A HIDDEN ENEMY.

Evening Star, Issue 14637, 5 August 1911, Page 3

A HIDDEN ENEMY.

[AH Bights Reserved, jf

A STORY OF LONDON LIFE. [By Feed. Abhlht.] HOFES AND KSABS. "Another wea.-y night has passed, and ..till no news! Another morning has come —the commencement ot" another day to drag by, I suppose, like the others! 0 Violet! tow am I to bear this cruel sussense? Can Ido nothing to help? Inaction at such a time is maddening, and yet there seems nothing I can do but wait, and wait, and " "And hope in God and pray to Him, my darling Evelyn," said Violet Metcalf, putting her arm round Her friend and kissing her. "You remember what my father enjoined on us. I know what he Tould say to you now in answer to your nuestion; he would say: '"Yes, there is riuch for you who stay at homo to do—rou can aid by your prayera.' Would he *ot, Evelyn!" v 'Ah, yes, Violet dear, yes. Your reproof is just " "Not reproof, dear Evelyn." Violet answered, gently. " I was far from thinking to convey any reproof. 1 only wished tu brine to* your mind my dear old dad's words and the counsel that 1 know he Kl give if he were here at this moll ! bat, Violet, it is different, somewith me to what it is with you and father. Ido pray for help in this trouble, but somehow '' rhat, dear?" xhere seems something wanting. My prayers do not seem to do me good, to soothe my fears an 1 to give me hope, as 1 believe yours do with you. What is the reason, Violet? What can it be that is lacking?" " Is tt not faith':'' "I fear it is," Evelyn replied, sorrowfully "'I would that I could see with yew eyes, understand with your ieelings, pray to Heaven wi'a your wonderful, unwavering faith, Violet! They have been such a lesson to rne. these. m> 1 ills that I have passed here with you and jour dear father; such a daily lesson in faith! But, 0 dear, it mikes me feel how thin, how shallow, hew miserably weak all my own notions of faith have b'thcrto been ! Look j at your father • To me there is something i almost subline in the simple, childlike con- I fidence in the guidance of a Higher I'ower ! which he brings to bear upon everything : he does. anJ which he exhibits as plainly i in tha midst of the most trivial of his ; daily duties as in times of deeper trouble j such as this! Seeing this in him. I can | understand how you nave been taught to j feel the same way ; but it also shows me I what a poor, weak imitation my own ideal ; has been, and makes mo despair of ever ] becoming like you."

" You must not say that, Evelyn —indeed you must not Truly, as you say, I have had a wonderful example before my eyes all my life in my dear father, and I often feel in my own heart that I sometime- fall far short of his standard: hut 1 comfort myself with the thought that to wish to be better, to hope, to strive to be, is halfway towards achievement. .And you must take comfort that way, too. Meantime. as dad always counsels, hope and pray. His unbounded trust and confidence in that one great resource—which, a? he says, is always open to the very poorest as well as the richest—is a greater support to me now than I can well tell you. 1 scarcely know how, without it. I should bo able to hear the weight or this suspense : for you know, dear Violet, how deeply [ sympathise with you, and how 1 pray that your brother may bo restored to us safe and unharmed." "I am sure* of it, d?ar-rst." "And my father -is s-.:rc ho vriji be, dear; so sure- is ho that—em! well, it. jives me heart and ecura.ro such as f ehouii never otherwise feel to wait patiently for the appointed time, and, meanwhile, to go on doing my daily duties as well as the trying circumstances will allow me." "And I will trv to be like yen, Ti"i"f." said Evelyn, drying up her tears and tenderly kissing her friend. " I begin to fee! a little of your courage and confidence, and to gather .|.me of your faith. Henceforth I will try to be more hopeful -to kcl quit'.' sure that God will protect. Philip, and. as you say, to go about my daily work as usual meanwhile." But though she resolved to be hopeful. and made brave efforts, Evelyn found tic task a hard one, and as the tiaio passed without bringing any news of her brothoi. her spirits gradually drooped in spite of herself. She had come- to learn, ton, a good deal more of how matters really stood in regard to tho one she now_ know to be their deadly enemy—Ralph Medley. She knew that ho almost certainly he.d Philip in his power: that he must of necessity feel desperate at the turn thine* had taken, and all sorts of ideas and vague fears filled her mind as to tho form that his enemy mi-ibi. now assume. Mr Wilb_»rforce called exvry evening to see her, and. brought such reports and suggestions as he had gathered during the dav, cither from the agents ho was himself employing, or from tho police, who had also taken up the search. In other directions, too, wiilinor helpers were- at work for Mr Metcalf__and Mr Spencer. Some of these Mr Wilberfnrco occasionally accompanied upon their rounds, and tho old* lawyer repeatedly oppressed his admiration and astonishment, at the thoroughness with which their investigations were carried out, and tho number and diversity of tho people amongst, whom they prosecattxl their inquiries. Thev entered fearlessly into rookeries and cleno where even a policeman would scarcely care to venture, alone, -and they were sometimes on such contidential terms with their more or loss inhabitants as enabled them to pick up information and hints which the pohce would never have been able to extract. But, with it all, no clue as to Philip Stanville's whereabouts covld bo discovered. That ho must have been kidnapped, and was now being kept in secret confinement, seemed tolerably certain: but where remained a. profound, inscrutable mvGtery. "in the midst of this trouble and uncertainty a message came one day to Ernest Metcalf which added appreciably to tho difficulties of the situation. It \r;\,i to the effect that the position of which he had spoken to Evelyn was now vacant, and it was necessary, therefore, that he should make up his mind whether he intended to accept it or not. If ho wished to take it, ho had now tho opportunity : but the offer could not be kept open indefinitely. One of the conditions, as he had said, ■was that he must take a wifo out with ium; and this was the provision that caused him te hesitate. As far as the- rest was concerned, he felt that he ought to accept the appointment. Not only did his tastes and inclinations urge him to it, but he considered that his duty lay that way also. By going out he would not only be relieving his father of a harden, but he would be able to contributesomething to assist him and his sister ; aatd ho knew that this was sorely needed.

The only point that gave him pause, therefore, was the proviso as to taking a wife. How could ho ask Evelyn in the present unhappy circumstances? how force his hopes and aspirations upon her at a time when she stood alone—when she not only had no brother at hand to consult, but was stricken with, grief at his mysteriotts absence?

Ernest ponde-red much upon these several points, and at last determined to lay them before his father, whose advico he always askti, sooner or later, in regard to all his own personal troubles. Mr Mc-tcalf listened to the comrnunication without surprise. He had not be»n unobservant of the feelings which Ernast had shown from time to time towards Eve--lv.i fctanville ; and since ha himself had a very high regard for her, he- had no objection to make agairst his son's choice.

"Of coarse, if she w-i-o is the position sho formerly enjoyed," Ernest said, "I should never have dared to aspire to her. Bat as things are,'l feel certain that Philip wocld gladly giva his consent; and if he comes uai-k'to us safely and scon, as wo ir.lgTii'jr i-ojgo, I am assured that lie trill

not be offended at my having spoken in his absence, when ho understands the peculiar circumstances. And let us even suppose—l hate to think of it, but one cannot put it altogether out of account—let im oven suppose, I say, that ho does not come back—say for a long time—do you not think, my dear father, that ho would bo glad if ha could know that his sister had someone who had the will and the right to take care of her and protect her while he was away?" Mr Metcalf remained silent for a while before replying. Presently he said, gravely and slowly : " Yes, xny son, I do think so. But I would suggest, before jjoing further, that we talk of this with \ lolet. She may be able to advise you in such a matter better than I can. She probably can guess at what Evelyn's real feelings axe likely to bo if your mind is set' upon asking "her. But, my boy, you are not thinking of going abroad merely because you imagine vou are a burden at home?" '■ Xo, father. I feel it would be for the best to spend a few years abroad for both of us—l mean for Evelyn as well as for mycolf. And I believe if Philip knew he would approve and come too. He has said as much to me more than once. Ho thinks England is no place, as things are now, for cither himseli or his sister." CHAPTER XXXn. EVIXTX MISSING. "Yes, Mr Wilberforce, I have some news I for you at last! It has been a long hunt; but,' vou see, we have been greatly handicapped bv having to work secretly." Mr St'ilforth, the chief partner of the well-known tirm of private inquiry agents, looked particularly well pleased with himself. He was an elderly man, grey-haired, and somewhat stout, but withal still very active, and with a keen, vigilant eye. He did not now undertake the' actual duties connected with his profession, but employed a large and carefully-selected staff, of whom Mr Alec Kidler was one of the most, trusted. '• 1 onlv received the report this mornI i:ig. 1 wired to you at once," he added. ! '••And what does it amount to?" Mr Wilj bei force asked. "To put it shortly, it comes to this: that Andrew lUllincford is dead. He was i drowned just eleven yeans ago in the sink- ! ing of the ship Bluebell, which was wrecked i oti the Capo Const. Xo wonder we have I had trouble in tracing him." | "Ay ; but can we be sure it is the right i man':" | "Yes, sir. My assent has made the most ■ t-nreful .investinationt;, and has even ! plumped upon a man who was Rillingford's I — am —partner —confederate I was going to ! say--for thev seem to have been a shady I couple. They were mixed up in several ! discreditable transactions, amongst which I illicit diamond dealing was one of the least ' disreputable. This ' pal,' whose name is ' ,Jamts Collier, verified the death. He also ! gave full particulars of Eillingford's ante- ! indents, of his birth, and so on. Rillingford had probably been in prison before, at any rate he was being sought for at the time of his death bv the police. The latter iil.-o in mired into and satisfied themselves as to the circumstances of his death. Here are all the particular*, authenticated by H..M. Consul at Cape Town." Mr Wilberforce took the papers handed to him, ai'.d bei-an to carefully study them. He went over them .igain and again, making many pencil notes, and asking numerous questions. Ei.-aHv be laid them down with an air o'" satisfaction. "Yes." he said. "I fee vour evidrnre is v.. rv full and perfectly clear. It is authenticated, too. as you say, by the Consul. I 6«r> no loophole for doubt, and it removes a --vat load from rnv mind. But would that it had come sooner ! I pray to Heaven it mav not be too late 1" '•'You aie thinking, I expect, of Mr Stan-'-Aye. Mr Stilforth, of Philip Stanvillo, p, or 'lad! pr.or lad! 1 am beginning to have the i-ravest fears that he has fallen a victim of foul play L'nfortnnatciy, it becomes clearer and clearer, with every dav's investigations, that this scoundrel U.'dlev's onh" chance of safety now he.i in k eruii" h;s foolish dupe and victim, Mr 8-inville, out of ihe way —in silencing lum for' iro-.d In that case, w'->o shall say that he would shrink from anything—even Divider Use!.'? 1; he is in the desperate suaus that I believe him to be in, and Phiiio St.mvilie is in Iris then Heaven help th-> P'- 01 ,ad - Heavon help him '." The lawyer rose from his chair, and went to the window, where ho stood moodily -az.ivz out at the people and traffic pass- i v.:n in and fro in the busy street without, i Mr Stiiforth watched him m silence, and ; waited tor him to resume his .'oat before I .savin',' anything further. When, after a i rather long interval. Mt Wilberforce re- j tinned to ins chair, the detective asked : j

•' Mav I now inquire if my former surmise was cm red? Does this money that is held in trust rovert to Mr Stanville?" ■• Ay.j_._if ih.> poor lad is still alive."

" Riunph ! U is certainly an unfortunate affair ; for here, then, would be an end of al! his trouble..."

- Yck. Fir. so far as financial and suchlike worries are concerned ; for now that it is itLrally piovcd that Andrew Riilirgford i- dead, there is no longer any 'trust,' and Mr Stanviilo is. today, worth over half a. million. Moreover, lie is again, or will veiy sron be, tho master of his old home —Danville Hal! —for he wiH now be able to pay off tho mortgages and resume pc-ißsr-iou of tho estates. Thcee people, Feu ton and Co., tried all thoy could to foreekse, so as to get the mansion and estates into their hands; but I have kept the interest paid up. and disappointed thcra as to that. Otherwise they would have- 2r;;b:.al them long ago." ••l-'tTiito;i and Co. "Well, but that ifl Hediey again, is it not':" ".liist so. 1 suppose Iledloy wanted to cet, the place into his own hands, and go and lord it there as master—where Vie had fortueily been servant." "I begin to understand. That was one thin-.' he was playing for, then!" •' Undoubtedly. ' "Still, there is much that I cannot account for. In the matter of that shameful, false accusation which he trumped up against Mr Stanville, how could that advance his interests, or further such a wish as the one you hav« just mentioned, for instance'?" "For the- life of me I cannot answer that nutetiun, Mr Stilforth. It's a, puzzle. There are hidden depths in this blackTardiv business that I, with all my knowledge of human nature, cannot oven pretend to fathom." "Ridler's idea," Mr Stilforth continued, "is that he knows of this trust money; and that lie was manieuvring to get such it hold over Mr Stanville as should rnduco him to make use of money from tho trust to buv liim oft'." "In other words, his ultimate object was blackmail?" "Yts; that is Ridler's explanation." Mr w'iluei force considered for a t>pace. " I'uL in that ease ho went tho w.ong way to work," he presently observed, reflectively. " He w'ould, one would suppose, have threatened first, before making onythinc known. Here, he blui-tod it all out from the first." " True ; and so destroyed beforehand the only inducement he could have offered to Mr* Stanville in return for money. 1 confess the affai* is still very much of a rcystery-" • , ~ •• And so it must remain for tire present, I fear, Mr Stilforth It would bo more to tho purpose just now to think of soma wuy of discovering what has become of Mr Stan-villa-" , , , ~,.,. " 1 am thinking of that, and had it m mv mind in regard to what I was saying to"you- If we could come to tho oonclueion that this man Hedley's object was blackmail, it might help tis." " How eo?" •' Why, my dear cor, don fc yon see thai if tho man's object is money it might not be too late, oven yet. to strike a bargain. Now thiit you have half «. million of monev sst free —as I undeTetand the position—might it net ha better to make this man an offer, and so put an end to the pi-vi'-'.t uncertainty and suspense? Would not even this—repugnant as I know it would bo to you—weald it not bo better than to Ist the present situation continue at tho risk, as you sa\% that tho villain, beicz; in .i c-oraor, and desperate, may c!o Mr Stanville some more senioue harm than

Mr wilberforce started, and' stared at the detective. He was evidently rather taken aback at the suggestion. "It's a bold idea.," ho said, "and, of course, as a lawyer,"l am bound to say I don't like to have to think of it. Still, it mi<»ht be worth consideration if " Here, there came an interruption. Someone knocked loudly and hurriedly at the door. The next moment it opened, and Ernest Metcalf burst in. "Mr .Wilberforce." he exclaimed, in much excitement, "I am glad, indeed, to have found you. I was told you had eomo here, and followed you. Mr Sfilforth, pray forgive my unceremonious ontry, but I—we—that is, I came to tell you that wo have received news of Philip !" " News of Philip?" Mr Wilberforce repeated, catching some of the newcomer's excitement. "What, news?" "See! Here is a note from him! It is but a lino or two, evidently scribbled hastily, on a half-sheet of paper. But it is Philip's writing, right enough!" And he handed a piece of paper to the lawyer, who took it and read aloud : "Come to me at once. I am in great trouble. It is a matter of life and death. You can trust bearer, who will guide you to me.—P." Mr Wilberforce, after reading it, handed the paper, with a puzzled air, to Mr Stilforth. who also read it aloud. "H'm! No date to it, and it is not addressed to anyone in particular. Moreover, this P., at the end, has been written in since; it is in different ink," the old detective commented, suspiciously. "How have vou eomo by this, my good sir?" Evelyn—that is, Miss Stanville," Ernest replied, "started out for a walk with our littlo protegee, Sueio Grainger. A short time afterwards the child returned alone, savins that Mies Evelyn had gone away with someone who had brought her this* note—which she thus sent on to us as an explanation." The detective gave a significant whistle-, and his face became vory grave; while Mr Wilberforce uttered something that sounded like a groan. '' You say this i& undoubtedly Mr Stanville's writing, you feel sai& of that'" the detective went on. "I fool certain of it; and Mies Stanville must have felt equally convinced, or she would never have gone away with a stranger," Ernest answered; his tone, however, now denoting his growing uneasiness. "Ah ! Than all I can say is that there is yet more mischief afoot. This, I feel assured, moans anothe..." blow from your relentless enemies. That note may be a clever imitation of your friend's writing, or it may have been written by Mr Stanville himself under pressure; but in either er.6d my deliberate opinion is that it is a decoy." "A decoy?" Ernest exclaimed aghast. " Yes, sir," Mr Stilforth repeated: "it is a decoy—sent with the object of decoying Miss Stanville into the hands of her persecutors, and, judging by what you tell me, the trick seems to have been suceeesftil, too."' And so it proved, for Evelyn did not return, nor did any letter or message from her come to explain her absence, (To be continued.)