A STRANGE CONFLICT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 247, 17 October 1891, Page 1 (Supplement)

A STRANGE CONFLICT.

Bx John M. Batchelok, Author of "A Strange People."

CHAPTER XIV.-(Continued.) ' I know the man well,' interposed Mis. tress Stannard, 'and beg to assure you your surmise is correct.' ' Have you, madam, any testimony to offer that is immediately availablo ?' ' Alas, sir, I cannot and dare not give it. I have so long and so deeply suffered from his tyranny and cruelty, I havo no heart lefb bo assert myself. As you know, I held the position of his housekeeper, and at bimes tho post of amanuensis, for nearly forty years. During thab time I became familiar with many of his dark deeds. If it had been in my power, I would long ago have left his employ ; bub I. was alone in bhe world, wibh no obher means of support, and felb obliged bo do whab caused me intense pain and unhappiness. Then he involved me, intentionally or obherwise, in one or two of his crimes, in a manner that tied me to his service without choice on my part. Tho proofs of this complicity, which he obliged me to put in writing, he retains, and shows me whenever he thinks I am disposed to rebel. I acknowledge lam deeply afraid of him; he would not hesitate to kill me if it suited his purposes, as, I too well know, he has done wibh obhers in numerous instances. He only spares those whom he thinks may be of use to him. He possesses greab wealth, the resulb of many legal robberies. As he is economical and prudenb wibh his household, has no intemperate habit, I am in total ignorance what he does with his money. As you may know, he is outwardly lavish in heading subscriptionlists, liberally aids the poor of his parish, sustains the neighbouring village church almost enbirely; always attending service when at home ; in this way making himself popular with his neighbours on every occasion. These things seem to amuse him ; they enable him to while away idle' moments. He contracts no debts ; overpays his grocer and butcher ; never sees the petty swindles of his numerous servants. Whenever I brought labter-details to his notice, he had but one reply: "How much does it cost.?." Hearing the amount, as well as I could calculate it.he would say, " Well, let them have ib as a present.'

' By such means he Js always popular with the kitchen. He liad an occasional habit of leaving expensive wines and condiments in their way, as if by accident; and when I would reporb their disappearance in accordance wibh my duties, he would smile and seem gratified. At time. I thought he took delight in developing rascality among .he servants. At other times I thought he wished to ease his conscience by looking upon the crimes of others in an amiable light.' He would occasionally moralise wibh me in a quieb way, saying : " This is a world of crime. In order to live ab all it is necessary to feed upon some one." 'Then he wonld tell me: "Clergymen get their bread and butter out of humanity's fears ; the lawyer, from people's quarrels ; the doctor, from people's misfortunes ; bhe editor, in describing sensabional scandals, crime, and nonsensical argumenb ; bhe scienbisb, by deluding people inbo the idea that they can ascerbain the principles of life by gazing through a belescope ; bhe merchanb trades on people's necessibio3 ; the landlord robs them all bo the utmost stretch of their forbearance." But I will nob weary you with his sbrange reasonings. I know them to be false; and at bimes, in observing him, I saw he was trying to convince himself of their truth against his better judgment. Yeb, if my age will permib an opinion, it is just this land of reasoning that makes most of our criminals.' ' Very true,' remarked the magistrate, who seemed deeply impressed by the argument of the lady. 'I asked him once,' continued Mrs Stannard, ' it he had those feelings toward humanity, "why he supported the church; why he aided bhe poor ?" He replied : " For the same reason I allow my servants to rob mob : it makes life smoother. If I can help it, I never allow trifles, such as might be stimulated by a contrary course, to disturb my equanimity." Then he would add, " Because people are robbers he did not wish them to starve." I heard him one day express sympathy for humanity in this wise: "In order to exist, man must, become a thief, such being the law of life,' As Mrs Stannard remained silenb for some time after these words, the magistrate inquired again if she still refused her teabimony before a jury. •Nob if I am probecbed,' she replied; ' bub I am unwilling to make myself a sacrifice even for justice. Then, knowing the man as I do, I feel quite sure my testimony would never be heard. He would conbrive some way bo pub me oub of his way, even in open court. He has access to all the prisons in London. Should you arrest me as a witness, he would know ib wibhin twenty-four hours. The entire code of England would then be no warrant for my security. As you well know, sir, law cannot prevent crime ? at best ib merely punishes the doer. The knowledge, bo a certainty, that he v. ould meet punishment would be insufficient to cause me to sacrifice myself. I have outlived revenge ; I take no pleasure in the thought of bringing him to the scaffold, however much he has injured me. Not that I have any sympathy for the man, for if I ever had it has long passed away. I merely desire to pass my declining years in peace and quiet.' All started to their feot in alarm at the sound of a voice saying, with distinctness : ' And that alone has preserved your life to the present moment.' . As not one of the party had spoken, they gazed ab one another in dismay. The magistrate turned toward Lawyer Phelps with some severity. ' It would seem,' he said, ' thab you have neglected ordinary precaution.. Against observation. Ib is evident, either Laiulavy or his emissaries have overheard us.' Both John and William Center became pale. Detection meant much to them. The magistrate, lifting his eyes as he sat facing the main entrance, saw a man IteP.O-S-g■ *<hv" doorway,. &oolly.

examining those seated at the table. As the magistrabe sbared wifahout- uttering a word, bhe remainder of bhe parby burned to see whab he was looking ab. Mistress Stannard almost screamed as she recognised the well-known features of Jones, Mr Laidlaw's gaoler. Hastily whispered to the magistrate who it was. The latter then asked the intruder' 3 business. Jones entered the chamber. Removing his fiat, he said : 4 1 am a friend, therefore, feel no alarm at my intrusion. I have overhead sufficiently to know bhab your cause and my own are one and the same. I was sent here as a spy by Laidlaw, whose orders herebofore have been my law. But now that I learn bhe exisbence of united efforb bo overcome his wiles, I ask the privilege of joining the movement. Mistress Stannard and John Henderson can vouch for my straightforwardness and general honesty of purpose.' • ' We can, your Honor,' said both the parbies named. 'Mr Laidlaw,' continued' Jones, " is aware of this meeting, as I have already said; he is also aware the lady and gentleman named occupy the rear building on these premises. For reasons of his own, as he told me, he did not propose to molest bhem unbil he became satisfied they were acting against him in an objectionable manner. I overheard the remarks they made aboub dreading to appear-before a jury. If I receive bhe assurance of bhe protection of your Honor, I shall give my say without waiting for a second asking. If I can bring that vilalin bo the scaffold, it will partially compensate me for the oppression he has long put upon me.' ' I suppose it is needless for us to inquire how you obbained admittance ?' said the magistrate. ' By these false keys, given me by Laidlaw. ' ' Did you have anything to .do with tho noises we heard here a short bime ago ?' ' No, sir. When I heard bhem I was inclined to allow your meeting to proceed without my aid for or againsb ; but seeing bhab you were not greatly alarmed, I managed bo remain. I have heard of bhis place before from a brother who lived in bhis neighbourhood bwenby years ago. He bold me bhis ground was formerly occupied by a large nunnery. In one of our labe wars a large body of broops sought protection wibhin ibs walls. Their .assailants overcame them by destroying the structure, killing nearly all within. It is said a pib was dug and bhe bodies of bhe slain casb inbo ib. HoweVer bhat may be, bhere are strange doings in this house reporbed. by the neighbours, who claim to know all about it.' ' This story is inberesting,' said Major Phelps. ' Ab anobher bime we will look inbo tho particulars; at presenb we have our hands full bo sebble with bhis Laidlaw. I suppose you were bhe person who made the remark about Mrs Sbannard's life being spared ?' ' Yes. I stood, as you saw, in the open doorway. It did not occur to me until I had spoken bhab you would associate my voice wibh bhe strange noises of the night.' A deafening crash here sounded throughout the house, as if caused by the simultaneous discharge of a thousand muskets. Then a violent wave of air swept through the room and extinguished the light; leaving the party in complete darkness. ' Well,' said tho Major, as he lighted a match, ' bhere seems to be objection to the conbinuabion of this meetinjg.' Succeeding in his attempt to relight the lamp, he looked around to ascertain damages. There was evident alarm depicted on the countenances of those present, Mrs Stannard saying she thought the house was falling on them. 4 Perhaps tho soldiers resent your speech, Major, bhab Laidlaw's business is entitled to precedence,'remarked Jones. Three deafening cheers, as if from many throat?, followed this remark, causing tbe assembly considerable alarm. 4 Perhaps our meeting better be adjourned to quieter quarters,' said the magistrate. ' I have neither time nor disposition to inquire into these disburbrnces, and do 'nob well see how we can continue under existing circumsbances. I appreciate your offer, Mr Jones, and beg you to como to my office—here is bhe address—and we will balk furbher toward bringing bhis scoundrel before public notice. As it is now three o'clock, we may. adjourn until anobher meeting is appointed. ■'■ 'Your Honor understands I am not afc liberby every day to visit London,' said Jones. "But at bhe earliesb possible moment I will appear at your office. As for you, Mistress Stannard and John Henderson, if you choose to remain ab your present quarbers, I shall so reporb this meeting thab no harm shall come of it.' The parbies addressed making no reply, bhe company separated, all direcbing bheir way bo bheir respective homes. CHAPTER XV. The afternoon of this same day, Wednes_y, Laidlaw drove to Heyden's. The latter received him with few comments. ' Is everything in readiness ?' asked Laidlaw. ' Yes. Have they arrived ?' 'This noon.' 'Then you wish me to operate tonight?' 4 Yes ; and there is one more personage on the list that you may dispose of, for the possible fifth I mentioned.' 'Who is thab?' 'Lady Wibtinger.' ' Where will she sleep ?' 'Probably in the sleeping-room adjoining the bwo dames.' ' Well, I musb acb on this information. You understand, if she sleeps elsewhere I am unprovided for her case.' ' Very well,' replied Laidlaw. ' Then I will proceed to-night after all have retired bo sleep. I am obliged bo rely on you for information, should any of the party be awake at half-pasb one; for ab that hour I shall commence,' Laidlaw was silent, nob fancying this last request. 'Well,' he said, ' I suppose it would be difficult for you to know without some such assisbance. If you do nob hear from me, or what may be bebter, look for a handkerchief attached to the blind of my room. You know my windows V : 'Yes.' % 'If you see a white handkerchief, go ahead ; if it is red, waib unbil you see the white.' ' That will do,' said Heyden. _ ' Of course failure on your part,' continued the latter, ' will nob release you from bhe trade ?' ' No, so long as you wait for the white handkerchief.' As Laidlaw was turning to leave, he said : *I might mention that I was followed when I came here ; so look sharp when you move aboub to-night. If it is moonlight, will ib interfere in any way ?' 'Not seriously. But dispose of your follower during bhe day,' added Heyden. 'Y"es, I intend to do that.'. Laidlaw then departed. He espied the follower nonchalantly leaning againsb the lamp-post on the_ nexb corner. Driving slowly in that direction, he told the cabman to enter the second street on the lefb. Looking behind; he saw the follower feet into a cab. ' You see bhab man, cabman ?' said Laidlaw. ' He has been following us. Now nay abbention, for I want you to lodge a complaint in your own name at the nearest police stabion. Drive about irregularly to assure yourself thab he is acbually following us, then pass bhe police station, get oub and make your complaint. I will see you well paid.' The" driver did so. As ho nearer] the station,, driving slowly, the other cab was over two blocks away. Passing a policeman, Laidlaw ordered the cabman to approach him. Without stopping he told the policeman nob to look his way, bub arreßt the man in the cab—he hastily described— •ja ; his rear, aa he a, com;

plaint at the station-house. ' I will sea you there,' he added, as he drove along. The rear cab was too distant for its occupant to distinguish this conversation, particularly, as requested, the policeman did not turn his head toward Laidlaw. 4 All right,' said the former, and he moved easily boward the following cab, gazing at the buildings as be went along. Laidlaw, reaching the police station, stopped. Behind he saw the policeman in conversation with the cab's inmate. Observing him 'getting in with the ocoupanb, he descended and entered the station. His cabman making the complaint, it waa sworn to by Laidlaw. ' The follower entering a moment later, accompanied by tha policeman, was formally arrested. The stranger offering no explanation, and, quietly submitting, was removed to O neighbouring cell. 4 There is my card, said Laidlaw to the officer in charge | 'summon me. I'will also anewer for tap cabman's presence when the prisoner i_ examined.' The officer, seeing « attorney ab law,' * residence at the Duke of Cannington's,', bowed, saying he would be .duly informed. . Giving the policeman a sovereign as he; passedout; he reentered his cab and drove bo the "Royal Club. There he met the messenger he sent to inform him of the arrival of bhe Duchess and her daughters. 'They arrived this noon, sir,' said the messenger. Laidlaw had forgotten about bhe man, but paid him for two days' work and dismissed him. 'Waib,'be added as tho man was going away; c here is more change. Suppose you keep me informed what takes place there ; reporb or send messengers for me here, during the next two days. Learn what you can in your own way.' ' Night and day ?' asked the man. 'Through the" day and evening i_ enough.' Instead of entering the Club house, Laidlaw walked around the corner to a well-known restaurant. On the other side of the street, directly opposite, was Magistrate Dixon's new office. Laidlaw turned his coat-collar up, pulled his hat low over his eyes, as he neared the eatinehouse, keeping his face concealed as much as possible. Taking a seat near bhe entrance, of the dining-room, where he had a partial view of the magistrate's office, he called for tho 'Times.' Shortly after, a waiter approached, bringing a bobtle of wine. Ib waa Stevens, the spy, who had broken Lady Witbinger's carriage in Paris. ' Well, Stevens,' said Laidlaw, ' whab news ?' •Will Center and hi 3 fabher are over bhere now,' motioning towards the magistrate's. • They took lunch here about an hour ago. All I could overhear was, they were going bo talk wibh Dixon. They were discussing how you learned of their meeting lasb nighb. I bribed their waiter, and abtended bheir wants. They do nob suspect I overheard them yesterday.' Laidlaw took a five-pound note from his pocket. Rolling ib in a wad, he handed it to Stevens. 'Did your brother obtain the clerk vacancy at Dixon's ?'asked Laidlaw. 4 Yes, he is there now. I will put out the sign for him to come over and report, if you wish.' ' No. Wait until the Centers have gone.' ■-■■'~■ i ' Will you take lunch t ' Yes.' Laidlaw gave the order, and glanced at the newspaper, keeping onfc eye on the office. While eating his lunch, he started slightly. *My man Jones! If ib possible?' Jones was then entering the magiabrate's office. * Whab does thia mean ?' Shortly after, the magistrate, accompanied by Jones, camei across the street! toward the restauranb. Sbevens, that moment sbanding by Laidlaw's table, the labter hastily said : ' Secrete yourself. Here comes our Jones:' Get another - waiter tQ place them where I can .overhear,* - Stevens vanished, and laidlaw hid himself, behind the newspaper. The newcomers, entering, approached « the nearest waiter, and .laid something in a low bone. The waiber guided them upstairs. Shortly after, he passed Stevens, giving him an expected word. Sbevens motioned Laidlaw to follow, and conducted him bo a small aparbmenb dining-room on the next floor. - Without' saying' a word, be closed the door, and showed Laidlaw a small sliding panel opening into the next room. Softly sliding bhis back, he saw bhe wall paper on the other side* covered the opening, buti bhis was perforated wibh minute holes, enabling one bo see as well as hear wibh distinctness. He saw Dixon and Jonea wibhin. They were balking in a low tone. That moment a waiber knocked at their door, placed a bottle of wine on their table, then retired. The magistrate arose and locked the door. Turning bo Jones, he said : ' Thab will be the besb way. Leave hia employ at once. I will see you provided ■ for ; also have you protected, if it takes the entire force to do it. Are you willing under this assurance to undertake thia journey? I know of no one better fitted, . possessing the required courage, bhan yourself. Besides, lb will enable you to leave England and get out of Laidlaw'a way.' Jones seemed to reflect on the subjecb some time before he repliej^: ' I will go. When do you wish me to start?' 'Right away. Young Center will tell . you whom co see, and what bo do.' ' Very well. Will you send for him, or shall we reburn bp your office ?' The magistrate hesitated a moment, thensaid : 'I will send for him. There is a new man in the office, and I imagine I caught him listening once or twice. I shall dismiss him as soon as I can get some one in his place.' ' 1 thoughb one of your clerks had a face I had seen before,' said Jones, ' bub I was unable bo place him.' The magisbrate, summoning a waiter, told him to send over to the office and request the presence of William Center right away. In a few minutes the latter entered the room and seated himself. •" Mr Center, tell Mr Jones,' the magistrate, * whom he should see in' Paris.' 'We run some risk,' said Center, 4 in talking, to these Paris people, the question being if they will conseut in their owa minds to act againsb Laidlaw. They may pretend to do so in ordar to find oub whab Jones has to say.' ' We musb take our chances,' said tho magistrate. ' I think, however, there is little risk, as prominent officers in a secreb organisation of bhis kind, generally spy upon ' one anobher's conduct bo furbher their own purposes. I haven't any doubt bhey will be glad of an excuse bo remove Laidlaw in order to advance themselves. Mr Jones, being forewarned, will use prudence.' Jones made no reply. 4 The best man to see first,' continued William, 'is M. Larmaiu. His office is 168,' Boulevard St. Germain. Tell him Laidlaw has misappropriated the society's funds. As he has access to bhe records describing these securibies, and the righb in an emergency to make proper inquiries, if he does bhis he will quickly ascerbain bhe truth. Leave bhe rest to me. I think this will be the quickest method ol: getting rid of this man's persecutions witho'ub resort to bhe courts.' ' d ° n ' fc fan °y ta is kiind l of business,' remarked the magistrate, 4 bub see no shorter way to befriend those who look to me for assisbance. I will give you a lebter of introduction to the department police in Pans, and should you need their assistance, fu yourself of ib. 1 have several friendthere holding prominent positions. I will choose one, and see that you get aH-the-protection you require.' v-iTQIU-QoMtawel,)