THE LIBRARY 
 
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 LOS ANGELES
 
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 \b'ro)itispiece 
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 POPULAR NOVELS BY FERGUS HUME 
 
 Author of ' The Mystery of a Hansom Cab,' etc. 
 
 In Crown 8vo. pictorial cloth. Price 6s. each. 
 
 THE RED WINDOW 
 
 Second Impression 
 
 ' For a skilfully conceived plot, succession of stirring incidents and series 
 of surprises, not one of Mr. Fergus Hume's books is surpassed by "The 
 Bed Window." ... Is the best book of the kind issued this season.'— 
 Newcastle Daily Journal. 
 
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 Third Edition 
 
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 Third Edition 
 
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 Third Edition 
 
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 which holds the reader enthralled until the last line. If this book were 
 judged upon its merits it should obtain a popularity even greater than 
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 Third Edition 
 
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 Third Edition 
 
 ' Is perhaps the best piece of work that Mr. Fergus Hume has given ub 
 since he wrote " The Mystery of a Hansom Cab." The plot is very ingenioui 
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 Hume's latest tale contains not a single dull chapter.'— TForid. 
 
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 Fifth Edition 
 
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 THE MASQUERADE MY5TERY 
 
 Third Edition 
 
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 in Crown 8vo, Cloth, 28. 6d. Cheap Edition 
 
 A MARRIAGE MYSTERY 
 
 " Is ingeniously put together. . . . Mr. Hume's new book is good of 
 its ]dnd.'—AtheacEunt. 
 ' The plot is very clever and well worked out'— Vanity Fair. 
 
 London : DIGBY, LONG & Co., i8 Bouverie Street, Fleet St., E.G.
 
 THE 
 
 MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 BY 
 
 FERGUS HUME 
 
 AUTHOR OF 
 "THE MYSTERY OF A HAMSOM CAB," ETC. 
 
 SECOND EDITION 
 
 LONDON 
 DIGBY, LONG & CO. 
 
 i8 BOUVERIE STREET, FLEET STREET, E.G. 
 
 1905
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 Tf\ 
 
 CHAPTER. 
 
 I. THE ADVEBTISEMENT - 
 
 II. DE. FOEGB - - - - 
 
 III. MISS WHARF AT HOME - 
 
 IV. RUPERT'S SECRET 
 
 V. CONCERNING THE FAN - 
 
 VI. burgh's story - 
 
 VII. THE WARNING - - - 
 
 VIII. THE BEGINNING OF THE BALL 
 
 XIV. THE END OF THE BALL 
 
 X. A MYSTERIOUS CASE - 
 
 XI. THE CANTON ADVENTURE 
 
 XII. AT THE INQUEST - - - 
 
 XIII. THE WILL - - - - 
 
 XIV. A MYSTERIOUS LETTER 
 XV. THE ROTHERHITHE DEN 
 
 XVI. THE FAN MYSTERY 
 
 XVII. A DISAPPEARANCE 
 
 XVIII. A SURPRISE 
 
 XIX. A VISITOR - - - - 
 
 XX. THE MANDARIN EXPLAINS - 
 
 XXI. WHO IS GUILTY ? - 
 
 XXII. AFTER EVENTS - 
 
 XXIII. THE CHASE - - - - 
 
 XXIV. THE FULFILLED PROPHECY - 
 
 PAGE. 
 1 
 
 13 
 
 27 
 40 
 
 53 
 65 
 
 78 
 90 
 104 
 118 
 182 
 147 
 160 
 172 
 185 
 196 
 208 
 220 
 232 
 244 
 259 
 274 
 287 
 300 

 
 THE MANDARIN'S FAN
 
 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 The Advertisement 
 
 One July evening in the first year of the present 
 century, two gentlemen were seated on the terrace of 
 the mansion, known as Royabay. A small rose- wood 
 table was placed between the deep arm-chairs, and 
 thereon appeared wine, coffee, and a box of cigars. The 
 young host smoked a briar and sipped coffee, but his 
 guest, very wisely, devoted himself to superlative port 
 and a fragrant cigar. Major Tidman was a battered 
 old soldier of fortune, who appreciated good quarters 
 and made the most of civilised luxuries, when other 
 people paid for them. He had done full justice to a 
 dinner admirably cooked and served, while Ainsleigh, 
 the master of the feast had merely trifled with his 
 food. Now, the wary Tidman gave himself up to 
 the perfect enjoyment of wine, cigar and the quiet 
 evening, while his host restlessly changed his position 
 a dozen times in ten minutes and gloomed misau- 
 thropically at the beautiful surroundings. 
 
 And these were very beautiful. From the moss- 
 
 B
 
 2 THE MANDAKIN'S FAN 
 
 grown terrace shallow steps descended to smooth 
 lawns and rainbow-hued flower-beds, and solemn 
 pines girdled the open space, wherein the house was 
 set. And under the radiance of a saffron coloured 
 sky, stood the house, grey with centuries of wind and 
 weather, bleaching sun and drenching rains. With 
 its Tudor battlements, casements, diamond-paned 
 and low oriel windows, half obliterated escutcheons ; 
 its drapery of green ivy, and heavy iron-clamped 
 doors, it looked venerable, picturesque and peaceful. 
 Tennyson sang in the Palace of Art of just such a 
 quiet "English home the haunt of ancient peace," 
 
 On the left, the circle of trees receded to reveal the 
 majestic ruins of an abbey, which had supplied the 
 stones used to construct the mansion. Built by the 
 weak but pious Henry III., the Norman-French name 
 Boyabbaye (King's Abbey) still designated the house 
 of the courtier who had obtained the monastery from 
 another Henry, less pious, and more prone to destroy 
 than to build. The country folk had corrupted the 
 name to Royabay, and its significance was almost 
 lost. But the owner of this fair domain knew its 
 meaning, and loved the ancient place, which had 
 been in the Ainsleigh family for over three hundred 
 years. And he loved it the more, as there was a 
 possibility of its passing away from him altogether. 
 
 Eupert was the last of the old line, poor in 
 relations, and poorer still in money. Till the reign 
 of George the first the Ainsleighs had been rich and 
 famous : but from the time of the Hanovarian advent 
 their fortunes declined. Charles Ainsleigh had 
 thrown in his lot with the unlucky Stewarts, and
 
 THE ADVERTISEMENT 3 
 
 paid for his loyalty so largely as to cripple those 
 who succeeded him. Augustus, the Regency buck, 
 wasted still further the diminished property he in- 
 herited, and a Victorian Ainsleigh proved to be just 
 such another spendthrift. Followed this wastrel, 
 Gilbert more thrifty, who strove, but vainly, to 
 restore the waning fortunes of his race. His son 
 Markham, endeavouring to acquire wealth for the 
 same purpose, went to the far East. But he died 
 in China, — murdered according to family tradition, — 
 and on hearing the news, his widow sickened and 
 died, leaving an only child to battle with the an- 
 cestral curse. For a curse there was, as dire as 
 that which over-shadowed the House of Atreus, and 
 the superstitious beheved, — and with much reason, 
 — that young Rupert as one of the Ainsleighs, had 
 to bear the burden of the terrible anathema. 
 
 Major Tidman knew all these things very well, 
 but being modern and sceptical and grossly material, 
 he discredited such occult influence. Expressing 
 his scornful surprise, that Rupert should trouble his 
 head about such fantasies, he delivered his opinion 
 in the loud free dictatorial speech, which was 
 characteristic of the bluff soldier. " Bunkum," said 
 the Major sipping his wine with relish, " because 
 an old monk driven to his last fortifications, curses 
 those who burnt him, you believe that his jabber 
 has an effect on the Ainsleighs." 
 
 " They have been very unlucky since," said 
 Rupert gloomily. 
 
 " Not a bit of it — not a bit. The curse of Abbot 
 Raoul, didn't begin to work, — if work it did, which
 
 4 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 I for one don't believe, — until many a long day after 
 this place came to your family. I was born in this 
 neighbourhood sixty and more years ago " added the 
 Major, "and I know the history of your family. 
 The Ainsleighs were lucky enough till Anne's reign." 
 
 "Till the first Georgp.'s reign," corrected the 
 young man, " so far as money goes, that is. But 
 not one of them died in his bed." 
 
 " Plenty have died in their beds since." 
 
 " But have lost all their money," retorted Rupert. 
 
 " It's better to lose money than life," said Tidman 
 evasively. 
 
 " I'm not so certain of that Major. But you 
 should talk with Mrs. Pettley about Abbot Raoul's 
 curse. She believes in it." 
 
 " And you Ain sleigh ? " 
 
 Rupert shrugged his shoulders. " We certainly 
 seem to be most unlucky," said he, declining to com- 
 mit himself to an opinion. 
 
 " Want of brains," snapped the Major, who was 
 one of those men who have a reason for everything, 
 "your people wasted their money, and refused to 
 soil their hands with trade. Such pig-headedness 
 brings about misfortune, without the aid of a silly 
 old fool's curse." 
 
 " I don't think Abbot Raoul was a fool," protested 
 the host mildly, " on the contrary, he is said to have 
 been a learned and clever man. Ayuias Ainsleigh, 
 received the abbey from Henry VIII., and burnt 
 Abbot Raoul in his own cloisters," ho nodded to- 
 wards the ruins, "you can see the blackened square of 
 grass yonder, as a proof of the curse. Herbage will
 
 THE ADVEETISEMENT 5 
 
 not grow there, and never will, till the curse be lifted." 
 
 "Huh," said the Major with supreme contempt, 
 " any chance of that? " 
 
 Eapert smiled. " A chance that will never occur I 
 fear. The curse, or prophecy, or whatever you like 
 to call it " 
 
 " I call it rubbish," interpolated the sceptic. 
 
 " Well doubting Thomas, it runs like this, — rude 
 enough verse as you will see, but you can't expect a 
 doomed man to be particular as to literary style," 
 and Rupert recited slowly : — 
 
 " My curse from the tyrants will never depart, 
 For a sword in the hands of the angel flashes : 
 Till Ainsleigh, poor, weds the poor maid of his heart, 
 And gold be brought forth from the holy ashes." 
 
 "I spare j^ou the ancient pronunciation Major." 
 Tidman filled another glass with wine, and laughed 
 scornfully. "I expect the old monk made up the 
 second line to rhyme with ashes," he said expanding 
 his broad chest. " I've heard that rubbishy poetry 
 before. But haven't the Aiusleighs always married 
 poor girls? " 
 
 " Some did, but then they had money. It must 
 be a poor Ainsleigh to wed a poor girl to fulfil the 
 third line. My father and grandfather were both 
 poor, but they married rich brides." 
 " And what became of the cash? " 
 " It went — I don't know how— but it went." 
 " Gold turns to dry leaves in the hands of fools," 
 said Tidman sagely, "there's some sense in the old 
 fairytales. But the fourth hue? how can you get 
 gold from ashes? " 
 
 ^
 
 6 THE MANDAKIN'S FAN 
 
 Young AinsleigTi rose and began to pace the 
 terrace. " I'm sure I don't know," he said, " that's 
 the curse. If I marry Miss Eayner, I certainly 
 fulfil the third line. She is poor and I am a pauper. 
 Perhaps when the enigma of the third line is solved 
 by such a marriage the fourth line will be made clear." 
 
 " I shouldn't hang on to that poetry if I were you, 
 Ainsleigh. Let some one else solve the third line, 
 and the fourth also if he likes. My advice to you is 
 to marry a dollar heiress." 
 
 Eupert looked savage. ** I love Miss Rayner, and 
 I marry her, or no one." 
 
 Tidman selected another cigar carefully. " I think 
 you are wrong," said he decisively, " you have only 
 a small income it's true, but you have this grand 
 old place, a fine old name, and you ain't bad-looking. 
 I guess Miss Jonathan of N'Yr'k would just jump 
 at you." 
 
 " I love Olivia Rayner," repeated Ainsleigh 
 doggedly. 
 
 "But the obstacles my dear Don Quixote," argued 
 the Major lighting the cigar, " you are poor and 
 she, at the most, will inherit only a few hundreds a 
 year from that aunt of hers. And that mass of 
 granite Miss Wharf, don't like you, nor does her 
 companion, the Pewsey cat." 
 
 "Why do you call her a cat — the harmless 
 creature." 
 
 "Because she is a cat," said Tidman sturdily, 
 " she'd scratch if she got a chance for all her velvet 
 paws. But she hates you as old Miss Wharf does. 
 Then there's Lady Jabe — "
 
 THE ADVERTISEMENT 7 
 
 " Oh heavens," said Rupert and made a wry face. 
 
 " You may well say that. She's a bullying 
 Amazon of uncertain age. But she'll do her best to 
 catch Olivia for her nephew Chris Walker." 
 
 " Oh he's a nice enough fellow," said Rupert still 
 pacing the terrace. " I've got nothing to say against 
 him, except that he'd better keep out of my way. 
 And after all Olivia would never marry a clerk in a 
 tea merchant's firm." 
 
 " But he's nephew to Lady Jabe." 
 
 " "What of that. She's only the widow of a knight 
 and hasn't a penny to leave him. Why should she 
 want him to marry Olivia? " 
 
 "Because Miss Wharf will leave Olivia five 
 hundred a year. Lady Jabe will then live on the 
 young couple. And see here Ainsleigh, if you marry 
 Olivia with that income, you won't be taking to wife 
 the poor girl mentioned in the curse." 
 
 " Oh hang the curse," said Rupert crossly. 
 
 "By all means," said Tidman serenely, " you didn't 
 bring me here to talk of that did you ? " 
 
 " No. I want to ask your advice ? " 
 
 "I've given it — unasked. Marry a dollar-heiress, 
 and let old Jabe make Olivia her niece-in-law. By 
 doing so you will be released from your pecuniary 
 difficulties, and will also escape the hatred of Miss 
 Wharf and that Pewsey cat, who both hate you." 
 
 " I wonder why they do ? " 
 
 " Hum," said Tidman discreetly. He knew pretty 
 well why Miss Wharf hated his host, but he was too 
 wise to speak, " something to do with a love affair." 
 
 "What's that got to do with me ? "
 
 8 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 " Ask me another," replied Major Tidman vulgarly, 
 for he was not going to tell a fiery young man like 
 Rupert, that Markham Ainsleigh, Rupert's father, 
 was mixed up in the romance," and I wish you 
 would sit down," he went on irritably "you're walk- 
 ing hke a cat on hot bricks. What's the matter 
 with you ? " 
 
 ** What's the matter," echoed Ainsleigh returning 
 to the arm-chair." " I asked you here to tell you." 
 
 " Wait till I have another glass. Now fire ahead." 
 But Rupert did not accept the invitation immediately. 
 He looked at the lovely scene spread out before hina, 
 and up to the sky which was now of a pale primrose 
 colour. There was a poetic vein in young Ainsleigh, 
 but troubles from his earliest childhood had stultified 
 it considerably. Ever since he left college had he 
 battled to keep the old place, but now, it seemed as 
 if all his trouble had been in vain. He explained his 
 circumstances to the Major, and that astute warrior 
 listened to a long tale of mortgages threatened to be 
 foreclosed, of the sale of old and valuable furniture, 
 and of the disposal of family jewels. " But this last 
 mortgage will finish me," said Rupert in conclusion. 
 " I can't raise the money to pay it off. Miss Wharf 
 will foreclose, and then all the creditors will come 
 down on me. The deluge will come in spite of all 
 I can do." 
 
 Major Tidman stared. " Do you mean to say that 
 Miss Wharf"— 
 
 " She holds the mortgage." 
 
 "And she hates you," said Tidman, his eyes 
 bulging, " huh ■' This is a nice kettle of fish."
 
 THE ADVEETISEMENT 9 
 
 Rupert threw himself back in the deep chair with an 
 angry look. He was a tall finely built young man 
 of twenty- five, of Saxon fairness, with clear blue eyes 
 and a skin tanned by an out-door life. In spite of 
 his poverty and perhaps because of it, he was ac- 
 curately dressed by a crack London tailor, and looked 
 singularly handsome in his well-fitting evening suit. 
 Pulling his well-trimmed fair moustache, he eyed 
 the tips of his neat, patent leather shoes gloomily, 
 and waited to hear what the Major had to say. 
 
 That warrior ruminated, and puffed himself out 
 like the frog in the fable. Tidman was thickset and 
 stout, bald-headed and plethoric. He had a long 
 grey moustache which he tugged at viciously, and 
 on the whole looked a comfortable old gentleman, 
 peaceful enough when let alone. But his face was 
 that of a fighter and his grey eyes were hot and 
 angry. All over the world had the Major fought, 
 and his rank had been gained in South America. 
 With enough to live on, he had returned to the cot 
 where he was born, and was passing his declining 
 days very, pleasantly. Having known Eupert for 
 many years and Rupert's father before him, he 
 usually gave his advice when it was asked for, and 
 knew more about the young man's affairs than any- 
 one else did. But the extent of the ruin, as revealed 
 by the late explanation, amazed him. " What's to 
 be done ? " he asked. 
 
 " Tiiat's what I wish you to suggest," said Rupert 
 grimly, "things are coming to a climax, and per- 
 haps when the last Ainsleigh is driven from home, 
 Abbot Raoul will rest quiet in his grave. His
 
 10 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 ghost walks you know. Ask Mrs. Pettley. She's 
 seen it, or him." 
 
 " Stuff-stuff-stuff," grumbled the Major staring, 
 " let the ghost and the curse and all that rubbish 
 alone. What's to be done ? " 
 
 " Well," said the young man meditatively, " either 
 I must sell up, and clear out to seek my fortune, 
 leaving Olivia to marry young Walker, or — " 
 
 "Or what?" asked Tidman seeing Kupert 
 hesitating. 
 
 For answer Ainsleigh took a pocket-book from 
 the lower ledge of the table and produced therefrom 
 a slip of printed paper. 
 
 " I cut that out of " The Daily Telegraph," said 
 he handing it to the Major, "what do you make of it?" 
 
 Tidman mounted a gold pince-nez and read aloud, 
 as follows : — 
 
 " The jade fan of Mandarin Lo-Keong, with the 
 four and half beads and the yellow cord. Wealth 
 and long life to the holder, who gives it to Hwei, 
 but death and the doom of the god Kwang-ho to 
 that one who refuses. Address Kan-su at the Joss- 
 house of the Five Thousand Blessings, 43 Perry 
 Street, Whitechapel." 
 
 " A mixture of the Far East and the Near West, 
 isn't it?" asked Rupert, when the Major laid down 
 the slip and stared. 
 
 " Lo-Keong," said Tidman searching his memory, 
 " wasn't that the man your father knew? " 
 
 " The same. That is why I cut out the slip, and 
 why I asked you to see me. You remember my 
 father's expedition to China?"
 
 THE ADVERTISEMENT 11 
 
 " Of course. He went there twenty years ago 
 when you were five years of age. I was home at 
 the time — it was just before I went to fight in that 
 Janjalla Republic war in South America. I wanted 
 your father to come with me and see if he couldn't 
 make money : but he was bent on China." 
 
 "Well," said Rupert, "I understood he knew of 
 a gold-mine there." 
 
 " Yes, on the Hwei River," Major Tidman 
 snatched the slip of print and read the lines again, 
 "and here's the name, Hwei — that's strange." 
 
 " But what's stranger still," said Rupert, bending 
 forward " is, that I looked up some papers of my father 
 and learn that the Hwei River is in the Kan-su 
 province." 
 
 " Address Kan-su," murmured Tidman staring 
 harder than ever. " Yes. It seems as though this 
 had something to do with your father." 
 
 " It must have something to do with him," insisted 
 Rupert, " my father found that gold-mine near the 
 Hwei River in the Kan-su province, and Lo-Keong 
 was the Boxer leader who protected my father from 
 the enmity of the Chinese. I believe he sent my 
 father's papers to England — at least so Dr. Forge 
 says." 
 
 "Forge," cried Tidman rising, "quite so. He 
 was with your father. Why not see him, and ask 
 questions." 
 
 " I'll do so. Perhaps he may tell me something 
 about this fan." 
 
 " What if he does ? " 
 
 " I might find it."
 
 12 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 "And if you do?" asked the Major, his eyes 
 protruding. 
 
 Rupert sprang to his feet and took up the slip. 
 "Wealth and long hfe to the holder who gives it 
 to Hvvei," he read: then replaced the slip in his 
 pocket-book, " why shouldn't I find that fan and get 
 enough money to pay off Miss Wharf and others and 
 keep Eoyabay." 
 
 " But it's such a mad idea ? " 
 
 " I don't see it. If it hadn't to do with my father 
 it would be," said Ainsleigh Hghting his pipe, " but 
 my father knew Lo-Keong, and by the names Hwei 
 and Kan-su, it seems as though the locality of the 
 gold-mine had something to do ^ith the matter. 
 I'll see old Forge and try to find this fan." " Oh," 
 said Tidman, a hght breaking on him, " you think 
 Lo-Keong may have given the fan to your father ? " 
 
 "Yes, and Forge may know what luggage and 
 papers were sent home, at the time my father 
 died—" 
 
 " Was murdered you mean." 
 
 " We can't be sure of that," said Eupert his face 
 flushing, " but I'll find that out, and get hold of the 
 fan also. It's my chance to make money, and I 
 believe Providence has opened this way to me."
 
 CHAPTEE II 
 
 Dr. Foege 
 
 Royabay was distant five miles from Marport, a 
 rising watering place on the Essex coast. In fact 
 so large was the town, and so many the visitors, that 
 it might be said to be quite risen, though the inhabi- 
 tants insisted that it had not yet attained the height 
 it yet would reach. But be this as it may, Marport 
 was popular and fashionable, and many retired 
 gentlepeople lived in spacious houses along the cliffs 
 and in the suburbs. The ancient town, which lay 
 in a hollow, was left to holiday trippers, and these 
 came in shoals during the summer months. There 
 was the usual pier, the Kursaal, the theatre, many 
 bathing machines and many boarding houses — in fact 
 the usual sort of things which go to make up a 
 popular watering-place. And the town had been in 
 existence — the new part at all events — for only fifteen 
 years. Like Jonah's gourd it had sprung up in a 
 night : but it certainly showed no signs of withering. 
 In fact its attractions increased yeatly. 
 
 Major Tiduian was a wise man, and had not 
 travelled over the world with his eyes shut. He had 
 seen colonial towns spring up and fade away, and 
 knew how the value of land increases. Thus, when
 
 14 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 he returned to his own country with a certain sum 
 of money, he expended the same in buying land, and 
 m building thereon. This policy produced a lot of 
 money, with which the Major bought more land and 
 more houses. Now, he possessed an avenue of desir- 
 able villa residences in the suburbs which brought 
 him in a good income, and which, by reason of their 
 situation, were never empty. The Major did not 
 live here himself. He was a bachelor and fond of 
 company : therefore he took up his quarters in the 
 Bristol Hotel, the most fashionable in Marport. As 
 he had shares in the company which built it, he man- 
 aged to obtain his rooms at a comparatively moderate 
 rate. Here he lived all the year round, save when he 
 took a trip to the Continent, and, as the Bristol was 
 always full of people, the Major did not lack company. 
 As he was a good-humoured little man, with plenty 
 of small talk and a fund of out-of-the-way information, 
 he soon became immensely popular. In this way 
 the crafty Major had all the comforts of home and 
 the delights of society without bearing the burden of 
 an establishment of his own. His sole attendant was 
 a weather-beaten one-eyed man, who acted as his 
 valet, and who knew how to hold his tongue. 
 
 Sometimes the Major would walk up town and 
 inspect his property with great pride. It was balm 
 to his proud heart to walk up and down the spacious 
 avenue, and survey the red brick villas smiling amidst 
 trim gardens. Tidman's birth was humble, — his 
 father had been a small tenant farmer of the Ains- 
 leighs, — and he had started life without even the pro- 
 verbial shilling. For many years he was absent from
 
 DK. FOKGE 15 
 
 his native land, and returned to find fortune waiting 
 for him on the door step. To be sure he brought a 
 nest-egg home with him. Nevertheless, but for his 
 astuteness in buying land and in building he would 
 not have acquired such a good income. So the Major 
 had some cause for self congratulation, when he 
 paced up and down Tidman's Avenue. 
 
 Two days after his dinner with Eupert Ainsleigh, 
 the Major spick and span as usual, — he always looked 
 as though he had stepped out of a bandbox, — was 
 strutting up the Avenue. Half way along he came 
 face to face with a withered little woman, who looked 
 like the bad fairy of the old nursery tales. She wore 
 a poke bonnet, a black dress and, strange to say, a 
 scarlet shawl. Her age might have been about fifty- 
 five, but she looked even older. With her dress 
 picked up, and holding a flower in her hand, she came 
 mincing along smiling at the world with a puckered 
 face and out of a pair of very black and brilliant eyes. 
 She looked a quaint old-fashioned gentlewoman of 
 the sort likely to possess a good income, for it seemed 
 that no pauper would have dared to dress in so shabby 
 and old-fashioned a manner. Consequently it was 
 strange that the gallant Major should have showed a 
 disposition to turn tail when he set eyes on her. She 
 might indeed have been the veritable witch she looked, 
 so pale turned Major Tidman's ruddy face. But the 
 old dame was not going to let him escape in this way. 
 
 " Oh good morning," she said in a sharp voice like 
 a saw, " how well you are looking dear Major Tidman 
 — really so very well. I never saw you look younger. 
 The rose in your button-hole is not more blooming.
 
 IC THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 How do you keep your youth so ? I remember you ' ' — 
 
 But the Major cut her short. He had enough of 
 flatteriDg words which he guessed she did not mean, 
 and didn't want her to remember anything, for he 
 knew her memory extended disagreeably to the time 
 when he had been a poor and humble nobody. " I'm 
 in a hurry Miss Pewsey." he said twirling his stick, 
 " good-morning ma'am — morning." 
 
 •' If you're going to see Dr. Forge," said Miss 
 Pewsey, her black eyes glittering like jet. " I've 
 just come from his house. He is engaged." 
 
 "I can wait I suppose, Miss Pewsey," said Tidman 
 bristling, " that is, supposing I am calling on the 
 doctor." 
 
 " Then you really are : not on account of your 
 health I'm sure. I do hope you aren't ill, dear Major. 
 We all look forward to you shining at the ball, which 
 is to take place at the Hotel Bristol." 
 
 " I may be there, Miss Pewsey. I may be there, 
 — in fact," the Major flourished his stick agam, " I 
 am one of the stewards." 
 
 Miss Pewsey clapped together a pair of small 
 claws encased in shabby cotton gloves. " There," 
 she cried in a shriller voice than ever, " I knew it. 
 I said so to my Sophia. Of course you know I 
 always call dear Miss Wharf my Sophia ; we have 
 been friends for years — oh yes, for years. We grew 
 on one stem and — " 
 
 " You'll excuse me, ma'am — " 
 
 " Oh yes — I know you are so busy. But I was 
 sajdug, that you can give me a ticket for my nephew, 
 Mr, Burgh—"
 
 DK. FORGE 17 
 
 " The tickets are for sale at the hotel," said Tidman 
 gruffly. 
 
 "Yes, but my poor nephew is poor. He also has 
 come from foreign parts Major as you did, and just 
 as poor. You must give him a ticket — oh really j^ou 
 must." Miss Pewsey spoke with an emphasis on 
 every other word, and between her teeth as though 
 she was trying to prevent the speech escaping too 
 rapidly. " Now, Major," she coaxed. 
 
 " I'll see, ma'am— I'll see." 
 
 " Oh. I knew you would." She clasped her 
 bands again, " come and see my Sophia — dear Miss 
 Wharf, and then you can give Clarence — that's my 
 nephew's name, sweet isn't it ? — you can give him 
 the ticket. But don't bring liivi,'' added Miss 
 Pewsey jerking her old head backward in the direction 
 of Dr. Forge's residence, " he's there." 
 
 ''Who is there, ma'am?" demanded the Major 
 with a start. 
 
 " Why that horrid Mr. Ainsleigh and — " 
 
 Miss Pewsey got no further. The Major uttered 
 something naughty under his breath, and taking off 
 his hat with a flourish, bowed his way along the road, 
 pursued by the shrill injunctions of the lady not to 
 forget the ticket. 
 
 Tidman walked more rapidly and less jauntily than 
 usual, and stopped at Dr. Forge's gate to wipe his 
 red face, which had now assumed its normal colour. 
 
 " By George " said the old soldier," that woman 
 will marry me, if I don't take care. She ain't safe 
 — she shouldn't be allowed out. Pewsey — a cat — a 
 cat — I always said so. Lavinia Pewsey cat, to 
 
 C
 
 18 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 Benjamin Tidman gentleman. Not if 1 kno-w it — 
 ugh — ugh," and he walked up the steps to ring the 
 bell. While waiting, his thoaghts went from Miss 
 Pewsey to Eupert. " I thought he had gone to town 
 about that fan business," said the Major fretting, 
 " what's he doing calling on Forge without telling 
 me," and Tidman seemed very much annoyed that 
 Eupert should have taken such a liberty. 
 
 True enough, he found young Ainsleigh sitting 
 with Dr. Forge. The doctor was a tall lean man 
 with sad eyes, and a stiff manner. He was dressed 
 in a loose white flannel suit, ni a most unprofessional 
 way. But everyone knew that Forge had money and 
 did not practise, save when the fancy took him. 
 With his watchful grey eyes and sad face and lantern 
 jaws. Forge was not a prepossessing object or a 
 medical attendant to be desired. Also his hands had 
 a claw-like look, which, added to his thin hooked nose, 
 made him look like a hawk. He spoke very little 
 though, and what he did say was to the point : but he 
 was not popular like the Major, A greater contrast 
 than this mummy and handsome young Ainsleigh, 
 can scarcely be imagined. 
 
 The Major came puffing into the room and looked 
 around. It was a small apartment furnished with 
 Chinese curiosities. Rice-paper painted in the con- 
 ventional Chinese fashion adorned the walls : a many- 
 tasseled lantern gay with colour, dangled from the 
 roof, and in each corner of the room a fat mandarin 
 squatted on a pedestal. The furniture was of bam- 
 boo, and straw matting covered the floor. A book- 
 case filled with medical volumes looked somewhat
 
 DR. FORGE 19 
 
 out of place in this eastern room, as did the doctor's 
 writing table, a large one covered with papers and 
 books, and strange looking Chinese scrips. The room 
 was as queer as its owner, and the atmosphere had 
 that indescribable eastern smell, which the Major re- 
 membered to have sniffed up at Canton under dis- 
 agreeable circumstances. Perhaps it was the revival 
 of an unpleasant memory that made him sit down so 
 suddenly, or it might have been the cold grey stony 
 eyes of Forge. 
 
 " Well Major," said Rupert who looked handsome 
 and gay in flannels, and who seemed to have lost his 
 melancholy looks, " who would have thought of see- 
 ing you here?" 
 
 " I came to ask Foi'ge to keep the exterior of his 
 house a little more tidy," said the Major with dignity, 
 " the steps have not been cleaned this morning, and 
 there is straw in the garden, while the shrubs and 
 flowers are dying for want of water." 
 
 Forge shrugged his thin shoulders, and nodded to- 
 wards some egg-shell china cups and a quaint looking 
 tea-pot. But he did not speak. 
 
 " No," replied the Major to the silent invitation. 
 " I never drmk tea in the afternoon — " 
 
 "Or at any time," said Forge in a melancholy 
 way." I know you of old. Ainsleigh, take another 
 cup." 
 
 " Not in the Chinese fashion," said Rupert smiling, 
 " you drink it too hot for my taste and I like milk 
 and sugar. Bat now I've told you about the fan, I'll 
 leave you to chat with Tidman." 
 
 " The fan," said Tidman sitting up as straight as
 
 20 THE MANDAKIN'S FAN 
 
 his stoutness would let him, " ah yes — I forgot about 
 that. Well?" 
 
 "Well," echoed Eupert lighting a cigarette, "I 
 called at the joss house in Perry Street Whitechapel, 
 and a nice sort of den it is. A Chinaman, heard my 
 explanation about my father's connection with 
 Lo-Keong, and then told me that the fan had been 
 stolen from that gentleman, who is now a Mandarin." 
 
 " Lo-Keong was well on the way to the highest 
 post when I saw him last" said Forge preparing a 
 roll of tobacco, "he was much in favour at the court." 
 
 "But I thought he was a Boxer," said Tidman, 
 "and surely " 
 
 " Oh he gave up the Boxers, and curried favour with 
 the Dowager Empress. That was seven years ago, 
 when I was last in China. I met you there Tidman." 
 
 Again the disagreeable recollection of Canton 
 crossed the Major's memory, and he nodded. 
 " What about the fan ? " he asked Eupert again. 
 
 " It's of great value," said Ainsleigh, "at least this 
 Chinaman told me so. Lo-Keong is now a Mandarin, 
 and is high in favour with the Dowager Empress — " 
 
 " And consequently is hated by the Emperor," 
 murmured Forge. 
 
 "I don't know, doctor, I'm not up in Chinese 
 politics. However, the fan was lost by Lo-Keong 
 some years ago, and being a sacred fan, he wants it 
 back. This Chinaman Tung-Yu — " 
 
 " Oh," said the Major," then you didn't see Hwei 
 or Kan-su? " 
 
 " Those are names of a river and a province," said 
 the doctor.
 
 DB. FOKGE 21 
 
 " I know," snapped Tidman," but they were in 
 the advertisement." 
 
 "Tung-yu explained that they were used only for 
 the purpose of advertisement," said Eupert, " but to 
 make a long story short, I told him that I had seen 
 the fan—" 
 
 " You saw the fan," asked Tidman directing a side 
 look at Forge. 
 
 " A dream — a dream," said the doctor. 
 
 "No," insisted the young man. "I feel sure I 
 have seen that fan, I can't think where. Perhaps it 
 is amongst my father's effects sent from China by 
 Lo-Keong years ago " 
 
 " Twenty years ago," said Dr. Forge, " and Lo- 
 Keong would hardly send his own fan. I re- 
 member the things coming. I came home im- 
 mediately before. A Chinaman brought your father's 
 papers and luggage to Eoyabay. He left them with 
 your mother and went away." 
 
 " Were you not with my father when he died ? " 
 asked Eupert, " I always understood you were." 
 
 " No. I was at Pekin at the time. Your father 
 and I were working the mine together, and I went 
 about some imperial concessions. While there I 
 heard that your father was dead." 
 
 " Was he murdered?" asked Eupert earnestly. 
 
 " I really can't say, Lo-Keong said that he died 
 of dysentery, but he was always a liar. He wouldn't 
 be so high in favour with the Court if he wasn't. 
 Lying is a fine art in the Far East, and — " 
 
 " Yes — Yes," said Tidman impatiently, " but what 
 has all this to do with the fan ? "
 
 22 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 *' I think it's all of a piece myself," said Eupert, 
 ** and I intend to get to the bottom of it. I have seen 
 that fan somewhere — but I can't think — I can't," he 
 reflected and shook his head, "no. But I have seen 
 it doctor, so its no use your shrugging your shoulders. 
 I want to find it and get that five thousand 
 pounds." 
 
 "What?" cried the Major leaping up on his stout 
 little legs. 
 
 " Lo-Keong is willing to give five thousand pounds 
 for the return of his fan," said Ainsleigh, who had 
 walked to the door, " and I intend to earn it." 
 
 " Against my advice," said Forge looking up oddly. 
 
 Eupert laughed. "Oh you are afraid," he said 
 smiling. 
 
 " Of you, not of myself. I know what the Chinese 
 are, and have studied the race for vears. 1 know 
 how to deal with them ; but you will get into trouble 
 if you meddle with this fan business." 
 
 " And so I say," cried Tidman emphatically. 
 
 " Why, what do you know of the Chinese, Major ? " 
 asked Eupert. 
 
 " More than I like to think of," said the little 
 man wiping his bald head. " I went out to China 
 for a trip seven years ago and met with an adventure 
 in Canton — ugh ! " 
 
 " What sort of an adventure? " 
 
 " Ugh ! " grunted the Major again, " don't talk 
 about it. It makes me cold to think of it. The 
 Chinese are demons. Forge got me out of the trouble 
 and I left China never to set foot in it again I hope. 
 Ainsleigh, if you want that curse of yours to be
 
 DK. FOBGE 23 
 
 realised, meddle with the fan. But if you want to 
 keep your life and your skin, leave the matter alone." 
 
 " I'm going to get that five thousand pounds," 
 said Rupert, obstinately, " as soon as I can recollect 
 where I saw that fan. The memory will come back 
 tome. I am sure it will. Doctoryou won't help me." 
 
 "No," said Forge decisively. "I advise you to 
 leave the matter alone." 
 
 " In that case I must search it out myself. Good- 
 day," aad Ainsleigh strolled out of the room, light- 
 heartedly enough, as he whistled a gay tune. Major 
 Tidman looked grimly at the closed door, and then 
 still more grimly at the doctor, who was paring his 
 nails. 
 
 " Our young friend is ambitious," he said. 
 
 Forge laughed gently. "You can hardly blame 
 him. He wants to marry Miss Rayner and save 
 his ancestral home, so I am quite sure he will search 
 for the fan." 
 
 " He won't find it then," said the Major petulantly. 
 
 "Won't he?" questioned Forge sweetly, " well, 
 perhaps not. By the way you want to see me 
 Major. Mrs. Bressy tells me you called at least 
 twice yesterday," 
 
 " Yes. She didn't know when you would be back," 
 
 " I never tell her. I like to take the old lady un- 
 awares. She is a Dickens' character, with a fondness 
 for drink, and for taking things which don't belong to 
 her. I always go away and come back unexpectedly. 
 Yesterday I was in Paris. Now I am at Marport. 
 Well?" 
 
 The Major had contained himself with difficulty
 
 24 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 all this time, and had grown very red in the face. 
 The colour changed to a lively purple, as he 
 burst out. " See here Forge what's the use of 
 talking to me in this way. You have that fan." 
 
 " Have I," said Forge smiling gently. 
 
 "Yes. You know well enough that the very fan 
 — the jade fan with the five beads, was the cause of 
 my getting into trouble in Canton. You got me 
 out of the trouble and you asked me to give you the 
 fan, when I thanked you." 
 
 " And you refused," said Forge still smiling. 
 
 "Well I did at first," said Tidman sulkily. "I 
 risked my life over the beastly thing, and — " 
 
 Forge raised a thin hand. " Spare yourself the 
 recital. I know." 
 
 "Well then," went on Tidman excitedly. "You 
 asked again for it when you came home, and I gave 
 it to you. Ainsleigh is quite right. He did see the 
 fan. I showed it to him one day before you arrived. 
 I see he has forgotten, but any stray thought may 
 revive his memory. I don't want him to have the fan." 
 
 " Why not ?" asked Forge shutting his knife with 
 a click. 
 
 " Because I want the five thousand pounds for 
 myself. I'm not so well off as people think, and I 
 want" — 
 
 " You forget," said Forge gently, " you gave me 
 the fan." 
 
 "And have you got it ? " 
 
 " I have," he nodded towards a cabinet of Chinese 
 work adorned with quaint figures," it's in there." 
 
 " Give it to me back."
 
 DE. FOEGE 25 
 
 " No. I think I'll keep it." 
 
 " What do you want to do with it ? " asked Tidman 
 angrily. 
 
 Forge rose and looked stern, " I want to keep it 
 from Lo-Keong," he said savagely, "there's some 
 secret connected with that fan. I can't understand 
 what the secret is or what the fan has to do with it : 
 but it means life and death to this Mandarin. He'd 
 give ten thousand, — twenty thousand to get that 
 fan back. But he shan't." 
 
 " Oh," groaned the Major," why did I give it to 
 you. To think that such a lot of money should go 
 begging. If I had only known what the fan was 
 worth." 
 
 "You knew nothing about it save as a curiosity." 
 
 " How do you know," demanded the Major. 
 
 Forge who had turned towards the cabinet wheeled 
 round and looked more like a hawk than ever as he 
 pounced on the stoat man. " What do you know ? " 
 and he clawed Tidman's plump shoulders. 
 
 " Let me go confound you," blustered the Major, 
 " what do you mean by assaulting a gentleman" — 
 
 " A gentleman." Forge suddenly released the 
 Major and laughed softly, " does Benjamin Tidman, 
 old Farmer Tidman's son call himself so. Why I 
 remember you — " 
 
 " Yes I know you do, and so does that infernal 
 Pewsey cat." 
 
 Forge suddenly became attentive. " Miss Pewsey 
 if you please. She is my friend. I may — " Forge 
 halted and swallowed something. "I may even 
 marry her some day."
 
 26 THE MANDAKIN'S FAN 
 
 "What," shouted Tidman backing to the wall, 
 " that old— old— " 
 
 " Gently my good Benjamin, gently." 
 
 " But — but you're not a marrying man." 
 
 " We never know what we are till we die," said 
 Forge turning again towards the black cabinet, " but 
 you needn't mention what I have said. If you do," 
 Forge snarled like an angry cat and shot one glance 
 from his gray eyes that made Tidman shiver : then 
 he resumed his gentle tone. " About this fan. I'll 
 make a bargain with you." 
 
 " What's that ? " asked the Major avariciously. 
 
 " I'll show you the fan, and if you can guess it's 
 secret, I'll let you give it to this Tung-yu or Hwei or 
 Kan-su or whatever he likes to call himself." 
 
 " But you don't want Lo-Keong to have the fan," 
 said the Major doubtfully. 
 
 Forge opened the cabinet slowly. " So long as I 
 learn the secret he can have the fan. I want to 
 ruin hnn. He's a devil and — ah — " he started back. 
 " The fan— the fan—" 
 
 " What is it ? " asked Tidman, craning over Forge's 
 shoulder at an empty drawer, " where is the fan ? " 
 
 " Lost," cried Forge furiously, and looked like a 
 dangerous grey rat. 
 
 " Five thousand pounds gone," moaned the 
 Major 
 
 " My life you fool — my life," cried the doctor, " it 
 is at stake."
 
 CHAPTEE III 
 
 Miss Wharf at Home 
 
 The best houses in Marport were situated on the 
 Chffs. They stood a considerable way back and had 
 small plots of ground before them cultivated or not, 
 according to the taste of those who owned them. 
 Some of these gardens were brilliant with flowers, 
 others had nothing but shrubs in them, presenting 
 rather a sombre appearance, and a few were bare 
 sun-burnt grass plots, with no adornment whatso- 
 ever. A broad road divided the gardens from the 
 grassy undalations of the cliffs, and along this 
 thoroughfare, rolled carriages,bicycles, and motor-cars 
 all day during the season. Then came the grass on 
 the cliff-tops which stretched for a long distance, and 
 which was dotted with shelters for nervous invalids. 
 At one end there was a round bandstand where red- 
 coated musicians played lively airs from the latest 
 musical comedy. Bound the stand were rows of chairs 
 hired out at twopence an afternoon, and indeed, all 
 over the lawns, seats of various kinds were scattered. 
 At the end of the grass, the cliffs sloped gradually 
 and were intersected with winding paths, which led 
 downward to the asphalt Esplanade which ran along 
 the water's edge, when the tide was high, and be-
 
 28 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 side evil-smelling mud when the tide was out. And 
 on what was known as the beach — a somewhat 
 gritty strand, — were many bathing machines. Such 
 was the general appearance of Marport which the 
 Essex people looked on as a kind of Brighton, only 
 much better. 
 
 Miss Sophia Wharf owned a cosy little house at 
 the far end of the cliffs, and just at the point where 
 Marport begins to melt into the country. It was a 
 modern house comfortably furnished and brilliant 
 with electric lights. The garden in front of it was 
 well taken care of, there were scarlet and white 
 shades to the windows and flower boxes filled with 
 blossoms on the sills. Everyone who passed remarked 
 on the beauty of the house, and Miss Wharf was al- 
 ways pleased when she heard them envy her 
 possessions. She liked to possess a Naboth's Vine- 
 yard of her own, and appreciated it the more, when 
 others would have liked to take it. She had an in- 
 come of one thousand a year and therefore could live 
 very comfortably. The house (Ivy Lodge was it's 
 highly original name) was her own, bought in the 
 days when Marport was nothing but a fishing village. 
 She knew everyone in the neighbourhood, was a 
 staunch friend to the vicar who was high church and 
 quite after her own heart in the use of banners, in- 
 cense, candles and side-altars, and on the whole was 
 one of the leading ladies of the place. She had the 
 reputation of being charitable, but this was owing to 
 Miss Pewsey who constantly trumpeted the bestowal 
 of any stray shilling being by her patroness. 
 
 Miss Wharf was a lady of good family, but had
 
 MISS WHAEF AT HOME 29 
 
 quarrelled with her relatives. She was a tall, cold, 
 blonde woman who had once been handsome and 
 still retained a certain portion of good looks, in spite 
 of her forty and more years. She lived with her 
 niece Olivia the child of a sister long since dead, and 
 with Miss Pewsey, to whom she gave a home as a 
 companion. But Miss Wharf well knew, that Lavinia 
 Pewsey was worth her weight in gold owing to the 
 way she praised up her good, kind, devoted, loving, 
 sweet, friend. The adjectives are Miss Pewsey's 
 own, but some people said that Sophia Wharf did 
 not deserve to have them attached to her. The lady 
 had her enemies, and these openly declared, as the 
 Major had done, that she was a mass of granite. 
 Other people, less prejudiced, urged that Miss Wharf 
 looked after Olivia, who was a penniless orphan. To 
 which the grumblers retorted that Miss Wharf Hked 
 someone to vent her temper on, and that the poor 
 girl, being too pretty, did duty as a whipping boy. 
 This was possibly true, for Olivia and her aunt did 
 not get on well together. In her own way the girl 
 looked as cold as Miss Wharf, but this coldness was 
 merely a mask to hide a warm and loving nature, 
 while Miss Wharf was an ice-berg through and 
 through. However, on the whole, Sophia Wharf was 
 well Hked, and took care to make the most of her 
 looks and her moderate income and her reputation 
 as a charitable lady. And Miss Pewsey was the 
 show-woman who displayed her patroness's points to 
 their best advantage. 
 
 The drawing-room of Ivy Lodge was a flimsy, 
 pretty, feminine, room, furnished in a gim-crack
 
 30 THE MA^sDAKIN'S FAX 
 
 fashion, of the high art style. The floor was waxed, 
 and covered with Persian praying mats, the chairs 
 were gilt and had spindle legs the settee was Empire, 
 the piano was encased in green wood and adorned 
 with much hrass, the sofa was Louis Quinze and 
 covered with brocade, and there were many tables 
 of rose-wood, dainty and Hght, heaped high with 
 useless nick-knacks. 
 
 The walls of pale green were adorned with water- 
 colour pictures, and many mirrors draped with 
 liiberty silk. Everywhere were large bowls of 
 flowers, miniatures of Miss TSliarf at various times 
 of her life, curiosities from China and Japan and the 
 near East, and all sorts of odds and ends which Miss 
 Wharf had collected on her travels. Xot that she had 
 been to the East, for the evidences of civilisation in 
 those lands came from Dr. Forge and Major Tidman, 
 but Miss Wharf had explored G-ermany, Switzerland 
 and Italy and consequently had brought home 
 cuckoo-clocks, quaint carvings, pictures of the 
 Madonna, Etruscan idols and such like things with 
 which every tourist loads himself or herself. The 
 restilt was, that the drawing-room looked Like a 
 curiosity shop, but it was considered to be one of the 
 prettiest drawing-rooms in Essex. 
 
 Miss Wnarf looked too large and too substantial 
 for the frail furniture of the room. She had a double 
 chin and was certainly very stout. Very wisely she 
 had a special arm-chair placed in the window — from 
 which she could see all that was going on, — and 
 here she sat working most of the day. She was 
 great on doing iancy articles for bazaars, and silk
 
 MISS ^"HAEF AT HO:yIE: 31 
 
 ties for such gentlemen as she admired, for iMiss 
 
 Wharf, old maid as she was, liked male society. 
 
 The Major was her great admirer, so was young 
 
 Walker, Lady Jabe's nephew. Sophia was not very 
 
 sure of this last gentleman, as she shrewdly suspected 
 
 — prompted by Miss Pewsey — that he admired 
 
 Olivia. Kupert also admired OHvia and wanted to 
 
 marry her, a proceeding which Miss Wharf objected 
 
 to. Miss Pewsey supported her in this, for both 
 
 women were envious of the youth which had passed 
 
 from them for ever. But Miss Wharf had also 
 
 another reason, which Miss Pewsey knew, but of 
 
 which OUvia was ignorant. Hitherto Sophia had 
 
 kept it from the girl but this afternoon in a lit of 
 
 rage she let it out. The explosion did not come at 
 
 once, for Lady Jabe was in the room drinking tea, 
 
 and Miss Pewsey was flitting about, filling odd 
 
 vases with flowers. OHvia sat on the settee very 
 
 straight and very cold, looking dark and handsome, 
 
 and altogether too splendid a woman for her aunt to 
 
 tolerate. 
 
 " Can't you do something?" said Miss Wharf turn- 
 ing her jealous eyes on the girl. " I should think 
 you must be tired, twiddling your thumbs all day." 
 
 " m do whatever you wish me to do," said Olivia 
 coldly. 
 
 " Then help Lavinia with the flowers." 
 
 OHvia rose to do so, but Miss Pewsey refused her 
 assistance in a shrill speech spoken as usual between 
 her teeth and with an emphasis on every other word. 
 " Oh no dear, dear, Sophia," cried Miss Pewsey, " I 
 have just finished, and I may say that my eye for
 
 32 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 colour is better than Olivia's — you don't mind my 
 saying so, darling," she added to the girl. 
 
 "Not at all," replied Miss Eayner who detested 
 the sycophant. " I never give the matter a thought." 
 
 " You should think," said Lady Jabe joining in 
 heavily. She was a tall masculine-looking woman 
 with grey hair and bushy grey eyebrows, and with 
 an expression of face that suggested she should have 
 worn a wig and sat on the bench. She dressed in 
 rather a manly way, and far too young for her fifty 
 years. On the present occasion she wore a yachting- 
 cap, a shirt with a stand-up, all round, collar and a 
 neat bow ; a leather belt and a bicycling skirt of 
 blue serge. Her boots and shoes were of tanned 
 brown leather, and she carried a bamboo cane in- 
 stead of a sunshade. No one could have been more 
 gentlemanly. "You should think," added she once 
 more, " for instance you should think of marriage." 
 
 Miss Wharf drew herself up in her cold way. " I 
 fancy that Olivia, few brains as she has, is yet wise 
 enough not to think of marriage at twenty." 
 
 "It would not be much good if I did," said Olivia 
 calmly. " I have no money, and young men want 
 a rich wife." 
 
 " Not all," said Lady Jabe, " there's Chris " 
 
 " Chris is out of the question," said Miss Kayner 
 quickly. 
 
 "And pray why is he? " asked Sophia in arms at 
 once. She never liked Olivia to have an opinion of 
 her own. 
 
 " Because I don't love him." 
 
 " But Chris loves you," said Lady Jabe, " and
 
 MISS WHAEF AT HOME 33 
 
 really he's getting a very good salary in that Tea- 
 merchant's office. Chris, as you are aware, Olivia, 
 is foreign corresponding clerk to Kum-gum Li & Co. 
 He knows Chinese," finished Lady Jabe, with tre- 
 mendous emphasis. 
 
 "Oh," Miss Pewsey threw up her claws, "how 
 delicious to be made love to in Chinese. I must 
 really ask Mr. Walker what is the Chinese for ' I 
 love you.' " 
 
 " Olivia prefers to hear it in EngHsh," said Miss 
 Wharf, spitefully. 
 
 " Quite so, aunt," retorted her niece, her colour 
 rising, " but don't you think we might change the 
 subject. It really isn't very interesting." 
 
 "But indeed I think it is," said Lady Jabe smartly, 
 " I come here to plead the cause of poor Chris. 
 His heart is breaking. Your aunt is willing to " 
 
 "But I am not," said Miss Eayner quickly, "so 
 please let us say no more about the matter. Mr. 
 Walker can marry Lotty Dean." 
 
 "But she's a grocer's daughter," said Lady Jabe, 
 who was herself the widow of an oil-merchant, 
 " and remember my title." 
 
 " Lotty isn't going to marry you, Lady Jabe." 
 
 " Nor Chris, if I can help it," said the other grimly. 
 
 Miss Wharf was just about to crush Olivia with a 
 particularly disagreeable remark, when the door 
 opened and two gentlemen entered. One was Chris- 
 topher Walker, a slim, boyish-looking young fellow, 
 in that callow stage of manhood which sees beauty 
 in every woman. The other, who followed, was 
 Miss Pewsey's nephew. 
 
 D
 
 34 THE MANDAKIN'S FAN 
 
 4 
 
 There was nothing immature about him, although 
 he was but twenty eight years of age. Clarence 
 Burgh was tall, thin, dark and had the appearance 
 of a swashbuckler as he swaggered into the room. 
 His black eyes snapped with an unholy light and his 
 speech smacked too much of the Lands at the Back 
 of Beyond, where he had passed the most part 
 of his life. He was an expert rider, and daily rode 
 a bucking squealing, kicking stallion up and down 
 the road, or took long gallops into the country to 
 reduce the fire of the unruly beast. Burgh was 
 bad all through, daring, free, bold, and had a good 
 deal of the untamed savage about him ; but he was 
 emphatically a man, and it was this virile atmos- 
 phere about him, which caused his withered aunt to 
 adore him. And indeed Miss Wharf admired him 
 also, as did many of the women in Marport. 
 Clarence looked like a buccaneer who would carry a 
 woman off, and knock her down if she objected to 
 his love-making. Women like that sort of dominat- 
 ing lord of the world, and accordingly Mr. Burgh 
 had nothing to complain of, so far as feminine 
 admiration went, during his sojourn in Marport. 
 But he had set his affections on Olivia, and hitherto 
 she had shrunk from him. All the same, brute as 
 he ■»as, she admired him more than she did 
 effeminate Chris Walker, who smacked of the city 
 and of a feather-bed-four-meals-a-day existence. 
 
 *' Oh," squeaked Miss Pewsey, flying to the 
 hero and clasping him round the neck, *' how very, 
 very sweet of you to come." 
 
 " Hadn't anything else to do," said Clarence grace-
 
 MISS WHAKF AT HOME 35 
 
 fully, casfciDg himself into a chair. All his movements 
 were graceful like those of a panther. " How are 
 you Miss Wharf — Miss Eayner — Lady Jabe. I guess 
 you all look like a garden of spring flowers this day." 
 
 "But flowers we may not pluck," sighed Chris 
 prettily. 
 
 Burgh looked at him with contempt. "I reckon 
 a man can pick what he has a mind to," said he 
 drily, and then shifted his gaze to see how Olivia 
 took this speech. To his secret annoyance, she did 
 not let on, she heard him. 
 
 "Will you have some tea, Mr. Burgh," asked 
 Miss Wharf. 
 
 " Thanks. It seems to be the sort of thing one 
 must drink here." 
 
 " You drank it in China didn't you ? " asked Lady 
 Jabe. 
 
 Burgh turned quickly. "Who told you I had 
 been in China? " he asked. 
 
 " My nephew Chris. He heard you talking 
 Chinese to someone." 
 
 The dark young man looked distinctly annoyed. 
 " When was that? " he asked Chris. 
 
 "Two weeks ago," repHed the other, "you were 
 standing at the corner of the Mansion House talking to 
 a Chinaman. I only caught a word or two in passing." 
 
 "And I guess you didn't understand," said 
 Clarence derisively. 
 
 " There you are wrong. I am in a Chinese firm, 
 and know the language. As a matter of fact I write 
 their foreign letters for them," 
 
 " The deuce you do," murmured Burgh looking
 
 36 THE MANDAKIN'S FAN 
 
 rather disturbed ; but he said no more on the subject, 
 and merely enquired if the ladies were prepared for 
 the ball at the Bristol which was to take place in 
 six days. " I hear it's going to be a bully affair." 
 
 " Oh charming — charming," said Miss Pewsey. 
 "Major Tidman is one of the stewards. I asked 
 him for a ticket for you Clarence dear." 
 
 " I'll go, if Miss Rayner will dance with me." 
 
 " I don't know that I am going myself," said 
 Olivia quietly. 
 
 "Nonsense," said her aunt sharply, "of course 
 you are going. Everyone is going — the best ball of 
 the season." 
 
 "Even poor little me," said Miss Pewsey, with 
 her elderly head on one side. 
 
 " Huh," said the irreverent Clarence, " ain't you 
 past hoppin' aunt? " 
 
 " I can look on and admire the younger genera- 
 tion dear." 
 
 " It will be a splendid ball," prattled Chris sipping 
 his tea and devouring very crumbly cake, " the 
 Glorious Golfers are going to spend a lot of money 
 in decorating the rooms. I met Mr. Ainsleigh. 
 He is going — a rare thing for him. He goes no- 
 where as a rule." 
 
 Miss Wharf glanced sharply at her niece, but 
 beyond a faint flush, she could detect no sign of 
 emotion. " People who are as poor as young Ains- 
 leigh, can't afford to go out," she said deliberately. 
 " I think the wisest thing that young man could do, 
 would be to marry a rich girl," and she again looked 
 at Olivia.
 
 ^ MISS WHARF AT HOME '61 
 
 " He is certainly very handsome," said Lady Jabe 
 pensively, " very much like his mother. She was a 
 fine-looking woman, one of the Vanes of Heather- 
 sham." 
 
 "I remember her," said Miss Wharf, her colour 
 rising, **and I never thought she was good-looking 
 myself." 
 
 "Not to compare to you dear," said the sycophant. 
 
 But this time Miss Pewsey made a mistake. The 
 remark did not seem to please Miss Wharf. " I 
 don't care for comparisons," she said sharply, " its 
 bad taste to make them. I like Mr. Ainsleigh, but 
 I don't approve of his idhng." 
 
 " He has never been brought up to do anything," 
 said Lady Jabe. 
 
 ** Then he ought to turn his hands to making 
 money in some way. That place is mortgaged and 
 at any time may be sold. Then he won't have a 
 roof over his head." 
 
 "I have never met Ainsleigh," said Burgh 
 musingly, " I guess I'd like to have a jaw along o' 
 him. Wasn't his father murdered in China ? " 
 
 Miss Wharf became suddenly pale. "It is said 
 that he was, but I don't believe it." 
 
 " Then he's alive," said Clarence pertinaciously, 
 and looking at her. 
 
 " No. He's dead, but he died of dysentery, 
 according to Dr. Forge who was with him when he 
 died — somewhere in the north I believe." 
 
 Burgh evidently stored this in his memory and 
 looked keenly at the woman whose bosom rose and 
 fell and whose colour came and went under his
 
 38 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 steady gaze. Miss Pewsey saw that the persistent 
 look was annoying her patroness, and touched her 
 nephew's arm gently. The touch recalled Burgh to 
 his senses and he looked away. This time his eyes 
 rested on Olivia. Her colour was high and ap- 
 parently she had been listening with interest to the 
 conversation. " Huh," thought the swashbuckler, 
 " and it was about young Ainsleigh," and he stored 
 this in his memory also. 
 
 To make a sensation, which he dearly loved to do, 
 Chris Walker announced that he would bring a dis- 
 tinguished visitor to the ball of the Glorious Golfers. 
 "He's a Chinaman," said he pompously, "and was 
 mixed up in the Boxer rebellion." 
 
 None of the ladies seemed impressed, as none of 
 them knew anything about the Boxers, or their re- 
 bellion. But Burgh looked up. " Who is he any- 
 how ? " he demanded, compressing his lips. 
 
 " A Chinese gentleman called Tung-yu." 
 
 " What a very extraordinary name," said Miss 
 Pewsey, and suddenly began to take a deep interest 
 in matters Chinese. While she chatted with Chris 
 who was willing to afford her all information. 
 Burgh folded his arms and leaned back apparently 
 thinking deeply. His face was not pleasant to be- 
 hold. Olivia saw the evil look and shivered. Then 
 she rose and was about to steal from the room, 
 when her aunt called to her sharply. " Don't go 
 Olivia I want to speak with you." 
 
 " And I want to take my usual walk," said Lady 
 Jabe rising and settling her collar, " Chris ? " 
 
 A tap on the shoulder brought the slim young man
 
 MISS WHAEF AT HOME 39 
 
 to his feet, and giving his arm to his masculine aunt 
 the two departed. Burgh rose also. " I guess I'll 
 make tracks also?" he said smartly. ''Walker, 
 you and I can have a yarn together, later." 
 
 Miss Pewsey followed her nephew to the door. 
 " Do you wish to ask young Mr. Walker more about 
 Tung-yu ? " she asked. 
 
 Clarence wheeled round quickly. " What do you 
 know of him aunt ? " 
 
 " It's such a strange name," simpered Miss 
 Pewsey, looking very innocent, " and I am interested 
 in China. You were out there a long time Clarence." 
 
 " Amongst other places, yes. I hung round a bit." 
 
 " Then you must tell me all about the natives," 
 said Miss Pewsey, " I want to know of their robes 
 and their fans and — " 
 
 " Fans," said Burgh starting : but Miss Pewsey 
 with an artficial laugh flitted back into the room, 
 leaving him uneasy and non-plussed. He walked 
 away frowning darkly. 
 
 Olivia would have walked away also frowning, as 
 she was indignant at the way in which her aunt had 
 spoken of Eupert. But Miss Wharf gave her no 
 chance of leaving the room or the house. Olivia had 
 never seen her aunt so pale or upset. She looked 
 as white as chalk, and controlled her emotion with 
 difficulty. Lavinia Pewsey glanced at the two, 
 guessed there was about to be a row, and glided 
 away. She always kept out of trouble. 
 
 " Now," said Miss Wharf when they were alone, 
 " I want an explanation."
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 Eupert's Secret 
 
 Olivia was astonished to see the emotion of her 
 aunt, for, as a rule Miss Wharf was cold and self- 
 contained. The two had never got on well together, 
 and the elder woman was undeniably jealous of the 
 youth and superior good looks of the younger. But 
 as Olivia owed bed and board to her aunt, she 
 always behaved as well as possible to one who was 
 very trying in many ways. It is only just to say, that 
 Miss Pewsey made matters much worse by tale- 
 bearing, and probably had she been out of the house, 
 Miss Wharf and her niece might have got on better. 
 But they could never have been congenial companions. 
 The difference between their natures was too great. 
 
 "Yes" said Miss Wharf throwing herself back in 
 her seat, and feeling irritated by the silence of 
 Olivia. " I want an explanation." 
 
 •'What about?" asked the girl seating herself 
 opposite and folding her hands, which, Miss Wharf 
 noticed with bitterness, were more slender and 
 delicate that her own. 
 
 " You know well enough." 
 
 "If it's about Eupert "— 
 
 " There," snapped the aunt, "I knew you would
 
 BUPERT'S SECRET 41 
 
 guess. Yes it is about young Ainsleigli, and how 
 dare you call him Eupert ? " 
 
 " Because I love him," said Olivia firmly, and 
 looked directly into the cold blue eyes of her aunt. 
 
 " Then you must put this love out of your head. 
 You shall never marry him — never — never — never." 
 
 " If I choose, and I do choose," said Olivia calmly, 
 but with a fine colour. " I shall certainly marry 
 him. I am of age — " 
 
 " Yes, and a pauper." 
 
 " Rupert would not marry me for my money." 
 
 " He is wise ; for you have none." 
 
 " It is kind of you to speak to me in this way," 
 said Olivia, " to remind me of obligations. I am 
 aware that my parents died poor and left me a 
 penniless orphan. I am aware that you took me in 
 and educated me and — " 
 
 " And acted like a mother to you," said Miss 
 Wharf vehemently. 
 
 " No. You never acted like a mother. With 
 you, I have had a most unhappy life." 
 
 " Olivia," the elder woman started furiously from 
 her chair, " how dare you say that. Have I grudged 
 you clothes or food. Did I not send you to a first- 
 class school and — " 
 
 " So far as material things are concerned you 
 have done everything Aunt Sophia, and I thank 
 you for what you have done — " 
 
 " A fine way you have of showing it," scoffed Miss 
 Wharf. 
 
 "But a mother you have never been," went on 
 Olivia calmly, "you have never given me a kind
 
 42 THE MANDABIN'S FAN 
 
 word ; you speak to me before visitors as you should 
 not do : you make me slave for you and run messages 
 and talk of me to others as though I were a servant. 
 What love have you ever shown me ? " demanded 
 Olivia, starting up in her turn, and also becoming 
 excited. " I long for love. My heart yearns for it. 
 I would like to be a daughter to you, but always you 
 have kept me at arm's length. Aunt Sophia let me 
 go. I can earn my bread as a governess, or as a 
 typist. It will be better for us both." 
 
 " No," said Aunt Sophia, looking as hard as 
 stone. 
 
 " I shall not let you go. If you have any gratitude 
 in you, you will remain and help me to manage the 
 house." 
 
 "You have Miss Pewsey." 
 
 " She is not a relative, you are." 
 
 "And so you treat me worse than you do her. 
 Well, Aunt Sophia, I am not ungrateful though you 
 seem to think I am. I shall stop with you. I 
 only ask for a little more consideration." 
 
 " I give you every consideration. As for love, I 
 cannot give it to you or to anyone. I gave all the 
 love my nature was capable of feeling to Markham 
 Ainsleigh, and he rejected my love. Yes, you may 
 look astonished, but it was this man's father who 
 broke my heart." 
 
 " And that is why you don't want Kupert to 
 marry me." 
 
 " That is the reason," said Miss Wharf sitting 
 down and growing more her calm stony self. " I was 
 almost engaged to Markham Ainsleigh : but he saw
 
 RUPERT'S SECRET 43 
 
 Violet Vane and fell in love with her. He left me and 
 made her his wife. Can you wonder that I hate the 
 son of the woman who stole my love away from me ?" 
 
 " Rupert is the son of the man you loved " 
 
 " And of the man who cheated me. Look at my 
 lonely life, at my starved heart. I hate the Ains- 
 leighs — there's only one left but I hate him. And 
 when I heard Markham was murdered in China I 
 was glad — yes, very glad." 
 
 " What an unforgiving nature you have." 
 
 " I have every right to be unforgiving. Markham 
 ruined my life. And do you think I'll let you marry 
 Rupert — the son of that woman. No ! Marry him, 
 and I leave what money I have to Miss Pewsey." 
 
 " You can if you like, Aunt Sophia. I don't want 
 your money." 
 
 " Reflect," said Miss Wharf violently. " I have a 
 thousand a year. Half of that goes to a distant 
 relative, and the remainder you shall have if you 
 will give this man up. Five hundred a year is not 
 to be thrown away." 
 
 " I cannot give Rupert up," said Olivia firmly. 
 
 " Think girl," pleaded Miss Wharf, her face be- 
 coming red and wrinkled with the violence of her 
 passion, "there are other men who love you. 
 Young Walker would make you a good husband, 
 and Lady Jabe is most anxious for the match." 
 
 " I like Chris," said Olivia, " and I have known 
 him all my life. But I can't marry him. I want a 
 master when I marry." 
 
 " Then take Clarence Burgh," said Miss Wharf, 
 ** he will be your master."
 
 44 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 " No. He's a brute." 
 
 "He's a man — mucli more of a man than Rupert 
 Ainsleigh." 
 
 " I deny that " said Olivia fiercely. 
 
 " He is. Clarence has been all over the world. 
 He has fought everywhere — " 
 
 '• So has Major Tidman. Do you advise me to 
 marry him ? " 
 
 " He would make you a better husband than 
 Rupert, old as he is. That young Ainsleigh is a 
 dreamer. He is on the point of losing his estates, 
 yet he sits at Royabay doing nothing." 
 
 " He intends to do something, and save the estates." 
 
 " Never. He is not the sort of man to work. 
 Olivia if you will take Chris Walker, or Clarence 
 Burgh for your husband I shall leave you five 
 hundred a year. If you refuse I give you nothing." 
 
 " I prefer nothing — and Rupert." 
 
 " Then you shall not have him. I'll ruin him first." 
 
 Olivia started. " You can't ruin him. You talk 
 wildly." 
 
 " Oh do I," sneered Miss Wharf, " that shows you 
 know little of me or of my business. Listen. I bought 
 up a mortgage on the Royabay estate. It cost me 
 money which I could ill afford to pay away. But 
 I bought it so as to ruin the son of that woman Vane 
 who took Markham from me. I always intended to 
 buy the estate, or at least to drive Rupert from the 
 place, but if you will give him up, I shall forego my 
 revenge. Now what do you say ? " 
 
 " Nothing," faltered Olivia, who had turned very 
 pale. " I don't know what to say."
 
 RUPEET'S SECRET 46 
 
 " Will you give the man up." 
 
 " I won't see him, if that will please you." 
 
 "No. It doesn't please me. You must give him 
 up, and engage yourself to Mr. Walker or to Mr. 
 Burgh." 
 
 " I cannot — I cannot — " said poor Oh via. 
 
 Miss Wharf stamped her foot and bit her lip. 
 " You are as obstinate as your mother was before 
 you," she said savagely. "I shall give you one 
 month to make up your mind, and that is very 
 generous of me. If you surrender Rupert and choose 
 one of the other two, I will not forclose the mortgage 
 and will leave you five hundred a year." 
 
 "When can you foreclose?" asked Olivia 
 anxiously. 
 
 " By the end of the year. So it rests with you, if 
 Rupert Ainsleigh leaves his home in six months or 
 keeps it. Now you can go." 
 
 Olivia Rayner was not a girl who would stand 
 dictation. But for some reason or another she 
 meekly bowed her head and went out, leaving Miss 
 Wharf to calm down over her needle-work. 
 
 The girl went to her own room, and lay down to 
 think over the situation. What she thought or 
 what plan she conceived, it is difficult to say ; but 
 she came down to dinner quite composed. Her 
 aunt looked at her sharply, and Miss Pewsey with 
 suspicion, but neither of them made any remark 
 bearing on the storm. On the contrary Miss 
 Wharf chatted about the ball and talked of her dress 
 and even advised Olivia about her costume. " You 
 will look very well in white," said Miss Wharf.
 
 46 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 " But not so lovely as my Sophia in pale blue," 
 said Miss Pewsey with her usual emphasis. "I 
 know you will be the belle of the ball darling Sophia." 
 
 "I have been the belle of several balls in my 
 time," said Miss Wharf good-humouredly, 
 
 " And will be still," purred Miss Pewsey like the 
 cat she was, " my dear nephew, said you were a 
 rattling fine woman." 
 
 "It sounds like one of Mr. Burgh's speeches," 
 said Olivia with great contempt. She knew that the 
 buccaneer loved her, and therefore disliked him the 
 more. 
 
 " Oh Olivia how can you," cried the little old 
 maid, throwing up her hands, "when poor, dear, 
 darling, Clarence worships the ground you walk on. 
 He's got money too, and wants a wife ! " 
 
 " Let him marry Lotty Dean then." 
 
 " That retired grocer's daughter," cried Miss 
 Pewsey, drawing herself up, " no indeed. I may be 
 poor, but I am of gentle blood OHvia. The Pewsey's 
 have been in Essex for generations. My papa was 
 rich and could afford to send me to a fashionable 
 school when I met my own Sophia. But poor 
 sweet papa lost his money and then — " oh dear me." 
 Miss Pewsey squeezed out a tear. "What sad 
 times I have had." 
 
 "You're all right now, Lavinia," said Miss \^^arf 
 stolidly, eating fruit and sipping port wine. 
 
 " Yes dearest Sophia, thanks to your large and 
 generous heart. I have no one in the world but 
 you and Clarence. He is the son of my only sister, 
 and has travelled — "
 
 KUPEET'S SECRET 47 
 
 "In China," said Olivia. 
 
 Miss Pewsey narrowed her eyes and looked as 
 though about to scratch. 
 
 "In China, of course. But why do you make 
 that remark, Olivia ? " 
 
 The girl shrugged her shoulders. " I observed 
 that Mr. Burgh has not very pleasant recollections 
 of China," she said deliberately, " he was not pleased 
 to find that Mr. Walker could talk the language, 
 and he was uncomfortable when the name Tung-yu 
 was mentioned." 
 
 Miss Pewsey bit her lip. "Do you know any- 
 thing of Tung-yu ? " 
 
 "No. Why should I. All I know, is that Chris 
 Walker says he will bring the man down here for 
 the ball." 
 
 The little old maid looked hard at the girl, but 
 Olivia bore her scrutiny composedly. She wondered 
 why Miss Pewsey stared so hard, and laid such 
 emphasis on the Chinese name, but the matter 
 slipped from her mind when she retired to her room. 
 She would have wondered still more had she known 
 that Miss Pewsey came up the stairs and listened at 
 the door of the bed-room. 
 
 Olivia had arranged to meet Rupert near the 
 band-stand, as their meetings were secret because of 
 Miss Wharf's dislike. Certainly the young man 
 had come to the house, and Miss Wharf had received 
 him with cold dignity : but when he showed a 
 marked preference for Olivia's company, she gave 
 him to understand that she did not approve. Hence- 
 forth Rupert stopped away from Ivy Lodge, and
 
 48 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 met Olivia at intervals near the band-stand. So 
 Olivia, putting on a dark dress and a veil, slipped 
 out of the house, and took her v^^ay along the bril- 
 liantly lighted front. She had often gone before 
 and always had left her aunt and Miss Pewsey sitting 
 in the drawing-room, Miss "Wharf working and the 
 companion reading the newspaper. Miss Wharf 
 never by any chance looked at a newspaper herself, 
 but left it to Miss Pewsey to cull the choice news 
 for her delectation. 
 
 So Olivia, feeling quite safe, stepped lightly along 
 to where the crowd gathered round the stand. It 
 was a perfect night and very warm, therefore many 
 people were seated in the chairs and strolling across 
 the grass. Olivia went to a certain corner, and, as she 
 expected, found her lover. He was not in evening- 
 dress, but for the sake of the meeting had assumed 
 a dark serge suit. As she advanced, he recognised 
 her and came forward taking off his hat. Then he 
 gave her his arm and the two strolled to the far end 
 of the green where they sat down under the fence 
 which was round the flag-staff. There, removed 
 from everyone, they could talk in moderately loud 
 tones. 
 
 " My darling," said Rupert, possessing himself of 
 Olivia's hand. " I thought you would not come. 
 You were late." 
 
 " I could not get away before. Miss Pewsey 
 watches me like a cat does a mouse, and with the 
 same disposition to pounce, I expect." 
 
 " She's a detestable woman," said Rupert angrily, 
 " why can't she leave you alone? "
 
 RUPEET'S SECRET 49 
 
 " I don't know. Rupert, she wants me to marry 
 her nephew." 
 
 " What, that bounder who rides so furiously," 
 cried Rupert fiercely, "you don't mean to say that 
 he dares " 
 
 " Not in words, but he looks — oh," Olivia shivered, 
 " you know the sort of look a man like that, gives 
 you." 
 
 " I'll twist his neck if he insults you." 
 
 "Then Miss Pewsey would complain to my aunt 
 and I should get into trouble. Oh, Rupert," she 
 said softly, " I am so afraid." 
 
 " Of that man. Nonsense." 
 
 " No — of everything. I can keep Mr. Burgh off — " 
 
 " Who is he ? " asked Rupert jealously. 
 
 " Miss Pewsey's nephew. I can manage him, 
 bold as he is. But it is you I am afraid of. Listen," 
 and Olivia told the young man what she had learned 
 from Miss Wharf that afternoon. " She can ruin 
 you," said the poor girl, almost crying, " and she 
 will if she learns the truth." 
 
 Rupert pressed the hand he held. " Why not 
 tell her the truth," he said. " I'm willing to face 
 poverty if you are." 
 
 " Rupert, are you mad ? If Aunt Sophia learned 
 that we were married — hark, what was that ? " and 
 Olivia rose, and nervously peered into the shadows, 
 " I thought I heard a noise." 
 
 "It's nothing. Only some rats in the long grass 
 within the fence. No one's about. They're all over 
 at the band. But about our marriage, Olivia. Miss 
 Wharf must learn sooner or later." 
 
 E
 
 50 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 " Yes. But you know I asked you to keep it 
 quiet that I might not have trouble with her. It 
 was selfish of me, for it would have been braver of 
 me to have faced her anger and then have told all 
 the world that we were married at that Registry 
 Office. But I'm glad now I didn't. She would 
 have ruined you." 
 
 " She can't do anything till the end of the year." 
 
 " But why didn't you tell me she held this 
 mortgage ? " 
 
 " Well, I thought that before the end of the year 
 I might manage to pay it and the other mortgages 
 off. Then we could announce that we were married, 
 and live at Royabay on what small income I have." 
 
 " I don't mind about the income," said Mrs. 
 Ainsleigh, for that Olivia secretly was. " I'd live 
 on a shilling a day with you, darling. But aunt 
 threatens if I marry you to cut me out of her will. 
 She would do so at once if she knew the truth, and 
 leave the money to Miss Pewsey." 
 
 " Let her. I daresay that old maid has schemed 
 for it. She's a wicked old woman that and worthy 
 of her bounder of a nephew. Never mind about the 
 money or the mortgage. Let us announce the 
 marriage. I don't like the position you occupy. It is 
 not fit that my wife should be exposed to the 
 attentions of a cad like this Burgh." 
 
 " Wait till the end of the year," said Olivia 
 feverishly, " then you may be able to get money, to 
 put things straight. It is best to keep the matter 
 quiet now. Oh how I wish we had money Rupert." 
 
 " I may be able to make it out of the fan ? "
 
 EUPERT'S SECRET 51 
 
 "What fan?" asked Olivia looking at him. 
 
 Rupert laughed. "I forgot you don't know." 
 He took the slip of paper from his pocket-book and 
 lighting a match he read the description of the fan." 
 I went up to the place," he continued dropping the 
 lucifer, " and saw a Chinaman, Tung-yu — " 
 
 " What," said Olivia starting, " why that is the 
 man Mr. Walker is going to bring to the ball. He's 
 a clerk in the firm of Kum-gum-Li and Company." 
 
 " That's strange. I thought he was the keeper of 
 the Joss house in Perry Street, Whitechapel. 
 Humph ! Does Walker know of the fan ? " 
 
 " I don't know. But he knows this Tung-yu, and 
 I think, so does Mr. Burgh. He seemed much 
 annoyed when he heard the name." 
 
 "What about?" 
 
 "I can't say. And Rupert. Mr. Burgh speaks 
 Chinese — " 
 
 " He must be very clever then for I hear it is a 
 most awful language to get hold of. Was Burgh 
 ever in China ? " 
 
 " Yes. He brought the fan from that place? " 
 
 "Fan." Rupert turned round sharply, "what 
 fan ? " 
 
 " The one you talk about," said Olivia innocently. 
 
 " I recognised it at once from the description you 
 read just now." 
 
 "Are you sure," said Rupert much excited, for 
 he never expected to hear of the missing fan from 
 Ohvia of all people. 
 
 " Quite sure — positive. The fan is painted green 
 on one side and the sticks on the other are overlaid
 
 52 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 with thin jade, so I suppose it gets its name from 
 the mineral. Then it has a cord of yellow silk with 
 four beads and half a bead, and " 
 
 " It is the same Where did Burgh get it? " 
 
 " I don't know. He says he brought it from 
 China, and offered it to me. I refused it " 
 
 " I should think so," said Ainsleigh fuming, 
 "well?" 
 
 " Then he gave it to my aunt." 
 
 " And has Miss Wharf got it now ? " 
 
 "I think so, but I have not seen it lately. I ex- 
 pect if she has, she will use it at the ball." 
 
 "And Tung-yu who advertises, is coming to the 
 ball," mused Eupert, " there doesn't seem much 
 chance for me. I expect your aunt will make the 
 money after all." 
 
 "It won't be much. Who would give a large 
 sum for that fan?" 
 
 " Tung-yu will. He is ready to give five thousand 
 pounds." 
 
 " Oh," said Olivia with real regret, " and I refused 
 it." 
 
 " I'm glad you did," cried Rupert angrily, " I 
 would rather everything went than that you should 
 accept presents from that bounder. Well I fear my 
 chance is gone Olivia. I'm ruined." 
 
 " Dearest I will face the ruin with you," and in 
 the shadows they kissed.
 
 CHAPTEE V 
 
 CONCEENING THE FaN 
 
 Rupert returned to Eoyabay in rather a melan- 
 choly frame of mind. He found himself in a very 
 difficult situation, and there did not seem to be any 
 chance of his extricating himself therefrom, now 
 that Miss Wharf possessed the fan. It was strange 
 that she should have received it from Clarence 
 Burgh, and Rupert wondered how that dashing 
 young gentleman became its owner. However, 
 there was little use speculating on this. Miss 
 Wharf had the fan, and probably she would keep it, 
 unless the large sum of money offered by Tung-yu 
 tempted her to do business. Ainsleigh wondered 
 also, if the old maid had read the papers, and if she 
 had seen the advertisement. 
 
 "But what does it matter to me," said Rupert, 
 as he turned up the avenue. " I won't get the 
 money, and Miss Wharf will see me hanged first 
 before she will let me make such a sum. While I 
 am poor, she holds me in her clutches, and thinks 
 by means of that mortgage to prevent my marriage 
 with Olivia. What would she say if she knew that 
 we were already married. I was wrong to consent 
 to keep the affair secret, even though Olivia wished
 
 54 THE MANDAKIN'S FAN 
 
 it. In any case Miss Wharf can do nothing, till the 
 end of the year, and the truth is bound to come 
 to her ears sooner or later. Then she will strike 
 and spare not. I believe that's the motto of the 
 Wharfs, and it fits her spiteful temper excellently." 
 
 Then Rupert went on to reflect on what Olivia 
 had told him of Aunt Sophia's romance with Mark- 
 ham Ainsleigh. The young man had never heard 
 of it before, as he knew little of his father, who had 
 gone to China, a few years after his heir was born. 
 In fact Markham only waited till there was a male 
 Ainsleigh to carry on the succession and to inherit 
 what remained of the estates, and then steamed to 
 the Far East to seek fortune. But fortune had 
 proved unkind and the poor man had died — whether 
 of dysentery or by violence, it is difficult to say. 
 Some people said one thing and some another, but 
 even Eupert did not know the truth. Dr. Forge, 
 who had worked the mine in the Kan-su province 
 along with Markham, knew the absolute truth, and 
 he ascribed the death to dysentery, so Rupert, for 
 the time being at all events, was willing to accept 
 this explanation. He had no reason to doubt the 
 loyalty of Theophilus Forge who had been a college 
 chum of his father's. 
 
 Thinking in this way and considering whether it 
 would not be advisable to proclaim his marriage so 
 as to release his wife from the odious attentions of 
 Clarence Burgh, the young man arrived at the house. 
 He was met in the hall by Mrs Petley, who annouced 
 that Major Tidman was waiting to see her young 
 master. Rupert nodded in an absent-minded way
 
 CONCEENING THE FAN 65 
 
 and was going to the library where the Major was 
 kicking his heels, when Mrs Petley caught him by 
 the arm. " It's walking again," said Mrs Petley, 
 whose fat face was pale, "and say what you like 
 Master Rupert, trouble is coming." 
 
 She was a stout old dame with a red face sugges- 
 tive of drink, a most unfair thing to be said of her as 
 she drank nothing stronger than gin and water, one 
 tumbler a night before retiring. But Mrs Petley 
 had been a cook in her early days ; later on she 
 assumed the position of Rupert's nurse, and finally, 
 having married Petley the butler, she became house- 
 keeper of Royabay. She was a common vulgar old 
 woman, but loyal to the core, and adored Rupert. 
 When he had to dismiss the greater part of his serv- 
 ants he retained John Petley, and John Petley's wife, 
 who continued to serve him faithfully and always 
 hoped for better days. Mrs Petley, being intensely 
 superstitious, was always influenced by the appear- 
 ance of Abbot Raoul whose walking was supposed to 
 predict bad luck to the Ainsleighs. If the ghost did 
 not appear Mrs Petley was happy, but when it did 
 she always prognosticated evil. And it must be 
 admitted that Rupert usually had more trouble with 
 his creditors when Abbot Raoul did visit his old 
 haunts. He seemed to be a most malignant spirit. 
 But Rupert as an educated man, was not going to 
 admit occult influence 
 
 "Nonsense Mrs. Petley," said he, shaking her 
 off, " so far as trouble is concerned, Abbot Raoul 
 might remain visible for ever. Am I ever out of 
 trouble?"
 
 56 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 " No, that you ain't, worse luck. But this walk- 
 ing means something extra special as I said to 
 John." 
 
 " Where did you see the old beast, I mean Abbot 
 Eaoul of course." 
 
 Mrs. Petley started. "Hush deary," she whispered 
 looking round in a fearful manner, " don't speak 
 evil of speerits. It may be round, and you might 
 anger it. I saw it in the cloisters." 
 
 " Near the place? " asked Eupert. 
 
 " Aye, standing on the black square where its 
 mortal body was burnt poor soul. It was pinting 
 to a tree." 
 
 " To what tree — there are plenty in the cloisters." 
 
 " To the copper beech, as you might say Master 
 Eupert. And angry enough he looked. I nearly 
 fainted." 
 
 " You should be used to the ghost by this time 
 Mrs. Petley." 
 
 " Ghosts is things custom won't help you with," 
 said Mrs. Petley mysteriously, " they freeze your 
 blood every time. Just as I was thinking of a good 
 scream and a faint, it vanished." 
 
 " Into thin air like the witches in Macbeth," said 
 Eupert hghtly. " Well it doesn't need Abbot Eaoul 
 to come and tell me trouble is near. I'm likely to 
 have a good deal by the end of the year." 
 
 " Oh Master Eupert what is it? " gasped the old 
 woman. 
 
 " Nothing I can tell you at present," said 
 Ainsleigh carelessly, " I have a good mind to seek 
 Abbot Eaoul myself and see if he can't help me;
 
 CONCERNING THE FAN 57 
 
 but I'm not psychic as you are Mrs. Petley. I see 
 nothing." 
 
 " And a good thing too," said the ex-cook solemnly, 
 "if I spoke to you it would be to make matters 
 worse, though worse they can't be." 
 
 " Oh yes they can," said Rupert grimly. " I may 
 have to leave — " 
 
 " Never," cried Mrs. Petley smiting her fat hands 
 together. " Royabay can never do without an 
 Ainsleigh within its walls." 
 
 " It will have to content itself with Abbot Raoul, 
 and I hope he'll jolly well frighten the creditors." 
 
 " Drat them," said Mrs. Petley vigorously, "but 
 
 Master Rupert why did it pint to the copper beech." 
 
 " I can't say. Ask it when next you see it. But 
 
 I must go to Major Tidman. He'll be angry if I 
 
 keep him." 
 
 Mrs. Petley tossed her head and snorted. " The 
 idear of old Farmer Tidman's son, being angry with 
 the likes of you Master Rupert. I mind him when 
 he was a brat of a lad and — " 
 
 " Yes — yes — but I must go," said Ainsleigh rather 
 impatiently and left Mrs. Petley talking to the air. 
 
 Major Tidman, whose ears mast have burnt at 
 the thoughts, which occupied Mrs. Petley's brain 
 was seated in the most comfortable arm-chair he 
 could find, and smoked a good cigar. He had a 
 bottle of port and a glass before him, and apparently 
 had made himself at home while waiting. 
 
 " Hope you don't mind my making free with the 
 wine-list," said Tidman, who looked rather uneasy, 
 as he rose. " I've waited two hours."
 
 58 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 "What about?" said Kupert, throwing his cap 
 down and sinking wearily into a near chair, " any- 
 thing wrong ? " 
 
 " I am," said the Major, " all wrong my dear boy. 
 You see in me a beast and a false friend." 
 
 " Indeed. How do you make that out ? " 
 
 " I have been concealing things from you," said 
 the Major ruefully, " and all to make money. I'm 
 really getting avaricious, Ainsleigh," added the 
 Major desperately, " and it's spoiling my character." 
 
 " Well," said Kupert filling his pipe, and wonder- 
 ing what this out-burst meant, " Byron says that 
 avarice is a fine old gentlemanly vice. If you have 
 only that fault to blame yourself for, you are very 
 lucky." 
 
 " But I should have told you about the fan." 
 
 Kupert blew out the match he had just lighted 
 and sat up. "What's that about the fan?" he 
 asked sharply. 
 
 " I know something about it," said Tidman 
 fortifying his courage with a glass of wine, " and I 
 should have spoken the other evening after dinner 
 when you read that advertisement. But I thought 
 I'd get the fan myself and secure the five thousand 
 pounds — though to be sure I didn't know what that 
 Tung-yu would pay for it at the time." 
 
 " No," said Kupert drily, *' I told you that later. 
 Well, Major, you haven't treated me quite on the 
 square, but I forgive you. I expect neither of us 
 will make money out of that fan," 
 
 " No," said Tidman still more ruefully. " Forge 
 has lost it."
 
 CONCERNING THE FAN 59 
 
 Eupert looked puzzled. ** Forge? What do you 
 mean? 
 
 " Oh, this is part of my confession of trickery," said 
 the Major rubbing his bald head. " You see Ainsleigh, 
 I held my tongue when you read out about the fan, 
 but I knew where it was all the time." 
 
 " And where was it ?" asked the young man staring. 
 
 " Forge has it — or rather Forge had it," said the 
 Major, and he related his interview with the doctor 
 when Rupert had departed. " So you see," added 
 the Major sadly "I'm punished for my wrong-doing. 
 I'm very sorry, as I like you, Ainsleigh, and after all 
 I'd be glad to see you make the money, though 
 I'm not so well off myself as people think, and five 
 thousand pounds would help me a lot. However, 
 I hope you will think I have made amends for 
 my momentary lapse from squareness by thus 
 confessing." 
 
 " Oh that's all right Tidman, But treat me openly 
 for the future. How did you know that Forge had 
 had the fan?" 
 
 Rupert did not tell what he had heard from Olivia 
 for the moment. He first wished to hear all that the 
 Major had to say. Tidman had certainly acted 
 wrongly, as he should not have taken advantage of 
 Rupert's confidence, but now he apparently wished 
 to behave properly and Ainsleigh put the Major's 
 temporary deceit out of his mind. 
 
 " I gave Forge the fan," blurted out the Major. 
 
 " The deuce you did," said Ainsleigh looking 
 puzzled. " And where did you get it ? " 
 
 " In Canton seven years ago," confessed Tidman,
 
 60 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 " I was travelling there for my health, and I had 
 an adventure." 
 
 " What was that ? " 
 
 But Tidman did not seem inclined to speak out. 
 " I'll tell you on another occasion," he said with a 
 shudder," it was not a very pleasant adventure, and 
 Forge, who was in Canton at the time, got me out of 
 it. I stuck to the fan though." 
 
 " Oh, so the fan was the cause of the adven- 
 ture?" 
 
 "Partly" admitted Tidman reluctantly. "I'll 
 tell you later as I say," he wiped his forehead, "I 
 can't tell you now, it's too awful. I got the fan 
 though and Forge took a fancy to it. He asked me 
 for it in Canton and I refused. He asked again in 
 England and I gave it to him. He's had it all these 
 seven years, locked up in that black japan cabinet 
 with the gold figures — " 
 
 " I know. Its in that Chinese room of his. 
 Well ? " 
 
 " After you went away the other day I asked him 
 to give me the fan back, as I wanted to get the 
 money from Tung-yu. Forge refused, as he said the 
 fan has something to do with a secret — " 
 
 " Whose secret ? " 
 
 " Lo-Keong's secret. He is the real owner of the 
 fan you know. Forge seems to hate Lo-Keong, 
 and said the fan would get him into trouble." 
 
 " But how — how? " asked Ainsleigh impatiently. 
 
 The Major wiped his face again, " I don't know — 
 I can't say. But Forge said there was a secret con- 
 nected with the fan — "
 
 CONCERNING THE FAN 61 
 
 "You said that before," cried Rupert becoming 
 exasperated, 
 
 " I don't know what I am saying, and that's the 
 truth," stammered Tidman becoming hotter and 
 redder, " but Forge said if I found the secret he would 
 give me the fan. He then opened the cabinet and 
 found that the fan was gone." 
 
 "What did he say?" 
 
 " He turned as white as a sheet, and said that his 
 life was at stake." 
 
 Rupert rose to pace the room. The mystery of 
 the fan piqued him, " I wonder what he meant by 
 that ? " he asked himself. 
 
 " Something horrid if it has to do with the 
 Chinese," said the Major, " you have no idea what 
 brutes they are. But Forge thought that Mrs. 
 Bressy, the old woman who looks after him, might 
 have sneaked the fan, as she is fond of taking things 
 and pawning them. But she swore she had never 
 set eyes on it." 
 
 " Wasn't the cabinet locked ? " 
 
 "Yes. That's the strange part, and Forge has 
 the key on his watch-chain. The lock wasn't 
 broken, and no other key would fit it, so how it 
 was opened, is a mystery. But the fan's gone." 
 
 " Quite so," said Rupert, facing the Major sharply, 
 " and Miss Wharf has the very fan you speak of." 
 
 Tidman fell back in his chair and gasped till he 
 was purple in the face. " Wh — a — a — t," he drawled 
 out. "Sophia Wharf?" 
 
 " Yes. Olivia told me, when I explained how I 
 wished to find the fan and make money. It seems 
 that young Burgh "
 
 62 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 " A detestable young cad," snapped Tidman. 
 
 " I agree with you. He dares to admire my — 
 to admire Olivia," said Rupert nearly letting his 
 secret slip out, " and, to gain her good graces, he 
 offered her this fan. She refused, and he then 
 presented it to Miss Wharf, who took it and who 
 has it now." 
 
 '•Oh," groaned the Major, "and it's worth five 
 thousand. What luck some people have." 
 
 Rupert shrugged his shoulders. " The luck will 
 not come our way," he replied carelessly, " and to 
 tell you the truth I don't much care. I expect 
 Miss Wharf will sell the fan to Tung-yu." 
 
 " But she doesn't know about his wishing to buy 
 it?" 
 
 " She may have seen the advertisement, and you 
 know Tung-yu is coming to the ball at the 
 Bristol." 
 
 Major Tidman rose like a jack-in-the-box. "Who 
 says so ? " he asked. 
 
 " Young Walker. Tung-yu is not the keeper of 
 the Whitechapel Joss-house as I thought. He is a 
 clerk in the firm of Kum-gum-Li." 
 
 " Chris Walker also works for them," interpolated 
 the Major. 
 
 " Certainly, and he is bringing Tung-yu to the 
 ball. I don't know why, and I don't much care,' 
 added Ainsleigh somewhat crossly. " I am about 
 tired of this fan business. What will you do? " 
 
 Major Tidman buttoned his coat. " I'm going 
 straight to Forge," he said, " and I shall tell him that 
 young Burgh had the fan. I know how he got it." 
 
 "Do you, indeed," said Rupert yawning.
 
 CONCERNING THE FAN 63 
 
 "Yes. Miss Pewsey stole it from the cabinet." 
 
 " Nonsense. Why should she do that ? " 
 
 "Because she's always about Forge's house. He 
 told me that he might marry her — ugh," the Major 
 sneered, " fancy marrying that old cat." 
 
 "Different people have different tastes," said 
 Ainsleigh coolly, " but if Forge is going to marry 
 Miss Pewsey all the more reason she should not 
 steal the fan." 
 
 "But she did," insisted the Major. "I'm sure 
 she stole it and gave it to that scamp of a nephew 
 so that he might gain Miss Rayner's goodwill. You 
 see, Miss Pewsey would like to see Burgh married 
 to Olivia, as she — Miss Pewsey I mean — could then 
 finger the five hundred a year Miss Wharf will leave 
 her niece." 
 
 " He had better be certain that Olivia will inherit 
 the money first," said Rupert grimly, thinking of 
 the secret marriage, "and Miss Pewsey hates 
 Olivia." 
 
 " She hates everyone," said Tidman shrugging his 
 plump shoulders, " but she hasn't a penny to bless 
 herself with, and when Miss Wharf dies she will be 
 cast on the world. Even five hundred a year is a 
 consideration to her, and if her nephew can secure 
 that by marrying Olivia, why, all the better for Miss 
 Pewsey." 
 
 But Rupert shook his head. " If Miss Pewsey 
 had that scheme in her head, she would be more 
 friendly with Olivia," he said, " and she can set her 
 mind at rest : Burgh will not marry Olivia." 
 
 " He's a dangerous rival Ainsleigh."
 
 64 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 " Pooh. I can manage that young man and half 
 a dozen Hke him. You don't think I'd give up the 
 girl I love, to anyone, Tidman." 
 
 " No," said the Major, looking at the frank brave 
 face of his host, " but Burgh is unscrupulous, and 
 will make mischief. However, perhaps Forge will 
 deal with him for this fan business. When Forge 
 learns that Miss Pewsey has stolen his fan, he won't 
 marry her. I'll have the satisfaction of spoiling her 
 plans at all events." 
 
 " She seems to have a great many plans according 
 to you," yawned Ainsleigh, " but frankly I think 
 you have found a mare's nest. I don't believe any- 
 thing will come of the matter. It's moonshine." 
 
 Tidman marched to the door. " We'll see," said 
 he determinedly. " I believe trouble is coming to 
 you through young Burgh," and he departed. 
 
 Eupert left alone lighted his pipe and thought of 
 Mrs. Petley's fancy concerning the ghost. " If this 
 is the trouble," said he to himself. " I don't mind. 
 Burgh won't get Olivia unless over my dead body. 
 As to this fan — pah ! " 
 
 But he little knew what disasters the fan would 
 bring to him. Abbot Raoul's ghost was not walking 
 for nothing.
 
 CHAPTEE VI 
 
 Buegh's Story 
 
 Next morning Major Tidman was seated in his 
 well-furnished room in the Bristol Hotel. From 
 the window he commanded a fine view of the mouth 
 of the Thames, of the pier, and of the picturesque 
 lower town. But the view did not gain the atten- 
 tion of the Major, worthy as it was of his notice. 
 He seated himself at the table which was spread for 
 breakfast, and proceeded to make a good meal. 
 Perhaps he did not eat so well as usual for the 
 Major was worried, as was evident from the cross 
 expression of his face. On the previous night he 
 had gone to see Forge, and had told him how Miss 
 Wharf became possessed of the fan. The doctor 
 had listened to him quietly, but had refrained from 
 making any observation, even when Tidman re- 
 minded him of his remark, as to his life being at 
 stake. The interview had on the whole been un- 
 satisfactory, and Tidman was not at all pleased. 
 He wished to learn the truth about the fan. 
 
 " There's some secret connected with it," muttered 
 the Major, while he devoured buttered eggs rapidly, 
 " and that secret means a lot of money. Five 
 thousand pounds is worth having. I could buy that 
 
 P
 
 66 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 plot of waste land near the church and build an 
 hotel there. I believe it would pay. Then there's 
 Forge's life, which, as he says, hangs on the fan, 
 though in what way I can't find out. If I got the 
 fan, I might be able to get something out of him. 
 I would make Forge and Tung-yu bid against one 
 another, and perhaps I'd get even more than is 
 offered. Ainsleigh can't say anything against me 
 now, as I am acting quite square and above board. 
 He's got no enterprise," thought the little man 
 with some scorn, " or he'd get Olivia to take the fan 
 from her aunt and make the money out of it. But 
 if he won't, I will, so I'll see Miss Wharf to-day and 
 try what I can do. I daresay I'd get it from her for 
 a five pound note — that is if she hasn't seen the 
 advertisement. She's keen after money, too — as 
 keen as I am. Humph," added Tidman, filling 
 himself a second cup of coffee. " I wonder why 
 Tung-yu was such a fool as to tell Ainsleigh he was 
 willing to give five thousand. Anyone, not knowing 
 the value of the fan, would get it cheap. There's a 
 mystery about it, and the mystery means money. 
 I must get to the bottom of the affair. Forge is no 
 good, as he is holding his tongue : even when I told 
 him that Miss Pewsey stole it, he did not seem to 
 mind. But he'll never marry her after this, so I've 
 spoilt her chance of marriage, the cat. Though 
 why Forge should marry an old fiend who is eighty, 
 if she's an hour, I can't make out. But Forge was 
 always secretive," ended the Major in disgust, and 
 reached for the pate-de-Joi-gras. 
 
 His meal was interrupted by a smart yomig
 
 BUKGH'S STOEY 67 
 
 waiter, who intimated that a lady and gentleman 
 wished to see the Major. Tidman was rather sur- 
 prised at a call being paid at ten o'clock in the 
 morning : but he was still more surprised, when at 
 the heels of the waiter appeared Miss Pewsey and 
 Dr. Forge. The latter looked much his usual self, 
 hungry, dismal, and like a bird of prey : but Miss 
 Pewsey had a colour in her cheeks and a fire in 
 her black eyes, which made her look younger. It 
 seemed that her errand was not a peaceful one. 
 
 " To what am I indebted — ? " began the courtly 
 Major, when the little old maid cut him short with 
 vinegary politeness. 
 
 " Indebted," she said, standing very straight and 
 stiff, and quite ignoring the chair placed for her. 
 " Oh, indeed, — how very polite we are. Judas ! " 
 she snapped out the word with flaming eyes. " Oh, 
 Judas ! " 
 
 " Eeally, Miss Pewsey " 
 
 "You'd like to see me in the dock would you?" 
 cried Miss Pewsey tossing her head and trembling 
 with wrath, " I'm a thief am I — oh you military fat 
 Judas." 
 
 "Did you come here to insult me?" asked 
 Tidman growing purple. 
 
 '* If you put it in that way 1 did," sniffed the lady, 
 " and also to ask plainly, what you meant by stating 
 to my promised husband here, that I stole a fan 
 from his cabinet ? " 
 
 Tidman changed from purple to scarlet. He had 
 not reckoned on the doctor speaking to Miss Pewsey, 
 and he turned a look of reproach on his friend. The
 
 68 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 doctor immediately took up the challenge, " I see 
 you think I have been too free with my tongue," 
 said he deliberately, "it is not my custom as you 
 know. But I told you Major that I was engaged to 
 Miss Pewsey, and I thought it only right that she 
 should know the aspersions you have cast on her 
 character." 
 
 "A character," cried the lady, "which has stood 
 the test of years and which stands deservedly high. 
 I am a Pewsey of Essex," she added as though the 
 whole county belonged to her, " and never before 
 have I been accused of thieving — Judas," she shot 
 out the name again, and the Major quailed. He 
 saw that he was in the wrong, owing to Forge's 
 betrayal, and had to make the best of it. 
 
 " I am extremely sorry," he said apologetically, 
 " quite a mistake." 
 
 " Oh, indeed. A jury will give their opinion on 
 that," sniffed the maiden. 
 
 " No ! No I beg of you " 
 
 " The damages will be laid at five thousand 
 pounds." 
 
 " The price of the fan," said Tidman starting. 
 
 "What do you mean by that ? " asked Miss 
 Pewsey, her eyes glittering. 
 
 " I mean, just nothing." 
 
 " Oh yes, you do. Make a clean breast of it 
 Benjamin Tidman. Oh, to think that the son of a 
 farmer, who was almost a labourer, should dare to 
 speak evil of a Pewsey of Essex. But the law — the 
 law," said the irate lady shaking a thin finger, " and 
 five thousand pounds."
 
 BURGH'S STORY 69 
 
 " Get it out of the fan." 
 
 " Is it worth that ? " asked Forge coldly. 
 
 •* You heard what young Ainsleigh said," answered 
 Tidman as coldly. 
 
 " Yes I remember ; but we have not come about 
 the price, but about your libel on this lady." 
 
 " I apologise," said Tidman, seeing nothing else 
 was to be done. 
 
 " Apology isn't money," snapped Miss Pewsey. 
 
 " Oh, if you want money, again I refer you to the 
 fan." 
 
 The Major was getting angry. He didn't very 
 much care if Miss Pewsey did bring an action at 
 the moment, though with saner thoughts he would 
 have been horrified at the idea. " I apologise," 
 said he again, " but I was misled by Dr. Forge." 
 
 " How were you misled by me? " demanded Forge 
 impassively. 
 
 " You said you had the fan in your cabinet, and 
 that it had been stolen. Mrs. Bressy swore she did 
 not take it, and I thought — " 
 
 " That I was the thief," cried Miss Pewsey 
 shrilly, " oh how clever of you — how very, very 
 clever. You thought that I got the key from the 
 watch-chain of Dr. Forge where he always carries 
 it, to open the cabinet and steal a fan, I knew 
 nothing about it. I never even knew of the existence 
 of the fan — there Judas," snapped the lady once 
 more. 
 
 "Then I was mistaken, and Dr. Forge was 
 mistaken also." 
 
 " I confess that I did make a mistake," said the
 
 70 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 doctor with a sad face, " but that does not excuse 
 your hbelHng the lady I hope to call my wife. My 
 memory is not so good as it was, and I fear that the 
 drugs I take to induce sleep have impaired what 
 memory I have left. I suffer from neuralgia," 
 added the doctor turning to Miss Pewsey, " and in 
 China I contracted the habit of opium smoking, 
 so—" 
 
 "Marriage will put that right," said the lady 
 patting his hand. "I do not expect a perfect 
 husband — " 
 
 " I never knew you expected a husband at all," 
 said Tidman injudiciously. 
 
 "Ho," cried Miss Pewsey drawing herself up. 
 She had been standing all the time, " another libel. 
 I call Dr. Forge to witness it." 
 
 "I really think Tidman you'd better hold your 
 tongue," said the doctor gently, " but I must explain, 
 that I quite forgot that I had parted with the fan. 
 Yes. I received it from you, seven years ago when 
 I brought you home after that adventure in Canton. 
 Two years later I returned to China, to see Lo- 
 Keong on business, and I took the fan with me. 
 He received it." 
 
 "No," said the Major shaking his bald head, " I 
 can't beheve that, Forge. You declared that you 
 hated Lo-Keong and that the fan would harm you 
 and him also." 
 
 " I do hate the man," cried Forge looking more 
 like a bird of prey than ever, " but I got a concession 
 about a gold mine, by giving back the fan. I 
 wanted the money more than Lo-Keong's life. As
 
 BUKGH'S STOKY 71 
 
 to my own life, it was in danger from the enemies 
 of the Mandarin, who want the fan to ruin him. 
 That was why I spoke as I did. Are you satisfied ? " 
 
 " Not quite," said Tidman who was puzzled, " how 
 did the fan come to England again ? " 
 
 " My nephew Mr. Burgh will tell you that," said 
 Miss Pewsey, " when he has administered the beat- 
 ing I have asked him to inflict." 
 
 " Beating," shouted the Major snatching a knife 
 from the breakfast table, " let that young whelp 
 dare to hint such a thing, and I'll kick him round 
 Marport." 
 
 " Clarence is not the man to be kicked." 
 
 " Nor am I the man to be beaten, I have apolo- 
 gised and that is quite enough. If you are not 
 satisfied Miss Pewsey, you can bring your action 
 and I'll defend it. Beating indeed," snorted Tidman, 
 " I'd like to see anyone who would dare to lay a 
 hand on me," and he looked very fierce as he 
 spoke. 
 
 " Very good," said Miss Pewsey in a stately 
 manner, "if you will tell me all about the fan, I 
 shall ask Clarence to spare you the beating." 
 
 "Clarence can goto — " the Major mentioned a 
 place which made Miss Pewsey shriek and clap her 
 fingers to her ears. " I am not the least afraid of 
 that cad and bounder — that — that " 
 
 " Libel again Major Tidman." 
 
 "Pooh — Pooh," said Forge rising, "let us go 
 Lavinia." 
 
 " Not till I hear about the fan. For the sake of 
 my dear Sophia who has the fan, I want to hear."
 
 72 THE MANDABIN'S FAN 
 
 "All I know, is, that the fan was advertised 
 for " 
 
 "I saw the advertisement," said Miss Pewsey, 
 "but I said nothing to dear Sophia, although I 
 recognized the fan from the description in the news- 
 paper. She never looks at the papers, and trusts to 
 me to tell her the news." 
 
 " So you kept from her a piece of news out of 
 which she could make five thousand pounds." 
 
 " Eeally and truly," said Miss Pewsey clutching 
 her bag convulsively and with glittering eyes, " who 
 says so — who pays it — who — ? " 
 
 " One question at a time," interrupted Tidman, now 
 quite master of himself. *' Tung-yu, the man 
 Ainsleigh saw at the Joss House in Perry Street 
 Whitechapel, offered five thousand pounds for the 
 return of the fan. Ainsleigh saw the advertisement 
 and—" 
 
 " I know how he came to inquire about the fan," 
 said Miss Pewsey, " Dr. Forge told me, but I did not 
 know the amount offered." 
 
 " Will you tell Miss Wharf now." 
 
 " No," said Miss Pewsey very decisively, " nor 
 will any one else. My Sophia's health is delicate 
 and if she had a shock like that inflicted on her, 
 she would die." 
 
 " What the offer of five thousand pounds — " 
 
 " The chance of being killed," said Miss Pewsey, 
 " but I will leave my nephew Mr. Burgh to explain 
 that Major Tidman. I accept your apology for think- 
 ing me a — but no," cried the lady, " I can't bring 
 myself to pronounce the nasty word. I am a Pewsey
 
 BUEGH'S STORY 73 
 
 of Essex. All is said in that, I think. Good 
 morning, Major. My abstinence from bringing an 
 action lies in the fact, that you will refrain from un- 
 settling my Sophia's mind by telling about the fan. 
 Good-morning. My Theophilus will we not go ? " 
 
 Before the Major could recover from the bewilder- 
 ment into which he was thrown by this torrent 
 of words, Miss Pewsey taking the arm of the 
 melancholy doctor had left the room. When alone 
 Tidman scratched his chin and swore. "There's 
 something in this," he soliloquised. "I believe the 
 old woman wants to get the money herself. By 
 George, I'll keep my eyes on her," and the Major 
 shook his fist at the door, through which the fairy 
 form of Miss Pewsey had just vanished. 
 
 Later in the day Tidman dressed to perfection, 
 walked up the town twirling his stick, and beaming 
 on every pretty woman he came across. The stout 
 old boy was not at all appalled by the threat of Miss 
 Pewsey regarding her buccaneering nephew's atten- 
 tions. When he saw the gentleman in question 
 bearing down on him, he simply stopped and grasped 
 his stick more firmly. If there was to be a fight, the 
 Major resolved to have the first blow. But Burgh 
 did not seem ready to make a dash. He sauntered 
 up to Tidman and looked at him smilingly, " Well 
 met old pard," said he in his slangy fashion. 
 
 " My name to you, is Major Tidman," said the 
 old fellow coolly. 
 
 " I guess I know that much. Can't we go a stretch 
 along the lower part of the town ? " 
 
 " If there's any row to come off," said the Major,
 
 74 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 keeping a wary eye on the young man. " I prefer it to 
 take place here. On guard sir — on guard." 
 
 Clarence shrugged his shoulders and produced a 
 cigarette. " Oh that's all right," said he striking a 
 match. " I guess my old aunt's been at you. I'm not 
 going in for any row — not me." 
 
 "Just as well for you," said the Major sharply, 
 " how dare you threaten me, you — you — " 
 
 "Now I ask you," said Clarence, "if I have 
 threatened you ? Go slow. I guess the old girl's been 
 piling on the agony. She's got old Forge to fight 
 her battles. When I make trouble," added Clarence 
 musingly, " it will be for a pretty girl like Olivia." 
 
 " You can have your desire for a row by telling 
 that to young Ainsleigh." 
 
 " Huh," said Burgh with contempt, " I guess 
 I'd lay him out pretty smart. I tell you, Major, 
 I'm dead gone on that girl : but she treats me like a- 
 lump of mud." 
 
 "And quite right too," said Tidman coolly, " you 
 aren't worthy of her. Now Ainsleigh is." 
 
 Clarence pitched away his cigarette with an 
 irritable gestm^e. "Don't get me riz," said he 
 darkly, " or I'll make the hair fly with Ainsleigh." 
 
 " Pooh. He's quite able to look after himself." 
 
 " Can he shoot?" demanded the buccaneer. 
 
 " Yes. And use his fists, and fence, and lay you 
 out properly. Confound you, sir, don't you think 
 I've travelled also. I've been in the Naked Lands 
 in my time, and have seen your sort growing on the 
 banana plants. You're the sort to get lynched." 
 
 "Oh, tie it up," said Burgh with sudden anger,
 
 BURGH'S STORY 75 
 
 for these remarks were not to his mind. " I want 
 to tell you about the fan." 
 
 " Why do you want to talk of that ? " asked Tid- 
 man with suspicion, " I don't care a straw for the 
 fan." 
 
 "Oh, I reckon you do, Major. But you're well 
 out of it. If you'd kept that fan there would have 
 been trouble— yes, you may look, but if you'd held 
 on to that article you'd have been a corpse by 
 now." 
 
 Tidman sneered, not at all terrified by these vague 
 threats. " What do you mean by this drivel ? " 
 
 " Let's come to anchor here," said Clarence pulling 
 up beside a seat in a secluded part, near the old 
 town beach. " I'll spin the yarn." 
 
 " About the fan," said the Major sitting promptly. 
 "I confess I am curious to know how it came to 
 England again, after Forge took it again to the Far 
 East. Didn't he give it to Lo-Keong ? " 
 
 " So he says," said Clarence with a side-long look 
 at his companion. " I don't know myself. All I 
 know is, that I got it from a pirate." 
 
 " From a pirate ? " 
 
 " That's so. I was in Chmese waters a year or 
 so ago, and I reckon pirates swarm in those parts — " 
 
 Tidman shivered. " Yes," he admitted, " I had 
 an adventure myself in Canton with a pirate of sorts." 
 
 "Old Forge told me something about it," said 
 Clarence lighting a fresh cigarette, " but my yarn's 
 different. I was out with some of the boys in 
 Chinese water, and a pirate tried to board us. We 
 were down Borneo way, looking out for a ruby mine
 
 76 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 said to be in those parts. My pals—there were two 
 of them, and myself engineering the job— hired a 
 boat and cut across to Borneo. The pirates tried 
 to sHt our throats and our Chinese crew tried to 
 help them. But we used our Winchesters and six 
 shooters freely, and shot a heap. The pirates cleared 
 off and we brought our barky into port safe enough." 
 
 "But about the fan?" 
 
 " I'm coming to that. The Boss pirate was shot 
 by me— a big six foot Northern Chinee, got up, to 
 kill, Hke a tin god. He had this jade fan, and 
 directed operations with it. When his pals cleared 
 I found him as dead as a coffin and nailed the fan. 
 It was pretty enough, but didn't appeal to rae much. 
 I clapped it away in my box, and when I reached 
 England I offered it to Aunt Lavinia. She wants me 
 to marry Miss Rayner, and said I should offer it to 
 her, and cut out that aristocratic Ainsleigh chap. 
 Olivia — ripping name, ain't it — well, she didn't catch 
 on, so I thought I'd gain the goodwill of old Miss 
 "WTiarf, and passed it along to her." 
 
 The Major Hstened in silence to this story, which 
 seemed reasonable enough. " Strange it should 
 have come back to England, and to a small place 
 like this, where Forge had it," he mused. "A 
 coincidence I suppose. By the way did you see the 
 advertisement ? " he asked. 
 
 •' You bet I did, and it made me sick to think I'd 
 parted with the fan. Leastways, it made me sick 
 till I saw Hwei ! " 
 
 " You mean Tung-yu." 
 
 " No, I don't. I mean the Chinee as calls him-
 
 BURGH'S STORY 77 
 
 self Hwei, who put that advertisement in every 
 newspaper in London, and the United Kingdom." 
 
 "What, in everyone?" said the Major, "must 
 have cost " 
 
 " A heap you bet. Major. Well I struck Hwei — " 
 
 " That's the name of a river, man." 
 
 " Maybe : but it's what this celestial calls him- 
 self. I struck him near the Mansion House, and 
 knew him of old in Pekin I reckon, where we chin- 
 chined over some contraband biznai. I spoke to 
 him in Chinese— I know enough to get along on — 
 and he told me he had come to this country about 
 Lo-Keong's fan. I never said I'd got it, though by 
 that time I'd seen the advertisement. I know 
 Chinamen too well, to give myself away in that 
 fashion. I pumped him, and learned that Hwei 
 intended to scrag the chap who held the fan, so I 
 concluded to lie low." 
 
 " But he offered wealth to whomsoever gave it 
 up." 
 
 " Maybe. I don't know exactly how the thing 
 figures out. I guess Hwei does the killing, and 
 Tung-yu the rewarding. But you can take it from 
 me, Major, that unless Miss Wharf gets rid of that 
 fan she'll have her throat cut. So I guess, you 
 must be glad you didn't handle the biznai," and 
 Clarence puffed a serene cloud of smoke. 
 
 "It's more of a mystery than ever," said the 
 Major. And so it was.
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 
 The Wabning 
 
 The idea that the end of the year woulci see him 
 ruined and homeless was terrible to Rupert. Even 
 if his home had been an ordinary house, he would 
 have been anxious ; but when he thought of the 
 venerable mansion, of the few acres remaining, of 
 the once vast Ainsleigh estates, of the ruins of the 
 Abbey which he loved, his heart was wrung with 
 anguish. How could he let these things depart 
 from him, for ever ? Yet he saw no way out of the 
 matter, although he had frequent consultations with 
 his lawyers. One day, shortly before the ball at 
 the Bristol, he returned from town with a melan- 
 choly face. Old Petley ventured to follow his 
 young master into the library, and found him with 
 his face covered with his hands, in deep despair. 
 
 "Don't take on so. Master Rupert," said the old 
 butler, gently, " things have not yet come to the 
 worst." 
 
 " They are about as bad as they can be, John," 
 replied Ainsleigh. " I have seen Mr. Thorp. It 
 will take thirty thousand pounds to put matters 
 right. And where am I to get it ? Oh," the young 
 man started up and walked to and fro, " why didn't
 
 THE WAENING 79 
 
 I go into the law, or take to some profession where 
 I might make money ? Forge was my guardian, he 
 should have seen to it." 
 
 '* Master Rupert," said the old butler, " do you 
 think that gentleman is your friend ? " 
 
 " What makes you think he isn't, John? " 
 
 Petley pinched his chin between a shaky finger 
 and thumb. " He don't seem like a friend," said 
 he in his quavering voice. " He didn't tell you or 
 me. Master Eupert, how bad things were. When 
 you was at college he should have told you, and 
 then you might have learned some way of getting 
 money." 
 
 " My father trusted him, John. He was appointed 
 my guardian by the will my father made before he 
 left for China." 
 
 " And Dr. Forge went with the master to China," 
 said the old man, " how did the master die ? " 
 
 " Of dysentery, so Dr. Forge says." 
 
 " And others say he was murdered." 
 
 " Who says so, John ? " 
 
 ** Well sir, that Mandarin gentleman sent your 
 father's papers and luggage back here when your 
 mother was alive. A Chinaman brought the things. 
 He hinted that all was not right, and afterwards 
 the mistress died. She believed your father was 
 murdered." 
 
 Eupert looked pensive. He had heard something 
 of this, but the story had been so vague, and was so 
 vague as John told it, that he did not believe in it 
 much. " Does Dr. Forge know the truth ? " he 
 asked.
 
 80 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 " He ought to, sir. Dr. Forge came from China 
 with a report of this gold mine up in Kan-su, and 
 your father was all on fire to go there and make 
 money. The mistress implored him not to go but 
 he would. He went with Dr. Forge, and never 
 returned. The doctor, I know, says that the master 
 died of dysentery, when the doctor himself was at 
 Pekin. But I never liked that Forge," cried the 
 old servant vehemently, " and I believe there's 
 something black about the business." 
 
 " But why should Forge be an enemy of my 
 father's ? " 
 
 " Ah sir," Petley shook his old head, " I can't 
 rightly say. Those two were at college together 
 and fast friends ; but I never liked Forge. No, sir, 
 not if I was killed for it would I ever like that 
 gentleman, though it's not for a person in my posi- 
 tion to speak so. I asked the doctor again and 
 again to let me know how bad things were, when 
 you were at school, Master Eupert, but he told me 
 to mind my own business. As if it wasn't my 
 business to see after the family I'd been bred up in, 
 since fifteen years of age." 
 
 " I'll have a talk with Dr. Forge," said Rupert 
 after a pause, ** if there is any question of my father 
 having been murdered, I'll see if he knows," he 
 turned and looked on the old man quickly. " You 
 don't suppose John that if there was a murder, 
 he—" 
 
 " No ! no ! " cried Petley hurriedly, " I don't say 
 he had to do with it. But that Mandarin — " 
 
 " Lo-Keong. Why Forge hates him."
 
 THE WARNING 81 
 
 " So he says. But this Mandarin, as I've heard 
 from the Major, is high in favour with the China- 
 man's court. If the doctor was his enemy, he could 
 not go so often to China as he does. And since 
 your father's death fifteen years ago, he's been back 
 several times." 
 
 " Well I'll speak to him, John." 
 
 " And about the money, sir? " 
 
 Rupert sat down again. " I don't know what to 
 do," he groaned. " I can manage to stave off many 
 of the creditors, but if Miss Wharf forecloses the 
 mortgage at Christmas everyone will come down 
 with a rush and I'll have to give up Royabay to the 
 creditors." 
 
 " Never — never — that will never be," said John 
 fiercely, " why the place has been under the Ains- 
 leighs for over three hundred years." 
 
 " I don't think that matters to the creditors," 
 said Rupert wincing, " if I could only raise this 
 thirty-thousand and get the land clear I would be 
 able to hve fairly well. There wouldn't be much ; 
 still I could keep the Abbey and we could live 
 quietly." 
 
 " We sir ? " asked the old man raising his 
 head. 
 
 Rupert flushed, seeing he had made a slip. He 
 did not want to tell the old man that he was married, 
 as he was fearful lest the news should come to Miss 
 Wharf's ears and render his wife's position with 
 that lady unbearable. "I might get married you 
 know," he said in an evasive way. 
 
 " Lord, sir," cried Petley in terror, " whatever 
 
 G
 
 82 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 you do, don't cumber yourself with a wife, till you 
 put things straight." 
 
 "Heaven only knows how I am to put them 
 straight," sighed Eupert. " I say, John, send me in 
 some tea. I'm quite weary. Thorp is coming to 
 see me next week and we'll have a talk." 
 
 " With Dr. Forge I hope," said old John, as he 
 withdrew. 
 
 Ainsleigh frowned, when the door closed. Petley 
 certainly seemed possessed by the idea that Forge 
 was an enemy of the Ainsleighs, yet Bupert could 
 think of no reason why he should be. He had been 
 an excellent guardian to the boy, and if he had not 
 told him the full extent of the ruin till it was too 
 late to prevent it, he might have done so out of pity, 
 so that the lad's young years might be miclouded. 
 "Still it would have been better had he been less 
 tender of my feelings and more considerate for my 
 position," thought Eupert as he paced the long 
 room. 
 
 While he was sadly looking out of the window 
 and thinking of the wrench it would be to leave 
 the old place, he saw a tall woman walking up the 
 avenue. The eyes of love are keen, and Eupert 
 with a thrill of joy recognised the stately gait of 
 Olivia. With an ejaculation of delight, he ran out, 
 nearly upsetting Mrs. Petley who was coming into 
 the Library with a dainty tea. Disregarding her 
 exclamation of astonishment, Eupert sprang out of 
 the door and down the steps. He met Olivia half 
 way near the ruins of the Abbey. ** My dearest," 
 he said stretching out both hands, " how good of
 
 THE WARNING 83 
 
 you to come ! " Olivia, who looked pale, allowed him 
 to take her hands passively. " I want to speak to 
 you," she said quickly, " come into the Abbey," and 
 she drew him towards the ruins. 
 
 " No ! No," said her husband, '* enter your own 
 house and have a cup of tea. It is just ready and 
 will do you good." 
 
 " Not just now, Rupert," she replied, laying a de- 
 taining hand on his arm. " I can wait only for a 
 quarter of an hour. I mast get back." 
 
 Rupert grumbled at the short time, but, resolved 
 to make the most of it, he walked with her into the 
 cloisters. These were small but the ruins were very 
 beautiful. Rows of delicately carved pillars sur- 
 rounded a grassy sward. At the far end were the 
 ruins of the church stretching into the pines. The 
 roofless fane looked venerable even in the bright 
 sunshine. The walls were overgrown with ivy, and 
 some of the images over the door, still remained, 
 though much defaced by Time. The windows were 
 without the painted glass which had once filled 
 them, but were rich with elaborate stone work. 
 This was especially fine in the round window over 
 the altar. As in the cloisters, the body of the church 
 was overgrown with grass and some of the pillars 
 had fallen. The lovers did not venture into the 
 ruined church itself but walked round the pavement 
 of the cloisters under the arches. Doubtless in days 
 of old, many a venerable father walked on that paved 
 way. But the monks were gone, the shrine was in 
 ruins, and these lovers of a younger generation paced 
 the quiet cloisters talking of love.
 
 84 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 " My darling," said the young husband fondly, 
 " how pale you are. I hope nothing is wrong." 
 
 " My aunt is ill. Oh it's nothing — only a feverish 
 cold. She hopes to be well enough to attend the 
 ball to-morrow night." 
 
 "I did not hear of it," said Rupert, "though 
 Tidman generally tells me the news. I have been 
 in London for the last few days." 
 
 " So I see," said Olivia, and glanced at her fair 
 stalwart husband in his frock coat and smart Bond 
 street kit, " how well you look." 
 
 Eupert appreciated the compliment and taking her 
 hands kissed both several times. Olivia bent 
 forward and pressed a kiss on his smooth hair. 
 Then she withdrew her hands. " We must talk 
 sense," she said severely. 
 
 " Oh," said Rupert making a wry face, " not about 
 your aunt ? " 
 
 " Yes. I can't understand her. She has shut 
 herself up in her room and refuses to see me. She 
 will admit no one but Miss Pewsey." 
 
 Ainsleigh shrugged his shoulders. "What does 
 it matter," he said, " you know Miss Wharf never 
 liked you. You are much too handsome, my own. 
 And that is the reason also, for Miss Pewsey's 
 dislike." 
 
 " Oh, Miss Pewsey is more amiable," said Olivia, 
 " indeed I never knew her to be so amiable. She is 
 always chatting to me at such times as she can be 
 spared from my aunt's room." 
 
 <* Well, what is worrying you ? " 
 
 'I This exclusion from Aunt Sophia's room,"
 
 THE WARNING 85 
 
 said Olivia with tears of vexation in her dark eyes. 
 " I am her only relative — or at all events I am her 
 nearest. It seems hard that she should exclude 
 me, and admit Miss Pewsey who is only a paid 
 companion." 
 
 " I don't think it matters a bit," said Rupert, 
 " hasn't your aunt seen anyone lately ? " 
 
 " No, — yes, by the way. She has seen her lawyer 
 several times." 
 
 " I expect she is altering her will." 
 
 OHvia laughed. " She threatens to do so in 
 favour of Miss Pewsey, unless by the end of the 
 month I give you up, and engage myself either to 
 Mr. Walker or to Mr. Burgh." 
 
 Rupert grew very angry. " What a detestable 
 woman," he exclaimed. " I beg your pardon, dear, 
 I forgot she's your aunt. But what right has she 
 to order you about like this ? You are of age." 
 
 " And I am married, though she doesn't know it. 
 But I'll tell you the real reason, I am vexed I can't 
 see my aunt. Can't we sit down ? " 
 
 "Over there," said Ainsleigh, pointing to a se- 
 cluded seat. 
 
 It was placed at the far end of the cloisters under 
 a large oak. There were four oaks here, or to be 
 more correct, three oaks and the stump of one. 
 "That was destroyed by lightning when I was 
 born," said Rupert, seeing OHvia's eyes fixed on 
 this. " Mrs. Petley saw in it an omen that I would 
 be unlucky. But am I ? " and he fell to kissing his 
 wife's hands again. 
 
 " Really, Rupert, you must be more sensible,"
 
 86 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 she said, in pretended vexation. "What a pretty 
 tree that copper-beech is." 
 
 "Yes! But do you see the blackened 
 square?" 
 
 "It is not so very black," said Mrs. Ainsleigh, 
 pausing to dig the point of her umbrella into the 
 ground, " there's hardly any grass on it, and the 
 earth is dark and hard. Curious it should be so, 
 seeing the grass is thick and green all round, I 
 suppose this is where Abbot Kaoul was burnt." 
 
 " Yes. I've told you the story and shown you 
 the spot many times," said Rupert, slipping his 
 arm round her waist. 
 
 " Dearest," she whispered, " I was too much in 
 love, to hear what you said on that point. And 
 remember, all my visits to the Abbey have been 
 secret ones. My aunt would be furious did she 
 know that I had been here, and I often wonder that 
 Pewsey, who is always watching me, has not 
 followed me here." 
 
 " If she does I'll duck her in the pond for a witch," 
 said Eupert, and drew his wife to the seat under the 
 oak, " well, go on. " 
 
 "About my aunt. Oh, it's what Major Tidman 
 told me. He's been trying to see Aunt Sophia also. 
 Have you heard what Mr Burgh told the Major 
 about that horrid fan?" 
 
 " No. You forget, I have just returned from town. 
 What is it?" 
 
 Olivia related to Rupert the story which Clarence 
 had told the Major. " So you see," she ended, 
 " this man Hwei wants to kill any one who has the
 
 THE WARNING 87 
 
 fan, and Tung-yu desires to reward the person who 
 brings it back." 
 
 " It seems contradictory," said Ainsleigh thought- 
 fully, " and if Hwei put in the advertisement it is 
 strange that Tung-yu should have received me in 
 the Joss-house mentioned in the paper Well ? " 
 
 " Well," said Olivia rather vexed, "can't you see. 
 I want my aunt to know that she is in danger and 
 get rid of that horrid fan." 
 
 " Pooh," said her husband laughing, " there's no 
 danger. Hwei can't kill an old lady like that for 
 the sake of a fan she would probably sell for five 
 shillings." 
 
 " She wouldn't," said Olivia with conviction. 
 " Aunt Sophia has taken quite a fancy to that fan. 
 But she ought to be told how dangerous it is, Eupert." 
 
 " Or how lucky," said Ainsleigh, " let her sell the 
 fan to Tung-yu for five thousand pounds and then 
 she can let Hwei kill Tung-yu." 
 
 " But would he do so." 
 
 " I can't say. On the face of it, it looks as though 
 these two were working against one another, seeing 
 they propose to reward the owner of the fan in such 
 different ways. Yet Hwei, according to Burgh, put 
 the advertisement in and Tung-yu received me. I 
 don't understand." 
 
 " Well, don't you think I should tell the whole 
 story to my aunt ? " 
 
 " Yes. Go in and see her." 
 
 " Miss Pewsey won't let me, and my aunt refuses 
 to admit me. 1 sent in a note the other day saying 
 that I wished to speak very particularly, and she
 
 88 THE MANDA BIN'S FAN 
 
 sent out another note to say that she would not see 
 anyone till she was well. The note was kind enough 
 in Aunt Sophia's cold way, but you see " 
 
 " Yes ! Yes ! Well then let Tidman see her." 
 
 " Kupert, how annoying you are. She won't see 
 anyone but Miss " 
 
 " Miss Pewsey. Well then, tell her the story, 
 and she can repeat it to your aunt. Though, by 
 the way," added Ainsleigh, " Burgh may have told 
 Miss Pewsey about it already." 
 
 "Yes," said Olivia, her face brightening, and 
 rising to go away, " but I'll ask Miss Pewsey to tell 
 Aunt Sophia herself." 
 
 As they walked towards the ruined entrance, Mrs. 
 Petley's bulky form appeared in the archway. She 
 threw up her hands. " Sakes alive, Master Eupert, 
 come off Abbot Eaoul's burning-place." 
 
 Ainsleigh, who was standing on the square of 
 blackened ground, obeyed at once, and drew Olivia 
 away also. " I forgot," he murmured. 
 
 " Forgot what? " asked Olivia. 
 
 "Why miss," said the old housekeeper," don't 
 you know it's said that if an Ainsleigh stands there, 
 some trouble will befall him before the year's end, 
 You're not an Ainsleigh miss, but Master Eupert — 
 well there — oh sir, how can you be so foolish. The 
 tea's ready sir," and Mrs. Petley, with this prosaic 
 ending trotted away. 
 
 " She doesn't know that you are an Ainsleigh," 
 said Eupert kissing his wife, " pah. Don't think of 
 that foolish superstition. Come to — " 
 
 " No, Eupert," said Olivia, planting herself firmly
 
 THE WAKNING 89 
 
 against the wall, " yon know I said a quarter of an 
 hour. It's half an hour we have been talking. I 
 must get back." 
 
 The young husband urged, implored, scolded, 
 cajoled, but all to no effect. Olivia made up her 
 mind to go, and go she did, Bupert escorting her to 
 the gates. "You are very unkind," he said. 
 
 " I am very sensible," she replied, " I don't want 
 to disturb my new relations with Miss Pewsey. She 
 has such power over my aunt that it is necessary T 
 should keep on good terms with her Now, Eupert, 
 you must not come any further." 
 
 " Just along the road." 
 
 " Certainly not. All the gossips of Marport 
 would talk. Good-bye. I won't be kissed again. 
 Someone may be looking." 
 
 Ainsleigh muttered a blessing on anyone who 
 might be about, and shook hands with his wife just 
 as though they were strangers. Then he remained 
 at the gate till she turned the corner. There, she 
 looked back and Eupert threw her a kiss. Olivia 
 shook a furious sunshade at him for the indiscretion. 
 
 " The silly boy," she said to herself as she went 
 along, " if anyone saw him, there would be a fine 
 story all over Marport."
 
 CHAPTEK VIII 
 
 The Beginning of the Ball 
 
 So this was the position of affairs immediately 
 before the ball given by the Glorious Golfers at the 
 Bristol Hotel. Miss Wharf possessed the fan, and 
 two Chinamen were searching for it. Hwei intended 
 to secure it by murder, and Tung-yu by the milder 
 means of honourable purchase: but why the two, with 
 such contradictory intentions, should work in unison, 
 as appeared from the advertisement, Rupert could 
 not understand. However, he had so much trouble 
 himself that he dismissed the matter from his mind. 
 
 There was Httle chance of his benefiting by money 
 from the one Chinaman, or of being murdered by the 
 other. And he presumed that Olivia would instruct 
 Miss Pewsey to tell Miss Wharf about the fan, even 
 if she did not see her personally. And while Miss 
 Wharf was ill and safe in her house, Hwei could not 
 get at her in any way. Moreover, as Burgh in his 
 interview with Hwei near the Mansion House, had 
 held his tongue, the man would not know where the 
 fan was. 
 
 The ball was the best of the Marport season, as the 
 Glorious Golfers were a body of young men with 
 plenty of money and a great love of amusement.
 
 THE BEGINNING OF THE BALL 91 
 
 The vast apartments of the Bristol were thrown 
 open, and decked with flowers; an Irish Band, — The 
 Paddies, — was engaged from London, and many 
 people came down from the great city to be present. 
 It was a perfect night when the ball was held, and 
 the terrace on the first floor of the hotel, or to speak 
 more properly the balcony, was thronged with people. 
 It looked very pretty, as it was filled with tropical 
 ferns and plants and trees, illuminated with Chinese 
 lanterns and made comfortable with numerous arm 
 chairs, and plenty of small marble-topped tables. 
 Between the dances, people finding the rooms too 
 warm, came out to walk in the night air. There 
 was no moon, but the night was starry and warm, 
 and a soft luminous light was reflected on sea and 
 land. Standing under the great fern-trees and amidst 
 the fairy lights, the guests could survey with pleasure 
 the vast waste of water stretching towards the clear 
 horizon, and see the long pier glittering with in- 
 numerable lights. Needless to say, the terrace was 
 much frequented by amorous couples. 
 
 Within, the ball-room, gay with flowers and 
 draperies, with a waxed floor and many electric 
 light in coloured globes, looked very pretty. The 
 band was hidden behind a lofty floral screen, and 
 played the latest seductive waltzes, interspersed with 
 inspiriting barn-dances and quaint cake-walks. The 
 women were lovely, and the dresses perfect, so the 
 young men enjoyed themselves not a little. Kupert 
 was present, looking handsome in his evening dress, 
 but rather flushed and anxious. He was not sure 
 if Miss Wharf would come, in which case Ohvia
 
 92 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 would not be present. And, if the old maid did 
 recover sufficiently to make her appearance, she 
 would perhaps refuse to allow him to dance with 
 the girl. 
 
 However Miss Wharf did appear though at 
 a somewhat late hour. She was gowned in pale 
 blue and looked very handsome, if somewhat stout. 
 Olivia's dark beauty revealed itself in a primrose- 
 hued dress, and Miss Pewsey looked more like a 
 witch than ever in a black frock ghttering with jet. 
 This was the gift of Miss Wharf, as poor Miss Pewsey 
 would never have been able to indulge in such 
 extravagance. At the back and in attendance on 
 the Ivy Lodge party, were Clarence Burgh and Dr 
 Forge. The buccaneer looked picturesque and 
 dashing as usual and was dressed very quietly for one 
 of his flamboyant tastes, though he showed to disad- 
 vantage beside the perfection of Rupert's garb. Forge 
 wore a suit which might have been made for his 
 grandfather, and which fitted his lank form ill. The 
 doctor looked less his cool self, than was usually the 
 case. His parchment face was flushed and his 
 melancholy eyes glittered as they roved round the 
 brilliant room. Rupert wondered if he was looking 
 for Tung-yu, and glanced round the room himself to 
 see if the Chinaman had arrived in Chris Walker's 
 company. But he could not perceive him. 
 
 Putting his fortune to the test, and having come 
 to no open rupture with the lady, Rupert boldly 
 walked up to Miss Wharf and offered his hand. She 
 gave him rather a peculiar look and coloured a 
 little. But to his secret satisfaction she received him
 
 THE BEGINNING OF THE BALL 93 
 
 very kindly. Olivia took her husband's greeting 
 with a quiet smile, rather cold, as she knew well 
 Miss Pewsey was watching her face. As to that 
 lady, she hovered round the group like an ugly old 
 fairy, about to weave the spell. 
 
 " And where is the Major? " asked Miss Pewsey 
 in her emphatic way, " surely he is present on this 
 occasion." 
 
 "I am sorry to say that the Major is laid up with 
 a bad cold," said Eupert. " I have just been to see 
 him. He is not coming." 
 
 "A cold spoils his beauty," tittered Miss Pewsey, 
 " dear me, how very vain that man is." 
 
 " A cold has not spoilt Miss Wharf's beauty at 
 all events," said Ainsleigh, seeing his way to a comp- 
 liment. " I never saw you look so well, " he added 
 with a bow." 
 
 " Thanks to Lavinia's nursing," laughed the lady. 
 " Ohvia can you keep still while that delicious music 
 is playing. I'm sure Mr. Burgh — " 
 
 " I think Miss Eayner is engaged to me," put in 
 Bupert promptly. 
 
 Miss Wharf tapped him on the shoulder with the 
 very fan, about which there had been so much talk. 
 ** No I can't spare you," she said amiably. " I want 
 to chat with you. Olivia? " 
 
 The girl exchanged a look with her husband and 
 saw that his eyes were fastened on the fan. Ke- 
 solved to give him a chance of talking to her aunt 
 about it, she moved away on the arm of the buccaneer 
 to join in the whirling throng. Forge offered his 
 arm to Miss Pewsey, not to dance, but to escort her
 
 94 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 on to the terrace, and so it came about that aunt 
 Sophia and Eupert were left alone in a quiet corner 
 of the room. 
 
 Miss Wharf cast a side glance at the young man 
 and seeing how handsome and gay he was, she 
 heaved a sigh. Perhaps she was thinking of his 
 father whom she had loved dearly, but if so, the 
 emotion was only momentary, for she compressed 
 her lips and drew herself up stiffly. " Mr. Ains- 
 leigh," she said, " you never come to see me now. 
 How is that ? " 
 
 "I thought you did not wish to see me," said 
 Rupert frankly. 
 
 " Oh yes I do. Your father was an old friend of 
 mine, and for his sake I wish to be kind to you." 
 
 Rupert saw that she was unaware that he had 
 met Olivia secretly, and had heard the story of the 
 early romance. It was not wise, he thought, to 
 bring up the subject, so he met her on her own 
 ground. " You can be very kind to me if you wish," 
 he said casting a significant glance on Olivia who 
 floated past with Burgh. 
 
 Miss Wharf followed his gaze and frowned, shak- 
 mg her head. " No," she said severely, " you must 
 give up the idea of marrying Olivia." 
 
 " I can't do that," replied Rupert, thinking of his 
 secret marriage, " and I don't see why you should 
 refuse to let me love her." 
 
 " I can't prevent that," snapped Miss Wharf, 
 " love her as much as you choose, but as another 
 man's wife," and again she looked oddly at Rupert, 
 who wondered what she meant.
 
 THE BEGINNING OF THE BALL 95 
 
 " What an immoral remark," he said, " perhaps 
 you will explain." 
 
 " Mr. Ainsliegh I will be frank with you," said 
 the lady calmly, " you have no money, and are liable 
 to lose Eoyabay. I hold a mortgage it is true and 
 by the end of the year I can forclose ; but that, I 
 shall not do if you give up Olivia. If I foreclose, 
 you know well enough that your other creditors will 
 come down on you, and you will lose all. I hold 
 the scales," added she significantly. 
 
 " I see that well enough Miss Wharf, but many 
 things may happen before the end of the year." 
 
 " You mean that you will get the money to pay me 
 and others ? " 
 
 "I might even mean that," answered Rupert coolly, 
 " and if I am a bad match, I don't think Mr. Burgh 
 is a better. I have at least a position and a clean 
 name." 
 
 " What do you know about Clarence Burgh ? " she 
 asked quickly. 
 
 " Nothing, save that he is an adventurer. Miss 
 Wharf. He comes from no-where, and swaggers 
 about Marport as if it belonged to him. He has no 
 recognised position and he is not a gentleman." 
 
 " Oh but he is, and I want him to marry 
 Olivia." 
 
 "And thus you would condemn Olivia to misery. 
 She loves me—" 
 
 " A girl's love," said Miss Wharf coolly, " she'll 
 soon get over that. Mr. Burgh is Lavinia's nephew, 
 and I have promised Lavinia that Oh via shall be 
 his wife."
 
 96 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 " Why in heaven's name ? " asked Eupert angrily, 
 " he has no money." 
 
 " Oh yes he has, and may have a chance of getting 
 more. Lavinia has been a good friend to me for 
 years and years — all my life in fact, Mr. Ainsleigh. 
 I owe much to her, and I intend to repay her. Her 
 heart is set on this match and Olivia must marry 
 Clarence"" 
 
 " Olivia shall not." 
 
 " Olivia shall. I set my will against yours Mr. 
 Ainsleigh." 
 
 "You'll find my will is stronger," said Rupert 
 coolly. 
 
 Miss "Wharf gave a short laugh. "Try," she 
 said curtly ; then her hard eyes softened and her 
 cold manner grew warmer. " Don't let us quarrel," 
 she said gently. " I wish you well, and would give 
 you anything save Olivia — " 
 
 " Which is the only thing I want." 
 
 " How rude of you to call Olivia a ' thing,' said the 
 woman lightly, " you may make up your mind that 
 if you marry her, I shall leave my money to Miss 
 Pewsey." 
 
 " Do so. I don't want your money." 
 
 "Five hundred a year is not enough," sneered 
 Miss Wharf, "but T may have more. What do 
 you say to five thousand — " 
 
 " Oh," interrupted Eupert coolly, " so Olivia has 
 told you about the fan — or perhaps Miss Pewsey." 
 
 "It was Olivia. I believe Clarence Burgh told 
 her. This fan," Miss Wharf mifurled the article, 
 "means five thousand pounds — "
 
 THE BEGINNING OF THE BALL 97 
 
 " Or a cut throat," said Kupert quickly. 
 
 " Pah ! how foohsh you are, as though such a 
 thing could happen in England. Were we in China 
 I admit that I should be afraid to keep this fan ; but 
 as it is I am perfectly safe. See here, Mr. Ainsleigh," 
 she added bending towards him, " if you will give 
 up Olivia I will give you this fan and you can get 
 the money to pay off your creditors." 
 
 "No," said Rupert at once. "I need thirty 
 thousand, not five. And even if you were to give 
 me the thirty thousand I need, I would not sell 
 Olivia for that sum." 
 
 "Look at the fan first," said Miss Wharf and 
 gave it to him. 
 
 Eupert's nerves thrilled as he took the dainty 
 trifle in his hand. So much had been said about it, 
 so much hung on it, of the meaning of which he was 
 ignorant, that he could not look at it without feeling 
 the drama it represented. Balzac's remark about 
 killing a Mandarin in China to obtain a fortune, 
 occurred to his mind. This fan dainty and fragile, 
 might cost the life of such a Mandarin. It all 
 depended into whose hands it fell. 
 
 The fan was exactly as the advertisement de- 
 scribed. On one side the pale green sticks were 
 enamelled and smooth ; on the other thin slivers of 
 jade covered the wood, and were inscribed in quaint 
 Chinese characters in gold. The handle was of 
 gold, and therefrom hung a thick cord of yellow silk, 
 with four beads and half a bead thereon. Three 
 beads and the half one were of jade, but the remain- 
 ing ball was of jasper. What these might mean 
 
 H
 
 98 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 Eupert could not understand, but apparently they 
 were connected with the secret of the fan, whatever 
 that might be. Certainly, whatever its significance, 
 the secret dealt with the life of Lo-Keong, with the life 
 of Dr. Forge, and with the life of Miss Wharf, seeing 
 she now possessed the article. All the time Rupert 
 furled and unfurled the fan, admiring its beauty, she 
 kept her cold eyes on him. " Think," she whispered, 
 " five thousand pounds may gain you a few months 
 respite — you may be able to save the Abbey." 
 
 Rupert shook his head. " If I lose Olivia I don't 
 care about keeping Royabay. It can be sold up 
 and I'll go abroad to the Colonies to work for my 
 living." 
 
 " Without Olivia." 
 
 " No. With Olivia. Nothing will buy her from 
 me. 
 
 Miss Wharf finding all her arts fail, snatched the 
 fan from him, and bit her lip. Her eyes flashed, 
 and she seemed on the point of making some remark, 
 but refrained. " Very good, Mr. Ainsleigh," said 
 she. " I'll see what I can do with Olivia. You 
 have ruined her." 
 
 " What do you mean by that, Miss Wharf." 
 
 " You'll find out my friend," she rephed clenching 
 the fan fiercely. " Oh, I am not so blind, or so 
 ignorant as you think me." 
 
 Ainsleigh turned crimson. He wondered if by 
 any chance she had heard of the marriage, and it 
 was on the tip of his tongue to put a leading question 
 to Miss Wharf, when Chris Walker came up. He 
 was not alone. With him was a small Chinaman
 
 THE BEGINNING OF THE BALL 99 
 
 with the impassive face of the Celestial. Tung-yu — 
 as Eupert guessed he was — wore a gorgeous yellow 
 gown, with a kind of blue silk blouse over it. His 
 feet were encased in thick Chinese shoes wonderfully 
 embroidered and his pig-tail was down. Several 
 ladies cast avaricious looks at these gorgeous vest- 
 ments, and especially at the blouse, which was 
 heavy with dragons woven in gold thread. In his 
 thin yellow hand with long finger-nails, Tung-yu 
 held a small ivory fan, and he stood impassively 
 before Miss Wharf, not even casting a look at the 
 fan in her hand, which he was prepared to buy at 
 such a large price. 
 
 ** This is Mr. Tung-yu," said Chris boyishly. 
 " He wants to meet you, Miss Wharf. He admires 
 English ladies." 
 
 " I fear I can't speak his language, Chris." 
 
 " He can speak ours to perfection," said 
 Walker. 
 
 Tung-yu bowed politely and spoke in admirably 
 chosen English. " I was at Cambridge," he said 
 calmly, " and I know of your Western culture. If 
 you will permit me, madam." He took a seat beside 
 Miss Wharf. 
 
 Chris, seeing his friend well established looked 
 around. "Where is Miss Rayner?" he asked. 
 *' Oh there she is — the dance is over." 
 
 And so it was. The dancers were streaming out 
 on to the balcony and the room was almost empty. 
 Burgh, with Olivia on his arm, came towards Miss 
 WTiarf, and Chris hurried forward to ask Miss 
 Rayner for a dance. But quick as he was, Rupert
 
 100 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 was quicker. He had seen his wife dance with one 
 admirer, and was not going to let her dance with 
 another. " Miss Rayner is engaged to me," he said, 
 and offered his arm with a defiant look at Burgh, to 
 whom he had not been introduced. 
 
 Burgh showed no disposition to let Olivia go, and 
 scowled. But his eye fell on the Chinaman seated 
 by Miss Wharf, and he suddenly moved away. It 
 seemed to Rupert that the buccaneer was afraid. 
 Chris remained to protest, but Ainsleigh ended the 
 matter by abruptly taking Olivia out of the room. 
 Miss Wharf frowned when she saw them depart 
 and opened her mouth, as though to call Olivia 
 back. But on second thoughts she contented her- 
 self with another frown and then turned to speak to 
 Tung-yu. " I have heard of you," she said. 
 
 "From my friend, Mr. Walker," said the polite 
 Chinaman, 
 
 " Oh yes, and from someone else, through a third 
 party. I heard of your advertisement " 
 
 " What advertisement ? " asked Tung-yu. 
 
 "About this fan," and Miss Wharf waved it under 
 Tung-yu's narrow eyes, which did not change their 
 expression of indifference. 
 
 " I do not understand, Madam ! " 
 
 The lady looked astonished. "Why. Didn't you 
 advertise for the fan ? " 
 
 Tung-yu permitted himself to smile. " Who told 
 you I did ? " he asked. 
 
 " Mr Ainsleigh, who left just now, told a friend of 
 mine, who told me," said Miss Wharf. " I under- 
 stood you wished to possess this fan."
 
 THE BEGINNING OF THE BALL 101 
 
 " No," said Tung-yu indifferently, " the advertise- 
 ment was placed in the paper, by a compatriot of 
 mine called Hwei. He asked me to see anyone who 
 called about it, as he was engaged. I saw Mr 
 Ainsleigh and told him what he told your friend. 
 You must apply to Hwei." 
 
 "And have my life taken," said Miss Wharf with 
 a shudder. 
 
 This time the Chinaman was not able to suppress 
 a start. " I do not quite understand, Madam?" he 
 reflected. 
 
 "Oh, yes, you do, Mr Tung-yu. Hwei would 
 murder me to get this fan. I prefer to sell it to 
 you for five thousand pounds." 
 
 The Chinaman's face became impassive again, 
 though his eyes looked surprised. " I assure you, 
 this is quite wrong. Madam. My friend Hwei wants 
 the fan, because it belongs to a Mandarin who 
 received it as a gift from his dead wife. So dearly 
 does this Mandarin prize it, that he is willing to buy 
 it at any price." 
 
 " Even five thousand pounds ? " 
 
 " I believe so. This Mandarin is rich. " He 
 turned his narrow eyes again on the lady. " Did 
 the person who said that Hwei would go as far as 
 crime, tell you the Mandarin's name? " 
 
 " No. Who is the Mandarin ? " 
 
 " I fear I cannot tell you madam. Hwei did not 
 tell me. If you like I will bring him to you." 
 
 Miss Wharf hesitated. Her avarice was aroused 
 by the hope of getting rid of a trifle for five thousand 
 pounds but she did not wish to risk herself alone
 
 102 THE MANDAKIN'S FAN 
 
 with a blood-thirsty celestial. " If you will come 
 also," she said, hesitating. 
 
 Tung-yu reflected. " Madam, I will be plain 
 with you," he said gravely, " as I am here, I can act 
 on behalf of my friend Hwei — but to-morrow." 
 
 Miss Wharf tendered the fan. " Why not take 
 it to-night and give me a cheque," she said 
 quickly. 
 
 " To-morrow," replied the Chinaman, rising and 
 bowing politely, " I will call on you, if you will 
 permit me. Mr. Walker will show me the way. I 
 will then arrange to buy the fan at a price to which 
 you will not object. Meanwhile — " he bowed again 
 and gravely departed. 
 
 Miss Wharf, rather annoyed and surprised by 
 this behaviour, looked round for Miss Pewsey, to 
 whom she was accustomed to tell everything. The 
 little woman appeared at that moment pushing her 
 way through the crowd in a state of excitement. 
 " Ob, Sophia ! " she said, throwing herself down. 
 " Oh, Sophia." 
 
 " What's the matter? " asked Miss Wharf coldly. 
 
 " I might ask you," said Miss Pewsey, parrying 
 the question, " you look so upset, my Sophia." 
 
 "It is with pleasure then," said the old maid, 
 dryly, " I have arranged to sell this fan to-morrow 
 for five thousand pounds." 
 
 " Oh," Miss Pewsey clasped her hand, " What 
 joy ; you will be able to add to your income. But, 
 Sophia, I really can't keep it any longer. That 
 Major Tidman " 
 
 " Well. What about him ? "
 
 THE BEGINNING OF THE BALL 103 
 
 "Mr. Ainsleigh said he had a cold and was con- 
 fined to his room. I went up to see, as I don't 
 trust that Major a bit. He's so wicked. I went to 
 his room, and peeped in. Sophia," added Miss 
 Pewsey in a tragic manner. " He is not there — the 
 room is empty ! "
 
 CHAPTEK IX 
 
 The End of the Ball 
 
 Miss Wharf looked at her excited little friend 
 with an indulgent smile. " Keally I don't see why 
 you should trouble," she said with a smile. "Let 
 the Major do what he likes." 
 
 " He's up to some mischief," persisted the old 
 maid, " and I'd like to find out what it is. He is 
 supposed to be keeping his room, because of a cold, 
 and I find he is not in. People with colds," added 
 the lady, impressively, " do not go into the night 
 air." 
 
 " How do you know Major Tidman has? " 
 
 " Because he would be at the ball, were he in the 
 hotel. I shall ask Clarence to see what he is 
 doing." 
 
 " Why? " asked Miss Wharf, pazzled. 
 
 " Because — oh, just because," replied Miss 
 Pewsey, tossing her head in a sharp way, like the 
 Eed Queen in Alice's Adventures. "But the fan, 
 dearest Sophia? — Can't I take charge of it ? " 
 
 Miss Wharf grasped the fan tighter. " No, cer- 
 tainly not. It is worth five thousand pounds." 
 
 "And perhaps more," said Miss Pewsey. " Ke- 
 member, dearest Sophia, that is the sum offered,
 
 THE END OF THE BALL 105 
 
 but you might ask more. It is very important that 
 this Mandarin should get the fan back. Dr. Forge 
 told me." 
 
 " Why is it important ? " 
 
 " Theophilus didn't tell me that, but he said that 
 this Mandarin — I quite forget his queer name — 
 would give even more than five thousand to get it 
 back." 
 
 " His emissary didn't seem very anxious to buy." 
 
 " Oh, that is craft," rejoined Miss Pewsey, tossing 
 her head. " The Chinese are very double, Theophi- 
 lus says." 
 
 " I don't think so, Lavinia. I would have sold 
 this fan for a few pounds had I not known such a 
 large sum was offered. Tung-yu is not a good 
 business man, or else the Mandarin must be a 
 millionaire." 
 
 " He is — he is. I wish you would let me conduct 
 the business, and do let me take the fan ? " 
 
 " No, I shall keep it." 
 
 " Sophia," said Miss Pewsey, solemnly, " that is 
 dangerous. Rupert Ainsleigh hates you and needs 
 money ; he might kill you to get that fan, and sell 
 it for five " 
 
 " Nonsense. I cannot be murdered in a house 
 full of people like this. I know another Chinaman 
 hints at murder — you told me so " 
 
 " Olivia told me to tell you," put in the little 
 woman, quickly. 
 
 " Well, Hwei isn't here, and I'll sell the fan to 
 Tung-yu to-morrow." 
 
 Miss Pewsey would have said more, but at this
 
 106 THE MANDAKIN'S FAN 
 
 moment Dr. Forge approached, with a crooked 
 elbow and a dreary smile. "Allow me to take you 
 into supper, Miss "Wharf." 
 
 " Certainly," she rose and took the arm. " I am 
 really hungry. Lavinia ? " 
 
 " I shall look for Clarence. I must find out what 
 has become of Major Tidman," and the old maid 
 hurried away while the doctor escorted Miss Wharf 
 to the supper-room. 
 
 Clarence was not drinking at the buffet, though 
 his aunt went there to find him as the most likely 
 place. Nor was he in the ball-room, although a 
 new dance had begun. She could not see him in 
 the card-room, but finally ran him to earth on the 
 terrace, where he was leaning against a tree-fern 
 with folded arms and with his wicked black eyes 
 fixed on a couple some distance away. Miss Pewsey 
 followed his gaze and her eyes also flashed, for she 
 beheld Kupert talking with Olivia. Both their 
 heads were bent, and they conversed earnestly. 
 The little woman hated Olivia and detested Eupert, 
 so the sight was gall and worm-wood to her. " Why 
 don't you ask her to dance? " she demanded, touch- 
 ing her nephew's arm. 
 
 " Because there would only be a row," he rejoined 
 sullenly. " I feel inchned to spoil that chap's looks 
 I can tell you." 
 
 " Do you really love the girl, so ? " 
 
 " Yes I do. I'd give anything to marry her, and 
 I shall too." 
 
 "There's not the slightest chance. Ainsleigh 
 will not surrender her I can tell you."
 
 THE END OF THE BALL 107 
 
 " Then why did you make me waste that fan." 
 
 " You didn't waste it on her," said Miss Pewsey 
 coldly, " she refused to take it like a fool, and now 
 Sophia has it, there is no chance of getting it back. 
 Had I known the fan was of such value, you wouldn't 
 have caught me advising you to part with it. If 
 you knew what this Hwei said, why didn't you tell 
 me the fan was valuable." 
 
 " I did not see Hwei until I had parted with the 
 fan," said Clarence crossly, " and we can do nothing 
 now." 
 
 "You are not so bold as Major Tidman," she 
 whispered. 
 
 " What's that ? " asked the buccaneer sharply. 
 
 "He's not in his room," rejoined Miss Pewsey in 
 a low voice," he pretends illness, to carry out his 
 plan to get the fan " 
 
 " How do you know that ? " 
 
 "Because Tung-yu is in the hotel. The Major 
 will try and get the fan to sell it to him." 
 
 " In that case he would have come to the ball and 
 have seen Miss Wharf to get it from her." 
 
 " No. He has some other plan. What it is I 
 don't know. But I wish you would look round for 
 him, Clarence, and watch him." 
 
 "Bah ! It's all stuff." Burgh turned to look at 
 the sea and the pier and the luminous night. " I'm 
 getting sick of this business," he went on discon- 
 tentedly, " and but for the chance of gaining Olivia, I 
 would bunk out on the long trail. There's a barky 
 out there," he continued pointing to the right of the 
 pier, " yonder — the one with the green light. I saw
 
 108 THE MANDAKIN'S FAN 
 
 her anchor early in the afternoon — a kind of gentle- 
 man's yacht I fancy. She'd just do for me. I'd Hke 
 to take a boat and pull out to her. and then get up 
 steam for the South Seas. There's a clear path leads 
 there, down channel," and he stared at the flickering 
 green light which winked amongst many red 
 ones. 
 
 "You'll never get Olivia," said Miss Pewsey, in a 
 sharp tense voice, " and you can go away as soon as 
 you like. Meantime, look for Major Tidman and tell 
 him I want him." 
 
 Clarence lazily stretched himself, and moved off 
 along the balcony. At the end there was a flight of 
 shallow steps leading down to an iron gate which was 
 open. Thence one could pass to the Esplanade and 
 the beach, if so inclined. But the guests kept to the 
 populous end of the balcony where the lights 
 clustered. Near the stairs, there were hardly any 
 lamps, and a screen of flowers curtained it off from 
 the rest of the hotel. Clarence passed through this 
 floral arch, and Miss Pewsey lost sight of him. Her 
 eyes turned to the couple she hated, and she care- 
 lessly moved near them. No one noted her as the 
 balcony was not so full, and she sat down behind a 
 fern where she could hear without being seen by the 
 two, she was spying on. Their voices were low, but 
 hate sharpened Miss Pewsey's ears, and she Hstened 
 intently. 
 
 " My aunt is much more amiable to-night," Ohvia 
 was saying, "I suppose the chance of making five 
 thousand pounds has appealed to her." 
 
 " She gave me the chance of making it, provided
 
 THE END OF THE BALL 109 
 
 I gave you up," said Eupert, ** and she lost her 
 temper with me because I decHned." 
 
 " Will you never be friends with her ? " 
 
 "I fear not, while Miss Pewsey is in the way," 
 said Eupert. " Olivia, it is that woman who makes 
 all the mischief." 
 
 " I think it is," rephed the girl with a weary smile, 
 " but she seems to have a kind of hypnotic power 
 over my aunt — " 
 
 " What do you mean? " 
 
 " Aunt Sophia has bad headaches and Miss 
 Pewsey sometimes hypnotises her to send away the 
 pain." 
 
 " Miss Wharf is foolish to allow her to do such a 
 thing. That little woman is no more to be trusted 
 than her scamp of a nephew is." 
 
 " Well it doesn't matter," said Olivia, feeling in 
 her pocket. " I want to talk about ourselves. See 
 Eupert you wanted a silk tie the other day. I have 
 knitted you one — red and yellow." 
 
 Eupert took the tie and admired it in the lamp 
 light. He would have kissed Olivia's hand after a 
 few words of warm thanks, but she prevented 
 him. 
 
 " Someone might see and tell Aunt Sophia," she 
 said hurriedly, "I should have given it to you the 
 other day when I called at the Abbey, but I forgot, 
 so I decided to give it to you to-night. It's rather 
 awkward your having it now. Give it to me again." 
 
 " No ! I'll put it in my over-coat in the cloak 
 room," said Eupert, rising, " but I must take you 
 back to Miss Wharf, or she will be angry."
 
 110 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 " I wish this deception was at an end and I could 
 be with you altogether," said Olivia rising with a 
 sigh. 
 
 It was at this moment that Miss Pewsey chose to 
 come forward. She was furious at the way in 
 which the couple spoke of her, but long habit enabled 
 her to smooth her face to a treacherous smile. 
 
 " Oh dear Olivia," she said. " I have been 
 looking for you everywhere." 
 
 " Does my aunt want me ? " asked the girl 
 calmly. 
 
 " No. She is in the supper-room vnth Mr. Forge. 
 But Mr. Walker—" 
 
 " I don't want him," said Miss Eayner quickly, 
 and with a change of voice. 
 
 " Yes — yes," said Eupert in a low voice. " Go 
 with her, and dance with Walker ; it will prevent 
 Miss Wharf being cross." 
 
 " Very well," rejoined Olivia quietly : then turned 
 to Miss Pewsey who smiled like a grotesque image. 
 " Let us go to the ball-room." 
 
 " Won't Mr. Ainsleigh escort us? " asked the old 
 maid, blandly. Eupert bowed, and smothering his 
 feelings, which always revolted at the sight of the 
 woman, he walked beside the two to the ball-room. 
 Miss Pewsey took Olivia's arm and chattered 
 effusively all the time. At the door they met Chris 
 Walker, who hurried up at once and asked for a 
 dance. Leaving the two ladies with him, Eupert 
 went towards the cloak room. Here to his surprise 
 he saw Major Tidman clothed in a heavy fur coat, 
 talking to Tung-yu. Tidman looked white and
 
 THE END OF THE BALL 111 
 
 uneasy, but the Chinaman still preserved his impas- 
 sive face. Bupert took no notice but simply nodded 
 to the Major as he passed, pulling out the yellow 
 and red tie as he did so. Tidman changed colour, 
 apparently not pleased at being found talking to 
 Tung-yu, and laughed uneasily. " That's a bright 
 piece of goods Ainsleigh." 
 
 "It's a present," said Rupert thrusting the tie 
 into the pocket of his over coat. " I should think it 
 would match your friend's dress." 
 
 "Hush," said Tidman quietly, "he speaks 
 English. He will hear," then he added aloud. 
 " Let me introduce you to Mr. Ainsleigh, Tung-yu." 
 
 The Chinaman turned and looked impassive 
 enough. But his eyes had an enquiring look in their 
 black depths. " Tung-yu and I met in Canton, 
 where we had an adventure," said the Major, with a 
 titter. 
 
 " About that famous fan ? " asked Rupert smiling. 
 
 Tung-yu started and looked quickly at Tidman, 
 who was again pale. " I don't remember about the 
 fan," said Tung-yu, " did our friend find it in 
 Canton." 
 
 "No ! No I never did," said Tidman hurriedly, 
 — " that is Eorge found the fan — " 
 
 " And gave it to Miss Wharf. Quite so," replied 
 Tung-yu blandly. " I see her to-morrow about the 
 matter," then he bowed to Rupert and moved 
 away slowly. 
 
 " I thought you had a bad cold," said Rupert to 
 Tidman, who was looking after the Chinaman with a 
 scared expression.
 
 112 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 " Yes — yes — but that is better now," said the 
 Major hurriedly, " so Miss Wharf is here, and has 
 the fan ? " 
 
 "Yes, she offered to give it to me if I surrendered 
 OHvia." 
 
 " Refuse — refuse," cried Tidman hurriedly : he 
 approached his lips to Ainsleigh's ears. " There is 
 death in the air to-night." 
 
 "Tidman," cried Ainsleigh starting away and 
 staring. 
 
 "Yes — yes — say nothing. I wish you hadn't 
 mentioned about my having the fan. Tung-yu 
 never knew — but it can't be helped. Ainsleigh, is 
 there another Chinaman here to-night ? " 
 
 "I have seen none. Do you expect Hwei? If 
 so we had better warn Miss Wharf. She has the 
 fan and — " 
 
 " No ! No — say nothing. Don't touch the 
 accursed thing." 
 
 " How do you know it is accursed ?" 
 
 " I knew in Canton, and in a very unpleasant 
 way. But I'll tell you my adventure to-morrow — 
 yes I will — if nothing happens to-night." 
 
 Rupert stared still harder. "What can happen 
 to-night man alive ? " 
 
 " Nothing — nothing," said the Major hurriedly. 
 " I'll get back to my room — you needn't say you 
 have seen me. I — " 
 
 "Just the man I want," cried a bold free voice, 
 and Burgh's slim hand fell on the Major's shoulder. 
 " Miss Pewsey asks for you." 
 
 " For me. Any more trouble ? "
 
 THE END OF THE BALL 113 
 
 <( 
 
 I guess not. She wants to fuss round about 
 your cold. Heaping coals of fire's the English of 
 it." 
 
 " Let her leave me alone," said the Major petu- 
 lently. " I'm quite well. I am going back to my 
 room," and with a nod to Kupert, he marched 
 out. 
 
 Burgh looked after him with a smile and a shrug : 
 then he turned to Bupert who was moving towards 
 the door. " Can I speak with you ? " he asked with 
 a frown. 
 
 " Not here Mr. Burgh," cried Ainsieigh, " this is 
 not the place for a quarrel." 
 
 " And why not," cried the other, advancing with 
 clenched fists, " I — " 
 
 " Keep your distance," said Ainsieigh sharply 
 starting back on his guard, " the attendant is looking 
 on," and he pointed to the man behind the counter 
 who attended to the hats and cloaks. 
 
 Burgh tossed him a shilling, " Go and get a 
 drink," he ordered. 
 
 "Stop where you are," commanded Rupert, "or 
 I'll report you." 
 
 But the man, who was a dissipated-looking waiter 
 pretended not to hear this last remark, and dis- 
 appeared from behind the counter. The two men 
 were alone, and Burgh spoke first. " I guess I'm 
 going to lay you out," said he, " on account of — " 
 
 " Stop," said Rupert, " mention no names." 
 
 " I'll mention what I like and Olivia — " 
 
 Ainsieigh let drive before he could finish the word 
 and in a second Burgh was sprawluig on the floor. 
 
 I
 
 114 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 He rose with an oath and slipped round his right 
 hand. " You draw a revolver and I'll break your 
 neck," panted Hupert, "you bully, what do you 
 mean by — " 
 
 Burgh drew his hand away — perhaps he was 
 afraid a shot would bring in others to see the fray. 
 But he dashed again at the young man. A short 
 struggle ensued, which ended in Burgh being thrown 
 again. Then Rupert, disinclined for a vulgar row, 
 walked away. He stopped at the door to give his 
 antagonist a bit of advice. " You touch me again," 
 he said, " and I'll hand you over to the police after 
 giving you a good thrashing. It's what a bully like 
 you deserves. And if you dare to speak to Miss 
 Rayner I'll make Marport too hot to hold you." 
 When Rupert vanished, Burgh raised himself slowly 
 and with an evil smile. " Perhaps the place will be 
 too hot for you my fine gentleman," he said savagely, 
 and began to think. 
 
 Meanwhile Rupert went to the ball-room and saw 
 that Olivia was dancing with Dr. Forge. Chris 
 Walker told him that Miss Wharf had gone on to 
 the balcony for the fresh air. Miss Pewsey was not to 
 be seen or Rupert would have told her to look after 
 her disreputable relative in the cloak-room. The 
 young man thought he would go up to the Major's 
 room and have a smoke, when he felt a light touch 
 on his shoulder. There stood Tung-yu. 
 
 " Excuse me sir," said the Chinaman in his excel- 
 lent English, " I am your friend. Major Tidman and 
 Dr. Forge are your enemies, and you have a third 
 enemy in that young man Burgh."
 
 THE END OF THE BALL 115 
 
 " But how do you know — " began Rupert. 
 
 Tung-yu bent forward and whispered. " I know 
 how your father died," he said softly and before 
 Rupert could detain him, he vanished. 
 
 But Ainsleigh waited but for a moment. The speech 
 was so surprising, that he determined to learn more. 
 At once he ran after the Chinaman but could not see 
 him. In spite of his noticeable clothes, he was 
 swallowed up in the crowd and Rupert plunged into 
 the gay throng determined to find the man who 
 could solve the mystery of Markham Ainsleigh's 
 death. 
 
 The night wore on and the fun became fast and 
 furious. Towards twelve the guests began to depart, 
 but many choice spirits declared they would keep 
 the ball rolling till dawn. One of these was Chris 
 Walker, who had imbibed more champagne than 
 was good for him. While he talked excitedly Miss 
 Pewsey came to him hastily. " Where is my dear 
 Sophia?" she asked, I can't find her, and with 
 her delicate health it is time she was home in 
 bed." 
 
 " I have not seen her. Have you, Dr. Forge ? " 
 
 The lean doctor shook his head, " I have been in 
 the card room for the last hour," he said, " and 
 as Miss Wharf's doctor I assuredly say, she should 
 go home, there's midnight," and as he spoke the 
 strokes boomed from a tall clock in the hall. 
 
 "Clarence, have you seen her?" asked Miss 
 Pewsey of the buccaneer who had Olivia on his arm. 
 
 " No ! I've just been waltzing with Miss 
 Rayner."
 
 116 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 " Then you Mr. Ainsleigh ? " 
 
 " I have been smoking on the balcony," said 
 Eupert, who looked tired. 
 
 " Oh, dear me," said Miss Pewsey wringing her 
 hands, " I wonder if dear Sophia has gone to see 
 Major Tidman. She is so kind-hearted and he is 
 ill — at least he says he is. Did he tell you 
 Clarence?" 
 
 " I saw him only for a minute and he went back 
 to his room I guess." 
 
 " Then Sophia must have gone there," cried Miss 
 Pewsey and hurried away. Olivia followed with 
 Forge as she thought also, that her aunt ought to go 
 home, and Clarence's attentions were becoming so 
 embarrassing that she feared there would be trouble 
 with Rupert. But soon. Miss Pewsey appeared 
 again and said that Miss Wharf was not in the 
 Major's room, nor was the Major there. Taking 
 Olivia and Clarence and Forge, she went to search 
 for the missing lady. Rupert lingered behind as he 
 did not wish to come into contact with the buccaneer. 
 
 The hunt proceeded for some time, and every 
 room in the hotel was searched. But Miss Wharf 
 could not be found. Finally everyone — for many of 
 the guests were hunting by this time — , went out 
 on the balcony. Miss Wharf was not there. " Oh, 
 dear me," cried Miss Pewsey, " wherever can 
 she be." 
 
 The balcony was searched from end to end. 
 Then one of the guests more venturesome, de- 
 scended the steps. He gave a cry of horror. "Bring 
 a light," he cried.
 
 THE END OF THE BALL 117 
 
 Lights were brought and everyone rushed after 
 them. Half way down the steps lay Miss Wharf 
 — dead — strangled, and round her throat tightly 
 bound was a yellow and red silk tie.
 
 CHAPTEK X 
 
 A Mysterious Case 
 
 The murder of Miss Sophia Wharf at the Bristol 
 Hotel ball, made a great sensation. She had been 
 well-known in Marport, and her many friends were 
 enormously excited that each and everyone of them 
 had been acquainted with a person who had been — 
 as one of them put it — done to death. Also the 
 circumstances of the murder were most extra- 
 ordinary. It seemed almost incredible that a 
 popular lady should be murdered in so public a 
 place ; though many said, that the safety of the 
 assassin lay in the very fact that he had chosen to 
 commit his crime, a few yards away from a spot 
 where many people were congregated. But who 
 had killed Miss Wharf and why she was killed in so 
 brutal a manner, no one could understand. 
 
 When the local police heard of the assassination, 
 an Inspector with two subordinates took possession 
 of the hotel, and obtained from the manager a list 
 of the guests present at the ball. As these amounted 
 to something like two hundred, it seemed like looking 
 for a needle in a haystack to search for the criminal 
 amongst them. And many of them did not know 
 Miss Wharf even by sight, so it was certain that the
 
 A MYSTERIOUS CASE 119 
 
 task of identifying the assassin would be one of 
 enormous difficulty. And the question was asked 
 on all hands. "What had taken the deceased lady 
 down the little-frequented steps?" The fan was 
 missing — Miss Pewsey noticed that, when she bent 
 over the dead, but the story of the fan was not yet 
 public property. 
 
 According to custom the local police communicated 
 with the Treasury, who placed the case in the hands 
 of the Criminal Investigation Department, and thus 
 it came about, that a plain clothes officer — in other 
 words a detective — was sent down to Marport. This 
 individual was called Rogers, and after paying a 
 visit to the Superintendent of the Marport Police 
 Office, he went to Ivy Lodge. Here, everything 
 was gloomy and silent. The body of the unfortunate 
 woman had been brought home, and was laid out 
 for burial. Dr. Forge, who with others had been on 
 the spot at the time of the discovery, examined the 
 corpse, and asserted that the miserable woman must 
 have been murdered just an hour, or half an hour 
 previous. As mid-night was chiming shortly before 
 the discovery of the crime, it can be safely declared — 
 and Dr. Forge did declare this — that Miss Wharf 
 was strangled between eleven and twelve. When 
 the corpse was found it was yet warm, Clarence 
 haunted the Lodge and talked with his aunt, but 
 Olivia kept to her own roem. 
 
 " Tung-yu did it of course," said Mr. Burgh 
 decisively. " I reckon he came down to get that 
 fan, and grudged giving so much cash for it. I 
 surmise that he lured the old girl to those steps,
 
 120 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 and then slipped the silk string round her neck." 
 
 " The silk tie," said Miss Pewsey whose eyes 
 were very black and glittering, though red round 
 the rims, from weeping. 
 
 "How do you know it's a tie? " asked Clarence 
 with a start. 
 
 " I know," replied his aunt tightening her thin 
 lips, " and I know to whom the tie belongs. But 
 you say that Tung-yu ? — " 
 
 " Who else could have scragged the old girl aunt 
 Lavinia. The fan's gone — leastways I didn't see it 
 when we spotted the deader." 
 
 Miss Pewsey nodded. " Yes, the fan is gone," 
 she assented, " but if Tung-yu murdered dearest 
 Sophia, he can easily be arrested." 
 
 "Oh, I guess not," replied Mr. Burgh easily. 
 " Tung-yu's no slouch, you bet, and didn't intend to 
 lose his prize — " 
 
 " The fan ? " inquired Miss Pewsey. 
 
 "Just so, the fan," replied Clarence imperturbably, 
 " and he's on his way to China by this time." 
 
 " Clarence ? " Miss Pewsey rose, much excited ; 
 then calmed down. " I do not agree with you," said 
 she firmly. "Tung-yu is innocent." 
 
 " I'll lay a couple of dollars he isn't, Aunt Lavinia. 
 Do you remember that yacht I pointed out to you 
 last night. Well, t'was a steam deep-sea barky, two 
 hundred tons, Lloyd's measurement I reckon — quite 
 heavy enough to cut round the Cape into Chinese 
 waters. Well, she arrived in the afternoon yesterday 
 and after midnight she lighted out." 
 
 " But how do you know Tung-yu was on board '? "
 
 A MYSTEEIOUS CASE 121 
 
 " Well, lonly size thatup," said Clarence musingly. 
 " but it looks to me as though he'd engineered the 
 job. 'Twould be easy I guess for him to have had 
 a boat waiting for him. After he'd killed the old girl 
 and annexed the fan, he could dance down those steps 
 like a two year old and pick up the boat on the 
 beach. Course it's all my fancy," added Burgh 
 modestly, " but I guess I'm right." 
 
 " I guess you're not," snapped Miss Pewsey in 
 rather an unlady-hke manner, and she rose to shake 
 out her skirts. " I know who killed dearest Sophia," 
 she added, wagging a lean finger at her nephew. 
 " I know who possessed the tie, and I shall hand 
 that man — " 
 
 " Who the dickens is he anyhow ? " 
 
 " Rupert Ainsleigh," replied Miss Pewsey with a 
 grim smile, and left the room, while the buccaneer 
 stared, and then smiled. It was pleasant to think 
 that his rival — as he considered Rupert, — should be 
 in such straits and should be pursued by the vindic- 
 tive hatred of Miss Pewsey, who would leave no stone 
 unturned to bring about the conviction of young 
 Ainsleigh, 
 
 "Well," said the buccaneer with his hands in his 
 pockets, " I gue^s I'm not taking a hand in this 
 biznai,and it ain't lively round these quarters, I'll git." 
 
 And this Mr. Burgh did. When he passed out of 
 the front door, he brushed against a plainly dressed 
 rubicund man with sharp grey eyes who glanced at 
 him inquisitively. However, the stranger said 
 nothing but proceeded to ring the bell. The maid- 
 servant who appeared took him into the drawing-
 
 122 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 room and carried a card to Miss Pewsey. The name 
 thereon was, Orlando Rodgers, C.I.D. 
 
 With this in her hand Miss Pewsey sailed into the 
 drawing-room and looked at the comfortable creature 
 who rose to greet her. "Mr. Orlando Rodgers, 
 C.I.D. ?" queried the little old lady. 
 
 " Criminal Investigation Department," said the 
 man in a cool voice, and with a sharp glance at the 
 dry drab woman, "I'm in charge of the Wharf 
 Murder Case, and have been sent down by the 
 Treasury. As I have seen the Superintendent and 
 can learn nothing likely to throw light on the subject, 
 I have come to you — a relative ? " 
 
 " No," answered Miss Pewsey sitting down, in a 
 rigid way. " I am the companion of the late Miss 
 Wharf. Her only relative, down here at all events, 
 is Miss Olivia Rayner." 
 
 "Can I see her?" 
 
 " I think not — at present. She is in her room 
 weeping. Though why she should display such 
 grief I can't understand," added Miss Pewsey spite- 
 fully. 
 
 "It's natural in a relative, miss," said the detec- 
 tive looking bard at the withered little face. 
 
 Miss Pewsey laughed in a shrill manner, and 
 spoke between her teeth more than ever, emphasising 
 every word as usual. " Oh, dear me, no," said she. 
 " Miss Wharf and Ohvia never got on well. The 
 girl hated her aunt, though dearest Sophia — Miss 
 Wharf, you know, sir — brought her up, when she 
 hadn't a shilling or a friend in the world." 
 
 " To whom have I the honour of speaking ? "
 
 A MYSTERIOUS CASE 123 
 
 asked Rodgers woDdering how much of this spiteful 
 speech was true, and seeing plainly enough that the 
 speaker was no friend to the niece. 
 
 " I am Lavinia Pewsey," said that lady, " and for 
 years I have been the cherished friend and dearest 
 companion of Sophia. We were at school together, 
 and were — as I may say — like two cherries on one 
 stalk. Anything I can do to avenge her death will 
 be done." 
 
 " Punishment by the law, doesn't come under the 
 head of vengeance ! " 
 
 " It comes under the head of hanging, and I'll be 
 glad to see the rope round his neck." 
 
 "Of whom are you talking?" asked Rodgers 
 phlegmatically. 
 
 " Of the man who killed my dearest friend." 
 
 " Oh. I understood from the Superintendent 
 that the affair was quite a mystery." 
 
 "Not to me," snapped Miss Pewsey, "Rupert 
 Ainsleigh strangled her to get the fan." 
 
 " What fan? " asked the detective taking out his 
 note-book, " and who is Rupert Ainsleigh? " 
 
 Miss Pewsey spread her skirts and folded her 
 hands together in a prim way. " I shall tell you 
 all," she cried, " and please take down all I say. I 
 am prepared to make this statement in a law court." 
 
 " Well," said Rodgers moistening his pencil, " you 
 may have to. Now this Mr. Ainsleigh? " 
 
 " Of Royabay, a few miles from Marport," said 
 Miss Pewsey, " quite one of the old families. A 
 nice come down for the Ainsleighs, for the last of 
 them to die on the gallows."
 
 124 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 " He is not there yet," said Eodgers dryly, " and 
 may I ask you to speak in a more reasonable way. 
 I see you don't like the man." 
 
 " I hate him," Miss Pewsey drew a long breath, 
 " and I hated his father before him, to say nothing 
 of his mother, who was a cat." 
 
 " Then your evidence is prejudiced, I fancy." 
 
 "Never you mind, Mr. Orlando Rodgers," she 
 replied sharply, "take down what I say, and then 
 you can sift the matter out for yourself. My Sophia 
 was murdered to obtain possession of a fan " 
 
 " What fan ? " asked Rodgers again. 
 
 Miss Pewsey smiled, and calmly detailed all she 
 had learned from Dr. Forge concerning the fan. 
 " You can ask my nephew, Clarence Burgh, about 
 these things also," she ended, " and Dr. Forge, and 
 Mr. Christopher Walker, who brought the Chinaman 
 Tung-yu to the ball, and " 
 
 "Wait a bit," interrupted the detective, "it 
 appears to me from what you say," he ran a quick 
 eye over his notes, "that the suspicion points to 
 these Chinamen you mention. They advertised, and 
 they wanted the fan. Now Hwei — as I hear from 
 you — was not at the ball, but Tung-yu was. There- 
 fore Tung-yu " 
 
 " Didn't do it," said the little woman. " I don't 
 pretend to understand why Hwei offered death and 
 Tung-yu money for the possession of the fan ; nor 
 do I know why this Mandarin, whatever his name 
 may be, is so anxious to get possession of the article. 
 But I know that the fan is gone and that Tung-yu, 
 who did not intend murder, hasn't got it."
 
 A MYSTEKIOUS CASE 125 
 
 " Then who has ? " 
 
 "Kupert Ainsleigh. He went up about the 
 advertisement and knew all about the fan. I believe 
 he killed my Sophia, and got the fan, so as to sell it 
 for five thousand to Tung-yu — " 
 
 " But a gentleman of property wouldn't — " 
 
 " A gentleman of property," snorted the old maid 
 smoothing her dress, "why he's head over ears in 
 debt and will lose Koyabay before the end of the 
 year on account of the fore-closure of a mortgage. 
 He'd have done anything to get money, and five 
 thousand pounds is not a small amount." 
 
 " This is all very well : but I don't see how you 
 connected Mr. Ainsleigh with the crime." 
 
 " By means of the silk necktie," said Miss Pewsey 
 with a triumphant smile, and related bow Eupert 
 had received the scarf from Olivia, " if he is guiltless 
 how came his silk tie round the throat of 
 Sophia ? " 
 
 Rodgers was shaken by this piece of evidence. " It 
 looks queer I admit," he said : then added, " I 
 understand that Mr. Ainsleigh is an admirer of Miss 
 Rayner." 
 
 " He wants to marry her, and she is in love with 
 him," said Miss Pewsey, " which is an additional 
 reason for the crime." 
 
 " I don't understand." 
 
 " You're not a sharp man," said the old woman 
 tranquilly, "don't you see that as Miss Rayner inherits 
 dearest Sophia's money, she will get the mortgage 
 also. Then with that, and the five thousand pounds 
 Mr. Ainsleigh would be free from his money-troubles.
 
 126 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 Well," she added sharply, as the detective rose, 
 " what do you say ? " 
 
 " Nothing at present. Give me the address of 
 Dr. Forge who, I believe, examined the body, and of 
 your nephew and Mr. Ainsleigh." 
 
 Miss Pewsey did this with alacrity and ac- 
 companied Rodgers to the door. " Don't spare 
 him," she said venomously, "he's guilty and he shall 
 hang," and she shut the door herself. 
 
 " What a spiteful woman," mused Rodgers, leaving 
 Ivy Lodge, " her story is so very explicit that I am 
 inclined to doubt it. She wants this young man 
 scragged. Why?" 
 
 He could find no answer to this question, but 
 went on his way to see Clarence Burgh, His inter- 
 view with the buccaneer was brief, Clarence related 
 the story of the yacht, and set forth his theory of 
 Tung-yu. " Mind," said he, " I don't hke Ainsleigh, 
 as he's trying to run the girl I want to hitch long- 
 side of. But I guess he didn't scragg the old girl," 
 
 " You speak fairer than your aunt," said Rodgers 
 dryly, 
 
 Clarence heaved up his right shoulder, " Huh," 
 said he, " if you go by woman's jaw, you'll get on 
 the shoals. Tung-yu scragged the old girl, you bet, 
 and he's on his way to China in that yacht." 
 
 " Well, we'll see if we can't stop the yacht. She 
 must coal somewhere. What is her name ? " 
 
 "The Stormy Petrel," said Clarence, "I got that 
 out of a boatman, who was rowing about her 
 yesterday." 
 
 " Did he see any Chinaman on board ? "
 
 A MYSTERIOUS CASE 127 
 
 "No. He didn't see anyone. There didn't 
 appear to be anyone about, or else they were at tea," 
 concluded Clarence ungramLnatically. 
 
 " Humph," said the detective, noting the name of 
 the yacht, " do you know anything of the silk tie? " 
 
 " No. Aunt Lavinia says it belongs to Ainsleigh, 
 but I never saw it till it was round the throat of the 
 old girl. I should hke to think he put it there," 
 said Clarence pleasantly, "for I want that chap out 
 of the way; but I believe Tung-yu's the man." 
 
 "Perhaps he is. Have you a copy of that 
 advertisement ? " 
 
 "No. But I reckon Ainsleigh has. Ain't you 
 going to see him? " 
 
 Rogers nodded. " Straight away. And I thank 
 you for what you have told me. You want him 
 hanged I presume." 
 
 " Well no I reckon not. He's in my way, but I 
 can lay him out on my own, without the lynching 
 biznai." 
 
 " You are fairer than your aunt," said the detective 
 once more. 
 
 " Go slow. She's only an acid-drop, and you 
 can't size her up, just as an ordinary girl. She was 
 crazy on Markham, the father of this young 
 Ainsleigh, and " 
 
 " And proposes to hang the son to avenge herself 
 on his father. A nice woman, truly. But it seems 
 to me Mr. Burgh that if anyone killed Miss Wharf, 
 Hwei is the man." 
 
 " Might be. He wasn't at the ball anyhow. 
 Tung-yu was."
 
 128 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 " But Tung-yu — as I understand from Miss 
 Pewsey — intended to call the next day — to-day that 
 is — and buy the fan for five thousand." 
 
 "Huh," Clarence heaved up his shoulder again, 
 " perhaps he thought he'd settle in another w&j. 
 'Day. I'll be along here vt^henever you like to call. 
 I wish to see this biznai through, you bet." 
 
 Eodgers departed, and sought out Rupert at 
 Royabay. The young man vp'as v^alking up and 
 down the terrace smoking furiously. At the sight 
 of the stranger he frowned and Rodgers noted that 
 he looked worn and ill. " Might be money worries," 
 thought the detective, " and it might be the other 
 thing." 
 
 However, he kept these thoughts to himself and 
 merely detailed what he had learned from Miss 
 Pewsey and set forth the accusation she brought 
 against him. Ainsleigh heard the detective quietly 
 enough, and smiled wearily when the explanation 
 was concluded. " Miss Pewsey doesn't love me," 
 he said quietly, " and would hke to see me out of 
 the way, so that Miss Rayner could marry her 
 nephew." 
 
 " I see," nodded Rodgers, " Miss Rayner will 
 have the dead lady's money, and the nephew is 
 poor." 
 
 " I really don't know," replied Rupert coldly, 
 " Mr. Burgh is a mystery to me. He comes from 
 nowhere, though I believe he has been in China." 
 
 " And knows what about the fan ? " 
 
 " I think so. At all events, young Walker declares 
 that Burgh was talking to a Chinaman near the
 
 A MYSTERIOUS CASE 129 
 
 Mansion House. Burgh admits this, and also 
 admits that the Chinaman was Hwei, who put in 
 that advertisement. 
 
 "I'm inclined to suspect Hwei himself," said 
 Rodgers looking keenly at the worn face of the 
 young man, " but this silk tie " 
 
 "It is mine, Mr. Eodgers. Miss Rayner gave it 
 to me last night." 
 
 " So Miss Pewsey says — on the balcony." 
 
 " Quite so. Miss Pewsey was spying and saw 
 the tie given. As the colours are rather pronounced, 
 she could easily identify it. I took it to the cloak- 
 room and placed it in the pocket of my overcoat." 
 
 " And took it out again ? " 
 
 ** No." Rupert rose and grew crimson, " surely 
 you are not so unjust as to believe Miss Pewsey's 
 malignant tale." 
 
 " You may be sure, Mr. Ainsleigh, that I'll act 
 fairly towards you," said the detective dryly, " but 
 the tie having been used to strangle — " 
 
 "I don't know how it came round her throat," 
 interrupted Ainsleigh imperiously, " I placed the tie 
 in my overcoat pocket — that was the last I saw of it, 
 until I noticed it on Miss Wharf's dead body." 
 
 •' Did anyone else see the tie ? " 
 
 " Yes, Major Tidman ? " 
 
 "Who is he?" 
 
 " A retired Army man — South American Army — 
 who stops at Bristol Hotel. He is much respected 
 here. I went to the cloak room, and found him 
 talking to Tung-5ru. Both, saw me place the tie in 
 my coat." 
 
 E
 
 130 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 Rodgers sat up. " Oh," said he opening his eyes 
 widely, " then Tung-j^^u saw you place the tie in the 
 coat." 
 
 " He did, but if you suspect he took it out again, 
 I think you are wrong. He left the room and I 
 exchanged a few words with Major Tidman." 
 
 "What about?" 
 
 " About this fan. Major Tidman told me to leave 
 it alone. But of course I never intended to meddle 
 with it. Miss Wharf had it, and she hated me too 
 much to let me handle it, though she did give me 
 the chance of making the money," said Rupert, with 
 an after thought. 
 
 " Eh, how was that ? " 
 
 *' She offered to let me have the fan if I gave up 
 my claim to Miss Rayner, whom she desired should 
 marry Mr. Burgh, I refused." 
 
 " Humph," said Rodgers again, " and how does 
 Major Tidman come to know about the fan ? " 
 
 " I refer you to him for an answer." 
 
 " And how did he come to know Tung-yu ? " 
 
 " I believe he met him in Canton," replied Rupert 
 restlessly, **he had some adventure there — ? " 
 
 *' Connected with this ubiquitious fan ? " asked 
 Rodgers sharply. 
 
 " Yes. He promised to tell me the adventure to- 
 day, but I had not seen him yet." 
 
 " Humph. He may come after all. I'll call on 
 this gentleman. At the Bristol you say. Quite 
 so," Rodgers took a note. " Now then Mr. Ainsleigh, 
 tell me how you came to go up about the advertise- 
 ment?"
 
 A MYSTERIOUS CASE 131 
 
 Rupert related his father's dealings with Lo- 
 Keong, and referred to the secret said to be con- 
 nected with the fan. The detective heard him in 
 silence, and appeared to be struck by his frankness. 
 " I think it's one of the most complicated cases I 
 ever had to do with, Mr. Ainsleigh, and will take a 
 lot of searching into." 
 
 " I hope you don't suspect me?" 
 
 " Humph, the tie is, strangely enough, the rope 
 used to strangle this woman, and you admit that it 
 is yours. But Tung-yu saw you put it in your over- 
 coat pocket, and he wanted the fan — " 
 
 "For five thousand pounds remember. Hwei 
 was the one who threatened to gain the fan, by 
 killing." 
 
 " Don't defend Tung-yu too much," said the detec- 
 tive dryly, " your position is not a pleasant one and — " 
 
 "Do you mean to arrest me?" asked Rupert 
 rising angrily. 
 
 "Not at present. But no doubt at the inquest 
 you can prove an alibi." 
 
 Rupert turned away, " I can't," he said in a low 
 voice, "I was walking outside smoking between 
 eleven and twelve — on the beach." 
 
 " That's a pity, Mr. Ainsleigh, I may have to arrest 
 you after all. But who is this gentleman. Major 
 Tidman ! — quite so. Good-day Major."
 
 CHAPTER XI 
 
 The Canton Adventure 
 
 Major Tidman who was standing at the foot of 
 the terrace stared at the man before him. *' How 
 do you know my name ? " he asked, and looked 
 towards Rupert for a reply. 
 
 Mr. Rodgers produced a red silk handkerchief and 
 wiped his face for it was noon and very warm. " A 
 guess on my part," he answered, " Mr. Ainsleigh 
 said you might come here, to tell him of your Canton 
 adventure, and I fancied it might be you, Major 
 Tidman." 
 
 "I am not aware," said the Major loftily, "why 
 you should interest yourself in my private affairs." 
 
 "I interest myself in everybodys private affairs, 
 when they have to do with murder," said Rodgers 
 quietly. 
 
 Tidman stared and gasped. " Then you are ? " — 
 
 " The detective in charge of the Wharf murder 
 case. I am glad to see you, sir," he laid a finger on 
 Tidman's chest, " you have something to tell me no 
 doubt?" 
 
 "No," said the Major gasping again, "I have 
 not." 
 
 Rupert looked at him suddenly and the Major's
 
 THE CANTON ADVENTURE 133 
 
 small eyes fell before that direct gaze. " Let us go, 
 into the library," said Ainsleigh tranquilly, " we may 
 as well have a long talk before I am arrested." 
 
 Tidman jumped. "Arrested," he cried staring. 
 
 Something in his looks, made Eodgers take the 
 cue thus offered, " I may have to arrest Mr. Ains- 
 leigh for the murder," he said significantly. 
 
 " But that's rubbish, why should he murder Miss 
 Wharf?" 
 
 " On account of the fan," put in Rupert grimly. 
 
 "I'll never believe that — never," said Tidman 
 vigorously. 
 
 Rodgers looked at him sideways. " Well you see," 
 said he in a cheerful voice. " Miss Wharf was 
 strangled with a red and yellow silk tie, belonging 
 to Mr. Ainsleigh." 
 
 " I know, and I saw him place that tie in his over- 
 coat pocket." 
 
 "You say that. Quite so. Mr. Ainsleigh might 
 have taken it out again." 
 
 " No. He couldn't have done that. The atten- 
 dant came back, and remained in the room all the 
 rest of the evening." 
 
 " How do you know that ? " 
 
 " Because I returned to the cloak-room to see if 
 Mr. Ainsleigh was there. I learned from the 
 attendant," said the Major volubly, "that Mr. 
 Ainsleigh and Mr Burgh had been fighting — " 
 
 " Oh," said the detective, " so Mr. Burgh knew of 
 the tie also? " 
 
 " He did not," put in young Ainsleigh rapidly, 
 " he came in, after I put the tie away. He insulted
 
 134 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 me, about — about a lady," said Rupert hesitating, 
 " and I knocked him down twice." 
 
 " Didn't the attendant interfere ? " 
 
 " No. Burgh threw him a shilhng and told him 
 to cut. I ordered the man to stay, but he obeyed 
 Burgh. Then we had a row, and I went away." 
 
 " Leaving Mr. Burgh in the cloak-room ? " asked 
 Rodgers shrewdly. 
 
 " Yes. But he knew nothing about the tie. He 
 could not have taken it. I am sure he didn't." 
 
 The detective smiled in a puzzled manner. 
 " Upon my word Mr. Ainsleigh, you defend every- 
 one. First Tung-yu, now Mr. Burgh, who is your 
 enemy." 
 
 "I have so many enemies," said Rupert with a 
 shrug, " Tung-yu told me that Burgh and Forge 
 and Major Tidman were my enemies." 
 
 " That's a lie on Tung-yu's part," chimed in the 
 Major angrily. " I am not your enemy." 
 
 Rupert turned on him quickly. " Prove it then," 
 he said, sharply, " by stating that I was with you 
 on the beach last night after eleven." 
 
 "Oh, oh," cried Rodgers smiling, "so you can 
 prove an alibi after all, Mr. Ainsleigh." 
 
 " Yes," said Rupert shortly. " But I did not wish 
 to speak, until I heard what Major Tidman had to say." 
 
 Rodgers shook his head. " You have too nice a 
 sense of honour," was his remark, " or else you are 
 very deep." 
 
 Rupert did not reply. His eyes were fixed on the 
 Major's face, which changed to various colours. 
 " You knew my father well Tidman ? "
 
 THE CANTON ADVENTURE 136 
 
 " Yes. We were old friends — good friends," 
 faltered the other. 
 
 " Do you know how he died ? " 
 
 " No I do not." The Major wiped his face, " I 
 can safely say I do not." 
 
 " But you know he was murdered." 
 
 The Major started. '* Who told you that ? " 
 
 " Tung-yu, and you know Tung-yu, who might 
 have explained the circumstances of my father's 
 death to you." 
 
 "He did not," said Tidman earnestly, "but I 
 heard that Mr. Ainsleigh did die by violence. I 
 don't know under what circumstances." 
 
 "This is all very well gentlemen," said the 
 detective, " but it does not help me." 
 
 " It may help you, Mr. Eodgers. The murder of 
 Miss Wharf is connected with this fan, and the 
 Major can tell you about his Canton adventure 
 which has to do with it also." 
 
 Major Tidman turned grey and his face looked 
 fearful, " I came to tell you, Eupert," he said trying 
 to be calm, " but it won't help this man," he nodded 
 towards Kodgers, "to find the assassin." 
 
 " We'll see about that," replied Eodgers briskly, 
 "let us go in and sit down. The fan is at the 
 bottom of this business, and when I learn all about 
 it, I may know how to act." 
 
 The Major shrugged his plump shoulders and 
 walked towards the open French window. When 
 he passed through to the library, the detective 
 and Ainsleigh followed. In a few minutes, they 
 were comfortably seated. Eupert asked the two if
 
 136 THE MANDAKIN'S FAN 
 
 they would have some refreshments, and receiving a 
 reply in the affirmative, rang the bell. " Though 
 mind you, Mr. Ainsleigh," said Eodgers, "this 
 drinking a glass of wine doesn't stop me from arrest- 
 ing you, if I see fit." 
 
 " You can set your mind at rest," said Eupert 
 coldly, " I have no wish to tie you down to a bread 
 and salt treaty. Some wine, Mrs, Petley." 
 
 The housekeeper, who had entered, was as plump 
 as ever, but her face looked yellow, and old, and 
 haggard, and there was a terrified look in her eyes. 
 In strange contrast to her usual volubility, she did 
 not speak a word, but dropping a curtsey, went out. 
 
 " That woman looks scared," said the detective, 
 
 " She is scared," assented Rupert, " we have a 
 ghost here, Mr, Eodgers — the ghost of a monk, and 
 Mrs. Petley thought she saw it last night." 
 
 "Eeally," said the detective with good-humoured 
 contempt, " she tliought she saw a ghost. What 
 nonsense." 
 
 " No, sir. It ain't nonsense." 
 
 It was the housekeeper who spoke. Having seen 
 the Major coming up the avenue, she knew that he 
 would require his usual glass of port, and therefore 
 had prepared the tray, while the conversation was 
 taking place on the terrace. This accounted for her 
 quick return, and she set down the tray with the 
 jingling glasses and decanter as she spoke. " It 
 was a ghost, sure enough," said Mrs. Petley, when 
 the small table was placed before the three gentle- 
 men, "the ghost of Abbot Eaoul. I've seen him 
 times and again, but never so plainly as last night.
 
 THE CANTON ADVENTUEE 137 
 
 It was between eleven and twelve," added Mrs. 
 Petley without waiting for permission to speak, 
 " and I sat up for Master Eupert here. I took a 
 walk outside, it being fine and dry, and like a fool, 
 I went in to the abbey." 
 
 " Why shouldn't you go there? " asked Eodgers. 
 
 " Because Abbot Eaoul always walks where he 
 was burnt," replied Mrs. Petley, " and there he was 
 sure enough. No moonlight could I see, but the 
 stars gave a faint light, and he was near the square 
 — the accursed square where they burnt the poor 
 soul. I gave one screech as he swept past in his 
 long robes and a cowl, and when I come to myself 
 on the damp grass, he was gone. I hurried in and 
 told Petley, who came out and searched, but bless 
 you," went on the housekeeper with contempt, " he 
 couldn't find a thing that had gone back to the 
 other world — not he." 
 
 " It was a dream, Mrs. Petley," said Eupert 
 soothingly. 
 
 " No, sir. Trouble is coming to the Ainsleighs, 
 as always does when the Abbot walks. And this 
 morning I went out and found this," and Mrs. Petley, 
 fishing in her capacious pocket, produced a small 
 stick which smelt like cinnamon. Eound it was a 
 roll of scarlet paper inscribed with queer characters. 
 Eupert stretched out his hand to take it, but the 
 detective anticipated him. 
 
 " It's a joss-stick," said Eodgers. " I've seen 
 them in the Whitechapel opium dens. Humph ! 
 Why should the ghost of an old monk use a joss- 
 stick, like the Chinese ? "
 
 138 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 Before anyone could reply, Mrs. Petley gave a 
 cry, " I told you trouble was coming, Master Rupert, 
 dear," she said with the tears streaming from her 
 fat face, " and anything to do with that weary 
 Chiner where your poor pa lost his life always do 
 bring trouble. Oh, dear me," she put her silk apron 
 to her eyes and walked slowly out of the room. " I 
 must tell my John. He may be able to say what's 
 coming, as he have a gift of prophecy, that he have." 
 
 When Mrs. Petley closed the door after her, the 
 three men looked at one another. " Do you believe 
 in this ghost, Mr. Ainsleigh? " asked the detective, 
 examining the joss-stick. 
 
 Rupert did not give a direct answer. " I don't 
 know what to believe, Mr. Rodgers. Our family 
 traditions have always pointed to the walking of 
 of Abbot Raoul before trouble, and it might be so. 
 I have never seen the ghost myself, though." 
 
 "Your ghost is a Chinaman," said the detective, 
 tapping the stick. 
 
 " But what would a Chinaman be doing in the 
 cloisters ? " 
 
 " Ah. That's what we've got to find out. There 
 was a yacht in Marport Harbour last night, which 
 came at midday, and departed in a hurry after mid- 
 night. Burgh says he believes Tung-yu went away 
 in her, after committing the murder." 
 
 " Even if he did," said Rupert, calmly, " that 
 does not show how the joss-stick came here, or why 
 a Chinaman should be masquerading as a monk, for 
 that, I take it, is your meaning." 
 
 " It is. I believe there were other Chinamen on
 
 THE CANTON ADVENTURE 139 
 
 board that boat," was the detective's reply. " Per- 
 haps this man Hwei came to the Abbey." 
 
 "He might have come," said Ainsleigh, carelessly. 
 
 " Or Tung-yu," went on Eodgers. 
 
 "No," said the Major who had kept silent all this 
 time, bat had observed everything, "it was not 
 Tung-yu's day." 
 
 Rodgers turned on him. " What do you mean 
 by that ? " 
 
 The Major settled himself more comfortably in his 
 chair. " I'll tell you my adventure at Canton first," 
 he said, " and then you may understand. I can't 
 get to the bottom of the matter myself, for why Lo- 
 Keong should have a private god of good luck is 
 more than I can tell. 
 
 The others looked at him, amazed at this queer 
 speech. "What is this private god?" asked the 
 detective. 
 
 '* I don't know, save that it is called Kwang-ho." 
 
 Rupert started. "That was the god mentioned 
 in the advertisement." 
 
 " Yes, so it was," replied the Major, quietly, "but 
 just you wait and hear my story. It may lead to 
 something being discovered." 
 
 " One moment, Mr. Ainsleigh. Show me the 
 advertisement." 
 
 Rupert rose, and going to the writing-desk took 
 therefrom the slip he had cut from the paper. 
 Rodgers read it, quietly. " I see. Here is men- 
 tioned the doom of the god, Kwang-ho." 
 
 " Lo-Keong's private god of good luck," said the 
 Major.
 
 140 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 "Are there private as well as public gods in 
 China?" 
 
 Tidman looked perplexed. " I can't say. I know 
 nothing. Wait and hear v/hat I can tell," he 
 settled himself again and began to speak rapidly. 
 " I was in Canton seven years ago," said he, " I had 
 made my money here, and didn't intend to travel 
 again. But Miss Wharf persuaded me to go to 
 China, to see if I could find out why Markham 
 Ainsleigh had been killed." 
 
 Rupert looked astonished. " Why ? she hated my 
 father." 
 
 " She loved him first and hated him later," said 
 Tidman, quietly, " a fine woman was poor Miss 
 Wharf. I was in love with her — " 
 
 " I never knew that Tidman." 
 
 "I was though" said the Major," and Miss Pewsey 
 hated me for being in love with her. I spoke badly 
 of Miss Wharf to you Ainsleigh because I was 
 angered with her — " 
 
 " You called her a mass of granite." 
 
 "And so she is" said the Major angrily, "she 
 promised to marry me if I went to China and learned 
 how your father came by his death. I did go, but I 
 came back without learning more, than that he was 
 murdered, so Miss Wharf refused to keep her 
 promise. I beheve it was that Pewsey cat's fault." 
 
 " Well — well— go on" said Rodgers looking at his 
 watch, " all this business is very round-about. I 
 want to get on with my work." 
 
 " This may have to do with it," said the Major 
 smartly. " Well, I was in Canton, and intended to
 
 THE CANTON ADVENTURE 141 
 
 go up to the Kan-su province to make enquiries. I 
 met Forge in Canton. He had just come from Pekin, 
 and showed me round. He laughed at the idea that 
 Markam had died by violence, and said it was 
 dysentery." 
 
 "So he always said," murmured Rupert, who 
 listened intently. 
 
 "And told a lie," retorted Tidman, "however I 
 believed him, but all the same I intended to make 
 enquiries at the mine of the Hwei River in the Kan- 
 su province. But I stopped in Canton with Forge 
 for a time, as he said he would go up with me. In 
 some way, the fact of my trying to learn the truth 
 about Markam's death got about." 
 
 "No doubt Forge told it to others," suggested 
 Rupert. 
 
 " I don't know. I never got to the bottom of the 
 business. But one day a half-starved Chinaman 
 stopped me in the street, and told me he could ex- 
 plain, if I came with him. I went to a miserable 
 house in a low part of the city. The man closed the 
 door, and then drew a fan from his breast — " 
 
 " The fan in question ? " asked Rodgers making a 
 note. 
 
 " Yes — the very article. He told me that this fan 
 would reveal the truth, and offered it to me." 
 
 "For money? " 
 
 " No. He refused to take a penny. He seemed 
 anxious to get rid of the fan, and kept looking round 
 everywhere as though he thought someone might be 
 listening. I asked him how the fan could tell about 
 the death, but all he said, was, that it could."
 
 142 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 " But in what way ? " asked Ainsleigh, puzzled. 
 
 " I really don't know," said the Major, with an air 
 of fatigue. " I am telling you all I know. I took 
 the fan and cleared, and got home safely enough. 
 Then I hid away the fan — where it doesn't matter ; 
 but I have travelled so much that I always keep a 
 secret place for money and valuables. I placed the 
 fan there, though I really didn't know what to make 
 of the matter. After a few days I came to my rooms 
 to find that everything had been ripped open and 
 smashed and searched — " 
 
 " And the fan was gone," said Eodgers. 
 
 " Not it. They — whosoever they were who 
 searched, could not find my hiding place. Well, a 
 day or two later, as I was walking along the street at 
 night, I was seized up and gagged, and carried to 
 some low Chinese house. There a Chinaman ex- 
 amined me, and asked me what I had done with the 
 fan—" 
 
 "What sort of a man was he?" asked Rupert, 
 " would you know him again? " 
 
 The Major looked doubtful. " Chinamen are all 
 so alike," he said, " but this chap had only one eye, 
 and was a villainous looking beast. He declared that 
 he knew the first Celestial had given me the fan, and 
 that he wanted it. I refused to give it up. He took 
 out a knife, and said he would slice me up. Oh," 
 broke off the Major looking grey and old, " however 
 shall I forget that terrible moment, Ainsleigh. Do 
 you wonder that I shudder to relate this adventure, 
 and that I refuse to speak of it. I was in that 
 miserable place, in the midst of a horde of Chinamen,
 
 THE CANTON ADVENTUEE 143 
 
 bound and helpless, with a knife at my throat. I 
 never did care for death," said Tidman boldly, " bat 
 to be cut slowly into slices, was more than I could 
 stand." 
 
 " Why didn't you give up the fan then? " asked 
 Rodgers. 
 
 " Because I made up my mind that slicing or no 
 slicing, I wasn't going to be bullied by a lot of heathen 
 devils. The position was awful, but I'm an English- 
 man, and I resolved to hold off to the last moment, 
 I dare say I would have given up the fan after all, as 
 the one-eyed brute began to cut me up, I lost a big 
 toe—" 
 
 "Oh," saidEupert, while Eodgers shook his head, 
 " did this man cut a toe off? " 
 
 " Yes — my big toe. 1 was about to give in, when 
 suddenly a small Chinese boy dressed in red — 
 queerly enough, as the Chinese don't go in much for 
 that colour — appeared and said something. The 
 one-eyed Chinaman scowled, and put his knife away. 
 Then he cleared out with the boy and his other 
 friends and I was left alone. Then with the loss of 
 blood, and the pain of my toe I fainted." 
 
 "No wonder," said Ainsleigh, "I don't blame 
 you. Well ? " 
 
 ' ' Well, then I came to my senses in my own 
 room. Forge was with me and said that he had 
 traced me to the hovel and had rescued me with the 
 aid of the Canton police. He declared that I would 
 have to leave Canton at once, or this one-eyed 
 Chinaman would be after me. I agreed, and with 
 Forge I went that very day on board a homeward-
 
 144 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 bound steamer. I thanked Forge for having helped 
 me, and he asked if I would give him the fan as a re- 
 ward. I refused, as I wanted to know how it could 
 tell about Markham's death. Forge said that if I 
 kept possession of the fan, the one-eyed Chinaman 
 would track me to England and kill me. But I held 
 out, till I got to Marport. Then I grew weary of 
 Forge worrying me, particularly as he promised to do 
 what he could to learn the secret of the fan, and 
 help me to marry Miss Wharf. So he took the fan, 
 and then, as you know, Ainsleigh, he took it out to 
 China again, where it fell into the hands of a pirate 
 from whom Clarence Burgh received it." 
 
 " But how did it get from Dr. Forge's hands into 
 those of the pirate? " asked Rodgers curiously. 
 
 "I don't know; you can ask Forge. He lives 
 here ? " 
 
 The detective took a note of the doctor's address. 
 " That's all right," he said, " there's no doubt the 
 poor lady was killed to procure this fan. Did you 
 tell her of your adventure ? " 
 
 *' No," said the Major with a shudder. " I merely 
 said that I could not learn how Markham was killed 
 and she refused to marry me. I did not care about 
 speaking of the adventure. You know how the fan 
 came into Miss Wharf's possession Mr. Rodgers ? " 
 
 "Yes," the detective nodded, "Mr. Burgh told 
 me, but I'll have another talk with him. Humph. 
 It seems to me that one of these Chinamen killed 
 Miss Wharf, and that the tie was used to lay the 
 blame on Mr. Ainsleigh here." 
 
 " Well," said Ainsleigh drawing a breath, " I am
 
 THE CANTON ADVENTURE 145 
 
 glad to hear that you don't suspect me, but I can't 
 think that Tung-yu stole the tie, even though he did 
 see me place it in the coat." 
 
 " I'll look after that cloak-room attendant," said 
 Eodgers, making another note, " and he'll have to 
 give an account of himself. But I don't see V7hat 
 this private god Kv7ang-ho has to do with the 
 matter." 
 
 "I can only tell you this," said Major Tidman, 
 "I had a cold last night and stopped in my room. 
 But I heard that Tung-yu was down the stairs, and, 
 as I knew him in Canton, I went to have a look for 
 him. He was a pleasant companion in Canton," 
 
 "Did you tell him about the fan and your 
 adventure?" 
 
 " No, Ainsleigh, and I was annoyed that you 
 should have let slip that I had such an adventure, 
 I don't want to be mixed up in the matter. Tung-yu 
 is nice enough, but if he has to do with the fan he is 
 quite capable of turmng nasty and making things 
 unpleasant for me. But I mentioned about, his ad- 
 vertisement, and how I came to know of it through 
 you. He confessed that Lo-Keong had lost the fan 
 and wished it back again, as it had to do with some 
 family business. The finding of it was referred to 
 the god Kwang-ho, and the priest of the god, said 
 that two men were to search for the fan." 
 
 " Hwei and Tung-yu," 
 
 " Yes. They were to search on alternate days. 
 If Hwei found it he was to kill the person from 
 whom he got it. If it was Tung-yu's day he was to 
 give the fortunate person five thousand pounds." 
 
 L
 
 146 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 "And whose day was it on the night of the 
 crime? " 
 
 "Hwei's," said the Major, "that was why Tung- 
 yu could not buy the fan when Miss "Wharf offered 
 it to him."
 
 CHAPTEB XII 
 
 At the Inquest 
 
 When Mr. Orlando Eodgers of the C.I.D. rolled 
 into the Superintendent's office the next day to relate 
 what he had heard, he was not so glib as usual. 
 After sleeping on the extraordinary tale he had heard 
 from Major Tidman, and considering the fragments 
 imparted by Clarence Burgh, and young Ainsleigh, 
 he came to look on the matter as something to do 
 with the Arabian Nights. The fan which the 
 deceased lady had carried at the ball was certainly 
 gone, and the whole of these marvellous matters 
 connected with China, hung on the fan. But Miss 
 Wharf may have been murdered for some other 
 reason, and Kodgers was half inclined, when looking 
 into the case in the cold searching morning light, to 
 abandon the fan theory. But he delayed doing this 
 until he had consulted with Superintendant Young, 
 who looked after the Marport police. 
 
 "What do you think of it?" he asked, when his 
 tale was told. The Superintendent was a tall thin 
 man with a cold eye and a distrustful manner. 
 He beheved only half he saw, and absolutely nothing 
 he heard. Consequently when Eodgers ended, and 
 his opinion was asked, he sniffed disdainfully, and
 
 lis THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 put on his most official expression. "It's a fairy 
 tale," said Young in his dry voice, which was like 
 the creaking of a rusty wheel. 
 
 " Well now, the woman was murdered." 
 ** But not for this fan, Mr. Eodgers." 
 " Then what motive do you think — ? " 
 " I don't undertake to say, sir. Let us gather all 
 the evidence we can and submit it to an intelli- 
 gent jury at the inquest. It takes place to-day at 
 the public house near the corner of the Cliff Eoad 
 and not far from Ivy Lodge. When the jury has 
 inspected the body, it will sit with the Coroner at 
 the Bull's Head." 
 
 " A Chinaman calling himself Tung-yu was at the 
 ball you know," said Rodgers, unwilling to abandon 
 the theory in spite of his doubts. 
 " Where is he now? " 
 
 "I can't say. Mr. Christopher Walker brought 
 him down, and I went to see that young gentleman 
 before he departed for business this morning. He 
 told me that Tung-yu was a clerk in the same firm 
 of tea merchants as he was employed with, and had 
 not been at the office since he left to come to the 
 ball. Mr. Walker last saw Tung-yu at the door of 
 the hotel, looking out across the pier." 
 " Well," said Young drily. 
 
 " That yacht was there," went on Rodgers, " and 
 showed a green light so it's just possible that Mr. 
 Burgh may be right and that the Chinaman did 
 steam away in her." 
 " Well then, search for the yacht." 
 " I intend to, and when I find her — "
 
 AT THE INQUEST 149 
 
 " Mr. Tung-yu will have an explanation. No, Mr. 
 Kodgers," said the Superintendent rising, " I can't 
 believe all this business is about a trifle such as this 
 fan. Some more serious motive is at the bottom 
 of this murder. Now Mr. Ainsleigh's tie — " 
 
 " I can explain that," said the detective, and he 
 did. 
 
 Young listened disbelievingly. " So he says," was 
 his comment. 
 
 " But I don't think Mr. Ainsleigh is the sort of 
 man to commit a brutal crime like this, and in so 
 public a place." 
 
 "Everyone's capable of committing a crime if 
 there's anything to be gained," was the Superinten- 
 dent's philosophy, " and Mr. Ainsleigh's very 
 agreeable manner with which you appear to be 
 struck, may be a mask to hide an evil nature." 
 
 " Oh rubbish ; begging your pardon Mr. Young. 
 Look at this joss-stick," and Eodgers held it out, 
 " that was found in the ruins of Eoyabay Abbey, so 
 you see some Chinaman must be mixed up in the 
 job. I am beginning to believe that the tale may 
 be true after all." 
 
 " It's too wild — too far-fetched. I can't believe 
 it." 
 
 " Because you haven't imagination." 
 
 " We don't want imagination in this matter, Mr. 
 Kodgers. Facts sir." 
 
 Eodgers got up and put on his hat. " Well, we'll 
 not be able to agree, I can see that," said he, '* and 
 as the case is in my hands, I am going away to 
 look after evidence."
 
 150 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 " Why not arrest Mr. Ainsleigh ? " 
 
 " Because the evidence against him ia not suffi- 
 ciently strong," the detective sat down again. " See 
 here Mr. Superintendent, if I so chose I could 
 manufacture a case against three of these people at 
 least, and give it to them pretty strong too. Sup- 
 posing, for the sake of theorising mind, we say 
 Mr. Ainsleigh killed the woman — " 
 
 " Which I am inclined to think he did, on the 
 tie's evidence." 
 
 " Very good, I can show you how strong you can 
 make the case against him, Mr. Young. This young 
 man was at the ball, he hated the deceased and she 
 hated him on account of the difficulty of the 
 marriage with Miss Rayner. Ainsleigh wants money 
 badly, and might have killed the old woman to get 
 the fan and sell it for five thousand pounds. Also 
 by marrying Miss Rayner who will inherit Miss 
 Wharf's money, he gets rid of a mortgage that's 
 troubhng him. What was easier for him, than to 
 pretend to put the silk scarf in his coat pocket, so 
 as to blind those who saw him do it, and then to 
 lure Miss Wharf out on to those steps and scrag 
 her. Then he could pass the fan to Tung-yu who 
 wanted it, and arrange about the money being paid. 
 After that and when Tung-yu had gone off to the 
 yacht, Mr. Ainsleigh could slip back into the ball- 
 room and assist in finding the body. And remember, 
 he says, he was strolling on the beach smoking, 
 between the hours of eleven and twelve, and won't 
 prove an alibi, though between ourselves I think he 
 can through Major Tidman."
 
 AT THE INQUEST 161 
 
 '* Well," said Young dryly, " doesn't this go to 
 prove his guilt." 
 
 "I can prove Tung-yu's in the same way," said 
 Eodger's coolly, " he was in the cloak-room when 
 Mr. Ainsleigh placed the scarf in the coat. He 
 could easily have stolen it, as these Chinamen are 
 clever thieves, and have then lured Miss Wharf on 
 to the steps under the pretence of treating about 
 the fan. Suddenly he slips the scarf round her 
 throat before she can cry out, goes down the steps 
 and on to the beach where a boat is waiting for him, 
 and by now, may be on his way to his employer the 
 Mandarin Lo-Keong." 
 
 " It sounds feasible I admit, but — " 
 
 ** One moment," went on Rodgers eagerly, " quite 
 as strong a case can be made out against Major 
 Tidman. He did not come to the ball, but lurked 
 in his room all the evening. Yet he came down to 
 see Tang-yu — what about ? — to sell the fan of 
 course — " 
 
 " You can't prove that." 
 
 " Am I proving anything ? I am simply showing 
 you what strong cases can be built up out of nothing. 
 Well then, Tidman sees the scarf put in the coat by 
 a young man, whom he knows is at enmity with the 
 deceased, an(l takes it out again. He gets Miss 
 Wharf to come on to the terrace — any pretext will 
 do, as he is her lover and her old friend. There, he 
 strangles her on the steps and taking the fan, passes 
 it along to the Chinaman who makes for the yacht. 
 So you see if I chose I can build up a case against 
 each of these three gentlemen, and each equally
 
 162 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 strong. Why if I had a mind to entangle young 
 Mr. Burgh in the affair I could do so." 
 
 "But Tung-yu, Mr. Burgh and Major Tidman 
 might prove alibi's." 
 
 ' * So they might, and Mr . Ainsleigh might do so also. " 
 
 " He has not done so yet and if he was in danger, 
 he would." 
 
 " Quite so," said Eodgers quickly, and seeing the 
 slip, " and his very reluctance to prove an alibi — 
 for surely someone besides Tidman must have seen 
 him on the beach — shows me he is innocent. How- 
 ever this isn't business Mr. Young, so I'll go and see 
 what evidence I can gather." 
 
 So to Dr. Forge went the detective, feeling very 
 bewildered over the case. And small blame to him, 
 for the matter was surely most perplexing. It is 
 only in novels that the heaven-born detective (in 
 the confidence of the author) displays wonderful 
 cleverness in finding clues where none exist. But 
 a ilesh and blood worker like Rodgers had to puzzle 
 out the matter in real life as best he could. He 
 was not at all sanguine that he would run down the 
 assassin of Miss Wharf. On the face of it, Rupert 
 Ainsleigh appeared to be guilty, and Rodgers 
 doubted his guilt for this very reason. " I believe 
 one of these Chinaman did it," said Rodgers as he 
 rang Forge's bell. 
 
 Dr. Forge was within, and consented at once to 
 see the detective. When the two were in the 
 Chinese room, Rodgers unfolded himself, and asked 
 Forge, who knew the Chinese character, what he 
 thought.
 
 AT THE INQUEST 153 
 
 " My dear sir, the case is plain," said Forge 
 calmly, " Tung-yu gave Hwei the office, and lured 
 Miss "Wharf on to the steps where Hwei strangled 
 her with the scarf stolen by Tung-yu so as to throw 
 suspicion on Mr. Ainsleigh." 
 
 " Humph. It looks like it," said Rodgers 
 musingly. " So you believe this wild story of Major 
 Tidman's." 
 
 " I know it is true," said Forge quietly. " I 
 helped him to get free as he related. I was a partner 
 with Mr, Markham Ainsleigh in the mine on the 
 Hwei River. I went to Pekin about a concession, 
 and while I was away, Mr. Ainsleigh died of 
 dysentry. As to the fan, — I can't exactly say. I 
 never knew of this private god business, but it's the 
 kind of thing Lo-Keong might invent. He is a very 
 superstitious man, and like Napoleon, he believes in 
 his star. He was concerned in the Boxer rebellion, 
 but afterwards he joined the Court party of the 
 Dowager Empress who is now all powerful. I never 
 saw the fan in his hand, but it might have to do with 
 a secret." 
 
 "What kind of a secret?" 
 
 "I can't say unless it has to do with Lo-Keong's 
 political fortunes. He has many enemies, who envy 
 his rapid rise. These enemies propably stole the fan 
 to ruin him. How this coolie, who gave it to Major 
 Tidman, got hold of it I don't know. But he was 
 glad to get rid of it, which makes me think the story 
 of the alternate days and the blessing of the god 
 Kwang-ho might be true. The Chinese do not 
 think as we do Mr. Rodgers, and have their own way 
 
 )
 
 154 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 of settling these matters. The attack on Tidman, 
 when he had the fan in Canton, shows clearer than 
 ever, that it was wanted by Lo-Keong's enemies. 
 He gave it to me — " 
 
 '* Why did you want it?" 
 
 " For two reasons," said Forge quietly, " in 
 the first place from what happened to Tidman 
 I saw that while he held the fan he was in 
 danger — " 
 
 *' But then you were in the same danger," objected 
 the detective. 
 
 " I was, and I expected trouble. But I was better 
 able to deal with the matter than Tidman as I 
 understand the Chinese character. I got the fan in 
 London and locked it up in yonder cabinet, I 
 thought it was there all the time, and when I found 
 it gone, I was quite annoyed, as Major Tidman will 
 tell you. Then I recollected that I had taken it 
 back to China to give to Lo-Keong. That is my 
 second reason Mr. Kodgers. I knew I could get a 
 concession I wanted through Lo-Keong's influence, 
 and I did. So the fan went back to him." 
 
 " And you forgot that you had given it." 
 
 " I did. It seems strange to you, but as I told 
 Tidman and Miss Pewsey, my memory is impaired 
 by opium smoking. However, that is the story of the 
 fan, and Burgh got it from the hand of the dead pirate. 
 How the pirate came possessed of it I can't say. 
 Apparently Lo-Keoug lost it again." 
 
 " He couldn't have valued it much, if he lost it so 
 often." 
 
 " He valued it at five thousand pounds and more,"
 
 AT THE INQUEST 155 
 
 said the Doctor dryly, " how it was lost I can't say. 
 I may find out when I go to China again, in a few 
 months. Lo-Keong is in Pekin, and, as we are 
 friends, he will tell me, and show me the fan again." 
 
 " Ah. Then you believe " 
 
 " I believe it is on its way to Lo-Keong, and that 
 Tung-yu aud Hwei came together down here to get 
 it. When only one was on the spot this god 
 business of alternate days made the matter difficult. 
 With both together, the owner of the fan was bound 
 to be killed or made rich. Unfortunately for Miss 
 Wharf the day or night was Hwei's and he carried 
 out the order of the] god| Kwang-ho by strangling 
 her." 
 
 "Well," said Rodgers rising, "all I can say is 
 that I'm glad I do not live in China. How much 
 of this is to be made public." 
 
 " My advice to you is to make nothing public, or 
 as little as you can," said Dr. Forge dryly, " you see 
 how persistent these Chinamen are. You make 
 trouble and you may be killed also. Your being in 
 England won't save you any more than it saved 
 Miss Wharf, poor soul." 
 
 " I shall do my duty in spite of all," said Rodgers 
 coolly, " I am not going to be frightened by a couple 
 of Chinese brutes." 
 
 " Very clever brutes," said Forge softly, but 
 Rodgers took no notice and marched away with 
 his head in the air. Come what may, he was 
 determined to punish the assassin of Miss Wharf 
 and if it was Hwei, the man would have to be 
 caught.
 
 156 THE MANDABIN'S FAN 
 
 "I'll go to Pekin myself for him," said Eodgers 
 angrily, " I'm not going to be bested by these 
 barbarians." 
 
 Little that was new came to his hand before the 
 inquest, which was a comparatively tame affair. 
 The jury inspected the body and then adjourned to 
 the Bull's Head to hear the case. Eodgers set forth 
 what evidence he had gained, but touched as lightly 
 as possible on the Chinese business. He called Dr. 
 Forge who deposed to having examined the body 
 and asserted that Miss Wharf had been killed 
 between eleven and twelve. She must have been 
 strangled almost instantaneously as, had she cried 
 out, she would have been over-heard by those on 
 the terrace. This evidence caused but little sen- 
 sation. 
 
 When Eupert was called however, all were 
 excited. He deposed as to the scarf which he had 
 received from Olivia, and said what he had done 
 with it. He declared that he had been walking on 
 the beach smoking, and only returned to the ball- 
 room shortly before mid-night when the body was 
 discovered. He stated that he had spoken to Major 
 Tidman on the beach. And thus proved an alibi 
 clearly enough. 
 
 The rest of the evidence was not very im- 
 portant. Chris Walker told how he had brought 
 Tung-yu to the ball and handed in a slip of adver- 
 tisement, and then Eupert was recalled to tell what 
 he knew. Tidman related his interview with 
 Tung-yu, and described how both had seen Eupert 
 place the tie in the overcoat pocket. Then it
 
 AT THE INQUEST 157 
 
 appeared that the whole of the case turned on 
 the fact that the scarf had been removed from 
 the pocket. No one knew. Miss Pewsey said 
 that Eupert took it : but her evidence was so 
 obviously prejudiced that the jury would not believe 
 all she said. 
 
 Lotty Dean who was at the ball, declared that she 
 saw Miss Wharf cross the terrace about eleven and 
 go towards the floral arch on the other side of which 
 were the steps. She was quite alone, and seemed 
 tranquil, " she was fanning herself at the moment," 
 said the witness. 
 
 " Ah ! " said the Coroner, " then she had the fan at 
 that time." 
 
 " It was gone when we found the body," put in 
 Miss Pewsey, and was rebuked for speaking out of 
 order. 
 
 The interest of the case turned on the evidence of 
 Dalham, the attendant in the cloak-room. He was 
 a dissipated-looking man, and gave his evidence very 
 unwillingly. Owing to his having left the cloak- 
 room at Burgh's request, Rupert, as he threatened 
 to do, had reported him to the manager and Mr. 
 Dalham had been dismissed. This loss of his situa- 
 tion did not make him any the sweeter towards 
 Ainsleigh, but all the same, he could not state on his 
 oath, that the young man had returned to take the 
 tie again from the pocket. Nor had the Chinaman, 
 or Major Tidman returned. Dalham knew the 
 Major well, and as he phrased it, " would have 
 spotted him at once," while the gay dress of Tung- 
 yu would have been equally conspicuous had he
 
 158 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 attempted to meddle with a coat which did not 
 belong to him. 
 
 " You did not leave the room again ? " asked the 
 Coroner. 
 
 " I only left it once," said Dalham. " Because 
 Mr. Burgh and Mr. Ainsleigh wanted to fight." 
 
 "We've heard about that, and it has nothing to 
 do with the case," said the coroner. " But you were 
 in the room the rest of the evening ? " 
 
 "I've said so a dozen times sir," growled the 
 badgered man. " Lots of people came for their 
 things and some late arrivals left theirs but I was at 
 my post all the time, except that once, when I left 
 Mr. Burgh with Mr. Ainsleigh. I never saw Major 
 Tidman nor Mr. Ainsleigh nor the Chinaman touch 
 the cloak." 
 
 The coroner called Burgh and asked him if he 
 was alone in the room at any time. Clarence frankly 
 admitted that he was. " But as I never saw Ains- 
 leigh place the tie in the coat and never knew that 
 he possessed such a tie, I don't see how you can 
 accuse me." Much more evidence was given, but it 
 all led to no result. Finally the jury, having heard 
 much more of the Chinese story than Rodgers 
 approved of, brought in a verdict against Tung-yu. 
 Hwei, they could say nothing about, as he had not 
 been present. But Tung-yu wanted the fan and the 
 fan had disappeared, while Tung-yu was also 
 absent. " Wilful murder against Tung-yu," was the 
 verdict, and on hearing the evidence, and on reading 
 all that had been said in the papers, the general 
 public agreed with the verdict. Under the circum-
 
 AT THE INQUEST 159 
 
 stances no other could have been given. Only one 
 person dissented. 
 
 " It was that Ainsleigh who killed dearest Sophia," 
 said Miss Pewsey.
 
 CHAPTEE XIII 
 
 The Will 
 
 The funeral of Miss Wharf was attended by many 
 people. Of course all her friends came with the 
 usual wreaths of flowers, but owing to the tragic 
 circumstances of her death, many strangers were 
 present. She was buried in the family vault with 
 much ceremony, and then the mourners departed 
 talking of the crime. It was the general opinion 
 that Tung-yu, — who had not yet been heard of, — was 
 responsible for the death, and that he had sailed 
 away in the Stormy Petrel. Rodgers having returned 
 to Town after the inquest was making inquiries 
 about the yacht. When he discovered her, he hoped 
 to learn particulars as to the flight of Tung-yu. 
 
 These many days Rupert had not seen Olivia, 
 although he had called at Ivy Lodge. But Miss 
 Pewsey, who took charge of everything in her usual 
 meddlesome way, would not allow him to be admitted. 
 Olivia did not even know of his visit. She remained 
 in her room, and mourned the death of her aunt. 
 Miss Wharf had certainly been a good friend to her, 
 but she could not be said to have been a kindly aunt. 
 All the same Olivia's conscience pricked her, for 
 having secretly married Rupert. As she now
 
 THE WILL 161 
 
 thought, she should have told her aunt. But 
 the marriage was decided upon in a hurry, and 
 when the girl had been more than usually piqued by 
 the insulting speeches of Miss Wharf. However, 
 the old woman was dead, and Olivia, little as she 
 loved her, wept for her tragic end. 
 
 Miss Eayner, during her mourning, read the 
 evidence given at the inquest, and wondered why 
 she had not been called as a witness, if only to prove 
 that she had given the scarf to Eupert, She thought 
 it extraordinary that Tung-yu should have used the 
 tie to strangle Miss Wharf, and could not think how 
 it came into his possession. After some thought she 
 concluded, that he had taken the scarf from Kupert's 
 pocket, so as to implicate him in the crime, and had 
 bribed Dalham the attendent, who certainly was not 
 above being bribed, to say nothing about the matter. 
 If this were the case, Dalham would probably 
 blackmail Tung-yu for the rest of his life, as he was 
 just the kind of rascal to make money in shady 
 ways. Then it occurred to Olivia that as Tung-yu 
 had sailed for China, presumably in the yacht, 
 Dalham would not be able to make a milch cow of 
 him. However, whether Tung-yu was guilty or not, 
 she cared little. Eupert was safe, in spite of the 
 evidence of the scarf, and so long as he escaped being 
 arrested, the girl felt perfectly happy. 
 
 After the funeral Olivia came down-stairs again, 
 and found Miss Pewsey looking after things as usual. 
 The little old maid was most polite, and it seemed 
 as though she was now anxious to make much of 
 Olivia, thinking she would inherit the money. Miss 
 
 M '
 
 162 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 Pewsey had not a shilling to bless herself with, and 
 for years had lived on the bounty of Miss Wharf. 
 Now that Olivia was to be the mistress of Ivy Lodge, 
 Miss Pewsey appeared desirous of making herself 
 pleasant, so that she might remain. Olivia saw 
 through her newly born poHteness, and, although she 
 disliked the woman, was not averse to her remaining 
 for a time at least. 
 
 "I should be glad for you to remain altogether." 
 explained Olivia when matters came to be discussed, 
 " but of course now that my aunt is gone I may marry 
 Mr. Ainsleigh." 
 
 "Oh he'll marry you quick enough for your 
 money," snapped Miss Pewsey, " not but what he's 
 a handsome young fellow, but — " 
 
 " Don't run down Rupert," interrupted Olivia 
 flushing, " I love him. You have never been just to 
 him." 
 
 Miss Pewsey coughed. "I don't think he is a very 
 good young man." 
 
 " I hate good young men," said Olivia. " Mr. 
 Chris Walker is one of those who never cost his 
 mother a single pang. Why my aunt should wish 
 me to marry such a milksop, I can't understand." 
 
 " Well then, why not marry Clarence? " asked the 
 old maid, "he is not a milksop and has cost his 
 mother — poor soul many a pang. And he loves you 
 dearly, Olivia. I should think you would be able to 
 live very nicely on five hundred a year and with this 
 house rent free." 
 
 " If I come into possession of the property that is." 
 
 " Oh, I am sure you will," said Miss Pewsey
 
 THE WILL 163 
 
 effusively. " To whom should dear Sophia leave the 
 money, if not to you, her nearest relative." 
 
 " She might have left it to you, for she loved you, 
 while she only tolerated me." 
 
 Miss Pewsey threw up her mittened hands with a 
 cry of dismay. "Oh my dear there's no chance of 
 my being so lucky. Sophia was very close about 
 money matters — " 
 
 " Surely not with you. Miss Pewsey. She always 
 consulted you in everything. You had great in- 
 fluence over her." 
 
 " If so, I made no use of it for my own benefit," 
 said Miss Pewsey with great dignity. " Sophia 
 never consulted me about her wills. I know she 
 made several, and dictated the last just a week 
 before her death. While she was confined to her 
 room with that cold you know, Olivia. I suppose," 
 Miss Pewsey tittered, "I suppose she wanted to be 
 amused." 
 
 '• I shouldn't think making one's will was amus- 
 ing," said Olivia dryly, " however, the lawyer will be 
 here this afternoon to read the will, and we shall 
 know if I inherit." 
 
 " I am sure you will get the money. And dear, 
 you won't forget your poor Lavinia," purred Miss 
 Pewsey. " Let me remain here with you, until you 
 marry Mr. Ainsleigh, or until I marry Theophilus." 
 
 "Are you really going to marry Dr. Forge?" 
 asked Miss Eayner, looking with secret amazement 
 at the withered face and shrunken form of Miss 
 Pewsey and wondering what the doctor could see in 
 her to make her his wife.
 
 164 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 " I really am," said Miss Pewsey emphatically and 
 with a shrewd look in her eyes. " And I see that 
 you think it is ridiculous at my age to marry. Also, 
 I am not handsome I know. All the same, Theo- 
 philus is willing to make me Mrs. Forge, and I dare 
 say I'll grace the position well enough. It isn't love," 
 added Miss Pewsey, " at our age dear that would be 
 too absurd. We are simply entering into a partner- 
 ship. He has money and I have brains." 
 
 " Dr. Forge has brains also." 
 
 " Not so much brain power as I have. I am not 
 lovely I know dear, but I am clever," and Miss 
 Pewsey drew herself up proudly. " Why poor dear 
 Sophia would never have died worth so much money 
 but for me. Ah, if she had only given me that fan 
 when I asked her, she would not have been killed 
 and I should have got five thousand pounds and 
 more from Tung-yu for her. But she would keep 
 the fan," Miss Pewsey squeezed out a tear, " and so 
 met with her doom. That nasty Chinaman." Miss 
 Pewsey shook a small fist. " I wish he could hang." 
 
 Olivia looked at her. " I heard that you disagreed 
 with the verdict Miss Pewsey." 
 
 " Meaning that I said Mr. Ainsleigh was guilty," 
 snapped the old maid, " well I did, dear, but I have 
 changed my mind." 
 
 Miss Kayner did not believe this, for Miss Pewsey 
 looked very malignant as she spoke. Her change 
 of opinion was made, merely to adapt herself to 
 circumstances and to retain a home until such time 
 as her marriage with Forge, would enable her to 
 dispense with Miss Bayner's help. However,
 
 THE WILL 165 
 
 Olivia did not argue the point. She wished to 
 keep on good terms with the old maid, until Eupert 
 declared the secret marriage. Then she could go to 
 the Abbey, and leave Miss Pewsey behind with all 
 other disagreeable things. 
 
 With Pastor, the solicitor of the deceased lady, 
 came Clarence Burgh and Dr. Forge. Lady Jabe, 
 more manly than ever, appeared with Chris 
 Walker, who had taken a hohday on purpose to hear 
 the will read, and Lady Jabe explained this to Miss 
 Pewsey in a whisper. " I know that poor Sophia 
 wished Chris to marry Olivia," she said, " so I 
 thought the will might state that the money would be 
 left to her on such a condition. I therefore made 
 Chris ask for a holiday, so that he might hear of his 
 good fortune." 
 
 "Let us hope it will come," aid Miss Pewsey, 
 dryly, " but fortune or no fortune, Olivia will stick 
 to young Ainsleigh." 
 
 " He is a nice young man, but poor." 
 
 " Chris is poor also. Yet you want him to marry 
 Oh via." 
 
 " I think Chris has a better character than young 
 Ainsleigh, who looks as though he has a will of his 
 own. Now Chris has none. I have broken it, and 
 Olivia as Mrs. Walker, can order him about like a 
 slave. I hope Sophia has made the will as I wished." 
 
 " You'll hear in a minute. For my part," added 
 Miss Pewsey in her spiteful way, " I hope Sophia 
 has left the money to Olivia, on condition that she 
 marries Clarence, and keeps him at home." 
 
 " And keeps him on the income," corrected Lady
 
 166 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 Jabe, who did not at all approve of this speech. 
 " No man should live on his wife." 
 
 " You propose that Chris should do so." 
 
 " Indeed no. He earns quite a good salary at the 
 office, and I could live with the young couple to 
 prevent waste." 
 
 " I am quite sure you would," said Miss Pewsey, 
 " if you get the money." 
 
 Lady Jabe would have made a sharp reply, as 
 Miss Wharf being dead, she was under no obligation 
 to curry favour with Miss Pewsey. But at that 
 moment she saw Chris talking to Olivia, and as the 
 girl seemed deeply interested, she pointed out the 
 two with her cane. " I see Chris is losing no time," 
 she murmured, " such a lover as he is." 
 
 But had she heard Chris talking, she would not 
 have been so happy. The young man was simply 
 replying to a question put by Olivia, as to the 
 whereabouts of Tung-yu. "I really don't know 
 where he is, Miss Eayner," said Chris, earnestly. 
 " There was a poHce-officer at our place the other 
 day inquiring. But Tung-yu has not been near 
 Kum-gum Li's since I took him to the ball. I 
 believe he asked me to get him an invitation so that 
 he might kill your aunt." 
 
 " Does Kum-gum Li know anything about 
 him," asked Olivia. 
 
 "No. He came with a letter of introduction 
 
 from a mandarin " 
 
 " Lo-Keong ? " 
 
 "No. That is not the name — let me see — the 
 Mandarin, Hop Sing "
 
 THE WILL 167 
 
 "Ah," said Forge, who was listening, *' Lo- 
 Keong's rival." 
 
 " I never knew that. But Kum-gum Li gave 
 Tung-yu a place as extra clerk when he received 
 the letter. He knows nothing more than what the 
 letter explained." 
 
 "And what did it explain?" asked Forge with 
 sudden interest. 
 
 " I can't tell you," replied Chris coldly, " I am 
 not in the confidence of my employer, and if I were," 
 he added fixing an indignant eye on the sardonic 
 face of the doctor, " I should say nothing." 
 
 " Quite right," replied Forge not at all discon- 
 certed, "you keep out of these Chinese affairs. 
 There's danger in them," 
 
 " Connected with the fan? " demanded Olivia. 
 
 " Yes," said Forge slowly, " connected with the 
 fan." 
 
 Olivia being a woman and curious, would have 
 asked further questions, to which Dr, Forge might 
 have hesitated to reply, but that Miss Pewsey' called 
 her dear Theophilus to her side. The will was 
 about to be read and Miss Pewsey — so she said — 
 wanted support. Forge crossed to the withered 
 little shrimp he had chosen, heaven knows why, for 
 his wife and sat down. The lawyer opened an 
 envelope and took out a rustling parchment. Just as 
 he cleared his throat, the door opened and the maid 
 announced " Mr. Ainsleigh." 
 
 Miss Pewsey glared, and no one appeared glad to 
 see him. Lady Jabe least of all, as she knew he was 
 a powerful rival to Chris. But Rupert bowed to
 
 68 THE MANDAKIN'S FAN 
 
 the company in silence, took no notice of their cold 
 looks, and walked over to where Olivia sat, a little 
 apart. He seated himself beside her. The girl smiled 
 a little faintly, and then gazed straight before her. 
 No one made any remark, as Pastor was beginning 
 to read the will. 
 
 Miss Wharf, it appeared, died worth one thousand 
 a year and the house and furniture and land of Ivy 
 Lodge. Five hundred a year went to a distant 
 relative, as Miss AVharf was unable to leave it to 
 anyone else, by reason of only having a life interest 
 in this amount. Then a few personal bequests were 
 left to Lady Jabe, to Chris Walker, and to some 
 other friends. Ivy Lodge, and the furniture, and 
 the land it was built on, and the remaining five 
 hundred a year was left to — Lavinia Pewsey. When 
 the name was mentioned the little old maid quivered, 
 and Olivia, pale and quiet, rose to her feet. In a 
 moment Miss Pewsey, prepared for battle, was on 
 her feet also, and the two women looked at one 
 another. 
 
 " You knew of this will," said Olivia quietly. 
 
 " No," replied Miss Pewsey. 
 
 " You did. And all your paying court to me was 
 a blind, so that I might not suspect Aunt Sophia 
 had left the money to you." 
 
 "Dearest Sophia left the money to whom she 
 chose," said Miss Pewsey, in a sharp, shrill voice, " do 
 you mean to say, that I exercised any undue influence 
 over her ? " 
 
 " I say nothing," was Olivia's reply : ** but hard 
 on me as my aunt was, I do not think she would
 
 THE WILL 169 
 
 have left me penniless, while the money which be- 
 longed to my family goes to a perfect stranger." 
 
 " A stranger," cried Miss Pewsey tossing her head, 
 " am I a stranger, indeed ? I was hand and glove 
 with dear Sophia when we were at school together. 
 I gave up my life to her " 
 
 " And you have got your reward," said Olivia bitterly. 
 
 " As you say," retorted Miss Pewsey, tossing her 
 head again, " but the will is in order, and I had 
 nothing to do with the making of it. I appeal to 
 Mr. Pastor." 
 
 "Why, certainly," said the lawyer, looking on 
 Olivia with something like pity. " Miss Wharf gave 
 me instructions to make a new will, during the 
 week before she met with her untimely end. Miss 
 Pewsey was not in the room " 
 
 " But no doubt she induced my aunt to cut me 
 out of the will." 
 
 " No," cried Miss Pewsey breathing very hard, 
 and looking more drab than ever. "I won't stand 
 this. Your aunt had good cause to take the money 
 from you — oh you deceiving girl." 
 
 At this Eupert suddenly rose and took Olivia's 
 hand. He half guessed what was coming, and 
 looked at the spiteful face of the heiress. Ohvia 
 stared. She could not understand. Miss Pewsey 
 was about to speak, when Mr. Pastor intervened. 
 
 " May I be permitted to remark that I have not 
 finished reading the will of the deceased lady," said 
 he sweetly. 
 
 " There's no more money to be disposed of," said 
 Olivia bitterly, "my enemy has got it all."
 
 170 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 Pastor made a gesture of silence to prevent Miss 
 Pewsey bursting out into a volume of words. 
 " There is no more money to be disposed of as you 
 say, Miss Eayner, but Miss Wharf sets forth in the 
 will why she disinherited you." 
 
 "Ah," cried Olivia a light breaking in upon her, 
 and reading the truth in Miss Pewsey's look of 
 triumph, " so my aunt knew " 
 
 " She knew that you had secretly married the 
 gentleman beside you." 
 
 Everyone was on his or her feet by this time, 
 and every look was directed towards Olivia. " Is 
 this true ? " asked Lady Jabe. 
 
 " Yes," cried Miss Pewsey, before either Rupert 
 or Olivia could speak, " of course it is true. 
 Let them deny it if they can. I heard Olivia 
 say herself, that she had been married at a 
 registrar's." 
 
 Miss Eayner, or rather Mrs. Ainsleigh turned on 
 the little woman, " I should like to know when I 
 said that to you Miss Pewsey ? " 
 
 " You never said it to me — oh dear no," said Miss 
 Pewsey shrilly, " you were not straightforward 
 enough. But I heard — oh yes I heard." 
 
 " Miss Wharf," said the lawyer folding up the 
 will, " told me that she learned of this from Miss 
 Pewsey, just before she called me in, to make a new 
 will. The five hundred a year was left to you 
 Miss " 
 
 " Mrs. Ainsleigh," said Eupert quickly. 
 
 " Very good. To you Mrs. Ainsleigh, by a former 
 will. But on discovering the secret marriage, my
 
 THE WILL 171 
 
 client made a new will— this," he shook it, " and 
 Miss Pewsey benefits." 
 
 " Miss Pewsey has every right to benefit," said 
 Mrs. Ain sleigh in a clear cold voice, " she has been 
 well paid, for being a spy." 
 
 " Spy," shrilled Miss Pewsey glaring, " yes I was 
 a spy in the interests of dearest Sophia. I followed 
 you several times, when you went to meet Mr. 
 Ainsleigh near the flag-staff, and on the last 
 occasion '' 
 
 " Ah," said OH via tranquilly, " so I thought. I 
 heard something moving. It was you, concealed. 
 Eupert said it was a rat — perhaps he was right. 
 Well Miss Pewsey you have gained your ends and 
 now " 
 
 " Now you leave my house," said the old maid, 
 " yes, my house." 
 
 Olivia made no reply but placed her hand within 
 her husband's arm. Eupert conducted her towards 
 the door. " Mrs. Ainsleigh's effects will be sent 
 for," said he looking at Miss Pewsey, " we will not 
 trouble you further." 
 
 " But the law will trouble you," cried Miss 
 Pewsey, " you " 
 
 Rupert turned and looked at her. The venom- 
 ous words died on her lips. She dropped into her 
 chair, while Ainsleigh and the disinherited Olivia 
 left Ivy Lodge to the woman, who had schemed for 
 it in so base a way.
 
 CHAPTER XIV 
 
 A Mysteeious Letter 
 
 If Miss Wharf's tragic death made a great sensa- 
 tion in Marport, the announcement that Miss 
 Rayner was married secretly to Ainsleigh of Roya- 
 bay made a still greater one. Some people thought 
 Olivia had behaved badly to her aunt, and these 
 were confirmed in their belief, by the story told by 
 Miss Pewsey. But others considered the marriage 
 to be quite romantic, and, knowing how Miss Wharf 
 had tried to make her neice marry Clarence, were 
 pleased that the girl had thus circumvented the 
 schemes of the buccaneer. But, whether the critics 
 were hostile or favourable, they were all equally 
 anxious to call at Royabay and see its new mistress. 
 
 Mrs. Ainsleigh received them quietly, and with a 
 dignity which compelled all to refrain from making 
 remarks, unpleasant or otherwise. She settled down 
 rapidly to her new position, and after a time, everyone 
 was quite on her side. Certainly, a few ill-disposed 
 people agreed with Miss Pewsey, who could not say 
 anything sufficiently bad about Mrs. Ainsleigh : but 
 on the whole, people were anxious to welcome the 
 new mistress of the great place of Marport. Rupert 
 and Olivia appeared to be very happy, and after all
 
 A MYSTEEIOUS LETTER 173 
 
 — as someone said, " the marriage was their own 
 business." 
 
 A month after the installation of Olivia at Roya- 
 bay, her husband received a visitor in the person of 
 Dr. Forge. That melancholy man made his appear- 
 ance one afternoon, when the young couple were in 
 the garden, and therefore, they could not refuse to 
 see him. Olivia, had she been able, would certainly 
 have declined the visit, as she was aware that Forge 
 intended to marry Miss Pewsey next month. As it 
 was, she had to be polite and she was coldly so. 
 Rupert also, was not very genial. From what John 
 Petley had said, and from what Tung-yu had hinted, 
 he began to think that Forge was not the friend he 
 pretended to be, and consequently the young man 
 was on his guard. Dr. Forge saw this, and seized 
 the opportunity when Olivia went within, — which 
 she did as soon as politeness permitted, — to speak to 
 his quondam ward. 
 
 " We don't appear to be friends," said the doctor. 
 
 " I don't see how you can expect it," replied 
 Rupert coldly, " you marry Miss Pewsey next 
 month, and she has been, and is, Olivia's bitter 
 enemy." 
 
 " I am aware that my future wife is prejudiced," 
 said he deliberately, " but I assure you Rupert, she 
 did not scheme for that money." 
 
 Ainsleigh scoffed. " Why she spied on Olivia 
 and told Miss Wharf, what we would rather had 
 been kept silent." 
 
 "I don't think you acted quite fairly towards 
 Miss Wharf."
 
 174 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 " That is my business. I don't intend to defend 
 myself," was the young man's reply, " did you come 
 to discuss this matter? " 
 
 " No. I came to ask how this matter would effect 
 your future." 
 
 " In what way ? " 
 
 " In the way you stand with your creditors." 
 
 Rupert did not reply immediately. The two were 
 walking on the lawn, but Rupert entered the door of 
 the Abbey and strolled round the ruins with Forge 
 by his side. He mistrusted the man intensely. "I 
 should like to know if you are my friend ? " he asked, 
 giving utterance to this mistrust. 
 
 " Surely I am," was the quiet reply, " why should 
 you think me to be otherwise. Because I marry 
 Miss Pewsey? " 
 
 " No. You can marry whom you choose. I have 
 nothing to do with that. Dr. Forge, But when you 
 were my guardian, why did you not tell me that the 
 property was so encumbered ? ' ' 
 
 " I wanted your boyhood to be unclouded. And 
 also," he added, seeing Rupert make a gesture of 
 contempt, "I thought you might get money from 
 China." 
 
 Rupert started. " What do you mean by that ? " 
 
 " Well," said Forge dehberately and looking on 
 the ground, "you know that your father and I 
 invested in a gold mine on the Hwei River ? Well 
 we worked it for a long time until your father died 
 of dysentery — " 
 
 "Are you sure he died of dysentery?" asked 
 Ainsleigh sharply.
 
 A MYSTERIOUS LETTER 175 
 
 " So far as I know he did," was Forge's patient 
 reply, " as I told you before, I was in Pekin when 
 he died. But if you are in doubt you should go to 
 China and ask Lo-Keong." 
 
 " What has he to do with it ? " 
 
 " This much," said Forge quietly, " and I am teUing 
 you, what I have kept hitherto from every living 
 creature. Your father and I made money out of 
 the mine — a great sum. I made the most — about 
 ten thousand pounds, but your father made at least 
 eight thousand." 
 
 " And where is that money ? " asked Rupert 
 anxiously. 
 
 " Lo-Keong has it. Yes ! I went to Pekin to 
 get a concession with regard to buying or leasing 
 more land. I left your father with Lo-Keong. He 
 was at that time a kind of foreman. But also, he 
 he was in the confidence of the rebellious Boxer 
 leaders. These threatened to undermine the power 
 of the Dowager Empress, who was not then, so 
 strong as she is now. As a matter of fact, Lo-Keong 
 himself was a leader of the Boxers. He came to us 
 in disguise, and worked up until he became our 
 foreman ; but he did this, because he heard that the 
 mine was paying, and wanted money — " 
 
 "Your money?" asked Ain sleigh deeply interested. 
 
 "Yes, and the money belonging to your father 
 — in all, eighteen thousand pounds. When I was at 
 Pekin, your father, who did not understand the 
 Chinese so well as I did, managed to make trouble — " 
 
 " In what way ? " 
 
 " He interfered with the religion of the coolies in
 
 176 THF MANDAKIN'S FAN 
 
 some way — a most disastrous thing to do. Lo- 
 Keong took advantage of the riot and robbed your 
 father of the eighteen thousand pounds." 
 " And killed my father." 
 
 "Ah," said Forge quietly, "I really can't say 
 that. It was it reported to me at Pekin that Mark- 
 ham had died of dysentery. He was buried near 
 the mine. I was advised not to go back, as the 
 Chinese were enraged against the foreign devils. 
 Lo-Keong took the money and returned to his 
 Boxers, where, vtdth the money, he attained to even 
 greater power, than he formerly had possessed. 
 Afterwards he deserted his party and came on the 
 side of the Empress Dowager. She is a clever woman 
 and was glad to get him, so he speedily rose high at 
 court. Now, he is very powerful." 
 " And still holds my father's money." 
 " Precisely, and mine also. I have been to China 
 again and again, to try and make Lo-Keong give up 
 this money, and then, I intended to pay you eight 
 thousand pounds. But hitherto I have failed. I am 
 about to make a last attempt, as I sail for Canton 
 after Christmas. I had intended to go earlier, but I 
 must marry Miss Pewsey and leave her in charge of 
 my house, as Mrs. Forge, before I go. So now you 
 know Bupert why I went so frequently to China." 
 " And what has the fan to do with all this ? " 
 "Nothing so far as I know. It is Lo-Keong's 
 property and was a bequest which he values. I 
 understand that there is some secret belonging to it, 
 connected with political affairs, and which make his 
 enemies anxious to get hold of it."
 
 A MYSTEBIOUS LETTER 177 
 
 " Didn't you know the secret, when you possessed 
 the fan ? " 
 
 *' No," said Forge viciously," I wish I had known 
 it. If it could have damaged Lo-Keong I certainly 
 should have made every use of it. He keeps me out of 
 ten thousand pounds, and it's through his influence 
 with the Empress Dowager that I am prevented 
 from working the mine further. It is a rich mine, 
 and if I worked it, I could make a fortune. But Lo- 
 Keong stopped that. I was a fool, not to use the fan 
 and make Lo-Keong give me the mine for it." 
 
 "But you did give him the fan." 
 
 Forge looked confused for a moment. " Yes, I 
 did," r,aid he after a pause, " that is, it was taken 
 from me. I got it from Tidman in the way you 
 know, and always expected trouble. But I expect 
 Hwei and Tung-yu did not find out at the time, that 
 it had come to this country, so I was left alone. 
 Had they discovered, that I was the possessor I 
 should have been killed — " 
 
 " Or you might have got a large sum of 
 money." 
 
 " Quite so. It would have all depended if I gave 
 the fan to Hwei or to Tung-yu. I should have 
 preferred the latter, but of course I never knew the 
 different days appointed by the god." 
 
 " Then that business is really true." 
 
 " I believe it is. But I never knew much about 
 it, till Tung-yu told me. Then it was too late, Miss 
 Wharf had the fan, and it was Hwei's day. He 
 took advantage of the chance." 
 
 " Do you think he was here ? " 
 
 N
 
 178 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 " Yes. Certainly. He killed Miss Wharf." 
 " But the verdict said that Tung-yu — " 
 " Pooh — pooh," cried Forge snapping his long 
 fingers. " Tung-yu would not have dared to 
 disobey the order of Kwang-ho the god. Hwei is 
 the culprit, but I said as little as I could about that, 
 I don't want to be entangled in the matter again. 
 But one of the Chinamen has the fan, and by this 
 time it is nearly at Pekin. There doesn't seem 
 to be much chance of our getting that money 
 Eupert." 
 
 " You did give the fan to Lo-Keong," reiterated 
 Ainsleigh. 
 
 "Well it was taken from me. I went to his 
 palace and told him I would give him the fan in 
 exchange for the eighteen thousand pounds. I then 
 intended to come back and give you eight, to clear 
 off yoar mortgages and resolved to live on the 
 remaining ten which are rightfully my own . But Lo- 
 Keong had me seized, and the fan was taken from 
 me. He then forbade me setting foot in China 
 again. But I am going, for all that," said Forge 
 threateningly, " I shall go after Christmas. I am 
 bound to get my money and yours." 
 " You kept that fan for a long time ? " 
 " For two years only, and then, when I thought 
 everything had blown over, I took it to Lo-Keong 
 with what result you know. Now then, I have been 
 plain with you Bupert. Surely you can see that I 
 am your friend." 
 
 " Tung-yu said you were not. Doctor." 
 
 " Naturally," replied Forge, " he wanted to make
 
 A MYSTERIOUS LETTER 179 
 
 bad blood between us, so that I should not tell you 
 this story. How does he know — Tung-yu T mean — 
 but what you might not go to China and complain 
 about Lo-Keong keeping this money." 
 
 " I prefer to stop here with my wife." said Ains- 
 leigh. " But you can complain." 
 
 "And be hanged, or sHced, or shot, or fried. No 
 thank you. Remember what kind of treatment 
 Tidman met with at the hands of Hwei." 
 
 " What. Was he the one-eyed Chinaman ? " 
 
 " Yes. He's the gentleman, and I hope he won't 
 come your way. He is a beast. But by this time, 
 he and Tung-yu are on their way back to their own 
 land. And now Rupert, I'll say good-bye. As I am 
 poor myself, lacking this ten thousand pounds, 
 rightfully mine, which Lo-Keong detains, I can't 
 help you. But I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll get 
 Miss Pewsey to extend that mortgage." 
 
 •'No, thank you all the same," said Ainsleigh, 
 throwing back his head. 
 
 " I don't want to be indebted to your wife." 
 
 " She is not my wife yet,'' said Forge significantly. 
 
 "But you intend to marry her." 
 
 " Yes — yes— quite so." Forge looked queerly at 
 Rupert, as though about to say something. Then he 
 changed his mind and walked away rapidly, without 
 saying good-bye. Rupert returned to the house and 
 told his wife all that had taken place. She was still 
 doubtful of Forge's good intentions. 
 
 " A decent man would not marry that wicked little 
 woman." 
 
 " Well," said Rupert doubtfully, " from the way he
 
 180 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 spoke and looked, I think Miss Pewsey marries him 
 and not Forge, Miss Pewsey." 
 
 Mrs. Ain sleigh looked up quickly. " Has she got 
 any hold over him ? " 
 
 " I don't understand dear ? " 
 
 " The same as she had over my aunt. Rupert, 
 that little woman looks frail, but she is strong, and 
 has a will like iron. In spite of her looks. Aunt 
 Sophia was wax in Miss Pewsey's hands. She 
 exercised a kind ofhypnotic power over Aunt Sophia, 
 and that was how the will came to be made in her 
 favour." 
 
 " In that case, why not try and upset the 
 will." 
 
 " On a pretext of undue influence. It could be 
 done certainly, but I have no facts to go upon. But 
 it seems to me, from what you say, that Miss 
 Pewsey has hypnotised Forge." 
 
 " He's not the kind of man to be hypnotised." 
 
 " Yes, he is. He smokes opium. A man who 
 would give way to that vice, is not a strong man. 
 But let her be and let him be also, Rupert. I don't 
 believe about this money in China. It is no use our 
 building on that. If the place has to be sold at the 
 end of the year, we will take what we have left and 
 go to Canada. So long as I have my boy I don't 
 much care," and she wreathed her arms round his 
 neck. 
 
 " Dear Olivia, I wish I wasn't the hard-up wretch 
 I am." 
 
 " I would not have you, any other than you are. 
 If money comes to us, it will come honestly, not
 
 A MYSTEKIOUS LETTEK 181 
 
 through the hands of Dr. Forge or his future wife. 
 Neither one is honest." 
 
 Kupert would have argued this point, as he thought 
 his wife was a trifle hard. But OHvia stuck to her 
 guns, and gradually all reference to Forge and his 
 story was dropped by tacit consent. The young 
 couple had quite enough to do, in talking of their 
 future, which was doubtful, to say the least of it. 
 However Rupert had arranged with the lawyers to 
 hold over all claims for another year. It only re- 
 mained to get Miss Pewsey, who now held the fatal 
 mortgage, to extend the time. But Olivia would not 
 allow' her husband to ask a fa\ our of the bitter little 
 woman as she was sure, — and rightly so, — that it 
 would not be granted. The mortgage held by Miss 
 Pewsey was for three thousand pounds, and the two 
 set their wits to work, to see if they could pay this 
 off by Christmas. Then, they would have a good few 
 months left to arrange other matters. If possible, 
 Olivia wished to keep Eoyabay, though the outlook 
 was not cheering. 
 
 Another month slipped by, but few changes took 
 place in Marport. As it was now rather wintry, 
 so many people did not come down to the sea-side. 
 Eupert and OHvia lived rather a lonely life at the 
 Abbey, but being very much in love, this did not 
 disturb them : in fact it was rather a pleasure. 
 Sometimes Chris Walker and his aunt called. Lady 
 Jabe had got over her disappointment, now that 
 Olivia was poor, and constantly abused Miss Pewsey 
 for taking the money. She was making the unfor- 
 tunate Chris pay attentions to Lotty Dean, whose
 
 182 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 father wa8 a grocer and had ample wealth. Things 
 were going on nicely in this quarter, and Lady Jabe 
 was pleased. 
 
 Clarence Burgh had left Marport and was now 
 amusing himself in London. Sometimes he came 
 down to see his aunt, who was getting ready for her 
 bridal and still lived in Ivy Lodge. There, Forge 
 intended to remove when married, as the house was 
 rent free, and already he had given notice to Tidman 
 as the Major told Rupert one evening. " And 
 I'm glad he's going," said the Major, as he sat with 
 his usual bottle of port before the fire, after dinner, 
 " I couldn't stand seeing, that Pewsey cat in my 
 house as Mrs. Doctor Forge." 
 
 "I wonder why he marries her?" said Rupert 
 who was smoking on the other side of the fire 
 place. 
 
 " Because he is frightened of her, sir. That 
 woman for some reason makes everyone frightened 
 of her — except me," added the Major swelling, " why 
 even that young Burgh hardly comes to see her, 
 though he's down here now — waiting for the wedding 
 I suppose. It comes off next week and a nice fright 
 that Pewsey cat will look as a bride." 
 
 Rupert laughed. Olivia had left the room and 
 retired to bed. The Major, who had been fidgeting 
 all the evening, looked round when alone with his 
 host. " I want to talk to you," he said. 
 
 " What about ? Haven't you been talking all the 
 evening." 
 
 "Not on the subject nearest to my heart," said 
 Tidman sipping his port. " I waited till Mrs. Ains-
 
 A MYSTERIOUS LETTER 183 
 
 leigh went away, as I don't want to revive unpleasant 
 
 memories." 
 
 " Oh," said Rupert with a shudder, " surely you 
 are not going to talk of the murder." 
 
 "No — certainly not : but I am of the thing that 
 caused it." 
 
 Rupert sat up quickly. " The fan. Why that's in 
 China. Tung-yu took it, after he — " 
 
 " Tung-yu did not take it," said the Major pro- 
 ducing a letter. " I thought he did, if you remember, 
 for you and I saw him on the beach on that night." 
 
 " Yes. He was talking to a boatman." 
 
 " Arranging for his flight," said Tidman grimly, 
 " and then he went back, as I thought, and murdered 
 that woman. But he didn't," the Major paused to 
 give full dramatic effect. " He thinks I did it." 
 
 " Oh, rubbish," said Rupert. " If you can prove 
 an alibi on my behalf, I can prove one on yours. 
 We walked and talked on the beach, till nearly 
 twelve. Then you went back to your bed, and I 
 returned to the ball-room. Immediately afterwards 
 the body was found. What makes Tung-yu accuse 
 you, and why do you get a letter from China ? " 
 
 " It's not from China, but from London." 
 
 " Is Tung-yu there ? " asked Ainsleigh, quickly. 
 
 " Yes. In some place in Rotherhithe. He writes 
 from there, in this letter. Read it," and he passed 
 it to his host. 
 
 Rupert glanced over the few lines which were 
 very neatly written on yellow paper. The letter 
 was to the effect that if Major Tidman would bring 
 the fan to a certain place in Rotherhithe, he would
 
 184 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 receive the money. " Humph," said Ainsleigh, 
 handing it back, "so it seems that Tung-yu has not 
 got the fan." 
 
 '* Yes, confound him, and he thinks I have it, in 
 which case he must believe that I murdered Miss 
 Wharf." 
 
 Eupert nodded. " It looks Hke it," said he, 
 " what will you do ? " 
 
 " I don't know. I do not want another Canton 
 adventure. I thought," here the Major hesitated, 
 " I thought you might go." 
 
 Ainsleigh did not burst out into a voluble refusal, 
 as Tidman expected, but stared at the fire. Seeing 
 this, Tidman urged his point. " I think if you 
 went, you might get at the truth of the matter," he 
 said. " If Tung-yu didn't murder Miss Wharf, 
 who did? Will you go?" 
 
 Eupert still gazed at the fire. He was thinking 
 of the eight thousand pounds due to him, held by 
 Lo-Keong and which, if gained, would pay off Miss 
 Pewsey. " Yes," said he at length, " I'll go." 
 
 It was a risk, as he knew, but the money was 
 worth the risk.
 
 CHAPTEE XV 
 
 The Eothebhithb Den 
 
 As a rule, Kupert told his wife everything, think- 
 ing there could be no happiness, unless a married 
 couple were frank with one another. Also, he fre- 
 quently went to Olivia for advice, believing in the 
 keen feminine instinct, which usually sees what is 
 hidden from the denser masculine understanding. 
 But on this occasion, he refrained from revealing 
 the object of his visit to London, as he knew she 
 would be feverishly anxious, all the time he was 
 absent. It was just possible that Hwei might be at 
 Kotherhithe instead of Tung-yu, and then Bupert 
 might meet with a death similar to that of Miss 
 Wharf. Certainly he had not the fan, and never 
 did possess it ; but how was he to convince a dis- 
 trustful Asiatic of that. 
 
 Therefore, Kupert went to town one afternoon by 
 the nine o'clock evening train from Marport, and 
 Olivia thought, he was merely going to see his 
 lawyer on business connected with Miss Pewsey's 
 mortgage. Her husband was to return the next 
 day in time for luncheon, and, as he had often run 
 up to town before, Olivia had no misgivings. Had 
 she been aware of the danger he was going into, she
 
 186 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 assuredly would not have let him go. Mrs. Ains- 
 leigh had led an unhappy life, and now that things 
 were brighter, she certainly did not wish to see her 
 days clouded, by the loss of the husband whom she 
 loved so dearly. 
 
 As what money there was, went to keep up 
 Eoyabay, its master was too poor to travel first 
 class. But he was lucky enough to find a third 
 class smoking carriage empty, and sat down very 
 content. Owing to the nature of his errand, he 
 wished to be alone, to think out his mode of pro- 
 cedure. Tung-yu would not be an easy person to 
 deal with, still less would Hwei, should he happen 
 to be on the spot, and Ainsleigh had little knowledge 
 of the Chinese character. From what Forge said, 
 he judged it to be dangerous. 
 
 There were few people travelling by the train, 
 and Kupert quite believed that he would have the 
 compartment to himself. But just as the train was 
 moving off, a man dashed into the carriage and 
 dropped breathlessly on the seat. " I guess that 
 was a narrow squeak," he gasped. 
 
 " Mr. Burgh," said Eupert, by no means pleased. 
 
 " Well, I am surprised," said the buccaneer, " if 
 it ain't Ainsleigh." 
 
 " Mr. Ainsleigh," was Eupert's reply, for he dis- 
 liked the man too much to tolerate this familiarity. 
 
 " Oh, shucks," retorted Burgh wiping his fore- 
 head, " 'tisn't any use putting on frills with me, sir. 
 I guess I'm as good a man as you, any day." 
 
 " Let us admit you are better," said Eupert coldly, 
 " and cease conversation."
 
 THE EOTHERHITHE DEN 187 
 
 But this Mr. Burgh was not inclined to do. " I 
 reckon this old tram won't stop at any station for 
 half an hour," said he pulling out a long black cigar, 
 '* so I don't see why we should sit like dummies for 
 thirty minutes. Come along, let's yarn. You think 
 I'm a wrong un'. Well, I guess I'm no holy Bill if 
 that's what you mean. But I surmise that I'm 
 friendly enough with you, Ainsleigh." 
 
 " Our last interview was not of a friendly 
 character." 
 
 "You bet. You laid me out proper, and gave it 
 to me pretty free. I respect a man who knocks me 
 down. I thought you'd curl up when faced, Ains- 
 leigh, but I see you're a fighter. That being so, 
 why I climb down. Not that I'm a coward — oh, 
 no — not by a long chalk : but I know how to size 
 up things." 
 
 " And how do you size them up in this case ? " 
 
 "Well," said Clarence lighting up, "I guess 
 you've got the bulge on me. I was sweet on your 
 wife, but you aimed a bulls-eye, and I got left. 
 That being so, I conclude to leave other man's goods 
 alone." 
 
 "Meaning Mrs. Ainsleigh," said Rupert dryly, 
 " thank you." 
 
 " Oh, no thanks. I've got enough sins already 
 without putting a gilded roof on my iniquities. See 
 here," Clarence leaned forward and looked agreeable, 
 though his wicked black eyes snapped fire, " why 
 shouldn't you and I be friends ? " 
 
 Rupert did not reply at once. He did not like 
 Burgh, who was an aggressive bully of the Far
 
 188 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 "West. All the same, something might be learned 
 from Burgh, relative to the mm:der, and to the 
 Chinaman. He knew Hwei and knew something of 
 the fan, so Eupert resolved to be on reasonably 
 friendly terms with the buccaneer in the hope of 
 learning something likely to be of use. If Mr. 
 Burgh had a lantern, there was no reason why 
 Ainsleigh should not use the light to illuminate his 
 somewhat dark path. Therefore, when Eupert did 
 speak, it was to express a wish to be friendly. Yet, 
 strange to say, as soon as he showed a disposition 
 to come forward, Clarence, the wary, showed an 
 equal disposition to retire. " Ho," said the bucca- 
 neer, " I guess you want my help, or you wouldn't 
 be so friendly all at once." 
 
 "I am friendly by your own desire," said Ains- 
 leigh dryly, " if you like, we need not talk, but can 
 part as enemies." 
 
 "No," said Burgh throwing himself indolently 
 back on the cushions, "fact is, I need you and you 
 need me." 
 
 " How do I need you? " asked Eupert sharply. 
 
 " Well," drawled Clarence, eying the clear-cut face 
 of his late enemy, " it's just this way. Aunt 
 Lavinia's an old cat. She was all square with me, 
 so long as she thought I'd hitch up longside Miss 
 Eayner " 
 
 " Mrs. Ainsleigh if you please, and leave out her 
 name." 
 
 " Eight oh. I'll use it only once. Aunty thought 
 I'd annex the cash, and Mrs. Ainsleigh, and that 
 she would live on the pair of us. But as things are
 
 THE EOTHEKHITHE DEN 189 
 
 Aunty has the cash and you've got the lady, so I 
 am left — yes sir. I guess I've been bested by 
 Aunty, Well sir, I calculate I'm not a millionaire, 
 and I want cash to start out on the long trail. 
 Aunty won't part, shabby old puss that she is ; but 
 I reckon if you'll help me, I'll rake in the dollars 
 slick." 
 
 " Why should I help you? " 
 
 " To get square about that murder." 
 
 Eupert drew back, " Do you know? " 
 
 " Oh I know nothing for certain, or I shouldn't 
 take you into partnership, but I believe I can spot 
 the person." 
 
 " Surely you don't think Miss Pewsey " 
 
 " Oh no. She wouldn't harm anyone, unless she 
 was on the right side. She's a cat, but is clever 
 enough to keep herself from being lynched. 'Sides, 
 she was comfortable enough with old Wharf, and 
 wouldn't have sent her to camp out in the New 
 Jerusalem, by strangling. But Aunty's going to 
 hitch up long-side old Forge " 
 
 " And he ? " asked Kupert secretly excited, but 
 looking calm enough. 
 
 " Go slow. I don't know anything for certain, 
 but I guess Forge had a finger in the pie. He 
 wanted the fan you know." 
 
 "Nonsense! He had the fan for two years and 
 made no use of it." 
 
 " I reckon not. He didn't know its secret — and 
 the secret's worth money I judge." 
 
 " Do you know the secret ? " 
 
 " No. If I'd known I shouldn't have passed the
 
 190 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 article along to old Wharf. But I'm hunting for 
 the secret, and when I find it out, I'll shake old 
 Forge's life out for that fan." 
 
 " But Tung-yu has the fan? " 
 
 " Ho ! " snorted the buccaneer, " and Tung-yu's 
 gone to China with Hwei and the fan. Shucks ! 
 They gassed that at the inquest, but the poppy-cock 
 don't go down along o' me. No Sir. I guess old 
 Forge has the article. Now you sail in with me, 
 and find out." 
 
 " How can I ? " 
 
 "Well," said the buccaneer reflectively, "your 
 father was a friend of the doctor's and he's chums 
 with you. Just you get him to be confidential like, 
 and then " 
 
 " Forge is the last man to be confidential with 
 anyone," said Rupert coldly, " and if chis be your 
 scheme I can't help you. There is not a shred of 
 evidence to prove that Forge killed Miss Wharf." 
 
 " No. That's a frozen fact ; but I guess I'm 
 going to straighten out Forge to pay out Aunty. 
 Then both will have to part with cash for my going 
 on the long trail. I'm in the dark now, but 
 later " 
 
 An end was put to Mr. Burgh's chatter by the 
 stoppage of the train at a station, and by the en- 
 trance of a joyful party of father, mother and three 
 children. These last returning from a happy day in 
 the country made themselves agreeable by crying. 
 Clarence closed his mouth, and only bent forward to 
 say one last word to Rupert, " I reckon we'll talk of 
 this to-morrow when I get back to Marport," said
 
 THE ROTHEEHITHE DEN 191 
 
 he, " I'm putting up at the Bristol, and aunty's foot- 
 ing the bill." 
 
 Ainsleigh nodded and buried himself in his own 
 thoughts. He did not see how Clarence could bring 
 the crime home to Dr. Forge, but the buccaneer 
 evidently had his suspicions. Rupert resolved to 
 keep in with Burgh on the chance that something 
 might come of the matter. He saw well enough 
 that Clarence, in desperate want of money, would do 
 all in his power to prove Forge guilty and would then 
 blackmail him and Miss Pewsey, or, as she would 
 then be, Mrs. Forge. This last design which Rupert 
 suspected Burgh entertained, he resolved should not 
 be put into practice: but if Forge was guilty, he 
 would be arrested and tried. Therefore when 
 Clarence parted with Ainsleigh at the Liverpool 
 street station, the latter was moderately friendly. 
 
 " 'Night," said the buccaneer wringing Ainsleigh's 
 hand. " See you to-morrow at Marport. Keep it 
 dark," and he winked and disappeared. 
 
 Ainsleigh moved towards the barrier to give up 
 his ticket. As he did so he was roughly jostled, but 
 could not see the person who thus banged against 
 him. He left the station however, with the feeling 
 that he was being followed, and kept looking back to 
 see if, amongst the crowd, there was any special 
 person at his heels. But he could see no one with 
 his eyes on him. Yet the feeling continued even 
 when he got into the underground train, which was 
 to take him to Rotherhithe. 
 
 The young man had put on a shabby suit of blue 
 serge for the adventure and, — as the night was
 
 192 THE MANDABIN'S FAN 
 
 rainy, — wore a heavy over-coat, the same in fact, 
 which he had left in the cloak-room of the Bristol 
 hotel on that memorable occasion. The compart- 
 ment was filled with a rather rough set of workmen 
 going home, and some were the worse for liquor. How- 
 ever Eupert sitting quietly in his own corner was not 
 disturbed and arrived in Eotherhithe without trouble. 
 He was thankful for this, as he did not wish to have 
 a row when engaged on a secret errand. 
 
 It was dark and stormy when he stepped out into 
 the street, but as the address given in the letter 
 written to Major Tidman, was that of a narrow 
 street close at hand — Eupert had looked it up in the 
 Directory, — he did not take a cab. On his way along 
 the streaming pavement he again had the sensation 
 of being followed, and felt for the revolver, with 
 which he had very wisely provided himself. But 
 nothing happened, and he arrived at the mouth of 
 the narrow street which was called Penters Alley. 
 There were few people about, as the ragged loafers 
 were within, not caring to face the pelting rain in 
 their light attire. Eupert stepped cautiously down 
 the side street, and saw in the distance a Chinese 
 lantern, which he knew, marked the house he was 
 to enter. This token had been set forth in the 
 letter. 
 
 Just as the young man was half way down, a dark 
 figure, which had crept up behind him, darted forward 
 and aimed a blow at him. Eupert dodged and tried 
 to close : but at that moment another figure dashed 
 between the two men and delivered a right-hander. 
 There was a stifled cry of rage and the clash of a
 
 THE BOTHERHITHE DEN 193 
 
 knife on the wet pavement. Then the first assailant 
 cleared off, and Rupert found himself facing his 
 rescuer. " Just in time," said Clarence Burgh. 
 
 " What, you here," said Rupert surprised. " I left 
 you at the station. 
 
 " I guess that's so, but I followed you — " 
 
 " And by what right — " 
 
 " That's square enough," replied Burgh, " you'd 
 agreed to work along with me on this racket." 
 
 " Not altogether. I had not made up my mind." 
 
 " "Well I guess you'll make it up now Mr. Ains- 
 lei(^h. It was a good job I came after you as I did, 
 or this would have been into your ribs," and he held 
 up a long knife which he had picked up. 
 
 "I am much obliged," said Ainsleigh, " but — " 
 
 " Well if you're obliged, let me go along with you 
 and see you through this game. I don't know what 
 it is, but I'm on for larks." 
 
 Ainsleigh reflected, and on the impulse of the 
 moment trusted the man. Clarence had un- 
 doubtedly saved his life, and it would be just as well 
 to take.Jiim. Also Clarence could do no harm, as 
 Tung-yu and Hwei would see to that. "Very good," 
 said Ainsleigh, " come along. I'm going to where 
 that Chinese lantern is." 
 
 Clarence gave a long whistle and smote his leg, 
 " Gad," said he between his teeth, "you're on the 
 Chinese racket again." 
 
 " Oh, behalf of Major Tidman," and Rupert 
 rapidly gave details. 
 
 Burgh whistled again, "Ho," he laughed, "so 
 they think Tidman's the strangler. Well I guess
 
 194 THE MANDAETN'S FAN 
 
 not. Forge for my money. Let's heave ahead 
 Ainsleigh, and see what the Chinkeys have to say." 
 
 The two moved on and stopped under the lantern. 
 A sharp knock at a closed door brought forth a 
 Chinese boy, who was dressed — queerly enough — all 
 in red. Kupert recalled Tidman's adventure at 
 Canton, and did not like the look of things. But 
 Clarence pushed past him and addressed the boy. 
 
 " We've come to see Tung-yu," said he, " give 
 this brat the letter, Ainsleigh." 
 
 The boy took the letter and instead of looking at 
 it by the light of the lantern, smelt it carefully. 
 Then Ainsleigh remembered that it was strongly per- 
 fumed with some queer scent. Clarence cackled. 
 
 " Kummy coves these Chinese beasts," said he 
 politely. 
 
 Evidently the boy was satisfied, for he threw open 
 the door, and the two adventurers entered. They 
 passed along a narrow corridor to a second door. 
 On this being opened, they turned down a long 
 passage to the right and were conducted by the red 
 boy into a small room decorated in Chinese fashion, 
 somewhat after the style of that in Dr. Forge's 
 house. At the end there was a shrine with a hide- 
 ous god set up therein, and before this, smoked some 
 joss sticks giving out a strange perfume. A tasselled 
 lantern hung from the ceiling. The chairs and 
 table, elegant in design were of carved black wood, 
 and the walls were hung with gaily pictured paper. 
 The room was neat and clean, but pervaded by that 
 strange atmosphere of the East which brings back 
 curious memories to those who have travelled into 
 
 / 
 
 4
 
 THE ROTHEBHITHE DEN 195 
 
 those parts. After conducting them into this room, 
 the red boy vanished and the men found themselves 
 alone. 
 
 "Well I reckon we've got to make ourselves 
 comfortable," said the buccaneer sitting, " rum 
 shanty — just like an opium den I know of, down 
 'Frisco way. Ho ! I wonder how Tung-yu's escaped 
 the police?" 
 
 "I wonder rather who it was that tried to knife 
 me," said Eupert sitting. 
 
 Clarence looked queer. " We'll talk of that when 
 
 we get through with this business. Here's some 
 fairy." 
 
 Even while he spoke a tall lean Chinaman entered 
 noiselessly. He had a rather fierce face and one eye. 
 Burgh started up. 
 
 " Hwei," said he amazed. " I thought you had 
 lighted out for 'Frisco."
 
 CHAPTEE XVr 
 
 The Fan Mystery 
 
 The one-eyed Chinaman did not smile, nor did he 
 greet Burgh in any way, friendly or otherwise. He 
 simply looked at the two, with an impassive gaze 
 and then glanced at a clock, the hands of which 
 pointed to thirty minutes past eleven. What a 
 clock should be doing in this Eastern room, the 
 visitors could not make out. It seemed to be out of 
 place. Yet there it was, and there was Hwei staring 
 at it. He still preserved silence and brought his 
 one eye from the clock to Rupert with a malevolent 
 glare. 
 
 " Major Tidman has not come," said Hwei in 
 English, as good as that spoken by Tung-yu, 
 but in a grating voice. 
 
 " No," said Eupert who was addressed. " He re- 
 ceived your note,— or rather Tung-yu's letter, — and 
 asked me to come here on his behalf." 
 
 " And I guess Hwei," drawled Clarence, "that I 
 have come to see the business through." 
 
 " That will not take long," said the Chinaman 
 cheerfully, yet with an unpleasant stare, " where is 
 the fan of the Mandarin ? " 
 
 " I have not got it," replied Ainsleigh shortly.
 
 THE FAN MYSTERY 197 
 
 " Major Tidman did not send it perhaps." 
 
 " No. For the simple reason that it is not in his 
 possession." 
 
 " That," said Hwei grimly, " is a lie," 
 
 " It's the truth," chipped in Burgh suddenly, " old 
 man Tidman didn't choke that woman ! " 
 
 "You mean Miss Wharf." 
 
 Burgh nodded. "That's so," said he in a curt 
 way, but with a watchful eye on the one-eyed China- 
 man. 
 
 Hwei gnawed his long finger nails, and then 
 slipped his hands inside his long hanging sleeves. 
 In his dull blue clothes with the clumsy slippers, he 
 looked taller than ever, and quite as unpleasant as 
 at first sight. His pig-tail was coiled round his 
 shaven head. He looked sharply at the two men 
 with his one eye, and appeared to be thinking, " It's 
 my day," said he at length. 
 
 Ainsleigh and Burgh jumped up. "Do you intend 
 to murder us ? " asked Rupert. 
 
 " If you have the fan," rejoined Hwei coldly, " it is 
 the order of the god Kwang-ho," and he bowed rev- 
 erentially to the ugly image. 
 
 " What right's that second hand joss to give 
 orders in a free country, Hwei?" asked Clarence, 
 " and don't you think, we'll give in without laying you 
 out." 
 
 Hwei made a clicking noise with his tongue and 
 then smote a small brass gong which hung near the 
 door. The thunder had scarcely died away before 
 the door opened and there appeared four or five 
 villainous looking Chinamen with long knives.
 
 198 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 Eupert stepped back and stood against the wall, with 
 his revolver levelled. But Clarence simply produced 
 the knife, he had picked up on the pavement. " I 
 guess," he said reflectively, "you tried to knife Ains- 
 leigh outside. The knife here's the same as those 
 things yonder," and he nodded towards the door. 
 " Well, sail in. We're ready for the play." 
 
 Hwei started at this speech, and chattered some- 
 thing in Chinese. At once the door closed and the three 
 were again alone. " I never ordered anyone to be 
 knifed outside," he said, with his one eye on Clarence, 
 " that would be foohsh. First the fan, then the 
 death." 
 
 " I was certainly attacked outside," said Eupert 
 lowering his revolver. 
 
 " Who attacked you, sir? " 
 
 " I can't say. But perhaps Burgh — " 
 
 '• That's my business," said the cheerful Clarence 
 who had taken his seat, and did not seem to be at all 
 afraid of the dangerous position in which he found 
 himself, " what we have to do, is to yarn about this 
 fan. I saw you in 'Frisco, Hwei. I reckoned the 
 fan was there." 
 
 " We thought so, Mr. Burgh, but it came to the 
 ears of Lo-Keong that it was in England. So then 
 I came here." 
 
 " Ah, I saw you in China also," said Clarence. 
 
 "You did, and learned much about the fan — too 
 much," growled Hwei. 
 
 Eupert who was growing weary of all this hinted 
 mystery sat down again, and threw the revolver on 
 the table. " I wish you would make a clean breast
 
 THE FAN MYSTERY 199 
 
 of this," he said calmly. " I don't care about the 
 fan, but I do want to know who killed Miss Wharf." 
 
 " Major Tidman did." 
 
 " No. He was with me on the beach. I went 
 out to smoke and we strolled up and down till nearly 
 twelve. He was with me shortly after eleven, so he 
 could not have killed the woman." 
 
 Hwei pointed a long finger at the young man. " I 
 saw Major Tidman speaking to a boatman on the 
 beach — the boat came from the Stormy Petrel — " 
 
 " Your boat," said Burgh quickly. 
 
 " No. The boat of Tung-yu. It was my day, but 
 Tung-yu hoped to get the fan after twelve at night 
 and then would have had the right to take it away in 
 the boat. Major Tidman killed Miss "Wharf and gave 
 the knowledge of his crime to Tung-yu. He would 
 not part with the fan till the money was paid. 
 Tung-yu went away in the boat so that the police 
 might not get him. He was wise," added Hwei with 
 a queer smile, " as he is accused of the murder." 
 
 " Which you committed." 
 
 " No I did not. Had I found Miss Wharf outside 
 I should have killed her. It was my hour, but she 
 escaped me." 
 
 " Then you were in Marport on that night? " asked 
 Bupert. 
 
 Hwei nodded. " Not at the hotel. Tung-yu went 
 to the ball, and was to bring Miss Wharf out down 
 the steps, so that I could kill her. I came to the steps 
 about twelve, and while waiting on the beach I saw 
 you sir, talking to the Major. But Tung-yu betrayed 
 me." Hwei's face looked fiercer then ever. "He did
 
 200 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 not bring her to me in my hour, and so betrayed the 
 trust of the god Kwang-ho. He wanted her to hve, 
 so that he might buy the fan next day." 
 
 " But so long as he got the fan — " 
 
 Hwei flung out a long arm. "No," said he 
 austerely, " if Tung-yu gets the fan it goes with its 
 secret into the hands of Mandarin Hop Sing, who is 
 the enemy of my master." 
 
 " And who is your master ? " asked Clarence. 
 
 " Lo-Keong. Listen." Hwei took a seat and 
 talked, with his one eye on the visitors. " The fan 
 is my master's, and holds a secret which means 
 much to him. It was lost. We invoked the god 
 Kwang-ho. By the mouth of his priest the gods 
 said that two men should search for it. I was 
 to search for Lo-Keong, and Tung-yu for Hop Sing 
 the enemy of my master. Hop Sing's emmissary 
 was to buy the fan at a large price, I was to kill the 
 person who held it. Thus, said the god, justice 
 would be done. The person who held the fan would 
 be rewarded for virtue or slain for evil. One day is 
 mine and the next day is Tung-ya's. At the ball I had 
 my hour, and had I found Miss Wharf I would have 
 slain her for the fan. But Tung-yu betrayed me, 
 as he wished to buy the fan next day. Bat the god 
 Kwang-ho interfered, and the woman who held the 
 fan wrongfully, met with her doom. Great is the 
 justice of the god Kwang-ho," and he bowed again 
 to the ugly image which was half veiled by the 
 curling smoke. 
 
 Eupert stared at the man who talked such good 
 English, yet who used it, to utter such extraordinary
 
 THE FAN MYSTEEY 201 
 
 things. He was not acquainted with the Chinese 
 character, and could not understand the affair. But 
 on reflection he concluded that the alternate killing 
 and rewarding was adopted as giving a chance of 
 treating the person, who secured the fan in the way 
 he or she deserved. "I see what you mean," said 
 he, " if the person got the fan wrongfully, it would 
 come into your possession in your way, if rightfully, 
 it would go to Tung-yu, therefore the holder of the 
 fan would be rewarded according to his or her deeds." 
 
 Hwei bowed. " Q-reat is the wisdom of the god 
 Kwang-ho," said he. 
 
 " Then I guess you're wrong and the god also," 
 said Clarence, " old Miss Wharf got the fan squarely 
 enough from me." 
 
 " She had it wrongfully," said Hwei obstinately 
 " else she would not have been slain." 
 
 "Who slew her?" asked Rupert seeing the 
 uselessness of argument. 
 
 " Major Tidman." 
 
 " No. I tell you he was on the beach. Tung-yu 
 killed her." 
 
 Hwei shook his head, " Tung-yu dare not," said 
 he, "the god would slay him if he disobeyed." 
 
 " The god didn't slay him when he played low 
 down on you in keeping Miss Wharf back from your 
 knife," said Clarence. 
 
 " Tung-yu has done penance. He has made 
 amends. He wrote to Major Tidman telling him to 
 come here on my night, so that he might meet with 
 his doom." 
 
 " But he hasn't come."
 
 202 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 " He is afraid." 
 
 " No," said Rupert decisively, " the Major has not 
 the fan. Who has, I know no more than I do who 
 killed Miss Wharf." 
 
 Hwei wavered, and his keen face grew troubled. 
 The persistence of Rupert was having its effect. 
 " Are you sure? " 
 
 " Quite sure," said Ainsleigh promptly. 
 
 " Will you swear this before the god Kwang-ho." 
 
 " Certainly — but remember I am a Christian." 
 
 Hwei went to the shrine and brought forth a joss 
 stick. " The god Kwang-ho is all powerful," said 
 he solemnly, " if you lie, he will not spare you. 
 Burn this joss before him and swear." 
 
 "No," said Rupert drawing back. "I am a 
 Christian." 
 
 Hwei's eye flashed with fury. " You are lying," 
 said he, '/you will never leave this place alive." 
 
 " Oh I guess so," said Clarence easily, "neither I 
 nor Ainsleigh has the fan, and you can't kill either 
 of us unless the god grows angry. You've got to 
 climb down before him." 
 
 " That is true," said Hwei dropping the joss-stick, 
 and sat in his chair with a puzzled face. He then 
 pointed to the clock, the long hand of which was 
 drawing to twelve. "When that strikes, my hour 
 is over," he said, " but I may kill you before then." 
 
 " You've got ten minutes to do it in," said Burgh 
 cheerfully, " and Ainsleigh and I intend to fight for 
 it. You'll be hanged too." 
 
 " No," said Hwei. " I'll be on my way to China 
 with the fan. I have a boat waiting near, to take me
 
 THE FAN MYSTEEY 203 
 
 to a special steamer. I intended to kill Major 
 Tidman, take the fan and go. Then all the police in 
 the country would not have caught me." 
 
 "And your nice little plan has been defeated by 
 the Major not coming up," said Kupert calmly, 
 "just as well he didn't. And I have not got the 
 fan." 
 
 "Who has — who has," said Hwei biting his nails, 
 and evidently quite at a loss." I made sure — " he 
 looked at Clarence. 
 
 " Oh it wasn't me," said that gentleman promptly, 
 " but I may know who killed the old woman and has 
 the fan." 
 
 Hwei flung himself forward. " Tell — tell — tell," 
 he grasped, and he laid his long fingers on Burgh's 
 throat. The young man threw him over with a 
 great effort and slipped back to the wall, where he 
 stood beside Eupert. The two had out their revolvers. 
 " You wait," said Clarence in a breathless voice, for 
 the struggle though brief had been violent," tell me 
 the secret of the fan, and I'll give you the name of 
 the person who has it." 
 
 " What," cried Hwei furiously, " betray my master, 
 you foreign devil. I will kill you first." 
 
 "You've just got five minutes to do it in," cried 
 Burgh jeeringly. 
 
 The Chinaman put his fingers to his lips and 
 blew a shrill whistle. In a moment the room was 
 filled with Chinamen, chattering and screaming like 
 so many infuriated parrots. Hwei threw himself on 
 the young men. " Die— Die — " he said thickly. 
 
 " Fire — fire," cried Clarence, kicking Hwei back.
 
 204 THE MANDABIN'S FAN 
 
 For the next few minutes Rupert had no very 
 clear idea of what was happening. He fired into the 
 mass of Chinamen pushing forward, and heard a cry 
 as a man dropped. The others fell over him, and in 
 the struggle upset the shrine. The ugly joss rolled 
 on to the floor and caught fire. There were shrill 
 screams from the Chinese, who began to jab with 
 their knives. Clarence was rolling on the floor in 
 close grips with Hwei, and the draperies of the joss 
 flared away in a brilliant manner. It seemed as 
 though the two rash men would be either burnt or 
 stabbed, and the end was coming rapidly. 
 
 All at once the silvery chime of the clock sounded 
 and then came the rapid striking of the hour. The 
 door opened and the boy in red, appeared. He said 
 something in a screaming voice, and then, almost 
 as by magic, the room emptied. The rolling mass 
 of Chinamen had extinguished the flaming joss, and 
 Hwei, suddenly disengaging himself from the bucca- 
 neer, darted through the door. The boy followed 
 with the rest of the assailants, and when Rupert and 
 Burgh got their reath they found themselves facing 
 the still smoking joss, with Tung-yu blandly smiling 
 at them. 
 
 " Ho," said Clarence rising and shaking himself. 
 " I guess the row's over. Hurt Ainsleigh ? " 
 
 "Got a flesh wound," said Rupert, winding his 
 handkerchief round his left arm, " and you ? " 
 
 " I'm as right as a pie. So here's Tung-yu. Your 
 hour I guess." 
 
 The Chinaman bowed, and picking up the god 
 restored him to his shrine, which was considerably
 
 THE FAN MYSTERY 205 
 
 damaged. " It is lucky the red boy cried that Hwei's 
 hour was over," he said coolly, " or you would both 
 have been killed." 
 
 " You wouldn't have got the fan though," said 
 Rupert throwing himself down on his seat, " but you 
 don't intend to kill us I suppose." 
 
 "No. The god Kwang-ho is merciful now. I 
 make you rich." 
 
 " Humph," said Burgh crossly, " I wish I had that 
 fan with me." 
 
 "You have, or Mr. Ainsleigh here, has it," said 
 Tung-yu, " I will give you five thousand for the fan." 
 
 " I haven't got it." 
 
 " Think — ten thousand." 
 
 "Great Scot!" cried Clarence avariciously, "wish 
 T could trade." 
 
 " Fifteen thousand," said Tung-yu his eyes 
 glittering, " come gentlemen it's better to be rich 
 than dead. For the next twenty-four hours I can 
 give you money. Then comes Hewi's hour and he 
 will kill you." 
 
 " Not much," said Burgh, " I'm going to cut." 
 
 " You shall be kept here, till you give up the fan." 
 
 Rupert shrugged his shoulders. " You won't 
 believe," he said, " why not search us. Then you 
 can see we have not the fan. Do you believe that 
 Major Tidmanhas it?" 
 
 " Yes. He gave it to you. He killed — " 
 
 " He did not. Can you swear that he did ? " 
 
 " No. But I thought—" 
 
 " Oh shucks," said Clarence shoving himself for- 
 ward, "see here Mr. Tung-yu. I'm sick of this
 
 206 THE MA^NDARIN'S FAN 
 
 business. We haven't got that durned fan. But I 
 can tell you who has." 
 
 " Tell then and I give you a thousand pounds." 
 
 '* Not good enough," said Burgh coolly, " see here, 
 you let us go free and tell us the fan's secret, and 
 I'll tell you." 
 
 " Yes, and get the fan, and learn the secret," cried 
 Tung-yu excited, " but you cannot make use of the 
 secret." 
 
 " Don't want to. And as to the fan, you can get 
 it from the person I tell you of. Then you can fork 
 out fifteen thousand." 
 
 The Chinaman deliberated. " We have been 
 wrong about Major Tidman, I think," said he politely. 
 " It seems someone else has it. I suppose " 
 
 " I didn't kill the old girl myself if that's what you 
 mean." 
 
 " Quite so," said Tung-yu, after another pause. 
 " Well, as you can't make any use of the secret I'll 
 tell you of it. Then you can go free, after you have 
 told me who killed Miss Wharf." 
 
 " Eight oh," said Clarence, and Rupert listened 
 breathlessly. 
 
 "The fan," said Tung-yu, " is jade on one side, 
 and enamel on the other. The enamelled side is 
 painted with a picture invisibly. To bring out the 
 picture, this fan has to be waved in certain smoke — " 
 
 " What sort of smoke ? " 
 
 " I won't tell you that," said Tung-yu politely, 
 " I have told enough." 
 
 " Well, then," said Eupert, " when the picture is 
 visible what happens ? "
 
 THE FAN MYSTEEY 207 
 
 " It will show a hiding place which contains cer- 
 tain things we want to get, in order to ruin Lo-Keong 
 with the Empress." 
 
 " Oh, I see, a plan of a secret hiding-place." 
 
 " Now you know," said Tung-yu to Clarence, 
 tell me " 
 
 " Not till I know of the smoke." 
 
 ** I refuse. But I give you fifteen thousand to get 
 that fan. One thousand now if you tell me who 
 killed the woman and who has it." 
 
 "Good," said Clarence, "I'll trade. Dr. Forge 
 strangled Miss Wharf." 
 
 " Ah," said Tung-yu leaping up, " he has the fan. 
 Thanks Kwang-ho," and he bowed to the half- 
 destroyed image.
 
 CHAPTEE XVII 
 
 A DiSAPPEAKANCB 
 
 When Kupert returned to Marport next day, 
 Burgh accompanied him. The young squire of 
 Koyabay wished to give information to the police 
 regarding the guilt of Forge. But Clarence per- 
 suaded him against doing so. " You'll only get me 
 into a row," said he, in his candid way. " You see 
 I told a lie." 
 
 " You tell so many lies," said Eupert sharply, 
 " I don't know but what I ought to give you in 
 charge." 
 
 " I guess not, seeing I saved your life last night." 
 
 "No. You're right there Burgh. But have yo,u 
 really anything to do with this murder ?" 
 
 " No, 'cept as how I told old Tung-yu last night." 
 
 ' Just repeat what you said. I was so faint with 
 the loss of blood that I didn't gather half you said." 
 
 Burgh nodded. " You were pretty sick. I'd to 
 help you back to civilization, same as if you were 
 drunk. If I hadn't, you'd have been robbed and 
 killed down that Bowery gangway." 
 
 Ainsleigh could not, but acknowledge that 
 Clarence had acted very well. He had saved him 
 from the man who attacked him in the street, aud
 
 A DISAPPEAKANCE 209 
 
 also, it was owing to him that the two had escaped 
 from the gang of Hwei. Finally Burgh had taken 
 Eupert back to the Guelph Hotel in Jermyn Street, 
 when he was rather shaky from the wound. It 
 was much better this morning, but Ain sleigh looked 
 pale, and not at all himself. Still he did not grudge 
 the trifling wound — it was merely a scratch although 
 it had bled freely, — as the knowledge he had ac- 
 quired, was well worth the trouble. They had left 
 the den in Penters Alley, some time after mid-night, 
 and had returned safely to the West, where Rupert 
 had acted as host to Burgh. That was Clarence all 
 over. Whenever he did anyone a service, he always 
 took it out of him in some way, and but, for the 
 dangerous position in which he found himself would 
 have quartered his carcase on Rupert for an in- 
 definite period. 
 
 " But there ain't no denying that I'm in a fix," 
 said Burgh, as the train drew near Marport. 
 " That is, if you split Ainsleigh." 
 
 " No, I won't split on you. But if Forge is guilty 
 he must be arrested," said Rupert decisively. 
 
 "But 1 don't know if he strangled the old girl 
 after all." 
 
 "You said he did, last night." 
 
 " Well I wanted to know the secret of that fan." 
 
 Rupert shrugged his shoulders. "You know 
 that the fan when waved in a certain smoke — of 
 which by the way you learned nothing — reveals 
 a hiding place which contains certain things Tung- 
 yu wants — " 
 
 " To ruin Lo-Keong," said Burgh quickly. " So 
 
 F
 
 210 THE MANDAKIN'S FAN 
 
 I guess if I can pick up that fan from old Forge, I'll 
 yank in the dollars." 
 
 "Aren't you satisfied with what you have." 
 
 '* This thousand. Oh that's all right. I cashed 
 the cheque before I joined you at the station — got it 
 in gold so I can clear out when it suits me. It's 
 always as well to be ready to git." 
 
 " I suppose," said Ainsleigh dryly, " in your varied 
 career, you have had frequent occasions to ' git ' as 
 you call it." 
 
 "You bet. But git's slang American and good 
 Turkish lingo, so you've no need to sneer old man. 
 ' Say, about Forge. What's to be done ? " 
 
 " I'll communicate with Kodgers and tell him what 
 you say. If the doctor is guilty he must suffer." 
 
 " My eye," said Clarence reflectively, " won't 
 aunty be mad. Well I guess this will square us : 
 she won't play low down on me again." 
 
 " Burgh, you're a blackguard." 
 
 " I am, that's a fact," said the buccaneer in no 
 wise disturbed. " But don't you say that in public 
 or the fur'll fly." 
 
 "Pooh. You know I'm equal to you. But this 
 story — " 
 
 " The one I told Tung-yu last night," grinned 
 Burgh, " I'll reel it out now, and you can sort it out 
 as you choose. I believe Forge to be the scragger 
 of the old girl, because he had that tie of yours." 
 
 " How did he get the tie?" 
 
 " I gave it to him," confessed Clarence candidly. 
 
 " Yes — I remember you said so last night. But I 
 forget how you explained the getting of it."
 
 A DISAPPEAEANCE 211 
 
 "Huh," drawled Burgh folding his arms. "You 
 might call it stealing old pard. Y'see Miss Pewsey — 
 my old aunty that is — saw Olivia — " 
 
 " Mrs. Ainsleigh, hang you." 
 
 "Right oh," continued Burgh imperturhably. 
 "Well, aunty saw Mrs. Ainsleigh pass the tie to you, 
 and when you went to the cloak-room she told me. 
 I was real mad not knowing how things were, as I 
 wanted that tie for myself. I'd no notion of your 
 getting things made by the young lady I was sweet 
 on. 
 
 "I wish you would leave out my wife's name," 
 said Eupert angrily, and wincing with pain, for his 
 wound hurt him not a little. 
 
 " I'll try : don't get your hair off. "Well I cut 
 along to the card room — no t'wasn't the card room — 
 the cloakroom, and saw you standing by your coat, just 
 hanging it up again." 
 
 "And you saw me put the tie in the pocket." 
 
 " I guess not : but I fancied you might have done 
 so. Then I waited outside while you yarned with 
 the Chinese cove and Tidmau. After that I cut in 
 and you know the rest." 
 
 " Up to the time I knocked you down. Well ? " 
 
 " Smashing blow," said Burgh coolly," you can use 
 yom- hands pretty well I reckon — but a six shooter's 
 more in my line. Well, when you cut, I lay down 
 and saw stars for a time. Then I thought I'd pay 
 you out by annexing the tie." 
 
 " You didn't know it was there ? " 
 
 " Thought it might be," rejoined Burgh coolly, 
 " anyhow there was no harm in trying. I found the
 
 212 THE MANDAKIN'S FAN 
 
 tie, and went out with it, thinking you be pretty 
 sick when you found it gone. I went into the card- 
 room where old Forge was cheating I guess, and had 
 a yarn along o'him. He just roared when I showed 
 him the tie, for he hates you like pie." 
 
 "What's that? " asked Eupert sharply, "you are 
 mistaken." 
 
 " I guess not. That old man would have been 
 glad to see you scragged, Mr. Ainsleigh. He asked 
 . me to let him have the tie — " 
 
 "What for?" 
 
 Burgh shrugged his shoulders. " He didn't say. 
 But I let him have it anyhow. I wasn't in a position 
 to refuse. Y'see Ainsleigh I'm not a holy Bill 
 and—" 
 
 " And Forge knows a few of your escapades likely 
 to land you in — " 
 
 " Y'needn't say the word," interrupted Burgh in 
 his turn, " t'isn't a pretty one. But I guess Forge 
 could make things hot for me if he liked, so 
 that was why I lay low when I saw the tie round 
 the old girl's throat. I guessed then. Forge had 
 scragged her and boned the fan. I asked him about 
 it, and belied like billeo. Said he'd lost the tie, and 
 never touched the old 'un. Then he said if I made 
 any fuss, he'd tell the police about — " 
 
 " About what ? " asked Ainsleigh, seeing the man 
 hesitate. 
 
 " Huh," repHed Burgh, uncomfortably, " I guess 
 that's my business. I told you I wasn't a saint." 
 
 "I suspect you're a thorough paced gaol-bird." 
 
 " No, I ain't been in quod. Where I gavorted
 
 A DISAPPEARANCE 213 
 
 round, in the Naked Lands, they don't shove a man 
 in chokey for every trifle." 
 
 " Such as murder. Eh ? " 
 
 "I haven't murdered anyone yet," confessed 
 
 Clarence, easily, " but one never knows. But I 
 
 told about Forge last night, as I wanted to get this 
 
 thousand. Now I'll try for the fan, and see if I 
 
 can't get the fifteen thousand to come my way. If 
 
 Forge cuts up rough, I'll Hght out with what I 
 
 have " — he slapped his pockets — " for Callao," and 
 
 he began to sing the old song : — 
 
 " On no occasion, is extradition, 
 Allowed in Callao." 
 
 And I know a daisy of a girl out there," said the 
 scamp, winking. 
 
 Ainsleigh was too disgusted to speak. He felt 
 that as he was as big a ruffian as Burgh, to tolerate 
 this conversation, and he was relieved when the 
 train steamed into Marport station. As soon as it 
 stopped he jumped out, and nodding to his com- 
 panion, he was about to take his leave, when 
 Clarence stopped him. " Say. You won't round on 
 Forge till I get this fan business settled." 
 
 " I intend to write to Rodgers to-day," said Ains- 
 leigh, tartly, " bad as your aunt is, she shan't marry 
 that scoundrel if I can help it." 
 
 " But I only know Forge got the scarf as I told 
 you. He mightn't have scragged her y'know. He 
 says he didn't." 
 
 "And relied on what he knows of you to keep 
 things quiet. No, Mr. Burgh, I intend to have the 
 man arrested," and Rupert turned away, while
 
 214 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 Clarence, apparently not at all disturbed, went 
 away whistling his Callao ditty. 
 
 Eupert drove to Royabay and was welcomed with 
 joy by his wife. She was much alarmed when she 
 saw his condition, and was very angry when he told of 
 his danger. She made him lie down, and bathed 
 the wound, of which Rupert made light. " It's 
 nothing, dear," he said. 
 
 " It might be dangerous. There might have been 
 poison on that knife, Rupert. You know what the 
 Chinese are." 
 
 " No, Olivia, I certainly don't. All this business 
 of the fan and the god Kwang-ho is most ridiculous." 
 
 " Tell me all about it," said Olivia, when she had 
 placed a tray, with tea and toast, before him. 
 
 " I shall do so at once, as I want your advice," 
 and Rupert related all that had occurred from the 
 time of his meeting with Clarence Burgh in the train 
 on the previous night. Olivia listened in silence. 
 ** Well," asked Rupert, drinking his tea, " what do 
 you think?" 
 
 " I think Mr. Burgh is a scoundrel." 
 
 " Anyone can see that ! " 
 
 " And worthy of his aunt." 
 
 "Perhaps. She's a bad one that Miss Pewsey, 
 but she may not know what a rascal she has for a 
 relative. And at all events, I can't let her marry 
 Forge. Do you believe he is guilty ? " 
 
 "He might be," said Olivia cautiously, "but I 
 would much rather believe that Burgh gave the tie 
 o his aunt and that she strangled aunt Sophia." 
 
 Rupert laughed." What a vindictive person you
 
 A DISAPPEARANCE 215 
 
 are dearest," said he. *' Miss Pewsey is bad but 
 not so bad as that." 
 
 " I'd credit her with anything," said Olivia, who 
 was truly feminine in her detestation of Miss Pewsy. 
 " She has insulted me for years, and put aunt Sophia 
 against me, and caused me to lose the money." 
 
 " Well — well," said Rupert soothingly," let us 
 think the best of her — she has her good points. 
 
 "Where are they — what are they? She is a — 
 no," Olivia checked herself and looked penitent, " I 
 really must not give way to such unworthy feelings. 
 I'll try and think the best of her, and I agree with 
 you darling, that she must not marry Dr. Forge." 
 
 " Do you think I should write to Rodgers ? " 
 
 " Certainly. The marriage must be stopped. 
 Write to-day." 
 
 But Rupert did not write that day, for the simple 
 reason that the wound on his arm grew very painful, 
 and he became delirious. The doctor who was 
 called in, said that there was poison in the blood and 
 then Olivia was alarmed lest Rupert should lose his 
 arm, and perhaps his life. However, the doctor was 
 young and clever and by careful treatment he drew 
 out the poison and in a few days, the young man's 
 arm had resumed its normal condition, and his ^ 
 
 brain again became clear. Then he wrote a letter 
 to Rodgers asking him to come down to Royabay on 
 a matter connected with the murder of his wife's 
 aunt. After the letter had been posted, Rupert 
 went out for a walk with his wife, and strolled round 
 the grounds. As the two crossed the lawn admiring 
 the beauty of the day which was bright and clear
 
 216 THE MANDAKIN'S FAN 
 
 and slightly frosty, Mrs. Petley appeared, coming 
 up the avenue. She made straight for the young 
 couple. 
 
 " Please Master Eupert, that gent's called again." 
 
 " What, Mr. Burgh ? " said Olivia, and then in 
 answer to her husband's enquiring look she ex- 
 plained. " He has called for the last three days, dear, 
 since you were ill. I never told you, as I thought 
 it might worry you." 
 
 " And he just called to ask how you were. Master 
 Bupert," said the old housekeeper, ** and never 
 come nearer than the lodge, as old Payne can 
 testify. I told him you were out walking and he 
 asked if he could come in and see you." 
 
 " Certainly," said Eupert — then, when Mrs. Petley 
 hurried away, he turned to Olivia. " Burgh simply 
 wants to find out if I have communicated with 
 Eodgers. He's frightened for his own skin." 
 
 Shortly Mrs. Petley returned with the information 
 that Mr. Burgh was nowhere to be seen. This did 
 not trouble Eupert who thought that the buccaneer 
 (always of an impatient disposition) might have grown 
 tired of waiting. With Olivia, he strolled round the 
 grounds for thirty minutes and at length entered the 
 ruins of the Abbey. Here the first thing they saw, 
 was Mr. Clarence Burgh seated on a stone under 
 the copper beech. He jumped up and came for- 
 ward, with his usual grace and invariable impudence. 
 
 " Glad to see you out again, Ainsleigh," said he 
 taking off his hat, " and you look well, Mrs. Ainsleigh 
 — just like a picture." 
 
 " Thank you," replied Olivia, concealing her dis-
 
 A DISAPPEAEANCE 217 
 
 like with difficulty, " you wish to see my husband I 
 presume." 
 
 " Just for two shakes," said Clarence easily, " say 
 old man, what about Forge. Are y' going to' round 
 on him?" 
 
 Bupert nodded, " I have written to Eodgers to- 
 day. But I'll give him this chance of escape — 
 warn him if you like." 
 
 "Not me," said Burgh coldly, "every man for 
 his own durned skin — begging your pardon Mrs. 
 Ain sleigh. I saw him while you were trying for 
 Kingdom Come, and told him that he'd the 
 fan." 
 
 " What did he say ? " 
 
 " Gave me the lie. Swore he'd been in the card- 
 room between eleven and twelve, and never saw the 
 old girl. Said he'd had enough of the fan, as it had 
 nearly caused his death. Then he said he'd split on 
 me if I gave him away." 
 
 ** But you told him, you did confess to the China- 
 man." 
 
 " Oh that's all right. Forge don't care a red cent 
 for their telling the police. They won't engineer 
 the biznai into the courts. So long as they get the 
 fan, they don't mind. Forge knows they won't 
 make the matter public, but now he's in mortal 
 fear, lest they should kill him," 
 
 " Thinking he's got the fan," 
 
 " You bet — on my evidence. Well," said Burgh 
 calmly and with a twinkle in his evil eyes. " I 
 reckon old man Forge is in an almighty fix. He's 
 in danger of being knifed by Hwei — thanks to me,
 
 218 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 and of being hanged for killing the old girl — thanks 
 to you." 
 
 Olivia's face expressed her disgust. " If you have 
 heard all you wish to hear, we'll go away," she said 
 to her husband. 
 
 " Eight oh," said Burgh. "Don't mind me. Pretty 
 place y'have here," he added looking round the 
 beautiful cloisters, " that's the place where they 
 lynched the old monk I reckon. I've heard that 
 silly rhyme of yours, Ainsleigh. I guess you've 
 fulfilled one part." 
 
 "How so? " asked Rupert stiffly. 
 
 " About the marriage y'know. A poor Ainsleigh 
 has wedded a poor wife. So that's all right. Now 
 I—" 
 
 " I must be going," interrupted Ainsleigh annoyed 
 by the man's ghb talk, " have you anything else to 
 say?" 
 
 " Only this. Forge is going to hitch long-side 
 Aunt Lavinia to-morrow, and if you run him in, 
 she'U get left." 
 
 " All the better for her," said Ainsleigh calmly, 
 " he's a bad lot." 
 
 " That's so. Much worse than you think. He 
 was the man who tried to stab you in Renter's 
 Alley." 
 
 "No." 
 
 " He was though. I saw his face under the lamp, 
 as he let fly. Then he cut and — you know the 
 rest. But I'm off. My eye," Clarence chuckled, 
 " what a shine there'll be to-morrow, when Aunty 
 gets left."
 
 A DISAPPEAKANCE 219 
 
 Burgh strolled away whistling, and Olivia expressed 
 her disgust at his free and easy manners. Kupert, 
 reflecting on what Clarence had told him of Forge's 
 assault, resolved to be a fair and open enemy. He 
 decided to call on Forge and tell him that he had 
 written to Kodgers. Also, he desired to ask why he 
 attempted the second crime. Olivia approved, so 
 Rupert went early next day to Tidman's Avenue. 
 The door was opened by Mrs. Bressy who was 
 wiping her mouth as though she had just been at the 
 bottle, which was probably the case. In reply to 
 Rupert's enquiry for her master, she told him that 
 Dr. Forge had gone. " He went to Lending, sir — 
 larst night," said Mrs. Bressy. 
 
 *' Did he leave any address? " 
 
 " No, Mr. Ainsleigh, he did not." 
 
 The inference was easy. Forge had bolted.
 
 CHAPTEE XVII 
 
 A Surprise 
 
 Eupert was much disappointed that Forge had not 
 been arrested. Apart from the fact that he thought 
 the old scoundrel should suffer for his dastardly crime 
 in killing an inoffensive woman, he wished to learn 
 what Forge could reveal of his father's death. The 
 explanation already given, did not satisfy him, and 
 he suspected that the doctor knew more than he 
 chose to admit. But under pressure, and standing 
 in danger of his life, he might be induced to be more 
 explicit. But, as the man, apparently warned by 
 Clarence, had disappeared, there was no more to be 
 said. And Forge had taken a large trunk, and all 
 his loose cash, so there was no doubt that he intended 
 to keep away from Marport. 
 
 Ainsleigh, much disgusted, went to seek Clarence 
 Burgh at the Bristol Hotel, but learned, that he also, 
 had gone away. Much perplexed the young man 
 sought out Major Tidman, and laid the case before 
 him. The Major was much astonished at the recital, 
 and very angry to learn that Hwei and Tung-yu 
 suspected him of the murder. " But I guessed they 
 did, from the fact of that letter asking after the fan," 
 said Tidman, pacing his room, much agitated. " I
 
 A SUKPRISE 221 
 
 hope Ainsleigh, they don't think I have it now, or my 
 life will not be worth a moment's purchase." 
 
 " No. You needn't worry. Burgh has fully con- 
 vinced them, that Forge has the fan." 
 
 " Then they'll make for him." 
 
 " No doubt, and perhaps that is why Forge cleared 
 out. But I don't understand why our friend Burgh 
 should make himself scarce." 
 
 " I do," said Tidman sitting down and wiping his 
 bald forehead, " he isn't a man with a clean past, and 
 Forge knows about it. It's just on the cards that, 
 to revenge himself on Burgh for having told Hwei 
 about the fan. Forge has written to the police 
 giving an account of Master Clarence's delinquency." 
 
 " But, on the other hand, if Burgh warned Forge 
 that I had written to Rodgers, the doctor might for- 
 give him." 
 
 " Not he. Forge is a bitter hater, and after all, 
 Clarence would only be trying to right, what he 
 had put wrong. If he'd held his tongue about the 
 fan and the murder, there would be no need for 
 Forge to cut. As it is, I believe the doctor will make 
 it hot for our mutual friend." 
 
 " When did you see Burgh last ? " 
 
 "At dinner last night. He said nothing about 
 going away, and I quite believed he would stop on. 
 He's in good quarters here and Miss Pewsey is pay- 
 ing the bill. But he took a small bag with him, 
 saying he was going up town for a few days, and 
 left by the nine evening train." 
 
 " Ah ! He may come back after all." 
 
 "He may: but I doubt it. He doesn't want to
 
 222 THE MANDABIN'S FAN 
 
 face an inquiry. You see he gave the tie to Forge 
 and said nothing about it at the inquest, so that 
 makes him an accessory after the fact." 
 
 " But Burgh didn't know Forge's game." 
 
 " No. All the same he should have spoken out at 
 the inquest. Well, and what is to be done now ? " 
 
 " Nothing. I'm sick of the whole business. But 
 Forge told me that this Mandarin, Lo-Keong, holds 
 eight thousand pounds belonging to my father. I 
 intend to write for it." 
 
 Tidman looked doubtful. "1 don't think you'll 
 get it," said he, " unless you produce the fan." 
 
 " Oh ! I expect Forge has taken that away with 
 him." 
 
 "Well then, Tung-yu and Hwei will be on his 
 track, and I shouldn't give much for his life." 
 
 "Wait a bit. He may get the money from 
 Tung-yu." 
 
 " If he chances on Tung-yu's day. Queer start 
 that," added the Major musingly, " the red boy ap- 
 peared when I just had my big toe cut off and saved 
 my life. It happened, much the same with you, and 
 Hwei lost his power, as he was getting ready to kill 
 you. I wonder these two scoundrels obey the god so 
 slavishly." 
 
 " Oh, they are both afraid of the god," said Eupert, 
 rising to take his leave, " but I must get home. 
 There's nothing more to be discussed." 
 
 " Nothing," replied the Major chuckling, " unless it 
 is about that old cat's disappointment. I'll go up to 
 St. Peter's church and see how she takes it." 
 
 " Of course," said Ainsleigh lingering at the door,
 
 A SUBPBISE 223 
 
 " it's her wedding day. I expect she knows by this 
 time, that Forge has cut. 
 
 " I hope not," said the Major cruelly. " I wouldn't 
 lose the fun for something." 
 
 Rupert didn't agree with his callous view of the 
 case, as Miss Pewsey was a woman after all, although 
 a bad one; and it would be hard that she should 
 suffer, what she would certainly regard as a public 
 disgrace. So Rupert avoided St. Peter's Church, 
 and went home again. Here he found Olivia with a 
 letter. 
 
 " This arrived by the early post," she explained. 
 " but you went out so quickly, that I could not give 
 it to you. Just look at it Rupert, such beautiful 
 writing." 
 
 " A foreigner's evidently," said her husband, looking 
 at the really elegant cahgraphy. " They take more 
 care than we do of their pot-hook and hangers. 
 Olivia." He started. 
 
 " What's the matter ? " 
 
 Rupert put the envelope under her nose. " Smell 
 it. Don't you recognise the scent." 
 
 " No," said Mrs. Ainsleigh, " it's a strange scent." 
 
 " Very, and was used to prefume the letter which 
 Tung-yu sent to Major Tidman. This may have to 
 do with the fan again." 
 
 Olivia looked nervous. " I wish we could hear the 
 last of it," she said. " It has caused enough trouble 
 already. Open the letter, dear." 
 
 Rupert did so and was more astonished than ever. 
 " Here's an unexpected development," he remarked, 
 passing the letter to Olivia, " Lo-Keong is in England.' '
 
 224 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 Mrs. Ainsleigh read the few lines which stated that 
 the mandarin was stopping at a fashionable hotel in 
 Northumberland Avenue, and would do himself the 
 honour of calling on the son of his old friend in a few 
 days. " He's come to see after the fan personally," 
 said Olivia returning the letter. "I am glad." 
 
 ** So am I," said Rupert quickly. " I'll now learn 
 the truth about my father, and see if I can't get that 
 eight thousand pounds." 
 
 " Rupert, do you think Lo-Keong killed your 
 father P " 
 
 " I can't say. Forge declared over and over again, 
 that he died of dysentery, and that Lo-Keong seized 
 the money for the Boxers. But I'll demand an ex- 
 planation from the Mandarin." 
 
 "Will he give it?" asked Mrs. Ainsleigh doubt- 
 fully. 
 
 " He'll have to," replied Rupert grimly, " and he'll 
 have to give the money back also. I don't care for 
 Forge's cash, as a villain such as he is, doesn't deserve 
 any reward. But I want my own eight thousand, 
 and I'll have it." 
 
 " I hope so," sighed OHvia, " we could then pay 
 off Miss Pewsey, or rather Mrs. Forge, as she no 
 doubt is by this time." 
 
 " No. Forge has bolted." 
 
 " What, on the eve of the wedding? " 
 
 " Yes. He cleared out last night. Either he 
 fears being arrested for the murder of your aunt, or 
 he dreads lest Hwei should come down to kill him 
 for the sake of the fan. At all events he has gone, 
 and Miss Pewsey is no doubt waiting at the altar of
 
 A SURPRISE 225 
 
 St. Peter's Church, for a bridegroom who will never 
 come. But we must attend to our own troubles, 
 dear. I'll write to the Mandarin to-day and ask him 
 to visit us when it suits him. Or else I can run 
 up " 
 
 " No," interrupted Olivia in a voice of alarm. " I 
 won't have you go away again, until this fan business 
 is settled. I'm always afraid of your falling into the 
 hands of these Chinamen. I shall ask Mr. Lo-Keong, 
 to stop them searching for the fan." 
 
 " He can stop Hwei," said Rupert rising, " but 
 Tung-yu is in the employment of Hop Sing, the 
 Mandarin's rival. Don't be afraid, my dearest, I 
 have been protected by Providence these many 
 days, and it is not likely that I'll come to grief. 
 But I fear for Forge and for Burgh, who has 
 likewise bolted. Those two will certainly get into 
 trouble." 
 
 " It is wrong to say so," said Mrs. Ainsleigh with 
 a sigh, " but I do dishke that man Burgh, and Dr. 
 Forge also." 
 
 " Leave them in God's hands, dear," replied her 
 husband gravely, " if they have sinned, they will be 
 punished. What we have to do, is to learn if Lo- 
 Keong will restore this money. I'll write, asking 
 him to come down to Royabay," and Rupert went 
 to the library forthwith. 
 
 It was an autumnal day with a promise of rain. 
 Ragged clouds drifted across a cold blue sky, and 
 the wind was rather high. Already many trees had 
 shed their leaves, but the pine boughs still bore 
 their sombre burdens. Everything looked old and 
 
 Q
 
 226 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 miserable, and there seemed to lurk a premonition 
 of evil in the air. At least, Olivia thought so, as 
 she stood at the drawing-room window, looking out 
 on to the terrace and down the avenue, which could 
 be seen from this point of view. Eupert was in the 
 library engaged on his letter to the Mandarin, and 
 Olivia was half inclined to join him. She felt 
 weary, chilly and out of spirits, and could not ac- 
 count for doing so. 
 
 " I'm the happiest girl in the world," she assured 
 herself, "I have married the man I love, and he 
 adores me. He rescued me from a miserable life, 
 and is making me immensely happy. I should 
 certainly be in the best of spirits, yet " 
 
 She stopped short at this point and her eyes be- 
 came fixed, while a colour flushed her somewhat 
 pale cheeks. And no wonder. Up the avenue, 
 battling against the force of the wind, came Miss 
 Pewsey. She wore a bridal dress of white, a lace 
 bonnet trimmed with orange blossoms, and carried 
 a bouquet of flowers. To see this figure in such a 
 dress walking under a sombre sky, between dripping 
 trees, and with the winds blowing furiously against 
 it, was a strange sight, and gave Olivia what the 
 Scotch call " a grue." Then she became indignant. 
 It was insolent, she thought, that this woman who 
 had insulted her so often, who had made her life 
 miserable, who had robbed her of her inheritance 
 and who had tried to defame her character, should 
 thus present herself. On the impulse of the moment 
 and in spite of wind, and of the rain, which was 
 beginning to fall, Mrs. Ainsleigh threw open the
 
 A SUEPEISE 227 
 
 French window and stepped out on to the terrace. 
 It was in her mind, to order Miss Pewsey away. 
 She deserved little mercy at Olivia's hands. 
 
 The noise made by the opening of the window 
 made Miss Pewsey raise her head, and then she 
 came straight across the grass. As she drew near, 
 Olivia was struck with the tragic horror of her face. 
 She was always old in her looks, but now she 
 seemed at least a hundred. Her lips were white, 
 her eyes red and with dark circles under them ; a 
 myriad wrinkles ploughed her face, and her usually 
 bright eyes were dim and blood-shot. To see this 
 weird face under the bridal bonnet was at once 
 grotesque and pathetic. Without a word, Miss 
 Pewsey climbed the steps gasping at every step, and 
 came directly towards Olivia. She passed her and 
 entered the room. Mrs. Ainsleigh came after in a 
 whirlwind of passion. 
 
 " What do you mean ? " she demanded, " this is 
 my house." 
 
 " I am aware of the fact," said Miss Pewsey 
 dropping into a chair and shaking out her soiled 
 and sodden bridal dress, " but it may be mine before 
 the end of the year. But don't let us quarrel," she 
 went on in a piteous way, " I'm in trouble." 
 
 " What is it ? " asked Olivia, who could guess. 
 
 " Theophilus has left me. Yes ! Last night he 
 went away leaving a cold letter behind him which 
 was to be delivered to me at the altar. And it was," 
 wept Miss Pewsey, "that old woman Mrs. Bressy 
 brought the note. It said that Theophilus has left 
 me for ever. And all my friends were there, and I
 
 228 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 was awaiting the happy hour, then — then" — she 
 broke down sobbing. 
 
 Olivia was touched. Miss Pewsey had always 
 been her enemy, yet there was something about the 
 unhappy creature which called for sympathy. 
 
 " I am sorry for your trouble," said Mrs. Ainsleigh, 
 in a softer voice. 
 
 '* No," said Miss Pewsey drying her eyes with a 
 very wet handkerchief, " you can't be, I never liked 
 you, nor you me." 
 
 " That is perfectly true, and you turned my aunt 
 against me. All the same I am sorry, and anything 
 I can do shall be done." 
 
 Miss Pewsey threw herself on her knees before 
 her enemy, who was thus heaping coals of fire on 
 her head. " Then ask your husband to leave my 
 Theophilus alone," she whispered. " Clarence, who 
 has also gone, wrote to me, and said that Mr. Ainsleigh 
 accused Theophilus of the death of my dearest 
 Sophia." 
 
 "What," cried Olivia, "does Mr. Burgh dare. 
 Why he accuses Dr. Forge, himself. Kupert 
 certainly wrote to the detective Mr. Eodgers, but 
 Mr. Burgh has to substantiate his statement." 
 
 Miss Pewsey jumped up. '* What," she said, 
 much more her own evil self, *' did Clarence accuse 
 my Theophilus ? It's a lie — a lie. I have kept 
 silence too long — much too long." 
 
 "About what?" 
 
 " About the murder," screamed Miss Pewsey, " it 
 was Clarence who killed my Sophia — yes — you may 
 look and look Olivia — but it was Clarence himself.
 
 A SUEPRISE -229 
 
 He took the tie from the coat-pocket. I told him, 
 you had given it to him, and — " 
 
 " But he gave it to Dr. Forge." 
 
 " He did not. Clarence took Sophia out on to the 
 steps — at least he appointed to meet her there, to tell 
 her about the fan. Then he strangled her, thinking 
 your husband would be accused. Theophilus came 
 on Clarence when he was picking up the fan. 
 Sophia held it in her death grip, and it was some 
 time before he could get it loose. Theophilus came, 
 and hearing steps, Clarence ran away down to the 
 beach. Then he returned to the ball-room by the 
 front of the hotel." 
 
 "But the fan?" 
 
 " Theophilus Forge has it," said Miss Pewsey, set- 
 ting her face, "and I expect he has taken it with him." 
 
 " Why didn't you tell this at the inquest." 
 
 " Because I didn't. Clarence is my own sister's 
 son. I could not see him hanged. He had to hold 
 his tongue, although he wanted the fan back again. 
 But I insisted that Theophilus should make the 
 money out of it. This is Clarence's revenge. 
 Because the fan is kept from him he threatens 
 Theophilus ; oh Olivia, do ask your husband to leave 
 the matter alone, I will give up that mortgage — " 
 
 " I can do nothing," said Olivia, " it isn't in my 
 husband's power. He has written to Rodgers — " 
 
 " But he has not told him anything," said Miss 
 Pewsey eagerly. 
 
 " No. He merely asked him to call." 
 
 " Then he shall see me, and I'll tell him of 
 Clarence's wickedness. But the fan — the fan —
 
 230 THE MANDABIN'S FAN 
 
 we'll get the money and Theophilus will come back 
 to be loved and respected. I don't love him, but I 
 see we can make a lot of money together. The fan," 
 said Miss Pewsey counting on her lean fingers, " the 
 money from Lo-Keong — the money of Sophia and — " 
 
 " Oh," cried Olivia in disgust, " go away you 
 miserable creature, and think of the hereafter." 
 
 Miss Pewsey gave a shrill laugh. "You can't 
 help me, and your husband can't help me, so I'll go. 
 But when I come back here, it shall be as mistress. 
 I hate you Olivia — I have always hated you — I — I 
 — oh you " — she could utter no more, but gasping, 
 shook her fist and ran out of the window and down 
 the avenue with an activity surprising in a women 
 of her years. 
 
 After dinner and while they were seated in the 
 library, Olivia told Rupert of Miss Pewsey's visit 
 and accusation. He declined to believe the tale. 
 " If Burgh was guilty he wouldn't have brought an 
 accusation against Forge," he said, " as the doctor, 
 if this is true, knows the truth. And Forge, if 
 innocent, would not have cleared — " 
 
 While Ainsleigh was thus explaining, the door 
 was burst open and Mrs. Petley, white as chalk, 
 rushed in. "The ghost — the ghost," said she 
 dropping into a chair, " the monk — in the Abbey." 
 
 Anxious to learn if there was any truth in these 
 frequent apparitions reported by Mrs. Petley, Rupert 
 left the swooning woman to the care of his wife and 
 departed hastily from the room. Calling old Petley, 
 he went out of the front door across the lawn and 
 into the cloisters. Petley, hobbled almost on his
 
 A SUKPKISE 231 
 
 heels with a lantern. The young man stopped 
 at the entrance to the cloisters, and listened. It 
 was raining hard and the ground was sopping wet. 
 But beyond the drip of the rain, and the sighing 
 of the trees, no sound could be heard. Snatching 
 the lantern from Petley, Eupert advanced boldly 
 into the open, and swung the light too and fro and 
 round about. He could see no ghost, nor any dark 
 figure suggestive of Abbot Kaoul. 
 
 " Try the black square," piped the feeble voice 
 of Petley, behind. 
 
 With a shrug Eupert did so. He thought that 
 the housekeeper was mistaken as usual, and that the 
 ghost was the outcome of her too vivid imagination. 
 Walking deliberately to the black square where 
 Abbot Eaoul had been burnt three hundred years 
 before, he swung the light over its bare surface. In 
 the centre he saw something sparkle, and stooped. 
 Then he rose with a cry. It was a fan. Eupert 
 picked it up, opened it, and looked at it in the 
 lantern light. There were the four beads and half a 
 bead and the green jade leaves. The very fan itself.
 
 CHAPTER XIX 
 
 A Visitor 
 
 How came the fan there — and on the accursed 
 square of ground where no grass would grow ? 
 Rupert was not superstitious, yet his heart gave a 
 bound, and for the moment he felt sick. This fan 
 was the cause of much trouble in the past, it had 
 cost one woman her life, and it might yet claim 
 another victim. With the fan in his hand, and the 
 yellow light of the guttering candle in the lantern 
 gleaming on its beauty, he stood stupidly staring, 
 unheeding the feeble piping of Petley's voice, as he 
 peered in at the ruined archway. 
 
 " "What's the matter, Master Rupert ? " questioned 
 the old butler with a shiver, " have you seen 
 It?" 
 
 " No," said Rupert at length, and he hardly knew 
 his own voice so heavy and thick it was, " there's 
 nothing to be seen." 
 
 A cry came from the old man. " Don't stand on 
 that accursed ground. Master Rupert," he said, almost 
 whimpering, " and to-night, of all times." 
 
 " Why to-night," said Rupert, retreating back to 
 the arch. 
 
 " Any night," shivered Petley putting his hand on
 
 A VISITOR 233 
 
 his young master's arm and drawing him out of the 
 cloisters, " it's not a good place for an Ainsleigh to 
 be in at night. The Abbot — " 
 
 " John, I don't believe in the Abbot." 
 
 " But Anne saw him — or It. She's not the one 
 to tell a lie." 
 
 " Mrs. Petley is deceived in some way." Rupert 
 considered a moment, and thrust the fan into his 
 pocket. In the darkness, and because he turned 
 aside the lantern light, old Petley had not seen that 
 anything had been picked up. " I'm going to search 
 round," said Rupert. 
 
 The butler gave a long wail as Ainsleigh broke 
 from his grasp. " No ! no ! " he cried, lifting his 
 long hands, " not at night." 
 
 But Rupert, now quite himself, did not heed the 
 superstitious cry. He disbelieved in ghosts more 
 than ever. Some flesh and blood person had 
 brought the fan, and recollecting Burgh's story, and 
 what Olivia had reported of Miss Pewsey's talk that 
 afternoon, he quite expected to find Dr. Forge lurking 
 in the cloisters. He would search for him, and 
 when face to face, he would demand an explanation. 
 So Rupert swiftly and lightly, walked round, holding 
 the light high and low in the hope of discovering 
 some crouching form. And all the time Petley 
 waited, trembling at the door. 
 
 The rain fell softly and there was a gentle wind 
 swinging the heavy boughs of the pines, so that a 
 murmurous sound echoed through the cloisters like 
 the breaking of league-long waves on a pebbly beach. 
 For at least half an hour Rupert searched : but he
 
 234 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 could see no one : he could not even find the im- 
 pression of feet, sodden as was the ground. After 
 looking everywhere within the cloister, and in the 
 Abbey itself, he brushed past the old butler and 
 walked down the avenue. Here also, he was at fault 
 as he could see no one. The gates were closed : but 
 there was a light in the small house near at hand. 
 Ainsleigh knocked at the door, and shortly old 
 Payne, holding a candle, above his head, appeared, 
 expressing surprise. 
 
 "Has anyone entered the gates to-night?" asked 
 his master. 
 
 " No sir. I closed them at five as usual. No one 
 has come in." 
 
 There were no signs of the gates having been 
 climbed, and the wall which ran round the estate 
 was so high and the top was pricked with such cruel 
 spikes, that no one could possibly have entered that 
 way. Old Payne insisted that no one had entered : 
 he had heard no voices, no footsteps, and seemed 
 much perplexed by the insistence of his young master. 
 At length Eupert desisted from making inquiries, 
 being perfectly assured that he would learn nothing. 
 He returned up the avenue slowly to the mansion, 
 wondering how it came about, that Forge had entered 
 the ground and left the fan on the very spot where 
 Abbot Baoul had been burnt. 
 
 Mrs. Petley had recovered from her swoon and, 
 with her husband, had retreated to the kitchen. So, 
 Rupert learned from Olivia, and he then gave her a 
 description of his finding of the fan. She was very 
 amazed and curious. " Show it to me," she said.
 
 A VISITOB 235 
 
 " Not just now, dear," replied Rupert walking to 
 the door. " I must ask Mrs. Petley first to explain 
 what she saw." 
 
 " She declares it was Abbot Eaoul." 
 " Pooh. Forge masquerading as the monk I 
 expect. Though why he should come here and 
 bring this infernal fan I cannot understand. What 
 is the time, Olivia?" 
 
 " Nine o'clock," she replied, "we had dinner early." 
 
 " Yes. Well, I'll see Mrs. Petley. You need not 
 
 say anything about the fan, and as old John didn't 
 
 see me pick it up, there will be no difficulty with 
 
 him." 
 
 " Why should there be any difficulty with him ? " 
 asked Mrs. Ainsleigh. 
 
 " Your aunt was killed for the sake of the fan, and 
 the person who killed her must have been within 
 these grounds to-night. I want to keep the matter 
 quiet, until I see Rodgers to-morrow. Then I'll 
 explain all, and place the fan in his hands." 
 " Then you think Dr. Forge has been here? " 
 " Yes — or Clarence Burgh. But, as they have left 
 Marport, I don't see what they have to gain by 
 remaining in a place fraught with so much danger 
 to both. 
 
 " They can't both be guilty, Rupert." 
 " No. But Burgh declares that Forge strangled 
 your aunt, and Miss Pewsey lays the blame on her 
 nephew. But I don't believe either one of them. I 
 shouldn't be at all surprised to learn that the assassin 
 is Major Tidman after all. He wanted the fan badly, 
 so as to get the money."
 
 236 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 " But you were with him on the beach, between 
 eleven and twelve." 
 
 " I was, and the evidence of Dr. Forge went to 
 show that Miss Wharf was killed between those 
 hours. But suppose, Olivia," Rupert sank his voice 
 and drew nearer. " Suppose Forge knew from the 
 condition of the body that your aunt had been 
 killed before eleven, and had procured the fan from 
 Tidman by threatening to say so, in which case the 
 Major could not have proved an alibi." 
 
 "It might be so," replied Mrs. Ainsleigh, "but 
 then the body would have been found earlier." 
 
 " No. There was not a single person, so far as I 
 know, who went down those steps. Tung-yu 
 certainly did, — but that was after the crime was 
 committed, and we know he did not carry the fan 
 with him. It is a very strange case. Perhaps after 
 all, Tidman had already killed the woman when he 
 joined me on the beach to smoke." 
 
 " Oh Rupert, how horrid. Was he disturbed." 
 
 " He certainly seemed rather alarmed but I put 
 that down to the circumstances. He never shook 
 off his fear of that adventure he had in Canton, and 
 of course the mere presence of Chinamen would 
 make him uneasy. But he kept his own council. 
 However, we can talk of this later. I must see Mrs. 
 Petley," and Rupert disappeared. 
 
 The housekeeper stuck to her story. She had 
 gone into the cloisters to gather mushrooms which 
 grew therein, and had the lantern with her. While 
 stooping at the archway to see what she could pick 
 she heard, even through the moaning of the wind
 
 A VISITOR 237 
 
 the swish of a long garment. The sound brought 
 her to her feet, and — as she phrased it — with her 
 heart in her mouth. The place was uncanny and 
 she had seen the Abbot before. " But never so plain — 
 oh never so plain," wailed Mrs. Petley, throwing her 
 apron over her white hair and rocking. " I held the 
 light over my head and dropped it with a screech, 
 for, there, not a yard away, Master Bupert, I saw it, 
 with a long gown and a hood over its wicked white 
 face—" 
 
 " Did you see the face ? " 
 
 " I did, just as I dropped the lantern. White and 
 wicked and evil. I dropped on my knees and said a 
 prayer with closed eyes and then it went. I took 
 the lantern and ran for the house for dear life, till I 
 burst in on you and the mistress. Oh, Master 
 Bupert dear, what did you see?" 
 
 " Nothing ! And I believe, Mrs. Petley, you beheld 
 some rascal masquerading." 
 
 " No ! No ! " 'Twas a ghost — oh dreary me, my 
 days are numbered." 
 
 Mrs. Petley could not be persuaded that the thing 
 she saw was flesh and blood, so Rupert gave up 
 trying to convince her. He returned the lantern back 
 to old John and told the couple to retire to bed. 
 They were both white and nervous and not fit to be 
 up. Then he came back to the drawing-room and 
 found Olivia seated by the fire reading. At the door 
 Rupert paused to think what a pretty picture she 
 made in her rich dinner-dress — one of Miss Wharf's 
 gifts — and with one small hand supporting her dainty 
 head. She looked up, as though she felt the magic
 
 238 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 of his gaze, and he approached swiftly to press a kiss 
 on the hand she held out to him. "Well? "asked 
 Olivia. 
 
 Rupert shrugged his shoulders. There's nothing 
 to be learned," said he, " Mrs. Petley won't give in. 
 She believes she has seen a ghost, and declines that 
 her days are numbered. As she is nearly seventy, 
 I daresay they are. But this fan " — he took it out 
 of his pocket. 
 
 " Let me see it," said Olivia stretching out her hand. 
 
 But Rupert drew it away and spread out the 
 
 leaves. " No, my dear, I don't like you to handle 
 
 the horrible thing. And besides, you have seen it 
 
 often enough in the hand of your aunt." 
 
 " Yes, but now there is an awful significance 
 about it." 
 
 " There's blood—" 
 
 " Blood," cried his wife shuddering, " but she was 
 strangled." 
 
 " I speak figuratively, my dear. This little trifle 
 has cost one life : it may cost more. I am quite 
 sure Lo-Keong's life hangs on this fan, or he would 
 not be so anxious to get it back. It has a secret, 
 and I intend to learn what the secret is." 
 
 "Oh, you mean to wave it in the smoke," said 
 Olivia remembering what Rupert had told her of 
 Tung-yu's speech. 
 
 " Yes I do. I want to see the invisible picture. 
 Then, we may learn of this hiding place which 
 contains the things, Lo-Keong's enemies wish to 
 secure. I expect it is some treasonous correspond- 
 ence."
 
 A VISITOR 239 
 
 " But, Kupert, the hiding-place will be in China. 
 Lo-Keong would not send papers of that kind to be 
 concealed in England." 
 
 " It would be the safest place," replied Rupert 
 dryly, " however, I intend to try the experiment of 
 waving this fan in the smoke." 
 
 " You don't know the kind of smoke? " 
 
 " I can guess the kind. Olivia do you remember 
 that joss stick which Mrs. Petley found in the 
 Abbey." 
 
 "Yes — at the time she saw the ghost." 
 
 " Precisely. The ghost left that joss-stick behind 
 on the first occasion, and the fan on the second. 
 Now I shouldn't wonder if the fan had got into the 
 hands of Hwei, and that he was the ghost." 
 
 " What makes you think that ? " 
 
 " "Well, Hwei confessed that he was lurking out- 
 side the Bristol hotel to get a chance of killing Miss 
 Wharf when she was lured out by Tung-yu. That 
 gentleman however played false. All the same 
 Hwei was here, and perhaps he came up to the 
 Abbey—" 
 
 ** Why?" asked Olivia looking perplexed. 
 
 " Ah, that I can't tell you. But I fancy the 
 answer is to be found in this fan, as soon as we see 
 the picture." 
 
 " But the smoke." 
 
 ** Must be made by that joss-stick. It smells like 
 cinnamon, and is apparently a manufactured article. 
 Hwei brought it, so that he could wave the fan in 
 its smoke and then learn the secret. But he dropped 
 the joss-stick and — where is it Olivia."
 
 •240 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 " I put it in a drawer over there, after you showed 
 it to me." 
 
 Mrs. Ainsleigh went to a rose-wood cabinet and 
 opened a drawer. She then returned with the Joss- 
 stick in her hand, and gave it to her husband, who 
 was kneeling on the hearth-rug. " I hope it won't 
 explode, Eupert," said Olivia nervously. 
 
 He stared. " Why should you think that ? " 
 
 " "Well it might have been dropped on purpose, and 
 looks like a cracker with that red paper round it. 
 Perhaps there's dynamite — " 
 
 " Nonsense," said Eupert taking out a match, 
 "however, if you are afraid, go into the next room." 
 
 "No," said Olivia seating herself, "if you are to 
 be blown to bits, I'll be blown up with you." 
 
 They both laughed at the idea, and then Eupert 
 lighted the match. It was distinctly nervous work 
 however, and Olivia started back, as her husband 
 set the joss stick fizzling. She was leaning forward 
 in the chair with her dark head nearly touching his 
 fair hair. The joss stick smoked slowly and a queer 
 odour diffused itself though the room. Olivia 
 sniffed. " Eupert," she said positively, " it's the 
 same scent as was on that letter of Tung-yu's." 
 
 " And of Lo-Keong also," said Eupert watching 
 the thick bluish smoke, which now began to curl up 
 from the joss stick, " apparently the Mandarin uses 
 the perfume as a kind of clue, or perhaps it is a 
 special scent dedicated to this private god of his. I 
 shall never understand Chinamen and I'm very sure 
 I don't want too. Olivia, hold the stick while I 
 wave the fan in the smoke."
 
 A VISITOK 241 
 
 Being now assured that the smoke was proceeding 
 from a harmless article, Mrs. Ainsleigh took the 
 stick and held it lightly, while her husband gravely 
 waved the out-spread fan in the thick smoke. The 
 joss stick fizzled and burned and gave out its queer 
 smell, which made both slightly dizzy. Every now 
 and then, Kupert looked at the enamelled side of the 
 fan, where Tung-yu said that a picture would appear. 
 There certainly did seem something scrawled on the 
 smooth green sticks, and a blurred outline revealed 
 itself. For quite ten minutes Ainsleigh continued 
 waving, until the joss stick burnt down nearly to the 
 root. Then he looked again, Olivia placed the still 
 fizzling joss stick in the fender, and peered over his 
 shoulder. She uttered a cry when she saw the 
 black outline of the picture, and Rupert nearly 
 echoed it. They were looking at a drawing of the 
 cloisters. 
 
 Yes — there were the cloisters of Royabay Abbey 
 taken, as by a camera, from the archway. The 
 architecture was clear enough, and the trees also. 
 But the picture was merely evanescent, for as the 
 fan grew cold again the outlines vanished. How- 
 ever, they knew that the hiding place of the pre- 
 sumed papers, was within the cloisters ofRoyabay — 
 but in what spot. Rupert laid down the fan and pro- 
 pounded the problem to his wife. " The indications 
 would be more exact." 
 
 " Yes," replied Olivia thoughtfully, and picked up 
 the fan, "I suppose you are right, Rupert. It must 
 have been Hwei who came to the Abbey on the 
 night my aunt was killed and dropped the joss stick. 
 
 R
 
 242 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 Perhaps he came to see if he could find the hiding 
 place, without the aid of the fan." 
 
 "No," said Eupert, " Hwei is the servant of Lo- 
 Keong, and probably knew of the hiding place ; 
 whereas Tung-yu, who served Hop Sing wanted the 
 fan to learn about it. I expect had Tung-yu bought 
 the fan, he would have come here and found the 
 papers and then have cleared out to China to place 
 them in his master's hands and ruin Lo-Keong." 
 
 " Are you sure there are papers hidden ? " said 
 Olivia, fingering the beads dangling from the thick 
 yellow cord. 
 
 " I think so. It can't be gold or silver or jewels. 
 However, what we have to do is to find what is 
 hidden. Then when Lo-Keong comes down we can 
 make a bargain with him. If he hands over my 
 eight thousand, I'll give him whatever we find." 
 
 " But how are we find the spot," said Mrs. Ains- 
 leigh dreamily. " Oh, Rupert," she added, "it's in one 
 of the trees. Don't you remember a tree was drawn 
 at the side of the picture with a white line down the 
 trunk ? " 
 
 " No, I didn't see that. I saw the four trees and 
 the stump drawn in the picture." 
 
 Mrs. Ainsleigh rattled the beads through her 
 fingers. " Four beads and half a bead," she ex- 
 claimed, " Rupert, those stand for the four trees and 
 for the stump." 
 
 " What makes you think so ? " 
 
 ** The half bead — that is the stump, and see, one of 
 the beads is of jasper, that might be the copper 
 beech."
 
 A VISITOR 243 
 
 " By jove," Eiipert Jumped up, " I ^believe you 
 are right." 
 
 "I am sure I am, and in the tree drawn at the 
 side of the picture which you did not observe, there 
 was a white Une down the trunk." 
 
 " Well," said Eupert pondering, "perhaps what- 
 ever is hidden is tied to a string or a chain and is 
 dropped down the trunk of one of the four trees — or 
 perhaps in the stump." 
 
 " Not in the stump," said Olivia quickly, " for 
 then the line would be visible, while in the other 
 trees it would be concealed in the thick foliage. I 
 fancy the line must be down the copper beech trunk, 
 as there is but one red bead." 
 
 " There is but one tree though — one copper beech 
 you know," said her husband. " I am inclined to 
 think that to make things safer, the hiding place 
 must be in one of the green trees signified by the 
 jade beads. The question is, which tree is it ? " 
 
 Olivia looked at the fan again, and as she did so 
 started. Eupert also raised his head. They heard 
 the sound of wheels scrunching the gravel outside, 
 and wondered who was arriving so late, The clock 
 pointed to half-past ten. The servants had gone to 
 bed, so Eupert followed by his wife, who was rather 
 nervous, went to the door. When Eupert opened it 
 he found himself facing a tall handsome man in a 
 fur cloak, and wearing a strange hat. 
 
 " Good evening," said the stranger in the best of 
 Enghsh, " I speak to Mr. Ainsleigh I think, I am 
 the Marquis Lo-Keong."
 
 CHAPTEB XX 
 
 The Mandarin Explains 
 
 " I must apologise for this very late visit," said Lo- 
 Keong, when he was conducted to the drawing-room 
 by his surprised host, " but I must explain — " 
 
 "Not now. Marquis," replied Ainsleigh, giving his 
 visitor the rank which he claimed, " you must be 
 weary and hungry." 
 
 "No. I am perfectly well, and enjoyed a meal 
 before I left London. If you will give my servants 
 orders to take up my luggage, and will then hear 
 what I have to say, you will do everything I desire." 
 
 Bupert went again to the hall to tell the two 
 Chinese servants, which Lo Keong had brought with 
 him, to take the trunks up to the bed-room which 
 the Marquis would occupy. Then he went to the 
 back and made Mr. and Mrs. Petley rise. Both were 
 disturbed when they heard that a Chinese grandee 
 was in the house. *' I do hope he won't bring trouble 
 with him," said Mrs. Petley to her husband. " I 
 never could abear them things, since I saw that 
 creature who brought home the old master's baggage. 
 And, Missus, as is dead, couldn't bear him either." 
 
 " He was a cock-eyed man," said old John 
 reflectively.
 
 THE MANDAKIN EXPLAINS 245 
 
 "Cock-eyed yourself," retorted the housekeeper 
 who had a better memory, " he was one-eyed, and 
 a nice ugly thing he looked. Ah well, as I 
 always says, Abbot Kaoul don't walk for nothing, 
 and this Chiner gentleman coming here, means 
 trouble." 
 
 Old John who was much the same way of think- 
 ing himself, grew annoyed by his wife's pessimism 
 and told her to hurry up and come to the kitchen. 
 Then he went to see after the bed-room which his 
 master had selected for the untoward guest. Mrs. 
 Petley came down to find her kitchen in the posses- 
 sion of two grave silent Chinamen who had lighted 
 the fire and were boiling water for tea. " Well, I'm 
 sure," said Mrs. Petley surveying both with distaste, 
 " the idear of these furreiners taking liberties," and 
 she sniffed at the Far East. 
 
 Meanwhile, Eupert returned to the drawing-room 
 and found the Marquis paying attentions to his wife. 
 Lo-Keong was a tall, fine-looking man, grave and 
 extremely pohte. He had admirable manners, and 
 his clothes were of the finest. Ohvia in her rich 
 dinner dress, felt quite plainly dressed beside this 
 gorgeous gentleman, who wore a jacket of rose-pink, 
 a coat of grass green satin, pale blue silk trousers, 
 and thick-soled white green shoes. He also had a 
 glossy pig-tail woven with silk, and carried a small 
 fan — at which Olivia shuddered. Seated in a deep 
 arm-chair, he looked a potentate, quite out of place 
 in that sober English drawing-room. The Marquis 
 was very affable, and deferential to Mrs. Ainsleigh, 
 who quite overcame her dislike to Celestials after a
 
 246 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 few moments converse with this splendid specimen 
 of the aristocracy of Cathay. 
 
 " You are quite sure you won't have some refresh- 
 ment?" she asked, 
 
 Lo-Keong waved his sHm hand graciously. " I 
 thank you, no," said he, " and if you will allow me 
 to explain myself, you can then retire. I am ashamed 
 of having called at this hour. But," he looked at 
 Eupert first and at Olivia afterwards, "my excuse is 
 a good one. I have seen Hwei — whom you know." 
 
 Ainsleigh shuddered. " Yes, and I don't retain 
 any very pleasant recollections of that gentleman," 
 said he. 
 
 Lo-Keong laughed quietly, " Hwei is a true devotee 
 of the god Kwang-ho." 
 
 " I don't understand about that god," said Olivia. 
 
 " I have come to explain," said the Chinaman, "it 
 is a great pity I did not come before. You would 
 then have had no trouble about this," and he took up 
 the famous fan which Olivia had tossed on the sofa. 
 
 " Oh," the young couple looked at one another, and 
 if they did not say " oh," the expression of " oh "— 
 an amazed " oh " was on their faces. 
 
 Lo-Keong seemed to have his eyes everywhere, and 
 took up the fan as if it was the most natural thing 
 it should be lying there. " You understand," he 
 went on in his calm well-bred voice. " I have seen 
 Hwei and he told me everything." 
 
 " About the murder? " 
 
 " About the murder, Mrs. Ainsleigh, and about 
 the hunt for the assassin ; also about your husband's 
 visit to London, and full details concerning the folly
 
 THE MANDAEIN EXPLAINS 247 
 
 of Tung-yu — my enemy's servant, who related how 
 the picture on this," he laid a long yellow finger on 
 the fan, " could be brought to light," his eyes 
 wandered to the fragment of the joss stick within 
 the fender. " I observe that you have been clever 
 enough to see the picture." 
 
 " Yes," said Rupert, quite amazed at this penetra- 
 tion, " but how do you know that ? " 
 
 " Very easily. Hwei told me that he came to the 
 cloisters one night to see that all was well " 
 
 " He knew of the hiding place then ? " asked 
 Olivia, eagerly. 
 
 " Certainly. I have always trusted Hwei, but 
 Tung-yu did not know, and hence his desire to 
 procure the fan. Hwei was here on the night poor 
 Miss Wharf was killed, and dropped the joss stick. 
 You have been clever enough to make use of it. 
 Well, now you both know where the packet 
 is?" 
 
 "The packet?" 
 
 " Of papers which mean my life — papers con- 
 nected with the Boxers, which the Mandarin Hop 
 Sing would give much to possess." 
 
 " We know that the packet is hidden in a tree," 
 said Eupert, " but which tree we cannot guess." 
 
 " Ah," Lo-Keong slipped the beads through his 
 fingers, " here is a piece of jade with a gold band 
 round it." 
 
 " The third bead " 
 
 " Consequently the third tree. We will look for 
 the packet, as soon as I explain myself. The packet 
 must be safe, as you have the fan, and I know, Mr.
 
 248 THE MANDABIN'S FAN 
 
 Ainsleigh, you are my friend, as I was the friend of 
 your father before you." 
 
 "What," Bupert threw back his head. "I 
 understood from Dr. Forge, that you were my 
 enemy." 
 
 Lo-Keong frowned. " Ah ! he goes as far as 
 that," said he, then paused a moment. " I will 
 explain." 
 
 Olivia would have interrupted, but he threw out a 
 long arm in an imperious manner, and began his 
 story without further preamble, playing with the 
 fan all the time. 
 
 "My name," said the Marquis, "is Lo-Keong, 
 and I am a native of the province of Kan-Su " 
 
 "Where the mine is," murmured Bupert. 
 
 " Exactly, Mr. Ainsleigh. My native town is on 
 the Hwei Biver, and not far from the mine your 
 father bought " 
 
 " Along with Dr. Forge." 
 
 " Pardon me, sir, but Dr. Forge did not buy it. 
 He was merely a servant of your father's. The 
 mine was owned by your father alone. I conducted 
 the negotiations on behalf of the owner of the land.'' 
 
 " But Forge says -" 
 
 " I can guess." Lo-Keong waved his hand coldly. 
 " He blackens my name to you, and lies about the 
 mine. Always bad — always foul, always a liar — 
 that man must be killed. I have spared him too long." 
 
 Olivia shuddered. " No Marquis," said she, " I 
 beg that there may be no more murders." 
 
 " Not in England, but when this Forge comes 
 again to China," here the Marquis smiled in a cruel
 
 THE MANDARIN EXPLAINS 249 
 
 way, but made no further remark. The young 
 people shuddered. He smiled benignly on them, and 
 went on with his story in a calm level voice. 
 
 ** My respected parent was a merchant," said he 
 calmly, "and he gave me a fine education, of which, as 
 you know, we think greatly in the Middle Kingdom. I 
 secured the Hanlin degree, which is very high, and so 
 became greater than my friend Hop Sing, who failed. 
 That success made Hop Sing my enemy. I returned 
 home, and Hop Sing made trouble. It is not neces- 
 sary to explain how," added the Marquis with another 
 wave of his hand. " But the trouble resulted in my 
 leaving my parental roof, and becoming a soldier 
 with the Boxers who then conspired against the 
 Empress Dowager. But before I left my native 
 town, I acted as the middle man between a respected 
 resident and Mr. Markham Ainsleigh who desired to 
 lease a gold mine on the Hwei River. I left him in 
 full possession of the rights to work the mine, and 
 Dr. Forge assisted him." 
 
 " Not as a partner?" asked Rupert breathlessly. 
 
 " By no means, Mr. Ainsleigh. Forge was a good 
 doctor, but he knew nothing about mining. He 
 doctored the Coolies, and attended to minor matters. 
 Your father looked after the mine personally. I 
 understand he learned how to do so in California." 
 
 " Yes — He was there before I was born, but — " 
 
 ** Permit me to continue, Mr. Ainsleigh. Well 
 then, I left your father in possession of the mine, 
 and joined the Boxers. I rose to be a leader, 
 and afterwards returned to see my parents. At that 
 time the rebellion — for that it was— proved uufortu-
 
 250 THE MANDABIN'S FAN 
 
 nate, so it was necessary that I should conceal 
 myself. I took service with your father as a fore- 
 man of the mine, and I can safely say," said Lo- 
 Keong with a certain show of emotion, "that your 
 father saved my life. I consider myself indebted to 
 him, and now I am indebted to his son." 
 
 " It is very good of you," said Eupert. " I need a 
 friend." 
 
 "You have one in me," said the Marquis cour- 
 teously. " But to proceed, as the night grows darker. 
 I was your father's friend, Hop Sing was his enemy, 
 and Forge sided with Hop Sing." 
 
 " But why did he do that ? " asked Ainsleigh im- 
 petuously. " Forge was at college with my father — 
 they were great friends — " 
 
 "So Mr. Markam Ainsleigh thought. But Dr. 
 Forge was greedy and wished to have the mine to 
 himself. Hop Sing, who had some influence at the 
 Imperial Court, promised to help Dr. Forge to get rid 
 of your father and secure the mine provided I was 
 ruined." 
 
 " And Forge acted this base part." 
 
 " He did," said the Mandarin quietly. " I may 
 tell you Mr. Ainsleigh that I was completely in your 
 father's confidence. He made a great deal of 
 money out of the mine, and I arranged for it to be 
 turned into safe investments through a third person 
 whose name need not be mentioned. A large sum 
 was placed out at interest and all these many years 
 the interest has been accumulating. You will 
 receive a handsome sum I assure you, Mr. Ainsleigh." 
 
 "But," broke in Olivia perplexed. "Dr. Forge
 
 THE MANDAKIN EXPLAINS 251 
 
 told my husband that the whole amount was 
 eighteen thousand, of which ten thousand belonged 
 to him and eight thousand to Rupert." 
 
 "Dr. Forge places the money obtained from the 
 mine at a low figure," said the Chinaman smiling, 
 " what the amount is, I shall tell you later. Mean- 
 while I must explain the intrigue which led to your 
 father's murder " 
 
 " Ah," Eupert leaped to his feet, " then he teas 
 murdered." 
 
 " He was — by the emissary of Hop Sing. Be 
 calm, Mr. Ainsleigh, and be seated. Your father 
 died quietly enough by strangulation " 
 
 " What. Was he killed in the same way as Miss 
 Wharf?" 
 
 Lo-Keong bowed his stately head, " Yes, and by 
 the same person " 
 
 " Tung-yu," cried Olivia starting to her feet in 
 her turn. 
 
 " Exactly, Mrs. Ainsleigh. I know that Tung-yu 
 strangled Mr. Markham Ainsleigh, and I believe 
 that he strangled your aunt." 
 
 Eupert sat down on the sofa and drew his wife 
 down beside him. " But Tung-yu was the man who 
 was to buy the fan " 
 
 " Quite so." Lo-Keong folded and unfolded the 
 fan calmly. " You know of the god Kwang-ho." 
 
 " Yes — but I can't understand " 
 
 "Naturally," the Marquis laughed quietly, "that 
 is a thing beyond the comprehension of a Western 
 barbarian — your pardon for so calling you, Kwang- 
 ho," went on the Mandarin, " is an ancestor of
 
 252 THE MANDAKIN'S FAN 
 
 mine who lived during the Ming dynasty. He was 
 a sage, and very famous, so I took him as my private 
 god." 
 
 Ohvia looked amazed and a little shocked. " A 
 private god. I never knew that anyone could have 
 a private god even in China," she said. 
 
 " If you have read Roman history, Mrs. Ainsleigh, 
 you will remember the Lares and Penates, which 
 were something of the same kind. I was very un- 
 fortunate with the public gods of my country, so I 
 chose Kwang-ho to be my genius — my destiny. I 
 had an image made and offered him incense. It 
 was, in fact what you might call ancestral worship ; 
 only I looked upon Kwang-ho as one who could 
 control my destiny. I was right," said Lo-Keong 
 emphatically, " for, from the moment I sacrificed to 
 Kwang-ho, my fortunes changed." 
 
 "In what way?" asked Rupert, wondering that a 
 clever man like this should talk so superstitiously. 
 
 " In every way. The priest of my new god Kwang- 
 ho consulted the deity and ordered that I should 
 leave the Boxers and attach myself to the party of 
 the Empress Dowager, who was to be all powerful 
 in the future. I think," added Lo-Keong smiling 
 blandly, " that Kwang-ho was right in that. Who 
 is so powerful as my august mistress." 
 
 " True enough," admitted Ainsleigh impatiently, 
 " but what has this to do with the death of my father?" 
 
 " Patience, Mr. Ainsleigh. I arranged to leave 
 the Boxers. We were fighting for the Emperor, 
 who was then being crushed by the Empress 
 Dowager. I had many papers showing my devotion
 
 THE MANDARIN EXPLAINS 253 
 
 to the Boxer cause and to His Imperial Majesty- 
 These papers I intended to destroy : but remember, 
 ing that some day the Emperor might overcome the 
 Empress, I decided to keep the papers. They 
 would show that I had worked for the Emperor, 
 and thus my fortunes would be secure should His 
 Imperial Majesty reign alone. As yet," added Lo- 
 Keong with a shrug, " he has not reigned alone and 
 my august mistress still rules the destinies of the 
 middle kingdom." 
 
 " Ah. And if she got those papers ? " 
 
 " She would cut off my head," replied Lo-Keong 
 quietly, " so now you see why I thought it best to 
 conceal them. I wished to preserve the papers so 
 as to keep myself in favour with the Emperor, when 
 he became supreme, and I wished to conceal them 
 from the Empress Dowager and her spies, while she 
 ruled China. You understand ? " 
 
 "We do," said the young couple. " So you used 
 the means of the fan to tell where they were hidden? " 
 asked Rupert, 
 
 The Mandarin assented. " I did. I spoke to 
 your father about this plan of concealment. I knew 
 the papers would not be safe in China, as the 
 emissaries of Hop Sing would find them, and I 
 should be ruined, so on the suggestion of your father, 
 I decided to hide them in England." 
 
 " But why in the Abbey ? " 
 
 " Mr. Markham Ainsleigh's suggestion, sir. He 
 said that this place had been in the possession of his 
 family for years and would likely continue to remain 
 under the Ainsleigh — "
 
 254 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 " Alas — alas," sighed Eupert. 
 
 "Not at all, sir," was Lo-Keong's brisk reply, 
 " you will have enough money to keep this place I 
 assure you. But to continue — your father, whose 
 health was very bad, arranged to take his money 
 back to this place, and to take also the papers I 
 wished to hide. We arranged that they should be 
 concealed in the third tree and then I hit upon the 
 plan of an invisible picture on the fan with the 
 assistance of the beads to identify the hiding- 
 place." 
 
 "But was that necessary when you knew the 
 hiding-place ? " 
 
 " I wished my heirs to benefit by my services to 
 the Emperor during the Boxer rising ; and they 
 were not to know of the existence of these papers 
 till I died. So you will understand — " 
 
 " Yes ! It's very interesting, so please go on." 
 
 "Well while we were arranging these things 
 Forge went to Pekin, and got a concession to work 
 the mine from the Empress through the influence of 
 Hop Sing. Meanwhile, I arranged to enter the 
 service of my Imperial Mistress, and left your father 
 ill of dysentery." 
 
 " Of which, according to Forge, he died." 
 
 " No," said the Mandarin decisively, " he was 
 recovering. He had the packet and the fan which 
 he was to take to this place. Hwei was to go with 
 him, and design the invisible picture and hide the 
 packet. I went to see about letting your father 
 have the money which I had invested for him. All 
 was ready and he was winding up his affairs. Then
 
 THE MANDABIN EXPLAINS 255 
 
 the emissary of Hop Sing strangled your father — " 
 
 " Tung-yu," said Eupert much agitated. 
 
 " I have already said that," replied the Marquis 
 rather tartly, '' your father died, and Forge obtained 
 the mine. But he did not hold it long. I represented 
 that Forge had obtained the death of Mr. Markham 
 Ainsleigh through Hop Sing. The Empress took my 
 view. Hop Sing was disgraced and I was promoted. 
 Forge had to leave China for the time being, but he 
 came back several times. I sent Hwei to this place 
 with your father's effects and with the fan. He con- 
 cealed the packet and drew the picture. Your mother 
 was alive then, Mr. Ainsleigh, and Hwei showed her 
 the fan, though he did not tell her the secret." 
 
 "Ah," cried Rupert, "now I remember where I 
 saw the fan." 
 
 "Yes," Lo-Keong nodded, "as a boy of five you 
 may remember it." 
 
 " I certainly do. But Marquis, why did you not 
 send my father's money to my mother? " 
 
 " Ah. She died, and although I knew you were 
 the heir and in the guardian-ship of Forge who was 
 your enemy I could do nothing. Hop Sing got the 
 upper hand again and I was in my turn disgraced. 
 Then Hop Sing learned about the papers, and about 
 the fan being the means of finding the hiding-place. 
 He ordered Tung-yu to find the fan. Hwei was 
 bringing the fan back from England to me. He 
 was assaulted when he landed in China, but he 
 luckily had given the fan to a brother of his, so Hop 
 Sing could not find it. Then the brother was killed 
 and a coolie, who knew nothing of the fan, took
 
 256 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 possession of it. Afterwards, I wanted the fan. 
 Hop Sing told me what he suspected, so I applied 
 to the god Kwang-ho. The god declared, through 
 his priest, that Hop Sing was to come with me to 
 the shrine. He did so, and thus, bitter enemies as 
 we were, we came for a time to be in peace." 
 " And then the arrangement was made ? " 
 "Yes. The god said that an equal chance must 
 be given to good and evil. Hwei was appointed to 
 find the fan for me, and to give death to the person 
 who had it. Tung-yu acted for Hop Sing and was to 
 give a reward of not less than five thousand pounds 
 so that the person who held the fan should be rich 
 for life. Each was to hold sway for twenty-four 
 hours. I caused this to be published in the Chinese 
 newspaper in Pekin. The coohe heard it and being 
 fearful lest he should be killed, he kept the fan for 
 years and said nothing. Then Major Tidman — " 
 
 " Ah I know. He came to see how my father 
 died." 
 
 " Quite so, Mr. Ainsleigh, and the coolie, knowing 
 the fan was connected with the death — for he after- 
 wards went to Kan-su mine and asked questions — 
 gave the fan to the Major to get rid of it, and — " 
 
 "And we know the rest," said Eupert rising. " Tid- 
 man gave it to Dr. Forge, and he gave it to you — 
 or rather you caused it to be taken from him." 
 
 " No," said the Mandarin, " that is not true. " I 
 never saw the fan till now. All these years I have 
 never set eyes on it." 
 
 " But Dr. Forge said—" 
 
 " Whatever he said he speaks falsely," said Lo-
 
 THE MANDARIN EXPLAINS 257 
 
 Keong, " but it is growing late, Mr. Ainsleigh, and I 
 see that your wife is weary. Let us retire and I 
 shall tell you the rest of the story to-morrow. But 
 before I go to rest," added the Mandarin decidedly, 
 " I must assure myself that the packet is still in the 
 trunk of the third tree." 
 
 Rupert was quite ready and lighted the lantern. 
 The two men went to the Abbey into the pitchy 
 darkness, and walked to the third tree near the bare 
 spot. Lo-Keong who seemed to be able to see in 
 the dark like a cat looked round, and laid his finger 
 on a huge oak. " This is the tree," said he 
 confidently. 
 
 " But I can't very well see," said Rupert, " from 
 which side do you count ? " 
 
 " From the left to right," explained the mandarin, 
 " in these robes, Mr. Ainsleigh, I cannot climb the 
 tree, will you please to do so. You will find the 
 hollow trunk and the line. Pall it up : the papers 
 will be at the end. Bring them to me if you please." 
 
 So speaking Lo-Keong took the light and Rupert 
 although in thin evening dress began to climb the 
 tree. Luckily it was not difficult as the branches 
 hung low, but it was disagreeable on account of the 
 dripping wet. Every movement shook down much 
 moisture. However, the active young man disap- 
 peared in the foliage and then felt round. He could 
 not see, and came down to get the lantern, which 
 the Chinaman passed to him. Then he found that 
 the trunk of the tree was broken off, amidst the 
 thick branches, and that the centre was hollow. He 
 espied a rusty thin chain, and pulled it up. At the end 
 
 B
 
 258 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 there was a small box, which he brought down. 
 With an exclamation of joy Lo-Keong took it. It 
 opened easily in his hand. 
 
 " Gone," cried the Marquis in a voice of anguish. 
 
 He spoke truly. The box was empty.
 
 CHAPTER XXI 
 
 Who is Guilty? 
 
 Next morning at the early hour of nine o'clock 
 Orlando Rodgers drove up to Eoyabay filled with 
 curiosity. He had received Rupert's letter which 
 summoned him to come down on matters connected 
 with the murder, and he was eager to learn details. 
 Rodgers himself, had been unlucky. He had traced 
 The Stormy Petrel to the Thames near Rotherhithe, 
 and had learned from the Captain that two Chinamen 
 had hired the boat for a couple of days. They went 
 down to Marport and had gone ashore early in the 
 evening. They came on board again after midnight, 
 and then had requested to be put ashore at Rother- 
 hithe. The Captain confessed that he had been paid 
 well for the job, and thought — with a wink — that 
 there was no chance of his knowing his employers 
 again. 
 
 Rodgers of course recognised that Tung-yu and 
 Hwei in their queer partnership had hired the j^acht 
 — which it seems was a public boat anyone could 
 take for a period, — and he knew also that the den, 
 where Rupert and Clarence had met with their 
 adventures, was in Rotherhithe. He learned of this 
 from no less a person than Mr. Burgh himself, for
 
 260 THE MANDAKIN'S FAN 
 
 the buccaneer called at the police office in London 
 to ask if the Chinamen had been caught. Eodgers 
 had extracted a full account of the adventures, and 
 had gone to the den only to find it empty, and the 
 Chinamen conspicuous by their absence. Burgh 
 himself had not returned as he promised, and the 
 detective was annoyed at this, after he heard Rupert's 
 story. Had he known what this was, he certainly 
 would have arrested Burgh there and then, for par- 
 ticipation in the murder. But the astute Clarence 
 in telling his Penter's Alley adventure, had taken care 
 not to incriminate himself. 
 
 On arrival the detective was shown into the draw- 
 ing-room where Eupert was sitting with the stately 
 Mandarin. Olivia was not present as she had heard 
 quite enough about the fan, and wished to hear no 
 more, not even the end of Lo-Keong's very interest- 
 ing story. Eodgers recognised that Lo-Keong was 
 of a different type of Celestial to Tung-yu and Hwei, 
 and paid him great deference. He explained to 
 Eupert his ill-success with the yacht Stormy Petrel, 
 and detailed the interview with Clarence. 
 
 " I wish I had told you about him in my letter," 
 said Eupert jumping up, much annoyed with himself, 
 " you could have arrested him." 
 
 And when Eodgers heard the story, he blamed 
 Ainsleigh, as much as he blamed himself for not 
 having risked an arrest on suspicion. 
 
 " But you know, sir," said he, huffily, "Burgh really 
 didn't give himself away. I could do nothing to him 
 — or to the Captain of the Stormy Petrel either on 
 what evidence I hear. As to those Chinamen — "
 
 WHO IS GUILTY? 261 
 
 " Ah," said Lo-Keong, " you must let me deal with 
 them Mr. Eodgers." 
 
 ** Can you deal with Tung-yu." 
 
 The Mandarin drew down the corners of his mouth. 
 "I think so," said he, "it is my belief that he has 
 the papers." 
 
 " What papers, sir ? " 
 
 Lo-Keong, seeing it was absolutely necessary to 
 make things plain, if he wanted to secure his precious 
 packet, related almost word for word the story he 
 had told on the previous night. " So you see," he 
 observed, " Tung-yu probably strangled Miss Wharf 
 as formerly he strangled Mr. Markham Ainsleigh. I 
 discussed this with Hwei, and he, knowing that Tung- 
 yu had betrayed him once, was much of the same 
 opinion." 
 
 " But if Tung-yu has the papers, why did he write 
 to Tidman ? " argued Kupert, not inclined to take, 
 this view. 
 
 " Probably to throw Hwei off the scent. Tung-yu 
 knows well enough that if he started for China, 
 Hwei would suspect he had the papers, and would 
 follow him to get them." 
 
 "By murder?" 
 
 " Probably," said the Mandarin indifferently, " and 
 after all sir, why not ? Tung-yu killed your father 
 and Miss Wharf. Hwei is watching him, and if he 
 can make sure that Tung-yu has my parcel, he will 
 kill him — with my approval," ended Lo-Keong 
 calmly. 
 
 "Wait a bit," said Eodgers also coolly, though 
 the speech astonished him not a little, " when you
 
 262 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 talked to Hwei, you did not know that the papers 
 had been stolen," 
 
 " No. But he who has the fan has the papers. 
 Hwei and I both thought that Tung-yu had the fan, 
 and therefore Hwei watches him. I came down 
 unexpectedly last night instead of waiting, so that 
 I might assure myself that the packet was safe. 
 But only a short time before, Mr. Ainsleigh found 
 the fan. Tung-yu must have come down and taken 
 the papers." 
 
 Rupert nodded. " Certainly. Without doubt he 
 was the ghost Mrs. Petley saw, and when she came 
 on him suddenly, he dropped the fan and fled. He 
 must have climbed the wall of the park in spite of 
 the spikes." 
 
 Lo-Keong smiled sourly, " I do not think anything 
 — spikes or otherwise would have kept Tung-yu 
 from gaining possession of those papers. And of 
 course he knew the way to make the picture visible." 
 
 " How was that. I thought only you and my 
 father and Hwei — " 
 
 "Ah," said the Mandarin calmly, "it seems that 
 Tung-yu overheard the discussion between myself 
 and your father as to the hiding of the papers and 
 the plan of the fan. When he strangled Markham 
 Ainsleigh, he hoped to find the packet at once. 
 But Hwei secured both the fan and the packet. I 
 have told you how they came to England, and how 
 Hwei gave the fan to his brother. The brother was 
 killed by accident and the coolie I sjpoke of, found 
 the fan in his clothing, knowing nothing of it's 
 significance. Then he learned the truth from the
 
 WHO IS GUILTY? 263 
 
 notice I put in the Pekin paper, and was afraid lest 
 he should offend the god Kwang-ho. No he was 
 not afraid of death — few of us are in China. But 
 the anger of a god is different : it means ages 
 of torment and the chance of being born again in 
 the belly of some creeping animal. So the coolie 
 kept the fan, till he found an opportunity of giving 
 it to a foreign devil, in the person of Major Tidman. 
 I can't understand how he knew the Major wanted the 
 fan, save that he must have heard that Tidman was 
 searching for news as to the death of Markham 
 Ainsleigh. The coolie then knew, from enquiries at 
 the mine, that the fan was connected with the death, 
 and thus that the god Kwang-ho might have 
 appointed the death of Markham. Yes," said the 
 Mandarin complacently, " the coohe was afraid of 
 the god, and no doubt was glad when Major Tidman 
 took the fan." 
 
 Kodgers stared as Lo-Keong spoke. " It's rum 
 to hear a gentleman like yourself talk this way, sir," 
 he said. 
 
 "Ah," smiled the Mandarin, "our Eastern ways 
 are different to yours." 
 
 " Yes," said the detective, " but you are so clever, 
 that I don't see how you can believe in all this stuff 
 about the private god." 
 
 Lo-Keong waved his hand imperatively. " Let us 
 not speak of that, or we anger Kwang-ho. He is 
 the controller of my destiny. Rather let us see 
 how we can recover my papers from Tung-yu." 
 
 " If he has them," put in Rupert perplexedly. 
 " And if so, Hwei will get them back."
 
 264 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 "Assuredly," replied the Mandarin, "the first 
 attempt that Tung-yu makes to leave England for 
 our own land, Hwei will guess the truth, and will 
 kill him to get the fan or the papers." 
 
 " But the fan is here." 
 
 "Yes. Hwei however thinks Tung-yu has it. I 
 shall tell him that Tung-yu has taken the papers. 
 
 " But by breaking the agreement come to before 
 the god, won't Kwang-ho be angry, Marquis." 
 
 "Hwei does not mind, he is my slave and will do 
 anything for me. No — No," added the Marquis 
 calmly, " as Tung-yu first disobeyed the god, in not 
 bringing Miss Wharf to meet with her doom at the 
 hands of Hwei, Kwang-ho will give him up to my 
 vengeance." 
 
 Neither of the Europeans could make anything of 
 this. "What we want to know," said Ainsleigh, 
 speaking for himself and Rogers, " is, how did the fan 
 get back to you ? " 
 
 "I told you last night it did not get back," rephed 
 Lo Keong. "I heard from Hwei that the fan was 
 given to Miss Wharf by Burgh— but how he got it — " 
 Lo-Keong shook his head. 
 
 " From a pirate in Chinese waters." 
 
 " No. The fan never came back to China. " Lo- 
 Keong took a paper out of his pocket," I should have 
 given that to you last night. It will show you why 
 Hwei and Tung-yu came to look for the fan in 
 England," and he gave the paper to Rupert. 
 
 The young man read it. It was in scratchy female 
 handwriting, and was to the effect that the fan of the 
 Marquis was in the possession of a certain person in
 
 WHO IS GUILTY? 265 
 
 England. No name was signed to this paper, and 
 after Eodgers had read it, Lo-Keong took it again 
 and laid it on the table. " So you see," he remarked, 
 " when I got that letter, I knew the fan was in 
 England. I sent Hwei to search for it, and of course 
 Tung-yu on behalf of Hop Sing came also. They 
 could not find who had written the letter, and 
 advertised the fan as you know." 
 
 " Then Burgh told a lie," said Eupert. 
 
 Lo-Keong opened his mouth to speak, but before 
 he could do so, Mrs. Ainsleigh entered with a sheet 
 of foolscap in her hand. "I beg your pardon for 
 interrupting you gentlemen," she said excitedly, " but 
 here is something you should know. Eupert," she 
 turned to her husband and thrust the paper into his 
 hand. " It's from Dr. Forge." 
 
 " What ? " cried Ainsleigh astonished. " Has he 
 dared to write? " 
 
 " Yes, and he writes to some purpose. Eead it 
 out Eupert. I am sure the Marquis and Mr. Eodgers 
 will be glad to hear." 
 
 "If it bears on the case," hesitated the detective. 
 
 " It does," answered Olivia seating herself, "listen." 
 
 Eupert glanced at the heading of the letter. " He 
 gives London as his address," he said, " so he 
 apparently is afraid of being caught." 
 
 " Eead, dear," said Mrs. Ainsleigh impatiently. 
 
 Thus adjured Eupert began. " My dear Mrs. 
 Ainsleigh," said Forge in his communication, " I 
 write to you rather than your husband, as I think 
 you will judge me fairer than he will." 
 
 " As if I could," put in Mrs. Ainsleigh impatiently.
 
 266 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 " I am not a good man, and I never pretended to 
 be. But I have been poor all my life, and the lack 
 of money is the cause of my having acted in a way 
 which, otherwise I should not have done. There is 
 much truth in Becky Sharp's remark that anyone 
 can be good on five thousand a year. Had I 
 possessed that amount this letter would never have 
 been written. As it is, I write, because I hear that 
 the Marquis Lo-Keong is in England, and he will no 
 doubt, tell your husband his own story." 
 
 "Which is not creditable to Forge," said the 
 Marquis, suavely. 
 
 Rupert nodded and proceeded . . . . " I was at col- 
 lege with Markham Ainsleigh, your husband's father, 
 and he believed in me. But I was always jealous 
 of him, as he was handsomer than I was ; he pos- 
 sessed an ancient and honoured name, and was 
 fairly well off. I was born of poor parents and was 
 of humble origin. Markham certainly helped me 
 with money and with influence, so that I obtained 
 my degree." 
 
 "And a nice way he repaid his obligations," said 
 Olivia, sharply. 
 
 " He's frank enough about his baseness at all 
 events," said Rupert, and then continued the letter. 
 " Markham wanted money, and as the doctor of a 
 liner to Hong-Kong, I had heard of a little-worked 
 gold mine on the Hwei River. I told Markham 
 about it, and proposed that he should go to China to 
 work the mine. He agreed, and took me with him, 
 as he thought that my medical knowledge would 
 benefit him."
 
 WHO IS GUILTY? 267 
 
 " Does Forge say he owned part of the mine? " 
 asked Lo-Keong. 
 
 " No. Listen," said Eupert, reading slowly. " I 
 was merely the doctor, as Markham bought the 
 rights to work the mine with his own money. But 
 he promised me a share, and my share now amounts 
 to ten thousand pounds." 
 
 " That is true in a way," said Lo-Keong, " out of 
 the money I pay you, Mr. Ainsleigh, this man can 
 certainly claim that amount." 
 
 " Then what I receive must be a large sum," said 
 Eupert. 
 
 The Chinaman smiled faintly. " Much larger 
 than you think," said Lo-Keong, " pardon my inter- 
 ruption and proceed." 
 
 Eupert continued. " But I was not satisfied 
 with my share, and wanted all the money. Lo- 
 Keong had an enemy called Hop Sing, and he pro- 
 mised if I could ruin Lo-Keong that he would put 
 Markham out of the way, and give me the money 
 which had been obtained by working the mine. I 
 knew that Markham had never sent any money 
 home, as he wanted to wait until he could become a 
 millionaire, and then return to astonish his wife, 
 and restore the splendours of Eoyabay. I therefore 
 saw Hop Sing " 
 
 " I think you can leave all that out, Mr. A.ins- 
 leigh," said Lo-Keong, " it is the story I told you." 
 
 " So it is," said Eupert, running his eyes down 
 the closely written page. " Well — hum — hum," he 
 picked up the thread of the tale lower down. " It 
 seems," he said, speaking for himself, "that Hop
 
 268 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 Sing fell into disgrace, and Forge could not get the 
 money. He went to China several times, as Hop 
 
 Sing recovered his position " 
 
 " And I fell into disgrace," said the Marquis, 
 " the Empress is a woman you know — pardon me, 
 Mrs. Ainsleigh — and whimsical." 
 
 " Well," said Rupert, smiling, " you seem to have 
 been up and down several times. When Hop Sing 
 was in favour. Forge went to China, but the 
 Mandarin refused to help him to get the money 
 which was under the control of Lo-Keong, unless 
 the fan was obtained. Forge learned the conditions 
 of the fan, and finally got it from the Major. He 
 took it to England and locked it up in a cabinet. 
 But he was afraid to take it to China or use it in 
 case Hwei should kill him." 
 
 "And Hwei would have killed him," said the 
 Marquis, " it was as well that Forge was so careful. 
 But how did he lose the fan ? " 
 
 " Miss Pewsey took it," said Rupert glancing at 
 the letter. 
 
 " A woman," the Marquis took the note from the 
 table, and passed it to Mrs. Ainsleigh. " Tell me, 
 madam, is that a woman's handwriting." 
 
 Olivia looked surprised. "It is Miss Pewsey 's 
 handwriting." 
 
 " Ah," said Rupert, " so she wrote to Lo-Keong 
 telling him the fan was in England. Listen to 
 what the doctor says," and he began to read again. 
 " Miss Pewsey came to my house and was very 
 friendly. She wanted me to marry her, saying she 
 was trying to get Miss Wharf to leave her the
 
 WHO IS GUILTY? 269 
 
 money, that should ;have been left to you Mrs. 
 Ainsleigh." 
 
 " Ah," said Olivia significantly, " so she did work 
 for that. Go on." 
 
 The letter went on as follows : — " I didn't like 
 Miss Pewsey who was old and ugly and evil — much 
 worse than I ever was, in my worst days. But she 
 haunted my house and I got used to her. I used to 
 smoke opium, and grew very ill. In fact on more 
 than one occasion I became delirious. Miss Pewsey 
 came and nursed me. She took advantage of my 
 delirium to learn the whole story of the fan, and 
 learned also — don't be startled at this Mrs. Ainsleigh 
 — that through me Markham had lost his life." 
 
 "We know that from the Marquis," said Rodgers, 
 "but I suspect Mr. Forge wouldn't have spoken out 
 had he not guessed the Marquis would tell the whole 
 yarn. Go on Mr. Ainsleigh." 
 
 " Miss Pewsey," went on the letter, " insisted 
 that I should marry her, or else she threatened to 
 reveal the story to Eupert. I was unwilling that 
 this should be, as I thought — and very rightly — that 
 I should get into trouble." 
 
 " And he would have," Eupert, broke off grimly to 
 explain, " I should have shaken the life out of him. 
 However, to continue," and he again began to read 
 this highly interesting letter. " I therefore agreed 
 to marry her, but always sought an opportunity of 
 escape. During one of my insensible fits after a 
 bout of opium smoking. Miss Pewsey took the key 
 from my watch chain and opening the cabinet gained 
 possession of the fan. I denied this to Major
 
 270 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 Tidman at Miss Pewsey's behest, or else Miss Pewsey 
 would have denounced me." 
 
 " Not she," said Eodgers, chuckling, " she would 
 have lost her husband had she done so." 
 
 " She has lost him in any case," said Olivia, " but 
 I can tell you what is in the rest of the letter, as I 
 see Eupert is tired of reading. Miss Pewsey gave 
 the fan to Clarence to give to me " 
 
 " To win your favour," said Eupert. 
 
 " No. To bring about my death. Miss Pewsey 
 thought if I was out of the way, she would get Aunt 
 Sophia to leave her the money." 
 
 " What a wicked woman," said Lo-Keong, " we 
 have none such in China." 
 
 " "Well," went on Olivia rapidly, " Miss Pewsey 
 wrote to the Marquis saying the fan was inEngland — " 
 
 " Here is the letter," said Eodgers nodding to- 
 wards the epistle. 
 
 " Yes. How strange I should see it almost 
 immediately after Dr. Forge wrote," said Mrs. 
 Ainsleigh innocently. 
 
 ** Miss Pewsey laid her plans well," said Eupert, 
 looking again at the letter, " she intended to tell 
 Hwei that Olivia had the fan so that she should be 
 killed. But Olivia refused the fan, and Miss Pewsey 
 made Clarence give it to Miss Wharf, so that the 
 poor lady might be killed. But Miss Pewsey delayed 
 the death at the hands of Hwei by holding her 
 tongue, till a will was made in her favour. Chance 
 favoured her, for she got the will altered." 
 
 " By learning of our marriage when she played 
 the spy," said Olivia.
 
 WHO IS GUILTY? 271 
 
 " Quite so," said Ainsleigh, " she then read the 
 advertisement and knew that the two men, Hwei 
 and Tung-yu, were in England. She wrote and told 
 them that Miss Wharf had the fan. The letter was 
 sent shortly before the ball, and after the new will 
 was made. Tung-yu, therefore, came down to the 
 ball to get the fan. This was not what Miss Pewsey 
 wanted, as she desired Hwei to kill the woman." 
 
 " She knew about the god Kwang-ho, then ? " 
 asked Lo-Keong. 
 
 " I think so, but Forge isn't clear on that point. 
 However, he declared that he does not know who 
 killed Miss Wharf, nor who has the fan. He was 
 told by Clarence, how he, — Burgh, had accused him 
 to the Chinamen, and then grew fearful. Also, he 
 heard that the Marquis was in England, and so he 
 knew the whole story would come out. As he 
 dreaded arrest, he fled." 
 
 " But he could have prevented Burgh from speak- 
 ing," said Olivia, " you know, Kupert, how Mr. 
 Burgh told you that Forge knew things about 
 him." 
 
 " I daresay if the Marquis had not come to Eng- 
 land, Forge would have silenced Clarence and fought 
 the matter out. But he knew that the truth about my 
 father's death would be told by the Marquis, and 
 also dreaded, lest he should be accused of Miss 
 Wharf's murder. He says that Clarence never gave 
 him the tie as he says he did, and declares that he 
 was in the card-room all the evening." 
 
 " How does he end the letter? " asked Kodgers. 
 
 Bupert read the last words. " So I write you
 
 272 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 this, Mrs. Ainsleigh, to show you that I am innocent 
 of the death of your aunt. I see that the game is 
 up and that I'll never get the ten thousand from 
 Lo-Keong. Also, if I remain, I shall have to marry 
 Miss Pewsey and cannot bear the idea. When you 
 get this I'll be far away on the sea on a voyage to a 
 land I need not particularise." 
 
 "Not China, I hope," said the Marquis, "if he 
 comes there again, I shall have to kill him. He 
 deserves to be punished for having brought about 
 the death of my friend Markham Ainsleigh. What 
 is to be done now, gentlemen ? W^e are no further 
 on than before." 
 
 "We certainly don't know who had the fan," 
 said Eodgers. 
 
 " Or who has the packet," put in Olivia. 
 
 " Tung-yu has it I am sure," said Lo-Keong. 
 
 " I don't agree with you, Marquis," said the detec- 
 tive. " Tung-yu and Hwei certainly cleared back 
 to Rotherhithe by that yacht, but if the fan had been 
 on board Hwei would have spotted it." 
 
 " Tung-yu is very cunning," said the Marquis 
 doubtfully. 
 
 "Well," said Eupert, folding Forge's letter up, 
 " I suggest that the Marquis should offer a large 
 reward for the fan with his own name appended. 
 Then whosoever has the packet will bring it. For 
 of course," added Eupert shrewdly, " those who 
 had the fan — if more than one — will have the 
 packet." 
 
 " Tung-yu — Tung-yu," said the Marquis shaking 
 his head, "however, I will try the advertisement, and
 
 WHO IS GUILTY? 273 
 
 appoint a place. I am willing to give a large sum 
 for the packet." 
 
 " And I am prepared to arrest the person who 
 brings the packet as the murderer of Miss Wharf," 
 said Rodgers, "you leave the thing to me Marquis." 
 
 " Come with me to London my friend," said Lo- 
 Keong, " and we will write the advertisement. I 
 shall reward you largely, if you get this packet back 
 again." 
 
 " And what will you do, Eupert ? " asked Olivia 
 eagerly. 
 
 Her husband looked up. " I shall hunt for the 
 packet on my own account." 
 
 " Good," said Lo-Keong in his stately manner, 
 " we will see who is fortunate enough to bring me 
 the packet and earn," he looked at Eupert impres- 
 sively, " one hundred thousand pounds."
 
 CHAPTEE XXII 
 
 After-Events 
 
 Eodgers went to London with the Marquis Lo- 
 Keong that very day, and Rupert wanted to go also. 
 But Olivia objected to this, she feared lest her 
 husband should be wounded again. " I don't wish 
 to lose you darling," said Mrs. Ainsleigh coaxingly. 
 
 " But the money," said Eupert dubiously. 
 
 " You mean the hundred thousand pounds," said 
 Olivia " That will be paid to you by the Marquis. 
 It is rightfully your own." 
 
 " Humph ! It seemed to me that Lo-Keong hinted 
 he would pay the money to whomsoever brought him 
 the packet. In that case Eodgers — " 
 
 " Nonsense," said Olivia quickly, " I am quite sure 
 that the Marquis means well to both of us. No 
 doubt he will reward Eodgers largely, should he get 
 the packet : but he will give you your father's 
 money." 
 
 " All the same I should like to hunt for the 
 packet on my own account, Olivia," said Eupert 
 obstinately. 
 
 " Let those hunt, to whom the packet is of 
 value." 
 
 " But I don't believe that this advertisement will
 
 AFTER-EVENTS 275 
 
 bring forth anything," argued Ainsleigh frowning " if 
 Tung-yu has the packet, he certainly won't pass it 
 along to Lo-Keong. If Burgh stole it, he will be 
 afraid lest Hwei, who is in Lo-Keoug's pay, should 
 kill him. As to Tidman — " 
 
 " You thought he was guilty," said Olivia smiling. 
 
 "And I still have my doubts," rejoined her 
 husband, *' so I'll call at the Bristol and have a 
 talk." 
 
 This conversation took place the day after the 
 Mandarin had departed and Rupert was worrying 
 about the exciting chase for the packet, which he 
 foresaw would take place. However, as Olivia in- 
 sisted, he should not risk his life again with Asiatics, 
 he interested himself still in the case by talking it 
 over with Major Tidman. On arriving at the Bristol, 
 he was shown up at once to Tidman's room, and 
 found the Major spick and span as usual, but greatly 
 excited. 
 
 " I was just coming up to see you," said the Major, 
 " look here ? " and he handed Rupert the morning's 
 copy of the Daily Telegraph. 
 
 Ainsleigh looked at the place indicated by the 
 Major, and saw the advertisement asking for the 
 return of the fan, on delivery of which the sum of 
 five thousand would be paid. " I see that the 
 Marquis has lost no time," said Rupert throwing 
 down the paper, " he and Rodgers must have 
 inserted the advertisement at once," 
 
 " Oh," said the Major staring, " so you know." 
 
 " Yes. Lo-Keong and Rogers were with me 
 yesterday."
 
 276 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 " Lo-Keong. Whj' that is the man who owns the 
 fan ? " 
 
 " Exactly. He is a Marquis, and high in the 
 service of the Empress Dowager of China. As to 
 the fan — " Enpert rapidly detailed how it had been 
 found in the cloisters and related also the subsequent 
 discovery, that the box attached to the chain in the 
 tree trunk, was empty " And the man who took 
 the fan from Miss Wharf's dead body stole the 
 packet," said Rupert, " so it is not likely he will 
 risk arrest by coming forward to give the papers to 
 Lo-Keong." 
 
 Tidman sat down astounded at these revelations. 
 *' I wish I had been present," said he, "I was always 
 curious about the fan's secret. A very ingenious 
 device, Ainsleigh." 
 
 " Very" assented Eupert dryly : then he cast a 
 side-long look on the Major, and spoke to the point. 
 " You had nothing to do with the stealing of the fan 
 I hope, Major." 
 
 " I," cried Tidman bouncing from his seat like an 
 india rubber ball. 
 
 "Well you see," went on Rupert, "we met on 
 the beach after eleven, but it is just possible in spite 
 of Forge's evidence, that Miss Wharf may have been 
 killed before then." 
 
 " And you believe that I killed her. Thank you 
 Ainsleigh " 
 
 " My good friend," rejoined the young man 
 calmly, " Lo-Keong believes that Tung-yu broke his 
 oath before the god, and strangled Miss Wharf. 
 But I disagree with him, as Tung-yu could have
 
 AFTEK-EVENTS 277 
 
 procured the fan by milder means, the next day. 
 Hwei could not have strangled the woman, as he 
 was haunting the Abbey grounds to see if the packet 
 was still safe. Forge, in a letter to my wife, insists 
 that he never got the tie, and certainly did not kill 
 Miss Wharf, so—" 
 
 " So you have narrowed it down to me," cried 
 Tidman in a burst of indignation, *' it's too bad of 
 you, Ainsleigh. I am not a thin skinned man by 
 any means : but I do feel this very deeply. I 
 swear," the Major flung up his hand dramatically, 
 *' I swear that I never possessed the tie, and I 
 never killed Miss Wharf and I never took the faa 
 and—" 
 
 "That's all right," interrupted Bupert, "if you 
 did not take the tie, you certainly could not have 
 strangled the woman. After all, perhaps I have 
 been too hard on you. Major." 
 
 " Ah," said Tidman angrily, " you are prepared to 
 take my word for it now, unsupported by other 
 evidence. Your accusation can't be made seriously, 
 Ainsleigh." 
 
 " Well upon my soul," said Eupert passing his 
 hand through his hair, " I really don't know what to 
 think or say. This case seems to grow more 
 mystical at every step. I admit that, as you 
 deceived me at the time, we discussed the advertise- 
 ment — " 
 
 " You think I deceived you again. Well I did not. 
 That was my one and only deception. I wanted the 
 fan in order to procure money I admit : but the 
 danger of being killed by Hwei instead of being
 
 278 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 rewarded by Tung-yu was too great. I dropped the 
 matter." 
 
 " Then who do you think is guilty? " 
 
 " Clarence Burgh. Oh I am sure of it. He 
 admits that Miss Pewsey told him the tie was in the 
 over-coat pocket. No doubt he took it out and used 
 it to incriminate you. Then again, Burgh learned 
 from Tung-yu how the picture could be rendered 
 visible — " 
 
 "True enough," mused Rupert, "well he, might be 
 guilty. And he certainly was in the cloisters 
 one day — " 
 
 "So as to examine the place," said the Major. 
 " And afterwards, he came at night in the monk's 
 disguise, knowing about the ghost and the legend. 
 He was startled when he secured the packet and left 
 the fan by accident on the black square." 
 
 " Or by design" said Ainsleigh, " remembering the 
 prophecy which says that ' gold will come from the 
 holy ashes.' If I get this one hundred thousand 
 pounds the prophecy will certainly be fulfilled, in a 
 sort of way. It was indirectly owing to the fan that 
 Lo-Keong told me of the money my father made in 
 China, and through the fan, when the packet is 
 restored, he intends to give the money to me." 
 
 "Oh humbug," said the Major contemptuously 
 " I don't believe in that foolish rhyme a bit. But 
 are you of my opinion that Burgh is guilty? " 
 
 " Yes — in the way you put it, it seems probable." 
 
 "Well then," said Tidmam angrily and striking 
 the table with his fist. " I have had enough of 
 being suspected, so I'll help you to hunt down the
 
 AFTER-EVENTS 279 
 
 assassin. 1 77mst know who killed Miss Wharf, or 
 else you will be accusing me again. See here," and 
 he threw a paper on the table. 
 
 It was a square of yellow paper, strongly per- 
 fumed, which asked the Major to bring the fan to 
 the den in Penter's Alley. "You showed me this 
 before," said Rupert. " I went up on your behalf." 
 
 " Look at the date," said Tidman pointing, " it's 
 a new invitation. I think Tung-yu — who writes 
 the letter — believes I killed the woman and have the 
 fan after all. Well, last time, you went on my 
 behalf, this time, danger or no danger I'll go myself. 
 You can come if you like." 
 
 "I shall certainly come," said Rupert jumping up, 
 " Olivia does not want me to proceed further in this 
 matter, but, now that you are going, I'll go too. 
 Tung-yu can't know that the fan is in my hands, or 
 that the packet is missing." 
 
 "He's not so clever as I thought he was," said 
 Tidman coolly, " or he wouldn't have bungled this 
 affair as he has done. I am not afraid of him, now. 
 But you see that the appointment is for to-morrow 
 night at nine o'clock." 
 
 " At Penter's Alley under the lantern. Exactly — 
 the same place. But as Rodgers knows of my 
 adventure, I wonder Tung-yu risks another meeting. 
 Besides, Rodgers told me he had been to the den 
 and found both Chinamen gone." 
 
 " Oh, thunderbolts never strike in the same spot 
 twice," said Tidman, " it is the safest place. 
 Rodgers, having gone once, will not go again. 
 Well, will you come."
 
 280 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 " Yes," said Rupert, firmly and went back to the 
 Abbey, to persuade his wife to let him make one 
 more attempt to solve the mystery. 
 
 Olivia was obdurate at first, but after a time, she 
 yielded, though she assured Rupert she should be 
 miserable all the time he was away. " And do take 
 care of yourself," she said. 
 
 " Of course I'll take every care," replied her 
 husband ; and so it was arranged that Rupert should 
 go up to town with Major Tidman by the six o'clock 
 train the next evening, and proceed to Renter's 
 Alley, to see Tung-yu, and learn — if possible, the 
 truth. 
 
 Olivia's attention was somewhat taken off the 
 projected expedition to the wilds of Rotherhithe, by 
 a visit from Lady Jabe. That eccentric female, 
 looking more like a judge than ever, and dressed in 
 a most manly fashion appeared, with a shining face, 
 to announce that Chris was engaged to marry Lotty 
 Dean. 
 
 " It's most dehghtful, " said Lady Jabe, " her 
 father is merely a retired grocer, but I have con- 
 sented to over-look that, if he settles some money 
 on the young couple." 
 
 "And has he consented ? " asked Olivia languidly. 
 She did not take much interest in the affairs of Mr. 
 Walker. 
 
 " Yes. Mr. Dean has allowed his daughter a 
 thousand a year, paid quarterly," said Lady Jabe 
 amiably, " and that, with what Chris earns at the 
 office, will keep us nicely." 
 
 " Us? " echoed Mrs. Ainsleigh smihng.
 
 AFTER-EVENTS 281 
 
 "Certainly," was Lady Jabe's calm reply, "I 
 have been a mother to Chris, and I intend to be a 
 mother to Lotty. I shall look after the house, and 
 control the purse, otherwise, the young pair may 
 get into the bankruptcy court." 
 
 Olivia privately thought that under Lady Jabe's 
 care the young couple, would have a bad time, even 
 though they might be free from bankruptcy. " What 
 does Mr. Walker say ? " 
 
 " Oh Chris is dehghted. He had better be. I'd 
 like to see him cross me, dear Olivia. I've broken 
 his spirit thoroughly. Lotty certainly is a trifle 
 difficult, but I'll break her also by degrees." 
 
 " I think you should leave Mr. and Mrs. Walker 
 to manage their own affairs," said Olivia indignantly. 
 
 *' Oh dear me no," replied Lady Jabe calmly, 
 " that would never do. A couple of babies, my dear 
 Olivia, who need a firm hand. I'll look after them 
 and receive a small sum for doing so. My late 
 husband did not leave me well off," she went on 
 confidentially, "so it is necessary that I should do 
 the best for myself. But now, that's all settled 
 and I'm glad you are pleased." 
 
 " Not with your proposed arrangement, Lady 
 Jabe." 
 
 " Oh, yes you are, dear Olivia. Nothing could be 
 better, whatever you may say. And now to talk of 
 other and less pleasing matters. Miss Pewsey who 
 robbed you of your inheritance, is about to leave 
 Marport. Yes — you may look surprised : but she 
 is selling Ivy Lodge and intends to go to 
 America."
 
 282 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 " In search of the doctor ? " asked Mrs. Ainsleigh 
 doubtfully. 
 
 " Quite so, I understand that Dr. Forge has gone 
 there. But just think what a brazen women Miss 
 Pewsey must be, to follow a man who left her — as 
 you might say at the altar. Miss Pewsey is in 
 London now making arrangements to sail for New 
 York — so she told me yesterday. I wish her all 
 joy," added Lady Jabe shaking her head, " but I 
 fear the man will spend her money and leave her." 
 
 When Lady Jabe went, Olivia thought over the 
 projected departure of Miss Pewsey on the trail of 
 Dr. Forge, She was glad at heart, that her enemy 
 was leaving Marport, but could not help thinking 
 that the bitter little women, was going out of her 
 way to make trouble, for herself. And as Forge 
 was wanted, for participation in Markham Ains- 
 leigh's murder, Olivia though, she would inform her 
 husband of bis whereabouts, so that he might be 
 brought back if necessary. But Eupert listened 
 thoughtfully, and then replied after consideration. 
 
 *' I won't move in the matter," he said calmly, 
 " Forge behaved like a scoundrel, but as he has gone, 
 I leave him in God's hands. He will get his deserts 
 yet, Olivia." 
 
 "Will you send him the ten thousand pounds, 
 Eupert?" 
 
 " No," said the young man decisively. " I shall 
 certainly not do that. Forge deserves some punish- 
 ment and shall have it, by being deprived of the 
 money he sinned to obtain. He did not kill my 
 poor father, but he certainly brought about his
 
 AFTER-EVENTS 283 
 
 death indirectly. Leave him to God, Olivia. As for 
 ourselves, we will get our own money from Lo- 
 Keong, and restore the Abbey." 
 
 " And Miss Pewsey's mortgage? " 
 
 " It is due shortly before Christmas, and I shall be 
 able to pay it off before then. Miss Pewsey has done 
 her worst, Olivia. Henceforth she will be harmless." 
 
 " And what about her punishment, Rupert? " 
 
 " I should think the loss of Forge has punished 
 her. And, if she really intends to follow him, she 
 will be more disappointed. The man will not 
 marry her. No, Olivia, Miss Pewsey also sinned to 
 get money, but she will be punished, you may be 
 certain." 
 
 The next evening Rupert again assumed his old 
 suit and heavy cloak and went away. Olivia clung 
 to him as he left the door. " Oh my darling be 
 careful," she said, " if you are killed — " 
 
 "I won't be," Rupert assured her. "I have taken 
 the precaution to write telling Rodgers of this meet- 
 ing. He will bring, by my advice, a couple of plain- 
 cloth policemen to Renter's Alley, and if there is 
 trouble, both the Major and I will be able to get 
 away." 
 
 Comforted thus, Olivia kissed her husband, and 
 saw him drive down the avenue. Then she re- 
 turned to her room to count the moments, until he 
 returned. All their troubles had brought Olivia 
 and Rupert closer together, and in their implicit 
 trust in one another, lay the elements of future 
 happiness. 
 
 Ainsleigh found the Major also plainly dressed,
 
 284 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 waiting at the station, and the two were speedily on 
 their way to town. Owing to an accident to the 
 train, they were late in arriving at Liverpool Street 
 station and the Major fumed. " We won't be in 
 time," he said when they went to the underground 
 railway. 
 
 *' Oh, I think so," said Rupert calmly, " it's just as 
 well, we should not be too early. I want Rodgers 
 and his men to be on the spot." 
 
 " But what do you think will come of all this ? " 
 asked Tidman, nervously. 
 
 " I think we will find the papers." 
 
 " But if Tung-yu had them, he would not have 
 written to me." 
 
 "He is playing some sort of game. I can't 
 understand, and I have given up theorizing. Let us 
 wait." 
 
 The Major grumbled a little, but finally agreed 
 that Ainsleigh was right. They soon arrived at 
 Rotherhithe, and stepped out into the main street. 
 The night was fine, and there was a bright moon. 
 " I like this better than when I was here last," said 
 Rupert, as the two went down to Penters' Alley. 
 
 " It's a good thing there's a moon," said the Major 
 casting a glance upward, "if these Chinamen try to 
 bolt, we can chase them." 
 
 " Do you expect Hwei to be there also ? " 
 " I can't say," said Tidman, *' but if Tung-yu is, I 
 suspect Hwei won't be far off. They work in couples 
 as you know." 
 
 " And pull against each other like ill-matched dogs," 
 said Rupert, " a queer compact, this."
 
 AFTEK-EVENTS 285 
 
 " It's silly. I think the Mandarin must be mad 
 with all this rubbish about his gim-crack god Kwang- 
 ho. Here we are — and there's the lantern. What 
 a narrow street." 
 
 They stepped down the Alley in the bright moon- 
 light. The lantern flared above the same house as 
 Bupert had entered before, and at the door stood a 
 small figure. It was the Chinese boy dressed in red. 
 " Ah," said Rupert significantly, " Hweiis certainly 
 here, as well as Tung-yu, We'll have trouble." 
 
 "If Hwei tries to kill me, I'll shoot," said the 
 Major, and produced a neat revolver. " I've held 
 my life in my hands before now." 
 
 Eupert was about to speak to the boy who stood 
 silently before the closed door, when he heard a long 
 agonised scream within the house. The boy smiled 
 in a cruel manner, and Rupert tried to dash past. 
 But the boy prevented him. Tidman, however, was 
 more fortunate and flung himself against the door. 
 Evidently, a tragedy was taking place inside. As 
 the Major ran forward, the door opened suddenly and 
 Burgh dashed out and down the street, towards the 
 river. After him came Tung-yu, his face alive with 
 fury. Tidman gave a shout, and made after the two, 
 but Rupert, wondering who was being killed, sprang 
 down the passage and entered the room, where 
 formerly he had met with the adventure. A tall 
 Chinaman was standing in the middle of the floor 
 wiping a knife on his blouse. He turned, and 
 Rupert beheld Hwei. The Chinaman pointed to the 
 floor with a ghastly smile. " The doom of the god 
 Kwang-ho," said he, and ran out of the house swiftly.
 
 286 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 Rupert cast his eyes on a body lying on the floor. 
 It was that of a woman and from her breast a stream 
 of blood was flowing. She was not yet dead, but 
 looked up with a pain-drawn face. Ainsleigh drew 
 back with an exclamation. It was Miss Pewsey.
 
 CHAPTEE XXIII 
 
 The Chase 
 
 Bupert stared at the wounded woman amazed. 
 How came Miss Pewsey into this den ? He was so 
 astonished, that he forgot to call for assistance. 
 Miss Pewsey gave a moan and opened her eyes. At 
 once she recognised Ainsleigh, for the light from the 
 tasselled lantern overhead, fell full on his amazed 
 face. 
 
 " So you are safe," said Miss Pewsey with difficulty, 
 " didn't Tung-yu kill you." 
 
 "I have just arrived," said Rupert, " your nephew 
 has gone out followed by Tung-yu." 
 
 " I hope he'll catch him," muttered Miss Pewsey, 
 " Tung-yu stabbed me. Clarence snatched the 
 papers and ran away leaving me here to die." 
 
 "How did you get the papers?" asked Rupert 
 startled. 
 
 " I got them from Clarence — he asked me to come 
 up here, and — oh," she fell back insensible. Rupert 
 thought she was dead and forgetting where he was, 
 cried loudly for assistance. He heard footsteps ap- 
 proaching and Lo-Keong in sober attired entered. 
 The stately Chinaman was roused out of his usual 
 self. He appeared disturbed and his face was di3-
 
 288 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 torted. " Eodgers and his men are chasing Tung- 
 yu," said Lo-Keong grasping Rupert's arm, " go after 
 them. Tung-yu has the papers." 
 
 " But Miss Pewsey." 
 
 Lo-Keong started back. " That woman," he cried, 
 as startled as Rupert had been, "pooh, let her die. 
 She deserves her fate. She has been the cause of the 
 trouble. Go — go, Mr. Ainsleigh — go after Tung-yu." 
 
 " But Miss Pewsey! " repeated Rupert, seeing the 
 ■woman open her eyes, and recognising that life yet 
 remained. 
 
 "I'll see to her. I'll get a doctor." Lo-Keong 
 struck the gong near the door. " But get me those 
 papers. All my life depends upon them. Remem- 
 ber — one hundred thousand pounds — go — go. It 
 may be too late. Don't allow Tung-yu to escape." 
 
 Rupert was quite bewildered as the Chinaman 
 pushed him out of the door. Then, recognising that 
 he could do nothing to help Miss Pewsey, and that 
 Lo-Keong, for his own sake would do all he could to 
 keep her alive, so that he might learn how the packet 
 came into her possession, Rupert ran out of the 
 house, and found the street filled with screaming 
 Chinamen and chattering Europeans. Some police- 
 men were coming down the alley from the main 
 thoroughfare, and everyone appeared to be alarmed. 
 The ragged mob rushed into various doors, at the 
 sight of the officers, but the Chinamen still continued 
 to cackle and scream. Suddenly Rupert heard a 
 revolver shot, and wondered if the Major had got 
 into trouble. Remembering that Burgh, with Tung- 
 yu in pursuit, had gone down the alley towards the
 
 THE CHASE 289 
 
 water, he raced in the same direction, and at once, 
 two policemen, seeing him go, followed. There was 
 no time to undeceive them, so Rupert ran on, eager 
 to come up with Burgh. He had the papers, accord- 
 ing to MissPewsey, and in spite ofLo-Keong's state- 
 ment, Ainsleigh suspected that Miss Pewsey was 
 right. Else Tung-yu would not be in pursuit of the 
 buccaneers. As Rupert tore down the moonlit 
 alley, he heard the high clear voice of the Mandarin 
 calling on the police to stop. Then the tumult re- 
 commenced. 
 
 It mattered little to Ainsleigh. As he raced blindly 
 on, he felt a thrill of joy in his veins. It seemed 
 to him that he had never lived before, and that this 
 man-hunt was the climax of life. At the end of the 
 Alley he came on a dilapidated wharf, which ran out 
 into the turbid water, and saw a stout figure dancing 
 on this. At once he hurried down to find Major 
 Tidman, who recognised him at once. 
 
 " There was a boat waiting," gasped the Major 
 seizing Rupert's arm. " Burgh jumped into it and 
 pushed off. Tung-yu came after, and as the boat 
 was already in mid-stream he plunged into the water." 
 
 "Where is Hwei?" 
 
 " Rodgers and his men are after him. I fired a 
 shot, and I believe, I hit Tung-yu, as he was swim- 
 ming. Who has the papers? " 
 
 " Burgh. Keep a look out for him. I'll run 
 along the bank," and before the Major could ex- 
 postulate, Ainsleigh dashed up the wharf and ran 
 along the bank of the river. 
 
 He did this because his quick eye had seen a black 
 
 U
 
 290 THE MANDAKIN'S FAN 
 
 head bobbing in the water below the wharf. The 
 swimmer was evidently making for the near shore. 
 Eupert did not know if it was Tung-yu or Hwei, 
 but hurried at top speed along the bank, in the hope 
 of catching the man when he came ashore. He 
 sped along a kind of narrow way, for here, the old 
 houses of Kotherhithe came down, almost to the 
 water's edge. There were lights in some of the 
 windows, but for the most part, these were in dark- 
 ness. To Rupert's left, loomed the house, and on his 
 right was the river bank, shelving down to the glitter- 
 ing water. A few piles ran out into the stream, and 
 as the river was low, there were acres of evil-smelling 
 mud. The man was making for the bank and 
 battling hard against the stream, which was sweeping 
 him down. Bupert shouted, and seeing him on the 
 bank, the swimmer seemed to stop, apparently 
 dreading the reception he would get. 
 
 Finally he resumed his stroke, and made for a 
 wharf, some distance down. Ainsleigh ran for this, 
 but was stopped by a wooden fence. He managed 
 to climb over, and raced on to the wharf ; but the 
 swimmer was nowhere to be seen. 
 
 Suddenly, Eupert caught sight of a figure crawling 
 up the bank a little distance below, and again ran up 
 the wharf to the pathway. The man who had 
 landed caught sight of him, and leaping on to the 
 hard path, ran along the river bank, but in a swaying 
 manner, as though his powers of endurance were 
 exhausted. Considering how hard he had battled 
 with the current, probably the man's strength had 
 given out and Eupert, feehng fresh and fit, thought
 
 THE CHASE 291 
 
 he would have no difficulty in catching up. But the 
 man ran hard, and then dropped out of sight below 
 the bank. Apparently he had taken to the river 
 again. Kupert raced down so quickly, as to over- 
 shoot the mark, where the man had slipped down. 
 While looking round, he caught sight of him again. 
 He ran up the bank and dodged into a narrow side 
 street. Kupert was after him in a moment. The 
 man had vanished round a corner — so Ainsleigh 
 thought — but when Rupert came after, he saw the 
 street in the moonlight was perfectly empty, and 
 turned back. The fugitive had tricked him, by 
 dodging into a dark corner, and was again on the 
 bank. He leaped on the wharf, and scrambled down 
 the piles to a boat which swung at the end of a long 
 rope. While he hauled this in painfully, and 
 pantingly, Rupert leaped on him. The man looked 
 up with an oath, and closed with his pursuer. It 
 was Burgh. 
 
 " The papers — the papers," gasped Rupert, " you 
 give them up." 
 
 " I'll kill you first," said Burgh setting his teeth, 
 and, exhausted as he was, he struggled with preter- 
 natural strength. The two men swung and swayed 
 on the edge of the wharf, till Burgh tripped up his 
 opponent and both fell into the water. Rupert still 
 held his grip, and felt the body of Burgh grow heavy. 
 He rose to the surface, dragging at the buccaneer, 
 and, as the two had fallen into shallow water, Rupert 
 staggered on to the evil-smelling mud. He was 
 obliged to let go Burgh, who apparently, had been 
 playing possum, for he rose to his feet and made a
 
 292 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 feeble attempt to climb the bank. Seeing this, 
 Bupert, who was almost exhausted himself with the 
 long pursuit and the cold dotiche, struck out, and 
 Burgh, with a cry of rage fell flat into the mud. The 
 next moment Rupert was kneeling on his chest. 
 "The papers, you scoundrel," he said between his 
 teeth. 
 
 " Haven't got them. Tung-yu — — " 
 
 " You lie. Give me those papers, or I'll tear 
 your clothes off to find them." 
 
 Burgh tried to utter a taunting laugh, but the 
 effort was too much for his strength. He stopped 
 suddenly, and with a sob closed his eyes. The body 
 became inert, and as Rupert could see no wound, he 
 concluded that the buccaneer had fainted. At once 
 he removed his knee, and began bis search. He 
 went deliberately through the pockets of the in- 
 sensible man, and finally came across a packet 
 bound in red brocade. It was in Burgh's breast, 
 next to the skin. Rupert, with this in his hand, 
 rose with a gasp of relief. He had the papers after 
 all, and now, could hope to get the money from the 
 Mandarin. He slipped the important packet into 
 his pocket, and then producing a flask of brandy, he 
 forced a few drops between the clenched teeth of 
 his antagonist. He did not wish the man to die, 
 and moreover, he was desirous of questioning him. 
 In a few moments Burgh opened his eyes. " You," 
 he said, as soon as he recovered his scattered senses, 
 and he made an effort to rise. 
 
 " No you don't," said Rupert pushing him back, 
 " you'll try and reach for your revolver."
 
 THE CHASE 293 
 
 " Go slow," muttered Burgh, lying on his back in 
 the mud. " I give in, Ainsleigh. You've won." 
 
 "I've got the papers, if that's what you mean. 
 They shall be given to Lo-Keong." 
 
 "And you'll get the five thousand." 
 
 " I'll get one hundred thousand," said Eupert, 
 keeping a watchful eye on his late opponent. 
 
 "Huh," said Burgh with a groan, "what luck. 
 And all I have got, is a ducking. Let me up and 
 give me some more brandy. Remember, I saved 
 your life from Forge, Ainsleigh." 
 
 " Quite so, and you tried to kill me just now," said 
 Rupert dryly. "I think we are quits. However, 
 here's the brandy, and you can sit up. No treachery 
 mind, or I'll shoot you," and Rupert pulled out his 
 Derringer. 
 
 The buccaneer gave a grunt and sat up with an 
 effort. "I'm not up to a row," he gasped. "There's 
 no fight left in me. Great Scott, to think I was so 
 near success. I'll be poor for the rest of my life, I 
 guess." 
 
 " You'll be hanged for the murder of Miss Wharf, 
 you mean." 
 
 Burgh took a deep draught of the brandy, which 
 put new life into his veins. He actually grinned 
 when he took the flask from his lips. " I reckon 
 that's not my end," said he. " I never killed the old 
 girl. No sir — not such a flat." 
 
 " Then who did kill her ? " 
 
 " Find out," was the ungracious response. 
 
 " See here, Burgh," said Rupert, swinging himself 
 on to a pile of the wharf. " I mean to get to the
 
 294 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 bottom of this business, once and for all. The 
 papers shall be given to the Marquis and then, I 
 hope, we shall hear the last of this fan business. 
 But I must know who killed — " 
 
 " There — there," said Burgh with a shrug, and 
 after another drink, " I cave in : you've got the 
 bulge on me. But I guess, if you want to keep 
 those papers, you'd best clear out, Tung-yu will be 
 along soon looking for them. I leaped into a boat 
 and pushed out, but that Chinese devil swam after, 
 and when I got into trouble with the oars, he climbed 
 on board with a long knife. I jumped over-board 
 and made for the bank, where you raced me down. 
 But I guess Tung-yu will bring that craft of his 
 ashore, and he's hunting for me like a dog as he 
 is." 
 
 "Rodgers, and Hwei, and Lo-Keong, and a lot of 
 policemen are hunting for Tung-yu," said Rupert 
 coolly, " so you need give yourself no further trouble. 
 Tell me why you killed Miss AVharf ? " 
 
 " I didn't, confound you," growled Burgh. 
 
 " Then you know who did ? " 
 
 " Yes — it was Forge." 
 
 " That's a lie. Forge wrote to my wife, and 
 denied that you gave him the tie." 
 
 " Then Tidman killed the old girl." 
 
 " No. He was with me on the beach. Come 
 now, you shan't get off in this way. Tell me who is 
 guilty?" 
 
 " If I do, will you let me go ? " 
 
 " I make no bargains. Out with it."
 
 THE CHASE 295 
 
 Burgh looked black, but being tired out and at the 
 mercy of Eupert's revolver, he growled sulkily, " It 
 v^as Aunt Lavinia." 
 
 " Miss Pewsey — that frail little woman — im- 
 possible." 
 
 " Frail," echoed the Buccaneer with scorn, " she's 
 as tough as hickory and as wicked a little devil as 
 ever breathed. Why, she learned about the fan from 
 Forge when he was delirious, and gave away the 
 show to Lo-Keong in China — " 
 
 "I know that. And she wished Olivia to have 
 the fan, that she might be killed." 
 
 " That's so, you bet. But old Wharf got it, and 
 so, was killed." 
 
 " But not by Tung-yu, or Hwei." 
 
 " No." Burgh took a final drink, and having 
 emptied the flask, flung it into the river. Then he 
 took out a cigarette, which was dry enough to light. 
 When smoking, he began to laugh. "Well this is a 
 rum show," said he. "I guess you've got all the 
 fun. I'm sold proper." 
 
 " Tell me your story," said Eupert imperatively, 
 "I want to get back to Penter's Alley to see your 
 aunt." 
 
 " Oh, I guess she's a goner by this time," said 
 Burgh easily, " Tung-yu knifed her." 
 
 "You mean Hwei. I found him wiping the 
 knife." 
 
 " No. Tung-yu stuck her, and dropped the 
 knife. Aunty was just passing the packet to Hwei, 
 when Tung-yu stabbed her. I reckon he intended 
 to grab the packet, but I was too sharp for him, and
 
 296 THE MANDAKIN'S FAN 
 
 caught it away from his hand. Then I raced out 
 and he after me. Hwei stayed behind to clean the 
 knife, I reckon." 
 
 " No, he followed you two almost immediately." 
 
 " Then both Chinamen will be here soon. You'd 
 best cut." 
 
 " Not till I learn the truth." 
 
 " I've told you the truth," snapped Burgh, in a 
 weary voice. " My old aunt strangled Miss Wharf. 
 Yes. Aunty told me of the tie, and asked me to get 
 it for her. I didn't know what she wanted to do 
 with it, so I did. I took it out of your pocket when 
 Dalham was out of the room. Then I gave it to 
 aunty. She told Miss Wharf that Tung-yu wanted 
 to see her on the steps, after eleven. Miss Wharf 
 went there and then aunty followed and sat down 
 beside her on the steps. I guess she kept her in talk 
 and then slipped the tie round her old throat and 
 pulled with all her might. And she's strong, I can 
 tell you," added Clarence confidentially. " She 
 nearly broke my arm one day twisting it. Miss 
 Wharf hadn't time to call out, and was a deader in 
 two minutes, for aunty froze on to her like death." 
 
 "Death indeed," murmured Rupert with a shudder. 
 
 " Well then aunty bucked up round by the front 
 of the hotel with the fan in her pocket and left the 
 tie round the neck of the old girl, so that you might 
 hang. All went well, but the next day I went to 
 aunty and asked for the fan. She was very sick, as 
 she intended to sell it that day to Tung-yu. But 
 Tung-yu had cut along with Hwei in the yacht, both 
 thinking they might be accused of the murder. They
 
 THE CHASE 297 
 
 thought that old Tidman did the biznai," grinned 
 Burgh, " and I let them think so, having my own 
 game to play with aunty." 
 
 "Well," said Ainsleigh shortly, "and what did 
 you do?" 
 
 "I told aunty I'd split if I didn't get the fan, so 
 she passed it along to me. Then I learned about 
 the secret from Tung-yu — the waving in the smoke 
 you know. I found out the kind of smoke from 
 Forge—" 
 
 " And repaid him by a lying accusation." 
 
 " That's so," said Burgh coolly, " there ain't no 
 flies on me. But let's heave ahead. It's cold sitting 
 here." 
 
 " Go on then," said Ainsleigh sharply. 
 
 " Well I learned about the picture, and guessed 
 about the abbey. The picture was plain enough. 
 I came that day you found me, to see the place." 
 
 " And stole the packet then ? " 
 
 " No, I waited till night and rigged myself up as 
 the Abbot. I knew it would make anyone sick 
 who saw a monk about at that hour." 
 
 "Not me," said Ainsleigh, "if I had caught 
 you-" 
 
 "Well you very nearly did," confessed Burgh 
 candidly, " I came at night and climbed all four 
 trees before I nipped the box. Then I prized it 
 open and climbed down leaving the box, so that Lo- 
 Keong might get sold when he came to look. Just 
 as I got down, that old housekeeper of yours 
 screeched, and cut. I was startled, and dropped 
 the fan. Not wishing to leave that behind, I began
 
 298 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 to look for it. Then you and the butler turned up 
 and I lighted out sharp." 
 
 " What happened next ? " 
 
 " Well I wanted the money, but not knowing the 
 days of Hwei and Tung-yu, thought I might get 
 stabbed, instead of the money. So I took the packet 
 to Aunty, and asked her to go up, telling her Tung- 
 yu would give her the money. She fell into the 
 trap." 
 
 " But she knew that Hwei — " 
 
 "It wasn't Hwei's day," said Burgh, " at least it 
 turned out so, though I didn't know it at the time, 
 and so sent on Aunty to get the cash. I intended 
 to pull the dollars out of her when she did get them, 
 or leave her to die if Hwei knifed her." 
 
 " You blackguard." 
 
 " Go slow," said Burgh coolly, " aunty was no 
 friend to you. I say, do you know why aunty 
 wanted me to marry Olivia. It was because I'm 
 married already and if — " 
 
 He got no further. Eupert knocked him back- 
 wards into the mud. Burgh leaped to his feet, and 
 suddenly cried, " Look behind." Rupert did so very 
 foohshly, and Burgh flung himself forward. But 
 all the same Burgh was right to warn Ainsleigh. A 
 man was staggering along the wharf. He was in 
 Chinese dress. 
 
 " Knife him, Tung-yu," cried Burgh, struggling 
 with Rupert, " I'll hold him. He's got the papers." 
 
 The Chinaman gave a screech and hurled himself 
 on the pair. Rupert wrenched himself away from 
 Burgh and struck out at Tung-yu. At the same
 
 THE CHASE 299 
 
 moment he heard another cry, and Hwei came 
 leaping down the wharf. Before Tung-yu could 
 turn, his enemy was on him, and as Rupert was 
 again closing in death grips with Burgh, he had no 
 time to see what was taking place. He could hear 
 the Chinamen snarling like angry cats on the wharf, 
 and was himself fighting in the mud with Burgh 
 for his life. Luckily Rupert got his hand free and 
 it was the one which held the revolver. He fired at 
 random — three shots. 
 
 There was a shout in the distance : but at that 
 moment, the buccaneer seized him by the throat and 
 threw him down. Rupert with a strangled cry felt 
 himself being forced beneath the water, and thought 
 the end had come. He could hear the struggle 
 between Hwei and Tung-yu going on furiously, and 
 hear also very faintly the deep laughter of his 
 opponent. Then he lost consciousness. Every- 
 thing became dark, and Rupert's last thought was 
 that all his pains had been in vain. He would die, 
 and Olivia would be a widow.
 
 CHAPTER XXIV 
 
 The Fulfilled Peophecy 
 
 When Rupert came to his senses, the surroundings 
 seemed to be familiar. He had lost consciousness 
 on the banks of the Thames, and during a fierce 
 struggle with a treacherous foe. He opened his 
 eyes to find himself in his own bed in his own room 
 at Royabay. But he felt strangely weak and 
 indisposed to talk. After a glance, he closed his 
 eyes again. Then, after what seemed to him to be 
 a few minutes — it was really half an hour — he 
 opened them again, and this time he saw Olivia 
 bending over him with an anxious face. " Dearest," 
 he murmured weakly. 
 
 " Oh Rupert, do you know me ? " 
 
 " Yes. Where am I — what are you doing here ? " 
 
 " You are at the Abbey. Don't speak. Take 
 this," and some beef tea was held to his dry lips. 
 
 Ainsleigh drank a little and then fell asleep again. 
 When he did so there was an artificial light in the 
 room, but when he woke the sun was streaming in 
 through the window. But his wife was still beside 
 his bed, and still looked anxious. However, she 
 gave a little cry of joy when Rupert spoke in a 
 stronger voice. He was beginning to collect his
 
 THE FULFILLED PKOPHECY 301 
 
 scattered senses. " Ha:x2. I heen ill long ? " he 
 asked. 
 
 " Four days," she replied, " don't talk, darling." 
 
 " But the packet ? " 
 
 " The Marquis has it safe." 
 
 " Burgh ? " 
 
 " He has escaped. Don't talk." 
 
 " Miss Pewsey," said Rupert faintly. 
 
 " She is dead." 
 
 " Then Miss Pewsey did strangle your aunt." 
 
 " Yes — yes — the doctor says you are not to talk." 
 
 " Just one more question. Those Chinamen ? " 
 
 " Hwei and Tung-yu. They were drowned." 
 
 Rupert smiled weakly, and turning on his side 
 went off into a deep sleep. The doctor who called 
 later, said it was the best thing he could do. "He 
 has had a severe shock," said he to Olivia, ** and his 
 nervous system is shaken. You may be thankful he 
 did not wake with a disordered brain." 
 
 " Oh, doctor, you don't think — " 
 
 " No ! No ! It's all right. He would not have 
 asked those questions if anything was wrong with 
 his mind. In a few weeks he will be quite himself. 
 But I think, Mrs. Ainsleigh, that you should take 
 him abroad for a time." 
 
 Olivia gladly promised to do this, the more so, as 
 she wanted to escape herself from Marport for a 
 time. The news of Miss Pewsey's death had caused 
 a great sensation, and a still greater one was caused 
 by the publication in the paper of her crime. Every- 
 one, now knew that the bitter little woman had 
 strangled Miss "Wharf, and everyone was very severe
 
 302 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 on her. The funeral had to be conducted quietly, 
 as the mob showed signs of intending to interrupt. 
 However, the police kept back the irate crowd, and 
 Miss Pewsey was buried in a quiet corner of St. 
 Peter's church-yard, where a few weeks before, she 
 had hoped to be married. But her intended bride- 
 groom was in America, and Miss Pewsey's mortal 
 part was in the grave. Where her immortal soul 
 was and what would become of it, was talked over 
 by people, who were less forgiving than they ought 
 to have been. 
 
 Ainsleigh recovered his strength quicker then the 
 doctor thought he would. Olivia nursed him with 
 devoted tenderness, and often wept as she thought 
 how nearly she had lost him. When Rupert was 
 better able to hear the recital, she gave him a short 
 account of his rescue. " Those three shots you fired 
 brought up Rodgers and his men, who were searching 
 for Hwei and Tung-yu. They came, just in time to 
 pull Mr. Burgh off you. He was holding you down 
 under the water, and Mr. Rodgers thought you were 
 dead. However the doctor was called, and they 
 brought you round. Then I was telegraphed for, 
 and I insisted that you should be taken back to 
 Royabay. I had my way, although the doctor in 
 London said it would be dangerous. So here you 
 are, darling, in your own home, and soon vnll be all 
 right." 
 
 " Thanks to your nursing," said Ainsleigh, kissing 
 her, " but Olivia, tell me about Miss Pewsey." 
 
 " She made a confession before she died," said 
 Mrs. Ainsleigh, ■" oh Rupert, even though she is dead,
 
 THE FULFILLED PROPHECY 303 
 
 I can't help saying, that she was a wicked little 
 woman." 
 
 " Wicked indeed," said Kupert, recalling what 
 Burgh had said, " she wished you to marry Burgh, 
 because he was married already." 
 
 "In which case he would have deserted me," said 
 Mrs. Ainsleigh with a crimson face, " he was as bad 
 as she. But listen, Rupert, if you feel strong 
 enough." 
 
 " Go on," said Ainsleigh, and held his wife's hand 
 while she talked. 
 
 "Well, then," began Mrs. Ainsleigh, "after the 
 Marquis pushed you out of the Penter's Alley room, 
 he went and got a doctor, who said that Miss Pewsey 
 was dying. She heard him, having regained her 
 senses, and then began to cry, saying how wicked 
 she had been. For the sake of everyone, Lo-Keong 
 asked her to make a confession. As soon as she 
 knew there was no hope of her recovery, she agreed 
 to do so. A clergyman was called in, and he took 
 down what she said. The confession was witnessed 
 and signed, and Mr. Rodgers has it." 
 
 " What did she confess?" asked Rupert. 
 
 " Oh," Olivia covered her face, "it was really awful. 
 She said that she was always jealous of Aunt Sophia, 
 and of me She wished to get the five hundred a year. 
 At first she thought she would get it by marrying 
 me to her nephew, and then she could finger the 
 money, when my aunt died. But she soon saw that 
 I was not to be guided in the way she desired, and 
 cast about for a new plan." 
 
 " But, Olivia, if she knew Burgh was married — '
 
 304 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 " Oh, that didn't matter to her. She intended he 
 should marry me and then if I got the money she 
 intended to say there was no marriage, unless I gave 
 her the five hundred a year. She wished to dis- 
 grace me. 
 
 " A kind of blackmail, in fact." 
 
 " Yes. But I can't understand, how she intended 
 to reckon with Mr. Burgh, who is not an easy person 
 to deal with. Well Rupert, when she found that 
 I would not marry Mr. Burgh, she tried to get a new 
 will made. She did not succeed for a long time. 
 Meanwhile, she heard about the fan and wrote to 
 Lo-Keong. When she saw the advertisement she 
 was alarmed, thinking Aunt Sophia would be killed 
 before the new will was made. Luckily for her, 
 she overheard about our secret marriage and told 
 Aunt Sophia, who made a new will, and who intended, 
 after the ball, to turn me out of the house. 
 
 " But your aunt was so kind to you at that 
 time." 
 
 " So as to make things harder for me," said Olivia 
 sadly, " poor Aunt Sophia, she was quite under the 
 thumb of Miss Pewsey, who really did hypnotise her — 
 at least she confessed she had power over her in the 
 confession. But I don't think it was difficult to get 
 Aunt Sophia to alter her will, seeing she hated you 
 so, and could not bear to think that the five hundred 
 a year, should go to the son of the man, she thought, 
 had scorned her." 
 
 " That was not true : my father — " 
 
 " Yes ! Yes ! I know. Don't talk too much, Rupert 
 you arft weak yet. But let me go on," added Olivia,
 
 THE FULFILLED PKOPHECY 305 
 
 passing her hand over her husband's forehead. 
 " Well then, when the new will was made, Miss 
 Pewsey let Tung-joi know that Aunt Sophia would 
 have the fan at the ball. She didn't know whether 
 Tung-yu or Hwei was to kill the possessor of the 
 fan, and when she learned that Aunt Sophia was 
 to sell the fan next day, she was very angry." 
 
 " Why. With her influence she could have got 
 the money." 
 
 " Not all to herself, and besides she wanted the 
 five hundred a year, and Aunt Sophia out of the way. 
 Moreover, that scarf I knitted for you gave her a 
 chance of throwing the blame on you. She got 
 Clarence to get it, and then lured Miss Wharf — my 
 aunt — to the steps where she strangled her." 
 
 " Yes. Burgh told me. I know the rest. Her 
 nephew made her give up the fan, learned the secret, 
 and stole the packet. Then he made his aunt take 
 it to Penter's Alley." 
 
 Ohvia nodded. "And Miss Pewsey thought she 
 would get the money, as Burgh said it was Tung-yu's 
 hour." 
 
 "So it was. He spoke truly enough, although 
 he didn't risk giving up the packet himself. Well." 
 
 " But Tung-yu killed Miss Pewsey after all. She 
 asked twenty thousand pounds and refused to give 
 it for less. Clarence Burgh who had come up with 
 her, came into the room with Hwei, who saw the 
 packet pass, but could not interfere." 
 
 " Because it wasn't his hour." 
 
 "Yes. And all would have been well, had not 
 Tung-yu suddenly disobeyed the god Kwang-ho's 
 
 X
 
 306 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 commands and stabbed Miss Pewsey. Of course, 
 Hwei was released from his oath by this act and 
 tried to get the packet. But Clarence Burgh 
 snatched it from both and ran away. Tung-yu went 
 after him, and then Hwei followed, after wiping the 
 knife. Then—" 
 
 " I know the rest. I got the packet from 
 Burgh." 
 
 "Yes, and he tried to drown you. Hwei and 
 Tung-yu were struggling together, as Tung-yu 
 wanted to get the packet from you. But Hwei 
 stabbed him with the same knife he had used to 
 kill Miss Pewsey, and in his death grip, Tung-yu 
 drew Hwei into the water. Both were dead and 
 still locked in each other's embrace when they 
 were drawn out. Lo-Keong said that Tung-yu de- 
 served his doom for having trifled with Kwang-ho, 
 but he mourns for Hwei." 
 
 "It seems to be much of a muchness," said Eupert, 
 " and Burgh?" 
 
 " Rodgers threw himself on him, and he was se- 
 cured. You were taken away, and I was telegraphed 
 for. But while Burgh was being taken to prison he 
 contrived to escape, and got away in the darkness." 
 
 " But Olivia, it was a bright, moonlight night." 
 
 " At first it was, but the moon set and darkness 
 came on. The police have been searching for Burgh, 
 but he has not been found, and it is supposed he has 
 got away from England." 
 
 " I hope so," said Eupert with a shudder. " I 
 never wish to set eyes on him again. So that's the 
 end of it ail."
 
 THE FULFILLED PKOPHECY 307 
 
 "Not quite. Lo-Keong is in the library with Mr. 
 Asher. Oh, Rupert, you must prepare yourself for 
 the best of news." 
 
 The young man rose, and was led downstairs by 
 his wife, *' I am quite ready to hear the good news," 
 he said, as they descended. " I have had far too 
 much bad news in my life." 
 
 As OHvia said, the lawyer was waiting in the 
 library, and stood before the fire with an expectant 
 face. LorKeong, in even more gorgeous robes than 
 he had worn on the occasion of his first visit, was 
 seated in his stately manner near the window. He 
 rose as the master of Royabay entered, and came 
 forward with a serious smile. 
 
 " My young friend," said the Mandarin. *' I have 
 to thank you for saving my hfe. The papers which 
 would have ruined me, and which would have cost 
 me my head, have been burnt. Hwei is dead, and 
 Tuiig-yu ; so no one but yourself knows what those 
 papers meant. My august mistress will never have 
 proof that I was engaged in the Boxer rebellion, and 
 Hop Sing will be degraded for ever." 
 
 " And you, Marquis ? " 
 
 " I shall receive the yellow jacket," said the Man- 
 darin, proudly, " now I remain but a short time here, 
 I go to London in an hour, and this evening I leave 
 for the Continent on my way to China. We shall 
 never meet again Mr. Ainsleigh, unless you come to 
 Pekin." 
 
 " No," said Olivia, instinctively protecting Rupert, 
 " we have had enough of China, Marquis. Sit down, 
 Rupert."
 
 308 THE MANDARIN'S FAN 
 
 Ainsleigh took a chair, and the Marquis smiled 
 blandly. "Well, well, well," he said, " it is natural 
 you should feel rather nervous of my countrymen, 
 though I assure you, if you do visit me, that you will 
 be quite safe and highly honoured." 
 
 " No, thank you Marquis," said Eupert wearily, 
 for he was beginning to feel fatigued. 
 
 " I see you are tired," said Lo-Keong, in his 
 stately manner, "sol will merely say I hope to send 
 you some presents from my own country, and then 
 Mr. Asher can speak," he bowed to the solicitor. 
 
 " I am glad to tell Mr. Ainsleigh," said the lawyer, 
 "that the Marquis has handed me securities which 
 show that the sum of one hundred thousand pounds 
 is invested in your name. "We can transfer the 
 securities to English investments if you like but — " 
 
 "I'll leave them in Chinese," said Eupert quickly. 
 
 Lo-Keong bowed in a gratified manner. "You 
 will be wise," he said, " they are safe investments 
 and all my interest at the Imperial court, will go to 
 make you richer, if I can." 
 
 " You have done enough. Marquis," said Ainsleigh 
 gratefully, " you have given me back my old home." 
 
 " And we will be rich besides," said Olivia 
 delightedly. 
 
 " There's another thing," said Mr. Asher, looking 
 at the girl, " Miss Pewsey made a will in your favour, 
 Mrs. Ainsleigh." 
 
 Olivia drew back with a red face. " Impossible ! 
 She hated me." 
 
 " Well," said Asher dryly, " I expect she repented 
 of her evil deeds, or perhaps she hated her nephew
 
 THE FULFILLED PKOPHECY 309 
 
 more than she did you. That gentleman wrote 
 from a Continental address to Mr. Paster asking if 
 his aunt had left him the money as she promised. I 
 expect the address is a false one, as Mr. Burgh won't 
 wish to be caught." 
 
 " He is a bold man that," said Lo-Keong. 
 
 " He is," assented Asher, " but he won't benefit. 
 Mrs. Ainsleigh gets the five hundred a year, the free- 
 hold of Ivy Lodge, and also the mortgage which Miss 
 Wharf bought to ruin Mr. Ainsleigh." 
 
 ** We have everything — everything," cried Olivia. 
 
 "I am very thankful," said Rupert. " Mr. 
 Asher — " 
 
 " I'll see you about the investments when you are 
 stronger," said the lawyer, " meanwhile here is the 
 carriage at the door. The Marquis is kind enough 
 to give me a lift," and Mr. Asher took his leave, 
 with a profound bow, to so opulent a client as 
 Eupert. 
 
 The Marquis Lo-Keong came forward with his 
 kind smile. " Before I wish you good-bye and all 
 happiness," he said, holding out the famous fan, 
 " will you take this ? " 
 
 "No," said Olivia, preventing Rupert from accept- 
 ing it, " I hate the very sight of the thing. It has 
 blood on it." 
 
 " I think you are right, Mrs. Ainsleigh," said the 
 Chinaman gravely, " and, as it has done its duty, it 
 may as well go the way of the packet which now is 
 ashes," and advancing to the fire, he flung the fan 
 on the burning coals. It burst into a blaze, and in 
 a few minutes all had vanished save the slivers of
 
 310 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 jade and the beads. The housemaid collected these 
 next morning and gave them to Olivia, who threw 
 them off the Marport pier. So that was the end of 
 the Mandarin's fan. 
 
 " And now," said Lo-Keong, bowing, ** good-bye, 
 and great happiness to you both." 
 
 Rupert and Olivia shook hands warmly, and 
 thanked him heartily. The Mandarin walked out 
 of the room in his stately way, and they went to 
 the window to see him drive off. At the bend of the 
 avenue, he waved his hand graciously, and that was 
 the last the master and mistress of Eoyabay saw of 
 the man who had owned the fan. 
 
 A chuckle at the door made the couple turn from 
 the window. There, peering in, stood Mrs. Petley, 
 who had stuck with her husband to Eupert during 
 his troubles. Her face was shining, and old John 
 seemed to be years younger. Mrs. Petley, for some 
 queer reason, threw a shoe at the pair. " Health 
 and happiness," she said, " begging your pardons 
 both. But to think of money and happiness, and no 
 walking of that blessed monk, who — " 
 
 " He never walked," said Eupert smiling, " it 
 was Hwei — " 
 
 " Begging your pardon, sir, Hwei — whosoever he 
 is, didn't walk all the time. Abbot Eaoul did 
 appear, as I can testify, and so can John here. But 
 now the prophecy has been fulfilled, perhaps he'll 
 rest quiet in his grave, drat him." 
 
 "The prophecy?" said Olivia, who was holding 
 her husband's hand. 
 
 From behind Mrs. Petley came the quavering
 
 THE FULFILLED PKOPHECY 311 
 
 voice of the ancient butler, declaiming the rude 
 rhymes : — 
 
 " My curse from the tyrants will nover depart, 
 For a sword in the hands of the angel flashes : 
 
 Till Ainsleigh poor, weds the poor maid of his heart, 
 And gold be brought forth from the holy ashes." 
 
 " And that's quite true," said a jovial voice, and 
 Major Tidman, as smart and stout as ever, entered. 
 " How do, Ainsleigh, I'm glad to see you looking so 
 well. Yes," he added, sitting down, "you were 
 poor Ainsleigh when you married — " 
 
 " And I was poor also," cried Ohvia. 
 
 "Very good, the third line is fulfilled and the 
 fourth—" 
 
 " Was gold brought forth from the holy ashes?" 
 asked Rupert. 
 
 "Yes, Master Eupert," said old John, "you 
 picked up the fan in the place where the ashes were, 
 and out of the fan has come gold. The prophecy is 
 fulfilled, sure enough, and I hope Abbot Raoul will 
 stop walking for ever." 
 
 "Of course he will," cried Mrs. Petley, dragging 
 her husband outside, " there's no more trouble for 
 you. Master Eupert and Miss Olivia." 
 
 "Mr. and Mrs. Ainsleigh, of Eoyabay," said 
 Tidman, laughing, "give them their proper titles, 
 Mrs. Petley. And I think the present occasion 
 deserves a bottle of port." 
 
 The ancient butler went away with his wife, to 
 bring forth one of the last bottles of that priceless 
 vintage. Major Tidman, gloating in anticipation, 
 sat still, and smiled with a bland face. But Kupeit
 
 312 THE MANDAEIN'S FAN 
 
 drew Olivia to the sofa, and they sat down where 
 they had often mourned on many a weary day. 
 "Dearest," said Ainsleigh, kissing her. 
 
 " We can be happy now," said Olivia putting her 
 arms round his neck, " for we are rich. We shall 
 take again our proper place in the county." 
 
 "We are rich and we are happy," echoed the 
 master of Eoyabay. 
 
 " Ha ! ha ! You have one hundred thousand 
 pounds, Ainsleigh," said Tidman. 
 
 " I have something better." 
 
 "What's that?" 
 
 " My own dear wife, Olivia Ainsleigh." 
 
 The End 
 
 Tke Anchor Preti, Ltd., Tiplree Heath, Kelvedon, Etsei.
 
 A Selection from the List of Books 
 
 PUBLISHED BY 
 
 MESSRS DIGBY, LONG & CO, 
 
 a: a; autumn list, 1904 a; a; 
 
 NEW SIX SHILLING NOVELS 
 Celiacs Fortune. By Adeline Sergeant. 
 
 Author of "Accused and Accuser," "Alison's Ordeal," etc. 
 
 The Falkners of Qreenhurst. By Jean Middlemass. 
 
 Author of "The Mystery of Clement Dunraven," etc. 
 
 The Redemption of Damian Gier. 
 
 By WiNEFRiDE Trafford-Taunton. Author of "Silent 
 
 Dominion," " Marked with a Cipher," etc. 
 The Celestial Ruby. By T. W. Speight. 
 
 Author of " The Mysteries of Heron Dyke," " By Fate's Caprice." 
 The Game of Love. By Gertrude Warden. 
 
 Author of " Sentimental Sex," " Beauty in Distress," etc. 
 
 Our Lady of Beauty. By Lucas Cleeve. 
 
 Author of " Free Soil, Free Soul," "The Fool-Killer," etc. 
 
 Favours from France. By Sarah Tytler. 
 
 Author of " Citoyenne Jacqueline," " Rival Claimants," etc. 
 A Slum Heroine. By "Alien." 
 
 Author of "The Untold Half," "Wheat in the Ear," "Not 
 in Fellowship," etc. With frontispiece by Harold Piffard. 
 
 A Japanese House-Party. By Sadi Grant. 
 
 Author of " Diamenelin," " Folly at Cannes," etc. 
 
 Fate's Handicaps. By Emily Pearson Finnemore. 
 
 Author of " A Man's Mirror," " Tally," etc. 
 
 The Mandarin's Fan. By Fergus Hume. 
 
 Author of "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab," etc. 
 The Yellow Hand. By Allen Upward. 
 
 Author of ' ' Secrets of the Courts of Europe, " " The Ordeal by Fire. " 
 
 The Master of Madrono Mills. By Iza Duffus Hardy. 
 
 Author of "In the Springtide of Love," "The Love that He 
 Passed By," " MacGilleroy"s Millions," etc. With Frontispiece. 3/6. 
 Hester Wray. By Dora Russell. 
 
 Author of " Footprints in the Snow," " Rose Fleming," etc. 
 
 BY THE AUTHOR OF " THE TUTTLEBURY TALES " 
 
 Bunkumelli. By W. Carter Platts. 
 In Specially Designed Cloth, 3/6. 
 The book contains nineteen stories, each as laughter-provoking as the o\}s\^x '-To-day. 
 
 STORIES FROM BALLADLAND 
 
 By Maye H. Black. 
 With 12 full page illustrations by Robert Strange. Cloth gilt, 3/6. 
 
 NEW SIXPENNY COPYRIGHT NOVELS 
 
 Some Men are Such Gentlemen. 
 
 By Arabella Kenealy. 
 
 The Darkest Hour. 
 
 By Louis Tracy.
 
 NEW SIX SHILLING NOVELS 
 
 In One Volume, price 6s. each 
 
 A Strange Message. By Dora Russell. 
 
 Author of ' A Great Temptation,' &c. [Second Edition. 
 
 ' A dramatic story told in Miss Dora Russell's best manner. It is well thought out 
 and cleverly planned. Many of the scenes are of thrilling interest.' — Literary World. 
 
 Coronation Mysteries. By Headon Hill. 
 
 Author of ' The Queen of the Night,' ' Sentence of the Court,' &c. 
 
 'The book is exceedingly well written, and in the wide range of subjects covered in 
 the seventeen tales there is a delightful admixture of mystery and crime, romance and 
 adventure, calculated to satisfy all tastes.' — Bristol Daily Mercury. 
 
 ' Written in the bright, breezy style of which Mr Headon Hill is master.' — Manchester 
 Guardian. 
 
 The Commandant. By Ernest Glanville. 
 
 Author of ' The Inca's Treasure,' ' The Despatch Rider,' &c. 
 
 ' A spirited and dramatic story . . . well worth reading. The book is full of 
 adventure, well and graphically described.' — Leeds Mercury. 
 
 The Coachman with Yellow Lace. By Charles Hannan. 
 
 Author of ' The Captive of Pekin,' ' Castle Oriel,' &c. 
 
 ' A remarkably good story of the time when Charles II. was King of England and 
 of Hearts.' — Irish Times. 
 
 ' The plot is extremely ingenious. It is eminently readable.' — Daily Mail. 
 ' Mr Hannan's stirring romance should be enjoyed by many readers.' — Stage. 
 
 A Japanese House = Party. By Sadi Grant. 
 
 Author of ' Diamenelin,' ' Folly at Cannes,' etc. 
 
 'A charming novel.' — Mortiing Post. 
 
 'A delightful story of a fascinating Japanese \s.&y .' ^Outlook. 
 
 ' A charming tale, well told.' — Lloycfs. 
 
 Love's Crossways. By Alice M. Diehl. 
 
 Author of ' A Woman's Cross,' ' A Last Throw,' &c. 
 
 ' An extremely clever novel, with quite an original plot. . . • Mrs Diehl's novel, 
 which is fascinating, and written in a style that arrests the attention of the reader, is 
 well worth reading.' — Dundee Courier. 
 
 ' An excellent novel . . . lively and original.' — Bookseller. 
 
 The Forest Prince. By Bryan W. Ward. 
 
 Author of ' Sir Geoffrey de Skeffington,' &c. 
 
 ' The period chosen by Mr Bryan Ward for the setting of his lively romance is one 
 that in every way lends itself to treatment in fiction . . . the book makes very fascinating 
 reading.' — Literary World. 
 
 London: DIGBY, LONG & CO., i8 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
 NEW SIX SHILLING NOVELS 
 
 A Sunbeam from Italy, the life story of Vesta de Tivoli, by 
 CissiE Rycroft. 
 
 'A novel of real human interest. From first to last it deals with life as we know it 
 and live it. Vesta, the " Sunbeam from Italy," is a charming person.' — Duntiee 
 Courier. 
 
 An Egyptian Tragedy. By Richard Henry Savage. 
 
 Author of ' My Official Wife,' &c. \^Seco7id Edition. 
 
 ' Written in a bold, masterful style, crowded with adventures . . . the tales make 
 most exciting reading.' — Birtningham Post. 
 
 ' Mr Savage not only rouses the reader's interest, but succeeds in holding it. All 
 the stories are ingeniously contrived.' — Glasgoiv Herald. 
 
 Under the Sword. By the Countess de Sulmalla. 
 
 Author of ' Kathleen's Revenge,' 'The Trail of the Serpent,' &c. 
 
 'A charming novel . . . will enchain the interest of the reader from the beginning. 
 — Liverpool Courier. 
 
 ' An admirably written work, full of strong situations and dramatic incidents. The 
 Countess has written graphically of the scenes of poverty and vice to be met with in the 
 East End of London. It is a well-told story.' — Yorkshire Herald. 
 
 An Aristocratic Detective. By Richard Marsh. 
 
 Author of 'The Beetle,' 'Frivolities,' &c. With Frontispiece by 
 Harold Piffard. Pictorial cloth. [Fourlk Edition. 
 
 ' Mr Marsh tells In a very agreeable manner a number of detective stories of the 
 Sherlock Holmes order. The plots are very ingenious, and are cleverly worked out ; 
 the book altogether will enhance the reputation of the author.' — Court Circular. 
 
 'The whole of the sketches are vigorous and racy, being told in a lively up-to-date 
 manner, and some of the characters are exceptionally well drawn . . . anyone m search 
 of a stirring volume will read this one with great interest.' — Eastern Morning News. 
 
 The Yellow Hand. By Allen Upward. 
 
 ' Allen Upward's latest novel is one to make the flesh creep. A very fascinating 
 romance.' — Western Daily Mercury. 
 
 ' It is undeniably powerful, and, in the more literal sense of the word, fascinating.' — 
 Glasgow Herald. 
 
 Greek Peasant Stories. By Neil Wynn Williams. 
 
 Author of 'The Bayonet that Came Home,' &c. 
 
 'Mr Neil Wynn Williams's collection of Greek Peasant Stories are, taken individu- 
 ally, artistic little sketches. Their chief interest lies in the delineation of the character 
 of the modern Greek. The stories make pleasant reading.' — Literature. 
 
 ' Mr Neil Wynn Williams has written a book that pleases, like the narrative of an 
 honest traveller, and in which one thing at least, the " Notes from the Countryside, 
 Greece," is a bit of description that deserves to become classical." — Speaker. 
 
 A Deal with the King. By James T. Findlay. 
 
 Author of ' The Secession in the North,' ' Silent Places,' &c. 
 
 ' A charming romance. The story is full of originality." — Leeds Mercury. 
 
 'A stirring story. Mr Findlay possesses much of the gift of his great countrymen, 
 Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson, for telling a story. The public could do 
 with many more books of this wholesome type.'—- Cojcr/ Circular. 
 
 ' In this carefully-written tale there are not lacking the elements of the best kind of 
 romantic novel. The story is delightful in every respect. Enough to say that not for 
 many a day has such a stirring story been offered to romance lovers.' — Scotsman. 
 
 London : DIGBY, LONG & CO., i8 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.C,
 
 NEW SIX SHILLING NOVELS 
 
 A New Messiah. By Robert Cromie. 
 
 Author of ' A Plunge into Space,' ' Kitty's Victoria Cross,' &c. 
 
 ' Crowded with exciting incidents. This story holds the reader from beginning to 
 end with vivid and mastering interest.' — Glasgow Herald. 
 
 The Desborough Mystery. By Alice M. Diehl. 
 
 Author of ' A Woman's Cross,' ' A Man in Love,' &c. 
 
 ' A clever and engrossing story.' — Morning Leader. 
 ' The story is absorbing.' — Birmingham Daily Post. 
 
 A Black Vintage. By Morice Gerard. 
 
 Author of 'A Man of the Moment,' 'Queen's Mate,' 'For Empire,' 
 ' The Tenant of the Grange,' &c. [Second Edition. 
 
 ' Readers who appreciate a thoroughly absorbing mystery sti,ry may take up Mr 
 Gerard's latest novel with the assurance that it is good and exciting. Mr Gerard knows 
 well how to hold the reader's attention, and he does so with considerable skill. His plot 
 is ingeniously constructed, and involves a mysterj' which deepens with every chapter. 
 The whole story is remarkably well conceived, and when the curtain falls the mystery is 
 laid bare, the result being at once dramatic and fascinating.' — Liverpool Mercury. 
 
 [n Deep Waters. By Mrs Bagot-Harte. 
 
 Author of ' Wrongly Condemned.' ' Bianca," &c. 
 
 ' Is one of the most powerful and fascinating books of fiction that we have read for 
 some time. The plot is worked out with great skill.' — Bristol Mercury. 
 
 To-day and To-morrow. By Eleanor Holmes. 
 
 Author of ' A Painter's Romance,' ' Life's Fitful Fever,' &c. 
 
 ' An excellent story, told with sympathetic spontaneity as well as with remarkable 
 literary dexterity . . . which we can cordially recommend to the novel-reading public' — 
 Daily Telegraph. 
 
 ' " To-day and To-morrow" is a clever novel.' — Truth. 
 
 Rolling- Flax. By Sinclair Ayden. 
 
 ' Mr Ayden's book is well written, and as a faithful picture of Russian life is to be 
 recommended. Life in rural Russia is described in a manner equalled by few English 
 novelists.' — Literary World. 
 
 ' Life and happenings in Little Russia are capitally described in this pleasant novel, 
 and the love interest is fresh and attractively written.' — Bookman. 
 
 ' A book to be read with interest for the vivid picture it gives of the life and surround- 
 ings of a typical Russian family.' — Athenauin. 
 
 The Black Pilgrim. By Michael Czajkowski. Translated by 
 
 the Count S. C. de Soissons. With Portrait of the Author. 
 
 '"The Black Pilgrim" is a wild but picturesque story ... it reminds us by its 
 Oriental picturesqueness of Maurus Jdkai ; by its poignancy of Sienkiewicz . . . and 
 gives a vivid if somewhat flattering picture of the barbaric romance of life in the Balkans 
 in the early decades of the nineteenth century.' — Spectator. 
 
 ' A stirring tale, and well constructed. The translation has been skilfully done by 
 S. C. de Soissons.' — Manchester Guardian. 
 
 'An absorbing story of rornantic adventure among the Slavs.' — Publishers' Circular. 
 
 ' This splendid romance will serve as an admirable introduction to a writer not much 
 known, but of real genius in fiction. The pages will be devoured with avidity hy every 
 lover of a stirring tale of war and adventure.' — Irish Times. 
 
 'A most exciting story of adventure.' — Gentlewoman. 
 
 London: DIGBY, LONG & CO., i8 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
 NEW SIX SHILLING NOVELS 
 
 Devaytis. By Marya Rodziewicz. 
 
 Author of ' Anima Vilis,' 'Distaff,' &c. Translated by Count S. C. 
 
 DE SOISSONS. 
 
 ' Miss Rodziewicz is certainly a great writer of sovereign merit and undeniable 
 charm. To those unacquainted with Polish literature, the whole atmosphere of this 
 noble story will be strange, yet fascinating." — Atheno'ii-ni. 
 
 ' " Devaytis " is a far finer novel than " Anima Vilis," which was translated last year. 
 It is the book which won Miss Rodziewicz her popularity in Poland; it earned her the 
 prize in the IVarsanv Courier s open competition, and evoked enthusiastic praise in the 
 Polish reviews.' — LiteraUtre. 
 
 ' Count de Soissons has done well to give us a translation of this charming romance 
 to read which is a brain-rest after the hackneyed, stereotyped modern novel.' — Literary 
 World. 
 
 The Rector's Temptation. By E. Lodge. 
 
 Author of 'The Mystery of Bloomsbury Crescent,' &c. 
 ' Avery entertaining story of church and parochial life.' — Bristol Mercury. 
 
 Fate's Handicaps. By Emily Pearson Finnemore, 
 
 Author of 'A Man's Mirror,' 'Tally,' &c. 
 
 ' Well written and sympathetic as are all Mrs Finnemore's novtW— Times. 
 
 ' The book is one to read and enjoy.' — Glasgow Herald. 
 
 'A graceful realistic idyll of country life.' — Scotsman. 
 
 The Love that He Passed By. By Iza Duffus Hardy. 
 
 Author of 'A New Othello,' 'A Butterfly,' &c. With Frontispiece 
 by Harold Piffard. 
 
 '_A really clever novel. The merit of which is enhanced by graphic portrayal of 
 Californian life and manners. A well-told story set in a vivid and original form.'— 
 Morning Post. 
 
 Tangles : the Game and the Onlookers. By Alix Orient. 
 
 ' A story with no real beginning and no real ending of the Game of Life ; in which 
 the onlookers are as real and as attractive as the players. There is good work in the 
 book, and considerable charm.' — Bookman. 
 
 _ 'A clever and interesting novel, "Tangles" is thoughtfully and well written, and 
 will more than repay perusal.' — Leeds Mercury. 
 
 A Son of Mischief. By Reginald E. Salwey. 
 
 Author of 'The One Alternative,' 'The Finger of Scorn,' &c. 
 
 ' Mr Salwey knows how to weave a plot and to keep the interest alive. A grand bit 
 of novel-writing. ' — Outlook. 
 
 ' A well-written story, which is well conceived, well written and of sustained interest 
 from first to Inst.' — Bristol Merctiry. 
 
 ' A cleverly-written book . . . will be read with pleasure by those who object to 
 conventionality in fiction.' — Aberdeen Free Press. 
 
 ' A lively story, with a real plot, fine character drawing and dramatic situations. 
 Bookman. 
 
 The Devil's Throne. By Elizabeth Whiteley. 
 
 'A singular and thrilling story. The story of "she-devil" disguised as a beautiful and 
 attractive woman who lures men to destruction." — Bristol Mercury. 
 
 The Heart of Youth. By M. E. Winchester. 
 
 Author of ' A Romance of the Unseen,' ' Tempest Tossed,' &c. 
 
 ' From the first pages one is struck with the charm and tenderness of this book. It is 
 essentially a study in growth of character. The feature of the book is the clever drawing 
 of the woman and the scenes from child-life, and among the former Mina Barclay is 
 easily the best. Her simplicity and goodness of heart make ail that is said about her 
 delightful reading . . . an excellent novel.' — Glasgow Herald. 
 
 London : DIGBY, LONG & CO., i8 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.C.
 
 NEW SIX SHILLING NOVELS 
 
 Mrs Pemberton's Cross. By H. S. Engstrom. 
 
 Author of Colonel Give's Wife,' &c. 
 
 'Modernsociety stories of quite a good type.'— r?w«. , t. • ]i „,fK„ 
 
 ' The stories are told in a very graphic and highly descriptive style. It is well worthy 
 
 of being read, as the characters are very real and realistically portrayed. —Dundee Louner. 
 
 In False Attire. By G. Norway. 
 Author of ' Falsely Accused,' &c. 
 
 ' There is a nice little mvstery in this novel which the reader will not have elucidated 
 
 until he comes close to the finish. Interest never is allowed to flag, and tho book is well 
 
 worth reading.'— -tiT^fl'^ Mercury. _ 
 
 • We should almost be inclined to rank the book alongside some of Mrs Henry Woods. 
 
 —Sheffield Telegraph. 
 
 The Indian Gem. By L. St Aubyn. 
 
 'A cleverly-written detective story. . . Interwoven with the main thread is a 
 charming love story, which materially enhances the enjoyment of the reader.'— 
 Leicester Post. 
 
 The City of Shadows. By J. Barnard-James. 
 
 'Well told stories of life in South km^r\c?i.'— Manchester Courier. 
 
 ' Highly sensational stories which are well worth reading.'— PwW/c Opinion. 
 
 ' Mr Barnard-James' stories are very well worth re^ixng.'— Liverpool Mercury. 
 
 The Ordeal by Fire. By Allen Upward. 
 
 ' There is much that is novel in the " Ordeal by Fire," by Allen Upward, whose tale 
 soon enchains the interest and holds it without relaxation to the X&f.t.'-Ne'wcastle 
 Daily Journal. 
 
 The Calling of the Weir. By Frederick Langbridge. 
 
 Author of ' The Dreams of Dania,' ' Love has no Pity,' &c. 
 
 ' A very well- written and decidedly interesting story of Irish Life. " The Calling of 
 the Weir " is a book one can, indeed, give whole-hearted praise to ; the author's methjod, 
 his insight into character, his touches of local colour, all these things are excellent, and, 
 in short, the work of an i^rlisi.'— Pall Mall Gazette. 
 
 Whose was the Hand ? By J. E. Muddock. 
 
 Author of ' For God and the Czar,' ' Stripped of the Tinsel,' &c. 
 
 ' Mr Muddock can certainly write a good sensational story. " Whose was the Hand ? " 
 is rousing and fascinating . . . a really amusing and interesting novel.'— ZzYrrary W^(7r/rf. 
 
 A Strange Honeymoon. By Ellis Dean. 
 
 ' A sensational tale . . . many thrilling adventures are told in a very real way.' — 
 Daily News. 
 
 'A clever story founded on some strange adventures in the South Stz-S.'— Irish Times. 
 
 ' The author has produced a story of much interest, abounding in incident, and which 
 keeps its hold on the reader to the last ^ag^.'— Liverpool Mercury. 
 
 London: DIGBY, LONG & CO., i8 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
 NEW SIX SHILLING NOVELS 7 
 
 A Bid for Empire. By Major Arthur Griffiths. 
 
 Author of 'The Rome Express,' &c. [Second Edition. 
 
 'The book is brilliantly written.' — Scois»ian. 
 
 'A story of love and adventure in Modern Egypt by the popular Author of "The 
 Rome Express." ' — Academy. 
 
 Lady Joan's Companion. By Florence Warden. 
 
 Author of ' The House on the Marsh,' ' A Fight to a Finish,' &c. 
 
 [ Third Edition. 
 'A striking and moving romance.' — Bookman. 
 'A clever mystery tale, the plot is ingeniously developed.' — Daily Graphic. 
 
 The Fields of Dulditch. By Mary E. Mann. 
 
 Author of ' Among the Syringas,' ' The Mating of the Dove,' &c. 
 
 {^Second Edition. 
 
 'The book is full of interest.' — Spectator. 
 
 ' Miss Mann is an artist in grace and elegance of style.' — Birmingham Gazette. 
 
 ' There are many odd characters, life-like with all their oddities in "The Fields of 
 Dulditch," many a tale to laugh over and some to raise a tear . . . Miss Mann is one 
 of the novelists whose books are waited on with pleasurable anticipation, and they do 
 not disappoint us when they come.' — Times. 
 
 An Underground Mystery. By Robert H. Sherard. 
 Author of 'Jacob Niemand,' 'The Ghost's Revenge,' &c. 
 
 ' As a writer of highly sensational fiction Mr Sherard will more than bear comparison 
 with others of the same school. It is a most ingenious book, and one of the best of its 
 exciting kind.' — Lloyds. 
 
 ' A book of absorbing interest from cover to cover. The author has achieved a distinct 
 success.' — Bristol Mercury. 
 
 'A thoroughly interesting and exciting novel which maintains its thrilling interest 
 from end to end.' — Cork Constitution. 
 
 Coy. By C. Howell. 
 
 Author of ' Many Days After,' &c. 
 
 'One has no hesitation in saying that "Coy "is one of the most original books we 
 have read for a long time. A truly remarkable book, which shows a good deal of power, 
 and should be popular.' — Book Trade. 
 
 ' There is no lack of originality in "Coy." The style is original, the story original, 
 the characters original. A book decidedly beyond the ruck.' — Hearth and Ho vie. 
 
 The Kingdom that never Came. By G. Beresford 
 
 Fitzgerald. Author of ' The Minor Canon,' ' Dear Paul,' &c. 
 
 'This book is much stronger than "The Minor Canon." It is a pathetic story 
 written with feeling and insight.' — Literary World. 
 
 ' The book presents some charming portraits of charming people.' — Morning Post. 
 
 ' Has the charm of thoughtfulness and of certain originality of treatment. A book 
 that will please the cultivated reader.' — Standard. 
 
 The Ghost's Revenge, and Other Stories of Modern Paris. 
 
 By Robert H. Sherard. Author of 'Jacob Niemand,' &c. 
 
 ' Mr Sherard shows a very thorough knowledge of modern Paris. . . . He never 
 fails to carry the reader away with him, and to afford him genuine enjoyment.' — 
 Glasgoiv Herald. 
 
 ' Mr Sherard is one of the few writers who can collect around their work the real 
 atmosphere of modern Paris. " The Ghost's Revenge " is a collection of stories treating 
 of life in the gay city just as it is. We have read with considerable admiration "The 
 Ghost's Revenge."' — Literary World. 
 
 London : DIGBY, LONG & CO., i8 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
 8 NEW SIX SHILLING NOVELS 
 
 The Dream of Her Life. By Mrs Leith-Adams (Mrs de 
 
 Courcy Laffan). Author of ' Bonnie Kate,' ' Geoffrey Stirling,' &c. 
 
 ' These stories can hardly fail to be welcome. . . . We anticipate a large clientele 
 for the volume.' — Globe. 
 
 ' The stories are distinguished by their healthy tone and high purpose.' — Glasgow 
 Herald. 
 
 Silent Places. By James T. Findlay. 
 
 Author of ' A Deal with the King,' &c. 
 
 ' The story is concerned with a woman's revenge on those who have shut her up in a 
 private asylum, and with the fortunes of a young doctor who is mixed up in the case. 
 It need only be said that it is very seldom that so dramatic a tale is united to such 
 e.xcellent writing and so much real literary beauty.' — Liverpool Mercury. 
 
 ' The story is powerfully written and confirms the author's position among the best or 
 the present-day Scotch writers of fiction.' — Bookseller. 
 
 Marina de la Rey. By Charlotte Moor ('Colonia'). 
 
 ' This is a charming novel, and, treating as it does of the future of South Africa, it 
 is bound to be of almost universal interest. Many of the episodes and details of the 
 story, as we are told in the preface, are founded upon actual experience ; a fact which 
 lends additional a alue to the book. Boer manners and customs are brightly sketched. 
 There are some good descriptions of scenery. The war sketches are vivid and powerful. 
 Altogether the book is a success. We seem to lead the life of at least one of the 
 heroines — Christine Manning, and this last is the triumph of story-telling ; when the 
 reader consciously plays at being the hero or heroine, the story is a good one.' — 
 Scotstnan. 
 
 Part of Their Pathway. By Morton Ellars. 
 
 ' A well-worked-out story. ... A book that will interest a vast body of novel 
 readers. . . . It is quite refreshing.' — Western Mercurv. 
 
 A Hospital Romance. By Eleanor Holmes. 
 
 Author of ' Life's Fitful Fever,' ' The Price of a Pearl,' &c. 
 
 ' The author writes with ease and treats her subjects with taste. The stories can 
 hardly fail to be read with pleasure.' — Atkemeum. 
 
 ' A beautifully-bound volume. The author knows how to sketch artistically a short 
 story. Altogether the perusal of the book must yield profit as well as pleasure.' — 
 Dundee Advertiser. 
 
 Jos^ : A Study of Temperament. By Florence Severne. 
 Author of 'A Dowager's Determination,' ' In the Meshes,' &c. 
 
 ' A capital study of temperament, in which the author weaves a powerful story of a 
 child's love for a bereaved father, who seeks consolation in an all too important second 
 marriage. The character-drawing is strong, the childish love but often severe integrity 
 Jos6 being especially fine and refreshing.' — Yorkshire Herald. 
 
 ' A distinctly clever novel.' — Birviitigham Gazette. 
 This cleverly-handled story. It is in the clear, vigorous touch with which the 
 characters are drawn that the merit of the book lies. — Literary World. 
 
 ' Is one of the most interesting of the spring's new books. It is a strong story of 
 deep human interest.' — Onlooker. 
 
 ' An altogether enjoyable book. The various characters are most skilfully drawn, 
 and readers will find this to be an altogether charming and unusually fascinating story.' 
 — Liverpool Courier. 
 
 London: DIGBY, LONG & CO., i8 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
 NEW SIX SHILLING NOVELS 
 
 A Man in Love. By Alice M. Diehl. 
 
 Author of 'A Woman's Cross,' 'The Last Throw/ 'Love's Cross- 
 ways,' ' Fire,' &c. [Second Edition. 
 ' Several men in Mrs Diehl's volume show their faces as lovers, and three of them 
 in succession are inspired by the attractions of the same damsel. Beryl and her giddy 
 younger sister are very happily contrasted, and the development of the story unfolds a 
 brilliant characterisation in the person of Lord St George, whom his friends have come 
 to regard as a confirmed bachelor. The author has made a distinct achievement in the 
 portrayal of this strong and patient wooer . . . the romance altogether is fully worthy 
 of the author's reputation.' — Glasgow Herald. 
 
 Friendly Foes. By Sarah Tytler. 
 
 Author of ' Citoyenne Jacqueline,' ' Rival Claimants,' &c. 
 
 ' One of the accomplished authoress's simple, healthy stories told in a fashion that 
 carries the reader's attention to the end. The charm that marks all iSliss Tytler's 
 work pervades these pages.' — Liz'erpoo I Mercury. 
 
 ' " Friendly Foes" is very good reading, cleverly told. We heartily commend it to 
 the general reader.' — Si James's Gazette. 
 
 The Chameleon. By Clarence Forestier-Walker. 
 
 Author of ' The Silver Gate.' {^Third Impression. 
 
 ' Brilliantly clever. . . . We read the story with interest and sincere admiration of 
 the ability with which it is told.' — IVorld. 
 
 'A racy, vivacious love story, with an Irish girl as heroine. The dialogue is bright 
 and easy, often amusing and always natural. The plot is cleverly constructed, and there 
 is not a dull page anywhere in the book.' — Bookman. 
 
 The Adventures of a Micro = Man. By Edwin Pallander. 
 
 Author of ' Across the Zodiac,' &c. 
 
 ' A book of enthralling interest, and demands to be read at a single sitting,' — Glasgow 
 Evening Citizen. 
 
 ' A magical book that lives in the memory and grips the ima.gina.tion. '—To-Z)af. 
 
 'Surpasses anything we have seen this season in vigour of imagination, intensely 
 vivid and delightfully humorous.' — Birmingham Gazette. 
 
 The Bride of Langasty. By J. E. Patterson. 
 
 'An interesting and pleasing story. 'The atmosphere of this romance is in the true 
 spirit. ... It pervades the whole story and invests characters and scenes with some- 
 thing which can only be expressed in the word "charm." ' — ^Vestern Mail. 
 
 The Darkest Hour. By Louis Tracy. 
 
 Author of ' "The Final War,' ' A Fatal Legacy,' &c. \_Second Edition. 
 
 ' The book is written in the pleasing, moderate, easy style so characteristic of the 
 author, and is crowded with incident ingeniously conceived, woven round a plot novel 
 in construction, and revealed with cunning carefulness, which enthrals the interest of 
 the reader to the end.' — Echo. 
 
 'Readers who revelled in Mr Louis Tracy's "The Final War" will welcome his 
 latest work, " The Darkest Hour." A cleverly-written story that will take a prominent 
 place among the novels of the season. . . . The story develops on strikingly original 
 lines, and the reader is thrilled by a series of sensations of a remarkable character. 
 The fortunes of the unhappy persecuted heiress are so entrancing that few readers 
 will be able to put down the book till the finish has been reached.' — Bristol Mercury. 
 
 A Woman's Calvary. By Jean Middlemass. 
 
 Author of ' A Girl in a Thousand,' ' Hush Money,' &c, [Second Edition. 
 
 ' The author of this story indulges in a most complicated plot. Betty and her little 
 sister Mabel are very charming creations, and the tale is well worth reading.' — Literary 
 fVorld._ 
 
 ' This should enjoy as great a popularity as any of Miss Middlemass's best novels, 
 and should enhance her fame as a writer of entertaining and wholesome literature. An 
 interesting and thrilling story." — Yorkshire Obsenier. 
 
 London: DIGBY, LONG & CO., i8 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.C.
 
 lo NEW SIX SHILLING NOVELS 
 
 Not in Fellowship. By 'Alien.' 
 
 Author of The Untold Half,' 'Wheat in the Ear,' 'Another Woman's 
 
 Territory,' &c. [Second Edition. 
 
 ' "Alien " is a writer who possesses the rare gift of spiritual insight and real eloquence 
 of expression. Her latest novel, "Not in Fellowship," is in some respects a powerful 
 book.' — St James' s Gazette. 
 
 ' A really powerful story written with great charm and eloquence of expression.' — Irish 
 Times. 
 
 ' Is a book that will be read with great pleasure.' — Glasgow Herald. 
 
 ' There are strong scenes in this book, some excellent descriptions of New Zealand, 
 some admirable character-drawing and some grist and excellent reflections. Nora is a 
 fresh delightful creature in the storj'. Halleluja Nell is charming.' — Vanity Fair. 
 
 His Eligible Grace the Duke. Author of ' Dr Janet of 
 
 Ilarley Street,' &c. [Second Edition. 
 
 ' Is characterised by all that crispness of dialogue and cleverness of characterisation 
 which won for her previous work so much well-deserved praise. All phases of human 
 nature are touched off very deftly, and there is not a story in the volume which does 
 not grip the interest of the reader.' — Yorkshire Herald. 
 
 ' Miss Kenealy has always a story to tell, and she tells it vividly without padding. 
 We have read the stories with pleasure, and would have been pleased had there been 
 more.' — Morning Post. 
 
 'A constellation of sparkling tales.' — Daily Mail. 
 
 By Mutual Consent. By L. T. Meade. 
 
 Author of ' Stories from the Diary of a Doctor,' &c. With Frontis- 
 piece by Harold Piffard. [Third Edition. 
 
 ' A remarkably attractive story.' — Bookseller. 
 
 ' A distinctly clever story . . . very clever and interesting.' — Onlooker. 
 
 Through Peril for a Wife. By L. T. Meade. 
 
 Author of ' Stories from the Diary of a Doctor,' &c. With Frontis- 
 piece by C. Dudley Tennant. [Third Edition. 
 
 ' This story from its commencement down to the exciting denouement will be found 
 as delightful as anything Mrs Meade's facile pen has yet produced.' — Bookseller. 
 
 A Double Revenge. By L. T. Meade. 
 
 Author of ' Stories from the Diary of a Doctor.' Cloth, 6s. [ Third Editiott, 
 ' A regular thriller, and will be perused with breathless excitement.' — Irish Times. 
 ' A clever, bright, and thoroughly absorbing story.' — Bookseller. 
 
 ' From the opening page to the sensational denouement the attention of the reader is 
 held in a firm grip.' — Bimtinghatn Post. 
 
 Clare Nugent. By E. O'Connor Morris. 
 
 Author of ' Killeen,' &c. 
 
 ' The story is full of charming descriptions of Irish scenery, and well written and 
 thoroughly refined in tone.' — Queen. 
 
 ' A very good story. The writer shows talent in form which should give her a 
 prominent position as a novelist.' — Pall Mall Gazette. 
 
 ' A pleasant novel. The writer has an attractive manner of writing.' — World. 
 
 St Alkmund's, Donnisthorpe. By Hector Halloran. 
 
 ' This is as good a schoolboy book as we have seen for some time . . . we are quite 
 sure that boys will revel in it.' — Bookseller. 
 
 Qummy's Island. By Harley Rodney. 
 
 Author of 'A Treble Soloist,' 'Horatio,' &c. With Illustrations by 
 A. Dudley Tennant 
 
 ' A story that schoolboys will read with much zest. The tone of the book is breezy 
 and healthy.' — Notiinghajn Guardian. 
 
 London: DIGBY, LONG & CO., i8 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.C.
 
 NEW THREE SHILLING AND SIXPENNY NOVELS 1 1 
 
 In One Volume, price 3s. 6d. each 
 
 The Red ° Headed Man. By Fergus Hume. 
 
 Author of ' The Mystery of a Hansom Cab,' &c. {Third Edition, 
 
 ' "The Red-Headed Man " is perhaps the best piece of work that Mr Fergus Hume 
 has given us since he wrote " The Mystery of a Hansom Cab." . . . Brightly and 
 smartly written, Mr Fergus Hume's tale contains not a single dull chapter.'— M^or/o'. 
 
 The Golden Tooth. By J. Maclaren Cobban. 
 
 Author of ' The Angel of the Covenant,' &c. [ TAird Edition. 
 
 'An exciting bit of fiction. It is excellently done. Mr Cobban is a born novelist. 
 . . . He has produced as entertaining a yarn as we have come across for many a long 
 day.' — Morning Post. 
 
 ' " The Golden Tooth " may be recommended with confidence.' — Echo. 
 
 'A tale which is ingeniously complicated and well finished. The story may be 
 recommended. ' — A ihenitiitn. 
 
 ' A really excellent and ingeniously-constructed tale. . . . Treated with a briskness, 
 humour and unconventionality.' — Spectator. 
 
 A Dutch Household. By Johanna Van Woude, translated 
 
 by A. A. B. (This novel has run into seven editions in Holland.) 
 
 'A perfectly charming little hook.'— Si /anies's Gazetie. 
 ' A very simple, but very charming book.' — Daily Express. 
 ' A singularly fresh and pleasant story.'— /"«// Afa/t Gazette. 
 
 The Master of Madrono Mills. By Iza Duffus Hardy. 
 
 Author of ' The Love that He Passed By,' ' MacGilleroy's Millions, '&c. 
 'A well-told and well-constructed story.' — Scotsman. 
 
 The Rose of Allandale. By Dr Gordon Stables, M.D., R.N. 
 
 Author of ' The Mystery of a Millionaire's Grave,' &c. {Second Edition. 
 
 ' Breezy in style and highly sensational in matter, the interest is sustained from 
 beginning to end without a break.' — Aberdeen Press. 
 
 The Vaulted Chamber. By Harry A. Spurr. 
 
 Author of ' A Cockney in Arcadia,' &c. 
 
 ' Mr Spurr's story is weirdly sensational and intensely dramatic. We recommend 
 it to readers who like a rousing tale. — Birmingkatn Gazette. 
 
 ' A Russian story which can be read with a great deal of pleasure. The interest of 
 the tale is well preserved, and kept carefully in the foreground by means of a rapid 
 succession of ingenious incidents.' — Nerth British Daily Mail. 
 
 The Lost Laird. By J. E. Muddock. 
 
 Author of ' For God and the Czar,' ' Stripped of the Tinsel,' &c. 
 
 [Second Edition. 
 
 'Mr Muddock has caught the spirit and temper of the times with success. His story 
 
 is well laid and simply told, while among the characters we note as especially good in 
 
 delineation are Janet Ogilvie and Kenneth Graham, the faithful servitors of the laird— 
 
 Jamee Fraser.' — Daily Chronicle. 
 
 ' A vigorous and interesting romance.' — Yorkshire Post. 
 
 ' " The Lost Laird " is written with skill and power.' — Bradford Observer. 
 
 London : DIGBY, LONG & CO., i8 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
 12 NEW THREE SHILLING AND SIXPENNY NOVELS 
 
 A Girl from the States. By Dr Gordon Stables, M.D., R.N. 
 
 Author of ' The Mystery of a Millionaire's Grave,' &c 
 ' The book is brightly and cheerily written.'— 5/ James's Budget. 
 ' The book is well worth reading.' — Manchester Guardian. 
 
 The Prince's Feathers. By Mrs Leith-Adams (Mrs H. De 
 COURCY Laffan). Author of ' Geoffrey Stirling,' &c. 
 
 ' Is one of the most charming stories we have seen of late ; a pastoral idyll in prose, 
 so romantic is the tale, so artistic the setting, and so graceful and poetic the style in 
 which it is written.' — Birmingham Gazette. 
 
 The Worldly Hope. By Helmuth Schwartze. 
 
 Author of ' An Impressionist's Diary,' 'The Laughter of Jove.' 
 
 ' A fascinating novel. The tragedy of a woman's sacrifice, the unfathomable depths 
 of a woman's love. The story is exceedingly well told. It is a bright book and well 
 worth perusal.' — Dundee Courier. 
 
 The Tragedy of a Nose. By E. Gerard (Emily de 
 Laszowska). Author of ' Beggar my Neighbour,' &c. 
 
 ' Miss E. Gerard's amusing tale is quite as clever in its way as anything she has 
 written. ' — Morning Post. 
 
 Across the Zodiac. A Story of Adventure. By Edwin Pallander. 
 In pictorial cloth, with a Frontispiece. [Second Edition. 
 
 ' One of the best books of the year.'— 7"//* Morning Post. 
 
 Dr Qlennie's Daughter. By B. L. Farjeon. 
 
 Author of ' The Mystery of the Royal Mail,' &c. 
 'A book which cannot be laid aside unfinished when once it has been begun.'— 
 Newcastle Chronicle. 
 
 The Black and White House. By Lillie Crane. 
 
 Author of 'The Diamond Bangle,' &c. Cloth, 2s. 6d. 
 'A delightful story, narrated in charming sly\s.'— Bristol Mercury: 
 
 'Twixt Cup and Lip. By Mrs E. Lynn Linton. Author 
 
 of ' Patricia Kemball,' kc. [Third Edition. 
 
 ' A collection of tales . . . all excellently written.'— i?a//j' iWiw. 
 
 The Jolly Roger. By Hume Nisbet. Author of 'Bail Up.' 
 In Pictorial Cloth, with Frontispiece by Author. [Sixth Edition. 
 
 ' An admirable story of sea heroes and pirates.' — Pall Mall Gazette. 
 ' Mr Hume Nisbet can tell a wild story well and effectively.'— /"?>««. 
 The story is a good one.' — British Weekly. 
 
 Hidden Gold. By Frank Barrett. 
 
 Author of ' Fettered for Life,' ' Lady Judas,' &c. [Second Edition. 
 
 With Sword and Banner. By C. A. Wentworxh Erck. 
 
 Author of ' A Gentleman of the Nineteenth Century,' &c. 
 
 ' A really charming book.' — Bristol Mercury. 
 
 ' The tale is beautifully written.' — Leamington Courier. 
 
 London : DIGBY, LONG & CO., i8 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
 NEW THREE SHILLING AND SIXPENNY NOVELS 13 
 
 The Desire of the Eyes, and Other Stories. 
 
 By Grant Allen. [Eighth Edition. 
 
 My Double and Other Stories. By Marcus Whitethorn 
 
 ' Pleasantly told and thoroughly entertahiing,' — Birmingham Gazette. 
 
 Leila's Lovers. A Tale of 'Varsity Life. By H. M. Greenhow. 
 
 Author of 'The Emperor's Design,' 'The Bow of Fate,' &c. 
 
 'An interesting tale of 'Varsity life, out of the ordinary run, inasmuch as it deals 
 mainly with girl students. Leila Tristram is an attractive character. The book is well 
 written, bright and amusing.' — Birmingham Post. 
 
 In Life's Afternoon. By Curtis Yorke. 
 
 Author of ' Hush,' ' Jocelyn Erroll,' ' A Memory Incarnate,' &c. 
 
 'Curtis Yorke has done nothing better than " In Life's Afternoon" . . . told with a 
 simplicity of diction and delicacy of sentiment that is too uncommon.' — Yorkshire Post. 
 
 The New Lady Teazle. By Helen Mathers. 
 
 Author of ' Comin' thro' the Rye,' &c. \_Third Edition. 
 
 ' A clever specimen of the writer's art. . . . The reader's attention is gripped from 
 the beginning and closely held throughout.' — Lloyds. 
 
 MacQilleroy's Millions. By Iza Duffus Hardy. 
 
 Author of ' In the Springtime of Love,' &c. \_Second Edition. 
 
 ' A clever book. The story is skilfully constructed.' — St James's Gazette. 
 ' An exciting love story of engrossing interest.'— Hastings Advertiser. 
 ' A very good story.' — Morning; Leader. 
 ' An interesting and well-told tale.' — Aberdeen Press. 
 'A strong and exciting story.' — Yorkshire Herald. 
 
 O'Callaghan, The Slave Trader. By C. Dudley Lampen. 
 
 Author of ' Barcali, The Mutineer,' &c. Pictorial cloth, with Illustrations. 
 ' This is distinctly one of the best stories of the season, and is crowded with adventure 
 from beginning to end.' — Standard. 
 
 A Modern Marguerite. By Samuel Floyd. 
 
 ' An elaborate romance of modern life.' — Academy. 
 ' A stirring tale.' — To- Day. 
 
 Stories from Balladland. By Maye H. Black. 
 
 With Twelve Illustrations. Cloth gilt, 3s. 6d. 
 
 POETRY AND THE DRAMA 
 
 The Odes of Horace and Secular Hymns, rendered into 
 
 English Verse by W. C. Green, M.A. 
 
 ' Mr Green has handled with the exquisite felicity and delicate lightness of phrase 
 which characterises the Odes of Horace above all other ^oems.'— Eastern Morning News. 
 
 The Divine Commedia of Dante. Translated into English 
 
 Verse by C POTTER. 
 ' A translation to be read with profit. The verse in English has music and rhythm, it 
 glides easily along, and it bears with it the meaning of the poet in such a manner that 
 the English reader may readily grasp.' — Aberdeen Press. 
 
 A Moorland Brook, and Other Poems. By Evan T. 
 
 Keane. 3s. 6d. net. 
 Flowers of the Field. By Helene Gingold. Author of ' The 
 
 Chiddingiield Chronicles,' &c. Cloth, 3s. 6d. net. 
 ' A book of charming verses.' — Daily Express. 
 ' A charming little volume of verse.' — Lady's Gazette. 
 
 London: DIGBY, LONG & CO., 18 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.C.
 
 t4 TWO SHILLING AND SIXPENNY NOVELS 
 
 Popular 2s. 6d. Novel Series 
 
 A Marriage Mystery. By Fergus Hume. [Second Edition. 
 
 ' " A Marriage Mystery " is ingeniously put together. Mr Hume's new book is good 
 of its kind.' — Atnenieum. 
 
 ' Mr Hume has established his reputation as a clever writer of mysteries. The 
 interest is well maintained.' — Court Circular. 
 
 The Masquerade Mystery. By Fergus Hume. 
 
 \_Fourth Edition. 
 
 ' Is as good as, if not better than, " The Mystery of a Hansom Cab." ... It is an 
 excellent story, and the mystery is one which will puzzle most readers to solve." — 
 World. 
 
 The Vereker Family. By May Crommelin. 
 
 ' Charming stories ... all of them bright, pleasant and delightful in their respective 
 ways. ' — Guardian. 
 
 Dr Janet of Harley Street. By Arabella Kenealy. 
 
 [Seventh Edition. 
 
 ' A clever book, and well worth reading. Miss Kenealy has imagined an interesting 
 character, and realised her vividly.' — Daily Chronicle. 
 
 Some Men are Such Gentlemen. By Arabella Kenealy. 
 
 \_Seventh Edition. 
 
 'Thestory is so brightly written that our interest is never allowed to flag. The tale 
 is told with spirit and vivacity, and show no little skill in its descriptive passages.' — 
 A cademy. 
 
 The Honourable Mrs Spoor. By Arabella Kenealy. 
 
 S^Fourth Edition ^ 
 
 'A clever story — the most powerful piece of work that Miss Kenealy has done.' — 
 Daily Chronicle. 
 
 A Woman's Cross. By Alice M. Diehl. [Third Edition. 
 
 ' Mrs Diehl's characters are well chosen and distinguished. ... Is far above the 
 average of modern novels.' — St James's Budget. 
 
 ' Is a very interesting love-story. There are some well-drawn characters. —Pall 
 Mall Gazette. 
 
 ' " A Woman's Cross" is cleverly conceived.' — Academy. 
 
 A Last Throw. By Alice M. Diehl. [Third Edition. 
 
 'Mrs Diehl writes with vigour. Her style is easy and natural ; her characters are 
 distinct and always human ; and her incidents are original and dramatic' — Daily Mail. 
 
 Her Loving Slave. By Hume Nisbet. [Second Edition. 
 
 ' Has abundance of go in it.' — Times. 
 
 ' It is a good story well told.'—Standard. 
 
 The Laird's Deed of Settlement. By Jane M. Kippen. 
 
 'Full of adventure and wit on eighteenth-century fiction of Scottish Life. . . . 
 The story will be read with considerable enjoyment as an interesting novel.' — Liverpool 
 Mercury. 
 
 London : DIGBY, LONG & CO., i8 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
 TWO SHILLING AND SIXPENNY NOVELS 15 
 The American Cousins. By Sarah Tytler. 
 
 'Charmingly written, with a good deal of grace. It is a thoroughly modern and 
 "live" story, and will be read with interest and pleasure.' — Court Journal. 
 
 ' Readers who delight in abundance of detail and fulness of elaboration will find in 
 "The American Cousins " a fund of enjoyment.' — Literary World. 
 
 A Crazy Moment. By Sarah Tytler. 
 
 'A well-told story, the interest of which never subsides.' — Scotsman. 
 'A most original, fresh and cleverly-written tale.' — Hereford Times. 
 'A capital and well-written book." — Liverpool Courier. 
 'Of absorbing interest throughout.' — Neivcastle Chronicle. 
 
 The Beautiful Soul. By Florence Marryat. ^Fourth Edition. 
 
 'A very charming new story, touching, pathetic, pure, kindly, and full of interest 
 and originality. . . . The characters are well drawn and clearly defined. The plot 
 never flags. '—Manchester Courier. 
 
 In the Name of Liberty, By Florence Marryat. 
 
 \^Third Edition. 
 ' Is a good story and thoroughly realistic' — Standard. 
 ' Is one of Miss Marryat's most rousing stories.'— ^"a/7<n/«r Review. 
 
 A Man's Privilege. By Dora Russell. {Third Edition. 
 
 ' The story opens dramatically. There are some fine stirring scenes in the book, and 
 the descriptive passages betoken literary skill of no mean order.' — Leeds Mercnry. 
 
 A Torn -Out Page. By Dora Russell. [Third Edition. 
 
 ' A well-constructed tale.' — Morning Post. 
 ' A smartly-written, up-to-date tsX^.'—Sun. 
 
 False Pretences. By Annie Thomas (Mrs Pender Cudlip). 
 
 [Second Edition. 
 ' Miss Annie Thomas has rarely drawn a character so cleverly as that of the false 
 and scheming Mrs Colraine.' — World. 
 
 A Lover of the Day. By Annie Thomas. [Third Edition. 
 
 ' This authors style is graphic and lively — her book should have many readers.' — 
 Yorkshire Post. 
 
 In Storm and Strife. By Jean Middlemass. 
 
 ' Is an excellent story, the action never flagging . . . the characters being clearly 
 and intelligently outlined.'— (P/i^^if.. 
 
 ' Miss Middlemass's novels are always worth reading.' — Graphic. 
 
 Hush Money. By Jean Middlemass. [Third Edition. 
 
 ' It is a story that will be read with keen interest . . . the romance is well worked 
 out, and there are not a few delightful chapters.' — Dundee Courier. 
 
 Fallen from Favour. By Jean Middlemass. 
 
 ' An attractive tale . . . thoroughly interesting.' — Literary World. 
 
 The Queen Wasp. By Jean Middlemass. 
 
 ' A charming romance, full of human interest around the life of a plebeian company 
 promoter and his aristocratic wife.' — People. 
 
 ' An excellent novel, and one which we can recommend." — Manchester Courier. 
 
 ' A crisp, up-to-date romance of love and finance. The book is brightly written, the 
 plot skilfully developed, and the interest well sustained from first to last.' 
 
 A Daring Spirit. By Mrs Bagot-Harte. 
 
 'A book to be read with pleasure.' — Pall Mall Gazette. 
 
 ' A well-written novel . . . the whole story is a very clever piece of workmanship.' — 
 Belfast NeT.vs Letter. 
 
 London : DIGBY, LONG & CO., 18 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.C
 
 i6 TWO SHILLING AND SIXPENNY NOVELS 
 
 Stripped of the Tinsel. By J. E. Muddock. \_Fifth Edifio?i. 
 
 ' A novel of considerable power, and one not likely to be overlooked by those who 
 wish to read a graphic and original " Story of Bohemia." ' — IVeshninsUr Rezneiii. 
 
 Without Faith or Fear. By J. E. Muddock. 
 
 \_Second Edition. 
 
 ' Will be read with interest by all those who love to study the most serious problems 
 of life, and it moreover possesses great charm of narration and grace of literary style.' — 
 Daily Telegraph. 
 
 Juanita Carrington. By Mrs Robert Jocelyn. 
 
 [Fourth Edition. 
 ' Mrs Jocelyn describes a run with the hounds, or a day in the covers better than any 
 novelist we have had since Whyte-Melville.' — Star. 
 
 The White Flower. By Clive R. Fenn. 
 
 'An excellent story, admirably told.' — People. 
 
 ' One of the best novels of the year. A story of real live interest, told in excellent 
 style with the true dramatic ring . . . will be enjoyed by all readers.' — Liverpool 
 Courier. 
 
 The Emperor's Design. By H. M. Greenhow. 
 
 ' The story is well told, and is really amusing." — Literary World. 
 
 Falsely Accused. By G. Norway. 
 
 ' A thrilling tale. . . . We will affirm that the book will not disappoint those who 
 like a sensational story.' — Boohnan. 
 
 ' The story is a very vigorous and pleasing one.' — Lloyds. 
 
 The Daringfords. By E. Lodge. 
 
 'A well-told tale. The interest is capitally sustained.' — Liverpool Courier. 
 ' A bright story of interest.' — Gentlewoman. 
 
 A Son of the Gods. By E. Lodge. 
 
 ' Mrs Lodge has unquestionably enriched the reader of fiction by her last book, 
 "A Son of the Gods." The manner in which the authoress has told it constitutes 
 an inherent fascination which leads the reader to a more than ordinary enjoyment of 
 the book.' — Liverpool Post. 
 
 Mystery of Bloomsbury Crescent. By E. Lodge. 
 
 'As entertaining as the majority of stories dealing with hypnotism and the like.' — 
 Yorkshire Post. 
 
 Love has no Pity. By Frederick Langbridge. 
 
 'The story is powerful and very cleverly written, making an excellent novel.'— 
 Liverpool Daily Mercury. 
 
 The Champington Mystery. By Le Voleur. 
 
 'An exciting and well-written book . . . will not be laid down until the last page 
 is reached.' — Dundee Courier. 
 
 ' A highly exciting and graphic tale.' — Athenceuvi. 
 
 The Secret of Mark Pepys. By Frederick J. Proctor. 
 
 ' A tale of stirring times among Mexicans. Full of incident from cover to cover, 
 with a love interest running through.' — Bookman. 
 
 Other Works in the same Series in due course. 
 
 London: DIGBY, LONG & CO., i8 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
 NEW AND FORTHCOMING NOVELS, &c. 17 
 
 DIGBY'S LIBRARY OF SIXPENNY NOVELS 
 
 Dr Janet of Harley Street. By Arabella Kenealy. 
 
 ' A clever book, and well worth reading ; ... it may make one or two people 
 think who are unaccustomed to that exercise. Miss Kenealy has imagined an 
 interesting character, and realised her vividly.' — Daily Chronicle. 
 
 Lady Joan's Companion. By Florence Warden. 
 
 'A clever mystery tale in which the reader is carried along with an irresistible 
 desire to find out the secret history of Miss Meadows, Lady Joan's Companion." — 
 Daily Graphic. ' A striking and moving romance.' — Bookman. 
 
 The Crime of the CrystaL By Fergus Hume. 
 
 ' The story is well written, and certainly one of the best that Mr Fergus Hume 
 has yet given us.' — Irish Times. 
 
 A Bid for Empire. By Major Arthur Griffiths. 
 
 ' The book is full of stirring adventures, and the colour of the glowing East, that 
 Major Griffiths knows how to depict so well, adds to the charm of a fascinating story.' 
 — Leeds Merciiry. 
 
 The Beautiful Soul. By Florence Marryat. 
 
 ' An entertaining and animated story. The lady with a beautiful soul is one of 
 the most lovable women to whom novel readers have been introduced.' — IVorld. 
 ' A very pretty story.' — Acadeviy. 
 
 A Life for a Love. By L. T. Meade. 
 
 ' A thrilling tale. The plot is marked out with remarkable ingenuity. The book 
 abounds in clever and graphic characterisations.' — Daily Telegraph. 
 ' A well-told tale. . . . An exciting book.' — Pall Mall Gazette. 
 
 A Hidden Chain. By Dora Russell. 
 
 ' A work which is intensely interesting, the excitement of the reader being 
 sustained from the start to finish.' — Sheffield Daily Telegraph. 
 
 The Jolly Roger. By Hume Nisbet. 
 
 ' Well told and well worth reading.' — Spectator. 
 
 'A narrative full of dash and spirit.' — Daily Chronicle. 
 
 ' Quite the best thing Hume N isbet has done.' — National Observer. 
 
 ' Mr Hume Nisbet can tell a wild story well.' — Times, 
 
 ' A thoroughly well-told tale, and effectively, of sea heroes and pirates.' — Observer. 
 
 Claude Duval of '95. By Fergus Hume. 
 
 ■ An excellent story.' — Westminster Gazette. 
 'The book is cleverly written.' — Athenauni. 
 ' A rattling romance of the road. ' — Whitehall Review. 
 
 The Darkest Hour. By Louis Tracy. 
 
 ' .4 detective story of the first order.' — Yorkshire Post. 
 
 Some Men are Such Gentlemen. 
 
 ' A book to be read breathlessly from beginning to end.' — Pall Mall Gazette. 
 Other novels by popular writers will be added to this Series. 
 
 London: DIGBY, LONG & CO., 18 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
 i8 NEW AND FORTHCOMING NOVELS, &c. 
 
 Miscellaneous 
 
 The Birds of Our Country. By H. E. Stewart, B.A. 
 
 With Illustrations by Archibald Thorburn, J. Giacomelli, G. E. 
 Lodge, K. Keyl, R. Kretschmer, &c. Crown 8vo. Pictorial cloth, 
 gilt top, 3s. 6d. Illustrated Prospectus with Press Opinions post free. 
 
 \Second Edition. 
 ' This capital work furnishes the young collector with a book which is not beyond his 
 means, and which at the same time contains an account of all the birds which he is 
 likely to meet with in the British Isles.' — Hereford Times. 
 
 The Memoirs of Gerald O'Connor. By William O'Connor 
 
 Morris, County Court Judge and Chairman of Quarter Sessions of 
 Rosecoiiimon and Sligo, and sometime Scholar of Oriel College, Oxford. 
 Cloth gilt, 7s. 6d. net. 
 
 ' The Memoirs are wonderful!}' interesting reading.' — Times. 
 
 ' An altogether charming and e.xceedingly instructive book.' — United Service Magazine. 
 
 ' The Memoirs are interesting, not to say stirring.' — Saturday Review. 
 
 The Secrets of the Hand. By Maud Harries. Paper, is. 
 
 ' Those wishing to learn the art and mystery of fortune-telling by the hand will find 
 much information in this volume.' — Oliserver. 
 
 Nigh on Sixty Years at Sea. By Robert Woolward (' Old 
 
 Woolward.") Crown 8 vo, cloth, 6s. With Portrait. {^Second Edition. 
 
 ' Very entertaining reading. Captain Woolward writes sensibly and straightforwardly, 
 and tells his story with the frankness of an old salt. He has a keen sense of humour, and 
 his stories are endless and very entertaining.' — Times. 
 
 Recollections of Sport among Fin, Fur and Feather. 
 
 By James Conway. Author of ' Forays among Salmon and Deer,' 
 &c. Cloth, 6s. 
 
 'Mr Conway's " Recollections" will appeal irresistibly to all lovers of the varied sport 
 of which he here supplies so many graphic and pleasant descriptions.' — Globe. 
 
 ' We have read Mr Conway's new book with some pleasure ; for he describes his sport 
 with such enthusiasm, and he is such a successful angler and shot, that it is impossible 
 for a lover of sport not to envy him.' — Spectator. 
 
 The Author's Manual. By Percy Russell. 
 
 With Prefatory Remarks by Mr Gladstone. Cloth, 3s. 6d. net. 
 
 \Ninth and Cheaper Edition. 
 
 ' Mr Russell's book is a very complete manual and guide for journalist and author. 
 We have little else but praise for the volume.' — ll'estmitister Re7ne7v. 
 
 ' The aspirant to literature may certainly read Mr Russell's book with profit.' — 
 Spectator. 
 
 ' A handbook that will prove very useful to all who aspire to write for the press in any 
 of the various branches of literary work. . . . This is the only manual comprehending 
 all departments of professional literature from paragraph writing to the production of the 
 book.' — Manchester Courier. 
 
 The Worlds of Earth : The Past, Present and Future of the 
 
 Earthly Economy. By John Spencer Hall. With Maps and 
 
 Illustrations. Crown Svo, cloth, 7s. 6d. 
 
 ' The book is likely to interest the student of the Old Testament ; it contains two 
 maps and two illustrations.' — Bookseller. 
 
 ' An interesting study of the past, present and future of the earthly economy from a 
 spiritual standpoint.' — Rock. 
 
 London : DIGBY, LONG & CO., 18 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.C.
 
 NEW AND FORTHCOMING NOVELS, &c. 19 
 
 Popular 6s. Novels by J, S. Fletcher 
 
 Author of 'When Charles the First was King,' etc. 
 
 A MAID AND HER MONEY 
 
 With four full-page Illustrations by A. T. Smith. [In the Press. 
 
 THE DIAMONDS \_Second impression. 
 With five full-page Illustrations by Harold Piffard. 
 ' The story concerns a diamond necklace worth fifty thousand pounds, 
 which undergoes great vicissitudes. A really exciting and well-told story.' — 
 Irish Times. 
 
 ' Mr Fletcher has given us a rattling good story. — Cottri Journal. 
 'A remarkably clever story ... it reveals great power of character.' — 
 Scotsfnan. 
 
 THE SECRET V^ AN [Secotid impression. 
 
 * An exciting tale. A really clever story of its kind, and the neat and 
 natural manner in which he deals uut a sensation every few pages is worthy 
 of much praise.' — Daily Express. 
 
 ' The story is really most thrilling and exciting, and the writing is vastly 
 superior to what one is accustomed to in this class of fiction.' — To-Day. 
 
 ' An exciting story, cleverly told, and from start to finish never flags.' — 
 Liverpool Post. 
 
 ' It is no sign of mental weakness to take a fresh liking for an occasional 
 melodramatic story, full of mystery and still more ingenious detections, and 
 of this class there have been few better specimens than Mr Fletcher's "The 
 Secret Way.'" — Morning Leader. 
 
 'A well- written novel.' — Nottingham Guardian. 
 
 BONDS OF STEEL 
 
 ' We have seen nothing so good as this from Mr Fletcher since the appear- 
 ance of "When Charles the First was King." To attack the morality of 
 lawful marriage in a manner to be convincing to the unprejudiced without 
 outraging the sense of propriety of the most orthodox is a fact no writer upon 
 this most delicate of social problems has achieved ; a fact which we think Mr 
 Fletcher may be complimented upon having accomplished in this volume by 
 creating as his hero and heroine a loyal and high-minded man and woman to 
 whom nature appeals more strongly than conventional law. The subject is 
 so well handled, the moral to be drawn from it so good, it may safely be 
 placed in the hands of the most innocent, and there is a wholesome lesson in 
 the realities of life.' — Birmi}tgham Daily Gazette. 
 
 THE AIR=SHIP 
 
 ' Well written . . . skilfully and vividly told.' — Glasgow Herald. 
 ' Brightly written. Dramatic and effective. ' — Bristol Mercury. 
 
 London : DIGBY, LONG & CO., 18 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
 20 NEW AND FORTHCOMING NOVELS, &c. 
 
 Popular Novels by Fergus Hume 
 
 Authof of ' The Mystery of a Hansom Cab/ etc, 
 In Crown 8vo, pictorial cloth. Price 6s. each 
 
 THE RED WINDOW 
 
 Third Edition 
 
 ' As good as anything Mr Feraius Hume has done.' — Outlook. 
 
 THE YELLOW HOLLY 
 
 Third Edition 
 
 ' A story of thrilling interest.' — To-Day. ' An e.xciting detective story.' — Academy. 
 
 A COIN OF EDWARD VII. 
 
 Third Edition 
 
 ' A clever detective story . . . holds one spellbound to the end.'— Vofks/iife Herald. 
 
 THE CRIME OF THE CRYSTAL 
 
 Third Edition 
 
 ' Mr Fergus Hume once more shows his skill in weaving an intricate plot which 
 holds the reader enthralled until the last line. If this book were judged upon its 
 merits it should obtain a popularity even greater than " The Mystery of a Hansom 
 Cab." ' — Court Circular. 
 
 THE PAGAN'5 CUP 
 
 Third Edition 
 
 'For the lover of mystery the author of the "Mystery of a Hansom Cab" has 
 prepared a feast in his new book. The story is beyond doubt enthralling, and will 
 in every case be read at a sitting.' — Glasgow Herald. 
 
 THE RED=HEADED MAN 
 
 Third Edition 
 
 ' Is perhaps the best piece of work that Mr Fergus Hume has given us since he 
 wrote " The Mystery of a Hansom Cab." Mr Fergus Hume's latest tale contains 
 not a single dull chapter.' — World. 
 
 ' A highly ingenious and well-constructed tale.' — Scotsman. 
 
 SHYLOCK OF THE RIVER 
 
 Fifth Edition 
 
 ' Quite the most brilliant detective story Mr Hume has given us since he made 
 such a remarkable hit in " The Mystery of a Hansom Cab." ' — Literary IVorld. 
 
 THE MASQUERADE MYSTERY 
 
 Third Edition 
 
 'Is as good as, if not better than, "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab." ... It is 
 an excellent story.' — IVorld. 
 
 In Crown 8vo, cloth, 2s. 6d. Cheap Edition 
 
 A MARRIAGE MYSTERY 
 
 ' Is ingeniously put together. . . . Mr Hume's new book is good of its kind.' — 
 AtlienceuDt. 
 
 ' The plot is very clever and well worked out.' — Vanity Fair. 
 
 London : DIGBY, LONG & CO., i8 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
 NEW AND FORTHCOMING NOVELS, <S:c. 21 
 
 Popular Novels by Dora Russell 
 
 Author of 'Footprints in the Snow,' etc. 
 
 ' Miss Dora Russell's novels are eagerly looked for by a 
 large class of readers.'— DAILY NEWS. 
 
 In Crown 8vo, handsome cloth. Price 6s. each 
 
 ROSE FLEMING 
 
 'A very charming story; the studies in character are admirably done.' — Liverpool 
 Daily Post. 
 
 THE SILENT WATCHERS 
 
 With Frontispiece by Harold Piffard. [ Second Edition. 
 
 ' A dramatic story. . . . The book is interesting throughout and never flags.' — 
 
 Literary World. 
 
 A FATAL PAST 
 
 Second Edition. 
 
 THE TRACK OF THE STORM 
 
 'An exciting love romance.' — Yorkshire tlerald. 
 ' An excellent story.' — Birmingham Gazette. 
 ' A cleverly written novel.' — ISiottingham Guardian. 
 ' Capital reading.' — Sheffield Telegraph. 
 
 A GREAT TEMPTATION 
 
 'Admirers of Miss Dora Russell will welcome a second edition of " A Great Temptation," 
 one of her charmingly-gifted stories. Miss Russell does not seek to emulate the sensational 
 romancist of to-day ; she prefers to tell in a bright and graceful style the old-fashioned stories 
 of love and life, of which the world never wearies.' — Birmingham Gazette. 
 
 A STRANGE MESSAGE 
 
 ' A dramatic story told in Miss Dora Russell's best manner. . . . The scenes are of 
 thrilling interest.' — Literary World. 
 
 In Crown 8vo. Cheap Edition. Cloth, 2s. 6d. each. 
 
 A TORN=OUT PAGE 
 
 ' Miss Russell's story is cleverly thought out and planned. The scenes are in many cases 
 distinctly clever. ... It is seldom we come across a book which is at once so healthy and 
 exciting, and for that reason alone it should find favour with many.' — Glasgow Herald. 
 
 'A well-constructed tale. "ATorn-Out Page" is an ingenious piece of work.' — MorningPost. 
 
 ' " A Torn-Out Page " should command a good sale. It is a smartly-written up-to-date tale , 
 with the stamp of the experienced writer apparent on every page.' — Sun. 
 
 A MAN;S PRIVILEGE 
 
 ' A most fascinating story. Thrilling incident follows incident in rapid succession.' — 
 Dundee Courier. 
 
 "The book is very exciting, and ought to be read to the finish.' — Academy. 
 
 A HIDDEN CHAIN \_'%j?tol 
 
 ' A work which is intensely interesting. The excitement of the reader being sustained 
 from the start to the finish.' — Sheffield Telegraph. 
 
 London: DIGBY, LONG & CO., 18 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
 22 NEW AND FORTHCOMING NOVELS, &c. 
 
 NEW BOOKS BY ROBERT H. SHERARD 
 
 Author of ' The White Slaves of England,' etc. 
 
 In Crown 8vo, handsome cloth gilt. Price 3s. 6d. net 
 
 With Portrait of the Author ^Second Edition 
 
 THE CRY OF THE POOR 
 
 Being an account of a three months' tour among the Pariahs 
 of the United Kingdom 
 
 ' Mr Sherard's account of his squalid journey through the slums in the great 
 manufacturing towns of England, Scotland and Ireland is luridly picturesque. 
 . . . Mr Sherard's book should be invaluable to the National Housing Reform 
 Association. ' — Daily Chronicle. 
 
 'This book is the result of real hard work undertaken with the best of 
 motives, and it should not be overlooked by those who are honestly endeavouring 
 to alleviate the wretchedness of the unhappy slum-dwellers of our great cities.' 
 — St James's Gazette. 
 
 'A decidedly interesting contribution to the literature of a great problem.' — 
 Outlook. 
 
 ' The book contains a good many data, well strung together, on which the 
 social refoimer may work.' — Literature. 
 
 ' Like " The White Slaves of England," " The Cry of the Poor " should help to 
 fix popular attention on the glaring defects of our social system.' — Glasgow Herald. 
 
 * Mr Sherard has made a considerable reputation in studying the actual con- 
 dition of the poor in this country. Those studies and observations should be read 
 by all who are interested in English affairs, and, above all, may be commended 
 to the patriotic Christians of the land.' — Bradford Observer. 
 
 ' A most instructive volume. ' — Morning Leader. 
 
 ' Mr Sherard has, in his latest book, lifted the lid of a cauldron seething with 
 vice and misery, and disclosed for our horror a depravity unimaginable save by 
 those whose contact with it has been close and sympathetic' — Eastern Morning 
 News. 
 
 BY THE SAME AUTHOR 
 In Crown 8vo, handsome cloth. Price 3s. 6d. net 
 
 THE CLOSED DOOR 
 
 Being the true and faithful account of an experiment in Propria 
 Persona of the treatment accorded to Pauper Immigrants in New 
 York Harbour by the Ofificials of the American Democracy. 
 
 ' A book worth reading. ' — Academy. 
 
 ' Mr Sherard published these sketches originally in the Daily Express, and 
 so novel and interesting are they that they were well worth preserving as a 
 volume. ' — Madame. 
 
 London : DIGBY, LONG & CO., i8 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.C.
 
 NEW AND FORTHrOMING NOVELS, &c. 23 
 
 STEPHEN CRANE'S Last Book 
 
 LAST WORDS 
 
 6s. By STEPHEN CRANE 6s. 
 
 Author of 'The Red Badge of Courage,' 'Active Service,' &c. 
 
 'Marked by the extraordinary vigour which made the writer famous.' — 
 AthincB7im. 
 
 ' In these stories, all too brief as they are, we have Mr Crane at his strongest. 
 Grim — as tales of war should be — terse, vivid, with here and there an invaluable 
 touch of humour, they cannot fail to make each reader realise afresh how much we 
 have lost in losing the man who wrote them. Admirable, from another point of 
 view, is the sketch " London Impressions," and among the stories pure and simple 
 " The Squire's Madness" is very clever, both in idea and execution.' — World. 
 
 '"Last Words" contains a collection of characteristic and impressionistic 
 little fragments by the author of " The Red Badge of Courage." One and all 
 possess that curious vivid quality which first brought the work of this writer into 
 note, and as they deal with an infinite variety of incidents in widely different 
 countries, there is never any feeling of monotony. Among the little dramatic 
 sketches there are none more effective than those which come under the head- 
 ing of "Spitzbergen Tales," describing incidents in the life of that famous regi- 
 ment, of which Mr Crane has more than once written, namely, " The Kicking 
 Twelfth.' '—Graphic. 
 
 MY FIR5T VOYAGE 
 
 A Reminiscence of an Imaginative Childhood 
 
 3s. 6d. By ALPHONSE DAUDET 3s. 6d. 
 
 Author of 'Sapho,' &c. 
 
 ' A charming story . . . extremely well written. The book is well worth 
 reading.' — British Weekly. 
 
 ' A trifle of great charm . . . humour abounds and the story ends with one 
 of those irrelevant but triumphant touches of pathos in which Daudet excelled 
 all the writers of his generation.' — Literature. 
 
 ' The tale is one of those pretty fragments of autobiography seen through the 
 blazing mirage of Province which Daudet touched with so great a charm. Mr 
 Sherard has rendered the story into excellent English, and it is a pleasant 
 memorial of Daudet's lively imagination and warm heart.' — AtheruTiim. 
 
 ' One of the most delightful little romances to which either M. Daudet or 
 Mr Sherard has ever appended his name.' — Liverpool Mercury. 
 
 ' Very charming is this " Reminiscence of an Imaginative Childhood "... the 
 story is so admirably told that one reads it with very keen enjoyment.' — Globe. 
 
 ' People of scientific temperament often demand a definition of "charm." 
 " My First Voyage " is a definition of the word in a hundred and seventy-five 
 pages. ' — Academy. 
 
 'An entrancing narrative, which has some of the finest characteristics of 
 Daudet's style.' — Dundee Advertiser. 
 
 London: DIGBY, LONG & CO., 18 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
 24 NEW AND FORTHCOMING NOVELS, &c. 
 
 NEW POPULAR BOOKS BY HELEN MATHERS 
 
 Author of 'Comin' thro' the Rye,' 'Honey,' etc. 
 
 In Crown 8vo, handsome cloth. Price 6s. each. 
 
 DAHLIA 
 
 'The authoress of "Comin' thro' the Rj'e" presents us with a 
 volume of sketches mostly of "high life" in London, and the Riviera 
 and elsewhere. The interest of the most spiritless reader of fiction 
 cannot help being aroused by the piquancy of these delightful sketches. 
 Miss Mathers has a large circle of readers, and this volume cannot fail 
 to add to their number.' — Scotsman. 
 
 VENUS VICTRIX 
 
 ' Miss Helen Mathers" talents show at their best when concentrated 
 to produce an effective short tale ; and this volume may be re- 
 commended to all who like their fiction to be pungent without 
 being either morbid or immoral.' — Spectator. 
 
 ' A series of realistic stories . . . magnificent for descriptive 
 power.' — Eastern Morning News. 
 
 ' A volume which is sure to find a warm welcome from the 
 novelist's large circle of admiring readers.' — Leeds Mercnry. 
 
 ' The stories capture and hold the attention, and will find much 
 favour with a very considerable circle.' — Globe. 
 
 In pictorial clotli, with frontispiece by F. H. Townsend. 
 
 35. 6d. each 
 
 THIRD EDITION NOW READY 
 
 THE NEW LADY TEAZLE 
 
 'A volume of stories by the author of "Comin' thro' the Rye." 
 This little story, an effective little comedy in five chapters, deals with 
 a domestic crisis in Carlton House Terrace . . . the other tales are in 
 Miss Mathers' characteristic vein.' — Academy. 
 
 ' Told with skill and literary grace and vigour.' — Glasgow Herald. 
 THIRD EDITION NOW READ V 
 
 THE FACE IN THE MIRROR 
 
 ' Extremely interesting and written in a charming manner. The story 
 which forms the title of the book is a particularly fascinating one.' — 
 Dundee Courier. 
 
 ' Written with dramatic power. ... A capital book for a reader 
 who likes a story to be at once light and stimulating. — Scotsman. 
 
 London: DIGBY, LONG & CO., i8 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.C.
 
 NEW AND FORTHCOMING NOVELS, &c. 25 
 
 NEW POPULAR NOVELS BY ALAN ST AUBYN 
 
 Author of 'A Fellow of Trinity,' 'The Junior Dean,' &c. 
 
 In Crown 8vo, pictorial cloth. Price 6s. [Second Edition. 
 
 A PRICK OF CONSCIENCE 
 
 PcoJ>lc. — ' A wild and impassioned love story, moving along at hurricane speed, is that 
 of Carrie Gardner, the central figure in Mr Alan St Aubyn's romance. The book is exciting 
 throughout ; it is well written, the situations are cleverly conceived, and the dialogue is 
 smart.' 
 
 Glasgow Herald. — ' The story is brightly told, and there is something attractive about 
 the young governess, whose soft voice " had a flavour of Scotch in it." ' 
 
 Manchester Courier. — 'The story is well told, the reader having some three or four 
 hundred pages of good exciting reading.' 
 
 Bookman. — 'A very readable and life-like love story.' 
 
 St James's Gazette. — ' " A Prick of Conscience " is written in its author's light and bright 
 vein. ' 
 
 In Crown 8vo, cloth gilt. Price 6s. [Second Edition. 
 
 THE MAIDEN'S CREED 
 
 Academy. — ' A pleasant book ... a story dealing with the love affairs of Yolande, who 
 took a "First-Class."' 
 
 Literary World. — 'The story is admirably told, and worthy of the talented author of 
 "A Fellow of Trinity," &c.' 
 
 Bookseller. — 'A book of uncommon power and humour.' 
 
 In Crown 8vo, handsome cloth. Price 3s. 6d. [Second Edition. 
 
 UNDER THE ROWAN TREE 
 
 speaker. — ' Alan St Aubyn's gift in writing resembles that of the miniature painter ; it 
 lies in the direction of delicacy, prettiness and gentle sweetness. It is a book full of good 
 feeling true sympathy, and wholesome teaching unobtrusively conveyed through the 
 medium of these pleasant and pretty sketches.' 
 
 Gentlewoman. — ' Alan St Aubyn has shown remarkable skill in the handling of his short 
 stories. The subject-matter of these charming stories is rarely wildly exciting, but intensely 
 interesting for all that, full of rare pathos interwoven with bits of drama that make one feel 
 how real and true to life they are. ' 
 
 In Crown Bvo, pictorial cloth. Price 3s. 6d. [Cheap Edition. 
 
 THE LOYAL HUSSAR 
 
 Scotsman. — ' There are fourteen short stories in Alan St Aubyn's new volume. They are 
 all brightly and pleasingly written, and have an interesting variety of subjects. Several of 
 them are descriptive of incidents connected with the South African war. . . . The other 
 stories are handled with a freshness and vivacity which warrant us in describing this as a 
 charming volume.' 
 
 London: DIGBY, LONG & CO., 18 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
 26 NEW AND FORTHCOMING NOVELS, &c. 
 
 POPULAR NOVELS BY ARABELLA KENEALY 
 
 Author of ' Dr Janet of Harley Street,' etc. 
 
 In Crown 8vo, handsome cloth. Price 6s. 
 
 HIS ELIGIBLE GRACE THE DUKE 
 
 SECOND EDITION 
 
 ' Is characterised by all that crispness of dialogue and cleverness of characterisa- 
 tion which won for her previous work so much well-deserved praise . . . there is nota 
 story in the volume which does not grip the interest of the reader.' — Yorkshire Herald. 
 
 ' We have read the stories with pleasure, and would have been pleased had there 
 been more.' — Morning- Posi. 
 
 ' A constellation of sparkling tales.' — Daily Mail. 
 
 ' The stories have all the sprightly cleverness, [easy neatness of workmanship, 
 happy style and humour that we e.xpect from Miss Kenealy, and the book may be 
 recommended as a delightful one for summer afternoons.' — Daily Express. 
 
 ' Admirers of Miss Kenealy will be delighted with this volume. They are all 
 present-day tales, well compacted and without superfluous phrase, and displaymg 
 humour, pathos, and occasional touches of cynicism.' — Glasgow Herald. 
 
 'Is one of the best collections of stories we have seen for some time.' — Birming- 
 ham Post. 
 
 'Miss Kenealy knows how to amuse her readers, and In her collection of stories 
 we find hardly one tale without some originality or cleverness.' — St James's 
 Gazette. 
 
 ' Miss Kenealy has some pretty stories in this collection . . . they are gracefully 
 written.' — Spectator. 
 
 In Crown 8vo. Cloth Gilt. Cheap Edition. 
 Price 2s. 6d. each 
 
 DR JANET OF HARLEY STREET 
 
 ' It is a clever book and well worth reading. Miss Kenealy has imagined an inter- 
 esting character and realised her vividly' — Daily Chronicle. 
 
 THE HONOURABLE MRS SPOOR 
 
 ' A clever story . . . the most powerful piece of work Miss Kenealy has done.' — 
 Daily Chronicle. 
 
 ' This powerful story . . . brilliantly achieved.' — Pall Mall Gazette. 
 
 SOME MEN ARE SUCH GENTLEMEN 
 
 ' A book to read breathlessly from beginning to end. It is decidedly original.' — 
 Pall Mall Gazette. 
 
 'A really good story, original, well written and strong. A really excellent and 
 engaging story.' — Literary World. 
 
 ' The story is so brightly written that our interest is never allowed to flag. The 
 tale is told with spirit and vivacity.' — Academy. 
 
 London: DIGBY, LONG & CO., i8 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
 NEW AND FORTHCOMING NOVELS, &c. 27 
 
 POPULAR NOVELS BY GERTRUDE WARDEN 
 
 Author of ' Sentimental Sex,' ' The Wooing of a Fairy,' &c. 
 
 In Crown 8vo, handsome cloth. Price 6s. each 
 
 A SYNDICATE OF SINNERS 
 
 'This is a bright, lively \.s\e..'— Literature. 
 
 ' Miss Warden never allows the interest of her tale to H&g.'— Daily News. 
 '"A Syndicate of Sinners" will, by many readers, be regarded as the best novel 
 Miss Warden has ever written.' — People. 
 
 'The interest is well sustained, and there is plenty of sensation.' — Si James's Gazette. 
 
 'The book is full of thrills.' — County Gentleman. 
 
 'A sensational story, written with considerable dash.' — Speaker. 
 
 ' A capital sensational story.' — Glasgow Herald. 
 
 ' A really good novel.' — Western Morning News. 
 
 SCOUNDREL OR SAINT? 
 
 'A novel with a really original plot . . . of striking uncommonness, is freshly written 
 and well put together. The authoress has succeeded in turning out a remarkable story." 
 — Scotsman. 
 
 BEAUTY IN DISTRESS 
 
 [^Second Edition. 
 
 ' A story full of interest. . . . Related with spirit and rapid movement, so that the 
 reader will not readily lay down the book.' — Dundee Courier. 
 
 ' A well-constructed story, with carefully elaborated characters ... a capital novel.'— 
 Morninj; Leader. 
 
 SET TO PARTNERS 
 
 ' Is quite a good story.' — Graphic. 
 
 ' Most sensational and fascinating.' — Yorkshire Herald. 
 'An exciting tale, and bustles you along.' — Week's Survey. > 
 'A highly sensational story which never drags.' — Daily News. 
 'Avery good novel, cleverly worked up.' — Irish Tiines. 
 
 ' There are plenty of bright things in the book and the dialogue is alway>; natural.'— 
 St James's Gazette. 
 
 'A bright and well-written society story.' — Yorkshire Post. 
 'A fascinating romance of current life.' — Dundee Advertiser. 
 'Another of Miss Warden's engrossing stories.' — Times. 
 
 In Crown 8vo, pictorial cloth. Price 3s. 6d. 
 
 NOBODY'S WIDOW 
 
 'A charming little story.' — Morning Leader. 
 'Well written and full of go.' — Literary World. 
 ' A sprightly story.' — Daily Aews. 
 ' Brimful of amusement.' — Dundee Courier 
 
 London: DIGBY, LONG k CO., 18 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
 28 NEW AND FORTHCOMING NOVELS, &c. 
 
 'Mr Carter Plaits is the Max Adeler of the present 
 generation.'— YORKSHIRE POST. 
 
 W. CARTER PLATTS'S HUMOROUS BOOKS 
 
 In Crown 8vo, pictorial cloth. as. 6d. each 
 
 THE TUTTLEBURY TALES 
 
 Seventh Edition 
 
 Pall Mall Gazette. — ' The rollicking good humour is irresistible.' 
 Globe. — ' These lively episodes will be the source of hearty laughter.' 
 
 Spectator. — ' Mr Platts reminds us of the American humorist, Max Adeler. He is not an 
 imitator, but his fun is of the same kind, farcical, of course, but unstrained and laughter com- 
 pelling.' 
 
 St James's Budget. — ' Very amusing. Irresistibly comic. There is not a dull line from 
 start to finish.' 
 
 THE TUTTLEBURY TROUBLES 
 
 Third Edition 
 
 Yorkshire Post. — ' " The Tuttlebury Troubles" are very much better than " The Tuttle- 
 bury Tales." The Troubles are a good instance of a humorist extravagance at its best. They 
 lack neither originality nor finish ; they are supremely funny from first to last, and they have 
 even a visible vein of underlying common sense. Of most of the fun throughout, it may be 
 said that there is nothing so heartily laughable in the comic literature of the times.' 
 
 Birmingham Post. — ' Brimful of harmless fun, and there is not a dull page from cover 
 to cover. ' 
 
 THE WHIMS OF ERASMUS 
 
 Second Edition, 3s. 6d. 
 
 Sun. — ' The humour is irresistible. There is a laugh with almost every sentence, and a 
 very hearty laugh too. The fun is of a distinctly rollicking character. It is of the most 
 spontaneous kind, and is equally forcible both in idea and in expression. He has been called 
 the English Max Adeler, and we are not disposed to quarrel with the description.' 
 
 Scotsman. — ' There never was more effective humorous extravagance, and the book will 
 give many a hearty laugh to anyone who reads it. ' 
 
 FLUSH TIMES AND SCIMP 
 
 IN THE WILD WEST 
 
 In specially designed cloth cover, ^s. 6d. 
 
 *^* This volume deals in a humorous way with life in the mining camps 
 
 and on the cattle ranges of the Far and Frolic West. 
 
 To-Day. — ' Told with a humour and pathos wholly delightful.' 
 
 Review oj Rcz'iews. — ' Full of exciting adventure . . . the book is very good reading. 
 
 BETWIXT THE LING AND THE LOWLAND 
 
 With full-page Illustrations by the Author 
 Pictorial cloth, 6s. 
 
 Daily News. — 'We have thoroughly enjoyed the book.' 
 
 Daily Chronicle. — ' We have never read a book with so much pleasure. Mr Carter Platts 
 tells many good stories.' 
 
 Sporting Times. — ' Mr Carter Platts is a wonderfully clever and amusing writer. We 
 highly commend the volume to our readers.' 
 
 Liverpool Daily Post. — ' From title page to " finis " there is not a dull page in this bright 
 and breezy book, which is admirably illustrated by the author.' 
 
 London : DIGBY, LONG^& CO., i8 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
 NEW AND FORTHCOMING NOVELS, &c 29 
 
 POP ULAR B OOKS BY RICHAR D MARSH 
 
 Author of 'The Beetle,' 'The Twickenham Peerage,' &c. 
 
 AN ARISTOCRATIC DETECTIVE 
 
 By RICHARD MARSH 
 
 [Third Edition. 
 
 BETWEEN THE DARK AND THE DAYLIGHT 
 
 By RICHARD MARSH 
 
 {^Second Edition. 
 In handsome cloth, with frontispiece. Price 6s. each 
 
 ' Mr Richard Marsh possesses, in a high degree, the faculty or gift of telling 
 a story well. He has originality and imagination, and his characters, drawn 
 with a bold hand, are living.' — Review of the Week. 
 
 ' Mr Richard Marsh's books are all of them distinguished by audacity of 
 imagination and a real gift of narrative.' — Illustrated London News. 
 
 ' Mr Richard Marsh's stories are strikingly original ; they have a strong 
 leaven of distinction, remain curiously convincing, and are vastly entertaining.' 
 — Saturday Review. 
 
 ' Mr Richard Marsh has the gift of turning out interesting narratives, and 
 can be fully relied upon to catch and hold the imagination.' — Globe. 
 
 ' Mr Richard Marsh is an extraordinary clever and amusing story teller ; 
 with a kind of inventiveness, and a vein of humour which are original and 
 peculiar. ' — Scotsmajt. 
 
 ' One thing is certain — Mr Richard Marsh is able to tell a good story 
 dramatically.' — Whitehall Review. 
 
 ' Mr Richard Marsh is a past master of the art of making one's flesh creep.' 
 — Bookman. 
 
 ' Mr Richard Marsh holds one like a vice from first to last.' — Black attd 
 White. 
 
 ' Mr Richard Marsh's stories are all artistically conceived and finished.' — 
 Vanity Fair. 
 
 'Mr Richard Marsh is a workman possessed of undoubted cunning.' — 
 Otitlook. 
 
 ' Mr Richard Marsh is well worth reading.' — Punch. 
 
 ' An agreeable element is the invariable excellence of composition shown 
 in his writing. There is not a slovenly sentence, and the style is unusually 
 pleasant and lucid.' — AthencEum. 
 
 ' Mr Richard Marsh's plots are very ingenious and are cleverly worked out.' 
 — Court Circtilar. 
 
 ' To readers who enjoy " a grue" in their fiction we can safely recommend 
 Mr Richard Marsh.' — Daily News. 
 
 ' Mr Richard Marsh's ingenuity and imaginativeness are of a high order.' — 
 Queen. 
 
 ' Mr Richard Marsh is known to be a skilled craftsman.'— Ci^i-^w^j' Gentleman. 
 ' Mr Richard Marsh's work is all marked by considerable imaginative power 
 and constructive skill.' — Morning Leader. 
 
 London: DIGBY, LONG & CO., 18 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
 30 NEW AND FORTHCOMING NOVELS, &c. 
 
 Popular Novels by Lucas Cleeve 
 
 Author of ' Lazarus,' ' Anglo-Americans,' ' The Fool Killer,' etc. 
 In Crown 8vo, handsome cloth. Price 6s. each 
 
 OUR LADY OF BEAUTY 
 
 With Frontispiece by Francis Ewen. \Secotid Edition. 
 
 ' Lucas Cleeve has made a fascinating picture of Agnes Sorelle ; a picture to linger in 
 the memory. Lucas Cleeve has given us the story of a woman's heart, a story that is 
 worth the reading." — Academy. 
 
 FREE SOIL, FREE SOUL [Second Edition. 
 
 In specially designed pictorial cover, with Illustrations by A. T. Smith. 
 
 ' In this novel the writer known as Lucas Cleeve has produced what as a short study of 
 character may fairly he described as his masterpiece. In construction, directness of 
 telling and unrelenting fidelity of purpose this book is, so far as our experience goes, the 
 best thing this writer has produced. The merit of the story lies in its telling, and its 
 method of telling is very good indeed. The story may be read at a sitting, and once 
 begun will not be laid aside until finished.' — Birmingham Daily Post. 
 
 AS THE TWIG IS BENT ISecond Edition. 
 
 ' A capital novel, remarkable chiefly for its strong character drawing.' — Scotsman. 
 
 ' A good story. The story of the flotation of the " Wheel Anne " is very well done.' — 
 — Daily Chronicle. 
 
 ' The story is admirably told, the character drawing is clever.' — Glasgo^v Herald. 
 
 ' The story is well worked out . . . decidedly the best we have seen by this author, 
 and should add considerably to his reputation.' — Birmingham Gazette. 
 
 MARY ANNE OF PARCHMENT BUILDINGS 
 
 [Second Edition. 
 
 ' A tnily delightful story. ' — Bookseller. 
 
 ' Mary Anne was an artist's model by day and a member of the Alhambra ballet by 
 night. "The plot of the story is good, and its writing up to Lucas Cleeve's usual mark, 
 while the denouement is affecting and telling.' — St James's Gazette. 
 
 ' Mary Anne is a most attractive character ... a story which is cleverly conceived 
 and powerfully executed.' — Glasgow Herald. 
 
 ' Is written in Lucas Cleeve's most vigorous style . . . the tale is undeniably interest- 
 ing, and the slumming parts are very well done . . . the beautiful Mary Anne is a striking 
 and original character.' — Dundee Advertiser. 
 
 ' A vigorous and well-worked-out story. Mary Anne herself is a delightful picture 
 of a Cockney girl, and the mingled pathos and humour of her class are admirably 
 portrayed. "IThe plot is an ingenious one, and is unfolded in a most dramatic manner.' — 
 Court Circular. 
 
 THE MAGIC OF ROME [Second Edition. 
 
 ' It deals mainly with the affairs of a noble family in Rome ... a story of strong 
 human interest, in which deceit and intrigues by the clergy play a prominent part, and 
 the reader is thrilled by a succession of sensational situations. It cannot be denied that 
 a most powerful novel is evolved, and one which, ably written as it is, will attract a great 
 deal of attention.' — Bristol Mercury. 
 
 London : DIGBY, LONG & CO., i8 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
 NEW AND FORTHCOMING NOVELS, &c. 31 
 
 MARY E. MANN'S NEW NOVEL 
 
 THE FIELDS OF DULDITGH 
 
 X I By the Author of "Among the Syringas," f. 1 
 
 ^f" "Susannah," "The Mating of the Dove," etc. ^/ ~ 
 
 SECOND IMPRESSION 
 
 Athenoaum.— " These sketches of Hfe amongst the rural population 
 are drawn with considerable power." 
 
 Daily Telegraph.—" Miss Mann's writing at once compels attention. 
 It is so quiet, so faithful, describing ordinary scenes and character 
 without exaggeration, indeed with absolute fidelity." 
 
 Eastern Morning News. — "A collection of exceedingly clever 
 sketches, full of life and interest. The work is done with the skill of 
 an artist. It is a work deserving of high praise." 
 
 Spectator. — "This is a collection of stories teUing of the lives 
 of the labourers in the fields around the village of Dulditch. The 
 character sketch of ' Our Mary ' is delightful. . . . The book is full 
 of interest." 
 
 Times. — "Miss Mann is one of the novehsts whose books are 
 waited for with pleasurable anticipation, and they do not disappoint 
 us when they come." 
 
 Daily Telegrapli. — " Miss Mann's writing at once compels attention. 
 It is so quiet, so faithful, describing ordinary scenes and characters 
 without exaggeration, indeed with absolute fidelity." 
 
 Saturday Review. — " Miss Mann is in the best sense a novelist, that 
 is, the characters she portrays are full of vitality and of actuality, 
 their actions and their speech are consistent with their several natures.' 
 
 Bookseller.—'- Miss Mann is the Zola of the English." 
 
 Bradford Observer,—" By virtue of her unflinching realism. Miss 
 Mann is entitled to be classed as a follower of the school of Crabbe 
 . . . within her limits she is a true artist." 
 
 Birmingham Gazette.— " Miss Mann is an artist in grace and 
 elegance of style. Her book will be read for its literary merit." 
 
 Pall Mall Gazette.—" Miss Mann always gives us work of sterling 
 merit ... we would heartily praise Miss Mann's clever treatment of 
 the various types to be found among the simple dwellers about ' The 
 Fields of Dulditch.' There is the same sympathetic insight displayed 
 here that characterises all this writer's work — the same keen sense 
 of humour, and the same delicious portrayal of child-life." 
 
 Yorkshire Post—" A book that lays hold of the reader." 
 
 Mr Edward Garnett writes in the Academy. — " If you try Miss 
 Mann's ' The Fields of Dulditch ' by the high standard of fidelity to 
 nature, her stories, if not masterpieces of art, are masterly and show deep 
 observations and dehcate sympathy with human life." 
 
 London: DIGBY, LONG & CO., 18 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, EX.
 
 32 TWO IMPORTANT NEW BOOKS 
 
 rUST PUBLISHED 
 
 In Crown 8vo, Cloth Gilt. Price 6s. 
 
 RUSSIA OF TO=DAY 
 
 BY 
 
 E. VON DER BRUQQEN 
 
 Translated by M. SANDWITH 
 
 The Times says : — "Few among thenumerousbooks dealing with the Russian 
 Empire which have appeared of late years will be found more profitable than 
 Baron von der Briiggen's ' Das Hentige Russland,' an English version of 
 which has now been published. The impression which it produced in Ger- 
 many two years ago was most favourable, and we do not hesitate to repeat the 
 advice of the German critics by whom it was earnestly recommended to the 
 notice of all political students. The author's reputation has already been firmly 
 established by his earlier works on ' The Disintegration of Poland ' and 
 ' The Europeanization of Russia,' and in the present volume his judgment 
 appears to be as sound as his knowledge is unquestionable." 
 
 In Crown 8vo, handsome cloth. Price 7s. 6d. net 
 JUDGE O'CONNOR MORRIS'S NEW WORK 
 
 THE MEMOIRS OF 
 
 GERALD O'CONNOR 
 
 Of the princely house of the O'Connors 
 of Ofifaly in the kingdom of Ireland 
 
 By WILLIAM O'CONNOR MORRIS 
 
 County Court Judge and Chairman of Quarter Sessions of Roscommon 
 and Sligo, and sometime Scholar of Oriel College, Oxford. 
 
 SOME PRESS OPINIONS 
 
 ' The Memoirs are wonderfully interesting reading, considering that they 
 sketch in rapid review the scenes and events of a long and stirring life.' — Tirnes. 
 
 'This is an altogether charming and, moreover, an exceedingly instructive 
 book. "The Memoirs of Gerald O'Connor" should find favour with all 
 classes.' — United Service Magazine. 
 
 ' The Memoirs are interesting, not to say stirring.' — Saturday Review. 
 
 ' An interesting historical narrative. A better story of the Irish campaign 
 of the Boyne, Derry and Aughrim, and of the wars of Marlborough it would not 
 be easy to write, and its historical value is sound and thorough.' — St fames' s 
 Gazette. 
 
 ' The iMemoirs are of distinct historical value.' — Daily News. 
 
 ' It seldom falls to the lot of a reviewer to come across so fascinating a volume 
 as " The Memoirs of Gerald O'Connor." ' — Westminster Review. 
 
 ' The book is thoroughly interesting.' — Yorkshire Post. 
 
 London: DIGBY, LONG & CO., 18 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.G.
 
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