THE HANGMAN’S NOOSE

Evening Star, Issue 20998, 12 January 1932, Page 3

THE HANGMAN’S NOOSE

By JOHN L. CARTER

[All Rights Reserved.]

CHAPTER XXV. OX THE TRACK. Stephen sat up all night, but the murky daylight came creeping through the curtains without Rosalie appearing. Ho was anxious to bo off in search of her, so as soon as it was light ho woke Hubert. Ho wanted to rush off at once to make a flying round of the few places where ho might find news of Rosalie, but first he felt that ho must see Hubert into his new disguise. The transformation was. complete. From a burly-chested, upright, cleanfaced fellow, Hubert was changed into a round-backed, loose-kneed nondescript, with a close, thick black beard and moustache. His face was stained brown, and ho wore pince-nez, a turndown collar, and flowing bow tie. Grudgingly Stephen had to admit that Pamela herself would not know Hubert, and they set out to take breakfast at a neighbouring hotel. Hubert was anxious to go at once to Pamela, and, as it was but a five minutes’ drive to Tho Larches, Stephen agreed to go. Ho promised to introduce Hubert, whose n w name was to be Reginald Dexter; but ho refused to stay if Rosalie were not there. At Tho Larches they were fortunate enpugh to find the colonel in. “ Found Rosalie yet?” was his greeting; at which Stephen’s heart sank. “I camo on here with a faint hope that she might have come here after all to stay the night.” The colonel was looking expectantly at Hubert.

“I must hurry off at once, colonel, t must find her before night.” Then he remembered Hubert. “Oh, this is an old friend of Hubert’s, who is over for a holiday from Japan, Reginald Dexter. I thought you might like to have a chat with him,” and with that he was gone. The colonel stared at Hubert for a second or so, and then remembered his duties as host.

“Come to my room, Mr Dexter,” he said, and Hubert 'followed him, elated with the small success ho had had so far.

Colonel Temple did not like beards, but he took to Dexter in spito of his close, black beard. They talked of Hubert and of Pamela, and the colonel ended by inviting Dexter to come to dinner the same evening.

Meanwhile Stephen had not been idle. From tho absence of the servants he Had deduced that Rosalie had decided to leave the flat the previous afternoon. Where could she be? He could think of nowhere. But she would have a cab to take the luggage. Good idea! And so ho rang up their usual cab office.

He found that a- cab had carried certain boxes and - the maid to Fenchurch Street Station. Rosalie had not gone in the cab. And so Stephen hurried away, but at the station lie could find no trace of either the luggage or tho maid, which was not surprise j. Ho could think of only one plan more, and it was not a promising one. He would go to see his wife’s housekeeper, Perhaps she would know where Rosalie wms.

And so after lunch ho took a cab to the homo of the housekeeper, in a back street near Regent’s Park. Luckily he found her in. She told him that Rosalie had sent all the servants home, except, of course, Annie Parker, her maid. She had no idea where Mrs Braid had gone. She gave him the maid’s address. Possibly the girl had written home the previous night, telling them her altered address. _ . i Stephen began to hope. Within half an hour he had peached the homo address of Rosalie’s maid. The girl’s mother received him with suspicion, but Stephen quickly explained, and put her at her ease, when she was just as communicative as before she had been secretive. She even showed him a letter that she had received that morning. The address was “ Ivy Cottage, Clement avenue, West-cliff-on-Sea.” “Where’s there’s a will, he quoted to himself as he climbed into the cab. “Fenchurch Street Station,” he said to the man. And soon ho was rushing eastward to Eosajic. CHAPTER XXVI. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Hubert arrived at The Larches, in his new character of Dexter, quite half an hour before the appointed time. For a moment he stood wavering between prudence and his longing to see Pamela. But only for a moment. Then he passed in, hoping to get a few minutes before dinner alone with Pamela and so put her on her guard. He was delighted .when the man told him that the colonel had not yet returned. Ho took Hubert’s things and led him to the drawing room, and switched on the light. “Is Miss Temple in?” asked Hubert. He was so nervous that he could hardly articulate the words. It was several minutes before Pamela came. She stopped almost on the threshold and bowed. The colonel had told the nurse about Mr Dexter, an old friend of Hubert’s, having called, and the nurse had passed the news on to Pamela. There was an air of expectancy about her. “"Mi* Dexter?” she said questioningly. Ho took a delight in delaying the moment of revelation. “I believe you wished to see me?” she said. She did not like his looks at all. “Yes, I wish to sec you,” ho said, disguising his voice. “ I have something to tell you. Can you take it calmly?” She was looking at him with wide, questioning eyes, looking him up and down. Then ho went to her. “Pamela,” he whispered, “I am Hubert.” Ho spoke in his natural voice, and for a moment she looked with alarm into his eyes . „ . “ Hubert?—Hubert? ’ she cried, in perplexity, and then she wondered how she could possibly have been deceived. She felt as though she would fall, but already Ins arms were about her. “Oh, deal, dear Hubert!” she said, clinging to him, “ I can’t believe it,” and she began to cry. ' Almost in terror Hubert anxiously watched the doo.. “Don’t cry! You mustn’t cry. Bo brave a little longer. Think Pamela! For my sake! ” lie whispered. “ I 'shall bo all right in a moment, Hubert,” she sobbed. He had taken her to the couch, and now her head was on his shoulder. “ Bear up little girl! Think, dear, the risk we run ” Already her joy and fear were quietening.

Author of ‘Peggy tho Aeronaut,’ ‘The Pilgrimage of Delilah,’ etc

“ I shall often conic,” ho said soothingly. “We can meet in_ tho parks, too. But you must stop crying at once. Someone may come,” ho added insistently. Ho kissed her again, and went over to tho fire. She was quite calm now; prepared to act. “You are brave, dearest,” she said; “ you run a great risk for my sake, but you must go now.” She had risen from tho lounge, and was standing, looking anxiously up at li'.m

“ I camo the other day for your sake,” said he, “to save you; but, tonight, I have come for my own.” And he took her again in his anus, and her trembling lips met his. Shortly after tho colonel came in. “Ah! Good evening, Mr Dexter, I am delighted,” said he; “ I see you two have made yourselves acquainted. 1 was just a little afraid I should bo late for dinner to-night. I suppose Stephen is not coming? ” said he, looking inquiringly at Dexter. “ No, he’s gone off on his hunt after Rosalie—l mean Mrs Braid.” Pamela and Hubert exchanged alarmed looks. Colonel Temple did not notice the slip. “ Ho has told you, then? ” said the Colonel, considerably surprised. Hubert had called at his hotel and read Stephen’s telegram, but ho did not think it advisable to mention that Stephen had found Rosalie’s hiding place. . “ Ho told me something of his unfortunate misunderstanding,” he said. ’ And now they went into dinner.

To Pamela and Hubert the situation was delightfully exciting. There was something about it in the nature of stolen fruit They were constantly on the watch, however, since a moment s forgetfulness might betray them. In spite of their limitations, Pamela and Hubert found many ingenious ways of conveying loving messages during dinner, but they were careful that the old man should perceive nothing. After dinner Pamela sang for them, and the Colonel noticed with some alarm that she chose only those songs which had been Hubert’s favourites. He feared that they would revive her grief; but she seemed to become more radiant and happy as the evening went on. Tho lovers were perfectly happy, but it was not long before something happened which completely spoiled the evening. . . . , r . , . Pamela was singing ‘ Mignon when Wintersley was announced. At once she ceased playing, and they came back from the land of melody to harsh and she exchanged apprehensive glances. “ Oh, do bo careful,” she whispered. “ Shall I go?” he said, with a confident smile, but lier eyes begged him to stay. Tho Colonel told Wintersley how delighted ho was that ho had been able to come after all. Then ho introduced tho two men. “ Wo .ire having a little music,” said the Colonel. “Do you sing at all, Mr Wintersley?” “ Yes, do sing us something,’ said Pamela, smiling, “If you will play for me,” ho replied, and Pamela made no objection. His was a passable tenor voice. Hubert told himself that he had known many better and few worse. But perhaps Hubert was hardly a fair critic. When the song was finished Pamela thanked Wintersley and left them for a little while. Wintersley hoped that the Colonel would not wish to discuss tho murder. Ho was playing a dangerous game, and ho felt that the less ho said about the matter the better. He had seen for himself that the police were working on tho hint in his letter. He realised now that his information had been given too late to bring about Hubert’s arrest, as he would not venture out again in tho same disguise. “ Anything fresh turned up?” asked the Colonel eagerly as soon as Pamela had left them.

Wintersley shook his head dolefully. “ Wo seem to have come to a blind alloy,” ho said. “ The case is most mystifying. 1 almost wish I had never taken “it up. I would do anything to avenge my cousin and Miss Temple’s late fiance. As for my cousin, there was no c.ie to mourn him besides rayself, but in Dr Braid’s case there were many whose hearts were saddened. I can’t help thinking of poor Miss Temple,” lie said, with drooping head. The Colonel was touched. “ It is good of you to think of us,” ho said. Hubert was watching Wintersley, hardly able to conceal Ins amazement. “ 1 met him only a few times,” said Wintersley, “ but I took a singular fancy to him.” Then he turned to Hubert. “ I’vo told tho Colonel here how I actually suspected Dr Braid of killing my cousin, yet I liked the man, and I couldn’t bear to think that my suspicions were correct. Alas! a few hours later I found him dead, and tho only recompense I could make him was to coi my base suspicions to the Colonel.” “ He was a very good sort,” said Hubert, feeling that he had to say .something. “ You have met him then?” said Wintersley. “ Not recently. We were together in Japan for some years.” Just then Pamela returned. She saw from Hubert’s face that so far all had gone well. “ Mother wants you to take Mr Dexter to her,” she said. Tho colonel seemed rather dubious, but Mr Dexter appeared to have no objection, so the old man took him off. “ Pamela, you must entertain Mr Wintersley while I am away,” said he, and for one Wintersley was not sorry. Ho turned with tho others to tho door, and then turned and watched Pamela as she went to the piano. “ Are you going to sing?” ho said. “ Unless jou object,” she said, smiling brightly. She knew she had better over-act tho friend rather than otherwise. If he thought ho was making a good impression ho would pay less attention to Hubert and be more easy to deceive. He would think, too, that sbo did not know that Hubert was alive.

“ I hoped you would talk to me,” said he ruefully. She had begun to play very softly the opening bars of Tannhauser’s ‘ March of tho Priests,’ but she let her hands fall to her lap. “ What can we two talk about?” she said, smiling. Ho could no help thinking of Hubert; the only thing there was between them, a barrier rather than a link. He began to think that perhaps she knew nothing. To a man as thoroughly callous as he her sudden recovery was a

normal rather than a suspicious circumstance.

“ The,?' say that tho most delightful conversations are those which concern nothing. Tho greater tho understanding tho less need for speech.” Fortunately Pamela kept her feelings masked. This was to her a new type of man. Evidently ho thought himself irresistible. True, he was handsome, but she had failed to find any other attraction. “ That is beautiful lace,” ho said, stretching out his hand and almost touching the delicate embroidery at her wrists. She drew her hand away a little. “ It has been in our family for—l don’t know how long.” “ I love old lace,” ho said, admiring her eyes. “ I wonder if you would let ino call to-morrow, in tho afternoon?” He said this rather desperately, as though ho had tried and failed to hold it back. “ 1. shall bo out to-morrow afternoon,” she said. It might not be polite, but tho idea of seeing him within twenty-four hours was unbearable. “ But you can come another day,” she added. “Tho following one, then? And 1 shall count tho hours. Now sing for me,” said ho in a subtly proprietory tone, and she smilingly turned back to the piano. Meanwhile Hubert had boon sitting oa a chair within a few feet of Mrs Temple’s keen eyes, and more than cnee he quailed beneath her scrutiny. Then all at once she gave a little gasping cry, and falling back heavily against her pillows she looked at Hubert with a frightened, uncertain gaze. Then she struggled to sit up, and with a quick look about her she called her husband, who had seized this opportunity to change his tight boots for slippers. “ 1 wish you wotdd go down, dear,” she whispered, as ho bent over her. “ Wo oughtn’t to leave Pamela like this. I will talk to Air Dexter a little longer.” The colonel was not in an observant mood, or he must have seen her agitation. Tho moment ho was gone she turned to Hubert, who was in an agony of suspense. Her agitation was either nothing but a coincidence or else she knew tho truth. “ Hubert! ” she said sharply, but still ho dare not give himself away, but sat there and stared stupidly. She was overjoyed. “ Aly dear boy, don’t bo afraid of me. That’s why I sent him away! You forgot the scar,” and she touched his thumb, which was deeply scarred on the inside. Instinctively he closed his hand, smiling a second later at the futility of it. Then ho put his arm around her shoulders and gave her a kiss and an affectionate hug. “Not a word!” ho said. “You understand, mother.” “Of course Pamela knows,” she said. “ I see now why she’s forgotten her trouble. Oh, my dear boy, I am pleased to seo you! But why did you disappear? and why are you disguised? ” In a few words ho told her, and she promised to keep his secret. When Hubert reached the drawing room he found Wintersley sitting near Pamela, evidently straining every nerve to impress hqr. He smiled. He could not possibly bo jealous. Wintersley stayed on and on, and Hubert began to despair of seeing Pamela alone. Ho would be obliged to leave soon in any case. Then, suddenly there arose a commotion in the hall. Calvcr, the butler, was raising his robust voice, evidently forbidding someone’s entrance. . Hubert and Pamela were filled with apprehension, while the colonel rose in angry alarm.

Wintersley cursed himself for coming. All looked towards the door, which a moment later was thrown open. On the threshold, with an official-looking paper in his hand, stood Inspector Jacks, of Scotland Yard.

“ Whht’s the moaning of this?” cried the colonel in his most militant voice. “ I am sorry, sir,” said the man, “ but I hold a warrant for the arrest of Dr Hubert Braid, who is disguised and believed to bo in this house.” CHAPTER XXVII. UCCOXCILED, On the morning following Rosalie’s arrival at Westcliff she woke feeling far from well. Her head ached badly and she felt she had no strength. After looking at the first and tho last page of each of several novels, and concluding that she didn’t like any of them, Rosalie settled her pillow and lay down again—she felt so weary—and soon she fell asleep. Since her midnight visit to No. 3a Harley street it seemed that she had scarcely shut her eyes. She slept, heavily now’, and when Mrs Robins brought up a “ treat in the way of lunch ” that good-hearted soul had to battle with the temptation to wake her. It was a shame that the “ treat ” should be wasted, but wasted it was, for although Mrs Robins cunningly placed it between dishes in a slow’ oven it was never eaten. Downstairs somebody was waiting— Stephen. Presently Mrs Robins took him upstairs. With theatrical carefulness she turned the knob and poked her head round the door, and with a loud “ ’Ush!” she beckoned him in. When she saw that Rosalie was still asleep she felt a keen satisfaction. “ You promised not to wake her?” she insisted, and than crept from the room. With a lump in his throat which would not go, even though he loosened his collar, Stephen crossed to the bed. Rosalie lay with her face towards him, her lips slightly parted, her hair in almost straight waves over her ears and ending in two heavy plaits, one of which curled over the coverlet. Her Inw was smooth and unruffled, but there was a weariness about the droop of the mouth which made him hate himself. One arm was lying on the bedspread and the wide sleeves of nun’s veiling had fallen to her pretty polished elboAV. Ho remarked to himself lioav white her arm Avas, and lightly touched Avith one linger her wedding ring. They had SAvorn many loving oaths over that golden charm! What had his oath teen Avorth? He felt a catch in his throat as he suav that little scratch on her Avrist Avhich had been made by his smrf pin the day before the dance. Ho remembered bo a? she had made him kiss it better. What a brute he Avasl He remembered, too, lioav often she had said, “ If anything over happens, Stephen, never send me aAvay —ahvays kuoAV that 1 could never wrong you.” Plow he used to smile and crush her to him to comfort her! He had said tlat he AV'ould trust her if all the Avorlcl accused her! And iioav, in his shame and contrition, he unconsciously pressed her htd. “ Stephen?” he heard his name in that soft, incredulous whisper, and he looked cloAvn, to find her eyes on his. “ Forgive me,” he said. “ Arc avc friends?” asked she pkintivoly. It hurt him that she had no reproaches for him. 11 Forgive me, dearest,” lie said agiin. Ho made no attempt to kiss her. Ho Avanted first to make his confession and to receive absolution.

She sat up. “It was 1 who did wrong.” And her tone told him that ho dare not deny it. So instead, he took her in his arms and kissed away her happy tears as fast as she produced them. “ Dear old Stephen!” she said, smiling through a lense of tears. “ Dearest little Bosalic!” he replied, with a catch in his throat. “ I am a brute,” he added between his teeth. But she would not let him say any more.

“ I know what you want to say,” she said firmly, “ but don’t say it. I was a bigger brute than you. How could I try to deceive you?” And she wailed and sobbed afresh on his shoulder. “Shall we start again?” he said. “ You do love me then? I should die if you stopped loving me,” she said, with a doleful look into his eyes. Ho did not answer, but with hothead pillowed on his arm ho gently pulled her towards him and kissed her again. And she nestled her head against his shoulder and snuggled securely into his arms. “Hold me tight,” she said, “and never let me go again.” And she gave a great sigh of contentment. “ I’m so happy,” she said, forcing herself away a little so that she could look up to him. “You do forgive mo, dearie?” said he, only waiting long enough to sec her waterly little smile before he drew her back again. CHAPTER XXVIII. FLIGHT. Immediately the police entered the drawing room Pamela sprang to her feet, feeling sick and giddy, and but for Hubert’s arm she would have fallen. “ Bear up, dearest,” ho whispered as ho gently forced her back into the chair. “ There is no evidence. They can’t hang me.” He did not believe this himself, but he hoped that she would. Suddenly Pamela sprang forward. “ You shall not take him,” she cried, glaring at the officer and his man. Then, with a deferential clearing of his throat, the inspector came towards Hubert, who was now bending over Pamela in an attempt to calm her. His heart was bursting. It didn’t matter for himself—better get the thing over—but what was to become of her? Ho took a deep breath and went two steps to meet the officer. But what was this? The inspector approached him with a respectful salute! “ 1! can’t be sorry enough, sir, at upsetting the young lady,, but I must search the house. Hubert reeled back. Tho man did not know him, then! And now he was in terror of what Pamela might let slip. “ That’s all right, inspector,” ho gasped, and then he bent over Pamela, “Bo careful! They don’t know me. It is |hc flower-seller they are after.” But aircady the inspector had turned back to Colonel Temple. “I propose to commence at once, sir. I shall be obliged if you will inspect my warrant. The colonel weakly waved away the paper. “ Do .you mean -to say that Dr Braid is alive?” “ From information we’ve received, sir, there is good reason to believe so.” Wintersley had kept in the background, his face less ruddy than usual. This was his work, and ho feared that it might bo brought home to him. Fortunately, his letter was not signed! At last the inspector had reluctantly to withdraw his men, except three who were to keep an all-night watch in the grounds. Tho colonel then sent for Pamela to go to him in his room.

“ I don’t wish to press you, Pamela,” said ho kindly, “ but if you would tell me all I might be able to help you and Hubert.”

‘ Come up to my room, father,” said Pamela. “ I don’t promise to tell you everything, though.” As soon as the door Avas closed behind them she begun. “ Father, Hubert never did die, of course. He disguised himself as a HoAver seller, and Rosalie lot him in through tho side door so that I could see him, and he saved my life.” “Tho side door?” ho cried. “My God! And 1 turned her out.” As for Hubert himself, he had been most cautious in his tete-a-tete Avith Wintersley. After a Igav brief comments on the situation he had led the other to talk of Bombay and other places Avith Avhich both Avero acquainted, and all had gone well. When the colonel returned, he Avcnt straight to tho point. “i shall be much obliged if you Avill leave me noAV. Naturally I don’t feel equal to entertaining,” said he. Wintersley Avas considerably surprised. Ho had fully expected that ho would bo the person to play the part of comforter. “ Certainly, if yon wish it,” said he, turning to go. Hubert followed him. and the coloiio' Avent Avith them to the door. They Avent out together and parted at the gate. And so the exciting evening came to an cud. Wintersley took his dismissal calmly. It Avas evident from Pamela’s maimer that Hubert Braid had been in the house at the time. And she had seemed quite hopeless, as though her lover could not possibly avoid arrest. It Avas all very remarkable. When ho reached the corner of the street he turned back again., Tin's Dexter, this friend of Hubert’s? Why had ho come on tho scene just at this moment? Possibly be Avas in the secret! And Wintersley made up his mind to follow hm. There Avas too much of coincidence about this friend’s sudden appearance on the scene for him to believe that he Avas not in communication with Hubert. Perhaps ho AA-ould lead him to Hubert Braid. Where had Hubert been concealed he Avondered. Ho knew that naturally Pamela Temple had good .control of her feelings, yet from her manner her lover might have boon already in the hands of tho police. It Avas difficult to understand the matter. It Avas clear that the colonel had not been aware that Dr Braid Avas alive. As for Pamela, she had deceived him completely. Ail the time she had been acting the friend, she must_ have known about his plans and intentions! Wintersley Avas unable to form a theory, but Avhilo lie stealthily folloAved the figure in front he did his best to disentangle his ideas. He remembered that it had seemed to him at tho time that Pamela and Dexter bad an understanding. Ho Avondered lioav much the colonel kneAV. What bad Pamela told him? Well, he would take care that Hubert Braid Avas banged, if only that be might bo revenged on her. And so, more by luck and because of Hubert’s preoccupation than by his own cleverness, he kept Hubert in sight and tracked him to Fonchurch Street Station Avithout being seen. Hubert found that the last train to Westcliff had just gone, and for a I'cav minutes ho Avalised up and doAvn. Avith Wintcrslov Avatching him from the entrance. Hilbert then Avent up to a taxicab, and after arranging to pay the man a very tempting fare, got in and drove off.

Wintersley at once sprang into the next cab.

“Five pounds beyond your faro if you keep that cab in sight,” he cned, and the cabby asked for nothing bettor. “Keep well behind. They must not know that they are being followed.” Mile after mile the two cabs went—the hindmost scarcely within sound of tho other—without the first cabman suspecting that he was being followed. Fortunately for Wintersley the man was fully absorbed in planning out the good time he would have with the handsome sum which Hubert had promised him. . After a two hours’ journey they reached the outskirts of Wcstcliff. Everybody seemed to bo in bed, and feeling'that it would bo easier to find Ivy Cottage if on loot, Hubert dismissed the cab. Fortunately a policeman came along just then, and volunteered to pilot Hubert to the house. Shortly afterwards Wintersley drove up. Ho could see that Hubert's cab was empty. ‘‘Where is your fare?” he asked of the chauffeur. Tho man looked hard at him for a moment. 1 “I’m sorryi sir, but the gent paid me. and paid mo well, to drive him here, hut he didn’t pay mo to talk about him:” And with that he started off to return to town. (To bo continued.)