"PHROSO."

Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 156, 4 July 1896, Page 1 (Supplement)

"PHROSO."

BY ANTBONY EOPE.

,Antkor of 'The Prisoner of Zofidfe*

CHAPTER IX. HATS OFF TO ST. lETPHON. amah's mind can move on more than one * g 4D deven the naoab engrossing eelfisb "may-fail entirely to occupy ibor to delude othw intruding rivals. Not only hooH I have been wise, bub I should have ' D; i n tbab riflky walk of mine through L ff ood that coverad the hill slope, to fliiak of nothing bub its risk. Yeb countr« other things exacted a share of my 'hmiente. g om etimea I was with Denny A bis faithful followers, threading dark d devious ways in the bowels of the rth avoiding deep waters on one tde' sheer falls on the other, losing Kl' track, ■ finding it again, deluded i« deceptive glimmers of light, finding I laab the true outlet, now received hospitably by the Cypriote fishermen, now fiercely assailed by them, again finding one of them, now making allies of them, o» carried, prisoners by them to Con at ant'ne again scouring the sea with vain Lerness for a sight of their sails. Then I las off, faraway, to England, to my friends there to. ttiQ gaiety of London, now in its (nil rushing tide, to Mrs Hipgrave'a exclaßiW receptions, to Beatrice's gay talk ! B d pretty insolence, to Hamiyn's gilded Salnesß, in rapid survey of all the panorama tbab I know so well. Then I would turn back to the scene I had left, and again bid my farewell under the quiet sky, in pro•nflcb of the eea that turned to gold. So I railed back andforward till I seemed myself hardly a thinking man, but rather a piece of blank glass, across which the myriad miteraof the kaleidoacopechasedoneano^ber, covering with varying colours, but none of them imparting their hue to it. And all this time, by the. strange division of mental activity of which I have spoken, I was crawling cautiously bub quickly up the uouatain side, with eyes keen to pierce the dusk thab now fell, with cars apb to find an enemy in every rustling leaf and s hostile step in every woodland sound. Bat I bad seen no real foes yet. Ah ! Bmh! I dropped on my knees. Away tiere on the right—what was it) leaning against thab tree trunk ! Ib was a tall, lean man ; his arms rested on a long gun, snd bia face was towards the old grey bouse. Would he see me ? I crouched lower. Would he hear me ? 1 was as still as dead Spiro bad been in the passage. Bub then I felt stealthily for the butt of my revolver— and a recollection so startling came to me Bat t>nearly betrayed myself by some ndden movement. In the distribution of bardens for* our proposed journey, Danny bad taken the case containing the spare cartridges, after we had all reloaded. But now I had only one barrel loaded—only one ihot left. Thab one shot and Hogvardt's lance were my only resources. I crouched ya t lower, Bub the man was motionless, and presently I ventured to move on my hods and knees, sorely inconvenienced by the long lance, but determined nob to leave itbebind me. I passed another sentry a (hundred.yards or so away on the lefb ; bub hii head was sunk on hia breast, and he took no notice of me. I breathed a little now freely aa I nme within fifty ieeb of tha cottage. Immediately about the house nobody was loßighb. This did not, however, always fiiein in JJeopafcia that nobody wad near, mi abated none of my caution. The lukflen, .bad...to be taken, and I crouched oafttroin the shelter- of the trees and crouched on one knee on the level space, roifo'd the cottage. The cottage door was open. I lietened, bub heard nothing. Well, I meanb to go in ; and my entrance would be none the easier for waiting. A quick dart was safest ; and in a couple of loondsl was acroaa in the verandah, through the door, in the. house. I closed the.door. Joiaelessly behind me, -and Btood there, Hoevardb'a lance ready for the first man I m. But I saw none. I was in a narrow passage, there were doors on either side of me. Listening agatirf hearfifno sound from either Bide. I opened the door to the light. I saw a small square room ; the table was spread for a meal, three places "being laid, but the room was erapby. I tamed to the other door and opened it. This voom was darker, for heavy curtains, drama no doubt earlier in the day to keep out) the sun, had nob been drawn back, and (be light was very dim. For a while I could make out libtfe, bub my eyes growing more accustomed to the darkness, I perceived that I was in a sitting room, sparsely tod rather meanly furnished. Then my tye fell on a couch which stood against the wall opposite - me; and on the conch lay a, figure. Ib was the figure ola woman; and I heard now the ilight, bub regular, sound of her breath. She was asleep. This musb be the woman I sought. Bub was she a tepeiblo woman, or would she scream when I waked her, and bring those tall lello*B out of the wood ? In hesitation I itood still and watched her. She slept like one who was weary, bub nob ab peace ; witless movements, and, now and again, broken incoherent exclamations, witnessed to her disquiet* And presently her broken deep passed into half- wakeful conecioua18H, and she sat up, looking round her with a dazed glance. 'I« tbab you, Constantino ?' she afked, rnbbiag her hand across bar eyes. . ' Or ie HVlacho.'

•With a swift step I was by her. 'Neither. Not a word!' I said,- laving Bjbjpd on her «h«ulder. , -.ii • 1 was, I daresay, an alarming figure, with the bntt of my revolver peeping out of my Niet, and, Uogvardt's'lfthce"in my left Uod, But she did nob cry out.

'lam Wbeatley. I have escaped from tie bow there,' I went on. 'And I'vo tome here becaußa there's something I Qisb tell you. You remember our last meeting»' ' She looked at me still in amazed surprise, out with a gleam of recollection. ye§«, Yon were—we went to watch Jori-yeß afethe restaurant.' 'You wenb to watch and to listen ? Yes ''oppose so. But I've been near you since 'too. Do you remember the man who was Cnyour verandah?'

'That was you ?' she asked quickly. , Yea, ifewaa. And while I was there I

.'But what ore you doing hera? This Ne is watched. Constantino may be »w* any moment—or Vlacho.' .: Im'ag Bafe here as I, was down the bill. *°*i listen. Are you this man's wife, as Wiled you thab nighb?1 ■•;/'•*» his wife. 6f course I am bis *''?■ How else should I be hero?' The "OiEnfttion expressed in her answer was *".«; besb guarantee of its truth, and j*W» her well. And she held her hand iif!? me' aa slie liad to fcbe man nimß6. lf ™j«B reatauranb, adding: 'There is his

I Jhen listen to me, and" don't interrupt,' I 7". i» brusquely. 'Time's valuable to ! "••«« even more, I fear, to you.' 1 Ik.V?* 8 wero alarmed now, bub she B, i n Bilence »8 1 bade her; and l ; J ?J r briefly what faad happened to me ; ■cL more fuUv i "et before her the I- tS'jwwion between Conafcantine and cfi^-wWco I. bad overheard. Sba el'S the cushions of the sofa" in her her breafching came quick

■■k&ttfo 1896 in the United Sfeate&flf

and fasb, her eyes gleamed at me even in the gloom of the curtained room. I don't believe that in her heart she was surprised at whab she beard. She had mistrusted the man—her demeanour the first time I had seen her went - far to prove thab. She received my sbory rather as a confirmation of her own suspicions than as a new and startling revelation. She was fearful, excited, strung to a high pitch, but astonished ehe was not, if 1 read her right. And when I ended it was nob astonishment that clenched her lips and brought to ber eyes a look thab I think Constantino himself, wonld have shrunk from meeting. I had paused at the end of my narrative, bub I recollected one thing more, I musb warn ber about the secret passage—for tbab offered her husband too ready and easy a way of relieving himself of his burden. Bub now she interrupted me.

'This girl V Bhe said, 'I have nob seen ber. What is she like ?'

'She is very beautiful,' said I, simply. ' She knows what I have told you, and she is on her guard. You need fear nothing from her.. Ib is your husband whom you have to fear.' 'He.would kill mo?' she asked with a. questioning glance. ' You have heard whab he said,' I returned. ' Pub your .own meaning on it.' She sprang to her feet. 'Ican'bßtay here. I can't stay here. Merciful heaven, they may come any moment! Where are.you going? How are you going to escape ? You are in as much danger as I am.' 'I believe in even greater,' said I. *I was going straight from here down to the sea. If I can find my friends, we'll go through with the thing together. If 1 don't find them, I shall hunt for a boab. If I don't find a boab—well, I'm a good swimmer and I shall live as long in the water as in Neopatia, and die easier, I fancy.'

She wa« standing now, facing me, and she laid her hand on my arm.

' You stand by women, you Englishmen,' she said. 'Yon won't leave me to be murdered ?'

1 You see lam here. Doesn't thab answer your question ?' 'My God, he is a fiend ! Will you take me with you!'

What could I do? My coming gave little chance to her, and robbed me of almost all prospecb of escape. Bub of course I would nob leave ber.

1 You musb come if you see no other way of escape,' said I. ' Why, what other is there ? If I avoid him he will ccc I suspect him. If. I appear to trusb him, I musb pub myself in his power.' 'Then we must go,' said I. 'Bub a thousand to one thab wedon'b geb through.'

I bad hardly spoken when a voice outside said : *Is all well ?' and a heavy step echoed under the verandah.

' Vlacho 1' she hissed, in a whisper, ' Vlacho ! Are you armed ?'

'in a way,' said I, with a shrug. ' But there are at least two besides him. I saw them in the wood.'

' Yes, yes, true. There are four generally. Ib would be death. Here, hide behind the curtains. I will try to pub him off for the momenb. Quick, quick.'

She was hurried and eager, bub I saw that her wits were clear. I stepped behind the curtains and she drew them cloee. I heard ber fling herself again on the coach. Then came the innkeeper's voice, his roughness softened in deferential greeting. At the same time a strong smell of eaa de Cologne pervaded the room. ' Am I well ?' said Madame Stefanopoulos fretfully. 'My good Vlacbo, lam very ill. Should I sit in a dark room and bathe my head with this stuff if I were well ?'

• My lady's sickness grieves me beyond expression," said Vlacho, politely. 'And the more so because I am come from my lord Constantino with a menage for you.' 'It it easier for him to send messages than to come hirn^elf;' she recaarked with ah admirable pretence of resentment.

1' 'Think* how vioccupied he hnssbeen with, this pestilent Englishman 1' aaid the plausible Vlacho. 'We have had no peace. Bub ab last I hope our troubles are over. The house is ours again.'

'Ah, yon have driven them out?' ' They., flad.. themselves,' paid Vlacho_ 1 But they are separated and we shall catch them. Oh, yes, we know where to look for tnosb of them.'

' Then you've not caught any of them ? How stupid you are !' 'My lady is severe. No, we have caught none aeyeb.'

• Nofc even Wheatley bimself ?' she asked, * Han ha shown you a clean pair of heels? 1

Vlacho's voice betrayed irritation as he answered :

' We shall find him in turn also, though heaven knows where the rascal has hidden bimeelf.'

* You are really very stupid,' said Franceses ; and I heard ber sniff her perfume. • And the girl ?' she went on.

'Oh, we have hor safe and Bound,' laughed Vlacho. * She will give no more trouble.'

' Why, what will you do with her?1 ' You must) ask my lord that,' said Vlacho. 'If she will give up the island, perhaps nothing.' ' Ab, well, I bake very libble interenb in ber. Is nob my husband coming to supper, Vlacho?' ■

•To aupper here, my lady ? Surely no. The great house is ready now. That is a more fitting place for my lady than this dog hole. lam here to escort; yon there ; and then my lord will sup with you. Oh, it is a grand" house !' • A grand house!' ehe echoed scornfully. ' Why, what is there to see ?' • Oh, many thiDgs,'said Vlacho. 'Yea, secrets, my lady, and my lord bids me say that from lore to you he will show you tonight the great secret of his house. He desires to chow his love and trust in you, and will therefor© reveal to you all his | B ecrets'.' ' ..■..-- ■

When I behind the curtain heard the ruffian *rv this, I laid firmer hold on roy jsrice Bubthe lady was equal to^'aclio. "'lfon are very melodramatic with your secret o,' she said contemptuously. 'I am tired and my head aches. Your secrets will wait ; and if my husband will nob come and Bup with me, I'll sup alone here. Tell him I can'b come, please Vlacho.' • But my lord was most urgent thab you should come,' said Vlacho. • I would come if I were well,' said she. •Bub I could help you. If you would permit, I and my men would carry yon down all the way on your couch. • My good Vlacho, you are very tedious, you and your men: And my husband is tedious also, if he sent all these long messages. I am ill and I will nob come. Is that enough ?' ■ •My lord will be very angry if I return alone, 5 pleaded Vlacho humbly. • I will write a certificate thab_ you did your best to persuade me,' she said with a scornful laugh. I heard the- innkeeper's heavy feet move a step or two across fehe floor. He was coming nearer to where she lay on the C°"l dare nob return without; you,' said he. ' Then you must Btay here and sup with

mß«'your lord does nob love to be opposed.' • Then,- my good Vlacho, bo should not; bave married me,' she retorted. She played the game gallantly, fencin£» parrying with admirable tact, and[with a Eoolness wonderful in a woman m such neril. My heart went out to her, and 1 Ed to myself that she should nob want any help that I could rive. She had raised her voice on the lasb word and her defianJLtaunb rang out dear and load.*-It Beemed to alarnrVlacbo. „..,...,. not too loud!1 he saM, hastily, and there was tbrfainb of a threat in bis i^Stoi ao ; loud^fib* echoed.. • And. wby

nob so loud? la there harm in what I cay?'

I wondered ab Vlacho'a sudden alarm. The idea shot into my ear—and the idea was no pleasant one—bhab there musb be people withia earshot—perhaps people who had nob been trusted with Constantino's secrets, and would for thab reason do his bidding better. :

' Harm ! No, no harm—bub no need to let everyone hear,' said Vlacho- confusedly and with evident embarrassment.

1 Everyone! Who is here, then ? • 1 have brought one or two men to escort my lady,' said he. « With these cub throat Englishmen (bravo, bravo, Vlacho) about, one must-be careful'

A scornful laugh proclaimed her opinion of his subterfuge, and she met him with a skilful thrust.

'Bub if they do nob know—yes, and are nob to know—that I am the wife of Constantino, how can I go to the house and stay with him,' she asked.

•Oh,' said he, ready again with his plausible half truths, ' that is one of the eecreba fchab I tell my lady parto of ife. There is a most excellent hiding place in the bouse, where my lord can bestow you most comfortably. You will want for nothing, and nobody will know that you are there, except the few faithful men who have guarded you here.'

1 Indeed, if I am still to be a stowaway, I I'll stay here,'said she. 'If my lord will announce me publicly here to all the island as hia wife, then I will come and tako.my place at the head of his house. But without that I will not come. 1 ' * Surely you will be able to persuade him to thab youraelt V aaid Vlacho. ' Bub dare I make conditions with my lord ?' i 'You will make them in my name,'she answered. . ' Go and tell him what I Bay.' A pause followed; Then. Vlacho aaid in sullen resolute tones : ' '" ' I'll not go without you, I wae ordered to bring you, and I will. Come.' I heard the audden rustle of her dress as she drew back, then a little cry, 'You're hurting me.'

' You musb come,' said Vlacho. ' I ehall call my men and carry you.'

' I will nob come,' she eaid in low tones resolute and fierce.

Vlacho laughed. • We'll see aboub that,' said he, and his heavy step sounded on the floor. .

* Whab are you going to the window for ?' she cried.

' To call Demetri and Korfces to help me,' said he, ' or will you come ?'

I drew back a pace, resting against the window eill; and Hogvardt's lance was protruded before me. At thab momenb I asked nothing better than to bury its point in the fat innkeeper's flash.

' You will repent ib if you do whab you say,' said she.

' I shall repent ib more if I do nob obey my lord,1 retorted Vlacho. 'See my hand is on the curtain! Will you come, my lady?'

' I will not come,' said she.

There waß one last short interval. I heard them both breathing—and I held my own breath. My revolver rested in my pocket— the noise of a shot would be fatal. With God's help I wonld drive the lance home with one silent sufficient thrust. There wonld be a rogue less id the world and another chance for her and me.

1 As you will, then.'said the innkeeper. The curtain rings rattled along the rod ; the heavy hanging gave back ; tho moon thab was newly risen streamed full in Vlneho's eyes and on the pale strained face behind him. Ho saw me ; he uttered one low exclamation. ' Christ I' and I drove tho great hunting knife on bhe end of the sapling full and straight into his breast. With a eroan he flung his arms over his head and fell sideways, half supported by the curfain, till the fabric was ronb away from the rings and fell over his body, enveloping him in a thick pall, I drew my lanoe back. The force of ;th'e*"bl6*w*"had oveTstfained - HogvardbV wire fastenings, and it\& blade was •bent to an angle with the shaft and shook loosely from fide to side. Vlachd's blobd began to curl in a meandering trickle from beneath the curtain. Madame Stefanopoulos glared nt me, speechless. Bub my eyes fell from her to the floor ; and then I saw two long-black shadows. A eudden and desperate inspiration seized me. She was my ally I hers; if both were held guilty of this acb we could render no service to each other. If sho were still unsuspected—and nobody except me had heard her talk with Vlacho—she might yet help herßelf and me. • Throw me over,' I whispered in English. ' Cry for help !' ' What !' • Cry. The men are there. You may help me afterwards.'

• What, pretend—•?' ' Yes, quick.'

' But they'll ' • No, no. Quick, for God's soke, quick.' 'God help us,' «he whispered. Then ehe cried loud, .' Help, help, help!',

I sprang towards her. There was the crash of a man leaping through the window. I turned. Behind him I saw Demetri sbanding in the moonlight, «Oth6r figures hurried up; feet pattered on the hard ground. The man who hßd leapb in, a very tall, handsome, and athletic fellow whom I had nob seen before, held bo my head a long, old-fashioned pistol. I leb my hands drop to my side and faced him with a smile on my lips. Ib must be death to resist— death to me and death to my new friend ; surrender mighb open a narrow way of safety. • 'I yield,'said I. • Who are you ?' he cried. • I am Lord Wheatley,' I answered. ' Bub did you not fly to the— ?' He stopped. *To the passage,' said T. ' No, I came here. I wa? trying to escape I came in while Madame here was asleep and hid behind the cur rain * Yes, ye*,' ?airl ehe. 'Tt is so, Kortes, ir, is as he a«y»: nnd then Vlacho came ' 'And,' said I, ' when fhe lady had agreed to go with Vlacho, Vlacho came to the window to call you ; and by misadventure, sir, be came on mo behind the curtain. And won't you see whether he is dead ?' 'Kill him, Kortea, kill him,' cried Demetri, fiercely- and suddenly from the window.

Koites turned round. • Feace V said he. ' The roan haß yielded. Do I kill men who have yielded ? The Lady of the Island and my Lord Constantino must decide his fate. It is not my office. Are you armed, sir ?' It went to my heart to give up that lasb treasure shot of mine. Bub he was treating me bb an honourable man. _ I handed him my revolver with a bow. saying, •I depend on you to protect me fiom that fellow and the rest titl'von deliver me to those you speak of.' •In my charge you are safe, said Koites and he stepped down and lifted the curtain from Viacho's face. The inn keeper stirred and groaned. He was not dead yet. Kortes turned round fo Demetri. • Stay here nnd tend him. Do what you can for him. When wo como to the house I will send aid to him. But I do not think he will live.1 . Demetri scowled. Ho j-effmGd not to like t.ho part'aesigned to him. ' And are you going to bake this man down to the house, to my lord ?' he asked. • Leave another with Vlacho and let me come there with you.' • Who should better stay with vlacho than his ncphow, Demetri V asked Kortos, wilh a smile. (This relationship was a new lichttome.) • And Inm eoing to do what my duty is." Come, no questioning. Do not I command, now Vlacho ie wounded T1 ' And the lady here ?' asked Demetri. • I am nob ordered to lay a finger on the lady,' answered Korfces. ' Indeed, Ido nbfc know who she is/ Fraucesca interposed wlfch great dignity.

•I will come with you,' said Bhe, 'I bave my story to tell when this gentleman is pub on his trial. Who I am you will know Boon.' Demefcri had climbed in at the window. He passed me with a savage ecowl, and I saw that one side of his head was bound with a blood-itained bandage. He saw me looking at it. ' Aye,' he growled. • I owe you the lobb of half an ear.' -- . ,■■<,;■ 'In the passage ?' I hazarded, much pleased. 41 shall pay the debb,' said he, 'or see ib paid handsomely for me by my lord.' ' Come,'said Korbes. 'Leb ub po.'. : Fully believing that the fact of Korfces being in command instead of Dametri had saved ma from instanb death, I was not inclined to dispute his orders. I walked out of the house and took the place he indicated to me in the middle of a line of islanders, some ten or twelve in number. Kortea placed himself by my side, and Madame Stefanopoulos ■ walked on his other hand. The islanders maintained absolute silence. I followed their example, bub my heart (I must confess) beat as I waited to see in what direction our column was to march. We started down the hill towards the house. If we were going to the house, I had perhaps twenty minutes to live—and the lady who was with us would nob long survive me. In vain I scanned Kortes' comely grave face. He marched with the impassive regularity of a grenadier, and displayed much bhe same expressionless steadiness of face. Nearer to the fatal house we came. Bub my hearb gave a sudden leap, of hope and excitement; for Kortes cried softly 'To the right.' We turned down the path that led! np from the house, leaving the house on the left. We wero nob going then straight to death ; and every respite was pregnant with unforeseen chances of escape. I touched Kortes on the shoulder. • i ' Where are we going? 5 I asked. '< To bhe town,' he answered. . t, Again in silence we pursued our way down the hill side; the path broadened, and the incline became less steep. A few lights twinkled from the sea, thab now spread before us. Still we went on; Then. I hoard the bell of a church strike 12. The strokes ended, bub another bell. began ,to ring. Our escort stopped with one accord. They took off their caps and signed bhe cross on their breasts. Eortes did tbo same as the rest. I looked ab him in question, but he said nobhiog till the caps were replaced and we were on our way again. Then be said.

' To-day is the feast of St. Tryphon. Did you nob know?' 'No,' said I. cSfc. Tryphon I know, bub his feast) is not kept) always on this day.' 'Always on this day in Neopatia,' he answered ; and he seemed to look at mo as though he were asking me some unspoken question. ■ The feasfa of Sb. Tryphon might) have interested me very much ab any ordinary time, but. just now my study of the custorrjs of the islanders had been directed into another channel, and I did nob pursue the subject. Kortes walked in silence some little way further. We had now reached the main road, and were descending rapidly towards the town. I saw again the steep, narrow street, empty and still, in the moonlight. We held on our way till wecame to a rather largeaquare building, which stood back from the road, and had thns escaped my notice on my first walk on the eveuing of our arrival. Before this Kortes stopped. ' Here you must lodge with me,' paid he. 'Concerning the lady-1 have no orders.'

Madame Stofanopoulos caught) my arm. ' I must stay too,' said she, 'I cannot go back to my house.'

4 It is well,' eaid Korbes, calmly. • There are two rooms.'

The escort) ranged themselves outside the building, wlii^h now appeared, to ho either ,1 sort of barrack or place of confinement. We throe entered. "At arsijrn from Rtorr.cti,' Mi<dnme S'tefanopoulo* passed into a largo room on the right. I followed him into a smaller room, scantily furnished, and flung myself in exhaustion on a wooden bench that ran along the wull. For an instant Kortes stood regarding me. Hia faco seemed to express hesitation, but the look in his eyes was not unfriendly. The bell, which had continued to rin<_' till now, ceased. Then Kortes eaid to me, in a low voice :

' Take courage, my lord. For a day you are safe. Nob even Constantino would dare to kill a man on tho feast of St. Tryphon,'

And before I could answer ho was gone, nnd 1 heard the bolt ot the door run home. I wns a prisoner.

Yet 1 took courage, as he bade me. Fourand- twenty hours' life was more than 1 had been able to count on for some time past. So J also doffod my hat in honour of the holy St. Tryphon. And presently I lifted my logs on the bench, took off my coat and made a pillow of it, and went to sleep.

{To be continued.)