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Being a Cojiplete Practical Guide to all Depart- ments OF Journalism, Literary Work generally, and Book-producing, with special advice in re- ference to Imaginative Literature. By Percy Russell. Author of " King Alfred," " After this Life," " A Journey to Lake Taupo, and Australian Tales and Sketches," &c. Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, price os. Postage 4^d. .'. This ]\Ianual has been specially planned to afford real help to all desirous of entering an// branch of the Literary Profession. The information given is in all cases derived from actual personal experience extending over twenty years of uninterrupted work in all dex)art- ments of working Literature. LONDON : DIQBY & LONG, Publishers, 18, BouvERiE Street, Fleet Street, E..\ A complrfe Cataloijue of Xovels, Travch, Itioiinqihics, Pofins, Si'c.,frce 1)11 post on app/if((fioii. ARC i DIGI 18, r- '/ frS 1 THE YSTERIOUS STRANGER: Vof))lS, A ROMANCE OF ENGLAND AND CANADA. BY C. H. THORBURN LONDON: DIGBY AND LONG, PUBLISHEES, 18, BOUVERIE STREET, FLEET STREET, E.G. 1890. / !| London ; Digby and Lotif;, Publishers, 18, Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.C. s 1 CONTENTS. PAGE. Chapter I. — Reverie .... 1 Chaptkr II. — The Volunteers — A Bache- lor's Room — Mysterious Stranger — Sealed Package and Sealed Envelope — Kissing— Gone . . . .10 Chapter III.— At the Office— The AVest End — Bank Note — For her sake — Sixth of May 29 Chapter IV. — Eighth of May — Broad Street Station — Leave England within a month . . . . . .37 Chapter V. — Highgate — Farewell Sup- per — London Police — New York Police 49 Chapter VI. — Start for Canada — The SS. Pdrman — Life on Board — Ireland — Funeral at Sea — Quebec — Montreal — Mosquitoes . . . . .64 VI CONTENTS. Chaptkk VII. — Toronto — Spring, Sum- mer, Autumn and Winter — 2nd Battalion Queen's Own Rifles of Canada . . . . . .101 Chapter VIII. — London, Ontario — 7th Battalion Royal Fusiliers — London Life — Hades — Characters . . . 109 CiiArTER IX. — Harold Renshaw — Saint's Rest 120 Chaptek X. — Dance at the Tyler's — Canada as compared to England . 125 Chapter XL — A Canadian Winter's Night — Tobogganing — Bank of Mont- real — Bank Clerks in Canada . .135 Chapter XII. — Detective - Sergeant Holland of Scotland Yard — Arrested for Murder and Robbery — Good-bye — Drive to St. Thomas . . . .148 Chapter XIII. — Topics of Conversation 171 Chapter XIV. — England — Trial — Dis- covery of the Body — London after dark — Innocent . . . .176 ChaiI st( ChaiI Nil Chai] Hi in Ches The L()Y.^ CONTENTS. VI 1 CiiAPTKii XV. — Hastings — The old, old story ! — Isle of Wi<^lit — Matrimony . 202 Chapter XVI. — "\Vcddmperty in some far distant country. These ,4 pjgQ " inlind of dreams are always to a more or less Id he bel^t^^^ indulged in when the " rises " come 3 on thef^* "^ ^^ English bank. And many mut- the samefci'ed determinations to resign may be heard r about a week after the eventful, most come andl^'cntful, day in the year of the banking 2ars of thefoi-ld. I Although 1 a.m., Vincent Raymond did ear • theyi^* appear at all anxious to go to bed. He t vear. 1^^ ^^^ j^^^ returned home ; for in accor- the busiJ^iice with the traditions of the branch office n AfricaJlG was in, the staff, with the exception of anotheit^^ young juniors, had been round the , to Ne\N'^^i'i-? " either to smother disappointment or 1) celebrate good fortune, staff left! I^^} ^^^^ drew the couch up to the fire ; all beeit^pcd on more coals ; poured out a glass th bowie^l P^rt ; drew the table close to where he ■H 4 The Mtjsterious Stranger. was sitting ; turned the lump low ; stretched himself full length on the couch .nnd sank into a dreamy re2:)0se, watching the smoke of his cigar as it curled Lizily up until it joined a cloud that hovered in a soft, uncer- tain, undulating manner about two yards from the ceiling. Occasionally an indepen- dent body of smoke, becoming restless and tired of tlie supervision exercised over it by the rest, would break away ; float gracefully downwards in the direction of the hre, as though about to caress it ; but, on discovering how near danger it was, would, Avhen within about two feet of the tempter, pause, as though wondering what to do, and hastily decide to take flight up the chimney. Raymond lay there, enjoying the recollec- tion of all the most pleasing episodes of his young life. As each recollection succeeded another, it minified with the curls of smoke The Mysterious Stranger. 5 etched i sank smoke ntil it uncer- yards depen- ds and • it by cefully jre, as vermg Avithin ise, as liastily collec- of his ceeded smoke and formed pictures, which in their turn would escape up the cliimney to be replaced by others. There were many and varied scenes in which he had played a part : now two lovevs walking slowly up a moonlit lane in a warm summer's evening ; then a clear star-lit night, skating with friends over the smoothest of ice, illuminated with many coloured lights ; now with a marching column or on the field in a sham fight with the volunteers ; now waltzing with a partner, pretty, pensive, though jolly and just the same step, who promises to " sit out " a dance by-and-ljy in tlie dimly lighted conservatory ; now strolling along the cliffs l)y the sea in summer time, or skimming over the water in a yacht, or perhaps diving off a pier or boat into the glorious sea ; now lying under the shade of a tree on a grassy slope, with a river flowing bv ; now at the Alljert Hall 6 The Mysterious Stranger, on the night of a good concert, listening to! Patti, Sims Reeves, Edward Lloyd, Patey, Foli, and other musical lights ; now reclining in a boat, smoking a cigarette and talking to a dear girl who is steering the boat as they float back with the tide from Richmond ; and crowds of other recollections equally as| pleasurable had taken possession of his^ thoughts. In the midst of all these reflec- tions, he paused to listen to the rich and solemn sounds of Big Ben, whose message was wafted to this northern suburb by the southerly l)reeze. It was now 3 aji. Raymond with an eflbrt braced himself together to dispel these idle thoughts. Time waits for no man, and he must be at the office as usual by 9 a.m. He jumped up from the couch, turned the light ujd, and, walking over to the desk, took out a letter, which he read and re-read. mad anv so of Tlie Mysterious Stranger, 7 " I cannot leave," he said in a reproaching tone. " She has been and is a dear good girl. I shall go to bed now, and think no more about my plans until the morrow." Raymond had determined to go abroad and seek his fortune unless he got a good "rise." He had declared this, with others in the office, and now that the conditions that were to determine his going abroad were fulfilled, he felt very reluctant to go. It is one of the most mar\'ellous dispen- sations of life, that of, when reviewing our past, conjuring up all the pleasing recollec- tions. These recollections follow each other thick and fast, while the unpleasant ones — ones that at the time of their occurrence made us feel that never was the fate of any mortal being so utterly Avretched and so dc\'oid of hope — require a great deal of dio'o'incr and drudf]^ery before tliev are 8 The Mysterious Stranger. uneartlied. So it Avas Avith Rfiymond as he lay there looking into the past. All the pictures a^ they presented themselves to his view in those waves of smoke floatin": above him were pleasant ones. He wanted to iind a tanoible reason for going abroad ; yet no displeasing pictures, illustrating the mode or manner of life that he was now living, would ap})ear to his vision. I had often heard him sav, " I am no better off than a slave ; such a life is not worth living." Quarter nights when the balance comes wrong, many bank clei'ks are apt to feel dissatished with their lot about 12 p.m. Two or three days afterwards they are quite happy again. All is forgotten until the fifteenth or last dav of the month, when, if invited to play tennis with a The Mysterious Stranger, 9 Ip.arty of friends in the afternoon from 5 to 7 p.m., they imagine themselves again suff- ering under the yoke of a tyrannous, oppressive, grinding and crushing monopoly. \ \ CHArTER II. ' * All orators are dumb when beauty pleadeth." " Most sad, she sat, but oh ! most beautiful ; if sorrow stole A charm awhile from Beauty, Beauty's self Might envy well the charm that sorrow lent To every perfect feature." I^^'HREE months liad passed by and it f(^l p^i, ^yr^g j^Q^y Apvil. Tlic staff at the bank had settled down to another year of banking-, and had attended the " Gilbart Lectures " at Kino-'s Colleire. The next subject tliat would engage the attention of hundreds of the London bank- clerks was the Easter volunteer re\'iew. Raymond was reclining in the easy chair. llie Mysterious Stranger. 11 He was dressed in a rifle uniform, for he had heen to drill to-night. He was thinking how, if out of England, he would miss this Easter review. I am a volunteer myself, and when I recall the incidents of the Easter manceuxres it makes my pulse (juicken and my blood to course through my A'eins with renewed activity. There is the mustering in the early morning of Good Friday ; then the forming of brigades and marching columns ; later on the glorious uncertainty of the whereabouts of the enemy ; the bi\'ouacking at night ; perhaps a brush with the enemy's outposts, whom we valiantly disperse before settling for the night ; the church parade ; life in barracks, and then the field day. What a glow of health and vigour it all seems to impart ! Then the '^ march past," each battalion anxious to gain but one 12 lite Mysti't'loiis SfraiKpT. word of pniist' ho\\\ the Coininaudor-in- Chief. And when i\\v. tliou He liekl her tiii'htb' in his embrace : lie felt her heavino; bosom aojainst his breast as he strii^'ii'led to look into her face, while he pleaded with her to turn her face to him. He let her hands drop. '• You are offended Avitli me, and dislike me ? " he said, pausino' and lookin<; at her appeahngly in the face. k( No, 'tis not that," she said at last, bending ances ; her head and the towen oom. (ireat Scott ! " the seat was vacant. I,"' he nmi'niiired, lookini:' round u Great God I she's lanet is of mine." ^iidT^^T was the cvenin^]^ of the ei^irhth of ^lav and Mncent Avas seated in the waitin<2^ room, scanninfi; the many faces that were continually coming and going. " Five past eight," he said to himself in a desponding tone ; " and she not here." Perhaps I shall never hear or see her again." AVhile thus ruminating to himself, a lady, hvho had been sitting reading a book opposite 88 The Mijsfcrious StramjiT. him, and whom Ik; liad noticed on entei'in'nise ! You look so much I stouter. Of course I can't see vour face under that thick \q'\\. Will you lift it up,| please, just a little? " " Not here, Vincent," she said. '' I want tol The Mjisfrridus StridHjer, 39 )('n kt. '1 () vou soiiiownci'o, ■\vnere av( 1) >1 IK) tV'Jir of bcin^- intc'ri'ii])t('d. ;liall 1 lave ^Tust vou 1)0 hack lici'o to-uiii-ht, «)!• have \'(»u a loiiniev l)cf ore \ou 1 10 as kod " Xo, 1)iit I oiiiilit to 1)0 lioi'c^ aLiaiii about >u con- I liiill' p:i^t tou." " r think tlio l)ost tliinii-, thou, will be for us to ,ii'<» by train to liiclunoud and back. I Avill no- this 9 ti[) the li'uard and ii'ot a Hrst class carriao-e to ourselves Are vou willinii' To do that, 1 lowcna be mis- J Soon after, they Avere seated to^i'ether, lucked up in a first class c()ni})artnient, on thouLrht J Their way to liiclunond. Uaynioiid had pulled the blinds down, and they enjoyed the privacy that only one's own house could otherwise ati'ord. Lift your vo! I 1 towena w :ill you, please?" he said, lifting it at the same time want tol himself. 40 77//' Myati'rinus Stranrjer, "Yes, 'tis tho same face. How it has haunted iiie ever since ! Althuu<;li I have hut seen you once })ef()i'e, })eheve nie, llowena, T love you rej' The passengers had all left the platform ere this kiss had died away. All was ([uiet and still auain. Ravmoii ^ ' J' ip. op( door, and, grasping both hur hands, helped her out. 44 Tlte ^fy.'et off. Hold ! " And she — your goddess — has landed, and is kissing her hand to some fellow on board. Lucky fellow ! The cheers sound fainter. Faces seem as though in a mist, and now lost to sight. Your dream is ended. " Like the dew on the mountain, Like the ioiim on the river, Like tlie bubble on the iountain. Thou art gone, and lor ever." The Mysterious Strniajcr. 47 This is how llaymond felt ns he stood NYatching' thf train that bore Rowena away from him. He watched the train start. At first it moved slowly ; but gathering up speed, as tliough it had now made up its mind that she could not escape^ it, rushed out of the light into the dark, screeching, yelling, putting and throwing up sparks of fire Avith excitement at the thought of the prize it had captured. Its red eyes behind were all Raymond could sec now. Thev seemed to be mockinii' him and irrowinii" smaller. iMcrv now and then they would close their evelids as though winkino^ ; open them again, as much as to say, *' I see vou." It is u'roAvint"' tired of this fun, for it only occasionally opens its eyes, and has now closed them in ecstacy, and is tearin"; alon"- through the darkness with her. It seemed to him that the darkness was aiding this demon to take her from him. 48 IVie Mysterious Stranger, " She may be imprisoned in some monster's Ccastle and I shall never see her again," he said, turning away and getthig into his train for home. CHAPTOR V. " Adieu, adieu I My native shore Fades o'er the waters blue ; The uight winds sii^h, the breakers roar, And shrieks the wild sea-mew. Von sun that sets upon the sea We follow in his flight ; Farewell awhile to him and thee, My native land — good night." fl(iH(JiVTE Avas wide .'nvake, and had ^ adorned itself in some of its most fresh and fancy costnmes for this briuiit sunny ^lay day. For some months past it had worn a very solemn, cold, reserved appearance. The stately trees had not deigned to l)e aroused from their long repose ; and had maintained a sevci'e determination to live E 50 TJic Mijs ft')' tolls Str(()Hjt'r. witliout aiiv iiiinsv c'overiii»i-. Hut, hitch, they li}i(l i-elontud, jmd were now dcckt'd in the richest und t'resliest h.^okin^ii' ^'I'eeii ganueuts. The ii'jinkMis of ilie liouses Avere aav Avith flowers, that seemed to participate in the genei'al rejoicin'*-. The siiu itself seemed lauiihiiiii' s>ood natiiredlv as it Avatched the plcMsurc its })reseuce ailorded. liavmond Avas Avalkiuii' u}) the hill. He thou<»ht it less stec}) tlian ever before ; and BHi(>'li<>-; the i)eo})le Avere pleasanter and kinder than M AH founi Ithey ling' SI lappea idie ii Isluml) never )eacea N'oiy b klei'lv 1 evei" )f peai u What a deli ' farcAvell calls, and hay mo He irtectio )art of " I m me an Itf the TJie Mysterious Stranger. 51 found himself cnvyin<^ all these people because thcv were destined to be settled in this charm- t <'reeii Sinii' suburb for the rest of their lives. It now a})peared to hiui just the place to live and that [die in. And as you were fallino- into j^lumber from Avhicli you knew you would never wake, what a delightfully comforting, )eaccable fcelin<^ would ha infused into your verv being, knowing that you Avould be ten- tlerly laid down in those beautiful grounds at [ighgate, set apart for such sleepers ! All the surroundings of Highgate breathe )f peace and comfort. Or so it seemed to aymond to-day. He knew every spot and felt a great iffection for these places that were all now as kirt of his life. " I must have a last stroll down ^lill-tield me and across the fields," he said, turning llf the main road into the lane. 52 The ^f1Jstenous Straiujer, "By Jove! liow l)e{iutit'ul it nil looks I Before liim lay a stretch of hilly country, not' what can be called : yachts over the i)ond immediately iii front of him. These vachts Avere dancinsr iij the sunli«:'ht : and the skylarks were soariii.i out of siirlit, Avarbliu": the sAveetest o:! songs. EA'Crybody and eA'cr^'thing seemed rci joicing. Kaymond alone seemed sad ; for lii| was leaving it all. He had left the bank aiui TJie }fijsf('ri<>us Sh'taif/'T. 53 was to sail for CaujuUi on the twentieth of this month. It was now the twelfth, and lie was i]roin<2: to-morrow to Bi'i;j^hton to spend tlie rest of his time in Eniibind witli his people, who were now residing' there. What 11 time it is, this goinu* abroad — photni>-raphs, keepsakes, flowers, farewells, tlu'atres. parties, Av^alks, drives, and so much and sueh varied advice, hints and lectures ! To-night it was to be a supper Avith the start' of the bank. Eight o'clock p.m., Ray- nioiid Avas sitting ronnd a table Avith the staff that he had been Avith every day for the last four years. Supper over, the fun of the evening started. Champagne, Scotch, Irish, Sherry and Port all took part in making this a jolly gather- ing : let alone the assistance of [)ipes, cigars and ciii'arettes. Such recitations, toasts, 54 The Myskrhms Sfrant/rr. speeches, vows of eternal tVieiidsliip and patri(jtie })r()iiiises could not be beaten. The son<>-s, too, were s])len(li(l. One played and san_i»; " Home, sweet home " ; l)ut in doing so, became a target for bread, leii's of fowl, tarts, biscuits, almonds, raisins, walnuts, and many other edible things, until he was per- suaded to leave off. " Don't })lay that," said the colonel ; " you will make liaymond miserable." "No, it is his futures home I am singing of," was the reply. And that was the signal for them all to sini;' the soni»\ . The Scotch, Irish and English volunteers were represented in this festive gathering. So there were some very military and patri- otic toasts and speeches. " The Royal Family," " The Army," " The Navy," '"The Reserve Forces," were all toasted with due honours and orcat enthusi y7/( .Uysf<'riou,'< StrtiHt/ir. 55 After awliilc tlicv vied Avitli each other in suiiii'cstin^i;- suhjt'cts tor toasts and for rofillin*^ the uImssc'S. "The J^ondoii and Wyburn l)aiik,*' " Her Majesty s Forces in K^xvpt," •' Tlie Friends of Knuland," Our (\)lonies," The ('i\il Sei'\ice The BaiikiniTi World, Our American ('onsin^ Oiu" liearths and lome risli " '•En.irh'sh Girls," ^ (iirls," ''Ccdouial GirL Scotcli Girls, ,' - Oar .Aloth eV; Oiu' [''ather The Ivondon Irish, Th(^ London Scottish," '' Tiie Lon(h)n Rifle Briua(h The Third Middk'sex Ififk's," - Her Miijestys Forces in India," '' War (\)rrespon- (lents J onrna list^ British Police Forces The House of f.onk rr Tlie II ouse o f ( oni- l 13atri- ■ iiions,"' "Our Diplomatists," "Captain Shaw aiK 1 1 ns 1) (luck 1 )rawnv men. and so on thruULdiout the evenimr. u'liins, ' in a speech, said, " I 1 lope that V iro to war witli Russia, that we, the 56 The ^fysU'riniis Sfrafir. British Volunteers, shall be found fiorhtin (r toirether, shoulder to shoulder with tl le Canadian volunteers in defence of the im- pel ial interests of the irreatest empire the wor Id I las ever seen. The iiiasses rattled as thev cheered and ailed U d [ upon Kaymond lor a speecli, as repre- sentin<»' the (Canadian volunteers. He pointed out that he had no idea about what he Avas called u])()ii to speak of; l)ut he 'ould assur them, ''as an old volunteer,"' that he would not let an o])poi'tunity of joinin^ii' our CanachMii Adlunteers o'o l)v. And lie hoped, judging from tlie present (nitlook iii the East that he niiu'ht be found side b\' side with thi'in nil Ix'fore lou'/ in AfuhanistMU doini:" their dut\', ixMsuadinii' the liussians that they had made a mistake. A mist.ake that it AV'ould take Russia veai's and vears to recover from. T.oud and jU'olonged cluHM'ing, Tlw Mj/sfi'n'i)i/s Stran(je)\ 57 in the. midst of which two of them went out of the room for a few minutes jind returned with ;i hu'ge tin of toljucco, ji handsome ])hoto^Taj)liie alhmn, a meerschaum ])i))e and a phish- covered to])aeeo pouch. These were nil pre;- pented to ilaymond on belialf of tlie staff hy the "Admiral," the chief clerk, who made ji very able speech, referrino(l fellow" was shouted and smiii* bv jdl, and l)reMkiiiir into "God save the (•iueen" thcv found their Avay down stairs out into the street. It was a bright moonlight night Avhen they SMllied forth out of their sui)per room into Oxford Street. Grou[)ed together on the pavement, con- sultiui!' each other- where to j»'o and what to llie }f7/sf(>r/ous StraiKjer, 59 do, they were coutiimally li{i\'in<:: to assure caliiiu'u and others thiit they were not Avanted. '' 1 think we oujirht all to ^o round the ' Cri.' to-niuht and have a bit of fun, as Kavniond wont u*et much of that rolliekin<^ life in Canada," said the '* Admiral." " Let us storm a haked-putato man," said the " Colonel," leadin^i' the way across the road and ordering baked potatoes fur the crowd. '' Juggins " thought he ought to end up with a fiii'ht with a *'cabl)v." After a deal of persuasion and holding back, he consented to sj)are the '' cabbv." '' I will restrain nivself from revelling in the u'ore of a 'cabbv' in deference to the rcinonsti'ancc-s of mv friends," he said. " Bravo I Bravo ! • duLiiiins," " thev ci'ied. " What's the matter with ' dmi'Liins ' ? " 60 Tlir ^^ysh'ri^>}l.^ Sfnfnifi'r. "Whv? lie's all riuht." But he was not ; foi* he had not s^iveri up the idea of" fi;rhtin;»', hut had simplv decided to fi^rht a '' l)()1)l)v " instead. He had thrown his hat oft' and was turninu: up his sleeves pre})aratoi'v to the conflict with the policeman who was approachinir them. '' What's the matter Avith the London police ? Whv, thev are all ri<>'ht." '• AVhat's all this noise about, Lcentlemen, ? "" said the li'uardian of the peace. " Hei'e's a man here, constable, who is determined to fiiiht a ' bobbv * ; and as you are the first to court his ehallen'":er, and looks more proud and indifferent than e\'er. But how noble she looks ! Soon she Avill 66 The Mi/sft'n'(>fi.s' Sti'diHjev. be face to face with the waves of the ])road Atlantic, chainpiouiii^'' our cause. And shoukl the sea become an^j^ry, she avmH prove a staunch [uid vahant friend to those who have phiced their trust in her. The tender hiy alona<»*e forsook their old guardian to iiy to the superior pi'otection of this majestic one. Then a scene of the utmost confusion ensued. Lu;:;i>anhole of Hewers placed in a little stand for them by the conipanv, fornnng (piite a bed of ijowers. The mirrors all round the saloon, I'dlccting the colon red glasses and the flowers, had a most pleasing etl'ect. It was decided not to stai't nnfil eight o'clock, so every one felt whatever future 12 The Mysterious Stvamjer. meals might prove, this, at least, would be comfortable. It does not take long to become friendly on ship-])oard. When dinner was over — and a most enjoy- able dinner it was — Raymond found himself going up on deck with (piite a number of people, talking, laughing, and chatting a;^ familiarly as if they had all known each other for years. Tiiere is a peculiar sympatliy — arising, I suppose, from the fact that they nre all al)()ut to share tlie same jx^rils, Joys, calms and storms incidental to thf^ voyage — among the passengers for each otlu^r on board a ship, that does away with all tlie formal barriers obsei'ved ashore. Everyone seems to be anxious to know all about every one else and glayahle time." The Canadians said '' a ijood time." 74 TJte Mj/sterious Stranger. The young lady voted tlie belle of the ship turned out to be a Canadian. It was a source of great amusement to Raymond to watch how she had enlisted into her service, by her pleasing manner, pretty face, and graceful figure, the everlasting desire, on the part of about twenty young Britishers, to please lier. He was })lease(l to tliink that he was in no daui^er of l)ecoinini»; ensliived, as his thoughts ^v(?vo already too occu})ied to linger long on this charnu'r. lie often used to feci Avhat an escape it was, for lie was sure that, instead of enjoying \\va' society as he now did, she would have proved a constant source of pain to him. I^ancv a felloN/ loving her and yet seeing all i\w t'uwv that she was surroinided ■ by admirers (upiallv sincere, and most of whom Avere more i)leasing in looks and manners than himself. Tlie Mysterious Straufjev, lb It had settled d()^vll into a ([uiet calm evening. Everyone liad a flower in the ])uttonhole of his coat. It was rather cliilly, and the majority of the people were Avalking about, occasionally standing still to i)oint out, or liave pointed out to them, some object of interest tliat they might be seeing for the last time. 'I'hey talked of Enghmd, Scotland, Ireland and Wales as places they liad once called their liome. 'J hey could see the illuminations on the land, ])ut of wliich they were now not a i)art. The emi'ines were throb1)inLi- and tliey were starting on their long voyage. Everyone wished to show h(>w very nautical they were, and were discussing the different lights, more often than not callinoj them b\' their wrom^ names. No one let the op})ortunitv of saying "port" or "starboard" escape them; few knew exactly which was which. But no 76 The Myst(^rious Stranger. matter ; wo must be nautical when at sea. And what sounds more pretty than when a girl, in her sheer innocence, sjDcaks of a paddle box in connection with a "screw;" calls the " bow " tlie " stern," the " chief steward " the "captain," the "purser" the " second mate," and eulogises the conduct of a sailor because he volunteered to go up aloft ? A most enjoyal)le time was spent the next day by some pjissengers when they landed at ]Moville while the stojuner was waiting for the mail from Londonderry. The scenery is perfect, and on this l)riglit sunny day it held those who liad not seen it l)ef()re spellbound, charming Jieir senses and filling them with love and admii'ation for Ireland. There is an old castle to which thev drove in jaunting cars, liender, have you ever I'idden in a JMunting car? The sensation is. I can iissure you, novel. Vou ought to try it once. TJie ^fysterlous Stran: on the S S. " Parisian." By a.m. the passengers had all left the good ship " Parisian" and set foot upon the soil of America : their home ; for such it was to be for many of them. 'ilie hrst excitement was to pass the custom house oiticers. What a tunudt there was ! for nearlv everv TJie }fyst('rii>us Sfnn}(/t'r, 91 the soil 3 to the one wjis -e to the depot. She was to be lost sio'ht of to most of them. On her arriv- inn'of(s Sfrnnfjer, It sounded vow straiifi^o to these two Englishmen to hear the bells on the locomo- tives. " It puts one in mind of Sunday to heai* those ])olls -uess the train's off ; the bell's ringing," said the boss of the shantv. Thev dashed out of the store and o^ot on to the last car. " Papers are very dear in this country," Raymond said, addressing liompton, a Mon- treal er. " Why ? " " Well, a paper like this would only be a ha'penny in the old country. " Si 4 The Myskrious Strnn: at ^Irs. Ireland's boai'dinii: house, known in the directory as ''Royal ^lont Lod^i^e," but more familiarly stvled the " dude boardinure ; indepen- dent, thouo-h always polite ; fond of a joke and a li^ame of whist ; proud of Canada, especially Toronto ; able to freeze a person witli a look' — this she could do Avith pei'fec- tion, for in the midst of a lauuh, occasioned bv the wit of one boarder, she could draw 104 The ^fyster{om Stranger. herself up with a (iuoenly f!:race and at once discourage any attemjit on the part of another boarder to create a hiii- appears to me to suggest life. Nature wears a thick robe of sparkling diamonds ; eveiyone you meet has a glow of health on their cheeks, and walks with a quick step. The boys and girls are running after and jumping on to sleiohs, while others are coastin*:^ or beina' rushed over the snow on sleds drawn by dogs. All is animation. Pardon, I fear I must be tiring you." "Xot at all. I like to hear you speak so enthusiastically of our country. Do you like Canada better than England ? " " I like Canada immensely ; but I have ii loN'e for England, especially now that I am out of it, that, of course, I coidd never have for any other country, no matter how fine a The Mysterious Stranger, 131 place. You, no doubt, would alw.ays prefer Canada, it being your native place." " Yes, I guess I'd rather live here. The houses are more comfortable. Your bed rooms are always so cold, and so are the halls and staircases. Then the people are stiiF and don't go in for such ' good times ' as we do. But the peaceful villages, the old churches, the green fields, the hedges, the traditions, and the historical buildings, ruins, &c., of England are what I miss here." " Canada has traditions to be proud of ; but, of course, the traditions, the buildings and everything else here are of so recent a date," Raymond said, warming to the subject. " I remember reading somewhere in a book — I forget the name of the book — but it was an interesting one about Canada : — ' Here are no historical associations, no W- endary tales of those who came before us. 132 The Mysterious Stranger. Fancy would starve for lack of marvellous food to keep her alive in the backwoods. We have neither fay nor fairy, a'host nor bogle, satyr nor wood nyin})h ; our verv forests disdain to shelter dl\^'ad or hamadryad. No naitul haunts the rushy mar<»-in of our lakes, or hallows with her |)resence our forest- rills. Xo Druid chums our oaks, and instead of hovering witli mysterious aAve among our curious limestone rocks, that are often singu- larly grouped together, Ave refer them to the tT^eoloii'ist to exercise his skill in accountiuij: for their appearance ; instead of investing them with the solemn characters of ancient temples or heathen altars, we look upon thcin with the curious eye of natural philosophy alone. There is no scope for the imagination ; here all is new — the very soil seems newly formed ; there is no hoar\ ancient urandcur in these woods ; no recollection of former 7 he Mysterious Stniinj/er. 133 deeds connected with tlie country. The Iiidijins appeal to the inia- last week, but had to stav at the bank for ' return.' I hope vou will reserve as mucli of the evenino; as you possibly can to me. It is very <;-reedy of me ; but you have told me so little of your trip to Europe that I feel, unless I get you to promise me this, that I shall never 134 The Mysterious StriDujer, hear a])out it. Wliy, the second dance over ! Here comes Mr. Rensliuw, he's your partner for the next, lucky fellow ! Will you promise to let nie take you down the slide Tuesday night, Miss Hully, say twice ? " Kaymond pleaded, getting' up to reliuipiisli her to Kenshaw. " Yes, if you promise not to upset me." " I promise." CHAPTER XL " Bi'iglit and so bciiutil'iil was that fair night, It might havt' calniM the gay amidst their mirth, And given the wretched a delight in tears." [^^HK moon is a briixlit bluish pale yellow, shoddin^^ u soft, pojiceful, silvery lih the clear, crisp air, the temperature of wdiich is twenty l^elow zero. Men are drauuinii" tol)()es, the summer hreezes, the moon, the strains of waltzes and the music of running skates were compelled to reve.al all the secrets they have heen entrusted Avith ! '" Can I hope to take you down again this eveninENSHiVW and Raymond » im. " It is wonderful how time heals. Then, of course, there is now someone else who occupies all your sentimental thoughts." " Well, yes, to a certain extent she does, Raymond. She is the dearest, sweetest, jolliest, most sensible, most lovable girl in all the world." " There goes the gong — who can it be at this time of night ? " Raymond said, looking inquiringly at Renshaw. "I'll swear it is not those two fellows — not enough noise for them. They would be inclined to kick or bang the door with their sticks, after paying calls at Hawthorn's, Jinnny Smith's, The Tecumseh, The Western, The Grigg, Jerry's, and sundry other places all in one evening." 21ie Mysterious Stranger . lo9 "I can hoar two voices," said Rciishaw, getting up and opening the door. " Mr. Raymond lives here ; can I speak to him ? " asked a man in a decidedly cockney accent, prochiiming him to have ])ut lately come from London, England. " By all means," Raymond said, springing up and going up to the enciuirer; ""won't you come in, and your friend? I am Mr. Raymond." "I would like to speak to you in private, Mr. Raymond." " Certainly ; your friend can take a seat here, and we can go into the drawing-room." " I have nothing private from my friend." "All right, then the three of us can go in. Excuse me, Ren.," Raymond said, lead- ing the way into the drawing-room. " Pray, gentlemen, to what can I ascribe the honour of this visit from two Englishmen, newly 160 The Mi/sieriotut Stranijer, arrived, I feel sure ? Before you tell me, permit me to offer you some beer. Eiin^lish- iiieii as a rule like beer. I haven't anv * Bass,' but I ean offer vou some * La Batte's' or ' CarlinW ])('- hands. )i'()nusi' its my 1 tlll'SC xH'noc." ic other chairs, won hi nihliiiu' n tlicy ('(I cx- ct that ic of it . t.-i'V scttiniT s. " Here is niv liand, llavniond. I bidicvc it will all I'onu! out right. Is then" anything I can do lor you ? " ''Yes; please apologise for nie at the Hully's to-niorrcjw evening. Tell them that I have had to hin'iy hoine to England on important business. Excuse me to all the p('o})le I k?iow for not making any \\ V. C. calls. And I'll uct vou, if vou will, to forward niv trunks to Enirland for me." " ( ). K. I'll fix that for you, IJaymond." *' When do we leave this city, sergeant?" asked llaymond, I'esioninu- himself to the iiievitMlde. I should like to a\'oi(l seeinjx iiiivone uiidei' the pri'sent circinnstMiices. I suppose N'on are going from New ^'oi'k? " - Yes." '* Well, sergeant, dri\f me to St. Thomas to-niuht and w<"ll catc'i Ji train fron: there to- iiiM.'row." lf.8 The Mystcrioiui Stranger. *' That's it," Rc'iisliaw said; "no oiu* will know wheiv you aiv. So you will be spared the pain of ex})lainin;»" the reason of your leavin^i: the city. How about the bank, thoup and ;jfuantlets, and ])acked a valist' with a few articles that would be absolutely necessary to take with him. It was a mclanebolv walk to Fulehei's. u It seems hard to have to leave like thi; Ravmond said. '* London is a pleasant eitv to 1 ive m am 1 I k now many peop le wl lom I am very sorry indeed to leave. Yet, sutterin (T 170 TJii' Mystenous Striiiujer. under the accusation of sucli a crime, I would rather sacrifice all and everything until I pr ove mv nniocence. Fitz])iei()n is more iibji'et baseness Even than the guilt suspeeted." nnu'dc'V and r()l)l)i'ry. That niiilit at the Hullvs it iiiiii'osscd the tliouiilits (d" tlioso pivsciit to sucli an extent tliat it l)ecanie almost the oiilv theme of conx'ersation. "To tliink that I sliould liaxc Ixc ii (lan lesiuos inciciit ion — i\ at) icr it was Tin' i]fysti>rloits Sfrani/cr. 175 Federation, U. S. and Eii;rlisli accent, skatin;j^, Montreal's last carnival, Robert Elsniere, Annexation, Church, approaching niarria; O ^;i / /a Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 .♦, S' c^ :# % ^^ [/j CHAPTER XIV. " Poise the cause in justice' equal scales, Whose beam stands sure, whose rightful cause prevails." J^l^pHERE was intense satisfaction in England when Sergeant Holland landed with the murderer of Mr. Fitzgerald whom he had captured in the bush in Canada and driven through the snow twenty miles to the station. The trial was to take place in London, and promised to afford some sensational literature. To begin with, there was a Miss Renshaw, who had either been murdered or enticed away by some one, no doubt this very Raymond. But it would all come out The Mysterious Strauijer. 177 at the trial. She had never been heard of e prevails." iction in H oil and r of Mr. d in the [the snow London, Insational Is a Miss Idered or lubt this tome out th since tne inur del Raymond's friends determined that were he should be defended by the ablest man they could get, although they disliked his persistence in not accounting for the manner in Avhich he came into possession of the note. The case Jiroused a great amount of hiterest in London. It was regarded as a cruel murder, and youno: Fitzirerald was the centre of the wave of public sympathy. It was learnt that he had, in consequence of a tendency to be a little wild, been banished from his father's roof. But the general impression was, that the nnirdered man had willed his property, which Avas known to have been largely in cash, to his son. N mm 178 The Mystcrmis Stranger. The murdered man had, for the past ten years, lived a most exclusive life, estranging himself froin the rest of the world by his developed conviction that all mankind Avere rogues. The house Avliere he had lately lived, and where he was murdered, Avas one of those detached houses, secluded from the rest of the world by a high wall, in Maidu \\ile. He had chosen this place as a sort of asylum where he could be in the midst of wild, struggling humanity, and yet be isolated : much as one is isolated when secure on one of the " sister islands," that are so beautifully situated on the American side of the Niagara Falls, from the rush, the fury and the thunder of the Avaters, as they leap and struggle in a mad frenzy to escape over the precipice. In this house he watched the calms and storms of life, and ahvays displayed a The Mysterious Stranger, 179 )ast ten rtinging by his rid Avere ly lived, of those rest of ale. He ■ asylum of wild, solated : 11 one of autifuUy Niagara nd the 'ap and over the llms and layed a cynical interest in the manner people weathered storms and glided through calms. His especial pleasure was to witness the wreck of some of those human vessels as they lay at anchor in the calm waters of the bay of contentediiess, quite unaware of the leak they had sprung ; or going at a quick, easy pace before the wind, unconscious of the hidden rocks that lay in their course ; or some meeting with adverse currents and Avinds, yet, being staunch and true, baffled against the opposition for a time until, through the continual struggling, they became weakened, and wTre driven back and stranded. During his life he had had one staunch friend in Captain Renshaw. Captain Renshaw, when (lying in Africa, had appointed him guardian to his two children — Harold and Nora Ethel. Harold had not seen his guardian for four years, in consequence of his having been 180 The Mysterious S^tranger, forbidden ever discussiii- that he would never darken the doors aii'ain. Nora, althouirh dis- lik mil 1 ler ii'uaruian. had f Avon ii'oni nini an affection that seemed inconiprehensilde in such a man. lie had quarrelled with every one, and hated all. But Nora seems to have been the only livin,i»' beinij: who was cap;d)le of awakenin<>' a synn)athetic interest in him. She had never been heard of since the murder. Her whereidjouts Avas the sidjject for the wi 1 de s t c o 1 1 j ec tur e . Mrs. xVssam, who had l)een the nuirdered man's housekeeper for the last twelve years, testified to the fiery temper of her late master, and to his mode of life. She knew that there AV^as a son, and had often sec 11 him ; but never at his father's house. Harold Kenshaw Avas in Canada — she had The }fi/sf('rlous Strant/er. 181 known this for a long time, but did not know his address until the trial. She dis- chainied all knoAvledge of Nora's fate. As the ease proeeeded, and it was aseertained that llavniond did il forC til [\ayniona aia not sail lor i^yanada un about six weeks alter the nuirder, and the fact that he did not attempt to conceal his identity, but that he remained in the service of the F.ondon and Wyburn I?ank for a few Aveeks, all tended to sludge the belief that he Avas absolutely guilty. A speech from the counsel for the prosecution, con- clusively proving (in his mind) that the prisoner was guilty, seemed to eliminate these doubts. It Avas plain that the prisoner Avas a bold criminal. His refusing to account for the possession of the note draAvn out of the baidv the dav before the murder, and his desire to keep secret the hiding place of the parcel and the rest of the notes, Avould 182 The Mystermis Stranger. justify such an intelligent, justice-loving, impartial British jury, as we have to try this case finding the prisoner guilty of murder. The day after this speech, the court was startled by a new witness for the defence. Nora Renshaw had been found. She had written the day before, declaring that Ray- mond was innocent, and that she could give evidence to prove it. Her presence in court was a sensational surprise. Until then it was thought that Raymond held the secret of her fate, having most likely contrived to murder her too. The night of the murder Mrs. Assam was staying with friends at Sydenham. Nora was at home with her guardian, and it was supposed that the prisoner had murdered her so as to have no Avitness, and had buried her remains somewhere. Mrs. Assam had discovered her master -loving, try this rder. .irt was defence. Ihe had at Ray- uld give ^sational ht that having too. am was Nora it was liirdered buried master The Mysterious Strantjer, 183 lying dead on the floor by the open safe, on her return from Sydenham with lier sister, Mrs. Butt. Thev screamed and were so friglitened and agitated at the sight that they liad to take a little drop of gin to buoy tliemselves u}) before they could think what to do. Mrs. Assam Avas not only frightened, l)ut quite overcome. She sat in a chair looking at her dead master and cried like a child. She felt so ill that she was obliged to have two more little drops of gin to keep her from faintin: alono- slowl noiselessly as the clouds. She wondej all these creatures Avere hiding from they knew as she Avas, and Avhether thcl felt as helpless and distressed as he' HoAA' still and (piiet the Serpentine loo'j A mad desire to jump in and thus puj end to all her misery took possession of She stood on the bridge for a few seco] contemplating the still silent Avater, Avhl fascinated her. How peaceful and ser( The Mysterious Stranger. 193 mger ked ! The- few people she liad passed pohq. way hither had not taken the sli":htest alwa Qf i^Qj.^ r^uj ^\^Q ^vas standing here clear j^ storm was raging Avithin her Soine-;giiie(^| c*ven ixi'eater to bear in the lookii) silence around her. The water over 1 liglitly up against the arches of the placedjj a. soft, liquid, caressing, soothing as d the,, only i„ a whi.spe,-. "^^ora, you will .sometimes think of me hope," he said, in a plaintive to„e, with- *-a-i„g liis gaze from the .skv, as he s^ at tlie open window, a,id loot sat fa ce 11, a yearning, beseool would have im]i]ored N that .she was to fight his w; 1^11'.? into her ling manner. He ora to be his, but 'low rich, wiiile he had still 'ly in the world. If she were 204 The Mysterious Strancjer, poor and friendless he would have knelt at her feet and sworn how he loved her. But now he must "o awav from her and hide his love, although it would kill him to think that she should ever forget him alto- gether. " Think of you ! why, I could never forget you," she said in a voice so low and sweet that it was like the strains of a harp heard floating through the air as one approaches and passes a hall where the music emanates from. It was so distant and mellow, then rich and full, though soft and sweet, and gradually died away, leaving a memory of its enchantment behind. " But why ask me this ? You are not going away?" " Yes, I am going abroad again, and must wish you good-bye to-night." " Vincent, you must not go. You will The Mysterious Stranger. 205 knelt d her. id hide lim to m alto- r forget d sweet ■p heard ►roaches tianates ^v, then |et, and ^lory of ire not , and )U will make me most unhappy. Cannot you remain in England?" " I hope to be back some day and stay here." "Vincent, you don't care about me." " Yes, I do, Xora. You are all and all to me, but stern reality calls me away." " If it Avere leap year, I should do what vou are only entitled to do now, Vincent," she laughingly said, looking up from the ground in a half stooping attitude, and raising her eyes until they met his. "What would you do — 2:>ropose ? " he asked, jumping up from his chair, seizing her right hand in his left, falling on to his left knee, and clasping her round tlie Avaist with his right arm. " V\'ould you pro})ose, Nora ? " " Yes," she murmured. " Nora, I love you ! I adore you, passion- 206 llie Mysterious Stranger, ately, fondly, blindly, with a love that consumes my very soul ! I love you as a beautiful woman ; I Avorship you as a saint. Say, Nora, that you will be mine — mine — all mine — no one else's." She disengaged her hand, and throwing her arms passionately round his neck, whispered, " Yes." Before the sound of this word had died away, he had smothered her with kisses. Her lips, nose, ears, eyes, neck, cheeks, hands and even her dress did not escape him. "Vincent," she cried, raising her eyes to his and looking at him in a half-pleased, half-reproachful manner, "you have made my face and neck so hot. My face feels on fire." " Pardon me, Nora ; but I am so wild with joy, I could eat you," he said, throw- The ^^ysterious Stranger, 207 that I as a , saint, nine — rowing neck, ad died kisses. cheeks, escape |eyes to )leased, made feels wild Ithrow- ing his arms round her again and actually holding a piece of her neck between his teeth. "I hope you won't do it, Vincent," she said, disentangling herself from his embrace. " I have swalloAved that word ' Yes ' that you gave me just now," Alncent said, "and I can feel it coursino^ throu^^h mv veins like champagne, but with a more lasting, stirring, delightful sensation." Mrs. Ellis, Nora's aunt, came into the room. " Why, how dark it's getting ! " she said. " What have you two been talking about ? You both look so pleased. I am sure you must be hunorv after vour lono- walk. There goes the bell for dinner." " I don't want any dinner, aunt." "More do I," Vincent responded. 208 The Mysterious Stranger. "Don't want any dinner ! " ejaculated Mrs. Ellis. "Why, what has happened?" "Tell aunt," whispered Nora. " I have been bold enough," said Vincent, walking u]) to Mrs. Ellis, "to propose to your niece, and she has consented to be mine. I hope you will approve of this. I was mad with love and could not restrain myself. I believe — I hope that she loves me." "Do you, ^«ora?" her aunt asked laugh- ingly. " Yes, auntie — as I could never love another." " I thought it would come to this. The same old story, the same old story ! And with a pleased smile and a tejir that had gathered in her eye she kissed them both. " Now, children," she said, " I must insist upon your coming to dinner ; you cannot live on love, you know." The Mjistcrious Strmnjer. 209 aculated ned ? " Vincent, [)pose to I to be this. I restrain oves me." ;d laugh- ter love s. The ! And hat had ;m both. ist insist I cannot They walked out of the room, with its gathering shadows of darkness, that would ever be dear to them, into the brilHantly lighted dining-room. To-night, for the first time, the merry talk and laughter was dis- tasteful to tliem. They longed to be away from everybody and commune with each other. A month (^f exquisite happiness passed away as a dream, and they were married at that pretty little ivy-covered church in the woods, a foAV miles out of St. Leonard's. I W(mld not attempt to try to commit to paper the tlioughts, words and actions of these two hapj^y people, for the month before the marriage or the; corresponding jjeriod after, but wuuld profei* to draw a veil over them and ivii'ard them as the inmates of a temple that it Av^ould be sacrilege f(n' me to penetrate. 210 llie ]\fysterioiis Strmxjer, Some of you, my dear readers, may have been inside this sacred temple. To the less fortunate ones, like myself, I hope the day will come when we shall be, like Nora and Vincent, inmates of this beautiful temple of love. They consummated a love that both had lived for for years. And they told me, that while at the Isle of Wight for their honeymoon, all nature seemed S23ecially for them. The dewy mornings, the warm balmy days, the calm twilight, the cool bright evenings, the moonlit nights, the boundless ocean the green fields, the music of birds, the rivers, the cliffs — all seemed to breathe of love and to sympathise with them. They are going to Canada to be present at the marriage of Renshaw to Miss Hully, and are not coming back until next March, nay have > the less the day S'ora and emple of 3oth had :old me, for their iallv for m bahny I bright oundless msic of 3med to se with '^^^^ ^hh^terious F^trmger, 2II as Raymond wants his Rowena to spend a winter m Canada. Mrs. Ellis is to find a house for them near London, and Vincent is going into business *' o » t^ with Arthur Fitzgerald in the city. J3resent HuUy, March, ■n CHAPTER XVI. "What a delicious breath marriage sends forth — The violet's bed not s\\ eeter ! Honest ^vedloek Is like a banqueting-house, built in a garden, On which the spring flowers take delight To cast their modest odours." " The treasures of the deep are not so precious As are the concealed comforts of a man Lock'd up in woman's love ; — I scent the air Of blessings when I come but near the house." ^HERE had been many marriages lately in London, Ontario. In fact, there seemed quite a marriage fever. The bells of the cathedral are playing the Wedding March. London, Ontario, is all astir. People are saying to each other — ^' Goinij to the wedding ? " " It's at eleven o'clock." Tlte ^[ysterious Stranger. 213 ilock en, ous ur |use. Inarriages irio. In linarriage playing Irio, is all ir — " Dean Harris and Rev. Highter going to officiate. " ^' Mr. Raymond, that fellow who was taken to En Mysterious Sfraj)<:/er, 215 I girls, a girls, ^ondon, ! Take L know , hand- «, jolly )f them angelic for the Un shine lit days lun was Not a a soft it was breeze. There were enrriages driving up to the church in (|uick succession and disgorging London's ])elles at the jiatcs. Before cUiVcn o'cl(Jck the churcli was full, nnd jx'ople l)egan to form gron})s on either side of the entrance to the church. A cari'iage drove up, filled with boLKpiets of flowers and three pretty girls and an elderly lady. " Here she is ! " More flowers and more pretty girls. The air was redolent of the nerfunie of flowers. Some of the onlookei's felt (luite dazed as they watched these dainty maidens step out of the carriages. How, when the solemn service was going on, everyone's thoughts and attention were centred upon these two ! Some were led to look back, others to picture the future, when they would play the chief part as these two were playing now. Not a single thing in Renshaw's look, 216 The Mysterious Stranger. manner or speech escaped the ever-watchful eyes of the young ladies. The elder ones were not so searching : they seemed to regard these two standing in front of the altar and the whole scene as a dream — a picture that appealed to their imagination and wafted them back to the time when they were as young and but just entering upon the threshold of holy matrimony, with life and its conquests before them. The young men all thought him a lucky fellow, and the older ones, at least some of them, smiled and whispered that they were just as silly themselves once. There were n number of bank clerks in the church, each with a packet of rice. What a storm of rice would take place, to be sure, when they came out of the church ! Now they are out, Renshaw is helping her into the carriage, amidst a furious storm of The ^[yster^ous Stranger. 217 ratchful er ones ) regard tar and ire that ■wafted were as )on the 3 and its men all lie older ed and fis silly s in the What a 3e sure, Ung her Dorni of rice. He jumps in and they are driven off amidst a cheer and a shower of rice that follows them for several yards. At half nast four there will be a crowd down at the Grand Trunk depot to see them go aboard the cars for Niagara Falls. It is a very easy, good-natured, meiTy, well-dressed concourse of people on the platform, principally all friends of the HuUy's and Renshaw's, who are gathered together to wish the bride and bridegroom au revoir. The train is about to start: more rice and hearty congratulations, and they are off. At ten o'clock they are in their room at the Clifton House, overlooking the Falls. The only light they have is that of the moon. The roar of the waters deadens and droAvns the voices of the visitors who are chatting on the piazza. All seems but for them — the present and the future. 218 Tlie Mysterious Stranger, We will leave them and look at her father's house this same evening. Linen is laid down in the rooms below ; Chinese lanterns are suspended from the limbs of all the trees and all around the verandah ; every room in the house is brilliantly lighted. i'he doors and windows are all wide open to admit the cool evening air. A delightful waltz is being played by an Italian band. Young people are jrlidinof round the in evening dress rooms ; some are standing on the verandah. The older people are seated upstairs at tables, playing whist. The servants, under the direc- tion of Carter, the head Avaiter of the "Tecumseh Hotel," are arranging ("fixing") the supper table. A crowd of people line the side walk on the far side, while a few bolder ones stand in the road or close to the rail, and peer in with an awed look on their faces. Raymond is dancing with Miss Brock ; The Mysterious Strmu/er. 219 father's id down ;rns are tie trees room in le doors dmit the is being g people und the erandah. ,t tables, e direc- of the |fixing ") iple line a few le to the n their Brock ; Nora with ^Ir. Lordon. Mrs. HuUy has her and ^ )oni for a few minutes, contemplating the beautiful evening and thinking of Niagara Falls. Mr. Hully is smoking a cigar on the lawn. The people standing about and Avatching this gay and fairy-like scene from the road appear to be entering into the spirit of the party and enjoying it just as much as those inside. One and all wish health and happiness to the bride and bridegroom. ''There, look, that is Mr. Raymond, the one who has just come out on to the verandah — now he's touching that Chinese lantern. Well, he's the one that was tried for the murder of Fitzgerald." "Is that so?" remarks a Canadian. " Really ! " exclaims an Englishman, just out ; " such is life." He pulled out a flask from his inside coat pocket and passed it to 220 The Mysterious Stranger, the two speakers. They drank to the health of Mr. and Mrs. Renshaw, and handed it back to him ; then, holding it in front of him, he said, " Here's to Raymond ! Here's to Mrs. Ray- mond ! God bless her ! Here's to the bride and bridegroom ! " ! health it back he said, •s. Ray- le bride CHAPTER XVII.— Conclusion. ** The shuddering tenant of the frigid zone Boldly proclaims the happiest spot his own ; Extols the treasures of his stormy seas, And his long night of revelry and ease. The naked savage, panting at the line, Boasts of his golden sands and palmy wine. Basks in the glare or stems the tepid wave. And thanks his gods for all the good they gave. Nor less the patriot's boast where'er we roam, His first, best country ever is at home." *ORA and Vincent are to come home in the spring. They are enjoying themselves very much in Conada. Mrs. Raymond is delighted with the winter life, and says that she is the luckiest and happiest woman possible. Mrs. Ellis has 222 Tlie Mysterious Stranger, written to tell them that she has bought them a house at Highgate. Nora and Vincent often talk in rapturous tones of the calm, happy days that this pretty, picturesquely- siturte^r xuse will insure them. They both know the house Avell, and have often stood and looked at it when rambling through the lane. :\r»,.i can picture the smoke curling lazily up tVo? > die chimney of this house now, as she • sitting ^ the drawing room of the Renshaw's house ii^ 'arvis Street, Toronto. There have been several callers this after- noon, and Nora has found it quite difficult at times to keep her thoughts sufficiently collected to remember her duties to the callers. It has always afforded her the utmost pleasure to converse with the callers until to-day. But to-day, somehow, she finds her thoughts wandering all the time. That darling house, standing amidst a small forest of grand old ( ]] The Mysteriovs Stranc/er. 223 1 Vincent the calm, uresquely- They both )ften stood hrougli the >te curling house now, > room of the ,t, Toronto. s this after- ite difficult sufficiently ,0 the callers, ost pleasiu-e ntil to-day. t^^ees; its gabled roof and the beautiful grounds white with snow ; the soft, warm, red glow from the fire in the sitting room as seen from the lane ; the caw of the rooks and the calm air of comfon that pervades all there, are uppermost in her mind. She and Vincent had been talking about their dear house in the moraing to the Renshaws. Harold knows the house perfectly, and has often mused over it as he has stood on bright moonlio'ht nights in the lane looking at it. He and Lilian are to spend at least six months in this house next year. Harold has been chaffing Vincent about his being seen within a few years romping with two or three chubby little children, Avho are calling \ him papa, in the hay fields close to the house ; er thougbts j and Vincent has been chaffing Harold about arling house. , his being seen in the near future running ioi grand old i along, dragging a sleigh with some rosy little 224 The Mj/sterioiis Stranc/er, children on it, calling out, " Get up, get up, papa ! Hurrah ! Hurrah ! Here we go ! " Lilian loves her new home, and is very fond of Toronto. The summer will bring such delightful trips on the lake, and the verandah will be a continual source of en- joyment. She and Harold will recline in hammocks and have ice cream, and Harold shall read to her. Harold thinks there is no place like Tor- onto, but then you see he has Lilian. I am sure that Vincent would think the same of the " Queen City " were his Rowena a Canadian. Nora and Vincent like Toronto immensely, but think tliere is no place like Highgate. Nora says that they shall sit with the French windows thrown open in the summer evenings, and sometimes they will put chairs outside and sit on the lawn. She is not going to let Vincent leave off making The Mysterious Stranger, 225 love to her because they are married. He will, she is sure, make just as desperate love to her, as they sit in the gathering evening shades, as he used to do at Hastings. They will play tennis, too, just Avhenever they like. Tears of joy sometimes dim Nora's eyes when she compares the dark past with her present smooth, even life that is so full of love. " After long storms and tempests overblowne, The sun at length his joyous face doth cleare ; So ^vllen as fortune all her spight hath showne, Some blissful hours at last must needs appeare, Else should afflicted wights oft-times despeire." FINIS. ■g ^^ I t p c ir m us ha N: APPENDIX. BOOK has lately been published entitled, " Americanisms, old and new," compiled and edited by John S. Farmer. It should prove a most interesting source of amusement to any reader. The explanations not only give the meanings of the various words and phrases peculiar to the United States and Canada, but anecdotes are related, introduc- ing the words or phrases, thus affording a means of the uninitiated grasping the exact use or uses of these Americanisms. For the sake of my English readers, I have quoted from this very entertaining book what is given there under Chestnuts and 228 Apjwndi.r. Rats. These two words .ire in constant use in America. What they would do without them I woukl hardly like to venture to predict. How could you possibly so forcibly impress a person in one, two, three or four words, that the story told was an old one, as by using the word Cliestnuts. In England, as substitutes for Rats, we have the words Bosh, Rot, Rubbish, and many other words ; but no single one for the American meaning of Chestnut. My American and Canadian readers will be interested with the explanation of Chestnut, as it affords a theory for the origin of the saying. Chestnut: — An old story; something that has been frequently said or done before. As to the variants of this phrase — their name is legion. The old songs are chestnut songs. He who would foist a stale joke upon a company is ;ant use without iture to forcibly or four old one, Jiats, we hisli, and ic for the American ted Avitli alfords a ling that before. leir name He who ipany is Api)en(li,i\ 229 implored to " spare the chestnut tree," " not to rustle the chestnut loaves," or " set the chestnut bell a-ringing." Similarly, anything old or out of date is said to have a chestnutt/j flavour. According to the Philadelphia Press, the introduction of the word in its slanu' sense is to be attributed to ^Ir. AVilliani AVarren, a veteran Boston comedian. " It seonis that in a inclodrania, but little known to the prosont generation, written by William Dillon, and called ' Tiie Broken Sword,' there were two characters, one a Captain Xavier, and the other tlie comedy part of Pablo. The captain is a sort ot' Baron A. inchausen, and in telling of his exploits says : ' I entered the woods of Colloway, when suddenly from the thick boughs of a cork tree — ' Pablo interrupts him with tlie words, * A CheHtnut, captain, a (Viestiiut.'' 'Bah!' replies the captain ; * Booby, I say a cork tree.' ' A Chestnut,^ reiterates Pablo. * I should know as well as you, having heard you tell the tale this twenty-seven times.' William Warren, who had olten played the part of 230 Appendix, Pablo, was at a stag dinner, when one of the gentlemen present told a story of doubtful age and originality. * A Chestnut,^ murmured Mr. Warren, quotincr iVcjii the play, ' I have heard you tell the tale these twenty-seven times.' The application of the lines pleased the rest of the table, and when the party broke up each helped to spread the story, and Mr. Warren's commentary. * May I venture to tell the old, old story, Miss Maud,' he said, tremulously ; * the old, old, yet ever new, story of ' * Pardon me, Mr. Sampson, if I cause you pain,' interrupted the girl, gently, ' but to me the story you wish to tell is a Chestnut.^ * A Chestnut ? ' * Yes, Mr. Sampson, I'm already engaged, but I will be a sister ' * It isn't as wormy as that one,' murmured Mr. Sampson, feeling for his hat." — New York Sku, 1888. Bats! — An ejaculation expressive of con- temptuous sarcasm or indifference. " The somewhat notorious Eev. Abbott Kitridge is in a fever of discontent because the President of this ^ Appendix, 231 gentlemen ality. * A II the play, }nty-seven the rest of . helped to ntary. iss Maud,' new, story you pain,' story you )ut I will ired Mr. I, 1888. of con- lidge is in of this great Eepublic, for tlie sake of securing votes, insulted the religious convictions of the vast majority of our population by his gift, in your and my name, to the religious head of the Papal Church. In the language of Mrs. Gougar, Rats! Rats!** Kansas City Times, 1888. The folloAving letter written by Renshaw, and which appeared in the Kilbwn Times of March 9th, 1888, will prove interesting to many readers who are fond of sport : — " Ice Boating. — It is impossible to imagine a more exhilarating and enjoyable sport than ice boating, and no better opportunities are to be had than those afforded by the immense frozen lakes of North America. Your correspondeut, an old KilburnHe, had his first experience of this sport last New Year's day. After sitting round the tire in the smoking-room of the Toronto Yaclit Club, talking ' Old Country ' and sampling old rye, I sallied forth with Hume Blake and Kenny MotVatt — the owners of one of the finest ice-boats on the lake — and four or live other jovial yachtsmen na 282 Aj)pendia\ 9ii into 20 deg. below zero, down the steps on to the ice. There was the yacht, a curious-looking construction for an Englishman to behold. It is in the shape of a cross, with an arrangement, more resembling a Japanese tray than anything else I can think of, fixed on to the longer portion, while the shorter portion answers as the bowsprit. She runs on three skates, one on the right side, one on the left, and the other, to which is attached the tiller, on the end of the long portion ; and carries one big sail, similar to those used in eastern countries. As soon as we had hoisted sail, and let go the moorings, the skipper gave the word, * throw yourselves in,' for this is what you literally have to do, there is no time for any other way. We were now flying over the ice at the rate of 60 miles an hour, all lying down on the weather side, enveloped in buft'alo robes, and holding on for dear life. Before I luid time to settle down and realise my position we had reached the island, two-and-a-half miles from shore, and were skimming up tlie lagoon, making for the open lake. Soon after we were leaping and vibrating to such an extent that I looked up and saw that we were crossing rough ice. * Look out ! ' I cried simultaneously with Appendix, 233 the ice. ction for [' a cross, lese tray :ie longer 5 as the the right which is ion; and I eastern 1(1 let go throw ve to do, 'ere now hour, all 1 hullalo uul time reached nd were i\\ lake, such an crossing ,ly with another fellow, ' water ahead ! ' But hardly had we finished shouting before she had leapt the fissure and left it about a mile behind and we were steering for the club-house. The club-house readied and the boat moored up, we made for the Eeform Club, where, after an excellent dinner, I heard the experiences of several old hands at the sport. Perhaps the most dangerous accident is when the crew get thrown out, and the yacht careers on its own account. One can never tell in what direc- tion their winged and steel shod racer will come. It means being cut in two should it reach you. This, however, only happens when the wind is exceptionally high or the ice is rougli. H. KEXSIIAAy." London, Canada." In chapter XII. Raymond asks Renshaw to forward his luggage for him to England. Renshaw answers: "O.K., I'll juv that for you, Raymond." The word Fix in America has the most 234 Aj^pemh'x. extraordinary and far-reaching meanings of any word used in the United States or Canada. In this instance it takes the place of do. If a watch Avants repairing we take it to a watch-maker to be fixed \ if our clothes want mending, we get them fi^ed at the dress-maker's or tailor's; if we feel un- well, we go to the doctor's to get fixed ; we Avant a steak or chop grilled, so give it the hired, girl to fix ; if we are dining at a restaurant, and a bottle of beer or wine is to be opened, avc tell the waiter to fix it, and one of us fixes up wlien the bill is paid. We fix a salad when we prepare it ; we fix a chair when we mend it ; we get the parson to fix us when he marries us ; the best man fixes the parson when he gives him his fee ; we take our pass book to the bank to ji^et fixed. It took Sandow to fix Samson. Beach Aj)pe7i(Ik\ 235 lings of ;ate3 or le place we take if our fixed at feel un- i.red ; we jrive it ins: at a wine is CO fix it, bill is ^.pare it; we get hries us; I he gives to the Beach fixed Hanlon. It took Wellington to fix Napoleon. u One of their most ;kable ter remarKaDie terms is to Jix. Whatever work requires to be done, must be fixed. ' Fix the room,' is to set it in order. 'Fix the table,' 'Fix the fire,' says the mistress to lier servants ; and the things are fixed accordingly." — Buckiroods of Canada. "A man may be the straight thing, that is, right up' and down like a cow's tail ; but hang me if lie can do the clean thing. Anyhow you can fix it."— S. Slides " Hwnan Nature.'' As I fancy it may prove interesting and amusing, both to English and Americans (and when I say Americans, I include Cana- dians, although, strictly speaking, or speaking from a Canadian point of view, 1 sliuuld not, 236 Apiyendix, for different flags float over the destiny of these truly great peoples, yet in this instance I may, perhajis, be pardoned), I have given below a list of words which are invariably used by the peoples of the United States and Canada, when other English-speaking peoples use difterent ones. I am not going to dare to venture to suggest which I think the more correct ; for it will be readily seen that in many instances the Americans choose the better word. And I will not stake my life upcm the assertion that every one in xVmerica uses these words ; but all Americans visiting England, or Enolish visitin.ette " for March 22nd, 1890. There is a letter in it Avritten by Raymond. I shall insert it here Appendiv. 241 manner which bed by a me ; yet entiment d a fond, le Union )Ught for iff one is so. if 50 exten- Id do all e closest :dy and jtte " for ter in it it here as a fitting ending to my appendix. And then farewell, my patient reader, farewell. " DOMINION OF CANADA. To the Editor of the Yarmouth Gazette. SiH, — The loyal and patriotic vote passed a few days ago by the Dominion House of Commons, without a single dissentient voice, proves how unfounded are the rumours recently circulated to the eftect that a desire for annexation was growing in Canada. As an Englishman who has had the privilege of living for three years in the Dominion of Canada, a Dominion, the breadth of which excels that of the broad Atlantic, and the area of which is greater than that of the United States, I may perhaps be permitted to make a few remarks testifying to the unswerving loyalty of the Canadians to the mother country. I have not had the pleasure of visiting or living in any other of our many colonies ; but I believe tliat there is no race of people who are more strongly attached, or more ready to risk their all to maintain the sovereignty of their Queen and the supremacy of the Grand Old K 242 Appendiv. Flag — the flag which ropresents the Bublimcst, the bravest, the largest, and tlie most powerful Empire that ever was, is, and ever will be, while we show a united front — than the Canadians. Let there be the sound of open rebellion against the authority of a government which represents her Britannic Majesty and the sons of Canada are ready, aye ready ! to lay down their lives in defence of their Queen and Country. As an instance, I will siate how, when the rebellion, fermented among a large body of misguided half-breeds and Indians, broke out a few years ago, the Canadians who were living in a beautiful city of the United States, and who were earning a comfortable live- lihood and enjoying protection under the Stars and Stripes, formed a regiment and offered themselves to the Canadian Government to swell the ranks of the thousands of volunteers who were eager to protect the Dominion from all her foes. The militia, comprising a great number of young men from the British Isles, but recruited for the most part from born Canadians, excel in hearty patriotism, if that be possible, even our own stalwart, brave and tru' unteers at home. wmr blimcst, the Empire that ow a united I against the ler Britannic , aye ready ! • Queen and )w, wlien the if misguided [ears ago, the city of the ortable live- Stars and emsclves to luiks of the protect the young men e most part tism, if that Appendix, 248 I have had the honour to serve in two Canadian Mil- itia battalions — the 7th Fusiliers and the Queen's Own Rifles — so can speak from experience. I have lived in the Province of Quebec, also in On- tario, and have met many people from all parts of this vast country, from the North West, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and the colony of Newfoundland, and haAC found them all staunch and loyal to the British Crown. 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