The Falconhurst Mystery.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 61, 11 March 1916, Page 20

The Falconhurst Mystery.

By EDGAR PICKERING

Author of "Murder Will Out," "A Winning HazarS," "Was She Guilty?" "A Witness From the Dead," etc., etc.

SYNOPSIS OF OPKXrSG CHAPTERS. Tip scene opens in the library at Falconhursi. where isir Brooke Devayne is instructing his lawyer, Mr Jodrell. u> draw np a new -will in favour of his cousin. Gilbert Dorman, instead of his nephew, pleased his uncie in some particular. After telling JodreU what he requires doing, Sir Brooke proceeds to discuss the <beant!ful Mrs Ellison, a widow who has evoked his sympathy because Society 'believes her to be in some dgree responsible for her husband's death. The baronet's secretary, Jasper PenkridßC. overhears the conversation, and later informs Mrs Ellison, with whom lie is in love, tnat Adrian has 'been disinherited. He does not know that she •will change her affections to whoever may become Ihe heir to Falconhurst. The same evening Adrian qoarrels with Sir Brooke and leaves 'Faleonburst early neit morning. Sivins his address to the housekeeper. He visils Hester iDoan. -wvbom be had married secretly some months previously, and while with her receives word that his uncle lias been murdered. ~* CHAPTER TV. FaJeonhurst lay wrapped in ihe black silence a dim figure had crept from the upper part of the rambling old house through' its intricate passages and stealthily down a ■winding staircase to the library. The door had been opened noiselessly, and upon entering the room the intruder had stood for a moment as it hesitating 'before proceeding farther, holding his band outstretched to guard against any unseen obstacle in the way. Then, as though assured of his position, he moved past the broad 'writing table, avoiding by a cautious detour the big arm-chair in 'which Sir Brooke was acnietomed to sit. and reached the end ot the library, where a safe let into the wall was partly concealed by the curtain behind which .Jasper Penkridge performed his duties as secretary. In spite of his elaborate care in passing through the intense darkness. h:s extended hand had displaced a heavy bowl of flowers from ite portion on a side table near the safe, and it fell with a crash to the floor, whereupon the man glided behind the curtain, muttering a curse at his clumsiness. Dead silence prevailed. Sir Brooke Devayne, in his bedroom above the library. had been roused, startled by the sound of the fallen bowl. There were sufficient valuables in the library, heirlo<.nis of gold and silver, to tempt a burgler, and. getting out of bed. he hastily put on a dressing-gown, going to the door, holding it ajar, and listening thereHis predominating feeling was anger. Fear of danger or hesitation when prompt action was necessary was not one of Sir Brooke's failings, and he decided to descend to the library. There had been burglaries in the neighbour hood during the preceding few months, and ihe sound that had disturbed the solemn quietude might have been caused by someone attempting to break into the house, and with a firm footstep he went downstairs, carrying a lighted candle. Several minutes had elapsed, and as it he had regained confidence tile man had emerged from behind the curtain, and was kneeling at the safe, the act o! opening the door betraying itself by the faint tinkling of a bunch of keys." His hand had groped over the papers lying or the shelf until it touched one that he took out, and thrust it under his coat. Aβ he did this a gleam of light suddenly f!ione across the room, and he sprang erect, confronted by Sir Brooke. Kor a moment the two men looked at each other, neither speaking. Then Sir Brooke's voice .broke the silence as he pointed to the open safe. What accusation he blurted out. what thrent and fierce denunciation he uttered in hie indignation, were never to be known. It was as though they had not ■been heard, for. with a quickness that ! gave no opportunity for escape or resisI tance, the roan had struck at Sir I Brooke's defenceless prey head with a weapon he had upraised, and the old man fell prone. Again and aitain the blow was repeated in blind f<-ar and rzgc and the murderer, after re-locking the safe, hurried from the library. The candle had been extinguished as his victim fell, and Falconhurst slept on beneath the peaceful darkness, undisturbed until daylight revealed the tragedy. The usual hour for Sir Brooke to camp down stairs had long gone by, without his making his appearance. an d this was so strange that Adrian Devame-on leaving the house had remarked on it. .Mne o'clock struck, and Gilbert Dorman, who had been invited to stay the night at FaJconhnrst, greatly to * his astonishment coming into the breakfast room found Jaepar Penkridge pacing the floor, wio greeted him respectfully. "Sir Brooke hasn't shown up yet. eh ?" said Donnan. "I seem to recollect that he was rather proud of his punctuality." ''I cannot understand why he is late," replied Penkridge. "You are quite right. Mr. Dorman. Punctuality is one of his virtues," and he gave a sickly smile. "iou bad better send to inquire," answered Dorman curtly, and at that moment the footman burst into the room with news that appalled his hearers. "Sir Brooke has been found in the library, Mr. Penkridge." gasped the man .tremblingly. "Something dreadful has happened. He's dead!" Tenkridge had reeled as though a physical blow had been struck him, and Dorman gripped him by the arm.. "There's some mistake." ne ground out. "It can't be true. Sir Brooke was well enough last night. Come." and he forced Penkridge to the doorway. For a moment the shrinking man made a feeble resistance, but Dorman was insistent, and hurried him to the library, where, lying as he had fallen, lay the master of Falconhurst. and Dorman turned away at sight of the bloodstained body. But someone had to take command of the situation, and in a few moments he had recovered his habitual coolness. Penkridge was clearly too overcome to be of the slightest use in an emergency such as this, and Adrian Devavne had gone no one knew whither. A groom was dispatched to summon a doctor, and Dorman drove the affrighted servants out of the library, locking the door until the arrival of the police, and he went back to the morning room with the secretary. Penkridge dropped to a chair, speaking for the first time since refusing to accompany Dorman, and his horror had changed to a sullen irritation. ""Well, what is your view of it?" demanded Dorman viciously. "Pull your- i self together, for heaven's sake. Vm as badly shocked as you arc, but we've got

ICOPTKIGHT.I

Ito face the facts. Have you any notion how this horrible affair came about?" "Why do you ask mc such a senseless question as that?" answered Penkridge, passing his hand across his forehead, where great drops of sweat were glistening. "Tha thing is plain enough to my mind." "You think the house was being entered ?" "Yes. What else could I think? And I would much rather not discuss the subject further, Mr. Dorman." Dorman scowled down at him from beneath his black brows and Penkridge turned uneasily in his chair. "Mr. Devavne ought to know what has happened at once,"' exclaimed Penkridge petulantly. "I'm of no importance or authority." "Where is Mr. Devavne?" "That 1 can"t tell you. I understood that he left the house early this morning, but no one knows where be went. It was not my business to ask him. -, "He will have to be found, then." replied D'ormau, and after this nothing more seemed possible to say. The grim tragedy had silenced * Falconhurst strangely, and the arrival of the police was a welcome relief from the intense restraint. The news had spread rapidly, and one of the first to appear at the house after the gruesome duties of the doctor and police had been done was Mrs. Ellison. Dorman was alone, and to all appearances had resumed his ordinary manner. "I've only just heard," she cried, holding out her hands, but he did not offer to greet her. "It is too dreadful—who could have been so horribly cruel as to murder poor Sir Brooke?" "That's to be found out." replied Dorman grimly. "The inquest will be held to-morrow- —possibly it may give a clue."' "What reason could there have been?" she went on almost hysterically. "Sir Brooke was always kind—you know that —he asked you to stay at Kalconhurst when you expected to be received quite differently." ■"Yes. 1 was considerably surprised when he invited mc to remain here." "They tell mc Mr. Devayne is not at home." continued Mrs. Ellison, calming herself by an effort. "He ought to be here of all people " "1 suppose he ought, seeing that he owns the place now." answered Dormau with a mirthlcse little laugh. She turned away abruptly. "Is Sir Brooke's sister to be seen ?' she a&ked, going towards the door. ■"This U enougu to destroy her re_ason —to kill her. 1 must go to her room. Where is Mr. Penkridge?" "Penkridge has collapsed.'* said Dorman. "The man hasn't the pluck .if an n\erage rabbit. He's about the bouse, 1 suppose." She srave him one of her sharp inquiring glances and quitted the room, going out, into the deserted hall anJ ascending t'ae stairs to the gallery. Midway ehc encountered Penkridge, who had come from one of the upper rooms, and at sight of her he hastened forward. "I'm glad you've come. Cora," he said in a strained under voice. "I expected you would.'* and he made as :f he would lave clutched her hand in his excitement, but she shrank away from him. "I came a? quickly ac I could," sh'answered. "Tell mc how it was discovered ?" "Why should 1 ?"* he exclaimed. "Isn't it t-ufficient to know that Brooke is dead?" "What are you going to do?" and Mrs. Ellison held up her hand, ior h>; had spoken aloud. "I shall have to stop here until after the inquest. It's for you to tell mc what 1 am to do then—where 1 am to go. Adrian Devavne is master now.*' "What of that:" "Do you think I would consent to be come hit servant?" It will be bad enough t<> go through Sir Brooke's papcre with hhn." "And then?" He had prasped her wrist, looking down into her eyes with a concentrated passion and triumph. "Tien you will marry mc," he hissed out. "Haven"l I waited long enough? Haven't 1 earned the right to make yo i my wife? You daren't refuse mc, CoTa." and in spite of her resistance he caught her in his arms. CHAPTER V. The coroner's inquest was held in th.long dining room a.t KaJcon-hurst, and at the further «nd of the table Adrian Devayne sat next eJie esoroner. His delay in returning had been easily explained by the fact that the telegram addressed to iis chambers in London vras not dkpa-tched until laite in the day, when the housekeeper's scattered senses allowed her to remember Adrian's parting instructions, and from London the message had been sent on to the cottage where Hester was living. At the other end of the table were Donnan and Penkridge, whilst the vacant phair beside the coroner ought to have been occupied by Mr. .lodrell. but a letter had been received from his clerk stating that Mr. Jodrell was prevented by illness from attending at the inquest. "His absence is to be regretted, of course." said the coroner to Adrian: -■but Jodrell could have given no material information, I 'take it, Mr. Devayne." "He was at Falconhurst two days ago," replied Adrian. "And complained oi feeling ill, 1 remember. As to his being able to throw any light on what has happened I \ery much doubt."' "Do you know what business brought ihim here ?*' "I have not the faintest, idea." was the answer, and the coroner asked nothing more. The jury, composed of shopkeepers from the village and one or two farmer*, had been duly s-woro. and the footmau by whom Sir Brooke's body had been discovered gave the first evidence.. He was followed by Penkridge. who had been the last to see Six Brooke alive. "I was detained late that evening." said tihe secTeta-ry. "There was some extra work connected with the estate requiring <to De done, and Sir Brooke came into the library about *en o'clock. He was then on his way to to room, and we said good-Eaghc." "Is that all you can tell us?" inquired the coroner. "Everything," and Penkridge, after waiting a moment, sat down, averting his face as though unwilling to bz noticed by the jury. "Mr. Gilbert Dorman.'

Donnan stood up, giving a glance along the table until he encountered Devayne, wiho returned it with one equally composed. He described how he had been invited to remain at Falconhurst for the night, and thai Sir Brooke had 6uggested his repeating his visit in a. week.

"We may understand that you and Sir Brooke were on very good terms, then?" eaid the coroner.

"It was the first time we -had Been each other for two years. Sir BrooKO was very civil, and j'ou may call that friendly. 1 suppose. We sa-t chatting after dinner until about half-past nine. We were alone. Then he said that he had to see Mr Penkridge, and we shook hands at parting for the night."

"Have you formed any opinion as to what led to his murder?"

"I think everything points to an attempt at burglary. The library window was found open, and it would be the easiest matter possible for anyone to climb to it from the path. The burglar was disturbed by the entrance of Sir Brooke and escaped after striking him down."

Dorman's view was endorsed by the police evidence, and after this the doctor described the injuries sustained by the dead man. and then a murmured consultation took place amongst the jury. The case was perfectly clear to them at any rate, and their verdict was one of "Murder by some person or persons unknown."

Not a satisfactory verdict to all that heard it, however, but no other seemed possible. It was one of those mysterious crimes which create a brief excitement and are speedily forgotten, except by those most closely connected with it, such as Adrian Devayne. -whose horror of his uncle's fate was added to by remorse. He deeply regretted that their parting had been in anger, and as he strode out of the dining-room at the conclusion of the inquiry he was conscious of Jasper Penkridge's reproachful look. Dorman followed him, and they went out into the grounds -side by side. Devayne avoiding the path leading past the library window.

"Do you agree with the verdict?" he asked abruptly. "What other could have been, given T answered Dorman.

"There were no signs of an attempted burglar.-. Nothing was disturbed in the room, and there were no traces of anyone having been in it nor of climbing to the window."

-Granted, but what alternative was there to such a verdict given by the jury ? None." Devayne bit his lip thoughtfully and was silent for a moment. "1 should like you to remain to the funeral." he said at length. "We haven't seen much of each other lately, and I'll own I was surprised when you were invited to stay here—l'm very glad now. You've nothing to reproach yourself with —I mean that you and Sir Brooke had made up any quarrel you may have had. , * "We had never quarrelled. He regarded mc as a black sheep, and I was surprised too by his friendliness. He let fall a hint that astonished mc a great deal more." "A hint of what!" "At something which is at an end now. and therefore better forgoten." replied Dorman. "I'll stay on if it will be any help to you Devayne, but honestly I should prefer to get away at once. You'll have Penkridge to assist in making the arrangements for the funeral." '"The man seems to have lost every bit of nerve. ;4t's^:npt,that want jsu on that score," Donnan. I ""want'Tonr help in clearing up this awful mystery of Sir Brooke's murder—to help mc hang the infernal miscreant who struck him down in the library.' Dorman laughed mirthlessly. '■What can I do in the matter?" he asked. "There are those who can advise you better than I, and Scotland Yard i≤ at your disposal." "I doubt whether even Scotland Yard will be of much service," retorted Devayne. "I haven't much faith in your detectives. Xo. Dorman, the murderer is too crafty for them. There was a motive for the murder, and when that's found, the scoundrel who killed Sir Brooke will be found too. Heaven have mercy on him, for I'll have none." CHAPTER VI. Night vras closing again over Falconhurst as Jasper Penkridge walked across the park in the direction of Mrs. Ellison's house. She had torn herself from his embrace when he seized her in the gallery, but the recollection of the brief ecstasy was vividly in his mind, and his thoughts were revelling in the prospect of seeing her again. Her house stood near the confines of the park, and upon reaching it he saw Gilbert Dorman come out and walk away. Mrs. Ellison had accompanied him to the door, and as Penkridge approached she regarded him with a look of annoyance which he failed to notice. It had passed as she seated herself in a deeply cushioned chair upon going into the sitting-room, followed by Penkridge, looking at him once more as he bent forward over the table, his sallow features alive with expectation. "What was Dorman doing here?" he asked. "He is an old friend of mine." she replied. "We had not seen each other for a lonu time, and naturally had much to talk about. ] hope you are not foolish enough to think he is in love with mc or 1 with him." "1 don't think that in the least likply," answered Penkridge. "Has he told you the result of the inquest?" "Yes." came the placid, indifferent reply. "He has left Falconhurst although Mr. Devayne pressed him to stay. Tell mc what has happened there since the inquest." "Xothing that concerns you or mc. 1 heard that .lodrell is not expected to live, Dpvayne told mc that—curse him." Mrs. Ellison laughed gently, for Penkridgp's unreasoning hate appeared to amuse her. There was no trace of the hysterical grief ehe had displayed that morning in the breakfst room at Falconhurst. and one might have imagined the murder of her friend Sir Brooke Devayne. had been forgotten. "Do you know anything of Mr. Devayne's plans?" she asked. "Did he speak about them?" "I believe Mrs. Gascoyne—Sir Brooke's sister—will live in London for the future. He said nothing about himself." '•"What about yourself?" The question came in a softened voice and Penkridge moistened his diy lips before he replied. "I've come here to-night to make an end of my waiting. When will yon marry me?"' She was smiling again, her alluring eyes returning his yearniii<» look steadily. "Did you expect mc to come to yon at once? There are a thousand reasons why I should not," she answered. "There is only one reason why you should," he retorted fiercely. "Do You suppose I can ever forget that I held you in my arms? If I'm speaking calmly "don't mistake it for patience or thought of anything but what my love means to mc." "How could I ? Yet you and I must act like sensible gecgL J«a^r. B

'"Is it reasonable to condemn mc to go on living in torment as I've done lately?' he answered angrily. "To be held off when Adrian Devayne is near you. Do you think I haven't seen that?" "You've no right to talk like this," answered Mrs. Kllison calmly. "Why should Mr. Devayne be more to mc than any other man who is honest enough to disbelieve the stories told of mc? They will be talking about hrm now—inventing their horrible lies, .those people. What is to hinder them from saying that he murdered his uncle. They say I poisoned Luke Ellison. I mean to live down that slander. Let mc go my own road a little longer. You say you love mc. That will prove that you do." "Haven't I proved it already? Haven't I earned my reward?" -Yes—yes. But hear mc. It isn't that I'm "not willing to marry you, Jasper, only we must wait." "Is that your answer?" "It is the only one I can give you tonight." He was glowering at her as she looked into his face. "It's for the best," she went on pleadingly. "What do a few months' delay matter when you've my promise to be your wife. Jasper?" "I see no reason for delay." he said between his set teeth, and she got up, coming round the table and putting her hand gent.lv on his. "I want you to trust mc," she answered shiveringly. for his arm had encircled her waist, but there was no re-mon-trance nor effort to evade the embrace "You must. I can't explain, only I want you to believe that whatever 1 do is for the best. When are you leaving Falconhurst?" "I would go now if it were not leaving you, too."' "That would be only for a little time, and it can't be very pleasant for you to be at 3ir. Devayne's beck and call—to be treated like a menial and unable to resent the slights you are certain to receive. You and he have never been friendly.*' "I hate him," hissed Penkridge, drawing her closer to his side. "He has tried to come between you and mc, Cora."'

"Then what sort of life do you expect in the future if you stop on at Falcon■hurst?" she asked. "It will be one of constant humiliation. Every action of yours will be watched and suspected. You think I care tor Adrian Devayne, but tou were never more mistaken in your life." I "It's because of that I'm 'hesitating. Devavne 'has asked mc to stay—there ! are matters which want putting straight connected with the estate of which he knows nothing, and now that Jodrell is ill I shall be useful to him." "Have you refused to stop?" "I intended to tell him so to-mor-row/ '"Then do so for my sake. Jasper, because I'm wiser than you, although you may not think so, and" I know it will be far better for both of us that you _go away. I'll come to you. Do you suppose I'm not sorry at parting? You don't know what a woman's heart can feel and suffer, nor how ready she is to sacrifice herself for those she loves." He had drawn her face down to his so that she felt his hot breath on her cheek, and the touch of her hair on his brow intoxicated hkn as 'he held her in his fierce embrace. "Tell mc you love mc, Cora," he said huskily. "Have you ever doubted mc?" she answered softly. '"That is my reason for saying what I have. I want to save you from yourself, Jasper —from something you don't see as I do." ""When will you come to mc if I go away ." "-Soon. Very soon—l promise that. Do you think I'm ihappy but people shan't say I was afraid to face them now that Sir Brooke Devayne is dead." There was no "trace of grief nor any other emotion as she uttered the murdered man's name, but Penkridge's haggard face 'had turned livid as he heard it. "TO go." he said doggedly. "T>evayne shall be told in the morning." Mts. Ellison went to the door, looking out into the passage, and beckoned to him.

Mrs. Ellison went to door, looking out into the passage, and beckoned to him.

"Say good-bye now" «hi -waMiifri The servant is cornine ™> ; and there will doHm? another S* tunity." . T*^"' Penkridge was trembling iwifl, _i. ment, the icy coldnesa of his <** ' ■hands on her shouMers penetrati^ , ?*' ■ thin dress so that she shuddered^ v ■" lips tou«ed hers. ■ "ha "You shall have my address , fe_ days;' he said. "You will come to a^ \es—yes.-' she answered. "HiWt T promised?" and she drew back to VV him pass out of the house. ™- ■ For an instant after Being left aim, ~ she remained deep in thought and » a look such as the contact witk *b™ loathsome thing might have prodnSS came into her eyes. """P** "It is good-bye for ever, Jasper P«it ridge," she muttered as she went to tt mirror, adjusting her ruffled iair. must have been mad to think ftpoaiwufOT mc to love such a wretch as TonrJt -faugh!-I have the feel of hands yet," and she shuddered' aga^,™.----(To be continued Saturday .next). ,