THE PIONEER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15433, 20 April 1912, Page 2

THE PIONEER.

Br HAROLD BINDLOSS,

CHAPTEII XJW.-A FUTILE PROTEST.

It was lntc at night, but Gladwyne S3t, cigar in'hand, in his library, whDc Uatkiy imingcd beside the hearth. The wood lire diffused a faint aromatio fragrance into the great hich-ccilingcd room and the li(,'ht <if a single silver lamp llickered on Uie |K>lishi'cl floor, which back like a sheet of black ice into the shadow. ll«ivily-cor!iiccd Iwokcaees r«s* niKtve it <•;! either hand, conveying an idea of simce and distance by the way tlvcy grew dimmer as they receded from the light.

The rcom had an air of statolincss in its severe simplicity, and its owner, sitting just inside the ring of brightness, clad in conventional black and while, looked in harmony with it. Something in his finely-lined figure and cleanly-moulded face stamped him as one at home in such surroundings. A decanter gleaming a soft amlwr colour stood near hi 3 elbow, but it was almost full. Gladwyne, in many ways, was more of an ascetic than a sensualist, though this was less the result of moral convictions than of a fastidious temperament. The man had an instinctive aversion from anything that was ugly or unpleasant.

His companion, dressed with an equal precision, looked different; more virile, coarser, though except that "he was fuller in figure and a little heavier in face, there was no particularly salient point to suggest inferior rcfincjnent.

" No," said (iladwyne with a show of firmness; "the line must be drawn. I've already gone farther than I should have done."

llatlcy laughed. " I'm Tathcr rorry for jymi, Ufadwyne—you don't seem to realise that a man can't very well play two widely different parts at once. Your interfering Canadian friend would descrilw your attitude as sitting upon the fence. It's an uncomfortable position; one that's not often. tenable for any length of time. Hadn't you better make up your mind as to which side you'll get down on?"

Gladwyne looked uneasy. The choice nil bis instincts prompted him to make was.not open to him, except at a cost which he was hardly prepared to face. Ho was known as a bold rider, ho had the steady nerves that usually result from a life spent largely in the open air, but, at Datley recognised, thero was no real stamina in him.

"You aro going wide of the mark," he_ answered "What I havo asked you to'do is to let the lad alone. Tho thing's exciting comment. You"—he hesitated —" have made enough out of him." " I think," said the other coolly, " I was von' much to the point. If you don't recognise this, Til ask—.Suppose I don't fall in with your request, what then?" Uladwyne examined his cigar. It was not in his naturo to face an issue boldly, and his companion seemed determined to force one.

" I've asked it as a favour," he said

" No," said Batlcy; " I don't think you did so. You intimated your wishes in a rather lordly manner."

This was true, bnt Gladwyne crew uneasy under the man's cold smile. He had, in a fit of indignation, expressed himself with some haughtiness, but ho knew he would be beaten if it came to an open fight. It was unfortunate, because, so far as they wont, his intentions were good.

" Besides," Batley continued, " I'm not in a position to grant favours which may cost me a good deal. My acquaintance with young Crcstwick is, of course, profitable. What's more, I've very liberally offered you a share." A Iko't flush crept into Gladwyno's fsoc. Ho had acted, most reluctantly, as a decoy to the vicious lad, but he had never benefited by it, except when now and then 6onie stake fell into his hands. The suggestion that ho should sharo in the plunder filled him with disgust, and he knew that Batlcy had made it for that purpose—to show his power. "You're taking risks, 1 ' he said. "There's legislation on the subject of minors' debts, and some of your deals with Crcstwick wero. made before he was 21» lie's still in his trustees' hands, and, if he mado trouble, I'm inclined to think pome of your transactions would look very like conspiracy."

" T kuow my man. You people would 6u(lcr a good deal fiooncr than fldvortiao yourselves .through the law courts."

" Crestwick isn't one of us," Gladwync objected, with a lift of his head.

Batloy laughed. " Thon, as he aspires to bo considered one, he'll go even further than you would do. None are so keen for tiio honour of Uio flock as those who don't strictly belong to tho fold. There's anothor point you overlook— a person can't very well conspire alone, ami inquiries might be mado about my confederate. That, however, is not a matter of much importance, because I invipino Miss Crestwick would not allow anyone to point to you. I might suggest tlmt her money's safe, and in some respects she's a prepossessing yonng lady."

Gladwyno straightened lu'msclf sharply in his chair. " Don't go too far. Thorn arc things I won't stand."

"Then we'll try to avoid them. .All I require is that you still give the Jad tho entry of tin's house, and don't interfere with me. You sec, I'm reasonable,"

As Gladwyne liad interfered, to acquiesce waj to own defeat, which was galling, and while he hcstitaUd, Batley watched him with an air of indulgent amusement.

" It's a pity you were not quit« etmight with me at tho beginning, Gladwyne; it would have saved you troublo," ho remarked at length. ''1 took a sporting risk at pretty long odds. I have to do so'now and then, and I pay up when I lose, lint if I'd known tho money was to £o to Miss Gladwyne, nnd you would only got the land, I'd never have kept you supplied, and in particular I wouldn't have made tlte last big loan shortly before you and your cousin sailed for Canada."

" Von knew it was a blind speculation; that 1 ran lite same risks as George did, and he might outlivo me."

" You're wrong on ono point," Batley objected dryly. " I'm acquainted witji your temperament/—it's not ono that would lead you into avoidablo difficulties. Well, you came through and your cousin died, but you foiled to pay me off when you eamo into possession."

" I've explained that I couldn't foresee the trouble I have in meeting expenses. I've paid you au extortinatc interest." " 'lliat's in arrears," said Batlcy. " You should have piimhcd nnd denied yourself to the uttermost until you liad got rid of inc. You couldn't bring yourself to do so—well, it'o rather a pity ono can't bavo everything."

Approaching the tabic, ho quietly took up the lamp. It was heavy, standing on a inawiw silver pillar, but he was a powerful man, and he raised it nbove his head so that the light streamed far about the stately room. Then ho laughed a 6 he set it down.

" It's something to bo the owner of such a place and enjoy nil that it implies —which includes your acknowledged status, and your neighbours' respect," he went on. " There would bo a risk of living the latter if it canio out that vou had "been speculating on your cousin's iK'ith."

Kladwyne made a little abrupt movement, and Batley saw this shot had told,

" It would be enough to place you under a cloud." he resumed. " People might think you had, at least, not been very reImtuut to leave him to starve. Very well; I've lad to wait for my money, with the interest by no means regularly paid, and now, unless you can square-off the account. I must ask you to leave mo

a five hand to d«U with Crcstwick os it suits mo. In return, to suit my own toiuUi, if it's nooessary, I'll 6oe you through on reasonable term 6 until you marry Mies Crcstwick or somebody else with money."

.On the whole, Gladwyno, who had been bully frightened for a moment or two, wa6 "conscious of relief. If Batley, who had good reasons for distrusting him, had credited his account of George's death. it was most unlikely that it had excited suspicion in tho mind of anybody else. Crcstwick, howover, must bo loft to his fate. This dcoskraTln one ■way or another, was to cost Glndwyne a good deal.

"As-you will." he answered, rising. " It's late; I'm going for my candle." Ho strode out of the room, and Batloy smiled as ho followed him. It was & day or two later when Lisle stood ono afternoon on Gladwyno's lawn. The latter entertained freely, and though his neighbours did not approve of all of bis friends, tho man had the gift of pleasing, and his mother unconsciously exerted a charm on every one. She rarely said anything, witty, but on the other hand she uover mid anything unkind, and if one spoke with distinctness, sho would liston with a road)' sympathy that sometimes conrcaled a lack of comprehension. Lisle- had a 6trong respect for tho calm, gracious lady, though sho had won it by no mote tlian a smile or two. and a few pleasant words, and he walked over to call upon her every now and then. He \vnfl interested in tho company ho met at hex house; it struck him as worth studying, and he had a fooling that he wns looking on at tho preliminary stages of a drama in which he would presently bo called upon to play a leading part. Moreover, Ire had reasons for watchtng Gladwyne.

The stage was an attractive one to a man who had spent much of his time in the wilderness—a wide sweep of sunlit sward with the tennis nets stretched acrces one part of it; on one side a dark fir wood with beeches growing with cadmium yellow and coppery red among the sombre greonory, ami for a background a stretch of brown moor receding into the distance, dimmed by an ethereal hazo. Yonng men and women, picturesquely clad, woro busy amidst light laughter about the note; others in flannels and light draperies strolled here and there across the grass; and a few more gathered nbout the teatable under a spreading oedar. Over all three throbbed the low, persistant murmur af the river.

By and by Lisle, who wns talking to Millicent near tho tabic, looked np as a burst of laughter roso from beside tho not*, and saw Bella Crestwick walk away from thorn. One or two of tho others stood looking after her, ami Mrs Gladwyne glanced up from her chair inquiringly.

" They scorn amused,'' she said

" I expect it's at one of Miss Crestwick's remarks; 6ho'fl undoubtedly original," said Milliccnt. " Still, I think it was chiefly Mr Marple's laugh' you heard."

The latter had been most in evidenccrit usually carried far—but Lislo was half amused at the disapproval in the girl's tone.

" I'm afraid I'm now and then a littlo boisterous, too," he said.

" After all, it depends a good deal upon-whit you'lauuli at," Milliccnt informed liim.

Mrs Gladwyne looked up again, an if she had not heard, and the girl smiled at her. " I'm afraid what I said isn't worth repeating." Sho moved away a pace or two, and Lislo watched Bella, who glanced onco or twice in his direction as she crossed the lawn. Somehow he felt that he was wanted, and a little later ho strolled after the girl, which Millicent noticed with a slight frown, though she did not trouble to ask herself why she was vexed. • Coming up with Bella, Lisle glanced at her. and sho nodded with mischief in hex eyes.

""As I once mentioned, you learn things rapidly," sho said. " You'll be thankful for the instruction some day, and I'm not going to teach you anything very detrimental. But lam a little surprised that Millicent Gladwyne allowed you to come."

" I daro say sho could spare me," Lislo said humbly.

" It wasn't that," Bella explained. " I don't think 6ho'd like you spoiled, perhaps I should say has ideas.on the subject of education, too, Sho always calls me Miss Crestwick, which is significant; I've no doubt sho did so when Marple. made himself conspicuous by, his amusement just now." Lislo said nothing, for he had noticed somo bitterness in her voice. He walked on with her, and she led him into a path through a shrubbery bordering the lawn, where she sat down on a wooden scat.

" Now,' 1 she said, " we have given tiro othors something to think about, but I've really no designs on you. It wouldn't be much ueo any woy; you're safe."

She looked up at him with elfish mischief" in ber aggressively pretty face. Drossod in a clinging fabric of palo watery green, that matched the greenish light in her eyes and the reddish glooms in her hair, eho was very alluring, but Lislo felt .that to take up her challenge too boldly would lower him in the girl's regard.

" I'm human," ho said witii eomo dryness. " Perhaps I'd hotter mention ft. But I think it's more to Ute purpose that I'm altogether at your disposal." " Well," she said, nodding, " I wanted you. Since you're almost a stranger, it's curious, isn't it? But, you see, I havu't a real friend in the world."

" I wonder if thai can bo quite correct." " So far as the people lioro go, haven't you eyes?''

Lisle liad seen the other men gather about her, but it wag those he thought least of who followed lior most closely, and the women stood aloof.

." There arc Mias Marple and her mother, anyway; they're friends 01 yours," he pointed out. "Just so. Flo' and I are in the same class, making the some light, but tih.it isn't always a reason for mutual appreciation or support. Mrs Marplo, ol course, is her daughter's partizan, though in some ways it suite us to 6tal together. Hut 1 didn't bring you here to listen to my grievances, but because you happen to be the one man I can truet."

Lisle merely bent his head, • and die went on : " It's that silly brothor of mine again."

"What has he been doing now?" " It's what he's thinking of doing, that's the woreU He has been led to believe it's easy to acquire riches on the Stock Exchange, and that he has the makings of a succceaful speculator in him. Cards and the turf I've had to tolerateafter all, there were ways in which he got some return for what ho spent on them—but this hat crazo may bo disastrous."

" Where did ho got the idea that he' 6 a financial genius? It wouldn't bo from you."

" No,'' sho said, smiling; " I'm his sister, and most unlikely to encourage him in such delusions. I don't think Bailey had much trouble in putting the notion into his mind." Then her expression changed. " How I hate that man!"

Lislo, leaning against a treo, looked down on lier with grave, sympathetic pit)'. " It's quite easy to get into difticidties by speculating, unless one has ample moans. But I understand "

Bella checked him with a gesture. " Jim comes into money—we have a good nllownnco now—but it wall be nearly three yeans before he gets possession. I want "him to start fair when ho may, perhaps, have learned a little 6ensc, and not to find himself burdened with debts and associates he can't get rid of. At present Bailey's lending him money at exorbitant interest and getting most of it back. I've pleaded. I've etormod and told him plain truths, but it hasn't the least effect" " I see," said Lisle. " Why don't you lako him away?" "He won't come. I've schemed for invitations that should have tempted him." " Do von know why Gladwvno tolerates Bailey?"

"l' don't." Bella looked up sharplv " What has that to do with it?"

Lisle thought it had a bearing on the matter, since the lad would have seen less of Batley without Gladwyne's connivance. " Well," he said, " what would you like mo to do?"

" It's difficult to answer; he's obstinate and resents advice. You might, however, talk to him when you have a chance; he's beginning to have a respect for your opinions." "That's gratifying." Lisle said dryly. " He was inclined to patronise me at first."

She spread out her hands. " You're too big to mind it. Tell him anything you can about disastrous mining ventures, out don't begin as if you meant to warn him— lead up to the subject casually." " I'm afraid I'm not very tactful," Lisle confessed. " Ile'll see what I'm after."

" It's not very likely," said Bella. " Talk as it vou considered him a man of experience. It's fortunate that you can

bo of help in this caso, bccauso I think aomo Canadian mining shares are to bo the latest deal. From something Jim said, it looks as if Batley was to giyo him somo, information about them on Wednesday, when Gladwyne and ho aro expected at Marple's. Can't you come! I understand you have been asked?"

" Yes," said Lisle. "If I have an opportunity I'll see what can bo done." Bella rose and smiled at him. " We'll go back; T'm comforted already. You're not profuso, but one fools that you will keep a promise." Thoy walked across tho lawn, Bella now conversing about unimportant matters in an animated strain, though it did not occur to Lislo, who showed his amusement, that this was for tho benefit of tho lookers-on. On approaching tho tea-table, sho adroitly secured possession of a chair which a liidy, who stood higher in her hostess's csteom, was making for,'and sitting down chatted cheerfully with Mrs Gladwyne. Lislo felt amused bb ho wakhe'd her. She was clever and her courage appealed to him, but presently he noticed that Milliccnt was alone, and strolled towards her. She spoko to him, hut he thought she was not quite so friendly as sho had been before ho went away. (To bo continued.)