Time, The Avenger

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XXI, Issue 2724, 28 November 1910, Page 4

Time, The Avenger

(All Rights Reserved.)

THE UNRAVELLING OF A STRANGE WILL MYSTERY,

By HBDLEY RICHARDS,

Author of "The Haighs of Hillcrest," "From Mill to Mansion,," "Diana's Inheritance," Etc., Etc.

TWENTY-THIRD INSTALMENT. " Yes. You will understand my interest in it when I tell you that I am Lionel Richard Hudspith, though known as Richard Dalrymple. I will explain what has happened since I first came out of prison, but first I wish to say that I am absolutely innocent of the forgery of which I am convicted," said Mr. Dalrymple who then related concisely, but not omitting anything, all that had taken place from the day he left the prison until then. " Your story: proves the truth pi the old adage that ' truth is stranger than fiction,' " said the detecti«e ; " and now may I ask if it is for your benefit that that extract from the will of the late Mr. Hudspith appears at intervals in the papers ? It has interested me considerably, and given me the impression that the man had come to the conclusion his son—l had heard casually that he had been guilty of forgerywas innocent, but wished him to prove it."

"In that I believe you are right, but I must tell you something else;" and Mr. Dalrymple related how the convict had visited him, and the man's subsequent death, then he told of the papers that had been sent to him by post, evidently having been in some person's care.

"That is the paper," he said, handing it in two envelopes to Mr. Hughes, who read it carefully and examined both envelopes, then returned it to Mr. Dalrymple, saying :

" It's a very mysterious affair, altogether, but with the clue given in your father's letter can I think, be unravelled." v

" You will take it in hand, and

whether you succeed in proving my innocence or not, I shall not consider any sum too large to pay for your services," said Mr. Dalrymple.

"I intend to succeed. Frankly, I tell you that but for your father's letter I should have considered the case hopeless, and I might have doubted your innocence; but that letter gives me the key to the mystery. However, there is one item very puzzling. Who sent you that letter ? I want you to ransack the past, and think if you can remember any one who would be likely to have done you such a service," said Mr. Hughes. Mr. Dalrymple shook his head. " Not one," he said, " Had you any close friends, or a sweetheart ? " said the detective, using the good old-fashioned word that means so much. Mr. Dalrymple's face flushed. " I was very intimate with the two friends who appeared to give evidence on my behalf at the trial, but they are both dead." Something in his manner told the detective that he was not taking him fully into his confidence, so he looked Mr. Dalrymple full in "the face as he said :

" You are keeping something back. You may think it a little matter, yet it may be of g^ave import."

For a moment there was silence, then Mr. Dalrymple said:

"There was a woman who would have helped me if she could, but years ago she passed out of my life." " Was she a relation ? " " She was my wife—the wife of my youth, vhom I married secretly;" and Mr. Dalrymple told the story of that brief wedded life and the rough awakening to find she was another man's wife. " And have you never heard anything of her from that day ? " asked the detective. " No ; but when Mr. Hesketh died, and I returned to Europe, I went direct to Paris, and I saw the register with her marriage in it. I also heard they had lived in Paris two years after I received her last communication ; then they left the city, and I failed to find any trace of them, and thinking no good would come of seeking her, when she was tied to another man, I came to London, and there met Lady Dalrymple, who- is ignorant of my identity and also that for some time I believed myself the husband of her sister's governess. Under these circumstances, you will understand that I do not wish my wife to know anything of these inquiries. Unless my innocence is made plain, I shall be buried as Richard Dalrymple, and allow the fate of Lionel Hudspith to remain a mystery."

" I shall keep the whole matter absolutely secret, and, moreover, as it is such an intricate piece of business I intend taking it in hand myself. Of course, I may have to run up to town occasionally, but I shall be in Wittonbury to-morrow evening. Are you returning home shortly ? "

" I travel by the night train. I have left Lady Dalrymple and my daughter at Brighton but I am too keen a sportsman to care to miss the shooting."

" By the way, I want to urge upon you not to let this clue you have received prevent you from mingling freely with your neighbours. When the truth is known, you can explain fully."

" I shall go on just as I have done* ever since I came to Housesteads. It hasn't alwajs been a bed of roses," said Mr. Dalrymple.

" That's right ; and remember if you happen to Bee xne that I am an

artist, staying in the neighbourhood for the purpose of sketching the wood. Let' me see, I'll be called Owen Jones. It's an easy name to remember. Can you tell me of a comfortable country inn near the woods so that I can put in a little time sketching, yet be convenient for the town ? And I should prefer being near Gelder Hall, : , where you spent your childhood. There are sure to be one or two old servants living who may remember something about the past."

" The Gelder Inn would just suit you. It's kept by a woman who was housemaid at Gelder Hall at the time the affair happened. It is close to the woods, and a nice walk to Wittonbury." " Then I shall sleep at the Geld'er Inn to-morrow night. Any communi cations I have to make will be by letter, but it is quite possible yov may not hear from me for a month or two; still, don't be uneasy. 1 never give up work I take in hand, but it may be some time before ] get a grip of it. When I have anything to tell you will hear from me. What's this for ?." he added, looking at the cheque Mr. Dalrymple had placed in his hand.

" It's the first instalment of your fee."

"I prefer being paid by results," said the detective.

"I'll pay you in that way afterwards. Please oblige me by accepting that cheque," replied Mr. Dalrymple.

"Of course, if you wish it; Good morning." And with a cordiaJ hand shake the two men parted.

"Well, it's the queerest case I sver took in hand, but I'll get at the truth if it can be got at," he soliloquized.

About half-past five the next afternoon a gentleman, whose luggage— to wit, a bag, leather portmanteau, and a box which bore the name Owen Jones, Wittonbury—sauntered leisurely along the platform at' Wittonbury station, and out of the gate, where ac was met by the two 'bus drivers, who each tried to persuade him that his conveyance was the best in the world.

"Do you call these conveyances buses ? ' he asked in a tone of conDempt.

" What would you call 'em ? " asked one of the drivers in an angry lone.

" I certainly shouldn't call 'em what you do ; but as they are the anly conveyances, I suppose I will have to be satisfied. Which of you pass the Gelder Inn ? "

" The Gelder Inn ! " and a broad ?rin crossed the face of the nearest man. "We don't neither of us pass It. It's a special journey."

" All right. You're got a pretty good load; I'm going to let the other man drive me to the inn." knd the detective—or Mr. Owen Jones as he was now called —stepped into the conveyance, in which a couple of girls and an old man were 3eated ; then his luggage was hoisted to the front and the driver came to the door.

" I have to drive into Wittonbury before I go to the Inn, which is a good spell beyond," he said.

" All right," was the laconic reply • and in a minute the conveyance started, and the stranger glanced with an amused air at the long, spen waggonette which had been digaified into a 'bus.

Down the lanes they drove into Wittonbury, where the other three passengers got out. Then the driver turned along the Gelder road, the solitary occupant of the vehicle keeping a sharp look-out at the places he passed, and he gazed with interest up the long ..avenue leading to the Gelder Hall, which could be seen through tEe great gates, flanked by a lodge on each side.

On they went and . after passing through a portion of the lane which was completely overhung with trees, where the splashing of the water as tt rushed over stones could be distinctly heard, he saw a pretty oldFashioned public-house, and the conveyance stopped at the door. A little terrier ran out barking and making as much noise as such a small animal possibly could, then a comfortable buxom woman of sixty or so appeared, looking surprised when sho 'saw the box and portmanteau being lifted down. The detective raised his hat. " Can you put me up here ? I am an artist, and have been told your house would be the most convenient for the woods." " That's true, sir. Yes, I can give jrou a room, and do for you, but it will be in a plain way. Sally !."— raising her voice—and in another moment the servant appeared.

" You just help the driver with this luggage to the front bed room nearjst mine., Then you can give him a glass of beer. Now, sir, if you'll step inside I'll show you the sitting room."

He did so and as they entered the passage Mrs. Hayes indicated the room on the right hand was the bar parlour. i " Not that there's any drinking in it worth naming except on a Wednesday afternoon, which is half-holiday in Wittonbury. The cart-men and such-like who stop for a glass of beer mostly drink it at the door." A little further down the passage was a small bar, and after passing it Mrs. Hayes threw open the door of the big-tea room in which the inquest on the body of the man found In the pool had been held. " I have kept this for pleasure ■parties, but jou can take your meals in it if you like." The stranger^shoolr his head. "Haven't you raaything smaller and snugger, that I could have to ' myself ;?;"■'■ „■'.. , , . ■ ■ ■..-.■■ "Yes, sir, it's what I call my own parlour ; but I can easily spare it; only, of course,'■, the charge would be trigher." Her companion, having signified

that it did not matter, she led th< way into the kitchen, where.a prettj girl was sitting in a listles attitude, and, opening a door at one side, ushered him into the sitting room where madame and Louise had once had tea.

" Yes, this will do," he said, in a satisfied tone.

" That's right, then. Here, Sally, show this gentleman to his bed room and see that he has water and towels. By the time you're ready, sir, the tea will be served," said Mrs. Hayes.

Three-quarters of an hour later, having had a comfortable tea he rang the bell, and to his infinite satisfaction Mrs. Hayes appeared, who informed him that Sally had gone out. " She is a good worker, but awful fond of gadding about," she observed. "Is that pretty girl whom I saw in your kitchen your daughter ? " he isked. • "■■.'•■■ Mrs. Hayes looked gratified. " No, sir, she's my granddaughter —my only son's child —and" as both Her parents died young, I've brought tier up." " You surprise me. You must have married young to have a granddaughter that age/ said the detective. " Not so very young sir. I was about twenty-three. But my boy married at nineteen—he'd only have been thirty-seven now—and Gertie is seventeen." " And have you lived at this aretty old inn all your married life?" " Yes, sir. It's not quite thirtysight years since I was wedded and same here to live. Before that I was housemaid at Gelder Hall ; but I :ame into a bit of money, and as me and one of the footmen were courting, we thought we couldn't do better than set up here. But he's been lead many a year."

" Let me see. Hadn't you some;hing mysterious happen in these woods a bit since ? I read about it— a man drowned or something of that sort. It almost looked as if there had been foul play." said the detective.

" Yes, sir, a man was drowned in Dead Man's Pool, and I'm inclined to think there was foul play, because he cannot rest in his grave."

" Indeed ! " and her visitor looked inquiringly at her. "In a regular way I don't believe n ghosts, but I've seen this one with my own eyes. It was no fancy, sir ; and Sally saw it too." " Really ! Do you mind telling me ibout it ? I belong to a society who are investigating the truth of such appearances, and a well-authenticated story like yours would be invaluable." " Well, sir, this ghost looked jxactly as though he were a living man, a-peering in at the window, with such a grin on his face as if he was enjoying the joke, when I'd seen him buried that very afternoon. I can tell you I've never doubted it was the man, though madame said it was all fancy." "Who is madame?" asked the stranger with interest. " Madame is a Frenchwoman, and she makes the loveliest bonnets and hats. She's a milliner in Wittonbury. She's only been here two or three months ; but the business she has made ! A real clever woman— pleasant, too—and a lady every inch :>f her," said Mrs. Hayes, as she took the tray and prepared to depart. Then she paused, saying : "Excuse me, sir, but you didn't tell me your name ? " " Owen Jones." " Thank you;" and Mrs. Hayes de-

oarted

CHAPTER XXV. THE LATE MRS, HUDSPITH'S JEWELS. The next morning was bright and sunny, and in order to sustain his reputation as an artist, the detective took his easel and went into the wood, where he found his way to Dead Man's Pool, and settled down to paint it. When he came to Wittonbury he had made up his mind to solve the mystery of the death of the stranger, as well as the greater mystery , and for that reason he had gone to look at the pool. Then its very weirdness had appealed, to him, md he had begun painting it. He was a good artist —at one time he aad thought of making painting his profession—but he was a born detective, and had found his way into his true sphere. Still, his ability as an .artist had several times served him in his chosen profession, and when-, he returned to the inn in time for a mid-day meal Mrs. Hayes was much interested in hearing that he had decided to paint the pool.

After dinner he smoked a pipe and then set off for a stroll in the direction of the Hollies, pausing near the gates leading into Gelder Park to read one of the posters which Miss Holmes had caused to be affixed to the park wall. He read it slowlj, svidently weighing each word, and as tie turned round there was a curious smile on his face. Sauntering leisurely forward, he tame in a short time to the Hollies, and, opening the garden gate went up the path to the front, door, which stood open, showing a pretty little hall. Ringing the bell, he waited until a pleasant-looking ■ maidservant appeared, who, on hearing that he wished to see Miss Holmes, asked him to follow her. Opening a room door, she said : " A gentleman to see you, ma'am." Two women were in the roomone, a tall, imposing looking person, with snow-white hair, the other younger, slim and careworn, but with a nameless grace about her—a gentlewoman evidently. The elder woman rose and looked iuil at him. To be Continued.