THE BEAUTY/SNATCHERS

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 49, 26 February 1916, Page 20

THE BEAUTY/SNATCHERS

(All Bighta t.emrvea.)

By R. MURRAY GJLCHRIST -

CHAPTERXLn. AT THE GRAN&E. The sun had risen when the carriage entered the courtyard of .Mortchainp Grange, and drew up close to a doorway that opened to the deserted wing. In the master's absence the men servants had been enjoying a fine orgie, and no living person was visible. The Squire roughly bade Cassilis remain seated, passed to another entrance, and a few minutes later opened the door. Then he took Letitia in his arms, and bidding Cassilis follow -with Cecilia, stumbled along the dusty passages, and up crumbling staircases to a small chamber on the second floor. "For the-nonce well leave them together," he said. "This place is safe— in these walls there is no secret panel by ■which they may escape. The women folk dare not venture here even in full daylight—'tis said a ghost walks across the floor—the ghost of a priest -who was starved to death in Queen Bess' time. The lock is strong—'twould need a blacksmith to force it. . . . Let us go to my room, and rid ourselves of our disguise —'tis best that none of my lackeys should see mc tricked out as a common drover!" In the middle of the chamber stood a vast four-poster hung with green velvet curtains rotted with damp. They laid the two girls on the counterpane; a choking dust arose and tickled their throats. Letitia stirred, her eyelashes flickered; and Mortchamp, grasping his companion's hand, drew him towards the door. "They'll come to life ag&in soon," he whispered, "and 'tis aa well that we should not be seen. Come—l'm weary ol this masquerade. See, my sister is moving—'twould shock her grately to find herself in company of two strange men!" . ' ■■ They retired; the Squire turned the key, which, since the loqk had not been oiled for at least twenty years, grated like the wheel of an ill-greased cart. Then thc3- made their way to a chamber on the first floor, and soon changed their unbecoming clothes for such attire as suited country blades of standing. Casein insinuated that hia' throat was dry as a furnace, and his host, no longer fearful of the interference of too-officious gallants, declared that they would celebrate the home-coming with his best wine. , "Hot punch is more to my fancy," said the other, "my blood runs cold as a millrace " "Nought but wine shall warm it," interrupted Mortchamp. "He laughs" best who laughs laet, and though we're safe indoors, I hold that we must keep master of our wits. If we approach our beauties" with -our breaths heavy with eau de vie, 'tis like enough they'll show their distaste in an unflattering manner. You shall ha\»"one<bottlo;Of port, I another, and then when the fumes have passed we'll be clear-headed and in the •humour for proper love-making."

"As you will," said Cassilis peevishly. "Let's have the stuff at onqe—l'm shaky as a reed in the win"d< How mean you to do in the matter of bending the ladies to our will?" "Time to speak of that when we have drunk," replied, the Squire. "We'll to the dining-parlour and satisfy our appetites—l'll own that for my part I could do with a great slice of venison pasty. Love makes a man as hungry as a hunter " "And as thirsty as a desert," concluded Cassilie. "Lead the way—l'll prove myself as good a trencherman as you." They descended to the dining-parlour, where the Squire tugged" the bell-ropo until a red-eyed footman appeared. Their return had not yet been discovered —the fellow hiccoughed Jiis surprise. S. peremptory order was given, and he stumbled back to the servants', qiiaxters. "When MJ6B Lamwell ie mistress here, I warrant tho house will bo kept in different fashion," said Mortchamp. "To epeak plainly, I'm tired of sowing wild oats, and I mean to spend the rest of my days in sober fashion. Ko more cockfighting, no more gaming! I shall be a very model of husbands, and the whole county will admire." "And Cecilia and I will become a veritable Darby and Joan," said Cassili3. "We'll often meet and talk over our brave adventures. . • in the manner of all reformed rakce. Egad, the last has been the best of all—'twas as thrilling a chase as bold hero might wish for. Here comes the food and drink —I'm as sharpset as though I'd fed for a month on bread and water in a prison cell!" A considerable time had elapsed since cither had tasted victuals, and the long night-journey had sharpened their appetite. In spite of Mortchamp's expressed desire that they should keep sober, before they rose from table each had accounted for two bottles of ancient port. It was afternoon when they retired to the dilapidated library to discuss the next movement. "Would that the apothecary ?ived near, so that we might use more of his drug,"'6aid the Squire. "Under its influence our beauties might be married almost without their knowledge." "Ay, 'tis a monstrous, pity that we'ra unprovided," eaid Cassilis thickly. "I'm in the humour for peace and quietness— I want no scenes, no more ranting. . • But speaking of marriage, where shall you find a clergyman?" x "There's a hedge-parson in the village," replied Mortchamp. "11l send for him—give him a few guineas and the promise of a living, and he'll maks no demur, but be ready to swear anything. This very night we'll have him ■here—bhe sooner the business is finishei the better. I'll go now to see df our pretty birds have awakened—by this time 'tis certain they'll be 'hugely perplexed. Cassilie rose, and taking, his arm, acompanied him to the hall. ■Aβ they approached the foot of the staircase, Mortchamp, hearing the eound of horses' •ooves, started so abruptly that his friend lurched aside and- almost fell against an oaken cabinet. The moment afterwards a bell began to clamour loudly. Both men crept to the nearest vrlndow, looked out, then, cursing undev their breath, stumbled up the stairs.

CHAPTER TT.TTT. THE RESCUE PARTY. The disappearance of Letitia and Cecilia was not discovered until an hour after daybreak. Mrs. Sturgeon, whofj eleep had been oppressed with painful ! dreams,, woke ' then, and, ris' x, donned

{(.Aether of "Tbe Chiae," "CajnilU of the Step," tt&y

a cloak and passed to her niece's chamber to assure herself of the girl's safety. The door was unlocked, and she found that the bed had not been occupied. Letitia must surely have spent the night in her friend's company—she entered Cecilia's chamber with the same result. Then, staggering to the gallery, she almost fell into the arms of a sly-looking chambermaid, "What has happened?" she etammered. "The young ladies —wliere are they—they have not slept here?" , "Mercy upon us!" cried the woman in feigned: surprise. "They were safe puough when I went to my own bed! They can't for sure have run away with the fine young gentlemen! Off to Gretna belike —I've Been many a couple on the road!" Mrs. Sturgeon pushed her aside and knocked loudly on Lord Sanford's door. At first he responded vaguely, then realising from her agitated voice that something of note had happened,' he sprang from his bed , , huddled on a few clothes, and soon reached her side. She had sunk heavily to a rout-seat, where she sat with her face covered with both hands.

"They have been stolen," she said brokenly. "I begin* to understand— tho wine at supper was drugged. We have to deal with devils and not with men. Heaven alone knows into what horrors they have been trapped!"

Hia lordship waited for no more, but routed Sir Pierce, with some difficulty, since the baronet had dnjnk more generously than the others. By this time all the inn was in a flutter. The eedate hostess, frowning gravely, drew Mrs. Sturgeon back to her chamber, and asked for information. "Never have I heard so odd a story," she eaid. "I'll bo more careful in the future about the entertainment of playing folk! There's no knowing what follies they may be guilty of! 'Tis like as not they've stuffed their pockets full of other folk's property!" "You fool!" cried., Mrs. Sturgeon. '■ How dare you use such language about —about my niece .and her friend? Are j'ou a woman who can hold her tongue —or, if I tell j'ou the truth, will you run blabbing about the town?" " I'm not used to euch treatment I'd haveyo".know!"said the hostess, somewhat impressed by the other's manner. "If you've ought to tell mc, I'll keep it close enough " "The young lady who acted with ma is the Duchess of Shropshire," said Mrs. Sturgeon, "and t'other is Miss Mortchamp, of Mortchamp Grange——" Mention of Lctithi's title made the woman throw up her hands. "The Duchess of Shropshire! Mercy upon us!" she - cried. "If I'd known as one .of royal blood was to be under my roof, I'd have had a guard at the doorf Ji'ow; I think of 't, his grace the Duke married a play-actress!" "Miss Letitia Watson was my sister," eaid the actress. "I tell you this so that, jou may know the importance of finding out all that bears ou their disappear-; ance. We were given doctored wine at supper " "Aβ there's a heaven above us, 'twasn't by my knowledge!" eaid tho hostess ipiteously. "Why, for sure, 'twould be high treason——"

"Some servant must have been suborned!" said,- Mrs. Sturgeon, "perchance the one who has control of you' cellar " "-

As she spoke the chambermaid, who had been listening at the doorway, crept away on tiptoe, and, descending to tho bar, warned her sweetheart that he had better saddle a hoHe and ride for hia life. Without waiting for further information he followed her advice. Meanwhile his injstress waslnquiring from her maids concerning the, guests who had spent the: night in tho inn. It soon transpired that the attic occupied b7 the pretended drovers was vacated, and Lord Sanford, convinced that Squire Mortchamp and CaasUis had been secreted there, declared his intention of seekin" help from the soldiery. ,« " T^ 3 '? a " military town," he said and I make no doubt that, after, under ft promise of secrecy, I have iold all to tbo commanding-officer, a' party of men wi|l be placed at my orders. *Tis certain that Mortchamp has taken both to Jus house-the essential is that we lose not a moment-in idle talk!" He returned to his; chamber to compete hia toilette, lyid soon, in. company ° a F iCrCe; hastcne<l to the barracks and asked for an interview with the officer in charge. As .luck would have it, this proved to be a gentleman of his own rank, who had met him on the Continent at the time of his Grand Tour. After binding him to secrecy, Lord Sanford told him that the safety of the Duchese of Shropshire was in question, and that it was of vital importance that no public scandal should ensue. The officer at once placed a band of twentjof his beat men at his disposal, and arranged that an hour later all would be ready to leave the town. The two ■friends returned to the inn, ate without appetite a hurried breakfast, and then prepared'to start. Mrs. Sturgeon and Mr.. Parker drove together in the lattert poet-chaise. . .

' Information concerning Mortchanrp's carriage was acquired from the turnpike men, and the rescue pa-rty reached the Grange'-without hindrance. Mrs. Sturjreon alighted- and leaning upon Lord Sanford'e arm, accompanied him to the front door.' Sir Pierce tugged the ring of the bell; the clanging sounded in their care, ac though it came ■"from the depths of come vault After a short interval, seeing that nobody responded, bis lordship sect two of the soldiers to discover another entrance; they returned soon with word that all the doors in the courtyard hung ajar, and that such servants as might be seen were lying in drunken slnmber. The men were then ordered to enter the house and open the hall-door; this being done, the whole party crossed the threshold.

In a side-passage was found a footman leee drunk than his fellows. Lord Sanford peremptorily questioned him concerning hie maeter'e return. The rascal ■would have blustered, and denied; bat the sight of the smart: uniforms affrighted him, and lie confessed that Mortchamp and Cassilis were somewhere indoora.' Of the two girls he knew nothing, and was even prepared to swear that hie master had : comes solely in his friend's company. Thereupon his lordship, without much ado, ordered his soldiers to search the ancient house from garret to cellar. ...

CHAPTER XUV. ■'. - -" IN THE CHAPEL. Squire iMortchamp and CaesiTie made their way quickly to the locked chamber. Cecilia was already stirring, whilst Letitia eat on the bed, gazing with perplexed eyee on her strange surroundings. When the door swung gratingly open, she gave a muffled exclamation and slipped to the floor; then she turned and. caught Ceciliane shoulder. "Waken, waken!" she murmured. "Tell, mc that this ie no nightmare—that we are safe at the inn— —" The Squire drew near, quivering with strange laughter. "Perhaps now you'll forgo the folly of attempting to escape!" he said. "You are altogether in my power—nothing in the world can save you from mc. . . . Scream if you will —perhaps the effort will calm your uneasiness." Letitia faced him undauntedly. "I was disposed to pardon you," ehe said coldly. "To pardon and to forget how you would have ruined mc. For your sister's sake, even now, 111 forgive this last wrong —if you throw open your doors and let us leave the house at once!" Cecilia Mortchamp, still half-stupefied, left the bed and placed her arm around Letitia'e waist. "You shall know no harm in the house that las been -my home!"'she cried. "They will not dare to interfere. " She turned a wan face to. her brother. "You have befooled yourself pitifully!" she said. "If you but knew who this lady is-—'' "A common' play-actress and nought eke!" interrupted Mortcha,mp. "A wench who has listened to a hundred lovers before I eet eyes on her! We have no time to waste —this chamber is not satisfactory for two such gamesome laeees— and for sure 'tis- time you had some refreshment. A meal's prepared in the dining-parlour. Coree of your own free will—unless you wish to force friend Cassilis and mc to carry you." He pointed to the open doorway, and bidding Cassilie walk in front, followed them along the gallery and down a sidestaircase that led to the chapel. Once there, he drew the bolts finiehinpr at the same moment tfcst San ford and the soldiers entered the hall.

'It ie here that we shall be married," said the Squire. " "Before nightfall T shall summon a clergyman,. and he'll speak the words that will bind us together for life. You need-not eye mc so coldly, jny dear Miw Lamwell—l promise that now our foolish adventures are over you will find mc the kindest and most tractable of husbands " "All the clergymen in the world could not force mc to wed one whom I detest as I detest you!" eaid Xetitia. "I'have told you this before —why force mc to repeat what must be aught but agreeable to your vanity?" "And Cecilia joins bands with my friend Cassilis," continued' Mortchamp, paying no .regard to her words. t "She will say adieu to you, and accompany him to hie own house. , To-morrow yon and I wilj leave this place—we'll travel abroad if you wish to see the world. ■But first some slight-precaution-ia.neces-sary—a party of insolent strangers has entered the house—and 'tia necessary that for some hours you should-be kept; in -g* Ho mov«3/slow|jiais ac his lmnßs' u l)usie3 J themselves with the spring, Letitia heard the sound of Lord' Sanford's voice, and a loud cry r<we from her lips. ,The moment afterwards Mortchamn seized bex Brutally and. carried' her through the opening into the oblong, tapcstry-hirhg parlour at the entrance to the cave. Cecilia stumbled after him, laying a detaining hand upon his shoulder. "You know not what you are about!" ehe cried. "This is no strolling playerit ie her Grace the Duchese of Shropshire!" Squire Mortchamp - cackled ' madly. "She has already taught you to lie and feign!"""lie said. "Cassilis needs must clip that lying tongue!" Cassilis threw an arm around her neck. 'Til silence her with a kiss!" he said.- "My pretty Cecilia shall never 'nave cause .to that use her harshly. and: good—you'll-"** the in alt the world!" $V !' f

Her eyes blazed yriih angry contempt. "You are mad—as mad ac my- unfortunate brother!" she eaid. "I am promised to another man—nothing--will ever make mc break that promise " ■ ■ She was interrupted by the noise of blows falling upon the chapel door. Above the clamour, all heard a .loud voice cry "Open in the King's .name!" Mortchamp released Letitia, and busied -himself with the opening of the second panel. Then he took a lantern that lay on the table, beat together flint and steel, and lighted the wick. '"Tis a cursed shame that an honest gentle-man should be besieged in bis own house!" ihe muttered. "I am tired of •Ehis folly—let us go—sufficient time has been lost.. Miss Lamwell, otherwise her Grace the Duchess of Shropshire, pray walfi beflre us! A lady of your high" rank should not be preceded 6y country bumpkins!" Letitia paid no heed to his fronical wWds: above the turmoil in the hall she heard again the-sound of Lord Sanford's voice. A pink" colour wanned her cheeks—her lips curved with • a proud smile. "Mr. Mortchamp, you have had enough of your own way," she said, "and the time has come for you to mend your manners. If you open yon door —which will be battered in before another minute, I promise you, upon my honour, that you shall go unpunished for your offence." ."I entreat you to behave no longer like some stage-heroine," he said, with pretended humility. "I admired your acting, but in trutl I'd prefer you to be yourself—" ■ ". . "Your sister has spoken the,truth, sir," ehe said.. "I am indeed the Duciess of Shropshire!" "Aβ you have been 'Juliet , and "Belvedera' and a host of other beauties," he eaid. "Pass before us. Miss Lamwell— you already know the way." "I shall not move from Jiere," replied Letitia. "I warn you that if you use further violence, I shall not cay a word to.save you " - "Enough of folly!" he enarled, closing the panel - that opened to the chapel. 'The door, is> already giving- way and not another moment can x be lost. ■ Tie' easy to see that you be carried' in my arms!"'

He whispered in Cassilie' ear, bidding him take the lantern; then he approached Letitia as though about to raise her'to his breast. Her voice rose in a loud cry for help; he seized her roughly and dragged her towards' the opening. Cecilia ran to the closed panel. Cassilie caught her arm and forced her to follow.. In another minute the second panel was closed, and all stood together at the head of the" subterranean stair-, cases. ■ s

f ..: i CHAPTER vXLT. :.... : •■] - . ■ PLAYED ODT./: ; .-.,., Caesilis- descended a few etaira, holding the lantern at arm's length, then stopped suddenly with a cry of surprise. Mortehamp pushed the two girls downward to hie side. Since hie last visit, part of the roof had fallen, and an opening of scarcely three feet in heigSt was left. Already the pursuers had entered the secret room; a loud knocking showed that they were already searching for a hollow portion of the panelling. Leti-. tia cried out again; the Squire, mad with rage, struck her so cruelly upon the shoulder 'that she stumbled halffainting against Cecilia's side. "Pass forward!" he hissed to Cassilis. "I'll lift these fools over the broken stones " "'Twould he wisest for us to go no further," said Caseilis fearfully. "To mc it seems as though all the roof were about to fall " Stortchamp drew a pistol from his pocket and held it at his friend's head. "This is no time for cowardice!" he said.. "We .have ■ ventured too much— there's, no. drawing hack. Once the foot of. the staircase lie-reached there's no fear. By the Heaven'above us, unless' you do as 'you're hidden, in. another (minute your' brains will be cooling upon the ■walls!' . After the first terrified glance at the Squire's distorted face, Cassilis made no' further demur, but clambered hastily over the obstacle. Mortchamp 6eized Letitia and prepared to thrust her through the opening. In the terrible etruggle that ensued, Cecilia slipped back to the, top of the stairs, and w'.th trembling hands forted back the panelling, and saw herself. face to face with an agitated crowd. "You are in time!".she panted. "Quick —quick! I know not what lie may dc " Her voice failed; her hands rose to her bosom, and she fell as one deprived of life into Sk Pierces outetretched amid. Lord Sanford passed through the opening: two of the soldiers caught him by the arms. ■ . .. '. , "You are without, weapon, my. lord," eaid one. '"Tie our duty as servants, of the King to arrest the men!" , lordship paid no heed. He flew madly down the stair 3, and reached Mortchamp at the very moment when he was passing the unconscious Letitia through the ' opening. • At sight of him and the • soldiers, Cassilis let fall the lantern, and tKe place was in uttnr darkness. Nothing was audible saveHho. passing of breath through closed teeth. Lord Sanford tore the girl" he loved from the Squire's grasp. One of the sold'ere fired hie pistol—in that Gharp light Mortchamp realised that further resistance would be useless.. He crept; awkwardly over the" fallen stones, and pushed Caeeilifi before him down the staircase. "This place is a labyrinth!" he whispered. "There are recesses that no man could find unaided " A great block from the roof fell crashing on Cassilis' shoulder, and he. yelled with agony. The secret entrance to the Giange, which had existed for at least four centuries, was collapsing. Cassilis would have returned and. thrown himself upon \the mercy of the Intruders; but the Squire held him with , a grasp ct iron. ' . ■ , " i 'SJE6u'll ) jbj>'a'coward to-the-end!" he the game is played out, there's nought for us but to disappear. We can.leave the country fo.* a while —my sister will plead for us, and 'tie likely enough'that v the matter wil 1 be forgo '\: ■ ;;.' Caaeilis made-no reply, but stood gaping foolishly at the crowd that'flllcd the head of the staircase. One of vthe ■ soi« diere was gesticulating wildly, and shouting at the top. of his voice. -. Mortchamp saw that the roof was cracking and sagging lower with every moment. Without releasing his companion, h» stumbled down the staircase.- Then, with.a noise like the beating of a monstrous drum, the archway collapsed. :

Lord Sanford and Sir Pierce Barnfield conveyed Letitia and, Cecilia. ■to the "Royal George," • where ' they", spent the night. On the morrow, accompanied by Jire.rSturgeon, (.who played the part of beef^riend-) s aiidl:Mrl Parker; they drove early to the" remote village 'of Peak Forest, in those days known as the English Gretna Green, and after visiting the little chapel-of-ease, the two , , young ccuplce parted and. travelled post-haste to the South country. , ' ~ ..... . Neither wife was ever-told the etory ot Mortehamp'e final disappearance, and the happiness of a long married- life was never marred with the thought of tragic happenings..-. In that remote- district even to-day one may hear weird tales of ghost-haunted caverns; nevertheless in later yeare Lord Sanford and Sir Pierco had come Teason to believe that twochevaliers d'industrie who rooked English travellers in Rome and Berlin' and Paris might have told strange stories of a miraculous eecjipe. ' , ■ .. ' The Duchess of Shropshire,.after heing treated by herroyal. kinsfolk: with, a few yeaTs of becoming coldness, was invited to present herself again-at Court, but declined ceremoniously, giving: as reason that she preferred the-rimplicity. of ' a country life with the husband :*ndichildren she adored. .'• .;■ ■.' ': ' ■