THE SALT OF THE EARTH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15707, 8 March 1913, Page 2

THE SALT OF THE EARTH

Bt Fred. M. Whits. , ■

A STORY OF LOVE AND EXCITEMENT.

CHAPTER XX J(l.—Continued. . "Humbug nie, if you like, Marner; I believe, you aro capable of humbugging yourself, too." "Then wa will resume our disooesion," Marner wenfc oil in his even tones. "We will suppose that your enemy is in a good position, and oommands unlimited money. He suspects what you are doing. He is naturally anxious to pxovo it, because he wanfe to get you in Ms power. Afterwards he will be able to dictate terms, to make you do just as he likes. He: might even, prevent your marmge. He' has his own way of getting at the bottom of tilings. We will suppose that he sends a confidential messenger to the Continent to search for some unique art treasure. We will suppose that the messenger succeeds in procuring an article of rare historic interest, let us say, tie Saxon Onp."

CaUader started from his seat; He was betraying more than a sullen interest in the' conversation.

"Do you mean to say," he demanded, that Denne had the audacity "

"My dear sir, I mention no names. But if this cup were deposited among your family possessions in such a way that you were bound to find it, and it- was eventually handed over to me to dispose of, your enemy would l have proof positive that his suspicions were correct. Now do you see the situation? Now do you realise the position in which you will be placed?"

"But," Callader protested, "he never told anybody where the cup came from. ■In • any case, you must have been a fool "

"My dear sir, why be bo impetuous? How could one possibly tell that this adroit conspiracy wa3 on the tapis? How could one know that 'the cup had actually been placed where it should be found, and that jour enemy should stand qnietly by, enjoying the comedy, when the'cup was submitted to certain American gentlemen for examination? If you ask why I didn't think of this before, I answer, how could I ? But this is how the matter stands, and at the present moment your position is not "

"Our position, you mean," \ "Oh dear no; your position. I beg to state that . I had. nothing, to do with it. The cup was handed to me by you for disposal. I propose to forget this conversation .before I.go to'bed. : If I had to give evidence in a court of law, I shall be unable to recall a single 'word of_ it. Make your mind easy on that point, CaUader. But if trouble arises, and there is any—hem—litigation, you will have to conduct your case single-handed. On the other hand, if you care to be diplomatic, and. place yourself entirely at my disposal, I think I cm show you a way whereby you oan turn the tables and make a good Tound sum of monev at the same time,' There is such a thine in this country as a law against conspiracy. That interference with, the liberty of the subject is peculiarly obnoxious because it is little better than blackmail. You may be -all your enemy takes you for, but this move of his is a criminal offence, and if you only had pluck enough "

"No man ever questioned that," Callader interrupted. "Don't woTry about my pluck • I can take care of that. How. did you learn all this ?"

"I learnt it from Paul Lestrine. He came down here' to-night to see me. He must leave England at onoe: his doctors tell him he cannot' possibly spend another winter here. He is a poisonous scoundrel, and has behaved very badly to Denne, who has been a very good friend to him. But that is by the way. He wants ten thousand pounds, and I think I have shown him how to cot "it. You will have to pay the money; but that' won't matter, since you'll get it back fifty-fold from Mr ; I forget your enemy's name. Would you care to see Lestrine, and talk it. over with. him ? He is in one of the alcoves in the garden, smoking cigarettes."

CHAPTER XXXII.-1N AMBUSH. Adela had 110 scruplo in deciding to follow the matter up, whether she were guilty of eavesdropping or not, She' felt a real concern for lienne; indeed, she had not hitherto realised how deeply she was interested in him. Ho had been a very Rood friend to her; with the exception of Samuel Burton, perhaps the best she had ever had. Moreover, he admired her, which naturally counted with her as a woman, it was gradually dawning upon her as not improbable that this alleged conspiracy on Denne's part was connected with his intention to prevent her marriage with Callader.

However, it was not in, the least like Denne to do anything rash or extravagant. Adela had always found' him 000 l and deliberate, and not the sort of man who was likely to sacrifice himself out of lany Quixotic admiration for a woman. Still, as the history of the world showed, many men had risked reputation and' honour and fortune for the sake of some woman, more or less worthless. Adela was worthless, too, as she bitterly confessed to herself, like most of the women she was thinking of. Her beauty was her fortune, ae it had been in the cases of the loves of Antony and Napoleon and Nelson. Was there any reason why Denne should be ixempt from folly or infatuation?

But if Denne had really done anything to compromise himself legally, he must be saved from the consequences of his rashness. Adela might be impecunious and her position be desperate, but there was no reason why she should not help her friends. She might learn something tonight which might prove of inestimable value to Denne later.

She waited until the way was clear, then quietly stepped out on to the terrace. The' night was warm and pleasant, and fairly dark for the time of year. At the end of the terrace was an elaborate alcove with comfortable seats and a table in the middle, and Adela made out Marner and his companion from the glowing tips of their cigars. Walking on the grass, she was able te draw near without attracting notice, and presently sho even heard the remarks. She cautiously went to the Bide of the alcove, and looked through the latticed windows.

■ "Show I a light;" Callader said impatiently./

"Is it necessary?" Marner asked, in his, smooth voice. "Surely it will be far safer to stay as we are."

"Nobody, will see, us. Who is likely to comc at this time of night? I prefer to look at the man I am dealing with. I am not so confoundedly clever as you are. There's a switch somewhere behind you; turn it on," A soft light glowed in the alepve from a.pair of electric bulbs in the roof. It was not a powerful light, but it served to render the darkness outside all the more intense, and Adela couid listen at the window in absolute safety. She saw Marner and Callader standing, and seated in one of the chairs was the sinister figure of Paul Lestrine. He gazed from one to the other with an inscrutable smile in his eyes. An astute observer would have known at once that he was the real master of the situation. "I am glad to see you,". Lestrine eaid in his quiet way. "I have been talking to Mr Marner, and I see you, sir, have been talking to him also. You have a proposal to make " "I am not sure of that; it all depends upon circumstances. What do yon want ?'•' But Lestrine refused to be drawn. He sat quietly smiling: ho felt his power, and evidently he would know how to use it when the time came. "I would like to hear vou speak first, You see, I am a poor man. I have not the nerve I used to possess. Mr Denne is not to be trifled with." Callader broke out passionately.

"What's the use of all this infernal diplomatic nonsense ?" he exclaimed. "Why don't yo<u oome to the point? You are a, rascal, Lestrine, and the sooner yon Tealise it the better. You want me to make a bargain with you. and I am prepared to do so if it is worth my while. What is your figure ?" Lestrine turned to Marner and shook his head significantly. He seemed to be pained by Callader's brutal frankness. The interview was not being conducted quite as he would have liked, and to some extent there wis a reflection of hie feelings on- garner's face. The latter interposed smoothly. "Oh, gently, gently," he said. "My dear Callader, we shall never get to business if you begin in this fashion. There are preliminaries to settle. Of course, if you like me to witihdraw_ and leave you to discuss this matter with Lestrine, I shall be willing. It is no concern of mine."

"Oh, isn't it?" Callader rejoined in his brutal way. "You can't detach yourself like that, my friend. You may be devilish clever, tut if I choose to speak

I can tell a few strange stories Why not have this thing settled in a plain manner? We are three rascals, and it would be hard to say which'is the worst. So far as I can see, Denne has some hold over me, and Lestrine has come to show mo a; way out of the mess. To do that, and betray his roaster, he wants ten thousand pounds. If he can show me how he proposes to earn- the money, I am willing to pay it. Now, go on, Lestrine, and no more beating about the bush." Lestrine made a deprecating gesture with his outstretched hands, 'while Maxner wore a vexed frown on his handsome face. As Adela looked at him, she felt it hard to realise that he was bo better than the rest.

■ "Well, it comes to this," Lestrine began, "I have to leave England almost at' once. My doctor tells me I' am threatened with consumption. It is imperative, he says, that I tfhouM try a marmor climate. I must not stay in England later than September. That is unfortunate, because I have many projects on hand, for, after all, there is no country like this for tie making of money.". "You must have made a good deal," Callader observed. "Oh, I have. But, then, you see, I have the sanguine temperament. I , cannot resist a speculation. Therefore, directly the money comes to me it melts away like snow. At the present time I have practically nothing—nothing but a great scheme which I propose to keep to myself. For thait scheme I need-at least ten thousand pounds. With so much monev, I can go to the South and work there —what you call it—like a mole in the ground. It will be for you, Mr Callader to give me this money. It is not very much I ask." "A mere trifle!" 1 Callader 'eneered. "And how are you going to earn it ? That's all I want to know?" Lestrine's voice dropped' to a whisper^

"I would earn it this week," he said. "I would prevent yon from being ruined by Denne. Why he hates you I neither know nor care : it is no business of mine. I cannot tell whether he is right when he charges you with breach of trust in selling the family pictures and other treasures. I do not even say that such is the case, but Denne thinks so, though he does not honour me by taking me into his confidence. But such, are his suspicions, or he would not have instructed me to purchase a cup we know of, and hide it at Callader, where you would be certain to find it. Am I not correct? Was not something of the sort discovered? Was it not shown to-night to certain guests ot yoirre in Denne's presence ? You need not answer the question. You see, if Denne follows this up, if ho makes it public property, there are many awkward questions- —" ' "Yes, yee!" Callader exolaimed; "bnt get on." "I am nearing my point. I can show vou, I think, how to turn the tables upon Denne. We will suppose that you and Mr Marner take me by surprise, and force a confession ont of me. We will go further, and assume that I sign the confession. I need not elaborate it. I have only to tell the plain, unvarnished truth, and you have in your hands a weapon wherewith you can stab Donne to the heart. Armed with such a document, you could go to the nearest magistrate and apply for a warrant for Denne's rarest. It will mako a pretty story, won't it? You have fnotfi enough to secure a conviction, and if the defence accuse you of illegally selling the family treasure the monstrous charge will be la-uglied out of the court; nobody would believe it. You see, no one's interest would be jeopardised ; who cares whether the accusation were true or not, And as to the Saxon Cup,

I will Rive you the name of the castle where it came from, and prove that I bought it on behalf of Mr Denne. Now do you begin to see?" "To a certain extent,' 1 Callader, said after a long pause. "But there is one weak spot in your scheme. When you come to give evidence, and are crossexamined "

Lestrine laughed softly. "Ah! that is the point, I will not be here. I shall let it be assumed that the confession was forced out of me, and that I signed it to saVe my own skin. When the police come to look 'for me I shall have vanished, and the authorities "will search Europe for me in vain. Then, behold, you mil have everything your own way; you will have evidence which nobody can refuse, and be able to do with Denne as you please. You cannot deprive him of his millions, but you can ostracise him, and cause Mm to be shunned by all who know Mm. Why, if you like you can go to him with this paper in your band, and compel him to buy it from you at your own price. Of course, a gentleman in yonr position would not do that sort of thing." There was a:sly look in Lestrine'a eyes as he uttered the last few words. Thickskinned as he was, Callader felt the sarcasm, and his face grew a deeper Ted. "Never mind that,'' he said, "that is no concern of yours. The question is, when will you sign this paper, and when do you want the money. But if you play me false " Lestrine spread out hie hands. "How can I play you false?" he a6ked. "When this confession is signed, I am in your hands. If I stay in England, and proceedings are taken, I shall be arrested at the same time as Denne is. Besides, I want this money, for I -must get away as soon as possible. I will come to-morrow night, and sign anything you like to put down on paper." Callader thought it over for a moment. "Better wait till Saturday,'' he said. "If yon will come then, about the same time, your money shall-be ready." CHAPTER XXXIII.—LIFE'S FITFUL FEVER. After the little group of conspirators had broken up, Adela retreated to hot room, locked the door, and sat down to think, the matter out. . She had a fair notion of their plot, and her duty gradually became clear. Of course, she never supposed that Denne was actuated by any criminal motive when he tried to get Callader into his power. Beyond all doubt, his. suspicions about him were correct. Mark had taken advantage of his position to remove some of the finest pictures and treasures from the Castle, and replace them with copies. Moving in the 6et she did, Adela was well aware that Callader's lavish expenditure had formed the subject of much idlo gossip. She began to see where this money had come from. But why was Denne so interested ? Why had he taken these enormous. pains, mid incurred this : great expense simpily. to prove that Calladej was a thief? Although she was alone, Adela felt her features suffused with a glow of pleasuraible warmth. Could ho be doing this for her? Was lie running this risk for her? She had heard him avow that Callader should never marry her. It was growing evident that he was .prepared to go to any length to prevent the match. Facts and theories alike warranted the conclusion that Denne wus bent on checkmating Callader and his accomplices, wholly ana solely for her benefit, wholly and solely to savo her from future unhappiness. If this were so, then Denne must be rescued from the consequences of his rashness. She must seize the first opportunity of letting him know what had happened. She was not surprised that Lestrine should betray his frienti and patron; he was hard up, and an unscrupulous fellow did not care how he filled his puree; moreover, it was singular that such a far-seeing man as Denne should have employed a cunning rogue like Lestrine. But this was by the way : Denne was in imminent danger, and he must be warned. It was possible, as Lestrine had hinted, that Callader might not go so far as to take proceedings. He was much more likely to use Lestrine's confession to extract a prodigious sum of money from Denne Still, it was never safe to take anything for granted in dealing with a man like Callader, whose lust for revenge might outweigh his lust for money, in which case in the inevitable exposure Denne's character would bo shattered. Those who knew the inner history of the case mighi understand. Women would instinctively divine there was something to be said in Denne'e -justification. But the world was not made up of women, and if this thing were made public Denne would be socially ruined. She would acquaint him with this danger early next day-

With this thought in her mind Adela retired to bedi, but the hours passed in fitful sleep and unpleasant dreams. She woke finally with a racking headache and lassitude in all her limbs. It was impossible to lift her head from the pillow and drink the cup of tea which a. sympathetic maid brought Iter. She lay halfasleep, half-awake far into the afternoon, rebelling at her helplessness and deploring that fortune should have deserted her at this crisis.

She contrived to get downstairs about tea-time, grateful to find that the house party had gone racing. They returned after 5, excited 1 and exuberant over another good day in tie ring. Callader alone was sullen and savage. He crossed over to her side, and asked her graciously enough how she felt, bnt a certain hard suspiciousness in his manner gave her to understand that he did not believe there was much the matter with .her. "Have you had a good day?" she asked languidly. Callader muttered something under his breath. "Infernally bad ! Everybody has made money but me. The luck of those people! They plunged; on anything that turned up, and simply couldn't lose, while I, with some of the best information I have had for years, am thousands out on the day's racing."All this was vouchsafed' in Callader's worst style. Of course, Adela said something sympathetic, but it was obvious that she was not seriously interested. She looked about to see Denne, but he had not put in an appearance. Callader detected the glance, and divined its meaning. "You needn't worry about Denno," he said; "he has gone,' and, so far as I am concerned, I mwh nrefer his room to his company. He said he had a teleirram this afternoon, and went straight from -t.he course to the station. I am sorry to disappoint von, but you,have almost seen the last of Denne." "What do yon mean?" Adela asked. Ollad-er laughed unpleasantly. "Oh, wait and see," he said; "some men, you know, go ud like a rocket and come down like a stick, and Denne is one of them. How many capitalists have yon known come into society, cut- a dash, and then vanish to avoid trouble. Not that one minds that sort of thing, because many of these fellows are interesting, and for that reason T was disjjosed to take up Denne for a time. The airs that fellow rised to give himself! He talked to me yesterday as if I had been an under-servant in my own house. However, he won't trouble us any more, Should yon sco him you can tell him that he is not wanted. Do you understand?" The Inst words were flung at Adela as if she had been an unruly dog, and her face flushed hotly. "I cannot do what yon want." she said. "Strange as it may seem, I like Mr Denne." "Like him!" Callader sneered. "Ts that all ? So* von prefer him to me, and h.T"e done with it." "Ts there any need?" Adola asked. "Would not, anv woman in hor Bcns"<! prefer Mr Denne to you? I am too ill to carry on a difenfision- like this, but you force me to speak plainly. I bhonght we had come to some sort of arrangement. You have done mo the honour of askinf me to be your wife, and I have—well, I have acquiesced. It would be sheer hypocrisy to sneak in any warmer terms, but it was unite Trnderstood that we,are not to interfere with each other's affairs. You can go your own way,, and you Trill hear no word from me about your friends, but I will brook wo interference with minp. Mr Denne is a' friend of mine, and likely to remain so. He is a gentleman, and it is refreshing to talk to him after meeting tihe brainless men one sees in what, for a better word, we call Society."

"Make the most, of your opportunities. I can take Denne in my hand and crush him like an eggshell. I caii throw him into gaol, and if he comes near me I'll do so. There are other means of getting even with that fellow, but there, are times when revenge is far sweeter than v mere "

Callader paused, and caught his lip between his teeth. Adola knew exactly what he was going to say, and the word had passed her lips before she was conscious of speaking it. "Than mere money," she said. She regretted tie speech the next moment, for there came into Callader's eyes a look that was positively murderous. "What do you know?" he asked hoarsely. "Oh, nothing," Adela' replied. "There are only two things you, care about, and money is the other one." She waited for no further Retort, but rose wearily and crossed the hall towards an oriel window where Buxton appeared to be telling amusing anecdotes to a knot of listeners. He seemed to be at his best this afternoon, gay and smiling. Adela wondered what his audience would' say if they had a full and authentic account of her adopted father's career. But she could not pmrsue that line of thought: other matters demanded attention, the first and foremost bpintr the urgent need of communicating wiHi Denne. It was most unfortunate that,he had disapwared so suddenly. Tt was an unexpected development which Adela had not anticipated. It would not be prudent to put the story upon paper. It would be wiser to eo to London and have a personal interview with Denne. There would be no difficulty in excusing her absence for if day or two. At all costs Denne must know : of that there was no question whatever. Adela thought she

would never get through the evening with this terrible weight on her mind. She would have to mingle with the othei guests, to and -talk and enter into their frivolous chatter, as if her' mind were as free and empty as theirs.

As she stood there watching Burton a fresh idea struck her Why not take him into her confidence? Why not let him know what had l happened ? He was far >'clever than she,'and far better versed in the ways of the world. But she most move at once, for Burton was not dining at the castle. He had merely looked in for a cup of tea and al chat. Already he seemed as if he were getting ready to depart. As he turned to the door Ade'la gave him a sign, and hp came to her side. He laid his hand upon her shoulder in his usual fatherly fashion, and beamed on her with loving pride. But though the old, easy smile mantled his face, there was a tinge of anxiety in his tone as he asked Adela what she wanted. "I must, speak to you," the girl whispered. Something very unexpected has happened—in connection with Callader and Mr Denne. I oan't .tell you ihoro. Can you invent an excuse for coming over later in the evening ?" "Is it so very pressing ?" Burton asked, Adela nodded emphatically. Suddenly, the pleasa-nt smile left Burton's face, which turned a strange, unearthly ■ grey. He pressed his hand to his head, then drew a handkerchief from his pocket, and placed it tn his lips. How it came to pass Adela could not tell; it was all a kind of misty dream, a horrible minute or two of suspense, and then Burton lay on the floor, an inert heap of brown, and grey, and white, a thin red stream trickling from his lips. ' "He's dying,'' Adela cried, "dying." (To be continued.)