The Moon of Light

Evening Star, Issue 21291, 21 December 1932, Page 6

The Moon of Light

By L. BAMBURG (Author of 1 Beads of Silence,’ ‘ Riddle of the Dead,’ etc.)

A Detective Story

It was late afternoon of the day known throughout the Western world as “ Christmas Eve.” It was proving a typical “ white ” Christmas, too. Snow had fallen heavily and unexpectedly, and Chancery lane was almost still in virgin whiteness as far as pavement and buildings were concerned. It was slippery as well, and an elderly gentleman plunging across the road slipped and collided with another man just as he reached the pavement. A nasty fall would have resulted had the younger not stretched out a strong arm and contrived to keep the balance of both.

As they looked at one another evidently recognition was mutual, and their faces lit up with unconcealed pleasure. “Chase, the very man I wanted!” gasped the elderly gentleman. “Lord Saybourne!” exclaimed the younger. “ Why, I thought you always spent this season at ” “ Ablethorpe! So I do,” was the reply, “ and I’m returning by the 5 o’clock. Had to come up to the safe deposit, and I’m infernally worried! Never so glad to see you in my life.” His lordship looked vaguely round as if seeking a warmer spot to explain, and Montague Chase, barrister at law by profession and private detective byhobby, said briskly: “ Well, if you have no other appointment, why not come into my chambers here in Clifford’s Inn, then you can tell me what’s wrong.” Lord Saybourne’s face cleared like magic. “ Splendid,” he said, and ranging himself alongside of Montague Chase they quickly reached the quaint old inn which Chase had made his home. The two men had known each other for many years, ever since, in fact. Chase had won a difficult case for Lord Saybourne, and though the _ two met but rarely, a perfect trust existed between them” and it was evident that the elder man was already more cheerful. Over a whisky and soda, ensconced before the hastily-poked-up fire, Lord Savbourne fumbled over his inner coat pocket and threw a small jewel case on to Chase’s oak table. 11 There’s the cause of my worry, he said with a sigh as, bending over, he pressed a spring, revealing a pendant composed of one great diamond surrounded by a circle of ■ slightly smaller ones. “Good heavens! ‘The Moon of Light!’ ” cried Chase, who knew the history of most of the historic jewels of the world, having written many a book on the subject, and the tragic history of this one was familiar. “Heavens! man, don’t say you’re walking about London with that illfated fortune on you, and you’re not—surely you’re not taking it home? His pleasant face was set grim and stern in his earnestness as he looked from the jewels to their owner. “ But I am,” groaned his lordship. “Like a fool, I promised Francie she should wear it—you remember Frances, don’t you ? Well, she’s eighteen to-day, and I promised that she should wear it at her Christmas Eve and birthday ball-to-night. I put it off to the last minute, but finally decided to fetch it myself, and here it is; I confess I’in beginning to feel a bit nervous myself. It’s not only its value, but it’s the family heirloom, as you know. “ And, like the Hope diamond, has always brought trouble in its wake to whoever wore it,” supplemented Chase. “ Yes, I know,” said its owner, “but. I promised her, and 1 must keep my promise; only such a mixed crew seem to come in and out of the place» that, although I don’t say anything will happen, but you never know who’s who nowadays.” Montague Chase shut up the jewel case hurriedly. “ Perfect madness !” he muttered. “ Why, every jewel thief in the world would like to have a shot at that pendant. It’s worth £30,000 itself!” “ Yes, I know; I’m taking every precaution I can,” said Lord Saybourne. “ Got a special iron and fireproof safe, police in the grounds, but I am shut away from the world so much that half these young folk are utterly unknown to me; yeti hate to act the old fogey to Francie.” His daughter was the idol of his life. He looked across almost pleadingly. “ Chase, be a sport, and come back with me—that is, of course, if you are free,” he added, as he remembered the date. “ As it happens, I am,” replied his friend. “ I’d given my man a few days off, and was spending Christmas at the restaurants.” Lord Saybourne sighed with relief. “ Then spend it with us instead. Quite apart from this, I shall be thankful to have a kindred spirit at hand, and if you are on the spot nothing can happen to this.” He returned the case once more to his pocket. “Oh, come; that’s rating me too high,” laughed Chase, but he was soon busy filling a travelling bag with a few necessaries, and Jong before the train was due to depart the two men were locked in a first class carriage at Waterloo by a well-tipped guard, and soon en route for the village of Ablethorpe, in Hampshire, where was Lord Saybourne’s country seat. “ Can you give me the names of your guests?” said Chase, when their cigars were well alight. “No strangers amongst them, I suppose?” ' “ No, not amongst those people actually staying with us,” answered Lord Saybourne. “ But Brent Hall, Lady Ingham’s old place, was let some months ago to some Americans, Van Berner their name, all right in themselves, I feel sure, but they do seem to keep open house for all sorts' of people, and they all seem to spend half their time with Francie. Now also they’ve got a Hindoo princelet staying there. Rajah Baharang of Geelore. He’s coming to the ball to-night, and between us both, Chase, I rather fancy that is at the bottom of Francie’s desire for this blessed ‘ Moon of Light.’ She won’t be outdone, even by a Hindoo prince, bless her.” The old man gave vent to a little chuckle, and Montague Chase wrinkled up his eyes reflectively as the train sped through the wintry darkness.

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“ His Highness, Baharang, eh. I remember him. He was educated at Oxford, a thoroughly good sort, too, very particular as to whom ho visits, so if he has accepted the Van Berners, and is staying with them, you may be sure he has had every inquiry made first. That clears the air there; but anyhow I’ll give them all the ‘ once over,’ as they themselves would express it. But have you any suspicions against anyone yourself, sir?” Lord Saybourne looked troubled. “ Don’t like to speak against anyone,” he murmured, “ much less guests, but frankly I don’t like a Count Fosdari, a furtive little card sharper he looks like to me, and there’s a Captain Martin King, an American, and, although they pretend to be at daggers drawn, somehow I’ve got an idea that they’re in league. Unfortunately, too, Francie likes King.” “H’m!” breathed Chase. “Well, we’ll wait and see.”

Arrived at Ablethorpe Hall, Chase was greeted joyfully by the young hostess' as well as by most of the house party, for Montague Chase was a leading clubman, known in London’s social world, and wealthy enough to hold his own without the need of a profession. A swift glance round convinced him that his host was in no danger from his own house party. But it was not until just before dinner that Lord Saybourne fumbled .in his pocket again and drew forth the little jewel case.

“ Well, Francie,’’ he said almost gruffly, “ here’s your ‘ Moon of Light.’ ” He handed the open jewel case to his daughter. Lady Frances gave a cry of pleasure, one echoed by every guest present as the great diamonds shone resplendent under the brilliant electric lights, and something like a gasp swept the assembly at the sight of the priceless jewel. , “ Heavens! Frances, you’re never going to wear that thing just on a thin chain like that, are you?” cried Nina Kent, as her friend snapped the slender silver-like chain. around her throat, so fine it seemed as almost to be invisible. The great jewel seemed to be suspended against her throat. “Oh, it is platinum, and safe enough,” replied Lady Frances, and as at this moment the, butler announced dinner the party, laughing and admiring, swept down to their places, the jewel soon forgotten in the flow of talk.

A couple of hours later the birthday ball was in full swing. The Van Berners had brought over their entire house party of young English and American guests, and amongst them, a little aloof, was the stately figure of His Highness _ Bharang of Geelore. A slightly-raised golden-chaired dais had been prepared, and he sat backed by tall palms, gorgeous-in his own bejewelled robes, watching the gailydressed dancers.

Montague Chase had contrived to receive introductions to most of the newcomers, and following those made to the Count Fosdari and Captain Martin King his face had grown very grave. The Count, with his broken English and mincing gait, seemed as bent on keeping Lady Frances in his own company as was Captain Martin King, whose deep-set furtive-looking eyes seemed ever searching for possible foes. “ His lordship’s right, card sharpers both they look,” Chase said to himself as he watched the lithe, delicate fingers of Count Fosdari. “ And they’re both as nervous as kittens.” He stood back in the shadows, and his eyes softened as Lady Frances, haying just finished a dance with Captain King, accepted the seat at the side, of Rajah Bharang, her golden chair just slightly below his, and as the darkskinned Prince bent his head to speak to the girl in her fair Western beauty a striking picture was formed. An interruption came with the overturn of a table at the end of the ballroom, but the slight accident had no bad results, and a minute later the dancers were again in'full swing, Lady Frances herself now in the arms of Count Fosdari. At the end of this one she stood panting at the side of Mr Chase, having sent her late partner for an ice.- . “ Isn’t it just lovely,” she cried, her face alight with the joy of the hour. “ Wasn’t it good, too, of the Rajah to come? Mrs Van phoned this morning that he didn’t want to brave the cold, but I was so upset that he did conie, after all. A real old dear, I call him.” She turned to her partner. “ I can’t wait,” and once more she yielded to the arms of Count Fosdari, and Montague Chase turned on his heel and left the ballroom.

As the dance ended Lady Frances put up her hand to her hair; she. stopped short, her hand fell midway to her neck. It was bare of chain, and, what was worse, missing was the “ Moon of Light.” Despite her attempt at selfcontrol she gave vent to a cry. “ My pendant, the ‘ Moon of Light.’ It’s gone!” Those around her hearing, naturally took up the cry, and the dance was brought "to a complete standstill. Accustomed as one and all were to priceless jewels, this one was known to be of more than historic worth ; money alone could not replace it, and in a moment, despite her efforts to keep calm, the room was in an uproar. All else was forgotten in the shock which had fallen on the gay assembly. Lord Saybourne hurried to his daughter’s side, someone had signed to the half-hidden orchestra to remain silent, His Highness the Ilajah descended and came forward solicitous, for this young English beauty had attracted him strongly. Other guests were hurriedly searching the floor to see if the pendant had dropped in the dance. But their efforts were unavailing, the stone seemed to have dissolved into thin air. “ Where is Mr Chase?” asked Lord Saybourne, his face drawn and set. He felt that if he could only get the opinion of this one friend he would be able to deal with the situation. No one seemed to have seen Mr Chase, and at last a servant was summoned. “ Mr Chase asked for a motor, my lord, a little while ago,” was the astonishing report of the butler. “He asked me to tell your lordship that he did not feel well enough to stay.”

Lord Saybournc’s face was a study in dismay, and the Count Fosdari sniggered openly. “ Eet is mos’ sudden, this indisposition, but yes,” he said, while Captain Martin King looked cynically across and rounij the room.

The inference was unmistakable, and Lord Saybourne’s lace flushed with anger. He refused to doubt the honour of Chase for a moment, and dismissed the servant, simply ordering that no one should be allowed to leave the house.

“ Mr Chase left before the jewel was stolen,” he said coldly. “ I quite accept his explanation.” He turned once more towards Lady Frances, and as he did so His Highness the Rajah bent forward with a little cry. “ See, Lady Frances,” he cried. “ Surelee the stone, and caught at the shoulder.”

Hands shot forward, people crowded round, and there, surely enough, the platinum chain hung down, and at its end shone the famous “ Moon of Light,” half hidden in the chiffon of the girl’s gown. Cheers and laughter resounded, faces cleared like magic, as Lady Frances disentangled the pendant. Then she handed it over to her father, saying with a rueful smile amidst the general relief: •

“ Oh, lock it up again, dear. _ I’ve had my lesson; no more historic jewels for me. Go and lock it up, daddy, and now let’s finish our dance.” She turned again to her relieved guests. Her father took the chain and stone joyfully enough. The orchestra was spedily signalled, and as the strains of the music sounded, once more the whirl of the dance began. But at the first strains the ballroom door opened, and in the doorway stood Mr Montague Chase, looking no whit worse than when he had sat at dinner. He advanced leisurely across the room. Lord' Salbourne looked at him almost a little reproachfully. “ We’ve had a nice fright,” he said, as the barrister came gently across the room. “We thought we’d lost the ‘ Moon of Light.’ ” “ And so did I,” responded Mr Chase blandly. “ But they said you had gone home, flung in Lady Frances. “ I’m so glad you didn’t go, and, oh! so glad I’ve got it,back again. But father is going,to Iqck it up; I’m not going to have any more trouble over the horrid old pendant.” ~ , “ Quite right, Lady Frances,” agreed Chase cordially. . “Yes, Chase, we’ll lock it up,” said his lordship. “ Thank goodness I’ve got it safe and sound! It shan’t play us any more tricks.” He opened his hand and looked affectionately at the jewel as it lay dimmed by the moisture of his hand and agitation. . . .. Montague Chase also gazed at it. “Pretty thing,” he said; then he turned, his eyes sweeping the circle of faces of the men and women standing nearest to him as they were about to resume the dance.

His gaze came to rest at last on two men standing' almost hidden in the shadow of the rajah’s dais. Count Fosdari and Captain King had retreated unostentatiously when Chase had reentered. They had taken singularly little interest in the loss. Chase smiled as he advanced across the room where the men stood, tense and still.

“ No, don’t move, either of you gentlemen,” said Chase you just where you are. No, it’s no use looking at that door, Captain King, my men are outside. No, nor the window, Count Fosdari; the game’s up.” The guests gave a cry, the two men thus addressed stared at him in openmouthed dismay, while way was made for the grim, determined figure of Montague Chase. Onward he bent, the glint of a very serviceable revolver in his hand, his mouth grim and eyes like steel, a terrifying sight enough obviously to the two guilty men. As ho neared his men an irrepressible sob burst from the lips of Lady Frances. And then a still more amazing sight happened. Chase thrust out a clenched fist, swerved, and literally fell just before he reached the two nien on to the gorgeously beturbaned and robed figure of His Highness the Rajah Bbarang. The clenched fist of Chase caught the. pointed chin of the Hindoo prince, and His Highness fell back, chair and all, a crumpled heap, insensible. Once more the hubbub became indescribable. The attack was so utterly unexpected. “Chase! Good heavens! Are you mad?” gasped Lord Say bourne. “ Not quite,” was the reply. “ Come on, you fellows, let’s see what _he has done with the real ‘ Moon of .Light.’ ” Again the party gasped as Chase bent over the prostrate Eastern figure and pulled savagely at the heavily-jewelled turban and robes of the Eastern prince.

“Say, boy, try his pockets first,” said Count Fosdari, and at the sound of the broad Yankee accent the eyes of those nearest him widened almost comically. By this time it was evident that here was no Eastern potentate, but a Westerner, clad beneath in a tight-fitting suit, and a wig that came away with the turban showed the half-stained forehead. The wrists, too, were but half brown. The trick was apparent to all. “ I’ve got the t bracelets ’ here. Mr Chase. “ Didn’t know whether we’d want them or not,” said Captain Martin King, and even Chase was amused at the dazed looks of the various guests and' Lord Saybourne, at the sudden change of these two suspected guests. “ It’s all right, my lord,” went on Captain King, when he had clapped a strong pair. of handcuffs round the wrists of his “ late ’’ Highness Bharang, now returning to sullen consciousness. “ You shall have our credentials afterwards, but I’m from Pinker’s, New York, and this gentleman he motioned towards the “late” Count Fosdari—“ is Mr Cyril ' Foster, same city.” ,

V The “ Count ” flicked back his coat, and as Lord Saybourno recognised the sign of the Secret Service he gave vent to a sigh of infinite relief. He did not attempt to understand the reason for their presence, but that the three men between them had saved his treasure was evident. Montague Chase had followed the advice of his colleague and “ tried his pockets,” for now he stood smiling, with the real jewel shining in his hands, and it needed but a brief glance to realise the difference between them.

“ Sorry to appear rude, gentlemen,” he said, looking at the two Americans, “ but I was afraid ‘ His Highness ’ here would now make a move to leave if he had thought I had suspected him,” “ That’s all right, Mr Chase. We feared that, too. That’s why we had to stand still to see what he was going to do,” said the “ Count,” otherwise Mr Cyril Foster. “ Thank goodness to be able to talk real-American again. I was sent over to trail him for a New York job, and had to adopt French tomfoolery when we found him up to mischief on this side, too. But he wouldn’t have got far. You see, we saw him do the trick.”

“ The deuce you did!” exclaimed Lord Saybourne. “ Then why on earth didn’t you catch him in the act?” “ Firstly, because I didn’t know where his confederates were,” said the “ Count.” “ King and I saw him clip the chain as Lady Frances sat here by his side. He attached the false one at the same time. It stands to reason ho must have had confederates to know anything about this jewel in order to have a replica ready, so ag yja wgro put

to catch the whole hiiin.’ of them, we sat tight when Mr Chase banged in.” Mr Chase laughed quietly, and before anyone else could speak he crossed to the door. Outside stood two policemen, and still struggling and spitting like an enraged cat was Elise Serpolet, the French maid of Lady Frances.

“ Elise! Oh, no, no!” “ But I’m afraid yes, eh, Mr Foster.” said Chase. The late “Count” crossed over and gave vent to a chuckle. “ Got you at last, ‘Lady Jane,’ eh. Louis the Prince and ‘ Lady Jane,’ not a bad haul, thanks to this gentleman here.” “ I took the liberty of fetching these policemen over in your name, Lord Saybourne,” i explained Montague Chase, “in case they were wanted.” “And ’as „ Justice - of the. Peace I’ll make out an order to lodge them both into colder quarters till _ these . gentle* men can claim them. Suit you, gentlemen?” . : “ Down to the ground, sir,” wasithe prompt reply, and as the two cursing figures were borne away Mrs 1 Van Berners turned angrily. “ I can’t think why I didn’t see he was different at least ” —she stopped short, struck by a sudden terrifying thought, “ His Highness is safe, isn’t he?” ■ She looked with horror-filled eyes towards Mr Montague Chase. “Quite safe,” said that gentleman. “ When I found that our friend did not recognise a word of Hindu when 1 spoke to him, and Lady Frances here told me that His Highness had not intended to come, I had my'suspicions. I toured the . house, found the telephone had been cut, finally recognised that new maid, so I pelted off for help,Incidentally I stopped at The Towers,Mrs Van Berners, and His Highness is still in his room, so-1 don’t think you need even to explain this little episode.” ‘ Mrs Van Berners sighed her relief. “ Headquarters told me,” continued Chase, “ that two American detectives were in the vicinity, so I guessed whom I was slanging.” ■ ■ . "i There was a general laugh. “ Gentlemen,” said his lordship, seizing a bottle of champagne, thoughtfully opened by the butler, “ I think we all deserve a drink. I suggest the health of these good gentlemen here ’ ’ “ And to the ‘Moon of Light,’’*• said Chase, just as the Christmas bells sounded the hour of midnight. Once more, with peace restored. Chase knew that it would be many years before that historic jewel would pass the portals of the London Safe Deposit, outside whose doors its ow.net had so hirisSs Sowd MaW