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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m^thode. errata I to t B pelure, on 6 n 32X 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 WHAT THE PEOPLE SAY ABOUT To A. Norman, M.E. : Paudash, Ont. Drab Sir, — Please find enclosed 50 cents, for which I want a Teething Necklace. A good while ago I got your " Acme " set, as I was suffering from a Nervous Debility and Impotency, and I am now thankful to say it cured me ; and the best evidence I can give is the above order, as I got married since and have now a big bouncing baby boy, which, for size and strength, uo baby in Canada can beat, and before I sent for the Belts I had no hopo of such a blessing, not even of marriage. I remain, yours in gratitude, 6. W. D. Mr. a. Norman : Toronto, Ont. Dear Sib, — I have great pleasure in being able to testify to the eflScacy of your Electric Belts. They nave benefited me greatly. Before \jgot them I used to suffer with Catarrh in the head and General Debility. The Belts cleansed my blood, and cured my Catarrh ; I scarcely ever catch cold now. I recommend them tq all who suffer. Yours truly, N. McM, 199 YoNGK Street, A. Norman, jbb^. : Toronto, Dec. 6, 1887. Dear Sib, — Twelve months ago I had to leave my business through complete prostration, and by the advice of my physician I travelled and stayed at different country resorts. After four months, circumstances occurred which compelled me to return to my business. I hardly knew how to do so, as my head felt so bad with creeping sensations through it, and my thoughts I could not concentrate for two minutes together ; also I could not rest at night owing to dreams and sweats. In this condition I consulted you, andytu told me if I carried. out the course you recommended, I would get relief in a few days. I was doubtful, but I tried it, and I must own in two days I felt like a new man, since which time I have rested more and worked leas, and to-day I am in better health then I have been for years past. Yours respectfully, ALIVE BOLLARD. NORMA^N'S Electro-Curative Belt Institution, ESTABLISHED 1874. 4 Queen Street East, Toronto. N.B.-BATHS OF ALL KINDS. Consultation and Catalogue Free. YATISI CORSET Becommended by the SZQ&SST MEDZOAL AUTEOBtTT. Is modeled from a design of one of the most celebrated Parisian makers. It gives the wearer that ease and grace so much admired in French ladies. The Yatisi Oorset, owing to the peculiar diagonal elasticity of the cloth, will fit the wearer perfectly the first time worn, no matter what her style of form is — either long or short waisted. To ladies who wish to lace tight and not feel uncomfortable at the bust or hips they are indispensible. The Yatisi Corset does not siretch at the waist, requires no breaking in, fits comfortably the first time worn. As it gives to every motion of the wearer, it will outlast any of the eld -style rigid corsets. The Yatisi Corset is made of the best materials, and being elastic (without rubber or springs), is invaluable for invalids, as it can- not compress the vital parts of the body. The Yatisi Corset is the only one that the purchaser can wear ten days and then return and have the money rufunded if not found to be the most perfect-fitting, healthful and comfortable corset ever worn. Every merchant who sells the Yatisi Corset will guarantee every claim made by the manufacturers, and refund the money to any lady who is not per- fectly satisfied with the corset. The Yatisi Corset is patented in Canada, Great Britain and the United States. Every pair of Yatisi OorsetS is stamped with our name, without which none )s genuine. MANUFACTURED ONLY BY The CromptoQ Corset Go. IT ikers. It es. the cloth, r style of tight and b does not quires no tably the gives to er, it will tyle rigid b is made nd being r springs), as it can- rts of the t is the liaser can :turn and d if not ct-fitting, e corset ery claim not per- and the without i A FALSE SCENT BY MRS. ALEXANDER, ^^^t^dj ArM-kve. Cfv*encW) Hee'Vor ▲DTHOBOr "THB wooing o'T," "a LlPfe INTEREST," " MONA's OHOIOB," '*Bf woman's wit," etc., KTO. lO. TORONTO : THE NATIONAL PUBLISHING COMPANY. 1764 Entered according to the Act of the Parliament of Canada in the Office of the Minister of Agriculture by the National Publishing Compant, Toronto, in the year one thousand eight hundred and eighty-nine. t CONTENTS. 1 — 0- CHAP. Office PANT, I. — On the Line • • , . , II. — "Mr. Keating at Home" , , , III.- "Cousin Bob' IV. — Friends in Counttl . PAGE 1 13 2C 39 V. — "Dinner at Mu?. Mkntiuth'h" , . 50 VI. — Lisle Makes a Bauuain VII.— "In the Toils » VIII.— " Murder Will Oct" IX.— "To Be oe Not to Bb ? " • • • • • • • • 61 78 86 96 A FALSE SCENT CHAPTER I. ON THE LINE. " Those confounded clocks must all be too fast. I wish Mrs. Mac would leave them alone — she plays the devil when she attempts to wind them up. We shall have to hang about for the next ten minutes before the train is due ! '* The speaker was a tall, robust, white-haired man, with long moustaches and military aspect, who was in the act of turning the x^air of spirited dun ponies he was driving sharply into the yard of Markborough Railway Station. "I think the ponies are faster than the clocks, uncle," said the young lady who sat beside him in the low phseton, " You have sent them along at a great pace." Her uncle made no reply. He had pulled up and was descending from the carriage, while a diminutive groom ran to the ponies' heads. A porter approached, and touching his cap, said : " I've the luggage all right, sir •. but the up train isn't due till three-forty-five." " I know ; I know," testily. " Come along, Hope, let's have a quarter-deck walk on the platform to keep our blood circulating — it's deuced raw and cold." It was in truth a dark and drear November day, the low-lying fields about the station were shrouded in a 1 3 A FALSE SCENT. thick grey fo^, and the hedgerows dripping from the drifting drizzle of partial showers. The young lady sprang lightly to the ground, and followed him through the ticket office. She was tall, slender and willowy, clad in a loose grey cloak which did not hide the grace of her shoulders, nor the deer- like setting on of her head. A grey cloth travelling cap edged with sable to m; tch her muff surmounted a delicate face, with straight features, a rosy piquante mouth, and a pair of darker eyes than might have been expected to go with so fair a complexion and such a pale golden curly fringe as mingled with the dark fur which encircled her head ; but what their colour none could agree, some maintaining they were blue, some grey, some brown, and one or two evil-dis})osed persons even asserting they were green. General Farrant, of Uptield, was a well-known man, and the station master drew near to apologise respect- fully for the delay which had occurred in the trans- mission of a new patent churn concerning which the General was wroth. " I am sure it was not your fault, Mr. Bassett," said Hope Farrant with a kind smile. "No, miss, that it ain't" gratefully. " Well, well, say no more ! " cried the General. "I say, you havn't got the evening papers yet ? " "No, not yet, sir." '* I hope they have caught the scoundrelly Nihilists who murdered the chief of the Moscow police in broad daylight last week." "The papers seldom come down before 4.30, General." " No ? Well, I suppose they could scarcely be here before." And drawing his niece's arm through his, General Farrant proceeded to march her up and down the platform. " Are you well wrapped up. Sweetie ? It's enough to chill the marrow in one's bones, this fog and drizzle.** i > i •A ON THE LINE. « 4 •* Yes, dear uncle, I can defy the weather." ** I suppose we'll not see you again for a month ? " " Oh ! I only said three weeks." " I'd lay long odds that exacting old woman will not let you off under a month.*' *' Uncle, she is not exacting ! She is an old dear." " Hum, well, maybe so — to you, perhaps." A pause. " I have written to Bob," resumed the General. " He will be able to run up pretty often, there is not much doing at Vldershot just now, and you'll want a tall cousin to take you about while you are in town." " Oh I I must not trouble him too much." ** Trouble ! You know best whether he considers it trouble, acting orderly to your fanciful self." " Now, uncle, I am not fanciful, I " ** Here's the train," he interrupted, peering into the fog, and the next minute the engine came snorting and puffing alongside. There was always a halt at Markborough to examine the wheels, to fill the grease boxes, and replenish the boiler, previous to the long, unbroken run of an hour and a quarter into London. Several passengers alighted and went into the refreshment room, while others walked to and fro to restore circulation. " You'll be all right here, for you don't stop before the end of your journey," rfaid the General, handing his niece into an empty first-class carriage. " Send me a card to-night. Of course Lady Thornton will meet you ? " " Take your seats," shouted the guard, and every one rushed to their places. " Oh ! stay, uncle. This carriage smells horribly of tobacco. I shall have such a headache ! " " Well ! look sharp ! Get into this one behind ; it is also empty." The change was rapidly accomplished. The general gave his niece a hearty kiss—'* Stand back ! " called 1* '{ r' •V. m 4 A FALSE SCENT. t e station master — and they were off, the pace in- creasing rapidly as they went. Miss Farrant settled herself, took a book from her travelling bag, and tried to read, but the small in- distinct type, especially affected by railway literature, was too trying in the dim light. So she shut up the volume and leaned back in the corner farthest from the door by which she had entered, hoping to sleep, for her thoughts were rather troubled, Hope Farrant was the only child of the Greneral's favourite brother, and had a nice little fortune, in- herited from her mother. Both her parents were dead, and she had been brought up with her cousins, Bob, Jim, and a little girl, May, who was much younger than any of them, the children of General Farrant. When that officer, after honourable service in the Indian Mutiny and sundry other frontier disturbances, retired, in consequence of impaired health, and settled himself at Uplands, in a well-known hunting country, Hope took the place of elder daughter, and, as the General "was a widower of some years' standing, she naturally became mistress of the house. May not being yet free from the trammels of school. Bob, the eldest son, was io a light dragoon regiment. Jim was at Oxford, and intended for the Church. Miss Farrant attempted in vain to sleep. At length, opening her eyes, she gazed at vacancy, and let her thoughts wander where they would. "Dear old uncle ! His matchmaking/ is quite too transparent. I wish I could please him ! But I really like Bob too well in one way to care about him as a lover ; though I am rather afraid he is fond of me. He is a good fellow ; very good ! but too young — only two years older than myself, as years reckon, but younger by more than that in reality. Why should I marry at all ? I have enough to live upon ; and I don't think I shall ever care very much for any one. I have been out quite four years ! The only ON THE T.TNE. 6 man I ever liked was poor Lord Frederic ; and T got tired of him. He was two awfully sentimental ! Then it is so nice to have a variety about me ! Yet I should like to please my dear old uncle and Bob. But it is really not right to marry a first couain ; it " « Oh ! What's that ? " She started suddenly and dropped her book, as the window furthest from her was darkened by a figure reaching across it to the other side of the door, as if to grasp the iron rod which runs along the carriages. Hope sat speechless — to scream was useless — the train was rushing along noisily at headlong speed — Who could hear ? She watched with terror-fascinate«l eyes, while the door was opened and a man swung him- self into the carriage and then carefully closed it. A tall man, with a huge black beard, wrapped in a cloak or Inverness cape of dark cloth, and wearing a large soft black felt hat. Between it and the beard very little face could be seen. A packet was hung round his neck by a strap. He threw himself on the seat opposite Hope, exclaiming, '^My God! I thought the carriage was empty I " Thon, as if struck by Hope's pallid look of horror, " Do not fear ! I would not do you the slightest injury ; I swear I would not ! I thought this carriage was empty when we left Mark- borough, or I would not have dreamed of entering it. I am at your mercy I I implore jou to hear me — to save me." Hope was a plucky girl, but such a shock might well be too much for any lady-like nerves. She looked, trembling, into the intruder's grave steady dark brown eyes and felt slightly reassured. " What have you done ? Why did you come in here ? " cried Hope brokenly, and clasping her hands together. " Believe me, I have done nothing worthy of death or of bonds," replied the stranger in a deep but pleasant and refined voic^, with an intonation which was not ■m ■w , fl liii \ 6 A FALSE SCENT. quite English, as he unfastened the parcel from his neck. " Yet I am flying from the police. Not the Enghsh police ; were they alone concerned I would give myself up. You are trembling ! And I am overwhelmed with shame for causing you distress and alarm. Stay! The next carriage may be empty — probably is empty. I will relieve you of my prt^sence." *' What, risk your life again ! When the train is going at such speed ! No, no ; you must not ! " " Then will you trust me, and assist me by your silence to escape ?" " Have you murdered anyone ? " asked Hope with quivering lips. "No! A thousand times no!" Then, seeming to master his excitement, he said more deliberately, " You hold my life in your hands ! My only chance of escape lies in my appearing in different guise from the man sought for. A word from you when we reach our journey's end and I am lost ! May I trust you ? " Hope could not speak. Her strange companion had removed his hat, displaying a good broad forehead, strongly marked brows, and large earnest eyes. He certainly did not look like a criminal. " Whether you are guilty are not, I will not speak, you may be sure," said Hope at length, *'I am too frightened," and she was horribly ashamed to feel the tears of excitement and terror filling her eyes, for she had been brought up in a somewhat Spartan school as regarded courage. " Do p ay believe that I am i; finitely pained to have given yoQ such a shock ! You must have all the pluck of your nation not to be in hysterics." While he spoke, to Hope's increasing dismay, he removed his thick beard, threw off his cape or cloak, and stood before her tall, slight, well-knit, decidedly distinguished in air and bearicg, with short, tliick, wavy dark hair, and long carefully- trimmed moustache. His face looked refined, ■ % i ON THE LINE. and he had a strong, indented chin. Hope gazed at him in speechles wonder, all conventionality merged in her sense of the extraordinary position. Yet she was insensibly comforted by observing that he looked like a gentleman. Then he rapidly opened his parcel and took out a light overcoat and a deer-stalker cap made of the same checked cloth as his admirably-fitting shooting suit. Next he rolled up the discarded hat, beard, and cape together, opened the door, and flung them out. Closing it, he burst into a laugh, a frank, pleasant laugh, and putting the deer-stalker on his head, took his seat on the opposite side at a little distance from Miss Farrant. " In granting my prayer, I assure you, you commit no sin against society ! I have done nothing to deserve punishment." "You look like a gentleman," said Hope gravely, still studying him. He raised himself with easy self- possession. " And you, if there be truth in a face, like a woman that may be trusted. Let me trouble you with a brief explanation. I am a Russian, and sus- pected of being actively concerned in the murder of Ivan Adrianotf, the head of the police at Moscow. This is not true. I am acquainted with some of the Nihilist party, but they never confided their plans respecting this crime to me. Early in the afternoon of the murder I started, as pre-arranged, for England, to visit some relations (my mother was an English woman), and for some reasons too long to be now detailed, the police have chosen to identify me with another man engaged in Adrianoff's murder. I had warning late last night from a faithful friend that the police, both Russian and English, were on my track. I came to the nearest station this morning disguised as you have seen, hoping to escape recognition in London. But, on reaching the station, I observed a Russian whom I guessed must be on my track. I told 8 A FALSE SCENT. my friend and host, who managed by a omse to prevent his getting into the train with me. I had the satis- faction of o jeing my pursuer left behind. It is only a momentary respite, for of course he has telegraphed my description, as he saw nie, to his colleagues who will await me. I fortunately thought of carrying with me the means of changing my appearance, and thus I hope to escape the police who, no doubt, are on the look-out for my arrival in London. It is a desperate game, but well worth trying ! If — if you only knew what a Russian prison is, you would understand tliat a man would face a thousand deaths rather than submit to incarceration in such a hell of misery and degradation ! " He paused and drew his hand over his Uow. " Fortune has smiled upon me tc day," he resumed, " My com- panion left at Markborough, but another man got in ; he fell asleep, or seemed to fall asleep — at any rate, he made no movement to prevent my leaving the carriage — and here I am ! The only drawback is, that I have shocked and startled you ! Now, do you believe me ? " " Yes ! " said Hope reflectively. " What you say sounds true. But do you expect to escape ? " " To expect failure is to ensure it. They shall never drag me alive from England — that I am resolved. My plans are laid. If I can ensure three hours' start of my pursuers, I can defy them." " Three hours ! " cried Hope, now thoroughly roused and interested. "Oh, you will surely be able to manage that." The Russian looked at her earnestly through the gathering darkness, and smiled slightly. " All depends on the first five minutes after I leave this carriage. If Petrovitch, the detective, has only described my clothes, I may pass the police ; if he knows my face — and describ'^s it — I am lost. I am not sure he knows me. I must not show anything like haste. Once out of the station and in a hanso^n, I think I may defy my pursuers." ON THE LINE. " But afterwards ? Must you always be a fugi- tive ? " " No ! When the trial is over, the affair thoroughly investigated, I hope my innocence will be proved — though in Russia I shall be always * suspected.*" He fell into deep thought — a sad stern look settling on his face, which Hope decided was extremely in- teresting. All her fear of him faded away — and was replaced by an eager desire that he should baffle the police. " What a terrible moment it will be when we reach King's Cross," she thought. I shall be so inclined to scream if they stop him — and what would Lady Thornton say, if she knew I travelled all this way with a suspected murderer. I do not believe he would do anything of the kind, except in self-defence." While she meditated in silence, her strange fellow traveller watched her in some anxiety. " I trust you are recovering from the fright I gave you ? " he said at length. " I cannot express my surprise at finding you here ! I believed I had certainly observed this carriage was empty the moment before we left Markborough." " I changed into it as the train began to move." " I almost wish you had remained where you were — yet no ! — for me it is better you are here. I think you kindly wish for my escape. Your unspoken sympathy encourages me. I earnestly hope the shock to your nerves will soon pass away." ** My nerves are not very delicate," said Hope, with the swift soft smile which had earned her the appella- tion of " Sweetie " from her uncle. The stranger made no immediate reply, but in a minute or two exclaimed, " How wonderful it all is ! How is it I have not met you in London, for I know many people in the society there ? " " We may have met in some of the crowded parties, yet not recognise each other," returned Hope. "I should not haye forgotten," said the Hussian, ■jl-l 1) i p fl! ii- •[f I ' ) 10 A FALSE SCENT. "at least I shall never forget now," he added em- phatically, " I trust implicitly in your silence and good faith." His manner was grave and earnest — not a trace of levity or mere compliment in his words — then with a slight change of tone he began to talk brightly and shrewdly about the different aspects of life in London, showing an intimate knowledge of the " Upper Ten " and their ways, but never naming a name. Hope listened amazed, how could this man — flying for his life — talk with so much spirit on indifferent subjects ? His next words, however, showed the current of his thoughts. **I must ask you to let me know how the time goes. I did not dare to carry my own watch, my initials might lead to mischief." Hope held out hers to him — somehow she could not speak. " Ha ! " he said, " In a quarter of an hour I shall know my fate. They stop to take the tickets a little before reaching the station, do they not ? " Yes ! " faltered Hope. Her companion pondered for a moment. " Am I too audacious if I ask should you care to hear what has become of me ? " " I should like to know very, very much." " Then you shall. I will write, when I can without risk to you." " How shall you know where to write ? " Her fellow traveller smiled and pointed to a roll of plaids and wraps lying beside her, to the strap of which was attached a label fully addressed, " Miss Farrant, 32, Carrington Place, W. " I have committed that inscription to memory," he said. " Ha ! the speed slackens, the next carriage must be empty, I will go into it, then you will not be troubled by any questions about your fellow traveller. Will you give me your hand in token of your good wishes ? " Hope held out her hand at once. " We are stopping, oh pray, pray, make haste," she cried« ON THE LINE. 11 " Farewell for the present," he returned pressing it gently. " We shall meet again ! " Almost before the train came to a stand, and as the porters began to call out "All tickets ready," he opened the door and disappeared into the darkness, which had now closed in. In a few minutes more, which seemed strangely long to Hope, the collector came with his lantern and took her ticket, passing on to the next carriage. Hope, who was listening nervously, overheard him say to the inmate or inmates, "That's a bad busi- ness, sir ! but I fancy if the thief is in the train, he will be caught ! " " Thief ! what did it mean ? " thought Hope, who was now quivering with anxiety. The police were no doubt ready to pounpe on her strange companion — would he escape them? The next moment they had glided into the well-lit station, and Hope recognised I^ady Thornton's trusty old servant and factotum on the look-out. He was soon opening the door. " My lady has a cold, miss, and was afraid to come out, for it's a bad night. The brougham's waiting. I suppose you have your usual luggage, miss ? I can get it as soon as you are in the carriage," and he pro- ceeded to charge himself with the wraps and a small basket. " Thank you, Stubbs ! take care of the flowers," returned Hope, stepping out and looking anxiously round, for while Stubbs was speaking, a passenger had rushed from his carriage towards one of the railway officials, loudly exclaiming, " I have been robbed ! robbed of a large sum ! " A crowd gathered round him in a moment, on the outskirts of which Hope perceived her late companion pause quite near a policeman, of whom several were hanging ^bout the carrijiges. He seemed in no hurry, his overcoat was on his arm, and a cigarette between his lips. He moved leisurely towards the exit, and » r 12 A FALSE SCENT. turned for an instant to look in the direction where Hope stood before he vanished. " Was he safe ? Would he really escape ? " she thought, while her breath came fast, and she followed the servant to Lady Thornton's carriage. " Try and find out what is the matter, Stubbs," she said with a gesture of the hand towards the small crowd which excited her curiosity, and she threw herself into a corner of the brougham, feeling somewhat giddy from the excitement of h'er strange journey. Now that the refugee was out of sight, that his persuasive voice no longer sounded in her ears, doubts of various kinds arose in her mind. Russians were almost proverbially ruse. Suppose he really was the criminal in search of whom the Russian detective had been employed? How frightful to think of having been shut up for more than an hour-and-a-quarter with a murderer ? If his story were false, she would never hear anything more of him — if true, it was exceedingly improbable he would remember his voluntary promise! In any case her lips should be sealed — for every reason she would avoid avowing her tete-a-tete journey with a fugitive felon perhaps ! Here Stubbs returned, and touching his hat, " It's a serious robbery, I believe, miss," he said. " A very respectable party as travels for a city firm had a large sum on him and was robbed between this and Mark- borough. He was in the carriage with one other passenger, and being tired, fell fast asleep. When he woke up, a little before the train stopped, the other man had disappeared, and his pocket-book and watch were gone. It is very curious, miss ! as there is no stop between Markborough and here ! The luggage ig all right, miss — Home, John I " » »j m where e?" she followed 'Try and id with a rd which If into a idy from that his s, doubts ans were ' was the jtive had of having ,rter with ild never ceedingly promise ! ry reason ney with , "It'sa " A very 1 a large id Mark- me other ^hen he :.he other id watch gre is no iiggage i» CHAPTER II. "MR. KEATING AT HOME.** The centre of attraction to the crowd was a very neat, sleek-looking man, below middle height, remarkably well-dressed, yet not quite a gentleman. He was naturally pale, and looked even paler than usual from fright and excitement, his rather thin fair hair stand- ing up just as he had rumpled it in his first distress, his innocent-looking light blue eyes staring wide open. At his first outcry an employe called one of the policemen who seemed to be examining the carriages, and he, after a few words with the victim, fetched his superior officer, the inspector. *' Now, sir," said the latter civilly, but in a com- manding tone, " Try and give as short an account cf the matter as you can, for I suspect it is mixed up with another and a bigger affair." " Bigger it can scarcely be ! " exciaimed the com- plainant. ** Why between notes, cheques, and gold, I had nearly eleven hundred pounds in my pocket-book. I collect for the firm of Shears and Judkins. I had been round my district all yesterday and to-day, all round Lynesbridge and finished up with Markborough just in time to catch the three-forty-five quick train to town. I had to run for it, and just jumped into a carriage as it began to move. There was one man already in the compartment, huddled up in a corner as if asleep, he was wrapped in some sort of cloak and had a big black beard with a soft felt hat crammed Ml If fti ". It - 1 ; 1 '■ 1 ► ■ ' /;- li- i. ' M ! ! ■- ■ ,' * ■ C ' 1 : i '' ' i 1 14 A FALSE SCENT. down over his eyes. As I was very tired I soon fell asleep too." " Where did you put your money ? " asked the inspector sharply. ** In a large note-book in my breast pocket ; feeling warm, I remember unbuttoning my top coat before I went off to sleep." " Did any one know you had so large a sum about you?*' said the police officer, who seemed eager and interested. " No. I gathered it here and there. No one knew at Markborough how much 1 had ; besides, I found the man in the carriage. How long I slept I can't tell, but I woke up feeling cold, and found the door was open and the man gone. I thought I was dreaming, for we were still going at top speed, and I know there is no pause between Markborough and London. Then as I came to myself I remembered my note- book, felt for it, it w;is gone! All my employers' money, that's the sting of it." *' Did this man look like a foreigner ? *' " I scarcely know. Yes, I think my impression was that he didn't look English." ** This is a curious complication," muttered the police officer. " Any trace, Deacon ? " as a constable approached and saluted. " No, sir, none whatever ; I fancy he never came further than Markborough." "I suspect he did. For the present we can only have the line carefully examined right through. I must see the station master. Will you be so good as to give me your name and address, sir?" to the defrauded passenger. " We will look closely into the matter, and may be able to find out the thief; whether we can recover the money is another matter ; at any rate the cheques can be stopped." '* Yes, but that is only a small part. My name is Joseph Keating, No. 9, Caroline Place, Islington. I •• Mli. KEATING AT HOME." 16 oon fell ked the ; feeling before I m about iger and knew at und the tell, but vas open J, for we re is no len as I lit for it, at's the ;ion was ed the on stable er came an only ugh. I good as to the nto the whether at any lame is ;ton. I shall go direct to Mr. Shear's private residence, and tell him of my misfortune." " Ay, you had better ! " said the officer, entering the name and address in his book. You had better call at the police office in good time to-morrow." ** You may be sure I will," returned Keating, who spoke in a slightly complaining treble voice, and went off quickly in search of a cab. "Well, I do wonder how chaps like that ever get trusted to take care of money," said the constable, looking after him. " Hum I Shrewd man of business for all his whining, I daresay," returned the inspector. "Wait for me here. I must direct the search to be made down the line. If the Kussian chap didn't break his neck in the attempt to leave the carriage while the train was going at such a speed, and got off with the cash into the bargain, why the devil must have taken care of his own." « « « « « « While Mr. Joseph Keating, with a heavy heart, was carrying the evil tidings to his principal, his comfort- able sitting-room in No. 9, Caroline Place, Islington, was being prepared for his reception. No. 9 was one of several solid old-fashioned houses. A row of melancholy poplars stood before them, and lent something of distinction to the place. The abode of Mr. Keating was perhaps the most genteel of these habitations. Its steps were always clean and white, the brass handle of the front door and the plate inscribed with a request to knock and ring were always brilliantly bright, and the parlour window had a wire blind, which bore the imposing words " Madame Allen, Court dressmaker & milliner." Lace curtains of snowy whiteness hung over it veiled the sacred mysteries of this temple of fashion. The generally grand effect of this array was some- what diminished by a small card suspended from a long !!;■ illt ^^ H! '■> ■i I- I ill! } , ■ ; f mil \ i! "I 16 A FALSE SCKNT. red ribbon attacbed to the frame by a pin, which informed the passers by that apartments might there be found for single gentlemen. Within was a good-sized hall and staircase, the latter neatly covered with linoleum, and in what had been the drawing-room, now furnished like a study ai^d dining-room combined, Madame Allen was (on her knees before the grate coaxing the fire to burn up. The room was dimly lighted by the single candle which stood beside the operator on the hearth-rug. She was a small woman, with grey hair, covered by a neat cap, her black alpacca gown was well preserved and well made. A small woollen shawl covered hei shoulders, and a pair of housemaid's gloves protected her hands. As she fed the struggling flame with scraps of coal and splinters of firewood, a plump good-looking girl of perhaps twenty-five came with a kind of rush into the room, " Why, mamma ! havn't you got that fire to burn up yet ? You'll break your back ! Let me try ! I can always make a flame ! " She laughed gaily. " Havn't you a candle end to put in." " No, Augusta ! You must do nothing of the sort. You know he'd just go mad if he saw grease spots on the hearth ! " " Oh ! I know what a particular Bessie he is," re- turned the young lady. *' Just give me your gloves." She took Madame's place as the former rose stiffly. A poke or two with a piece of firewood, a lump of crushed newspaper between the bars, a liberal application oi matches, and the obstinate coals began to kindle, soon blazing and crackling satisfactorily. " Well, Augusta ! I suppose the young people have it all their own way, even with the fire, said the mother." " Why, of course ! Fire is more in our way than yours." And the lively Augusta, or Grussie, laughed a ringing honest kind of laugh, and looked well too, when H "MR. KEATING AT HOME.' 17 in, which ght there •case, the what had Jtudy a^d i (on her tt up. le candle tarth-rug. red by a preserved ^ered hei protected -.4J-«-r..4J!.*A.;^.A*:fe''^.-.a--**^..^v.v m i i-i ■ 1 1 ui;;. 18 A FALSE SCENT. She had still time, however, to give many final touches to Mr. Keating's apartment before that gentle man made his appearance. " Dear, dear, Mr. Keating ! " cried his landlady as he came into the hall with a tottering step and blanched cheeks, " What has happened ? we have been awfully frightened about you ! Here, Eliza ! fetch in Mr. Keating's luggage. Shall I pay the driver ? " "Yes, do, please," said Keating with a sort of moan, " and I think I must have a little brandy and water." As he went slowly upstairs Eliza followed, carrying a small portmanteau and a parcel. " Take them to his room," exclaimed Mrs. Allen, and she ascended rapidly to minister to her highly valued lodger. But her daughter was before her, and she found that young lady mixing the desired beverage, while Mr. Keating reclined limply in his easy chair, his hat and gloves thrown recklessly on the floor. "Law ! Mr. Keating, you must be bad, sir. I don't know as I ever heard you ask for brandy and water before." " Well I need it now,'" sighed Keating, " for I have had a providential escape." " Oh ! do tell us all about it ! " cried Augusta. Keating swallowed the brandy and water, and began his story, adding to the particulars he had given the police inspector that when he wrke from his heavy slumber he perceived a peculiar odour which induced him to believe that the robber had chloro- formed him. " Had I not been stupefied how could he have ex- tracted the note-book from my breast pocket?" he exclaimed in conclusion. " It was to this, under Providence, I owe my pre- servation," he resumed solemnly, after a few larther sips of the brandy and water. " Had I awoke to the fact that I was being robbed, I should have felt bound ■J •«MR. KEATING AT HOJVIE." lu ny final t gentle llady as ep and Lve been fetch in ?" sort of idy and allowed, « Take md she valued 1 found , while his hat I don't i water I have ir, and he had 'om his which chloro- Lve ex- .?" he ly pre- 1 art her to the bound im m to fight in defence of my employers' property." Here he sat up with a determined air, " and the ruffian was of a truculent and powerful aspect," he added with a shudder. ** I am sure it was a good job you 'M;ere asleep," cried Augusta (familiarly " Gussie "), " for he would have made mince-meat of you." She took his glass and set it down. **0h dear, Mr. Keating," murmured her mother, wiping her eyes, " to think of how near we were to losing you. I feel as if you could knock me down with a feather." Mr. Keating used his own handkerchief freely, and having asked in a feeble voice for a little more brandy, proceeded to recount how he had to report the terrible event to his excellent principal, Mr. Shears, at his resi- dence. Park Square, Regent's Park, who was very kind about the matter, though hurried, as he was going out to dinner, and how he, Mr. Keating, had felt faint and dizzy, and was obliged to remain awhile, after Mr. Shears had gone, to recover himself. " If I had been able even to strike a blow in defence of the money," sighed the little man as he sank back in his chair. "' I'm sure it is ever so much better you did not," repeated Grussie, "you wouldn't be here to tell the story if you had. But what a desperate villain the thief must have been to leave the carriage when the train was flying along at such a rate ! Depend upon it his dead body will be found upon the line, and the money on him or beside him." ** Heaven grant it ! That is, I do not wish the un- hnppy miscreant to be hurried from the midst of his iniquities into eternal puuishiiient, but — but " " Well I think he just deserves it," exclaimed Gussie heartily. *' Now Mr. Keating, you must want some- thing hot and tasty for your supper. Pll go and make you a nice Welsh rarebit before you can say * Jack Robinson,' " and she turned to leave the room. 2» 20 A FALSE SCENT. (( ;i!4 :ii Stay, stay, my dear Miss Allen," he called out, " I could not digest it, weakened as my gaslric nerves must be by such a shock, I must not overtask them." "Konsense, Mr. Keating ! You know nothing you like disagrees with you." " You are wrong, my dear young lady, quite wrong ; a poached egg and a delicately fried rasher of bacon I might " manage." " All right ! Ted has just come in, I will send him for a couple of real new laid eggs," and she left the room. " I'll ge^ you your slippers, Mr. Kenting," said the obsequious widow, opening the door which led into his bedroom, a large, airy, well-furnished chamber. "You are too good. I would rather not trouble you." " It is no trouble." " Excuse me ! " he interrupted rising. " I can never rest until I know my things mvg unpacked and put away. I shnll have all arranged by the time supper is ready." He walked into his bedroom and closed the door. " Well ! " murmured his admiring landlady, as she went otr through the other, " Of all the neat, precise, painstaking, punctual-paying, considerate men I ever came across, he is the best. If that foolish girl was of my mind, she'd be ready to marry him to-morrow ! — and she mii;ht if she liked." j\Ir. Keating was as good as his word. He had emptied his valise, put away his parcel, unlocked and arranged some papers in a handsome old-fashioned bureau of dark polished wood, which stood between the windows, and locked it again — putting the key, which was attached to a fine steel cliain, carefully in his pocket — before Gussie made her appearance with Slipper. •' I am sure, Miss Augusta," cried Keating with a I IB m m "MR. KKATlNa AT HOME." 21 " pleased smile, "it is too good of you to take this trouble ! I'm sure it rewards one for any risk to life and limb I may have run." " Bless me, Mr. Keating, that is a large order ! " she returned, with a coquettish toss of the head, a-^ she set the dish on the table and proceeded to cut a slice of bread with rapidity. " There," she said, '* that's better for you than all those dry chips of toast. Now your tea is just right ; the kettle was on the top of the boil, so let me pour out a cup at once." Having done this she covered up the teapot with a smart cosie, and continued — ** I'll send up Eliza in a quarter-of-an-hour to see if you want anything.'* with me he re- know " I wish you would sit down turned, looking wistfully at her. " You don't how it would increase my appetite." " Law, Mr. Keating," putting her hand before her face. " That wouldn't be proper, you know," and with a nod and a laugh she left him. But Mr. Keating was not long left to himself. Miss Augusta was succeeded by her brother, a red-cheeked, plump, fair-haired boy of twelve, who knocked modestly at the door, and receiving permission to come in, entered with an unusual expression of interest on his some- what heavy countenance. The beneficent lodger was something of a hero to him, in right of his strange adventure and narrow escape. " I thought you wouldn't mind my coming in, sir," said the youth, " The vicar gave me this note for you, and says he do hope you will be able to attend the practice on Saturday, sir," concluded Ted, who was a choir-boy in the neighbouring parish church, where Mr. Keating, who had a sweet little tenor voice, also otficiated. " Ah ! " said the latter, shaking hie head, " I greatly fear it will take more than two days* lest to enable me to get out a note after the shock I huve had. " I must call on the vicar, if I can manage it, and explain, but I tk !! rt :|i ■: m ! 'I ii 22 A FALSE SCENT. fear I shall have more to do than I am well manage in the next fevr days." " Yes, I daresay, sir. Did the fellow hurt you in any way ? " "No, Ted, I can'f say he did. But he certainly chloroformed me or some such thing. I noticed a [)eculiar smell when I woke up, and my head is still quite queer." " I suppose the p'lice will get him — they mostly do, don't they, sir ? " " I am not so sure. This desperado did not seem to me like an Englishman, and I can't help thinking the police were already on the look-out for him. It has indeed been a most providential escape." " That it has, sir. Maybe he got killed leaving the train ?" "Very likely, Teddy, my boy. To-morrow we shall know if his remains have been found. Now please send Eliza to clear away, I really cannot eat. And please ask your sister to step up. I should like to speak a few words to her before I try to take the rest I so sorely need, for I must be away betimes in the morning " " Good-night, sir. I hope you'll be none the worse," and Ted descended to the back parlour occupied by his mother, where he found her sefited on a low chair by the fire, too excited by the events of the evening to attend to any of her usual avocations. Gussie was sufficiently composed to bestow very close attention on a hat which she was transforming from comparative dowdiness to the height of the fashion. " Guss ! the guv'nor wants you upstairs to say good- night, or some such thing." " Well, he must just wait till I have fixed this bow." " Law, mother, don't he look bad," continued Ted, "he has had an awful fright." " And no wonder. Why it was enough to destroy his nerves for ever to wake up ;ind find his money gone, I i MK. KEATING AT HOME.' 38 n >» and to think of a desperate murderer rumaging his pockets, and him asleep and hel})less," said Mrs. Allen rocking herself slightly. " If he had spoke or moved my rooms would have been vacant," and she wiped her eyes. *' Do go up to him, Gussie, my girl ! You are a comfort to him." *♦ I should think I ivas just," holding out her hat, and putting her head on one side to get a better view of her composition. " I think he about knows my value ! I wonder what he had in that brown paper parcel," she added, thoughtfully laying down her hat with care. " I shouldn't wonder, ma, if he had a present for me ! You know he has been in Manchester and Leeds, and he can pick up things at trade price. Suppose it's a nice winter's dress ? and a jacket, maybe, with fur trimmings, I do want one so bad. Oh ! there, the hat can w.".it," pushing the materials, new and old, into the crown, and shaking the thn ads off her dress, " I must say he is a good open-handed little creature, and I believe as you say, ma, I might do worse than take him for good and all." " I suppose Shears and Judkins won't come down on him for this money," said Ted meditatively, as he slowly rolled up a much tangled length of twine, drawn from his pocket." "Why, bless your heart, no ! What put that in the boy's head ? " " Good gracious, Ted, what an idea ! " " Well, I dnnno, but I suppose they might." " What a tiresome boy you are," cried Augusta, pausing and looking both cro.^s and puzzled. *' Why that would ruin him." " What would they care for that as long as they got their cash back ? " " It is uncommon hard to know what to do for the best," returned his si.sU'r in a t earful voice. " li his * House ' fleeced hirn of eleven hundred pounds, why he'd have to go into another sort of ' House,' '* i I H 'i m m 24 A FALSE SCENT. ti I'm not so sure. The last time the vicar was speaking to me of Ted and the choir and all that, he said he believed Mr. Keating was richer than people knew, he was so simple and unpretending," quoth her mother. " Anyway, I'll go and see him," said Grussie, coming to a sudden decision. " I am quite sorry for the poor little fellow, and I'd like to know what is in that parcel!" and she whisked out of the room with her usual rapidity. " I'm sure I hope the dear child will be guided aright if it be the will of Providence," sighed Mrs. Allen. *' Any how sheHl guide him pretty sharp, if she takes him," said Ted, irreverently. " I hate to hear you talk in that nasty vulgar way of your own sister, as looks and h'acts like a real lady ! A boy brought up as you are — singing in church Sun- days and festivals, noticed by the clergyman, and highly favoured in so many ways — ought to know better^' said Mrs. Allen solemnly. *' Why ? What have I said ? " " 7'here ! If you don't know I can't make you," was her emphatic reply. A pause ensued, while Ted got out his books and cleared away his sister's belongings. " You know," resumed Mrs. Allen, speaking evi- dently out of her thoughts, and seeming to address the fire, " if he was obliged to go I'd be ruined ; the business has gone down to nothing ; it never was much. And those top rooms have never let well ; they have been empty close on two months, and I can't make up my mind to lower tlie rent — twelve and six a week, with table-linen, cooking, and kitchen fire ain't much. But it is just luck ; one day you will get twenty shillings straight off for the same rooms as no one will take at eight the week after ! The ins and outs of life are that unacconntable no one can get to the bottom of them." There was an impressive pause, It MR. KEATING AT HOME." 26 icar was all that, m people aoth her , coming the poor in that with, her ) guided led Mrs. I, if she gar way sal lady ! rch Sun- lan, and • know pu," was Ted got mgings. ing evi- Iress the ed ; the !ver was et well ; d I can't nd six a ire ain't will get IS as no ins and get to e pause, unbroken by any remarks from Ted. Then Mrs. Allen stirred the fire softly, and resumed in a low tone as it to herself, " Thirteen weeks at twelve and sixpence a week — that is, let me see, eight pounds twelve and six- pence — that well-nigh breaks the heart of the rent. I wish someone would take those rooms — it would be a great ease to my mind." After this ardent exclamation she dozed awhile, and then roused up, exclaiming, " How long he is keeping Augusta ! Have you done with your books, Ted ? " Before he could answer his sister came into the room with an unusually thoughtful air. " Not off to bed yet ? " she asked. " No ; but I am going. Well, what's in the brown paper parcel, eh, Gussie ? " Oh ! / don't know " — crossly. ** Nothing for me. He never said a word about it." " Grood-night, mother ! I'm off." As soon as the door was safely closed Gussie drew a chair beside the fire and exclaimed in a low tone, " I say» mother ! We must have given him his grog too stiff. He has been and gone and asked me to marry him ! " " And, my precious child, what did you say ? " " Say ? Oh, that I would think about it. If what he says is true he has managed to scrape a good bit of money together. Still, I should like to know what he had in that parcel ! '* f : It m i ;■! I'nPI !: :i , ,1 : ( '. ^^^)l CHAPTER in. "COUSIN BOB." There has seldom been a ruder shock to the sym- pathetic fancy of m bright imagina.ive girl than Hope Farrant sustained, when the faithful Stubbs explained to her the cause of the crowd, and the robbery which had occurred. To have the refined and persecuted refugee suddenly transformed into a sordid thief, just a little more daring and ingenious than usual, was a cruel blow. She was shaken and distressed, but above all desperatelj anxious that no one should know th t she had been shut up for more than an hour — in con- fidential conversation, too — with a criminal of so deep a dye. No! For every reason she would keep his secret and her own. After all, he might have needed money for his escape, and meant to return it when saf6, for she could not doubt that he had taken the money. Something profoundly opposed to the belief that he was a mere swell mobsman forced her to sus[)end judgment. He seemed so thorouglily a well-bred man of society that it was impossible to credit the most accomplished cracksman with an imitation so perfect. At one moment Hope blushed for her own credulity for the sincere sympathy the interesting fugitive had excited in her heart. The next she asked herself if acting so exactly like nature could exist. At all events, she could not and would not believe that he had taken the money from any low motive. It was the pressure of a f. \:v\i m ^ "COUSIN BOB." S7 be sym- ,n Hope splained y which rsecuted ief, just 1, was a t above ow th*^^ -in con- [) deep a 3 secret money af6, for money. ; he was Igment. society iplished A-t one for the excited ting so its, she ien the re of a tremendous necessity for which he would atone — not the greed of a thieving money-grabber. She must wait to see what would be the outcome of this strange adventure. Sir Peter and Lady Thornton, a childless couple, lived in an unpretending but comfortable house in Carrington Place. Here was their headquarters, from which they frequently wandered in search of health and variety. Had Lady Thornton not been so much occupied with her own indisposition she would probably have noticed her young guest's pale cheeks and disturbed aspect ; but although far from being a selfish woman — especially in larger matters — Lady Thronton loved her own ease, comfort, and amusement, and was much taken up by any of her small ailments. She was, therefore, full of her own sufferings and Sir Peter's indifference to them, though she received Hope with warmth and affection. The evening which succeeded, and, indeed, the day fol- lowing, were somewhat triste and unoccupied, as Lady Thornton did not dare go out, and her husband, who was a good deal older than herself, was very deaf, and some- thing of a professional invalid, rarely ventured forth when there was no sunshine. Hope then had the brougham to herself, and managed to occupy some hours in shopping for herself and for the Upfields household. The evening passed somewhat slowly, and Hope went to bed somewhat disappointed at not finding any notice of the " Eobbery on the Markborough Line " for which she had sought in the morning papers. Lady Thornton had roused up and promised to be better next day, and Sir Peter had rather enjoyed beating Hope in five succeeding hits at backgammon. All this time there was little or nothing to draw Hope's thoughts from dweHing constantly on her curious adventure of the day before. Then she dreamit uncomfortably all night. The refugee or robber's expressive face and appealing eyes were i 1 n llijt '4 i3 I ,i I 2$ A FALSE SCENT. vividly before her, then she was strugi^ling vehemently to save him from the man he had robbed, who had suddenly turned into an octopus, and was clinging to his neck. After so unpleasant a night Hope was greatly cheered to find her cousin Bob Farrant awaiting her in the dining room when she descended to a late and solitary breakfast. He was a strongly- .^uilt, sandy-haired young man, with a broad, good-humoured face, honest grey eyes, and a soldierly look. Well-dressed and smiling, he was a welcome sight after the visions of the night, and it was with an unusual degree of cordiality that Hope held out her hand, exclaiming, " Oh ! Bob, I am so glad to see you ! How did you manage to come here so early ? " "Oh! I managed to get leave yesterday till Sun- day, so I ran up by the ten-forty-five train last night and came on here, hoping Lady Thornton would excuse so early a visit," returned Bob in joyous tones. " Poor L'ddy Thornton ! She is not up yet ! She has a frightful cold, and Sir Peter always breakfasts in his room." " Sensible old bov ! " cried Bob as his cousin took her place at table. " Old fellows like him are better out of the way in the morning." "Do sit down and have some breakfast with me Bob ! I hate eating alone ! " Bob promptly obeyed. " This is rather doleful for you, Hope ! You are looking pale and haggard. Let us go and have a spree somewhere ! Seriously, I think vou must have caught the cold, you are not like your- ielf ! " " Bad dreams and an evil conscience," she returned lightly. " Oh ! by the way, did you see or hear anything of this curious affair on the Markborough line the day before 4 M 1 "COUSIN BOB/' t9 shemently who had I clinging IS greatly aiting her I late and mng man, grey eyes, ng, he was tit, and it that Hope am so glad ne here so till Sun- train last Thornton in joyous ! She has asts in his ousin took J better out t with me doleful for ird. Let us 7, I think like your- e returned bing of this day before yesterday, about the time you must have heenenrouteV^ iind ho reached over to take up The Tirnes, which he had put down when his cousin entered. " Where (lid I see it ? Oh ! yes. here it is : * A daring robbery was effected on \Vedne^dily afternoon in a first-class cariiage on the jNlarkborough and Aldenham line. A gentleman in the employment of Messrs. Shears, Judkin & Co., of Laurence Court, was travelling by the London expre.'^s, the only occupant of the carriage besides himself being a foreign-looking man, who was wrapped in a cloak, and seemed asleep in a corner. The gentleman, who had a considerable sum of money in a note book, after leaving iMark- borough became himself drowsy, and fell fast asleep; on awaking he found the stranger gone and also his note-book. As is well-known, the run from Markborough to London is unbroken by any stop and one of the quickest on any line. How the thief therefore managed to leave the train is almost inconceivable. On the arrival of the train at King's Cross the victim of the daring exploit gave the alarm. The police inspector of the C division happened to be on the spot, but no trace of the offender was to be found.' I hope you were not frightened ? Did you hear any- thing of this ? " added Bob. " Oh, yes ! I saw the poor man wlio was robbed, in a frightful state, and quite a crowd round him. I got Stubbs to find out what was the matter ! " "By Jove! It's lucky he didn't try his little game on you ! Why you would have died of fright ! It's not right of the general to let you travel alone ! I could have got a day's leave and gone down to fetch you ! " " Oh, nonsense Bob ! Women are never supposed to carry much money about, and of course your father saw me safe into a ladies' carriage at Markborough, so 1 was quite safe ! " " I am not so sure of that, and I know you have had a horrid fright, I saw you shudder as you spoke," 30 A FALSE SCENT. ill i! I ■: ■ 1 ,;.... i|i ' fill " Nonsense, Bob ! I am rather cold, that's all." "You are an indilferent correspondent, Sweetie! Here are three letters for you which you haven't looked at!" " I didn't see them, Stiibbs put them away there at the end of the table ! " and she stretched out her hand for them. " And Bob," she continued, " I will not have you call me Sweetie ! That is my uncle's name for me, and no one else shall use it." " I am sure I ought not ! You are never sweet to me!" Hope shook her head at him, " This is from your father. Bob ! " and she opened one. " Dear uncle ! He is in a great state lest I should have been frightened on Wednesday. There have been frightful reports about the robbery at Markborough." " I hope he sees that he ought not to have let yor travel alone ! " observed Bob, with much solemnity. " Why, this is from Mrs. Menteith ! It is very kin " of her. She heard from you thcit I was in town, an she writes to ask me to dinner next Thursday. Lady Thornton was going, but I am afraid she cannot now." " Oh, yes, yovb must go at any rate, Hope ! The dinners at Emperor's Gate are first-rate in every way ! and Mrs. Menteith took a great fancy to you when you met at that place in Switzerland last summer ! " Bob reddened while he spoke. " Did she ! It is ungrateful of me, but I do not reciprocate." " Nonsense, Hope ! Mrs. Menteith is one of tha jolliest women going, and deucedly clever into th« bargain " Hope did not answer at once ; she had opened the third letter, and after a swift glance at its contents, stooped to pick up her napkin, an exertion which naturally brought the colour to her cheek, Sh« : • V COUSIN BOB." SI 111." Sweetie ! I't looked there at her hand lave you • me, and sweet to •om your cle! He ightened 1 reports let yor bnifcy. very kin ' 3wn, an Thursday . le cannot pe! The iry way ! vhen you !" Bob [ do not e of tha into th« jned the jontents, Li which k. Sh« no remark his tongue, question of what Lady " You had thrust back the letter into its envelope, and began to drink her tea. Her cousin noticed that she made upon this missive, but wisely held resuming after a moment's pause the dining with Mrs. Menteith. "I cannot give any reply till 1 know Thornton is going to do" replied Hope, better wait and see her." " I suppose so, though I daresay she would rather have my room than my company," said Bob, laughing. " It is pretty evident she never took a fancy to me." ** That is your fancy." " No ! Swee 1 mean Hope, she hates me ! " " Nonsense, Bob ! You are too good a fellow to be hated ! " *' Ay ! Just so, too good to be hated or loved, eh ?" 2, little bitterly. " Why you are absolutely cross ! " Hope was beginning, when Stubbs the stately entered, and standing with the door in his hand, said in slow, precise terms, " K you please'm, her lad}'ship is in the drawing-room, and would be glad to see you before Mr. Farrant goes." " I will come directly," said Hope, while, as Stubbs re- treated closing the door, Bob exclaimed, laughing, " I told you so ! But I shall not be done out of an ex- pedition with you, I can tell Lady Thornton." " I shall come back soon," said Hope, finishing her breakfast quickly, "and report proceedings." So saying she took up Mrs. Menteith's note and the unread letter, and with a nod and a smile to her cousin, left the room. Before she reached Lady Thornton's presence, however, she had consigned the letter to her pocket, her brows slightly contracting as she did so with a puzzled look. Lady Thornton had never been a pretty woman. (f, •' (I! , I sa A FALSE SCENT. !h m had a narrower escape from being Indeed, few had ugly. Yet, with such slender materials as a fairly good figure, a pleasant goo l-humoured mouth and tine teeth, she contrived to be almost attractive. She had had little more of money than good looks, and in her girlhood had led something the life of a free lance amongst friends and relatives, till fortune gave her one chance, which she was not the woman to lose. Sir Peter Thornton, the son of a successful, energetic City man — himself, by nature and grace of circumstances, an idle dilettante, selected her as a suitable and in- telligent helpmate, and from thenceforward the struggles and difficulties of life were over for Lady Thornton — nee Harriet Duncombe. One of her earliest and best friends had been Hope's mother, who, con- siderably her junior, looked up to and loved her. In her home there was always a welcome for the orphan girl who fought for her own hand, and, to Lady Thornton's credit be it said, the sunniest side of her nature was always turned towards her old friend's daughter. Hope found her seated by the fire, huddled up in a Shetland shawl, a small table covered with opened and unopened letters at her side — the tire-placj full of glowing wood and coal at the other. was her lady- there is somb thing about that extraordinary robbery in it this morn- iijg. I wonder she has the face to let me know they presume to read the papers in the servants' hall before they are brought to me — wasting their time, too — which is mine.^' " 1 will go for it, L;idy Thornton," said Hope, turning. " >«c, no ! 2\ot now ! I want to know what brings that cousin of yours here at such an hour ? " " I really don't know. He seems rather ashamed of himself, and begged me to apologise. He has leave for a few days, and came to know if he could do any thing k)v me, or take me anywhere," " Oh ! Where is the paper, Hope ? ship's salutation. '* Larkins tells me '$ COUSIN BOB.' dA ►111 being a fairly and fine She had id in her "ee lance [e her one (ose. Sir etic City stances, 3 and in- ard the for Lady r earliest k'ho, con- her. In orphan to Lady e of her \- friend's , huddled red with tire-plac3 ler lady- is sonib is morn- ow they 11 before e, too — turning. b brings ishamed as leave do any ** Hum ! I do not want to be uncivil, but he is not a young man who amuses me. He is just the typical young dragoon officer." "If all young dragoon officer? were as good fellows as Bob the army would be in a better condition," said Hope. "My dear child," began Lady Thornton crossly, don't let us discuss your cousin's perfections now ! 1 only want to beg you will not desert me till after luncheon. I want you to read to me. I like your reading. Afterwards, go and walk or drive, or do what you like with this Paladin of yours. But my eyes are aching and running, and I am altoge*^her a miserable old woman." " My dear Lady Thornton, of course I will stay with you." " Very well. Go and tell your cousin to come back to luncheon, and you can do what you like after. You can bring him to dinner, too, if you choose ; but go somewhere after. I cannot spend the evening making conversation for a young man of th^t stamp." " Very well," said Hope, laughing as she hastened downstairs to deliver Lady Thornton's message, con- siderably modified, to her much-enduring cousin. " Come ! She is not half bad," he exclaim* d joyously. " I'll go ofif and try to get stalls for the * Mikado,' and after luncheon, as it is so fine, suppose we walk across the park and have tea with Mrs. Menteith ? She is almost always at home at five at this time of the year." This plan was adopted, and Hope returned to her task of reading to her very much " colded " hostess (to use a Scotticism). It was not until a few minutes before the luncheon hour that she found time to peruse the letter, a glance at which had disturbed her so much at breakfast time. Turning the key in her door she opened the missive and read as follows : — 8 84 A FALSE SCENT. (( iiMP ';1 1 feel I am somewhMt presumptuous in availing my- self of your scarcely-granted permission to write. I believe, however, that had you even a faint idea of what I have escaped your womanly heart would be pleased to know that any fellow creature was saved from so much mental and physical torture. I had, indeed, a hair's- breadth escape, as I almost touched shoulders with the man who had, I believe, a warrant for my apprehension. But onee out of the station I was tolerably secure, and had certainly five or six hours* start. 1 have now reached an asylum where I can wait in safety until my innocence is proved. Where it is I will not say ; not that I distrust you, but because the know- ledge of my whereabouts might be an undesirable burden. Now let me say how warmly grateful I am for your courage and sympathy. This latter, I could see, was doubtful — hesitating. How could I expect anything more ? breaking in upon you as I did ; but like a generous woman you gave me the benefit of the doubt, and, therefore, I am still a free man. Believe me, I never cease to regret having given you such a shock, and I can hardly restrain myself from craving for a few lines to tell me if you have recovered the fright I so unfortunately caused you. I burn with the most in- tense impatience for the moment when I can stand before you and tell you my unsullied name — to see your eyes clear of susi)icion and hear your voice once more f I hear it often in my waking dreams, as the hours of enforced idh aess pass slowly by, and I live over again that strange hour between life and death into which you infused such unexpected sweetness. I shall see you again ! Oh, yes ! 1 shall see you again ! Mean- while, I dare not ask for a word — even if }>ou were dis- posed to write it, which is most unlikely. Kindly instinct may induce you to believe I am not a criminal, but your reason must suggest that appearances are against me. " 1 must intrude no longer. Give me a kind thought, "COUSIN BOB." 85 mg my- rite. I idea of ould be s saved I had, ouched warrant )n I was hours' wait in is I will 3 know- burden, or your ee, was lything like a doubt, me, I shock, r a few 'ight I lost in- i stand -to see e once as the I live th into lall see Mean- re dis- ^indly ininal, 3s are ) light, a friendly wish. I will not put my name to this, that you may be free from any knowledge that would be of use to J Ay pursuers. I am ever your devoted servant." Hope read this with varying colour and a beating heart. She was touched — she was indignant — she was even tempted to laugh at the idea of receiving a semi-sentimental wholly confiaential letter from a daring thief! Then a vision of the man's proud, re- fined face rose before her, and for a few moments her heart acquitted him of the vulgar crime. But he was too audacious ! There was a tone in the letter that was quite insufferable. Could she have dreamed that eventful Wednesday afternoon when she stepped into the pony-carriage to go to the station, that she should encounter such an adventure, which entailed the opening of a clandestine correspondence with a felon. " No, not a correspondence," she thought energetically " I shall of course never write a line to that man. It is bad enough to think there is a secret, and an im- portant secret, between a total stranger, not to say an extremely disreputable stranger." No, she could never breathe this secret to mortal. It would be too extra- ordinary a story to tell, and having suppressed it, it must never be hinted at. I wonder if there is any truth in his assertions after all ? How strange it would be if we were to meet again. But that is most un- likely. I must not let my imagination run away with me. I wonder if he stole that money (and I suppose he did), will he return any of it or all, when he proves himself innocent ? Well, he did not look like a murderer, and even less like a thief." Here she paused, re-read the letter, and carefully tore it into small pieces, finally putting them into the fire. " There, I hope that will be the last of my strange adventure. Yet does anything ever remain a secret ? 3* II ,.^{ 36 A FALSE SCENT. 'f If ii 111 Wlitit would my uncle siiy if he knew ? and Bob ? — how fnric is Bob would be ! " The hmcheon-bell put an end to her reflections, and she hastened down in lime to find Sir Peter being put in position by his valet, while Lady Thornton was shaking hands with Bob Farrant. As luncheon progressed, Hope could not help ob- serving how the consciousness of not being in Lady Thornton's good graces put her cousin at a dis- advantage. He was silent and awkward, so she came to his rescue in various difficulties with tact and readiness that filled Bob with pride and delight. J>ut while assisting Bob she was keenly conscious of being " on guard," a new, and to her an extremely oppressive sen.-e. She began to think before she spoke, lest some careless word should lead to the subject she wished to avoid, and it seemed that every chance expression led straight to the forbidden ground. Sir Peter, however, did her good service. As he found great difficulty in hearing what other people said, and small gjiin from their speech when he did — he limited himself to the expression of his own obser- vations, opinions and discoveries, and having a small appetite he held forth unceasintrly during luncheon. This *' weak, washy, everlasting flow " masked Hope's silence very successfully, and young Farrant also availed himself of the excellent cover thus afforded to eat in peace, untormented by Lady Thornton's efforts to entertain him. The discovery of some British remains not far from !Mai kborough, respecting which Sir Peter had been read- ing in the morning papers, formed the subject of his discourse, and he bestowed much learning and wisdom on his listeners. At last he paused for breath, and then began with a fresh idea — " apropos of Markborough — though. I sel loin read those preposterous illogical police stories which generally turn out mares' nests — "COUbIN BOB." 37 5ob?— \s, aud |ng put )n was jlp ob- Lady a dis- |e came 5t and nscious remely ►re she to the every •bidden As he people i did— I obser- a small icheon. Hope's it also ded to efforts r from n read- of his visdom d then ugh— logical lests — I was struck by a curious story of a robbery on that Inie in to-day's pnper. The thief must have been a shrewd bold fellow, but it remains to be seen whether he has broken his neck or not. Did you read it, my lady ? " Lady Thornton bent her head with a very bored ex- pression. " I have heard of nothing else," she said in an under- tone to J'arrant. " My maid raves of it." " Extremely curious," continued Sir Peter. " Now I have a theory, thnt this man never left the carriage. He probably crouched under one of the seats, and w4ien the unfortunate bngman was bellowing about his loss, and everyone running to and fro, the thief slipped out and walked off." " By Jove ! ' cried Bob Farrant, much struck with this suggestion. " That is quite possible." " You agree with me, hey ? " cried Sir Peter, vat'hing the young man's face with sharp, watery eyes. " 'Tis a capital idea ! " shouted Bob. ** Eh ! What does he say ? " putting up his ear trumpet, then in what he imagined was a whisper, "extraordinary way young men mumble their words nowadays." Hope who was next him gently took the trumpet and managed to convey Bob's approval. "It was quite a providential escape," obseived Lady Thornton. "I meuii Hope's escape. Suppose he had followed her, imagining she had jewels of great price." " My looks do not so far belie me," said Plope, smiling. " They say at the Club that his disguise was found on the line where he had pitched them out, about six or seven miles this side of jNhirk borough. A wig and cloak, a big beard, a hat, a knife, and God knows what " i'f.'':1\ u\\\ i 88 A FALSE SCENT. " What's that," said Sir Peter, and Hope epitomised the information as best she could. "They are blockheads ! Th'\t was all a olind." " It is thought the police have an idea the robbery is mixed up with some political mischief," said Farrant. " Fenians probably ! " remarked Lady Thornton with a sneeze. How ardently Hope wished she could change the subject; she dreaded at every moment some point- blank question to which her face v/ould reply more truthfully than her lips. Unconsciously she cast an imploring look at her cousin, who immediately re- sponded. " I say, Hope ! if Lady Thornton would excuse us we ought to be off. It will be dusk before we can walk across the park." " Very true ! You had better go." *' Eh ? Where? Where are they going," asked Sir Peter, but no one replied — a prayer from Lady Thornton to keep the door shut were the last words they heard. Hope was never long dressing. She soon rejoined her cavalier whom she found waiting in the hall, while Stubbs held parley with a man who had apparently just come to the door. " I don't think Sir Peter will see you, sir," Stubbs was saying. " Pray have the goodness to give him my card," urged the stranger, who was thin and rather more than middle height. Hope glanced quickly at him, but could make out little more than an angular figure, a shabby-genteel and somewhat foreign aspect ; of his face she could see little or nothing, as there was a strong light behind him. " Sir Peter never sees no one without an introduc- tivj," returned Stubbs sternly. " If you present my card he will not refuse," re- turned the visitor, " when he sees the nature of my ;lil FRIENDS IN COUNCIL. 39 business. I am an anti(juiirian and dealer in curios — and " Here he broke off, and seeing that Hope was waiting to pass he lifted his hat, and bowing, not ungracefully, stood aside. "I hope Stubbs will not leave that fellow alone with his master," said Bob Farrant, as he came up alongside. " There seems to be a lot of swindlers about." " I don't think he looks like a swindler," said Hope. " I daresay you do not," he returned laughing. " Come, let us see if we can get to Emperor's Grate in forty-five minutes. It is just the sharp, crisp weather for a brisk walk." CHAPTER IV. Fill ENDS IN COUNCIL. Messrs. Shears and Judkins held high council to- gether on the morning of this remarkable robbery in the private room of the superior partner. Shears was a somewhat sententious personage, accurate in speech and dress, and represented the mercantile integrity element in the concern. Judkins was a type of the modern, perky, pushing man of business — one was tall, portly, slow, the other, short, sharp, pug-dog like in appearance, and staccato in manner. " It is altogether a most extraordinary affair," said Shears, "and I shall feel exceedingly disappointed if the police cannot unravel the mystery." "Well, I don't know," returned Judkins with a snap. "If the fellow has got off alive, I suspect, it will be uncommon hard to catch him. If it's not done to-day or to-morrow — why, there will be small chance. ■■■■i \ 40 A FALSE SCENT. " Unless he is fool enoiigrh to cash some of the cheques." '* Oh ! he'll know befter tlian to thrust his paw into the trap ! I hope Keating has a list of the sums paid. He's late — half-an-hour heliind time." "Ah! Overdone very likely,' began Shears, "he was much excited when " — the door opening ...(errupted him. ** Shall Mr. Keating come in, sir? " asked a clerk. "Yes, by all means. Ah! Good looming, Mr. Keating!" as the little man came in. He was well and neatly dressed as ever, yet had a drooping air and a distressed exijresvsion in his honest blue eves. "Good morniug, sir." " Rather late, Keating ! " was the salutation of Judkins. " I fear I am, sir. 1 have had a very poor night, but fell heavily asleep towards morning. In truth my head feels queer — very queer. I feel convinced that my brutal assailant used some diug or something to stupefy me. IJesides — though I scarcely like to mention it in face of such losses as yours — my watch, rather a valuable watch — the gift of my brother in ^^ew York — has also been taken." " And serve you right," exclaimed Judkins, with a short laugh, "for going to sleep with your coat un- buttoned, and such a sum in your breast pocket." "Still, sir, it is a sort of thing you or any m.an might do," said Keating with spirit. " Quite true. I feel sure Mr. Keating is not the man to neglect his duty in any way," observed Shears kindly, " and in this I have no doubt Mr. Judkins agrees with me." " He would not neglect his duty intentionally I've no doubt. However, we bad better be oft to the Police Court. We had a message requesting one of us to attend this morning," he added to Keating. " Shall vou go, Shea,rs ? " FKIENDS IN COUNCIL. 41 ^ of the paw into I ins paid. irs, "he errupted clerk, ing, Mr. ^vas well air and ation of r night, ruth my L'ed that thing to mention rather a iw York with a ;oat un~ ny man not the Shears Judkins illy I've e Police • f us to " Shall " Well, no ! I expect one or two people on impor- tant business. You had better go, Judkins. I shall expect your report with impatience. Arrange to offer a reward and by no means stint it." " Call a cab, Timms ! " said Judkins, opening the door and speaking into the clerks' office, " and here, run up to my room and fetch my overcoat, will you," — he went in to speak to one of the employes. " Mr. Shears," said Keating, taking the opportunity, " your own honourable mind judges me more justly than Mr. Judkins. I am overwhelmed with the sense of my misfortune. To think I lay like a log — stupefied by some horrible means, and unable to strike a blow in defence of my employers' property." " My good sir ! do not distress yourself. I should be sorry to know you had risked your life. Mr. Judkins belongs to a different school, a somewhat different social class from myself, and has perhaps less of the arnenities — a — Oh ! you are ready, Judkins ? then you bad better lose no more time — good morning, Mr. Keating." At the police office they were evidently expected. ** Oh ! " said the Inspector, " we've been looking for you, but I am sorry to say we have not much news. The thief has got off; we have found his disguise, there it is." He lifted a bundle on the table, and opening it, displayed a wide-brimmed soft felt hat, a large black beard, and a capacious Inverness cape. " That's it ! Those are the clothes he wore," cried Keating eagerly. " Where were they found ? " "About six or seven miles this side of Markborough, but there was no sign of an accident, no mark of a heavy body having fallen on the earth, which was soft and damp. They lay on the right side of the up line, which shows the fellow took care not to get out on the side where a down train might have caught him." "iJut how the deuce did he manage to escape ■J'.i.l i-l l>rh\< !|':m ft ill i ■ i ^'r:: ( ;■ u f 1 n;j| 1 II 42 A FALSE SCENT. being dashed to bits going at such a pace?" asked Judkins. " It's hard to say ! In short, it is a deeper affair than is thought, and," with an air of mystery, " though I cannot say much on the subject at present, I may remark that we have a clue." ** Indeed," cried Jmlkins, "that's better than I ex- pected, and much to your credit." " Well, sir, the police are obliged to keep their eyes pretty wide open ! " Then to Keating, " Do you happen to know the number of your watch, sir ? " Kejiting shook his head, " I never took any note of it, it was not an English watch." " Hum, that's a pity. Now, there's more people than us wanting your man, and if you be so good as not to speak of it outside these walls I don't mind telling you that we've been looking out for him. He is a foreigner, concerned in the murder of that Moscow police officer. You've had a narrow escape, sir ! He is a regular desperado. One of the Moscow men went down the day before yesterday to track him somewhere near York, and stumbled on him at the station. He knew him, because the gentleman at whose house he had been staying was with him, and behaved rather curious, I think, for a gentleman. The officer was just going to get into the same carriage (he must be a plucky one) when the gentleman as was speaking to his friend stepped back, sudden like, knocked against him, and they both rolled down together on the plat- form as the train steamed off. I suppose there was enough seeming accident in it to get the gentleman off. I think he ought to have been run in. Any way the Russian officer telegraphed to Scotland Yard that the man they were in search of was in the train, dressed so and so ; and constables were on the look out for him at King's Cross so soon as the five-ten train was due, but no such person was there, nor did the ticket- collector observe any one answering to the description, FRIENDS IN COUNCIL. 43 only, here was this gentleman robbe'l, and the Russian got clear away. He must liave bad the devil's own pluck and luck to drop from the train, and it going full speed." " Most extraordinary I " ejaculated Judkins. " He'll not escape, though ; " added the inspector, with an air of conviction. " Every port is watched ; these fellows generally try to escape to America, and if he makes for the Continent, why, it will be out of the frying pan into the fire." "Do you think there is any chance of recovering the money?" asked Keating eagerly. " The gold ? Certainly not. The notes may be stopped, and the cheques he will hardly venture to cash Do you happen to have a list of the property lost, sir ? ' " I am ashamed to say the list was in the note-book with the money, but I think I can remember most of it ; of course, not the numbers of the notes. I am pretty sure that most of the men who paid their accounts to me took the numbers of the notes. Most of the small country shopkeepers paid me in gold. They were glad to dispose of it without going into the bank, which takes time. I hfid about tiiree hundred in sovereigns and half sovereigns, and two hundred in notes, the rest in che(]ues." " Who were the cheques on ? " asked the inspector. " They had better be warned." " These I can reme.nber," said Keating, and pausing for a moment as if to collect his 1 honghts, he added, "There were but three, one on the City JJank for 260, one on the Imperial for 70, and one on Foster and Caldwell's, they do a lot of Northern business." " Ay ! that is close on eleven hundred pounds," said Judkins with a groan. " Here Keating, just put down the names of the drawers and amounts, for the inspector ! " " Yes, certainly ! Let me have pen and ink, please/* ■ (fl u • I- i • \VH h if I r:l\ a A FALSE SCENT. The inspector supplied them, and while Mr. Keating wrote very deliberately, continued to address Judkins : " We are making a strict search through the cottages round the neighbourhood where these things (pointing to the bundle) were found, but we have no report as yet. Of course the fellow would have a pretty long tramp to any point of possible departure. Moreover he must ask his way. Now, the dullest clodhopper would notice the speech of a foreigner." " Whether you catch him or not is no great matter to me," said Judkins. " But I'll give a hundred pounds to the man that brings such information as will lead to the recovery of the money." " Veiy good, sir ! I am at liberty to mention this generally ? " " Oh, ay ! publish it, placard it ; and, I say, if it will save you any trouble I will send round to the banks and warn them. We have frequent dealings with all three." ** If you will, sir, we should be obliged, and now, gentlemen, you may depend on our doing our very best to discover the plunderer and recover your property. We will let you know as soon as we get any reliable information." " Thank you ! I suppose that means it is time to go. Come along, Keating. I'm afraid we have but a blue look-out as regards the cash. Good morning ! " " That was an unfortunate snooze of yours, Keating," said his principal, as they stood outside the police- court looking for a cab. " Extremely fortunate for myself, probably," returned Keating, with some irritation. " Had I been awake and resisted, I should no doubt have fallen a victim to " " Bah ! Do you fancy the runaway would have attempted to rob you if you had kept awake ? Why, it was seeing you slumbering and hearing you snore, probably tempted him to examine the contents of FlilENDS IN COUNCIL. 4S and now, our very ver your 15 we get time to ive but a rning ! " Keating," 16 police- returned en awake a victim ►uld have ? Why, ou snore, utents of I I your pocket, and he found more than he bargained for. Why, the whole thing was an accident. Didn't you find him in the carriage when you jumped in in a hurry ? But as you looked like a fat and greasy citizen he thought he would try his hand. I can't think how the beggar got off. He must have got hurt and may be hiding in some cottage. Hi ! cab, come along ! You might go round to these banks and explain matters." " Who ? me ? " asked Keating, as soon as they were seated and rumbling along. *' I am quite ready to go, though I must say I am fitter to be under medical treatment. I do not suppose that a sliock such as I have received can be expected to pass away without leaving some bad effects.'* " Oh ! we all know the ^'alue you put on your skin.** " It is of value to me," returned Keating loftily, and Judkins taking out some letters to read, they spoke no more till they reached the office. Here Judkins proceeded to order Keating to lose no time in going round to the bankers, and to return as soon as he could to report to Mr. Sliears. The little man turned obediently to leave the room. When near the door he staggered, and would have fallen, had not one of the younger clerks coming in caught him. " Poor little chap ! This business will be the death of him," said the cashier, who was on friendly terms with the hapless Keating. " He is a confounded little idiot ! " growled Judkins. " Here, get him a glass of water. He is coming round again. Grainger, you run round to the banks, and show this list of cheques. Tell 'em not to cash any, but to stop presenter, if possible." " Yes, sir," cried the young man addressed, reaching down his hat with alacrity. The robbery was a source of much excitement, an agreeable variety in the mono- tony of their existence. mW^: tiii: I i i 46 A FALSh: SCENT. The messenger departed, and Mr. Keating began to recover. The kindly cashier producing some sherry, he partook of it and a little colour came into his face. *' Judkins is a beast ! " said the caoiiier indignantly. *' If old Shears drops off, I'll not stay here. ►Shears is a gentleman. He is pompous and long-wnided, but not half bad. He does you justice, Keating." " I am unfortunate, but not to blame," said Keating, LOW quite himself, *' and I am quite sure Mr. Shears is my friend." Here a lad announced that Mr. Keating was wanted in Mr. Shears' room, as soon as he was better. "I am better," said Keating, standing up with an effort. *^ No, thank you. No more wine." Mr. Shears expressed his regret that Keating was suffering so much from the shock he had received, and then plunged into a discussion on nhat they had gathered from the inspector. "Hum!" said Shears, when they had spoken for some time, " it just comes to this. The sum in gold is irretrievably lost, and there is email chance of recover- ing the notes, especially if the iVllow can afford to keep them. By the way, Judkins, yon ought to advertise the numbers as soon as possible ! Telegraph to the various customers to send numbers, but I believe that we m;jy save the five hundred odd represented by the cheques, |)articularly as we have warned " Here the door was thrust open unceremoniously, and the clerk, who had been despatched to warn the bankers, came in excitedly. "Too late, sir" he c^xclaimed, " too late at Foster and Caldwell's. The cheque was cashed about ten o'clock this morning. The clerk who cashed it says it was presented by a queer Jewish, German-looking man, who spoke broken English. The clerk, who knows most of us, remarked that he had never seen him be Tore, but he is coming over to see you himself." ** This is very extraordinjiry ! " cried Judkins. ** It FRIHND8 IX COUNCIL. 47 sliows that the thief has accoirijilices. The mystery grows thicker. We iiiii-t waiii tl;e police." " Gentleman from Foster and C'ddweH's wishes to see you, ' said an en^ploye, putting in his head. "£\ow him in," returned Mr. Shears impatiently; and a young man with a pale, frightened expression entered. " Well, let us hear all about it," cried Judkins, whereupon the young man with some agitation re- counted how a man of middle height with blue spec- tacles, and long red hair and moustache, clad in a loose sort of frock and a tall hat, had come into the bank early, and presented a cheque drawn by 8ykes & Co. of Lynesbridge on Foster & Caldwell in favour of Messrs. Shears and Judkins. The clerk was accus- tomed to cash cheques in favour of the firm, which were generally presented by employes with whose ap- pearance they were slightly acquainted. The young man looked at the signature of" Shears and Judkins '' which seemed quite right, and observed, ** I don't think you have been here before," to which the foreign-locking messenger replied ; * No, I iiave just been taken on as foreign correspondent," adding, that he could write well in four languages, and would be glad of occupation in the evening^, if the clerk would permit him to leave his card. " He gave me tliis," continued the young man, " and added in his lingo, * Sherman, French, Italian, Roussiaii, I can do all.'" He gave the card to Shears, and went on. *" Our manager has blown me up awful for not going to him before I cashed the cheque, but it seemed quite right, and when he offered me that, I had no doubt at all." " That" was a small card, " inscribed " Jacob Grus- tenberg, 21, Burton Street, Whitechapel. Foreign Correspondent and Translator of Languages." While Mr. Shears studied this through his double glasses, the unfortunate clerk poured forth a torrent of i!| rs li |i if il: i 48 A FALSE SCENT. apologies and regrets. He would not have had it happen for all he was worth, etc., etc. " And pray how much might that be ? " sneered Judkins. " Russian ! " exclaimed Keating, gazing at the card in the hand of his " worthy principal." " This must be an accomplice of these Nihilist scoundrels. No time ought to be lost in acquainting the police of this — this complication ! Pray, how did he take it ? — the cash, I mean ? " " Oh« he wanted a lot of gold. But he took notes too. I gave him a hundred and thirty sovs and the rest in tens and fives. It took some time to note the numbers. He didn't seem in a hurry." *' Let this be a lesson to you, young man," said Mr. Shears gravely. " Now the sooner these particulars are in the possession of Inspector Brown the better. Who shall we send, Judkins ? We must request Mr. — Mr. — Your name, sir ? " " Tilton," murmured the crestfallen clerk. " Yes, Mr. Tilton ! — to go to the police-station with " ** If you will permit me, sir," said Keating, " I will accompany the young man. I intend to devote myself to this search, and thus the time of your other em- ployes will not be broken up." He spoke with firmness and decision, and seemed to have made a successful effort to pull himself together. ** Very good, Keating, very good," said Mr. Shears en- couragingly. *' The sooner you go the better, and I should like to see the cheque and the signature How can a Russian or German Jew have got hold of our signature ? It is most extraordinary. Now, Mr. Keating you had better lose no time." * Evening was closing in when Keating knocked and rang at the door of his lodging. A fog — less dense, but as raw and chill, as that of the previous evening FRIENUS IN COUNCIL. 49 —was gathering over the poplars and deepening the gloom. Keating shivered while he waited for the door to be opened, and earnestly hoped that his good landlady and her attractive daughter would have things ready warm and comfortable for him when he went in. His knock was not answered quite so quickly as usual, and he w^as beginning to feel a little impatient when the door opened and he beheld Mrs. Allen, a candle in her hand, ushering out a stranger — a man — a tall, thin, well-dressed, genteelAook^ng man, in a be-frogged overcoat with a fur collar. Mrs. Allen was smiling as she seldom smiled on anyone, save on Keating. " Very well, sir,** she was saying, " about eight I'll have a good fire, and you may be sure of your bed being well aired. My sense of dooty Oh ! Mr. Keating ! I beg your pardon, sir ! " *' Thank you," said Keating, stepping in with a dazed, bewildered look, staring at the stranger, who, ra'^sing his hat, thereby showing thick, grizzled, wavy hair, repeated, " At eight then," and with a bow de- scended the steps. **I am glad you are in, Mr. Keating,'* ejaculated Mrs. Allen, stepping nimbly on a chair to light the gas. " It is a bad night to be out. Your supper is ready, and I am happy to tell you I have just been and let my upper rooms, after all these weeks ! And it was all done of a minute. A nice civil-spoken gentle- man, in the artistic line.'* " I trust and hope, Mrs. Allen, that you have been careful about references?" returned Keating sharply and nervously. " Yes, indeed, sir ! I made it a particular point, and he said I was quite right, only as he was in a hurry he begged leave to pay a week in advance, and to contini.e to do so while he stayed, which showed, I think, that he wa? a real gentleman, and highly respectable. He agrees to pay fifteen shillings a week • !f;i''4 '. i; :,0 A FAL^K sci:Nr. for the room?, with gas, sitting-room fire, kitchen fire, washing of linen, hoots, awl cruets extra" — this in a triumpliaDt key. " I trust he may not prove a swindler," said Keating gloomily. " Why, law bless you, Mr. Keating, what have we to be swindled out of?" " You have a daughter, ma'am, and these foreigners are dangerous." "A foreigner? Why, he's a regular Englishman just like yourself!" CHAPTEK V. '1 "!:i'Hi:.,f| K :•:<■ •] •m' ** DINNER AT MRS. MEN f EITH'S," Hope Farrant dressed for the little dinner at Mrs. Menteith's with small anticipations of pleasure. In- deed, her visit to Town had hitherto been a failure. Lady Thornton's indis[)osition had made her a prisoner, and slightly rufitled her temper, while it threw Hope on the good ofhce^^ of Bob or the society of Sir Peter, whose conversation was apt to develope into long harangues or lectures on the particular hobby which occupied him for the time. Bob was provokingly attentive and devoted, and Hope was tormented by the dread of being drawn into an engagement with him through compassion and regnrd, while she ft It more than ever averse to the idea of accepting him as a lover. ►She biush.ed for herself — she raged at herself; but between the honest, good-natured young Lancer and her imagination the vision of her fugitive fellow- traveller perpetually intervened. The strong face, the dark, appealing eyes, the clear, decided tones, and the cool daring with which he effected his escape were ever present with her, though she told herself twenty times "DINNER AT MRS. MKNTHlTirs/' 61 a day that in the face of the eviJence against him she could not doubt he was guilty of a contemptible tlieft. Then the sense of sharing the secret of such a man oppressed her, and made her nervously uneasy. She had common sense enough to perceive tliat the fact of her silence would make the whole affair look ''■ery bad for herself if it ever came out, and things had such a way of coming out. If this man luas a thief she could not count much on his sense of honour to keep her part in the drama. Oh ! she would try not to think about it. It was all so annoy- ing and unfortunate. " You will tell Mrs. Menteith how vexed I am I cannot go to her," said Lady Thornton, as Hope came into the drawing-room to say good-bye. '* Her dinners are always pleasant, but I must not venture. Do you know I think I shall i an away for a week or two to the Isle of Wight — nothing but change will cure me. You must come with me, dear ! Are you well wrapped up, my love ? I cannot have you catching cold ! " Mrs. Menteith had a small but charming flat in South Kensington, where she resided from time to time when tired of Paris, sick of Rome, or displeased with Berlin. Mrs. Menteith was the young widow (some people asserted not so very young) of an ancinet general, who had left her a fair fortune. She was connected in some remote way with the Farrants through Bob's mother, and she was very friendly with that young officer. There was a choice little party of eight, and a very perfect and simple dinner, to say nothing of wine well calculated to gladden the heart of man. It is a remarkable fact how much the " treatment " of a widow differs from the " system " of her unmarried sister, the latter assumes a tone of spiritual and intellecturd superiority to the grosser pleasures of our many-sided nature. She undervalues the epicureanism of the table, and aims at a tone of tenderness or 4f 'Mi U),}i] 62 A FALSE SCENT. h'loism, of high-aims and generous self-devotion, her topics are poetical, or didactic, or devotional, or even livel}; and droll, though even in this there is a tinge of sweetness and unworldliness. Now, whether it be that contact with the earthlier portion of humanity developes a new class of perceptions, a widow's charm largely consists of the surroundings in which she is set. Warm, cheerful rooms, full of photographs, books, trifles provocative of talk, a piquante table, equally provocative to the appetite, its fleshly attractions disguised and adorned with refined prettiness, a general air of relaxation and welcome, of repose and sympathy, which converts an unassuming South Kensington flat into a civilised subdued Venusberg, where the wandering Tannhausers of Society are not sorry to escape from the exalted standards of our maiden Elizabeths. Mrs. Menteith was a very soothing sort of a woman, and immensely popular, especially with men, though she was far from considering a woman as unworthy of fascination. She welcomed Hope very warmly, and made her feel quite at home. She assigned her an elderly, well-preserved, agreeable, travelled diplomatist as her cavalier, but she ordered Bob Farrant to take herself in to dinner. A certain Marchesa, American by birth, but almost Italianised by an early marriage, a woman who had been everywhere and seen every- thing, the editor of a well-known Review, a Hun- garian attach^, and an English country gentleman, much sought by mothers for his large estates and high position, made up the party. The talk was bright and easy, while to Hope it seemed bold and original, and the moments flew fast. Returning to the warm, softly-lighted, gracefully- decorated, flower-perfumed drawing room, Mrs. Menteith and the Marchesa fell into a profound disquisition, touching the truth or falsehood of certain stories afleeting certain persons, total strangers to } V i; DINNER AT MliS. MENTEITHS." 63 Hope, who retired with a large book of photographs to a table in a corner. A succeFsion of faces, male aud female, amused her for some time. They all had more or less of character*, and she speculated on what and who they might be. Suddenly she started ; turning a page, she beheld a portrait of her strange travelling companion, a large vignette showed him leaning against the side of a French window, ac oss which stretched a balcony. It was impossible to suppose it a chance resemblance. There was the peculiar alert, upward look, the stately turn of the throat and head, which had struck her as so remarkable. Her cheeks flushed, her heart beat ! She turned to ask a string of questions, but she dared not — a word, a look, might arouse the suspicions and provoke the queries she dreaded. Anxious, curious, disturbed, she sat gazing at the photograph. So striking was the likeness, that she could almost fancy she heard the voice which had expressed such faith in her sympathy and fidelity. She would try to command herself sufficiently to ask, in a careless, unobtrusive way, a few questions respecting some of the other photographs, and so come round to the face that fascinated her, " I am growing frightfully deceitful and ruheSt' she thought " How horribly demoralising it is to have anything to hide " "So you are reduced to studying photographs, Miss Farrant," said Mr. Clavering, " the squire of high de- gree," who had sat beside her at dinner, and who was che first of the gentlemen to come in from the post- prandial seance. " What terrible schemes have Madame La Marquise and our fair hostess been concocting, t hat they left you out in the cold ? " " I retreated here of my own free will," returned I lope, looking up with p smile, but laying her hand (»ii the open book. " Peaces interest and amuse me." " Yes, there is a certain degree of fascination in the i;;-'ra:-.. 54 A FALM-: SCENT. 1 7^1 ! I II 7i |ii human conntonniirp — let me Fee who Mrs. Menteith has here." Hope tamed the book to him, and he immediately exclaimed with surprise, "By Jove ! It is Vescilitzki! It's the image of him. I say, Mrs. Menteith," to his hostess wlio was crossing the room, "you have Vescilitzki liere? " " Yes ! Is it not good ? Jrst as he used to look out of the centre window of the iii!})erial Hotel. What a curious, uns.it is factory creature he is."' *'E-itlier visionary, hut ncc a bad fellow. I liked him tjie best of the lot — of men I mean — in Berlin that winter. What has become of him ? " " Oh, I have not heard of him for an age ! " indifferently. *'But I have a great idea he is the Vescilitzki who w^as concerned in that Moscow plot, I feel sure he would +ake refuge in England, and you know that extraordinary affair in the train about a week or ten days ago : 'I'hey say a Kussian refugee W'as the robber, or was mixed up in it." " Oh ! co?ne now, Mrs. Menteith ! that is being a little too hard on your old favourite ! I fancy A'escilitzki was touched by Nihilism, but he was toj much a gentleman to soil his hands with theft." " I am not so sure ! Very few Russians have any sense of honour ! Jiesides, if he were flying for his lifs and wanted money, he would be quite ready to 'take the thing that lietii nearest,' and sha])e from it a way of escape. Of course he miyht mean to return the inr^ney some day ! " "But Vescilitzki always soomed well off! '* " Seemed ! Oh ! he was a desperate gambler, I believe." "They say Vescilitzki wis absolutely tracked to the train wl* " If he robbed him," said Clavering. "Who else couid liave done it?" cried Mr Menteith. " They were alone in the carriage together, for I feel quite sure the Russian they missed, Vescilitzki, and the robber were one and the same man ! 1'hen remember, the train never stopped between ^Itirk- borough and Loudon." *' Still, if Vescilitzki was the sort of fellow to thieve, I don't fancy he would be such a friend and favourite of that curious chap, Dacre, who is a man of high character. They say that when he was seeing Vescilitzki off, he stumbled against the detective, who was going to follow him into the carriage, threw him down and rolled over him ! Dacre is a great athlete, and could have held the other probably with one hand, but I supi)ose he wanted to give an air of accident to the encounter." " I believe it is the Vescilitzki you knew that the Russian police want," said the attache, "and I believe that they are at their wits' end to know what has become of him. He has vanished completely." " I am very glad!" cried the American Marchess. " I saw him frequently the last winter we jre in Rome, and we liked him immensely. He \\^^ as poor as a rat then, and studying art. He paints very well ! But I don't know what he has been doing since ! " " Oh ! I like him very much too, but I fear he is an adventurer," said ^Irs. Menteith, nadly. *' I must say the case is very strong against Vescilitzki," quoth the di]»loniatist. " You know my cousin was in the train when the scare took place," explained young Farrant. Hope flushed up in terror. What dreadful dis- closure was going to be torn from her. Bob's next words relieved her a little. " f^he knew nothing about it till she saw u crowd round the unlucky chap that 31(3*= 66 A FALSE SCENT. • '■H 'iinr i 1 ■ '■'•'.■ ', 'ii ■■ MH was robbed, and she sent the servant to find out what was the matter ! Sir Peter Thornton's idea is not a bad one. He thinks that some swell-mobsman followed Keating, the clerk who was robbed, and knew that he had a considerable sum about him, that at Markborough he appeared to leave the carriage, but hid under the seat to watch his opportunity, and probably would have chloroformed his victim. When the Russian got out of the carriage — which he certainly did — and then as the poor devil of a clerk was sound asleep he got his chance ! In the scrimmage of the arrival he might get out unnoticed." " That might be ! " said the diplomatist. " No doubt the police have thought of every possible solution to the mystery. The complete disappear- of the man is not to my mind half so wonderful as his escape from the flying train ! " " The detectives will find him some time or other ! " said the hostess, as if tired of the subject. " Do sing us some of your beautiful Hungarian airs," she added, addressing the a^.tach6, *' or Madame di Bellaggio will sing a duet with you ! " Music ensued, and Vescilitzki was forgotten. Mrs. Menteith carried off young Farrant to a distant window to show him a model of a favourite race horse, and they remained in conversation. Clavering occasionally whispered remarks to Hope, who also contributed her quota to the music, having a rich, sweet, well-trained voice, but her thoughts far away. She had been immensely interested by the discussion and surprised at the pleasure with which she listened to the opinions favourable to Vescilitzki, and above all to what seemed a very possible solution of the mysterious robbery. The rest of the evening passed quickly?. Clavering bestowed most of his attention on Hope, who liked his conversa- tion and decided in her own mind that he was a man of sense and discrimination. "DINNER AT MRS. MENTEITH'S." 67 what not a )sman knew lat at J, but % and When tainly sound >f the "No )ssible 3pear- ful as her ! " "Do ," she tne di to a ourite ation. \",, Hope, .J aving ughts d by with : ,; irable very The n owed H ersa- B mau E ■ " I can put you down at your hotel, Bob," she said to her cousin when her carriage was announced. " Thank you," he returned, his face brightening up. " Staying in town ? " asked Clavering. " Yes, for the present." " At Lady Thornton's ? I used to know her some years ago at Cannes. Would she remember me were I to go ? " " I daresay she would. Good night." " What an awful flirt you have grown, Hope," said Bob indignantly, when they had driven some way. " A flirt ! pray, with whom did I flirt to night ? " "Why, you never looked at any one but that conceited fellow, Clavering." " Nonsense, Bob ! Good manners oblige one to answer when ppoken to ! You flirted pretty stetulily with Mrs. Menteith ! " " Flirted with Mrs. Menteith ! Why, she was talking of you nearly all the time ! You are an un- grateful monkey ! She was asking if 1 thought you would like to stay with her for a while, instead of being carried off by Lady Thornton, as she threatens, to vegetate in the Isle of Wight ! " *' Well, I beg her pardon ! It is very good of her, but I cannot forsake Lady Thornton ! She is very fond of me, and with all her spirit and self-assertion she is very lonely ; she feels her loneliness too, and I will not leave her, unless my uncle wants me." "But just think what fun we might have at Mrs. Menteith's. I could run up so often ! though," with a change of tone, " I don't suppose you care much for thafy Hope." " Yes, I do, Bob ! I should be a ' good-for-nothing ' if I were not glad to see you. You were always so good to me." " Good ! Ah, dear cousin '* Here the brougham stopped, and Bob was obliged to say good night. " I may come and hear what you are i^l Lit; I. ft8 A FAi.8E SCENT. going to do to-morrow moiiinig. I do not return to Aldershol till the aftt'iiioon." *' Yes ! come by ;ili mejius. I daresay Lady Thornton will be prompt al)out her trip to the Isle of Wight, now she has juade up her miud to go." This dinuer, and the unexj)ected light thrown upon the history and character of her very remarkable fellow-traveller by the discussion respecting him, gave Hope Farrant ample sul)ject for reflection. Though a man of Society, and a gentleman, it was evident that some of his acqu.iintance did not consider him above the d.istardly deed of which he was accused, while others gave him the lic^nertt of the doubt. Bob's suggestion, or rather Sir Peter's, seemed to her the best solution of the strange atlair yet offered. She would give a great denl to be able to believe it. This she could not quite. Then she turned her thoughts to Mrs. iMenteith. She was pretty, interesting, caressing, yet somehow Hope was not attracted to her; sotfk thing she could not tell what, gave her a vague sensation at once repellant and distrustful. *' I would not Slay with her if I could possibly help it," Hope mused, *' even if Bob would not be there constantly. I do not know what- to do about Bob. I cannot put him off always, and he is such a good fellow, 1 hiite to vex or distress him ; yet I must not let myself be diawn in to marry him; it would be biid for us both." \Vith wise resolution in her heart, Hope descended to brt^kfiist, where, somewhat to her surprise, she found l^ady Thornton before her. " Yes, iny dear," said that lady, in reply to her greeting, '" {Iw idea of going away has quite roused me. 1 should h.ive died if 1 had stayed on here. I ha\e telegiajihed to the Beach Hotel, near Shanklin, a chruiiiing, sheltered, quite comfortable place. I fancy Aliss \'imi()il('s is staying there jus^. now — a very uniusing xNoinau. We will go down to-morrow by the wit i "DINNER AT MRS. MENTEITH'S." 69 eleven- thirty quick train, and get settled by dinner- time. I will take Smith and give Stubbs a few days' holiday. Sir Peter wishes to stay here, but his own man can look after him, so " "If you please, m' lady, the — the person has called again about those h'antiques," said Stubbs, entering with a solemn air. " That's right, Stubbs ; show him in. I shall soon get to the bottom of him. This is a new pedlar of rubbish who has maniiged to fasten on Sir Peter," to Hope, '* and I want to see what rubbish he has to sell." Here Stubbs returned with a salver, on which lay a card. Lady Thornton took and read it, " Eugene Jisle." "Indeed, quite aristocratic, I protest. Well, INIr. Lisle," as he entered the room, " so you have called by appointment to see Sir Peter ? He is not quite ready yet, and I should like to have a peep at your treasures." Eugene Lisle was a slight upright figure, with iron- grey, crisp hair, brown complexion, high, bony temples and thin, sunken cheeks. He would have looked old, but for the fire and vivacity of his small, dark eyes, which looked keenly out from under thick, bushy eyebrows. He bowed low, rather a foreign bow. " I am very glad to have an opportunity of showing them to your ladyship," he said, and he took from a breast pocket a small leather case, which he opened, and in which lay the miniature of a good-looking man in an old- fashioned uniform^, a ring, and two or three coins. The miniature had no setting. " This," said the visitor, handing the picture to Lady Thornton, " is an original portrait of the celebrated Prince Potemkin. It was given by the Prince to a French officer in the service of Catherine, and pre- served with care in his family. The last possessor s ■^■i'i] rlili :'li' ■it: iiii:^l t '•' '.\' H" Ijni ill llfi 60 A FALSE SCENT. of it has fallen into reduced circumstances, and abked me to try and dispose of it." " It seems a good painting," said Lady Thornton, handing it to Hope. " I wonder was this really like hira," she observed. Raising her eyes« she met those oi i^isle fixed on her with so searching and keen a gaze that she felt almost startled. " We must suppose it had a resemblance, since it was given by the prince himself." ** And thpse coins ? " asked Lady Thornton. " Ancient Jewish shekels, found near the Caspian- very rare and curious." " What is the price of the miniature ? '' " Twenty-five pounds, madam." " What, without any setting ? " " Without any setting. The diamonds which were round it have been disposed of, and this would not be offered at so low a price but fo; the poverty of the owner." " Well, I am no judge of such things, but, as a matter of common sense, I must say that it might be the portrait of any young officer in a foreign uniform of the eighteenth century." " That is true, madam ; but should you think seriously of purchasing the picture, I would furnish proofs " " The proofs, my good sir, are necessary to make one think of the purchase." The dealer in curios smiled a peculiar smile — a little contemptuous, a little sad. " You are right," he said, " and if you will allow me to call to-morrow " ** To-mrrrow we leave for the Isle of Wight.'' Here the interview was interrupted b^' the entrance of Sir Peter's valet. " If you please, m' lady, Sir Peter has asked — if— if — the gentleman had come ; he wishes to see him at once." LISLK xMAKES A BARGAIN. 61 The " pedlar of antiquities " closed up his case and took up his hat. " I don't fancy Sir Peter is likely to buy either picture or coins," was Lady Thornton's parting shot "He has heaps of these sort of things, and is no mean judge.'* ** 1 should like, for my own credit's sake, to satisfy your ladyship, who has, I see, a critical eye. If you would let me have your address, I would gladly send you a memo touching the history of this picture." " It would not be worth the trouble, my good sir. / have no money to throw away on historic re'ics." Then, turning to Hr^je as Lisle bowed and left the room : " That sounded like an attempt to keep up the connection, didn't it ? There is something peculiar about that man." '* He interests me. What eyes he has. He gave me such a look ; it made me shiver ! " " Nonsense ! I cannot have you giving way to nerves, you who were always sensible and healthy — mentally healthy, I mean. Now I have a dozen things to do, and a list of commissions for you. Your cousin is coming here, you say ? You really ought not to encourage that .u>iing man so much. He is no match for you in any way. Ring the bell, dear." make one CHAPTER VL LISLE MAKE8 A BARGAIN. But Lisle did not succeed in disposing of either the portrait or the coins to Sir Peter Thornton. That astute gentleman offered half the sum asked, and desired the agent to consult his principal and return to him. In going out, the dealer in curios asked the valet where he should write to Lady Thornton, who wished er t — if you don't mind." "Mind ? No, of course not. I respect yo ; caution. Then shall I bring a dealer to look at tl^ head ? " "No ; I am not fond of strangers com.ii^," about my place." " Then I am at a loss what to suggest." " I'll tell you, Mr. Lisle. Just give me thirty for it yourself, ana make what profit you can." " Ah, that is another matter," and he began to re- examine the head. " Do you know, I wish I could — I believe I should make a decent profit on the trans- action. I wish I could. But, in truth, I am rather at low water mark just at present. Ah, let me see. I expect some money soon. Suppose I pay you £30 in £5 instalments ; you holding the picture in the meantime ? " " Hum ! I might think about it. How long would it be before you complete the purchase ? " " Ah ! — seven or eight weeks." " That's too long. I am going to be married, and 1 want to be ofif on my wedding tour before that." " Ah ! indeed. Accept my congratulations. May I guess the young lady's name ? " iM4 70 A FALSE SCENT. . I- r.:i :-ii.>. t!li "Yes; get aloiigf." "The charming and brilliant ]\Iiss Augusta Allen." " Why, how do you know ? " " Ah ! my dear sir, I have seen much of human nature, and before I had the pleasure of knowing you, I recognised the secret of the young lady's heart by the way she uttered your name." " Oh, come now," cried Keating, his pale, plump cheeks flushing with pleasure. " You are sharp — but about the picture ? " A good deal of haggling ensued, and it was finally arranged that Lisle was to make two payments of five and two of ten pounds, within a month. " I'll j ust go and fetch you a five-pound note to begin with," said Lisle. Leaving the room he soon returned. " There," he added, placing it beside Keating. " You'll kindly give me a line of acknow- ledgment and please state terms of agreement." " Certainly," and Keating proceeded to ^rite. Lisle occupied himself in examining the escritoire or bureau with an admiring expression. " Ah, thank you," receiving the paper from Keating and putting it in his pocket-book. " You really have a very good eye for les ohjets (Vart. This is a very good piece of eighteenth century work. French, I think. If I could see the inside I could tell the date, or about the date, and " " Oh, thank you," returned Keating, drily. " It is a sound useful article, but its date is of no importance to me. Come, let us hang the picture up again. It is pretty safe here." " Ah, yes ; I shall often look at it as I pass the door. " I have a passion for Domenichino's masterpieces. Perhaps I may receive a sum due to me next week, when I shall certainly give you a large instalment. Ah, I see you are looking at your pens and ink. I will not occupy you any longer. Cau you tell me the time ? " ltslp: makks a bargain. 71 I lan by imp [but led, two a " I think I can," drawing out a shabby old silver watch. " It's not quito half-past eleven. Iain not too sure of this old turnip. I bought it merely to serve a turn. My own gold chronometer with a handsome gold chain was taken at the same time my employers' money was stolen ; but that was a small trouble com- pared to the loss of another's property." "A most unfortunate affair," said Lisle sym- pathetically. "I suppose the Russian refugee was the culprit." " Why, of course. Who else could have done the act ? We were alone in the carriage," cried Keating. "I have heard it suggested that someone who knew you had money about you secreted himself under one of the seats and took advantage of the other man leaving the carriage to " " It might be," interrupted Keating, " but it is highly im[)robable. Anyhow, the money is gone and I see little chance of its recovery; nor shall I ever feel quite the same man again. My employers do me justice, but I cannot look tor the same favour I used to enjoy. It's not in human nature to be the same to a man who has lo>t your money." "Perhaps not. Good morning, Mr. Keating." *^Well, I never thought that woman in the blue hood would fetch so much money. I think luck is with me," mused Keating, as he took up his pen and drew the blotting-pad to him. " I certainly have eyes in my head. 1 dare say that fellow Lisle will make a pot of money out of my [)icture. But it can't be helped. Time is more than money, and I don't want to hinder my marriage hunting up old Jew dealers. Thirty pounds will buy a fine pre- sent for Augusta, and leave a trifle in my pocket besides." The ^ apposed " Domenichino " had evidently a great fascination for Lisie. He frequently turned into Mr. Keating's room in his absence, to gaze upon it, and on 7t A falsp: scent. iic fti ! . ,. ■'.'. \''iM one or two occasions, finding Gussie thei o, he enlarged upon its beauty, and treated that young hidy to a dis- quisition on the Bolognese school of painting. Keating, however, though civil enough, showed a decided inclination to keep himself to himself. A week had now elapsed since the incident of the picture. It was a soft drizzling night, more like the beginning of October than the end of September, when Lisle came into the house somewhat earlier than usual. Gussie opened the door to him, and they conversed for a few moments. "I suppose yon enjoy a good book of fiction, like most young ladies ? Permit me to present you with this new volume of the Railway Library— 'The Bucca- neer's Curse' — it will draw tears from your bright eyes." ** Oh ! how very kind and thoughtful of you! I do enjoy a good tale — ever so many thanks," etc., etc., and she ran on volubly. " Pray is Mr. Keating at home ? " " Yes ; he came in some time ago with a bad head- ache." " Indeed ! He has had a very severe shock, I fear." Mr. Lisle mounted the stair, laid aside his hat, and opened the door noiselessly, having knocked softly. The gas was not lit, and th^ room ',Tas partially illu- minated by a bright fire. Keating was standing with his back to the door, beside the bureau, the front of which was semicircular and revolving. It was open, and a lighted wax candle stood upon it, displaying a variety of articles, papers, letters, small books, etc. These Keating seemed in the act of arranging, with his accustomed neatness So absorbed was he in his occupation, that he did not hear Lisle enter. " Good evening," began Lisle, pausing near the door. Keating started, and, taking the candle in one hand, closed the front of the bureau before he spoke. "IN THK TOILS." 78 "You came in like a thief in the night!" he said with a laugh, as he set the candle on the table, and .. ivanced to meet him. " I never heard you ! " "Yet I knocked," returned the other. "Excuse me — your thoughts naturally turn on robbery and violence ! I was anxious to tell you that I fear 1 shall not be in funds to make a further payment on account of the picture till the week after next." " Oh, indeed ! Then, my good sir, if you are un- able to pay up to time, I think you must forfeit that first fiver." " Certainly, Mr. Keating, you shall have it if I do not pay you in full." " In the meantime," said Keating, " I believe my supper is just coming up — stay and share it ! " " You are really too good ! — but I have a lot of work to do to-night, and must deny myself that pleasure." " Another time, then, I hope ? " A few more words on a late Stock Exchange scandal, and they parted. " I can't quite make that fellow out," said Keating to himself as he looked after his retreating visitor. " He seems simple enough, too, yet I don't think I'd care to offend him. I'd be the better of a nip, and more light." (( CHAPTEK VII. IN THE TOILS." " I BEGIN to think you are not so great a goose as I imagined," said Lady Thornton. " I at greatly flattered," returned Hope, laughing. They were sitting in one of the windows of their hotel, looking out on the shallow bay, from which Shanklin Chine slopes up, narrowing landwards, among the bosky thickets and hirger trees which clothe its sides and fringe the beach. It had been mistv, with a shower or two in the morning — now the nooiulay sun 74 A FALSE SCENT. had broken through nnd dispersed the clouds, both sky and sea looked bright and blue, as if it were May instead of one of the last days of dreary November. " To what do I owe your improved opinion ? '' added Hope. " You see, my dear, when ISIrs. Menteith thought fit to show her dread of London fogs, and her great liking for our society by coming down here with Bob Farrant two days after our arrival, I very soon understood her little game. She has a caprice — and more than a caprice — for your cousin. I suspected it before — before you came up to Town — and his preference for yourself gave solidity to the whim. She did not like to leave him helpless in your hands. I feared the natural impulse of the female heart would incite you to hold what you had got, and so you would be entangled into a most unsuitable engagement — worse, into a marriage wich your cousin. But I was pleased to see that you were quite unmoved by the fascinating widow's little tricks." "I was hardly conscious of them," said Hope. " Do yoiT really think that so clever and worldly a woman as Mrs. Menteith could be in love with anyone — especially with a simple-minded honest boy like Bob ? younger than herself, too. Lady Thornton smiled. " The attractions of contrast are very strong ! I think vanity prompted her to begin the game, and love sprung up after, then the wheat and the tares grew together." " How dreadfully bored she would have been if that telegram had not come, and politeness had obliged her to remain on here." " Oh, but of course she took care the telegram should come. Such a woman does not stick at triHos." " Lear Lady TLuniton ! do you believe she sent that telegram herself?" <' Ves, I do." "IN THE TOILS." 76 A " Then I hope poor Bob will not marry so deceitful a woman. I am really fond of Bob — he is such a good fellow." " My dear, Mrs. Menteith will marry Bob if it so pleases her, and he will be a lucky fellow. Mrs. Menteith may not be a model of exalted virtue, but she is a clever woman, by no means without heart, and very amusing. You'll see she will push Bob into a Major-generalship before any of his cotemporaries." "Her amusingness is a little ill-natured some- times." *' Pooh ! nonsense. You cannot do her justice, because she is drawing your admirer from you." " Lady Thornton ! " indignantly ; then, seeing the absurdity of her indignation, she laughed gaily. *' Well, I may not like her, but if she makes Bob happy and comfortable, T shall put up with her," " That's right, Hope ! How tine it is now. That's the advantage of the seaside in winter ; given an hour of sunshine, and there is nothing to remind you of November. Look how charming that yacht is with the white sails." " Yes. It was sailing to and fro all yesterday," said Hope, taking up a glass to examine it. " I suppose it is a yacht." '* A yacht, evidently. Now I am going to put on my bonnet, for I promised to drive with Miss VignoUes before luncheon. What shall you do, my dear ? " " Oh, I shall take Pogie and Midge for a run on the bepch. It looks so tempting this morning; quite like spring.'' *' i\;^ member luncheon is at 1.30." A few minutes later and Hope, with the two i)et Skye-terriers, descended some steps from the garden of the hotel on to the beach, which was there tirm, sandy, and free from shingle, and walk(^d with a free elastic step towards the promontory which curves out beyond the chine» m'M If:: I- If ■ ' - ■■'• , H A 76 A FALSE SCENT. She felt unusually light-hearted. If she could be saved from offending her dear uncle by positively and in so many words refusing his favourite boy, what a relief it would be. But if the worst came to the worst, she had within the last three weeks, less than three weeks, been in some way enlightened jis to the requirements of her own heart, and she knew, with a certain knowledge, that Bob Farrant was not the man she could love. Then she thought of her home and how happy it was, and how she would try harder than ever to make it comfortable and bright for the good old general, and an earthly paradise for her young cousin, May, when she came home for the Christmas holidays. Having reached the point of the promontory, she sat down on a bench conveniently placed there, and continued to reflect : " I am too selfish. I quite forget the feelings and wishes of others. How amiable a sense of relief makes one. Ah ! little darling, did it want to run after a stone ? " to one of the terriers, who barked a violent affirmative, and the next moment both little creatures were tearing cer the sand like animated bundles of long hair after a stone thrown as far as Hope's strength permitted. How smooth and blue and peaceful the bay looked ; and that pretty, graceful yacht. It had stood in quite near, and looked larger than Hope thought it was. A small boat with two oarsmen were pulling to the shore. Hope watched its progress, listening to the measured sound of the oars in the rowlocks. What a delightful change from London, though probably the weather was better there also. The boat made for the beach almost in front of the place where she sat. A few strong strokes of the oars and she floated half her length upon the beach. The bow oarsinan sprang out and held the prow, while the other followed more deliberately. After a word or two to his companion, this latter walked slowly towards •'IN THE TOILS." 7T Id be tively boy, H<)pe, who watched hira with an odd growing sense of uueasiness. He wa^ tall, and dressed very unpretend- ingly in yachting costume. Yet he was certainly distinguished looking. He drew near, he raised his sailor hat, he smiled. Grood Heavens! it was her fugitive fellow-traveller in that never-to-be-forgotten journey. Extreme fear was her first impression. It was near luncheon-time, and the beach was deserted. But he was beside her. " I humbly beg you to forgive me for presuming to address you," he said, standing hat in hand, looking and speaking earnestly — impressively. *' I have vvatched and waited for this chance ever since I heard you had left London for the Isle of Wight. Will you hear me?" " How — how did you know, how could you know that I was here ? " " 1 took measures to ascertain your movements, for I did not dare to write to you again. It might have been an offence — it would certainly have been pre- sum})tuous. Now I may not have many moments to speak, let me first thank you for your loyal silence; it has been most useful in puzzling the police. I see by your eyes — your face — that your faitti in me has been shaken. You have, no doubt, heard many exaggerated, absurd stories, but surely instinct must have told you tluit I was not guilty of robbing thuo unlucky bagman ? " "To speak the truth," returned Hope, who had flushed and then groAii white, though she felt her fears fade away as she listened to and looked at him, " 1 did not know what to believe. You only were in the carriage with this man, and — what was I to believe ? " " Do you believe it now ? " fixing his eyes on hers. "N — no — not while you are s[)e:ikiii-r. You seem too much a gentleman. Hut, oh ! do tell me how «lid li'.- li-n 'I 'fi; i:> f.,.. ^n.::-. 78 A. FALSE SCENT. you escape ; and don't, pray, don't stay long here. There are two or three rewards offered for you." " Yes, I know all about it ; but I am not in immediate danger here." He took the seat beside her, saying : " Will you permit me ? " The dogs came up, panting, barking, and sniffed about his legs, finally settling down in a friendly manner at his feet. *' You see," he said smiling, " your dogs do not growl at me with any instinctive recognition of villainy," "I do not know what to think," repeated Hope. " I cannot believe you robbed that poor man," and she slightly knit her brows with a pretty, puzzled look of distress, glancing round in evident fear of an approach- ing policeman. " If you can venture to stay, do — do tell me how you managed to escape after you left me." " After I left you," he repeated slowly, " I went out into the dark — in every sense. Well, I walked quietly for, perhaps, a quarter of a mile, took a cab, and drove to Waterloo, and so reached Portsmouth. There, as 1 had been told, a friend awaited me, an American, the owner of that yacht," pointing to the little vessel. *' Once on board the Fairy I was safe. If I could keep out of the way until the real conspirator, the man for whom I was mistaken, was found, I should escape the horrors of a Kussian prison,, out of which, with my reputation for Nihilism, I should find it difhcult to extricate myself. T thought myself at rest when I trod the deck of my friend's yacht." " But the papers, which rciche i us with tolerable regularity, soon showed me what liv'sh difficulties had cropped up. If I am cleared oi the suspicion of ^irarder, I re;illy cannot see how I am to clear myiclv ot the charge of theft. For the present I dare li' >< appear and deny the accusation, when I c;m d'^^ f«>, 1 Amy will have m;i Je the effort to disprove it more diftic'ilt. 1 do not Jjspair, however. I have never "IN THE TOILS." 79 lere. in Jside Ibout [r at Irowl been cut off from communication with some useful friends in London, and i still hope to get some clue to the real offender. Meanwhile, what 1 could not bear was that you — you who have lieen before my eyes ever since you forgave the shock, the terror I caused you, with such womanly courage and kindness — tliat you should think me a mere vulgar, common felon ! I would have risked anything to implore you to suspend your judgment. I managed to get tidings of you — to hear of your movements, and to ascertain you were at Shanklin." **But how — how could you henr of me?" cried Hope, quivering with fear and excitement. " It seems miraculous ! " "It was not difficult — one day 1 hope to explain matters, if you will listen. We were cruising up and down the south coast, putting into the ditt'erent little ports for letters and papers, I had no difficulty in landing occasionally here and loitering aliout, but I could never find you alone. I have watched the beach through my glass for hours in vain till this morning. And now, let me beg you to give me the benefit of your doubts. I am a gentleman, and incapable of acting in so dastardly a fashion ! My name " "I know it," said Hope, with a charming smile and blush. "You are Count Vescilitzki." " How do you know ? " gazing at her vith soft admiring eyes. " Because I found your photograph in ]\Ir.s. lenteith's book, and she spoke of you." ** Not too well, I am sure. I am out of favour with her." "Are you not staying too long?" ^ iv. Hope. "1 wonder you dare to land." " I would dare much for the sake of a ft w words with you. I know I must seem presumptuou>, but this i.s too precious a moment to be lost ! I live in the hope of meeting you again — in — the ardent desire of showing 80 A FALSE SCENT. h'-oCTi, iil you my heart, my nature good and bad, that you may form some idea whether I could one day be worthy of offering my life to you. Yes — yes — " as Hope rose in some agitation. " I see, you think me mad — I think I am, to venture to speak to you so openly — but just picture my position ! I may yet be trapped, and, failing to prove my innocence, I may vanish from the world for years before the King of Terrors frees me from a living death ! Even in such a tragic destiny I should like you to know the profound impression you have made upon me — that you will promise not to believe me a thief save on better proof than any hitherto brought forward. It cannot hurt you to hear these words. I ask no reply, unless indeed the for- giveness you might bestow on some offending wretch under sentence of death." " Yes, they do hurt me ! " exclaimed Hope, deeply moved, " they distress me infinitely ! It seems such insanity ! How could you be seriously affected by one short interview? I do hope you will get away and be very happy, and then you will forget about me, and we may meet and be good friends — but now do go ! I am dreadfully anxious " " One word, Miss Farrant, that is if you will be so gracious as to answer it," he interrupted. " Are you en- gaged to be married to the man I have seen walking about with you ? " " No, certainly not I I am not going to marry r " anyone "Thank you. You are better than I deserve. What can you think of me for such an outbreak?" " I shall not think about it if you will only go away. 1 am so sorry for you ! I do hope everything may come right ! Why don't you go to Spain, where people cannot be caught ? " Her eyes were full of teiTS, her red lips trembled. Vescilitzki looked at her steadily. ** Yes, I will obey )ou at once. But if I hear the good news that "IN THE TOILS.* 81 my guilty 'double* is found, may I come and tell you ? " " Oh, yes ! I shall be so glad." " Though the charge of theft still hangs over my head?" *' I do not believe a word of it." " Thank you, you give me new life, so farewell for the present." He raised his hat, and bowing low, walked quickly to the boat, followed by Pogie and Midge. Once more he turned, waved his hat, then sprang into the boat, the sailor in attendance shoved it off, and they were soon pulling rapidly back to the yacht. ****** Lady Thornton had twice " wondered " what kept Hope, before that young lady made her appearance at luncheon. ** I warned you, dear, not to go so far," said her ladyship, when she at la-^t made her ap pen ranee, look- ing exceedingly pale. **You must ha t; walked half round the island, and you look like a ghost." " I have been in my room for some little time,'* murmured Hope. " I felt a little giddy and head- achy ! I suppose the sun was rather strong — for » " The sun, my dear ! " screamed Miss VignoUes, who was also at table. " Why you have been wandering on the beach thinking *of the lad that's awa',' till you mistook the * warmth of your own heart for the summer sun.' " "Indeed I was not," said Hope, laughing a little tremulously. " I was too much absorbed in the present to think of the absent." ** Here's a discovery, my dear Lady Thornton ! Your young friend seems to have picked up a * locum teoimis ' for poor Mr. Farrant. ** Oh, ' les absents on toujours tort,* " Hope blushed vividly. 6 M^""; '. ::i 82 A FALSE aCENT. .•i 1. '1' -c/f, " Oh ! Mr?. ^lenteith will console him for any forgetfulness on my part," she said, trying to laugh. ** Ah, the spell works ! " cried Miss Vignolles, with a significant nod to Lady Thornton. "Nonsense," she returned sharply, " Bob Farrant would be a lucky fellow if he succeeded in pleasing the pretty widow." " Eeally, widows have too large a share of this world's goods," said ]Miss Vignolles, and to Hope's relief the conversation flowed on in a fresh channel. The interview with Vescilitzki produced a profound impression on Hope. In spite of the resistance ot common sense, the remonstrances of propriety, she was haunted by the sound of his voice, and the expression of his soft brown eyes. He was reprehensibly precipi- tate, and far too audacious yet — if — if he were caught and carriotl to a Russian dungeon, why — she could not bear it ! She wanted to go home — she wanted to stay — she hoped he would not try to see her again — she burned to know what news he would have to tell. Perpetually agitated by these thoughts Hope's rest was broken, aid her natural healthy appetite im- paired. Lady Thornton grew quite uneasy about her, and began to think she had been premature in forming so high an estimate of her wisdom. Meanwhile Hope spent much time in the balcony with the telescope. The white-winged yacht flitted in and out the bay ; the owner came on shore fre(juently, and even dined at the table cVhote. He was an amusing, much- travelled man, full of dry Yankee humour, and made himself very agreeable to Lady Thornton, taking little or no not ice of Hf)pe. It was four or five days after Hope's startling inter- view with Vescilitzki when Bob Farrant again ap- peared, to pay a flving visit from Saturday to Monday evening. Sunday was a trial, for both Lady Thornton and Miss Vignolle-; observed the day of rest by dozing "liN THb: TOILS." 83 my ia mt :he Ibis )e's over their respective novel?, and keeping indoors. Hope, therefore, h;id Bob on hands all day. But she took him with her for a long walk, in which, to her in- finite relief, they were joined by a hypochondriac old colone', who spent his days revolving from one health resort to another. The following morning was rainy and overcast, and Bob could find no excuse for persuading his cousin to come out with him. Time was slipping p:ist, and at five in the afternoon he was to start for Aldershot. Lady Thornton had gone to show some letters she had received from mutual friends, and Hope was sitting by the fire, more unsatisfied with herself and all around and more depressed than she had ever felt before in the course of her smooth life. Bob had gone off in the sulks to the billiard-room. To Hope enter the Grerman waiter with a grinning face and a salver in his hand, on which lay a card. Hope took it, and with curiously mingled pleasure and fear read the words " Count Loris Vescilitzki." " You vill see the shentleman ? " " Show him in," said Hope, rising and feeling her- self tremble. The next moment Vescilitzki was before her in the most correct morning dress. Handsome, distinguished, aristocratic — who could for a moment believe that he would put his hand in a poor clerk's pocket ? " I have ventured to come in person, as you were so very good as to say you would be pleased to hear my Kussian news. I am glad to inform you that my character has been cleared, though, I regret, at the cost of my kinsman's life. The traitor who turned in- former discovered him still lurking in Moscow. Alexis Vescilitzki would not be taken alive — he knew what awaited him ! The informer, who had confused him with me, recognised him as having been the man who shot the chief of the police, and, backed by several others, made an onslaught, but Alexis defended himself ':■■ i- 84 A FALSE SCENT. desperntoly, woaiided several of his assailants, and fell dead himself under their fire. An old friend of my father, and a man of influence, writes that he has taken care that my innocence shall be recorded and all proceedings against me stopped." " This is, indeed, good news. I congratulate you ! '* cried Hope, stretching out her hand frankly. He had hardly taken it when Farrant came into the room, ex- claiming excitedly: "Do you know they say that Russian scamp is in the house, and the police are after him ! " Vescilitzki, whose back was to the door, turned sharply at these words and faced Bob, who almost staggered with amazement. *' Vescilitzki, by Jove ! " he said. " I am Vescilitzki," returned the count calmly. " What the deuce is he doing here, Hope ? " cried Bob angrily. " What matter ? " said Hope, desperately, and wringing her hands. " Help him to get away. Bob, dear Bob ! See! If you will go out on the balcony — there are steps at the end — go through the garden on to the beach. Your boat is there ! You can escape ! Do of- go jj It is not safe for you to be taken — think She spoke brokenly and breathlessly, laying her hand on his arm. Vescilitzki looked down into her eyes for a moment with a radiant expression and said gently and respectfully, ** Pray do not distress yourself. I will not fly ! I do not fear the justice of any English tribunaL It grieves me " The entrance of the German waiter, followed by two policemen, interrupted him. " There ! " cried the waiter, pointing to him, " there he is ! I svear to him ! He is Vescilitzki, caUing himself a count ! I have vaited on him many times this spring in the Hotel Continental. He passes him- self as a great rich man. He is the murderer and the thief I" (( ••IN THE 101 La." 86 all " I have «i warrant to arrest you, sir ? " said the supprior of the two policemen, "on the charge of murder at Moscow and of robbery on the Great Northern liailway." "I am quite ready to accompany you,*' said Vescilitzki, " and we need not annoy this lady longer with our presence." Then turning to Hope, *' I regret infinitely that such a scene should take place before you."' ** If you have no pistols or knife," said the policeman, eyeing him curiously and hesitating to exercise his full powers, " I will not put on the luindcuiFs." " I am unarmed," said Vescilitzki, '* you can examine my pockets if you choose." " Why, gracious Heavens ! Where is that poor, dear child?" cried Lady Thornton, rushing in. "Has he tried to murder you, or to rob only ? How was it that you allowed so desperate a character to approach Miss Farrant ? " This to the master of the house, who now joined the assemblage in Lady Thornton's room. " I'm very sorry, my lady, but I don't see how " •* Take him away — don't stand talking about it ! " shrieked Miss VignoUes, in the background. " Don't you see she is ready to faint ? " " No ! I am not. Miss Vignolles," said Hope bravely, though she was as white as a sheet and trembled visibly. " I am not afraid of Count Vescilitzki. I do not believe he has done any harm ! " Vescilitzki stepped forward, bowed profoundly, and said quietly, but distinctly, "I thank you." Then, turn- ing to his captors, he added, "Come!" and walked from the room. " What does it mean ? " cried Lady Thornton and Bob Farrant in chorus How did you know ? " " An accidental acquaintance — travelling ! Oh ! do not ask me any questions! Let me go Lo ray room — I can hardly stand ! " and she fled from them abruptly. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) / O ^\% •w '^ 1.0 I.I 1.25 l^|2^ |2.5 1^ 1^ III 2.2 m 1-4 1 1.6 '/] S n m > /a '^ > 'r> ^7^ '/ /A Photographic Sciences Corporation S^ s w^ jp y o ..' ^ % ^1? o^ ri; 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14S80 (716) 872-4503 ? ^ \\ v^ ;\ r<:^ 86 A FALSE SCENT. " There is something extremely wrong here ! " said Miss Yignolles, solemnly. " The sooner you return that young lady to her legal guardian the better for your own peace of mind ! '* ,1,1 J, ^li CHAriEi^ vrir. "murder will out." Mr. Keating's love affairs prospered well. His ftancee grew more and more gentle and yielding. He made her many presents, even reaching the heii,ht of a small diamond locket. After which he proposed thai their honeymoon travels should be directed across the Atlantic, to visit his kind and generous brother, who was ready to re<,'eive them with open arms, and was a rich old bachelor into the bargain. To do Gussie justice, her only objection was, that if they were both away, and Ted left to his own devices, " Mother would go to the workhouse." Fired with love and generosity, Keating made a promise to settle something handsome on the old lady, and Gussie undertook to be ready within a fortnight for the weddiiig festivities, and an immediate start for the New World after. Still the lover remained in the doctor's hands, and though he visited Shears and Judkins' from time to time, he did not go regularly to business. Indeed, he told those gentlemen that he was strongly recommended to go abroad for a complete change, and Mr. Shears would have given him some com- missions for the house, were it not for his ignorance of foreign tongues. Tt was a day or two after Lisle had explained that he fould not pay the second instalment for the coveted '' Domenichino," when, shortly before the "MUEDER WILL OUT.' 87 |said urn for midday dinner time, Lisle knockod mid rang. ** Mis? Augusta," as he always called her, deferentially opened the door. " Very sorry to trouble you," said Ldsle, taking off his hat. He was accoinpanipd by a tall, broad- shouldered and heavy-looking man, who wore a long overcoat. "Is Mr. Keating at home?" continued Lisle. "He is not come in yet, and I think he will be late. He is gone in to Shears and Jud kins'." " Very unfortunate ! This gentleman, a great picture fancier, is anxious to inspect the Domenichino. Do you think Mr. Keating would mind our inspect- ing it in his absence ? " "Oh! I should think not." " Thank you. Will you walk upstairs, sir ? " Then, as his companion proceeded to mount the stair. Lisle said " sotto voce " to Gussie, " Rather think I shall make a good thing of this for both of us. Keat- ing ought to buy you a handsome cadtau out of the profits ! " "That's right! Make him shell out," and Gussie retired to assist her mother in making out one or two bills, which cost more trouble, as the young lady remarked, than they were worth. "1 wish you were quit of all this rubbish, mother,*' she said, kindly, "and settled in a couple of tidy rooms. Ted might go for an odd boy to uncle's, who would not refuse him now 1 am going to make a good match.'* They talked on at intervals of their plans and projects till Ted came in for dinner, and Gussie remarked, "My goodness! I believe those men are up there still!" and as she spoke the sounds of feet descending the stairs made tliemselves heard. As soon as tlije front door was heard to close Mr. Lisle tai)ped at Mrs, Allen's, and entering, said : " He is a very cautious customer, but aeems inclined to nibble, 88 A FALSE SCENT. El only he wishes to see Mr. Keating first. I should not be surprised if we got a hundred and eighty to two hundred out of him ! " " Law ! only think of any one giving such a sum for an ugly woman, who Iroks as if she had been crying her eyes out, and a blue shawl over her head." "When you return from your wedding tour, my dear Miss Augusta, you will have a truer apprecia- tion of art. As I am obliged to go out, will yoii tell Mr. Keating that I brought a well-known amateur to inspect his picture. Thank you ! May I have the latch-key ? I am going to a conference on artistic progress, and may be late." Gussie promised to deliver the message, and went contentedly to her dinner. But the afternoon passed and the greater part of the evening, and no Keating returned. Gussie and her mother grew terribly anxious. Indeed, the former was on the point of going to Mr. Shears' private residence to seek tidings of her missing lover, when a note reached Mrs. Allen, brought by a commiss-ionaire, in which Mr. Keating stated that he was going to spend the night at a friend's house, and to request that certain necessaries which he enumerated might be sent by bearer. This was accordingly done, but the messenger was quite impervious to all Gussie's questions, and departed, leaving her in a rage. While this portion of our little drama was being enacted in London, Lady Thornton and Miss VignoUes did their best to make Hope Fairant's life a burden to her in the Isle of Wight. Her resolute retreat to her own room only secured her a short respite. She was persecuted with queries as to how, where, when she had met that desperate villain Vescilitzki. To these she replied vaguely, that she had met him travelling somewhere some time ago, that he had been very civil, and seeing her in the hotel, he had taken the great liberty of •'MUKDEH WILL OUT." 89 to lum |een calling. Pressed further, she simply declared her intention not to utter another word on the subject, and to this she stuck. The strain upon her nerves had been rather too much, and she was so feverish and restless, at least in Lady Thornton's opinion, for Hope stoutly denied there was anything the matter with her, that her ladyship declared she would take her back to Town immediately, and consult a specialist as to her health. The day but one, therefore, after the catastrophe, described in our last chapter, saw Lady Thornton and Miss Farrant dining in the Carrington Place •* salle a manger." "I will not say a word about your extraordinary and mysterious acquaintance with this dreadful Russian to Sir Peter. What with his deafness and queer crotchety views, he would wear out every soul in the house with his efforts to get at the bottom of it." For this, Hope was thankful. Privately, after much self- commune, she wrote to her cousin Bob, begging him to come to see her at an hour when she would be alone. She had determined to confide her strange adventure to him, and consult with him how best to keep it dark from the rest of the world. She was greatly tigitated, for The Tiraefi^ on the morning of their return, had a short paragraph stating that a Russian of rank had been brought before the magistrate at C Street, accused of having been concerned in the late murder of Adrianoff at Moscow. The chief officer of the Russian de- tectives sent here to trace' him had come forward to inform his honour that he had just received news of the capture of the rea' murderer, who bore the same name as the accused, from whom, at the command of bis Government, he withdrew the charge. 90 A FALSE SCENT. " The Russian was, however, remanded for fnrthrr examination respecting the share he had had in plundering the clerk of Messrs. Shears & Judkins, who was so mysteriously robbed on the Great Northern Railway about a month ago. A fuller report will be given in our next " How was Veseilitzki to clear himself from this hideous, degrading accusation ? He could bring no witnesses — no proofs of any kind ; and who in London would believe the word of a Russian as against an Englishman? Even if ultimately by some miracle he was proved innocent, the fact of having been committed for trial would leave a stain ! She was eager to tell all to Bob — it would be such a relief to have some person to speak to of this secret which had been tormenting her. She could, of course, easily keep the spice of personality which had deepened the interest of the curious story so profoundly, out of sight. It was an awful trial, the opening of her tale ! However, secure in the fact that Lady Thornton had gone out with a long list of commissions for a friend in India, Hope summoned up her courage and plunged into the subject. Bob listened with immense surprise and breathless concern, interrupting only with exclamations sometimes slightly profane. *' Now, dear Bob ! " she concluded, " I want you to tell Lady Thornton that you know all about every- thing, and that you quite think I ought to keep silence for the present. And do help me to keep it from the dear general ! He would go wild about it ! Think of its all coming about from my having changed carriages to get away from the smell of tobacco ! You see poor Monsieur Veseilitzki was sure the carriage next him was empty, or he would not have come in and frightened me ! " *' Well, I am not so sure ! But I will tell you what I am sure of — that your Russian robber has made an impression that you do not even try to shake ott'. "MUEDER WILL OUT.' 91 hrr be Good God, Hope ! You surely would not give your heart to a fellow who, though he uuiy not be a murderer may " " Give my heart to a man I only saw twice in my life ? " interrupted Hope, crimson with indignation, " What a contemptible doll you must think me ! How dare you, Bob ? " " There, you are furious ! But don't you see, Hope, my darling, that I don't know exactly what I am saying? I am so awfully jealous ! No ! I will not stop ! I will tell you how desperately I love you — but I see you don't care for me. Will you never give me any hope that you will be my wife ? " **No, dear Bob! she returned, gravely, gently, " I must tell you the truth. I have known and loved you too long as a brother to think of yoa as a husband ! I am so sorry to grieve you and vex my dear uncle. But do try and put it out of your head, Bob ! There are so many nice, charming women who, not having been brought up with you, would fall in love with you if you made love to them ! " " How is it then that I didn't come to look on you as a sister ? " asked Bob gloomily. ** How can I possibly tell ? Don't look so cross and wretched ! You will still be my friend and help me ? " *' Oh ! You know I'd do anything in the world for you," cried Bob, tears standing in his eyes. ** Oh ! dear cousin ! I wish I could fall in love with you ! " sobbed Hope, desperately, '* but I cair t — I cannot ! " "Well, say no more about it — tell me what 1 am to do?" "Nothing, unless Lady Thornton speaks to you. Then just say solemnly that you think 1 tiad better say nothing about it at -present. Will you stay to dinner, Bob ? " 92 A FALSE SCENT. n "I think it would be kinder if you did not ask me ! " reproachfully. • *' Then just do as you like." "I will go and try to hear something of the examination — it must be going on to-day. So, good- bye ! Good-bye to Hope, indeed ! Couldn't you give a fellow a kiss for once ? " " Oh yes, Bob ! " cried Hope, with enchanting frank- ness, holding up her fair face. " There ! " she said, the next moment, " that will do ! Let me go ! You are very disagreeable ! " " Grood-bye, sweetest cousin, good-bye," and he rushed away. It was some time before he reappeared, for Hope, resolutely rejecting the suggested visit to the specialist, insisted on returning to her home and carry- ing with her all the papers in which any mention was made of the extraordinary Vescilitzki case. To this, in the dead season, the attention of all London was attracted for the traditional nine days' wonder. On Vescilitzki being brought again before the magistrate, the court was crowded by a fashionable audience, who evinced the deepest interest in the pro- ceedings. The circumstances which told so damningly against the count were duly set forth, and his case seemed hopeless, but before he could answer any questions the magistrate desired that Inspector Sharp should make his statement. Then a small, neat, pale, miserable- looking man was brought in and charged with the robbery of which he had accused Vescilitzki. In support of his statement the inspector called as a witness — Eugene Lisle — and in the examination which followed the following facts were elicited : — Lisle, an Englishman, born in Kussia, and em- ployed occasionally by the police, had been in England on his own business when the famous Moscow murdex ••MUKDEK WILL OUT." 98 took place. He was sought out by the Russian de- tectives to aid in tracking Vescilitzki, with whom he was acquainted. They had some difficulty, however, in finding him at the outset. " From the first," said the witness, "I doubted that Count Loris Vescilitzki had anything to do with the murder, and I worked diligently, because I hoped to clear him. I am under the greatest obligations to the count. He saved me from great misery — he rescued my only child from drowning. When I heard that he was accused of robbing this man " — pointing to Keating — " I felt con- vinced that such a thing was impossible, and 1 determined to unravel the mystery. " I found where Keating lived, I took lodgings in the same house and found him a model of punctuality, respectabilit}, religiosity; but I felt certain he was the thief. It was this conviction that guided me. For if he had taken the money he must have it in the house with him. " I found it difficult to get up any intimacy with him ; he was curiously cautious and watchful. I man- agf d at length to get up negotiations about a picture, and that opened a sort of acquaintance which entitled me to go in and out. I thought a certain bureau was the most likely place for him to conceal the money in, and I observed he once, and only once, unlocked it in my presence and then with a key attached to a chain worn round his neck. " I tried the lock with a pick, but it was of superior make and I' feared to betray myself by failing and leaving marks. At last chance favoured me. I came in one evening, unheard by Keating, and saw him standing in front of the bureau, which was open, and on the desk part lay several papers, a large roll of notes and a gold watch a^.d chain. This one of the employes in the house of Shears and Judkin will identify as that worn by Keating up to the time of the robbery. I at once gave information to the police and obtained a 94 A FALSE SCENT. search warrant. A detective officer opened the bureau and found the notes, the numbers of which corre- sponded with those entered by the country dealers as paid to Keating, a large amount of gold and the watch and chain." This was the substance of Lisle's evidence, given in answer to numerous questions in the course of his examination. It was listened to with breathless interest by all present, to many of whom Vescilitzki was personally known, and a loud buzz of talk arose, everyone dis- cussing with his neighbour the tremendous risk run by the Russian in creeping from one carriage to another when going at such tremendous speed. " Deuced plucky thing to do." " Gives one a pretty strong idea of what imprison- ment in Russia must be." " Horrid shame that a man of honour should be suspected of such villainy, and taken up as a thief." "Shrewd little scamp, that clerk ! He very nearly nabbed the money. Not a soul suspected him." And so on, till " Silence ! " was shouted, and the magistrate ordered Count Loris Vescilitzki to be set at liberty, assuring him that he left the court without the smallest stain on his character, or breath upon his honour. " By Greorge ! You have had a narrow squeak," cried a tall, " country-gentleman " looking man with a weather-beaten face and red whiskers, shaking Vesci- litzki's hand violently. " I stumbled to some purpose when I rolled that infernal, sneaking, detective fellow over. Where is Lisle ? Ah, here you are. Let me shake hands with you. By Heavens ! he'd be in for live or six years' imprisonment with hard labour, but for you, to say nothing of your sending him that warning to my place." ** Pray sir, say nothing about it," returned Lisle in a Jau rre- as tch in Ibis •MURDEU WILL OUT." f5 low tone and with a warning look. "Were that little fact to be whispered, I doubt if I should be safe even in this tight little island, out of which I du not intend to trust myself." **Ah, my dear Count Vesoilitzki," exclaimed Mrs. Menteith, ** let me claim acfjunintance with, and con- gratulate you." Her eyc.^ were shining through her tears as she put out an exquisitely-gloved little hand, over which Vescilitzki bowed profoundly, with a quick, questioning glance at the soldierly-looking, fashionably dressed young man on whose arm she leant, and who returned it by raising his hat politely, without the slightest sign of recognition. " Let me introduce my friend, Mr.Farrant, to you. Count. He has been so interested in you. Now you must come to dinner with me this evening. Do, pray, for the sake of old friendship." " I shall be very happy," returned Vescilitzki. " Thank you so much. Here is my card — quarter to eight. I will get some pleasant people to meet you, and oh, do please call that delightful follower of yours, Lisle, to speak to me." Lisle, who was in hearing, removed his hat and bowed. ** How did you manage so cleverly to find out every- thing ? " " Madam, I was convinced that no one but Keating himself took the money, and, so believing, I concen- trated all my attention on him. Still, fortune favoured me, for I owe more than I can say to the Count, wlio is the most generous and bravest of men." ** Well, fortune favours the brave you know. Is this tall gentleman Mr. Dacre ? Yes. I thought so. Will you waive ceremony and give me the pleasure of your company at a little dinner I am trying to get up in honour of our friend's hairbreadth 'scape ? " Dacre accepted readily and Vescilitzki, with his friends, left the court while Lisle was called back to give some further »H A FALSE bCEiNT. evidence ag;iinst Kejit in g, which was scircely necessary, as the wretched man threw up the s])oiige, confessin<^ his act and imploring for forgiveness, for he urged that the enemy of souls had taken him unawares and triumphed over him in a moment of weakness — an exphmation which by no means satisfied the magis- trate. CHAPTER IX. •*T0 15E OR NOT TO BE?*' Away in the quiet routine of her country home Hope tried in vain to resume her old occupations with her old interest. The post and the papers seemed all she cared about. The reports of the famous railway robbery case were all absorbing, and Lady Thornton's letters worried her not a little. That lady gave a graphic account of the scene in the police court, at which, it is needless to say, she made a point of being present. " Imagine my amaze- ment," so ran one of her concluding paragraphs, " to recognise in that clever rus6, Lisle, the curiosity dealer who came to see Sir Peter, and had a talk with us the day before we went to the Isle of Wight. You may re- member I thought him rather a remarkable man. Now, my dear Hope, 1 have been occupied ever since in the arithmetical operation of putting two and two together, and have come to the conclusion that Mr. Lisle's vi it in London and the Count's visit in the Isle of Wight were not unconnected. When will you give me the solution of this mystery? I deserve it, for I have been most discreet, and never breathed a word of the burning curiosity which consumes me to mortal. Mrs. Menteith and your cousin seem inseparable — at least, he is con- stantly up on leave and always with her. She gave a delightful impromptu dinner in honour of Count i; ••'10 BE OH NOT TO BL?" W lat id ill Vescilitzki, the day he was proved innocent, but she did not invite me. I have not seen Vescilitzki since. They say he is very busy arranging about naturalizii- tion, &c.^ &c., as he means to settle in England. Do write to me soon, &c., &c." Hope Farrant, however, was no sickly sentimentalist ; she took up all the lines of her ordinary life to all appearance as heartily as ever. She interviewed Mrs. MacGeoghan, the housekeeper, familiarly Mrs. Mac* She darned the fine old table cloths with her usual delicate skill, she played, and sang, and read, and went in and out among the overtasked mothers and rheumatic old women of her immediate neighbourhood, as cheerfully and diligently as ever ; but she was less light-hearted and content, and conscious of a vague sense of expectation that set her heart beating at post time and when the sound of horses' feet were heard approaching at unusual times. The hunting season was now in full swing and the stout old general took the field three timet: a week. It was a soft and rather damp December day and the scent lay strong on the ploughed fields and grass land. Hope often rode with her uncle to the meet, but did not hunt, as the old soldier though full of chivalry had a prejudice against women riding to hounds, never hesitating to declare that ladies in the hunting field were out of place and a d d nuisance. One dull, damp, evening, nearly three weeks after Hope's return from her eventful visit to Town, tfeneral Farrant returned unusually late from what Hope supposed must have been an unusually long run. She observed that he limped and looked a good deal fatigued. " Dearest Uncle," she exclaimed, with some anxiety, " What 18 the matter ? How late you are ! " " Don't fidget yourself," returned the general. " I feel half ashamed to tell you that I have had a spill. Why, it's years since siuch a thing happened to me ! " 7 98 A FALSE SCENT. 1 " Thrown ! " cried Hope, astonished and frightened, for her uncle was a heavy man. " Oh ! let me call Mrs. Mac ! You must want something ! You ought to see Dr. Hodge. I will send." " Nonsense, Sweetie ! I am all right. I have seen the doctor ! This is the way it happened. We had had but indifferent sport, didn't find for ages, lost the fox down by Clayton Woods, so we turned and rode home. I was vith a gentleman who has brought down his horses to Markborougb to hunt the country this season. Who do ^ou think? Why, that Russian fellow the row was about — Vescilitzki ! Well, just crossing a field near the town, Brown Bess put her foot in a hole, made a desperate effort to recover and rolled over with me ; my foot was under her, but I have got off won- derfully well. The Kussian was uncommon civil and kind, was off his horse in a tv» inkling, gave me brandy from his flask, sent his groom (he does things in style, I can tell you) for a trap and to warn Hodge that I was coming, looked after Brown Bess (I am afraid it will be a bud job with her) and his own hunter, came with me to the doctor's, came with me to the stables, here. I wouldn't let them drive to the door for fear of frightening you, my puss! But he wouldn't come in, so he's g( le back in the fly." Great was the excitement in the quiet household, for the general, though arbitrary and at times a little rugged, was greatly liked by those who served him, and that evening Hope had no time to think of any- thing but her uncle and his needs. The next day was Sunday. The doctor came before church time and permitted the general to move from his bed to the sofa in his dressing-room, where Hope read him the morning service, and '* The Tramp Abroad " by way of a sermon afterwards. The day went by rather slowly, for the hunt having dispersed before General Farrant's spill none of the neighbours were aware of the accident. ••TO BE OR NOT TO BE?" 99 a Hope was ashamed of the nervous expectancy which made it almost impossible for her to understand what she read, or to follow out clearly any line of thought. She and her uncle were alone at Upfield, a very unusual thing, and she was beginning to feel a little weary between the unassisted effort to entertain her uncle all day and the feverish unrest which tormented her. Daylight was beginning to fade, and the general had fallen into a doze when his man brought him a card. " Gentleman would be glad to see you, sir." " Eh ? What ? Who ? " cried the general, con- fusedly. " Oh, Vescilitzki ? Yes, by all means, bring him up! You stay. Sweetie, and thank him for his kind attention to your old nunks." Hope, partly agitated, partly amused, stood a little behind her uncle's sofa, while the general greeted Vescilitzki with great cordiality, then he said with a wave of the hand towards her : "My niece. Miss Farrant, Count." Vescilitzki bowed with much gravity, and Hope, in a slightly unsteady voice, thanked him graciously and gracefully for his kind attention to her uncle. Each treated the other as a complete stranger, and the general at once plunged into a discussion < t the curious difficulties which had encompassed the Count. From this it was an easy digression to hunting and the capabilities for sport offered by the surrounding country, Vescilitzki avowing that he had some idea of buying a place which was for sale in the neighbourhood, which was partly the reason for his establishing himself in Markborough for a couple of months. As he said so, his eyes sought Hope's, calling up a sudden vivid blush, which made her very thankful that she was sheltered fron: her uncle's observation by being i)Mrtly behind hi; hofa. ■^■wi w I , mi» , •t mjtnm * i i 100 A FALSE SCEm. But the general was getting tired and wished to finish his nap. '* It's a very good neighbourhood," he said, concluding a panegyric on the country round the Upheld. " As soon as 1 get on full rations again and am allowed to walk downstairs, you must come and dine with us, and meet some members of the hunt — excellent fellows ! — Now, Sweetie, take the Count down stairs and give him some tea. She is a first-rate tea- maker I can tell you ! " " You are very kind. I have the national love of tea," returned Vescilitzki, rising with alacrity. Hope rose also. She had Fcarcely spoken during the interview and now felt half pleased, half inclined to run away ; but, self-respect enabled her to present a calm exterior. She led the way rather rapidly down the wide oak stair with shallow steps and broad banisters along a long passage, warmly carpetted and dim in the fading day-light, into a square tiled hall, also dim, then opening a door they came into the comfortable well-warmed drawing-room, a large room with abundant picturesque angles, recesses, bay-windows, draperies, a pleasant heterogeneous mixture of styles in fur- niture, plenty of books and low seats, a grand fire and overhanging mantel- shelf. Near this was set a tea-table, while the lamp on the mantelpiece made a pleasant, soft brightness round the centre of attraction. " How charming your English houses are ! I have never seen anything like them elsewhere ! " said Vescilitzki, in a surprisingly easy tone as he paused beside the tea-table, while Hope sat down and took the cosie off the tea-pot and, admiring his coolness, looked up to reply. Meeting his eyes she could not resist a certain sense of the ridiculous, and laughed suddenly and merrily, " Ah ! "' cried Vescilitzki drawing a chair near her. " I dare not join you — only he can laugh who wins — and I am far from the goal ! When last I saw you, ••TO BE OK NOT TO HE?" 101 \ I little thought when and where we should meet again." *' I am very, very glad to think you are safe," said Hope kindly. " I thank you from my heart," he returned, in a low earnest tone. "If you but knew the immense restraint I have put upon myself to resist the inclination to leave all I had to attend to, in order to — to seek my fate, you would give me credit for some strengtli of purpose." **I am sure you are very determined! And what has become of that wonderful man. Lisle ! " asked Hope, to change the subject. " He is at present in London, and we — Dacre and I — hope to get him some appointment in the British or South Kensington .Museum. He is really clever and cultivated. Have you heard from your cousin, young Farrant, lately ? " " No, why do you ask in that tone ? " " Because I have heard on tolerably good authority that a marriage will shortly be announced between ihe charming Mrs. Menteith and the gallant Lancer." " Impossible ! " cried Hope, opening her eyes incredu- lously. " i imagine there is some truth in it," said Vescilitzki, adding in a i)eculiar tone, " Hearts are often caught in the rebound." There was a few minutes* silence, then Vescilitzki put down his cup and looking seriously into his companion's speaking face, asked : " Suppose your uncle is so good as to repeat his invitation to dinner, would you advise me to accej)t it ? " '*0h pray do what you like best, Count Vescilitzki.' "That is not the question," he returned im- pressively. " But do you permit, and second the invitation ? " Hope hesitated, smiled, blushed, looked down and said : 102 A FALSE SCENT. " Well, perhaps you might as well accept." * * * * * Ik Reader ! do you not hear the sound of wedding-bells borne softly on the air which heralds a New Year, a New Life ! TTifc: END. flls AAGIG • SGAliE. WILL. C. ROOD'S PATENT. culai. Cut repre- sents the Magla Scale. being onenintb ts actunlsize. It is not a niodelorchart.but a Scale of inches By it any lady can cut from any fashion plate, making a perfect fit w'thout Change of Seam.. Agents wanted. Enclose three Cents for Cii> The Simplest and most Perfect Tailor System of Cutting. • MISS £. J. CHUBB, • 179 KIJS'G ST. WEST, - TOF^ONTO. Best Tape Measures^ Measure Books, Tracing Wheels, &c., always on hand; also, an assortment of • both Wicker and Adjustable Wire; rcaiherbone and other Corsets, &:. Dresses and Linings Cut and Fitted. Perfect Fit Guaranteed. ^•^^-•A <«'Will RemoYO on 1st October, 1$S8, to 42^)2 YON6E STREET. CROWN 8V0, PAPER, 30 CENTS. THE MAN-HUNTER: LEAVES FROM THE NOTE-BOOK OF A DETECTIVE. BY DICK DONOVAN. •* This is a capital book for railway rending It will serve to pleas- antly while away an idle hour." — Echo. *' The stories are not the less enthralling in their interest because they are the record of actual experience An entertaining book For some time past the appetite for such stories has been keen in the public mouth, and Mr. Donovan's collection has every prospect of success before it." — Scotsman. *' Thrilling stories, told with a literary skill and force of imagination well calculated to elicit the interest of the most careless reader." — Perthshire Advertiser. " Entertaining detective stories. They are well written, and deal with a variety of crimes and strange adventures." — Manchester Examiner. " Without doubt one of the best collections of detective stories ever pro- duced." — Derbyshire Courier. " From the circumstantiality of the details that are given, it is clear that the stories have been written by a genuine detective Several of the stories contain a wealth of pathos, and are characterised by a refinement of style which cannot fail to be admired. But Dick Donovan's experiences have not all been pathetic. Readers of his adventures will find them as varied as they are inter- esting." — Dundee Courier. ** There are few detective narratives which are likely to meet with more approval, or find a larger class of readers, than * The Man-Hunter.' Admirably written and very fascinating." — Society Herald. "A capital volume A clever and fascinating book in every respect." — Derby Gazette. " 'The Man- Hunter * is a story-book which should have a phenomenal circulation." — Illustrated London News. "The adventuics of a successful thief-catcher, well told by himself, have a bizarre fascination of their own, and certainly Dick Donovan's exploits lose none of their glory in his deft handling." — Whitehall Review. ** The tales are well told, and the book is distinctly worth reading." — Manchester Guardian. " For such a book as this popularity is certain. The tales are very cleverly told, the Situations are thrilling and exciting, and the ingenuity and patience with which the slender threads of evidence are followed up are remark- able."— BIRMINGHAM Daily Post. Crown 8vo, paper, 30 Cents. Ti PASSMR FROM OTLiND Hi. Opinions of the Press : '• It would seem as if on this side of the Channel we are destined to have a school of 'detective fiction.' If it at all maintains the level reached in ' The Passenger from Scotland Yard,' this will be a source of unmixed pleasure to the novel reader. The pioneers of this class of literature have in Mr. Wood a formidable rival. His book is one of the best constructed and best written of this class that has yet been produced. The much abused words * absorbing ' and * exciting ' are especially applicable to this clever work." — Morning Post. *' An anxiously elaborate detective story after Gaboriau. . . . The book should be read in the train — if possible, the night mail to Paris." — Saturday Review. ** Mr. Wood is a clever writer. Indeed, if this be his first literary ven- ture, he is very much to be congratulated on the success which he has achieved. . . . Sensation enough and to spare, but all of the most pleasantly stimu- lating kind ; and we are not ashamed to confess that at times we were aware of a thrilling sensation which recalled our youth and the days when we read for pleasure and not for business. Therefore the delights in store for the casual reader of Mr. Wood's book may be imagined." — Whitehall Rkview. •* A detective story, the author of which is very skilful in suggesting wrong theories for the reader to start upon." — St. James's Gazette. '* Mr. Wood's clever and exciting tale. . . . The book is an uncom- monly favorable specimen of its class ; the characters are well drawn, the style is alert, and the ingenuity of the plot is worthy of Gaboriau. The denouement is spiritedly worked out. Mr. Wood takes great pains with his minor characters, and the results are eminently satisfactory." — ATHENiiiUM. "Clever and interesting." — Congregational Review. *' An undeniably clever story. . . . The interest of the story is cleverly maintained, and the adventures of ' The Passenger from Scotland Yard,' and the group of conspirators in whose movements he manifests such a lively concern, are put through their paces in a sufficiently sensational way to please even a blase reader of this kind of fiction." — Leeds Mercury. ** This is a cleverly narrated detective story, on an original plan, and with original and sharply drawn characters. . . . We cordially commend th? work as a clever and conscientious sketch of contemporary life, and as a thoroughly entertaining * tale of two cities.'"— Galignani's Mkssknger. *' A detective story of far more than ordinary interest. ... It is far above the ordinary range of such fiction. . . . It is a well constructed, well written, powerful story."— Scotsman. " The detective of fiction is still irresistible. . . . Mr. Wood's por- traiture of the great Byde of Scotland Yard is cleverly managed. . . . Most people will try to get through ' The Passenger from Scotland Yard' at a sitting." — Glasgow Herald. TORONTO : THE NATIONAL PUBLISHING COMPANY.