THE Twelfth Crime

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 139, 18 July 1914, Page 2

THE Twelfth Crime

By SETON GROSS —" Author of "The Stolen Governess,-' "Queen of the Ballet,'* M The Mill Girl's Secret," etc.

[COPYRIGHT.]

CHAPTER XXYl—(Continued.) "When the woman had left the room lie proceeded to do Some rather curious things. He crossed over to the locked bookcase where hekept his notebooks snd ttfok out that containing all his jaotes relative to the' M'Ewan murder " mystery, together with the private itttiry—which was more or less a daily record of his work- —and placed them both In.' a large envelope. This done, he ■ gummed down the. flap, sealed it, and ■ addressed the 1 package in large, clear ' Writing to Detective-Inspector Smallpiece, at Scotland Yard. Next he drew " eat some writing materials and scribbled the following strange note, addressed to his landlady:—"If I should fail to return home .within twenty-four hours, the envelop© addressed, to Detective Small- _ . piece is to be dispatched to him •-.* without delay." Having signed, this, he wrote another i&crte to Smallpiece, placed it in a Bepafate envelope, and addressed ; it, t&en put the whole lot in his bureau, < which he closed but did not lock.

, idtogether his proceedings wpro -di®* tinctly considering that he was , . merely about to pay a visit tq his «Boiir next door, IJadjthere befen an ojihe would undoubtedly have Idtarid something dramatic In tKe quiet, .methodical way in which the journalist carried put hia task. Indeed, there' was . net wanting a suggestion of tragedy in - Wheeler's systematic arrangements,. ' though he did not appear to be aware of it himself. . ... Exactly ten minutes from the time , iriten- ;he had sent baci ' his, answer to Holgate, the journalist was knocking at " the; front door of.The Retreat. He Was admitted by the old man in person, and together they entered the fitting room,' to find Trevfersh there, standing at the 9 window with his back to them. He 1 swung- round suddenly as 1 they- entered, to be met by Wheeler's calm gaze upon *" 'Peter Holgate was obviously nervous —sa much so that he did not at first - Appear to realise that hisviaitorwa^by - liimself. He noticed it when thtey were itt the : rboiri, however, and stammered * mt a.^iiea<ioiijlre^ctiii^ ! PirankJs non- . ' appearance. ' ' ' * ' He. has gon£; tV seek Miss Olive,:'' ' J HSlieeler' replied, He 'was not ' 1 tcf uii^£sk : \hi^ For a minute or two'there was. an awkward vaptly have been, compared .to that ; .which precedes a : /storm. . Wheeler had , sot. bowed t to Treversh,, or ) i%4'ged : V any ' luie' other was equally reserved. < «p ;i th<? fwo.. nwtij. fftfifjl :,^9lh t ptfter, A old JHolgate^^lit shumng.the. ? dqor, ''-i.-n.f '' ' 11 A " !

A Mystery of Modern London

drawing up a chair and poking the fire. At last, awaking to the fact that they were waiting for him. to speak, the old jman. turned to 'Wheeler; more nervous, if anything, than before..

"I have mentioned to Mr .Treversh the—er—matter which you—that is, which you . and Mr Goring discussed with rae, '' he said, .haltingly, and looking from one to the other appealingly. "Mr Treversh at once—er—immediately, that is—demanded to be allowed to hear a full aecount of the--er —of what you had told me, so that he might reply. I—er—l think that is so?."'' • •

■;He looked anxiously at Treversh, who nodded curtly.

"Yes," went on the old man, addressing Wheeler again, " that is how the matter stands. I'm sure in my own mind that' it's all a misunderstanding which will be—be cleared tap, and it • He hesitated for a moment as if trying io remember what he intended to say.

-'< And I-shall •be able to rejoice at my efforts as a peacemaker; 'Blessed are the peacemakers,' you know.'' He laughed awkwardly, and stumbled across to a chair, where he sat down and wiped the perspiration from his face. Then Treversh took a step forward,' and withdut Wheeler time to speak, even had hie 5 wished to, burst into a/furious*''lliAdfe- :V ; Of invective against him. -/>' J 'l want ' W know," he' thundered, "what you mean by coming here behind my back and poisoning iriy friend's ears : with your • base, trumped-up charges. If you think you're going to blackmail me, you 're mistaken, for I've nothing tO" hide from any man living. "I wonder/* hewent on, with increasing passion, "you'v6 got the impudence to come hiere and' try to brazen it out to my face. At any, rate, your friend has thought better of it. But I tell you this," Mr Wheeler, that if you think you 're going to blacken my name, cast a shir on my reputation, and make mischief between me and my friends,witfc ; your- foul, • lying- stories, you're mistaken. Ybu ;i shall pay fdr your villainous falsehoods as sure' as my name's faineis Treversh!''"

He stopped, more from w ; ant of breath, Wemingly, than for lack of .vituperative epithets. All this time Wheelerhad not uttered a sirt£le word, but. remained sitting, smoking a cigarette : and ■Watching his opponent with unfaltering gaze. "-I tell you what it is," went on Treversh, who appeared to think that his I, strength lay in his.voice, 'it's libel you'll fiiid .out. J>e:fore:hisirly'Viay&' are].oyeir! [\ r '//. , r ,He^pausjßiii realising that the threat was' Somewhat

jlame. But it is not an easy matter to [ maintain an attitude of passionate indignation towards a man who sits staring at you with a face as calm and immobile as that of the Sphinx. Besides, he knew, and suspected that Wheeler knew, that all this bombast, this torrent of words, was a mere effort to conceal the weakness of his position. But he waited in vain for a reply from the journalist, who still sat smoking and .watching him. "Well, sir, what have you to say?" he asked at length. "That you would have made almost as good an actor as you do a —'crook,' '' replied Wheeler. "You are going too far!" roared Treversh, in genuine anger this time. 11 Your insolence and bluff may frighten others, but it can't frighten me. You and your precious friefid are a pair of unmitigated scoundrels! I shall write to the editor of your paper and let him know the sort of blackmailing rascal he has in his employ." j

He continued in the Same strain for several minutes longer, while the journalist still regarded him with that Steady, iriscrutible gaze. Then, when he was about to give vent to a fresh burst of heated abuse, Wheeler stopped him abruptly by asking an apparently simple question. Except for a hard look in his eyes, he was as unmoved as ever, a fact which did. not add- to his opponent's comfort.

"I suppose you'll admit,/' said the journalist^'' that you live at a house oh the south side of the Common, called Scawfell?"

Yes," was the curt reply. " On the night of the seventeenth yon left that house shortly a,fter eight and went by car to the Elephant and Castle

"No," broke in Treversh, *'l didn't.'." ■ • :

there," continued Wheeler, paying no heed to the interruption, "you proceeded to' the Hare and Hounds Public House, met your gang in the underground apartment there.'' ' • '•••

"It's a lie!" shouted the othe*. "A tissue of falsehoods from begirihriig to end!" ..

, "It is not," answered Wheeler. '' Look at the mark, on your arm where the handle of Cracksman Joe 's jemmy bro%e t-hfe skin when ycju. tried to ward off the. blriw he was aiming at you. " Treversh, however, did not loojt, but merely , reiterated his assertion hotly, that the whole story was a pack of infamous lies.

..j Wheeler realised then that it would be. c(uite ruseless to continue . on tfieS6 lines, since the fellow was obviously: determined to deny every statement he made. Before he could;, adopt any other, course, however, Holgate took advantage of the pause. '' I knew that my friend Treversh would be able to deny the accusations!'' he cried gleefully. ? '-You must have mistaken someone else for him, Mr Wheeler, there 's not the slightest doubt. Tell him," he added, turning .to Treversh, "where you were on the night in question." -

> He sat down again, rubbing his hands together joyfully, as though thor6ughly enjoying the scene. For some reason or other, all trace of his -former excessive nervousness seemed to have vanished. '/I don't think he can," said Wheeler, before'Trfeversh had time to answer. "I have the confession,of—"

"I can and I do! You've had your say; now listen to me!'' exclaimed the man, With fury, at. the same time banging his ; fistron the table. "You tell me that yoU can prove I was in: the Borough on the night Of the seventeenth j well, I can bHng'ten people to prove- that 11 wasn't;"f' - ■ ; • "Let all the. people bring ' forth

their witnesses," murmured Holgate to himself.

"What did. you say, sir?" asked Wheeler, looking. round, for he had caught the words indistinctly. "Oh, nothing," replied the old man. confusedly; "a quotation from Isaiah which seemed to be rather appropriate; that's all.''

"H'm—yes,'' answered the journalist. "But, as I was saying, unfortunately for your friend I have the confession of his mother."

For the first time during that strange interview Treversh showed distinct signs of fear. It was plain that, a& in the case of Martha, this reference to their relationship had a distinctly cowering effect. "Pshawl" he sneered, feebly. ."You're talking utter nonsense. My mother's been dead for years."

He would probably have gone on with some sort of half-hearted denial, but the other gave him no ehanee. Having secured an advantage, he intended to hold it and make the most of the opportunity afforded. Without a word he took from his pocket- the case of diamond ear-rings and opened it in front of them. " Olive 's diamonds!" exclaimed Holgate, in amazement. "By the'powers, "so they are!" cried Treversh. "But- —but when did you get them?" asked the old man.

'' That is a question I am not at liberty to answer," . replied the journalist, and he saw, from the rapid exchange of glances between the two men, that they imagined Olive had given them to him. "These."' he went ..on, addressing .Treversh, "are the diamonds you gave Miss Boyd, are they not!"

."They are." "Very good. Then one of these two diamonds is the stone which was stolen from Eossignol's, in Bond-Street. Can you explain ihatf'' ■ He awaited the answer with more anxiety than the other two guessed, for lie knew it might bring with it the solution of the murder mystery itself. It was, indeed, a trying moment for him, though he showed no trace of it. " The stones were bought for me by a friend," said Treversh, after a pause. "And who •'was that friend," as&ed the joiirpalist. , "That I can't tell you."

" I presume you mean that it would not be convenient id tell me," suggested Wheeler. "But Cracksman Joe and a few mors, of your friends who were captured by the police might be able to supply the answer.?' He was trying his/besfr to annoy Treversh into replying, if oiily to repudiate all connection with the gang; and he succeeded. . "Mr Holgate. bought them for me from a dealer," the fellow blurted out; Wheeler looked across to the old man to see if he would confirm? the states merit, and this .he did without hesitation.

"Mr Treversh asked me if I knew where he could get a present' worthy of ;j the girl he was to marry, and I at once j w*ote to an old friend of mine who- is. diamond brdHer .-in -Amsterdam);' be said;

" H'm! I see,'.' grunted the journalist, and then produced from his pocket the [actual versh to Martha wfe'cfi ' -goring l haa found on the floor of the latter's room when he was haying'tea with her. ''Do you deny having written this?'' he asked, holding it out for Treversh to see, Again that look of fear'came into the lean's face, but he pulled himself together, evidently deterriuned, to- bfrazens iik ofrt. /''l've never set eyes eta it before," -j vY ■■ -I ■ ■■ ' ■ 'i\ #■-

he said; "I don't even know.what it's; all<afeout.'-' ! * hi/.-. ... Then "Wheeler decided ,td play his trump card. " Will you,'' he asked, "repeat these denials in the presence of the woman whQ calls herself Martha Pattinson?" <'Why should I? " asked Treverßh, angrilyj his whole manner suggestive of a wild beast at bay. " The onus is on you to prove your assertions, not on me to show them false."

"Very well," said the other: * l lf you refuse to do what I suggest, T Shall communicate to the authorities all that I know. In view of the strange .'disappearance of Miss Boyd' '—he flashed a glance at old ini view of that, I say, enquiries may prove distinctly unpleasant, not only for you, Mr Treversh, but for others." "Oh, but I think— —" began Holgate, but Treversh cut him short. "Since you put it that way," he said, addressing the journalist, "I'll meet this woman." "Then let's go at once," replied Wheeler, picking up his hat. CHAPTER XXVH.' . PHIL IS SUSPICIOUS. On leaving The Eetreat, Wheeler and Treversh walked along for some moments .in. silence, .for the former was thinking out the lines on.:which he (intended to proceed. He had another object in view besides that of bringing Treversh face to face with Martha, arid so foreing a confession from :him. He meant to find out from his. companion whether a certain suspicion he-, had recently formulated was correct or not. They ltad reached the. end of the, road without exchanging a single .word, and were crossing a corner of tie common to reach the cab-rank, when Treversh suddenly stopped and faced, the journalist. : -V

"Look here," he said, in a bullying, almost truculent tone, before we go to —to see this woman you spoke of, I'd like to know just how we stand." For a moment Wheeler hesitated. Knowing, as he did, the erafty nature of the man with whom he had to deal, he half suspected that this was some ruse ,to gain time. Clearly Treversh was now at bay; he had his back to the wall and would use every device his ingenious brain might suggest to cutwit and baffle his opponent. Why did he want to discuss the position further? He knew perfectly well by this time that he was found out, and

therefore there was no ambiguity as to his '' position." What did he hope to gain >by wasting time? The thought flashed across the journalist's mind that Treversh might have contrived to-send a message to Martha, warning her. of what had taken plaice. Yet it was difficult to see how this eoulcnae managed in the time, and, even supposing it had, it could hardly affect the issue. He held the trump crads, since |he , could, at any moment, Renounce the man to the police on the evidence of the cipher dociiments found ii» M 'Ewan's secret safe, many of which were in his handwriting; No, ho reflected, there could be no harm in aeceding. Besides, might this not prove :a good opportunity to wring from the man the.information he wanted, and so; confirm or dismiss this'nfew suspicion? At any rate, it was worth trying. "Very well," he said, as they came up to a seat, "we'll sit down." They did so, but for some time Treversh said nothing, and sat prodding his "walking-stick in .the earth. Wheeler

lit a ciganettej • and, 'fei-ossing one" leg o&T the ot^er 4 , wa&chedj his J intently. It was obvious that the latter was thinking hard—very bard, indeed — •weighing the possibilities and probabilities with a view to some; plan Hi escape from ttis network of evidence! that was surely closing found Mini He was not only e scoundrel, but a very clover scoundrel, and the journalist realised that! he would, need ; all his wits, to out-manoeuvre him yet. At length Treyersh looked up and spoke. ; His voice was queit—9b quiet as to form a striking contrast to his recent vehement utterances. ; •

" Suppoise that all you allege ing me is true, Mr Wheeler, what do jou propose to do?" he asked. Wheeler did not reply on the instant; he was wondering whether this was merely a trap to make him/show his hand, or a g' -uinc effort to establish a compromise. m •. ,; '

"I'm glad you admit it,' 1 he after a pause. "It simplifies matters."

His answer was' obviously not : quite what ; Treverph ; had expected. . , "I admit nothing," he exclaimed, angrily. "I.said 'suppose.' " Wheeler smiled as the angler smiles who sees the fish wriggling on the end of his line.

"I am ! ntot prepared 4'o WoTk on suppositions 'in this case; I' have my faets,'' be answered, for he .had 110 intention of the other think he was open to make terms.

There was another silence, during which the two men watched each other, furtively like - fencers, on the aliert, lpr ; a deadly thrust. Each knew: the othre's skill and. w a s determined not to lower iis- guard, for a great deal might turn on a word, a phrase, a careless admission.

•'What do you want!" asked Treversh, sharply. ' • > It was a skilful feint, and well calculated to take the other by surprise. But Wheeler recognised the danger, though a more impulsive man • would have taken it as a concession of defeat —and have been beaten. "What do I want?" he answered, slowly. " Why, several things. For example, I want to know what has become of my friend, Frank Goring 1" It was the other's turn to be surprised and, as a matter of fact, the stroke threw him off his guard for an instant. He had expected, naturally enough, that the journalist's first desire would be to find out all ab6ut Olive, and was prepared accordingly. Nevertheless, he recovered himself quickly^— but not quickly enough to deceive the other. Wheeler realised now that the man did know where Frlarik was.

' ' Goring!" he exclaimed, with an affectation of astonishment .that was the fraction of a second too late to.be mistaken for genuine. "How on earth should I know where he is? I've had nothing to do with him." • '' That's a lie,'' returned the journalist, quietly. "You know he is at Casterford. ; I think," he added, in) the: tone of ;one tired of fencing with a. cjlumsy opponent, "we'd better go on to Camden Town. We're wasting time | .here." ... , v . . ;

He rose as he spoke", but Treversh did not follow suit.- So far he had been worsted—badly worsted—but he was not going to give in yet. "Oh, well," he said, in a tone of resignation, "if you know that much, I might as well tell you all.'' "Wheeler: made no reply, but, sit: ting down again, proceeded to light an-

X" 1 t r « ~ _ - ethi&r Only a up., of- th§' corners of his mouth mowedthat he knew he held his majklbut of triumph, satisfaction, or emotion of any sort, there was no other trace/ ;* "Y6sl" he asked toiife of .one about to listen to a wearisdme but necessary'-recital./ ; ' 'Your friend is being—well, at ir fiotfse -in Casterford.'' ■: ..J "In birder not to spoil my plains. But he is quite safe and wett carod -for, I assure you. I fact, I saw himself only; this morning. • «4 y "So your weekrend at —er—-Brighton was spent at" Casterford, eh?"T " Yes," answered Treverßh,'< with a laugh.? i ' " Then where is this house you speak of?" "■ •' , j "just outside Casterf ord." . '/No doubt; but there are scores of houses just outside Casterford, £' said the journalist. 4 ,'.1 want to know exactly where it ,is; and its post&l address.". TreVersh . remained silent for- some moments. There', was a perplexed frown on his face'which showed he waa undecided whether to answer this question or not. side glance i,t his companion's square, determined; jaw; suggested that prevarication would be useless. lie recognised the fact that, he must either tell tjie truth or refuse, and risk tjie consequences. He decidfed in favour of the former alternating,but not without first iidemanding ai. concession frpm his opponent. 4 ;' 'lf I tell you all you want to kiow,' * he said, guardedly, "will you;promise not to 'kplit'on mef" 1 T _ " I -am: not, going to bind myself to any: conditions. j You must trugt jfco my replied Wheeler. Cfjior example,? he adqLe'dj looking hard it the man; '' any implied promise would not hold good were murder one ijofi your little accomplishments." ;j I Treversh laughed—almost gaily.

* 'You need have no fear of that," he said; "I'm not quite such a fool as to place my neck in danger." f The journalist inade no reply, and Treversh, realising that an '' iinplied'' promise was the best he could Hope for, * went on:

' '-The house is known as the Old Vicarage, and the postal address is Inman's Green, Casterford,'' he said. "For the rest, it is about a mile and a-half from Casterford railway station.

"And Olivet Is she with Martha?'* . "She lis.-' V •'.i ,:: ~t I "Of i»er,own free will?" . .*• 1 : 4 'Yes." ; ' "Mr Treversh,," said Wheeler slowly, "you are equivocating.; I; don't believe, that she is there of her owh free will.' ': ' " "But i'll swear she is!" crie4 Treversh. {'She can leave the and go back to The Eetreat whenever slie likes. There is no watch or Ward kept h.er of any sort." <„ '' But why should jjhe wish to! leave her guardian?" aste-d' Wheelee. '"She was very "fond of him, and they lot on excellently together." * ,-j T Treversh merely his and [answer* i "Butjiadmiitina for the dalle. &f argument, that she did Ifeave voluntarily,',' wsent iwMe othek i should se go to M'Ewan'shouMwith all its ghastly associations? Whly f OP tiiat matter should she go to) Martha, rattßlßoß<T". 1 < r t ! .'\ \ jl . j • t (To be Continued |on Monday