LOVE CONQUERS TREACHERY.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 151, 29 June 1927, Page 20

LOVE CONQUERS TREACHERY.

By HABOU) BUffDLOSS

1 Author of "The Impostor," "The Allinson Honour," "Andrew's Folly," Etc. SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS CHAPTERS. JIM HESTAN". rhe momUvr of Hip Board of Directors of Hestans. Ltd.. ;i hi»t*el Brm. opposes a plan (or thv i:->;ie vt new capital advanced by STROME, the manager, ami supiKirttil b> , : his α-wn stepmother. The latter endeavour's to get Jim sent to a mental home i>ll > account of his opposition. anU gets two dm-tors to certify th.it this is nwessarv. The doctors are deeeivw] by the effects of the war on Jim's nerves, which are tintiuestionably "shaky."' H'ariuj? of the plot against Jim, K.\TK. his sister, persuades him to s» to to consult a f.iuious specialist. In ordrr to ;r.-t away Jim impersonates Uis frieud and cu-worker, LWYRENCE BLAKE, who remains iu JiuTs room until lat<» at nljrht. in to gjw the young diFvctor a U-ttt-r i-bauvu to set CHAPTER XII. In the morning Blake climbed a hill behind the inn and thoughtfully smoked his pipe. Three or four hundred feet below him the river curved about the wooded dale; in iront, the loug red UlOOl-3 rolled back to Scotland. At long intervals roads of varying quality crossed to Durham and Northumberland, but none followed the backbone of England's lonely top. There was his road; through lite long heath and the wild cotton, where only the sheep led ami tile grouse- called. Lawrence reckoned lie was about four 1 days' inarch from the once fxiuuua ! Kershope burn, on the other side of I whieh the law was Scottish law. I«» i.the dales that opened to the Solwav, the Borderers, however, were yet an independent lot. Their ancestors lived I'v »ttl««-lifting and the i<iue» trooper vein was not quite run out. At all events, the farm hands and shepherd* were skilful poachers and. as a rub, marked by grim humour. If Lawrence narrated his adventures, lie thought they would see the joke. In the meantime, he was perhaps justified to loaf. The fishing was good and the wind would carry a fly up stream. Then he had undertaken to lead Jim's puraurers from the proper track and he ought not to get too far in front; he must rather encourage the men who followed him to push hopefully ahead. * There was another thing; the pursuit would cost Mrs. Hestan a useful sum. Lawrence felt the calculating woman deserved some punishment and if his luck were good, he might run up the bill. To picture her searching, expensively, for the wrong man, was humorous. He, however, must not be ra«h. The railway porter knew where Jim Uad. suppositiously, gone, and inquiries might soon be telegraphed along the line. If Mrs. Hestan's agents reached the inn, they would hear about the eccentric guest. In fact, when thev arrived, Lawrence must not be about; but he thought he might risk a day's fishing, and the breakfast would soon be ready. When he entered the dining room, the tourists were at their tables. One, he imagined, was the girl whose remark he had overheard. The waitress served his breakfast, and gave him a smile. "After all, you thought you'd wait for morning, sir. ,, "I may stop another night. The Bishop's Arms is a first-class house and I want to fish. Do you know a good beck in the moore?" "The river is the best, and since you are Mr. Hestan's friend, you can fish up to Scarside Crag." "Then you really think I'm not Hestan! Last night you didn't know. Perhaps ray sobriety persuaded you:' , '"Mr. Hestan is a very sober gentleman," the girl rejoined, with a touch of embarrassment, as if she were not yet altogether certain. ""But if you wani to catch large fish, you should follow the river." "One musn't be greedy and I'd sooner catch small Ish. What about the becks?" The waitress thought the becks weru poached and the trout killed by lime, but anglers sometimes visited a tarn tour or five miles off. Lawrence asked for sandwiches and presently got his rod. So long as he imagined he could be seen from the inn he kept the moorland path; aod then, plunging dowu a wooded ghyll, steered for the river. A car could not be driven across the boggy peat, and if he were looked for at the tarn, he hoped •the searchers would like their walk. At the bottom of the ghyll Lawrence remarked a limestone rock. The rock was, no doubt, Scarside erag, up to which Jim was entitled to fish. Since the hotel was not very far off, Lawrence resolved to push ahead, and for some time he followed the stream into the moors. Although he imagined he was poaching, nobody bothered him, and where the eddies span in alder-shaded pools he caught two or three good trout. Then he plunged from a ledge into the black depths below a waterfall, and landed, braced and tingling, at the tail fftf the, pool. For the most part of the hot afternoon he lay in the shade and smoked. Far down the dale he saw yellow cornfields. the hills were misty blue, and when he stretched his legs the smell of crushed wild thyme was delicately sweet. So far, Lawrence admitted he enjoyed his tranquil holiday. At length cool shadows began to creep across the dale, and he put up his rod. The butt wa* stiff greenheart, and when tied with the other pieces in the strong brown bag, might be useful on boggy ground. Besides, on the slopes of the pennines streams are numerous, and the sea trout ought to be pushing for the watershed. To poach a few would be a fresh adventure, and Lawrence resolved to carry the rod. When he was near the inn he left the road and steered across a field for the courtyard. Following a dry stone wall, he reached the old stable yard "and saw a dusty limousine. The long bonnet indicated engine power, and the dust that the driver had used some speed. He remarked that the windows were supplied with thick curtains. On the whole, Lawrence thought the limousine's being there ominous. Advancing circumspectly, he reached the garden. Dinner would soon be served, but before he went in, he wanted to find out something about the people who had recently arrived. When he saw the American girl occupied a bench on the grass, he stopped. Lawrence would sooner she did not study his manoeuvres, but she signed him." "Did you expect some friends?"' she asked. "Before I acknowledge folk my friends, I like to know who they are. One is not charmed to see all the people who look gpe up."

As a rule Lawrence attracted young women, and the girl gave him a thoughtful plance. > "'Two rather strongly-built gentlemen inquired for you. and it looked as if they meant to wait until you arrived. I imagine they are now geuin« dinner." •Thank you," said Lawrence. "I believe your object for warning me is pood; it's possibly hotter than you know. In the circumstances you will perhaps- understand nty not announcing my return.'' He frOvccil the gra*s to a spot commanding the ojien dining room window. Two grangers occupied a table. They were hefty fellow-, but not the sort t"o stop at iaus fashionable motor tourists use. Although their clothes were civilian clothes, Lawrence thought they had worn uniform; one knew the drilled man's stamp. They might be policemen, warders, or something like that. Lawrence's curiosity was satisfied. It was time for him to start. Steeling into the house, he «ot his ruck-sack aud put it and his fishing rod on board the limousine. A youth employed about the garage was washing the Americans' car, ami Lawrence remarked: "My friends have called l\-r me, and as sitm as they have dined we must be jtl. 1 suppose you ha\e got M»me p«.'j>trol v" "I filled tank. >ir. The spirit lorry comes in moaning, but we have some tins left." "Then I'll take the lot. I'm them in front: I'll stow them in the proper place." The youth looked surprised, but Law re nee frowned impatiently. "Bring the stuff and tell Miss Pattin son at the office. The gentlemen in the dining room will meet the bill. 1 want to try the engine." The young fellow brought the petrol aud Lawrence, getting on board, pushed the tins hack from his feet. Then he started the engine and seized th? wheel. The rapid throb echoed in the ,courtyard walls, and a man jumped from the dining room window. The American girl got out on the bench and Lawrence thought she waved to him but he was .occupied. The clutch engaged smoothly and the limoiuinv rolled ahead. When xhe glided past the gatepost another man leaped down tlve frout dooi step*. Since the cor r was sharp Lawrence durst not accelerate, and hj* heart beat. If he swung out wide, the fellow might jump nu the runningboard and he felt the front wheels take the grass. Then he saw the man bound across the road, two or three yards oft* Lawrence reached for the fishing rod and swung out his arm. He felt a jar, but aM he really knew was, he was round the corner and the man waa not on board. Mowing the horn triumphantly, be risked a backward glance. "t«~*ed in the car's wake, people shouted ;< n i ran about, but the inn vanished behind the sycamores and I.awrence fixed hi* i glance i> front. The road wns narrow ] and the limousine t.icik the incline at thirty miles an hour. Well, the t»ip engine would pull harder than that Lawrence accelerated and felt her leap ahead. Hazel hedge*, battered thorns uud dry-stone walls melted behind the speeding car; in front were red moors and blue folding hills. Lawrence slowed the engine, and heard a back splash in a ghyll. A flock of birds skimmed the heather and a cock grouse called. Nothing indicated pursuit, and Lawrence imagined Mrs. Hestan's agents would not be allowed tv burrow the American's car. Another was in the garage, bu« the engine was down. At all events, the road was narrow and I (ordered by a ditch, and'he had some cau» of petrol! he had ordered at Madam's expense. Lawrence launched one overboard, aud then swerving, dropped another, which he imagined bur>t. lty und by he | dropped two mo-re. In a narrow road, a! petrol can is an awkward obstacle, and if he were followed at high speed, hi- ' pursuers mi«iit not risk a. collision. 1 Anyhow, be did not want the stulf, since to steer for Northumberland on board a ' stolen limousine was obviously ra.-h. Where he was going, the telegraph wires did not run, and a man in brown shooting clothes would not be conspicuous. Lighting a cigarette, he looked about. The moor had faded to du-ky purple, tho folded hills were black and a pale 1 star shone behind one's broken top. In front, the road curved about a boggy i hollow, and Lawrence &nw wild cotton and water flags on'thc side where the ditch was not. He did not want to wreck the noble car, but the bog was soft. He drove slower, jumped from the board, and let her go. After a few moments, the car left the road and lurched, like a ship at sea, across the heather. Then she stopped, and tho roof tilted. That was all, but a Pennine bog holds all it seizes, and before the limousine again took the road Lawrence imagined ropes and planks and horses must be used. Moreover, the loser paid, and Mrs! Uestan must meet the bill. If Lawrence's ingenuity did net fail him, the account might yet be larger. Pushing his arms through the ruch-sac slings, Ik> looked for the North Star, and plunged into the heath. The night was not dark, and by ami by Lawrence found h curving sdioeppath. 'Die path went by a peat stack, and although lie did not soe a light, ir looked as if a house were not far off. His lunch was a small packet of sandwiches, and he had not stopped for dinner, but he must conquer his appetite. Searching for the house, lie might encounter a euspieous dog, and if° a gamekeeper occupied the croft, he might want to know why Lawrence roamed the moors at night with a bag and fishing rod. Then, the stack's hollow front was drier than dug-outs he had used in France, and stretching his legs in the soft peat dust, he was soon asleep. A curlew called ou a high note, and I Lawrence saw the dew shine in the I rising sun. Blue smoke floated across ' a battered fir wood and a beck sparkled! in a hollow. Lawrence steered for the beck, aud the cold water banished the stiffness he had pot from sleeping on the ground. Then he remembered that the trout, packed iu fern, were yet in his bag, and he started for tho croft. An inquisitive but friendly dog met him in j tho path, and when he tiilkcd to the ! animal a woman and a strong lad came to the cottage door. Lawrence advanced carelessly, the largo dog by hia side. '"The morning's fine," he remarked. "Would you like some trout?' , '"Yan's a white fish," said the woman. "Where's ta get them?" "Oh, well," said Lawrence, ,- I don't think you ought to ask; but if you invite me to breakfast, you can have the lot. To pet rid of feathers is awkward, but vou can put fish bones in the fire."* The woman studied the big trout; the brown-faced young fellow grinned. "He's reet sort, mother. Will you walk in, sir" Lawrence waited. To admit him was the woman's business, iind if one knew where to search, he imagined one might find grouse feathers in the neighbourhood, and perhaps a long, thin partridge net. It, however, looked as if ehe were satisfied, for she beckoned him into the brick-floored kitchen. Oα the table

were a loaf and a tea pot; in a frying pan on the peat fire, two very small lashers. The woman dressed the trout and hesitated; and then, as if she resolved to be extravagant, put all the fish in the pan. When Lawrence's keen appetite was satisfied, he pave the hid his tobacco pouch, and asked his hostess: "Can you put me up some lunch?" She pave him bread and cheese, and •niulwichos of wild ra«plx>rr\" jam, and at first refused his money. "You pave us the trout, and we dinnot rob travellers. -, '"If I spot a likely pool at sunset, I can yet some more. You, however, are some distance from a >hop, and T have paid a large sum for breakfast I did not relish half as ntueh."' "Sumuiat depend* on where you was t'neet before," the lad observed with a grin. "Its possible," Lawrence agreed. 'All the »«nie. 1 hardly think you ought Ui know. Suppose you tell 'me how. cutting out the main roa«ls, I ran get to Appleford." "It's a jjey lain* ruaifj 1 doubt you'll not can get there by dark." the" lad replied and looked at ha» mother. "Muy-hapnt-n if he stopped at Kedayke, they'd put him up for t'neet." "If you'll pive me my Hue, it's all I want," Lawrence replied. The line the young fellow drew aerobe , *tar and l>og might have daunted a city man, but Lawrence pulled ou uU pack and cheerfully took the headier. I The morning was fre*h and a bracing wind is wept the moor. He imagined he hud .helped hi* hostess' frugal house keeping, and i{ homebody inquired for him, *he would iue reserve. H»> liked the rather jjriiu North-country folk; to Ion" an they trusted you, they were xt-junch. As a rule, people did tiuet Lawrence Blake. White cloud* rolled up from the south-west, trailed cool shadows along hi* path and rolled ahead. Wild cotton wived about the dark peat ha«s and where a ghyll pierced the blo|»e» the mountain-ashes were checkered red and given. Sometime* a pike on it round moor top marked the track tho waste, but for the most part, Laurence kept the shoulders of the hills. On the ekyline, a lonely man would I hi conspicuous; witli the brown slopes for a background, hi* shooting clothes melted iu the heath. ~ Sometime* gun* cracked, but when small, KMttered figures crossed a ridge Uiwrenee went the other way. A #rou&eshoot was planned like a campaign, und if he spoiled the drive, he might he forced to account for hi* trespassing Moreover, be was a sportsman, and panickee|xr» must' live. Now profited, had bought the shooting rights, eport, so to epeak, Witt ronirni'tcialiscd, and the men who planned the drives were paid by results. A good day co«t one something, but when the birds were μ-uiw and wild the tips were small. In the circumstances, an ambitious koeper was justified to guard hU moors, but some were not satisfied to do so honestly. They removed suspected crofters by methods like the methods used by Kussian police, and fastened Imaginary offence? on harmless tramps. Lawrence, knew that sort, and for him to be seized for a poaclur might be awkward. Since he went cautiously, nobody

bothered him, and he ate his lunch in a limestone rid:re that commanded three counties and the faint Scottish hills.

In the afternoon he crosx-d a high mo<s where oranue cloud-berries grew, and until the sun got low pu-hed on steadily. Then the moors in front rolled down to a wide hollow, rounded like a bowl, and a railway and a river curved about the gap. Lawrence, pitting in the heather, his back apainst an old limekiln. Miioki-d hi* pi]H?. Ploughing acros-s bop and tangled heath is a strenuous job, and he had had enough. His bread and cheese was not hII {.'"'"■• u "d if he gatheied some heather lie might sleep in the hollow under the lime-kiln hearth. V< t h< did iiol know—for twenty-four hour* he had vani>hed. but his business was to mark his path, like the hare in a paper chax , although he- nui-t nut be taught.

When ho started "lie hail engaged for fourteen days t<> kce[> the men ivh'j looked for .Tim employed. Jjim rciuv did not know who they were; two or three asylum warders, fur cxaiupli , , could not usefully search the Midi- IVmiine Mit. Hc*tan hud i>erlia;>* engaged private detectives, uud Lawrence imagined the ]>oljcl' were entitled To stop him. He had a liazy notion tliat it a Intuit ic could keep hie freedom for fourteen days lii> jniardians' authority waigone. liut he did not know. In fact, now lie thought about it. before he started on his excursion he ought to have .-<'<>; i a lawyer. Two diys <•■ -e pi-no. l'Ut it tinothers wire «« -trenuon*. when the shareholders' meeting wa> over he might need a freth holiday. At the bottom of the -valley In- .-aw :i little town. Thiu fiiickc floated aW.nt the roofs, and except whrie the river sparkled) all the dale was blue. It got narrow and rl.>ped north west, a do<>ji shadowy ritt, darker than the encloeing hills. Lurry's road was north-we.-t, am! although he doubted if lie ought to ti-e the train or motor bus. he knocked out hie pipe and started for the town. At au inn \ifi might give Mrs. Hestan a fresh elue, aud after the j>eai stack a eouifoitably-furuUJeft Udroo.lll had some attraction.

Plunging down through fern ami heather, he noted that a black trunk road and t'.vo railways followed the \alley. The nearest station was aliout a mile from the town, and Lawrence steered for the «pot. Since the police perhaps looked out for him, to fix his line of retreat was prudent. He thought he might u-e----fully occupy a few n.iiiLtes by studying tho timetables.

(To be continued daily.)