SIR JOHNS HEIRESS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 101, 29 April 1910, Page 8

SIR JOHNS HEIRESS.

BT F. L. DACRE,

(Author of U A' Loveless Marriage," "A Change of Heart," *Trenhplme's Trust/* "A. Case for the Court," etc

CHAPTER X__.—(Continued.) An hour had passed aw_y, and Hilda, was ga2_tig from the window in the direction of the lake and the ruined tower. The sun had sunk behind the hills, and the ruin looked like a black shadow, la the darkness the thicket surrounding it appeared to he impenetrable. A mist was rising from the hidden lake. There was a knock at the door, but Hilda did not heed it. The summons was repeated, at first gently, then peremptorily, and a voice demanded: — '_I_da, are you there?" It was Captain Carrington. "Tes; what do you want?*" "A few words wi—_ you." She rose and opened the door, and her father walked in. His face was paler than —sual, and there were deep lines under his eyes. He seemed to have aged years in a single day. There was little pity for him, however, in Hilda's heart.

"The rajah is asking for you," he said. "He fears that he has unwittingly given you oSence. These Eastern people are so imaginative! Will you come down - stairs, if only for a short time, and give us some music? I know that you play exquisitely—you inherit that talent from your mother."

"My mother?" repeated Hilda, with a pang at her heart* ''Ah, my mother!"

-Carrington glanced at her swiftly, and continued simply:—

"I loved your mother in my selfish, careless way."

"I have heard that you broke her 'heart. And you have put another woman in her place."

"I have been a fool all my life," he said despondently; "but, when all is said and done, Hilda, I am your father, and at least I ask for your forgiveness if not your love. I have been weak, but it is not for you to judge mc. If I can make amends *

She turned to him impulsively.

"Father, if the past could be blotted out! But it cannot —it cannot! You must see that I am unhappy about you and the mystery that surrounds you! "Why did you come here at all?"

"Because I believed that Woodcroft was mine, by right," he truth—illy answered. "But shall we talk of these things at another time? The prince is my guest, and I must not leave him too much to his own devices."

"Or his highness might purloin the silver!" the girl said scornfully. "Your guest, father? Is he* not your master? And I want yon to understand that the man must leave the Castle to-morrow. If he refuses, my servants shall turn him out! lam not going downstairs to entertain him, because I loathe the creature!"

Carrington rose from his seat and paced the floor, wiping hi- brow now and again.

"Hilda," he pleaded at.last, "you are right—-the Indian is my -master! He holds my liberty—my very life—in the •hollow of his hand! It is a terrible —ling for mc to have to tell you this, but no confession of mine can cause mc to sink lower in your estimation; and I must confess in order to save myself —perhaps to save Victor Linton.''

She turned upon him like a tigress.

"What has Mr. Linton to do with such as-you and your friend?"

He writhed under the sting of her words.

"I will tell you everything now," he answered in an undertone. "And I am glad that the light is too far gone for you to see the shame in my face —for I even I am not sufficiently hardened to | h_ve lost all sense of shame! You have heard of my traitorous conduct toward my dead brother when we were 3>oth young men? It was _Le_eus_—le, but- I did not think so then. A wo_—— came between us, and men do not stop to tin__ of brotherly love at such times. He never forg—ve me— in face, he —irnted mc like a wild beast! Riches and honour fell upon him, while my portion was poverty and infamy. Still, the fact' of my relationship to one so high and trusted obtained mc the entree to the best society of Calcutta and Simla, and especially of Bombay—no one there fcnew of the actual quarrel between my brother and mc, and John was much admired and feared. Besides, I ■ held a comn—ssion in the British army."

He paused-abruptly and listened at the door.---vYV

"I thought I heard some one," he hoarsely explained. "A guilty conscience makes a man so nervous and so suspicious!".

He moistened his lips with his tongue, and continued, rapidly:

-would recognize you. I was top poor to do anything for you myself "

"Don't refer to that, please!" Hilda interrupted in accents of pain.

He sorrowfully bowed his head.

"I came back to Europe, and Heavealone knows how I have lived! I think that my name has become infamous in certain quarters of every corti—iental city. One thing an my wife's favour — she has clung to mc through it all with a dog-like devotion! I wrote a score of pathetic letters to your Uncle John, but he never responded. Then I began to hate him; and I thought that poverty was my worst enemy, until one day Prince Ali Narain encountered mc at Homburg.

"That was two since, hut I shall never forget the thrill of horror that quivered through my being! The whole of the wretched past rose up .before mc, and a mist of blood seemed to 'blind my eyes. That is always a sure sign that I am in a dangerous mood.

"He smiled at mc in his terrible way, and said that he had searched Europe for mc. He linked his arm with mine, and went back to my lodgings with mc. j Then he laughed at mc for heirig a fool to live in poverty; the world was full of money, it only wanted getting at. His father, the rajah, was dead, and with him had died every prospect of the life of an idle gentleman for his son Prince Ali; the British had robbed him of every acre of land—every rupee. But the world was wide, he said.

"Th—s he talked; but there were diamonds on his fingers, and his pockets were well lined with gold. He lent mc money, and jested about our 'little affair with the Government papers.' Every word stabbed mc. like a knife- I wanted to forget that I had been a traitor —I, who had worn the army uniform—and that there was a price set upon my head.

"_et mc repeat—_ was a favourite everywhere 'because I was what' is commonly known as 'good company.' I was proficient at all sports, and was in request for theatricals and so forth, and I was the great Sir John's brother! Among my acquaintances> was Prince A— I—rain—confotuid him!— the only son and heir of an impoverished rajah. He was a very young man then, hut was han&some and feseinat—ig. It was his boast that no woman could withstand him; and of a truth his power was always remark-hie, though such a thing creates no wonder in the East," Hilda shuddered. "Yvell, I contracted a number of gambling debts, and—looking back now I can see it—Prince Ali Naraiii was ever my evil genius. Most of the things I have done were suggested by him; and, when his will was brought to play upon mine, I was like a man whose mind was under the influence of a narcotic. I obeyed him with a full knowledge of my folly, and at tbe same time with the desire to spring at his throat and kill him!" His eves gleamed savagely in the half light. "I became deeply involved. I had been tricked and cheated by the prince through some of his infernal jugglery, and, with ruin, s—,ri_g mc in the face, he suggested a nieaus of salvation which filled mc with horror. But he persisted, and the idea grew upon mc until I regarded it almost calmly. Hilda, I was to become a traitor to my country—to commit a crime the penalty of which ■was death! Did I finally attempt the task? Yes, and a month later was enjoying the proceeds with the prince." A low cry of horror burst from Hilda's pale lips. "But no harm resulted," the captain -went on almost triumphantly. "It was or-mediately discovered the plans had been tampered with, and a score of innocent men were suspected; Until this day the real traitors have remained undetected, though there have been times when I have trembled for my safety; as the machinery of the law, once started, never rests until some one <is punished, rightfully or wrongfully." "A few years later 1 left India. You were a little child then, and I sent you to Llanberia, confident that my brother

"A few weeks passed, and the prince came to the end of his resources. I confess that he had shared his money with mc liberally, though he had done so with an object. Then he told mc that we must put our heads together or starve. Gambling? Oh, no—it was hardly safe where we were! There were other tricksters looking for fools—more wolves looking ior lambs to fleece. "Dog rob dog' was not his game, and, in the event of a row, a man of his colour stood a poor chance. Then he unfolded his plan. I must use my brother's name on paper—_• must forge Sir John Carrington's signature. My brother and I wrote very much alike, and I could easily do that little trick of Sir John's which the bankers always looked for —a peculiar scroll, pointed by a silly sort of dot. Have you noticed it, Hilda?"

The girl started violently. How could he pause to ask her such a question?. She waved her hand for him to proceed, •her lips remaining sealed.

"'•I refused at first, positively and indignantly, then feebly, for Prince Ali Narain sighed and shrugged his shoulders, reminding mc of the sum of money I -was worth to him. The Government •would pay -well for -what he could tell them concerning mc; and it woulr> take a long time to prove his complicity, if it could be done at a—. I must sign the note for five hundred pounds, and he ■would see that it was paid; Sir John should never bear of it. Money we must have!

"I signed a note at three months, and the rajah got it discounted. He gave mc a portion of the proceeds. Three months was ample time in which to repay the money. So I hoped, but in less than one month we were both penniless again. I will not prolong this ha±eful part of my story. Other notes were signed, but only one was ever met by your ——ele John, and he knew who was the forger. . "1 have dwelt upon this, Hilda, to vindicate myself to some extent in your eyes—to show you that I should never have used my brother's name hut for the rajah's power over mc; I am not so utterly lost to all sense of honour and , decency.

"When the notes were proclaimed to he foige—ies, the police were put upon our track, and we parted. I was glad of this, and prayed that we might never meet again. I hid myself in London, obtaining a livelihood hy frequenting certain gaming bouses. I was reduceto this because I could do nothing else, and was afraid to stir out by day lest some one should recognize mc.

"Then came the news of my brother's sudden death, L and the report that I was his ' heir. I '"saw it in several papers, and I was delirious with delight. It was my salvation. I should go no longer in fear of my creditors. The howling wolves would become meek and patient lambs. I was a wealthy man, and

sudden death, L and the report that I was his ' heir. I '"saw it in several papers, and I was delirious with delight. It was my salvation. I should go no longer in fear of my creditors. The howling wolves would "become meek and patient lambs. I was a wealthy man, and • worthy of respect! Oh, yes—l should pay all my debts with interest! "I came—and I made no excuses for my conduct toward you, Hilda; I was not my sane self. But a fearful Nemesis • was at my very heels, and the —-appointment would have killed many men, especially as 'it was accompanied hy the discovery that you both hated and dcsI pised me —that you were a woman with • a strong will, and not a child to he j influenced by mc. i "Again I had visions of my creditors ; when the truth became known, and their t agents have been here already. However, • they feci sure of t'he_- money, arguing - that my daughter will not stand quietly - by and see mc taken to prison, > "But, to crown my misfortunes, Ali ; Namin was also drawn hither by the false news, and he holds above mc the [ old threat, Hilda—the old threat'!-," He -owed his face over his hands, and i the girl turned to him impulsively. The ; bent figure appealed to her piteously. , ''What will this man take to free you , forever?" she asked. "But you must i leave here —leave the country—or you , will never be safe. Would it not be [ better to throw yourself upon the mercy 5 of the law?" > ''No, no—J dare not—l, who once wore i the army uniform! And there is Victor, • Ld-ton—he suspects what I am and who' - I a~. These lawyers get' to know so much! No, no! There is only one way — 3 I must kill this infernal Indian! I am. seeng red again—a mist is before my i eyes—red!" • 5 He started up and paced the floor. I "Father—father!" Hilda's tones were > full of horror. • He laughed wildly. "I am raving again—my troubles have > turned my brain! And it is this which 7 maddens me —the terms—the last' terms > which the rajah dictates! He wants to 5 marry you, - Hilda —he swears that nothing less will satisfy him! Do you i not see that we are hound hand and i foot by the arch-fiend? And human Ufa r is scribing to himl. A poisoned ftowex,

"But no harm resulted," the captain -went on almost triumphantly. "It was

or-mediately discovered, the plans had been tampered with, and a score of innocent men were suspected; Until this day the real traitors have remained undetected, though there have

worthy of respect! Oh, yes—l should pay all my debts with interest!

been times when I have trembled for my safety; as the n_ichitlery of the law, once started, never rests until some one as punished, rightfully or wrongfully."

"A few years later 1 left India. You were a little child then, and I sent you to Lla-beris, con-dent that my brother

the very breath of which kills silently and mysteriously—l have seen it- done! If- you could pretend to listen to him graciously, to deceive him until I am far away, though it will be a death-blow to my hopes of earthly peace to have to become a wanderer again—if you could pretend; Hilda!"

"I can make no such pretence!" she coldly answered. She stood at the window as if 'turned to stone, her figure sharply outlined against the moonlit panes. "I can make no such pretence, and it is cowardly of you to demand' it of mc! I should kill the man if he attempted to speak flattery in my ears! While I pity you, I, feel that you are my bitterest enemy. The shadows of your sins fall upon those whom it should be your duty to shield and protect! And, knowing all that threatens you and mc and my happiness, you have persisted in remaining here against my wishes—you hope to do so still, thinking only of your own interests!"

"No, no!" he breathed. " I might have given you and your lover up to the black arts of Prince Ali Narain!"

" Nonsense! I have no belief in his mystical power." She remembered his satyr-like eyes, his seductive voice, and shuddered. " E_tller, if you will not give yourself up, you must leave the country secretly. I will provide you with all the money you require. It is a great pity that such worthless men as you are permitted to live! Misery for others is ever in your train!"

She spoke with intense .bitterness. Carrington interrupted her with an angry ejaculation, for the door had opened silently, and Bartlet was standing on the threshold. •

" I beg pardon, lam sure!" he said. " I knocked twice, and thought I was told to come in."

He retreated swiftly and silently, without waiting for any reply.

The -captain stood irresolute. "Is that all, Hilda?" he hopele_sly asked. " That is all." He turned and left the room, a strange set look on his white face.

"I mi,_ht have saved myse'rf by the sacrifice of Victor L—lton," he" thought—"might have done it hut for that infernal Indian's latest terms! Still the end would have been the same, I have no doubt. "What is the use of fleecing?—l cannot shake that sleutl_,ound off my tracks Hilda says that it would be better for all if I were dead, and I think so, too." He almost ran against the butler in the darkness of the passage, and was conscious that the last words had been uttered aloud.

" So, Mr. Sneak, you are prying about here now?" the captain growled wrath i ullv. " If I were master of Woodcroft I would kick you out of it at short order!"

" Yes, sir!" Bartlet answered. "Kone of your insolence!" He raised his clenched fist, but let it drop suddenly. "I am a fool —I make enemies everywhere! You were listening at the door of Miss Carrington's ' boudoir, and you heard her say she wished that I was dead—you heard her advise mc to fleet Well, I ask you not to tell your fellow servants just yet;—it may be worth your -while, Bartlet, though I know M—at it is torture for people of your order to keep your mouths shut. And don't give mc any of your cheek, sir!" "If I have annoyed you, Captain Carrington, I sincerely regret it!" Bartlet answered honestly.

The captain passed on. He was in. a reckless mood.

"I will go into the open air to smoke and thi_k," he -rattered. "As-for the rajah—t_e deuce take the scheming nigger! Then I will break the news to my wife—poor creature!"