death ; the cause of this extraordinary

<«

190 7."

proceeding l)eii)<r the fact that a secret burial had
been planned, the lawyer being afraid to risk a
public burial, for feur the authorities would
become suspicious, and investigate the matter.

Everything was performed as contrived by Mr.
Cartell, and when Fredrick Buston arrived, that
evening, in that gentleman's company, he was
fully convinced that it was the horribly mutilated
body of his nephew, Wallace Emson, that was
exposed to his view; and he — there and then —
tendered his sincere apologies to the worthy Mr.
C. for having entertained doubts as to the veracity
of his previous statements concerning the matter.

XII.

PC\ R- Frederick Buston sat in a private apart-
/ ' I ment of his sumptuous residence, upon a
certain day about a month succeeding
that upon which the events recorded in the last
chapter had occurred. Having despatched a
message to his friend and legal adviser, the
worthy Mr. Cartell, requesting his immediate
presence at this particular place, he now sat in
expectation of that gentleman's arrival.

"Ah, come at last ! " he exclaimed, as the door
bell rang violently.

He rose hastily, and went to the door, but much

19 07:*

to his disgust, he (Jiscovered that the individual
who rang the hell was not his legal friend, Mr.
Cartell, but " Scottie "—apparently in a mild state
of intoxication. The exclamation uttered by Mr.
Buston, on thus beholding an old friend, was not
at all complimentary to the old friend, but was,
probably, not heard by that gentleman--at least
Mr. Buston thought so.

" I want to come in," was Mr. B.'s old friend's
laconic supplication.

*' Very well," returned that gentleman.

«* I want to come in," repeated " Scottie."

*' Very well, I say I " roared Mr. Buston.

" O, first rate I " said '• Scottie," evidently tak-
ing this last rejoinder of his friend as an inquiry
concerning his health.

" O ! who the devil cares if you are or not?"
returned the other, in a low voice.

'♦What's that you're saying?" inquired
*'Scottie," eyeing him suspiciously.

" I was merely remarking that it was a fine
day," "Scottie."

♦' Then, I say— you looked extraordinarily glum
about it ! And, look here, am I to come ir ^"

Seeing that it was useless to waste any more
words in endeavouring to make his Dependant
comprehend him, Mr. Buston took him by the
lappel of his coat, led him into his office, and
pointed to a lounge in a corner of the apartment.

190 7."

in muto request that he be seated thereon.
♦*Sc{)ttie" complied, and stretching himself on
the lounge, unceremoniously turned his back to
his host, and almost immediately, was snoring like
a trooper.

Scarcely had this been done, when the door-bell
rang, for the second time, and immediately after-
wards, Mr. Cartell was ushered by a footman into
the office.

"Ah, good day, Mr. Bnston ! " exclaimed that
gentleman, with a smile and a bow.

'*Ah, good day ! " returned Mr. Buston. *♦ Pray
be seated." Mr. Cartell complied, and his friend
continued :

" I am glad you have so promptly responded to
ray summons. I was in urgent need of your
presence here to-day, as I wished you to examine
some '"upers for me, of a private and particular
character."

The lawyer, with a slight inclination o'' the
head towards " Scottie," asleep on the lounge,
warily inquired,

*' What means that?"

♦* Oh, he" returned the other. '*You need not
be afraid of him. He's as deaf as a post, and
drunk besides ! But, as I was saying, I wish you

\€\ pvumino arxtwcx i-\ui^Arci for Tti\c% V/»n <it«o »-»i«rv]-\_

ably not aware that I still have in my possession
the original will — the will made by my brother,

((

190 7/'

in which he wills his two sons all the property
now in my possession ! " Now, the question is—
would it not be a wise plan to destroy this will,
immediately?"

Mr. Cartell desired to have the privilege of
examining the document in question, before he
would answer that question. Upon hearing this
request, Mr. Buston opened an iron safe that
stood in a corner of the apartment, and abstracting
therefrom a large metal box, invited the lawyer
to examine its contents. This invitation Mr.
Cartell, with great celerity, accepted ; placing
himself on his knees, on the floor, for that pur-
pose ; while his friend took a seat close beside
him. A considerable number of documents had
been scrutinized by the legal gentleman before
the most important one of all was brought to
light.

" Ah, this is the will in question?" said Mr.
Cartell, preparatory to an examination of that
document.

*'Yes," rejoined Mr. Buston, and the words
had scarcely been uttered when a heavy hand was
laid on his shoulder, from behind ; and both men
turning, at the same instant, were confronted by
the gleaming barrels of two revolvers, aimed
directly at them. Frederick Buston uttered an
exclamation of amazement, for holding the revol-
vers was the man whom he had previously

t <

190 7.''

supposed to have been '♦ Scottie," but who now
displayed under his coat, the badge of a detective.
Then a voice — by no means " Scottie's"— said,

"Mr. Cartell, I'll trouble you to hand over the
document you, at present, hold in your hand."

The lawyer was about to comply, when his
companion, with a cry, in which rage and despair
were horribly mingled, wrenched the document
from his hand, and made an effort to throw it into
the fire. But, before he could accomplish this
deed, the strong hand of Frank Marston, (for he
it was) caught his arm, and wrested the paper'
from his grasp.

The worthy Mr. Cartell, who had, heretofore,
remained a passive spectator of this animated
scene — having, by this time, become convinced
that, under the existing condition of aflfairs, it
would be advisable for him to take a hasty de-
parture — made a dash for the door, with terror de-
picted on his countenance ; but he was somewhat
disappointed to discover that it was securely
locked. Goaded to desperation by his situation,
he seized an ink-bottle that stood on a desk, near
at hand, and was about to hurl it at the head of the
detective, when the latter suddenly turned, and
caught his upraised arm. The next instant, a
pair of handcuffs were dexterously slipped on the
legal gentleman's wrists ; the detective cooly
remarking as be did so :

"190 7,"

»'0h, my dear sir, I have met scores of desperate
characters like you, during the course of my
career as detective. Now, I have another pair
for the other p^ent, and if he will quietly submit
to my affixing them to his wrists, he will save me
the trouble of having to adjust them by force !''

Seeing that it was useless to resist, Frederick
Buston suffered himself to be handcuffed, and led
away, in company with his worthy friend, and
companion in crime, Mr. Cartell. At the door
of the house, a policeman was waiting to convey
them to police headquarters ; where they arrived
in due time, and were locked up on the charge of
having been accomplices in an attempted murder —
preferred against them by Detective Marston.

XIII.

THE great war vulture, which had spread its dark
and murderous pinions over the countries —
England, France and Germany, had now been
completely annihilated ; and the impending war
cloud, which for a time threatened nothing but
desolation and bloodshed, had now been super-
seded by a sun of prosperity and peace.

M
' I

On a fine Spring morning the long absent ships—
which constituted the squadron sent to the seat of
the recent war— returned to their native shores.

"190 7/'

They sailed proudly up the mighty Thames, and
before the tall spires and gilded domes of the
greatest city in the world, dipped their colours in
the water, in token of their victories.

And, on the deck of the proudest ship in that
noble fleet, a handsome young soldier stood,
gazing with delight on the dear old familiar scenes
that became more and more distinct as the ships
drew nearer to them. In the impressive mem-
orials of a long and terrible war a name is now
conspicuous — the name of a brave and generous
soldier, whom England's king, in commemoration of
his gallant conduct, is about to create a knight.
And yet, Walter, you consider a glance at her
sweet face superior to that high honor about to
be bestowed on you by England's mighty ruler I
In haste you travel the long, busy streets, and as
at the door of a little cottage you knock, with a
heart swiftly beating, and a face all glowing, it is
she who falls into your strong arms, with a ^lad
cry of welcome.

Upon that night, when the bright stars looked
down from their beds of glory, far up above the
azure clouds, and the old spectacular moon shed
her silvery light over a world of sin and sorrow-
in a cosy little sitting-room of that cosy little
cottage, Walter told her the story of his exploits

19 07.

in the great war ; of his days and nights of pain
and suffering-for he had been wounded-and of
raany other things concerning the great struggle ;
and when he had concluded Grace had burst^'Into
tears.

"Oh, I'm so glad to have you back, Walter; so
glad ! so very glad ! "

Once, during his recital, he related an incident
of how a brave German cavalier had saved his life
at the cost of his own ; for in the heat of battle,
one of the enemy's soldiers had a musket levelled .
at his breas^-*' when that brave cavalier," said
Walter, " perceiving my danger, stepped in front
of me ; and receiving the shot that was intended
for me ; fell dead, at my feet. The man that gave
his life for mine ! "

And taking a photograph from his pocket, he
held it up for her to see. It was a photograph of
Count Vensieque !

XIV.

THE dim prison jet shed a lurid light on a
strange group assembled in the cell of a
doomed prisoner. Constituting that group
Vr'ere many faces and forms conspicuous in this
tale. There the old prisoner sat, in his dismal
prison apartment, with bis head bowed down.

"190 7.''

maintaining a dogged silence, and his pallid coun-
tenance as inexoral)le as if it were a counterpart
of the cold, grey stone of his prison cell. There-
close beside him— with his hand upon his shoulder ;
his flinty face lit up with an united expression of
cunning and conceit, stood Lawyer Cartell. An
old hag of a woman huddled in one corner of the
apartment, whose face bore the stamp of con-
tamination and villainy— the red-haired prostitute,
Bridget Clarfin.

Walter Buston, General Natells and Detective
Marston, stood facing thobC persons, when the old
prisoner looked up and said,

'• Well, gentleujen, why do you not proceed with
the business that brought you hereto-night?"

"As soon as the presence here of one who is to
bear evidence against you, will warrant us, we
will not hesitate, in the least, to proceed with a
business that will be disagreeable to you," the
detective replied ; and as he was speaking,
' ' Scottie " entered . The face of Frederick Buston
blanched, as he looked up and beheld him, but he
only said,

"And so you bring this drunken wretch here
to endeavour to scare me with his lying stories?"
"Frederick Buston," returned Marston, the
mission that brings us here to-nignt is not one oi
lying and hypocrisy, but of charity and justice.
Charity towards yourself, for we will deal leniently

190 7."

with you, if you confess all. Justice towards
your nephew, Walter Buston, (now beside you),
and to his brother, in a foreign land. The charges
which this man " Scottie" will prefer against you,
will be sustained by annple proofs. Remember
that you are now an old man — old in crime as
well as in years —and that to endeavour to conceal
your knowledge of tne terrible crimes with which
you are charged will not be likely to benefit you
any more than it will prolong your life. Listen
attentively to what this man " Scottie " has to say
to you, and of you, for the words he is about to
speak concerning you, here, this night, are God's
truth. He asks you, now, to remember a solemn
scene, many years ago, when you and he stood—"
" When you and I stood by the bedside of a
dying man," said '♦ Scottie," resuming the thread
of the discourse, and addressing Frederick Buston.
*' That man was your only brother, and upon that
occasion, you gave him your solemn promise that
you would protect his orphan children, and would,
when the}^ came of proper age, put them in pos-
session of that property which they were justly
entitled to. And did you carry out this promise?
No I You violated this sacred trust reposed in
you by your dying brother, deprived his children
of iheir rightful possessions, deprived them of the
knowledge of their parentage, and ill-treated and
illuded them in every pospible manner. Now,

19 7."

what have you got to say to these charges? Are
they not true?"

In response to the questions the prisoner calmly
said :

** And this is all vou have to tell rae? This mans'
words are of not so startling a character as I
anticipated from the nature of your introduction
of them, Mr. Detective. If you expect me to
attach any 'niportance to them you are greatly
mistaken."

**' These, by no means, are the only misdemean-
ors we charge you with," replied the detective.
* 'There remains another grave and terrible oflfence,
of which you have, without the shadow of a doubt,
been guilty."

" Say on !" returned the person addressed, with
a sneer. " Say on ! " I know such men as you
speak nothing but the truth ! "

" In cases of this kind all God-fearing men do,"
Marston rejoined. *♦ Listen, Frederick Buston !
I have something to tell you which will make you
tremble to hear- base, unscrupulous villain that
you are ! What if I were to tell you iuat your
hands are stained with blood?"

*'Y"ou would tell the truth I" the old prisoner
tremblingly replied.

*'No," rejoined Marston, sternly. " I would
not tell the truth ! You believe, at this instant,
that the body of youi nephew reposes at the

190 7/'

bottom of a river ; but it is not so. The man
who stands beside you— an even more consummate
villain than yourself— deceived you. Adept, as
you were, in the arts of cunning and deceit, you
were not cunning enough for him. He deluded
you with the mere statement that Wallace Buston
had met an untimely death by the hand of an
assassin, and obtained a large sura of money from
you on the strength of your belief in that state-
ment. You viewed, in the supposed body of
your murdered nephew, the body of his would-be
assassin, who met his death by an avenging hand
while attempting the execution of his dastardly
deed."

With a countenance purple with rage, Frederick
Buston started up, and clutching the lawyer by
the throat, would have choked that worthy gentle-
man to death, had not the detective interfered,
and prevented him. When order was restored,
Marston resumed his discourse— addressed to
Frederick Buston.

" Being an imposter yourself did not prevent
your being deceived by a still more accomplished
deceiver. You failed to recognize in the supposed
"Scottie" the person of your humble servant,
Marston, upon the day you paid your worthy legal
friend a large sum of money, for having— as you
believed— executed an important job for you.
But you were mistaken. The dastardly deed was

fi6

"190 7."

never accomplishod, ilthoiigh your friend, Cartell —
for personal reasons which you are now well ac-
quainted with— deluded you il* the lielief that it
was. You also were miatukcsn in supposing that
through the instrumentality of Count Vensieque,
your nephew, Walter Buston, who now stands
before you, regained that liberty of vhich you
succeeded, for a short time, in depriving him.
Now, Frederick Buston, we have told you all, and
what we have told, you know to be true. We are
disposed to deal leniently with you should you
choose to humbly ask the pardon of those whom
you have wronged, and endeavour to make
reparation for your past misconduct by leading, in
the future, an honest and upright life,"

The old man started to his feet, his form trem-
bling, his countenance of an ashy hue, his eyes
almost starting from their sockets, as he shrieked,

"Cowards! Liars! Impostors! How dare
you com^ here to dictate to me? How dare you
come here with your lying stories and false pro-
mises? As if I were to be influenced by such!
Bah ! Go preach to fools, and let wise men alone.
Even if what you charge be true, what does it
signify to me? You only have the evidence of a
drunken wretch to that effect. Talk about pardon
and reparation. I show no mercy, and I expect
none. You are playing me a little game. Beware
how you play it ! Am I to be branded as a mur-

*'190 7"

derer through the lying stories of a crowd of fools ?
We shall see ! Til cheat you all. I'll cheat you—
dogs that you are ; and may the bitterest curse of
Hell darken the remainder o( your existence, and
blight your souls forever in a region of eternal
fire I "

As he shrieked those words, with the vehemence
of a wild beast, a deathly pallor overspread his
countenance, a violent trembling took possession
of him— he tottered and the next moment f 11
heavily to the floor, with the blood gushing forth
from his ears, nose and mouth. The horror-
stricken witnesses to this sad spectacle raised the
unfortuns *^e mau to a sitting posture, and made
every cffo t to restore iiim to life ; but without
avail. He had hurst a blood-vessel bj the violence
of his excitement, and death viwa instantaneous.

XV.

SHE work of settling the affairs of the deceasei
Frederick Buston, occupied only a few
weeks, at the en^' of which time Detective
Marstc n had the pleasure of puttinij Into the
hands of Walter Buston the will, by which he
and his brother obtained possession of their fa-
ther's vast estates.

The worthy Mr. Cartell, having been tried, was
sentenced to ten years" imprist)nment for having

190 7r

been an accomplico in an attempted murder.
Bridget Clarfin— in consideration of having turned
King's evidence— received a free pardon frori the
crown. '*Scottie" was well rewarded foi the
noble services he had rendered, in helping Detect-
ive Marston to bring to justice two men guilty of
a terrible crime, and for having materially assisted
the two brothers in regaining the valuable posses-
sions which, for so long a time, had been unjustly
denied them.

On learning of the kiudness which General
Natells displayed towards Walter, his brother

induced him to accept a share of bis father's
estates.

Detective Marston also received a liberal reward
from the generous-hearted young man whose life
he had saved, and also a large amount from
Walter, in consideration of the happy manner in
which he had terminated the important case on
which he had latterly been employed.

The first baby boy upon the bosom of Grace
Buston, was christened Wallace, and when, with
the lapse of time, Walter beheld children's happy
faces clustering around his knee, he loved to tell
them his oft-repeated story of a brave nobleman
who died that he might live.

[THE END.]