THE TREASURE OF THORBURNS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 752, 30 July 1886, Page 7

THE TREASURE OF THORBURNS.

[NOW FIRST PUBLISHED.]

BY FREDERICK BOYLE.

Author of ‘On the Border Land,’ * A Good Hater,’ * Camp Notes,’ &c.

[The Right oe Translation is Reserved.]

CHAPTER XVI. Gathering Clouds.

‘My darling Huby ! Mamma said she could not spare me, but I was determined to meet you. The carriage is here.' * What carriage V ‘Mr Arthur’s. He offered to come himself, but mamma thought it would hardly be decorous before the funeral.’ ‘ But are you still staying at the Hall? I thought Mendel’s aunts were coming to relieve you ?’ . «Oh but one of the old creatures is ill, and the other cannot leave her. Mr Arthur declares he Is not sorry a bit, for we have taken all the trouble off his hands.’ ‘ And where am I going ?’ Hubert asked, by the carriage door. *To the Hall, of course. Now, dear, tell me what happened at Thorburns?’ ‘ Lately ?’ * Yes.’ ‘ Why, old Simmons threw a knife at Thorburn last night, and—’ ‘ Good gracious 1 He’s not dead ?’ * Not a bit !’ . ‘ Then never mind that. What is he doing about the Treasure ?’ ‘ Nothing. He dined with Uncle yesterday.’ ‘ Oh, the man is a downright fool 1 ‘ No more a fool than I am, Kate.’ She glanced at him sharply ; the words were trivial, but the tone sullenly threatening. ‘ How much did he give you ?’ ‘ Enough to quiet Jackson for many a month.’

‘ Hubert ? What does this temper mean ?’ ‘ It means that I’m most seriously offended with you. You disobeyed my orders, told me a falsehood, disobeyed again, and I’ve no doubt would tell auother falsehood if there was any chance of deceiving me.’ ‘ Please explain, sir V * I told you not to act without consulting me. You wrote an anonymous letter that night! Then you denied it so strongly as almost to persuade me—and this week you wrote again.’ ‘ Indeed, I did not !’ ‘ I know you did, and Thorburn knows.’ * Where are the letters ?’

* In his possession.’ * Oh, very well. If you accept Mr Thorburn’s suspicions against my solemn word, there’s no more to say. I shall not repeat my denial.’ ‘ It would be useless.’

‘ They sat 3ilent until reaching the avenue of Mendel Hall. Then Kate exclaimed :

* If you are resolved to be disagreeable, don’t make us both ridiculous here. Keep up appearances at least.’ * You need not be afraid.’ The fact is that Hubert began really to lose, not his convictions nor his indignation, but his selfcommand. Kate looked vastly pretty in her half-mouruing, and he loved her quand meeme. Arthur received them at the Hall door, and took his friend to the smoking-room. He was really grieved by the death of an indulgent parent ; but emotions are not proof against brandy and soda. In a short time they were talking briskly of Eldred and Thorburns. Arthur proposed to invite himself there a 3 soon as the ceremonies were finished. The report of Simmon’s achievement interested him greatly, and when the butler entered, for the sixth time at least, to ask instructions, he found the young men practising the mystery of throwing knives against a cabinet, and for the sixth time at least he was referred to Mrs Fanshawe. Hubert perceived with no small astonishment that his mother was de facto mistress of the Hall. In reply to his remark, Arthur declared with enthusiasm that he could not possibly have got along without Mrs Fanshawe’s assistance. But Hubert knew her capacity too well, and he could not believe that Arthur failed to see who was really the personage so judicious and useful. His feel-

ing did not go beyond amused annoyance, however.

He kept up appearances with his wife all evening. When the ladies had withdrawn, after dinner, time hung rather heavy, until a ■ philosophic discussion of the uselessness of., grief made it plain to the conscience both of host and guest, that a rubber at <seart6 would not be thought unbecoming by enlightened spirits. So the minutes passed swiftly to an hour when Kate was fast asleep. Brother Coffin and the Faithful were early - next day ; when they had performed their rites, those more important friends who had . been asked to the burial began to arrive. The procession to the parish church was imposing, and every Shuttletonian agreed that a ceremonial so satisfactory all round had never been witnessed in their experience. The feeling conduct of Mr Arthur roused general admiration : Hubert alone, perhaps, speculated how mnch of this distress was the result of late hours the night before. But the reader is not to accept his conclusion blindly. Young Mendel was weak as water, flighty as a kitten ; but in presence of the corpse his sorrow was intense, even to despair. He could not bid his guests'adieu, but sent a note to Mrs Fanshawe, thanking, her warmly. : On Monday, however, he paid her a call ‘ in his usual spirits, bringing a Bible, the. costliest edition extant, and a handsome' mourning ring, carried. Hubert back to luncheon, and took him for a long ride In the course thereof, Arthur asked permission to give Mrs Fanshawe, jun., a remembrance of her kindness in the hour of his trouble. It should take, he suggesteJ, the form of jewellery. Hubert consented. The mere notion of presents in general fascinated him ; and besides, he was glad to please Kate for various reasons.

The public walks are a beast to Shuttleton. Her rvealthiesb citizens have contributed to adorn them, and among these the late Mr Mendel was conspicious. Kate passed through them at a certain hour every week —that day she paid her household bills —at an hour as punctual as could be expected of a lady. Whether young Mendel knew this habit does not appear ; she might have named it by chance during her visit. Anyhow, upon the Wednesday ensuing, they met on ‘ the Promenade,’ and neither showed surprise—but I do not mean to hint anything. The walks are public, though deserted at that hour.

‘I have Hubert’s permission,’ Arthur said, after greetings, ‘to offer you a little souvenir. I give it with all my heart, Mrs Fanshawe. The trifle does not express my gratitude, for that would be impossible, but it shows that I feel it.’ He put a morocco case into her hand. Kate turned towards him—and the action enabled her to glance behind —there was no one in hearing. ‘lf you have my T husband’s authority i need not hesitate to accept, but really Oh ! How magnificent ! What exquisite taste ! Oh, I never saw anything so lovely ! Mr Arthur, has Hubert seen this V ‘ I must confess that I haven’t yet shown it to him. But the only reason is that the little thing arrived this morning from town.’ ‘ Little thing ! It seems so big to poor people like us that I must ask you not even to mention it to Hubert. Take it hack, please. He would not understand a souvenir of this description.’ She offered the case, not pressingly, and Mendel neglected to put out his hand. * What do you think your husband would allow, then ?-the prettiest object ?’ * Oh, his ideas don’t go beyond neatness ! One diamond might pass, but certainly not more than three. Let me look at the poor, dear, glorious little thing again. Ah, it’s heavenly ; much too good for me. I should be afraid to own it.’

‘Allow me to try Hubert, at least.’ ‘lt would be useless—and worse. "We are not on very good terms just now—l mean, there is a little trouble between us. Take it quick, Mr Arthur ! I daren’t trust myself !’

Mendel was not enterprising nor self-con-fident. He hesitated to grasp such an open suggestion as this. His voice was unassured in saying : * Would it be improper, Mrs Fanshawe, to accept this trifle on your own account, knowing how much you comforted me ? Hubert cannot possibly understand what I owe you. I might offer something less valuable in mere money, which would meet his views of my debt.’ She had made up her mind from the first to take the present, and Arthur’s diffidence warned her that further objections might be disastrous.

* If you really think that our friendly services would not be paid too high.—lt .is wicked to tempt one so, Mr Arthur ! I'm afraid I ought not ! People are so mean and suspicious. They would not believe that this superb present meant no more than gratitude. Really, Mr Arthur, I must beg; you to take it back !’ Of course he did nothing of the sort, and, it’s useless to set forth a conversation of, which the result is foreseen. Kate reached home later than usual. Before they parted —long before that indeed —she knew that if people should suspect Arthur of a feeling more warm than gratitude, they would not be wrong. But in her philosophy the motive did not signify. She had secured a jewel fit for a duchess, and if the donor expected more than thanks he would be cruelly disappointed. In the afternoon he called with a pretty ring and offered it publicly. But things took their course as usual when a young bachelor and a young matron have a secret between them. Kate traversed the public walks every day almost, and she no longer used the ‘ Promenade.’ Upon the other hand, Hubert did not find that she made a step towards him when he began to show signs of forgiveness. Shuttleton i 3 a very busy town, but its inhabitants display as much shrewdness in observing their neighbors as in mercantile affairs. Kate thought herself wonderous lucky in never meeting a soul except tradesmen’s boys or mechanics. Under such circumstances, she thought, if by chance an acquaintance should see her once he would attach no importance to the incident. But, in fact, some people were always whispering that young MrsFanshawe and young Mr Mendel found a good deal to talk about by themselves. A week had passed since Hubert's return.

One morhing came a letter from Mr Esking, who announced the approaching marriage of hi 3 daughter to Mr George Genest. He said that neither Hildanor himself had experience in such matters, and begged hi 3 sister to come at once. ‘Dear me !’ Kate exclaimed, 1 How useful we are mamma ! Our services are invited, to arrange a funeral one week and a wedding the next. But to think that Hilda is going to marry among county people after all !’ ‘ I don’t see that you are asked,’ said Hubert. * d-f course uncle includes us. I wonder who on earth will be the bridesmaids. Hilda does not know a single girl, I should imagine.’ ‘lf uncle includes us, we shan’t go. That’s flat.’

‘ Speak for yourself, Hubert, please. If mamma will take me with her I at least ought to accept ’ ‘ Yes, I think so,’ said Mrs Fanshawe. * There must be marrying and giving in marriage so long as this world endures, but I could not go through with it, Hubert, unless Kate came with her. Why do you object ?’.. Hubert had no reason he could give. ‘ Because we are not asked,’ he said sullenly. * That shall be remedied at once. I’ll write to Hilda.’

‘ Let me speak to you, my dear ’ *Jn a moment, dear. I have just time to catch the first post.’ And in his mother's presence he could not insist. Kate's letter opened with warm congratulations, and a pleasant reference t r < her own foreboding when she first saw Mr Genest. It went on to hope that the invitation extended to herself and Hubert, since Mrs Fanshawe could not bear the responsibility alone. Some sportive remarks about the bridesmaids ended it.

The old lady sighed when the congratulations were read out, and almost demanded a reference to the vanity of human bliss; but Kate reminded her that such warnings are expressed much more forcibly than she could put them in * The Ring and the Snare,’ by Brother Coffin ; a copy of which Mrs Fanshawe might address to the bride. So the letter was sent as it stood.

‘ Now, dear, what is it ?’ said Kate. Hubert was savage, but he could not speak out then. ‘lf my wife’s presence will be any comfort to you, mother, and if you feel you ought to go, lam delighted to spare her, of course.’ ‘ I ought to go, Hubert, and it would be out of the question for me to go alone. But why do you say you will spare Kate ? Why not accompany her ?’ • Because uncle and I had some disagreeable words the last time we met. I must tell you, mother, that he spoke most unkindly of my idleness, as he called it, as if filial duty was a reproach. I think y6u would not accept an invitation which your brother only sends because he wants you, if I told what he said.’

‘ Ah, John is worldly ! I know but too well!'

It was a misfire. A marriage appeals to the instincts of every woman ; certainly not least to the devotee, who feels the fascination of it in two capacites. Hubert understood such phases of human nature as he had found occasion to study, and recognised that Mrs Fanshawe had made up her mind. ‘ Well, that’s the reason I said I would •pare Kate. I will not go myself.’ * It's painful to us dear, of course ; but we won’t press yon under these circutnstauces, will we, mamma ? Uncle doesn’t mention the time, but he appears to be in a hurry. You’ll come to the wedding, Hubert, at least ?’

He left the room without reply, and chance led him to the Public Walks, where he met Arthur Mendel—it was Wednesday. Arthur was surprised and the least thing embarrassed, then overjoyed ; they had not seen each other for two days, since the proprieties of bereavement must be observed. Linking arms the young men strolled towards the Bank, where Arthur had a pres sing appointment ; though he seemed to have been going the other way. ‘ I ve settled my affairs, and now I’m free to pay Thorburn a visit. I wrote him this morning to announce myself for to-morrow. The poor dear old beggar has no engagements yet, I suppose ?’ ‘lf you wait twenty-four hours you can escort my mother and Kate. I shall be obliged. Hilda Esking is to be married, and they go to see her through.’ ‘I shall be proud,’ said Arthur. ‘Don’t you travel with them ?’ They parted at the bank door. Hubert returning, saw his wife at a distance, but he did not feel inclined to join her. The result of this meditation was a letter.

* My dear Thorburn : ‘ I don’t wait your demand to tell what passed between Mr Esking and me on the occasion we referred to the night before I loft your house. Conscience pricks me. * My uncle asked my help in stealing the Treasure which was said to be hidden on your premises. He knew where to look for it, having found the description in an old parchment Captaiu Thorburn sold him : but he was too cautious to tell me the place. I gathered that it lay in the oldest part of the building, but that’s all. ‘ I refused, of course, and then, unless I am mistaken, he invited young Genest to help him, who consented. That accounts for the marriage of which we have just heard officially. ‘ This is in the strictest confidence. You are too honorable to make any use of the information which would betray me. Such further details I can supply are at your service on that condition, bub I think I have told all I can.

‘ I hope you are all right again. ‘ Yours most sincerely, * Hubert Fanshawe.’

Eldred received this letter as he stood at his hall door, waiting Hilda’s arrival ; she came daily to ask after him before starting on her ride. He might have given a personal assurance of his health several days before, Eidrcd felt the warrior’s dislike to show in public maimed. Not until he could sit a horse without a sling more conspicuous than that which a buttoned coat affords world his pride suffer him to meet Hilda. The feeling seems incomprehensible to us, who have io3t so many virile impulses, but it becomes a man.

As he finished reading, the boy posted to look out signalled the visitor’s approach. Godseff brought up his horse, and he clambered hastily to the saddle, meeting Hilda in the avenue. ‘Mr Thorburn ! This is the best answer to my inquiries, but arn’t you imprudent?’ ‘ Browning would say 30, perhaps, but he has a very limited knowledge of mankind. Anyhow, Mis 3 Esking, confinement was doing me more harm than the open air could possibly do. You understand that ?’ She had turned, and they rode back side by side. ‘ How is Mr Genest ?’ he continc ed, observing her. ‘ Almost well. He left us yesterday. Really, Mr Thorburn, I cannot let you ac company me this morning. I must ride quick. We are very busy at Little Thorburns.’ Her manner was excited and restless.

‘I have heard you are going to be married ?’ ‘ Yes.’

‘ To Mr Genest ?

‘ Yes ’ . ‘lt is of your own free will Alias Esking. You love him ?’ ‘ How can ycu ask such a question ? It is insulting, Mr Thorburn !’ • You know I could not insult you. To

answer is easy. When girls love, in that 1 country where I have observed them, they are not offended if an honest man, who means nothing but respect and friendship, asks whether they are sure of themselves.’ ‘Have you tried them ?’ She had quickened her pace, and they were riding fast. ‘ Let us have done with this ! I warn you, Miss Esking, solemnly, that events you could not imagine depend on your reply. You know how I feel—at least, I told you something that night. But it is no question of my feelings now. I ask you simply whether you love the man you are to marry, because my conduct in a very different affair will be governed by your answer.’ She only urged her horse, turning from him, but his big chestnut kept beside her easily, throwing up its head in impatience. ‘ I give you my honor that I am speaking mere truth, and I will take your word as implicitly as you may take my assurance. Nay, listen to this Miss Esking! If you tell me you love George Genest, I stand aside—you will never hear of me again. But if you say or lead me to think;, that you do not love him, then come wh.it may I will act, and your marriage shall be broken in the crash that follows. I am so honest as ; that because I know that you cou'd not tell a lie—nor even act one. With a word you can save your husband, and I know not what of anxiety and disaster. ’ It is no easy thing to speak so distinctly that every word falls clear, when the horse beneath one is galloping and fretting, the lady keeps her head away, and a groom behind must not overhear. Many useful lessons are taught by South African training, and Eldred, who could spring from the saddle at full speed, and shoot true the instant his feet were planted on the earth, found this a simple matter. She caught every word, and doubted not that it was true. The mystery of Eldred's visit to Little Thorburns in the first hours of his arrival at home—the visit which he defined so oddly when they first spoke together at Mrs Godseff’s cottage had occupied her mind ever since. Smaller incidents confirmed Hilda’s suspicion that there was a charge of some sort against Mr Esking. She thought it had reference to the loan ; and, knowing her father so well, she did not feel such trust as a child should have in a parent, as to reject the idea of wrong with absolute incredibility. Some dubious act he had committed—not for money, but in the interest of science. But if a word might save him she could not utter- it could not tell a falsehood though she wished Her only refuge was temper. ‘ I repeat, sir, that your question is insulting ! Ride on, and I will stay, or stay and I will ride on. Only leave me !' ' You understand what this comes to. Miss Esking ? I shall take it that you will not reply because you are not marrying for love, but for another reason, which I know better than you. I will rein in. Heaven bless you ! Whatever happens fear nothing for yourself or your father's good name with the public !’ She made no answer, but sped forward.

Eldred was utterly amused to think that a horse could keep a will of its own, though it made the attempt, when he was op it back. But the grass-fed, clever animals of South Africa are mighty different to an English three-year-old thoroughbred taken from the stable after a week’s idleness. When he tightened the snaffle, his huge chestnut plunged madly, seeing the others go by ; he touched the curb, it reared upright ; his left arm confined, Eldred lost his balance, and then the brute raced along before he recovered control, the bit between its teeth. It passed Jennings and then Hilda, causing their horses to join the bolt, but Eldred saw there was no danger. He turned laughing, and cried, * This pace will last to Rowley Bridge, I think ! I shall rest there !’ Recollecting that he had one arm disabled, and was scarcely yet well, Hilda followed in some anxiety. She kept him in sight for a mile or two, and could have screamed when a big waggon almost blocked the narrow road. But Eldred drew his horse aside by main force and left the carter staring. Then he passed beyond her view. But by Rowley Bridge she found him again, seated on the parapet, whiter than herself, and holding his horse, quite subdued now and panting desperately. Eldred looked up, a laugh in his eyes. ‘ I rode on even quicker than you wished, Miss Esking.’ * Oh, I am so distressed ! Please don’t mount that dangerous creature until you are strong again at least.’ ‘ He’s quiet enough now, if Jennings will hold him whilst I mount. Please go on, if I may accompany you.’ * You will not refer to our talk ?’

‘ There is no need, if you acknowledge by silence that the opinion I’ve formed is right.’ * Then I bid you good day,’ she answered, flushing suddenly. * Jennings, help Mr Thorburn to mount.’

‘ Good day, Miss Esking ! My mind is made' up now.’ On the next morning, Mr 3 Fanshawe and Kate left Shuttleton for Little Thorburns, under escort of young Mendel. The elder

lady was displeased when she heard of this arrangement. Arthur had given her cause to hope, whilst they stayed at the Hall, that he would sncceed his father in the .high—and precious—position which the latter had occupied among the Faithful Few. But never once had he attended a meeting, and, moreover, he had denied himself to Brother Coffin on three occasions. There was talk of special prayer for him already And Kate also professed displeasure, perhaps real. She enjoyed the dangerous •amusement of flirting with a young man whom all the maidens of the town regarded with interest, and their mothers with hope. But it had gone far enough. Arthur appeared, however, with a valet in attendance, and a footman, who took charge of their baggage. Mrs Fanshawe was by no means scornful of the distinction which a seat iu ‘the Hall barouche’ conferred. Their modest cab was resigned to the servants, and they drove to the railway in state. Hubert bade them good bj'e, leaving the question of his presence at the marriage unsettled, and went back alone. For some days he enjoyed his freedom. Kate wrote him letters which grew warmer —at least, less cool —but their contents will be explained iu the narrative. As time went on, Hubert wearied a little of his bachelor liberty, and he began to find illogical excuses for his wife. He would have liked to rejoin her, but to ask an invitation from Mr Esking—or even to accept one—might not be thought of. Thorburn had not replied to his letter, but that omission was not necessarily discouraging. Hubert began to think of proposing another visit; it demanded consideration however.

Jackson had been absent in town for nearly a month, attending to his employer’s business. He came back some ten days after the ladies’ departure, and on the morrow Hubesfc called.

‘I am obliged to you,’ Jackson said, ‘for sending that cheque. [t was handsome and businesslike. The money was welcome just then, and I shall not forget your readiness to pay more than was agreed, when a chance turned up. You’re all alone, I hear ? That’s imprudent for a young married man—and imprudent for his wife, too.’ ‘ Oh, I can tru«t myself,’ Hubert answered laughing, ‘ and Kate is in no danger at Little Thorburn’s.’

‘ That's all right. But Big Thorburns is not far off, I believe.’ ‘ And the filibuster ? Oh, Lord, that’s a joke !’ ‘ I hadn’t the filibuster in my mind.’ ‘ You’re not talking seriously, Jackson ?’

‘ I hope not. But are you aware that Mrs Fanshawe, junior—mind you, I’m only repeating as a friend what I heard last night. I’ve a regard for you, and put myself in your place. If people were talking—not charging nor suspecting, I’m sure, but talking—of my wife, I should be obliged to a friend who told me of the fact.’

‘ What on earth do you mean ? Speak out !’

* You'll take it friendly, Fanshawe ?’

‘Yes, I will, if you tell me straight all those fools are saying ! But, if not ’ his face was livid, and his eyes full of savage threat.

‘ I mean to speak, for one good turn deserves another. Are you aware that Mrs Fanshawe used to meet Arthur Mendel every day in the Walks before she left ?’ ‘ Who says so ?’ ‘Everybody. There! I know nothing beyond that, and it isn’t very serious as the case stands. If they met in the Walks it’s proof that they didn't meet in a private place, I take it. Now, be calm, Fanshawe ! I made up my mind to tell you, because you’ve acted on the square with me, and our good neighbors are too canny to meddle with other folks’ business. Don’t prove that I’m a good-natured ass and you’re a pigheaded fool !’

‘No I won’t ! I'm obliged to you, Jackson ! There’s nothing in it, I know ’ ‘ And so do I, upon my honor ! But when a woman does a silly thing, it’s the duty of honest people to tell her husband. That’s my idea ! If I were you, Fanshawe, I would go to Little Thorburns.’

Hubert did not take his advise. He returned home at once, locked himself in the bed room, and tried every key he could find upon those articles of furniture in which Kate stored her ‘ things.’ The locks were not elaborate, and he contrived by one means and another to open all save one. That defied his ingenuity, and after fruitlessly over hauling every object in the drawers, Hubert made up his mind that the criminating letters must lie there, if anywhere. He had made his studies of the female nature in books, as so many do, not reflecting, of course, that novelists in general have no more experience than their readers, probably not so much. The guilty heroine of tales always writes compromising letters, and always receives them. Hubert did Dot ask himself why Kate should engage in correspondence when she met her lover every day by hypothesis. He sought for letters with such singleness of mind that if his wife had placed the only bit of evidence against her in the receptacle where she kept her linen, it might probably have been unnoticed.

To overcome this rebellious lock, Hubert went out to buy a skeleton key. In theory that is a very simple matter, and he had not hitherto found occasion to try it himself. But when he named his purpose at the roughest ironmonger's to be found in Shuttleton, curious difficulties arose at once. The shopman wanted to know this and that, and Hubert was unprepared with replies. He would have liked dearly to quit the place, when the man summoned his employer. That person knew Air Fanshawe, of course, • but the utmost concession he would make was the offer of a trusty workman to do * the job,’ Hubert declined. It is a grave matter to break open a wife’s private drawer under any circumstances, but in this case there were special considerations. Kate had a fierce temper ; her influence with Mamma was probably as great as her husband’s and on this question, if nothing were found, it would certainly have the preponderance. And then, most serious of all, he loved her.

Hubert dined with some spirited young fellows ; played afterwards with such conspicuous luck that one of them quoted the old proverb ; and went to bed miserably irresolute.

He could noi sleep. Jackson’s report came back on him, every word, and mixed up with it the careless saying of his ! antagonist, that a man who had such luck at cards should expect disaster in love. In the early morning he rose, and with a big knife cut through the bottom of the drawer. Half an hour's feverish work sufficed. He introduced his hand, scratching it badly, but the pain was unnoticed for awhile. The groping fingers searched in vain ; at length they touched a solid object in one corner. With difficulty Hubert worked out a morocco case. So fixed was his expectation of discovering letters that he put it aside until convinced that there was nothing else. Tiieu he opened the case—stared in wild dismay—threw it from him with a bitter oath. After a moment of blank pause he dressed himself, packed a bag, laying the jewel carefully therein, and took the next train for Rowley. It is to be observed that this discovery was made nearly a fortnight after Kate’s departure.

CHAPTER XVII. ■ The Growl of Thunder. ‘ Eaton Square, Friday. ‘ Dear sir, ‘I am sorry that important business forbids me the pleasure of seeing a house which has often been referred to by your leai’ned neighbor, Mr Esking, in his valuable communications to our Society. May I add that the pleasure of making acquaintance with the representative of such an ancient family is not less regretted. I venture to hope for that distinction at a future day. ‘ As you say that you have pressing need for advice, I will send my son down on Monday, unless I hear to the contrary. You will find him as competent as * Yours very faithfuily, ‘ Richard Marlow, * Pres. Soc. A. A.’

This was the answer to a i-equest which Eldred made by letter. When deserted so suddenly at Rowley Bridge, he came to the police station, to ask news of Simmons. For himself, of course, he did not think of claiming protection, but his belief was that the sailor had been bent upon some mischief at Mr Esking’s house, to wound Hilda or break in, when his chance stroke in the garden diverted the project. No charge or information had been laid with the police, and they knew nothing of Simmons. After telling his story, and warning the authorities to keep a special eye on Little Thorburns, Eldred called upon the architect with whom he had already made acquaintance. That gentleman referred him to the President of the Society of Archaeological Architects, to whom, accordingly, Eldred wrote, mentioning that he had a particular wish to learn what might be the oldest part of his house. He assured Sir Richard now that his son would be most welcome.

On Thursday afternoon Arthur Mendel arrived, met by his host at Rowley statiou, where Mr Esking’s brougham was waiting the ladies. Eldred renewed acquaintance with them, and stood patiently whilst Arthur superintended the removal of their baggage. The latter was in great spirits as they drove to Thorburns. The journey had been pleasant : * Fanshawe, senior, behaved like an elderly angel and repeated hymns to herself all the way,’ Arthur said. And the wildness of the country delighted him. ‘ It’s not so much of a change for you, Thorburn ; barring the trees and the green and the narrow view, you might fancy yourself upon the veldt.’ ‘Barring the color, and the features, and the size, I might fancy you a Kaffir,’ Eldred replied. ‘ No, for you leave out the intellect, the noble essence which distinguishes civilized man, and me in particular. Now, it is just the essencefof the veldt which I notice here, and I disregard details. Have we reached the braems of your homestead yet ?’

‘ We have long since passed the braems which my forefathers claimed. But my estate is about two morgen, as near as I can measure it with my eye.’ ‘ Bless me, that’s four acres, isn’t it? I say, Thorburn, isn't it confoundedly unlucky your uncle didn’t die a few months earlier?’ ‘ We don’t care for jokes upon a subject of that sorb in our veldt. But what do you mean ?’

‘Oh I beg your pardon !’ Arthur replied, sobering with a shock. * I mean about Miss Esking. She’s a lovely girl, they say, an only child, and I happen to know that her father is immensely rich. It’s a shame she should have been snapped up before you could enter for the stakes.’

Eldred was used to think that a priest's privilege comes near the bounds of sanctity ; he turned hia black looks away. ‘ When is the wedding to take place ?’ ‘I know nothing about it!’ ‘Nor did the Mrs Fanshawe until they got a note the day before yesterday. It seems odd. This fellow Genest is quite a proper match, though, I understand ?’ ‘ I have only met him once.’ Arthur was sharp enough. He dropped the subject, but Eldred revived it after a while.

‘Those ladies are coming up for the marriage ?’ ‘Oh yes. They are asked to help Mr Esking with the arrangements—for the wedding dress and the breakfast, I suppose. You’re not asked V * Not yet.’ ‘But you stand on good terms with Esking, don’t you ?’ There was anxiety in his tone.

‘ Quite, so far.’ They reached Thorburns, already changed from the dilapidated barrack which Hubert described. Though the plans for re-build-ing had not been made out, and the works up to this time were by no means ornamental, ladders aud scaffolding, piles of brick and slate, masons and hodmen gave at least an air of life to the scene once desolate. It was not a condition of things to which an English gentleman would invite a guest without apology, but Arthur had asked himself, and besides, Eldred saw nothing objectionable. He was up long before the workmen came, and ilieir noise would not have irritated him anyhow. Mendel said nothing, of course, but his valet looked on with blank dismay. At the Gate Tower they alighted, for

Eldred wa3 surveying and leveling the .space beyond which would be once more a courtyard. Mrs Godseff stood in the hall, resting one hand on her great-granddaughter’s shoulder, and the other on a crutch-stick. to see you down, mother,’

Ay, sir, Though it’s strange for me to have my bed in the drawing-room of Thorburns, 1 slept easy under the old roof r Ah me, what changes !’ " ’ ‘I want you to tell m*, mother, how these rooms were furnished, as far as you can recollect. I shall try to restore tuem just as they were.’ Arthur found nothing to interest him in the conversation that followed, but abundance in the carvings, cognisances, mottoes, and odd fancies deeply sculptured on the* oaken walls. Being an intelligent youn» man in his way, he amused himself. ° ‘ The golden bramble is your crest, I suppose ? If you had to pay duty on each of the insignia, the assessed taxe3 of the year will almost show an increase, Thorburn. What’s the story of your motto, * I finde ?’ ‘ Mrs Godseff could tell you, perhaps. The legends of the family are preserved bv her, if at all.’

‘ I don't know nothing of what the motto means,’ she said, with some warmth. *lt was there afore my time.’ ‘ Do you think it refers to the Treasure we've all heard of?’ Arthur asked. ‘lf so, I earnestly hope, my dear Thorburn, that you’re the mau destined to fulfil its prophecy.’ ‘ That 8 my hope, also,’ answered Eldred sternly.

* Don’t he setting him on, young gentleman,’ Mrs Godseff cried. * There nought but mischief ever come to a Thorburn for seeking the Treasure ! Don’t you think of it, sir, for the Lord’s sake ! I’ve seed a lot in my time, but all the trouble and misfortune sprung from digging and delving and prying for what don’t exist, and would —why was your own father turned out of the old house, Eldred, and why was it little better nor a ruin when you come back? Because of that cursed Treasure.’

* May 1 ask, sir, where am I to put Mr Mendel’s things !’ The interruption was welcome. To turn from Mrs Godsefi’s excited face and oldworld thoughts her passionate tones suggested, to the highly respectablephysiognomy of Mr Bland, made a distinct relief. The varlefc wore au air of dull and resolute discontent. He found himself, as he expressed it, in a monument under repair, inhabited, so far as he could judge, by lunatics. After waiting longer than self-respect commanded, the baggage piled behind him, he inter-

posed : ‘ Certainly,’ Eldred said. * Will you give directions, mother ? I’ll show Mr Mendel round the building.’ I have not described Thorburns, because I should dearly like to give a chapter to that theme. Some, perhaps, may recognise a house which is not now used for the first time as the scene of a story, from the few hints given ; the legends which cluster round it were not exhausted in a single volume, half forgotten now. I have taken but one of them, which closes the annals, as it may be put, for one modern day. Those who have studied the ancient Manor Houses of England, may find a hint in the next few lines, if one is still required. Eldred was a shucking cicerone ; as bad, in fact, as bad could be, unacquainted with the stories of his own house, and also with the records of past times in general. Bit he loved the subject, and he had given all his mind (o the mastery of these sketches and references which came in his way. If Arthur did not learn much about the building ns it stood, he heard an exact description of its appearance at various times, when a picture had been taken of it for add tions of the country history. The truth is, Ned Thorburn was bored and annoyed by this vi-it, at a moment when he specially wished to be alone ; but since hospitality was wrh him a sacred function, he put constraint upon himself, and talked a centre cceur. Many pauses for disserta'ion they made befor i reaching the further end of that pile of ruin which had been the Bauquetting Hall. As they moved on at length to p iss round the house, Arthur drew back in astonishment. * What an awfully dangerous sheet of water ! Why, ’pon my life, Thorburn, one might tumble head first down here and break one’s neck be’ore so much ns a splash gave the alarm ! what’s the depth ?’

‘ They say the bank falls sheer as deep beneath the water as high above it. It looks so, doesn't it V ‘ A real murder trap ! There are awful stories connected with this p ;01, I suppose ?’ * I haven’t heard any, but it’s rather deep and ugly for a moat. You see the other bank as far as the corner is just as steep as this. Beyond, it turns suddenly and shelves down. The hollow is artificial’

‘ I never beheld such a ghastly piece of water ! and the terrace was but a foot of parapet There aro bones at the bottom, I’d lay a thousand pounds ! The good dam, if I can make my decription understood, skirted this end of the building, stretched a hundred yards further and turned abruptly to the right. A fine antique terrace overhanging its black depths clung to the house wall, and left it therefore at right angles. That hundred yards to the turn hid formerly been turf, dotted with shrubs and trees, which now ran wild. They blocked the view entirely. ‘What lie 3 beyond?’ Arthur asked, gazing with the fascination which so many possibiliti- a of tragic legend reused.

* The water goes almost to the garden wall of Little Thorburns, if that’s what you mean. There’s nothing particular on the bank—except a f ath which my uncle made for his convenience in payieg visits to Mr Esking.’

‘ Then there’s a door in the wall, I suppose ?’ ‘ Yes.’

The evening passed heavily. E'dred had engaged a cook, and bis wines were excellent, but the dark old dining-room had scarcely more furniture than a table and high, motheaten chairs. The young men found a common topic in their South African experiences, but for the rest Arthur was less sympathetic to his host than even Herbert had been. And Eldred was pre occupied besides. ‘ At breakfast ks said, * I have to pay a call.

thin morning. Can you amuse youreelf till lQ °Ob!’ yea ! I’ll call on Baking, Never “At eTever. o’clock Mr Ganesl and hia ton were engaged in reviewing the fettlemejm*. the former : ‘ I’m making .acrifice, George’ which jou know I cant afford. Baking is terribly hard in business. < But be'a liberal on hie own side, fatner. * •boll be able, I hope, to return privately all the allowance you agree to make, in a lew years, anyhow, I shall have a practice. :i&rs££s b b ri.a. * —■> th«A« tb.t with such a wife a young fellow would scorn S idea o £ a business y -for S a few months, anydon’t object, sir 2’ George asked, sul-

5C ?5b, not all-just the reverse 1 I admire

y0 * 1 A servant announced Mr Tborburn to see Mr George. The latter colored suddenly, and flurried look pissed over hn face. I cun t *“h to) tSi the follow I'm not well WbV, wh»t’« tile m»tfo r , my boy O ene» t •Von look There’, beingnolhing SgrtaUe, I hope, between yon and Thor. burn ?’ . . ~ t No, but I hate him ! . ■ . . „ The servant came back. ' He ask*, sir, whe • ® likelv to feel well enough for he s determined to see you. That’s what Mr ThorbUo”“ge'l‘oW »"”>»d i» •“.V/anTdd 'thing lor a man to .ay. very Genest remarked, regarding bis son. \ ;r Qore has the message right you d iftfor r.«T.e him, George When Thor, b'nrn’. determined he ha. hi. own way of It/ if T can cbaractcr# # “George wa. now. ‘ Then show him I went or stayed, my

I cun’o imagine what the br ßldr“dTniered, and both Genesis felt overawed though the father had no guilt upon J7s conscience, so huge was the avengers . ait- and so significant the sternness in his So greeting.'passed. E.dred morel to the* table littered with documents, and said, regarding George steadily : %-ion wish your father to be present V It was not courage young Genest lacked nhveical danger would have b.en a relief. sjj steadied his working features, and replied Wl ‘Wb l y l should not my father be present ?’ ‘lt’s vour affair. Do not interupt us, then sir. You know why £ have come here? The moral terror overpowered him again, for a moment he could not apeak. 4 What is this V said Mr Geneat. Answer, ia unnecessary hia face answers. Where is the Treasure you sto-e from my h °“ Sir j * cried Genest springing to his feet. 4 Leave us alone, sir. You are the only witness now, but the whole country may hear before long. Where is my T.e.aure ? ( 4 [ don’t know what you are talking of . You are a madman 1’ . 4 Compose yourself, whilst I tell Mr Genest my son committed theft 1 By God, Mr Thorburn, if you say another word—— ‘Summon jour people if you like. J answer for it.’ he cried, wijh a heave of his ehouldera and the light of batt e m his eye, 4 that Mary shall hear too 1 Liok at your eon, «ir before you call more witnesses.’ Genest looked and quailed, but he made a * ft9 ‘ My'son has a nervous disposition, and he is ill. It’s brutal to attack him now. 4 The hurt be took that night, and it is the beginning of hia punishment. It was the SSt I arrived in England, when the man in charge of my house went to meet me at Southampton. 7 Mr Esking had asked another person to help him in the robbery. f ‘Mr Esking, too ! Ob, you are nr ad. 4 1 sav that Mr Esking had aßked another p.,.0. ’to help him. I have «>at pjrjo.. . statement. The man refused, and Mr E king turned to your son, who accepted—making a bargain S’ A darker look passed over hie face, &ncl ho turned to Goorofl* . , • * * ». . You dined with Mr Esking that night at Bolum Castle. Beturning about midnight, you accompanied him to a place he ° n Sy property, going by the garden path, through the door of which he has the bey. You dug up my Treasure and between you carried it the way you came to Little J.hor burne. By the garden door you left a besom branded with Mr Baking’s initials, which I found two days afterwards. Then, the theft complete, you started logo home, you started to go home, and justice gave a hint by throwing you from Mr EsK.ng’a dog cart at the gate of my avenue. That is my charge Mr Geneat —and there la the confirmation of it every woidf—pointing suddenly at George a aoe ’ (To be continued.)