THE BEAUTY SNATCHERS

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 31, 5 February 1916, Page 20

THE BEAUTY SNATCHERS

(All Rights S.eservei)

By R. MURRAY GILCHRIST

CHATTER XXXll.—(Continued.) After Squire Mortchamp an.l Cassilis had been refused shelter, under the same roof as Cecilia, they passed, muttering, to the "White Hart'," a less reputable hostelry frequented chiefly by farmers and tradesmen. .Cassilis had called at once for a bowl'of punch: his companion pinched him sharply in the fleshy part of his arm. "We have fooled enough." he said, "and now the game's ton seriou>. Curses upon that hag who sent us hither! I've not .1 grain of doubt she'd been put up to it! No more drink for you or mc until the hussies are in our power!" He rang a -hell, an.l clamoured f&r supper, though to be sure neither was in the least hungry. Wicn they bad toyed for a brief while with the juicy slices of cold beef, he bade the attendant summon 'his postillion. "You -will spend the night in watching what happens at the other inn," he said. "At the first sign of the two young ladies' departure—hasten to our chamber, then see that the horses are put to my carriage." i m >SSSr tSUa "Ay, 'tis all very well." said the man sullenly, "bnt your honour's forgetting that I'm worn out with being so long in the saddle. Drenched to the skin— there's not a dry rag on my body." "No matter," said Mortchamp, throwing a coin at his feet. "Take that— borrow or buy clothing from one of the fellows of this place. "Tis of vital importance that they should not leave the town without our knowledge." "You'll be rewarded to your satisfaction." added Cassilis. "At the very hour the young ladies are in our company again, I promise you five guineas "from my own purse- There's no need for you to spend the niglrt out-of-doors —you can watch from some window on tbe ground floor." "Well, if I must, I must." said the man. "I'd a -hundred times Liefer be in bed, but duty is duty—nnd moneys money, though it comes in a foul clout!" I "He retired, and soon afterwards Mort- ; champ and Cassilis ascended to a great - double-bedded chamber on the first floor, with windows overlooking the market-place. Each threw off his coat and boots, then tumbled into a soft leather-bed, and fell asleep like a surfeited hog. Mortchamp was troubled with nightmare; soon after midnight he ro6e with a hoaTse scream, and rushed to the door, upsetting a heavy oaken — table that stood between the two beds. The noise awoke Cassilis, who sat up- •" right with his hands pressed to his ears. "What is it?" he stuttered in a fright. "What ha 6 happened?" The falling of the table had awakened Mortchamp; he stood near the hearth, wiping the sweat away from his forehead with the back of his hand. "I've had a terrible vision!" he sa.d in a trembling voice. "Never have I been 60 terrified. The darkness—the dread —were more than my brain could bear. . . Do you not hear the beating of my heart?" Cassilis left the bed. and went to his side. "Egad!" he said. "Tis loud as the ticking of a clock. You're safe here —there's nought to dTcad- Lie down sleep, and for mercy's sake spaTe. AS e-ueh another fright!" "I cannot rest until, I've driven away this feeling of hoiror," said Mortchamp hoarsely. .Jl was lost in utter darkness " Cassilis laid a hand on Mortchamp's shoulders. "Come, come!" be said, "if you give way in this fashion, you'll soon be sis timorous as a woman. I never thought you a coward " "You are incapable of understanding," interrupted his friend. " So ghastly a dream would have destroyed what little sense you possess. I was in the caves at Mortchamp — pursuing Miss Lamwell—who passed in the , distance carrying a lighted lantern—and suddenly the roof fell before mc and behind mc, and I knew that I was left there—left io perish in the hideous darkness. And from the walls " "Pshaw!" said Cassilis contemptuously "Miss Lamwell is at present sleeping as comfortably as a chrism child in the inn across the way!" "From the walls came loathsome beasts and reptiles—bats and snakes and toads—waiting for the moment when I fell!" groaned Mortchamp. " Twas out of man's power to help—with every moment my strength lessened!" Cassilis took a candle and lighted it at the fire. Mortchamp's face was ghastly pale, and bis bloodshot eyes protruded 60 much that it seemed as though they were about to burst from their sockets. The light, however, brought back some of his courage, nnd after looking anxiously around his chamber, he . sighed again and again with relief. "Sooner than know such another -aream!" he said, "Pd give all that's left •- Jo world!) Go back to bed—

CHAPTER XXXI!r TUB LBTTEK

[(Author of "The Chase," "Camilla of the 3>cp," "Roadknight," etc)

I'll rest beside the fire till daybreak—l dare not close my eyes again!"

His companion crept again between the sheets, and began to snore, and he threw more wood into the grate, and gazed moodily at the dancing flames. After a while he began to laugh silently, realising that for the future he must be more careful in the matter of intoxicants. His mouth was dry and bitter; now and then the tip of his tongue moistened his parched lips.

'* When I have mastered my beautiful runaway" he said beneath his breath. •'l'll take a vow to live a more godly, righteous and sober life! She's a proud and haughty lass, and the title of Madam Mortchamp will be worn with dignity. Tis odd to think of mc settling down into a respectable father of a family. Cecilia will be well enough with Cassilis —though the fellow's the greatest dolt ever born! Adieu to cards and cockpit —ndieu to insobriety—already I see myself as a worthy pillar of the State." In spite of his declaration that further sleep was out of the question, he became drowsy, his head sank 'and he began to dream again. ThiiTtimo however, his visions were sufficiently agreeable—he saw himself back at Mortchamp Grange, and in company of a young and doting wife. The sudden en trance of his servant aroused him with a start: he uttered a volley of curses then pomg to Cassilis' bedside, draped that unfortunate gentleman to the" nearest window.

"Waken, and collect your wits'" he snarled. "Already our prey's venturing to escape!

Miss Vavasour and Miss Deiav-ijme I who, t ka to , a^no ;| instinct became afterwards two of the most noted comedian, of their °cen „ I were wont to declare in later years that hm jouniey was the most "dXtibk they had ever known. After leavin- the inn they disonirsed-as girl s will "dcot the handsomeness and the gallant manners ol the two gentlemen h The grapes are sour," said Miss Delavigne, look.ng through the side window at Sir Pierce Barnfield, "otherwise I might; have fallen in Jove with one of the knight-errants. Tis easy to sec, however, that their hearts are given to the young ladies in Airs. Sturgeon's charge . • - Heigho, 'tis a huge pity that we haven't ancestors and a fortune—though to be sure I believe that I'm descended from folk of quality!" "That may be, dearest child," said -Miss Vavasour. "Tis quite possible tliat we were changed at nurse, and that the linen draper of Bury St. Edmunds was not really my father " "Nor the beadio of the Guildhall mine! ' said Miss Delavigne with a merry laugh. J "But, after all, our supposed parents were the best of good souls, and should we ever inherit a great fortune, they'll have their share." "I'd liefer be an actress than a lady of quality," observed her friend. "At present HI own myself fit for nought but to play humble waiting-woman; but 1 believe that some day I might do well." "And I," said the other. " Tis a question of getting Mr. Merrick to interest himself in* our future." "Mrs. Sturgeon also," said Miss Vavasour. "Highly-connected as she is—aunt indeed to a Royal Highness—she might do much. It lies with us to prove that we can play our parts satisfactorily, and set our pursuers on a wrong trail. I long to see 'cm —already I've pictured both as dark as Italians—wretches with tender languishing eyes and soft melting voices." "La!" cried Miss Delavigne. "If they prove to be sdeh miracles of beauty, 'twill go to my heart to deceive 'cm. You've depicted the very type of man I'm bound to love." "Since we're not to have speech with 'em," said her friend, "there'll be little opportunity for the dawn of affection. I'll own though, if either was like my Lord Sanford, I'd weep tears enough to drown Cupid himself!" The day broke, and the rain having ceased, a long shaft of golden light spread from tho eaetern horizon. The air was chilly; and the two girls drew together the strings of their hoods, and, since throughout the night neither had enjoyed a moment's rest, both fell asleep, and did not waken until the postchaise stopped to change horses. Then Lord Sanford dismounted and came to the door. "Our plot has succeeded, and "we are being followed," he said. " You are not afraid?" " Not we," replied Miss Vavasottr. " The fellows must be cowards, and Miss Delavigne and 'I are quite strong enough to resist 'em if they attempt to use u» brutally. But for pure the chances «c

they'll not have the opportunity. Your lordship may trust us to behave with becoming discretion."

" After the next inn, Sir Pierce and I needs must leave you and return to the town," lie explained. "The rest lies in your own hands, lie sure that you'll not find any of us ungrateful. And now we must go onward —the pursuers' carriage ia scarce half a mile distant." Two hours later the gentlemen took leave, after kissing the actresses' hands with as much courtesy as though in very truth they had been ladies of high family. Miss Vavasour sighed as s-he watched them ride away, and MJs Delavigne was moved to tears of regret. But, as both were of volatile disposition, they soon recovered their spirits, and began to laugh merrily at the prospect of befgg»>g o Mortchamp and Cassilis. " Tis a huge pity that we shall not ob-j serve their chagrin," said Miss Dclavignc. I "I'm learning to study expression, and | the sight of their mortified faces would I be an admirable lesson. To be plain, though, J*d liefer do it in the midst of a crowd—such wretches might otherwise he disposed to lay violent hands upon us!" " If they dared hut attempt," cried her intrepid companion, " they should regret it to the last day of their lives; Come, let us talk no more about 'cm—l'd love better to build castles in the air. Draw yonr hoodstrings closer, my dear —otherwise, if you were seen, they might realise at vice that they were on a wild-goose chase!" ,-■ The next time the horses were changed they alighted ami entered the inn for a hearty collation, during which they sat with their hacks to the window so that none might recognise them from the doorway. As they left, Mortchamp and Cassilis watched them from behind a leather-covered screen in the hall. "We'll attempt nought till nightfall,"' whispered the squire. "If We interfered in daylight, there's a likelihood that 1 others might come to their assistance. 'Tis easy to see that they've no idea of j , our proximity—see how the foolish crea-' | tures whisper nnd laugh together as they enter the chaise!" | " I'd not he surprised if this journey of theirs is nought but a lure," said Cassilis. " They've dismissed their gallants - like as not they were tired of 'em. Did you notice how briskly they walked! Women are odd creatures—after such J striking adventures one might expect to ' find 'em limp as new-born kitlings. Sec —they're starting already—we have no time to lose." They returned to the carriage and the pursuit was continued. Nothing of note occurred until early evening, when the two actresses left the chaise and sought the shelter of an inn in a town on the great North Road. There, us they questioned the host concerning the hour at which a stage-coach arrived, Mortchamp and his friend appeared in the doorway. Upon learning that three hours must -pos6 before the heavy vehicle arrived, Miss Vavasour at once ordered a private parlour, and they retired there, having taken the precaution of locking the door. A few minutes afterwards the men appeared outside the closed window, and pressed their faces to the glass. Miss Dclavignc, keeping her face averted, left the -hearth and slowly drew the curtains. "Never in all my life have I seen such •villainous countenances!" whispered Miss Vavasour. "I don't wonder at any lady wishing to escape from men like these! Tis easy to see that both are s"dden with drink! La! 1 was forgcttir... the letter Mr. Merrick drafted!" She drew a folded sheet from her skirt pocket. "One of ue must c'en copy it —so as it can be left when we take the coach." There was an oaken escritoire in the parlour; she raised the sloping lid, and found inside a pewter inkstand, paper and a sheaf of gooeequill pens. As her father, the worthy linen draper, had taught her to write as well as any gentlewoman, she sat down and made a clear copy of the actor's draft. "Sirs, we have -become aware of your •further unseemly conduct, and confess ourselves greatly incensed because of your boldness. Be satisfied with what you have done already, and return to your country. It is useless to follow ub further—we intend to seek safe shelter from your persecutions. It would be plainftfl for mc, who am the most grossly •wronged, to ask for the protection of tho law, but, believe mc, unless you desist from any further pursuit, you must be prepared to suffer the penalty. I am, sirs, your obedient servant, ItM." "I warrant 'twill throw 'cm into a passion;"" said Miss Delavigne, after she had read the note. " Tis like enough that they'll follow the coach and meet us later. Now tliat I've seen 'em, I vow that FT] be glad when, -we're book once more with our fellow-players!" Miss Vavasour Tang for the innkeeper, Ibade him reserve their places in the interior of the mail-coach, and then inquired concerning tho doing of the two men. "It is well that we should hear," she said, "since we've reason to believe that our presence in this house accounts for theirs, i I may tell you that they have subjected my friend and mc to considerable annoyance, and that we are bound to give all particulars of their doings to our guardians.",,. ...

"Bless my soul!" exclaimed the mystified host, "the moment 1 set eyes upon 'em, I knew they'd come for no good. One ia pacing about the house like an angry bear, and t'other stands in the bar gulping down au ocean of strong drink. I'll be more than a little glad to see their backs. Not tliat they're common-folk—they travel in as handsome a carriage as man might desire!"

"I regret to say that they've forgotten the responsibilities of their position," Baid Miss Delavipme: "but doubtless after our departure they will realise the folly of their loose conduct." She folded and scaled the letter, then placed it in his hand. "Present this to one or t'other as 60on after our departure as you think lit," she added. "I warrant after 'tis read they'll not trouble you longer with their presence."

The man, who was preatly impressed by their stately manner of speaking, withdrew, and did not appear again until the conch had entered the courtyard. The two girls drew down their hoods, and unperceived by either Mortchamp or his friend, took their places. A few minutes later the heavy vehicle passed through the archway and along the narrow'strcets of the town. No other passengers travelled in the interior, and in the consciousness of having fulfilled all directions to the letter, both fell fast I asleep.

CHAPTER XXXIV. BEFOOLED. i According to the old proverb, it is un-! wire to cry until one Ls safely out ot tho wood. The two actresses made the blunder of felicitating themselves upon I having left their pursuers iv the lurch,) not for a moment imagining that a mail- j coach might just as well be followed as | a common postchnisc. It is true that! there was safety in numbers —the coach- ! man and the guard wore stout and burly | fellows, and the outside passengers were ! three shrewd bagmen returning with I their boxes of samples from l.ondoi*C town. At Camsdalo Common, a wild and bnr-1 ren stretch of country five miles from j any village, the road wound between I steep limestone cliffs overhung with junl-! pers. Twilight was near; already the j guard was thinking of lighting the j lamps, when suddenly three masked j horsemen blocked the way, and tincoach stopped with a jolt that (lung the sleeping girls into each other's arms. Then came the sound of angry parleying, followed by a pistol !,hot. Miss \ avasour let down the window on her side, and looking out, saw one man cutting the traces, whilst the others aimed at the party on the top. "Wo have fallen into the hands of high- ■ way-men!" she cried. "Surely we're not living as real folk, but as the characters of some old romance!" "Highwaymen!" stammered Mies Delavigne. "Great Heavens, what shall we ( do? They'll strip us of our jewels and of every farthing we possess!" "Even then," snid her friend reassuringly, "we shall not be much the poorer, i "Trinkets of paste are easily enough replaced—l'm certain that good Mr Merrick will not allow us to be losers in \ any fashion. As for money—mine, with the exception of a guinea my purse holds —is stitched inside my stays " "And mine in the hem of my petticoat," said Miss Delavigne. "My purse contains no more than two crown pieces." The rogue who had released the four horses now presented himself at the window, rnising his hat with clumsy gallantry. "I'll trouble you two ladies to step out and give up your valuables!" he said. "No need to be alarmed, my dears—honest Captain Dickory never laid a rough hand upon one of the tender sex in all his life." "Oh, sir!" said Miss Vavasour, "I beg and entreat you not to deprive us ot our heirlooms. I can 6ce that you're a gentleman—you have the manner of one whom I have met at Court balls!" "Maybe so, miss," Baid the highwayman; "but, egad, I've little time to spare. Out with you —let mc have the swag " Miss Delavigne clasped her hands in entreaty. "Captain Dickory," she murmured, "I beg of you as a master ot chivalry to let ue go without depriving us of our poor ornaments. My companion—Lady Augusta Fitzarthur —will certainly recompense you later " "A bird in the hand's worth two in the bush," said Captain Dickory. "As you're ladies of quality, your gewgaws ■will be worth having. But turn out your pockets first " "You're welcome to our money," said Miss VavaeouT, offering her purse. "Although ™y friend the Countess ot Warminster and I are ladies of the highest family, we never have more than a small amount in hand. You'd surely not deprive mc of my poor guinea?" " Needs must when the devil drives," said the fellow. "Come, please step ont so that I can see you both! Countess of Warminster — turn up your purse. Zounds! — nought but two measly crowns!" "We have lost thousands of pounds Mrs. Theresa Cornelly'a gaming bouse," said Mrs. Delavigne, " and we're on our way back to our estate in Yorkshire " . "You'd best stay there in future," said Captain Dickory sagely. "A woman's

not fit to be trusted with the chink." Ilia maimer changed to a disagreeable peremptoriness. '* It you don't come out i 11 drag you, sure enough!" he snarled. Both alighted without further ado, and he untied their cloaks roughly ana removed their glittering rings ana brooches. They displayed a suiucicntly touching scene — aeciaring that every jewel had some romantic or historical association, but Captain Dickory showed not the least mercy.

" These toys are too valuable for f Oik who throw good money away at cards!" he said, "No use crying and wailing, my prettied —I'll wage my life you'll se« none ol them again. I'm sorry to have incommoded your ladyships, and I shall he pleased to meet you again—l've no call to trouble you any further."

They obeyed, and then, having extracted money from the outside travellers, he mounted his horse again, and with hia confederates, rode hastily in the opposite direction. The bagmen de- j Bceudeu from the top, and clustering afront the doorway, began to oiler sympathy to the unfortunate ladies. Kegarding it as inadvisable that they should know the truth, Miss Vavasour, with feigned a romantic story of how her diamond brooch had once been the property of Queen Elizabeth. Miss Delavigne, not to be behindhand, affirmed, with equal emotion, that her pear) necklace was the one discarded by Mary Stuart a moment before she knelt before the block at Fotheringay. The coachman and the guard, delivered to a passion of strange oaths, busied themselves ;"wit&-ilie; 'splicing-ofithe traces. The work was slow and'tedious, a full hour passed before the horses were in their places-again. With the darkness came a thick mist, and it was determined that one of the travellers should, until the open country was reached again, walk in front with a lantern. As the heavy \Vniclc was about to move, however, a hoarse cry sounded at a few yards' distance, and, turning, the men beheld it handsome carriage. In another minute two gentlemen alighted and stumbled forward. "You have some ladies with yon!" cried the foremost. " One is my sister— I must speak with her at once!" The actresses loaned from the open window. " You are mistaken, sir," Miss Vavasour said haughtily. " Neither 1 nor my friend have ever been in your company in our lives " The second man caught the lantern from the traveller's hand, and held it close to the half-laughing faces. " Egad, Mortchamp!" ho gasped '"tisn't Cecilia and the playing woman after all!" Squire Mortchamp clenched his hands until the nails pierced the skin of the palms. "You have befooled us both!" he gnarled. " Take my word for it —you shall pay " Cassilis plucked his sleeve. "Come, come!" ho wheezed. "These are but common trollops! There is nought for it but to go back." The other shrugged his shoulders, ahd, without another word, they returned to the carriage. The coach-horses moved forward 6low]y, Miss Vavasour trembling, -put her arm around Miss Delavigne's waist.

" We have seen the devil himself!" she faltered. " God grant that I may never look upon aught so hideous again!"