THE FOREFRONT OF THE BATTLE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21163, 21 April 1932, Page 14

THE FOREFRONT OF THE BATTLE.

(corrniGHT.)

By MARTEN CUMBERLAND. Author of " Behind the Scenes," " Loaded Dice," " The Perilous Way," etc., etc

CHAPTER Vl.—(Continued.) Philip stared at the hard, fierce face before him, then ho laughed angrily. " You must be mad ! What can you have against my father? Someone lias told vou 6ome cock-and-bull story, and you've believed it. Listen to me. My father is one of the best men alive. He's known as one of the most honest- men, b tid the kindest employer of labour in England. You yourself owe a good' deal to him. You have spoken of your marriage; why, it was my father who was instrumental in giving you a very good job —which lie would be the first to Bay vou deserved—and he was largely responsible for your being able, to marry and live in comfort. My grandfather was, admittedly, a bard man, but as soon as dad took over the line, conditions were better and easier for everyone." As he met the young man's flashing eyes, a 'little red spot crept into the doctor's brown checks. His lips set tightlv and he crossed to a desk and look Out some papers " Look at these." he said. Wonderinglv, Philip Razed at the pink Slips. He saw that they were cheques of the Green Funnel Line, drawn to Grant, and signed by Hand leosdale or by Dent. '•Well!" " My pension," explained the doctor. * Drawn: every week. These are the cheques sent to me since your father s marriage. "You will see that 1 have not cashed them, and 1 never shall. 1 refuse to touch a penny that comes from your father, even if the money is my due. That is why I have bought this practice, mid am working again." There was silence. Philip looked at the, other, and then at the cheques, with the familiar name printed across tbc top —The Green funnel Line. "It must occur to you.' said Grant. " that 1 do not refuse this money for nothing. I retired without any intention or desire to work again. 1 have strong reasons for not touching your father's monev, and for allowing my daughter not to bp (supported bv that money. In fact, I will not have her marry a leesdaic. And bow you had better go." He made a movement as though to cross to the door, but Philip_gripped his arm. "L n t's have this out,' said llie, boy, in « low. angry tone. " Ali this proves nothing. Who has been telling you lies about- my father? Some discharged employee, who richly deserved what he got, I expect. C'U must be mad to fake up this attitude! Tell mo what's in your mind." The two men glared at one another angrily. The elder disengaged his arm from ' the other's grip, and now all Grant's compassion had disappeared. "Very well," he ciied harshly. If you will have it! Perhaps it is only just. ' The sins of the fathers shall be visited upon the children." ou are the same breed. "N ou think Ivc been listening to some idle gossip. lam a fanatic, a moral tvrant. All right. Listen to me! I need no word from anyone else. I know the truth. Your father killed Montero in order to get his wife. Ihe sin of David who coveted the wife of Uriah the Hittite! Now. you young tool, do you understand ? He sent Montero to Yafa. although I had reported that this ■would mean Montero's death. our pood, honest father suppressed my confidential report. He allowed Montero to go. in ignorance, to his death." " It's not true! Montero was killed by Indians. I heard all about that. "Jlow does that, affect the question? Your father was morally guilty of causing his death. I tell you that I made a report based on over thirty years of medical experience. I told your father that if "Montero went to Yala lie would he dead within eight months. The murderers don't alter that fact. Your father never.- passed on my report to Montero. otherwise lie would never have gone out to his death." There was silence. Philip's face was «Jeadlv white now. " i" don't believe it." lie muttered, but he no longer met the fierce old doctor s eyes. "Do you not? Ask your father, and ■watch his face when you ask him. Was he not in love with Paula Montero, and were they not married within fourteen months of her first husband's death ? I think it is you who arc credulous, young man ! " Looking at the boy's averted head, old Grant's eyes lost their fierceness. " You would have it." be muttered. * You should have accepted my objections without question, but this generation thinks itself wiser than its elders. If you still doubt me, go to your father and question him. ' In any case, leave Irnia alone. As long as she has me to protect her she will never marry the son of David Teesdale." Without a word, Philip picked up his hat. and gloves and walked straight out of the room. In the hall he met Irma, who glanced in a frightened way at his white face and at the strained look in his eves. "Philip! What is it? What has daddy said to you '/ " " Nothing much. Irma. crazy notion lie's got about dad. It s not •erorth repeating." He walked to the front door, followed by the thoroughly scared girl. " Philip! Aren't you going to kiss me' '' He turned swiftly. She felt bis lips hot against, her neck and chocks. His forehead was burning "God bless you. darling!" lie murmured. " There's some absurd mistake. I'm going to my father now to clear it UP-" ("HAPTEU VII.

David ! p t the punt p°le "lip through bis fingers into the clear wafer ;mrl dp-ve the long, narrow craft forward. Ills *»ves w'pi'o 011 Paula. a slim m hlue linen, upon a pile of coloured cushions. She stretched out a white arm languidlv, allowing her lingers to touch the surface of the water. | " The river is quite warm. David's eyes went to the Ijcrkshire lulls that threw" their green shadows across the xiver. In the trees rook* were flutleiing fussily, and thi'.r harsh cav. nig '• • 111 0 shaiply to '.he ears. _ "It is wonderful!" he said. ' l'ar too fine a day for the oilier. " You play truant too much ! I thought I had married a :-t»ni business man. an Empire builder.- 1 m beginning to think you're la/.y. It would suit you to lie on your hack at ('apii ami eat ligs in iJio sun." " Not a had notion, either, in the right company, of course! \N e should have gone to Capri, dear Ihe Honeymoon was far too short. " Vou thini; so. lazybones "'l'm sure of it. my energetic cm-! P>y the way. von don't look the picture of energy at this moment ! Paiila half closed her eves. " Men itilist work and women must sleep. That is as it should he." V J may £o to 11» c ofli«T to incvrnw, or I mav not. IPs not much u- 1 " my having a house-boat and a bungalow, unless we use them." " Still, it is early for the river." ".My dear, in England one must go by the weather and not the calendar. It s ideal river weather now. In August it may be snowing ! Paula turned and looked across the prbw of the boat. " It's rather nice io have the river to ourselves like this." she admitted. " Is that the bridge at Goring and Streatley?" " Yes. We'll soon be home now. I .wonder what they have for lunch ?" " I was taught, as a child not, io make A god of my stomach, but I hope Garrett

SPLENDIDLY-TOLD STORY OF GREAT HUMAN INTENSITY.

lias <i nice salad. Hurry up, David, the lock gates arc opening." They passed through (he look and came into the deep, tranquil waters beyond 111e weir. On each hank stood a picturesque hotel with old gardens that sloped to the river. David inw thrust the punt forward quickly with long, expert strokes, while Paula trim ncd the boat skilfully with a paddle. They were close to the island where their house-boat was moored when Paula, caught sight of a youthful, grey-clad figure. , "Why !" she cried, gladly. 1 here s Philip. ' Hullo ! Philip !" She brandished her paddle aloft, using both small hands to the heavy wood. " Philip ! What's he doing down here? cried David. " Plavinj; truant like his father, Paula retorted. " Wave to the boy, David ! He v. ill think we don't want to see him." " Hullo! Philip!" cried David. "Stand In- with a boat-hook.'' His voiic was gav, but his face had |i,-deil a little. There was something in Philip's unexpected appearance, and something in Ihe boy's attitude as he stood awaiting them, that warned David. Hp Iclt ii stinctivelv that danger was at | );ll ,d. A little of the brightness and warmth s-'emed t" have gone from the sun. and he shivered slightly. By this time Philip had probably proposed to Irnia ; and ({rant—? What Had old Grant said, op done! " Hullo, Paula: hullo, dad ! Lovely morning, sn't it T" Philip caught the prow of the punf with n boat-ho:>k, and dexterously swung her alongside. Looking at his son, David saw that, the boy's fani was pale and his manner uneasy. Something had happened. David's instinctive feeling was right. Grant had said something Jo the boy, or at least there had been a hint.

' Th.ink you. Philip. Heavens, you are strong !" Laughing. Paula was helped to Hie landing-stage, and David's servant, Garrett, eame out of the houseboat and tied up the p int. " Lunch is quite ready when you want it, madam," lie said. " Thank you, Garrett. Been here long, Philip? What a pity you didn't, arrive before we started. We've been all the wav to Pangbourne." 1 got here about a quarter past twelve." said Philip. He tinned to his father. " I wdit to the office, dad, but. Miss Roberts '.old me I would find you here." " Clooc ! Jolly glad to see you, Phil! Well, Paula, if you are ready we'll have lunch right away. Found a studio yet, mv hov 5" Not yet, dad. They are all being snapped up by the would-be smart set. So jolly and original to live in a studio and give Bohemian parties; you know the sort !" " Don t be bitter, Philip, laughed Paula. "We will soon find you something re all v nice." Laughing and talking, they made their way to the verandah of the houseboat, where a cold lunch had been laid for three, and Garrett was awaiting them. David said little. In his mind he pictured Philip hurrying to the office with something that lie must settle without delay. Yes, that was it. The thing was obvious from the bo\ r s face and manner. It was strange that Paula did not notice it. He bad called at the office about half past ten. and then he must have dashed off to arrive here by a quarter past twelve. It was a long train journey from Paddington. and one had to change at Heading. The boy had brought no flannels with him. He had not come for pleasure; he had been driven here by. the turmoil of his mind. As liu ate his lunch, and kept up his end of the conversation, David's mind was steeling itself against attack. Sooner or later he would be alone with Philip, and then there would be questions, if not down-right- accusations. David helped himself liberally to hock. ITe would fight if necessary to the last ditch. Grant had no proof; he could say nothing that would amount to any more than suspicion. It was necessary to fight for Philip's sake, for Paula's sake, probably for Irma Grant's sake. On the one sice was the happiness of at least four people; on the other was the dour nature, the uncompromising conscience of a hold old fanatic. David set his teeth. It was true that he had sinned, and to that extent be was weak, but he was not weak enough to allow cne sin to ruin his life, and Paula s and that of his fon. If it were only a question of David suffering—But it was not.

Across tlic table lie saw Paula's beautiful face, her lovely head thrown back in familiar fashion as she laughed at some remark of Philip's. How beautiful she was. A woman in a million ; one to si-i for, li? for. fight for! " Have you had all you want, Phillip ? Sonic nore coffee? No?' Tauia rose to her feet "Pin going into the bungalow to change my frock. David, look after the boy. There arc plenty of cigarettes. Dav d rose and pulled back Paula's chair. The moment had arrived now. and P lilip was obviously ill at ease. " llivc a cigar, Phil?" " Thanks, dad." The bov helped himself from Ibr proffered case, and lighted up slowly. He felt anxious and wretched. There had been something in old Grant's words and manner that had carried conviction. Phillip, despite himself, had felt that the doctor was speaking the truth. And yet, now I bat Philip was face to face with his father, lie eould mil believe what he had heard. Looking at David's strong, hardsome face, his candid blue, eves, and generc us expression. Philip felt that Grant's story was wild and impossible. The hoy drew at his cigar, and threw the, match into the r>ver. It i,rented preposterous even to ouestion Ins lither about such an accusation Wlier-' was his loyalty, that he could believe -.in 11 things so easily? Grant at least had believed what he said. Philip knew that. He was sure that he old doctor was sincere, however iiariiiiv' he might be. however he might lie la king in oilier qualities. Grant had believed, and he might, make, lima believe it lie told her. PI, ip clenched a fist tightly under the table Kveil if he made himself ridicu lons, nnd hurt his father's feelings, yet hi iinisL have, this matter cleared up. It must be done now. '• | i;nl. 1 proposed to lrma yesterday. ;ill>l -he accepted me. Then. . . Mv ilear boy, lliat's fine. I —" " M ait a moment. clad. She. rang ine up list night. Her father bad objections - vi< lent objections. 1 went round to see (he old mail early this morning.' lb; shot a glaiuc at his father's fact--11:11 i-ould learn nothing. In a light ot this kind, youth was no match ior ag< ,u i d experience. David, too, was pre pare'!. Though for a moment the white tabic, I lie house-boat, and the river beyon< seemed to whirl about him. yet he kepi his voice steady and natural. II!> features were well controlled. " Grant has objections to your marry ing his daughter? Why. Phil?" " It's preposterous, dad! I didn't, bp lievc it, but be persisted, and he seemed sine re. There's Trmn, too. I simplv had to come and pul it to von. In effect, Gra it accuses you of sending Montoru to his death. Paula's husband, you know. He says you always loved Paula, anil wai ted her. lie savs he reported to yitn coniidentially Hint il would mean Moiv tcrc s death if lie went to Yala. He nays you suppressed this report, and allowed Mo itcro to go out -to die." (To be continued daily.)