DEAD MAN’S LOVE.

Evening Star, Issue 13090, 24 October 1908, Page 3

DEAD MAN’S LOVE.

By Tom Gallon {Author of * Tatterley,’ * Kiddy,’ * Jarwick the Prodigal,’ etc., etc.) ( ■ ’ . , :

CHARACTERS OF THE STORY. Doctor Bardolph Just (a distinguished scientist, and guardian of Debora Matchwick). Norton Hyde (an escaped convict, afterwards known as John Now). Harvey Scoffold (keeper of a gambling den). George Rabbit (an ex-<convict). Gregory Pennington (in love with De- , oora. He is found dead, and it is supposed that he committed suicide). Capper (Pennington’s demented servant). Zabdiel Blowfield (a money-lender. Uncle of Norton Hyde). , Andrew Ferkoe (his dark). Mrs Leach (the doctor’s fellow-conspira-tor). Debora Matchwick (Doctor Just’s ward). SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS CHAPTER. CHAPTER I.—There is a fire at Pent house l Prison, and Norton Hyde escapes in the confusion. Zabdiel Blowfield, a moneylender, had kept him without money doing the drudgery of his office work, and so Norton was tempted to steal from his tncle, who relentlessly prosecuted him. A short distance from the prison Norton i.nlls in with a motorist, who takes compassion upon him, and gives him a lift towards London. While tinning a corner the car is upset. Norton makes off in tha dark, and presently finds himself walking m the garden of a private house. He u a ks into the house, and in the room that he enters finds a dead man hanging "’k? 1 ® beam in the ceiling. Seated at the table is an old man, who seems demented. • CHAPTER H.—Doctor Bardolph Just, in whose honse the tragedy has occurred, enters and says it is a case cf suicide. The unfortunate young man, Gregory Pennington, is one Norton had overheard making Jove >n the garden. The doctor says ho does not want a tragedy of this kind centred round his house, and ho suggests that Norton, who is very similar in build and looks, should change clothes with Pennington. This is done, and Gregory Pennington's body is then handed over to the police, and buried as that of Norton Hyde, the escaped convict. Henceforth Norton Hyde io to bo known as John New, and be is to remain with Dr Just. Chapter lll. — The doctor’s household is very strangely composed. There is a very handsome woman, Mrs Leach, whom Dr Just makes do the meet menial work and treats with the utmost contempt and dis- ' courtesy, and the half-demented man. Capper, who was Gregory Pennington’s servant. Dcbora is very much afnud of her guardian, and John overhears the doctor make love to Dcbora. She is very anxious to find out what his become of Gregory Pennington. At dinner tliab night there is a visitor, Harvey Scoffold. He inquires where Gre gory Pennington is. CHAPTER IV.—His question comes like ' a bombshell upon the doctor and John New. The ■ doctor replies that Gregory I has disappeared, and then Harvey Scoffold | tells the story of Norton Hyde’s escape. Norton is alarmed, and when he leaves the table Scoffold recognises him, and demands to know what has happened that he is alive, when he is supposed to have committed suicide. At the same moment Capper enters, and asks after his master. Scoffold at once guesses what has occurred. He says he will say nothing, but the doctor and John do not trust him. John overhears the doctor propose to Debora, but she will have nothing to do with him. Then the doctor mesmerises ti\o girl, and by hypnotic suggestion, directs her to commit suicide by walking off the balcony of tho house. John New is just in time to prevent Debora from stepping over the balcony. CHAPTER Y.—'When John accuses the doctor, he admits that he sent tho girl to her death, and professes that he is heartily glad New has prevented a crime. In the event of Debora’s death, all her monev would go to the doctor. John has already begun to love the girl, and sho in turn trusts him. She seems beset by enemies in the house, and believes the doctor's repentance is only assumed. Mrs tells John New that she means to find out who he is, and that he will never sto” the doctor getting rid of Debora. Harvey Scoffold turns un again, and Cancer disappears. Scoffold professes to be on John New’e side against the doctor, and promises to render assistance in saving Debora. John finds that Capper is staving with Scoffold. Returning home, John New is recognised by George Rabbit’ who worked in the same gang with him in prison. CHAPTER Vl.—John New is frightened, and takes the ex-convict to the doc tor’s house. Then he sees Mrs Leach interviewing Rabbit, who knows about the supposed suicide. Rabbit threatens to expose John unless a home and money are provided for him, and Doctor Just agrees to be blackmailed. That night there °is a dinner party in honor of Debora’s birthday, and John, having reason to think that the doctor intends to poison Debora, feigns drunkenness. CHAPTER VII. IN’ THE CAMP OP THE ENEMY. As I lay huddled up in that deep armchair, watching what was going on, I noticed with satisfaction that they took no more notice of me than if I had really been in the drunken slumber in which they assumed me to be—which wae well for my purpose. So carefully and deliberately had I thought the matter out, that I had even arranged my position in the room with a view to the proving of my suspicions; for I had seen, in the bringing of this quite unnecessary bottle of wine, something about to be done which should concern the girl. And everything in the attitude of the doctor and Martha. Leach seemed to scream “Danger” to my ears. The position I had chosen was such that I could see not only the room in which Harvey Scoffold, the doctor, and Debora were standing grouped about the table, but also behind the screen which hid the many bottles of that part of tho room I have called the surgery. The better to keep up the illusion of my drunkenness, I now began feebly to wave my arms, ana to croon a song, as I lay doubled up with by cum sunk on my breast; and I saw ;i> "doctor look at me with some coirtemnt, and shrug his shoulders, and then glance at Martha Leach, who had remained waiting as though to assist with the bottle and glasses. The glance he gave i er spoke a? plainly as words could do his satisfaction ;n try condition—Debora’s protector was inert and useless. What now happened was this: Harvey Scoffold, who I am convinced had nothing to do with the business| in hand, had engaged the girl in conversation, and had interposed ids broad bulk between her and the doctor and Leach. He had his legs set wide apart, and his bands were clasped behind his back, and he was talking in a loud tone to Debora, who seemed somewhat mystified by tho whole proceedings. And the doctor and Martha Leach had drawn close together, and while the doctor watched the broad back of Harvey Scoffold he covertly whispered to the woman. “And so, my dear young lady, I am to hive the pleasure of toasting you in a special glass before I retire to my humble bachelor quarters—sh?” Harvev Scoffold was saying in his loud tones. “This is a new experience for me—bright eyes—sparkling wine—merry hearts!” “I don’t think anyone wants any more wine to-night,” I heard Debora say quickly. “ One at least of us has had mora than enough.” I knew that was meant for me, and my heart was bitter at the thought of what she must be thinking of the man who had called himself her friend. But there was no help for it; I had to play the game out to the end for her sake. The doctor had made a quick sign to Leach, and she had gone behind the screen. From where I lay, with my hands foolishly and feebly waving, and my lips crooning out the song, I could see her distinctly; and what I saw caused my heart almost to stand still. Sho picked up a small phial from the corner of a shelf, and slipped it within the folds of her dress; and the next moment was standing beside the doctor again. I saw their hands meet, and I saw i the phial pass from the on© to the other.

inea the doctor supped both hands into his pockets and moved towards tho table, which, as it happened, stood between him and Harvey Scoffold. . Ho kept his eyes fixed on Scoffold and the girl, and very quietly and very stealthily drew the phial from his pocket and opened it. Moving his hapd a little to the right, he dropped the contents of tho phial into the glass nearest to me. It was a mere colorless 'liquid, and, would nqt have been noticed in the bottom of the glass. Then, the phial was slipped back "into his pocket, and somewhat boisterously he picked up the bottle and proceeded to open it. Martha Leach, with one long glance at the girl, passed silently out of' the room and closed the door. “Come—just one glass of wine before this meriy party separates,” cried Bardolph Just, as the cork popped out. “And we’ll have no heel taps; we'll drain our glasses. I insist,” Harvey Scoffold turned round and advanced to the table. Bardolph Just had filled Out glass into which ho had dropped the contents of the phial, and was filling the second glass. I felt that the time for action had arrived. Just as he got to tho third glass I staggered to my feet, apparently tripped on the carpet, and wont headlong against him and the table. I heard him splutter out an oath as the table went over and the glasses fell with a crash to the floor. He swung round upon me menacingly, but before ho could do anything I had wrenched tho bottle from his hand, and with a wild laugh had swung it round my head, spilling the wine over me as I did so. Then, with a last drunken hiccough, I flung the bottle clean against the window, and heard it crash through and fall to the ground below. “ To tho devil with all drink!” I exclaimed thickly, and dropped back into my chair again. For a moment the two men stared b!ank.y at each other, and at the wreck of glass and wine, upon the carpet. I was waiting for an attack from the doctor, and bracing myself for it. but the attack did not come. True, he made one step towards me, and then drew himself up and turned with a smile to Debora. "Tm sorty,- my child,” he said in his most winning tones. “I did not mean to have had your pleasure spoilt like this. If you will go to your room I will try to get ru! of this fellow. Harvey.” ho added°in a .ever tone to Harvey Scoffold, “ give an eye to him for a moment.” Ho followed Debora out of the room, closing the door behind him. I had determined by this time to show my hand, and Harvey Scoffold gave me the opportunity. He strode across to me, and took me by the j-houldcr and shook me violently. “ Gome, pull yourself together; it's time you were in bed,” he said. I sprang to my feet, and thrust him aside. I think I never saw a man so astonished in all his life as he was to see me alert and quick and clear-eyed. “ That's all you know about the business,” I said. “I’m more sober than either of you. Now, hold your tongue, and wait; I’ve a word to say to Bardolph Just, and it won’t keep.” Bardolph Just opened the door at that moment, and came in. By that time I was standing, with my hands in my pockets, watching him, and something in my face and my attitude seemed to give him pause; he stopped just inside the door, staring at me. Harvey Scoffold looked from one to the. other of us, as though wondering what game was afoot. “Now, Dr Bardolph,” I said, “I'll trouble you for that phial. It’s in your right-hand trouser pocket. Pass it over.” Instead of complying with that request he suddenly sucked in a deep breath, and made a rush at me. But he had mistaken his man; I caught him squarely on the jaw with my fist, and he went down at my feet. After a moment or two he looked up at me, sitting there foolishly enough on the floor, and began to tell me what he thought of me. Tou dog! So this is the way you repay ray kindness to you, is it?” he muttered. “You scum of a gaol; this is whal I for befriending you.” tt Never mind about me,” I retorted; “we’ll come to my case presently. Just now I want to talk about Miss' Dcbora Matchwick, and I want to know exactly what it was you put into the wine destined for her to-night.” “You're mad!” he said, getting slowly to his- feet, and looking-at mo in a frightened way. • “ No, I m not mad, nor am I drunk,” T retorted. “Y'ou and the woman Leach thought you were safe enough; look at mo now, and tell me how much you think J have seen. Tour fine words mean notning; murder’s your game, and you know All this time Harvey Scoffold bad said, nothing; he had merely looked from one to the other of us. with something like a growing alarm in his face. But now he stepped forward as though he would understand tha matter better, or would at least put an end to the scene. /‘My dear Just, and you, Norton Hvde wnat does all this mean? Can’t you bo reasonable, and talk over the matter like gentlemen? What’s this talk of phials and stuff put into wine, and murder, and what not?” , ™ l . ts . true! ” 1 exclaimed, passionatelv. ’lnis is the second time that man has tned to kill her, but it shall be the last, the thing is too barefaced—too outrageous !” “Well, my fine gaol-bird, and what are you going, to do?” demanded the doctor, having now regained the mastery over nimselt. “ Fine words and high sentiments: but they never broke anv bones v efc l me - TOUr accusation clearlv, and 1 shall know how to meet it.” " So I gave it them then and there, in chapter and verse; thus letting Harvey Scoffold know, for the first time, of that business of the eastern corridor, and of the mysterious door that opened only once to the road to death ; moreover, l" put it plainly now that I had seen the woman Martha Leach take the phial and hand it to him; that I had pretended drunkenness to lull his suspicions of me, and to be ready when he least expected me to unset his plot. He listened in silence, with his teeth set firmly, and his dark eyes glittering at me; he nodded slowly, and spoke. “And the man you accuse is one holding a big position in the world—a man against whom no breath of scandal or suspicion has ever been sent forth,” he said. “A man known in many countries of the world —member of learned societies—a man with a name to conjure with. And what of his accuser?” I knew that he would say that; I knew beforehand the helplessness of my position. But I was reckless, and I did not care what I said or what I did. “Your accuser is a fugitive from the law; a man who lives under an assumed name, and /who has taken advantage of the death of an innocent man to begin life again on his own account. You need not remind me or that, I went on, ” because I admit it all. So far, I am in your power; but my position, as something outside the pale of ordinary society, gives me a greater power than vou think. I have everything to win; I'have nothing to lose. If you had chosen a better man, and had given him the chance to pry into your secrets, you might have had some hold upon him. So far as I am concerned, I am utterly reckless, and utterly determined to save this girl.” /Brave words—very brave words!” he said, with a sneer, “ And how do vou propose to set about it?” “I intend to get her out of this house. I intend to look after her, if I have to steal to do it. I’m an adept at that, you will remember,” I said, bitterly; “only this time I shall do it in a good cause. I. mean to get her out of this house, and it will go ill with you if you try to prevent me.” He laughed and shrugged his shoulders; then he turned to Scoffold. “If ho were not mad_he,would be amusing, this fellow, ne said. But Harvey Scoffold, somewhat to my surprise, was silent, and did not look at him. I saw a frown come quickly upon the face of Bardolph Just. And pray what’s the matter with you : snapped the doctor at him. “Nothing—nothing at all!” said Scoffold. in a constrained tone. “I’ll say good mght!” He turned towards the door, and I noticed that his head was bowed, and that he lenited at the carpet as he moved*, i

Bardolph Just stepped suddenly in front 1 of him. “Look here, you’re not going like that?” ho said/ “ I’ll have some word from you about this affair before you leave my house.” Harvey Scoffold looked up. quickly. “Then here’s the word,” he said aggressively. “I'm rather inclined to believe yonr friend'hero, and I don’t like the business. It’s a dirty business, and I’ve seen enough of it, and of you. Goodnight!” Ho thrust his way past the oilier man, and swaggered out of the room. I was so surprised and so relieved that I was in a mood to run after him, and hug him,; in. sheer joy at finding an honest man, but I refrained. With the dosing of the door the doctor stood for a. moment, dazed. Then he opened the'door again, and ran. out after the other. I pitied him for his weakness in doirig that, because I felt absolutely certain in my own mind that he would nob change Harvey Scoff old’s opinion of him. I had hatedi Harvoy Scoffold pretty cordially on my own account, and by reason of my misfortunes. Now I began to see (as, alas, I had seen so often with other men,. and all to ray own undoing) that I had cruelly misjudged him. However, I had said all I wanted to say to the' doctor, and I started off to my room. Now, had I been of a suspicious nature I must have been disturbed at the sight of the doctor and Harvoy Scoffold engaged in earnest talk at the end of the corridor which led from the study, but as, the moment I appeared, Scoffold shook himself angrily freo of the other’s clutch, and burst out with a shout, I was more than ever convinced that the doctor had been pleading with him in vain. “I tell you I’ll have nothing to do with you!” exclaimed Scoffold. “ I wish I’d never come into the house. Not another word ; I’ve done with you !” I heard the great hall door bang, and I knew that Scoffold was gone. The doctor, retracing his steps, favored me with a scowl as lie went past, but said never a word, while I, greatly elated at havin'! found a friend iu this business, went off to my room, determined that in some vague fashion; I would put matters right in the morning, and defy Bardolph'Just to do his worst. As ill luck would have it. I had forgotten one important point. Iu the eyes of Debora. I had disgraced myself. She had every reason to believe me the drunken madman who had hurled bottle,?, and broken windows, and upset furniture the night before. I had forgotten that when I entered the breakfast room in the morning, and found her standing by the window. I made my way eagerly to her, To my momentary surprise she drew hack, as though fearing contact with me. “ Debora •” I began eagerly; but site drew herself up and looked at me haughtily. “ Mr New, your memory is a poor one,” she said. “ I’m afraid you don’t remember what happened last night.” - “My dear Debora.” I exclaimed eagerly, “I can explain all that—l can show you ” I heard the door open behind me, and I stopped. Bardolph Just came into the room, and stopped on seeing me, looking at me frowningly. It was with a very virtuous air that he addressed me.' “ I’m glad to see you are striving to make your peace with Miss Matchwick.” he said. “ She line been in the habit of dealing with gentlemen, and is not used to such scenes as she witnessed last night.” I gave him a look which showed him I understood his drift. He was silent for the' moment or two that it took us to get- to our places at the table. But he evidently felt that he must labor the point, for he was at me again before ever I had tarted a mouthful. “ I expect you’ll have but a poor appetite this morning, John New,” he said, “ therefore I won’t trouble you with food. Take Mr New a cun of tea,” he added to Martha Leach, who stood behind him. I felt that that was rather petty, but somehow worthy of the man. I drank my tea, and went without the substantial breakfast I should have been glad to have eaten After all, I felt that the game was in my hands, and. that I could well afford to let him wreak such petty vengeance as this upon me. I waited eagerly until the meal was finislied. I meant to get speech with tho girl, by hook or by crook, at the earliest opportunity. I knew how pressing was the need. I knew how relentless tho man at the head of the table and the apparently docile woman-behind - him would be in regard. to,. Debora, and how powerless I, a creature of no real name or position, would bo in the matter, unless I could win the girl to believe me. I found that a more difficult task even than I had anticipated. Indeed, she avoided me for some time, and when at last I came in touch with her she drew herself up, with that pretty little lift of her chin I had noticed before, and warned me away. ‘‘f want nothing to: do with .you, Mr New,” she began. But I was not to be repulsed. The matter was much too urgent for that. I walked close up to her, determined that I would have the matter out then and there. ’ “You must let me explain,” I said. “If you don’t you will regret it all your life. You thought I was drunk last night, but I was not.” I suppose she saw the truth in my face; she came suddenly to me, and laid her hands on my arm and looked at me with startled eyes. “To poison me?” she echoed breathlessly. “ Yes. the doctor and Martha Leach. That was why I upset the table and flung the wine away. If yon had seen me five minutes after you left the room, you would have known what my real condition war,. The doctor knew it, I can assure you!" I laughed at the recollection. Debora looked quickly all round ahont her, with the frightened air of one who would escape, but sees no way; there was a hunted look in her eyes that appalled me. “What shall I do?” she whispered. “I am more frightened than I care to say, because I know Dr Just, and I know how relentless he can be. Don’t you understand, John,” she went on piteously, “how utterly powerless I am? Anything may happen to me in this dreadful house. I may be killed in any one of a dozen ways: and th>s well-known physician and scientist, against whom no word of suspicion would be spoken, can give an easy account of my death. What am I to do?” “ I can’t for the life of rue understand why he should wish to kill you,” I said, “ unless it b© a mere matter of revenge.” “ It isn’t that,” she answered me slowly. “ You see, my poor father trustee! him so completely, and believed in him so much, that in addition to placing me under his guardianship he put a clause in his will which, in the event of my death, leaves the whole of my property to Dr Bardolph Just.” Now, for the first time, I saw into the heart of this amazing business; I had probed the motive. He would have secured the girl if he could ; failing that, he would secure her property. As he knew that she might, in any ordinary event, pass out of his life, if only by the common gate of marriage, he had determined to get rid of her, and ©o secure easily what was hers. The whole thing was explained now clearly enough. “ What you must do,” ' I answered steadily,_ wondering a little at my own bravery in suggesting it. “is to come away from ibis house with me. You must trust me to look after you.” ' I realise now how mad a proposition that was; but I did not see it in that light then. I loved her, and I dreaded what might happen to her; more than all else, I saw no greater happiness than in gaining for "myself the dear privilege of watching over her. You may imagine what my feelings were when I heard her glad and eager assent. “Yes, yes, I will come willingly,” she said. “Where will yon take me?” “ I don’t know,” ‘l said a little ruefully, “but we can settle that matter afterwards. Far better for us to tramp the roads, side by side, in safety, than for you to remain in this place a day longer. Now listen to me, while I tell you what my plan is.” ; We were pacing up and down a grassgrown walk while wo talked; we were well out of sight of tho house. While I write this I seem to see again her glowing face turned towards mine; to feel the touch of her hands in mine; to hear the quick, eager whisper with which she answered me. I had cause to remember that afterwards, with bitterness, as you shall presents '“ v - ~ ~ J

“ The.-.qhanoea are that wo shall-yjd’ i watched;’’ I began, : “ because.l was fool&lp | enough.-last: night .to, tell the doctor ofi-pyl: i intention'. 1 ’ Consequently, -we must not!w | seen together during the day ; we mast ' escape uhder cover of darkness. At ten - o'clock to-night walk quietly out of the : house, as though.'you were going for a i stroll in the grounds; when you come to the gate, go out'into the road, where, I shall be .waiting; After thst we mast leave the rest to whatever good or ill for/’ tone awaits us. Ah some coliyenient time during the day put whatever;,JVoil need to take with you in/ : tho old summer-house; where we first met; no one visits that, aijd you can easily take the things from there’ when you finally leave the house.” _ V So it was settled; and for that time I knew that wo shoul r1 both wait eagerly., I laughed a little ruefully to myself at the thought of how little money I had in my pocket; but that matter did not greatly trouble me. The future must take care lof itself; 1 liked to think that Debora and I were two waifs, setting out alone together, to explore’a great unknown world in which as yet, we had neither of .da had any real chance of living. I painted a wholly impossible future for us both’; for my own' part, I think I felt capable of conquering worlds, and carving out -a position for myself and for her. The doctor chose to shut himself up in his study during the day, and although Debora and I had lunch and dinner-to-gether in the big dining room, the woman Martha Leach never left us for a momept, and our conversation was, perforce, canfined to the most trivial things. To aniy outside obeerver Martha Leach would have appeared to bo merely a highly-trained’ servant, devoted to us, and anxious to anticipate our every want; to my clearer understanding she was a spy, eager 'to bring about that which the doctor wished, at all costs. I seemed to see her again slipping tho phial into the doctor’s hand’.’ So closely were we watched during the progress of those meals, and so careful did we deem it necessary to bo in our behaviour towards each other, that I had no opportunity of learning whether Debora had suceeded in getting her hat and coat and such things as she might need into the safe shelter of the summer-house. Therefore I determined, about an hour before the time arranged for the girl to meet me, that I would saunter down to the place, and see for myself that all was well. My preparations were soon made’; I had merely to put my cap in my pocket, and so saunter out of the house, as though about to stroll in the grounds. So . I came to the summer-house, and, walking quickly into it quite unsuspiciously, came face to face with Mr Harvey Scoffold, seated on the bench, with his head leaning back against the wall, and his eves closed. He had a cigar between his lips, at which he was lazily puffing. And beside him on the seat was a little bag, and Debora’s hat and coat. Here, I felt, was an end of the game—so far, at least, as that day was concerned. How he had contrived to blunder upon the affair I could not tell; I only knew that the mere presence of those things there at his side must have given away the little plot at once. While I stared at him be opened his eyes, and looked at me with a smile. “ Well, dear boy, so here you are at last!” ho exclaimed pleasantly. “I’ve been waiting for you.” “ Much obliged to vou,” I retorted curtly. “ What are you doing here at all ?” He shook his head at me, with an air almost of whimsical sadness. “ My dear boy, my poor, misguided boy!” he said, “ why will you always blunder so infernally over your friends and your enemies ?” “I can distinguish jiretly.well between them, thank you,” I assured him, with meaning. Ho snook his head again, and laughed. “ Indeed, you can’t,” he answered. “ Now, at the present moment, you never needed a friend so much in all your life; and yet you endeavor to insult one who stands waiting to help you. Didn’t I show last night what my real feelings were in regard to tills business?” I hesitated, for I remembered how loyal he had seemed to be to Debora, and howmuch repugnance he had shown to what the doctor had endeavored to do., I suppose now he saw his opportunity, for he began to push the matter home. “My dear boy,” he said eagerly, leaning forward towards me, “ what early chance will you have of helping this -girl-,- if you set out on a wild goose chase through the world with her, without enough to pay even for a night’ sledging? Think for one moment; she has been used to every comfort ; she is a lady in every sense of the word.” “ God knows that’s true!” I exclaimed fervently. “ Yery well, then; don’t you see how mad it is?” he pleaded. “ Nevertheless, I mean to do it,” I said doggedly. “ Besides, how comes it that you know what we’re going to do?” He shrugged his shoulders, and laughed. “ My dear boy, the thing is so transparent! I know enough of you to guess that you wouldn’t allow her "to stay in this place; and then, by the merest chance I saw her creeping through the grounds this evening, and making for this summer-house. Later I discovered these things which she had left. There’s the whole matter in a nutshell.” “ And I suppose you think you’ll prevent our going—or warn the doctor?” I said, in a threatening tone. He threw up his hands' with a gesture of despair, and seemed to appeal to the very trees and the stars against me. “Look at this fellow!” he exclaimed. “ What -s one to make of him? As if I had suggested trying to stop you—or suggested warning Bardolph Just! On the contrary, I swear to you that I am hero to help you.” He seemed so honest about the matter, and had taken my suspicions so goodtemperedly, that 1 was disarmed. “Tell me,” I said, “what do you mean to do? How will you help us?” He sprang to his feet, and spread out his arms; and then suddenly touched me lightly with his fingers on each shoulder—almost as though he would embrace me. “ My dear boy,” he said, in his eager fashion, “I am all for romance. When I see a hoy and girl taking their way out on to the great highway of-life, ready to walk hand in hand together to the very end of tho road, my heart leaps out towards them. Consequently, when I guessed your secret, I asked "myself what I could do to help you. And I have found a way.” “What is the way?” I asked. “Our common foe is Dr^ Bardolph Just,” ho said, lowering his voice, ami looking about him, as though he feared that even in that secluded spot- we might be overheard. “ Now, Dr Bardolph Just does not know that I have changed my abode; he is totally unaware of the fact that I reside within a mile or so of this house. Consequently, what is to prevent your bringing the young lady to that little cottage of which we both know, and where there is a decent woman to look after her? Let the future take care of itself, if you like but be careful of the present. I will provide you with what money is necessary, so that while the doctor is eating his heart out with rage, and is moving heaven and earth to discover the runaways, you will be lying snug at my place, makmg your arrangements for the time to come;” I began to think that it was a good enough plan. I would, of course, infinitely have preferred to start off with Debora on some journey of which we did not even know the end;, but that was, perhaps, a foolish idea, and not one to be encouraged with a young girl to be considered. More than that, as Harvey Scoffold had blundered upon the story, it was quite impossible to keep him out of it; and I knew that he was a man of that temper that, if I curtly refused his offer, he might well betake himself to Bardolph Just at once, and let him’into the whole secret. There were many reasons' urging me to close with his offer, and, although with reluctance, I did so. “Very well, then, I accept,” I said; “only, heaven help you if you play anv tricks with us!” He shrugged his shoulders, and laughed again. “ 1 hope some day to be able to convince you that I am not a scoundrel,” he replied lightly. That Debora, might not bo disconcerted by coming upon the man unexpectedly, I persuaded him to walk on 3 little :

towards, his housis ■■T' would meet the'.' girl, and. followiimi £. : --To that ho consented,./and togefijjfe 3? we >■ walked to the gate leading mto/jh i’’Tda3. Mindful ofwhat I/had promi|e I Debora,; I’stepped out into the rood my iejf,' and watched the man as/he • strode.Jfa bidly away. ■ Then I set myself to waira vith what patience I could master, foridl b - coming of Debora. It was a fine; mg it, and as I . leaned against sthe wall,; siting, I heard a clock in theGjdistance dphethe hour of ten.’ Then theScfiqk of the gate, and my heart, gave .a;-;m|le leap as I thought of coraina P'Dhngine my surprise when, .On turning Miri'head, I saw a man ; advancing towardsj fee through the shadows, Jr was taring/abruptly hway, not desiring; to be seem ffir, anyone then, when the man!, quickened Shis steps and came ■ after me,- : £-. ■ “’Ere, ’old ’ardl ?dld ’ard a bit!” he called, and I stopned and faced about. | The man was: i aprge Rabbit, and he was in altogether •< inereat trim from any- 1 thing I had see llbefore. The shabby clothes were repla :|’ hy a suit of tweeds of a racier smart/ ii|’: and a billycock hat of a spqrting tyi ||was perched on his head. He nodded Sapndently; and held out his .hand. Of? mtt l took no notice., ‘ Too ;jrond to.s qke ’ands with a palch? he. said. “T| ire’s some people wants to be learnt a less af it seems to me. I’ve, jist bin.-,tip to the? itfiie, and ’is nibs there says _ ’e don't: kno r|hne, an* don’t want anything,; to do i if, me. An’ I on’y wanted.’io touch I; rKfer a quid.” “ You/ye had ail life money you’ll get out of either of us/ f-said sternly. “ And you’d bqjbter go’at ajr'.now; I 1 don’t want to talk to you.” ' ■ l r ' ' l Thatlsw’ore wifdiffer, guv’nor,” said Mr Rabbit impu< »tly. “I’m goin’ to stick to, you fer. a lit, an’ see if I can’t make sunjmink onq pf yer.” " J wondered wha| i was to do. I knew that in another mbfeent that gate might open again, and Dpßbra come out; and I was quite.certain thait George Rabbit would be _only too eager |6 follow ! us, and to Blake capital out? 6f our adventure. I thought X would fcmisomething more than threats; so I advanced upon the man, and suddenly took himf by the throat, ahd banged his head. Mtily with' the flat of my hand. i “ When I tell y<m I want you to go away I mean it,” 1 said between my teeth, as I towered over him in my "wrath. “If you don’t; get out of this I’ll kick you into the middle of next week.” He wri»gled out of my grasp, and picked U P billycock hat,’which Had fallen into the road. He gave ‘.me an ugly scowl as he backed.away. , C “ I’ll knife yer -one of these days.” he whimpered—“see if I don’t. You know wot I could say if I’d a mind to say it—an’ 1 ” The door in the wall had clicked again, and I saw Dcbora coming swiftly towards me. The voice of George Rabbit died ■ away as he gazed oa this new apparition; he stood still at the oiher side of tho road. I took the bag from Debora’s hand, and turned, and hurried away with her without a word; but I had an uneasy feeling that Rabbit was following. I stopped once -in the darkness, and looked buejk; and I was certain that he stojfped, too, and waited. I did not wish to alarm the girl by calling out to him; I could only nope that we might manage to elude him before coming to Harvey Hcoffold’a cottage)/ On the .way I told Debora/exactly what had happened, and •explained T to her that this seemed the Best and the only thing for us to' do. She; was a little disconcerted, and urged 'hie to remember .that Harvey Sfcoffold was a personal friend of the doctor; but oil that point I endeavored to ireassure; fieri, bv '-'telling her of the scene in the study the night before, and of the attitude Scoffold had taken'. Looking back on the ffiatler now. I wished with all; my heart" that 1 had adopted her suggestion,, and had flung caution to the winds, and,.had gone off with her' in some new direction; how much sorrow and misery might have been spared us- if we had done that you shall know hereafter. We came at last to the- cottage where Harvey Scoffold was lodging) and there I found the man awaiting us. /, He was courtesy itself to Debora; put a finger on his lips mysteriously ! when she would have thanked Win; and introduced us both to the old woman who kept the house. I was beginning, to think;that all was verv right, when I heard a'Ttcock’ at the door of°the cottage, and the old woman, who had been preparing, supper, come out of some room at the back to answer the summons. And ■ then for the first time I remembered Georae S Rabbit. ° It was his voice, sure enough; he wanted ' to speak to “ the gent ’oo’d jist garn in.” I ; gave a glance at Harvey Scoffold, and went I out into the passage to speak to the man, for I felt that I was in a tight place. K “3fow, then,” said George Rabbit loudly, you an’ me ’as got to come to some sort ot uiinoTstandin’. I’m a honest man, I am, wot’s worked out ’is time, and done ’is little bit right an’ proper; I :,ain’t no b'.oommg gaol-bird v?ot’s cut ’is -lucky afore ’is time. ” i I clapped a hand over his'mouth, hut it ' was too late. Even as I struggled with Jum I saw tbe door of tho room in which Harvey Scoffold and the girl were slowly opening, and the face of Harvey Scoffo’d looked out. George Rabbit slipped out of my grasp like an vol, and rushed to the doer of the room, and forced his way in. He was absolutely mad with-rage, and not responsible for anything be said. “What’s-; to do here—what’s to do?” asked Stoffold mi.diy; yet I thought he watched Debora as he asked the question. “Ask that man. ’is name!” cried Rabbit; pointing fiercely at roe. “Ask ’im ’is name —an’ were ’e come from—an’ wot jail ’e broke out of!” I stood still, watching Debora; my fate lay in her hands. Very slowly she came across to me, and looked into mv face, and asked me a question. “ What -does the man mean, John?” she asked. “You must please tell me.” I glanced appealingly at Harvey Scoffold, and in a moment 1 read in liis grimly-set lips that he meant that the exposure should be carried through. I know that if I did not tell the tale he would, in some more garbled fashion. Therefore when I spoke it was to him. “If you’ll take this man awav,” I said slowly, “I’ll tell her tho truth.” /The truth is always best, dear boy ” he said, with a grin. ’ So I waited in a horrible silence, while the two men went out of the room. Then when the door was closed, I turned to the girt, who was more to me than life itself and my heart sank at the thought of what I had to say to her. (To be continued.)