THE DEPUTY AVENGER

Evening Star, Issue 20374, 4 January 1930, Page 3

THE DEPUTY AVENGER

'■ HEDLEY RICHARDS. Author of ‘The Woman Pays,’ ‘The Fatal Blue Diamonds,’ etc. [All Rights Reserved.] SYNOPSIS. Paul Jarret, nearly starved, and utterly miserable, was about to throw himself from London bridge one foggy night. He had reached the top of the parapet when someone grasped him and held him. ! “ Come down,” said a voice. Paul, though ho was quite hopeless, descended on the safe side of the parapet. Ho accompanied the stranger to his hotel, where a strange bargain was struck. In return for wealth and position the younger man agreed to sell himself, body and soul, to John Clifford for a period of seven years. He signed a document winch, Clifford told him afterwards, was a confession of the murder of a certain man, whoso name was to be inserted later. Paul was then told that he must in future bo known as Paul Clelland, the son of a man who had made his pile in Australia and died there. Paul was soon established at Castlcsteads as a country gentleman and landed proprietor. Riding in the neighbourhood one day, ho made the acquaintance of a charming American, Lady Lascolles. That lady startled Paul by saying she was certain she had seen him shivering in a garret in a poor district in London, where she was “ slumming ” with a friend. While Lady Lascelles and her guest were talking there arrived a beautiful girl, Margaret Shenstone, the daughter of Judge Shenstone. An introduction took place, and Clifford, when Paul told him of it afterwards, appeared to be very well pleased.

CHAPTER V. IT WILL SUIT ME WELL. “Mr Cathcart.” _ Paul was lounging in a chair by the morning room fire, a book in his hand and a pipe in his mouth, but at this announcement he sprang up. Laying his book on the chair, and taking the pipe out 'of his mouth, he 'anced 'to meet the stranger, a medium sized, web built young fellow, with merry blue eyes and an air of good humour that seemed to pervade his whole personality. “They call me Tommy,” he said, as he held out his hand. Paul grasped it. ' “I’ve heard of you from Lady Lascelles,” said Paul, as they shook hands. “Sit down and have a smoke. Will you have a pipe or a cigar ? ” “A cigar, thanks,” ho said, glancing round. “ You’ll be getting married,” Tommy remarked, getting to business at once. . “I’m not so sure about that. Of course ” Then he stopped as a vision of Margaret Shenstone rose before him. “ Of course what? ” said Tommy. “ Oil, if I met the right woman. By the way, I hear you are a great favourite with the ladies.” Tommy blushed. “ Lady Lascelles has been talking to you. I’m good friends with her, and the Shenstones, but ” “ Well, there are not many others hereabouts. There’s the vicar and Mr Clifford, but he doesn’t go into society.” “No, he doesn’t; but I’d like to know _ why. lie makes that beautiful girl live as though she was a nun? ” and there was anger in Tommy’s voice. Paul v smiled. ; “I had an idea that nuns lived very frugally, and The Hermitage is a luxurious abode.” “ But she doesn’t see anyone; she lives in absolute seclusion, and I think it’s a beastly shame.” _ . Paul hesitated, feeling that in has position he could not afford to condemn Mr Clifford, then be said: “I think. Miss Herries seem very happy, and I don’t think she would care to hear anyone say anything against- her uncle.” “I know that. I got her out of a little difficulty once, and saw her safely home. But Mr Clifford let mo see he didn’t want wo to cal! again.” Paul looked steadily at him. “Do you particularly wish to see her?” he asked. “ 1 do. Look here, Clellaud, I don’t know whether you believe in falling in love, but that’s what’s happened to me. 1 fell in love with Hagar Herries the day.l first spoke to her.” “I think I do 'believe in*it,” and Paul’s thoughts went to’ Margaret Shenstone. 1 “ Are you in love with her yourself ?”■ “ No, I think her a beautiful girl, but she’s not my style.” Tommy looked straight at him. “ Don’t lose your heart to Lady Lascelles. She’s an awful flirt, and leads a.fellow on. Of course she’s very nice; I’m just givinig you a warning.” “ I understand. Have you suffered at her hands?” . Tommy reddened. “Well, I thought I was in love with her until I saw Hagar Herries, then I know it was not the real thing. I I wondered ” then he paused. “What did you wonder?” asked Paul. “If Clifford would try to make a match between you and his niece.” Paul laughed. “If he does I shall not be a consenting party, so don’t be uneasy on that score.”

Tommy leaned forward. “Do you think you could get me an invite to The Hermitage?” I’m sure I couldn’t. Mr Clifford is not a man l to be influenced by anyone. He told me when we were in town that he didn’t go into society. All the same, we had a good time; he came out of his shell during that month.” Tommy’s face beamed. “ I’d a sort of idea that Clifford was going to make a match _ between you and Hagar Herries, but if you’re not in love with her it’s all right. 1 can tell you I didn’t feel like coming here, but Lady Lascelles wouldn’t let me have any peace. I’m a fool, that’s what I am, to be at her beck and call, but in the country a fellow’s time hangs on his hands. Berry, my agent, manages the estate,' so I’ve nothing to do except shoot and hunt and generally enjoy myself, or waste my time. You don’t look as though you had idled your life away. Had you anything.to do in Australia?” “Yes, I kept the accounts.” “ I see, your father made his money out there. Well, he was a wise man not to let you idle your time; all the same, you take well to the business,” said Tommy with a laugh, as he glanced at Paul. Half an hour later, when the latter was alone, ho debated whether Mr Clifford’s scheme did include his marriage with Hagar. It was certainly peculiar that he should be invited to the house, specially to be introduced to her, while the doors were closed on Tommy, who had rendered her such a service. The very thought made Paul angry, and he resolved that, bound to Clifford as ho was, he would never consent to marry Hagar Herries. She was a nice girl, but—and his thoughts travelled to Margaret Shenstonf. Yes, he did believe in love at first sight. The next morning, as Paul breakfasted, he remembered it was Sunday,

and resolved lie would go to church. It- was not the desire to worship that actuated him, but he wanted to see Margaret Shenstone; therefore, as soon as the church bells began to ring, he set off at a sharp pace and reached Allington village just as the bells stopped. The church stood at one side of the village green, and Paul passed quickly up the path, on each side of which grave stones recorded the ages and virtues of the departed. In the porch the verger was standing, and before Paul had time to ask him to find him a seat the old man said: . “The Castleteads’ pew! Yes, sir. Will you please follow me.” And Paul walked behind the black robed figure. Then a high door, on which a coat of arms was carved, was opened, and he found himself in a comfortably-cush-ioned, old-fashioned pew. As he stood up and looked round he saw Tommy a little way in front of him, and in the very next pew Margaret Shenstone and a fine-looking man scarcely past middle age. After a little he became conscious that Lady Lascelles, who was most becomingly dressed, was trying to , attract his attention, and as their eyes met she smiled. A little later, happening to turn his head, ho saw Hagar Herries and noticed how devout she appeared. But Paul’s whole attention was concentrated on Miss Shenstone, though he did his best to conceal the interest he felt At the close of the service he lingered, hoping that Margaret would speak to him. and he was not disappointed, as she turned round and shook hands then followed her father, who was already walking down the aisle, who was already walking don the aisle. Paul hastened after them, and in the porch Miss Shenstone introduced her father, who shook hands cordially. “ Will you lunch with us, Mr Clelland?” he said, and Paul at once accepted the invitation. In the churchyard they found Lady Lascelles, who joined them. “I see you and the Judge have been making acquaintance. Tommy is seeing Miss Herries into her car.” Paul looked round just in time to see Hag.*r smile and bow, ‘ while Tommy stood at the gate watching the retreating car. “Tommy has quite lost his heart, and I my' cavalier,” she said as they paused where the path divided. “ This is our way. Mr Clelland,” said tho Judge. Lady Lascelles looked disappointed. “I was going to ask you to have luncheon with me,” she said, looking at Paul. “ Mr Clelland has promised to be our guest,” replied tho Judge. She turn d quickly away, and they went along the path until they came to a little white gate that led into Allington Park. The path wound' 'through the woods, and the branches of the trees were white with the hoar frost.

“ I was glad, to see some one in the Castlesteads pew,” said the Jndge. “ It’s been empty for six months—not that the do 'V'ernoys were regular church-goers. 1 am sorry they have had to leave the old place; there have been de Verneys at Castlesteads since the Normans came over. All the same I am glad to welcome you, and hope you and your descendants may bo long here.”

“Isn’t your place as old as Castlesteads ? 5 queried Papl. “The house is as old, because your Elaco was burned to the ground two undred years ago, but we Shenstories of Allington cannot trace our descent further than the time of Charles the Merry Monarch. But, here we are,” ho said, as. an abrupt turn .in the path brought them opposite the house, a big, old-fashioned place, with verandahs over the windows “We shall find Mrs Shenstone in the drawing-room; she wasn’t very well, so stayed at home,”- said the Judge, as he opened the door and they entered.

“ Beatrice, this is our new neighbour, Mr Clelland.” A slight, dark woman rose. “ I am very pleased to see you, Mr Clelland.” Then, as sho looked at him, an exclamation of surprise escaped her. ‘We have met before,” sho said. “ I think not, Mrs Shenstone; I have not been long in England,” he answered boldly, telling himself it would never do for the Shenstones to suspect anything. “ Then I must have seen someone who bears a strong resemblance to you,” she said, still looking at him. ‘Yon must have a double,” said Margaret. “I hope not. I can imagine it being unpleasant.” Just then luncheon was announced, and ’ they adjourned to the diningroom. During tho meal tho conversation was general, and Paul came to the conclusion that the Judge was a man of fine character, but he did not car© for Mrs Shenstone, though he felt grateful to her for suggesting, after luncheon, that Margaret should show him the conservatories.

■‘My dear, they are not nearly so fine as those at Castlosfjeads,” 'continued the Judge. ■ “ I should like to see them. Mine are liot quite up to the mark. Mr Clifford said Lord 1 de Verney had not kept them up,” said Paul. “ Lack of money, but I understood they had been put in order,” said the Judge. “So they have,” assented Paul, as he followed Mhrgaret Shenstono through the glass door tliat led from the drawing-rooni into the largest conservatory. “Do you think you will like this country?” she asked. “ I am sure I shall.” “Shall you go up to town during the season?” ' For a moment Paul hesitated, not knowing whether a London season might be included in Clifford’s plans. Then he said: “ 1 don’t think so. Are you going?” he asked, thinking if she was, ho would at any rate pay flying visits to London. “ No, mother had talked of taking me, but she’s changed her mind. Lady Lascelles will go, 1 expect. Don’t you think her lovely?” “Yes, she’s pretty,” he said, without enthusiasm. Margaret looked surprised at his qualified reply. Then she changed the conversation, and half an hour later, when they re-entered, the drawingroom, he had come to the conclusion that Margaret Sheustone was a jewel among women. It was late in the afternoon when he set off homo, and as-he entered the house a footman told him that Mr Clifford Was in the library. Paul proceeded there at once. “ I’m sorry 1 was out' when you came,” he said. “Oh, it’s of no importance, 1 wanted to give the dogs exercise.” And Paul sa,w two splendid St. Bernards stretched on the floor near their master. “ By the way, they said you hadn’t been in to luncheon,” remarked Clifford carelessly, as he glanced at his companion.

“No; I’ve lunched and had tea at Allington Hall,” said Paul dryly. “I see you’ve enjoyed yourself. Well, I’m going. It will suit mo well if you ask Margaret Shenstono to be your wife. Good-day,” and whistling to the dogs he left the room. ■ Paul stood still, Clifford’s words ringing iu his ears. Then he asked

himself why thisman—to whom he was bound body and soul—desired his marriage with Margaret Shenstone. CHAPTER VI. WANXEDi PAUL JAEEET. Christmas had come and gone. It had been a contrast to the previous Christmas as far as Paul was concerned. There had been parties at the Hall and the Rookery, and skating on the lako at Castlesteads. Ho had spent Christmas Day at The Hermitage, but neither Hagar nor her uncle had been at the other houses. Margaret Shenstone had been there, and that was enough for him, each meeting deepened his love, and ho was hopeful that she was not indifferent to him. He liked Judge Shenstone, who seemed to enjoy his holiday as much as a schoolboy, but Mrs Shenstone was a puzzle to him. though she was always cordial and showed nim that he was a welcome guest at the. Hall. She was moody and uncertain, and Paul often wondered if her life held a secret, but whatever her mother was, he had. made up his mind to win Margaret. So far he did not know any more of Clifford’s scheme of revenge. Once he had hinted that ho could not see that he had given any return for the benefits rooeivcd, and She man—to whom ho was bound—had told him there was no hurry. At present he was satisfied, and Pan], whoso mind was full of Margaret, had not said any more, but let himself drift, hoping that whatever Clifford, had for him to do, would not interfere with his wooing or the girl he loved. Matters were in this.state when one morning ho received a note on wdiich was a coronet.

Dear Mr Clelland. —It is ages since I saw you. Como this afternoon and have tea with me.—Yours sincerely, Ena Lascelles. “ Why I was there ten days ago, but I’ll go; there’s just a chance Margaret Shenstone may look in ” he thought. It was a frosty afternoon early m February, and Paul enjoyed the ride thoroughly. On arriving at the Rookery a groom took his horse round to the stable, and the footman conducted him to the drawing room, where ho found her ladyship and Mrs Delamere, an elderly lady who was generally described' by Lady Lascelles as “my sheep dog.” _ Tho former was buried in a big easy chair, her wonderful red hair seeming redder than usual as the firelight played on it, and her dazzling white skin, whiter than the tea gown, which .was made of a creamy white material, trimmed with exquisite lace and slightly open at the throat. Her dainty feet were cased in slippers of deep bronze, and her fine silk stockings were the same hue. As the footman announced Paul she raised herself and moved towards him with a serpentine grace that he had previously noticed. “So you’ve come at last?” she said, holding out her slim white hand with its long tapered fingers. “At last! It’s not much above a week since I was hero.”

“Isn’t it? Some.weeks can be very long. My dear Mrs Delamere, will you ring for tea?” “ Allow me,” but before he could reach it the elder lady had touched the electric button. Then she replied to Paul’s greeting. “ Shall I pour the tea out?” inquired Mrs Delamere, when the footman had placed it on a table near the fire. “No, thanks,” and her ladyship took up the teapot.; “Where have yon been since I saw you last?” she asked, looking at Paul. “ Here and there,” ho answered, carelessly. “Walking to and fro upon the earth. Everywhere but here,” she said, and on observant listener would have noticed jealousy in her tone. As a matter of fact, Paul did notice it; and was amused, wondering how this woman could expect him to devote his time to

flirting with her when he might he in the company of Margaret Shenstone. Still, he was too much «f a man to be insensible to her beauty, and the warmth of the room and scent of the flowers induced a languidly contented frame of mind. “It seems to me that I come here very often,” he said, as he. leaned towards her, thinking she was really very beautiful, but he did not intend to let her count him as one of her victims. Even if Tommy had not warned him she was an arrant flirt his loyo for Margaret would have made him impervious to her seductions. “Don’t you go to the Hall more frequently?” and as she asked the question her eyes flashed. _ ' “ I’ve gone a good deal of late, ihe Judge has been uolidaying.” “Of course, you go to see Judge Shenstone,” she said, with a mocking laugh. Paul did not reply, he was vexed, and, leaning forward, she said: “ Don’t forget that Margaret Shenstone has a mother; Margaret might take after her. Have, you heard that the Shenstones are an _ ill-fated race, lucky in whatsoever their hand touches, but sore of heart?” ■ “The Judge is also a Shenstone, and he does not seem particularly un- ; but he is too busy to bother much about his wife’s moods. Don’t lose your heart to Margaret; there are other women who would value your love as the best thing this world could offer them,” she said, leaning forward and looking up at him _ with an appealing expression in her bi" blue eyes._ Paul drew back. This was no flirtation. He began to think that Lady Lascelles was in earnest, and at the same moment he realised, by the closing of the door* that her companion had left them. . “You will make' me yam,, he said quietly. , , ~ She gave him one keen look, then grasped the fact that she was worsted. “ Why, my sheep dog has departed,” she said, glancing round. “Dp you know, she is the most sensible person I know. Delamere has an instinct that tells her, when she is do trop, I told her that I wanted to read you some extracts from a letter I have received, and she evidently thinks this is the right time. “It is from Nina Mountjoy—you remember I told you about pur slumming excursion, and seeing either you or your double in a garret—l think you said you were the man?” ‘ Of course,” Paul replied in an indifferent tone. Nina Mountjoy’s, name had put him on tho alert, and his defences were up. “ Then I can give you some information that will interest you. Nina decided to call again ana see how the young man in the garret was getting on. I think it was very brave of her, considering that he nearly pitched us downstairs; but she had often thought about him. You see, he was handsome and altogether different from the usual occupants of garrets. One could imagine he had been brought up in the purple and wandered away from home. 1 expect it was tho fact of him being good-looking that attracted her. You see, women never lose sight of the external ; but she tells me it was with muc"h trepidation she raised the knocker, and his besotted landlady, appeared—she was an awful woman. 1 don’t know what poor Nina’s feelings must have been when she gripped her by tho arm and shouted; — “ ‘ Have you seen bim? t ’ “ I can imagine Nina’s indignation as she freed herself and demanded what the woman meant.” Lady Lascelles paused and looked at her companion. - “Is it boring you, or do you care to hear-more?” and as she spoke she carelessly folded the _ letter; but Paul knew it was only a feint. “ Of course, I care to hear; the man was mv double.”

‘ I thought when you admitted being

the same person that you wore a sort of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde."’ , <! All right, I will be whatever you> like ” ■ “ Will you really?” and ihero WJ»s something in her eyes as they met his that convinced him Ena Lascelles loved him. He turned away with an impatient movement. Her voice hardened. “Then as you are the man whom wo saw in the garret I can give you some information of vital importance. For a moment there was silence, though Paul longed to ask_ what this news was, but feared to give himself away. Lady Lascelles was very sharp, and it behoved him to be careful. “The woman told Nina that a few, days after we saw her lodger he left the house one evening and had not returned. A few days later a detective called and inquired if a young man named Paul—you notice the name is yours?—Jarret lived there. Of course, she told him he had gone and left no address. Then the detective told her this young man was heir to half a million of money, and he was employed by a firm of solicitors to find him, and that a reward would he given for information as to his whereabouts. Now do you feel like answering it in person?” asked Lady Lascelles, a trifle spitefully. * Paul looked grave. "1 might do worse. Half a million, did you say? Pm afraid it would be no good; those lawyers wouldn’t swallow the Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde story, he said. . She leaned forward and looked up at him. . “They might believe that it was another case of tho prodigal son. that your father had .turned you adrift and you’d come to > starvation; then on his deathbed he’d forgiven the wanderer.”, “I’m very sorry, Lady Lascelles. to upset, your little romance, hut I’ve been a dutiful son, and I haven t played the prodigal. Jpst ask Mr Clifford; I really believe he would come out of his shell if he knew my character was at , stake.” As he spoke he rose. “You are not going yet?’ she said. “I must; I’ve stayed much longer than I intended.” _' A few minutes < later, as Lady Lascelles went upstairs to her boudoir, die thought of Margaret Shenstone.. .. Ha loves her, but if it is in my power to prevent it. he shall never marry her; then, surely he will turn to me. I am beautiful and rich. Oh, if I only knew whether there was a link between him and that other Paul it might give me a hold over him,” she reflected.. Paul rode home thinking of the news Lady Lascelles had given him. Was it true? Had a fortune really fallen to him? or was her ladyship hoping, by holding out such a bait, to get him to acknowledge be was the man. He was no fool, and could not shut his eyes to the fact that she loved him. Her words that day had convinced him of the fact, and ho regretted it.- He was pleased to have her friendship, but anything more he would not have desired, even if he had not met Margaret. At last he reached Castlesteads—it seemed a long time —though in reality he had come at such a pace that Black Sally was reeking with sweat. On entering the house he went at once to the smoke room, whore he had left the daily papers. Of course, he had looked at them, but it had not occurred to him to examine the part in which such advertisements would appear. Now he took up a copy of the daily paper, and in the personal columns ne found: ‘ , Wanted, the address of Paul Jarret, late of Newland street, Whitechapel, formerly in 'the employment of Jones and Co., importers, who is entitled to a fortune of half a million. A reward of one hundred pounds will be paid for information as to his whereabouts.—Apply Shnnlon and Co., solicitors, Chancery lane. * “ Would Mr Clifford release him from the bargain?” he asked himself.

"No, he. was certain he would be held to his bond. Ob, if ho had not signed that paper and had gone out into the night a free man.” Thn dressing hell ringing disturbed his meditations, but ha was - very grave uunng cimnor, and afterwards he went into the library. . “ Should he see Clifford in the morning P Then if he refused to release him —of course, he would repay 1 all the money he had' spent—should he defy him?” _. (To- be continued.)