THE BEAUTY SNATCHERS

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 19, 22 January 1916, Page 20

THE BEAUTY SNATCHERS

By R. MURRAY GILCHRIST

CHAPTER XXVL tub pratsorr.- ■ ~ -~ When they returned to the inn, Mrs. Sturgeon, vastly reassured by the knowledge that wherever her niece might be .she was in. the company of someone of' htir own sex, entreated Archer and li is > friend to retire and snatch a few hours' . rest. Both were exceedingly weary, and ; .no wise reluctant to fall in with the sug;£pstion. Just before midnight they were groused by the sound of knocking, and, ■dressing hastily, found the actress standing in the corridor with an open, letter in her hand. "I have brave news!" she cried exciiedly. "Letitia is safe at last. Miss iMortchamp is with her, and before dawn they are starting together for town. 1 am to follow; but indeed 1 must start s=con. I have sent for the hostess, so that she may order a postchaise " " Yon must permit us the honour of accompanying you," said Archer. "My friend and I will not be satisfied otherM You are most kind," she replied, "and I shall bo very grateful. I long to sen you both receive my niece's thanks in person. I shal not trouble to pack my belcngings—the portmantles may be sent afterwards. The actors in my company have all been well-paid, and freed to find engagements eleswhere. But I'll leave

yon gentlemen to attend to your own affairs—l shall be ready to "leave the 'Royal George' before another hour is passed." Tbe hostess appeared at the head of the staiis, and Mrs. Sturgeon retired with her to her own chamber. Archer and Pierce descended to the stable-yaTd. 'where anx>ld oetler was making all fast for the night After seeing that their horses had a pood feed of oats they returned to the inn to pack their saddlebags. "I own. if less important matters wore in question, that I'd liefer spend the ■dark Ihoirrs between the sheets." said Pierce plaintively. "The night's black as pitch, and the rain falls as though the Bkies moan to exhaust'themselves " "I eball not feel the rain," said 'Archer. "I protest that I've never looked forward so keenly to a journey! At the end I shall see—shall see my lovely actress again!" "And I my equally loyely gentlewoman!" cried Pierce. "B'Jt you and I are building castles in* the air. for 'tis certain that neither beauty will e'er give us a thought]!" As they ascended the staircase a carriage drew -op i n front of the porch, and Squire Morfcbamp alighted, followed by . Mr. Cassilis. The lower windows of the inn were in darkness, but through the archway they perceived the jerking of the ostler's iantern. Mortchamp, who was still somewhat shaky after hie orgie, approached the fellow and asked if any ne-ws had been ;hcard of the missin? actress. - "Nay. Squire, that 1 can't tell you/ , - was the reply. "None of the village folk have discovered ought, that's all $ I know." "■She has not by any chance returned ; to the. inn?" inquired Cassilis. ;_ "That I'm sure of.' , said the ostler. ■ " "Tis a strange affair and no mistake. Such doingß I've never knowed afore. The two gentlemen who've been seeking ihere were here but a moment ago. and I've got orders to prepare a postcliaise for the old lady. Like as not something has been heard —I can't say aught . - more.". .._._. They returned to the earriaze. and bade the postillion extinguish the lumps and drive beneath the shelter of a "Teat holly that stood at the further end of the inn-garden. Then, entering, they eat shivering until the postehaise passed through the arcliway. followed by Archer_and Pierce on horseback, and the little paxty were soon veiled behind the drifting rain: Mortehamp leaned from the : window, bade the ■postilion follow at a discreet distance, and thus 6tarted the pursuit. •'l'll'wager fifty guineas that we'll find the two hussies at the nest stage!" said Cassilis" in a thick voice. "You shall do . •with'vour. piaytactress as.J-ou, will, but. ; cra~ -another-twcnty;-four incurs have; ■ gone by I mean to call Cecilia" my wife." Mortchamp wrung his hand until he groaned with pain. "I'll take the bet," he..said. "Our two-beauties arc; far away ; l've:ihal£."a ni'iml to^ma'rry. my-tormentress—what cay you to d double-wedding?" "Why, that 'twould be rankest folly" exclaimed his companion. "If you needs . must have a wife, you'd best choose one ; with a fine fortune. You've sowed your ; wild oats —'tis time for you to settle - down in peace and comfort. And for " sure ray dear Cecilia and 1 would not 1 wish for sisl.er a creature who Jias strutted on the boards. Nay, you'd beet \ go to London and choose some citizen's daughter who'd be glad to forget whence her money came " "-Enough," said Mori chain p, sullenly. . "['vo always followed my own inelina- ; tion, and if I clioose to make Miss iJam- ; well into Mrs. Mortchamp it concerns none save myself. A man of my family need not consider tbe opinions of others. I warn you that I shall expect you to be duly thankful for the honour of alli- , ance with my sister."' ; "'Your pride carries you out of bounds," said Cassilis. "You're forgetting that 1 take Cecilia-without a penny of dowry " "Enough of that!" cried the Squire, "T'm in no humour for such folly. Prytbee be silent—let mc meditate on our next movement —whether 'twill be 'best to take the girls from their protectors at the inn where we shall doubtless find them, or whether we had better follow them until they have reached their destination. J have hitherto been Qra&b and perhaps over-hasty—the time's come now for mc to use aU my wits!" Caseilis made no reply, but, after a prodigious yawn, began to snore loudly, co that Mortchamp covered his own head with a rug, in the vain hope of dulling" that most irritating sonnd. Occasionally he looked from the window, to make sure that ihe lights of the postchaise were still in sight. At the end of tbe 12 miles' etage, ihe bade the postillion •wait until Mis Sturgeon's vehicle was provided, with fresh torses, then when the way wae deaT, interviewed the oetler, and learned-to hie chagrin that another relay couM-nqt be ready for two houre. He roused Oassiliß by tugging hie ehouldere violently, end they passed the time indoore, cursing their ill-fortune, and slaking an inordinate thirst with, fiery spirits. Then they resumed their journey, with the others a good : 20 miles in advance. A gray and misty dawn lightened the eastern eky before they (reached the iiiii

(AH Rights l.taerret)

[(Anthor of "The Chase," "Camilla, of the «eep," "Roadknight," etc.)

CHAPTER XXVn. ;. - ' A.HAPrY RE-UNION. When the postchaise containing Letitia and Cecilia broke down suddenly, Mr Parker, overcome with alarm, dismounted and tugged with all his might at the door. The girls' voices reassured him, both laughed cheerily and. taking his outstretched hand, stepped out into the rain. The postillion stood holding the horsea' heads, and gazing with stupefaction upon the broken archway of an old stone bridge. "" 'Tis a mighty good job as I seed it In time!' , he eaid. "I've held for yearfe as the bridge was bound to fall! Never have 1 kno wed the river so high in flood!" Mr Parker pointed to a farmhouse standing at some distance in the midst of sodden fields. "We had best take shelter there." he said. "The lad bhall ride back home for another vehicle, and well go onward by cross-roads. The f arm-folk are honest—l promise no harm shall befall you there." "We are not afraid," ea'.d Letitia. "Pray, lead the way, and we will follow. Mi?s Mortchamp and 1 have had too many adventures to fear walking in the rain." They moved towards a gateway whence a deep-rutted cart-track passed to the homestead. As the old man busied himself with the hasp, Cecilia caught her friend's arm. and pointed down the road. "There are other travellers!" she said. "'Perchance they'll be able to help us onward.' , "We had best stand aside to make Bure they're not enemies," said LetHia. "I've no wish to be thrown into durance vile again, though for sure 1 shall be no longer lonely——" Her voice rose in a elirill cry of gladness. Two horsemen had appeared trom behind the approaching vehicle, and she recognised the gallant lads of the "Royal George." A moment afterwards. Mrs Sturgeon thrust her head from the window, and then, without waiting for the horses to stop, alighted with such haste that she almost fell headlong into the mud. Letitta ilew forward, caught her in both arms, and pressed her to her bosom. Archer reined and sat motionless, looking upon the affecting eight, whilst Pierce, after a brief hesitation, rode to where Cecilia stood with Mr Parker.

••Our chase is ended. Miss Mortc-hamp." he said, confusedly. "You are safe now; but 1 entreat you not to dismiss your guard. My friend and 1 are altogether at your service." "I'm no longer afraid of aught." na.d Cecilia, with a radiant 6milc. "Mies Liumwcll and 1 are on our way to a place when- none dare interfere with us." "None the less, we'd rather accompany you to that haven," he said. "Pray come "to Mrs Sturgeon's chaise -'tis folly for one so delicate as you to stajid in the rain."_ "You're mighty careful of mc, she said, coquettishly. "Indeed, sir. 1 own myself surprised, since we've seen so little of each other " "May the gods grant that you'll soon lie able to say otherwise!" he exclaimed. "If I could have my way. I'd see you every hour, ay, and every minute of the livelong day!" Cecilia, whose colour had deepened charmingly, went towards Mrs. Sturgeon and' was soon clasped in the old actre.-s' arms. Mr. Parker drew the two gentlemen aside to speak of a cross-road that reached another bridge. " 'Twould he wisest for us to go onward." he said. "By this time 'tis almost sure the pursuit has begun. My postboy shall be left here, and with your permission I'll lead the way. The ladies, all talking excitedly. entered Mrs. Sturgeon's conveyance, and the iiost, after directing her driver, fell behind with Archer and Pierce. The next three stages were passed without mishap, and in mid-afternoon the little party entered the principal inn of the second country-town, where, as everyone was more or less exhausted with the journey, it was decided that they should spend the night. A meal was ordered, and they retired to their chambers to remove the stains of travel. When they met again, Mr. Parker would fain have retired into the background, but Lctitia insisted upon his joining them at taible. " 'Tis too great an honour, madam.' he objected. "1 know my place, and, if I'm able to do you a slight service, 'tis not in expectation of any favour in return. I'm already too much beholden " "No matter," interrupted "I'm tired of formalities, and I'll be proud for you to join our meal. Until I reach my own house I'd like the party to remain unbroken."

The others joined in hearty agreement, and Mr. Parker, scarce knowing whether be was on bis bead or his heels, found himself sitting between Mrs Sturgeon and her niece, at whose, other side was Archer himself, at first too bewildered with this happy change to enjoy the full use of his tongue. Once in filling Xictitia's glass wiib -vftoe, be addressed her as "Your Highness," and she frowned prettily and shook her head. "Let us be nought nut plain, Tintitled ifolk!" she said laughingly. "We're not in Court society, and there's no need for excess of etiquette. However, if 'tis your wish to be called 'My lord,' you need but tell mc. My aunt has told mc who you are, and who your friend is." "I'd hate to hear you speak of mc as others do," said Archer. "Call mc by my family name if you wish—'tis Cortylion—one curious enough to be remembered." "And 111 be Letitia Earn well for the present," she replied. "Now, good Mr. Cortylion, I'm dying to hear the story of your adventures. I've heard that you've rested neither day nor night since I left the 'Royal George.'" "Ay, Miss Lamwell, that'e true enough," he said. "But first tell mc how yoii came to disappear from the inn?" " 'Tis too long a tale, Mr. Cortylion. I was taken through the cellars —one of the servants must have been in Squire Mortchamp's pay But Teally now that I'm safe and in the midst of friends I'd fain regard all as an unhappy dream. Need I remind you, sir that when a lady expresses a wish,' "the gentleman'sdirty is to obey." Than Archer, whose heart was beating more quickly than ever before, gave her a detailed account of ail that had passed since the night of her abduction. At the end, her gaze was downcast, but the youag man, in a brief glance, saw that her cheeks were wet with toara.

CHAPTER XXVTTI. AN OLD FRIEND.

"Ton both acted as the bravest of knights," she said, softly, "and it is out of my power to reward you as you deserve."

"I want no reward, Miss Lanrwell," he whispered. "What I did was in truth a very little thing; but—l'd have challenged Death himself to save you." He took lier hand and raised it to his lips; his heart beat wilder than ever, since it seemed as though her slender fingers thrilled under that sweet pressure. Tien as Cecilia Mortchamp was engaged in animated conversation with Pierce, and Mrs. Sturgeon was exchanging old memories with Mr. Parker, she told at length the story of her weird adventures. One-two'hours passed, then Mrs. Sturgeon, still weak from her indisposition declared that the gentlemen must spend the remainder of the evening alone since she with her niece and Cecilia had best retire to their chambers.

Candles were called for and lighted, then the ladies curtsied and left the parlour. Mrs. Sturgeon, who had already arranged with Mr. Parker for their further progress early on the morrow, took one of her niece's arms whilst Cecilia took the other.

"There's to be no more rash doings," sa.d the old actress. "1 do vow that the events of the last few days have added balf a. centutry to my age! It amazes mc to find tha-t neither of you has developed wrinkles. In truth you're both as blooming as if you'd never known the meaning of adventure!"

"Now thut we're safe," said Letitia, "I could almost find in my heart to regret. These gentlemen have behaved nobly—l consider Mr. Cortylion—since he insists upon that name—as the bravest of his

"And 1 hold that his friend Pierce is equal to him in every way," said Cecilia warmly. "I've never seen a handsomer

"I'll not judge between 'em." eaid Mrs. Sturgeon. "All that 1 can say is that they've been vastly kind to mc. But for them, I declare that I'd have died of horror and of fright. But hush, my (tears—someone is coming up the stairs, and none iriua-t learn our secret."

A tall and pale-faced gentleman, wearing a travelling coat of rueeet frieze appeared at the end of the gallery. After the first glance, Mrs. Sturgeon's grip tightened on LetMia's arm.

"Ijord!" she said under her breath. "Tis my old companion Merrlek—the greatest actor of our time! Pass on to %011-r chambers 1 cannot let him go without a word for old time's sake."

The two girls obeyed; »he heard the dosing of floor*, then lifting a randle above her head so that the light fell upon her face, she moved to inret the newcomer. He started back in surprise, gaping as though confronted by a ghost.

"Nay!" she cried, "'tis years since you and I met— I might have paeped to the bourne whence no traveller returns, nevertheless I'm real llesh and blood' Well met. Mr. Merrick! Have jou no word of greeting in return?"

"By the gods, 'tis Mrs. Sturgeon!" he s.iid. "Here nin I in the direst quandary, praying with all my might for tbe advice of someone with common sense--"

"Do not accredit mc with bo homely a virtue!" ehe interrupted gaily. "I've lately been accusing myself as the most foolish, most rash woman in all England. Hut, dear friend. I ask your pardon for my lightness, since from your woebegone look you must be in trouble"

"You've divined rightly." he replied. "For the first time in my life I'm going to fail in my promise. To-morrow night the theatre of this town was to be opened with "Shakespeare's Twelfth V.ght.' and my two actresses, who left town with mc, have both developed astounding rheums. The apothecary declare* tliat on no account must tlii'V stir from their beds for at least twentyfour hours—and that even then they'll not be r.ble to appear on the boards! Tiie trouble has demented me—l'm halfminded to throw up everything and to hide far awnr from the haunts of men!"

"But surely some actress might be found in this town?" said Mrs. Sturgeon.

"The parts of Viola and Olivia are simple enough "

"There's not a eoul fit for the task," be lamented. "And my reputation's at stake —I should be dull as ditchwater with incompetent fellow-playcre. Help mc, dear Mrs Sturgeon—be an angel from heaven!"

"What can 1 do, Mr Mcnrick?" ehe asked. "If the play had been 'Romeo and .luliet.' I migh-t have offered myself for the Nuree. But I'm far too old to take the part of a lovely maiden. And long ago I formally bade adieu to the stage."

"If you'd appear again, the bill should be changed," he eaid. "But even then, there'd be no Juliei. Ilcigho, if only time could go back 25 years, if only Ijetitia. Warren were alive! She wae the bravest and the creature in the world. Do you remember how she once 6old all her jewels for the old Theatre's sake ?"

"Nought that my dear sister ever did have I forgotten," said Mrs Sturgeon in broken voice. "She was not a creature of common clay—she was a genius—such a genius as the world has rarely eecn. I wish with ail my heart that I might help you, dear friend. I realise what this dis-appointiuen-t must mean to you!" "You can help mc," lie murmured, taking her hand. "Uec your woman's wits —show mc a way out of the difficulty, and I'll bless you to the laet day of my life. For tout sister's eake- , —"

"Enough!" said Mrs. .Sturgeon. "Y° n need say no more. Rely on me—lll do what 1 can. To-morrow night Ttomeo and Jnliet' may be played—on my honour I'll provide the two principal woman characters." In- has relief the actor knelt and pressed her hand to his lipe. "You have taken away all my trouble, and I sball he able to rest," he eaid. "You will play the Nunse?" "My name must not appear on the bills, nor that of her who takes Juliet's part. I trust yon to preserve inviolable secrecy. There are many reasons why ■the young lady's identity should not be made known. Bat this, I swear—you'll discover in her ac fine an actress ac Letitia Warren herself." "Never!" cried Mr Merriclc "She was the one phoenix. Bui 'tie certain you've discovered some star " "One that will gleam for the last time on a painted stage," whispered Mrs Sturgeon. "I speak of Letitia's daughter— the Duchess oi Shropshire!"

CHAPTER XXTX ASTEB THE FUGITIVES. Both Square Mortchanrp and Mr. Cas«iH» were suffering from irritated tempers; for the last half-dozen miles they had snarled and cursed each other like a couple of angry tinkers. On alighting in front of Mr. Parker's hostelry, they stumbled against each other, and would have come to blows but for the presence of a crowd/of gaping servants in the porch. They passed indoors, and Mortehamp called sourly for the host. A plump, handsome barmaid, whose high-piled hair was covered with a bright silk handkerchief, came from her eanctum, and informed them that her master had left the inn, but that during his absonce the control of everything was in her hands.

"If it please you to enter the diningparlour for food," she said, "it shall be prepared in the twinkling of an eye. There's si cold roasted capon, and as fine a venison-pasty ac gentlemen migh-t wish for "

The Squire shook his head. "A. bowl of hot punch will be more to the purpose," he eald. "This cursed weather ehille the marrow in my bonce. And you'll do us the favour of preparing it, mistress—whilst I put a few plain questions '!"

"I'm sure I've got no objection," replied the young woman, "though to speak plain, 'tis scarce advisable to drink strong liquore at such an early hour!" "When folk are distracted in mind, said Mortehamp, "the very eight of solid food is unbearable. Be as quick as you can—my friend and I have no time to spend in idle talk." The barmaid, unaccustomed to orders Riven in bo abrupt a fashion, toesed her head, entered the bar, squeezed the juice of several lemons into a great china bowl, then went to the kitchen for a kettleful of boiling water. "A comely wench!" observed Cassilis. " If we weren't engaged in matters of such importance. I'd fain spend an hour or two in quizzing " "You are a fool!" interrupted Mortehamp angrily. " Don't you understand that we must leave the place as soon us fresh horses are found? The host's departure at such an hour, ay, and the appearance of all these serving folk, proves that he's concerned in our business. Here comes our Hebe—leave mc to do the questioning—l'd prefer not to rely upon your tact." "A fool!" muttered Cassilis. "Ay, 1 may be a fool, but not the only one in tho" world.* When Cecilia and I arc man and wife, by the gods, I'll not stand such insolence!"

The Rteaming bowl was placed upon the table, and the barmaid prepared to retire. Mortehamp laid his hand on her

" Star, mistress." ho s.aiil. " We're enKafjed in a very painful duty, and belike you may pive us some valuable information. 1 am Mr. Mortehamp. of Mortehamp Orange, and I'm in pursuit, of mv ward and sister, who has left home in the most unaccountable fashion. Have two young ladies —young and beautiful —spent any time here?"

" La, to think that yon should, have come after them!" cried the woman. "To be Biire they have. My master thinks vastly much of hoth. He's a good and generous gentleman, and being feared that they might be molested by knighta of the road, is riding as escort beside their chaise "

Mortehamp drank a glass of the hot prnich. "And where arc they going?" he inquired. "Have they turned north or south?"

" The master eaid he was accompanying them to London town, and that he'd not be back again under a week," replied the simple creature. "I'm sure he can't have known as one was running away from home! He's always very careful not to meddle in dangerous matters !"

" You saw the ladies?" said C'assilis. " You arc certain that they were young?" " I can't say that I'd a good look," she made answer. "They were muffled jp in outlandish fashion, and their Faces were well-nigh covered. I did hear them speak, though, and their voices told mc the}- wore folk of quality." In the hope of extracting further information. Mortehamp entreated her to drink. She pursed her lips in disgust, declaring that she was no wise wishful of passing thp day with headache for companion. Then catching sight of a meaning glance that paseed between the two strangers, she suddenly became aware of the indiscretion of her confidences. "I'd no right to tell you," she said nervously. " Mr. Parker's the best master women ever had, and I'll wage my soul he'd not meddle in aught but was right and proper!" "If you've any more information you'J better out with it," said Mortcliamp, savagely. "Your Mr. Parker may find himself in gaol for assisting a ward to leave her guardian in. such a scurvy fashion."

The barmaid left the room -without another word, and seeking the host's nephew, bade him ride at once after the pectchaise with warning that two halfdrunken men were in pursuit. This done she went Tipstaire to her chamber, determined not to stir until they had left the inn. Half an hour later, after chimonring without avail for another bowl of punch., Mortehamp and his satellite took their places again in the carriage, and ere long, after passing two men. who were leading horses, reached the damaged vehicle beside the broken bridge. iAn old roadman stood on guard. Mortehamp opened the window and beckoned for him to draw near, then slipped a crown piece into his horny palm.

"Tis Mr Parker's chaise for sure," said the gaffer. "Axle's snapped dean in two, that it has. And there's no further travelling on ihie Toad, the middle arch being carried away. I was working by the wayside np yonder" (he pointed to the right) "when I eeed the horses rear and back. " "What became of the people who were driving?" stammered Caseilis. "The two young ladies." "Nay, now, you most let mc take my own time! Never dn my life could I give a plain tele if I was hurried. Aa I was saying, I caw the horses rear and back, then 1 heard a crack, and the chaise fell o' one side. Mr Parker he helped the two lasses out, and they etood talking awhile, when on comes another chaise with two gentlemen riding aeidc. A dame stepped out—seems she knew the party, since she made a mighty fuse, and no mistake " "And what then?" cried Mortchamp, who wae fuming with impatience. "Where liave they disappeared?" "The three females got into the second chaise, and they drove back, belike to the croee-road that leads to the next bridge " Mortchamp waited for no more, but after a peremptory order to his postillion, sank back beside Caesilis, and was soon being carried rapidly after the fugitives. (To be continued Saturday next).