FLIES in THE WEB

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 173, 21 July 1906, Page 11

FLIES in THE WEB

By FERGUS HUME, (Author of "THE MYSTERY OF. A HANSOM CAB," ejtc}" ***'

HjjUi-Siia OF. I'KEVIUCS CHAITEHB.

b xa-wse, a Hebrew money-lender, is a t)v the caretaker of Ms offices, Mrs ? a .i apparently murdered. A wcraan's » rklne stuffed with sand is found Iα the f«le and In, the presence of several wltsse's Tawse arouses up sufficiently to n fr.r words which arouse suspicion against i.hecca Mendcza, till niece. The second hinter introduces ns to ilre BenHillo's JXineliouse. where a meeting takes place Uveen Jlariou Wallace and her lover, Kofnd Carver, whilst Marlon's father, Sir ifhelstan, Is absent: attending the Inquest Tawse Marion speaks of Ta-wee as hay- ?„- beea her father's old schoolfellow. Boland Carver appears to he hiding some tr tt"oland presently receives a visit from riwen ilallett. a solicitor. Who Is the suitor "nred by gjr Atli'istsn for His daughter's ■njnd MalJett had frequently assisted Tawse ,„ business, and from knowledge thus gaind accuses Rolands . hroUier of forging Tawse's name to « bill. As :i prosecution Md been about to i:ike place, he suggests that l f red Carver was rhf> murderer. He Endeavours by means of threats to extract s promise Irom Koiaatl to withdraw liis suit 7. r e«ard to Marion. Sir Athelstan evinces peculiar regard for a sovernees engaged, at aUllett's instigation, for younjr Dick WalUce, his orphaned grandson. A stormy interview between Rol.ind and .Sir Atnelstan concludes by the latter undertaking to withdraw Ws opposition to Koland's suit on condition that he discovers Tawse'e murderer. Boland applies for assistance to his friend jacS Werner, who proves to have a persoml Incentive in endeavouring to track toe murderer. Sornn papers belonging to Tawse are found by Werner In Roland's jesfc. They refer to Mrs Benhlllo, who Is called In and acts vory etrangely at the Interview, although it is evident she did not lide the papers. Werner commences his investigation by d call on Mrs Zeal, from -whom he obtains a scrap of purple embroidery as a clue. •He then visits old Miss Mendoza at Vaida Vale, and discovers that. Rebecca's companion on thr night of the murder was Harriet Lizard, the governess. He further discovers that Harriet Lizard and Rebecca Mendoza are half-sisters. He fe also shown a photojrraph of Rebecca, which the elder Mis? Mendoza has concealed from the police. By the aid of this photograph, on visiting Harriet Lizard's former address, ho recognises Ueteccn. whom lie sops driving away from the house lenviiis? Mnllett ptamlins. on the kert. CHAPTER X.—(Continued.) Mr. Mallet t turned white, but sat down vrjth an air of sullen bravado. '■Talk away," said he, with an effort to emulate the coolness of his tormentor. !you can't hurt mc." "Can't I. We shall see. Meanwhile. as I desire to end this unpleasant interview, I must, have your assurance that you will leave Carver alone for tie future." "If Carver gives up Marion —" "Miss Wallace, if you please." Ilallett strove to meet Jack's eye tat was cowed after a moment or two during which the situation -was adjusted irithout words. '"Miss Wallace, then,' k agreed sullenly; "although I'll sooi have the right to call her Marion." "Wait till you have the right. Gc ODi" Ilallett sprang up agaiu. "Werner's calm, insulting touo was almost too much for him to bear, and he flung himself forward towards the door which he threw open. "Go," he cried, livid with, passion, "or—" "Orfyou'll chuck mc out," yawned Werner, without changing his position. ''Tit. I haven't learned and practised SaudoTC exercises for nothing." Tm not afraid of you." "Yes, you arc. or you would not talk about it." ilallett winced, for the man was really i coward. "I'll call in a policeman if you do not go," he threatened. ' '"By all means. I may want to give tou in charge." "Indeed," sneered the other, "and for That 5" "Tor being an accessory after the fact in the Tawse murder." "It's a lie." "Oh, of course. ,. Jack shrugged, "but >.jury..might think otherwise*' ."I was not near Rochester House on the night of the crime.'' declared Mallett, trying to control his quiverin" , . Krres. , a ■ T o one said you were. And may I observe,that the" door is open. Uniess f ?oa want that xiobe of a landlady to . overhear you, perhaps you will close Mallett did so with a bang, which ardour of his feelings, and Si r ws t0 Ws seat - ■ i " ou accuse ™ c «™ ; being an accessory after the fact," f* he determinedly. "I'm not goia» you know ? Whe?eil "01 we'll come to that presently." 'mZ ICk / asil -V. 'Meanwhile you must ■"Brer a few questions. - ' i decline.' 1 ■2J rose -' a "d buttoned 'his coat. ■ *h}d? n mUst tak : e ths consequences." nieT n ?' r^ Ipa " " X rlon,t k "™" hat . T «u tarn re.olut.eh-.. "that you will leave : »»«nce^ ll^ a " acc b - v usin S your into Sre^ eriathen yo« come CVtT M lnfllle 1 do not , d ° kn °T that ' you are an Ntt .CnT ' "' ho "■•' ls competed of^d I ° ( ? arr l'] ns f ' you ™» c to lear,l ( «• marvel s forgery." Wfed«» l ° IPan to makp «se of my " "Oh n? ! Sil!fl Mal,Ptt rlf, fiantlr. ' ■'toolly y/° :i wo "\" rejoined Werner to >Wh t i= » ; t ,<-lean enough q Wliif j c lto co '" - iC 0 £l' Wof my pa.st ? " fnitt-ed a« you desired to be arlHto \1- '" e " lbpr of the Rayleigh kne w that belonged. .Someone Ti *se aWI r'° U • WPrc "-'naaertcd with , ; Mas raade - Onp ° f of finding 0 "il\ ho has * wonderful way ■' ratl ier * SB ' %hi,,h P e °P le would Jou were nip, f pt ? ecrct ' Earned that te®Bßto,f Up m a workKonse by a & %ed J S> m f de his P a ? e h °y- y° u 80 Jife P nf and deverness, and Seated v gentleman had you thes e kind U f ere s0 clever tn at both tifi «l tLfr 3t the Bl "'- YOU jUß?nt tese ZS r?' aDd saiucd P ur In S?ouali+ rhen they.died, leavnow." llttlß money, and so you stand how y° u learned this," J On 'tca^f y^J,ellmcis truG ; an«]l ? an iawori., the world knows that a s disSiT 5 - 6 orphan - There » nott - Wti«fnSß 1? that ' and seein g tbc «rfit dn. +„ there is a great deal of frtfene." mc for m y fi S ht against thS^'lassented Jack, more corV ie ImA hitherto "%nd

so thought the members of the Rayleigh Club. You were not blackballed on that account, Mallett, but because you acted as jackal to Tawse, to bring 'flies into his web." • , «, "What a confusion of metaphor" sneered Mallett, though with an obvious effort. "Jackals do not bring flies into webs, so far as I know.' , "Oh, I am not strong in natural history," rejoined Werner calmly, "but I think it is a pity, Mallett. that with your gifts you do no go straight. You'll make, money much quicker by honesty than by these sneaking ways in which you indulge." "To what do you refer?" demanded Mallett, .looking venomous, yet not sufficiently a man to object to these insults." "To your connection with Tawse, to— oh I know a hundred things against vcu. Meantime, I will only point out that if I told Sir Athelstaii Wallace of your workhouse past he would certainly nocfc allow you to marry his daughter." > "You can't be sure of'that?" "That implies that you have some hold over him. More shady business, I sec. "Well, I warn you, I'll put your power to the test, by telling Sir Athelstan, if you do not leave -Fred Carver alone." "I won't. I'll make trouble." "You can't if you mean to prosecute on the forged bill. That is missing, as I happen to know." Jack had made a shot in the dark, and it hit the bull's eye. "And why is the bill missing," cried Mallett -with a snarl. "Because Fred Carver murdered TaA\ssc, and stole the bill." "Can you prove that?" "I cau and will if Roland Carver-"does not surrender the hand of Miss Wallace to v mc." "Well," said Jack, genially, and: playing a bold card, "tou certainly have Miss Rebecca Uendoza to assist you." Mallett gasped and stood up, looking like an old man, "I don't know what you mean," he murmured in a faltering manner." "1 think you do. I have-seen the eWei Miss Mendoza. She tells mc that Rebecca was a friend of Miss Lizard, who lis now governess to Sir Athelstan. On your recommendation, I believe. Rebecca went to her uncle's office on the night ol the crime," — "How do you know?" "I shan't tell you," said Werner, unable to prove his-statement, and luufnni! valiantly. "However, I presume she saw Fred Carver commit the murder, and sc you intend to convict him on that evidence." "I know nothing—till the time-comes,' said Mallett quietly. "The time has come; unless you promise to leave Fred Carver alone, I go tc Sir Athelstan, and tell him of your past and I must go to the police, and saj how you parted from Miss Rebecca Mendoza." He got no further. Mallett rose and flung himself forward, clutching at Werner's throat. "It is a lie. I have not seeu the girl for weeks and weeks." "She left here in the cab to-night;' J said Jack, shaking him off with ease. "She did not. How could you* recognise her. You have never seen her." "I have seen her portrait," said Jack quietly. "Miss Mendoza showed it to mc. I came round in the hope of learning something about Miss Lizard from the landlady, and saw Rebecca with you." "You did nothing of the sort," said Mallett, remaining in the chair where Jack had flung him. ''It was Miss Lizard sou saw." "'Miss Lizard!" Remembering the likeness mentioned by Miss Mendoza as existing between the half-sisters, Werner was disappointed. "Yes, she came here to get her boxes, and has gone to Brighton."' * CHAPTER XI. WHO ABEL SAW. Jack Werner .saw no reason to doubi Mallett. This was certainly the house in which Miss Lizard lodged,~'and the cab was assuredly piled with boxes, as though she were leaving for her situation. Also ii the woman in the cab was Rebecca Mendoza, she would not travel with so much luggage. Nevertheless he could not help questioning Mallett in a suspicious way, and at all events he did not allow him to see that time?" he asked after a pause. By his story was believed. "You have known Miss Lizard a long this time Mallett had resumed his seat and was watching his visitor as a cat does a mouse. He was more himself, and replied quietly enough to this very leading question. "For some years." "Tell mc what you know- about Miss Lizard." "Really very little," said the barrister with dangerous frankness. "But Mrs -Rook will know. Call her in.' ! and Mallett pulled the handle of an old fashioned bell near the fire-place. "Is Mrs Rook the landlady?" "Yes. She is quite devoted to Miss Lizard, who has lived with her for a long time. She is the only person in the house, and, as you see. being surrounded by high walls the place has always been very private." "Did Miss Lizard want to be private?' "I believe she did. You see her voice is very beautiful, and she is desirous of making a fortune on the lyric stage I believe Tawse presented her with this house—" "Oh. so the house belongs to Miss Lizard?" "YXi?. and Mrs. Rook, who was a kind of nurse to her, has been the keeper of the place for ages. Miss Lizard has lived here for years. But she liked the seclusion of the place as she was in the habit of acting in the garden—rehearsing as it were. She has made up her mind to be a star singer." "In that case I wonder why she became a governess." Mallett laughed; and pulled out a cigar. "That is easily explained," said he. "Tawse gave his niece the house ; as I said, but would never allow her much money. That is why she went on the stage. Then when Tawse died she found that what she made as a singer was insufficient to keep her, and so decided to become a governess for a year or two; so to save money. Sir Atlielstan allows her a good salary, so I expect she will 'save, and then return here to study for the operatic stage." "That is if she doesn't marry Sir Athelstan in the meantime," said Werner musingly. "What do you mean by that?" demanded Mallett violently. Werner looked at him, surprised that so simple) a remark should provoke such in expression of anger. "Only; thie.:.

Carver told mc that Sir Athelstan seems to admire Miss Lizard. ■ In fact Roland ianaed that he had not met her for the first' time -when he introduced ;her to Miss Wallace in Roland's presence." Mallett resumed his smoking gloorn--8? n° v are Werner," said he. j fcir Athelstan saw Harriet oh the stage and fen in love with her. He learned that i knew her, and was j always bothering mc for an introduction. I refused, as Harriet did not want to be troubled. Then when I learned that Miss Lizard wanted money because her uncle's death had left her almost penniless, I thought of Sir Athelstan who desired a governess for his grandson. I knew that, as .Sir Athelstan admired her., he would give her a good salary., which he has done." "Did he know her before you introduced her as a governess?" "Yes. He met her twice. Once at Oxford, when that young fool of a Fred Carver was hanging after her. She never liked him. Harriet is a good kind woman, and—" He paused as the door opened in a stealthy manner. "But here is Mrs. Rook. Ask her anything you wish to know." * The woman appeared with her dismal face and weary eyes. Folding her arms under the coarse aprßn she wore, she began to explain hi a whining tone whyshe had delayed answering the bell. But Mallett cut her short with a gesture. "Tell this gentleman what he wants to know," said he, ;ind went to a chair whereon lay his over-coat. While lie put this on Jack questioned the dreary housekeeper. "Do you know if ?>liss Rebecca Mendoza was in the habit of coming here to see Miss Lizard?" he asked. "Of course she did," groaned Mrs. Rook. "Why bless you, sir, them two ■were as thick as cream, pretty dears." "They were very much alike?" "Dresden china ornaments couldn't have been liker," said Mrs. Rook wita the expression of an undertaker. "Lorejly they were, and happy, poor sweets, I being half sisters, sir." "Oh, you'knew that?" "Of course 1 did, sir. Didn't Mr. Tawse, as was killed., come 'here lots of times to see my mistress as was his niece, and didn't he months and months ago bring Miss R.ebecca Mendoza to place her in my Harriet's arms saying they was sisters. 1 knows everything. , ' "I am glad to hear that," remarked Jack dryly. "Do you know if Miss Lizard and Mir,s Rebecca went to the Pic caSilly Theatre on the eighth of November?" "Well do I know." wailed Mrs Book. '•'Seeing as how my poor dear mistress lost her uncle that same night by murder. They dined on a chop and went away in a cab together. My mistress came back alone —" "At what time?" "You might call it eight o'clock —no you mightn't—it was nine." • "'Be precise; Mrs Rook. Was it eight or nine?" "Nine, if I die for it," wept Mrs Rook. "And please don't doubt mc, sir. as aan a poor trod-dowti critture, the widder of an evil husband." '•"Wiiy did Miss Lizard come back alone so early?" "She said the play was dull, and that she got tired, poor dear. I made her a cup of beeftea and ,slie went to bed like a lamb. Then she woke up next day at noon to hear as her poor uticle was murdered, it being in all the papers with the boys hollering the same.". ""Why did not Miss Rebecca return .with your mistress?" ~..... ~...,„ Mrs Rook exhibited lively surprise. "And""why should she having , a>home of her own with Miss Mendoza?'' "Oh, then she did not intend to sleep j here?" "Not on that night, sir. Sometimes she stopped here and sometimes she didn't, as the fancy took her. Miss j Lizard, my poor pretty, was away much ion concert tours, but when she come back her half sister Miss Rebecca would come and stop with her. And that Miss Mendozer didn't like." went on Mrs Rook with mournful looks. "Being old and sharp-like. She said as Miss Rebecca was away for days and days from her lawful home, which she was. But not always here sir, as I won't deceive you, as she -went time and again to her uncle Tawse at Hampstead." "The fact is this." said Mallett, who had assumed his overcoat and was putting on his gloves. "Miss Lizard was away weeks on tours, but when she was at home here, Rebecca came to her. Miss Mendoza complained much of Rebecca's absence from home, but would not receive Miss Lizard, having some foolish prejudice against play-actors. So as to avoid being nagged at, Rebecca often stopped at Tawse's Hampstead house, and told Miss Mendoza so. Thus she could see Harriet as dften- as she liked without being cried down." "A queer life," said Jack, who was beginning to grow weary: then he turned to Mrs Rook. "Did Miss Lizard say that Miss Rebecca had gone home V he asked. "No. she didn't. She never said a word," rejoined Mrs Rook promptly. "And I never asked her, Mies Rebecca being always unexpected in her movements like a fry, as yon might say." Werner looked keenly at the'moumful ■wrinkled countenance before him, and "decided thai the woman was speaking the truth. Apparently the two girle had gone to the theatre as far as Mrs Rook knew, and Miss Lizard had returned home early with an obvious excuse. No doubt Rebecca had been to see Tawse and her half sister know of it. But the strange thing was that Rebecca had not come back to change her frock, for if guilty, her evening dress would certainly have helped the police to trace her. "You are, sure Miss Rebecca did not come back," said Jack. , "May Rook come to life if she did," i was the woman's extraordinary rejoinder. "And if you knew, sir, what a wicked man he was to mc, as is pore and down-trod, yoti'd never ask mc to swear a -wusS oath." Jack nodded and turned away, so Mrs Rook after a glance at Mallett wade for the door. Werner stopped her as she opened it. "Did Miss Lizard wear a purple dress or cloak?" "No, sir, she didn't. She ,couldn't bear purple, nor could her half-sister, blese their hearts for real ladies." This was what Miss Mendoza had said as regards Rebecca, so it was not improbable that Harriet Lizard had the same dislike, to this particular colour. "Well," said Jack, as Mrs Rook lingered *t the door. "1 am about to see Miss ' Lizard at Brighton, so perhaps she will tell mc what became of Rebecca." "Why, Miss Rebecca went home/ in- ] sisfced Mr 3. Rook, and flounced out of the room. Her voice was heard murmuring in tlie passage'to the effect that the ' strange gent should never harm her .' pretty one. It,was thus apparent that Mrs. Rok had her doubts as to Harriet Lizard's presumed ignorance. But she had answered fairly enough, and Wer- i ncr could think of no other question i to put. The solution of the mystery of ] Rebecca's movements on that night could. < be solved only by Mis b Lizard. To Mis* <

Lizard at Brighton therefore Jack determined to apply. "Well," said Mallett dryly. "If you are quite satisfied that we don't harbour * murderess here, perhaps you will go." "I am quite ready. Do' yon wait here?" "No. I want to come also." Warner nodded, aid they left the house together. At the door Mrs. Rook pulled him by the sleere. "Come back," she whispered, and added emphatic-ally: "Alone!" .1, Mallet' was going down the - asphalt path and did not hear this remark, so Jack replied in a whisper that he would be back soon, and when on the road, set himself to -work to get rid of Mallett. Having accomplished his purpose, he approached the gate of number twentyfiva, and found Mrs. Rook waiting there I with a shawl over her head, She looked lean and mournful in the dim light of the lamp, and kept the gate hajf open as though to dodge back at the least sign of danger. "Is he away?" she asked, peering up the road.; . "Yes. Yo\i won't see him. What is it?" , I Mrs. Rook grasped Jack's arm. "Will Jhe marry her?" she asked. I "What do you mean?" J "That Mr. Mallett and my pretty Harjriet. She loves him, and they are as good as engaged. Will he marry her?" Werner remembering MaHett's sentiments regarding Marion sbook his head. "I don't think he has the least intention of marrying her." He expected an outburst, but none came. Mrs. Rook dropped his arm and backed into the gate which swung to her jnovement. "1 knowed as it was the money he was after," sighed Mrs. Rook. "If that old Tawse had left my 'pretty Harriet an heiress, she would have had her heart's desire. Yes," she added with energy, "and if that Miss Rebecca had got the money, he'd have married her. But some baronet's got it," she sobbed. "He can't marry a baronet." "He might marry the baronet's daughter," said VTack, who was beginning to see light. Mallett apparently was after the Tawse fortune. • "What," cried Mrs. Rook shrilly. "Is jhe after another lady?" I "Yes. After Miss Wallace, the daughter of—" "I know. Sir Athclstan Wallace as my pretty Harriet lias gone to be a governess to. Go and teil her., sir, or shall I go myself?" "What goodwill it do to tell her?" asked Jack. li Shc won't have it," exclaimed Mrs. Rook, with the tears streaming clown her worn face. "They're as good as en- i gaged, my pretty one .and that Mallett as is as wicked us Rook was, before lie went where he deserved to go, and— hush," she grasued Werner's arm, as a tuneful whistle/ she heard. "There's him—there's him." THow do you know?" "I know the tune he's whistling," gasped Mrs. Rook, overcome with terror. "The Dead March, ain't it. as I've heard j at funerals. Oh. keep him away and j never say as I told you as my pretty j Harriet loves him. or he'll be the death of mo." "But tell mc if—" began Jack, laying a grasp on her arm. Mrs. Rook, as the whistle grew clearer and more solemn, | tore herself away from Werner and darted into the" garden, banging the gate after her. Werner stood where he was and heard the dismal notes of the whistling. It was certainly the Dead March in Saul that the musician was sending forth on the dark night, and Jack waited grimly hoping to catch , MalSett should he return-. Then he would learn from him what was the hint regarding Lady Winceby. The whistler came along and at the sight of Jack against the gate stopped. He proved to be a boy. "I'm sorry to be late, sir, but you see, Mr. Mallett, mother's that clerer as—oh crickcy," he caught sight.of Warners face. "You ain't my ma-ster." "No. So Mr. Mallett's your master. Then you must be Abel Zeal." "That's my name, sir." said the boy defiantly. "There's nothing wrong with it?" "Your mother told mc ,that you had seen something or someone the night Tawse was killed," said Jack quickly, and going to the point at once. "Who was it?" Abel whistled. "Mr. Mallett said 1 ■wasn't to tell." < "111 give you a sovereign if you do/ said Werner bringing out the coin. "Hand it along," said Abel. "If you must know it was a cove as I'd see in master's office and with Mr. Tawse. Carver he was, Mr. Frederick Carver, and he was coming down the stairs on the night of the murder."

(To be Continued Next Saturday.)